Patent ID: 8197154
Filing Date: 2012-06-12
Classification: F21V,F21W,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An illumination apparatus, comprising: a medical light having a first mounting post; and an articulating joint for coupling said medical light to a support structure having a second mounting post, said articulating joint comprising: a joint body having first and second terminal ends; a first bearing proximate said first terminal end, said first bearing having an inner surface, said first mounting post received in said first bearing along said inner surface; a second bearing proximate said first terminal end and spaced apart from said first bearing, said second bearing coaxially aligned with said first bearing and having an inner surface adapted to receive said first mounting post therealong; at least one first brake disposed between said first bearing and said second bearing and adjustably coupled to said joint body by at least one first fastener, said first brake having a first engagement surface for engaging said first mounting post; at least one spring reacting against at least a portion of said first fastener and said first brake, said spring resiliently biasing said first brake in a direction such that said first engagement surface frictionally engages said first mounting post received in said first bearing and said second bearing, a third bearing proximate said second terminal end, said third bearing having an inner surface and being adapted to receive the second mounting post along said inner surface; a fourth bearing proximate said second terminal end and spaced apart from said third bearing, said fourth bearing coaxially aligned with said third bearing and having an inner surface adapted to receive the second mounting post therealong; and at least one second brake disposed between said third bearing and said fourth bearing and adjustably coupled to said joint body by at least one second fastener, said second brake having a second engagement surface for engaging said second mounting post; at least one spring reacting against at least a portion of said second fastener and said second brake, said spring resiliently biasing said second brake in a direction such that said second engagement surface frictionally engages the second mounting post received in said third bearing and said fourth bearing.