Abstract:
A quick connect and disconnect device for attaching and detaching an arm ( 30 ) of an electrical fixture with a base ( 22 ) of the electrical fixture is provided. The device includes a first connection plug ( 24 ) attached to the base ( 22 ) of the electrical fixture. The first connection plug ( 22 ) has an electrical receptacle ( 42 ) disposed therein. The device also includes a second connection plug ( 36 ) attached to the arm ( 30 ) of the electrical fixture. The second connection plug ( 36 ) has an electrical protrusion ( 32 ) extending therefrom. The electrical protrusion ( 32 ) is dimensioned and configured for insertion into the electrical receptacle ( 42 ). Furthermore, the device includes a cap ( 52 ) positionable about the first and second connection plugs ( 24, 36 ) to thereby attach the arm ( 30 ) of the electrical fixture to the base ( 22 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an electrical fixture and, more particularly, to a chandelier having a quick connect and disconnect device for attaching and detaching chandelier arms to and from a chandelier base and for making electrical connections between the arms and base. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Electrical fixtures, such as chandeliers, can be difficult to package, transport, and assemble. Due the size of these fixtures, they often must be disassembled prior to packaging for shipment. Then, once delivered, they must be painstakingly assembled and carefully hung from the ceiling or other structure. 
         [0003]    A one-time, arduous assembly may be tolerable for most owners; however, there may be additional times in which the fixture must be disassembled and reassembled. For example, the owner of the electrical fixture may wish to take the fixture when moving to a new home. Also, the fixture may require maintenance and repair which can not be performed with the fixture hanging from the ceiling. In this case, the fixture will need to be disassembled, packaged, and taken to a repair facility. Furthermore, such electrical fixtures require periodic cleaning. Many chandeliers are too large or complex to clean in place. Therefore, the chandelier will, again, need to be disassembled for proper cleaning then reassembled. 
         [0004]    Therefore, there is a need for an electrical fixture, such as a chandelier, which can be easily and quickly assembled and/or disassembled for transportation, maintenance, and cleaning. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides a quick connect and quick disconnect device for assembling an electrical fixture having one or more appendages, such as a chandelier. The device connects the appendage to the base of the electrical fixture to form mechanical and electrical connections between the appendage and base. 
         [0006]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a quick connect and disconnect device for attaching and detaching an arm of an electrical fixture with a base of the electrical fixture. The device includes a first connection plug attached to the base of the electrical fixture. The first connection plug may be attached to the base by threads, a clip, a clamp, a weld, and/or nut and bolt. The first connection plug has an electrical receptacle disposed therein. The device also includes a second connection plug attached to the arm of the electrical fixture. The second connection plug has an electrical protrusion extending therefrom. The electrical protrusion is dimensioned and configured for insertion into the electrical receptacle. The device further includes a cap positionable about the first and second connection plugs to thereby attach the arm of the electrical fixture to the base. 
         [0007]    The first connection plug may have a threaded outer surface while the cap may have a threaded inner surface. When the cap is slidably and rotatably disposed about the arm of the electrical fixture, the cap may be positionable about the second connection plug and threadable onto the first connection plug. The cap may also include a rim located around an opening through which the arm of the chandelier is disposed. In this configuration, the rim and cap support the second connection plug when the cap is threaded onto the first connection plug. 
         [0008]    The first connection plug may further include a plurality of electrical receptacles disposed therein, and the second connection plug may include a plurality of electrical protrusions extending therefrom. The plurality of electrical protrusions may be dimensioned and configured for insertion into the plurality of electrical receptacles. 
         [0009]    Each electrical receptacle may include an annular recess and an electric contact disposed within the annular recess, while each electrical protrusion may include an annular electrode. Each annular electrode may be dimensioned and configured for insertion into one of the annular recesses and for association with one of the electric contacts. 
         [0010]    Alternatively, or in addition, each electrical receptacle may include a cylindrical recess and an electric contact disposed with the cylindrical recess, while each electrical protrusion may include a cylindrical prong. Each cylindrical prong may be dimensioned and configured for insertion into one of the cylindrical recesses and for association with one of the electric contacts. 
         [0011]    The first connection plug may further include a non-slip surface disposed adjacent to one of the annular recesses, while the second connection plug may include a non-slip surface disposed adjacent to one of the annular electrodes. The non-slip surfaces of the first and second connection plugs may be engagable when the connection plugs are connected to each other to thereby prevent rotation of the connection plugs relative to each other. 
         [0012]    In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical fixture including a base, a plurality of appendages, and a plurality of quick connect and disconnect devices. Each appendage may be attached to the base by at least one of the quick connect and disconnect devices. The base of the fixture may include a chandelier globe, and the plurality of appendages include a plurality of chandelier arms. For example, four chandelier arms may be connected with the chandelier globe. Each chandelier arm may be connected mechanically and electrically to the chandelier globe through at least one quick connect and disconnect device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0013]    A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a base of a chandelier of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a plurality of chandelier arms connectable to the base; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an assembled chandelier of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a quick connect and disconnect device for attaching and detaching a chandelier arm to a chandelier base; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a male portion of the device of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a quick connect and disconnect device for attaching and detaching a chandelier arm to a chandelier base; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the device of  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]    The present invention provides a quick connect and quick disconnect device for assembling an electrical fixture having one or more appendages, such as a chandelier. The device connects the appendage to the base of the electrical fixture to form mechanical and electrical connections between the appendage and base. 
         [0022]    Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in  FIG. 1  a portion of a chandelier  20 . The chandelier  20  includes a base or globe  22  having one or more female connection ports  24  for receiving one or more appendages or arms (not shown). The chandelier base  22  is suspended from the ceiling with a chain  26  which is attached to a sturdy structure, like a junction box or beam, in the ceiling. An electrical wire (not shown) runs parallel to or is weaved through the chain  26  from the ceiling to the base  22 . A plate  28  covers the mounting hardware in the ceiling. 
         [0023]    In  FIG. 2 , a plurality of chandelier arms  30  is shown. Each arm  30  includes an elongated member  32  having a light socket  34  and a male connection port  36 . The male connection port  36  of each arm  30  is dimensioned and configured to be coupled with one of the female connection ports  24  of the chandelier base  22 . Although each arm  30  of  FIG. 2  is shown with only one light socket  34 , it is contemplated that two or more sockets  34  may be attached to each arm  30 . Also, each arm  30  may include two or more male connection ports  36 . In this configuration, more electrical amperage may be provided to the arm  30  and/or a heavier arm may be attached to the base  22  with the weight of the arm  30  distributed between two or more female and male connection ports  24  and  36 . 
         [0024]    With the chandelier arms  30  attached to the base  22 , a fully assembled chandelier  20  is shown in  FIG. 3 . Each arm  30  is coupled to the base  22  by the female and male connection ports  24  and  36 . The connection ports  24  and  36  not only securely affix each arm  30  to the base  22  but also provide for the connection of necessary electrical wires. Not shown in  FIG. 3 , two or more electrical wires extend from the junction box behind the cover plate  28  to the base  22 . Inside the base  22 , the wires are connected to the female connection ports  24 . Also, two or more electrical wires extend through the elongated member  32  of each arm  30  connecting the light socket  34  with the male connection port  36  of each arm  30 . Therefore, when each arm  30  is attached to the base  22 , an electrical circuit is created to each of the light sockets  34  of the chandelier arms  30 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the quick connect and quick disconnect device with the female connection port  24  of the base  22  and the male connection port  36  of one of the arms  30 . The female connection port  24  has a generally cylindrical shape. A proximal portion  38  of the connection port  24  is configured for attachment to the base  22 . The proximal portion  38  may be threaded as shown in  FIG. 4  or, alternatively, may include a different attachment means such as a weld, a clip, a clamp, nut and bolt, or similar fastener. The distal portion  40  of the connection port  24  includes two or more annular receptacles or recesses  42 . Within each receptacle  42  is an electrical contact (not shown). Two or more electrical wires  43  extend through a longitudinal channel in the proximal portion  38  and into the distal portion  40  where the electrical wires  43  are connected with the electrical contacts of the annular receptacles  42 . The distal portion  40  of the connection port  24  may include a threaded outer surface  44 , a circumferential flange  46  disposed on the outer surface, and a ratchet-like shaped, non-slip annulus  48  adjacent the annular receptacle  42 . 
         [0026]    Shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  is the male connection port  36  of the chandelier arm  30 . The male connection port  36  includes inner and outer portions  50  and  52 . The inner portion  50 , or contact piece, is generally cylindrical in shape and has two or more annular electrodes  54 . The inner portion  50  of the connection port  36  is attached to the elongated member  32  of the chandelier arm  30  by threads  70 . The annular electrodes  54  of the inner portion  50  are connected to two or more wires  55  located within the elongated member  32  of the arm  30 . The annular electrodes  54  are dimensioned and configured to be positioned within the annular receptacles  42  and positioned against the electrical contacts of the female connection port  24  to thereby complete the electrical circuit from the junction box in the ceiling to the light socket  34  on the chandelier arm  30 . 
         [0027]    The outer portion  52  of the male connection port  36  is generally cylindrical in shape and has a threaded interior surface  56 , like a bottle cap. At one end, the outer portion or cap  52  includes an opening  58  which has a diameter being slightly larger than the outer diameter of the elongated member  32  of the chandelier arm  30 . The end of the cap  52  also includes a lip or rim  60  surrounding the opening  58 . At the other end, the cap  52  has an opening  62  which has a diameter approximately the diameter of the distal portion  40  of the female connection port  24 . The cap  52  is slidably and rotatably disposed about the elongated member  32  of the chandelier arm  30  through the openings  58  and  62  of the cap  52 . In this configuration, the cap  52  of the male connection port  36  may be screwed or threaded onto the distal portion  40  of the female connection port  24  to thereby seat the annular electrodes  54  into the annular receptacles  42  and secure the chandelier arm  30  to the chandelier base  22 . 
         [0028]    The weight of the chandelier arm  30  is properly supported by the base  22  by way of the female and male connection ports  24  and  36 . That is, the cap  52 , when firmly screwed in to the flange  46 , presses the female and male connection ports  24  and  36  together. The cap  52  and the rim  60  firmly support the elongated member  32  of the arm  30  and the inner portion  50  of the male connection port  36 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the inner portion  50  of the male connection port  36  may include a ratchet-like shaped, non-slip annulus  64 . When the connection ports  24  and  36  are mated, the non-slip annulus  64  of the male connection port  36  engages the non-slip annulus  48  of the female connection port  24 . This feature prevents undesired rotation of the chandelier arm  30  in relation to the base  22  when the chandelier  20  is assembled. 
         [0029]    The female and male connection ports  24  and  36  previously described may further include all or some of the features disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/021,568 filed Dec. 12, 2001 and entitled “Revolvable Plug and Socket.” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/021,568 is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0030]    Another exemplary embodiment of the quick connect and disconnect device is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The female and male connection ports  24  and  36  of this exemplary embodiment include many of the characteristics of the previously described embodiment. Accordingly, the female connection port  24  includes proximal and distal portions  38  and  40 . The proximal portion  38  is threaded for mounting to the chandelier base  22 . The distal portion  40  of the connection port  24  includes two or more cylindrical receptacles or recesses  66 . Within each receptacle  66  is an electrical contact (not shown). Two or more electrical wires  43  extend through a longitudinal channel in the proximal portion  38  and into the distal portion  40  where the electrical wires  43  are connected with the electrical contacts of the receptacles  66 . The distal portion  40  of the female connection port  24  may include a threaded outer surface  44  and a circumferential flange  46  disposed on the outer surface. 
         [0031]    The male connection port  36  of the chandelier arm  30  includes an inner portion  50  and an outer portion or cap  52 . The inner portion  50 , or contact piece, is generally cylindrical in shape and has two or more electrode prongs  68  extending from one end. At the other end, the contact piece  50  is attached to the elongated member  32  of the chandelier arm  30 . The electrode prongs  68  are connected to two or more wires (not shown) located within the elongated member  32  of the arm  30 . Furthermore, the electrode prongs  68  are dimensioned and configured to be positioned within the cylindrical receptacles  66  and positioned against the electrical contacts of the female connection port  24  to thereby complete the electrical circuit from the junction box in the ceiling to the light socket  34  on the chandelier arm  30 . 
         [0032]    The cap  52  of the male connection port  36  is generally cylindrical in shape and has a threaded interior surface  56 . At one end, the cap  52  includes an opening  58  which has a diameter being slightly larger than the outside diameter of the elongated member  32  of the chandelier arm  30 . The end of the cap  52  also includes a lip or rim  60  surrounding the opening  58 . At the other end, the cap  52  has an opening  62  which has a diameter approximately the diameter of the distal portion  40  of the female connection port  24 . The cap  52  is slidably and rotatably disposed about the elongated member  32  of the chandelier arm  30  through the openings  58  and  62  of the cap  52 . In this configuration, the cap  52  of the male connection port  36  may be screwed or threaded onto the distal portion  40  of the female connection port  24  to thereby seat the electrode prongs  68  into the cylindrical receptacles  66  and firmly secure the chandelier arm  30  to the chandelier base  22 . 
         [0033]    All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
         [0034]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.