Abstract:
A hanging rod with a built in lighting integration includes a metal upper cover, a translucent plastic lower lampshade engaged with said cover, and a support base having a fluorescent tube placed on a bottom thereof and an electronic ballast located between the cover and the lampshade. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a hanging rod with a reinforced structure and a built-in lighting integration capable of providing accent illumination to clothes or objects being hung thereunder. More particularly, the invention emphasizes the integration of ballast and fluorescent tube inside a confined space of a hanging rod which needs to be adaptable to popular sizes and styles of clothes hangers used by consumers while providing sufficient illumination as well as heavy weight bearing capacity.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a hanging rod with a reinforced structure and a built-in lighting integration capable of providing accent illumination to clothes or objects being hung thereunder. More particularly, the invention emphasizes the integration of ballast and fluorescent tube inside a confined space of a hanging rod which needs to be adaptable to popular sizes and styles of clothes hangers used by consumers while providing sufficient illumination as well as heavy weight bearing capacity.  
           [0003]    2. Background of the Invention  
           [0004]    A conventional closet is usually provided with lighting and hanging rod. In most of the cases, the light source is mounted on a ceiling of the closet. The hanging rod is usually installed between two sidewalls of the closet for hanging clothing or the like. For closet illumination, the area where consumers most need light is where they hang their clothes so that they can make a quick and right pick of clothes for specific occasions. The conventional way of lighting management obviously can not satisfy the need in this respect. The light coming from the remote ceiling in most cases does not provide a sufficient illumination to serve such accent need. Moreover the closets are always installed with wood or metal shelves right above the hanging rods for storage of folded clothes, accessories or other necessities, illumination for the hang clothes become even worse because the light from the ceiling source is largely blocked by the shelves and stuff thereon.  
           [0005]    [0005]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a hanging rod of the prior art. As shown in FIG. 1, a hanging device  20  includes a ballast  201 , two fixtures  203 , two adjustment units  205 , a hang rod  207 , and a fluorescent tube  208 . The ballast  201  is connected to an electrical wire  202 . The fixture  203  has a hollow portion in the center thereof where the electrical wire  202  can penetrate. A plurality of adjustment holes  204  are further formed on the fixtures  203 . The adjustment units  205  are respectively provided with a slot  206  matching the adjustment holes  204  for fixing the above elements. The hanging rod  207  is connected to the two adjustment units  205  at both ends thereof. The fluorescent tube  208  is located inside the hanging rod  207 , and the ballast  201  is normally mounted under the shelf or on the wall or anywhere adjacent to the top of the hanging rod  207 . The ballast  201 , located outside the hanging rod  207 , wastes not only the inner space of the closet but also the consumer&#39;s time for additional installation work. Each end of fixtures  203  is fastened upon the shelf by screws. The hanging rod  207  is composed of an upper half cover  2071  and a lower half cover  2072 . The upper half cover  2071  is made out of metal (aluminum alloy) and the lower half cover  2072  is made out of translucent plastic.  
           [0006]    There is nothing but the fluorescent tube and sockets inside the hanging rod  207 . If an excessive amount of clothes is hung on the hanging rod  207 , the hanging rod  207  may warp or break due to insufficient structural support. This could be dangerous because the fluorescent tube may consequently break with a result of exposing the users to electrical shock or physical hurt.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention represents a major improvement over the prior art in the following purposes.  
           [0008]    (1) The bulky electronic ballast is integrated into the hanging rod resulting into an esthetic and compact product look. It saves not only the inner space of the closet but also the consumer&#39;s time for additional installation work. The inclusion and construction of the bulky electronic ballast inside the confined space of the hanging rod represents a superior engineering design since the cross dimension of the hanging rod is governed by the hook size of popular clothes hangers used by consumers.  
           [0009]    (2) The structure and weight bearing capacity of the hanging rod substantially are reinforced through the construction of rid structure on the inner wall of the upper cover. The inclusion of ballast and support base making the hanging rod a non-hollow structure also helps the reinforcement effect.  
           [0010]    (3) New push-pull style adjustment units are added to offer consumers easy replacement of the fluorescent tube without the need of using any hand tool.  
           [0011]    (4) New reinforcement hook for longer rod, aside from raising the hanging capacity, also offers free slide without interruption for clothes hangers. This is a convenient feature for consumers to pick or hang clothes.  
           [0012]    (5) New power in and out designs allow two or more sets of hanging rods to be electrically connectable in series, a very useful creation for a walk in closet.  
           [0013]    (6) New invention of motion sensor for fluorescent tube is connected to the hanging device to detect the motion and instantly turn on the fluorescent tube.  
           [0014]    (7) New rib structure on the surface of the upper cover offers anti-scratch protection for the surface finish, and it also helps strengthens the hangs rod structure.  
           [0015]    (8) Aside from the shelf mounted design, other mounting options include the wall to wall mounted, the back wall mounted and the ceiling mounted structures are further added to expand applicability.  
           [0016]    The various objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    The drawings included herein provide a further understanding of the invention and incorporated herein, constitute a part of the invention disclosure. A brief introduction of the drawings is a follows:  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the previously invented hanging device.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the hanging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a hanging device assembled according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a hanging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a hanging device in use according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 is a view showing the push pull design for the replacement of a fluorescent tube according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 is a schematic view of two hanging devices connected in series according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 8 is a schematic view of two interconnected hanging devices with a motion sensor according to a third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a hanging device with a reinforcement hook according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a hanging device mounted on a metal shelf according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of a connection body of the push and pull device of the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12A is a schematic view of a ceiling mounted hanging rod using a pair of extendable down rods according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 12B is a schematic view of a wall to wall mounted hanging rod according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 12C is a schematic view of a hanging rod integrated with a rack structure mounted on the two side walls according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 12D is a schematic view of a hanging rod integrated with a rack structure mounted on a single back wall according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0034]    With reference to FIG. 2 through FIG. 4, a hanging device  10  of the invention comprises two fixtures  2 , two adjustment units  3 , and a hanging rod  4  with internal lighting. The hanging rod  4  includes a cover  41  and a lampshade  42 . The cover  41  is engaged with the lampshade  42  together to form a substantially ellipsoidal shape. The cross dimension of the hanging rod  4  is governed by the adaptability to common clothes hangers used by the consumers. At the locations where the cover  41  and the lampshade  42  are engaged, engagement slots  411 ,  421  are formed in a shape of “         ” for buckling the cover  41  and the lampshade  42 .  
         [0035]    A support base  43  is assembled with the cover  41  via lateral sides of the support base  43  engaging the engagement slots  411  of the cover  41 . The support base  43  is thereby firmly arranged in the hanging rod  4 . Furthermore, a plurality of ribs  412  that are spaced apart from one another are formed in row on an inner wall of the cover  41  to reinforce the strength of hanging device  10  thereby to increase the weight bearing capacity of the hanging device.  
         [0036]    Lighting such as a fluorescent tube  44  is located underneath the support base  43 , with the electronic ballast  1  being super-imposed on a top of the support base  43 . In other words, both the ballast  1  and the fluorescent tube  44  are built inside the hanging rod  4 . FIG. 2A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2. One L shaped portion  431  is formed near each end of the support base  43  to enable a tapping screw  432  to be guided into a space between the ribs  412 , thereby fixing the support base  43 . The support base  43  can be further polished to have a reflective surface  45  for increasing the illumination of the fluorescent tube  44 . The reflective surface  45  can have a curved shape and is flexible to absorb pressure from hanging clothes.  
         [0037]    In FIG. 3, the hanging rod  4  is connected to two adjustment units  3  which is a push-pull design. One end of each adjustment unit  3  is connected to the hanging rod  4 , and the other end is pivoted on a fixture  2  that fixes the hanging device  10  to a shelf. The distance between the adjustment unit  3  and the fixture  2  is disclosed in another application filed by the same applicant.  
         [0038]    Each of the adjustment units  3  includes a connection body  31  and a vertical connector  32  that is vertically connected to one end of the connection body  31 . The vertical connector  32  is pivotally connected to the fixture  2 . The connection body  31  consists of a stationary lid  311  and a slidable lid  312 . Each end of the cover  41  of the hanging rod  4  is engaged with one stationary lid  311 . The slidable lid  312  is detachably connected to each end of the lampshade  42 .  
         [0039]    When assembled, the fluorescent tube  44  is mounted underneath the support base  43 , and the electronic ballast  1  is super imposed upon the support base  43 . The fluorescent tube  44  and the ballast  1  are positioned between the cover  41  and the lampshade  42 . The cover  41  and the lampshade  42  are engaged with each other through the engagement slots  411 ,  421  to achieve the construction of the hanging rod  4 . The adjustment units  3  together with the fixtures  2  are mounted to the ends of the hanging rod  4  so that the stationary lid  311  is engaged to the cover  41  and the slidable lid  312  is detachably connected to the lampshade  42 . The ballast  1  is provided with a power cord  11  that extends from an opening  21  defined at a top of the fixture  2  for external electrical connection. Therefore, a hanging device  10  is accomplished, as shown in FIG. 3.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a hanging device in use according to the first embodiment of the invention. In use configuration, the fixture  2  is fixed to the shelf as shown in FIG. 5. Clothing is hung on the hanging rod  4  provided with the ballast  1  therein. The hanging rod is reinforced by means of the rib structure  412  that as well as the engagement slots  411 ,  421  that also serve as reinforcement elements. Additionally the ellipsoidal cross shape of the hanging rod  4  helps to strengthen the hanging capacity as well.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 6 is a view showing a push and pull operation steps for replacement of the fluorescent tube  44  according to the first embodiment of the invention. When the fluorescent tube  44  is to be replaced only the slidable lid  312  is needed to slide outward (push) to separate from the lampshade  42 . Thereafter, the lampshade  42  is pressed inward to detach the engagement slots  421  of the lampshade  42  from the engagement slots  411  of the cover  41 . The lampshade  42  is thereby easily separated from the hanging rod  4  for replacing the fluorescent tube  44 . After the fluorescent tube  44  is replaced, press the lampshade  42  inward to attach the engagement slots  421  of the lampshade  42  to the engagement slot  411  of the cover  41 . The slidable lid  312  is then slid inward (pull) to restore to the in use position.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a hanging device according to a second embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 7, two hanging devices  10 ,  10 ′ similar to those shown in FIG. 2 through FIG. 4 are electrically connected in series. A socket  22  as shown in FIG. 2 is provided at a left end of each of the hanging devices  10 ,  10 ′ and an electric plug as shown in FIG. 2 is provided at a right end of each of the hanging devices  10 ,  10 ′. The electrical plug  23  of the hanging device  10 ′ is inserted into the socket  22  of the hanging device  10  which inturn has another electrical plug to be connected to the power source. The two connected hanging devices thereby use only one power source saving the needs for a second power source arrangement as well as installation work. Furthermore, the two connected hanging devices look more esthetic &amp; compact than the individually installed pairs.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a hanging device according to a third embodiment of the invention. An automatic motion sensor  5  is connected to the hanging device  10  can be further provided in the closet. In FIG. 8, the automatic motion sensor  5  is located on the power cord  11  extended from the fixtures  2 . The sensor  5  detects the motion of approaching person, and instantly turns on the fluorescent tube  44  of the hanging device  10 . The sensor  5  will keep the light on for a minimum duration of 2-3 minutes and will keep on functioning till the person (persons) leaves.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a hanging device according to a forth embodiment of the invention. When a longer fluorescent tube  44  is installed in the hanging device, a reinforcement hook  6  is further mounted at the middle of the hanging rod  4  to support the longer device. If the hanging rod  4  is not longer than two feet, the additional reinforcement hook  6  is not required. However, if the hanging rod  4  is four feet or longer as shown in FIG. 9, the reinforcement hook  6  is thus needed. The reinforcement hook  6  has its hook portion surrounded the middle of the hanging rod  4 , leaving the top space of the hanging rod  4  open for free sliding by clothes hangers.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a hanging device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The hanging device  10  is mounted on a wire rack  7 . A pin  71  is used to fix the fixture  2  to the wire rack  7 . The pin  71  has a slot  72  through which a location of the hanging device  10  on the wire rack can be adjusted.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection body of the invention. When the slidable cover  312  slides outward for replacing the fluorescent tube  44  in the hanging rod  4 , an engagement support member  313  is further arranged for preventing the slidable cover  312  from dropping by over push. The engagement support member  313  is fixed in the slidable lid  312  at one end thereof, and is further located inside the stationary lid  311  at the other end. Once the slidable lid  312  is pushed outward to open the adjustment unit  3 , the engagement support member  313  located inside the stationary lid  311  is immediately engaged with the stationary lid  311  to stop the slidable  312  from being further outwardly pushed.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D are embodiments of the invention with various mounting options.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 12A is a ceiling mounted hanging rod using a pair of extendable down rods  32 ′ to hold the lighted hanging rod  4  and connect to the track style canopy on the ceiling for power supply.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 12B is a wall to wall mounted hanging rod using a wall mounted bracket  3 ′ with a U shape slot  30 ′ design to hold the hanging rod  4  through an adjustable screw bolt  31 ′ at each end of the hanging rod  4 . The adjustable screw bolt  31 ′ is threaded into the center of the end cap of the hanging rod  4  and can be adjusted inward and outward along the central line of the hanging rod  4 .  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 12C is the hanging device  10  integrated with a wall to wall rack structure using a rectangular wall mounted bracket  3 ′ with two U shape slots  30 ′ design to hold the hanging rack  8  through a pair of adjustable screw bolts  31 ′ which can be adjusted inward and outward along the stems of the rack  8 .  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 12D is the hanging device  10  integrally formed with a back wall mounted rack  8 . The rack  8  has a plurality of stems  83  arranged in parallel. At ends of the rack  8  are respectively formed a left mounting plate  81  and a right mounting plate  82  that are integrally connected with the ends of the hanging device  10 .  
         [0052]    In view of the foregoing, the hanging device  10  of the invention is concluded to possess the following unprecedented values for home improvement use.  
         [0053]    1. It offers an economic value by consolidating two separate working units, lighting and hanging, into a single piece design saving consumers&#39; time and money.  
         [0054]    2. It solves the problem of insufficient illumination in a conventional closet.  
         [0055]    3. The design of the invention is creative and esthetic.  
         [0056]    4. The engineering work for the reinforcement of hanging capacity and consumer&#39;s convenience of bulb replacement is compact and practical.  
         [0057]    5. The connectability and automatic motion sensor design further add an unique value of convenience to consumers thereby broaden the product application. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above description is only illustrative of specific embodiments and examples of the invention. The invention should therefore cover various modifications and variations made to the herein-described structure and operations of the invention, provided they fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the following appended claims.