Externally actuated joiner assembly for connecting adjacent structures

Systems and apparatus for joining structures, such as light fixture sections, are provided. In some example embodiments, a joiner assembly can include a hook element having an opening defined in at least one side portion of the hook element and a translational element passing through the opening of the hook element. The joiner assembly further includes an actuator operably connected to the translational element such that rotational movement of the actuator causes the translational element rotate the hook element from a first position to a second position.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and apparatus for joining structures and, more particularly, to systems and apparatus for joining lighting fixtures and other structures.

BACKGROUND

Structures and assemblies such as linear lighting fixtures (a lighting fixture can also often referred to as a luminaire) can be used for the illumination of open spaces. This is due to their ease of installation and their flexibility to be configured to provide many different combinations of direct and indirect light in a wide variety of form factors and optional features.

Linear lighting fixtures can have a long dimension that is greater than a short dimension of the lighting fixture. Linear lighting fixtures can include a plurality of modular sections that can be joined together in, for instance, an end-to-end arrangement, edge-to-edge arrangement, or other arrangement. This can allow a manufacturer to offer a variety of products of varying lengths for a particular model without having to incur the costly tooling expenses needed for each separate model.

Adjacent sections of the modular sections can be joined together, for instance, by a nut-and-bolt method of assembly. In a nut-and-bolt method of assembly, two adjacent sections can be aligned, a bolt can be placed through aligned holes from a first section, and a nut can be placed on the bolt that has passed through a corresponding hole in the second section. Once the nut is placed, the nut can be secured and tightened to secure the two sections together.

This method of assembly can pose challenges. For instance tools can be difficult to fit inside the modular sections. As a result, fixture disassembly can be required to join the modular sections. There are alternative solutions available that use items such as cast plates or interlocking housings, but these alternatives can be complicated to manufacture and/or install.

SUMMARY

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a joiner assembly for joining a first structure and a second structure. The joiner assembly includes a hook element having an opening defined in at least one side portion of the hook element and a translational element passing through the opening of the hook element. The joiner assembly further includes an actuator operably connected to the translational element such that rotational movement of the actuator causes the translational element rotate the hook element from a first position to a second position.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a lighting system having a first housing section and a second housing section. The system can further include a joiner assembly having a hook element, a translational element passing through the hook element, and an actuator operably connected to the translational element. The hook element can be inserted through an opening in the first housing section. The actuator can be received into an opening defined in the second housing section such that at least a portion of the actuator remains accessible from an exterior of the first housing section and the second housing section.

Yet another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a lighting system. The lighting system includes a first housing section and a second housing section. The system further includes means for joining the first housing section and the second housing section. The means for joining the first housing section and the second housing section can include a joiner assembly according to one or more aspects of any example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Other example aspects of the present disclosure can include apparatus, light fixtures, lighting systems and methods that include or relate to the joiner assemblies for joining structures. Variations and modifications can be made to example aspects of the present disclosure.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the related principles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example aspects of the present disclosure can provide an improvement in systems and apparatus for joining structures, such as lighting fixtures or other structures, that are intended to be joined or drawn together (e.g., edge-to-edge, end-to-end, etc.) to form larger structures. More particularly, at least one joiner assembly can be installed within a first structure that is adjacent to a second structure to draw together and retain at least a portion of the external surface of the first structure and at least a portion of the external surface of the second structure. Once a hooked portion of the joiner assembly is inserted through an opening in the external surface of the second structure, the joiner assembly can be actuated from the exterior of the first structure. In this way, it may not be necessary for additional components to be located within the second structure to assist or complete the actuation of the joiner assembly. As a result, the first structure and the second structure can be drawn together from the exterior of the structures without requiring access to the interior of the structure or without requiring disassembly of the structures.

Example aspects of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to systems and apparatus for joining lighting fixtures for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the systems and apparatus according to example embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to join other structures without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood by those skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, that a complete and functional lighting fixture, no matter which lighting technology is incorporated (e.g., fluorescent, light emitting diode (LED, etc.) or even any other technology) may have more components than those components identified and described in this disclosure. For clarity, only those components that affect the operation and performance of or interact with the joiner assembly according to example embodiments of the present disclosure are identified in the drawings.

FIG. 1depicts a perspective view of a suspendable, linear lighting fixture100. Lighting fixture100is shown for suspended mounting from a ceiling102or other building support structure by supports104. Supports can be implemented as field adjustable aircraft cables (ACCs) and associated hardware and can connect to housing sections120,130and140through keyholes138(shown inFIGS. 4 and 8).

The example lighting fixture100shown inFIG. 1includes three housing sections120,130, and140. Each housing section120,130, and140has respective upper covers120a,130aand140a, a pair of end headers122aand122b,132aand132b, and142aand142b, and at least one joiner assembly150(shown inFIGS. 2-8) located between each adjacent pair of housing sections120,130, and140. The at least one joiner assembly150can be used to establish and maintain the mechanical connection between housing sections120and130and housing sections130and140respectively. Housing sections120,130and140each include an internal and an external surface.

Housing sections120,130and140perform one or more mechanical and electrical functions including: mechanically supporting lighting components such as lamp holders, lamps, light emitting diodes (LEDs), power supplies (e.g., ballasts, LED power supplies), etc.; providing location(s) to connect to supports104; providing a connection to AC power; providing a connection to a sensor and/or a control system; or other suitable mechanical or electrical function. Features of housing sections120,130and140can be implemented to comply with national, state, and/or local codes.

Housing sections120,130and140can be made from extruded aluminum while end headers122a-122b,132a-132b, and142a-142bcan be made from 18-24 gauge steel. Upper covers120a,130aand140acan be made from 24 gauge pre-paint or 0.016-inch aluminum. The specific materials and thicknesses used are application dependent. Other materials that can be used for these components include aluminum, beryllium, copper, and plastic, although the thicknesses may change.

End headers122a-122b,132a-132b, and142a-142bcan be retained to respective housing sections120,130and140by a retention component116(shown inFIGS. 4-8). In some embodiments, the retention component116can be a self-tapping screw. The end headers122a-122b,132a-132b, and142a-142bcan perform several functions including enclosing an end of respective housing sections120,130and140, supporting joiner assembly150, allowing connection to and internal access to adjoining housing sections120,130and140through knockouts (not shown), and other functions.

Supports104can be implemented in many ways including as fixed cables, adjustable cables, pendants and chains, all of which are commonly used for suspending light fixtures. In the example embodiments ofFIG. 1, supports104are implemented as field adjustable aircraft cables (ACCs) connecting to a cable sleeve106at the end to be attached to ceiling102, and a cable gripper108at the opposite end. Cable gripper108also has a yoke110passing through an opening111(shown inFIG. 8). Yoke110is retained to cable gripper108by a thumb knurled screw107(shown inFIG. 4). Yoke110also includes a ball109(partially visible inFIG. 8), preferably made of lead, at each end. The shape of each ball109allows each one to pass through a portion of a keyhole138formed in end headers122a-122b,132a-132b, and142a-142b(shown inFIGS. 4 and 8) while being retained by another portion of the keyhole138. It should be understood that all of the components of support104can be made of materials and dimensions that safely support lighting fixture100and can meet all required safety codes and regulations, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and the National Electrical Code (NEC).

FIGS. 2 and 3provide perspective and exploded views, respectively, of a joiner assembly150according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Joiner assembly150can include a hook element152. The hook element152can be a U-shaped hook element having side portions153. The joiner assembly150can further include a translational element160, an actuator170, an optional bush washer175and a nut177. The hook element152can include hook-shaped portions154formed at distal ends of side portions153. Proximal ends of side portions153can be connected to a radiused end portion156. Each hook-shaped portion154can further include a barb154a.

Hook element152can include a pair of openings158in side portions153proximate the radiused end portion156. Each side portion153can include a notch153a. While in the illustrated embodiment hook element152can include two hook-shaped portions154and an overall U-shape, it should be understood, using the disclosures provided herein, that other embodiments may have one or even more hook-shaped portions154and/or other shapes to meet different application requirements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the example embodiment ofFIGS. 2 and 3, the translational element160is implemented as a barrel nut, having a generally round portion162that passes through openings158. Translational element160has a head164at a first end, and head166configured to be engaged with a tool used to impart rotary motion (e.g., screwdriver compatible head having a lot for receiving a screwdriver) at a second end for translational element160to be assembled to hook element152. The hook element152can move radially around the generally round portion162of translational element160.

The translational element160can further include a threaded through opening168disposed in the generally round portion162between heads164and166and perpendicular to a major axis thereof. Translational element160can be adapted to receive and retain actuator170. The threads on threaded opening168are designed to be compatible with a threaded portion172on actuator170, which in example embodiments is implemented as a threaded screw.

Actuator170can include a hexagonal-shaped head174that includes a slot176. The design features of head174allow a range of tightening/loosening options using a variety of tools and/or devices including human power to operate actuator170. It should be understood, using the disclosures provided herein, that other head174configurations may be readily substituted for the hexagonal slotted head shown for purposes of illustration.

Translational element160effectively translates a user's rotational input to change the position of actuator170that, in turn moves hook element152. In other words, translational element160can allow hook elements152to be selectively movable in response to the position of actuator170(e.g., to move from an engaged orientation to a disengaged orientation). It should also be understood, using the disclosures provided herein, that there may be other ways of implementing translational element160without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Joiner assembly150can further include a nut177and an optional bush washer175, both of which are preferably made of steel. Nut177can have threads compatible with threads172on actuator170so that once nut177is properly positioned, nut177can be thread locked to threads172by appropriate means such as but not limited to the use of an adhesive or mechanical means (e.g., welding) to keep translational element160from unthreading too far. While bush washer175is not required for the operation of joiner assembly150, its inclusion can improve the performance of joiner assembly150in some implementations.

Referring now also toFIGS. 4-7, there are shown a partial perspective view (FIG. 4) and side views (FIGS. 5-7) of some of the example components shown inFIGS. 1-3. As shown inFIG. 4, head174of actuator170can extend through an opening114in an external surface of end headers122a-122b,132a-132b, and142a-142bthat is of a size to ensure that threaded portion172fits through opening114without binding, but also so that head174is larger than opening114to ensure that head174on actuator170remains accessible to allow joiner assembly150to be easily accessed and actuated from the exterior of lighting fixture100.

Once joiner assembly150is installed in housing section120of lighting fixture100, for example, hook-shaped portions154of hook element152can be positioned to extend through slot124in end header122b. In addition, threaded portion172of actuator170passes through opening114in end header122b. Together they allow hook element152and particularly hook-shaped portions154to rotate freely primarily in a direction perpendicular to top cover120a(shown inFIG. 8) and to be activated by a tool (not shown) by rotating head174of actuator170.

Slots124,134and144in respective end header122aand122b,132aand132b, and142aand142bcan have many different shapes, including a simple rectangle, to meet different application requirements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the example embodiments ofFIGS. 4-8, slots124,134and144are implemented with a generally trapezoidal shape, each with a respective portion124a,134aand144abeing narrower, which can help to ensure that hook element152remains properly positioned side-to-side when hook element152is resting on portion124a,134aand144a. The size and shape of slots124,134, and144can be selected to control the range of motion of hook element152, and it can also allow the engagement of hook element152to a mating slot in a corresponding end header to be more easily and securely accomplished. While a slot124,134, and144has been chosen for purposes of disclosure, it should be understood that openings of different shapes, sizes, etc. can be used to meet different design requirements.

Referring toFIGS. 6-7, once hook-shaped portions154of hook element152have progressed through slot134in end header132aattached to housing section130, and then penetrated mating slot124in end header122battached to housing section120, the actuator170can be rotated by moving head174preferably by an appropriate tool (not shown). Rotating of the actuator170can cause the hook shaped elements152to rotate between an engaged position and a disengaged position. For instance, rotating the actuator in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) can rotate threaded portion172. This can draw translational element160and hook element152of joiner assembly150upward closer to head174and rotating hook-shaped portions154of hook element152downward in slots124and134.

Once hook shaped portion154has rotated far enough to contact portion124aof slot124, the initial contact point is located approximately near notch153a. After the continued rotation of head174, the final point of contact between portion124aand hook element152can be located between notch153aand barb154a. At this time, housing sections120and130are successfully drawn and held together. In some implementations, the housing sections120and130may not separate unless joiner assembly150is released from the engaged position. When actuator170is fully tightened, bush washer175can contact and/or can rest against hook element152.

Joiner assembly150can be disengaged by rotating head174of actuator170in an opposite direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) to that used to engage joiner assembly150. This can disengage hook-shaped portions154from mating slots124,134and144.

In this way, example aspects of the present disclosure can provide for actuation of joiner assembly150from the exterior of lighting fixture100without requiring disassembly or requiring a tool to penetrate an interior region of lighting fixture100to actuate/engage joiner assembly150. This can make the joints between housing sections120,130and140of lighting fixture100more reliable and uniform.

While the components of joiner assembly150are preferably made of metal such as but not limited to cold rolled steel or cast aluminum, it should be understood, using the disclosures provided herein, that other materials, and/or adding additional components such as shims, washers, pins, etc. can be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 8, the operation of joiner assembly150can be further enhanced by the inclusion of optional alignment mechanism178. In this example embodiment, alignment mechanism178can implemented as one or more alignment pins178. It will be recognized, using the disclosures provided herein, that other alternatives such as tabs can also be used. Each end of alignment mechanisms178can be inserted and/or fit into a receptacle179located in housing sections120,130, and140. In this example embodiment, receptacles179are formed as part of the manufacture of housing sections120,130, and140, although they could have been formed in a secondary operation such as drilling or milling, or even added as an additional component. Alignment mechanism178can be included to constrain adjacent housing sections from moving in at least one major axis of the lighting fixture100and/or to reduce torsional movement. This can lead to improving the ease of alignment of joiner assembly150.

The embodiments shown in described inFIGS. 4-8include multiple joining assemblies150used to join housing sections130and120. The use of multiple joining assemblies150can provide redundancy and can also provide better balance of mechanical forces. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, can understand that only a single joiner assembly150can be used to join housing sections120and130without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8, there is shown an exploded view of a portion of lighting fixture100to better show some components, especially upper covers120aand130aof respective housing sections120and130, optional LED strips180and an optional light diffuser126. Upper covers120a,130aand140aprovide several functions including enclosing the top of housing sections120,130and140, to support LED strips180, and to potentially support actuators170. Upper covers120a,130aand140aare retained to respective housing sections120,130and140by retention components112, which in this embodiment are self-tapping screws. Optional light diffuser126can be included with any or all housing sections120,130and140to further enhance the performance of lighting fixture100.

LED strips180can be mechanically positioned and connected to upper covers120aand130aby fasteners182. LED strips180can include one or more LEDs184to provide lighting from lighting fixture100. LED strips180can be powered and controlled either in conjunction with or independent of the other lighting sources and power supplies within lighting fixture100. It should also be understood that although lighting fixture100may include light source(s) that include LEDs, the light fixture100can alternative or additionally include other light sources, such as fluorescent lamps with appropriate ballasts, powered strips of electroluminescent material, or any other suitable light source.

FIG. 9depicts a side view of a joiner assembly190according to example aspects of the present disclosure. Joiner assembly190is very similar to joiner assembly150shown inFIGS. 2-8and has many of the same components. The joiner assembly190further includes a plurality of U-shaped hook elements152and translational elements160controlled by the movement of a single actuator200similar to actuator170. Joiner assembly190is intended for applications such as but not limited to drawing together room dividers that due to their height, would benefit by having a plurality of U-shaped hook elements152. Threaded portion202can also be implemented in other ways, depending on the application, including as a flexible shaft with at least of portions corresponding to the locations of hook elements152being threaded, and/or also including a device such as a ball joint to allow actuation in a different axis.