Patent Publication Number: US-2003227776-A1

Title: Linear suspension projector lamp assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The projector lamps available on the market are assembled to include an extension rod at an end of the lamp fixture and the lamp hood, at the end of the extension rod is installed a connector to match a track for fastening and positioning purposes or for assembling and positioning a power source supply box, the height of the assembled lighting fixture is fixed, since the length of the extension rod is a known constant that could not be adjusted to suit the user&#39;s requirement at any time to produce different luminosity and change of brightness.  
       [0002] Therefore, manufacturers have designed different projector lamps with adjustable lighting height of the lighting fixture, as shown in FIG. 1, the projector lamp is connected by a cord to a power supply box, and at a position next to the power supply box is installed a roller rack for the cord to wind thereon and for the roller rack to be positioned between the projector lamp and the power supply box, and at the cord section between the power supply box and the roller rack is movably installed a counterweight unit, by means of the rollers on the roller rack and the counterweight unit, the linearly configured projector lamp can have its lighting height adjusted at any time by moving the counterweight unit on the cord and change of its hanging height; but in this kind of construction, there must be a balance between the projector lamp and the counterweight, under this condition, the types and specifications of the projector lamp that can be used are quite limited, or require a larger or heavier projector lamp assembly to increase the weight and cubic measurements of the counterweight, but if the cubic measurements of the counterweight is too large, it will influence the integral appearance and cause difficulty in applications, and in consideration of security factors, this type of construction and linear suspension assembly can only be applicable to low-voltage projector lamps, which is also a shortcoming due to limitation on the range of applications.  
       [0003] There are different projector lamps with ready adjustment of lighting height as disclosed in Taiwan Utility Model Patents No. 142114 and 141626 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,469, wherein:  
       [0004] Taiwan Utility Model Patents Nos. 142114 and 141626 disclose a linear controlled type of suspension lamp assembly and transmission power source, meanwhile, a projector lamp construction with high or low position adjustable according to length change with a cord with counterweight has adopted a positioning box unit, in the unit is installed an insulation base unit to install conductive blocks, respectively corresponding to a transformer output end for electrical conductivity, then two conductive blocks are provided for direct winding of conductive cord, or assembled with a cord rod to wind the conductive wire, one end of two wires is fixed to a counterweight, while the other end is inserted in the counterweight unit before it is connected to one of two connecting rod of the lamp, forming a longitudinal suspension assembly of the lamp and counterweight unit, and assembly of the cord in direct connection, and due to the winding and connection of the cord, the interval between the lamp and the counterweight can be changed to adjust the height of the lamp. In such a structural configuration, there must be the existence of a specified counterweight balance between the projector lamp and the counterweight, under such conditions, the types and specifications of projector lamp for use are quite limited, or require larger or heavier projector lamps to increase the weight and cubic measurements of the counterweight, but if the cubic measurements of the counterweight is too large, it will influence the integral appearance of the lamp and result in difficulty in applications, and in consideration of security factors, such construction and linear suspension assembly can only be applied to low-voltage projector lamps, which is a shortcoming of restricted scope of application.  
       [0005] Disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,469 is a vertical rod type projector lamp structure, two vertical rods are used for connection with a power source, with extended length of the two vertical rods for adjustment and movement of the projector lamp and requirement of long distance, and t the projector lamp and the vertical rod is connected by screws on two sides of the electrical chamber of the projector lamp, and are secured in position by tightening the screws when the vertical rods are moved to the desired positions; though this structural design does not involve the problem of compatible assembly of the projector lamp and the counterweight, in actual adjustment of their positions, you have to loosen the screws one by one before tightening them one by one, if the height must be adjusted during use, it will involve more trouble, because the operating temperature of the halogen lamp used in the projector lamp is quite high, in loosening, dislocating and retightening processes for adjustment of this structure, a lighting unit must be carried to perform the operation, so the operation becomes more difficult; and, in adjusting the projector lamp to a higher position, due to limitations of the projector lamp assembly that could not match the vertical rod in penetrated assembly, there will be the shortcoming of dislocation when the lamp hood or lamp decoration of the projector lamp pressing against the two vertical rods, so the projector lamp assembly creates an angle deviation, or to avoid the two vertical rods and requires to limit the types and specifications and cubic measures of the lighting fixture to using assembling components in the range of the two vertical rods, which will cause the difficulty of limiting the range of applicable components.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006] The present invention of linear suspension projector lamp assembly comprises an upper rack, providing a space for electrical connection and cord winding, so after winding the cord extends downward to form two cord ends; a lower rack, having an electrical box to assemble the lighting fixture and lighting accessories, on two sides of an arm rod are provided for tying purpose to a cord end, a counterweight unit, installed between the two racks, for the two ends to respectively tie and assemble, and a work chamber space to assemble a locator, by single hand operation to control the locator to fasten or loosen the cord, thereby adjusting a lighting height and obtain better positioning and stabilizing effects, to carry a larger or heavier lighting assembly, meanwhile, by means of assembly of various types of racks and counterweight units, in combination with the installation or replacement of various types of lighting fixtures and lighting accessories, to compose various types of linear suspension projector lamps for consumer&#39;s optional purchase. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
     [0007]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of prior art of linear suspension projector lamp.  
     [0008]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention applicable to 12V low-voltage projector lamp assembly.  
     [0009]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled embodiment of the invention in FIG. 2 and how the locator is fastening the cord.  
     [0010]FIG. 4 is a sectional assembled view of the embodiment in FIG. 2.  
     [0011]FIG. 5 is a section view of the invention of locator disengaging its fastening on the cord.  
     [0012]FIG. 6 is a section view of the embodiment of the invention in FIG. 2 after adjustment of its lighting height.  
     [0013]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the invention applied to 230V higher-voltage projector lamp assembly.  
     [0014]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the assembled embodiment of the invention in FIG. 7.  
     [0015]FIG. 9 is a section view of the embodiment of the invention in FIG. 7 after adjustment of a lighting height.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0016]FIGS. 2 through 4 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention of linear suspension projector lamp, with a 12V low-voltage power source directly supplied from a suspension cord. In the drawing, the present invention of linear suspension assembly device  1  comprises an upper rack  2 , a counterweight unit  3  and a lower rack  4  in sequential arrangement, with at least a cord  5  intertwining the upper rack  2 , the counterweight unit  3  and the lower rack  4  at adjustable intervals from each other, and a locator  6  installed between the lower rack  4  and the cord  5  for control of respective positions, so a projector lamp assembly  7  and the counterweight unit  3  can be assembled to each other even under an unbalanced counterweight environment, and the counterweight unit  3  and the locator  6  can be loosened or fastened single-handedly for free and easy adjustment of a height and position for projected lighting, meanwhile, all lighting fixtures and lamp decorative accessories can be optionally selected for variable assemblies of different types of projector lamp assembly  7 , as shown in FIG. 2, wherein:  
     [0017] The upper rack  2  comprises a longitudinally assembled extension rod  21 , on an upper end  22  thereof can be installed various types of electrical connectors to correspond to the track for electrical connection, or directly correspond to the power supply box for electrical connection, such electrical connection is a regular general electrical assembly structure, therefore it needs no elaboration and illustration by drawings, on the other end of the extension rod  21  is a horizontally installed lock shaft rod  23 , on two sides of the rod  23  are respectively provided a longitudinally arranged winding space  24 , in the space  24  is installed a shaft post  25  in horizontal arrangement, serving as a winding rack with the function of a fulcrum for suspension for the cord  5 ;  
     [0018] The lock shaft rod  23  is preferably made of a metal material with electrical conductivity, for electrical connection with the power supply box, so the connected power source can be transmitted to the cord  5  by direct electrical connection; there is an angle formed in the assembly of the lock shaft rod  23  and the extension rod  21 , this assembly angle can be variably adopted according to design, and preferably the lock shaft rod  23  is in horizontal angle extension, but not limited to this assembly angle; likewise, the extension shape and length of the lock shaft rod  23  can be selectively adopted depending on different designs.  
     [0019] At least one cord  5 , directly wound inside the winding rack space  24  of the upper rack  2 , the ends of two sides of the cord  5  and the ends of the first and second cords  51 ,  52  are respectively extended downward to correspond to the counterweight unit  3  and the lower rack  4  as connection; better suspension symmetry and balance are obtained in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the adoption of two cords  5  assembled for use for description purpose, this is a preferred symmetrical and balanced suspension configuration, and this cord  5  is preferably made of a conductive metal material, as for the wire diameter and length, they will be determined to suit requirements as designed.  
     [0020] The lower rack  4  comprises an electrical box  41 , extending to two sides are respectively the extension of an arm rod  42 , on two sides of the arm rod  42  is provided a joining hole  43 , to be fixed and fastened by an end of a second cord  52  of the cord  5  after penetrating the counterweight unit  3 ; the two arm rods  42  are preferably made of conductive metal material, so it is connected with the cord  5  as introduction of power source, then it is extended to one end inside the electrical box  41  and in electrical connection with the lamp holder for power supply; and, there is an angle formed between the assembled arm rod  42  and the electrical box  41 , this assembled angle can be variably adopted according to design, and preferably the arm rod  42  is in horizontal angle extension, but not limited to this assembled angle, likewise, the extended shape and length of the arm rod  42  can be selected for adoption depending on different designs.  
     [0021] The electrical box  41  used by the lower rack  4  can be an electrical box  41  in various styles and configurations, inside the electrical box  41  is directly installed a lamp holder to install the projector lamp (such as halogen lamp or other types of lamp), and the assembly can be replaced or not assembled with various types of lamp fixtures to suit the requirements, such as lamp hood, reflective hood, and various types of lighting fixtures, to configure different styles and types of projector lamp assembly  7 , even if a larger or heavier lamp assembly can be assembled for use; of course, this electrical box  41  can also be directly assembled integrally with the lighting fixture and lamp hood, for the purpose of installing a lamp holder, a reflective hood or other lighting fixtures, and of replacing of various types of lighting fixtures, to assemble different styles and types of projector lamp assembly  7 .  
     [0022] The counterweight unit  3  installed between the upper and lower racks  2 ,  4  consists of two cylinders  31 ,  32  in combination with an insulation unit  33 , and can be formed in different shapes, the hollow space inside the two cylinders  31 ,  32 , matches a first opening  37  and a second opening  38  in symmetrical arrangement to the cylinders  331 ,  32 , to assemble a work chamber  34 . This work chamber  34  is divided by a partition wall  340 , forming a flexibility chamber  341  assembled to an end face  330  beside an insulation unit  33 , and a cord control chamber  342  located on the outer side and corresponding to a second opening  38 , this flexibility chamber  341  and the cord control chamber  342  are joined to communicate with each other by way of a channel  343  opened on the partition wall  340 , to enable assembly of the locator  6  and room for locating operation by fastening or loosening of the cord  5 , and the press member  61  of the locator  6  is extended outwardly from the second opening  38  of the cylinders  31 ,  32 ; on the two cylinders  31 ,  32  are respectively at least a tying hole  35  which is to be tied directly to the counterweight unit  3  by the first cord end  51  after it is extended, and at least a through hole  36  that runs through the cord control chamber  342  of the work chamber  34  to correspond to the locator  6 , so the second cord end  52  of the cord  5  runs through it and extends downward to tie on the lower rack  4 .  
     [0023] At least one set of locators  6 , in this embodiment there are two sets of locators that are symmetrically arranged and respectively installed in the work chamber  34  of the cylinders  31 ,  32 , so simultaneous control can be made single-handedly to press, the locator  6  comprises a press member  61 , movably assembled in the cord control chamber  342  of the work chamber  34 , for direct control of the cord  5  for engaging or loosening operation, this press member  61  has an extension of a lock assembly nozzle  64  with an inside screw thread, running axially through the end face of the lock assembly nozzle  64  is a cord pulling hole  65 , serving to be penetrated for assembly by the second cord end  52  of the cord  5 ; a press key  66  movably assembled inside the flexibility chamber  341  of the work chamber  34 , having a press shaft wall  67 , forming a press space between the wall  67  and a side face  330  of the insulation unit  33 , with the installation of a flexibility member  62  that regularly presses the press key  67  toward the wall  340 , the press key  66  has a connecting key  68  extended from an end face of the press shaft wall  67 , which in regular conditions penetrate a channel  343  on the wall  340 , and tightened by the thread  69  inside the cord control chamber  342  corresponding to the lock assembly nozzle  64  of the press member  61 , the press member  61  in normal conditions is protruded from the work chamber  34  and the second opening  52  and installed at an interval, this is the room for control operation by the press member  61  to the cord  5 .  
     [0024] The outer diameter of the lock assembly nozzle  65  of the press member  61  is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the cord control chamber  342 , this diameter difference is equal to or no larger than the diameter of the cord  5  adopted; meanwhile, the cord pulling hole  65  on the lock assembly nozzle  65  and the through hole  36  of the through cord control chamber  342  are opened in a same longitudinal direction, and when the press member  61  is pressed and dislocated toward the cord control chamber  342 , the cord pulling hole  65  of the lock assembly nozzle  64  and the through hole  36  of the cord control chamber  342  are opposite to each other, at this time, the cord  5  is not yet fastened, in other words, the cord  5  is fastened into position in a way that the cord  5  runs through the cord pulling hole  65  of the lock assembly nozzle  64  and the through hole  36  of the cord control chamber  342 , using the interval between the cord pulling hole  65  and the through hole  36  and the diameter difference between the lock assembly nozzle  64  and the cord control chamber  342 , forming the cord  5  being fastened in position; and in the press shaft wall  67  of the press key  66 , the outside diameter of the end face of the wall  67  is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the channel  343  of the wall  340 , forming a flexibility stopping function in normal position toward the press key  66 .  
     [0025]FIGS. 3 through 6 illustrate how the embodiment of the invention is actually assembled and how the lighting height and position are adjusted and positioned. This embodiment is applicable to 12V low voltage projector lamp assembly, the cord  5  for direct power transmission, or, this cord  5  is wound directly in the winding rack space  24  provided by the lock shaft rod  23  of the upper rack  2 , the first cord end  51  of the cord  5  extended to correspond to the tying hole  35  of the counterweight unit  3  to be tied and fixed, the second cord end  52  of the cord  5  is similarly extended to penetrate the work chamber  34  of the counterweight unit  3  and the locator  6  assembly before it is extended downward and tied to the lower rack  4 , while the lower rack  4  is fixed and assembled to selected lighting fixtures and lighting decorative accessories, comprising a linear suspension projector lamp assembly  7 , as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;  
     [0026] As for the actual operation of the adjustment of the lighting height and position, please refer to FIGS.  3  to  6 , when the user wishes to adjust the lighting height of the projector lamp assembly  7  (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) that has been in position, the time for the adjustment can be during the use of the lamp or after an extended period of use when the lamp is operating at a high temperature, or when it is not used, the user can at any time make adjustment to suit requirements, in the adjusting operation, the user can operate single-handedly, by using his two fingers in one hand, that are facing each other, to apply force simultaneously on the press member  61  of the locator  6 , so the press member  61  is moved in the cylinders  31 ,  32  and the work chamber  34 , driving the cord pulling hole  65  on the lock assembly nozzle  64  to match the through hole  36  of the cord control chamber  342 , thereby disengaging its fastening on the cord  5  (shown in FIG. 5), so the cord  5  and the counterweight unit  3  are capable of movement, meanwhile, the counterweight unit  3  is moved up or down, at this time, since the two cord ends  51 ,  52  of the cord  3  are respectively tied to the counterweight unit  3  and the lower rack  4 , so the counterweight unit  3  is moved up or down, and by the transmission of the cord  5 , is dislocated in relation to the projector lamp assembly, in other words, the counterweight unit  3  moves up, the projector lamp assembly  7  moves down, likewise when the counterweight unit  3  moves down, the projector lamp assembly  7  moves up (shown in FIG. 6), and when adjusted to desired position, the user needs only move away the force applied by his single hand, then the press member  61  of the locator  6  will be reset due to the flexibility of the flexibility member  62 , at this time, the a displaced clearance is produced between the cord pulling hole  65  and the through hole  35  because of the resetting of the press member  61 , causing the cord  5  to be pulled slightly and fastened in the diameter difference between the lock assembly nozzle  64  and the cord control chamber  342 , fastening the cord  5  in position (shown in FIG. 4) and because of second fastening of the cord  5  into position, the lighting height and position can be adjusted by simple control, as shown in FIG. 6.  
     [0027] The linear suspension projector lamp assembly consisting of the above structures and its control and operation can be easily conducted by single hand to fasten or loosen control of the locator  6  on the cord  5 , pulling the counterweight unit  3  to move and complete the adjustment of the lighting height position, meanwhile, by means of the fastening and positioning function of the locator  6 , a better positioning and fixing effect can be obtains, so that the assembly can be selected and the selective range of lighting fixtures is increased with a larger load or a heavier lamp set even when the counterweight unit  3  and the counterweight of the selection of lighting fixtures are not in balance, meanwhile, by means of various combinations of upper and lower racks  2 ,  4  and the counterweight unit  3 , various lighting fixtures can be assembled or replaced, to assemble various types of linear suspension projector lamps for the consumers&#39; option.  
     [0028] The structural content of the present invention can also be modified for application within the spirit and range of design, please refer to FIG. 7, which illustrates another embodiment of the invention, which is applicable to 230V or higher voltage linear suspension projector lamp assembly, its basic construction is the same as the structure of low-voltage lighting fixtures, the only difference lies mainly in their structures, in consideration of the user&#39;s safety, the cord  5  can not be used directly as a power supply, therefore, the extension rod  21  of the upper rack  2  is in the form of a hollow, so the power cord  8  connected to the electric connector or electric power box can be extended directly out of the bottom opening  26  of the extension rod  21 , to connect with the lighting fixture and lamp holder installed below the lower rack  4  to supply required power source.  
     [0029] As for the counterweight unit  3 , it is likewise consisted of two cylinders  31 ,  32  with a matching insulation unit  33 , and inside the work chamber  34  of the cylinders  31 ,  32  is installed a locator  6 , thereby to fasten in position and control the cord  5  running through the cylinders  31 ,  32  and the through hole  36 , and on a side wall of the insulation unit  33  is at least a line placement hole  39 , this line placement hole  39  is preferably aligned longitudinally (shown in FIG. 7), to enable insertion of the power wire  8  extending from the upper rack  2  for assembly, so that the power wire  8  will not interfere with the process for adjusting the lighting height position and the movement in adjusting the counterweight unit  3  (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9).  
     [0030] In such a structural design, the cord  5  and the upper and lower racks  2 ,  4  are completely without power source, meanwhile, like the aforementioned embodiment, single hand can be used for easy control of the locator  6  to fasten or loosen the cord  5 , as well as pull and move the counterweight unit  3  to complete the adjustment of the lighting height position, meanwhile, by the fastening and positioning of the locator  6  we can obtain better positioning and stabilizing effects, so as to obtain selective assembly and increase the optional range of components with a larger load or heavier lighting fixtures even when in an imbalanced status of the counterweight unit  3  and the selection of lighting fixture  7  and lighting accessories, meanwhile by the use of different types of upper and lower racks  2 ,  4  and the counterweight unit  3 , accompanied by assembly or replacement of various types of lighting fixtures or lighting accessories, to construct different types of linear suspension projector lamps for consumers&#39; optional purchase.  
     [0031] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it should be understood that it is in no way limited to the details of such embodiment but is capable of numerous modifications within the scope of the appended claims.