Patent Publication Number: US-8109648-B2

Title: Light fixture having socket track assemblies with detachable row aligner

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to light fixtures, and more specifically to light fixtures having lamp socket assemblies with detachable row aligners. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A strip light fixture is generally a light fixture having an elongated channel with at least one lamp socket attached at either end. Straight elongated lamps, such as a linear fluorescent lamp, can be placed in the lamp sockets. Typically, an electrical ballast is housed within the channel to regulate the amount of current flowing from an electrical source to the lamp via the lamp sockets. 
     Linear fluorescent strip light fixtures are typically installed to provide lighting in large spaces, such as warehouses, retail stores, and office buildings. The strip light fixtures are commonly arranged in long, continuous rows and can be mounted directly to a wall or ceiling or suspended from a ceiling using hangars. When installed using hangars, it can often be difficult to align the strip light fixtures accurately. If the strip light fixtures are not aligned properly, the result can be aesthetically displeasing. Conventional methods for aligning a row of strip light fixtures typically require the use of additional hangars and/or cumbersome connection devices. The installation of these hangars and connection devices lead to increased labor time and costs. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a strip light fixture with an improved alignment system that can reduce time and costs associated with installation. A need also exists for a strip light fixture with minimal assembly required for installers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a light fixture with a detachable row aligner device. The light fixture includes an elongated channel having a pair of sidewalls between which lamp socket assemblies are pivotally mounted. Each lamp socket assembly includes at least one lamp socket for receiving a lamp and providing electrical power to the lamp. The lamp sockets can receive the electrical power from a ballast disposed in the light fixture. The ballast can receive electrical power from a source outside of the light fixture and control the amount of current passed to the lamps via the lamp sockets. 
     The lamp socket assemblies include pivot tabs on either side of the lamp socket assemblies. Each pivot tab extends through an aperture in the channel to allow the lamp socket assembly to rotate about an axis defined by the arrangement of the apertures. In a shipping configuration, the lamp socket assemblies are rotated inward to the channel in order for the lamp sockets of the lamp socket assembly to be housed within the channel and a channel cover. During installation of the light fixture, the lamp socket assemblies can be rotated out of the channel into a position whereby the lamp sockets extend upright and significantly perpendicular to the base of the channel. 
     Each lamp socket assembly can include a detachable row aligner device. When the light fixture is installed in a row arrangement with other light fixtures, the row aligner device can be removed and positioned within the channel of one of the light fixtures. A second light fixture can then be aligned with the light fixture containing the row aligner device by positioning the channel of the second light fixture to receive the row aligner device in row aligners. The lamp socket assembly can include a score line, a line of die cuts, or a line of perforations for allowing the detachable row aligner device to be removed by bending the detachable row aligner device along the line. When the light fixture is not installed in a row arrangement with other light fixtures, the detachable row aligner device can remain attached to the lamp socket assembly to serve as an end cap for the light fixture. 
     These and other aspects, features, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode for carrying out the invention as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of an end portion of a light fixture in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are partial perspective views of the light fixture of  FIG. 1  illustrating a socket track assembly rotating into an operational position in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of the light fixture of  FIG. 1  illustrating the socket track assembly in an operational position in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a partial perspective view of the light fixture of  FIG. 1  illustrating row aligner functionality in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a partial perspective view of the light fixture of  FIG. 1  aligned with a second light fixture using a row aligner device in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the drawings referenced above. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description of exemplary embodiments refers to the attached drawings. Any spatial references herein such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “rear,” “between,” “vertical,” “angular,” “beneath,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the described structure. 
       FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of an end portion of a light fixture  100  in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In order to provide sufficient detail of the various components of the light fixture  100 , only one end of the light fixture  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . The opposite end of the light fixture  100  can include an identical or similar arrangement to that which is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the light fixture  100  includes an elongated channel  105  having two sidewalls  107 A, B protruding upward from a base of the channel  105  forming a generally U-shaped open channel  105 . The light fixture  100  also includes a channel cover  190  that, when installed to close the top of the channel  105 , follows the contour of the upper edge of the sidewalls  107 A, B. In certain exemplary embodiments, the channel  105  and its side walls  107 A, B are a one-piece metal structure and can include a metal channel cover  190 . Alternatively, other configurations including multi-piece arrangements, and other materials, such as plastic can be used to construct the channel  105  of the light fixture  100 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the channel cover  190  is translucent. 
     Attached at either or both ends of the channel  105  is a socket track assembly  110  having two lamp sockets  115 A, B attached to a mounting base  110 A (See  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). Each lamp socket  115 A, B receives and provides electrical power to a lamp, such as a linear fluorescent lamp (not shown). The lamp sockets  115 A, B can typically receive the electrical power from a ballast (not shown) mounted in or near the light fixture  100 . When mounted inside the light fixture  100 , the ballast receives electrical power from an outside source by way of wires that are run through a cutout  180  in the socket track assembly  110 . However mounted, the ballast controls the amount of current flowing into the lamp sockets  115 A, B. 
     Although in this exemplary embodiment the socket track assembly  110  includes two lamp sockets  115 A, B, the number two is exemplary and non-limiting. Various other embodiments can include socket track assemblies having any number of lamp sockets  115 A, B. For example, a common conventional light fixture includes only one lamp socket attached at either end of a channel for holding a single linear fluorescent lamp. 
     The socket track assembly  110  also includes two flanges  111 A, B (See  FIGS. 2A and 2B  for a view of  111 B) extending from the mounting base  110 A and positioned adjacent to the inside surfaces of the sidewalls  107 A, B. As best illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , each of the two flanges  111 A, B include three separate mechanisms for securing the socket track assembly  110  in position with the channel  105 . First, each flange  111 A, B of the socket track assembly  110  includes a pivot tab  140 A, B that interacts with a respective shaped aperture  145 A, B. As will be discussed in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 2 , the pivot tabs  140 A, B and respective apertures  145 A, B are configured to allow the socket track assembly  110  to rotate inward to the channel  105  for shipping and outward from the channel  105  for operational use with lamps. Second, each flange  111 A, B of the socket track assembly  110  includes an aperture  132 A, B that receives a respective raised tab  130 A extending inward from each of the respective sidewalls  107 A, B of the channel  105  after the socket track assembly  110  has been rotated outward from the channel  105  for operational use. Third, each flange  111 A, B of the socket track assembly  110  includes a hole  172 A, B (See  FIGS. 4A and 4B ) for receiving a screw (not shown) or other connection device via an aperture  170 A, B in the channel  105 . 
     The socket track assembly  110  also includes a member  127  disposed orthogonally from the mounting base  110 A adjacent to the bottom of the lamp sockets  115 A, B. The member  127  includes an aperture for receiving a fastener  305  (See  FIG. 3 ) via an aperture  192  in the channel cover  190  and thereby securing the channel cover  190  to the light fixture  100 . 
     The light fixture  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  in its shipping configuration. In this shipping configuration, the socket track assembly  110  is rotated inward to the channel  105  to house the lamp sockets  115 A, B within the channel  105  and beneath the installed channel cover  190 . The channel  105 , along with the channel cover  190 , provides protection for the lamp sockets  115 A, B during shipment. Because the lamp sockets  115 A, B are attached to the channel  105  in this shipping configuration, the lamp sockets  115 A, B can be prewired to the ballast prior to shipping. This pre-wiring of the ballast to the lamp sockets  115 A, B provides reduced installation time and also reduces the chance of wiring errors that occur during installation. 
     Each end of the light fixture  100  is configured during installation based on the intended use of the light fixture  100 . If the light fixture  100  is installed in a continuous row with other light fixtures, one or both ends of the light fixture  100  can be configured to align with another light fixture. If the light fixture  100  is not installed in a continuous row with other light fixtures, both ends of the light fixture  100  can be configured to serve as end caps. The end cap configuration is discussed in more detail with reference to  FIG. 2 , while the continuous row configuration is discussed in more detail with reference to  FIG. 4 . The light fixture  100  includes various components for each configuration that will be summarized below with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the socket track assembly  110  includes a line of weakness  112  for separating a row aligner device  110 B from the mounting base  110 A of the socket track assembly  110  as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . This line of weakness  112  can include die cuts, perforations, a score line, or other suitable methods for allowing the row aligner device  110 B to be manually separated from the mounting base  110 A along the line of weakness  112 . 
     To configure the end of the light fixture  100  to align with another light fixture, the row aligner device  110 B can be separated from the mounting base  110 A at the line of weakness  112  and positioned in the channel  105 . The row aligner device  110 B includes raised areas or dimples  165 A, B which interact with a respective aperture  155  in the channel  105  of the light fixture  100  and a channel of the second light fixture to position the row aligner device  110 B within the two light fixtures. The channel  105  includes two row aligners  150 A, B for slidably receiving the row aligner device  110 B. In this exemplary embodiment, the channel  105  also includes a stop  160  which acts to limit the depth at which the row aligner device  110 B enters the channel  105  when sliding into the row aligners  150 A, B. This stop  160  is optional as other stopping mechanisms can be employed, such as configuring the row aligners  150 A, B within the channel whereby an end of the row aligner device  110 B abuts an end of the row aligners  150 A, B when the row aligner device  150 B is positioned in the channel  105  as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
     If the end of the light fixture  100  is not to be aligned with another light fixture, the row aligner device  110 B remains attached to the mounting base  110 A, leaving the socket track assembly  110  intact. Thus, when the socket track assembly  110  is rotated fully outward from the channel  105 , the socket track assembly  110  serves as an end cap for the channel  105 . 
     The row aligner device  110 B portion of the socket track assembly  110  includes two tabs  122 A, B that engage respective square-shaped apertures  120 A, B in the base of the channel  105  to secure the socket track assembly  110  in an operational position after the socket track assembly  110  is rotated outward from the channel  105 . More specifically, when the tabs  122 A, B engage the apertures  120 A, B, the socket track assembly  110  is prevented from rotating back into the shipping configuration. Although in this exemplary embodiment, the apertures  120 A, B are square-shaped, the apertures  120 A, B and the tabs  122 A, B that engage the apertures  120 A, B can be other shapes or could include any number of tabs  122 A, B and respective apertures  120 A, B as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. 
     The row aligner device  110 B of the socket track assembly  110  also includes a threaded screw hole  123  that aligns with an aperture  121  in the base of the channel  105  when the socket track assembly  110  is secured in the operational position. A connection device, such as a screw, can be inserted through the aperture  121  and tightened into screw hole  123  for further securing the socket track assembly  110  in this operational position. Alternatively, the screw hole  123  can be a non-threaded aperture for use with other connection devices, such as a nut and bolt combination. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B , collectively  FIG. 2 , are partial perspective views of the light fixture  100  of  FIG. 1  illustrating a socket track assembly  110  rotating into an operational position in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Now referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the socket track assembly  110  is depicted at different points along its rotation from a shipping configuration where the lamp sockets  115 A, B are housed within the channel  105  to an operational position where the lamp sockets  115 A, B stand upright with respect to the base of the channel  105 . In this operational position, the row aligner devices  110 B of the socket track assembly  110  remain attached to the mounting base  110 A to serve as an end cap for the channel  105 . 
     As briefly discussed above with reference to  FIG. 1 , the pivot tabs  140 A, B and their respective apertures  145 A, B in the channel  105  are configured to allow the lamps sockets  115 A, B to rotate inward into the channel  105  for shipping and outward from the channel  105  for operational use with lamps. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the apertures  145 A, B are aligned horizontally with one another on the sidewalls  117 A, B to provide an axis of rotation for the socket track assembly  110 . The shape of the apertures  145 A, B and the shape of the pivot tabs  140 A, B are designed to limit the degree of rotation about this axis of rotation. In this embodiment, the pivot tabs  140 A, B are substantially rectangular with each having an end that extends through its aperture  145 A, B and curls about the outside surface of each of the sidewalls  107 A, B. When lamp sockets  115 A, B are rotated fully inward for shipping, the left side (relative to the end of the tab) of the pivot tab  140 B abuts to an edge of the aperture  145 B to limit the rotation of the lamp sockets  115 A, B further into the channel  105 . Although not viewable in the illustration of  FIG. 2 , the right side of the pivot tab  140 A similarly abuts to an edge of the aperture  145 A to limit the rotation of the lamp sockets  115 A, B further into the channel  105 . In one exemplary embodiment, the apertures  145 A, B each include a quarter-circle cutout for allowing their respective tab  140 A, B to rotate from this fully inward position for shipping to the operational position whereby the lamp sockets  115 A, B are vertical with respect to the base of the channel  105 . As will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, any of a variety of pivot tab and aperture designs can be used to allow and limit the rotation of the socket track assembly  110 . 
     The light fixture  100  is converted quickly and easily from the shipping configuration, where the lamp sockets  115 A, B are rotated fully inward and housed by the channel  105  and the channel cover  190 , to the operational position. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the channel cover  190  is first removed from the channel  105 . Next, the socket track assembly  110  and lamp sockets  115 A, B are rotated outward from the channel  105  until the tabs  122 A, B are forced through their respective apertures  120 A, B in the base of the channel  105 . In addition, the apertures  132 A, B in the flanges  111 A, B of the socket track assembly  110  receive the raised tabs  130 A, B along the sidewalls  107 A, B. The combination of the pivot tabs  140 A, B interacting with apertures  145 A, B, the tabs  122 A, B interacting with apertures  120 A, B, and the apertures  132 A, B receiving the raised tabs  130 A, B provide three separate points of contact between the socket track assembly  110  and the channel  105  and therefore three separate mechanisms for securing the socket track assembly  110  with the channel  105  for operational use. Optionally, a pair of screws or other connection devices (not shown) can also be used to secure the socket track assembly  110  to the channel  105  to provide a fourth mechanism for securing the socket track assembly  110  to the channel  105 . For example, screws are tightened into the threaded screw holes  172 A, B of the socket track assembly  110  via the hole  170 A, B in the channel  105 . Another screw or other connection device can also be used with holes  121  and  123  to provide a fifth mechanism for securing the socket track assembly  110  to the channel  105 . After the socket track assembly  110  is secured in this operational configuration, the channel cover  190  is reattached to the light fixture  100 . 
       FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of the light fixture  100  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the socket track assembly  110  in an operational position in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 3 , which is representative of both the end cap configuration and a continuous row configuration (without illustrating a second light fixture), the socket track assembly  110  and lamp sockets  115 A, B are rotated outward from the channel  105 . The lamp sockets  115 A, B stand upright at a substantially ninety degree angle with respect to the base of the channel  105  and are each positioned to receive a lamp. The channel cover  190  is secured to the light fixture  100  using a fastener  305 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the fastener  305  is a quarter turn fastener that interacts with a receptacle mounted on the member  127  of the socket track assembly  110  to secure the channel cover  190  to the light fixture  100 . Other conventional methods can also be used to secure the channel cover  190  to the light fixture  100 , such as clips, screws, pressure fitting, interconnecting tabs or other methods as will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B , collectively  FIG. 4 , are partial perspective views of the light fixture  100  of  FIG. 1  illustrating row aligner functionality in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This row aligner functionality provides for multiple light fixtures to be quickly aligned in continuous rows.  FIG. 4A  illustrates the row aligner device  110 B positioned in the light fixture  100 , while  FIG. 4B  illustrates the row aligner device  110  positioned in the light fixture  100  and a second light fixture  400 , therefore aligning the light fixture  100  with the light fixture  400  in a significantly straight line. Although the light fixture  400  includes similar components to that of the light fixture  100 , some components and structures of the light fixture  400  have been omitted in  FIG. 4B  in order to illustrate the functionality of the row aligner device  110 B. 
     As briefly discussed above with reference to  FIG. 1 , the row aligner device  110 B is separated from the mounting base  110 A at the line of weakness  112  and positioned in the channel  105  to align a second light fixture  400  with light fixture  100 . This line of weakness  112  can include die cuts, perforations, a score line, or other suitable methods. Regardless of the method used to produce the line of weakness  112 , the line of weakness  112  should be configured to allow the row aligner device  110 B to be manually removed from the mounting base  110 A, but also provide adequate strength for use as an end cap if necessary. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the row aligner device  110 B is a thin strip of metal that includes two raised dimples  165 A, B with a round shape. Alternatively, the row aligner device  110 B along with the socket track assembly  110  can be manufactured from other materials, such as plastic. Additionally, the raised dimples  165 A, B can include different shapes or can be excluded entirely from the row aligner device  110 B. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the base of the channel  105  includes two row aligners  150 A, B, a round aperture  155  that receives a dimple  165 B of the row aligner device  110 B, and a raised stop  160  that work together to align and hold the row aligner device  110 B in a fixed position in the channel  105 . Similarly, the base of the channel  405  of the light fixture  400  includes two row aligners  450 A, B, a round aperture (See  155  of  FIG. 1 ) that receives a dimple  165 A of the row aligner device  110 B, and a raised stop  460  that work together to align and hold the row aligner device  110 B in position in the channel  405 . 
     The row aligner device  110 B is slidably inserted into the channel  105  under the two row aligners  150 A, B until an edge of the row aligner device  110 B reaches the stop  160  and reaches the end of the row aligners  150 A, B. In this position, the dimple  165 B of the row aligner device  110 B rests in the round aperture  155  of the channel  105 . In order to make it easier to slide the row aligner device  110 B into place between the row aligners  150 A, B and the base of the channel  105 , the receiving end of each of the row aligners  150 A, B is curved upward from the base of the channel  105 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B , after the row aligner device  110 B is positioned in the channel  105 , the light fixture  400  is attached to the other side of the row aligner device  110 B (the side having dimple  165 A). The light fixture  400  is attached to the row aligner device  110 B by positioning the light fixture  400  in a way that the row aligner device  110 B fits between the base of the channel  405  of the light fixture  400  and its row aligners  450 A, B. The light fixture  400  is then moved toward light fixture  100  until the row aligner device  110 B abuts against the stop  460  in the channel  405  and against the end of the row aligners  450 A, B. In this position, the sidewalls  107 A, B abut sidewalls  407 A, B of the light fixture  400 . Similarly, the base of the channel  105  abuts the base of the channel  405 . 
     Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described above in detail, the description is merely for purposes of illustration. It should be appreciated, therefore, that many aspects of the invention were described above by way of example only and are not intended as required or essential elements of the invention unless explicitly stated otherwise. Various modifications of, and equivalent steps corresponding to, the disclosed aspects of the exemplary embodiments, in addition to those described above can be made by a person of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined in the following claims, the scope of which is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.