Illumination – Light source and modifier – Laser type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-24
2001-12-04
Cariaso, Alan (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light source and modifier
Laser type
C362S418000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325525
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to illumination systems, and more particularly, to a retrofit system wherein existing illuminated signs, such as “exit signs” can be adapted to accommodate more modern sources of illumination.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are in existence many thousands of safety lighting systems that are intended to supply illumination automatically to critical areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal power supply. Many safety lighting arrangements in use today are antiquated and need to be updated to current standards. In particular, existing remote lamp assemblies, exit fixtures, and safety lights, including self-luminous exit signs, are generally of a type that the illumination of which is essential to human life during certain conditions. It is, therefore, of critical importance that such systems function in compliance with modern standards.
It is a problem with some of the current safety lighting fixtures that they internally are out of compliance with current standards, but the exterior of the fixture is architecturally incorporated into its environment and cannot readily be replaced. Accordingly, there is a need for a retrofit system whereby the existing internal components of the illumination arrangement are removed and replaced with acceptable components. Since, as stated, existing safety lighting arrangements are available in a multiplicity of designs and sizes, there is a need that the retrofit system that would modernize such a safety lighting arrangement be configurable dimensionally.
3. Objects of the Invention
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a retrofit system for replacing the internal components of a safety illumination arrangement.
It is another object of this invention to provide a safety lighting arrangement retrofit system wherein one or more illumination elements can be disposed at predetermined variable locations that are determined in response to a printed message on the safety illumination arrangement, such as an exit sign.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a simple an inexpensive system for upgrading existing safety illumination arrangements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing and other objects are achieved by this invention which provides an arrangement for variably mounting an illumination device in an enclosure. In accordance with the invention, there is provided a longitudinal track having a longitudinal engagement portion. A mounting foot that is coupled to the illumination device engages slidably with the longitudinal engagement portion of the longitudinal track, and therefore is translatable therealong. A fixation arrangement fixes the longitudinal track within the enclosure at any one of a plurality of available heights. Thus, the illumination device can be positioned in a range of positions within the enclosure. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal engagement portion of the longitudinal track includes a longitudinal bent portion to define a longitudinal space wherein the mounting foot is accommodated. As stated, the mounting foot of the illumination device is coupled thereto and is longitudinally displaceable along the longitudinal track. Preferably, a further longitudinal bent portion of the longitudinal track is arranged parallel to the first longitudinal bent portion. Thus, there is defined a further longitudinal space wherein the mounting foot is accommodated. This prevents disengagement of the illumination device from the longitudinal track, except when it is displaced beyond the length of the track.
In a further embodiment, the fixation arrangement has a plurality of attachment points. This permits the longitudinal track to be fixed at a selectable one of a plurality of fixed locations within the enclosure. Thus, the track is adjustable, illustratively vertically, by selection of an appropriate one of a plurality of attachment points, and the illumination device is slidably adjustable horizontally along the track. Each of the attachment points in this embodiment is provided with a coupler portion that couples with the longitudinal track at an end thereof. The coupler portions are each fixed to a respective one of first and second stanchions that support the coupler portions in the vicinity of their respective ends of the longitudinal track.
In accordance with a further apparatus aspect of the invention, there is provided an arrangement for variably mounting an illumination device in an enclosure. The arrangement is provided with a longitudinal track that has a longitudinal engagement portion intermediate of first and second track ends. Additionally, a mounting foot is coupled to the illumination device for engaging slidably with the longitudinal engagement portion of the longitudinal track.
In one embodiment of this further aspect of the invention, there are provided first and second fixation arrangements for fixing the longitudinal track within the enclosure at respective ones of the first and second track ends. In an embodiment where the enclosure is an illuminated sign, and the fixed relation within the enclosure is determined by a predetermined spatial relationship between the illumination device and a message printed on the illuminated sign, the specific location of the illumination element can be varied in two dimensions, thereby enabling the illumination device to be arranged in a determined relation with respect to the message printed on the illuminated sign.
As previously described, the couplers that are attached to the stanchions are arranged to be accommodated longitudinally within a respective one of the track ends. Thus, no additional interconnection arrangement is required. In addition, the stanchion is provided with a base that may be provided with an adhesive to facilitate mounting within the enclosure. In other embodiments, the track itself may be provided with adhesive on the underside, for use as required.
The mounting foot that is engageable with the track has coupled thereto a lamp mounting portion that, in this embodiment, couples to a collar of the illumination device. In one embodiment, the collar of the illumination device and the mounting portion attached to the mounting foot are configured to engage with one another, thereby preventing rotation of the illumination device after installation. Of course, in some embodiments, a limited amount of rotation may be permitted, and in other embodiments, there may be no limitations on the rotational position of the illumination device installed on the lamp mounting portion of the mounting foot.
In some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of illumination devices may be provided to effect a more uniform distribution of illumination within the enclosure. In such an embodiment, the various illumination devices would each have associated therewith a mounting foot for engaging with the track. Additionally, each mounting foot would have an associated lamp mounting portion which may impose rotational limitations on the illumination device with respect thereto.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a retrofit kit for an illuminated safety sign of the type having an original illumination device interposed between printed translucent panels. The original illumination device would be removed to facilitate installation of the retrofit kit. In accordance with the invention, a retrofit kit is provided with a replacement illumination device. A longitudinal track having an elongated engagement portion intermediate of first and second track ends is provided. As stated, a mounting foot couples to the replacement illumination device for engaging slidably within the longitudinal engagement portion of the longitudinal track. Additionally, a stanchion arrangement has a plurality of engagement portions that extend transversely therefrom, each of the engagement portions being configured to engage with a track end for fixing the longitudinal track within the enclosure. The engagement
Cariaso Alan
Gaffin Richard A.
ITC, Inc.
Monsanto Raphael A.
Rohm Benita J.
LandOfFree
Adjustable track system for exit light does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Adjustable track system for exit light, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Adjustable track system for exit light will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2592167