Illumination – Supports – Adjustable light support
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-18
2001-07-10
Husar, Stephen (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Supports
Adjustable light support
C362S147000, C362S427000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257743
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to electrical fixtures such as ornamental lighting fixtures and the like, and more particularly, to a mounting plate for use in installing the fixture.
Referring to the prior art construction shown in
FIG. 1
, an electrical lighting fixture such as an outdoor lighting fixture F is made of metal or a molded plastic material. On one side of the fixture a canopy C is formed through which electrical wiring W for a lamp socket K is routed. The fixture typically includes three electrical wires W
1
-W
3
one end of each of which are electrically connected to the lamp socket. The other ends of each wire are initially free.
A mounting bar P is formed to fit in an opening defined by an inner wall surface of the canopy. Electrical wires (not shown) from a wall switch or the like are routed through an opening G in a sidewall S of an electrical outlet box B which is already mounted in place in a wall. Ends of these other electrical wires are spliced together with the free ends of the wires W
1
-W
3
, and the exposed ends of the attached wires are covered with wire nuts U that are threaded onto the wires. Mounting bar P is then attached to outlet box B by screws (not shown) which fit through holes H formed in the bar. The spliced ends of the wires are now completely enclosed within a space defined by the outlet box and mounting plate. This must be done in accordance with paragraph 7.1 of Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standard 1571, in order for the fixture to receive UL approval. The mounting plate is now attached to canopy C by screws E which fit through notches R formed on opposite sides of the mounting plate, and through openings (not shown) in the canopy. The ends of the screws E project through these openings and cap nuts T are threaded onto the exposed ends of the screws to provide a decorative appearance. This rigidly attaches the mounting plate and outlet box to the fixture.
From an aesthetic standpoint, an installed fixture such as outdoor lighting fixture F is mounted in a preferred orientation, vertical, for example. The fixture, when mounted in place, should not appear to be canted to one side or the other. However, it often occurs that the fixture is canted when the fixture/outlet box assembly is installed in place, and this condition can be time consuming and costly to correct.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the objects of the invention are the provision of a mounting plate for use in installing electrical fixtures. The mounting plate is made of metal or a polymeric material and attaches to and covers an outlet box containing all electrical wiring splices made in electrically connecting the fixture to a power source. Another object of the invention is a mounting plate having a swivel bar mounted thereto on the side of the plate to which the outlet box attaches. The outlet box attaches to the swivel bar so to enclose the wiring splices between the mounting plate and outlet box, in accordance with UL standards. However, provision of the swivel bar allows the electrical fixture to be rotated with respect to the outlet box so the fixture is oriented in any desired position regardless of the outlet box orientation.
Another object of the invention is a mounting plate which provides an electrical enclosure and accessibility barrier. The fixture can be molded out of polymeric materials not having to meet UL requirements for an electrical enclosure. The mounting plate design further resolves all issues relating to the maximum size of open holes in an enclosure as specified in Table 9.1 of UL standard 1571 relating to incandescent fixtures.
An additional object of the invention is a concept which is also applicable for fluorescent and other types of fixtures as well.
In accordance with the invention, generally stated, a lighting fixture made of metal or a molded plastic material includes a canopy formed on one side. Electrical wiring for a lamp socket of the fixture is routed to the socket through the canopy. One end of each wire is electrically connected to the socket, and the other, free end of each wire extends through the canopy. A mounting plate fits over an opening defined by the canopy and is secured to the outlet box. The mounting plate has generally the same shape as the fixture canopy so to form a barrier between the outlet box and the canopy. The plate has a central opening through which the free ends of the wires extend. Electrical wires for connecting the fixture to a power source are routed through an opening in a sidewall of an electrical outlet box. Ends of these electrical wires are spliced together with the free ends of the other wires, and the exposed ends of the spliced wires are covered with wire nuts, electrical tape, or the like. The mounting plate could include a swivel bar attached to the plate on the side of the plate to which the outlet box attaches. The swivel bar is first attached to the outlet box, and the fixture canopy is then attached to the mounting plate. This allows the fixture to be positioned in any orientation regardless of the outlet box orientation. The electrical wires are completely enclosed by the outlet box and mounting plate as required by UL standards. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1659404 (1928-02-01), Lipschutz
patent: 5477439 (1995-12-01), Kowalenko et al.
patent: 5537304 (1996-07-01), Kluas
patent: 5549266 (1996-08-01), Mitchell et al.
Dal Partnership
Husar Stephen
Polster Lieder Woodruff & Lucchesi
Ward John Anthony
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