Supports: racks – Special article – Electrically powered
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-16
2001-03-13
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Special article
Electrically powered
C211S094010, C362S219000, C052S749100, C312S223600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199705
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a display for lighting and other type fixtures that may be hung on a wall or on a ceiling. The display movably mounts the fixtures and provides an electrical connection for operating the fixture.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The display of the present invention preferably includes a main display panel which is composed of “slat board”. Slat board is a common display material that includes a series of lateral “T” shaped or similar shaped grooves or slots in a rigid board. Retail stores typically use slat board on walls and the like to display their products. Fixtures are placed within the grooves and are movable along the length of the board. Typical fixtures include hanger racks, shelving and the like. Because of the multiple, elongated grooves in the panels, slat board type displays inherently offer versatility to the arrangement of the goods being displayed.
Previously, slat board type constructions have been used to display lighting fixtures and the like. Branham, Sr. et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,832 shows a wall mounting system having a slat board type structure to which various fixtures may be mounted. A retainer having a threaded bolt is inserted into the groove of the slat board to support a fixture, such as a lighting fixture. A switch may be provided within the groove. The switch forms a part of the electrical connection which extends from the fixture, along the groove and projects from the side edge of the board.
Branham, II U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,802 shows a structure for fastening display mounts, including lighting fixtures, to a slat board. The particular groove within the slat board has curved surfaces. A mounting plate having a resilient support is incorporated into the display.
McAtee U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,460 shows a display having a series of lighting fixtures mounted to a support board and canopy. There are no mounting plates incorporated into the display. The electrical connections from the lighting fixtures are inserted through openings within the board (and canopy). The wires extend through a hollow structure to a receptacle bank which is located behind the display.
It is also known to use slat board type constructions in a manner similar to that shown in the McAtee patent identified above. A mounting plate is movably secured in the grooves of the slat board. A wire is attached to the plate and provides an electrical connection to the lighting fixture mounted thereon. The portion of the wire connecting to the electrical source is projected through a hole drilled into the groove in the slat board and then connected to a receptacle bank located behind the display.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a display for lighting fixtures or the like and incorporates a slat board type panel of the type having a series of lateral or horizontal grooves. A series of mounting plates are provided to support individual lighting fixtures. Each mounting plate has an electrical wire attached thereto. At one end of the wire is a standard plug which can mate with a power receptacle. The opposite end of the wire is used for attachment to the lighting fixture which is to be secured to the mounting plate. The plates are movable within the grooves of the slat board, and thus the arrangement of the lighting fixtures on the display can be easily varied.
The contemplated display structure includes at least one retainer on the side of the slat board. The retainer mates with the grooves in the slat board and may form a support for the board. The retainer preferably comprises a channel, one portion of which may form the sidewall for the display. Alternatively, a retainer may be formed to mount two adjacent slat board panels. In the preferred embodiment, a series of front and rear tabs are provided along the inside edge of the retainer. The tabs are positioned at different levels and provide a groove for insertion of the edge of the slat board. Adjacent the tabs are retainer openings which align with the grooves in the slat board. The alignment of the openings and grooves permits the electrical wire from the mounting plate to enter the channel of the retainer and be plugged into a receptacle which is mounted at the base of the channel.
The retainer may be provided with a support that extends across the channel to maintain the width of the channel. A cover is provided over the channel to create a pleasing appearance and hide the electrical connections within the retainer. The cover may also include a projecting tab that extends into the groove on the slat board. The tab is used to position the wire from the mounting plate in either the upper or lower portion of the groove. In this manner, the wires are hidden from sight and the electrical connections are made without the need for drilling holes through the slat board.
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Angelo Lighting, Inc.
Novosad Jennifer E.
Seidel Gonda Lavorgna & Monaco, PC
Stodola Daniel P.
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