Light track device with connector module

• US 4,082,395 A
• Filed: 02/22/1977
• Issued: 04/04/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lightolier Incoporated (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Lightolier Incoporated (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: Donato, Anthony C., Russo, Neil
• Primary Examiner(s): Bicks, Mark S.
• Application Number:
  US05/770,388
• Time in Patent Office: 406 Days
• Field of Search: 339/21 R, 339/22 R, 339/22 B, 339/95 D, 339/258 C
• US Class Current: 439/115
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/14 Rails or bus-bars constructed so that the counterparts can be connected thereto at any point along their length supporting elements for lighting devices, displaceable along guiding elements and making electrical contact with conductors running along the guiding elements F21V21/35
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/145 Details, e.g. end pieces or joints H01R25/147 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/48 utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member H01R4/52 takes precedence

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a light track device of the type which mechanically and electrically supports fixtures such as spotlights or the like at any selected position along the length thereof, the device being characterized by an improved attachment module facilitating the formation of electrical connections between the conduits in the light track and the mains conduits. The module incorporates clamps or connector fixtures within which the mains conduits may be placed, secure mechanical and electrical interlock between the mains conduits and the fixtures being effected by the exertion of a lateral force against the mains conduits.

Claims

1. An electrical connector fixture adapted electrically to connect a light track with an electrical mains supply comprising an attachment module including a downwardly open mouth portion, first and second mains connector clamps mounted in said module in mutually electrically isolated relation and coupled, respectively, with the conductors of said light track, each said clamp being formed of resilient conductive material and comprising a base, a spaced pair of legs extending from each base, each said leg terminating in an inturned ledge portion overlying a portion of its base, said ledge portions terminating in distal edges spaced to define downwardly open elongate entry slots therebetween, said distal edges being inclined toward said bases, a spring retainer tab member formed integrally with each base, said tab members being directed toward said ledges and terminating in retainer edges spaced from said ledges a distance less than the thickness of a said mains lead, and cam means formed on said tab members and inclined in the direction of said entry and toward said base slots, to deflect said tab members toward said bases responsive to lateral forces exerted against said cam means by mains leads, whereby said leads are resiliently clamped between said ledges and tab members.

2. A fixture in accordance with claim 1 wherein each tab member comprises a spaced pair of tab portions, the space between said portions being in registry with its slot.

3. A light track device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said module includes stiffener wall means engaging said legs for limiting lateral deflection thereof.

4. In combination with a light track device including an elongate channel having an upper section adapted to be disposed against a mounting support surface and a lower section, said lower section including a longitudinally extending opening providing access to a pair of longitudinally extending electrical conduits disposed therein, the improvement which comprises a mains supply attachment module connected to said channel, said attachment module including a downwardly open mouth portion, first and second mains connector fixtures mounted in said module in mutually insulated relation, each said connector fixture being in electrical contact with one of said conduits, said connector fixtures being adapted electrically and mechanically to clamp a mains lead therein, said fixtures comprising a resilient conductive metal component in the general configuration of an inverted U elongated in the direction of said track and including a central branch and a spaced pair of legs, a ledge portion formed at the end of each of said legs, said ledges being in mutually facing opposed relation and terminating in distal edges inclined toward said base and defining therebetween a downwardly open entry slot elongated in the direction of said track, a retainer spring tab member formed integrally with said branch, said tab member extending toward said ledge portions, the lowermost edge of said tab member terminating in spaced relation to said ledge portions, the spacing of said lowermost edge from said ledge portions being less than the thickness of a said mains lead, whereby a mains lead aligned with said track may be upwardly introduced into the interior of said U configuration through said entry slot and subjected to a lateral force in the direction of either said leg will be resiliently clamped between a said ledge and tab member.

5. A light track device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said tab member comprises a spaced pair of tab portions, the space between said tab portions being in registry with said slot, said tab portions including cam means inclined laterally relative to said entry slot and toward said base.

6. A light track device in accordance with claim 5 wherein said module includes stiffener wall means engaging said legs for limiting outward lateral deflection thereof.