QUICK CONNECT DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL FIXTURE

• US 20020182917A1
• Filed: 05/28/2002
• Published: 12/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Angelo Fan Brace Licensing LLC
• Original Assignee: Angelo Fan Brace Licensing LLC
• Inventors: Kerr, Jack Russell Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 6,503,099 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/314
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/002 making direct electrical contact, e.g. by piercing F21V21/35 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/02 Wall, ceiling, or floor bases; Fixing pendants or arms to the bases F21V21/08 takes precedence; bases for movable standing lamps F21V21/06
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/06 the elements being coupling devices , e.g. connectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/629 Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances separate tools or apparatus H01R43/26
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/164 Connecting locations formed by flush mounted apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/20 Ceiling roses or other lighting sets

Abstract

A ceiling fan or light fixture is provided with a sliding support member that slides horizontally into a support channel attached to a ceiling box. An electrical plug and receptacle attached to the two support members automatically mate as the two support members are slid together. A bell is then raised to cover the two support members and prevent them from sliding apart.

Claims

1. A quick connect device for suspended electrical devices, comprising:

a first support member defining a channel, and having within it a first electrical connector;

a second support member, dimensioned to slide along and be guided by the channel into a position mating with said first support member, and bearing a second electrical connector, said first and second connectors so positioned as to mate when the second support member is slid into mating position;

said first support member being adapted to be attached to an electrical ceiling box, and said second support member being adapted to be attached to and support an electrical device.

2. A quick connect device according to claim 1, further comprising a bell adapted to be secured in a position covering said support members when said support members are in mating position and, when in that position, to prevent said support members from being separated.

3. A quick connect device according to claim 2, wherein said bell and at least one of said support members are provided with holes for at least one screw to retain said bell in said position covering said support members.

4. A quick connect device according to claim 2, wherein said bell is provided with at least one hole and at least one of said support members is provided with at least one resiliently biased pin positioned to engage said at least one hole and to retain said bell in said position covering said support members.

5. A quick connect device according to claim 2, wherein said bell is provided with at least one slot and at least one of said support members is provided with a pin to engage in said at least one slot to secure said bell in said position covering said support members.

6. A quick connect device according to claim 2, wherein said bell is connected to the said other support member by screws, and is raised into said position covering said support members by tightening said screws.

7. A quick connect device according to claim 1, wherein said second support member defines a second channel into which said first electrical connector projects when said support members are in mating position.