Gimble ring lighting fixture support

• US 6,502,967 B2
• Filed: 12/14/2000
• Issued: 01/07/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Toro Company (Toro)
• Original Assignee: Nate Mullen
• Inventors: Mullen, Nate
• Primary Examiner(s): CARIASO, ALAN B
• Application Number:
  US09/737,420
• Publication Number:
  US 20020075690A1
• Time in Patent Office: 754 Days
• Field of Search: 362/153.1, 362/285, 362/287, 362/288, 362/368, 362/370-372, 362/417-419, 362/427-430, 362/432
• US Class Current: 362/427
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/022 intended to be recessed in a floor or like ground surface, e.g. pavement or false floor
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/22 telescopic
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/30 Pivoted housings or frames
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/107 of the exterior of buildings
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/109 of gardens

Abstract

This invention relates to a lighting fixture support with a pivoting mounting bracket. More specifically, this invention is aimed at providing a well-type lighting fixture for use in outdoor, below ground lighting settings which is easily positioned at various angles with respect to the ground. The inventive mounting bracket comprises a first bracket which is connected to a second bracket at a pivot point. One or more dimples on either of the brackets are operatively connected to one or more sets of ratchet teeth on the other bracket. The dimples and sets of ratchet teeth cooperate to secure the first bracket into discrete positions about the pivot point with respect to the second bracket.

Claims

1. A light fixture support apparatus comprising:

a first bracket having a top side and a bottom side;

said top side having two or more bracket arms;

said bottom side having one or more pivot arms;

said one or more pivot arms having one or more sets of ratcheting teeth;

a second bracket comprising a retention bar connected to one or more stationary arms;

said one or more stationary arms having one or more dimples;

said one or more pivot arms of said first bracket connected to said one or more stationary arms of said second bracket by a pivot securing means;

said pivot securing means having an axis of rotation;

said one or more dimples on said one or more stationary arms operatively connected to said one or more sets of ratcheting teeth on said one or more pivot arms.

2. The light fixture support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said top side having three bracket arms.

3. The light fixture support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bottom side of said first bracket has a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm.

4. The light fixture support apparatus of claim 3 wherein said first pivot arm and said second pivot arm each have a set of ratcheting teeth.

5. The light fixture support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second bracket has a first stationary arm and a second stationary arm.

6. The light fixture support apparatus of claim 5 wherein said first stationary arm and said second stationary arm each have a dimple.

7. A light fixture support apparatus comprising:

a first bracket having a top side and a bottom side;

said top side having three or more bracket arms;

said bottom side having a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm;

said first pivot arm and said second pivot arm having one or more sets of ratcheting teeth;

a second bracket comprising a retention bar connected to a first stationary arm and a second stationary arm;

said first stationary arm and said second stationary arm having one or more dimples;

said first pivot arm of said first bracket connected to said first stationary arm of said second bracket by a first pivot securing means, said first pivot securing means having an axis of rotation;

said second pivot arm of said first bracket connected to said second stationary arm of said second bracket by a second pivot securing means, said second pivot securing means having an axis of rotation;

said first pivot securing means and said second pivot securing means having the same axis of rotation;

said one or more dimples on said first stationary arm and said second stationary arm operatively connected to said one or more sets of ratcheting teeth on said first pivot arms and said second pivot arm.

8. The light fixture support apparatus of claim 7 wherein said top side of said first bracket has three bracket arms.

9. The light fixture support apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first pivot arm and said second pivot arm each have a set of ratcheting teeth.

10. The light fixture support apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first stationary arm and said second stationary arm each have a dimple.

11. A light fixture support apparatus comprising:

a first bracket having a top side and a bottom side;

said top side having three bracket arms;

said bottom side having a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm;

said first pivot arm and said second pivot arm each having a set of ratcheting teeth;

a second bracket comprising a retention bar connected to a first stationary arm and a second stationary arm;

said first stationary arm and said second stationary arm each having a dimple;

said first pivot arm of said first bracket connected to said first stationary arm of said second bracket by a first pivot securing means, said first pivot securing means having an axis of rotation;

said second pivot arm of said first bracket connected to said second stationary arm of said second bracket by a second pivot securing means, said second pivot securing means having an axis of rotation;

said first pivot securing means and said second pivot securing means having the same axis of rotation;

said dimple on said first stationary arm operatively connected to said set of ratcheting teeth on said first pivot arm; and

said dimple on said second stationary arm operatively connected to said set of ratcheting teeth on said second pivot arm.