GB2353149A - Inter-linkable luminaires - Google Patents

Abstract

A luminaire 3, which may use discharge or incandescent lamps, has two external wires 1, each provided with a connector 2. Thus two luminaires can be interlinked using only one pair of connectors.

Description

1 2353149 INTER-LMKABLE LUNffNARCES This invention is an inter-linkable

luminaires.

There is a type of luminaire that is usually called a link light, under cupboard light or cabinet light These luminaires use discharge or incandescent lamps, in a housing unit, which is generally placed under shelves, cupboards or in cabinets, to illuminate an area.

There is a requirement that these luminaires link to each other, so that a number of luminaires maybe joined together.

At present these luminaires may be joined togetherby being directly plugged into each other, although a layman, using simple instructions could just plug the connectors together, in order to join the luminaires together. The situations that require luminaires to be joined together so closely are extremely limited. As usually dim luminaires are fitted, for example, under cabinets, which require the luminaire fitting to be in the central position iinder the cabinet and then lose wiring would be needed to reach across to the next fitting which is placed under the next cabinet.

Also, joining the luminaires so closely together means they must be fitted with exact precision, ff the connectors are to locate together, and function. Furthermore, with this type of fitting, the fact that these connectors are positioned directly adjacent to the lummaire housing means the length of the himmaire is increased, which could be a disadvantage.

It is more common for the luminaires to be spaced, in order to do this, these fittings need to be wired together, this is generally beyond the capabilities of a layman. An additional pair of connectors, joined to a length of wire will have to be made or purchased. Either way they would add further cost and additional work to the installation of the luminaire.

Figure 1 illustrates an example of a fluorescent luminaire, showing how wires (1), and connectors (2), could be manufactured into a fluorescent circuit.

Figure 2 illustrates an example of a incandescent himinaire, showing how wires (1), and connectors (2), could be manufacun-ed into an incandescent circuit According to this invention, figure I and 3, the luminaire would be manufactured with two wires (1), each wire would be joined at one end to the standard circuitry of the luminaire. The other end of each wire would protrude from the huninaire fitting and attached to this end of the wire would be a connector (2), enabling the luminaires to be easily joined together.

This invention would enable the joining of himinaire to huninaire, while only requiring one set of connectors. (As opposed to luminaires, which have internal connectors, and require an additional set of connectors, if they are to be joined with a space between them thus unnecessarily utilizing two connectors.) With this invention, figure I and 2, the huninaire would be manufactured in a manner whereby a connector (2) would be pre-wired to each end of the himinaire fitting. Allowing an existing length of wire (1) between the connector (2) and the himinaire housing (3), which would allow for spacing between the positioning of each himinaire.

Thus, each luminaire would be able to be fixed in position, by a lay persorL There would be no need for absolute accuracy in positioning the himinaire, so that it is able to attach directly to the next fitting, and no need to do any additional wiring between each fitting All that needs to be done is that the luminaires need to be screwed into position, for example below their respective cabinets, the connectors would then reach together and plug into each other, while allowing any 2 excess wire to be easily hidden out of sight. The incorporation of the intermediary connectors into the design would not increase the length of the luminaire itself.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to Figure I and 2.

Figure I shows a fluorescent luminaire, and figure 2 shows an incandescent luminaire, mounted on or in a housing unit (3), with fixtures (4), to hold the bulb (5). Figure I being a fluorescent bulb, and figure 2 being an incandescent bulb.

The luminaire uses standard circuitry, and may or may not have an on/off switch externally on the luminaire housing.

Figure 1 uses standard fluorescent control gear (6), obvious to anyone in the trade.

The invention shows two wires protruding from each end of the luminaire (1). Each wire has a live and neutral wire inside it.

The live and neutral points on the circuitry are labeled (L) and (N), and can be easily understood by anyone in the trade.

Attached to each wire is a connector unit (2), so that each luminaire may easily plug into each other, or the mains.

The luminaires may be fitted anywhere in the standard manner.

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Claims (4)

Claims

1. According to this invention the luminaire would be manufactured with two wires, each wire would be joined at one end to the circuitry of the luminaire, in the standard manner. The other end of each wire would protrude from anywhere on the luminaire housing and on this end of the wire would be a connector, enabling the luminaires to be joined together.

2. Lumiair means a light fitting or any form of fixture, which enables a lamp of any kind to operate, using any design of circuitry.

3. Inter-linkable means also linkable capable of being joined on directly or remotely. The linkable portions being at the end or in any other position on the fitting.

4. Wires refer to electrical wires, cables or any other form of flexible or solid conductor. Connector refers to any form of plug or socket or any other forin of electrical connector units. Connectors may be male and female, or any other means by which two pieces fit together.