US3692993A - Lighting fixture unit - Google Patents

Lighting fixture unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3692993A
US3692993A US79814A US3692993DA US3692993A US 3692993 A US3692993 A US 3692993A US 79814 A US79814 A US 79814A US 3692993D A US3692993D A US 3692993DA US 3692993 A US3692993 A US 3692993A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
door
lights
housing
opening
lighting fixture
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US79814A
Inventor
Samuel H Robinson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SAMRO HOLDINGS Ltd
Original Assignee
SAMRO HOLDINGS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SAMRO HOLDINGS Ltd filed Critical SAMRO HOLDINGS Ltd
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3692993A publication Critical patent/US3692993A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S8/00Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
    • F21S8/02Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters
    • F21S8/028Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters being retractable, i.e. having two fixed positions, one recessed, e.g. in a wall, floor or ceiling, and one extended when in use
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S4/00Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources
    • F21S4/20Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources with light sources held by or within elongate supports
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V17/00Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
    • F21V17/007Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages with provision for shipment or storage
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/14Adjustable mountings
    • F21V21/30Pivoted housings or frames
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V17/00Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
    • F21V17/10Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening
    • F21V17/107Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening using hinge joints
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21WINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2121/00Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
    • F21W2121/004Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00 mounted on the exterior of houses or other buildings to illuminate parts thereof
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S362/00Illumination
    • Y10S362/806Ornamental or decorative

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A lighting fixture unit having a housing adapted to be mounted on a building or similar structure, the housing having an opening in a wall on which a door is mounted for movement between open and closed positions. Electric lights are carried in a holder which is swingable in the housing for moving the lights between a hidden portion in the housing and an exposed position extending through the opening.
  • the strings of lights are usually secured in place by connectors such as staples, which results, due to repetitive installation and removal, in considerable marring of wooden surfaces.
  • Long strings of lights are difficult to install, consequently a householder is often inclined to leave the lights in place once they are secured. Although this avoids yearly installation and removal, the strings of lights are exposed to weather for the full year resulting in their early deterioration and, furthermore, they add nothing to, and in fact detract from, the appearance of a house between Christmas seasons.
  • Christmas light holders have heretofore been devised for attachment to houses for presenting strings of Christmas lights in a regular manner and which afford the lights some protection from rain, snow, and the like.
  • the lights are always exposed to view, consequently unless the householder is content to accept detraction from the aesthetic qualities of his home the holders must be installed and removed each Christmas season.
  • the present invention provides a lighting fixture unit which is particularly adapted for permanently securing decorative lighting to houses and other structures and enables lights to be moved between hidden and ex-' posed positions thus overcoming objections above to permanent installation.
  • the lighting fixture unit of the present invention furthermore, protects electric lights and wiring from the elements and, furthermore, is relatively inexpensive and simple to install and operate.
  • the lighting fixture unit of the present invention includes a housing adapted to be mounted on a building, the housing having an opening, a door at the opening moveable between open and closed positions, an electric light holder mounted within the housing for movement between positions in which the lights are disposed in a hidden position within the housing, and an exposed position projecting through the opening.
  • FIG. 1 is an elevation of a house showing lighting fixture units, in accordance with the invention, installed,
  • FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a portion of a unit with lights in an exposed position
  • FIG. 3 is a transverse section of the unit with the lights in an exposed position
  • FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the lights in a hidden position
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the unit, parts being removed for clarity of illustration,
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmented transverse section of a portion of a unit
  • FIG. 7 is a transverse section of a unit of another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a plurality of lighting fixture units, generally 10, secured beneath an overhanging eave 11 and a gable 12 of a house 13 to outline a roof 14 of the house.
  • the units each of which houses a string 15 of electric lights 15.1, are disposed in end to end relationship, the string of lights in one unit being electrically connected to strings of lights in adjacent units.
  • the unit 10 see FIG. 2, has a sheet metal housing 21 which is rectangular in section and which has a top wall 22, side walls 23 and 24, end walls 25 and 26, see FIGS. 2 and 3, and a bottom wall 27.
  • the bottom wall has a width approximately one-half width of that of the housing and extends from a lower edge of the side wall 24 to a free edge 27.1, see FIG. 5, so as to provide a longitudinally extending opening 28 width of which is approximately half the housing width.
  • the end wall 25, see FIG. 5, has an inwardly turned lip 26 defining one end of the opening 28.
  • the end wall 26 also has an inwardly turned lip, not shown, which defines an opposite end of the opening 28.
  • the free edge 27.1 of the bottom wall and a lower edge of the side wall define sides of the opening.
  • the unit includes a holder 31 to which light sockets 31.1 are connected and a door 32 both of which have a hinged connection with the bottom wall 27 at the edge 27.1 of the latter.
  • the holder is a strip of sheet metal, see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, bent along one edge 33 to stiffen the strip longitudinally, and has a plurality of uniformly spaced apart longitudinally aligned holes 34 for receiving light sockets 31.1.
  • a connector 37 having a collar 38 engaging a socket, and connecting straps 39 rivetted to the holder, holds each socket in place. Electric lights 15.1 screwed onto the sockets extend outwards of an outer face 42 of the holder.
  • the light holder is connected to the bottom wall in a piano hinge arrangement, the edge 27.1 of the bottom wall and an edge 43 of the light holder having rolled extensions 44 which form sleeves having a rotatable fit on a longitudinally extending hinge pin 45.
  • the connection the the holder with the bottom wall enables the holder to be swung between a position extending substantially normal to the bottom wall as seen in FIG. 4 and a position extending across the opening in which it rests on the lip 29 of the end wall 25 and the corresponding lip of the end wall 26, see FIG. 3.
  • the lights can thus be disposed either in a hidden position within the housing, FIG. 3, or an exposed position in which they extend outwards of the opening beyond the bottom wall, FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • Wiring 46 see FIGS. 3 and 4
  • the door 32 is also made of a strip of sheet metal and, as seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, is reversely bent along one edge 51 to a T-shape to provide longitudinal stiffness, and has rolled extensions 52 at an opposite edge for engagement with the hinge pin 45.
  • the door swings between a fully closed position, see FIG. 4, in which it extends across the opening and a fully open position, FIG. 3, in which it extends below and parallel to the bottom wall of the housing.
  • Spring clips 53-531 are secured to the side walls 23 and 24 of the housing for releasably engaging the edge 51 of the door so as to maintain the door in either its fully open or fully closed positions.
  • the unit includes a holder operator 55, see FIG. 5, mounted on the hinge pin for effecting automatic movement of the light holder when the door is swung between its fully closed and fully opened positions.
  • the operator 55 has a sleeve 56 from which tabs 57, 58, 59 and 61 project laterally.
  • the sleeve has a rotatable fit on the hinge pin and the tabs are disposed so that with the door in its closed position, see FIG. 4, tabs 57 and 58 extend upwards on opposite sides of and effectively grasp the holder the tab 59 extends at right angles to tabs 57 and 58 in engagement with an inner surface of the door, while the tab 61 extends outwards of the housing at right angles to the door.
  • the door when swung to its open position, engages the tab 61 after swinging through an arc of 90 thus rotating the operator so that the tab 57 swings the holder to a position across the opening, see FIG. 5.
  • the door when swung from its open position to its closed position meets the tab 61 after swinging through an arc of 90 resulting in reverse rotation of the operator so that the tab 58 swings .the holder upwards and away from the holder, the lights swinging to their hidden position.
  • the operator is formed from a single piece of sheet steel which is thicker than the sheet metal forming the door so that deflection of the tabs under load, is small.
  • a helical spring 62 having spring arms 62.1 and 62.2 can be mounted under tension on the hinge pin with the arms reacting against the bottom wall and the door for urging the door to swing to a normal closed position. Provision of the spring is desirable but not necessary. It is evident, and to be understood, that provision of the operator, although desirable, also is not necessary.
  • the door and the light holder can be moved by hand, independent of each other.
  • FIG. 7 shows a lighting fixture unit 70 which has an L-shaped housing 71, one leg 72.1 of the housing being connectable to a holder 75, similar to the holder 31, and carrying lights 76 is mounted on a free edge 77.1 of the other leg 77 of the housing in a piano hinge arrangement for swinging the lights between a hidden position as shown in solid outline and an exposed position as shown in broken outline.
  • a tab 78 on the holder engages the leg 77 restraining swinging movement of the holder past the dotted outline position.
  • a string of units can be secured in end to end relationship beneath the roof of a house so as to outline the gable or the eaves, the units being secured to the house by screws which are extended through suitable holes in the top wall 22.
  • the units are disposed in end to end relationship with plugs of each unit extending into receptacles of a unit adjacent so that the strings of lights in the units are electrically interconnected. Connection of strings of lights of a pair of units can also be effected by a short length of electric cable 63, see FIG. 1, having a plug receptacle for connection with a receptacle and plug of said pair of units.
  • the housing and door of each of the units can be colored to match the house trim.
  • the under surface of the holder can be similarly colored or can be reflectorized.
  • a lighting fixture unit including:
  • a light holder carrying a string of interconnected electric lights, swingably mounted in the housing for swinging the lights between a hidden position in the housing and an exposed position projecting through the opening
  • a door connected to the housing at the opening for movement between an open position and a closed position
  • a lighting fixture unit including:
  • a housing having a bottom wall and opposite end walls, the bottom wall having an opening
  • a door connected to the bottom wall at the opening for swinging movement between a fully closed position extending across the opening and a fully closed position against the bottom wall
  • a lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 2 in which the means (d) includes spring clips connected to the housing for releasably engaging the door in its fully opened and its fully closed positions.
  • a lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 2 includmg:
  • e. means operable when the door is moved between its open and its closed position for swinging the holder and the lights between the hidden position and the exposed position.
  • a lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 4 in which the means (e) includes an operator grasping the 6 holder, the operator having projecting tabs, one of the f. spring means engaging the door and the bottom tabs being disposed so as to be engaged by the door wall of the housing normally urging the door from when the latter is swung from its closed to its open posiits open to its closed position. tion for moving the holder and li hts to th exposed 7.
  • a lighting fixture umt as claimed in claim 2 includposition, and one of the tabs being disposed so as to be 5 8 engaged by the door when the latter is swung from its 8 electrlcal cfmnectmg 9 at PP f Walls open to its closed position for moving the holder and of f housing P the K for electrwally f li to the hidden position neetlng the strmgs of lights of a plurality of units 6.
  • a lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 2 includextendmg end end relauonshping: 10

Abstract

A lighting fixture unit having a housing adapted to be mounted on a building or similar structure, the housing having an opening in a wall on which a door is mounted for movement between open and closed positions. Electric lights are carried in a holder which is swingable in the housing for moving the lights between a hidden portion in the housing and an exposed position extending through the opening.

Description

United States Patent Robinson 51 Sept. 19, 1972 1 LIGHTING FIXTURE UNIT [72] Inventor: Samuel H. Robinson, Edmonton, Al-
berta, Canada 7 [73] Assignee: Samro Holdings Ltd., Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada 221 Filed: Oct. 12, 1970 211 App]. No.: 79,814
[52] US. Cl. ..240/l0, 240/ BV [51] Int. Cl ..F2lp l/02 [58] Field of Search ..240/9, 2 BV, 10, 2 B, 10 T,
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,719,715 Monk ..240/10 R 2,512,954 6/1950 Marks ..240/2 B X 3,278,742 10/1966 Stallard ..240/ 10 R 3,569,691 3/1971 Tracy ..240/l0 R Primary Examiner-bouis J. Capozi Attorney-Brian J. Wood [5 7] ABSTRACT A lighting fixture unit having a housing adapted to be mounted on a building or similar structure, the housing having an opening in a wall on which a door is mounted for movement between open and closed positions. Electric lights are carried in a holder which is swingable in the housing for moving the lights between a hidden portion in the housing and an exposed position extending through the opening.
7 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures P'A'TENTEDSEP 19 m2 SHEET 3 BF 3 Samuel H. Robinson,
Inv or Lyle G Trorey,
A ent LIGHTING FIXTURE UNIT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It has become common practice to decorate homes during the Christmas holiday season by attaching strings of lights to achieve a decorative effect. The strings of lights are usually secured beneath overhanding eaves and around gables, and are also positioned to outline architectural features of the homes.
The strings of lights are usually secured in place by connectors such as staples, which results, due to repetitive installation and removal, in considerable marring of wooden surfaces. Long strings of lights are difficult to install, consequently a householder is often inclined to leave the lights in place once they are secured. Although this avoids yearly installation and removal, the strings of lights are exposed to weather for the full year resulting in their early deterioration and, furthermore, they add nothing to, and in fact detract from, the appearance of a house between Christmas seasons.
Present methods of securing strings of lights as above mentioned, furthermore often result in a hap-hazard disposition of the lights.
Christmas light holders have heretofore been devised for attachment to houses for presenting strings of Christmas lights in a regular manner and which afford the lights some protection from rain, snow, and the like. The lights, however, are always exposed to view, consequently unless the householder is content to accept detraction from the aesthetic qualities of his home the holders must be installed and removed each Christmas season.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a lighting fixture unit which is particularly adapted for permanently securing decorative lighting to houses and other structures and enables lights to be moved between hidden and ex-' posed positions thus overcoming objections above to permanent installation.
The lighting fixture unit of the present invention, furthermore, protects electric lights and wiring from the elements and, furthermore, is relatively inexpensive and simple to install and operate.
The lighting fixture unit of the present invention includes a housing adapted to be mounted on a building, the housing having an opening, a door at the opening moveable between open and closed positions, an electric light holder mounted within the housing for movement between positions in which the lights are disposed in a hidden position within the housing, and an exposed position projecting through the opening.
A detailed description following, related to drawings, gives exemplification of apparatus which, however, is capable of expression in means other than those particularly described and illustrated.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevation of a house showing lighting fixture units, in accordance with the invention, installed,
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a portion of a unit with lights in an exposed position,
FIG. 3 is a transverse section of the unit with the lights in an exposed position,
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the lights in a hidden position,
FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the unit, parts being removed for clarity of illustration,
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmented transverse section of a portion of a unit,
FIG. 7 is a transverse section of a unit of another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1
FIG. 1 shows a plurality of lighting fixture units, generally 10, secured beneath an overhanging eave 11 and a gable 12 of a house 13 to outline a roof 14 of the house. The units, each of which houses a string 15 of electric lights 15.1, are disposed in end to end relationship, the string of lights in one unit being electrically connected to strings of lights in adjacent units.
FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 The unit 10, see FIG. 2, has a sheet metal housing 21 which is rectangular in section and which has a top wall 22, side walls 23 and 24, end walls 25 and 26, see FIGS. 2 and 3, and a bottom wall 27. The bottom wall has a width approximately one-half width of that of the housing and extends from a lower edge of the side wall 24 to a free edge 27.1, see FIG. 5, so as to provide a longitudinally extending opening 28 width of which is approximately half the housing width. The end wall 25, see FIG. 5, has an inwardly turned lip 26 defining one end of the opening 28. The end wall 26 also has an inwardly turned lip, not shown, which defines an opposite end of the opening 28. The free edge 27.1 of the bottom wall and a lower edge of the side wall define sides of the opening.
The unit includes a holder 31 to which light sockets 31.1 are connected and a door 32 both of which have a hinged connection with the bottom wall 27 at the edge 27.1 of the latter. The holder is a strip of sheet metal, see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, bent along one edge 33 to stiffen the strip longitudinally, and has a plurality of uniformly spaced apart longitudinally aligned holes 34 for receiving light sockets 31.1. A connector 37 having a collar 38 engaging a socket, and connecting straps 39 rivetted to the holder, holds each socket in place. Electric lights 15.1 screwed onto the sockets extend outwards of an outer face 42 of the holder.
The light holder is connected to the bottom wall in a piano hinge arrangement, the edge 27.1 of the bottom wall and an edge 43 of the light holder having rolled extensions 44 which form sleeves having a rotatable fit on a longitudinally extending hinge pin 45. The connection the the holder with the bottom wall enables the holder to be swung between a position extending substantially normal to the bottom wall as seen in FIG. 4 and a position extending across the opening in which it rests on the lip 29 of the end wall 25 and the corresponding lip of the end wall 26, see FIG. 3. The lights can thus be disposed either in a hidden position within the housing, FIG. 3, or an exposed position in which they extend outwards of the opening beyond the bottom wall, FIGS. 4 and 5. Wiring 46, see FIGS. 3 and 4,
connects the sockets with a three-conductor plug 47 secured to the end wall 25, and with a three-conductor receptacle 48 secured to the end wall 26. The receptacle and plug are grounded as seen at 49 to the housing, and are disposed so that plugs of one unit engage receptacles of an adjacent unit when the units are disposed in end to end relationship as seen in FIG. 1.
The door 32 is also made of a strip of sheet metal and, as seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, is reversely bent along one edge 51 to a T-shape to provide longitudinal stiffness, and has rolled extensions 52 at an opposite edge for engagement with the hinge pin 45. The door swings between a fully closed position, see FIG. 4, in which it extends across the opening and a fully open position, FIG. 3, in which it extends below and parallel to the bottom wall of the housing. Spring clips 53-531 are secured to the side walls 23 and 24 of the housing for releasably engaging the edge 51 of the door so as to maintain the door in either its fully open or fully closed positions.
The unit includes a holder operator 55, see FIG. 5, mounted on the hinge pin for effecting automatic movement of the light holder when the door is swung between its fully closed and fully opened positions.
The operator 55 has a sleeve 56 from which tabs 57, 58, 59 and 61 project laterally. The sleeve has a rotatable fit on the hinge pin and the tabs are disposed so that with the door in its closed position, see FIG. 4, tabs 57 and 58 extend upwards on opposite sides of and effectively grasp the holder the tab 59 extends at right angles to tabs 57 and 58 in engagement with an inner surface of the door, while the tab 61 extends outwards of the housing at right angles to the door. The door, when swung to its open position, engages the tab 61 after swinging through an arc of 90 thus rotating the operator so that the tab 57 swings the holder to a position across the opening, see FIG. 5. The door, when swung from its open position to its closed position meets the tab 61 after swinging through an arc of 90 resulting in reverse rotation of the operator so that the tab 58 swings .the holder upwards and away from the holder, the lights swinging to their hidden position. The operator is formed from a single piece of sheet steel which is thicker than the sheet metal forming the door so that deflection of the tabs under load, is small.
FIG. 6
To facilitate movement of the door from its open to its closed position a helical spring 62 having spring arms 62.1 and 62.2 can be mounted under tension on the hinge pin with the arms reacting against the bottom wall and the door for urging the door to swing to a normal closed position. Provision of the spring is desirable but not necessary. It is evident, and to be understood, that provision of the operator, although desirable, also is not necessary. The door and the light holder can be moved by hand, independent of each other.
FIG. 7
FIG. 7 shows a lighting fixture unit 70 which has an L-shaped housing 71, one leg 72.1 of the housing being connectable to a holder 75, similar to the holder 31, and carrying lights 76 is mounted on a free edge 77.1 of the other leg 77 of the housing in a piano hinge arrangement for swinging the lights between a hidden position as shown in solid outline and an exposed position as shown in broken outline. A tab 78 on the holder engages the leg 77 restraining swinging movement of the holder past the dotted outline position.
OPERATION AND INSTALLATION A string of units can be secured in end to end relationship beneath the roof of a house so as to outline the gable or the eaves, the units being secured to the house by screws which are extended through suitable holes in the top wall 22. The units are disposed in end to end relationship with plugs of each unit extending into receptacles of a unit adjacent so that the strings of lights in the units are electrically interconnected. Connection of strings of lights of a pair of units can also be effected by a short length of electric cable 63, see FIG. 1, having a plug receptacle for connection with a receptacle and plug of said pair of units.
The housing and door of each of the units can be colored to match the house trim. The under surface of the holder can be similarly colored or can be reflectorized.
I claim:
1. A lighting fixture unit including:
a. a housing having an opening,
b. a light holder carrying a string of interconnected electric lights, swingably mounted in the housing for swinging the lights between a hidden position in the housing and an exposed position projecting through the opening,
c. a door connected to the housing at the opening for movement between an open position and a closed position,
(I. means responsive to movement of the door for automatically moving the lights from their hidden to their exposed positions when the door is moved from its closed position to its open position, and for returning the lights to their hidden positions when the door is moved from its open to its closed position.
2. A lighting fixture unit including:
a. a housing having a bottom wall and opposite end walls, the bottom wall having an opening,
b.-a light holder carrying an interconnected string of electric lights hingedly connected to the bottom wall at the opening for swinging the lights between a hidden position in the housing and an exposed position in which the lights project through the opening,
c. a door connected to the bottom wall at the opening for swinging movement between a fully closed position extending across the opening and a fully closed position against the bottom wall,
(1. means for releasably holding the door in its fully open and fully closed position.
3. A lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 2 in which the means (d) includes spring clips connected to the housing for releasably engaging the door in its fully opened and its fully closed positions.
4. A lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 2 includmg:
e. means operable when the door is moved between its open and its closed position for swinging the holder and the lights between the hidden position and the exposed position.
5. A lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 4 in which the means (e) includes an operator grasping the 6 holder, the operator having projecting tabs, one of the f. spring means engaging the door and the bottom tabs being disposed so as to be engaged by the door wall of the housing normally urging the door from when the latter is swung from its closed to its open posiits open to its closed position. tion for moving the holder and li hts to th exposed 7. A lighting fixture umt as claimed in claim 2 includposition, and one of the tabs being disposed so as to be 5 8 engaged by the door when the latter is swung from its 8 electrlcal cfmnectmg 9 at PP f Walls open to its closed position for moving the holder and of f housing P the K for electrwally f li to the hidden position neetlng the strmgs of lights of a plurality of units 6. A lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 2 includextendmg end end relauonshping: 10

Claims (7)

1. A lighting fixture unit including: a. a housing having an opening, b. a light holder carrying a string of interconnected electric lights, swingably mounted in the housing for swinging the lights between a hidden position in the housing and an exposed position projecting through the opening, c. a door connected to the housing at the opening for movement between an open positIon and a closed position, d. means responsive to movement of the door for automatically moving the lights from their hidden to their exposed positions when the door is moved from its closed position to its open position, and for returning the lights to their hidden positions when the door is moved from its open to its closed position.
2. A lighting fixture unit including: a. a housing having a bottom wall and opposite end walls, the bottom wall having an opening, b. a light holder carrying an interconnected string of electric lights hingedly connected to the bottom wall at the opening for swinging the lights between a hidden position in the housing and an exposed position in which the lights project through the opening, c. a door connected to the bottom wall at the opening for swinging movement between a fully closed position extending across the opening and a fully closed position against the bottom wall, d. means for releasably holding the door in its fully open and fully closed position.
3. A lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 2 in which the means (d) includes spring clips connected to the housing for releasably engaging the door in its fully opened and its fully closed positions.
4. A lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 2 including: e. means operable when the door is moved between its open and its closed position for swinging the holder and the lights between the hidden position and the exposed position.
5. A lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 4 in which the means (e) includes an operator grasping the holder, the operator having projecting tabs, one of the tabs being disposed so as to be engaged by the door when the latter is swung from its closed to its open position for moving the holder and lights to the exposed position, and one of the tabs being disposed so as to be engaged by the door when the latter is swung from its open to its closed position for moving the holder and lights to the hidden position.
6. A lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 2 including: f. spring means engaging the door and the bottom wall of the housing normally urging the door from its open to its closed position.
7. A lighting fixture unit as claimed in claim 2 including: g. electrical connecting means at opposite end walls of the housing of the unit for electrically interconnecting the strings of lights of a plurality of units extending in end to end relationship.
US79814A 1970-10-12 1970-10-12 Lighting fixture unit Expired - Lifetime US3692993A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US7981470A 1970-10-12 1970-10-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3692993A true US3692993A (en) 1972-09-19

Family

ID=22152991

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US79814A Expired - Lifetime US3692993A (en) 1970-10-12 1970-10-12 Lighting fixture unit

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3692993A (en)

Cited By (56)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4128863A (en) * 1977-05-16 1978-12-05 Michael J. Premetz Stowable decorative lights
US4774646A (en) * 1987-02-25 1988-09-27 Heureux Raymond G L Modules for decorative lighting
US4877209A (en) * 1988-10-13 1989-10-31 Gary Products Group, Inc. Decorative light pedestal
US4901960A (en) * 1988-10-13 1990-02-20 Gary Products Group, Inc. Decorative light holder
US4962907A (en) * 1988-10-13 1990-10-16 Gary Products Group, Inc. Decorative light holder
US4986504A (en) * 1989-01-06 1991-01-22 Gary Products Group, Inc. Decorative light pedestal with hinged closure
US4995181A (en) * 1987-11-27 1991-02-26 Wolf Hugh M Luminous display frame and kit
US4999754A (en) * 1989-11-02 1991-03-12 Gary Products Group, Inc. Decorative sconce assembly
US5311414A (en) * 1993-01-26 1994-05-10 Branham Sr Henry J Christmas light mounting apparatus
US5404279A (en) * 1994-02-18 1995-04-04 Wood; Johnny L. Flip-open decorative hidden light trim assembly
US5469344A (en) * 1993-09-20 1995-11-21 Kotsakis; Ted Support for decorative light string on a building
US5510966A (en) * 1994-09-15 1996-04-23 Konecny; Francis C. Display and storage fixture for strings of decorative lights
US5528476A (en) * 1995-02-09 1996-06-18 Fenton; Barry E. Lighting apparatus for use on kites
US5594628A (en) * 1995-03-29 1997-01-14 Reuter; John R. Decorative exterior lighting system for use on a building
US5655322A (en) * 1994-11-03 1997-08-12 Howe; Tommy Alvin Low wattage light bulb message maker
US5772312A (en) * 1996-10-30 1998-06-30 Pihl-Niederman; Susan M. Lighted holiday ornament
US5813751A (en) * 1996-07-01 1998-09-29 Shaffer; Robert G. Device for permanent installation of christmas lighting
US5816687A (en) * 1996-10-01 1998-10-06 Tapp; F. Barry Method and apparatus for hanging Christmas lights
US5823655A (en) * 1996-01-16 1998-10-20 Brooks; I. Morris Inconspicuous modular decorative lighting apparatus
US6033088A (en) * 1997-06-23 2000-03-07 Contigiani; Frank Decorative lighting systems
US6050709A (en) * 1998-04-30 2000-04-18 Hastings; Herman Light string mounting system
US6076936A (en) * 1996-11-25 2000-06-20 George; Ben Tread area and step edge lighting system
US6088967A (en) * 1998-01-02 2000-07-18 Johnson; Wayne A Closing string light display box
US6116748A (en) * 1998-06-17 2000-09-12 Permlight Products, Inc. Aisle lighting system
US6183104B1 (en) 1998-02-18 2001-02-06 Dennis Ferrara Decorative lighting system
US6309086B1 (en) * 1998-06-02 2001-10-30 Christine Sue Tomlinson Decorative hidden light assembly
US6364508B1 (en) 2000-05-16 2002-04-02 Karren Moreland Channel system for light strings
US6585394B2 (en) * 2001-10-18 2003-07-01 Raffaele Diaco Outdoor light string support system
US20030187329A1 (en) * 2002-04-01 2003-10-02 Pentax Corporation Light-source device for endoscope
US20040105255A1 (en) * 2002-11-29 2004-06-03 Seeburger James T. Retractable light & sound system
US6783259B1 (en) 2002-07-22 2004-08-31 Anthony Macedonio Apparatus for recreating and illuminating a visual image
US20050128756A1 (en) * 2003-12-12 2005-06-16 Deborah Prine Outdoor decorative lighting housing
US20050243565A1 (en) * 2004-04-29 2005-11-03 Witherspoon Dwight A Invisible seasonal light holder
US7159998B2 (en) 2002-03-26 2007-01-09 Karren Moreland Channel system for light strings
US20070211462A1 (en) * 2006-03-07 2007-09-13 Dowell Robbie A Accessory attachment apparatus
US20070211453A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-13 Chris Hamburger Holiday lighting track system
US20080068838A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2008-03-20 Innovative D Lites Llc Lighting System
US20090201681A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2009-08-13 Detlef Andreas Galke Lighting System
US20100271804A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-28 Levine Jonathan E Modular lighting device kit
US8002433B1 (en) * 2010-12-02 2011-08-23 Cucksey Douglas D Decorative light mount apparatus
US8136962B2 (en) 2008-11-03 2012-03-20 Ivy Antrinette Marlonia Remote controlled hideaway holiday and party lighting
US8317353B1 (en) 2009-01-21 2012-11-27 Martin Marilyn J Decorative roof light covering system
BE1019950A4 (en) * 2011-01-25 2013-03-05 Vrancken Samuel THE CORD BRACKET.
US20140022767A1 (en) * 2012-07-20 2014-01-23 Stephane Martinez System and Method For Illumination of a Rain Gutter
US9506609B1 (en) 2014-03-19 2016-11-29 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Light system and method of installing
US9630769B2 (en) * 2015-03-27 2017-04-25 Larry Schultz Stringed seasonal light storage device
US9777898B1 (en) 2014-08-06 2017-10-03 Shawn C. Landry Molding with embedded illumination sources
USD810354S1 (en) 2016-06-28 2018-02-13 Tye T. Farnsworth Light assembly
USD811648S1 (en) 2016-06-28 2018-02-27 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Lens for lights
USD816889S1 (en) 2016-06-28 2018-05-01 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Track assembly for lights
USD823496S1 (en) 2016-06-28 2018-07-17 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Light and track assembly
USD835305S1 (en) 2016-06-28 2018-12-04 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Light and track assembly
US10375791B2 (en) 2014-03-19 2019-08-06 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Lighting system and method of installing
US11280456B1 (en) * 2018-05-17 2022-03-22 Thomas A. Ruggiero Retractable holiday lights
US11415298B1 (en) * 2021-03-03 2022-08-16 Covert Kinetic Lighting, Inc. Light fixture
US20240011623A1 (en) * 2022-07-07 2024-01-11 Rona Connelly Gutter-Mounted Light Storage Device

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1719715A (en) * 1928-06-19 1929-07-02 Nora Monk Christmas light
US2512954A (en) * 1948-07-20 1950-06-27 Wilford H Marks Stock pen closure
US3278742A (en) * 1964-08-07 1966-10-11 Viola B Stallard Christmas chimney enclosure
US3569691A (en) * 1968-07-23 1971-03-09 Robert F Tracy Assembly for lights

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1719715A (en) * 1928-06-19 1929-07-02 Nora Monk Christmas light
US2512954A (en) * 1948-07-20 1950-06-27 Wilford H Marks Stock pen closure
US3278742A (en) * 1964-08-07 1966-10-11 Viola B Stallard Christmas chimney enclosure
US3569691A (en) * 1968-07-23 1971-03-09 Robert F Tracy Assembly for lights

Cited By (64)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4128863A (en) * 1977-05-16 1978-12-05 Michael J. Premetz Stowable decorative lights
US4774646A (en) * 1987-02-25 1988-09-27 Heureux Raymond G L Modules for decorative lighting
US4995181A (en) * 1987-11-27 1991-02-26 Wolf Hugh M Luminous display frame and kit
US4877209A (en) * 1988-10-13 1989-10-31 Gary Products Group, Inc. Decorative light pedestal
US4901960A (en) * 1988-10-13 1990-02-20 Gary Products Group, Inc. Decorative light holder
US4962907A (en) * 1988-10-13 1990-10-16 Gary Products Group, Inc. Decorative light holder
US4986504A (en) * 1989-01-06 1991-01-22 Gary Products Group, Inc. Decorative light pedestal with hinged closure
US4999754A (en) * 1989-11-02 1991-03-12 Gary Products Group, Inc. Decorative sconce assembly
US5311414A (en) * 1993-01-26 1994-05-10 Branham Sr Henry J Christmas light mounting apparatus
US5469344A (en) * 1993-09-20 1995-11-21 Kotsakis; Ted Support for decorative light string on a building
US5404279A (en) * 1994-02-18 1995-04-04 Wood; Johnny L. Flip-open decorative hidden light trim assembly
US5510966A (en) * 1994-09-15 1996-04-23 Konecny; Francis C. Display and storage fixture for strings of decorative lights
US5655322A (en) * 1994-11-03 1997-08-12 Howe; Tommy Alvin Low wattage light bulb message maker
US5528476A (en) * 1995-02-09 1996-06-18 Fenton; Barry E. Lighting apparatus for use on kites
US5594628A (en) * 1995-03-29 1997-01-14 Reuter; John R. Decorative exterior lighting system for use on a building
US5823655A (en) * 1996-01-16 1998-10-20 Brooks; I. Morris Inconspicuous modular decorative lighting apparatus
US5813751A (en) * 1996-07-01 1998-09-29 Shaffer; Robert G. Device for permanent installation of christmas lighting
US5816687A (en) * 1996-10-01 1998-10-06 Tapp; F. Barry Method and apparatus for hanging Christmas lights
US5772312A (en) * 1996-10-30 1998-06-30 Pihl-Niederman; Susan M. Lighted holiday ornament
US6076936A (en) * 1996-11-25 2000-06-20 George; Ben Tread area and step edge lighting system
US6082870A (en) * 1996-11-25 2000-07-04 George; Ben Tread area and step edge lighting system
US6033088A (en) * 1997-06-23 2000-03-07 Contigiani; Frank Decorative lighting systems
US6088967A (en) * 1998-01-02 2000-07-18 Johnson; Wayne A Closing string light display box
US6183104B1 (en) 1998-02-18 2001-02-06 Dennis Ferrara Decorative lighting system
US6050709A (en) * 1998-04-30 2000-04-18 Hastings; Herman Light string mounting system
US6309086B1 (en) * 1998-06-02 2001-10-30 Christine Sue Tomlinson Decorative hidden light assembly
US6116748A (en) * 1998-06-17 2000-09-12 Permlight Products, Inc. Aisle lighting system
US6364508B1 (en) 2000-05-16 2002-04-02 Karren Moreland Channel system for light strings
US6585394B2 (en) * 2001-10-18 2003-07-01 Raffaele Diaco Outdoor light string support system
US7159998B2 (en) 2002-03-26 2007-01-09 Karren Moreland Channel system for light strings
US20030187329A1 (en) * 2002-04-01 2003-10-02 Pentax Corporation Light-source device for endoscope
US6929605B2 (en) * 2002-04-01 2005-08-16 Pentax Corporation Light source device with dual alternately-directed lamps that facilitate lamp replacement
US6783259B1 (en) 2002-07-22 2004-08-31 Anthony Macedonio Apparatus for recreating and illuminating a visual image
US6918680B2 (en) 2002-11-29 2005-07-19 James T. Seeberger Retractable light & sound system
US20040105255A1 (en) * 2002-11-29 2004-06-03 Seeburger James T. Retractable light & sound system
US20050128756A1 (en) * 2003-12-12 2005-06-16 Deborah Prine Outdoor decorative lighting housing
US20050243565A1 (en) * 2004-04-29 2005-11-03 Witherspoon Dwight A Invisible seasonal light holder
US20070211462A1 (en) * 2006-03-07 2007-09-13 Dowell Robbie A Accessory attachment apparatus
US20070211453A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-13 Chris Hamburger Holiday lighting track system
US20090201681A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2009-08-13 Detlef Andreas Galke Lighting System
US20080068838A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2008-03-20 Innovative D Lites Llc Lighting System
US7591566B2 (en) 2006-09-15 2009-09-22 Innovative D-Lites Llc Lighting system
US7993030B2 (en) 2006-09-15 2011-08-09 Innovative D-Lites Llc Lighting system
US8136962B2 (en) 2008-11-03 2012-03-20 Ivy Antrinette Marlonia Remote controlled hideaway holiday and party lighting
US8317353B1 (en) 2009-01-21 2012-11-27 Martin Marilyn J Decorative roof light covering system
US20100271804A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-28 Levine Jonathan E Modular lighting device kit
US8002433B1 (en) * 2010-12-02 2011-08-23 Cucksey Douglas D Decorative light mount apparatus
BE1019950A4 (en) * 2011-01-25 2013-03-05 Vrancken Samuel THE CORD BRACKET.
US20140022767A1 (en) * 2012-07-20 2014-01-23 Stephane Martinez System and Method For Illumination of a Rain Gutter
US8956000B2 (en) * 2012-07-20 2015-02-17 Stephane Martinez System and method for illumination of a rain gutter
US9951914B1 (en) * 2014-03-19 2018-04-24 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Light system and method of installing
US9506609B1 (en) 2014-03-19 2016-11-29 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Light system and method of installing
US10375791B2 (en) 2014-03-19 2019-08-06 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Lighting system and method of installing
US9777898B1 (en) 2014-08-06 2017-10-03 Shawn C. Landry Molding with embedded illumination sources
US9630769B2 (en) * 2015-03-27 2017-04-25 Larry Schultz Stringed seasonal light storage device
USD811648S1 (en) 2016-06-28 2018-02-27 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Lens for lights
USD810354S1 (en) 2016-06-28 2018-02-13 Tye T. Farnsworth Light assembly
USD816889S1 (en) 2016-06-28 2018-05-01 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Track assembly for lights
USD823496S1 (en) 2016-06-28 2018-07-17 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Light and track assembly
USD835305S1 (en) 2016-06-28 2018-12-04 System Lighting Solutions, Llc Light and track assembly
US11280456B1 (en) * 2018-05-17 2022-03-22 Thomas A. Ruggiero Retractable holiday lights
US11885468B2 (en) 2018-05-17 2024-01-30 Thomas A. Ruggiero Retractable holiday lights
US11415298B1 (en) * 2021-03-03 2022-08-16 Covert Kinetic Lighting, Inc. Light fixture
US20240011623A1 (en) * 2022-07-07 2024-01-11 Rona Connelly Gutter-Mounted Light Storage Device

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3692993A (en) Lighting fixture unit
US4128863A (en) Stowable decorative lights
US5594628A (en) Decorative exterior lighting system for use on a building
US6050709A (en) Light string mounting system
US6309086B1 (en) Decorative hidden light assembly
US4096379A (en) Modular illumination device
US5510966A (en) Display and storage fixture for strings of decorative lights
US5813751A (en) Device for permanent installation of christmas lighting
US2639368A (en) Recessed lighting fixture with drop hinged cover
US3204090A (en) Christmas light holder
US3927315A (en) Light socket mounting
US4573102A (en) Electrically illuminated artificial tree
US2227655A (en) Ceiling or wall recessed lighting fixture construction
CA2288397A1 (en) Trim retention system for recessed lighting fixture
US3098611A (en) Illuminated decorative frame
US3569691A (en) Assembly for lights
CA2087377A1 (en) Method of and Apparatus for Suspending Christmas Lights from Eaves on a House
US3594693A (en) Waterproof electrical connection box cover
US3836760A (en) Lighting fixture unit
US7517117B2 (en) Cam lock for track systems
US4903179A (en) Indoor/outdoor light decoration
US7374317B2 (en) Exterior wall lamps
US2958763A (en) Fluorescent light fixture assembly
US4156270A (en) Outdoor lighting fixture
US2574886A (en) Fluorescent lighting fixture having means to center and align the fixture on a support