US2649535A - Recessed lighting fixture with adjustable spotlight - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 18, 1953 A. H. FEDER 2,649,535

RECESSED LIGHTING FIXTURE WITH ADJUSTABLE SPOTLIGHT 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 5, 1947 F l 18 i5 fi 75 29 a2 34 7 73-} INVENTOR A. H. FEDER Aug. 18, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 5, 1947 INVENTOR A bfiafmmfllba'efi ATTORNEY r mm u o NQN A 7 MEI Aug. 18, 1953 FEDER 2,649,535

RECESSED LIGHTING FIXTURE WITH ADJUSTABLE SPOTLIGHT Filed July 5, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fl. .lll Q9 98 INVENTOR ATTORNEY A. H. FEDER Aug. 18, 1953 RECESSED LIGHTING FIXTURE WITH ADJUSTABLE SPOTLIGHT Filed July 5, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 mwm 9mm min WNW www mQM NHE m bm

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Patented Aug. 1 8, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RECESS-ED LIGHTING FIXTURE WI TH ADJUSTABLE SPOTLIGHT 9 Claims.

The present invention relates to an illuminating device and it particularly relates to a lighting fixture which may be readily converted to give different types of illumination.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide a novel lighting fixture of simple, inexpensive, durable sheet metal construction which without lens, reflectors or special lighting bulbs or attachments, will give a high degree of illumination either uniformly over a surface, showcase or in a display room or a spot-light illumination, all without generation of excessive heat and without need of special ventilating constructions.

Another object is to provide a novel illuminating fixture readily and inexpensively constructed of sheet metal which may either be recessed in a ceiling, a column, or a wall, or which may be mounted in an adjustable trough or casing which by way of a single electrical outlet may be provided with a fixed reflector bulb or a rotatable and adjustable spot light construction, all in conformity with the fire prevention requirements and underwriters regulations.

Another object is to provide a lighting fixture of small and compact construction designed to receive a fixed or adjustable conical reflector bulb within a dimension of less than 7 to in diameter.

Still further objects and advantages will appear in the more detailed description set forth below, it being understood, however, that this more'detailed description is given by way of illustration and explanation only and not by way of limitation, since various changes therein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

In accomplishing the objects, it has been found to be most satisfactory to form an outside cylindrical casing with a screw type recess at the top thereof for reception of a reflector bulb or for reception of a screw connection for an electrical conduit. In the latter case the lower part of the cylindrical casing is provided with seat for a hollow ball member receiving a detachable screw recess member for a conical reflector bulb at the upper part thereof and a louvre at the bottom thereof to give a directional beam efiect and prevent side glare. The seat consists of a ring detachably mounted on the bottom of the casing.

The invention also consists in certain new and original features of construction and combination of parts hereinafter set forth and claimed and as to its other objects, features and advantages, the mode of operation and manner of its organization, these, inter alia, may be better understood by referring to the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof in which:

Fig. l is a vertical transverse sectional view of a preferred form of illuminating device or lighting fixture according to the present invention;

Fig. 1a is a vertical transverse sectional view of the lighting fixture of Fig. 1 showing the light source in an alternative with an alternative closure;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal view looking upwardly upon the line 2--2 of Fig. 1, in partial section better to show the interior construction;

Fig. 3 is an offset fragmentary side vertical sectional view upon the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side vertical sectional view upon the line 4--4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical side sectional view upon the line 5--5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing an alternate attachment to the wall;

Fig. 7 is a vertical, sectional view upon the line 1-4 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical sectional view of a trough or sheet metal carrier construction;

Fig. 9 is a transverse vertical sectional view upon the line 9--9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a transverse vertical sectional view upon the line Ill-l0 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is an end elevational view of the adjustable trough construction of the fixture shown in Figure 8.

Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view of another alternative embodiment of lighting fixture showing the fixture suspended from the ceiling with an adjustable ball member detachably carried by an inverted bowl member;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary side sectional View upon the line |3-l3 of Fig. 12 showing the attachment between the adjustable ball and inverted bowl carrying member; and

Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view of another alternative embodiment of lighting fixture with a reflector inserted in position around a reflector bulb.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the main cylindrical casing A is mounted or recessed in the ceiling B. The casing A carries the main lighting connection C and is also designed to receive subsidiary lighting connection D. Between the connections C and D is positioned the electrical connection E, the light source F and the louvre or grille G.

Referring particularly to Fig. 1, the casing A may be formed of a cylinder or spinning ll] of relatively thin sheet metal, for example of 18 to 20 gauge brass, copper, bronze, steel or aluminum, having the top integral portion I I and vent holes 8. To the top H of the casing A by the screws 12 are attached the inturned flanges [3 of the cover casing-H enclosing 'the'socket structure C. The cylindrical side wall ['4 of the casing H is provided with a flat base l5. The casing M has an opening Hi to which is attached the flexible cable I! with the connector I 8.

Mounted within the casing"Cby'the screws I9 is th porcelain socket 20 forming part ofthe element C which may carry the attachment screw plug 9.

The attachment plug 9 (see Fig. 1) carries the asbestos electrical conduit cord 2| leading to the socket arrangement E. The conduit connection 2 l is connected to the bushing 22, which in turn connects t the porcelain socket 23. The bushing 22 is mounted in'the base 2 4 of the cylindrical casing 25 forming part orthe structure D. The porcelain socket 23 is mounted by the spider 26 which may be adjustably-positioned in the cylinder 25. The cylinder '25 has the outturned flange portion 27 with'the downturned edge portion 28 (see also Fig. 4)

Suspended from the flange 2 1 or depending edge'portion 28 arethe upper portions 29 of the ball 30. The portions 28 and 29 are held together by the brass screws 34 held in position by the nuts 31 positioned at spaced intervals around the upper periphery of the-balltfl, as shown best in Fig. 4.

As shown in Fig. 4 the flange 28 has a recess 32 and a slot 753 which receives theshank of the screw 34. By turning the ball the direction 35 theba11 may be disconnected from the flange 21, while a reverse movement will cause a tight connection as indicated in Fig. 4. When disconn t d e u F m h removed r m serted'into'the socket 23 The ball 30 extends down to grille or louvre G which is provided with an attachment sleeve 31 having the upturned flange '33 which engages the lower-edge 39 of the ball 30. The ball 30 is made of thin sheet metal'andfor example a satisfactory construction is 20 gauge spun brass.

The spring clip' lll'will fit in a'recess 4! in the sleeve'3l and hold the grille or louvre G in position'in bottom' of the ball 36, As shown there are about five louvres 42 in one direction and three louvres 43 in the other direction which may be brazed to thering or cylinder 31.

The-ball 30 hasbrazed thereto a nut through whichscrews the threaded shank 6i of the machine screw 62. This threaded shank 6! receives a locknut'fis interior ly of the ball 30.. The shank 3| fits in a slot 64 in the member 55. As shown the member 65 has a lower outturned flange 65 and an upper outturned flange Bl. The flange 61 cooperates with the stop finger 6 8 of the angle member [59. The member 69 is welded at 10 to the sheet metal shell A. The stop flnger 68 by contact with element 6'! will prevent ball 30 from being rotated morethan 360 and twisting cord 2|, while permitting fr e swinging movement of ball 3q with shankfil sliding up and down in stop 7 element 655a the-attachment;

An alternative-attachment to the wall B is also shown in Fig. 6. The plaster ring 82 is formed .of the sections 83, 84 and 85 and is mounted directly in the plaster 86. The ceiling ring and spinning l; with" the flange 14 carries the L members 81 carrying the overhanging finger portions 88. and the outstanding flange portions 89 which are Welded to the spinning 13. The finger 88 'latch'o've'nthe' shanks 90 of the screws 9| which screw'the flange 83 into the plaster 86.

By removing the screw plug 9, the cord 2|, the rings 14 d m mbe i h theslee e 7. the -ihe ellfiikwi c Di qm assembly of Fig Lit is then possible to screw the reflector bulb F directly into socket Oto, achieve uniform, non-adjustable illumination downwardy- Theringsl 3 ml! ay be removedy ,djsengaging screw Bllfroiri slotliiwor screw9ll ;from finger 88, Which willpermit ball -3Land retaining structure M of Figsl .and-SQQrQ N of Figs. S and 7 to be dropped out ofca'singA together with ball To assemble the ball 3!),thecover21 is first removedby" disengag ntofscrews or.p ins..3 4 from slot 33 "(see Fig. 4). 'Th econical-refl ector bulb F is then screwed intothe socketE, The cover 2'! .is replaced .by' engagement of thejscrew s 3 3 in the slots SSKseeFig. 4). Then the structure G is engagedin the bottom of th ball39 by snapping the'rece'ssfil of the ring 3! ontothe snap ring' lfl. The ring?! is then placed on the ring 13 inside of the flange .0r sleeve 11 with the bracket 65in position on [1 l Then the ball 36 carrying grillefQI 'lampF,cord 2| and box D is dropped into ute ne 13 as shownin Fig, 1. The screw -62 is attached land'fthe lock nut 63 applied removing coy rfZ'l .te do so if necessary.

Prerer my howe er; the'b'all tq'is placedW-in assembled rings ll and 13 and screw 1 '61, and, nut 63 attached before the coverfll carrying the flector bulb Fmis attached. by, the connection s3 sl j of ig.4.

Then the plug 9 is screwed into the socketC andjthe' connections 1 410, pr Fig. 5 .or 88 %9. l of Fig; '7 are made to assemblerings'llfandj'litinto the bottom'ofjthel'ca V g.AL The casing A has previously. been n'lount'e'cl into the ceiling', wa'll. or columnlB with cap n naeiee nea conne'ctid'n i The ball 30 may be turned'horizontally, 360 until the finger Ellis, stoppedby the fia ll c -(5 8 and rotated vertically; th e i'len'thi of slot .of Figs. 1 and 3,.which as shown 5.4mm length.

The openings 8 and 56, as wares; the 'straps 5? will assure: perman nt .cor'iriection into .the plaster et of thefw, .1

To give typical dirnensions of one preferred m di e i h c -mar I s-Widely ies Hi tice, theb ulbF may ry from.150.'to300 watts, the casing A ear 2- eah 'sfi ea esm e nd. We in hes. i eight and the a 30 may be 6 inches in diameter. The ring I3 ma have l ntense; o ni re n i diameter and' the grille structure Gjlmaybe 4 mi es. in d ameters he. wer 5. may? 'b inch in width and inch thic iess lvvi th .a %,mgh l tx Re s i eip .taasmhpqim m F sand 10, the trough [0'] is provided with a top plate I02 and the end plates I03. The end plates I03 are mounted by the vertical brackets I04 on the pins I05. The vertical brackets I04 are attached to the wall or ceiling 99 by the flanges 98 and screws 97. The pins I05 fit into spaced holes I06 enabling adjustment of the height of the trough I03. The swivel adjustmentIO'I enables adjustment of the angular position of the trough IOI. The sides of the trough I03 are provided with vertical walls I08 and I09 and the connecting oblique walls H0.

Interiorly there is a partition III which carries receptacles H2 for the lamps I I3 or 96 for the plugs I I4. The plugs H4 carry the conduits H5 leading to the receptacles H6 and balls H9 of similar construction and design as the box D and ball 30 as shown in Fig. l. Switches 95 are mounted on trough I02.

The separating portions II'I divide the trough up into a series of compartments H8 which may receive the lamps H3 or the ball units H9. The ball units H9 are held in position by the plates I20, mounted by the concealed hinges I2I and provided by the continuous lip I22. The lip is stopped by the flange I30 of the angle I3I at the uppermost position of the plates I20. The catches I23 will hold the plates I in said uppermost position. To release balls II9, the plates I20 are swung down into the dotted line position as indicated in I24 in Fig. 9.

The catches I23 are mounted on the leaf spring I25 riveted to the walls I09 at I26. The hinges I 2I may be provided with a spring hinge I32 having coil spring I40 on pin I4I if desired for the flap member I 33 as shown in Fig. 10. The flange I34 of the member I32 will engage under the plate I20.

When the plates I20 are in down position I24, the balls H9 may be removed. The balls II9 for example may be 7 inches in diameter as compared to opening I38 of 6% inches and a length of trough of 6 feet with eleven'compartments H8 having three carrying balls H9 and the balance directly connected in adjustable lamps H3.

In Fig. 1a is shown the light source F of Fig. 1 screwed directly into ceiling element C with the ball structure and retaining structure M removed and replaced by a centrally open bottom closure ring R. The ring R has a base I50 with an upturned central vertical lip portion around a central opening I52 through which the light from the reflector bulb F is thrown directly downwardly as indicated by the arrows I53. To

' the base I50 is welded the cylindrical ring I54 by the lower flange I55, said ring I54 performing the same function as the ring 88 in Fig. 6 or ring TI in Fig. 1. The edge flange I56 performs the same function as the flanges 14 of Figs. 1 and 6.

The retaining structure M of Fig. 1 therefore may be most readily replaced by the bottom ring structure R, of Fig. 1a when the reflector bulb F is changed to alternative position as shown in Fig. 1a.

The reflector bulb F may be 4%" in diameter where a 150 watt bulb (P. A. R. 38) is employed which will correspond to a ball 30 of about 6% in diameter.

The structure of Figs. 6 and 7 is advantageous in supporting greater weight for example 4 to 5 pounds, as contrasted to the structure of Fig. 5 which would only support about 2 to 3 pounds.

In Figs. 12 and 13 the spun brass ball member 300 having the spaced louvres or grille 30I covered by a glass 302 is mounted in the shell 303 having the inturned edge 304 .The shell 303 at itsupper edge 305 telescopes around the lower edge 306 of the upper supporting shell 301. The connection between shells 303 and 301 is made by the hook 308 having the recess 309 receiving the inwardly directed lug 3I0 from the upper part of the tab 3H. The hook 308 is fastened to the shell by the base 3I2.

The upper part of the shell 30'! has a cylindrical portion 3 I 3 turned in at 3I4 above the washer (H5 and. then upwardly at 3I8 to flt within the suspension tube 3l6. The suspension tube 3| 6 encloses the depending conduit pipe member 3H extending downwardly any desired distance from the ceiling (say for example about 15" to 25"). The pipe 3II carries the electrical connections.

The washer 3 I 5 rests upon the porcelain socket 320 into which may be screwed the plug 32I carrying the cord 322. The cord 322 extends: through the bushing 323 into the socket 324 in. the cylindrical metal cup 325 leaving the ventilating openings 326. The socket 324 is held inv position by the supports 32! and carries the watt reflector bulb 328.

If desired, the ball 300 may be removed and. the lamp 325 screwed directly into the socket 320 and the substitute cover attached to the: edge 304.

As an alternative construction shown in Fig. 14,. the reflector bulb 350 is carried by the socket 35I which is suspended by the tube or pipe 352. The: pipe 352 is encircled by the pipe 353. To the: lower end 354 of the tube 353 is sweated the tubular extension 355 of the flared outside in verted bowl member 356. The inside reflector bowl member 351 has an upwardly extendingcollar 353 around the lower'portion 359 of the reflector bulb 350 and is attached at its upwardly and outwardly rounded rim 350 by the screws. 36I to the flared portion 362 of the bowl member" 355. By having the reflector parabola 351 start; at the widest section 359 of the bulb 350 maximum; reflection is obtained.

As many changes could be made in the above illuminating device and many apparently widely difierent embodiments of this invention couldi be made without departing from the scope of the: claims, it is intended that all matter contained! in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A lighting fixture adapted to be mounted in a ceiling comprising an external cylindrical casing, substantially completely recessed into the ceiling, said casing being provided with a lower peripheral supporting structure, a ball-shaped casing carried by said lower peripheral supporting structure and mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane thereon, said ball-shaped casing being also capable of rocking movement in a vertical plane in the external casing, the ball-shaped casing having a lower open portion, said peripheral supporting structure being substantially flush with the ceiling face, said ball-shaped casing having at the upper side thereof a mounting screw socket for a. reflector bulb positioned in said mounting socket so as to direct light outwardly through said lower open portion, said peripheral supporting structure including an inwardly directed annular ring, the inside diameter of the ring being less than the outer diameter of the ball-shaped casing, said annular ring serving as a rotating bearing for the ball-shaped casing, and cooperatingstopmeans on the external cas- 1 ing and the ball-shaped casing for limiting the rotation of the ball-shaped casingin a horizontal plane, said step means including a guide member projecting outwardly from the side of the ball-shaped casing, an upwardly extending vertically slotted and horizontally rotatable bracket, said guide member extending through the slot in the bracket, and an inwardly projecting stop element on theinter-ior of the external casing adapted for engagement. with a part of said bracket to limit the rotation-thereof.

2. A lighting fixture adapted to be mounted in a ceiling comprising an external cylindrical casing, ubstantially completely recessed into. the ceiling, said casing being provided with a lower peripheral supporting structure, a ball-shaped casing carried by said iowerzperipheral supporting structure and mounted'for rotation in a horizontalplane thereon, said ball-shaped casing being also capable of rocking movement in a vertical plane in the external casing, the ball-shaped casing having a lower open portion, said peripheral supporting structure being substantially flush with the ceiiin'gface, said ball-shaped casing having at the upperside thereof a mounting screw socket for a reflector bulb positioned in said mounting socket so as to direct light outwardly through said lower open portion, said peripheral supporting structure including an inwardly directed annular ring, the inside diameter of the ring being less than the outer diameter of the ball-shaped casing, sai'dannular ring serving as a rotating bearing forthe ballshaped casing, and cooperating stop means on the external casing and the ball-shaped casing for limiting the rotation of the ball-shaped casing in a horizontal plane, said peripheral supporting structure at the lower end of said externalcasing in addition to said annular ring consisting of a plurality of nesting rings that are right angular in cross section, said external casing having a plurality of strap hangers to attach said-external casing to wire lath in the ceiling.

3. A lighting fixture adapted to be mounted in a ceiling comprising an externalc'ylindrical casing, substantially completely recessed into the ceiling, said casing being provided with a lower peripheral supporting structure, a ball-shaped casing carried by saidlower peripheral supporting structure and mounted for rotation in a'hor-izontal plane thereon, said ball-shaped casing being also capable of rocking movement in a vertical plane in the external casing, the ball-shaped casing having a lower open portion, said peripheral supporting structure being substantially flush with the ceiling face, said ball-shaped casing having at the upper side thereof a mounting screw socket for a reflector bulb positioned in said mounting socket so as to direct light outwardly through said lower open portion, said peripheral supporting structure including an inwardly directed annular ring, the inside diameter of the ring being less than the outer diameter of the ball-shaped casing, said annular ring serving as a rotating bearing for the ball-shaped casing, and cooperating stop means on the external casing and the ball-shaped casing for limiting the rotation of the ball-shaped casing in a horizontal plane, said peripheral supporting structure at the lower end of said external casing in addition-to saidannular ring consisting of a plurality of nesting rings that are right angular in cross section, with the outermost of said nested rings being mounted i in the ceiling.

4. A ceiling lighting fixture having an outer cylindrical casing recessed into the ceiling, an inner spherical casing positioned within the outer cylindrical casing and projecting below the ceiling and the lower edge of the outer casing, the lower end of said outer casing having a mount for said'inner spherical casing, annular ring structure of right angular cross section aligned fi-ush with the ceiling, said ring structure carrysaid casings, said spherical casing being mounted. upon said ring structure and capable of rotating and rocking movement, said casings having stop means to limit the rotary movement of the inner casing to about 360 and the rocking movement of the inner spherical casing, the top sides of the casings carrying electrical connections, and the top side of the inner spherical casing carrying a screw socket, and a'flexible conductor between the electrical connections at the top sides of the casings, and a reflector lamp in said screw socket.

5. A ceiling lighting fixture having an outer cylindrical casing recessed into the ceiling, an inner spherical casing positioned within the outer cylindrical casing and projecting below the ceiling and the lower edge of the outer casing, the lower end of said outer casing having a mount for said inner spherical casing, an annular ring structure of right angular cross section aligned flush with the ceiling, said ring structure carrying said casings, said spherical casing being mounted upon said ring structure and capable of rotating and rocking movement, said casings having stop means to limit the rotary and rocking movement of the inner spherical casing, the top sides of the casings carrying electrical connections, and the top side of the inner spherical casing carrying a screw socket, and a flexible conductor between the electrical connections at the top sides of the casings, said ring structure including an outer plaster ring of right angular cross section mounted in the ceiling, an inner rotatable ring rotating with the spherical casing, and an intermediate connector ring to mount said rotatable ring and to serve as a bearing for said inner ring.

6. A ceiling lighting fixture having an outer cylindrical casing recessed into the ceiling, an inner spherical casing positioned within the outer cylindrical casing and projecting below the ceiling and the lower edge of the outer casing, the lower end of said outer casing having a mount for said inner spherical casing, an annular ring structure of right angular cross section aligned flush with the ceiling, said ring structure carrying said casings, said spherical casing being mounted upon said ring structure and capable of rotating and rocking movement, said casings having stop means to limit the rotary and rocking movement of the inner spherical casing, the top sides of the casings carrying electrical connections, and the top side of the inner spherical casing carrying a screw socket, and a flexible conductor between the electrical connections at the top sides of the casings, said ring structure including a light trap bearing ring, said bearing ring being of right angular cross section and serving as a light trap, said light trap bearing ring being rotatably slidable within-the ring structure and bearing against the sides of the inner spherical casing.

'7 An adjustable ball type reflector bulb mounting light fixture comprising a cylindrical casing recessed into the ceiling of a room, a screw type electrical socket at the top of said casing, a peripheral rotatable bearing ring structure at the lower edge of the cylindrical casing, a rotatable vertically slotted bracket extending upwardly from said ring structure, a stop for said bracket extending inwardly from the side wall of the easing, an inside ball member mounted on and pro- ,iecting below said ring structure and having a screw socket at the top thereof, a reflector lamp having a screw connection plug mounted in said last-mentioned screw socket, a flexible electrical connection extending between the plug and the last mentioned socket, a pin projecting outwardly from said ball member and riding in said slot, said ring structure including an inner ring of right angular cross section carrying said bracket and moving with said pin, said ring structure also including an outer ring of right angular cross section detachably mounted upon the lower edge of the cylindrical casing, and serving as a bearing for said inner ring, said inner ring carrying said bracket being rotatable, said connection having a screw electrical connection plug screwed into said socket at the top of the casing.

8. The fixture of claim 7, in which the lower portion of said bracket is curved to conform to References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,469,587 Newton Oct. 2, 1923 1,870,241 Dorey Aug. 9, 1932 1,882,185 Graham Oct. 11, 1932 2,152,197 Levy Mar. 28, 1939 2,179,161 Rambusch et a1. Nov. 7, 1939 2,232,543 Logan Feb. 18, 1941 2,283,010 Logan et a1 May 12, 1942 2,285,002 Wilson June 2, 1942 2,300,487 Conteville Nov. 3, 1942 2,321,099 Naysmith June 8, 1943 2,434,108 Handler Jan. 6, 1948

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