Snap-Install Light Assembly and Method of Use
20230121446 · 2023-04-20
Inventors
Cpc classification
F21V23/06
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V21/03
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
Abstract
The assembly for a cartridge system with a hardwired electrical assembly comprising an adaptor as a separate unit in combination with a detachable quick-connect electrical cartridge, or in the form of two cartridges with male and female electrical connectors and snap-in attachments allowing for the connection of the two cartridges and the electrical connectors. The assembly may also have a retractable cord with a direct electrical connection such as a plug used to electrically connect the cartridge system to a fixture so as to allow the easy installation of a fixture in or on a structure. For example, a ceiling electrical box and mating cartridge may allow for a light fixture to be installed and mounted with no tools.
Claims
1. An electrical snap-install cartridge comprising: an adaptor removably placed with an electrical box, the adaptor having pre-wired connectors attached to one or more pre-existing wires in the electrical box; and at least one interchangeable electrical unit having at least one electrical interconnection at a first end that extends to a second electrical connection at a second end, the first interconnection of which connects to the adaptor; wherein the interchangeable electrical unit comprises mated components that quick-connect to and from the adaptor.
2. The electrical snap-install cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a coverplate assembly which aligns to cover the adaptor.
3. The electrical snap-install cartridge of claim 2, further comprising a grommet that secures the electrical unit through the coverplate to the adaptor.
4. The electrical snap-install cartridge of claim 3, wherein any one of the interchangeable electrical units is replaceable with an adaptable electrical component or electrical fixture.
5. The electrical snap-install cartridge of claim 4, wherein the interchangeable electrical unit is covered by a covering including a lamp shade, transparent or translucent glass, or three-dimensional design covering.
6. The electrical snap-install cartridge of claim 5, wherein the interchangeable electrical unit, the coverplate assembly, the grommet, or the covering are adapted for easy assembly and dis-assembly in a snap-install configuration, alone or in combination.
7. The electrical snap-install cartridge of claim 1, wherein the electrical unit is a socket, a switch, an outlet, a receptacle, a sensor or a detector, a plug, a speaker or any electrical component, in pendant or flush-mount configurations.
8. The electrical snap-install cartridge of claim 1, wherein the electrical cable is adjustable and capable of being fixed to accommodate the size and dimensions of the electrical unit.
9. An electrical assembly comprising: a cartridge having an adaptor to interconnect one or more pre-wired connectors with one or more pre-existing wires in an electrical box, the adaptor comprising one or more interconnecting electrical connections, and the cartridge having an engagement mechanism to mount to the electrical box; a coverplate assembly securing a surface that covers the pre-wired connectors; and at least one wired component having a first end connected through the coverplate to the adaptor and a second end connected to an electrical component, wherein said wired component is interchangeable in a snap-fit configuration.
10. The electrical assembly of claim 9, wherein the one or more interconnecting electrical connections connect to a plurality of wired components.
11. The electrical assembly of claim 10, wherein the interconnecting electrical connections are positioned at a central location on an adaptor plate, in a middle region, or along a periphery of the adaptor plate.
12. The electrical assembly of claim 9, wherein said electrical component is interchangeable in a snap-fit configuration.
13. The electrical assembly of claim 9, further comprising one or more electrical interconnections at the second end of the wired component to allow a user to modify the electrical component.
14. The electrical assembly of claim 9, wherein the wired component is a retractable cord to adjust the length and placement of said electrical component.
15. The electrical assembly of claim 9, wherein the wired component is flush with the coverplate.
16. The electrical assembly of claim 9, wherein the electrical component is a light socket that receives an illuminating bulb.
17. The electrical assembly of claim 9, further comprising a lampshade, removably positioned.
18. The electrical assembly of claim 9, wherein the electrical component is a stationary attachment for placing any number of electrical components comprising at least one of a light bulb, an outlet, a socket, a plug, a switch, a receptacle, a sensor, a detector, a speaker, a fan, an electrical connection, and audio or visual signal.
19. The electrical assembly of claim 9, wherein the cartridge with the adaptor, in combination, is a first snap-install cartridge that aligns and affixes at the electrical box to align and connect with an interchangeable second snap-install cartridge.
20. The electrical assembly of claim 9, further comprising at least one retractable mechanism for accessing the snap-install cartridge, or the electrical component, alone or in combination, for replacement.
21. A method of using an electrical assembly, comprising the steps of: providing an integrated electrical cartridge having a snap-install housing and at least one adaptor plate, the integrated electrical cartridge having one or more mating features to align and affix the housing at an electrical box, the at least one adaptor plate of which interconnects one or more pre-wired connectors with one or more pre-existing wires of the electrical box; a first electrical component comprising at least one of a socket, a switch, a receptacle, a fan, an outlet, a plug, audio or visual component; at least a first wired component having a first end connected through the coverplate to the adaptor and a second end where the electrical component attaches; affixing the integrated electrical cartridge at the electrical box in a fixed configuration; and attaching or removing the first wired component in a snap-fit configuration at the adaptor plate;
22. The method of using the electrical assembly of claim 21, further comprising a step of affixing the coverplate over the adaptor.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising a step of removably placing the first electrical component at the second end of the wired component with a second electrical component in quick-install configuration.
24. The method of using the electrical assembly of claim 21, further comprising a step of replacing the first wired component with a second wired component that is interchangeable at the adaptor plate in a snap-install configuration.
25. The method of using the electrical assembly of claim 21, wherein the first wired component attaches to a central connect at the adaptor plate and at least a second wired component attaches to the adaptor plate at a second connect at a second location on the adaptor plate.
26. The method of using the electrical assembly of claim 21, wherein the step of attaching or replacing the electrical component at the second end of the wired component includes modifying the design of a lampshade, light bulb socket, or electrical component design by way of a quick-connect adaptor.
27. The method of using the electrical assembly of claim 21, wherein the step of attaching or removing the first wired component comprises removably placing adaptable components including a coverplate, a grommet, a covering or a shade, and any one or a pendant, flush, or semi-flush mount electrical connection, alone or in combination at any time.
28. The method of using the electrical assembly of claim 27, further comprising a step of attaching or removing a second wired component having any number of adaptable components.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the present invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. In the drawings:
[0022]
[0023]
[0024]
[0025]
[0026]
[0027]
[0028]
[0029]
[0030]
[0031] The various embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0033] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an easy to install fixture, particularly to an electrical box with a cartridge system directed towards mounting a fixture to a structure and more directly arranged as retractable and an easy to access fixture mounting system. Various embodiments are disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the various embodiments set forth herein. The embodiment disclosed at
[0034] At
[0035] Apertures 155 and mounting electrical connects 156 are constructed to attach to interconnect the cartridge at a secondary connection point on a mounting surface of the electrical box by way of a sliding mechanism to insert the tab and twist to secure. At
[0036] As shown here, a cartridge assembly is placed with an existing electrical box, recessed or extending from the surface intended for mounting of the light fixture. In another aspect, a first cartridge assembly may be recessed into a mounting surface of a building wall, such that that mounting fixtures attach to a frame or stud during construction. Snap-in attachments attach to a surface of a second cartridge assembly. In another aspect, the snap-in attachments align with the second cartridge assembly that is a flush mounted light fixture, a cartridge holding additional electrical wire for a hanging a light fixture, a smoke detector, or an artificial intelligent device such as a voice recognition device or remote control smart device, or any other attachment as would be utilized by one skilled in the art. Such designs may be implemented and modified so as not to distract from the unity of invention. Any variations of connections and interconnection may be modified to accommodate the current utility of the embodiment described.
[0037] In one aspect, the connector end 134 connects to a light fixture; in another aspect, an outlet is connected, or any electrical component that operates by way of connection to an electrical source. The cartridge may be comprised of metal, plastic, wood, or a combination of materials as may be regulated in the electrical industry. The housing is attached to the interior or exterior of a wall or structure to provide lighting or a source of electricity at a designated site. As well, the screws or other mechanical attachments or mounts may take the form of any attachment known in the art that would secure physical components together. As well, the attachments may be mating features to interlock or connect with one another in a mating fashion.
[0038] As depicted in
[0039] As shown in
[0040] As demonstrated by
[0041]
[0042]
[0043] One embodiment of a snap-install assembly 500 is illustrated as a pendant connector 500 at
[0044] In one aspect, the fixed cable 128 is a retractable cord 128 that may include a cloth or plastic covered wire that pulls out from a retractable reel inside the cartridge. For exemplary purposes only, and not limitation, the retractable reel may be housed on an underside of the cartridge such that a space is created between the grommet and the coverplate and is completely surrounded by the housing. Looking at
[0045] As shown in
[0046] The connection is made possible for anyone capable of changing a light-bulb or capable of plugging a plug into an outlet. Snap-in female electrical connector parts and male electrical connector parts simplify connection of electrical components for household residential and commercial use. Snap-in components, tabs, and apertures, including, complementary attachments may be further adapted and arranged to aid easy install and maintenance.
[0047] In one aspect, the first cartridge is a snap-install electrical box that mounts on the ceiling and has female connector and interconnection (for both the electrical component and the snap-in attachment, respectively); in such case, the connecting second cartridge would have a male electrical component and male interconnecting snap-in component, respectively. The female and male electrical connections, as well as interconnecting housing components may be mixed interchangeably in any variation or design to accommodate ease-of-use.
[0048] In one embodiment, a first cartridge assembly 600 can be constructed to replace any existing electrical boxes as utilized for standard residential or commercial use. In one aspect, the first cartridge is mounted, electrically connected and hardwired to the desired structure (typically by a certified electrician). Once the cartridge 600 is mounted and electrically connected, any person may be capable of interconnecting a second cartridge adaptable to the first. As well, once the cartridge 600 is mounted and electrically connected, any component part may be easily removed and detached in an easy-release or by a reverse snap or twist mechanism. Therefore, a user can easily change light fixtures for common lighting and architectural purposes, change the lighting fixtures to accommodate interior and exterior designs, or any variations thereof.
[0049] The cartridge assemblies as defined herein may vary in size, shape, and configuration as dependent on architectural design and use in residence or commercial settings. The cartridge(s) provide a snap-in mechanical configuration for direct attachment to the structure, and also a snap-in electrical connection that is easy to use, change, and interconnect, as desired.
[0050] Embodiments of the assembly disclosed herein may also integrate a second cartridge that is may be slightly smaller in overall shape so as to fit within the first cartridge, or vice versa.
[0051] In one embodiment, a safety feature does not allow electricity to flow until the electrical components are not capable of being reached or altered, such as when a locking mechanism interconnects the first and second cartridges to form the cartridge assembly.
[0052] Attachment pieces and/or snap-install features herein disclosed create a manner of securing the snap-install assembly at the electrical box or hardwired electrical wiring. In one embodiment the attachment pieces are engaged by placing the a snap-install feature of one component into a secondary surface of a second component, and then turning, then snapping attachment pieces into place to secure the assembly.
[0053]
[0054] A switch 703 provides an on-off control of electricity into and out of the assembly, disconnecting and connecting the conducting path in the electrical circuit, interrupting the electric current of diverting it from one conductor to another. A nut 704 and fastener 705 secure the component parts of the adaptor assembly. An adaptor connector 706 allows any number of adaptor plates to be attached and detached as a quick-attach and quick-release mechanism.
[0055] At
[0056] While various configurations of the electrical connections are possible, an easy connect plug and outlet connection may be the mating features integrated with a snap-install assembly. Thus, instead of a fixed cord or cable assembly with a pendant, the cable may be a retractable cord with a plug attached. Such plug would interconnect at an adaptor plate assembly that houses an outlet at the electrical box; or the plug may be a provision at the secondary end of the cord where the socket was placed such that the socket or other electrical connector would be interchangeable by way of a plug interconnect as shown in
[0057] As demonstrated, the electrical fixture here illustrated as a light fixture can be inverted to be a recessed fixture, or converted to any number of electrical switches, plugs, lights, sockets, or electrical adaptors. The snap-install fixture can be integrated into the wall or ceiling-mounted electrical box, pendant fixture, flush-mount or semi-flush mount, as would be, for example (and not limitation), a light switch that is flush with a wall, or a speaker that that would be semi-flush. Other electrical components can be integrated to include any number or electrical units as known in the art, to include, without limitation, a speaker such that the external audio surface interfaces with the external environment, a fan, chandelier, or otherwise. As well, the assembly can be a smoke detector cartridge replacement such that the electrical connection in combination with mounting brackets interconnect at the electrical box for quick easy-installation and replacement of electrical component parts. Such a mounting bracket 800 as shown in
[0058] Such variations are included herein as would be known in the art so as to easily replace any and all electrical assemblies with the interconnected cartridge components that configure an electrical assembly disclosed.
[0059] Various aspects of the cartridge assembly utilize materials and compositions such as metal, thermo-molded plastics, high temperature resistant components, and any other material as commonly used in the art. The assembly may integrate dividers constructed using similar materials as well. As such, the assembly may divide the interior space of the cartridge into a plurality of sections to segregate components housed therein.
[0060] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the disclosure herein enables one of skill in the art to practice and modify the embodiments disclosed without departing from the scope and essence of the disclosed device, system, and method of use.