Abstrict An illuminating lamp assembly (2020') for supporting fluorescent
tubes in an exit sign (10) including a body (22) for supporting
a pair fluorescent tubes (24) and an electrical connector (26) rotatable
about a first axis for threadedly engaging an electrical socket
(18). A support member (2860) interconnects the body (22) and the
electrical connector (26) for allowing the electrical connector
(26) to rotate about the first axis independently of the body (22).
The assembly (2020') is characterized by the body (22) including
an elongated central portion (52) and positioning flanges (54) extending
in opposite directions from each end thereof defining an H-shaped
structure for supporting the fluorescent tubes (24) in positions
visible from both sides of the body (22). Accordingly, the assembly
(2020') can be used to illuminate two opposite faces of an exit
sign (10).
Claims What is claimed is:
1. An illuminating lamp assembly (20) for supporting fluorescent
tubes in an exit sign box (10) comprising; a body (22) for supporting
at least one fluorescent tube (24), and electrical connector means
(26) rotatable about a first axis for threadedly engaging an electrical
socket (18) within the exit sign box characterized by support means
(28) interconnecting said body (22) and said electrical connector
means (26) for allowing said connector means (26) to rotate about
said first axis independently of said body (22) to threadedly engage
the socket (18) while said body is in proximity of the exit sign
box and for allowing said body (22) to be adjusted relative to said
connector means (26) about a second axis (42) which is perpendicular
to said first axis.
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further characterized by
said support means (28) including a stem (3032) rotatably connected
to said connector means (26) and adjustment means interconnecting
said stem (3032) and said body (22) for adjusting the relative
position between said stem (3032) and said body (22) about said
second axis (42) whereby said body (22) is supported by said stem
(3032) and said stem (3032) is supported by said connector means
(26) when said connector means (26) is threadedly engaging the socket
(18).
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 further characterized by
said adjustment means including a fastener (42) for loosening to
allow relative rotation about said second axis between said body
(22) and said stem (3032) and for tightening to prevent said relative
rotation about said second axis (42).
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 further characterized by
said body (22) having oppositely facing sides (52) and tube positioning
means (54) for supporting a fluorescent tube (24) in a position
visible from both sides (52) of said body.
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 further characterized by
said body (22) including an elongated central portion and positioning
flanges (54) extending in opposite directions from each end thereof
to define said positioning means for supporting a fluorescent tube
(24) along the opposite extremities of said central portion.
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 further characterized by
said adjustment means including a pair of spaced ears (44) defined
by said stem (3032) and a mounting flange (46) extending from one
end of said central portion (52) of said body (22) and disposed
between said ears (44), said fastener (42) extending through said
ears (44) and said mounting flange (46) to clamp said ears (44)
against said mounting flange (46).
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 further characterized by
including coacting teeth (4850) on said ears (44) and said mounting
flange (46) for coacting engagement in the clamped position to prevent
said relative rotation.
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 further characterized by
said body (22) being defined by two identical parts secured together
so that each part defines one of said sides (52) and one-half of
said mounting flange (46).
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 further characterized by
said stem (3032) being defined by two identical parts (3032) defining
an annular groove (34), said connector means (26) having a radial
flange (36) rotatably retained in said annular groove (34).
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 further characterized by
including a fastener (40) holding together said parts (3032) of
said stem.
11. A sign comprising; a rectangular box (10) having spaced rectangular
faces (1214) with at least one face having light passing openings
therein, at least one socket (18) in said box (10) between said
faces (1214) for threadedly receiving an electrical device, electrical
connector means (26) rotatable about a first axis and in threaded
engagement with said socket (18), a body (22) supporting at least
one fluorescent tube (24), support means (28) interconnecting said
body (22) and said electrical connector means (26) for allowing
said connector means (26) to rotate about said first axis independently
of said body (22) to rotate in said socket (18) and for allowing
said body (22) to be adjusted relative to said connector means (26)
about a second axis (42) which is perpendicular to said faces (1214)
of said box (10) and to said first axis.
12. An illuminating lamp assembly (2020') for supporting fluorescent
tubes (24) in an exit sign (10), said assembly (2020') comprising:
a body (22) for supporting a pair of fluorescent tubes (24); electrical
connector means (26) rotatable about a first axis for threadedly
engaging an electrical socket (18); and support means (2860) interconnecting
said body (22) and said electrical connector means (26) for allowing
said electrical connector means (26) to rotate about said first
axis independently of said body (22), said assembly (2020') characterized
by said body (22) including an elongated central portion (52) and
positioning means (54) at each end thereof for supporting the fluorescent
tubes (24) in positions visible from both sides of said body (22),
said positioning means (54) including positioning flanges (54) extending
in opposite directions from each end of said body (22) to define
an H-shaped structure, said support means (60) being an L-shaped
stem, a first leg (62) of said L-shaped stem: (60) including spaced
ears (44) for supporting said body (22) therefrom and a second leg
(64) of said L-shaped stem (60) being rotatably connected to said
connector means (26).
13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 further characterized
by said body (22) including a mounting flange (46) extending a predetermined
distance away from said body (22) to dispose said positioning means
(54) within said L-shaped stem (60) for positioning at least a portion
of a fluorescent tube (24) over said connector means (26).
14. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 further characterized
by said support means (26) including a radially extending flange
(36), said second leg (64) of said L-shaped stem (60) including
an annular groove (34) rotatably disposed over said flange (36).
15. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 further characterized
by said L-shaped stem (60) including an insert member (66) defining
a portion of said annular groove (34), said insert member (66) being
removably connected to said L-shaped stem (60) for allowing insertion
of said flange (36) within said annular groove (34) when said insert
member (66) is removed and for retaining said flnages (36) within
said annular groove (34) when said insert member (66) is connected
to said L-shaped stem (60).
16. An illuminating lamp assembly (2020') for supporting fluorescent
tubes (24) in an exit sign (10), said assembly (2020') comprising:
a body (22) for supporting a pair of fluorescent tubes (24); electrical
connector means (26) rotatable about a first axis for threadedly
engaging an electrical socket (18); and support means (2860) interconnecting
said body (22) and said electrical connector means (26) for allowing
said electrical connector means (26) to rotate about said first
axis independently of said body (22), said assembly (2020') characterized
by said body (22) including an elongated central portion (52) and
positioning means (54) at each end thereof for supporting the fluorescent
tubes (24) in positions visible from both sides of said body (22),
said positioning means (54) including positioning flanges (54) extending
in opposite directions from each end of said body (22) to define
an H-shaped structure, said support means (60) being an L-shaped
stem, a first leg (62) of said L-shaped stem (60) including spaced
ears (44) for supporting said body (22) therefrom and a second leg
(64) of said L-shaped stem (60) being rotatably connected to said
connector means (26), said connector means (26) including first
electrical contact means (80) extending upwardly therefrom, said
support means (60) including second electrical contact means (82)
operatively connected to said first contact means (80) for conducting
electricity therebetween while allowing for relative rotation therebetween.
17. An assembly as set forth in claim 16 further characterized
by said connector means (26) including a radially extending flange
(36), said second leg (64) of said L-shaped stem (60) including
an annular groove (34) rotatably disposed over said flangew (36).
18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 further characterized
by said annular groove (34) including an inner surface (84), said
second plate (82) being supported from said inner surface, said
radially extending flange (36) having an upper surface supporting
said first electrical contact means (80) against said second electrical
contact means (82) to establish an electrical connection through
a full 360.degree. rotation of said connector means (26) relative
to said support means (60).
19. A sign assembly comprising: a rectangular box (10) having spaced
rectangular faces (1214) with at least one of said faces having
light passing openings therein; at least one socket (18) in said
box between said faces (1214) for threadedly receiving an electrical
device; electrical connector means (26) rotatable about a first
axis and in threaded engagement with said socket (18); a body (22)
supporting a pair of fluorescent tubes (24); and characterized by
support means (60) for interconnecting said body (22) and said connector
means (26) to rotate about said first axis independently of said
body (22) and to rotate in said socket (18) for positioning said
body (22) centrally within said box (10) and for positioning the
fluorescent tubes (24) to illuminate the length of said light passing
openings, said support means (60) being an L-shaped stem, a first
leg (62) of said L-shaped stem (60) including spaced ears (44) for
supporting said body (22) therefrom and a second leg (64) of said
L-shaped stem (60) being rotatably connected to said connector means
(26).
20. An assembly as set forth in claim 19 further characterized
by said body (22) including a mounting flange (46) extending a predetermined
distance away from said body (22) to dispose tube positioning means
(54) within said L-shaped stem (60) for positioning at least a portion
of a fluorescent tubes (24) over said connector means (26).
21. An assembly as set forth in claim 20 further characterized
by said connector means (26) including a radially extending flange
(36), said second leg (64) of said L-shaped stem (60) including
an annular groove (34) rotatably disposed over said flange (36).
22. An assembly as set forth in claim 21 further characterized
by said L-shaped stem (60) including an insert member (66) defining
a portion of said annular groove (34), said insert member (66) being
removably connected to said L-shaped stem (60) for allowing insertion
of said flange (36) within said annular groove (34) when said insert
member (66) is removed and for retaining said flanges (36) within
said annular groove (34) when said insert member (66) is connected
to said L-shaped stem (60).
23. An assembly as set forth in claim 19 further characterized
by including body anti-rotation means (70) for preventing said body
(22) from rotating with said respect to said box (10) when retained
within said body (10) to fixedly secure body (22) within said box
(10) and fixedly space said body (22) from said box (10).
24. An assembly as set forth in claim 23 further characterized
by said body anti-rotation means including at least one prong (70)
extending away from each side of said body (22) to engage said box
(10) and space said body (22) from said box (10).
25. An illuminating lamp assembly (2020') for supporting fluorescent
tubes (24) in an exit sign (10) including at least one electrical
socket (18), said assembly (2020') comprising: a body (22) for
supporting a pair of fluorescent tubes (24); electrical connector
means (26) rotatable about a first axis for threadedly engaging
the electrical socket (18); support means (2860) interconnecting
said body (22) and said electrical connector means (26) and being
rotatable for 360.degree. relative to said connector means (26);
and characterized by first and second electrical contact means (8082)
being supported between said support means (2860) and said electrical
connector means (26), respectively, for electrically connecting
said electrical connector means (26) and said support means (2860)
while allowing for a full 360.degree. rotation of said electrical
connector means (26) relative to said support means (60), said first
mentioned electrical contact means (80) including a first plate
(80) and said second electrical contact means (82) including a second
plate (82) contacting said first plate (80) for the conducting of
electricity therebetween, said support means (60) being an L-shaped
stem, a first leg (62) of said L-shaped stem (60) including spaced
ears (44) for supporting said body (22) therefrom and a second leg
(64) of said L-shaped stem (60) being rotatably connected to said
connector means (26).
26. An assembly as set forth in claim 25 further characterized
by said connector means (26) including a radially extending flange
(36), said second leg (64) of said L-shaped stem (60) including
an annular groove (34) rotatably disposed over said flange (36).
27. An assembly as set forth in claim 26 further characterized
by said annular groove (34) including an inner surface (84), said
second plate (82) being supported from said inner surface, said
radially extending flange (36) having an upper surface supporting
said first plate (80) against said second plate (82) to establish
an electrical connection through a full 360.degree. rotation of
said connector means (26) relative to said support means (60).
Description TECHNICAL FIELD
The subject invention relates to an illuminating lamp assembly
of the type having an electrical connector for engaging a socket
of the type which normally receives the well known incondescent
bulb but with the assembly supporting at least one fluorescent tube.
BACKGROUND ART
Public buildings utilize numerous exit signs indicating exit routes
to the exterior of the building. The exit signs normally have at
least one face with the word EXIT disposed thereon and bulbs behind
the face for illuminating a normally red translucent covering over
the word EXIT. The exit signs remain on twenty-four (24) hours a
day and frequently utilize special bulbs which have a short life
and are expensive. Further, most exit signs have two electrical
sockets for receiving two bulbs within the sign. These sockets are
variably positioned within the exit sign box in that they may extend
from the sides or from the ends.
Fluorescent tubes could more efficiently be utilized in the exit
signs, as they would experience longer life and use significantly
less energy. There is not now, however, available any fluorescent
tube assembly which may be utilized in an exit sign, particularly
to retrofit an existing sign having bulb sockets. Retrofitting requires
flexibility in the assembly to allow access to the bulb while making
the assembly adaptable to various shaped and wire exit sign housings.
Many existing exit signs have opposite faces which must be illuminated.
In retrofitting a fluorescent tube assembly for an exit sign fixture,
the assembly must be adapted to illuminate both faces of the exit
sign while providing an efficient use of energy. Further, the assembly
must illuminate the entire face of the exit sign fixture box, not
leaving darkened areas.
In assemblies adapted to mount a fluorescent tube within an exit
sign, the fixture supporting the tube is generally connected directly
to the exit sign box and wires lead from the box to a connector
which is threadedly inserted into a socket in the exit sign. Since
the connector must be threadably engaged within the socket, mounting
of the connector within the socket tends to twist the interconnecting
wires to the body of fixture. Stresses on the wires can break the
connections and create a dangerous situation. These prior art structures
require the light fixture to be mounted within the exit sign box
thereby requiring extensive alterations of the box to adapt the
box to the fixture.
Electrical fixtures are known in the art which support fluorescent
tubes for illumination and include a connector for engaging the
conventional threaded bulb socket. An example of one such fixture
is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2871455 granted Jan. 27 1959 to N.
H. Richardson. That assembly includes an elongated body for supporting
two fluorescent tubes with an electrical connector extending from
one side of the body midway of the length thereof. Thus, that assembly
is positioned in the open space in front of a socket and because
of its configuration would not be satisfactory for disposition within
an exit sign.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
An illuminating lamp assembly for supporting fluorescent tubes
in an exit sign including a body for supporting a pair of fluorescent
tubes and electrical connector means rotatable about a first axis
for threadedly engaging an electrical socket. Support means interconnects
the body and the electrical means for allowing the electrical connector
means to rotate about the first axis independently of the body.
The assembly is characterized by the body including an elongated
central portion and positioning means at each end thereof for supporting
the fluorescent tubes in positions visable from both sides of the
body.
FIGURES IN THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated
as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying
drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view partially broken away and in cross
section of the illuminating lamp assembly of the subject invention
disposed within an exit sign box;
FIG. 2 is a plan view taken substantially along line 2--2 of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially
along line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially
along line 4--4 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line
5--5 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a second embodiment of the subject
invention; and
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along lines
7--7 of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A sign utilizing the subject invention is shown in FIG. 1. The
sign includes a rectangular box generally indicated at 10. The box
10 has spaced rectangular faces 12 and 14. The faces 12 and 14 are
supported within a frame 16. The sign 10 is typical of an exit sign
wherein one or both of the faces 14 have light passing openings
therein spelling out EXIT. Typically, within the faces 12 and 14
will be a red translucent material so that the word EXIT appears
in red when the sign is illuminated. The sign box 10 would have
appropriate brackets or holes about the periphery for attachment
to a support structure. A pair of sockets 18 are disposed in the
box between the faces 12 and 14. The sockets 18 are of the conventional
type for threadedly receiving an electrical device, typically a
light bulb. The sockets 18 are attached to an electrical source
of power in a conventional manner.
An illuminating lamp assembly constructed in accordance with the
subject invention is gewnerally shown at 20. The assembly 20 includes
a body generally indicated at 22 for supporting a pair of fluorescent
tubes 24.
The assembly 20 includes electrical connector means defined by
the threaded male connector 26 which is rotatable about a first
axis for threadedly engaging and disengaging the electrical socket
18.
The assembly further includes support means, generally indicated
at 28 interconnecting the body 22 and the electrical connector
26 for allowing the connector 26 to rotate about the first axis
independently of the body 22 to threadedly engage the socket 18
and for allowing the body 22 to be adjusted relative to the connector
26 about a second axis which is perpendicular to the faces 12 and
14 and to the first axis about which the connector 26 rotates. The
support means 28 includes a stem member 3032 rotatably connected
to the connector member 26. The stem is defined by two identical
parts or halves 30 and 32 which define an annular groove 34. The
connector member 26 includes a radially extending flange or wheel
portion 36 rotatably retained in the annular groove 34. The connector
member 26 also includes an annular flange or wheel 38 for manually
rotating the connector member 26. A fastener bolt 40 extends through
and holds together the parts 30 and 32 of the stem.
The support means 28 further includes an adjustment means interconnecting
the stem 3032 and the body 22 for adjusting the relative position
between the stem 3032 and the body 22 about the second axis whereby
the body 22 is supported by the stem 3032 and the stem 3032 is
supported by the connector member 26 when the connector member 26
is threadedly engaging the socket 18. More specifically, the adjustment
means includes a fastener bolt 42 and wing nut assembly extending
through a pair of spaced ears 44 defined by the upper ends of the
stem members 30 and 32. In addition, a mounting flange 46 extends
from one end of the body 22 and is disposed between the ears 44.
The fastener bolt 42 extends through the ears 44 and the mounting
flange 46 and may be loosened to allow relative rotation about the
second axis (which is the axis of the bolt 42) between the body
22 and the stem 3032. The bolt 42 may be tightened to prevent the
relative rotation about the axis of the bolt 42. Coacting teeth
or ridges or ribs 48 and 50 are disposed upon the ears 44 and the
mounting flange 46 respectively, for coacting engagement when the
bolt 42 clamps the ears 44 against the mounting flange 46 to prevent
relative rotation about the second axis (or axis of the bolt 42)
between the body 22 and stem 3032.
The body 22 has oppositely facing sides with fluorescent tube positioning
means included for supporting the fluorescent tubes 24 in positions
which would be visible from both sides 52 and therefore provide
illumination against both faces 12 and 14 of the sign 10. The body
22 includes an elongated central portion with positioning flanges
54 extending in opposite directions from each end of the central
body portion to define the positioning means for supporting the
fluorescent tubes 24 along the opposite extremities of the central
portion of the body 22. As shown at the left end of FIG. 2 an electrical
connector or receiving device 56 is supported between the two spaced
flanges 54; it being understood that although not shown, such devices
56 are disposed at each end of the central portion, both top and
bottom. The fluorescent tubes 24 extend between the electrical connectors
56 from which they receive their electrical power. The body 22 is
defined by two identical parts secured together as by glue, welding,
or the like, so that each part defines one of the sides 52 and one-half
of the mounting flange 46. As best seen in FIG. 5 the two parts
of the body form a generally rectangular housing along the central
portion of the body 22 with the opposite faces thereof including
the openings 58. Conventional electrical components may be disposed
within the housing defined by the body 22 such as a conventional
balest circuit utilized with fluorescent tubes.
Although the subject invention may have many uses, it is particularly
well suited for retrofitting exit signs which now require special
expensive bulbs utilizing the relatively high amount of electrical
power. The electrical sockets 18 shown as extending in parallel
relationship from one side of the sign box 10; however, as alluded
to above, the electrical sockets 18 may be at the ends of the box
10. If a socket 18 were at the end of the box 10 then the fastening
asembly 42 would be loosened and the stem 3032 would be rotated
clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 1 to position 90.degree. from the
shown the fastener 42 tightened again to prevent any further relative
rotation between the body 22 and the stem 3032. In fixed position
the connector 26 could be threaded into a socket on the end of the
sign box 10 to maintain the body 22 in the same horizontal position
illustrated. Further, by utilizing the subject invention only one
of the sockets 18 need be utilized because the assembly provides
two fluorescent lamps.
A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6. Like numerals
are used to indicate like structures of the two embodiments.
The second embodiment of the illuminating lamp assembly is generally
shown at 20' in FIG. 6. The assembly 20' includes a body 22 for
supporting the pair of fluorescent tubes 24. The electrical connector
means 26 is rotatable about the first axis for threadedly engaging
the electrical socket 18. Support means 60 interconnects the body
22 and the electrical connector means 26 for allowing the electrical
connector means 26 to rotate about the first axis independently
of the body 22. The assemblies 20 20' are characterized by the
body 22 including an elongated central portion 52 and positioning
means 54 extending in opposite directions from each end thereof
defining an H-shaped structure for supporting the fluorescent tubes
24 in positions visible from both sides of the body 22. In this
manner, a retrofitted assembly may comprise only two fluorescent
tubes 24 yet illuminate the opposite faces of a pre-existing exit
sign without any further requirements for additional fluorescent
tubes. The assemblies provide an efficient means for illuminating
a two faces of the exit sign with a retrofitted assembly while further
providing the advantages of fluorescent tubes as discussed above.
The assembly includes independent circuits housed within the body
22 for powering each of the fluorescent tubes 24 independently.
The circuits are of the type disclosed in the copending pending
U.S. patent to Holtzman and Tracey Ser. No. 592853 filed 3-23-84.
The independent circuits provide a means for insuring that if one
of the fluorescent tubes 24 fails, then the other fluorescent tube
will continue to illuminate the exit sign 10. This is an Underwriter
Laboratories and general safety code requirement which is fulfilled
by the instant invention. Moreover, due to the placement of the
fluorescent tubes 24 by the positioning means 54 failure of one
fluorescent tube 24 does not result in substantial darkening to
a significant portion of either face of the exit sign. The single
functioning fluorescent bulb 24 would substantially illuminate the
entire length of the EXIT openings of the exit sign 10.
The combination of the H-shaped construction of the body 22 and
the connector means 26 with the circuitry of the above mentioned
copending application make the instant invention readily mountable
within almost all existing exit signs presently using incandescent
bulbs. Conventional wire wound ballast fixtures could not be filled
in these assemblies and center the bulbs.
More particularly, the positioning means includes positioning flanges
54. As discussed above, an electrical connector or a receiving device
would be supported between the two spaced flanges 54.
The assembly 20' is further adapted to center the body 22 and the
supported tubes 24 within the exit sign fixture. The support means
60 is an L-shaped stem, a first leg 62 of the L-shaped stem 60 including
the spaced ears 44 for supporting the body 22 therefrom. A second
leg 64 of the L-shaped stem 60 is rotatably connected to the connector
means 26. The body 22 includes the mounting flange 46 extending
a predetermined distance away from the body 22 to dispose at least
one positioning flange 54 within the L-shaped stem 60 for positioning
at least portion of the fluorescent tubes 24 over the connector
means 26 thereby centering the fluorescent tubes within an exit
sign box assembly. There is no sacrifice of illuminating capability
as the support means is specifically constructed to center the tubes
24. Although the assembly 20' is shown to include an adjustable
wing nut 42 the mounting flange 46 may be fixedly connected to
the spaced ears 44 by suitable fastening means.
The connector means 26 includes the radially extending annular
flange 36 the second leg 64 of the L-shaped stem 60 including an
annular groove 34 rotatably disposed over the flange 36. The L-shaped
stem 60 includes an insert member 66 defining a portion of the annular
groove 34. The insert member 66 is removably connected to the L-shaped
stem 60 for allowing insertion of the flange 36 within the annular
groove 34 when the insert member 66 is removed and for retaining
the flange 36 within the annular groove 34 when the insert member
66 is connected to the L-shaped stem 60. In this manner, the stem
60 is constructed as a unitary structure rotatably connected on
the flange portion 36 of the connector member 26 by the attachment
of the insert member 66.
The body 22 has opposite facing front and rear walls 7274 and
top and bottom walls 7678. The front and rear walls 7274 taper
inwardly towards the top and bottom walls 7678 as shown in FIG.
7. The tapered corners between the side walls 7274 and the top
and bottom walls 7678 allow for maximum illumination by the fluorescent
tubes of the faces of the exit sign 10. If the corners of the walls
7274 and 7678 were squared, then the top and bottom walls 7678
would block a substantial amount of the illumination from the fluorescent
tubes 24. The tapering of the walls 7274 towards the top and bottom
walls 7678 allows for significantly increased efficiency by allowing
a substantially increased amount of irradiation to pass from the
fluorescent bulbs 24 to the faces of the sign 10.
The connector means 26 includes electrical contact means 80 extending
upwardly therefrom. The support means 60 includes second electrical
contact means 82 operatively connected to the first contact means
80 for conducting electricity therebetween while rotation therebetween.
Specifically, the first mentioned electrical contact means 80 includes
a first plate 80 and the second electrical contact means 82 includes
a second plate 82 contacting the first plate 80 for conductance
of electricity therebetween. The second plate 82 is supported from
an inner surface 84 of the annular groove 34. The first plate 80
is supported above an upper surface of the radially extending flange
36 to establish the electrical connection through a full 360.degree.
rotation of the connector 26 relative to the support means 60. Thusly,
wires running between the connector 26 and support means 60 are
eliminated. Unlike prior art assemblies wherein a connector having
wires extending therefrom would twist the wires making the wire
connections stressed and potentially unsafe, the instant invention
provides a safe connection not having any of the problems inherent
in having a wire operatively connected between the connector 26
and the support means 60. In this manner, the support means 60 and
body 22 are totally independent of the connector 26. Yet the connector
26 provides the sole means for supporting the support means 60 and
body 22 within the exit sign 10. Unlike prior assemblies wherein
the body supporting the lamps would need to be physically connected
to the box of the exit sign 10 the instant invention provides means
for supporting the lamps from the connector disposed within the
electrical socket of the exit sign box.
The assembly may include body anti-rotation means 70 for preventing
the body 22 from rotating with the support means 60 about the connector
means 26 when retained within a box 10 to fixedly secure the body
22 within the box 10 and fixedly space the body 22 from the inner
walls of the box 10. Since the body 22 and support means 60 are
rotatable about the connector means, it is possible for the body
to come in contact with the box fixture 10. The anti-rotation means
70 prevents rotation of the body 22 within the box 10 to fixedly
position the body 22. Specifically, the body anti-rotation means
includes at least one prong 70 or as shown in FIG. 6 four prongs
70 extending away from each side of the body 22 to engage the box
10 and space the body 22 from the box 10.
The instant invention provides an assembly, unlike the prior art,
which is sized to be readily mounted in existing fixtures. The assembly
centers the bulbs and provides a safe connection to the already
existing socket and supports the entire fixture from the socket.
These features provide effective lighting that is significantly
safer and more efficient than prior art assemblies.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and
it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used
is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than
of limitation.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention
are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore,
to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims wherein
reference numerals are merely for convenience and are not to be
in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced otherwise than
as specifically described. |