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(11) | EP 0 370 825 A3 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Light fixture connector |
| (57) An electrical coupling device (10) for detachably securing a fixture to an electrical
outlet box (16) comprises male and female interconnecting components (12, 14). The
fixture is connected to the male component (14) where the male component is secured
to the female component (12) by rotating the male component (14). The female component
(12) has a plurality of catches (154, 156). The male has a plurality of studs (136,
138) for insertion and engagement with the catches by way of rotational movement of
the studs into the catches. The catches are spaced apart in a circular array at a
first radius. The improvement comprises at least two spaced apart female resilient
clips (162, 164) of electrically conductive metal. The clips are located in a circular
pattern at a second radius on the female component. The male component has at least
two spaced-apart contacts (70, 72) of electrically conductive metal. The contacts
are located in a circular pattern at the second radius. The male contacts are in register
with the clips when the studs are in register with the catches. Rotation of the male
component to engage the studs with the catches simultaneously engages the contacts
with the clips to depress the clip slightly to ensure electrical contact. The electrical
coupling device is characterized by minimal protrusion into the electrical junction
box; direct mounting by means of a simple one-step rotation; and applicability to
a wide range of fixtures and sizes of electrical outlet boxes; and direct mounting
without the requirement of an outlet box. |