A reversible fixing device for a lighting apparatus to be encased in a support panel such as a false ceiling

Abstract

 A reversible fixing device for a lighting apparatus to be encased in a support panel such as a false ceiling, comprising: a frame (1) fit to be encased within a hole of the panel, defining an opening (2) for housing the apparatus and comprising a peripheral lip (4) extending outwards, for abutting against the outer face of the panel; sliders (8) placed on the outside of the frame (1), axially slidable between a fixing position, adjacent to said lip (4), and a fitting-up position; means (11, 13) for operating the sliders (8) from the fitting-up position to the fixing position; first elastic means (16) cooperating between the sliders (8) and the lip (4) of the frame (1), for hindering the sliding of the sliders (8) towards said fixing position and radially deformable owing to such sliding, whereby, when said frame (1) is encased said first elastic means (16) force the lip (4) against the panel; and stop means (17, 18) associated to the frame (1), fit for engagement with the sliders (8) in order to stop them in the fixing position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a reversible fixing device for a lighting apparatus to be encased in a support panel such as a false ceiling.

[0002] A wide range of devices of the above type is known. A brief description of some of the most widespread ones is given in the specification of Italian patent n. 1286872, in the name of the same applicant. In this patent a reversible fixing device, for a lighting apparatus to be encased in a support panel, is disclosed, comprising a first arm, pivotally connected to the body of the apparatus near the front opening thereof and extending sideways from such opening. A second arm made of a flexible material extends from the free end of the first arm and is angled with respect thereto so that its free end points towards the body of the apparatus. The latter free end of the second arm is bent substantially at right angle in relation to the lengthwise direction of such arm. Besides, a protrusion is formed on an intermediate portion of the second arm.

[0003] A slit is formed in the body of the apparatus, for slidable engagement with the second arm, which then can be displaced between a fitting-up position and a fixing position. More precisely, in the fitting-up position the first arm substantially flanks the body of the apparatus and the second arm extends inside said body. Conversely, in the fixing position the first arm is pivoted by about 90° with respect to the previous position and the second arm forcibly engages, thanks to its protrusion, against the body of the lighting apparatus, so that the fist arm is elastically forced against the inner face of the panel. In this way the second arm acts as a flexible strut between the body of the lighting apparatus and the panel in which it is encased. Therefore, such panel remains between the first arm of the device and the external peripheral flange of the apparatus.

[0004] This solution is outstanding over the prior art as far as it involves relatively simple and quick fitting-up operations, which can be accomplished with a minimum effort by non expert staff, without the assistance of tools. Besides, this device does not bring about any esthetical disturbances to the lighting apparatus.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide, by means of an originally structured device, a further advantageous solution as far as the above raised issues are concerned.

[0006] Namely, it is an object of the present invention to provide a reversible fixing device for a lighting apparatus to be encased in a support panel such as a false ceiling which allows particularly easy and simple fitting-up and removal procedures, which can be carried out with effortless and natural operations.

[0007] Another particular object of the invention is to provide a device of the above mentioned kind in which, during the fitting up operation, no harm can be caused to the hands of the operator as a result of the abrupt release of elastic members.

[0008] A further particular object of the present invention is to provide a device of the above mentioned kind by means of which the fixing force exerted on the lighting apparatus can be distributed all along the connection with the false ceiling in a relatively uniform way.

[0009] Such objects are achieved with the reversible fixing device for a lighting apparatus to be encased in a support panel such as a false ceiling according to the present invention, characterised in that it comprises: a frame fit to be encased within a hole of the panel, defining an opening for housing the apparatus and comprising a peripheral lip extending outwards, for abutting against the outer face of the panel; sliders placed on the outside of said frame, axially slidable between a fixing position, adjacent to the lip, and a fitting-up position; means for operating the sliders from said fitting-up position to said fixing position; first elastic means co-operating between the sliders and the lip of the frame, for hindering the sliding of the sliders towards said fixing position and radially deformable owing to said sliding, whereby, when the frame is encased within the hole the first elastic means force the lip against the panel; and stop means associated to the frame, fit for engagement with the sliders in order to stop them in the fixing position.

[0010] According to a preferred solution, the stop means comprise second elastic means for assuring a snap engagement with said sliders. Besides, the first and second elastic means consist in flat springs axially co-operating between the sliders and the frame. Furthermore, the operation means comprise ridges and/or rims protruding from the sliders.

[0011] The features and advantages of the reversible fixing device for a lighting apparatus to be encased in a support panel such as a false ceiling according to the present invention will be made clearer with the following description of an embodiment thereof, made purely by way of example and not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

• figure 1 is an exploded, perspective view of the device according to the invention, parts being omitted for the sake of clarity;
• figure 2 shows the device of figure 1, in a perspective view taken from a different angle;
• figure 3 is a perspective view of the device of the previous figures, assembled, in a non operational or fitting-up configuration;
• figure 4 is a view of the device analogous to that of figure 3, the device being in an operational or fixing configuration.

[0012] With reference to the above figures, reference numeral 1 indicates a frame defining an inner opening 2 for housing the body of a lighting apparatus to be encased, of a known type, not shown. Frame 1 is fit to be placed within a hole, formed in a support panel, with a contour corresponding to the outer peripheral one of frame 1 itself. The support panel, for instance forming a false ceiling, is not shown either.

[0013] In further detail, frame 1 comprises a generally tubular member 3, cylindrical in the depicted embodiment, defining opening 2. A lip 4 extends radially from an edge of member 3, so as to be fit for abutment against the outside of the support panel, as will be explained hereinafter. Two wings 6 axially extend from the other edge of tubular member 3, on diametrically opposite positions. Respective windows 6 are formed within wings 5. In each wing 5, between the free edge and the window 6, means are provided for connecting frame 1 to the body of the lighting apparatus. As in the depicted example, such means can consist in holes 20 and projections 21 for axial coupling.

[0014] Each wing 5 externally forms a support guide for slider, by means of a couple of axial ribs 7. In the depicted embodiment, each slider consists of a substantially quadrilateral plate 8. Only one plate 8 is represented in the figures for the sake of clarity; the following description will refer to such plate 8, and to the relevant wing 5, the diametrically opposite part of frame 1 being shaped likewise.

[0015] Ribs 7, extending along opposite sides of window 6, form grooves 7a within which opposite edges of plate 8 are slidably inserted. Plate 8 is slidable between two run end positions established by the abutment of two screws 9, fixed to the plate, against the longitudinal ends of respective slots 10, axially formed in tubular member 3 between lip 4 and window 6 for slidably receiving screws 9 themselves. The two run end positions of plate 8, moving away from and close to lip 4, respectively correspond to fitting-up and fixing configurations of the device, as will be made clearer hereinafter. The side of plate 8 adjacent to lip 4 also provides an outwards protruding ridge 11.

[0016] A substantially quadrilateral passage 12 is also formed in plate 8, so that it remains over window 6 of wing 5 as plate 8 slides between the run end positions.

[0017] A rim 13 extends inwards, through window 6 of wing 5, from the side of passage 12 which is adjacent to the ridge 11 of plate 8. Such side is outlined so as to form a central notch, in correspondence to which rim 13 defines a U-shaped seat 14 comprising a bottom portion 14a. An aperture 15 is formed in said bottom portion 14a, adjacently to the junction with wing 5.

[0018] A couple of flat springs 16, extending adjacently to respective ribs 7, in a parallel way thereto, co-operates between plate 8 and radial lip 4 of tubular member 3 so as to elastically hinder the sliding of plate 8 towards the fixing position. In each spring 16 an end is connected to the outside of plate 8 - e. g. via rivets 22 - near the side which is opposite to that providing ridge 11, while the other end is urged against lip 4, whereby the maximum extension of springs 16 substantially correspond to the fitting-up position of plate 8.

[0019] A further flat spring 17 axially extends from the inside of tubular member 3, in correspondence to wing 5. A junction end of such spring is fixed - e. g. by means of a screw 23 - in an intermediate point between slots 10. The other end, which is free, extends towards window 6 of wing 5 and is bent inwards, so as to define a tooth 18, fit for introduction in aperture 15 of seat 14 and for snap engagement with bottom 14a. Thanks to such engagement, the sliding of plate 8 can be stopped when the latter is in the fixing position.

[0020] An outwards flexion of stop spring 17, preceding its snap engagement motion, is operated by bottom 14a, by thrusting an inclined portion 18a of tooth 18. The flexion is allowed by a notch 19, centrally provided by the side of window 6 that is adjacent to lip 4.

[0021] The device according to the invention operates in the following way. Frame 1, in advance connected to the body of the lighting apparatus, is partially inserted the hole of the false ceiling, the plates 8 being in the fitting-up position (see figure 3), until ridges 11 abut against on the ceiling itself.

[0022] After the above step, two procedures are available, depending on the stiffness of the false ceiling, i.e. on its higher or lower strength when loaded with a bending stress. In the first case, i. e. with fairly rigid false ceilings, the operator pushes frame 1 towards the inside of the hole, with a certain energy. Thus, the elastic hindrance provided by springs 16 is overcome, and plates 8 slide towards the fixing position. At the same time, the flexion of springs 16 results in their outwards radial deformation.

[0023] As plates 8 reach the fixing position run end, teeth 18 of stop springs 17, introduced in apertures 15, snap on the respective bottoms 14a of seats 14, stopping plates 8. In this configuration, shown in figure 4, deformed springs 16 - more precisely, their convex faces - are urged against the inner face of the false ceiling. In this way, any motion of frame 1 with respect to the false ceiling is firmly prevented, by deformed springs 16 in one direction, and by ridges 11 of plates 8 - or, more generally speaking, by lip 4 of tubular member 3 - in the other.

[0024] In case of an inadequately rigid false ceiling, hence not able to bear the thrust thereon which would be involved by the above described procedure, the sliding of plates 8 with respect to frame 1 is operated by introducing the hands within opening 2 of member 3 (having preliminarily removed the reflector from the apparatus, when required) and exerting forces opposite to each other on rims 13 and lip 4. The result is the same as that above described for the previous case and shown in figures 3 and 4; the procedure may be completed by placing back the reflector.

[0025] In both cases, the device can be removed from its location by radially pushing inclined portions 18a of teeth 18 of stop springs 17, thus triggering the release thereof from the bottoms 14a of the corresponding seats 14. Also this step may require the preliminary removal of the reflector of the lighting apparatus. plates 8, urged by the respective springs 16, move back to the fitting-up position. Since springs 16 are no longer deformed, it is possible to pull out frame 1 from the hole of the false ceiling.

[0026] Therefore, with the device according to the invention the fitting-up procedure can be carried out very easily and rapidly. Such procedure, consists of a simple compressive operation, which can be accomplished with a relatively low effort and with a natural and easy movement of the hands.

[0027] The removal procedure is also accomplished with a simple movement, which requires a very low effort and above all does not bring about dangers for the hands of the operator, because the extension of springs 16 and the consequent abrupt motion of plates 8 do not concern the area in which said hands are at work.

[0028] The provision of four springs 16, located in correspondence to spaced points of the periphery of frame 1, allows the achievement of a relatively uniform fixing action along the periphery itself. However, a different number of springs 16 and/or plates 8 may be provided.

[0029] Depending on the kind of panel - not necessarily a false ceiling - to be equipped with, and namely of the relevant width, the design parameters of the device (properties of springs 16 and 17, location of plates 8 with respect to tubular member 3, extent of the run of the plates etc.) shall be adjusted, as obvious to the skilled person. A configuration like that of the depicted example makes in any case the device suitable for panels from 1 mm to 30 mm wide.

[0030] Variations and/or modifications can be brought to reversible fixing device for a lighting apparatus to be encased in a support panel such as a false ceiling according to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention itself as defined in the appended claims. In particular, the circular based cylindrical shape of tubular member 3 of the depicted embodiment is not an essential feature of the invention. As a matter of fact, according to the type of lighting apparatus to be fixed, other shapes may be provided, for example an elliptical based cylindrical shape, a generally curved one or a prismatic shape. Finally, although affecting the versatility of the device, embodiments may be provided in which only one of the two above described ways of operating plates 8 is made possible.

Claims

1. A reversible fixing device for a lighting apparatus to be encased in a support panel such as a false ceiling, characterised in that it comprises: a frame (1) fit to be encased within a hole of said panel, defining an opening (2) for housing said apparatus and comprising a peripheral lip (4) extending outwards, for abutting against the outer face of said panel; sliders (8) placed on the outside of said frame (1), axially slidable between a fixing position, adjacent to said lip (4), and a fitting-up position; means (11, 13) for operating said sliders (8) from said fitting-up position to said fixing position; first elastic means (16) co-operating between said sliders (8) and said lip (4) of the frame (1), for hindering the sliding of said sliders (8) towards said fixing position and radially deformable owing to said sliding, whereby, when said frame (1) is encased within said hole said first elastic means (16) force said lip (4) against said panel; and stop means (17, 18) associated to said frame (1), fit for engagement with said sliders (8) in order to stop them in said fixing position.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of said sliders (8) is associated to the outside of a corresponding wing (5) axially extending from said frame (1).

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said means for operating said sliders (8) comprise, for each slider, a rim (13) extending within said opening (2) of said frame (1), through a window (6) formed in the corresponding wing (5), whereby said sliders (8) can be operated by manually exerting a pressure on said rims (13).

4. The device according to any of the previous claims wherein said stop means comprise second elastic means (17) for assuring a snap engagement with said sliders (8).

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein each of said rims (13) centrally forms a U-shaped seat (14) in the bottom (14a) of which an aperture (15) is formed, said second elastic means defining, for each slider, a stop tooth (18) fit for introduction in said aperture (15) of said bottom (14a) and for snap engagement with the same bottom (14a).

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said stop tooth (18) is formed by a flat spring (17) axially extending from said frame (1).

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, in order to assist the flexion of said spring (17), a passage (12) is formed in each slider (8), over the window (6) of the relevant wing (5), and the edge of said window (6) provides a notch (19) in correspondence to said spring (17).

8. The device according to any of the previous claims, wherein said means for operating said sliders (8) comprise, in each slider (8), a ridge (11) protruding outwards, fit for abutting on the outer face of said panel when said frame (1) is encased within said hole, whereby said sliders (8) can be operated as a result of such abutment, when an axial thrust is exerted on said frame (1)

9. The device according to any of the previous claims, wherein said first elastic means comprise for each slider (8) a couple of flat springs (16), axially extending along opposite side edges of the slider, an end of each spring being connected to the slider while the other end, which is free, is urged against said lip (4) of said frame (1).

10. The device according to any of the previous claims, comprising two sliders (8) associated to mutually opposite points of said frame (1).

Drawing