Lighting system and method Number:7,520,762 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent Lighting systems and methods are described, including track lighting systems and methods.<H Lighting, method, Lighting, system, 7520762.html, Patent, pto, 7520762

Title: Lighting system and method

Abstract: Lighting systems and methods are described, including track lighting systems and methods.

Patent Number: 7,520,762 Issued on 04/21/2009 to Lehman, et al.

Inventors: Lehman; Gregg Arthur (Peachtree City, GA), Bartlett; Paul James (Newnan, GA), Vann; Steen (Morrow, GA)
Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company (Houston, TX)

Appl. No.: 11/323,755

Filed: December 30, 2005

Current U.S. Class: 439/115 ; 439/213

Current International Class: H01R 25/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 439/110-115,210,213

References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents


4861273	August 1989	Wenman et al.
5306165	April 1994	Nadeau
D355164	February 1995	Shen
D358803	May 1995	Shen
5448460	September 1995	Belfer et al.
5455754	October 1995	Hoffner
5855485	January 1999	Patti
6004005	December 1999	Demshki, Jr.
D442309	May 2001	Miller et al.
D444252	June 2001	Miller et al.
D448506	September 2001	Miller et al.
6585529	July 2003	Zakerzewski
6676281	January 2004	Bray et al.
6716042	April 2004	Lin
D536822	February 2007	Pyshos et al.
D546497	July 2007	Lehman et al.
D549388	August 2007	Lehman et al.
7293895	November 2007	Grossman et al.
D565787	April 2008	DeCicco et al.
D567997	April 2008	Lehman et al.
2004/0160767	August 2004	Mobarak et al.
2007/0153509	July 2007	Lehman et al.
2007/0153516	July 2007	Lehman et al.
2007/0167043	July 2007	Lehman et al.

Other References

Buckingham, http://www.buckingham.com.tw/main.html (1 page), unknown date. cited by other .
Capri Lighting, MR1-29 Specifications, http://www.caprilighting.com/pdfspecs/MR1-29.pdf, 2005 (2 pages). cited by other .
Planlicht, Vision Catalog, No Limit and Take Five sections, http://www.planlicht.com/pdf/vision-54-91.pdf, pp. 54-91, unknown date. cited by other .
NRS90 Rail Series Rail Systems and Accessories ("NQRA"), Nora Lighting, 2001, pp. NRS.01.01 through NRS.01.02 (2 pages). cited by other .
LIR Odyssey Line Voltage Rail System Rail System Parts and Accessories, Con-Tech Lighting, AD040RSS04, 2 pages, unknown date. cited by other .
LIR Odyssey Line Voltage Rail System 120V Fixtures, Con-Tech Lighting, AD040RSS02, (1 page), unknown date. cited by other .
Catalog, p. 50 (1 page), unknown date. cited by other .
Symphony MiniTrack Low Voltage Lighting System, Con-Tech Lighting (16 pages), unknown date. cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Harvey; James
Attorney, Agent or Firm: King & Spalding LLP

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising: providing first and second lighting tracks; coupling the first lighting track to a first housing; coupling a second lighting track to a second housing; pivotally coupling the first and second housings; wherein the first and second housings each pivot about the same axis pivotally coupling the first and second lighting tracks.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein an angle is defined between the first and second lighting tracks; and wherein the method further comprises: adjusting the angle; and maintaining the angle.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second lighting tracks comprises a first pair of buss bars; and wherein the method farther comprises: transferring electrical power at a first voltage between the first pair of buss bars of the first lighting track and the first pair of buss bars of the second lighting track.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first lighting track comprises a first pair of buss bars and wherein the method farther comprises: transferring electrical power at a first voltage from a source of electrical power to the first pair of buss bars of the first lighting track.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: coupling a third lighting track to the first and second lighting tracks.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein each of the first, second and third lighting tracks comprises a first pair of buss bars and wherein the method further comprises: transferring electrical power at a first voltage from the first pair of buss bars of one of the first, second and third lighting tracks to the first pair of buss bars of each of the others of the first, second and third lighting tracks.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein each of the first, second and third lighting tracks comprises a first pair of buss bars and wherein the method further comprises: transferring electrical power at a first voltage from a source of electrical power to the first pair of buss bars of one of the first, second and third lighting tracks.

8. A system comprising: first and second lighting tracks; and means for pivotally coupling the first and second lighting tracks; wherein means for pivotally coupling the first and second lighting tracks comprises: means for coupling a first lighting track to a first housing; means for coupling a second lighting track to a second housing, wherein the first and second housing are aligned along a first axis; and wherein the first and second housing rotate about the first axis; wherein means for coupling the first lighting track to the first housing comprises means for guiding the first lighting track into the first housing; and wherein means for coupling the second lighting track to the second housing comprises means for guiding the second lighting track into the second housing; wherein the system further comprises: means for locking the first lighting track to the first housing; and means for locking the second lighting track to the second housing; wherein an angle is defined between the first and second lighting tracks; wherein the system further comprises: means for adjusting the angle; and means for maintaining the angle; and wherein the angle is adjustable down to a predetermined angle.

9. A track lighting connection apparatus comprising: a first housing configured to receive at least one section of track lighting; a second housing axially aligned with the first housing along a first axis, the second housing configured to received least one other section of track lighting; wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second housing is rotatable about the first axis.

10. An apparatus comprising: a first side housing adapted to be coupled to a first lighting track; a first pair of contact assemblies disposed in the first side housing; a second side housing adapted to be coupled to a second lighting track; a second pair of contact assemblies disposed in the second side housing; a first connecting housing coupled to the first side housing; a second connecting housing coupled to the first connecting housing and the second side housing; and one or more wires extending between and coupled to one contact assembly in the first pair of contact assemblies and one contact assembly in the second pair of contact assemblies.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein an angle is defined between the first and second side housings; and wherein the angle is adjustable.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a first lighting track coupled to the first housing; and a second lighting track coupled to the second housing, wherein each of the first and second lighting tracks rotates about the first axis.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a terminal block assembly disposed in the first connecting housing; a first contact assembly disposed in the first side housing; a second contact assembly disposed in the second side housing; and one or more wires extending between and coupled to the terminal block assembly and at least one of the first and second contact assemblies.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a tubular member coupled to the second connecting housing and adapted to be coupled to a third lighting track.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising: a first contact assembly disposed in the first side housing; a second contact assembly disposed in the second side housing; and a third contact assembly disposed in the tubular member.

16. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a support plate coupled to the second connecting housing; and an eyelet engaged with the first connecting housing and the support plate; wherein relative rotation between the support plate and the first connecting housing is permitted to adjust the angle; wherein the apparatus further comprises: a washer disposed between the first connecting housing and the support plate; wherein the washer facilitates the relative rotation between the first connecting housing and the support plate; and wherein the washer facilitates the maintenance of the angle.

17. An apparatus comprising: a first side housing adapted to be coupled to a first lighting track; a second side housing adapted to be coupled to a second lighting track; a first connecting housing coupled to the first side housing; and a second connecting housing coupled to the first connecting housing and the second side housing; wherein an angle is defined between the first and second side housings. wherein the angle is adjustable; wherein the apparatus further comprises: a first pair of contact assemblies disposed in the first side housing; and a second pair of contact assemblies disposed in the second side housing; one or more first tabs for capturing each of the contact assemblies in the first pair of contact assemblies within the first side housing; one or more second tabs for capturing each of the contact assemblies in the second pair of contact assemblies within the second side housing; one or more first protrusions for guiding the first lighting track into the first side housing; one or more second protrusions for guiding the second lighting track into the second side housing; a first locking mechanism for locking the first lighting track to the first side housing; and a second locking mechanism for locking the second lighting track to the second side housing.

18. An apparatus comprising: a first side housing adapted to be coupled to a first lighting track; a second side housing adapted to be coupled to a second lighting track; a first connecting housing coupled to the first side housing; and a second connecting housing coupled to the first connecting housing and the second side housing; wherein an angle is defined between the first and second side housings. wherein the angle is adjustable; wherein the apparatus further comprises: a first pair of contact assemblies disposed in the first side housing; and a second pair of contact assemblies disposed in the second side housing; one or more first tabs for capturing each of the contact assemblies in the first pair of contact assemblies within the first side housing; one or more second tabs for capturing each of the contact assemblies in the second pair of contact assemblies within the second side housing; one or more first protrusions for guiding the first lighting track into the first side housing; one or more second protrusions for guiding the second lighting track into the second side housing; a first locking mechanism for locking the first lighting track to the first side housing; and a second locking mechanism for locking the second lighting track to the second side housing; a mounting assembly coupled to the first connecting housing and a support structure; a support plate coupled to the second connecting housing; an eyelet engaged with the first connecting housing and the support plate, wherein relative rotation between the support plate and the first connecting housing is permitted to adjust the angle; a washer disposed between the first connecting housing and the support plate, wherein the washer facilitates the relative rotation between the first connecting housing and the support plate and wherein the washer facilitates the maintenance of the angle.

19. An apparatus comprising: a side housing for receiving at least one lighting track; a first connecting housing coupled to the side housing; a second connecting housing coupled to the first connecting housing; a contact insulator disposed in the side housing; a contact insulator spring coupled to the contact insulator; one or more tabs for releasably coupling the contact insulator and the contact insulator spring within the side housing another side housing coupled to the second connecting housing; wherein an angle is defined between the side housings; and wherein the angle is adjustable.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the side housing is adapted to receive another lighting track so that, when the side housing receives the at least one lighting track and the another lighting track, a straight coupling is formed between the at least one lighting track and the another lighting track.

21. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a third lighting track.

22. An apparatus comprising: a side housing for receiving at least one lighting track; a contact insulator disposed in the side housing; a contact insulator spring coupled to the contact insulator; a plate coupled to the side housing; one or more contacts engaged with the contact insulator; one or more tabs for capturing the contact insulator and the contact insulator spring within the side housing, comprising: a first tab of the side housing; and a second tab of the plate; wherein the contact insulator is disposed between an inside wall of the side housing and the first and second tabs; and wherein the contact insulator spring is disposed between the inside wall of the side housing and the contact insulator and applies a biasing force against the contact insulator; wherein, in response to the application of the biasing force, the contact insulator engages the first and second tabs.

23. A system comprising: a first rotatable member; a first lighting track coupled to the first rotatable member; a second rotatable member, wherein the first and second rotatable members are aligned along a first axis; a second lighting track coupled to the second rotatable member; and wherein the first and second rotatable members rotate independently about the first axis.

24. The system of claim 23 wherein an angle is defined between the first and second lighting tracks; and wherein the system further comprises: means for adjusting the angle; and means for maintaining the angle.

25. The system of claim 23 wherein each of the first and second lighting tracks comprises a first pair of buss bars; and wherein the system further comprises: means for transferring electrical power at a first voltage between the first pair of buss bars of the first lighting track and the first pair of buss bars of the second lighting track.

26. The system of claim 23 wherein the first lighting track comprises a first pair of buss bars and wherein the system farther comprises: means for transferring electrical power at a first voltage from a source of electrical power to the first pair of buss bars of the first lighting track.

27. The system of claim 23 further comprising: means for coupling a third lighting track along the first axis.

28. The system of claim 27 wherein each of the first, second and third lighting tracks comprises a first pair of buss bars and wherein the system further comprises: means for transferring electrical power at a first voltage from the first pair of buss bars of one of the first, second and third lighting tracks to the first pair of buss bars of each of the others of the first, second and third lighting tracks.

29. The system of claim 27 wherein each of the first, second and third lighting tracks comprises a first pair of buss bars and wherein the system further comprises: means for transferring electrical power at a first voltage from a source of electrical power to the first pair of buss bars of one of the first, second and third lighting tracks.

30. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least a portion of the third lighting track is axially aligned with the first and second housing along the first axis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to the following co-pending applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/322,837, filed on Dec. 30, 2005; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/324,099, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,422, filed on Dec. 30, 2005; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/323,231, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,425,140, filed on Dec. 30, 2005, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates in general to lighting systems and methods and in particular to track lighting systems and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting system according to an embodiment, which includes a track according to an embodiment, a power feed assembly according to an embodiment, a support assembly according to an embodiment, and a lamp assembly according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the track of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2.

FIG. 3 is enlarged perspective view of the power feed assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the power feed assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a portion of the exploded view depicted in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a contact pad assembly of the power feed assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the power feed assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional/partial elevational view of the power feed assembly of FIG. 1, except that wiring has been removed for clarity.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E are elevational views depicting the coupling of the track of FIG. 1 to the power feed assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9A is a partial sectional/partial top plan view of the track of FIG. 1 coupled to the power feed assembly of FIG. 1, but with selected components of the assemblies removed for clarity.

FIG. 9B is a view similar to that of FIG. 9A but depicting the track in a flexed or bent configuration.

FIG. 10 is a partial exploded/partial perspective view of a power feed assembly according to another embodiment and coupled to the track of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a power feed assembly according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a portion of the power feed assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an elevational view depicting the track of FIG. 1 coupled to the power feed assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an elevational view depicting the track of FIG. 1 coupled to the power feed assembly of FIG. 1, the power feed assembly of FIG. 11 and a power feed assembly substantially identical to the power feed assembly of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are sectional views of the track of FIG. 14 taken along lines 15A-15A, 15B-15B and 15C-15C, respectively.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a power feed assembly according to another embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the support assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a portion of the support assembly of FIGS. 1 and 17.

FIG. 19A is a partial perspective/partial exploded view of a support assembly according to another embodiment.

FIG. 19B is a sectional view of a portion of the support assembly of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the lamp assembly of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D and 21E are elevational views depicting the coupling of the lamp assembly of FIGS. 1 and 20 to the track of FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is an elevational view of a lamp assembly according to another embodiment and coupled to the track of FIG. 1.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a lamp assembly according to another embodiment and coupled to the track of FIG. 1.

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic view of a lighting system according to an embodiment and coupled to the track of FIG. 1.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a lighting system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a lighting system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a transformer assembly according to an embodiment and coupled to the track of FIG. 1.

FIG. 28A is an exploded view of the transformer assembly of FIG. 27.

FIG. 28B is a sectional view of a track adapter of the transformer assembly of FIGS. 27 and 28A, a perspective view of which is depicted in FIG. 28A.

FIGS. 28C and 28D are respective perspective views of covers of the transformer assembly of FIG. 27.

FIG. 28E is a perspective view of another track adapter of the transformer assembly of FIGS. 27 and 28A.

FIG. 28F is a perspective view of the transformer assembly of FIGS. 27 and 28A and depicts another operational position of the covers of FIGS. 28C and 28D.

FIGS. 28G and 28H are end views of the covers of FIGS. 28C and 28D, respectively, of the transformer assembly of FIGS. 27 and 28A.

FIG. 29 is a simplified partial sectional/partial top plan view of the transformer assembly of FIGS. 27 and 28A and depicts operational positions of the covers of FIGS. 28C and 28D.

FIG. 30A is a view similar to that of FIG. 29 but depicting other operational positions of the covers of FIGS. 28C and 28D.

FIG. 30B is a perspective view of the transformer assembly of FIGS. 27 and 28A and depicts the same operational positions of the covers of FIGS. 28C and 28D that are depicted in FIG. 30A.

FIG. 31A is a view similar to that of FIG. 29 but depicting yet other operational positions of the covers of FIGS. 28C and 28D.

FIG. 31B is a view similar to that of FIG. 30B but depicts the same operational positions of the covers of FIGS. 28C and 28D that are depicted in FIG. 31A.

FIG. 32 is an elevational view of one end of the transformer assembly and track of FIG. 27.

FIG. 33 is an elevational view of the other end of the transformer assembly and track of FIG. 27.

FIG. 34A is a simplified partial sectional/partial top plan view of the transformer assembly and track of FIG. 27.

FIG. 34B is a view similar to that of FIG. 34A but depicting the track in a flexed or bent configuration.

FIG. 35 is a partial sectional/partial diagrammatic view of the transformer assembly and track of FIG. 27.

FIG. 36 is a view similar to that of FIG. 27 but depicting the lamp assembly of FIG. 1 and the lamp assembly of FIG. 25 coupled to the track.

FIG. 37 is a view similar to that of FIG. 35 but depicting an alternative electrical coupling between the transformer assembly and track of FIG. 27.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a transformer assembly according to an another embodiment and coupled to the track of FIG. 1, with the transformer assembly including covers in an operational position.

FIG. 39 is an exploded view of the transformer assembly of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40A is a perspective view of the transformer assembly of FIG. 38 depicting the covers in another operational position.

FIG. 40B is an end view of a cover of the transformer assembly of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40C is an end view of the other cover of the transformer assembly of FIG. 38.

FIG. 41 is a simplified partial sectional/partial top plan view of the transformer assembly of FIG. 38, with the covers of the transformer assembly in the same operational positions as depicted in FIG. 38.

FIG. 42A is a view similar to that of FIG. 41 but depicting other operational positions of the covers of the transformer assembly of FIG. 38.

FIG. 42B is a perspective view of the transformer assembly of FIG. 38 and depicts the same operational positions of the covers that are depicted in FIG. 42A.

FIG. 43A is a view similar to that of FIG. 41 but depicting yet other operational positions of the covers of the transformer assembly of FIG. 38.

FIG. 43B is a perspective view of the transformer assembly of FIG. 38 and depicts the same operational positions of the covers that are depicted in FIG. 43A.

FIG. 44A is an elevational view of one end of the transformer assembly and track of FIG. 38.

FIG. 44B is a partial sectional/partial diagrammatic view of the transformer assembly and track of FIG. 38, and is similar to FIG. 44A.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a lighting system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a lighting system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a track-connection system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a partial exploded/partial perspective view of several components of the track-connection system of FIG. 47, including a cover, upper and lower housings, and side housings.

FIG. 49 is a sectional view of the cover and upper and lower housings of the track-connection system of FIG. 47.

FIG. 50 is an exploded view of one of the side housings of the track-connection system of FIG. 47.

FIG. 51 is a sectional view of the side housing depicted in FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is another sectional view of the side housing depicted in FIG. 50.

FIG. 53 is a simplified perspective view of the track-connection system of FIG. 47 depicting a wiring configuration according to an embodiment.

FIG. 54 is a top plan view of the track-connection system of FIG. 47.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a track-connection system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 56 is a partial exploded/partial perspective view of several components of the track-connection system of FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is a diagrammatic view of the track-connection system of FIG. 55 depicting a wiring configuration according to an embodiment.

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a track-connection system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 59 is an exploded view of a portion of the track-connection system of FIG. 58.

FIG. 60 is a sectional view of the portion of the track-connection system depicted in FIG. 59 taken along line 60-60.

FIG. 61 is a sectional view of the portion of the track-connection system depicted in FIGS. 59 and 60 and taken along line 61-61.

FIG. 62 is a diagrammatic view of the track-connection system of FIG. 58 depicting a wiring configuration according to an embodiment.

FIG. 63A is a top plan view of the track-connection system of FIG. 58.

FIG. 63B is another top plan view of the track-connection system of FIG. 58 but depicting a track extending all the way through the portion of the track-connection system depicted in FIGS. 59, 60 and 61.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a track-connection system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 65 is a partial exploded/partial perspective view of the track-connection system of FIG. 64.

FIG. 66 is a sectional view of a portion of the track-connection system of FIG. 64.

FIG. 67 is an exploded view of a side housing of the track-connection system of FIG. 64.

FIG. 68 is a sectional view of the side housing depicted in FIG. 67.

FIG. 69 is a top plan view of the track-connection system of FIG. 64.

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a track-connection system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 71 is an exploded view of the track-connection system of FIG. 70.

FIG. 72 is a sectional view of the track-connection system of FIG. 70.

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of an end cap coupled to the track of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D, 74E, 74F, 74G, 74H and 74I are top plan views of lighting systems according to various embodiments.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a power feed assembly according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a lighting system is generally referred to by the reference numeral 10 and includes a lighting track 12 that is supported by a power feed assembly 14 and a support assembly 16, which are each coupled to a ceiling 18. A lamp assembly 20 is coupled to the track 12.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the track 12 includes a longitudinally-extending protrusion 20 having an I-beam portion 20a. Protrusions 20b and 20c extend from the I-beam portion 20a to define a channel 20d, and protrusions 20e and 20f extend from the I-beam portion to define a channel 20g. Channels 20h and 20i are defined by the I-beam 20a, the protrusions 20b and 20c, and the protrusions 20d and 20e. Horizontally-extending surfaces 20j and 20k are defined by the I-beam portion 20a. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 20 may be composed in whole or in part of aluminum and/or an aluminum alloy. In an exemplary embodiment, the I-beam portion 20a may have a nominal wall thickness of 0.060 inches.

An insulated liner 22 is disposed in the channel 20h, and defines longitudinally-extending channels 22a, 22b and 22c. An insulated liner 24 is disposed in the channel 20i, and defines longitudinally-extending channels 24a24b and 24c. In an exemplary embodiment, the liners 22 and 24 may be in the form of extruded polyvinyl insulators.

Longitudinally-extending buss bars 26a, 26b and 26c are disposed in the channels 22a, 22b and 22c, respectively, and longitudinally-extending buss bars 28a, 28b and 28c are disposed in the channels 24a, 24b and 24c, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the buss bars 26a, 26b, 26c, 28a, 28b and 28c may each be composed of nickel-plated solid copper, and may each have a cross section that is equivalent to #10AWG wire. As viewed in FIG. 2, the cross-section of the track 12 is symmetric across an imaginary vertical center axis, but is asymmetric across an imaginary horizontal center axis.

During installation, in an exemplary embodiment, the track 12 may be placed in a flexed or bent configuration by, for example, bending the track 12 and then coupling the track 12 to the power feed assembly 14 and the support assembly 16, or by adjusting the locations at which the power feed assembly 14 and/or the support assembly 16 are coupled to the ceiling 18, bending the track 12, and coupling the track 12 to the power feed assembly 14 and the support assembly 16 in one or more manners, including one or manners to be described in detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, the nominal wall thickness of the I-beam portion 20a of the protrusion 20 of the track 12 may facilitate the flexing or bending of the track 12, and the minimum bend radius of the track 12 may be 24 inches when the track 12 is placed in a flexed or bent configuration. In several exemplary embodiments, the track 12 may be supported by the power feed assembly 14, the support assembly 16, a device which extends into, is received by and/or is slidably engaged with the channel 20d of the track 12, as shown in FIG. 2, and/or any combination thereof. Moreover, one or more devices may hang from and/or may be supported by the track 12 by, for example, extending into, being received by and/or slidably engaging the channel 20g of the track 12, as shown in FIG. 2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the buss bars 26a and 26c are electrically isolated from the buss bars 28a and 28c, and the buss bars 26b and 28b; the buss bars 28a and 28c are electrically isolated from the buss bars 26b and 28b, and the buss bars 26a and 26c; and the buss bars 26b and 28b are electrically isolated from the buss bars 26a and 26c, and the buss bars 28a and 28c. During operation, in an exemplary embodiment, the track 12 is adapted to be supplied with electrical power so that a voltage V1 is generated across the buss bars 26a and 26c, and the buss bars 26a and 26c are permitted to form at least part of a single and independent electrical circuit, which may be independently switched. In an exemplary embodiment, the track 12 is supplied with AC electrical power by a 240V/120V 60-Hz single phase system 30a with grounded neutral so that the voltage V1 is generated across the buss bars 26a and 26c and is equal to a predetermined voltage level such as, for example, 120 volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the buss bar 26a serves as a hot conductor, the buss bar 26c serves as a neutral conductor, and the channel 20d serves as a grounding channel, that is, the protrusions 20b and/or 20c in part provide a ground path. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum capacity of each of the buss bars 26a and 26c is 20 A.

In an exemplary embodiment, in addition to, or instead of supplying electrical power to the track 12 so that the buss bars 26a and 26c are permitted to form at least part of a single and independent electrical circuit, which may be independently switched, the track 12 is adapted to be supplied with electrical power so that a voltage V2 is generated across the buss bars 28a and 28c, and the buss bars 28a and 28c are permitted to form at least part of a single and independent electrical circuit, which may be independently switched. In an exemplary embodiment, the track 12 is supplied with AC electrical power by a 240V/120V 60-Hz single phase system 30b with grounded neutral so that the voltage V2 is generated across the buss bars 28a and 28c and is equal to a predetermined voltage level such as, for example, 120 volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the buss bar 28a serves as a hot conductor, the buss bar 28c serves as a neutral conductor, and the channel 20d serves as a grounding channel, that is, the protrusions 20b and/or 20c in part provide a ground path. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum capacity of each of the buss bars 28a and 28c is 20 A. In several exemplary embodiments, the systems 30a and 30b may be combined and/or the number of 240V/120V 60-Hz single phase systems may be increased.

In an exemplary embodiment, in addition to, or instead of supplying electrical power to the track 12 so that the buss bars 26a and 26c are permitted to form at least part of a single and independent electrical circuit, which may be independently switched, and/or so that the buss bars 28a and 28c are permitted to form at least part of a single and independent electrical circuit, which may be independently switched, the track 12 is adapted to be supplied with electrical power so that a voltage V3 is generated across the buss bars 26b and 28b, and the buss bars 26b and 28b are permitted to form at least part of a single and independent electrical circuit, which may be independently switched. In an exemplary embodiment, the track 12 is supplied with DC electrical power by one or more devices such as, for example, a remote transformer and/or a DC power supply 31 so that the voltage V3 is generated and is equal to a predetermined voltage level such as, for example, 12 volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum capacity of each of the buss bars 26b and 28b is 25 A.

In view of the foregoing, and in an exemplary embodiment, the voltages V1, V2 and V3 may all be simultaneously generated on the track 12, and thus the track 12 may support up to three independent electrical circuits.

In several exemplary embodiments, in addition to, or instead of the foregoing, electrical power may be supplied to the track 12 in a wide variety of configurations so that one or more pairs of the buss bars 26a, 26b, 26c, 28a, 28b and 28c are permitted to form at least part of a single electrical circuit and a voltage is generated across each of the one or more pairs. In several exemplary embodiments, the track 12 may be coupled to one or more other tracks to form one or more other lighting system configurations, as will be described in further detail below.

In several exemplary embodiments, a wide variety of devices may be coupled to the track 12 such as, for example, the power feed assembly 14, the support assembly 16 and/or the lamp assembly 20, and these examples and other examples of devices that are adapted to be coupled to the track 12 will be described in further detail below.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6 and 7, the power feed assembly 14 includes an attachment 32 that is coupled to the track 12 and a mounting assembly 34, which, in turn, is coupled to the ceiling 18.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly 34 includes a canopy plate 36 having an external recess 36a and openings 36b and 36c, and an opening 36d. A hexagonally-shaped protrusion 36e surrounds the opening 36d. A conventional mounting strap 38 includes openings 38a and 38b having internal threaded connections, and further includes an opening 38c. The mounting assembly 34 further includes an externally-threaded stem 40, fasteners 42a and 42b and a hexagonal nut 44.

In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment 32 includes a generally tubular housing 46 defining a longitudinal passage 46a and having a capped end portion 46b and an internal threaded connection 46c extending through the capped end portion 46b and into the passage. The housing 46 further includes an external annular recess 46d defining a shoulder 46e, and an external annular recess 46f defining a shoulder 46g. Generally cylindrical bosses 46h and 46i having respective internal threaded connections extend radially inwardly from the inside surface of the housing 46, and further extend axially along the longitudinal length of housing 46, from the end of the housing 46 adjacent the external annular recess 46f to the inside surface of the capped end portion 46b.

A generally cylindrically-shaped terminal block 48 includes a bore 48a, through-openings 48b and 48c, arcuate channels 48d and 48e, and set screws 48f and 48g that are disposed in the terminal block and are adapted to extend into the through-opening 48b. Another pair of set screws, not shown but symmetric to the set screws 48f and 48g across an imaginary vertical center axis, are disposed in the terminal block 48 and are adapted to extend into the through-opening 48c.

The attachment 32 further includes a spring 50, a tubular sleeve 52 having an internal annular shoulder 52a, an arcuate shell housing 54 and an arcuate shell cover 56 hingedly connected to the housing 54 at one end of the housing 54 via a pin 55. The housing 54 includes an arcuate rib 54a at the other end that extends radially inward from the outside surface of the housing 54 and defines an arcuate surface 54b and coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d at the respective circumferentially-spaced ends of the rib 54a. An external arcuate recess 54e is formed in the rib 54a and defines a shoulder 54f. Circumferentially-spaced bosses 54g and 54h having respective through-openings 54i and 54j extend generally radially inward from the arcuate surface 54b so that the center axes of the through-openings 54i and 54j, and the surfaces 54c and 54d, all lie in the same imaginary plane.

A pair of aligned notches 54k and 54l are formed in the housing 54 at the respective axially-extending edges of the housing, and define profiles that substantially correspond to the profile of approximately one half of the perimeter outline of the cross-section of the track 12, which may be defined in part by either the outside surfaces of the protrusions 20c and 20f, or the outside surfaces of the protrusions 20b and 20e. Each of the profiles of portions 54ka and 54la of the notches 54k and 54l, respectively, substantially corresponds to the perimeter outline of the outside surface of the protrusion 20c or 20b, and each of the profiles of portions 54kb and 54lb of the notches 54k and 54l, respectively, substantially corresponds to the perimeter outline of the outside surface of the protrusion 20f or 20e.

A boss 54m having an internal threaded connection extends radially inward from an arcuate inside surface 54n of the housing 54, and bosses 54o and 54p having respective blind bores extend radially inward from the surface 54n and are positioned so that the boss 54m is between the bosses 54o and 54p. A boss 54q having an internal threaded connection extends radially inward from the surface 54n and is adjacent the rib 54a. The respective locations of the bosses 54m, 54o, 54p and 54q on the surface 54n are longitudinally aligned.

The cover 56 includes at its distal end an arcuate rib 56a that extends radially inward from the outside surface of the cover 56 and defines an arcuate surface 56b and coplanar surfaces 56c and 56d at the respective circumferentially-spaced ends of the rib 56a. An external arcuate recess 56e is formed in the rib 56a and defines a shoulder 56f. Curved ramp surfaces 56g and 56h extend from the coplanar surfaces 56c and 56d, respectively, to the distal end of the external arcuate recess 56e.

A pair of aligned notches 56i and 56j are formed in the cover 56 at the respective longitudinally-extending edges of the cover 56, and define profiles that substantially correspond to the profile of approximately the other half of the perimeter outline of the cross-section of the track 12, which may be defined in part by either the outside surfaces of the protrusions 20c and 20f, or the outside surfaces of the protrusions 20b and 20e. Each of the profiles of portions 56ia and 56ja of the notches 56i and 56j, respectively, substantially corresponds to the perimeter outline of the outside surface of the protrusion 20c or 20b, and each of the profiles of portions 56ib and 56jb of the notches 56i and 56j, respectively, substantially corresponds to the perimeter outline of the outside surface of the protrusion 20f or 20e.

A boss 56k having an internal threaded connection extends radially inward from an arcuate inside surface 56l of the cover 56, and bosses 56m and 56n having respective blind bores extend radially inward from the surface 56l and are positioned so that the boss 56k is between the bosses 56m and 56n. The respective locations of the bosses 56k, 56m and 56n on the surface 56l are longitudinally aligned.

A contact pad assembly 58 is disposed in the housing 54 and includes a contact pad 58a defining a curved surface 58b, a rear surface 58c and a top surface 58d. A counterbore 58e is formed in the curved surface 58b, and openings 58f and 58g are formed in the rear surface 58c and the top surface 58d. A tubular protrusion 58h extends from the rear surface 58c and is axially aligned with the counterbore 58e. Pins 58i and 58j extend from the rear surface 58c and are positioned so that the tubular protrusion 58h is between the pins 58i and 58j. The respective locations of extension from the rear surface 58c of the tubular protrusion 58h and the pins 58i and 58j are longitudinally aligned. Lugs 58k and 58l extend from the openings 58f and 58g, respectively, through the interior of the contact pad 58a, and outwards from the curved surface 58b, and have distal ends that define contacts 58m and 58n, respectively. A hot wire 58o extends upward from the lug 58k, and a neutral wire 58p extends upward from the lug 58l.

The attachment 32 further includes a ground clip 60 that is coupled to the housing 54 and includes a curved portion 60a and holes 60b and 60c, through which fasteners 62a and 62b, respectively, are adapted to extend. A ground wire 64 having a lug 64a extends through the bore 48a of the terminal block 48.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the mounting assembly 34 is in an assembled condition and coupled to the ceiling 18 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the mounting strap 38 is connected in a conventional manner to a standard junction box, which is mounted in the ceiling 18 and not shown. The fasteners 42a and 42b extend through the openings 36a and 36b, respectively, of the canopy plate 36 and extend into and threadably engage the internal threaded connections of the openings 38a and 38b, respectively, of the mounting strap 38. As a result, the canopy plate 36 is coupled to the mounting strap 38 and the canopy plate 36 abuts the ceiling 18. The stem 40 is threadably engaged with the hex nut 44, which is supported by the canopy plate 36 and is surrounded by the protrusion 36e.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the attachment 32 is in an assembled condition and is coupled to the mounting assembly 34 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the stem 40 is threadably engaged with the internal threaded connection 46c of the housing 46 so that the stem 40 couples the housing 46 to the canopy plate 36. In an exemplary embodiment, as a result of the coupling between the housing 46 and the canopy plate 36, the capped end portion 46b is adjacent the recess 36a of the canopy plate 36.

The terminal block 48 is received and at least partially extends within the passage 46a of the housing 46 so that the bosses 46h and 46i extend through the channels 48e and 48d, respectively, of the terminal block 48.

The external annular recesses 46d and 46f of the housing 46 are received and at least partially extend within the sleeve 52 to define an annular region 66 between the external annular recess 46d and the sleeve 52. The spring 50 extends within the annular region 66 and about the external annular recess 46d, abuts the shoulder 46e of the housing 46, and abuts the internal shoulder 52a of the sleeve 52. As a result, the spring 50 is compressed within the annular region 66.

Fasteners 68a and 68b extend through the through-openings 54i and 54j, respectively, of the bosses 54g and 54h, respectively, of the housing 54 and threadably engage the internal threaded connections of the bosses 46h and 46i, respectively, of the housing 46 until the end of the housing 54 adjacent the external annular recess 54e abuts the end of the housing 46 adjacent the external annular recess 46d. As a result, the housing 54 is coupled to the housing 46.

The fastener 62a extends through the hole 60b of the ground clip 60 and threadably engages the internal threaded connection of the boss 54q of the housing 54, thereby coupling the ground clip 60 to the housing 54.

A spring 70 extends about the boss 54m of the housing 54 and contacts the surface 54n, and further at least partially extends within the tubular protrusion 58h. The head of a fastener 72 is seated in the enlarged-diameter portion of the counterbore 58e of the contact pad assembly 58, and the fastener 72 extends through the counterbore 58e and threadably engages the internal threaded connection of the boss 54m, thereby coupling the contact pad assembly 58 to the housing 54 and causing the contact pad 58a to at least partially compress the spring 70 against the surface 54n. The pins 58i and 58j extend into the blind holes of the bosses 54o and 54p, respectively, of the housing 54.

The hot and neutral wires 58o and 58p, respectively, of the contact pad assembly 58 extend upward, through the passage 46a of the housing 46, and into the openings 48c and 48b, respectively, of the terminal block 48. The set screws 48e and 48f extend into the opening 48b to secure the neutral wire 58p against the inside wall of the opening 48b, thereby preventing relative movement between the neutral wire 58p and the terminal block 48 and providing strain relief. Similarly, the set screws that are symmetric to the set screws 48e and 48f and not shown extend into the opening 48c to secure the hot wire 58o against the inside wall of the opening 48c, thereby preventing relative movement between the hot wire 58o and the terminal block 48 and providing strain relief. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more clips may be coupled to each pair of set screws 48e and 48f, and the symmetric equivalents thereof, and at least partially disposed in the openings 48b and/or 48c to facilitate the securing of the wires 58p and 58o against the inside walls of the openings 48b and 48c, respectively.

The wires 58o and 58p terminate at the terminal block 48, and are electrically coupled in a conventional manner to a source of electrical power such as, for example, the system 30b.

The ground clip 60 is coupled to the housing 54, as noted above, and the ground wire 64 is coupled to the ground clip 60. More particularly, the fastener 62b extends through the lug 64a of the ground wire 64, and into the hole 60c of the ground clip 60, and threadably engages an internal threaded connection of the hole 60c to couple the ground wire 64 to the ground clip 60. The ground wire 64 extends upward through the bore 48a of the terminal block as noted above, through the passage 46a of the housing 46, and through the stem 40. The ground wire 64 may further extend through the opening 38c of the mounting strap 38, and/or may be coupled to a power ground source.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cover 56 is in a closed configuration in which the coplanar surfaces 56c and 56d of the cover 56 contact or nearly contact the coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d, respectively, of the housing 54, thereby enclosing the contact pad assembly 58. Moreover, due to the above-described compression of the spring 50 between the shoulder 46e of the housing and the internal shoulder 52a of the sleeve 52, the spring 50 urges the sleeve 52 against the shoulder 54f of the housing 54 and the shoulder 56f of the cover 56. As a result, the external annular recess 56e of the cover 56 contacts or nearly contacts the sleeve 52 and is thereby locked, that is, prevented from pivoting about the pin 55 and away from the coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d of the housing 54. In an exemplary embodiment, before, during or after the coupling of the attachment 32 to the mounting assembly 34 and/or the coupling of the mounting assembly 34 to the ceiling 18, the cover 56 may be placed in an open and/or a fully-open configuration in a manner, and under conditions, to be described in detail below.

In an exemplary embodiment, the track 12 is coupled to the attachment 32 as illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the cover 56 is placed in an open configuration by an operator first moving the sleeve 52 in an upward direction, as indicated by the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8A. In an exemplary embodiment, the operator may move the sleeve 52 in the upward direction using only one hand. As a result of the movement of the sleeve 52 in the upward direction, the spring 50 is further compressed due to the axial movement of the internal shoulder 52a of the sleeve 52 towards the shoulder 46e of the housing 46, and the position of the internal shoulder 52a of the sleeve 52 is elevated above the cover 56, including the external annular recess 56e. As a result, the cover 56 is free to pivot about the pin 55 and away from the coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d of the housing 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the operator may rotate the cover 56 about the pin 55 so that the cover 56 pivots about the pin 55 and away from the coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d of the housing 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the operator may rotate the cover 56 about the pin 55 while maintaining the elevated position of the sleeve 52. In an exemplary embodiment, the operator may maintain the elevated position of the sleeve 52, thereby resisting the decompression of the spring 50, and rotate the cover 56 about the pin 55, using the same one hand. In an exemplary embodiment, gravity may cause or facilitate the pivoting of the cover 56 about the pin 55 and away from the coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d of the housing 54.

In an exemplary embodiment, the rotation of the cover 56 about the pin 55, so that the cover 56 pivots about the pin 55 and away from the housing 56, is continued until the position of at least a portion of the external annular recess 56e of the cover 56 is to the left of the sleeve 52, as viewed in FIG. 8A. At this point, the operator may release the sleeve 52, permitting the spring 50 to at least partially decompress and urge the sleeve 52 in a downward direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 52 may contact the rib 56a of the cover 56 in response to the urging of the sleeve 52 downward by the spring 50. In response to any such contact, the rib 56a may ride against the sleeve 52 during the rotation of the cover 56 about the pin 55.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the sleeve 52 abuts the shoulder 54f of the housing 54 in response to the operator's release of the sleeve 52 and the urging of the sleeve 52 downward by the spring 50, and the further rotation of the cover 56 about the pin 55 and away from the coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d of the housing 54. The cover 56 is further rotated about the pin 55, so that the cover 56 pivots about the pin 55 and away from the coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d of the housing 54, until the cover 56 is in a fully-open configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, once the cover 56 is a fully-open configuration, the cover 56 has rotated at least about 90 or more degrees in a circumferential direction away from the coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d of the housing 54.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the track 12 is moved towards the attachment 32 so that at least aligned portions of the buss bars 28a, 28b and 28c travel in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of the nominal longitudinal extension of the buss bars 28a, 28b and 28c, and is parallel to the direction of extension of the contacts 58m and 58n from the curved surface 58b of the contact pad 58a of the contact pad assembly 58, as indicated by the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8B. The position of the track 12 is adjusted until the buss bars 28a and 28c are vertically aligned with the contacts 58m and 58n, respectively, as viewed in FIG. 8B. This position of the track 12 is maintained and the track 12 is moved in the above-described direction until the contact 58m extends into the channel 24a and contacts or nearly contacts the buss bar 28a, and until the contact 58n extends into the channel 24c and contacts or nearly contacts the buss bar 28c, as viewed in FIG. 8C.

As a result of the contacts 58m and 58n contacting or nearly contacting the buss bars 28a and 28c, respectively, the curved portion 60a of the ground clip 60 contacts the protrusion 20b of the protrusion 20 of the track 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the curved portion 60a may contact the protrusion 20c of the protrusion 20 of the track 12. Due to the curved shape of the curved portion 60a, the curved portion 60a is compressed and applies a reaction or biasing force against the protrusion 20b and/or 20c.

As a further result of the contacts 58m and 58n contacting or nearly contacting the buss bars 28a and 28c, respectively, the protrusion 20c of the track 12 is positioned near or contacts the portions 54ka and 54la of the notches 54k and 54l, respectively, of the housing 54, the protrusion 20f of the track 12 is positioned near or contacts the portions 54kb and 54lb of the notches 54k and 54l, respectively, and the insulated liner 24 of the track 12 is positioned near or contacts the respective vertically-extending portions of the notches 54k and 54l.

After the above-described positioning of the track 12 relative to the housing 54, the cover 56 is rotated about the pin 55 so that the cover 56 pivots about the pin 55 and circumferentially towards the coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d of the housing 54. During this rotation, the curved ramp surfaces 56g and 56h contact the end of the sleeve 52 abutting the shoulder 54e of the housing 54. Continued rotation of the cover 56 after the contact between the sleeve 52 and the ramp surfaces 56g and 56h forces at least the portion of the sleeve 52 in contact with the ramp surfaces 56g and 56h upward, as indicated by the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8D, overcoming the local force exerted by the spring 50 on the sleeve 52 in the downward direction. The curved shape of the ramp surfaces 56g and 56h facilitate the forcing of the at least a portion of the sleeve 52 in the upward direction.

Continued rotation of the cover 56 continues to force the at least a portion of the sleeve 52 in contact with the ramp surfaces 56g and 56h upward, as the coplanar surfaces 56c and 56d of the cover 56 continue to approach the coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d, respectively, of the housing 54. As a result, the sleeve 52 slides along the ramp surfaces 56g and 56h and on top of the rib 56a, during the rotation of the cover 56, until the coplanar surfaces 56c and 56d contact or nearly contact the coplanar surfaces 54c and 54d, respectively, and the external annular recess 56e of the cover 56 is offset radially inwardly from the shoulder 52a of the sleeve 52.

When the external annular recess 56e of the cover 56 is offset radially inwardly from the shoulder 52a of the sleeve 52, the spring 50