Electrical fixture quick connect mount
AssigneeMagTown, LLC
InventorsDarren Glenn Austin, Mardee Coyle Austin, Corey Bernard Mack
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for quick, safe, and easy installation of electrical fixtures in the building construction field, including connecting the fixture to a mounting mechanism for structural support and electrical service. A coupling mechanism is attached to or incorporated into the fixture. The coupling mechanism has built-in electrical leads that are designed to connect with the electrical leads on a fixture-facing interface of the mounting mechanism. Electrical leads on the coupling mechanism are connected via wire or other electrically conductive material to the electrical components in the fixture.
Claims13
An apparatus comprising:
- a mounting mechanism including:
- at least one ceiling structural connection point configured to accept at least one fastener to provide mounting mechanism structural support between the mounting mechanism and a ceiling support system;
- at least two utility power contacts configured to electrically connect to utility electrical power;
- at least two female coupling mechanism power contacts, each electrically connected to one of the at least two utility power contacts by one of at least two mounting mechanism electrical leads;
- a mounting mechanism housing configured to:
- receive and connect to a coupling mechanism using a quick-connect system;
- provide coupling mechanism structural support;
- and
- insulate the at least two mounting mechanism electrical leads;
- and
- a coupling mechanism including:
- at least two male coupling mechanism power contacts configured to electrically connect to the at least two female coupling mechanism power contacts of the mounting mechanism using the quick-connect system;
- at least two fixture power contacts, each electrically connected to one of the at least two male coupling mechanism power contacts by one of at least two coupling mechanism electrical leads;
- a coupling mechanism housing configured to:
- connect to and receive structural support from the mounting mechanism housing using the quick-connect system;
- provide electrical fixture structural support;
- and
- insulate the at least two coupling mechanism electrical leads;
- wherein at least two fixture electrical leads of an electrical fixture are configured to receive the utility electrical power through connection with the at least two fixture power contacts of the coupling mechanism;
- the mounting mechanism further comprising at least two power contact tracks, each having a terminal end and an insertion end,
- wherein the insertion end is configured to accept one of the at least two male coupling mechanism power contacts as the coupling mechanism is engaged with the mounting mechanism,
- wherein the terminal end comprises a male coupling mechanism power contact recess and one of the at least two female coupling mechanism power contacts,
- wherein each of the at least two male coupling mechanism power contacts of the coupling mechanism is configured to slide from the insertion end to the terminal end along the power contact track as the coupling mechanism is engaged with the mounting mechanism, and
- wherein each of the at least two male coupling mechanism power contacts is configured to drop into the male coupling mechanism power contact recess, to connect to the one of the at least two female coupling mechanism power contacts at the terminal end, providing a tactile response confirming the male coupling mechanism power contact is electrically connected to the female coupling mechanism power contact and electrically connecting the male coupling mechanism power contact to the female coupling mechanism power contact through force of weight of the electrical fixture and coupling mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.