Light fixture

#This invention relates generally to light fixtures, and more particularly to light fixtures having the ability to store extra lengths of electrical wiring.

#Light fixtures which may be mounted to the planar surface of a ceiling or wall have existed for many years. These light fixtures typically include a mounting plate which is mounted directly to the wall or ceiling, a threaded mounting post or nipple extending from the mounting plate, a canopy or otherwise decorative plate which is mountable upon the mounting plate through the mounting post and a threaded nut received upon the mounting post, and a light assembly which is coupled to the canopy. The light assembly may include one of more light sockets and decorative arms, housings, encasements, mounting chains and the like. The electric sockets are coupled to an elongated electric cord which is coupled to an electric power line positioned adjacent the mounting plate.

#In the past, light fixtures such as chandeliers have been mounted by supporting the light assembly below the previously mounted mounting plate so that the electric cord may be connected to the electric power line within the ceiling. The canopy is then raised and mounted to the mounting plate with the mounting post extending through a hole in the mounting plate. The electric cord is typically passed through the hollow center of the mounting post. A nut is then threaded upon the mounting post whereby the weight of the light assembly is supported by the mounting post.

#FIG. 1 is an exploded, side view of a light fixture embodying principles of the invention in a preferred form.

#FIG. 2 is a side view of the light fixture of FIG. 1 shown in an assembled configuration.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view, in partial cross-section, of the canopy portion of the ceiling fan of FIG. 1.

#With reference next to the drawings, there is shown a light fixture 10 suspended from a ceiling c in a preferred form of the invention. The light fixture includes junction box 11 which is fixed to the ceiling c and an annular mounting plate 12 coupled to the junction box 11 through a pair of mounting screws 13 extending through mounting holes 14 within the mounting plate and threadably received within threaded mounting holes 15 within the junction box 11. The mounting plate 12 has a central, internally threaded mounting hole 17 adapted to receive an externally threaded mounting post or nipple 18 having a central bore 19, so that the mounting post 18 depends from the mounting plate 12.

#The light fixture 10 also includes a bowl shaped covering plate or canopy 21 having a central opening 22 therein, a screw collar loop 23 having a bore 24 with internal threads adapted to threadably receive mounting post 18 and external threads adapted to threadably mate with an internally threaded collar nut 25. A length of chain 26 is coupled at one end to the collar loop 23 and coupled at an opposite end to a lighting assembly 27. The canopy 21 includes an outer shell 29 and central winding spool 30 which is mounted concentrically within the canopy outer shell 29 and concentrically about the mounting opening 22. The central spool 30 has a generally cylindrical central portion 31 and an annular flange portion 32 extending outwardly from the top of the central portion 31. The flange portion 32 has a down-turned edge to prevent sharp edges from damaging the electric cord describe in more detail hereunder and to maintain an electric cord wound about the central portion 31.

#The lighting assembly 27 includes a central hub 34 and a plurality of arms 35 extending from the central hub 34. Upon the end of each arm 35 is mounted an electric socket 36 adapted to receive a light bulb 37. The sockets 36 are electrically coupled to a common electric cord 41 which may extend from the top of the hub and be passed through the links of the chain 26. The electric cord 41 passes through the central bore 24 of the collar loop 23, through the central opening 22 in the canopy 21, through the central bore 19 within the mounting post 18 and into the junction box 11. Within the junction box 11 the ends of the electric cord 41 are connected to the ends of an electric power line 42 carrying an electric current. The electric cord 41 is wrapped about the spool 30 as described in more detail hereunder. It should be understood that the light assembly may be in the form of any type of light fixture and is not intended to be limited to the chandelier style shown in the preferred embodiment.