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.
Claims20
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.
A method, comprising:
- electrically connecting utility power contacts of a mounting mechanism to utility electrical power;
- securing at least the mounting mechanism of a quick-connect system to a ceiling support system using at least one fastener;
- and
- performing an engaging action to engage an electrical fixture equipped with at least a coupling mechanism of the quick-connect system with the mounting mechanism,
- wherein the engaging action comprises at least a first engaging motion that moves the coupling mechanism through a coupling gap such that the coupling mechanism is at least one of structurally engaged and electrically engaged within the mounting mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.