Universal track light mounting system

#This invention relates to a universal track light mounting system for mounting track lighting components--e.g., luminaires (lighting fixtures with lamps), commonly referred to as track lighting "heads"--to a track lighting track.

#Track lighting tracks come in a variety of sizes and configurations, but most commonly are elongated, with a generally rectangular cross section. One side--typically one of the longer sides of the rectangle--is attached to the mounting surface, which may be a ceiling or sometimes a wall. The opposite side usually has an opening that extends longitudinally along the track, surrounded by flanges that partially close off that side near both edges of that side. The opening allows access to the interior, which contains power conductors usually running along the other two sides. The heads and other track lighting components and accessories are commonly attached to the track by a mechanism that extends into the open side with "fingers" that both connect to the power conductors and retain the components on the track. Commonly, these fingers are mounted on a turret that is rotatable between a first position in which the fingers are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the track, and a second position in which the fingers are perpendicular to the first position. Such a component would be positioned on the track with the turret in the first position such that the fingers can be inserted in the opening in the track, and then the turret would be rotated to the second position to lock the component in place by engagement with the flanges and to connect the fingers to the power conductors.

#A typical track light mounting mechanism is usually designed for only a specific track. Thus, the track lighting components of one manufacturer may not be compatible with the track lighting tracks of other manufacturers. Accordingly, those interested in installing or modifying a track lighting system generally are limited to those components that are designed for the same system. Further, the dual purpose mounting mechanism just described usually is not very sturdy and could not be used, for example, to support heavier components.

#The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a universal track light mounting system illustrating several track lighting components of different types and weights according to the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a portion of the universal track light mounting system of FIG. 1 taken from line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

#The present invention provides a clamp that adjustably mounts to tracks of different sizes and can support different types of components of varying weights. This is achieved with two brackets that are adjustably interconnected for variable separation therebetween to accommodate tracks of different sizes. The separation between the brackets is varied with separate coarse and fine adjustments. The clamp mounts to the track with one bracket engaging the top and one side of the track while the other bracket engages the top and the other side of the track. Each bracket has an upper flange that is adjacent and substantially parallel to the top of the track. The weight of the component is distributed across the surface area of the clamp in contact with the track, rather than being concentrated on the small contact fingers of the known systems. This enables the clamp generally to support loads heavier than previously known systems.

#A preferred embodiment of a track light mounting system 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-10. System 10 includes several lighting components 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D and 14E of various types (e.g., component 14E is a ballast), sizes, and weights. Each component is mounted to a track lighting track 16 with one or more universal track lighting clamps 12 (e.g., component 14C is long enough to require two clamps 12). Track lighting track 16 has a generally rectangular cross section with a "top" side 17 attached to a mounting surface 32. The mounting surface may be a ceiling, wall, or other apprpriate surface. Track 16 has a partially open "bottom" side 18 opposite top side 17 for providing access to power conductors 30 running longitudinally inside track 16 in a manner similar to that used to mount lighting heads in the previously known systems described above.

#As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, clamp 12 is mounted around the outside of track 16, and is attached to a component 14B having a power cord 22 and a connector 24. Connector 24 is at an end of power cord 22 distal from component 14B and mates with one end of power adaptor 26. The other end of adaptor 26 conductively connects with power conductors 30 running longitudinally inside track 16. According to the invention, only adaptors 26 need be specific to the type of system being used. Preferably, only one set of heads and clamps according to the invention can be kept in stock by a supplier or retailer, who need maintain a varied inventory only of adapters 26 for different systems.