Lighting fixture assembly having locking arm components

A light fixture having at least one arm that can be preassembled wherein the arm can be positioned to minimize packaging volume and during installation can be positioned to lock into a predetermined alignment position, the light fixture comprising:

• a mounting plate having opposing substantially planar surfaces and at least one peripheral opening;
• a second plate removed from and fixedly positioned relative to the first plate, the second plate having substantially planar surfaces, and peripheral openings axially aligned with each of the first plate peripheral openings, wherein the second plate has an independently flexible portion extending into each opening;
• and
• at least one arm having one end extending into the openings of the first and second plates and in contact with the flexible portion of the second plate wherein the end has a notch at a predetermined alignment position for receiving the flexible portion of the second plate such that when the notch is in the predetermined alignment position, the flexible portion of the second plate and notch are lockingly engaged, and when the notch is not in the predetermined alignment position, the arm can be rotated to a position that minimizes a packaging volume of the light fixture assembly.

In a base for a light fixture assembly having at least one arm extending therefrom, the base including a decorative cover, a mounting plate having an opening for each arm, and a washer and a nut for securing the arm and support rod to the mounting plate wherein the support rod provides means for attachment of the base to the ceiling, the improvement comprising:

• at least two nuts to secure each arm to the mounting plate;
• a spring plate removed from and fixedly positioned relative to the mounting plate, the spring plate having a central aperture for receiving the support rod and a like number of openings as the mounting plate axially aligned with each of the mounting plate openings;
• and
• a nut for securing the spring plate to the support rod.

A method of packaging and assembling a light fixture assembly having a plurality of arms said method comprising:

• inserting an end of each arm into a peripheral opening of a mounting plate wherein the other end of the arm is connected to a lamp fixture;
• fastening each end of the arm to the mounting plate with at least two nuts;
• rotating the arms to minimize packaging volume;
• fastening a support rod to a central aperture of the mounting plate;
• inserting a spring plate having at least one flexible portion corresponding to each arm and a central aperture onto the support rod and in contact with an end of the arm;
• fastening the spring plate to the support rod;
• flexing the flexible portion of the spring plate against each arm end;
• and
• rotating each arm to a desired installation position for installing the light fixture assembly.