This invention relates to track lighting systems.

It is well kncwn in the lighting industry to provide track lighting systems which comprise two elongate electrical contacts mounted within an elongate tubular casing which also supports one or more light fittings which are slidable along the casing whilst maintaining contact with the electrical conductors. Such track lighting systems ate usually fitted to a ceiling or wall and the light fittings slide along the t ack until they are located at a desired position. Ηae fittings are then located into position by suitable locking means on the light fittings.

However, whilst such systems are popular they have, the disadvantage of being of a rigid, fixed construction which is bulky and contains many separate parts making it expensive to manufacture.

It is therefore desirable to provide a track lighting system in which these disadvantages are substantially overcome.

According to the present invention there is provided a ^track lighting system comprising a sheet of thin flexible eleota_irally insulating material having a pair of electrical conductors deposited thereon in a spaced parallel configuration, and a light f tt±ng i_nclucing a pair of electrical contacts spaced apart by an amcunt corresponding at least to the spacing between the electrical conduotca-s on th© sheet material to engage therewith, an adaptor means connectable at one end of the pair of electrical conductors for supplying a low electrical voltage thereto.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention the sheet material comprises a narrow elongate strip of flexible tape which can be supplied in the form of a roll from which the tape is unwound. Conveniently, the spaced parallel electrical conductors comprise two layers of copper, one deposited along each edge of the tape, respectively. .Preferably, each copper conductor is approximately a 1/4 inch wide and is sufficiently thin for the sheet material on which it is deposited to substantially

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retain its flexibility. The sheet material is preferably of polycarbonate and the tape so found is similar to the polycarbonate leads that are used in electrical harnesses in motor cars or on computers for example.

The light fitting preferably ccπprises a reflector and bulb located centrally in the reflector with both being mounted on a support having two electrical contacts projecting from it. preferably, the electrical contacts projecting from it. Preferably, the electrical contacts are small coil springs having a pointed outer or free end. The contacts are spaced so that each contact will engage with a respective one of the electrical conductors on the tape. Conveniently, the support for the reflector and bulb also supports an adhesive pad which when the contacts are in engagement with the copper conductors, itself engages either the tape or a material which may be located in front of the tape, thereby to secure the light fitting in any selected position.

The tape contc ning the electrical conductors may be cut into any selected length and electrical connection from the transformer can be achieved by a pair of tightly gripping clips, one on each conductor of the tape.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing which is an exploded perspective view of the track lighting system according to the present invention.

Referring to the drawing in more detail there is shown a track lighting system coπprising a narrow elongate sheet of electrically insulating material 1 on which there is located two spaced strips of conductive material 2, 3 of copper for exaitple. In addition, there is provided a fitting 4 which is adapted to engage each of the electrically conductive layers simultaneously to illuminate the lamp when the tape is connected to a low voltage supply.

The electrical conductors 2, 3 are deposited on the narrow strip of flexible material and the layers are sufficiently thin not to inhibit the natural bendability of the material in any direction and can be

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Prσvided in large round reels so a specific length of such tape canrbe cut from the reel. The copper conductors deposited on the sheet material are spaced one from the other and lies parallel along the opposed elongate edges of the tape. The width of the electrical conductive material is approx. 1/4 inch with the thickness being just sufficient to ensure good electrical contact throughout but which does not substantially' alter the material bendability of the sheet material. The sheet material is made of polycarbonate.

The light fitting comprises a reflector 5 having a bulb 6 located at its centre. The reflector and a socket (not shown) for the bulb 6 are mounted upon a support body 7, in the form of a frame 8. The ffirame also supports electrical contacts 9, preferably in the form of small coil springs 10, each having a pointer at its outermost free end.

In use the lighting system is contactable with each of the electrical conductors, the points being suitable for engaging directly with the copper conductors or if the copper conductive tape is located beneath a covering such as wallpaper or cloth, the pointers can penetrate the covering to ensure engagement with the copper conductors.

An adhesive pad 13 is provided on the suppor means to engage with either the tape or covering and when engaged therewith the ^' adhesive supports the light fitting in position with the contacts engaged with the electrical conductors so that the bulb can be il3a_mιinated. Power to the electrical conductors can be provided by clips 11, 12 which are clipped en one end of the strip and can lead to a -reduction transforme which is itself connected to a mains supply.

The electrically conductive strip operates under a low voltage of 12 volts which can be supplied by a reduction transformer which is connectable to the 50 cycle 240/220, 60 cycle 120 volt AC to provide a lew voltage output of 12 volts.

The track lighting system according to the present invention is ideally suitable for use where lighting needs to be changed from time to

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time. The flexibility and bendability of the electrically conductive tape allows the tape to be cut to a selected length and to be sighted where required with the tape merely bent around corners or where a lateral change of direction is required the tape is bent over itself so that it can be i ected in a direction substantially art 90° to one side or the other of the tape as shown in Fig. 2. The tape may be bent or folded in a similar manner for the tape to extend sidewards at any angle to the longitudinal axis of the tape.

The tape may be available in one or more colours so that it can blend in with the decor in a room when the tope is used uncovered or alternatively the tape can be covered by wallpaper, cloth or any other suitable material, the pointers or contacts on the light fittings penetrating the covering to engage the electrical conductive conductors.

The track lighting system described is particularly suitable for use in commercial premises such as restaurants, or in the home where the location of the lights may need to be altered from time to time. Children will find the system particularly entertaining when they can safely construct a variety of lighting arrangements for their rooms.

Whilst the contacts 9,10 have been described as coil springs the contacts can take any form which will ensure good electrical contact is made between the contacts and tape electrodes.

For example the light fittings can be provided with an adaptor containing solid copper contacts which are pushed flush on the copper conductors contained in the tope when the fittings are adhered to the tope.

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