RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application number 62/868,495 filed on June 28, 2019; which is herein incorporated by reference in entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention generally relates to exterior light fixtures, and particularly relates to the installation and replacement of exterior lights, such as street lights.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Street lights are beneficial, but if large in number, repair or replacement of the street lights can be costly for a town or municipality. To replace a street light, due to failure or upgrade, a light technician has to rewire the connection to the light. This may involve handling a heavy light fixture above traffic while disconnecting and reconnecting live wires. Figure 1 shows an example of a cobra head street light fixture 20 on light pole 10. Figure 2 shows the internal wiring 30 of the light pole 10 and the wiring 32 of the light fixture 20 that must be connected while the technician manages the weight of the street light fixture. Current methods of street light replacement can be expensive and possibly dangerous.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention include a light fixture with a neck cuff that simplifies exterior light replacement while improving the safety of the technician. The neck cuff may be a whole or partial tube that fits within (and/or partially slides over) the light pole. The electrical connector is deep inside the neck cuff and the electrical connector of the light fixture is on an extension that inserts into the neck cuff. When the extension of the light fixture is inserted into the neck cuff, the electrical connector of the neck cuff plugs into the electrical connector of the light fixture. Future replacements of the light fixture will not require the technician to handle any wiring inside the light fixture while atop the light pole. The technician just has to unsecure (unclip or unscrew) the old light fixture, pull it out of the neck cuff, insert the extension of the new light fixture into the neck cuff and secure the new light fixture (screw or clip). Another benefit is that any components in the old light fixture can be replaced under safer circumstances (on the ground or at another location), and the upgraded light fixture can then be inserted into another neck cuff in another light pole. Furthermore, because the live electrical connector is deep inside the neck cuff, the technician is less likely to come into contact with any live wire during light fixture removal and replacement.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a light fixture assembly configured for exterior lighting includes a light fixture that includes: a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) light source configured for exterior lighting, a driver configured to power the LED light source, a first electrical connector coupled to the driver and a housing configured to house the LED light source and the driver. The housing includes an elongated extension on which the first electrical connector resides. The light fixture assembly also includes a neck cuff, where the neck cuff is configured to fit securely to a light pole, such as at the open, wired end of the light pole. The neck cuff includes a second electrical connector inside the neck cuff, the second electrical connector is configured to electrically connect to a power source in the light pole. The extension of the light fixture is configured to be inserted into the neck cuff such that the first electrical connector of the light fixture removably connects to the second electrical connector of the neck cuff, as the light fixture is secured in place onto the light pole.

[0006] According to some embodiments, a light fixture includes an LED light source configured for exterior lighting, a driver configured to power the LED light source, a first electrical connector coupled to the driver and a housing configured to house the LED light source and the driver. The housing includes an extension on which the first electrical connector resides, and the extension is an elongated portion that is configured to insert into a neck cuff secured inside or onto a light pole. The neck cuff includes a second electrical connector inside the neck cuff, electrically connected to a power source in the light pole. The extension of the light fixture is configured to be inserted into the neck cuff such that the first electrical connector of the light fixture removably connects to the second electrical connector of the neck cuff, and the extension is configured to be secured to the neck cuff.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a method of replacing an old light fixture with a new light fixture, where each of the old and new light fixtures includes an LED light source configured for exterior lighting and an elongated extension on which a first electrical connector resides, includes unsecuring the extension of the old light fixture from a neck cuff secured to a light pole, where the neck cuff comprises a second electrical connector down inside the neck cuff, electrically connected to a power source in the light pole and removably connected to the first electrical connector on the extension of the old light fixture. The method includes removing the extension of the old light fixture from inside the neck cuff, causing the first electrical connector of the old light fixture to disconnect from the second electrical connector of the neck cuff. The method also includes inserting the extension of the new light fixture into the neck cuff until the first electrical connector of the new light fixture forms an electrical connection with the second electrical connector of the neck cuff. The method further includes securing the extension of the new light fixture to the neck cuff.

[0008] In another embodiment, a neck cuff having a mostly hollow and cylindrical shaped body portion has a quick connect electrical connector disposed within the hollow body at 2 inches are greater distance from an opening on one end of the body meant for attaching to a light assembly. A latching mechanism is formed about the body and configured to secure a light assembly to the neck cuff when the light assembly is inserted into the opening of the neck cuff. The quick connect electrical connector of the neck is configured to receive a corresponding quick connect electrical connector of the light assembly.

[0009] The latching mechanism of the neck cuff can further include a pin about which the latching mechanism pivots, a spring disposed between a sidewall of the body and the latching mechanism to keep the latching mechanism in a closed position until a part of a lever of the latching mechanism is depressed which releases the component that it is attached or latched to.

[0010] The body of the neck can include a guide disposed on another sidewall of the body, which is helpful to align the light assembly being inserted therein, such that the quick connect electrical connectors of the neck and light assembly are lined up to be inserted accordingly.

[0011] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above features and advantages. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description, and upon viewing the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a cobra head street light. [0013] Figure 2 illustrates a disconnected street light with the internal wiring.

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates an exterior lighting assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates an exterior lighting assembly where the extension of the light fixture is inserted into the neck cuff, according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the neck cuff, according to some embodiments.

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a neck cuff with a receptacle or port for other exterior lighting, according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figures 7A-C illustrate another embodiment of a neck cuff.

[0019] Figure 8 illustrates an example method of replacing a light fixture using the neck cuff, as described in the embodiments.

[0020] Figures 9A-D illustrate installing an exterior lighting assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figures 10A-C illustrate removing an exterior lighting assembly according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a light fixture for exterior lighting, such as a street light, that is easier and safer to replace. This new light fixture has a neck cuff that simplifies exterior light replacement while improving the safety for the technician. The neck cuff may be a whole or partial tube that fits within (or slides over) the end of the exterior light pole. The electrical connector will be deep inside the neck cuff.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a light fixture for exterior lighting, such as a street light, according to an embodiment. The street light includes a light assembly 100 of at least two parts, a light fixture 1 10 and a neck cuff 130. Light fixture 1 10 contains a light source 1 12, which may be made up one or more arrays of Light- Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The LEDs, or other lighting components, are configured for exterior lighting. That is, their arrangement and selection is such that the output is consistent with the lighting required for exterior lighting, whether it is a street, a path or a sidewalk. While street lights are described in the examples, the exterior lighting may also be configured for stadium lighting, field lighting, airport lighting or path lighting.

[0024] Light fixture 1 10 includes a driver 1 14 and other controls that are configured to power LED light source 1 12. Light fixture 1 10 further includes a first electrical connector 1 16 coupled to driver 1 14. Light fixture 1 10 includes a housing 1 18 configured to house LED light source 1 12 and driver 1 12, where housing 1 18 includes an extension 120 on which first electrical connector 1 16 resides.

[0025] Neck cuff 130 may be a tube that is formed with a circumference or perimeter that fits just inside the inner circumference or perimeter of light pole 10 or slides over the outer circumference or perimeter of pole 10. Neck cuff 130 may have a split along its length to allow for size adjustments or for fitting just within or over light pole 10. Neck cuff 130 is configured to fit securely within or over light pole 10 with screws or other fastening members. Neck cuff 130 may be a cylindrical tube, a rectangular tube or another shape that is long and at least partially hollow so as to receive extension 120 and make an electrical connection within neck cuff 130.

[0026] Second electrical connector 132 is configured to electrically connect to a power source via an electrical connection in light pole 10. Neck cuff 130 is long enough such that second electrical connector 132 resides deep inside neck cuff 130, deep enough that a technician’s fingers cannot so easily brush second electrical connector 132 during light fixture replacement. For example, second electrical connector 132 may be at least four inches from an opening of neck cuff 130. In other variations, the distance could be 2 inches, 3 inches, 5 inches or 6 inches.

[0027] Extension 120 of light fixture 1 10 is configured to be inserted into neck cuff 130 such that second electrical connector 132 (male) of neck cuff 130 removably plugs into first electrical connector 1 16 (female) of extension 120. Extension 120 is secured to neck cuff 130 by screws, clips or other by other fasteners. Figure 4 is an illustration of when extension 120 of light fixture 1 10 is inserted into neck cuff 130, according to some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of one version of a neck cuff, according to some embodiments. Neck cuff 130 has a tube 136 or other perimeter that may have a complete circumference or it may have a split 138 for size or fitting adjustments. Second electrical connector 132 is shown in neck cuff 130. In some embodiments, tube 136 may have a lip or portion that curves over the end of pole 10 and onto the outside of tube 136. In some embodiments, neck cuff 130 may have a ridge and/or a slightly enlarged portion that allows neck cuff 130 to slide in and fit snugly within light pole 10. In other embodiments, other structures may be used to stabilize and secure neck cuff 130 inside and/or to light pole 10.

[0029] Figure 6 also illustrates an example of an electrical outlet, receptacle or port 134 on neck cuff 130 that electrically connects to second electrical connector 132 (e.g., 5 ports rather than 3 ports) and provides power to another light fixture, such as a holiday light display or a string of seasonal lights. Outlet 134 may be a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) plug and/or may have a weather cover that can be tethered to neck cuff 130. Instead of having to open light fixture 1 10 and connect the seasonal light display to a power wire in light fixture 1 10, the seasonal light display may be plugged into outlet or port 134. The outlet 134 may be provided at any location on the neck cuff. While the use of an LED light source is described in the examples herein, other light sources may be used.

[0030] Figure 7A illustrates another embodiment of a neck cuff 140. The neck cuff 140 may be attached to a streetlight pole utilizing attachment members 142. Attachment members 142 may be screws, bolts, press-fit clips, or any other device suitable to secure the neck cuff 140 to the streetlight pole. The neck cuff 140 includes a latching mechanism 144 that is configured to secure an extension of a light assembly to the neck cuff 144. An optional electrical outlet 158 may be provided on an exterior portion of the neck cuff to allow other devices to be powered by streetlight power supply without requiring access to the interior of the streetlight pole.

[0031] Figure 7B illustrates a cross-section view of the neck cuff 140 shown in Figure 7A. The latching mechanism 144 is mounted on a pin 146 and pivots between a closed position (shown in Figures 7A-C) and an open position. The pin 146 is mounted to the neck cuff and spring 148 pushes the latching mechanism to the closed position. The latching mechanism includes a protrusion 150 for securely fitting into the neck 144 and the extension of the light assembly. A quick connect electrical connector 152 is located at an interior location of the neck cuff and is connected to internal wiring of the streetlight. One or more sealing members 156 may be provided in different portions of the interior of the neck cuff in order to keep moisture, dirt, and insects from entering the interior of the neck cuff. For example, a sealing member 156 may be located near the attachment members 142 and a sealing member maybe located between the quick connect electrical connector 152 and an end of the neck cuff 140. In one embodiment, the optional sealing members 156 comprise one or more O-rings. [0032] Figure 7C illustrates a view of the interior of the neck cuff 140 on an end where the light assembly extension is inserted into the neck cuff 140. The interior of the neck cuff includes a guide member 154, which is a protrusion configured to properly orientate the extension when the extension is inserted into the neck cuff 140. The guide member 154 engages with an orientation feature 160 on the extension of the light fixture (shown in Figures 9A-10C). The orientation feature 160 of may be a notch, an indentation, or any other feature configured to engage with the guide member to ensure the electrical connector 1 16 of the extension will engage with quick connect electrical connector 152 of the neck cuff 140. The quick connect electrical connector 152 is configured to connect to an electrical connector of the light assembly when the extension is inserted into the neck cuff. The quick connect electrical connector 152 is shown with five contacts. Three of the five contacts provide power to a light fixture when a light fixture is installed in the neck cuff 140. In one variation the three of the five contacts are ground, neutral and lead or hot connections. Two of the contacts can be used to provide power to the optional electrical outlet 158 electrical line 162 or to provide a powered line that can be stored in the pole for access if additional power is needed. In another embodiment, the quick connect electrical connector 152 only includes three contacts that are configured to provide power to an installed light fixture. Power coming into the quick connect electrical can be from electrical line 164 that is connected directly to power or to a driver that is then connected to power.

[0033] It should be noted the return power via electrical line 162 into electrical outlet 158 can be previously converted by the driver, which is located within the light assembly or prior to the electrical line 164 as noted above. The return power can be converted to 12V or 24V DC, for example. By converting the power to 12V or 24V DC this makes the electrical outlet safer, as those plugging in temporary or seasonal features, such as Christmas lights, do not have to tie into the direct AC power of one of the internal lines.

[0034] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method 600 that shows, according to an embodiment, the ease by which an old light fixture may be replaced by a new light fixture in the future, where each of the old and new light fixtures comprises an LED light source configured for exterior lighting and an elongated extension on which a first electrical connector resides. Method 600 includes unsecuring the extension of the old light fixture from a neck cuff secured to a light pole, where the neck cuff comprises a second electrical connector down inside the neck cuff, electrically connected to a power source in the light pole and removably connected to the first electrical connector on the extension of the old light fixture (block 602). Unsecuring may include unclipping, unscrewing, unbolting or otherwise preparing the old light fixture so that it can be removed from the neck cuff.

[0035] Method 600 also includes removing the extension of the old light fixture from inside the neck cuff, causing the first electrical connector of the old light fixture to disconnect from the second electrical connector of the neck cuff (block 604) and inserting the extension of the new light fixture into the neck cuff until the first electrical connector of the new light fixture forms an electrical connection with the second electrical connector of the neck cuff (block 606). The connection is formed by a male plug of an electrical connector forming a connection with a female receptacle of the other electrical connector. Method 600 then includes securing the extension of the new light fixture to the neck cuff (block 608). In some cases, there may be additional clips or fasteners for hurricane conditions. [0036] As shown by method 600, an advantage of the light fixture assembly is that once the neck cuff is installed in or onto the end of the pole, the installation and replacement of the light fixtures is quick, safe and easy. The streetlight, stadium light or other exterior light does not need to be wired again.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the method can include plugging an electrical connector of another exterior light into a side of the neck cuff. This is a quicker way to connect seasonal lights or other exterior lighting, where it previously required opening the light fixture and accessing and connecting another wire.

[0038] In order to install the neck cuff of the embodiments described herein, the neck cuff is slid onto an existing pole. The installer connects the internal wiring of the streetlight to electrical connector of the neck cuff. In embodiments including an electrical outlet, the electrical is electrically connected to the electrical connector. Therefore, connecting the wiring to electrical connector also connects the outlet to the wiring and provides power to the electrical outlet. The installer also secures the neck cuff to the streetlight by using attachment devices, such as screws or bolts, to fixedly mount the neck cuff to the pole.

[0039] Figures 9A-C illustrate installing a light fixture assembly to a light pull that is fitted with a neck cuff as described above. In Figure 9A, the extension of the light assembly is inserted into the neck cuff and the latching mechanism is in a closed position. As the extension is slid further into the neck cuff, eventually the extension contacts the protrusion of the latching mechanism causing the latching mechanism to move into an open position (see Figure 9B). As the extension continues to be slid into the neck cuff, the electrical connector of the light assembly contacts and connects with the quick connect electrical connector of the street cuff and the latching mechanism returns to the closed position (see Figure 9C). The light assembly is now electrically connected to the power source via the quick connect electrical connector and the latching mechanism prevents the light assembly from sliding out of the neck cuff. Thus, the light assembly is easily installed by merely sliding the extension into the cuff until the light assembly is locked into place by the interior features of the neck cuff and the latching mechanism.

[0040] Figures 10A-C illustrate removing a light fixture assembly that is installed in a neck cuff. An individual presses the latch assembly to pivot the latch assembly into the open position (see Figure 10A). The individual then slides the light fixture assembly out of the neck cuff and the individual may allow the latch assembly to return to the closed position (see Figure 10B). The light fixture assembly is slid until it is completely removed from the neck cuff (see Figure 10C). At this point, a new light fixture assembly may be installed, or the removed assembly may be repaired, refurbished, or adjusted while working on the ground. This makes it much easier and safer to install a new light fixture assembly or to repair/maintain an existing light fixture assembly.

[0041] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above features and advantages. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description, and upon viewing the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Notably, modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed invention(s) will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention(s) is/are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.