Lamp mounting component and lamp component including the lamp mounting component

Abstract

A lamp mounting component, the lamp mounting component including a lamp holder interface (28) and a C-shaped clamping component (22), the C-shaped clamping component (22) including a web (32), a first jaw (34) and a second jaw (36). The first jaw element (40) includes the first jaw (34) and a first web portion (42) of the web (32); and the second jaw element (44) includes the second jaw (36) and a second web portion (46) of the web (32), wherein the first web portion (42) and the second web portion (46) are capable of being connected to each other at any one of a plurality of different relative positions (49a, 49b, 49c) to define a corresponding plurality of different jaw gap widths.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lamp mounting component and a lamp assembly including such a lamp mounting component. Background Art

[0002] US5097400 discloses a lamp assembly that includes an arm pivotally connected to a C-shaped clip. However, a more general lamp mounting is required that is simpler, less costly, and easier to install. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to solve or at least mitigate some or all of the problems mentioned above. To this end, according to a first aspect, there is provided a lamp mounting component for attaching a lamp to a furniture piece, the lamp mounting component including a lamp holder interface and a C-shaped clip assembly for assembling a C-shaped clip, the C-shaped clip assembly including a web, a first jaw, and a second jaw, the first jaw and the second jaw extending from the web in substantially the same direction, and the first jaw carrying a clamping element that is movable relative to the first jaw in a clamping direction towards the second jaw to clamp the furniture piece against the second jaw, wherein the first jaw element includes the first jaw and a first web portion of the web; and the second jaw element includes the second jaw and a second web portion of the web, wherein the first web portion and the second web portion are capable of being connected to each other at any one of a plurality of different relative positions to define a corresponding plurality of different jaw gap widths. Throughout this disclosure, the term "plurality" shall be construed to mean a plural number, i.e., at least two. The first web portion and the second web portion may be configured to directly engage with each other. Alternatively, the first web portion and the second web portion can be connected to each other via one or several intermediate components. The clamping element may be threadedly engaged with the first jaw to move along the clamping direction when rotated around the thread.

[0004] According to an embodiment, the first web portion and the second web portion can be connected to each other without tools, such that the first web portion and the second web portion can be moved relative to each other by hand only, i.e., without using any tools, to obtain the plurality of different jaw gap widths.

[0005] According to an embodiment, the first web portion can be locked and released from the second web portion by pivoting the first web portion, for example, about an axis perpendicular to the clamping direction and / or the jaw direction, into and out of engagement with the second web portion.

[0006] According to an embodiment, the first web portion can be locked and released from the second web portion by linearly moving the first web portion, for example, along a direction perpendicular to the clamping direction, into and out of engagement with the second web portion.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the first jaw may be formed integrally with the first web portion and / or the second jaw may be formed integrally with the second web portion. By way of example, each or any of the jaw elements may be formed from a respective sheet metal piece. Alternatively or additionally, any one or both of the respective jaw elements may be integrally cast in metal or integrally molded in plastic.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the plurality of different relative positions includes at least three different relative positions, more preferably, the plurality of different relative positions are three to ten different relative positions, even more preferably three to five different relative positions, such as three different relative positions.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the first web portion and the second web portion may be connected to each other at the plurality of different relative positions via a first locking structure and a second locking structure, the first locking structure being formed integrally with the first web portion or rigidly coupled to the first web portion, the second locking structure being formed integrally with the second web portion or rigidly coupled to the second web portion, wherein the first locking structure and the second locking structure are configured to directly interlock with each other along the clamping direction when connected. By way of example, the locking structure may include one or more protrusions of one of the first jaw element and the second jaw element, the one or more protrusions being configured to interlock with one or more mating recesses or holes of the other of the first jaw element and the second jaw element, such that the locking structure can interlock at a plurality of different relative positions along the clamping direction.

[0010] According to an embodiment, one of the first web portion and the second web portion includes a plurality of locking apertures, and the other of the first web portion and the second web portion includes a locking protrusion that can engage any one of the plurality of locking apertures to provide the plurality of different jaw clearance widths. The locking protrusion may be formed integrally with or fixedly coupled to the other of the first web portion and the second web portion.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the lamp mounting assembly further includes a web guide for guiding at least one of the web portions along a clamping direction so that the first web portion and the second web portion are guided relative to each other between the plurality of different relative positions. The web guide can be a separate component capable of being connected to one of the first jaw element and the second jaw element to guide the web portion of the other of the first jaw element and the second jaw element. Alternatively, the web guide can be fixedly attached to one of the first jaw element and the second jaw element to guide the web portion of the other of the first jaw element and the second jaw element. According to an example, the web guide can be integrally formed with one of the first jaw element and the second jaw element; in particular, the web guide can be integrally formed with the web portion of one of the first jaw element and the second jaw element. The web guide can be configured as a guide sleeve. According to an embodiment, one of the first jaw element and the second jaw element can be configured to be fixedly attached to the web guide. By way of example, the web guide and one of the first jaw element and the second jaw element can be provided with corresponding screw holes that are aligned with each other for receiving one or a plurality of attachment screws.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the web guide includes a pivot point, wherein one of the first web portion and the second web portion is configured to pivot about the pivot point to move between a locked position and a disengaged position, in the locked position, one of the first web portion and the second web portion engages with the other of the first web portion and the second web portion, and in the disengaged position, one of the first web portion and the second web portion moves freely along the web guide. The web guide can be configured to guide the web portion of the jaw element to be guided along a web guide axis, and the pivot point can be provided near an axial end of the web guide that is closest to the jaw of the jaw element to be guided.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the second web portion can be connected to the web guide at a position where, if the first web portion has been inserted into the web guide, the second web portion prevents the first web portion from being completely separated from the guide. Thus, once the second web portion is connected to the web guide, loss of the first jaw element can be prevented. By way of example, complete separation can be prevented by having the second web portion partially block the axial end of the web guide that is closest to the jaw of the first jaw element. The web guide can be shaped such that even though complete separation is prevented, the first web portion and the second web portion are still allowed to be guided relative to each other between the plurality of different relative positions.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the lamp mounting assembly may include a swing arm slot for receiving a swing arm. The swing arm is generally configured as an arm having a light source provided at one end thereof and a pivot provided at the other end thereof, and the pivot can be connected to the swing arm slot to form a pivot connection for swinging the swing arm about a pivot axis. Thus, the light source can be conveniently moved to a desired position and / or the light can be directed in a desired direction.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the swing arm slot is arranged in a swing arm bracket, and the swing arm bracket is provided with a lamp holder interface connector for rigidly connecting the swing arm bracket to the lamp holder interface.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the swing arm bracket can be connected to the lamp holder interface in at least two different mutual orientations. According to an embodiment, the two different mutual orientations differ by less than 180°, for example, between 45° and 135°, or differ by about 90°. According to an embodiment, the swing arm bracket can be connected to the lamp holder interface in at least three, at least four, at least five or at least six different mutual orientations.

[0017] According to an embodiment, one of the lamp holder interface and the lamp holder interface connector includes a guide rail element, and the other of the lamp holder interface and the lamp holder interface connector includes a guiding device that cooperates with the guide rail element, wherein the guide rail element can be slidably inserted into the guiding device in at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five or at least six different mutual orientations. Similarly, the two different mutual orientations can differ by less than 180°, for example, between 45° and 135°, or differ by about 90°. By way of example, the guiding device may include a pair of grooves extending in mutually transverse directions, and the guide rail element may be shaped to cooperate with each of the pair of grooves such that the guide rail element can be rotated into alignment with any one of the grooves by rotating the swing arm bracket, and then slid into engagement with the corresponding groove. According to an embodiment, the guide rail element and the guiding device can be configured to cooperate such that the guide rail element is rotationally locked to the guiding device, thereby preventing the swing arm slot from rotating relative to the lamp holder interface.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the guide device includes a guide rail guide having a pair of guide element edges facing each other, and the guide rail element includes a first pair of guide rail edges facing each other and substantially parallel, and a second pair of guide rail edges facing each other and substantially parallel and transverse to the first pair of guide rail edges, wherein the guide rail element is inserted into the guide rail guide in a mating manner when any one of the pairs of guide rail edges in the guide rail edge pairs is aligned with the guide element edge. The first pair of guide rail edges can be perpendicular to the second pair of guide rail edges to define a square shape. In an alternative embodiment, the guide rail element includes one or more additional pairs of guide rail edges facing each other and substantially parallel, which are transverse to the first pair of guide rail edges or the second pair of guide rail edges. Thus, the guide rail edges can define other polygonal shapes, such as a hexagon or an octagon. In this way, the guide rail element can be slidably inserted into the guide rail guide in additional different orientations.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the swing arm socket includes a sleeve having a cylindrical inner surface extending along a sleeve axis, which can coincide with the pivot axis, and the sleeve is configured to frictionally engage with a cylindrical lamp post inserted into the swing arm socket along the sleeve axis to form a frictional engagement that holds the lamp post in a stable axial position. Such a swing arm socket allows the lamp post to axially move between different axial positions and the lamp post to rotate about the sleeve axis within the socket. The lamp post can be held solely by frictional engagement such that movement of the lamp post between different positions in the socket can be achieved without loosening or tightening any fasteners or clamps. The lamp post can be inserted all the way through the swing arm socket until it protrudes on the other side, enabling the lamp post to translate over a large range along the sleeve axis. According to one embodiment, the surface of the inner surface of the sleeve is provided with a plurality of inwardly facing friction protrusions. The friction protrusions can be distributed around the circumference of the sleeve and can be configured, for example, as pits or as ridges extending along the sleeve axis. The friction protrusions, or optionally the entire sleeve, can be made of plastic. Suitable materials can be thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) such as thermoplastic copolyester or thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0020] According to a second aspect, at least some or all of the above-mentioned problems are solved or alleviated by a lamp assembly, which includes a lamp mounting component as defined above and a lamp post configured to hold and power a power source, and the power source is attached to the lamp post. The lamp mounting component can be constructed according to any of the embodiments and examples described above. The light source can be fixedly attached to the lamp post; alternatively, the lamp post can be provided with a light source connector for releasably attaching the light source. The lamp post can be inserted into the swing arm slot and vertically supported in the swing arm slot only by frictional engagement, so that the lamp post can slide vertically between a plurality of stable positions along the axis of the swing arm slot. The strength of the frictional engagement should exceed the weight of the lamp post to obtain the stable position. According to an example, the frictional engagement is provided only by the engagement between the swing arm slot and the lamp post. The stable positions can be, for example, different positions defined by the surface structures of the lamp post and the swing arm slot. Alternatively, at least one of the mutually engaging surfaces of the lamp post and the swing arm slot can be smooth to provide a continuous range of stable positions. According to an embodiment, at least one, and optionally each, of the swing arm slot and the lamp post can have a circular cross-section to facilitate the rotation of the lamp post within the swing arm slot. By way of example, the lamp post can be constructed as a cylindrical lamp pole.

[0021] According to a third aspect, at least some or all of the above-mentioned problems are solved or alleviated by a lamp mounting component for attaching a lamp to a furniture piece, the lamp mounting component including a C-shaped clamping component, the C-shaped clamping component including a web, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw and the second jaw extending from the web in substantially the same direction, and the first jaw carrying a clamping element that can move relative to the first jaw in a clamping direction towards the second jaw to clamp the furniture piece against the second jaw, the C-shaped clamping component including a lamp holder interface, and the lamp mounting component is characterized by including a swing arm bracket that can be connected to the C-shaped clamping component, the swing arm bracket being provided with a swing arm slot and a lamp holder interface connector for rigidly connecting the swing arm bracket to the lamp holder interface, wherein the swing arm bracket can be connected to the lamp holder interface in at least two different orientations. The lamp holder interface and the lamp holder interface connector can be constructed according to any of the embodiments and examples defined above.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect, at least some or all of the above-mentioned problems are solved or alleviated by a lamp assembly comprising a lamp post configured to hold a light source and supply power to the light source and a lamp mounting assembly configured to support the lamp post, wherein the lamp mounting assembly includes a swing arm slot that cooperates with the lamp post such that the lamp post can be inserted into the swing arm slot and vertically supported in the swing arm slot only by frictional engagement, such that the lamp post can slide vertically between a plurality of stable axial positions along the axis of the swing arm slot. The lamp mounting assembly and / or the lamp post may be constructed according to any of the embodiments and examples defined above. By way of example, the lamp post can be inserted all the way through the swing arm slot until it protrudes on the other side, enabling the lamp post to translate over a large range along the axis of the swing arm slot. Optionally, the swing arm slot may include a sleeve that defines the level of frictional engagement. The sleeve may be constructed as defined above with reference to the first aspect.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect, at least some or all of the above-mentioned problems are solved or alleviated by a lamp assembly comprising a lamp post configured to hold a light source and supply power to the light source and a lamp mounting assembly configured to support the lamp post, wherein the lamp mounting assembly includes a swing arm slot that cooperates with an axial end of the lamp post such that the axial end of the lamp post can be inserted into the swing arm slot to define a swing arm connection that pivots about a pivot axis, wherein the axial end is provided with an electrical connector that has a protrusion in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis that is the same as or smaller than a corresponding protrusion of the axial end of the lamp post in the plane, thereby allowing the axial end having the electrical connector to be inserted all the way through the swing arm slot. Accordingly, a mating electrical connector of a power cord can be connected to the axial end of the lamp post after being inserted through the swing arm slot, which results in a neat lamp installation without excessive cabling. The lamp mounting assembly and / or the lamp post may be constructed according to any of the embodiments and examples defined above.

[0024] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention can be embodied by all possible combinations of the features recited in the claims. In addition, it should be understood that the various embodiments and examples described for any of the above aspects can be combined with other aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals will be used for like elements, and in the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of a lamp assembly including a lamp post and a lamp mounting;

[0027] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C are Figure 1 Schematic perspective views of the lamp assembly of

[0028] Figure 3 are Figure 1 Exploded views of the lamp mounting member assembly of

[0029] Figure 4A are Figure 1 Exploded views of the C-shaped clamping member assembly of the lamp mounting member assembly of Figure 4A before assembly, wherein, in the view of

[0030] Figure 4B are Figure 4A Schematic perspective views of the C-shaped clamping member assembly of

[0031] Figure 4C are Figure 4A Schematic perspective views of the C-shaped clamping member assembly of

[0032] Figure 4D are Figure 4A Schematic perspective views of the C-shaped clamping member assembly of

[0033] Figure 4E are Figure 4A Schematic perspective views of the C-shaped clamping member assembly of

[0034] Figure 4F are Figure 4A Schematic perspective views of the C-shaped clamping member assembly of

[0035] Figure 5A are Figure 3 Schematic perspective views of the lamp mounting member assembly of Figure 4D in the first mutual position illustrated in

[0036] Figure 5B are Figure 3 Schematic perspective views of the lamp mounting member assembly of Figure 4E in the second mutual position illustrated in

[0037] Figure 5C are Figure 3Schematic perspective view of the lamp mounting component assembly, wherein the jaws of the C-shaped clamping component assembly are in Figure 4F the third mutual position illustrated in;

[0038] Figure 6A is Figure 1 Exploded sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the lamp mounting component assembly, wherein the C-shaped clamping component assembly is in the first intermediate step of assembly;

[0039] Figure 6B is Figure 6A Exploded sectional view of the lamp mounting component assembly, wherein the C-shaped clamping component assembly is in the second intermediate step of assembly;

[0040] Figure 7A Schematic perspective view which illustrates the swing arm bracket connected to the Figure 4F C-shaped clamping component assembly of in a first mutual orientation so that Figure 1 the lamp mounting component assembly of is suitable for Figure 2B the installation scenario of;

[0041] Figure 7B is a plan view of the Figure 1 lamp mounting component assembly viewed from below;

[0042] Figure 7C Schematic perspective view which illustrates the swing arm bracket connected to the Figure 4F C-shaped clamping component assembly of in a second mutual orientation so that Figure 1 the lamp mounting component assembly of is suitable for Figure 2C the installation scenario of;

[0043] Figure 8 is Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of the lamp component, schematic view of the cross-section taken along the Figure 7B line VII-VII, and illustrates the connection of the lamp post to the swing arm bracket;

[0044] Figure 9 is Figure 8 Schematic perspective view of the lower part of the lamp component after the lamp post is connected to the swing arm bracket, and illustrates the connection of the cable to the lamp post; and

[0045] Figure 10 is Figure 8 Schematic perspective view of the lamp component, and illustrates the height adjustment of the lamp post within the swing arm bracket.

[0046] All the drawings are schematic, not necessarily drawn to scale, and generally only show the parts necessary to illustrate the embodiments, wherein other parts may be omitted. Detailed Description

[0047] Figure 1 FIG. illustrates a lamp assembly 10, which includes a lamp mounting assembly 12, a lamp post 14, and a light source 16 connected to a light source connector 15. The first end 14a of the lamp post 14 is connected to a power cord 18 for receiving power, while the second end 14b of the lamp post 14 holds and powers the light source 16.

[0048] As Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C shown, the lamp mounting assembly 12 can be reconfigured between three different attachment modes, where the first mode ( Figure 2A ) allows the lamp assembly 10 to be attached to the face of a flat wall 19 with the lamp post 14 in an upright position; the second mode ( Figure 2B ) allows the lamp assembly 10 to be clamped to a horizontal plate 20a of a furniture piece 20 with the lamp post 14 still in an upright position; and the third mode ( Figure 2C ) allows the lamp assembly 10 to be clamped to a vertical plate 20b of a furniture piece 20 with the lamp post 14 still in an upright position. Thus, the same lamp mounting assembly 12 can be used to clamp to or otherwise attach to a furniture piece 20 at different locations.

[0049] Figure 3 Together with the exploded view Figure One illustrates the lamp mounting assembly 12 in more detail. The lamp mounting assembly 12 includes a C-shaped clamping assembly 22 and a swing arm bracket 24 that can be connected to the C-shaped clamping assembly 22. The swing arm bracket 24 is provided with a swing arm slot 26 for receiving the second end 14b ( Figure 1 ) of the lamp post, and the lamp post operates like a swing arm to pivot about a pivot axis A defined by the swing arm slot 26. The C-shaped clamping assembly 22 is provided with a lamp holder interface 28, and the swing arm bracket is provided with a lamp holder interface connector 30 that mates with the lamp holder interface 28.

[0050] The C-shaped clamping assembly 22 forms a C-shaped clamp that includes a web 32, a first jaw 34, and a second jaw 36. The first jaw 34 and the second jaw 36 extend from the web 32 in substantially the same direction, and the first jaw 34 carries a clamping element 38 that can move relative to the first jaw 34 in a clamping direction D towards the second jaw 36 to clamp a furniture piece 20 ( Figure 2B , Figure 2C ).

[0051] The C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 includes a first jaw element 40, a second jaw element 44, a web guiding sleeve 48, and a clamping element 38. The first jaw element 40 includes the first jaw 34 and a first web portion 42; the second jaw element 44 includes the second jaw 36 and a second web portion 46. Each of the first jaw element 40 and the second jaw element 44 is integrally formed from a respective steel plate member. A set of locking apertures 49a to 49c are configured as rectangular through-holes distributed along the second web portion 46, and a locking projection 53 of the first web portion 42 configured as a bent locking tab is configured to engage any one of the locking apertures 49a to 49c in a manner to be further elucidated below. The locking projection 53 and the locking apertures 49a to 49c are examples of a locking structure for interlocking the web portions 42, 46 along the clamping direction D. The clamping element 38 includes a threaded clamping screw 50 that engages a threaded through-hole 58 in the first jaw 34. A first end of the clamping screw 50 is provided with a handle knob 51 for turning the screw 50, while a clamping plate 52 is attached to the second end of the clamping screw 50 by means of a so-called "E-type" external circlip 54. A clamping plate cover 56, which can be made of, for example, a relatively soft polymer, protects the furniture 20( Figure 2B ) from being scratched by the clamping plate 52, which can be made of metal or a relatively hard polymer. Similarly, a jaw liner 57 attached to the second jaw 36 protects the furniture 20 from being scratched by the second jaw 36. Even in the illustrated embodiment, the clamping element 38 is capable of moving relative to the first jaw 34 along the threaded through-hole 58, but alternative configurations are possible. By way of example, the clamping element 38 can be elastically connected to the first jaw 34, for example via a spring, in a manner biased towards the second jaw 36 in the clamping direction D, such that the furniture piece 20( Figure 2B ) can be elastically clamped in the gap between the jaws 34, 36. Additionally, according to yet another alternative configuration, the first jaw 34 and the second jaw 36 are capable of moving relative to each other to clamp the furniture piece 20. In such a configuration, there is no need for a clamping element 38 that is capable of moving relative to either of the jaws 34, 36. According to an example, the jaws 34, 36 can be biased towards each other to clamp the furniture piece 20.

[0052] The first web portion 42 and the second web portion 46 can be connected to each other inside the web guiding sleeve 48 in a manner to be elucidated in more detail below. Additionally, the second web portion 46 is firmly attached inside the web guiding sleeve 48 by means of two screws 60 that pass through the web guiding sleeve 48 to engage a respective pair of threaded holes 62 in the second web portion 46. A guiding sleeve cover 64 snap-fits onto the web guiding sleeve 48 to cover the axial end opening of the web guiding sleeve 48.

[0053] The swing arm bracket 24 includes a cylindrical sleeve 66 made of a plastic such as thermoplastic elastomer TPE, and forms the cylindrical inner surface of the swing arm slot 26. The sleeve 66 protects the lamp post 14( Figure 1 ) from being scratched by the swing arm slot 26. A wall connector plate 68 provided with a keyhole slot 70 can be optionally attached to the swing arm bracket 24, for example, by screws 72, so as to facilitate hanging the swing arm bracket 24 on the wall 19( Figure 2A ) without the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22. A swing arm bracket cover 74 snap-fits to the bottom end of the swing arm bracket 24.

[0054] Figures 4A to 4F Illustrated in cross-section are how the various components of the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 are assembled to form the C-shaped clamping member. Starting from Figure 4A , the second web portion 46 of the second jaw element 44 is inserted into the web guide sleeve 48 and firmly attached to the web guide sleeve 48 by screws 60. Then, the sleeve cover 64 snaps into place, bringing us to Figure 4B the position illustrated therein.

[0055] In Figure 4B , the first jaw element 40 pivots in a first pivoting direction J1 about a pivot axis (not shown) perpendicular to the clamping direction D( Figure 3 ) and generally in the direction in which the jaws 34, 36 extend: such that upon pivoting, the first jaw 34 moves towards the second jaw 36. The first pivoting direction J1 can be referred to as the jaw disengagement direction, the reason for which will be elucidated below.

[0056] In Figure 4C , the first web portion 42 is inserted into the web guide sleeve 48 along the web guide axis G and to an axial position where the locking projection 53 is aligned with the first locking aperture 49a. Once in place, the first jaw element 40 pivots in a jaw engagement direction J2( Figure 4B ) opposite to the jaw disengagement direction J1 illustrated in Figure 4D such that the locking projection 53 engages with the first locking aperture 49a to reach the locked position. This brings us to Figure 4D the position illustrated therein, in Figure 4D , the jaw elements 40, 44 are connected to each other to define a first jaw clearance width W1. When in the position of Figure 4D , the first web portion 42 is seated against a support edge 76 which can also act as a fulcrum when pivoting the first jaw element 40. In the final position of Figure 4D , the jaws 34, 36 are substantially parallel, and the locking engagement between the jaws 34, 36 prevents the jaws 34, 36 from further pivoting to their substantially separated positions.

[0057] Starting fromFigure 4D At the position, the first web part 42 can be disengaged from the second web part 46 again by pivoting the first jaw element 40 along the jaw disengagement direction J1 ( Figure 4B ), such that the first jaw element 40 becomes free to move along the web guiding axis G ( Figure 4C ). By moving the first jaw element 40 along the web guiding axis G such that the locking projection 53 is aligned with the second locking orifice 49b and the third locking orifice 49c, the first jaw element 40 can be pivoted in the jaw engagement direction ( Figure 4D ), such that the locking projection 53 engages with the corresponding locking orifices 49b, 49c. These two alternative corresponding positions are illustrated in Figure 4E and Figure 4F , and in Figure 4E and Figure 4F , the jaw elements 40, 44 are connected to each other to respectively define a second jaw clearance width W2 and a third jaw clearance width W3.

[0058] The three different jaw clearance widths W1, W2, W3 ( Figure 4D , Figure 4E , Figure 4F ) can be very different; for example, the jaw clearance widths can differ by more than 5 mm, more than 10 mm, more than 20 mm, or even more. The different jaw clearance widths W1, W2, W3 can be easily obtained without moving the clamping element 38 ( Figure 3 ) in the clamping direction by turning the screw 50 in the thread 58, which enables the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 to be quickly and conveniently adapted to various clamping widths. After setting the jaw clearance width, a firm clamping engagement with the furniture 20 ( Figure 2C ) can be obtained by tightening the clamping screw 50.

[0059] Figures 5A to 5C Illustrated is a lamp mounting assembly 12 attached to plates 20a of three different thicknesses, wherein in all three instances, the clamping element 38 is in the same position relative to the first jaw 34.

[0060] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Illustrated are alternative embodiments of the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 of the lamp mounting assembly 12, which are the same in most respects as the embodiment in Figures 4A to 4F . However, Figure 6A and Figure 6B The embodiments represented by the examples are different from the embodiment in Figures 4A to 4F in that the axially lower end opening 75 of the web guiding sleeve 48 cooperates with the axially distal end 47 of the second web part 46 to prevent the second web part 46 from being attached to its position in Figure 4BAfter the position in the web guide sleeve 48 shown in the figure, the first web part 42 is completely removed from the web guide sleeve 48. This embodiment requires a different assembly sequence of the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22. Figure 6A This assembly sequence is shown in the figure. In the first step, the first jaw element 40 pivots in the first pivoting direction J1, and its first web part 42 is inserted from below into the web guide sleeve 48, as indicated by the arrow 101 associated with the first jaw element 40. Thereafter, the second web part 46 of the second jaw element 44 is axially inserted along the web guide axis G in the direction of the arrow 102 associated with the second jaw element 44, and Figure 6B at the position shown in the figure is attached within the web guide sleeve 48 using a screw 60 ( Figure 4A ). Finally, the sleeve cover 64 is snapped into place along its associated arrow 103, thus bringing us completely to the Figure 6B position shown in the figure.

[0061] From Figure 6B 's enlarged view, it can be clearly seen that the axially lower end opening 75 defined by the fulcrum 76 and the opposite edge 77 cooperates with the distal end 47 of the second web part 46 to partially block the axially lower end opening 75 of the web guide sleeve 48, thereby preventing the locking projection 53 from exiting through the axial end opening 75. In this way, the loss of the first jaw element 40 is prevented. The first web part 42 can still move freely within the sleeve 48 along the web guide axis G to engage with the second web part 46 at any of the Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4F illustrated different axial positions.

[0062] Now turning to Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C , and starting from Figure 7A , the swing arm bracket 24 can be connected to the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 in four different orientations of the swing arm bracket 24 relative to the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22. For this purpose, the lamp holder interface 28 includes a guide rail element 80, and the lamp holder interface connector 30 includes a guide rail guide 82 that cooperates with the guide rail element 80, such that the guide rail guide 82 can slide onto the guide rail element 80 along the joint defined by a pair of mutually opposite guide edges 82a, 82b ( Figure 3 and Figure 7B ) of the guide rail guide 82 to engage with the first pair of mutually opposite and substantially parallel guide edges 80a, guide edge 80b of the guide rail element 80. The upper wall 83 of the swing arm bracket 24 defines an axial stop for the guiding movement along the guide rail guide axis R. In the illustrated example, the guide rail guide axis R is parallel to the pivot axis A.

[0063] Figure 7B FIG. illustrates the lamp mount 12 as seen from below and shows the guided engagement that is obtained after sliding the lamp holder interface connector 30 ( Figure 7A ) of the swing arm bracket 24 into engagement with the lamp holder interface 28 of the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 in the manner indicated by the arrows in Figure 6A ). This guided engagement prevents relative movement between the swing arm bracket 24 and the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 in any direction within a plane perpendicular to the guide axis R of the guide ( Figure 1 ).

[0064] Turning now to Figure 7C , the guide element 80 also includes a second pair of guide edges 80c, 80d that are opposite and substantially parallel to each other, and the second pair of guide edges 80c, 80d is perpendicular to the first pair of guide edges 80a, 80b. The distance between the first pair of guide edges 80a, 80b is substantially the same as the distance between the second pair of guide edges 80c, 80d, such that the guide edges 80a to 80d together define a square shape. Different from sliding the guide member 82 along the first pair of guide edges 80a, 80b as shown in Figure 7A , the guide member 82 can be slid onto the guide element 80 along a guide axis R defined by the engagement between the second pair of guide edges 80c, 80d and the guide edges 82a, 82b ( Figure 7B ) of the guide member 82. Thus, the swing arm bracket 24 can be rigidly connected to the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22, wherein the pivot axis A extends in either of two mutually perpendicular directions relative to the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22. In the illustrated example, the sleeve axis that coincides with the pivot axis A is perpendicular to the general direction along which the jaws 34, 36 ( Figure 3 ) extend from the web 32. For each of the cases of Figure 7A and Figure 7C , two additional relative orientations can be obtained by sliding the guide member 82 onto the guide element 80 in a direction opposite to the sliding direction illustrated in the corresponding figure. The possibility of attaching the swing arm bracket 24 to the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 in either of two opposite directions has certain advantages. Referring to Figure 7C , before sliding the swing arm bracket 24 onto the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 in the direction illustrated in Figure 7C , the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 can be attached to, for example, the vertical plate 20b by a clamping element 38 ( Figure 5A ) located on the left side (illustrated) or the right side (not illustrated) of the plate 20b. Thus, the user can choose on which side of the plate 20b the clamping element 38 is located ( Figure 5A), which can help, for example, position the plate 20b close to the wall, and the plate 20b can form part of a larger furniture piece 20.

[0065] The C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 has a square-shaped profile defined by four equal-length sides 81a, 81b, 81c, 81d at the lamp bracket interface 28. Similarly, the swing arm bracket 24 has a square-shaped profile defined by four equal-length sides 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d at the lamp bracket interface connector, and the four sides 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d are the same length as the four sides 81a, 81b, 81c, 81d. When the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 is connected to the swing arm bracket 24, the corresponding square-shaped profiles of the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 and the swing arm bracket 24 are aligned, regardless of whether the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 and the swing arm bracket 24 are connected together in Figure 7A the mutual orientation of Figure 7C or in

[0066] Figure 8 the mutual orientation of. Thus, a smooth outer surface of the lamp mounting assembly 12 can be obtained at the interface between the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22 and the swing arm bracket 24.

[0067] Figure 8 along Figure 7B The cross-section through the swing arm bracket 24 taken along the line VII-VII shown in the elevation view of shows the inner surface of the sleeve 66, which is provided with a plurality of inward-facing friction protrusions 84, and the friction protrusions 84 are configured to frictionally engage with the lamp post 14 ( Figure 8 ) to improve the frictional engagement for holding the lamp post 14 in a stable axial position. This arrangement facilitates axially moving the lamp post 14 between different axial positions and rotating the lamp post 14 about the pivot axis / sleeve axis A within the swing arm slot 26. The friction protrusions 84 are configured as ridges extending along the sleeve axis A, and the friction protrusions 84 are distributed around the circumference of the sleeve 66, which can be better observed from Figure 7B the view of.

[0068] Turning to Figure 9, a concave electrical connector 86 is provided on the axially lower surface 14c of the lamp post 14, and the concave electrical connector cooperates with a convex electrical connector 88 of the power supply line 18. The concave electrical connector 86 is fixedly arranged on the axially lower surface 14c of the lamp post 14, and thus does not increase the protrusion of the axial surface 14c of the lamp post 14 on a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis A. Therefore, the concave electrical connector 86 does not in any way hinder the insertion of the lower end portion 14a of the lamp post 14 through the swing arm slot 26.

[0069] Figure 10 Illustrated is how the lamp post can be axially adjusted along the pivot axis A ( Figure 8 ) by manually grasping the lamp post and axially pressing the lamp post by using a force exceeding the frictional force.

[0070] The present invention has been generally described above with reference to several embodiments. However, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, other embodiments are equally possible within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended patent claims, in addition to the embodiments disclosed above.

[0071] For example, the lamp mounting member does not need to be separable into the swing arm bracket 24 and the C-shaped clamping member assembly 22; on the contrary, the swing arm slot 26 and the C-shaped clamping member assembly may be integral. In such an arrangement, the swing arm slot 26 serves as the lamp holder interface in the meaning of claim 1. In addition, the swing arm slot is optional; the lamp can be carried by the C-shaped clamping member assembly in any other suitable manner. The web portions 42, 46 do not need to be connected to each other at different relative positions via protrusions engaging with a plurality of holes; there are other alternative solutions within the scope of the claims.

[0072] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A lamp assembly, the lamp assembly comprising a lamp mounting component (12) for attaching the lamp assembly (10) to a furniture piece (20) and a lamp post (14) configured to hold a light source (16) and power the light source (16), the light source (16) being attached to the lamp post (14), the lamp mounting component (12) comprising: a lamp holder interface (28), and a C-shaped clamping component (22) for assembling into a C-shaped clamp, the C-shaped clamping component (22) comprising a web (32), a first jaw (34) and a second jaw (36), the first jaw (34) and the second jaw (36) extending from the web (32) in substantially the same direction, and the first jaw (34) carrying a clamping element (38) that is movable relative to the first jaw (34) in a clamping direction (D) towards the second jaw (36) to clamp the furniture piece (20) against the second jaw (36), wherein the C-shaped clamping component (22) comprises: a first jaw element (40), the first jaw element (40) comprising the first jaw (34) and a first web portion (42) of the web (32); and a second jaw element (44), the second jaw element (44) comprising the second jaw (36) and a second web portion (46) of the web (32), wherein the first web portion (42) and the second web portion (46) are capable of being connected to each other at any one of a plurality of different relative positions to define a corresponding plurality of different jaw gap widths (W1, W2, W3), wherein the lamp mounting component (12) comprises a swing arm slot (26) for receiving the lamp post (14) to form a pivotal connection for allowing the lamp post (14) to swing about a pivot axis (A) defined by the swing arm slot (26), wherein the swing arm slot (26) comprises a sleeve (66) that defines a level of frictional engagement with the lamp post (14), wherein the lamp mounting component (12) further comprises a web guide (48), the web guide (48) comprising a fulcrum (76), opposite edges (77) and an axially downwardly open end (75) defined by the fulcrum (76) and the opposite edges (77), the second web portion (46) being capable of being connected to the web guide (48) at a position where, if the first web portion (42) has been inserted into the web guide (48), the axially downwardly open end (75) mates with an axially distal end (47) of the second web portion (46) to prevent the first web portion (42) from being completely separated from the web guide (48).

2. The lamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first jaw (34) is integrally formed with the first web part (42), and / or the second jaw (36) is integrally formed with the second web part (46).

3. The lamp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the plurality of different relative positions includes at least three different relative positions.

4. The lamp assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the plurality of different relative positions are three to ten different relative positions.

5. The lamp assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the plurality of different relative positions are three to five different relative positions.

6. The lamp assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the plurality of different relative positions are three different relative positions.

7. The lamp assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the first web part (42) and the second web part (46) can be connected to each other at the plurality of different relative positions via a first locking structure (53) and a second locking structure (49a, 49b, 49c), the first locking structure being integrally formed with the first web part (42) or rigidly connected to the first web part (42), the second locking structure being integrally formed with the second web part (46) or rigidly connected to the second web part, wherein the first locking structure (53) and the second locking structure (49a, 49b, 49c) are configured to directly interlock with each other along the clamping direction (D) when connected.

8. The lamp assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, one (46) of the first web part (42) and the second web part (46) includes a plurality of locking apertures (49a, 49b, 49c), and the other (42) of the first web part (42) and the second web part (46) includes a locking projection (53) that can engage with any one of the plurality of locking apertures (49a, 49b, 49c) to provide the plurality of different jaw gap widths (W1, W2, W3).

9. The lamp assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the web guide (48) is for guiding at least one (42) of the first web part (42) and the second web part (46) along the clamping direction (D) so that the first web part (42) and the second web part (46) are guided relative to each other between the plurality of different relative positions.

10. The lamp assembly according to claim 9, wherein, one (44) of the first jaw element (40) and the second jaw element (44) is configured to be fixedly attached to the web guide (48).

11. The lamp assembly according to claim 9, wherein, One of the first web part (42) and the second web part (46) is configured to pivot about the pivot point (76) to move between a locked position and a disengaged position, in the locked position, one of the first web part (42) and the second web part (46) engages with the other of the first web part (42) and the second web part (46), and in the disengaged position, one of the first web part (42) and the second web part (46) moves freely along the web guide (48).

12. The lamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the swing arm slot (26) is arranged in the swing arm bracket (24), and the swing arm bracket (24) is provided with a lamp holder interface connector (30) for rigidly connecting the swing arm bracket (24) to the lamp holder interface (28).

13. The lamp assembly according to claim 12, wherein, the swing arm bracket (24) can be connected to the lamp holder interface (28) in at least two different mutual orientations.

14. The lamp assembly according to claim 13, wherein, one of the lamp holder interface (28) and the lamp holder interface connector (30) includes a guide rail element (80), and the other of the lamp holder interface (28) and the lamp holder interface connector (30) includes a guiding device that cooperates with the guide rail element (80), wherein the guide rail element (80) can be slidably inserted into the guiding device in at least two different orientations.

15. The lamp assembly according to claim 14, wherein, the guiding device includes a guide rail guide provided with a pair of opposed guide edge (82a, 82b), and the guide rail element (80) includes a first pair of opposed and substantially parallel guide edges (80a, 80b) and a second pair of opposed and substantially parallel guide edges (80c, 80d) transverse to the first pair of the guide edges (80a, 80b), wherein the guide rail element (80) can be inserted into the guide rail guide (82) in a mating manner when any one of the pairs of guide edges (80a, 80b; 80c, 80d) is aligned with the guide edge (82a, 82b).

16. The lamp assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the sleeve (66) has a cylindrical inner surface extending along the sleeve axis (A).

17. The lamp assembly according to claim 16, wherein, the surface of the inner surface of the sleeve (66) is provided with a plurality of inward-facing friction protrusions (84), and the inner surface of the sleeve (66) is configured to frictionally engage with the cylindrical lamp post (14) inserted along the sleeve axis (A) into the swing arm slot (26) to form a frictional engagement that holds the lamp post (14) in a stable axial position.

18. The lamp assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The lamp post (14) can be inserted into the swing arm slot (26) and vertically supported in the swing arm slot (26) only by frictional engagement, so that the lamp post (14) can vertically slide between a plurality of stable positions along the axis (A) of the swing arm slot (26).

19. A lamp assembly, the lamp assembly comprising a lamp mounting assembly (12) for attaching the lamp assembly (10) to a furniture piece (20) and a lamp post (14) configured to hold a light source (16) and power the light source (16), the light source (16) being attached to the lamp post (14), the lamp mounting assembly (12) comprising: A C-shaped clamping member assembly (22), the C-shaped clamping member assembly (22) comprising a web (32), a first jaw (34) and a second jaw (36), the first jaw (34) and the second jaw (36) extending from the web (32) in substantially the same direction, and the first jaw (34) carrying a clamping element (38) which is movable relative to the first jaw (34) in a clamping direction (D) towards the second jaw (36) to clamp the furniture piece (20) against the second jaw (36), the C-shaped clamping member assembly (22) comprising a first jaw element (40) and a second jaw element (44), the first jaw element (40) comprising the first jaw (34) and a first web portion (42) of the web (32), the second jaw element (44) comprising the second jaw (36) and a second web portion (46) of the web (32), the C-shaped clamping member assembly (22) comprising a lamp holder interface (28), the lamp mounting assembly (12) being characterized by comprising a swing arm bracket (24) connectable to the C-shaped clamping member assembly (22), the swing arm bracket (24) being provided with a swing arm slot (26) and a lamp holder interface connector (30) for rigidly connecting the swing arm bracket (24) to the lamp holder interface (28), wherein the swing arm bracket (24) can be connected to the lamp holder interface (28) in at least two different orientations, wherein the swing arm slot (26) is for receiving the lamp post (14) to form a pivotal connection for pivoting the lamp post (14) about a pivot axis (A) defined by the swing arm slot (26), wherein the swing arm slot (26) comprises a sleeve (66) which defines a level of frictional engagement with the lamp post (14), Wherein, the lamp mounting component (12) further includes a web guide (48), the web guide (48) includes a fulcrum (76), opposite edges (77) and an axially downward end opening (75) defined by the fulcrum (76) and the opposite edges (77), and the second web portion (46) can be connected to the web guide (48) at a position where, if the first web portion (42) has been inserted into the web guide (48), the axially downward end opening (75) cooperates with the axially distal end (47) of the second web portion (46) to prevent the first web portion (42) from being completely separated from the web guide (48).

20. A lamp assembly, the lamp assembly includes a lamp post (14) configured to hold a light source (16) and supply power to the light source (16), and a lamp mounting component (12) configured to support the lamp post (14), and the light source (16) is attached to the lamp post (14). Characterized in that the lamp mounting component (12) includes a swing arm slot (26) for receiving the lamp post (14) to form a pivot connection for swinging the lamp post (14) about a pivot axis (A) defined by the swing arm slot (26), and the swing arm slot (26) cooperates with the lamp post (14) such that the lamp post (14) can be inserted into the swing arm slot (26) and thus vertically supported in the swing arm slot (26) only by frictional engagement, so that the lamp post (14) can vertically slide between a plurality of stable axial positions along the pivot axis (A) of the swing arm slot (26), wherein the swing arm slot (26) includes a sleeve (66) that defines a level of frictional engagement with the lamp post (14). Wherein, the lamp mounting component (12) further includes a C-shaped clamping component (22) and a web guide (48), the C-shaped clamping component (22) includes a first jaw element (40) and a second jaw element (44), the first jaw element (40) includes a first jaw (34) and a first web portion (42), the second jaw element (44) includes a second jaw (36) and a second web portion (46), the web guide (48) includes a fulcrum (76), opposite edges (77) and an axially downward end opening (75) defined by the fulcrum (76) and the opposite edges (77), and the second web portion (46) can be connected to the web guide (48) at a position where, if the first web portion (42) has been inserted into the web guide (48), the axially downward end opening (75) cooperates with the axially distal end (47) of the second web portion (46) to prevent the first web portion (42) from being completely separated from the web guide (48).

21. A lamp assembly, the lamp assembly comprising a lamp post (14) configured to hold a light source (16) and supply power to the light source (16), and a lamp mounting assembly (12) configured to support the lamp post, the light source (16) being attached to the lamp post (14). Wherein, the lamp mounting assembly (12) includes a swing arm slot (26), the swing arm slot (26) cooperating with an axial end (14c) of the lamp post (14) such that the axial end (14c) of the lamp post (14) can be inserted into the swing arm slot (26) to define a swing arm connection pivotable about a pivot axis (A). Wherein, the axial end (14c) is provided with an electrical connector (86), the electrical connector (86) having a projection on a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (A) that is the same as or smaller than a corresponding projection of the axial end (14c) of the lamp post (14) on the plane, thereby allowing the axial end (14c) having the electrical connector (86) to be inserted all the way through the swing arm slot (26). Wherein, the swing arm slot (26) includes a sleeve (66), the sleeve (66) defining a level of frictional engagement with the lamp post (14). Wherein, the lamp mounting assembly (12) further includes a C-shaped clamping member assembly (22) and a web guide (48), the C-shaped clamping member assembly (22) including a first jaw element (40) and a second jaw element (44), the first jaw element (40) including a first jaw (34) and a first web portion (42), the second jaw element (44) including a second jaw (36) and a second web portion (46), the web guide (48) including a fulcrum (76), opposing edges (77), and an axially downwardly opening (75) defined by the fulcrum (76) and the opposing edges (77), the second web portion (46) being connectable to the web guide (48) in a position where: if the first web portion (42) has been inserted into the web guide (48), the axially downwardly opening (75) cooperates with an axially distal end (47) of the second web portion (46) to prevent the first web portion (42) from being completely separated from the web guide (48).

Images