Electrical connection strip for magnetically secured light fixtures

Abstract

A fixture-mounting system for mounting a light fixture to a surface. The fixture- mounting system may include, in a kit, a light connection strip, an electric fixture and an mounting component for mounting the light connection strip. The connection strip has a body having a connecting face; and a pair of electrically conductive connectors extending parallel to each other over the connecting face, wherein the electrically conductive connectors are electrically insulated from each other. The connection strip has a clinging component extending along the longitudinal axis over at least a section thereof, with that clinging component being electrically insulated from the electrically conductive connectors. The electric fixture comprises on a mounting face a clinging component, e.g., a magnet, and a pair of connectors. The electric fixture is adapted to magnetically cling on the connection strip, and being powering thereby. The connection strip is adapted to be mounted to a mounting structure, either recessed or not, and either mounted in a mounting component or in e.g, a groove.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION STRIP FOR MAGNETICALLY SECURED LIGHT FIXTURESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims benefit of or priority from US provisional patent application 63 / 540,855, filed September 27, 2023, entitled ELECTRICAL CONNECTION STRIP FOR MAGNETICALLY SECURED LIGHT FIXTURES, the specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND(a) Field

[0002] The subject matter disclosed generally relates to light systems. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed relates to solutions to inset light systems.(b) Related Prior Art

[0003] In the field of the lighting of display cases, bookshelves and other spaces, these spaces are frequently improved by integrating lighting to the area, the lighting enhancing the beauty of the objects present on the shelves and the area itself.

[0004] The same applies to the edges of ceilings or other structures in which hidden light fixtures may help in lighting the room, or providing a particular ambiance.

[0005] Existing solutions have drawbacks regarding at least one of the undesired components of the lighting system being visible, the difficulty to install the lighting system, and the difficulty and impact on the aspect of the mounting surface.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for improvements in this field.SUMMARY

[0007] According to some aspect, there is provided a solution for mounting a lighting system in a housing structure, wherein a light fixture magnetically clinging to a connection strip is powered by the connection strip.

[0008] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a connection strip kit including: a mounting insert including an external face, and a longitudinal groove including i) a deep groove portion extending from the external face and a distant groove portion providing a first abutment wall distant to the external face; a first connection strip extending along a longitudinal axis, for inserting in the insert, the connection strip including: a body having a connecting face and a rear face; a pair of electrically conductive connectors extending parallel to each other over the connecting face, wherein the electrically conductive connectors are electrically insulated from each other; a ferro-magnetic component extending along the longitudinal axis over at least a section of the connector strip, the ferro-magnetic component being electrically insulated from the electrically conductive connectors, wherein the connection strip is designed to abut against the abutment wall of the insert, preventing the connection strip to exit the insert through the deep groove portion.

[0009] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a connection strip kit, wherein the mounting insert includes and a second abutment wall, wherein the first abutment wall and the second abutment walls are not equidistant to the external face.

[0010] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a connection strip kit, further including a second connection strip, and a terminal designed to connect the conductive connectors of the first connection strip to the connectors of the second connection strip, thereby having the second connection strip powered with the first connection strip.

[0011] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a connection strip kit, wherein the terminal is used to couple the first connection strip and the second connection strip with their longitudinal axis non-parallel to one another.

[0012] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system including: a connection strip including, enclosing, or having mounted thereto a magnetic (such as ferro-magnetic) material, the connection strip having a connecting face; a pair of electrically conducting connectors extending over the connecting face parallel to each other; a light fixture having a front face and a mounting face, the light fixture including: a light-emitting component for lighting on the front face; a pair of connectors on the mounting face, wherein each one of the connectors is for contacting a distinct one of the conducting connectors; and a first magnet for clinging to the light fixture to the connection strip, wherein, through connection between the conducting connectors and the connectors, the light fixture is electrically powered.

[0013] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the connector strip extends along a longitudinal axis, with the electrically conducting connectors extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0014] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the conductive connectors have a thickness perpendicular to the connecting face and a width, and wherein the thickness is smaller than the width.

[0015] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the connection strip includes a wire of a ferro-magnetic material about the connecting face.

[0016] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the wire of the connection strip extends parallel and in-between the conductive connectors.

[0017] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the connection strip includes a band of ferro-magnetic material distant to the connecting face.

[0018] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the connection strip has a body, and wherein the conductive connectors are set in the body.

[0019] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the connection strip has a body, wherein the connection strip has a thickness, and wherein the conducting connectors have a connecting face that is raised or recessed of at most 25% of the thickness of the connection strip relative to a portion of the body of the connection strip located between the conducting connectors. According to an aspect, the surface of the conductive connectors available to provide electrical contact is raised or recessed of at most 10% of the thickness of the connection strip relative to the surface of the body of the connection strip located between the conducting connectors. According to an aspect, the surface of the conductive connectors available to provide electrical contact is raised or recessed of at most 50% of the thickness of the conductive connectors relative to the surface of the body of the connection strip located between the conducting connectors.

[0020] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the conductive connectors have a trapezoidal shape.

[0021] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the connection strip includes two indentations parallel to the conductive connectors, wherein the conductive connectors are spaced apart by the indentations.

[0022] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the connection strip can be folded or can be bent transversally. According to an aspect, once folded, the connection strip has two sections of the connectingface facing each other. According to an aspect, the connection strip, once folded or bent, has a non-rectangular shape.

[0023] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the lighting fixture has a central longitudinal axis, and wherein the connectors are equidistant to the central longitudinal axis.

[0024] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the lighting fixture includes a second magnet, and wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are scattered on the mounting face.

[0025] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a lighting system, where the connectors of the lighting fixture are spring loaded.

[0026] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a method in installing lighting on a shelf having a face and a groove using the lighting system, including: inserting the connection strip in the groove of the shelf; inserting the light fixture into the groove of the shelf until the magnet of the light fixture cling to the connection strip and the connectors of the connection strip contact the conducting connectors of the connection strip; powering up the connection strip, thereby powering up the light fixture.

[0027] Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[0029] Fig. 1 is an elevation view of a light system in a housing structure in accordance with an embodiment;

[0030] Fig. 2 is an elevation view of a connection strip of a light system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0031] Fig. 3 is an elevation view of a connection strip of a light system in accordance with another embodiment;

[0032] Fig. 4 is an elevation view of a connection strip of a light system in accordance with another embodiment;

[0033] Fig. 5 is an elevation view of a connection strip of a light system in a housing structure in accordance with another embodiment;

[0034] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a pogo pin used as a conducting connector of a connection strip in accordance with an embodiment;

[0035] Figs. 7A-7C are elevation view of connection strip made using different modes of construction in accordance with embodiments;

[0036] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a housing structure with a connection strip and two caps in accordance with an embodiment;

[0037] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a housing structure with a connection strip and caps mounted thereto and a light fixture ready to be mounted thereto;

[0038] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a connection strip with a powering terminal and a blind terminal ready to be connected and mounted thereto;

[0039] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a shelf with a spot light and a bar light mounted thereto using a connection strip in accordance with an embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the shelf and light assembly of Fig. 11 ;

[0041] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a spot light designed to be mounted to a connection strip in accordance with an embodiment;

[0042] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a bar light designed to be mounted to a connection strip in accordance with an embodiment;

[0043] Fig. 15 is a side view of a section of a shelf with an insert set therein designed to receive a connection strip in accordance with an embodiment;

[0044] Fig. 16 is a side view of the section of a shelf and of the insert of Fig. 15 with a connection strip mounted thereto in accordance with an embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 17 is a side view of the section of a shelf, the insert and the connection strip of Fig. 16, with a bar light mounted thereto in accordance with an embodiment;

[0046] Fig. 18 is a side view of the section of a shelf, the insert and the connection strip of Fig. 16, with a spot light mounted thereto in accordance with an embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a cabinet, with a connection rail comprising a plurality of connection strips, wherein a first spot light is mounted to a horizontally extending connection strip and a second spot light is mounted to a vertically extending connection strip of the connection rail in accordance with an embodiment;

[0048] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a section of a shelf with a corner connector mounted thereto in accordance with an embodiment;

[0049] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the corner connector of Fig. 20;

[0050] Fig. 22 a bottom perspective view of a wire feed component in accordance with an embodiment;

[0051] Fig. 23 is a top perspective view of the wire feed component of Fig. 22 is a locked position;

[0052] Fig. 24 is a top perspective view of the wire feed component of Fig. 22 in an unlocked position;

[0053] Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a first cover to be inserted in a groove in accordance with an embodiment;

[0054] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a second cover to be inserted in a groove in accordance with an embodiment;

[0055] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of an end cap cover in accordance with an embodiment;

[0056] Fig. 28 is a side view of a concealer in accordance with an embodiment;

[0057] Fig. 29 is a side view of a section of a shelf, with a concealer mounted to a groove in the shelf in accordance with an embodiment;

[0058] Fig. 30 is a side view of a groove cover in accordance with an embodiment;

[0059] Fig. 31 is a side view of a section of a shelf with a connection strip and a groove cover mounted to the shelf in accordance with an embodiment;

[0060] Fig. 32 is a side view of a connection strip in accordance with another embodiment; and

[0061] Fig. 33 is a side view of a connection strip in accordance with another embodiment.

[0062] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The realizations will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which realizations are illustrated. The foregoing may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated realizations set forth herein.

[0064] With respect to the present description, references to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Thus, the term "or" should generally be understood to mean "and / or" and so forth.

[0065] Recitation of ranges of values and of values herein or on the drawings are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The words "about," "approximately," or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and / or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the described realizations. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language ("e.g.," "such as," or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the exemplary realizations and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the realizations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the realizations.

[0066] In the following description, it is understood that terms such as "first", "second", "top", "bottom", "above", "below", and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0067] The terms "top", “up”, “upper”, "bottom", “lower”, “down”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “interior” and “exterior” and the like are intended to be construed in their normal meaning in relation with exemplary installations of the product.

[0068] It should further be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature and / or such joining may allow for the flow of electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0069] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

[0070] Referring now to the drawings, there are herein disclosed an fixturemounting system, and particularly a light system comprising a connection strip 120 with magnetically secured electric fixtures (or electrically-connected fixtures, or electrically-powered fixtures), e.g., light fixtures 150 or speakers, mounted thereto, wherein the system may be mounted e.g., to shelves, and more particularly for cabinet shelves, ceilings, bottom of cabinets, etc.

[0071] Referring particularly to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an exemplary light system comprises a connection strip 120 to be inserted in a room provided by a surface- distant groove 294 in the structure 290, e.g., extending parallel to the surface 292 of the structure 290.

[0072] The connection strip 120 comprises a body 122 made of electrically insulating material, and a pair electrically conducting connectors 124, 126 extending longitudinally at a connecting face 128 of the connection strip 120. The connection strip 120 comprises a magnetic material (a ferro-magnetic material, a para-magnetic material, or a magnetically attractable material), which is more generally a clinging material adapted for a releasable clinging, such as magnetizediron, cobalt, nickel, or an alloy based thereon. According to the embodiment depicted on Fig. 1 , the connection strip 120 is sized with a width 130 greater than the width 296 of the deep groove 300 such as the connection strip 120 may be orientated in any direction, e.g., the connecting face 128 facing downward, without risking exiting the surface-distant groove 294.

[0073] Preferably, the surface-distant groove 294 is cut throughout the structure 290, from one extremity 312 to the opposed extremity 314 (Fig. 8), allowing to insert the connection strip 120 therethrough.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment, a deep groove 300 is cut to provide a passage between the surface 292 and the connection strip 120.

[0075] According to embodiments, the surface 292 may be flat, or may present a slope or e.g., a denivelation such that a portion of the surface located on one side of the deep groove 300 may be raised relative to the other portion of the surface located on the opposite side of the deep groove 300.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the deep groove 300 has a width 302, narrower than the width 296 of the surface-distant groove 294, designed to provide a passage for a light fixture 150 to be attached to the connection strip 120 therethrough and for the surface-distant groove 294 to provide abutting surfaces to hold the connection strip 120 in place.

[0077] Examples of light fixtures mounted on connection strip 120 are provided through Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. In Fig. 11 , a spot light 350 and a bar light 352 are mounted to the connection strip 120 one aside the other. Fig. 12 depicts the components participating in the light assembly of Fig. 1 1 through an exploded view. Fig. 13 depicts the spot light 350 showing the magnets 166 used to cling the spot light 350 to the connection strip 120, and the connectors 156, 158 used to connect the spot light to the connection strip 120. Fig. 14 depicts the bar light 352 with magnets 166 and connectors 156, 158 as well.

[0078] It is worth mentioning that number, position(s), size(s) and distribution of the magnet(s) 166 over the light fixture may vary from one embodiment to another, as the positions of the connectors 156, 158.

[0079] It is also worth mentioning that the number, dimension, and sizes of connections, e.g., conducting connectors 124, 126, on a connection strip 120 may vary, such as to provide a plurality of electric circuits electric fixtures may connect to.

[0080] It is further contemplated that additional non-powered connectors (not depicted), e.g., data connectors, may further be present on the connection strip 120 to both power and drive an electric fixture that is clung on the connection strip 120.

[0081] Referring back to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the light fixture 150 comprises a front face 152 designed for emitting light, and a mounting face 154 designed to connect to the connection strip 120. The light fixture 150 comprises on the mounting face 154 a first connector 156 and a second connector 158 designed to connect the light fixture 150 to a power source.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the power source powers the conducting connectors 124, 126 with low-voltage DC power of preferably at most 50 volts and 100 watts, and more preferably under 40 volts, and most preferably about 24 volts.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the connectors 156, 158 of the light fixture 150 are located on opposed sides relative to a longitudinal plane 160 of the light fixture 150 and equidistant relative to the side faces 162, 164 of the light fixture 150, with the connectors 156, 158 designed to contact the conducting connectors 124, 126 of the connection strip 120. Accordingly, that symmetry allows the light fixture 150 to be mounted with e.g., the side face 162 facing either left or right on the exemplary depicted figure.

[0084] The light fixture 150 further comprises a magnet 166 mounted to the mounting face 154 of the light fixture 150. The connection strip 120 comprises on the connecting face 128 a piece ferro-magnetic material, e.g., a steel wire 132. When mounting the light fixture 150 to the connection strip 120, the magnet 166 clings onto the steel wire 132, with the connectors 156, 158 touching the conducting connectors 124, 126 on both sides, powering thereby the light fixture 150.

[0085] It is contemplated that the shape of the groove may be modified without departing from the present description. For instance, Fig. 15 shows a groove that comprise an additional abutment space 362 for physical locking of components therein. Foor instance, referring additionally to Fig. 22, Fig. 23 and Fig. 24, a wire feed component 372 may be locked in the groove with its wings 374 taking place in the additional abutment space 362 thanks to a rotary lock mechanism. Such 372, comprising connectors 156, 158 may be used to connect powering wires to the connection strip 120.

[0086] It is contemplated that various realizations may be used to interconnect rails in order to provide an assembly of connection strips 120. Contemplated realizations include wiring connections strips with connectors similar to the ones used to power a main connection strip, and connectors or different shapes to interconnect connections strips in line, and in other configurations.

[0087] It is further contemplated that a combination of magnetic clinging and physical locking may be used in locking light fixtures in place in some embodiments.

[0088] It is further contemplated that the groove for housing the connection strip 120 may be cut into e.g., a shelf, or provided by a mounting component, e.g., an insert 382 designed to be mounted set into e.g., the shelf, or e.g., a bracket designed to be mounted over a receiving structure. The insert 382, or bracket,therefore comprises an interior portion comprising said groove. An example of a connection strip 120 mounted to an insert is provided through Fig. 16. Examples of mounting of light fixtures 150 with such inserts are provided through Fig. 17, Fig. 18 and Fig. 19. Furthermore, an example of light fixtures mounted to a rail of connection strips 120 extending in multiples directions, and thus with light fixtures mounted thereto oriented in multiple directions is provided through Fig. 19.

[0089] It is contemplated therein that the connection strip 120 may be powered through different solutions, using an end powering module mounted to the end of the connection strip 120 (Fig. 8) or e.g., using an intermediary powering module connected to the connection strip 120 anywhere between the ends of the connection strip 120 (not depicted).

[0090] It is further contemplated therein that the connection strip 120 may take the whole length of the structure 290, or may be modular, with connection strips 120 being connectable end-to-end (not depicted) or through usage of a bridge module (not depicted).

[0091] It is further contemplated therein that the shape of the connection strip 120 and of the components to be set in may be adjusted for the components to be inserted there without the use of additional securing means, or additional or alternative securing means may be used to mount the depicted inset components to the connecting face 128 of the 120, such as metallic or composite screws, rivets of composite material, or clips.

[0092] It is further contemplated that the connection strip may be mounted to a surface in a recessed fashion. May be mounted to the surface about over the surface, or may be mounted distant to the surface with e.g., mounting poles mounted to the surface and having a mounting component distant to the surfacemounting end to mount the connection strip thereto. According to embodiments, connection strips may thus be installed to be hidden, or to be visible, with electric fixtures mountable thereto through magnetic clinging. According to embodiments,electric fixtures may be designed to be mounted to overstep a mounting component, visually extending over the mounting component, or may be designed to be mounted to the connection strip exclusively between mounting components.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 3, according to an alternative embodiment, the body 122 is made of a plastic composite that comprises ferro-magnetic material in a percentage allowing for the magnet 166 to cling thereto while providing the electrical insulation preventing short-circuit between the conducting connectors 124, 126. According to an embodiment, an electrically insulating material is applied on the least part of the body 122 such as to provide an electrically insulating plating on locations such as walls in contact with the conducting connectors 124, 126.

[0094] Referring now to Fig. 4, according to an alternative embodiment, the connection strip 120 comprises a mounting band 136 of ferro-magnetic material, e.g., a band of steel, mounted to the back face 138 opposite to the connecting face 128. With a relatively thin connection strip 120, or with magnetically conductive material therebetween in the connection strip 120, the magnet 166 may cling to the connection strip 120 event though the magnet 166 being kept at a distance from the mounting band 136.

[0095] Referring now additionally to Fig. 6, an exemplary connectors 156 is e.g., pogo pin, inserted, e.g., spring-mounted, in the body of the light fixture 150 and adapted, when combined with another connector and that both connectors are connected to a power source, to power the light fixture 150.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, magnets 166 do not extend over the whole length of the light fixture 150, but are rather located spread on locations distant from each other for the light fixture 150 to cling uniformly to the connection strip 120.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, connectors 156 of the light fixture are located at a certain distance from the magnet 166, avoiding spatial and magnetic interference in-between. For instance, magnets are mounted about the ends of alight fixture and the connectors are located about the longitudinal center of the light fixture.

[0098] Referring to Fig. 5, according to an alternative embodiment, the connection strip 120 is transversally foldable (parallel to the longitudinal axis) and adapted to be mounted on a rectangular groove, aka a deep groove 300 free of surface-distant groove 294. The connection strip 120 comprises a central portion 142 comprising a metallic strip 143 adapted for a magnet 166 to cling thereto, a first side portion 144 housing a first conducting connector 124, and a second portion 146 housing a second conducting connector 126. This connection strip 120 is foldable, originally manufactured in a generally flat configuration, with folding the connection strip 120 resulting in the first side portion 144 and second portion 146 adopting parallel orientations, butting up against the side walls 304, 306 of the deep groove 300. Resiliency of the connection strip 120 has the side portions 144, 146 pushing against the side walls 304, 306 and thereby remaining in place regardless of the spatial orientation of the groove 300, e.g. a light fixture facing downwards once installed therein. It is contemplated that according to embodiments, embodiments of the connection strip may be folded or bent in different shapes to accommodate specific installations. It is further contemplated that these embodiments may feature metallic strip or other clinging component, and conductive connectors located in variable positions, wherein they allow to cling the electric fixture in place such that the electric fixture is powered via the conductive connectors of the connection strip.

[0099] It is herein contemplated herein that the shape and dimensions of the grooves involved in mounting the connection strip 120 may vary from one embodiment to another. Grooves may for instance have a rectangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a semi-circular shape, a truncated circular shape, a flared shape, etc. And in some embodiments grooves may be present in the mounting component only, when object is to provide, e.g., a lighting system over a surface rather that at least partially hidden.

[0100] Similarly, the structures in which or on which are mounted connection strips 120 may vary in nature, e.g., shelves, walls, in shape, e.g., flat, textured, shaped, and in dimensions.

[0101] Referring now to Figs. 7A-7C, many methods of manufacture of the connection strip 120 are contemplated therein, comprising, depicted in Fig. 7A a co-extruded construction comprising conducting connectors 124, 126 and e.g., steel wire 132; depicted in Fig. 7B a co-extruded construction comprising conducting connectors 124, 126 with the use of e.g., a ferro-magnetic composite for the body 122 preventing the necessity of incorporating a steel wire 132 or alike in the design; and depicted in Fig. 7C a laminated construction wherein conducting connectors 124, 126 are laminated on a body 122 that does not partially enclose them, and a mounting band 136 laminated on the back face 138 of the 122.

[0102] Referring to Fig. 32 and Fig. 33, alternative designs of connection strip 120 include conducting connectors 124, 126 having trapezoidal shapes, with the widest face being inset in the body 122 of the connection strip 120, with or without the inserting of e.g., a steel wire 132 on top on the bottom, and use of electrically insulating with ferro-magnetic material for the body 122.

[0103] Contemplated therethrough, the conducting connectors 124, 126 may be flush to the top of the connection strip 120 (e.g., Fig. 2), being raised relative to the surface to be magnetically clung to (not depicted), or slightly recessed relative the surface to be magnetically clung to (e.g., Fig. 32 and Fig. 33).

[0104] It is further worth mentioning that according to preferred realizations, the components participating in magnetic clinging of the light fixture over the connection strip 120 are fixedly mounted. The connectors 156, 158 are springmounted or alike, such that the clinging of the light fixture over the connection strip 120 is rigid, and the connectors are adapted to adapt to any unevenness in the conducting connectors 124, 126 or in any alignment or construction issues. Magnets are set strong enough to retain the light fixture in place with theconnectors 156, 158 contacting the conducting connectors 124, 126 even if a gap remains between the magnet and the steel wire 132, for example.

[0105] Referring now to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the connection strip 120 are adapted to be mounted to the surface-distant groove 294, with, for esthetic reasons preventing potentially the connection strip 120 to move in the surface-distant groove 294, caps 148 mounted thereto., The caps 148 are designed to reproduce the appearance of the surface 292 of the structure 290. Once the connection strip 120 and the caps 148 are mounted to the structure 290, it becomes easy to install a light fixture 150 by simply inserted the light fixture 150 in the deep groove 300, with the light fixture 150 automatically clinging to the connection strip 120, automatically electrically connecting to the connection strip 120 and therefore being automatically power-enable therethrough.

[0106] Referring now to Fig. 10, use of a power terminal 172 to power the connection strip 120 through one of its ends and a blind terminal 174 insulating the other end is common practice for security reasons.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 25, Fig. 26 and Fig. 27, section of connection strip 120 free of light fixtures may be covered for aesthetic reasons and / or to insulate the connection strip 120 from foreign material. Fig. 25 depicts a first cover 386 designed to fill a section of the groove and the end of the groove. Fig. 26 depicts a second cover 388 partially similar to the first cover 386 in being designed to fill a section of the groove and the end of the groove, but with the cover 388 being designed to be cut to the desired length to customize to different lengths of gaps. Fig. 27 depicts an end cap cover 390 designed to close the milled profile to create a finished look, and hiding electrical and mechanical components from groove end perspective.

[0108] Referring to Fig. 28 and Fig. 29, a concealer 394 may further be used to conceal wires. Concealers 394 may be inserted into the groove, with its wings 396 wedged between the opposed walls of the groove to maintain it in place. Anabutment end 398 is designed to retain the wires in the groove. Due to its flexible and economical characteristic, the concealer 394 may be provided in rolls and may be cut in length on site to customize the concealer 394 to particular needs.

[0109] Referring to Fig. 30 and Fig. 31 , alternatives include the use of a groove cover 402 designed to lock into e.g., abutment spaces 362 (e.g. Fig. 15). Used alone or with an insulating material, the groove cover 402 is designed to close the groove and to protect the conducting connectors 124, 126.

[0110] It is to be noted that a rail of connection strips 120 may be extended simply by connecting a first connection strip 120 to a power terminal 172 at a first end, and connecting a relay cap (not shown) at the other end, by connecting a second connection strip 120 to the relay cap, conducting connectors 124, 126 of the first connection strip 120 and of the second connection strip 120 are electrically connected to one another, extending the length on which light fixtures may be mounted thereto. Furthermore, by having magnets 166 and connectors 156 punctually distributed on the light fixtures, the light fixtures may be mounted to over more than one connection strip 120. For example, in an exemplary installation, a first number of magnets 166 are clung to a first connection strip 120, the connectors 156, connectors 15 of the light fixture are connected to the conducting connectors 124, 126 of the first connection strip 120, and a second number of magnets 166 are clung to the second connection strip 120 of the rail.

[0111] It is worth mentioning that due to its simplicity, connection strips 120 may be installed in long rails, and cut according to the particular need. Use of a power terminal 172, of straight relay caps and relay cap of other shapes (e.g., 90- degrees relay cap, and of blind terminal 174 allows to customize the rails to different needs without the need for extra material, Therefore, it simplifies the general logistic of installing preferably low-voltage light fixtures in view of the flexibility the present connection strips 120 provide.

[0112] Referring to Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 , it is contemplated that a plurality of method of mounting the connection strip 120 to a shelf may be used, including the use of corner connector 406 mounted to the edge of the shelf, and extending beyond the shelf for connection to a power source. Person of the art may identify alternatives in mounting components from the embodiments described herein.

[0113] In view of the present description, it is worth noting that the invention allows users to make their own connection strip out of the material they want to use.

[0114] It is further worth noting that the present solution allows to decrease substantially the weight of the system, which translates in cost reduction in material costs, in transport costs, etc.

[0115] It is furthermore worth noting that, in a recessed embodiment, since the inner walls of the groove are all from the same material as the surface, all is the same color and finish and there is no extra component to distract from a clean aesthetic. Furthermore, since the groove is always created during each installation process, its cross-section shape can simply be of the geometry that will best suit the application. This means that customizing “track” is no longer a process of designing and manufacturing a new track, but simply slotting the material to the desired shape. Hence, access to custom track solutions becomes available as a standard process. In addition, since the groove is always created during each installation process, the linear shape of the groove may be curved in multiple ways.

[0116] It is further worth noting that the design of the connection strip somewhat similar to a ribbon, made of a flexible material (which is deformable to make a roll thereof) makes it possible to roll long lengths that would not be impossible with typical rigid track solutions. For example, it would be possible to produce and ship out a continuous length of 50 feet of the connection strip, but clearly impossible to ship out a continuous length of 50 feet of a typical track having a body (housing) in rigid material.

[0117] It is further worth noting that shipping costs with typical tracks quickly become quite expensive when tracks are of lengths beyond 100 inches. This would not be a problem with the ribbon type design of the connection strip.

[0118] Finally, It is further worth noting that the ribbon type design of the connections strips also allows installations over ultra long surfaces without interconnections that could interfere with uninterrupted access of the usage of the connection strip.

[0119] While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A connection strip kit comprising: a mounting component comprising a room comprising i) a first portion extending from the external face and a second portion providing a first abutment wall; a first connection strip extending along a longitudinal axis, for mounting to the mounting component, the connection strip comprising: a body having a connecting face; at least two electrically conductive connectors extending parallel to each other over the connecting face, wherein the electrically conductive connectors are electrically insulated from each other; a clinging magnetic component extending along the longitudinal axis over at least a section of the connector strip, the clinging magnetic component being electrically insulated from the electrically conductive connectors and being adapted for magnetic clinging of a fixture thereto, wherein the connection strip is designed to abut against the abutment wall of the mounting component, preventing the connection strip to exit the mounting component through the first portion.

2. The connection strip kit of claim 1 , wherein the mounting component comprises and a second abutment wall, wherein the first abutment wall and the second abutment walls are not equidistant to the external face.

3. The connection strip kit of claim 1 , further comprising a second connection strip, and a terminal designed to connect the conductive connectors of the first connection strip to the connectors of the second connection strip, thereby having the second connection strip powered with the first connection strip.

4. The connection strip kit of claim 3, wherein the terminal is used to couple the first connection strip and the second connection strip with their longitudinal axis non-parallel to one another.

5. A fixture-mounting system comprising: a connection strip comprising, enclosing, or having mounted thereto a first clinging material, the connection strip having a connecting face; at least two electrically conducting connectors extending over the connecting face parallel to each other; an electric fixture having a front face and a mounting face, the electric fixture comprising: at least two connectors on the mounting face, wherein each one of the connectors is for contacting a distinct one of the conducting connectors; and a first complementary clinging component for clinging to the first clinging component thereby having the electric fixture clung to the connection strip, wherein, through connection between the conducting connectors and the connectors, the electric fixture is electrically powered.

6. The fixture-mounting system of claim 5, wherein the connector strip extends along a longitudinal axis, with the electrically conducting connectors extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

7. The fixture-mounting system of claim 5, wherein the conductive connectors have a thickness perpendicular to the connecting face and a width, and wherein the thickness is smaller than the width.

8. The fixture-mounting system of claim 5, wherein the connection strip comprises a wire of a magnetic material about the connecting face.

9. The fixture-mounting system of claim 8, wherein the wire of the connection strip extends parallel and in-between the conductive connectors.

10. The fixture-mounting system of claim 8, wherein the connection strip comprises a band of a magnetic material distant to the connecting face.11 . The fixture-mounting system of claim 5, wherein the connection strip has a body, and wherein the conductive connectors are set in the body.

12. The fixture-mounting system of claim 5, wherein the connection strip has a body, wherein the connection strip has a thickness, and wherein the conducting connectors have a connecting face that is raised or inset of at most 25% of the thickness of the connection strip relative to a portion of the body of the connection strip located between the conducting connectors.

13. The fixture-mounting system of claim 5, wherein the conductive connectors have a trapezoidal shape.

14. The fixture-mounting system of claim 5, wherein the connection strip comprises two indentations parallel to the conductive connectors, wherein the conductive connectors are spaced apart by the indentations.

15. The fixture-mounting system of claim 5, wherein the connection strip once folded has two sections of the connecting face facing each other.

16. The fixture-mounting system of claim 5, wherein the electric fixture has a central longitudinal axis, and wherein the connectors are equidistant to the central longitudinal axis.

17. The fixture-mounting system of claim 5, wherein the electric fixture comprises a second complementary clinging component, and wherein the first complementary clinging component and the second complementary clinging component are scattered on the mounting face.

18. The fixture-mounting system of claim 5, where the connectors of the electric fixture are spring loaded.

19. A method in installing an electric fixture on a structure having a face and a groove using the fixture-mounting system of claim 5, comprising: inserting the connection strip in the groove of the shelf; inserting the electric fixture into the groove of the shelf until the complementary clinging component of the electric fixture clings to the connection strip and the connectors of the connection strip contact the conducting connectors of the connection strip; powering up the connection strip, thereby powering up the electric fixture.

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