SNAP ON THUMB SCREW FOR OUTDOOR LUMINAIRE
Publication Date: 2017-Jul-17
Publishing Venue
The IP.com Prior Art Database
Abstract
The invention discloses devices and methods of snap-on fasteners for tool-less entry of outdoor luminaire with additional design features for grounding using the fasteners. The invention converts a standard hardware screw to a tool-less fastener by providing novel snap-on head designs which can convert a standard self-tapping screw into a tool-less thumb screw. The invention can be implemented in two designs, the first a collared snap-on design of knob and the second slotted design for thumb screw. A standard self-tapping screw can be inserted into the knob and closed with snap-on fixtures to produce the thumb screw. Use of grounding nubs provides grounding, eliminating the need for paint masking around the fastener hole. Advantages of the invention include eliminating tapping of a fastening hole, converting a low-cost self-tapping screw into a tool-less thumb screw and retrofittability to existing installations thus reducing cost and providing ease of installation.
1
SNAP ON THUMB SCREW FOR OUTDOOR LUMINAIRE
BACKGROUND
The invention relates generally to lighting fixtures and in particular to improved fasteners for lighting fixtures. Luminaires are located at a height, making installation and maintenance challenging. It could be especially be a problem if tooling is to be used for installation of the light fixtures. Tool-less entry is often requested by customers for outdoor luminaires. A thumb screw is often used as a way to convert tooled entry designs into tool-less designs. Thumb screws are often much more expensive than standard hardware and often are not available with self-threading option. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention discloses a snap on thumb screw for outdoor luminaire, in which:
FIG. 1 shows collared snap-on design of thumb screw for luminaires.
FIG. 2 shows slotted snap-on design of thumb screw.
FIG. 3 illustrates a luminaire fitted with snap-on thumb screw (left) and optional thumb screw designs for tool use (right).
FIG. 4 shows luminaire casting provided with grounding nubs for use with snap-on thumb screw.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The invention discloses devices and methods of snap-on fasteners for tool-less entry of outdoor luminaire with additional design features for grounding using the fasteners. The invention converts a standard hardware screw to a tool-less fastener by providing novel snap-on head designs which can convert a standard screw into a tool-less thumb screw. The invention can be implemented in two designs as illustrated in FIG. 1 and 2. A collared snap-on design of knob for thumb screw is shown in FIG. 1. The standard screw can be inserted into a collar provided with snap-on tabs. The knob is provided with slots to receive the snap-on tabs, thereby permanently fixing the screw into the knob. As observed in FIG. 1, the knob has a shaped recess to prevent the hex screw head from rotating.
2
FIG. 1: Collared snap-on design of thumb screw
A slotted design of snap-on knob for the thumb screw is illustrated in FIG. 2, where the knob has a slot to slide in the screw head. The retaining snap is then fitted to close the slot.
The luminaire with thumb screw fitted is shown in FIG. 3 on the left hand side. The right hand portion of FIG. 3 shows an optional tool use feature. If it is desired to enable tool use for the thumb screw, it could be provided with a hex shape or a + or – slot. This option will be helpful to drive the self-threading screw in during initial or first installation.
FIG. 2: Slotted snap-on design of thumb screw
The snap-on parts shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 can be made of any suitable polymer, preferably one that would be electrically...