Adjustable mount for sealed light systems

Abstract

An adjustable mount for use with light fixtures that are sealed to prevent entry of moisture and contaminants. O-ring seals are utilized to connect and seal the components of the adjustable mount so that it is not a source of moisture or loss of vacuum. The adjustable mount is a knuckle-type mount that connects a light fixture with a junction box or other source of electrical power. The adjustable mount provides a full range of vertical and rotational angles without damaging the electrical wiring that is sealed inside the mount. Frictional connections in the mount allow the lighting angle to be set without the necessity of tightening the set screws which connect the components together.

1. An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
 a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member; and    second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member.    
     
     
       2. The adjustable mount according to  claim 1 , further comprising first resistance means for limiting free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member. 
     
     
       3. The adjustable mount according to  claim 2 , An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    
   a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    
   first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    
   a first seal between said base member and said support member to prevent entry of moisture and contaminants;    
   a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;    
   second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member; and    
   a first resistance means for limiting free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member,  wherein said first resistance means comprises a tapered opening in said support member and a tapered post in said base member, said tapered opening sized and configured to receive said tapered post and allow frictional pivoting of said tapered post therein.  
 
     
     
       4. The adjustable mount according to  claim 1  further comprising second resistance means for limiting free rotational movement of said base member relative to said stud member. 
     
     
       5. The adjustable mount according to  claim 4 , An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    
   a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    
   first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    
   a first seal between said base member and said support member to prevent entry of moisture and contaminants;    
   a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;    
   second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member; and    
   a second resistance means for limiting free rotational movement of said base member relative to said stud member and an upper end seal between said stud member and said base opening,  wherein said second resistance means comprises an inner wall in said base opening, said inner wall sized and configured to frictionally receive said upper end of said stud memberseal and allow frictional rotation of said base member relative to said stud member.  
 
     
     
       6. The adjustable mount according to  claim 1  further comprising a slot in said base member disposed between said first passageway in said support member and said second passageway in said base member when said support member and said base member are operatively connected, said slot sized and configured to pass said electrical wires from said second passageway to said first passageway. 
     
     
       7. The adjustable mount according to  claim 1  further comprising An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    
   a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    
   first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    
   a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;    
   second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member; and    
 first sealing means on said support member for sealing the connection between said support member and the light fixture, second sealing means disposed between said support member and said base member for sealing the connection of said base member to said support member, third sealing means on said upper end of said stud member for sealing the connection between said base member and said stud member, and fourth sealing means on said lower end of said stud member for sealing the connection between said stud member and said source of electrical power.  
 
     
     
       8. The adjustable mount according to  claim 7 , wherein said first sealing means, said second sealing means, said third sealing means and said fourth sealing means are O-rings. 
     
     
       9. The adjustable mount according to  claim 1  further comprising rotational limiting means interconnecting said base member and said stud member for limiting rotation of said base member relative to said stud member to prevent damage to said electrical wires. 
     
     
       10. The adjustable mount according to  claim 9 , wherein said rotational limiting means comprises a first rotational stop member in said base opening of said base member and a second rotational stop member at said upper end of said stud member, said rotational limiting means limiting rotation of said base member to less than 360 degrees relative to said stud member. 
     
     
       11. An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
 a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    first resistance means for limiting free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member;    first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;    second resistance means for limiting free rotational movement of said base member relative to said stud member; and    second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member.    
     
     
       12. The adjustable mount according to  claim 11 , An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    
   a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    
   first resistance means for limiting free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member when said base member is not locked in place to said support member;    
   first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    
   a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;    
   second resistance means for limiting free rotational movement of said base member relative to said stud member when said base member is not locked in place relative to said stud member; and    
   second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member,  wherein said first resistance means comprises a tapered opening in said support member and a tapered post in said base member, said tapered opening sized and configured to receive said tapered post and allow frictional pivoting of said tapered post therein.  
 
     
     
       13. The adjustable mount according to  claim 11 , wherein said second resistance means comprises an inner wall in said base opening, said inner wall sized and configured to frictionally receive said upper end of said stud member and allow frictional rotation of said base member relative to said stud member. 
     
     
       14. The adjustable mount according to  claim 11  further comprising a slot in said base member disposed between said first passageway in said support member and said second passageway in said base member when said support member and said base member are operatively connected, said slot sized and configured to pass said electrical wires from said second passageway to said first passageway. 
     
     
       15. The adjustable mount according to  claim 11  further comprising An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    
   a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    
   first resistance means for limiting free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member;    
   first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    
   a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;    
   second resistance means for limiting free rotational movement of said base member relative to said stud member;    
   second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member; and    
 first sealing means on said support member for sealing the connection between said support member and the light fixture, second sealing means disposed between said support member and said base member for sealing the connection of said base member to said support member, third sealing means on said upper end of said stud member for sealing the connection between said base member and said stud member, and fourth sealing means on said lower end of said stud member for sealing the connection between said stud member and said source of electrical power.  
 
     
     
       16. The adjustable mount according to  claim 11  further comprising rotational limiting means interconnecting said base member and said stud member for limiting rotation of said base member relative to said stud member to prevent damage to said electrical wires. 
     
     
       17. An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
 a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    first resistance means for limiting free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member;    first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;    a slot in said base member disposed between said first passageway in said support member and said second passageway in said base member when said support member and said base member are operatively connected, said slot sized and configured to pass said electrical wires from said second passageway to said first passageway;    second resistance means for limiting free rotational movement of said base member relative to said stud member;    rotational limiting means interconnecting said base member and said stud member for limiting rotation of said base member relative to said stud member to prevent damage to said electrical wires; and    second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member.    
     
     
       18. The adjustable mount according to  claim 17 , An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    
   a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    
   first resistance means for limiting free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member;    
   first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    
   a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;    
   a slot in said base member disposed between said first passageway in said support member and said second passageway in said base member when said support member and said base member are operatively connected, said slot sized and configured to pass said electrical wires from said second passageway to said first passageway;    
   second resistance means for limiting free rotational movement of said base member relative to said stud member;    
   rotational limiting means interconnecting said base member and said stud member for limiting rotation of said base member relative to said stud member to prevent damage to said electrical wires; and    
   second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member,  wherein said first resistance means comprises a tapered opening in said support member and a tapered post in said base member, said tapered opening sized and configured to receive said tapered post and allow frictional pivoting of said tapered post therein.  
 
     
     
       19. The adjustable mount according to  claim 18 , An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    
   a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    
   first resistance means for limiting free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member;    
   first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    
   a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;    
   a slot in said base member disposed between said first passageway in said support member and said second passageway in said base member when said support member and said base member are operatively connected, said slot sized and configured to pass said electrical wires from said second passageway to said first passageway;    
   second resistance means for limiting free rotational movement of said base member relative to said stud member;    
   rotational limiting means interconnecting said base member and said stud member for limiting rotation of said base member relative to said stud member to prevent damage to said electrical wires; and    
   second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member, wherein said first resistance means comprises a tapered opening in said support member and a tapered post in said base member, said tapered opening sized and configured to receive said tapered post and allow frictional pivoting of said tapered post therein,  wherein said slot encircles said tapered post.  
 
     
     
       20. The adjustable mount according to  claim 17 , wherein said second resistance means comprises an inner wall in said base opening, said inner wall sized and configured to frictionally receive said upper end of said stud member and allow frictional rotation of said base member relative to said stud member. 
     
     
       21. The adjustable mount according to  claim 20 , An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    
   a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    
   first resistance means for limiting free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member;    
   first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    
   a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;    
   a slot in said base member disposed between said first passageway in said support member and said second passageway in said base member when said support member and said base member are operatively connected, said slot sized and configured to pass said electrical wires from said second passageway to said first passageway;    
   second resistance means for limiting free rotational movement of said base member relative to said stud member;    
   rotational limiting means interconnecting said base member and said stud member for limiting rotation of said base member relative to said stud member to prevent damage to said electrical wires; and    
   second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member, wherein said second resistance means comprises an inner wall in said base opening, said inner wall sized and configured to frictionally receive said upper end of said stud member and allow frictional rotation of said base member relative to said stud member,  wherein said first resistance means comprises a tapered opening in said support member and a tapered post in said base member, said tapered opening sized and configured to receive said tapered post and allow frictional pivoting of said tapered post therein.  
 
     
     
       22. The adjustable mount according to  claim 17  further comprising An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;    
   a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;    
   first resistance means for limiting free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member;    
   first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;    
   a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;    
   a slot in said base member disposed between said first passageway in said support member and said second passageway in said base member when said support member and said base member are operatively connected, said slot sized and configured to pass said electrical wires from said second passageway to said first passageway;    
   second resistance means for limiting free rotational movement of said base member relative to said stud member;    
   rotational limiting means interconnecting said base member and said stud member for limiting rotation of said base member relative to said stud member to prevent damage to said electrical wires;    
   second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member; and    
 first sealing means on said support member for sealing the connection between said support member and the light fixture, second sealing means disposed between said support member and said base member for sealing the connection of said base member to said support member, third sealing means on said upper end of said stud member for sealing the connection between said base member and said stud member, and fourth sealing means on said lower end of said stud member for sealing the connection between said stud member and said source of electrical power.  
 
     
     
       23. An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;        a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;        first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;        a first seal between said base member and said support member to prevent entry of moisture and contaminants;        a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member;        second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member; and        a second seal between said stud member and base member to prevent entry of moisture and contaminants.     
     
     
       24. An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;        a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said second passageway connected to said first passageway in said support member to allow passage of said electrical wires;        first locking means for locking said support member to said base member;        a first seal between said base member and said support member to prevent entry of moisture and contaminants;        a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member; and        second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member, further comprising a third seal between said stud member and said source of electrical power to prevent the entry of moisture and contaminants.     
     
     
       25. The adjustable mount according of  claim 23 , wherein said second seal comprises a second O- ring sandwiched between said base member and said stud member.   
     
     
       26. An adjustable mount for a light fixture, comprising:
   a support member connected to the light fixture, said support member having a first passageway therethrough to allow passage of one or more electrical wires to said light fixture;        a base member having a second passageway therethrough and a base opening at one end of said base member, said base member pivotally connected at an end opposite said base opening to said support member, said first and second passageways arranged to allow passage of said electrical wires;        first locking means for locking said support member to said base member with a watertight seal between the two;        a stud member having an upper end, a lower end and a stud opening through said stud member, said upper end of said stud member in said base opening and rotationally interacting therewith, said lower end of said stud member configured to connect to a source of electrical power, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires from said source of electrical power to said base member; and        second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member, with a watertight seal between the two.     
     
     
       27. The adjustable mount of  claim 26 , wherein said watertight seal between said base and support members comprises an O- ring sandwiched between said base and support members.   
     
     
       28. The adjustable mount of  claim 26 , wherein said watertight seal between said base and stud members comprises an O- ring sandwiched between said base and stud members.   
     
     
       29. The adjustable mount of  claim 26 , wherein said lower end of said stud member is capable of being mounted to a body with a watertight seal between the stud member and the body. 
     
     
       30. The adjustable mount of  claim 29 , where said lower end of said stud member is threaded. 
     
     
       31. The adjustable mount of  claim 29 , wherein said body is a junction box.