DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to lighting devices, and more particularly to wire clamps for a lighting device capable of clamping and guiding wire harness within the lightning device.

BACKGROUND

Usually, lighting devices such as cove lights are provided with wires or wiring harnesses for their operation. The wires are typically provided to facilitate a seamless transmission of electrical signals within the lighting device. However, the efficiency of the wires is often hampered by several challenges encountered during manufacturing and assembly of the lightning devices. During assembly of the wires within a housing of the lighting device, the wires are vulnerable to unintended pressure and handling thereby leading to frequent instances of wire breakage. Further, the existing lighting device lacks a proper structure to hold the wires in place which results in suspension of the wires in a disorderly configuration within the housing. Due to the delicate nature of the wires, the wires are susceptible to tangling and breakage within the lighting devices which poses risks to a structural integrity of the assembled product. Also, any damage to the wire poses the risk of electrical leakage and fire hazards. Further, the suspended wires within the housing can also cause disruptions in electrical connectivity which can lead to the failure of the lighting device.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a solution for addressing the aforementioned issues and challenges.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a wire clamp for a lighting device. The wire clamp includes an insert portion and a support plate. The insert portion includes a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be inserted within a holder of the lighting device. Further, the support plate is attached to the second end of the insert portion. The support plate includes a pair of holding ends to hold one or more wires of the lighting device.

The present disclosure also relates to a lighting device. The lighting device includes a housing having a holder and a wire clamp. The wire clamp is adapted to engage with the holder. Further, the wire clamp includes an insert portion and a support plate. The insert portion includes a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be inserted within the holder of the lighting device. The support plate is attached to the second end. The support plate includes a pair of holding ends adapted to hold one or more wires of the lighting device.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a lighting device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the lighting device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a sub-assembly having a first housing and a plurality of wire clamps, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the sub-assembly having the first housing with one of the wire clamps, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, a plurality of components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which invention belongs. The system and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of a plurality of features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of the plurality of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “plurality of features” or “plurality of elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “plurality of” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be plurality of...” or “plurality of elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining plurality of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, plurality of particular features and/or elements described in connection with plurality of embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although plurality of features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a lighting device 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the lighting device 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the lighting device 100 may include a housing assembly 102 and a light transmitting unit 104. The housing assembly 102 may include a first housing 106 and a second housing 108. The first housing 106 and a second housing 108 may enable the mounting of at least one light source (202) and one or more electrical components (not shown) respectively. The one or more electrical components may include, but are not limited to, a driver or a transformer to supply the required power to the light source. The first housing 106 and the second housing 108 may be coupled together to define an enclosure (not shown) to accommodate the one or more electrical components therein. The first housing 106 may be made of a thermally conductive material. In one example, the first housing 106 may be made of but is not limited to, an aluminium material. The second housing 108 may be made of a metal or a polymeric material having one or more grooves (not shown) enabling the second housing 108 to fit into the first housing 106.

In an embodiment, the light transmitting unit 104 may be made up of, but not limited to, a translucent or frosted material that covers the light source to diffuse and soften the light emitting from the light source. The light transmitting unit 104 may aid in minimizing glare and creating uniform illumination.

In an embodiment, the lighting device 100 may have a pair of first end caps 110-1, 110-2 and a pair of second end caps 112-1, 112-2. The pair of first end caps 110-1, 110-2 may be adapted to securely fit the light transmitting unit 104 with the first housing 106 and enclose the light transmitting unit 104 from a first end 204 and a second end 206 respectively. Similarly, the pair of the second end caps 112-1, 112-2 may aid in engaging the first housing 106 with the second housing 108 from the first end 204 and the second end 206 respectively, thereby forming a cohesive and enclosed structure. By securely enclosing the first end 204 and the second end 206, the pair of first end caps 110-1, 110-2 and the pair of second end caps 112-1, 112-2 may prevent any potential damage or exposure of internal components such as the light source, wires, and one or more electrical components.

Figure 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a sub-assembly 300 having the first housing 106 and a plurality of wire clamps 304, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the sub-assembly 300 having the first housing 106 with one of the wire clamps 304, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the sub-assembly 300 may include the first housing 106 and a holder 302. In an embodiment, the holder 302 may be integral to the first housing 106 and may be manufactured through an extrusion process. In another embodiment, the holder 302 may be detachably attached to an upper surface of the first housing 106. The holder 302 may be adapted to engage with the wire clamp 304. The holder 302 may be extended longitudinally within the first housing 106 between the first end 204 and the second end 206 of the lighting device 100. Further, the holder 302 may be provided with a pair of side walls 306-1, 306-2 that may extend downwardly from the upper surface of the first housing 106. The pair of side walls 306-1, 306-2 may be spaced apart from each other such that a channel may be formed therebetween. The channel may be adapted to receive a portion of the wire clamp 304. Further, the holder 302 may have an intermediate wall 308 connecting the pair of side walls 306-1, 306-2. The pair of side walls 306-1, 306-2, and the intermediate wall 308 collectively define an inverted U-shaped profile.

Further, an inner surface of the holder 302 may come in contact with the wire clamp 304 and may have a varying profile to lock the wire clamp 304 and prevent the wire clamp 304 from moving. In an embodiment, the wire clamp 304 may include an insert portion 402 and a support plate 404. In an illustrated embodiment, the insert portion 402 may have a cylindrical profile. Although, in one or more embodiments, the insert portion 402 may have different profiles, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The insert portion 402 may include a first end 402-1 and a second end 402-2 distal to the first end 402-1.

In an embodiment, the first end 402-1 may be inserted within the channel defined between the pair of side walls 306-1, 306-2 in the holder 302. In another embodiment, the first end 402-1 may have a threaded profile to enable threaded engagement between the insert portion 402 and the holder 302. The support plate 404 may be attached to the second end 402-2 of the insert portion 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 402-2 may be integrally attached to a mid-portion of the support plate 404 such that the insert portion 402 and the support plate 404 form a T-shaped profile.

In an embodiment, a width of the insert portion 402 may vary along a length such that a middle part of the insert portion 402 may have a lesser diameter than the first end 402-1 and the second end 402-2. In another embodiment, the first end 402-1 may be wider than the middle part and the second end 402-2. The first end may be wider than the middle part such that the first end 402-1 fits securely within the varying profile of the inner surface of the holder 302. A shape of the insert portion 402 may conform with the shape of the inner surface of the holder 302 and prevent slippage of the wire clamp 304. In other words, the insert portion 402 may get locked within the holder 302 and restrict the movement of the wire clamp 304. Further, due to a large contact surface area between the first end 402-1 and the holder 302, the force applied by one or more wires on the wire clamp 304 may be distributed evenly. The even distribution of the force may aid in achieving a secure and stable attachment and reducing a risk of wobbling or movement of the wire clamp 304 within the holder 302 once the wire clamp 304 may be installed.

In an embodiment, the insert portion 402 and the support plate 404 may be integrally attached to each other such that a head 406 may be positioned at a mid-portion of the support plate 404. The head 406 may be adapted to be pushed manually so that the insert portion 402 slides within a channel defined in the holder 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 404 may have a flat mid-portion having a rectangular profile. In a non-limiting embodiment, the flat mid-portion may have different profiles without departing from the scope of the present invention. The support plate 404 may have a pair of holding ends 408 adapted to hold one or more wires (not shown). Each holding end 408 from a pair of holding ends 408 may have a first portion 408-1 and a second portion 408-2 adjacent to the first portion 408-1. The first portion 408-1 may be adapted to receive the one or more wires and the second portion 408-2 may be adapted to restrict a displacement of the one or more wires. The second portion 408-2 may be inclined with respect to the first portion 408-1 and may extend outwardly from the first portion 408-1. The second portion 408-2 may be inclined to slide the one or more wires towards the first portion 408-1 while positioning such wire on the support plate 404.

In an embodiment, a width of the pair of holding ends 408 may be greater than the width of the mid-portion of the support plate 404 such that the pair of holding ends 408 may have the required strength to hold the one or more wires. In an embodiment, the support plate 404 may be made of a resilient material to provide flexibility for accommodating different wire sizes. In other words, the support plate 404 may be adjustable to accommodate variations in wire thickness.

The wire clamp 304 may provide a structured and organized way of managing the one or more wires which may be left suspended within the lighting device 100. By installing the wire clamp 304, there may be a reduced risk of accidental tangling and breakage during manufacturing and assembly of the lighting device 100. Further, the wire clamp 304 may also aid in streamlining a production process and enhance the durability of the lighting device 100. Additionally, an ability of the wire clamp 304 to securely hold one or more wires in place contributes to a neater and more controlled wire arrangement, further ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the lighting device 100.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. ,CLAIMS:1. A wire clamp (304) for a lighting device (100), the wire clamp (304) comprising:
an insert portion (402) having a first end (402-1) and a second end (402-2) distal to the first end (402-1), wherein the first end (402-1) is adapted to be inserted within a holder (302) of the lighting device (100); and
a support plate (404) attached to the second end (402-2) of the insert portion (402), wherein the support plate (404) comprises a pair of holding ends (408) adapted to hold one or more wires of the lighting device (100).

2. The wire clamp (304) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert portion (402) and the support plate (404) are integrally attached to each other such that a head (406) is positioned at a mid-portion of the support plate (404), the head (406) is adapted to be pushed manually so that the insert portion (402) slides within the holder (302).

3. The wire clamp (304) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the insert portion (402) is attached to the support plate (404) such that the insert portion (402) and the support plate (404) form a T-shaped profile.

4. The wire clamp (304) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a width of the pair of holding ends (408) is greater than the width of the mid-portion.

5. The wire clamp (304) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert portion (402) has a cylindrical profile.

6. The wire clamp (304) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each holding end (408) from the pair of holding ends (408) comprises a first portion (408-1) and a second portion (408-2) adjacent to the first portion (408-1), the first portion (408-1) is adapted to receive the one or more wires and the second portion (408-2) is adapted to restrict a displacement of the one or more wires.

7. The wire clamp (304) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second portion (408-2) is inclined with respect to the first portion (408-1).

8. The wire clamp (304) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a width of the insert portion (402) varies along a length such that a middle part of the insert portion (402) has a lesser diameter than the first end (402-1) and the second end (402-2) so that a shape of the insert portion (402) conforms with the shape of an inner surface of the holder (302).

9. A lighting device (100) comprising:
a housing (102) having a holder (302); and
a wire clamp (304) adapted to engage with the holder (302), the wire clamp (304) comprising:
an insert portion (402) having a first end (402-1) and a second end (402-2) distal to the first end (402-1), wherein the first end (402-1) is adapted to be inserted within the holder (302) of the lighting device (100); and
a support plate (404) attached to the second end (402-2), wherein the support plate (404) comprises a pair of holding ends (408) adapted to hold one or more wires of the lighting device (100).

10. The lighting device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the housing (102) comprising:
a pair of side walls (306-1, 306-2); and
an intermediate wall connecting the pair of side walls (306-1, 306-2),
wherein, the pair of side walls (306-1, 306-2) and the intermediate wall forms a channel therebetween and the channel is adapted to receive the insert portion (402).