Adjustable mount for sealed light systems

Abstract

An adjustable mount for use with light fixtures that are scaled 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.

What is claimed is: 
     
       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, said base and support members arranged to prevent free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member when said first locking means is not locking said support member to said base member; 
 a 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. 
 
     
     
       2. The adjustable mount according to  claim 1 , further comprising first resistance means for limiting preventing free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member. 
     
     
       3. The adjustable mount according to  claim 2 , 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 , 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. 
     
     
       6. 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, said base and support members arranged to prevent free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member when said first locking means is not 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  
 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 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 preventing 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. 
 
     
     
       12. The adjustable mount according to  claim 11 , 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 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 preventing 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; second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member; and  
 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 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 scaling 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 preventing 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; 
 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 , 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 , 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 , 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 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. The adjustable mount according to claim 1, wherein said first seal comprises a first O-ring sandwiched between said base member and said support member. 
     
     
       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 first and second passageways arranged to allow passage of said electrical wires;   first locking means for locking said support member to said base member, said base and support members arranged to prevent free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member when said first locking means is not 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 accept electrical wires, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires to said base member; and   second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member.   
     
     
       25. 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, said base and support members arranged to prevent free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member when said first locking means is not 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 accept electrical wires, said stud opening connected to said second passageway in said base member to allow passage of said electrical wires to said base member;   second locking means for locking said base member to said stud member, said base and stud members arranged to limit free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said stud member when said second locking means is not locking said stud member to said base member; and   a seal between said base member and said support member to prevent entry of moisture and contaminants.   
     
     
       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, said base and support members arranged to prevent free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member when said first locking means is not 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, with a watertight seal between the two, wherein said watertight seal between said stud member and said base member is provided by an O-ring sandwiched between said base member and said stud member.   
     
     
       27. 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;   a slot between said first and second passageway arranged to prevent damage to said electrical wires when said base member pivots relative to said support member;   first locking means for locking said support member to said base member, said base and support members arranged to prevent free pivotal movement of said base member relative to said support member when said first locking means is not 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   a seal between said base member and said support member to prevent entry of moisture and contaminants.   
     
     
       28. The mount of claim 27, wherein said slot is in said base member. 
     
     
       29. The mount of claim 27, wherein said slot is in said support member. 
     
     
       30. The mount of claim 27, wherein said slot is circular.