Abstract A combination hinge and latch structure for the diffuser of a fluorescent light fixture, comprising at each end of the fixture two transversely spaced, transversely pivotable latch members on the housing of the fixture spring biased into engagement with two latch elements on the diffuser. The latch members are provided at their lower ends with transversely-outwardly-facing hooks and transversely-outwardly-facing cam surfaces which extend upwardly from the hooks to transversely-outwardly-facing notches in the latch members. The latch elements are engageable with the hooks to support the diffuser in a lowered position, and are slidable upwardly along the cam surfaces into the notches to support the diffuser in a raised position. When the diffuser is in its lowered position, one latch element of each pair can be disengaged from the corresponding hook to permit the diffuser to swing downwardly for access to the interior of the housing. Fingers on the latch members transversely outwardly from the notches therein are engageable with the diffuser to prevent unhooking of one side of the diffuser when the other side thereof is unhooked.
In a hinge and latch structure for connecting one end of the diffuser of a fluorescent light fixture to the housing thereof, the combination of: a. two latch members spaced apart transversely of said fixture; b. two pivots respectively connecting said latch members to said housing for movement about axes extending longitudinally of said housing; c. spring means connected to said latch members for biasing the upper ends of said latch members toward each other and the lower ends of said latch members away from each other; d. said latch members being provided at their lower ends with hooks which face transversely outwardly; e. said latch members having cam surfaces which extend upwardly from said hooks and which face transversely outwardly; f. said cam surfaces terminating at their upper ends in notches which also face transversely outwardly and which are located below said pivots; g. two latch elements carried by and spaced apart transversely of said diffuser and respectively engageable with said hooks to support said diffuser in a lowered position, said latch elements being slidable upwardly along said cam surfaces into said notches to support said diffuser in a raised position; h. said spring means maintaining said latch members in engagement with said latch elements; and i. two fingers respectively carried by said latch members transversely outwardly from said notches and engageable by said diffuser.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
226 words
In a hinge and latch structure for connecting one end of the diffuser of a fluorescent light fixture to the housing thereof, the combination of: a. two latch members spaced apart transversely of said fixture; b. two pivots respectively connecting said latch members to said housing for movement about axes extending longitudinally of said housing; c. spring means connected to said latch members for biasing the upper ends of said latch members toward each other and the lower ends of said latch members away from each other; d. said latch members being provided at their lower ends with hooks which face transversely outwardly; e. said latch members having cam surfaces which extend upwardly from said hooks and which face transversely outwardly; f. said cam surfaces terminating at their upper ends in notches which also face transversely outwardly and which are located below said pivots; g. two latch elements carried by and spaced apart transversely of said diffuser and respectively engageable with said hooks to support said diffuser in a lowered position, said latch elements being slidable upwardly along said cam surfaces into said notches to support said diffuser in a raised position; h. said spring means maintaining said latch members in engagement with said latch elements; and i. two fingers respectively carried by said latch members transversely outwardly from said notches and engageable by said diffuser.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said spring means includes a tension spring interconnecting the upper ends of said latch members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said latch elements are pins.