Patent attributes
The pivoting knuckle joint for an outdoor lighting fixture comprises a base knuckle, a top knuckle and a fastener for locking the base and top knuckles in position. Each of the base knuckle and top knuckle has a generally cylindrical body with a domed top, a portion of which is cut-away to form a flattened face, and circular cavity formed in the flattened face with a tapered ferrule formed in and extending from the cavity. The ferrule of one of the knuckles has a smaller diameter than the other, so that the smaller ferrule fits within the larger ferrule, forming a pivot point. The relative diameters are adapted to closely fit such that friction is generated between the interfitting ferrules to form a taper lock, resisting rotation of one knuckle relative to the other. In the preferred embodiment, the smaller ferrule has an internal thread formed therein for receiving a locking screw inserted through the body of the knuckle with the larger ferrule, permitting the position of the joint to be locked in place after adjustment. Bores are formed through the base and top knuckles to provide a conduit for an electrical wire to pass through the assembly.