Illumination – Plural light sources – Diverse light generators
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-29
2001-11-20
Cariaso, Alan (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Plural light sources
Diverse light generators
C439S257000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318881
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of light bulb sockets and in particular to a light bulb socket assembly that is openable to enable the removal of a broken light bulb therefrom.
Typically, incandescent light bulbs include a metallic base, usually threaded, and a contact insulated from the base. A pair of lead wires project from the base and the contact, respectively, into a glass bulb adhesively affixed to the base. A filament extends between the lead wires. When an electric current is applied through the filament it glows to produce light.
Quite often, incandescent light bulbs break while disposed within an electrical lamp socket. This breakage results for several reasons, e.g., use of an improper bulb type or wattage. Such improper usage usually results in the bursting of the fragile glass bulb. Screw-type incandescent bulbs are fastened to and removed from the socket by rotating the glass bulb portion. If the base is properly screwed into its socket, it is extremely difficult to grip the base sufficiently to dislodge it from the socket if the glass bulb has shattered. Therefore, there is a need to enable the safe removal of the base of the broken light bulb from the electrical lamp socket.
One solution is to cut off power to the light and attempt to grip the light bulb base with a tool such as a pliers in an effort to rotate the base out of the socket. This poses an electrocution risk if the power has not been properly disconnected from the light. Additionally, small shards of glass projecting from the base can easily cut the hand of a person attempting to remove the broken light bulb in this manner. Also, these glass shards can fall onto the person attempting to remove the broken bulb. Moreover, because the base of the bulb is thin metal that is easily deformable, the base may become jammed in the socket. Another solution is to physically clear away the remnants of the broken glass and attempt to rotate the base with one's fingers.
Tools for removing the bases of broken light bulbs from an electrical socket are known in the prior art. Many have been developed as the result of the difficulty encountered when attempting remove the base of a shattered light bulb as described above. Examples of such tools are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,714 (Sherman et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,324 (Secor) U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,438 (Zupo et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,029 (Walsky); and, U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,701 (Hough). While the devices disclosed in the aforementioned patents may be suitable for their intended purposes, it would be a clear advantage of over the prior art to eliminate the necessity for any of these extraction tools by providing an electrical socket that was readily openable from a closed position to enable easy removal of a broken light bulb base.
OBJECTS OF THE INVETION
Accordingly, it is a general object of this invention to provide an openable light bulb socket assembly that overcomes the disadvantages of prior art.
It is a more specific object of this invention to provide an openable light bulb socket assembly that has a high durability and long life span.
It is also a specific object of this invention to provide an openable light bulb socket assembly that is less expensive to manufacture than prior art methods and devices.
It is also a specific object of this invention to provide an openable light bulb socket assembly that may be quickly and easily attached to and removed from a conventional lamp socket.
It is also a specific object of this invention to provide an openable light bulb socket assembly which is simple in construction.
It is also a specific object of this invention to provide an openable light bulb socket assembly which is reliable in operation and easy to use.
It is also a specific object of this invention to provide an openable light bulb socket assembly which has many of the advantages over tools for extracting broken bulbs.
It is also a specific object of this invention to provide an openable light bulb socket assembly that enables removal of the base of a broken light bulb without the use of a separate extraction tool.
It is also a specific object of this invention to provide an openable light bulb socket assembly which avoids the risk of electric shock to the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects of this invention are achieved by providing an openable light bulb socket assembly arranged for enabling the removal of the base of a broken light bulb. The inventive socket assembly includes a socket member arranged for receiving the light bulb therein. The socket member is moveable between a retaining position for retaining the light bulb base therein and a releasing position to enable removal of the light bulb base therefrom. The assembly also includes a collar arranged for surrounding the socket member and holding the socket member in the retaining position. The collar is easily removable from the socket member to permit movement of the socket member from the retaining position to the releasing position to enable removal of the light bulb base therefrom. The assembly also includes a base portion arranged for engagement in mating relation with a conventional lamp socket.
In a variation of the disclosed embodiment, the socket member comprises a first arcuate section and a second arcuate section.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment, the first and second arcuate sections are arranged for mating along a central vertical plane of the socket member.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment, the first and second arcuate sections are symmetrical.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment, the first and second arcuate sections are provided with internal threads for engagement in mating relation with external threads provided on the light bulb base.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment, the socket member comprises an internal circumference approximately equal to the internal circumference of the conventional lamp socket to enable insertion and engagement of the light bulb base with the socket member.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment the socket member is provided with internal threads for engagement with external threads provide on the light bulb base.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment, the base portion is provided with external threads for engagement with internal threads provided on the conventional lamp socket.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment, the base portion is arranged for engagement in mating relation with a ceiling mounted lamp socket.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment, the collar comprises a removable strap arranged to be fitted over and surround the socket member to retain the socket member in the retaining position.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment, the removable strap is formed of a flexible material and is of a sufficient length to enable the strap to extend over itself in an overlapping fashion.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment, the strap is provided with hook and loop fasteners at its ends.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment, the strap is adhered to the socket member by gluing.
In another variation of the disclosed embodiment, the collar comprises an internally threaded coupling arranged for threaded engagement with an externally threaded socket member.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4183604 (1980-01-01), Tjornhom
patent: 5329832 (1994-07-01), Tegethoff
patent: 5511989 (1996-04-01), Cheng
patent: 5622513 (1997-04-01), Kuang
patent: 5688138 (1997-11-01), Chaung
Caesar Rivise Bernstein Cohen & Pokotilow Ltd.
Cariaso Alan
Sawhney Hargobind S.
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