Illumination – Modifier mountable on light source envelope
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-05
2001-10-02
Quach, Y. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Modifier mountable on light source envelope
C362S216000, C362S260000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296375
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to apparatus for general illumination, more specifically to compact fluorescent lighting apparatus, and most specifically to a compact fluorescent lamp having a detachable translucent cover preferably in the shape of an incandescent light bulb.
Fluorescent lamps having a standard “Edison” base for insertion into a standard threaded light bulb socket are well known. Such a lamp consists typically of one or more coiled, U-shaped, or otherwise folded fluorescent tubes fixedly and electrically attached to a bulbous housing. The housing contains a fluorescent electrical ballast and, optionally, a starter, and is attached to a standard male threaded Edison lamp base.
The brilliant light given off by a compact fluorescent lamp can be harsh and therefore unpleasant to a viewer, as the radiating surface is relatively small and the unit radiance is quite high. Thus, various covers have been proposed for diffusing and/or reflectively directing the radiated light.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,018 discloses a fluorescent lamp mounted on a flat circular base and having a cylindrical frosted cover or lens and a domed end cap, the cover being retained on the base by friction and gravity.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,204 discloses an assembly comprising a compact fluorescent lamp having a bayonet base which plugs into a housing having a dimmer therein, the lamp being surrounded by an external translucent globe.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,233 discloses a floodlamp wherein a dished reflector in a housing surrounds the lower end of a compact fluorescent lamp and a flat, circular, transparent lens is bonded to the upper end of the housing.
A compact fluorescent bulb having a cylindrical frosted translucent cover surrounding the lamp and bonded at a lower end thereof to a ballast housing is available under the registered trade name “Earthlight” from Philips Lighting Company, Somerset, N.J., USA.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,291 discloses a floodlamp-shaped cover for a compact fluorescent lamp which is attachable thereto via an intermediate spring-clip adapter.
A compact fluorescent bulb having a frosted translucent cover in the general shape of an incandescent light bulb bonded to a ballast housing is available under the registered trade name “Ultratech” from General Electric Company, Schenectady, N.Y., USA.
For some purposes, an incandescent light bulb shape for a fluorescent lamp cover is very desirable. This shape is traditional and thus can enhance consumer acceptance of compact fluorescent lamps for conventional uses such as in table lamps, floor lamps, and overhead and wall-mounted fixtures in dwellings and offices. Further, the incandescent shape permits attachment of a conventional clip-on lampshade, a benefit not afforded by cylindrical covers. Further, when used in public places, compact fluorescent bulbs are known to be vulnerable to theft, and an incandescent-shaped cover can reduce the incidence of theft by disguising the lamp as an ordinary incandescent bulb.
A drawback of compact fluorescent lamps in general is a somewhat lower radiance output than from incandescent bulbs of comparable size. An additional and substantial drawback of covered bulbs is that the radiance output is further reduced by the cover. A cover, and especially a diffusing or frosted cover, can absorb 15% or more of the lamp output. Thus, what is needed for some applications is a compact fluorescent lamp having an easily detachable cover such that the lamp may be used with its cover attached as desired for light diffusion or without its cover as desired for maximum radiance.
It is a principal object of the invention to provide a compact fluorescent lamp and a cover therefor wherein the cover is easily attachable and detachable by the user.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a cover for removable attachment to a compact fluorescent lamp housing which employs a positive attaching mechanism.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a compact fluorescent lamp and a cover therefor wherein the cover is detachably connectable directly to the lamp housing without resort to an intermediate adapter.
Briefly described, a compact fluorescent lamp embodying the invention includes a lamp housing for enclosing a ballast and, optionally, a starter; a fluorescent tube attached to the housing and electrically connected to the ballast; and a base electrically connected to the ballast and physically attached to the housing for connecting the lamp to an electrical receptacle. The housing is provided at an upper edge thereof with male or female mating elements, for example, threads, tabs, or slots. The lamp further includes a translucent shroud for surrounding the fluorescent tube, having a closed form and being open at an end thereof, and being provided at the open end with male or female mating elements cooperative with the elements on the housing to directly, positively, and detachably attach the cover to the housing. As used herein, “positively” means mechanical locking means requiring counter rotation of the housing and the cover to effect connection and disconnection therebetween.
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Guan Fumin
Sung Yon W.
Harris Beach LLP
Maxlite-SK America, Inc.
Quach Y.
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