Convertible lamp socket

Details Convertible lamp socket Convertible lamp socket

1999-02-24

2001-02-06

Stephan, Steven L. (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...

Bayonet coupling part movable about its axis

Reexamination Certificate

active

06183286

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention is directed to the electric lamp socket art and, more particularly, to a convertible lamp socket that is adaptable for use with electric lamps and bulbs having a wide variety of lamp base end configurations.
Lamp sockets of the type under consideration are commonly used to support lamps that have a metallic base portion including at least a pair of radially extending contact or connection pins. Typically, the electric lamps are held in place relative to the lamp socket through engagement of the connection pins with bayonet-type catch and electromechanical contact members arranged in the lamp socket.
Those skilled in the electric lamp arts know that a wide variety of electric lamps are available, each having a different or slightly different contact pin arrangement on their base ends. As an example, in the automotive vehicle arts, brake light lamps and turn signal indicator lamps have two or more connection pins extending radially outwardly from the metallic base portion of the bulbs. The connection pins can, in one example, be arranged on diametrically opposite sides of the lamp base end. In other bulb types, the connection pins can be arranged at positions offset circumferentially from strict diametric opposite positions. In still other bulbs, the connection pins are often positioned laterally offset relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the lamp.
One major disadvantage of these known constructions is that, based on the variety of connection or contact pin configurations on the lamp sockets of the respective lamps, specifically designed lamp sockets are required for each lamp type in order to fasten or mount the lamp in the appropriate position. One result is that a large inventory of lamp socket parts are needed in order to accommodate the specific needs of each of the individual electric lamp types. In addition to large inventory requirements, it is often difficult to quickly ascertain which bulbs are to be used with particular sockets and, conversely, which sockets are to be used with particular bulbs.
In contrast to the above, the present invention provides a convertible lamp socket of the above-mentioned type that is easily configured for use with a wide variety of bulb styles. The subject convertible lamp socket facilitates a simplification with respect to lamp socket application for a wide variety of differently shaped bulbs. A single main housing body is provided together with a plurality of interchangeable bulb coding rings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention provides a lamp socket for receiving a base of an associated lamp and holding the lamp base relative to the socket with a set of bayonet catch contacts carried on the lamp socket. The lamp socket includes a main housing body and a substantially cylindrical coding ring selectively connectable with the housing and having a set of recesses arranged on an inner circumference of the coding ring at positions corresponding with positions of the set of connection pins carried by the associated lamp socket base. A plurality of cylindrical coding rings are provided, each being adapted to operate with a particular bulb configuration. The coding rings are interchangeable in the main housing body. The main housing body is adapted to selectively receive any one of the plurality of coding rings so that the resultant lamp socket is convertible to match bulb type.
A primary advantage and benefit of the convertible lamp socket according to the present invention is that only a single main housing body is required in application for all conceivable lamp socket types. By means of the set of interchangeable coding rings arranged in the housing body, the present invention ensures that the main housing body of the subject convertible lamp socket can be adapted to accommodate the connection pin arrangement of nearly all electric lamps. The range of electric lamps that can be accommodated in the subject convertible lamp socket is based on the number of coding rings that are available. Preferably, the coding rings are designed to correspond to the connection pin arrangement of each electric lamp type. It is a benefit of the present invention that by merely mounting a one of the plurality of coding rings on the main body housing, a lamp socket is provided which is particularly adapted to accommodate the electric lamp bulb with which the coding ring is associated.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, the coding ring is substantially cylindrical in shape and includes a set of recesses formed on the inner circumference thereof. The recesses are positioned at locations that correspond to the arrangement of the outwardly extending connection tabs extending from the base of the electric lamp. In one form, the recesses include a longitudinal groove or initial receiving area that extends substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the lamp socket and coding ring. The recesses further define a transverse end zone that defines a bayonet catch recess extending substantially tangentially to the cylindrical coding ring.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the main housing body includes a cylindrical exterior wall member which defines a set of locating recesses positioned thereon to receive a corresponding set of locating tabs disposed on the outer circumference of the coding ring. Preferably, a set of three locating recesses are defined in the outer wall member of the main housing body and, correspondingly, a set of three locating tabs are distributed circumferentially over the outer surface of the coding ring. In that way, the plurality of coding rings and the housing are connectable in predetermined orientations.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, a set of locating recesses are formed in the housing and a corresponding set of locating tabs are formed on the coding ring. At least one recess and at least one tab extend directly outwardly in a radial direction. In addition, at least one of the locating recess and tab pairs are formed to extend tangentially. It is a benefit of the present invention that as a result of the allocation of the tangentially and radially extending locating recess and tab pairs, a functionally secure mounting of the respective coding rings together with the main housing body of the convertible lamp socket is always assured.
In accordance with still yet a further aspect of the invention, a pair of tangentially extending locating recesses are provided on the housing and a corresponding pair of locating recesses are formed on a single coding ring opposite from each other. In such an arrangement, depending upon the design of the coding ring, the opposite tangential locating tabs may abut either the inner wall or the outer wall of the locating recess formed on the housing, whereby it is possible to employ different perforation geometries in locating recesses of the socket with the same lamp socket main housing body.
It is another benefit of the invention that, in order to attach the respective coding rings in a functionally secure manner to the lamp socket base, the ring shaped outer wall of the main housing body as well as the outer circumference of the respective coding ring is provided with at least one catch element and a counter catch element. The catch and counter catch elements are preferably spaced apart circumferentially over the outer circumference of the coding ring and the main housing body. In one form, the coding ring holds the catch elements and the ring shaped outer wall of the main housing body carries the counter catch elements. In another form, the coding ring holds the counter catch elements and the main housing body carries the catch elements. Preferably, the catch elements are embeddable by means of a catch lug formed on the free end of a resilient catch element arm. The catch lug is adapted to latch into a respective recess formed in the opposite counter catch element.
Still further yet in accordance with the invention, the electrical contacts typically use

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Convertible lamp socket does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Convertible lamp socket, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Convertible lamp socket will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2603947