Electrical connectors – Preformed panel circuit arrangement – e.g. – pcb – icm – dip,... – Connection to lamp or electron tube
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-24
2001-04-17
Abrams, Neil (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
Preformed panel circuit arrangement, e.g., pcb, icm, dip,...
Connection to lamp or electron tube
C439S548000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217340
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a connector assembly for an electric light bulb, and more specifically, to a connector assembly for mounting a taillight to a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A conventional connector assembly mounts a light bulb to a vehicle taillight lens. The vehicle taillight lens and the connector assembly are designed to withstand environmental conditions. The taillight lens is handled significantly during assembly to the vehicle, and the taillight lens must withstand moisture and contaminants to maintain the light bulb in operating condition once the taillight lens is installed in the vehicle.
Known assemblies do not adequately meet the above requirements. In known assemblies a wire harness, exterior to the taillight lens, provides power to the connector assembly and the light bulb. The use of the harness results in some mechanical failures during handling and exposure to moisture and contaminants. The present invention provides an inexpensive connector assembly which can be easily handled and provide a reliable barrier to these external factors such as moisture and contaminants.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector assembly for mounting a light bulb to a fixture. The fixture has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an opening. The opening defines a peripheral surface interconnecting the interior and exterior surfaces.
The connector assembly includes a housing for supporting the light bulb, at least one tab, and a flange. The housing has an axis, a first portion, and a second portion spaced axially from the first portion. The tab extends radially from the first portion of the housing and includes at least a first pair of electrical contacts for engaging at least a second corresponding pair of electrical contacts on the interior surface of the fixture when the first portion of the housing is axially inserted through the opening in the fixture and rotated about the axis of the housing. The flange extends radially from the second portion of the housing and has a seal for axially engaging the exterior surface of the fixture as the first portion of the housing is inserted through the opening in the fixture.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2884609 (1959-04-01), Fraser
patent: 3798588 (1974-03-01), Howe et al.
patent: 4193653 (1980-03-01), Aizawa
patent: 5061189 (1991-10-01), Iio et al.
patent: 5800183 (1998-09-01), Paul et al.
Abrams Neil
Dinh Phuong
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Inc.
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