Faceplate light socket assembly

Details Faceplate light socket assembly Faceplate light socket assembly

1999-01-29

2001-10-30

Vu, Hien (Department: 2833)

Electrical connectors

With supporting means for coupling part

Supporting means comprising face plate or closure member for...

C439S667000, C362S266000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06309249

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to light sockets for vanity lights and, in particular, to a faceplate configuration receiving a light socket which simplifies assembly of the vanity light set.
II. Description of the Prior Art
Banks of vanity lights have become popular means of illuminating bath areas. A plurality of lights are mounted to a faceplate which encloses an electrical box housing the electrical wiring. The sockets mounted to the faceplate are positioned perpendicular to the plate thereby retaining the light bulb in a horizontal position substantially perpendicular to the bathroom wall. The socket may be mounted to the faceplate in any number of well-known manners. However, such prior known methods are very labor intensive adding considerably to the cost of manufacturing. Additionally, such prior known assemblies may not allow for mounting of a variety of aesthetic faceplates depending upon the desired finish of the assembled light bar.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior known light assemblies by providing a socket which is detachably received within the faceplate in a manner which simplifies assembly of the light bar.
The faceplate light socket assembly is intended to form a part of a vanity light bar having a housing to enclose electrical wiring, a faceplate to cover the face of the housing and a light bulb socket which positions a light bulb substantially perpendicular to the faceplate and the bathroom wall. A fascia may also be utilized to alter the decorative appearance of the light bar. The faceplate for the light assembly includes at least one aperture to receive a light bulb socket. The socket preferably has a spring clip adapted to be received by the faceplate aperture to removably maintain the socket within the faceplate. The faceplate aperture has a specific peripheral configuration which includes an enlarged insertion slot, a helical edge which gradually reduces the diameter of the aperture, and a retaining notch to fix the position of the socket. The spring clip is slowly compressed upon rotation of the socket within the aperture thereby maintaining the socket within the aperture of the faceplate. In a preferred embodiment, the exterior cylindrical surface of the socket has threads for attaching a decorative sleeve to conceal the socket. The decorative sleeve may also be used to maintain a fascia against the faceplate such as a mirrored, decorative metal, or wood trim panel.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.


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