Illumination – Plural light sources – Diverse light generators
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-14
2001-07-03
Tso, Laura K. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Plural light sources
Diverse light generators
C362S382000, C362S519000, C315S058000, C439S611000, C439S699200, C439S236000, C439S602000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254252
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a lamp base assembly, and more particularly, to an adjustable lamp base assembly which may be adapted for use as a straight or an angled lamp base. A lamp base assembly is also provided which may be adapted for coupling thereto any one of a plurality of differently configured lamps. The advantages of the two lamp base assemblies may be combined to combine the adjustable features of each. A lamp including such lamp base assemblies is also provided.
BACKGROUND ART
It is known to provide lamp assemblies which generally include a lamp coupled to a lamp base assembly. Typically, such a lamp base assembly includes a one piece base which has either a straight base design or an angled base design, such as a right angle base. In a straight base design, such as the type typically used in automotive headlamps in the United States, the base extends in a direction of the lamp axis. In a right angle base, such as the type typically used in automotive headlamps in Europe, the base includes a connector segment which extends at a right angle relative to the lamp axis. In addition to the existence of straight and angled bases, lamp base assemblies are designed for use with a specific type of lamp. In particular, each lamp design will typically require a specific mounting structure at the lamp base assembly to which the lamp is to be coupled.
It is costly for lamp manufacturers to produce and inventory such various alternative lamp bases. For example, heretofore it has been necessary to produce and inventory straight lamp bases and ninety degree lamp bases as well as different lamp bases for use with different types of lamps. In addition, lamp bases heretofore produced have typically been fabricated from a material designed to withstand the temperature of the lamp with which the base is to be used. One problem associated with this requirement is that lamps having very high temperatures typically require the use of more expensive high temperature plastic material. Other expenses incurred due to the need to provide a large range of base types relate to the need to provide multiple types of equipment, and multiple processing techniques, having various specifications.
In addition to the foregoing, the designs of lamp base assemblies heretofore provided inherently have very cramped physical features which cause undesirable space constraints. Such constraints provide difficulties when focusing a lamp being attached to the lamp base assembly. In some designs, such focusing problems result from the orientation of the welds during, for example, laser welding of the lamp leads to the contacts located within the lamp base.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved lamp base assembly for use with a lamp.
Another object of the present invention is to obviate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing an adjustable lamp base assembly.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved and cost efficient lamp base assembly.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lamp base assembly which may be readily adjusted between a straight lamp base and an angled lamp base.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lamp base assembly which may be readily adjusted for use with one of a plurality of differently configured lamps.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a lamp base assembly wherein a base component nearest the lamp may be fabricated from a high temperature material and another base component containing the lamp connector may be fabricated from a low temperature material.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lamp base assembly which may be fabricated from various interchangeable parts to meet various lamp assembly requirements.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lamp base assembly which provides improved focusing features.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a lamp which fulfills one or more of the foregoing objects.
The present invention achieves these and other objects by providing a lamp base assembly which comprises separate first and second base components attached together. The first base component comprises a first portion structured and arranged for attachment to a lamp and an opposite second portion structured and arranged for attachment to the second base component. The separate second base component comprises a third portion structured and arranged for attachment to the second portion and a fourth portion comprising contacts structured and arranged for mechanical and electrical connection with (a) lead wires of the lamp and (b) a connector. The second base component may be a straight base component or an angled base component.
A lamp base assembly is also provided which comprises a base having contacts therein structured and arranged for mechanical and electrical connection with (a) lead wires of a lamp and (b) a connector. The base includes a base mounting portion structured and arranged for attachment to any one of a plurality of differently configured lamp attachment members. Each lamp attachment member includes one portion attachable to the base mounting portion and another portion attachable to a lamp retainer. The base of such lamp base assembly may include separate first and second base components attached together, the second base component being a straight base design or an angled base design.
A lamp including each lamp base assembly of the present invention is also provided.
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Coushaine Charles M.
Szep James P.
Meyer William E.
Osram Sylvania Inc.
Tso Laura K.
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