Patent Application
20090045717
This invention relates to lamps and more particularly to lamp and socket combinations. Still more particularly, it relates to lamps having bases that allow use in more than one type of socket.
Pin-based compact fluorescent lamps, among others, often employ a base that contains a key or other asymmetric configuration that allows the lamp to fit only into a specific socket. This ensures that a particular fixture will only be operated with lamp for which it was designed.
Occasionally, lamps are designed with the same electrical characteristics as existing lamps but with other differences that may require special adaptations in a socket. As one example, a new lamp may be designed to operate at much higher temperatures than an existing lamp, but still have the same electrical characteristics, such that the new lamp can be used in the same socket as the older version without causing any problems, whereas the opposite situation (the older version in the socket of the newer version) could create multiple problems.
It would be an advance in the art if a new lamp-socket combination could be provided that restricted access to the new socket by the older lamp, but still permitted the new lamp to be used with the older socket version.
It is, therefore, an object of the invention to obviate the disadvantages of the prior art.
It is yet another object of the invention to enhance lamp operation.
These objects are accomplished, in one aspect of the invention, by the provision of a special purpose lamp (SPL) and a socket therefore, the SPL comprising: a light source, a base connected to the light source, the base having electrical connectors and a negative key; and the socket including a pocket for receiving the base and receptors for receiving the electrical connectors and a positive keyway for receiving the negative key.
By providing the base of the SPL with a negative key; that is, a key that involves the elimination or removal of material, a lamp is provided that that will fit not only its specific socket but older versions of existing sockets, where use of the SPL will not cause problems.
For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further objects, advantages and capabilities thereof, reference is made to the following disclosure and appended claims taken in conjunction with the above-described drawings.
Referring now to the drawings with greater particularity, there is shown in
The socket 14, shown in
An older version of a socket, 14a, is shown in
While the lamp and socket shown are specifically designed for “push-pull” operation, the features of the invention can be used with rotary types of lamps and sockets.
While there have been shown and described what are at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
