1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to lampholders for electrical lamps.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Modular luminaries or light fixtures are used as indoor accent and display lighting. Further these luminaries can be used for gallery, museum and showroom lighting. In one example, these luminaries are associated with a lampholder which supports a lamp such as a single-ended metal halide lamp having a G8.5 base. To install the lamp, the two prongs of the lamp must be fully inserted into two openings located in a recess of the lampholder. The lamp must be properly aligned with the lampholder and an associated luminarie to ensure an even distribution of light in all directions when the lamp is energized. However, a conventional lampholder may not be capable of properly securing and positioning the lamp to provide for even distribution of light from a luminarie.
Thus, a need exists for a lampholder that can position a single-ended metal halide lamp having a G8.5 base to be in alignment with an associated luminaire.
To address the above deficiencies of lampholders, the present invention is a clip member which, when fastened to a lampholder such as, for example, a lampholder for receiving a G8.5 lamp, helps to position a lamp to be in alignment with the lampholder and with an associated luminaire. Proper alignment of a lamp, such as a G8.5 lamp, is critical to ensure that there is an even distribution of light in all directions when the lamp is energized. The clip member can be made of a thin strip of material having a substantially circular shape with two opposing inwardly projecting flexible spring tabs. The clip member can be attached to the lampholder with bushings such as rivets or screws. The clip member contacts an end of a lamp installed in the lampholder and, together with the spring tabs on the clip, urges a lamp installed in the lampholder to its upright position and, in addition, helps to stabilize the lamp by providing a snug fit. The clip is composed of a high temperature material that will not take “a set” and be distorted out of its proper shape over time, particularly when exposed to high temperatures.
The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiments as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.
Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals.
While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the various embodiments, as is presently contemplated for carrying them out, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes of the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 60/676,443, which was filed Apr. 29, 2005.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60676443 | Apr 2005 | US |