Non-shocking pin for fluorescent type tubes

• US 4,102,558 A
• Filed: 08/29/1977
• Issued: 07/25/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Developmental Sciences Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Developmental Sciences Incorporated
• Inventors: Krachman, Howard Ellis
• Primary Examiner(s): Lake, Roy
• Assistant Examiner(s): Desmond, E. F.
• Application Number:
  US05/828,772
• Time in Patent Office: 330 Days
• Field of Search: 339/50 R, 339/53, 339/144 R, 339/195 D, 339/175, 339/178 T, 313/318, 313/491, 313/271, 313/217, 313/219, 313/220
• US Class Current: 439/699.1
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 5/50 Means forming part of the tube or lamps for the purpose of providing electrical connection to it

Abstract

An improved terminal pin for use with the bi-pin type end caps of fluorescent discharge tubes to reduce electrical shock hazards is disclosed. The pin comprises a body portion, a tip portion of reduced thickness relative to that of the body portion, and insulation covering the tip portion. The end cap utilizing the subject terminal pin is compatible with conventional lamp sockets.

Claims

1. The terminal pin of electrically conducting material for use with end caps of fluorescent discharge tubes and the like comprising:

an elongated pin body portion;

a tip portion extending from an end of said body portion, said tip portion having a reduced thickness with respect to that of said body portion; and

insulation covering substantially all the exterior surface of said tip portion.

2. The terminal pin of claim 1 wherein said tip portion includes a projection covered by said insulation, wherein said projection tends to prevent removal of said insulation by an axially directed force.

3. The terminal pin of claim 1 wherein said pin body portion is divided into a first body portion and a second body portion by a projecting member.

4. The terminal pin of claim 3 wherein said projecting member comprises an encircling boss.

5. The terminal pin of claim 1 wherein said pin body is hollow.

6. The terminal pin for use with end caps of fluorescent discharge tubes and the like comprising:

a hollow, elongated pin body having a circular cross-section, divided into a first body portion and a second body portion by an encircling boss;

a tip portion extending from an end of said body portion, said tip portion having a reduced thickness with respect to that of said body portion, and further including an encircling projection; and

non-conducting insulating material covering substantially the entire exterior surface of said tip portion.

8. The end cap of claim 6 wherein said tip portion of said pin includes a projection covered by said insulation, wherein said projection tends to prevent removal of said insulation by an axially directed force.

7. The connector end cap for fluorescent discharge tubes and the like comprising:

disc member having an annular flange disposed around the periphery thereof;

a pair of openings formed in said disc member;

a pair of terminal pins, one each inserted through each of said openings, each of said pins having an elongated body portion and a tip portion extending from an end of said body portion having a reduced thickness with respect to that of said body portion;

insulation for covering substantially all the exterior surface of said tip portion; and

means for securing said pin in said opening;

whereby the electrical elements within said tube may be electrically coupled to said pins for connection to a source of electrical energy, and said insulation reduces the electrically conducting surface area of said pin exposed to persons handling such tubes.

9. The terminal pin of claim 7 wherein said pin body is hollow.

10. The terminal pin of claim 7 wherein said pin body portion is divided into a first body portion and a second body portion by a projecting member.

11. The terminal pin of claim 10 wherein said projecting member comprises an encircling boss.

12. The end cap of claim 11 wherein recesses are provided in said disc member adjacent said openings for receiving said bosses.