Socket and light bulb assembly utilizing magnetic coupling

• US 6,380,683 B1
• Filed: 12/13/2000
• Issued: 04/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Henry Kahn
• Original Assignee: Henry Kahn
• Inventors: Kahn, Henry
• Primary Examiner(s): Vu, David H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TRAN, THUY V
• Application Number:
  US09/735,052
• Time in Patent Office: 503 Days
• Field of Search: 315/56, 362/95, 362/378, 439/38, 439/39, 439/252, 439/375, 439/638, 439/660, 439/668
• US Class Current: 315/56
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 5/50 Means forming part of the tube or lamps for the purpose of providing electrical connection to it
• CPC Class Codes: H01K 1/42 Means forming part of the lamp for the purpose of providing electrical connection, or support for, the lamp
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6205 Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 33/22 for screw type base, e.g. for lamp

Abstract

A socket and light bulb assembly utilizing magnetic coupling including a socket portion having a generally cylindrical configuration. The socket portion has a first end and a second end. The first end has a recess extending inwardly thereof. The recess is defined by a smooth interior surface. The recess has a magnetic disk disposed at a bottom thereof. The socket portion has a contact disposed thereon. The socket portion includes wiring in communication with the contact for being coupled with an electrical source. A light bulb portion is provided that is adapted for coupling with the socket portion. The light bulb portion includes an upper light portion and a lower stem portion. The lower stem portion is dimensioned for being received within the recess of the socket portion. The lower stem portion is defined by a smooth exterior surface. The lower stem portion has a contact disposed therein whereby the contact of the socket portion connects with the contact of the light bulb portion to complete a circuit.

Claims

1. A socket and light bulb assembly utilizing magnetic coupling for simplifying the replacement of light bulbs by eliminating the need to rotate the light bulb in order to remove it from the socket comprising, in combination:

a socket portion having a generally cylindrical configuration, the socket portion having a first end and a second end, the first end having a recess extending inwardly thereof, the recess being defined by a smooth interior metallic surface, the recess having a magnetic disk disposed at a bottom thereof, the socket portion having a rod extending outwardly of the magnetic disk, the rod having a free outer end, the rod having a low tension spring disposed thereon, the free outer end having a contact disposed thereon, the socket portion including wiring in communication with the contact for being coupled with an electrical source;

a light bulb portion adapted for coupling with the socket portion, the light bulb portion including an upper light portion and a lower stem portion, the lower stem portion being dimensioned for being received within the recess of the socket portion, the lower stem portion being defined by a smooth exterior surface, the lower stem portion having a retention spring extending laterally therefrom, the lower stem portion having a metallic lower end, the lower stem portion having a recess extending upwardly thereof, the recess having a contact disposed therein, the recess receiving the rod of the socket portion therein whereby the contact of the rod connects with the contact of the light bulb portion to complete a circuit; and

a standard socket adapter adapted for being coupled with a standard electrical threaded socket and receiving the light bulb portion, the standard socket adapter having;

external threads and a lower contact for engaging the standard electrical threaded socket, the adapter having a recess extending inwardly thereof, the recess being defined by a smooth interior surface, the recess having a magnetic disk disposed at a bottom;

thereof, the socket portion having a rod extending outwardly of the magnetic disk, the rod having a free outer end, the rod having a low tension spring disposed thereon, the free outer end having a contact disposed thereon.

2. A socket and light bulb assembly utilizing magnetic coupling for simplifying the replacement of light bulbs by eliminating the need to rotate the light bulb in order to remove it from the socket comprising, in combination:

a socket portion having a generally cylindrical configuration, the socket portion having a first end and a second end, the first end having a recess extending inwardly thereof, the recess being defined by a smooth interior surface, the recess having a magnetic disk disposed at a bottom thereof, the socket portion having a contact disposed thereon, the socket portion including wiring in communication with the contact for being coupled with an electrical source;

a light bulb portion adapted for coupling with the socket portion, the light bulb portion including an upper light portion and a lower stem portion, the lower stem portion being dimensioned for being received within the recess of the socket portion, the lower stem portion being defined by a smooth exterior surface, the lower stem portion having a metallic lower end, the lower stem portion having a contact, the contact of the socket portion connects with the contact of the light bulb portion to complete a circuit; and

a standard socket adapter, adapted for being coupled with a standard electrical socket and receiving the light bulb portion.

3. The socket and light bulb assembly utilizing magnetic coupling as set forth in claim 2, wherein the standard socket adapter has external threads and a lower contact for engaging the standard electrical threaded socket.

4. The socket and light bulb assembly utilizing magnetic coupling as set forth in claim 3, wherein the adapter has a recess extending inwardly thereof, the recess being defined by a smooth interior surface, the recess having a magnetic disk disposed at a bottom thereof.

5. The socket and light bulb assembly utilizing magnetic coupling as set forth in claim 2, wherein the socket portion has a rod extending outwardly of the magnetic disk, the rod having a free outer end, the rod having a low tension spring disposed thereon, the free outer end having the contact disposed thereon, the lower stem portion having a recess extending upwardly thereof, the recess having the contact disposed therein, the recess receiving the rod of the socket portion therein whereby the contact of the rod connects with the contact of the light bulb portion to complete a circuit.

6. The socket and light bulb assembly utilizing magnetic coupling as set forth in claim 2, wherein the lower stem portion has a retention spring extending laterally therefrom.