Universal lightbulb socket
First Claim
1. A socket for use with a light bulb having a sleeve forming a first bulb contact with a threaded portion, and a distal end having a second bulb contact, said socket comprising:
- a flat circular base having a top surface and an outer periphery;
a plurality of flexible elongated plastic prongs, each extending outward from the top surface about the outer periphery of said base and having a proximal end, distal end, and intermediate portion between the proximal end and the distal end, the intermediate portion having an inner surface with a threaded section, said plurality of prongs defining a central socket opening that removably receives the light bulb;
a first elongated metal socket contact positioned along at least one of said plurality of flexible elongated plastic prongs; and
a second metal socket contact positioned at the top surface of said base;
wherein said plurality of prongs have a first operating position defining a first diameter whereby the threaded sections of said plurality of prongs engage the threaded portion of the light bulb and secure the light bulb to the socket in the central socket opening, and a second outward position defining a second diameter larger than the first diameter whereby the light bulb can be removed from and/or inserted into the central socket opening.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A socket having a quick release to removably and reliably receive a light bulb. A flat circular base has a top surface and an outer periphery. A plurality of flexible elongated plastic prongs extend outward from the top surface about the outer periphery of the base. The prongs are threaded and can flex outward to permit the light bulb to be pulled straight out of or pushed straight into the socket without turning the light bulb. A first elongated metal socket contact is positioned along at least one of the flexible elongated plastic prongs. A second metal socket contact is positioned at the top surface of the base.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A socket for use with a light bulb having a sleeve forming a first bulb contact with a threaded portion, and a distal end having a second bulb contact, said socket comprising:
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a flat circular base having a top surface and an outer periphery; a plurality of flexible elongated plastic prongs, each extending outward from the top surface about the outer periphery of said base and having a proximal end, distal end, and intermediate portion between the proximal end and the distal end, the intermediate portion having an inner surface with a threaded section, said plurality of prongs defining a central socket opening that removably receives the light bulb; a first elongated metal socket contact positioned along at least one of said plurality of flexible elongated plastic prongs; and a second metal socket contact positioned at the top surface of said base; wherein said plurality of prongs have a first operating position defining a first diameter whereby the threaded sections of said plurality of prongs engage the threaded portion of the light bulb and secure the light bulb to the socket in the central socket opening, and a second outward position defining a second diameter larger than the first diameter whereby the light bulb can be removed from and/or inserted into the central socket opening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A socket for use with a light bulb, said socket comprising:
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a flat base having a top surface; a plurality of flexible elongated non-conductive arms extending outward from the top surface of said base to define a central opening that removably receives the light bulb, said plurality of arms inwardly biased to exert an inward force against the light bulb to retain the light bulb in the central opening, said plurality of arms being sufficiently flexible to flex outward to permit the light bulb to be inserted straight into and retracted straight from the central opening without turning the light bulb or socket; a first discrete metal socket contact positioned along at least one of said plurality of arms to electrically engage the light bulb at a first light bulb contact; and a second discrete metal socket contact positioned at the top surface of said base to electrically engage the light bulb at a second light bulb contact. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification