US3968398A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fused decorative string set
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1975-01-03
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Granted: 1976-07-06
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Expires: 1995-01-03
Abstract
Abstract A string set, of the type used on Christmas trees, of series-connected incandescent lamps where two lamps nearest the string set plug are unshunted and are connected to the plug through a wire of a gauge larger than the wire connecting the remaining lamps in the set. The unshunted lamps and the larger wire serve as a fuse for the entire set.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis E. Lehmann
- 👤 Ralph J. Luft
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 02:56
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21V; F21V25/00; F21S; F21S4/00; F21S4/10; H; H01; H01R; H01R33/00; H01R33/05; H01R33/06; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/806
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A string set of series-connected incandescent lamps comprising: a plurality of lamps in a plurality of lamp sockets; first conductor means interconnecting said sockets to form a string of series-connected sockets between two end sockets; second conductor means connecting said end sockets to a plug; said second conductor means having higher current capacity than said first condutor means; and the lamps in at least the end sockets are the unshunted type and the remainder of said plurality of lamps are shunted lamps, whereby excessive current causes at least one of said unshunted end lamps to open-circuit to prevent overheating in the circuit formed with said first conductor means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A string set of series-connected incandescent lamps comprising: a plurality of lamps in a plurality of lamp sockets; first conductor means interconnecting said sockets to form a string of series-connected sockets between two end sockets; second conductor means connecting said end sockets to a plug; said second conductor means having higher current capacity than said first condutor means; and the lamps in at least the end sockets are the unshunted type and the remainder of said plurality of lamps are shunted lamps, whereby excessive current causes at least one of said unshunted end lamps to open-circuit to prevent overheating in the circuit formed with said first conductor means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The string set as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first conductor means comprises 24-gauge wire and said second conductor means comprises 20-gauge wire.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The string set as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and second conducting means form a closed loop terminated at said plug.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The string set as set forth in claim 1 wherein said loop is twisted to form a straight line string set.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
The string set as set forth in claim 1 wherein said unshunted lamps and said end sockets have different male and female parts from shunted lamps and the sockets of the remainder of the string set, respectively; said different parts preventing the insertion of shunted lamps into said end sockets.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The string set as set forth in claim 5 wherein said end lamps and sockets have male and female parts of different dimensions from shunted lamps and the sockets, respectively, of the rest of the string set.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The string set as set forth in claim 5 wherein said different parts permit the insertion of unshuntd lamps in the remainder of said string set.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
The string set as set forth in claim 7 wherein the unshunted lamps comprise a base having a flat, and said end sockets comprise a hollow portion having a shoulder for engaging said flat and for preventing shunted lamps from being inserted into said end socket.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-07-06 | 1980-01-05 | 1980-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-06 | 1984-01-05 | 1984-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-06 | 1988-01-05 | 1988-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |