Abstract The present invention is directed to a ganged lamp socket device especially applicable for a bank of LED's. The apparatus includes a housing having a row of sockets with a groove and first pockets on one side of the row and a plurality of second pockets on the other side. A common terminal strip fits in the groove and first pockets, while a plurality of contact members fit in the second pockets. The apparatus is easily assembled using the common strip and plurality of contact members formed in a single conductive sheet. The strip is inserted in the groove and broken from the sheet and then the contact members which are held together by a carrier are inserted in the second pockets. The carrier is broken from the contact members and all items are pressed into place. The apparatus reduces the number of piece parts normally needed for this type of device and increases system reliability.
A method for manufacturing a lamp socket from a housing and a formed conductive sheet, said housing including a row of sockets for receiving lamps, said sheet including a terminal strip, a row of contact members and a carrier, said housing including first means on a first side of said row of sockets for receiving said strip and second means on a second side of said row of sockets for receiving said contact members, said method comprising the steps of: (a) inserting said terminal strip on said sheet into said first receiving means of said housing; (b) breaking said strip from said sheet; (c) inserting said row of contact members on said sheet into said second receiving means of said housing; (d) breaking said carrier from said row of contact members; and (e) pressing said strip and said row of contact members into a final location with respect to said housing.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for manufacturing a lamp socket from a housing and a formed conductive sheet, said housing including a row of sockets for receiving lamps, said sheet including a terminal strip, a row of contact members and a carrier, said housing including first means on a first side of said row of sockets for receiving said strip and second means on a second side of said row of sockets for receiving said contact members, said method comprising the steps of: (a) inserting said terminal strip on said sheet into said first receiving means of said housing; (b) breaking said strip from said sheet; (c) inserting said row of contact members on said sheet into said second receiving means of said housing; (d) breaking said carrier from said row of contact members; and (e) pressing said strip and said row of contact members into a final location with respect to said housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said step (d) is preceded by the step of bending said carrier with respect to said row of contact members, said breaking step (d) occurring in conjunction with said pressing step (e).