US5008790A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluorescent-type fixture having removable fold-out lamp sockets
Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
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Filing: 1989-03-14
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Granted: 1991-04-16
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Expires: 2009-03-14
Abstract
Abstract A fluorescent light fixture is provided which includes a housing with an inwardly extending L-shaped tab. This inwardly extending L-shaped tab engages a channel in a removable socket assembly. The channel of the socket assembly can be slid into the tab so that the socket assembly, along with the sockets themselves, is in a protected position within the housing. The channel is expanded so as to permit the rotating of the socket assembly thereby bringing the sockets into position to engage fluorescent light bulbs when desired.
Inventors
- 👤 William C. Fabbri
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:47
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21V; F21V19/00; F21V19/0075; F21V19/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A fluorescent light fixture comprising: a housing including a guide means comprising a tab with an L-shaped cross section inwardly extending from said housing; at least one socket assembly comprising at least one fluorescent light socket and a channel for engaging said guide means including an enlarged portion within said channel for rotating said socket assembly with respect to said housing from a first position wherein said light socket is positioned to engage a fluorescent light bulb and a second position wherein said light socket is protected within said housing; wherein said enlarged portion is comprised of two quarter circles of a common center and a diameter substantially equal to a length of said tab, said quarter circles each having an edge in parallel to an unenlarged portion of said channel, and said quarter circles having 90 degrees therebetween; and wherein said socket assembly can be removed from said housing by a straight-line movement from said second position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
A fluorescent light fixture comprising: a housing including a guide means comprising a tab with an L-shaped cross section inwardly extending from said housing; at least one socket assembly comprising at least one fluorescent light socket and a channel for engaging said guide means including an enlarged portion within said channel for rotating said socket assembly with respect to said housing from a first position wherein said light socket is positioned to engage a fluorescent light bulb and a second position wherein said light socket is protected within said housing; wherein said enlarged portion is comprised of two quarter circles of a common center and a diameter substantially equal to a length of said tab, said quarter circles each having an edge in parallel to an unenlarged portion of said channel, and said quarter circles having 90 degrees therebetween; and wherein said socket assembly can be removed from said housing by a straight-line movement from said second position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The fixture of claim 1 wherein said socket assemblies include a support portion over an opening of said channel which is indented by a distance at least equal to a depth of said tab.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fixture of claim 1 wherein said channel engages said guide means in a straight sliding action without necessity of deforming said housing to achieve engagement.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fixture in accordance with claim 1 wherein said socket means and said housing include detent means for securing said first position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fixture of claim 4 wherein said detent means comprises a dimple in said socket assembly and a corresponding protrusion in said housing.
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) | 1994-04-15 | 1994-10-15 | 1995-04-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-04-15 | 1998-10-15 | 1999-04-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-04-15 | 2002-10-15 | 2003-04-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |