CA3028894A1 - Electric lamp assembly and lamp holder therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided an electric lamp assembly including a lamp, a base portion of which has a socket shaped to receive a bulb. The lamp includes a pair of insulating conduits coupled to and extending outwards from the base portion thereof, and shaped to receive and extend about respective leads of the bulb. The assembly includes a lamp holder having a base mounting cavity shaped to receive the base portion of the lamp. The lamp holder has a conduit mounting cavity shaped to receive the insulating conduits. The lamp holder has an intermediate mounting cavity in communication with and extending between the base mounting cavity and the conduit mounting cavity. The assembly includes a divider. The divider is selectively insertable within the lamp holder so as to extend within the intermediate mounting cavity and the conduit mounting cavity of the lamp holder and be interposed between respective said insulating conduits.

Description

Agent's Ref. 6772P05CA
ELECTRIC LAMP ASSEMBLY AND LAMP HOLDER THEREFOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention [0001] There is provided a lamp assembly. In particular, there is provided an electrical lamp assembly and a lamp holder therefor.
Description of the Related Art

[0002] United States Patent No. 6,113,430 to Wu discloses a lamp socket arrangement for a bulb with a lamp base having a first end defining a bulb opening for receiving the bulb. The lamp base has a second end substantially opposite from the first end. The second end includes a plurality of prongs which extend away from the second end. The lamp base is combined with a lamp holder having first and second ends, and defining a passageway between the first and second ends for receiving all of the lamp base, the plurality of prongs and the plurality of conducting wires for the bulb. The passageway, the plurality of prongs, and the plurality of conducting wires have a shape to substantially fill the second end of the passageway when the plurality of prongs and the conducting wires are positioned in the second end of the passageway. The shape of the passageway, prongs and conductors are such that the combination of all three form a sealed connection and a sealed end of the lamp socket arrangement.

[0003] United States Patent No. 6,361,368 to Tseng discloses a Christmas bulb socket. The socket has a bulb seat and a bulb holder with a corresponding bulb. The socket is made from a resilient material and the bulb holder is designed to accommodate similar types of bulbs whereby two filament feet of the bulb are tightly retained in the seat and holder by a notch defined in a bottom face of the bulb holder.

[0004] United States Patent No. 6,048,074 to Wang discloses a miniature decorative electric lamp assembly. The assembly includes an electric bulb inserted into a lamp base member, with the lamp base lower end being received in the upper end of a central longitudinal passageway in a socket member which contains dual electrical contacts each connected to an insulated wire. The lamp assembly also includes an external interlocking device for which the lamp base upper portion includes an elongated semi-flexible radially extending tongue element which has an outer biased elastic detent portion, and the socket member includes a rigid radial frame element having a central opening. During lamp assembly the lamp base member is inserted into the socket member and the internal electric contacts are made and the tongue detent portion is hooked into the frame element, so that the two members are locked firmly together so as to preclude any inadvertent separation and electric disconnect during handling or use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] There is provided, and it is an object to provide, an improved electrical lamp assembly.

[0006] There is accordingly provided an electric lamp assembly. The assembly includes a lamp. The lamp includes a base portion having a socket shaped to receive a bulb. The lamp includes a pair of insulating conduits coupled to and extending outwards from the base portion thereof. The insulating conduits are shaped to receive and extend about respective leads of the bulb. The assembly includes a lamp holder having a base mounting cavity shaped to receive the base portion of the lamp. The lamp holder has a conduit mounting cavity shaped to receive the insulating conduits. The lamp holder has an intermediate mounting cavity in communication with and extending between the base mounting cavity and the conduit mounting cavity. The assembly includes a divider. The divider is selectively insertable within the lamp holder so as to extend within the intermediate mounting cavity and the conduit mounting cavity of the lamp holder and be interposed between respective said insulating conduits.

[0007] According to another aspect, there is provided a lamp holder for an electric lamp assembly. The lamp holder has a proximal end with an opening configured to receive electrical cable therethrough. The lamp holder has a distal end spaced-apart from the proximal end. The lamp holder includes a distal mounting cavity configured to receive a base portion of a lamp body. The distal mounting cavity extends from the distal end towards the proximal end of the lamp holder. The lamp holder includes a proximal mounting cavity configured to receive bulb leads of the lamp body. The lamp holder includes an intermediate mounting cavity extending between and in communication with the distal mounting cavity and the proximal mounting cavity. The lamp holder includes a divider. The divider is selectively insertable via a proximal end thereof past the distal mounting cavity and into the proximal mounting cavity. The divider so inserted is configured to have a distal end positioned within the intermediate mounting cavity.

[0008] According to a further aspect, there is provided a lamp holder for an electric lamp assembly. The lamp holder includes an outer casing. The outer casing has a proximal end to receive electrical cable therethrough and has a distal end spaced-apart from the proximal end thereof. The distal end of the outer casing is configured to receive a lamp therethrough. The outer casing has a longitudinal axis extending between the ends thereof. The lamp holder includes a core extending from the proximal end towards the distal end of the outer casing. The core has a first end aligned with the proximal end of the outer casing and a second end spaced-apart from the first end thereof. The core has a bulb lead mounting cavity extending from the second end towards the first end thereof.
The lamp holder includes at least one protrusion positioned at least in part between the second end of the core and the distal end of the outer casing. The at least one protrusion has a distal surface facing the distal end of the lamp holder. The lamp holder includes a divider. The divider includes an inner portion which couples to the core so as to divide the bulb lead mounting cavity into two chambers. The divider includes an outer portion extending from the second end of the core towards the distal surface of the protrusion.

[0009] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a lamp holder.
The lamp holder includes a first end portion configured to receive a lamp. The lamp holder includes a second end portion within a pair of spaced-apart electrical contacts are mounted. The lamp holder includes at least one blocking member between the end portions. An outer end of the blocking member is adjacent to the first end portion. The lamp holder includes a divider selectively insertable within the second end portion between the electrical contacts. The divider extends in part outwards from the second end portion and is spaced-apart from the outer end of the blocking member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 in an exploded elevation view of an electric lamp assembly according to a first aspect, the assembly including a lamp, a divider, and a lamp holder shaped to receive the divider and the lamp;
Figure 2 is an end, side perspective view of the lamp holder of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a sectional elevation view taken along lines 3 ¨ 3 of the lamp holder of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a sectional elevation view taken along lines 4 ¨4 of the lamp holder of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a sectional elevation view similar to Figure 3 of the lamp holder of Figure 3 together with the divider of Figure 1 shown inserted therewithin;

Figure 6 is an end, side perspective view of the lamp holder of Figure 2 together with the divider inserted therein and a person's finger shown in fragment shown, with the divider abutting with the finger and inhibiting the finger from touching electrical contacts of the assembly;
Figure 7 is an elevation view of the lamp holder of Figure 1, the divider of Figure 1 inserted into the lamp holder, and the lamp of Figure 1 shown in the process of being inserted into and coupling with the lamp holder of Figure 1;
Figure 8 is an elevation view of the assembly of Figure 1 with the lamp shown fully coupled to the lamp holder;
Figure 9 is an end, side perspective view of a lamp holder and divider of an electric lamp assembly according to a second aspect, with the divider shown inserted into the lamp holder; and Figure 10 is a sectional elevation view taken along lines 10 ¨ 10 of the lamp holder and divider of Figure 9.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Referring to the Figure 1, there is provided an electric lamp assembly 20. The assembly has a longitudinal axis 22.

[0012] The assembly in this example includes a bulb 24 having bulb leads 25 and 27 that are bent laterally outwards in this example in opposed directions. Bulb lead 25 is connected to the positive pole of the bulb and bulb lead 27 is connected to the negative pole of the bulb in this example. The bulb 24 in this example is a light emitting diode ("LED") bulb. However, this is not strictly required and the bulb may be other types in other embodiments, such as a tungsten bulb, for example.

[0013] The assembly includes a lamp 26 having a first end 28 and a second end 30 spaced-apart from the first end thereof. The lamp may be referred to as a lamp body. The bulb 24 and bulb leads 25 and 27 are parts of the lamp 26 in this example. The bulb leads extend from the second end 30 of the lamp towards the first end 28 of the lamp.

[0014] The lamp includes a base portion 32 having a socket 33 shaped to receive the bulb 24. The bulb may thus be said to be mounted on top 29 of the lamp 26. The base portion 32 of the lamp is cylindrical in shape in this example. The socket 33 extends from the first end 28 of the lamp 26 towards the second end 30 of the lamp. As seen in Figure 1, the bulb 24 and base portion 32 of the lamp align with and extend along the longitudinal axis 22 of the assembly 20 in this example.

[0015] Still referring to Figure 1, the lamp 26 including a pair of spaced-apart legs or insulating conduits 34 and 36 coupled to and extending outwards from the base portion thereof. The bottom 31 of the base portion 32 of the lamp 26 is thus provided with said insulating conduits. The insulating conduits 34 and 36 are both columnar, with insulating conduit 34 having a diameter different than that of insulating conduit 36. The insulating conduits are spaced-apart from and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 of the assembly 20. Each of the conduits 34 and 36 comprises inner portions 38 and 40 and outer portions 42 and 44 coupled to and extending longitudinally outwards from respective said inner portions. The inner portions of the conduits couple to and integrally connect with the base portion 32 of the lamp 26 so as to form a unitary whole in this example. The outer portions 42 and 44 of the conduits 34 and 36 are smaller in lateral cross-section compared to the inner portions 38 and 40 of the conduits in this example.

[0016] The insulating conduits 34 and 36 are shaped to receive and extend about respective leads 25 and 27 of bulb 24. The bottom ends 35 and 37 of leads extend through and are spaced-apart from the insulating conduits. The bottom ends of the leads are bent outwards from the insulating conduits 34 and 36 in this example. The insulating conduits extend from adjacent the second end 30 of the lamp 26 towards the first end 28 of the lamp. The insulating conduits 34 and 36 are spaced-apart from each other so as to form a gap or slot 46 which extends from the second end of the lamp towards the first end of the lamp. The slot is located near the bottom of the lamp 26, from the perspective of Figure 1, and may be referred to as a leg card core avoidance slot.

[0017] The assembly 20 includes a lamp holder 48 having a proximal or first end 50 and a distal end or second end 52 spaced-apart from the first end thereof The lamp holder may be referred to as a soft head. The lamp holder 48 is generally cylindrical in shape in this example. As seen in Figure 4, the lamp holder 48 has a length LL
extending between the ends 50 and 52 thereof. A centrally-positioned opening 54 extends through the lamp holder at first end 50 thereof. The opening 54 is shaped to receive electrical wire or cable 56, seen in Figure 1, therethrough.

[0018] As seen in Figure 4, the lamp holder 48 includes an outer casing 58 that is tubular in this example and comprises a wall 59 that is annular in this example. The outer casing has a proximal or first end 60 aligned and contiguous with the first end 50 of the lamp holder 48. The first end of the outer casing 58 is thus shaped to receive electrical cable therethrough. As seen in Figure 3, the outer casing 58 includes in this example a radially inwardly-extending, annular flange 61 aligned with the first end thereof and which extends about opening 54 of the lamp holder 48.

[0019] The outer casing has a second end 62 spaced-apart from the first end 60 thereof The second end of the outer casing 58 is aligned with and contiguous with the second end 52 of the lamp holder 48. The second end 62 of the outer casing is shaped to receive the lamp 26 therethrough at least in part. The outer casing 58 has a longitudinal axis 64 extending between the ends 60 and 62 thereof Wall 59 of the outer casing extends between said ends and parallel to axis 64. Axis 22 of the assembly 20 align and extends parallel with axis 64 of the outer casing. As seen in Figure 2, the wall 59 of the outer casing 58 has an inner surface 67 that is annular in this example and extends from end 62 of the outer casing 58 towards end 60 of the outer casing.

[0020] The inner upper part of the outer casing 58 of the lamp holder 48 has a distal or base mounting cavity 66 extending from the second end 62 of the outer casing 58 towards the first end 60 of the outer casing of the lamp holder. The base mounting cavity may be referred to as a lamp body mounting cavity. The base mounting cavity 66 is cylindrical in shape in this example and is shaped to receive the base portion 32 of the lamp 26 seen in Figure 1. As seen in Figure 3, distal end portion 68 of the outer casing extends from the second end 62 of the outer casing 58 towards the second end 60 of the outer casing. End portion 68 is shaped to receive the base portion of the lamp, may be referred to as a first end portion of the lamp holder.

[0021] As seen in Figure 2, the lamp holder includes a second end portion in this example a core 70. As seen in Figure 3, the core extends from the first end 60 towards the second end 62 of the outer casing 58. The core 70 has a proximal or first end 72 aligned with the first end of the outer casing. As seen in Figure 2, the core has a second end 74 spaced-apart from the first end thereof and a plurality of radially-extending, planar surfaces 75, 77, 79 and 81 extending along the second end thereof. The planar surfaces extend along rectangular prism shaped portion 83, 85, 87 and 89 of the core 70 in this example. Each of the rectangular prism shaped portions of the core has beveled edges extending adjacent to the planar surface thereof in this example, as seen by beveled edges 91 for portion 83.

[0022] The lamp holder includes at least one and, in this example, a pair of spaced-apart protrusions, in this example blocking members 76 and 78 positioned at least in part between the second end 74 of the core 70 and the second end 62 of the outer casing 58.
As seen in Figure 3, the blocking members are between the core and distal end portion 68 of the lamp holder 48. The blocking members 76 and 78 couple to and extend radially inwards from the outer casing 58 relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembly 20. As seen in Figure 2, the blocking members in this example have ends or laterally-extending distal surfaces 80 and 82 facing the base mounting cavity 66 and second end 62 of the lamp holder 48 in this example. The distal surfaces are circular segments in this example and the blocking members are circular segments in lateral cross-section in this example.

[0023] As seen in Figure 3, the inner middle portion of the outer casing 58 has an intermediate mounting cavity 84 in communication with the base mounting cavity 66.
The intermediate mounting cavity may be referred to as a middle mounting cavity and extends from the base mounting cavity towards end 50 of the lamp holder 48.
The intermediate mounting cavity 84 is defined and enclosed by the blocking members 80 and 82 and inner surface 67 of the lamp holder 48 in this example. The blocking members 76 and 78 seen in Figure 2 are thus in communication with, extend along and form in part the intermediate mounting cavity in this example. Each of the distal surfaces 80 and 82 of the blocking members may be referred to as first shoulder extending between the base mounting cavity 66 and the intermediate mounting cavity 84.

[0024] As seen in Figure 2, the lamp holder 48 includes at least one, and in this example a pair of spaced-apart retaining members, in this case catches 86 and 88. Each of the catches may be referred to a split leg card core retaining limit. The catches 86 and 88 couple to and extend inwardly from inner surface 67 of wall 59 of the outer casing 58. As seen in Figure 3, the catches are positioned within the intermediate mounting cavity 84 of the lamp holder 48. The catches 86 and 88 couple and extend radially inwards from respective the blocking members 76 and 78, respectively, in this example. Each catch is integrally connected to and formed with the lamp holder 48 so as to form a unitary whole in this example. As seen in Figure 6, each catch 88 has a first end portion 90 and a second end portion 92. The first end portion of the catch is tapered relative to the second end portion. Each catch has an inner surface 94 that is rectangular in this example and which faces the base mounting cavity 66. The inner surface of each catch 88 extends between the end portions 90 and 92 thereof in this example. Each catch is approximately triangular in lateral cross-section in this example.

[0025] As seen in Figure 3, the inner lower portion of the outer casing 58 has a proximal or conduit mounting cavity 96 in communication with the intermediate mounting cavity 84. The conduit mounting cavity may be referred to as an insulating tube mounting cavity. The conduit mounting cavity 96 extends from the intermediate mounting cavity towards end 50 of the lamp holder 48. The conduit mounting cavity may be referred to as a bulb lead mounting cavity. The conduit mounting cavity 96 extends from adjacent second end 74 of the core 70 towards the first end 72 of the core. Referring to Figure 4, the conduit mounting cavity has a length Lc that is 10% to 30% of the length LL of the lamp holder 48 in this example. The intermediate mounting cavity 84 is in communication with the conduit mounting cavity 96, and extends between the base mounting cavity 66 and the conduit mounting cavity in this example.

[0026] As seen in Figure 2, the conduit mounting cavity 96 comprises a central region 98 and a pair of enlarged slots, in this example enlarged electrical contact slots 100 and 102 in communication with the central region. The central region 98 extends between the electrical contact slots 100 and 102. The electrical contact slots may be referred to as copper end joint fixing grooves. As seen in Figure 4, the electrical contact slots 100 and 102 extend through the core 70 of the lamp holder 48 from end 74 of the core towards the first end 72 of the core. The central region 98 and slots 100 and 102 are each rectangular in top and side profiles in this example.

[0027] As seen in Figure 4, the assembly 20 includes a pair of spaced-apart electrical contacts 101 and 103 positioned within the conduit mounting cavity 96 of the lamp holder 48. The electrical contacts are electrical conductors made of metal in this example copper, and may be referred to as positive and negative copper end joints, respectively.
Cable 56 seen in Figure 1 extends through the outer casing 58 to connect to the electrical contacts and a gasket seal (not shown) is disposed between the cable and lamp holder 48.
29. Referring to Figure 2, each of the electrical contacts slots has a width W equal to or less than 3.2 mm in this example.

[0028] Each of the electrical contacts 101 and 103 is a rectangular prism in shape in this example. The bulb leads seen in Figure 1 are configured to electrically connect with respective said electrical contacts when the lamp 26 is inserted within the lamp holder 48 as seen in Figure 8. Referring back to Figure 4, the electrical contact slots 100 and 102 of the conduit mounting cavity are shaped to receive the electrical contacts therewithin. The electrical contacts 101 and 103 are thus mounted to the core 70 of the lamp holder 48. As seen in Figure 4, the electrical contacts are fixedly mounted on the inner side walls 105 and 107 aligned and in communication with conduit mounting cavity 96.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3, the electrical contacts 101 are spaced-apart from end 62 of the outer casing 58 by a distance D that is equal to or greater than 0.5 cm in this example. As seen in Figure 4, the electrical contacts 101 and 103 contacts are spaced-apart from the base mounting cavity 66 and intermediate mounting cavity 84 of the lamp holder 48 and spaced-apart from end 74 of the core 70.

[0030] Referring back to Figure 2, the lamp holder includes a pair of enlarged slots, in this example divider slots 104 and 106 extending through the core 70 of the lamp holder 48. The divider slots may be referred to as insertion grooves. As seen in Figure 3, the divider slots 104 and 106 extend from end 74 of the core towards end 72 of the core.
Referring back to Figure 2, the electrical contact slots 100 and 102 align in a first lateral direction 108 and the divider slots extend in a second lateral direction 110 which is perpendicular to the first lateral direction in this example.

[0031] As seen in Figure 4, the mounting cavities 66, 84 and 96 extend along and align with the longitudinal axis 22 of the assembly 20. The base mounting cavity is larger in lateral cross-section than the intermediate mounting cavity. The intermediate mounting cavity 84 is larger in lateral cross-section than the conduit mounting cavity 96 in this example.

[0032] As seen in Figure 1, the assembly 20 includes a planar divider 112 having a proximal or first end 114 and a distal or second end 116 spaced-apart from the first end thereof. The divider may be referred to as a leg splitting core. The first end 114 of the divider 112 is shorter in width compared to the rest of the divider in this example and includes a pair of spaced-apart shoulders 118 and 120. The divider is generally a rectangular prism in shape in this example and is made of a non-conducting, insulating material. As seen in Figure 6, the divider includes a pair of centrally-positioned, longitudinally-extending elongate depressions 122 and 124 on opposite sides 126 and 128 thereof. The depressions are outwardly concave in this example. As seen in Figure 1, the divider 112 includes an outer portion 130 that extends from end 116 towards end 114 thereof, and includes an inner portion 132 that extends from end 114 towards end 116 thereof.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, the divider is selectively insertable at end 114 thereof within the lamp holder 48. The diver 112 is inserted past the base mounting cavity 66 so as to extend within at least and in part the intermediate mounting cavity 84 and the conduit mounting cavity 96 of the lamp holder 48. As seen in Figure 6, the divider slots 104 and 106 of the lamp holder are shaped to receive the divider 112 therewithin.
Spaced-apart side portions 109 and 111 of the divider 112 are respectively inserted into the corresponding divider slots. Referring back to Figure 7, the divider is selectively insertable within the core 70 between the electrical contact 101 and electrical contact 103 seen in Figure 4. The divider so inserted thus extends between the electrical contacts.

[0034] As seen in Figure 5, the divider 112 so inserted is spaced-apart from the base mounting cavity 66 and is shaped to have end 116 thereof positioned within the intermediate mounting cavity 84. The divider is thus axially spaced-apart from distal surfaces 80 and 82 of the blocking members 76 and 78. Referring to Figure 7, the divider 112 so inserted is interposed between respective said insulating conduits 34 and 36 when the lamp 26 is fully inserted into lamp holder 48 as seen in Figure 8.
Referring to Figure 7, slot 46 of the insulting conduits 34 and 36 of lamp 26 is shaped to receive outer portion 130 of the divider therewithin. Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 8, the base portion 32 of the lamp 26 is thus detachably mounted in the base mounting cavity 66 and insulating conduits 34 and 36 of the lamp are thus detachably mounted to the conduit mounting conduit 96. The insulating conduits so inserted are thus located in the conduit mounting cavity and the insulating conduits are divided on both sides of the divider 112. Bulb leads 25 and 27, seen in Figure 1, so inserted into the lamp holder 48, are configured to abut with the corresponding electrical contacts 101 and 103 seen in Figure 2.

[0035] As seen in Figure 6, the divider 112 so inserted within the lamp holder 48 forms a pair of chambers 134 and 136. Insulating conduits 34 and 36 seen in Figure 1 are shaped to be received within respective ones of the chambers seen in Figure 6.
Still referring to Figure 6, the chambers 134 and 136 are positioned within the intermediate .. mounting cavity 84 and sized to inhibit a finger 138 of person 140 from passing therethrough. The divider is thus shaped to inhibit the finger from reaching the conduit mounting cavity 96 seen in Figure 3. The inner portion 132 of the divider 112 seen in Figure 5 thus couples to the core 70 so as to divide the conduit mounting cavity into two chambers 134 and 136 seen in Figure 6. The chambers are shaped to respective the insulating conduits 34 and 36 seen in Figure 1, with the conduit mounting cavity 96 seen in Figure 5 therefore being shaped to receive the insulating conduits.

[0036] Still referring to Figure 5, the catches 86 and 88 are resilient at least in part and shaped to enable insertion of the divider 112 past surfaces 94 into the core 70 and conduit mounting cavity 96 of the lamp holder 48 in a first direction 142. The first direction extends from end 62 of the outer casing 58 towards end 60 of the outer casing.
The divider 112 is configured to abut, elastically deform and thereafter pass through the inner surfaces 94 of the catches 86 and 88. The catches are shaped to inhibit removable of the divider thereafter in a second direction 144, opposite direction 142, extending from end 60 of the outer casing 58 towards end 62 of the outer casing. End portions 90 of the catches 86 and 88 are thus shaped to block removal of the divider 112 from the lamp holder 48.

[0037] Figures 9 to 10 show a lamp holder 48.1 for an electric lamp assembly 20.1 according to a second aspect. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the lamp holder 48 and assembly 20 shown in Figures Ito 8 with the addition of decimal extension ".1". Lamp holder 48.1 and assembly 20.1 are substantially the same as lamp holder 48 and assembly 20 shown in Figures 1 to 8 with the following exceptions.

[0038] In this embodiment and referring to Figure 10, the conduit mounting cavity 96.1 extends from a position adjacent to end 50.1 of the lamp holder 48.1 towards end 52.1 of the lamp holder. End 74.1 of core 70.1 forms a second shoulder extending between the intermediate mounting cavity 84.1 and the conduit mounting cavity 96.1, with end 116.1 of divider 112.1 thus being positioned within the intermediate mounting cavity 84.1 between the first shoulder or distal surfaces 82.1 of blocking members 78.1 and the second shoulder. Inner portion 132.1 of divider 112.1 is fully inserted within slots 106.1 of the lamp holder 48.1 and fully inserted within core 70.1 in this example. Outer portion 130.1 of the divider extends from end 74.1 of core 70.1 towards the laterally-extending distal surfaces 82.1 of blocking members 78.1 in this embodiment.
The divider 112.1 thus extends at least in part outwards from the core 70.1 and is axially spaced-apart from end or surfaces 82.1 of the blocking members 78.1.

[0039] Referring to Figure 10, end 116.1 of the divider 112 may be referred to as a top of the divider, with said top being higher than the top 150 of the conduit mounting cavity 96.1 and lower than the top 152 of the intermediate mounting cavity 84.1 from the perspective of Figure 10.

[0040] Referring to Figure 9, the electrical contact slots 100.1 and 103.1 have a radially outwardly-extending curved regions 146 and 148. The regions are circular sections in lateral cross-section in this example.

[0041] The basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention have been shown and described above. It should be understood by the technicians in the industry that the present invention is not limited by the foregoing embodiments. The above embodiments and description only illustrate the principles of the present invention.
There will be variations and modifications that are within the spirit and scope of the invention as herein described and these variations and modifications should be within the scope of the present invention and receive its protection.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

[0042] Examples of electric lamp assemblies have been described. The following is an additional description.

[0043] Electric shock is caused by current passing through the human body. Current from electric shock will cause pathological physiological effects when going through the human or animal body, such as muscle contraction, dyspnea, elevated blood pressure, formation of cardiac excitation waves, atrial fibrillation, and transient cardiac arrest without ventricular fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation until death. The degree of damage caused to the human body is related to the magnitude, frequency, duration and other factors of the current going through the human body. The higher the current, the longer the duration, and the more damage will be caused to the human body.

[0044] The electrical contacts 101 and 103 seen in Figure 2 are first inserted into corresponding electrical contact slots 100 and 102. The two sides of the conduit mounting cavity are provided with slots 104 and 106 shaped to receive the divider 112 seen in Figure 1. The two sides of the divider are respectively inserted into the corresponding divider slots as seen in Figure 6. Referring to Figure 3, the inner wall 69 of the intermediate mounting cavity 84 is provided with one or more catches 86 and 88 for engaging the divider 112. The base portion 32 of lamp 26 seen in Figure 1 is next detachably mounted at the base mounting cavity 66 seen in Figure 3. Insulating conduits 34 and 36 seen in Figure 1 are next inserted within conduit mounting cavity 96 seen in Figure 4. Divider 112 seen in Figure 6 is located in the slot 46 between the insulating conduits seen in Figure 1. The bulb leads 25 and 27 seen in Figure 1 are located in the conduit mounting cavity 96 seen in Figure 4 on both sides of the divider 112 seen in Figure 6. The bulb leads so inserted are shaped to abut electrical contracts 101 and 103 seen in Figure 2.

[0045] Compared to the prior art, the assembly 20 as herein described may have the following beneficial aspects:

= The assembly 20 with divider 112 as herein described is applicable to an LED
lamp string. The inner middle portion of the outer casing 58 has an intermediate mounting cavity, and the inner lower portion of the outer casing having an electrical contact mounting cavity, and the inner upper portion of the outer casing has a base mounting cavity, the bottom of the body portion of the lamp is detachably mounted in the base mounting cavity, the electrical contacts are fixedly mounted in the electrical contact mounting cavity, and the length of the electrical contact mounting cavity makes up 10% to 30% of the total length of the outer casing. Electrical contacts are located inside and downside the outer casing. Because the horizontal position of the divider is higher than the position of the electrical contact, a child's finger inserted into the outer casing may be blocked by the divider, so that the finger is inhibited from touching the inner and outer metal contacts located in the outer casing, thereby preventing the injury to the child resulted from the electric shock.
= The divider divides the intermediate mounting cavity into two chambers, with divider being located in and extending through the slot between the insulating conduits. The position of the charged electrical contacts is below the intermediate mounting cavity. Each of the conduit mounting cavities comprises a small aperture which may be less than 3.2MM in width according to one example. When the divider is inserted into the intermediate mounting cavity, such a structure may function to further inhibit the child's finger from being inserted into the outer casing to cause electric shock.
= The two sides of the electrical contact mounting cavity are provided with a groove matching with the divider, and the two sides of the divider are respectively inserted into the corresponding insertion slots. The inner wall of the intermediate mounting cavity is provided with the retaining limits or catches that correspond with the divider to keep the divider fixed in position so that the divider will not loosen or fall.

= The divider separates the conduit mounting cavity into two chambers. Even if rainwater leaks therewithin under the harsh outdoor conditions, because of the better sealing resulting from the structure as herein described, electricity contact is less likely to happen than in a traditional structure. This functions to enhance the waterproof level of the assembly as herein described.
= The insulating conduits of the lamp function to differentiate the positive and negative electrodes due to difference in diameters of the conduits.
= The bulb lead wires are bent directly to the sides of the insulating conduits, and the bulb leads are then tightly crimped to the electrical contacts by the insulating conduits, instead of touching the electrical contacts by bending the bulb legs and relying on the elasticity. This may result in a tight connection, thereby inhibiting poor contact and open circuits.

[0046] Many advantages result from the structure of the present invention. For example, the assembly as herein described may include at least the following beneficial effects: after the lamp is detached, if a child inserts a finger into the outer casing due to curiosity or accident, the finger will be blocked by the divider and inhibited from touching the electrical contacts located at the inner lower part of the outer casing, to avoid injury from the electric shock caused by inserting the finger into the outer casing.
The inner wall of the intermediate mounting cavity is provided with catches which are matched with the divider, so that the divider is not likely to loosen.

[0047] The following clauses are offered as further description.
(1) A lamp cap with a leg and leg-splitting card core, the lamp cap comprising a soft head; a leg-splitting card core, a lamp cap body and a copper end joint, a soft head including outer casing, insulating tube mounting cavity, groove, leg core retaining limit, lamp cap body mounting cavity and central mounting cavity housing. The inner middle portion of the body has a central mounting cavity, the inner lower portion of the outer casing has an insulating tube mounting cavity, and the inner upper portion of the outer casing has a cap body mounting cavity, the bottom of the lamp body is detachably mounted in the lamp body mounting cavity, and the copper end connector is fixedly mounted on the inner side wall of the insulating tube mounting cavity, and the length of the insulating tube mounting cavity is 10% to 30% of the total length of the outer casing, the distance between the top end of the copper end joint and the top end of the outer casing is greater than 0.5 cm, and the sides of the insulating tube mounting cavity are provided with a groove that matches the leg, and the two sides of the leg core are respectively inserted into the corresponding insertion grooves. The inner wall of the middle mounting cavity is provided with a retaining limit corresponding to the leg core.
The top of the split leg core is higher than the top of the insulating tube mounting cavity, but lower than the top of the middle mounting cavity.
(2) The lamp cap with leg and leg-splitting card core of clause 1, comprised of: the described light cap including a soft core, a bulb, a bulb lead A, and a bulb lead B, insulation tube A, insulation tube B, bulb installed on the top of the soft core, the soft core equipped with insulation tube A and insulation tube B at its bottom, there is a gap between the insulating tube A and the insulating tube B, one end of the bulb lead A is connected to the anode of the bulb, and the bottom end of the bulb lead A extends through the insulating tube A to the outside of the insulating tube A, and the one end of bulb lead B is connected to the negative pole of the bulb, and the other end of the bulb lead B extends through the insulating tube B to the outside of the insulating tube B, and the insulating tube A and the insulating tube B are installed in the cavity. The insulating tube A and the insulating tube B
are divided on both sides of the leg core, and the bottom end of the bulb lead A is bent to the outside of the insulating tube A. The bottom end of the bulb lead B is bent to the outside of the insulating tube B, and the bulb lead A. The bulb lead B
and the corresponding copper end fitting are connected. The bottom of the soft core has a split leg core avoidance groove.

(3) The lamp cap with leg and leg-splitting card core of any preceding clause, wherein the split leg core divides the insulating tube mounting cavity into two chambers, respectively cavity A and insulating tube mounting cavity B, with said insulating tube A being inserted into the insulating tube mounting cavity A.
The insulating tube B is inserted into the insulating tube mounting cavity B. The top of the split leg core can be snapped into the split leg core avoidance groove at the bottom of the soft core.
(4) The lamp cap with leg and leg-splitting card core of any preceding clause, wherein the insulating tube mounting cavity on both sides of the split leg core is provided with a copper end joint fixing groove. The copper end fitting is located in the copper end joint fixing groove.
(5) The lamp cap with leg and leg-splitting card core of any preceding clause, wherein the copper end fitting is provided with two copper end joints, a positive copper end joint and a negative copper end joint. The bulb lead A and the bulb lead B are respectively abutted with the positive copper end joint and the negative copper end joint.
(6) The lamp cap with leg and leg-splitting card core of any preceding clause, wherein the electric wire extends through the outer casing to connect the copper end joint in the outer casing, relying on the split leg core to pack the lower hole of the soft head tightly with the two wires to essentially prevent water from entering, thereby avoiding the result of the electric connection.
(7) The lamp cap with leg and leg-splitting card core of any preceding clause, wherein the bulb is a light emitting diode ("LED") bulb.
(8) The lamp cap with leg and leg-splitting card core of any preceding clause, wherein the bulb is a tungsten bulb.

[0048] It will be appreciated that many variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein. It will be understood by someone skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is to be determined with reference to at least the following claims.

Claims (38)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An electric lamp assembly comprising:
a lamp including a base portion having a socket shaped to receive a bulb and including a pair of insulating conduits coupled to and extending outwards from the base portion, the insulating conduits being shaped to receive and extend about respective leads of the bulb;
a lamp holder having a base mounting cavity shaped to receive the base portion of the lamp, a conduit mounting cavity shaped to receive the insulating conduits and an intermediate mounting cavity in communication with and extending between the base mounting cavity and the conduit mounting cavity; and a divider selectively insertable within the lamp holder so as to extend within the intermediate mounting cavity and the conduit mounting cavity of the lamp holder and be interposed between respective said insulating conduits.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lamp holder includes a first shoulder extending between the base mounting cavity and the intermediate mounting cavity, and a second shoulder extending between the intermediate mounting cavity and the conduit mounting cavity, and wherein the divider includes an end positioned within the intermediate mounting cavity between the first shoulder and the second shoulder.

3. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2 wherein the lamp holder includes at a retaining member configured to enable insertion of the divider into the lamp holder and inhibit removable of the divider therefrom thereafter.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the retaining member is positioned within the intermediate mounting cavity of the lamp holder.

5. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 4 wherein the retaining member is integrally connected to and formed with the lamp holder so as to form a unitary whole.

6. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the lamp holder further includes one or more inner walls extending about the intermediate mounting cavity and wherein the retaining member couples to and extends inwardly from said one or more inner walls.

7. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the retaining member has a distal end portion, a proximal end portion that is tapered relative to the distal end portion, and an inner surface facing the base mounting cavity and extending between the end portions, the divider being configured to abut, elastically deform and thereafter pass through the inner surface of the retaining member, with the distal end portion of the retaining member being configured to block removal of the divider from the lamp holder thereafter.

8. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein the retaining member is a catch.

9. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the divider is planar.

10. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the divider is spaced-apart from the base mounting cavity.

11. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the divider is configured to inhibit a person's finger from reaching the conduit mounting cavity.

12. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the divider so inserted within the lamp holder forms a pair of chambers within the intermediate mounting cavity that are sized to inhibit a person's finger from passing therethrough.

13. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lamp has a first end and a second end spaced-apart from the first end thereof, the socket extends from the first end of the lamp towards the second end of the lamp, the insulating conduits extend from the second end of the lamp towards the first end of the lamp and the insulating conduits are spaced-apart so as to form a slot which extends from the second end of the lamp towards the first end of the lamp, the slot being configured to receive the divider therewithin.

14. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the lamp holder has a first end and a second end spaced-apart from the first end thereof, the base mounting cavity extends from the first end of the lamp holder towards the second end of the lamp holder, and the conduit mounting cavity extends from adjacent to the second end of the lamp holder towards the first end of the lamp holder.

15. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the assembly has a longitudinal axis along which the mounting cavities extend and align, the base mounting cavity being larger in lateral cross-section than the intermediate mounting cavity, and the intermediate mounting cavity being larger in lateral cross-section than the conduit mounting cavity.

16. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the bulb and the bulb leads are parts of the lamp.

17. The assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the bulb is a light emitting diode ("LED") bulb.

18. The assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the bulb is a tungsten bulb.

19. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the bulb and the base portion of the lamp align with and extend along the longitudinal axis of the assembly, and wherein the insulating conduits are spaced-apart from the longitudinal axis and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis.

20. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 further including a pair of spaced-apart electrical contacts positioned within the conduit mounting cavity of the lamp holder, the bulb leads being configured to electrically connect with respective said electrical contacts when the lamp is inserted within the lamp holder, and wherein the divider extends between said electrical contacts.

21. The assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein the electrical contacts are spaced-apart from the intermediate mounting cavity of the lamp holder.

22. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 21 wherein the lamp holder conduit mounting cavity comprises a central region and a pair of enlarged electrical contact slots in communication with the central region, the central region extending between the electrical contact slots, and the electrical contact slots being configured to receive respective said electrical contacts therewithin.

23. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the lamp holder has a length and wherein the conduit mounting cavity has a length that is 10%
to 30% of the length of the lamp holder.

24. A lamp holder for an electric lamp assembly, the holder having a proximal end with an opening configured to receive electrical cable therethrough, having a distal end spaced-apart from the proximal end, and including:
a distal mounting cavity configured to receive a base portion of a lamp body, the distal mounting cavity extending from the distal end towards the proximal end of the holder;
a proximal mounting cavity configured to receive bulb leads of the lamp body;
an intermediate mounting cavity extending between and in communication with the distal mounting cavity and the proximal mounting cavity; and a divider selectively insertable via a proximal end thereof past the distal mounting cavity and into the proximal mounting cavity, the divider so inserted being configured to have a distal end positioned within the intermediate mounting cavity.

25. The lamp holder as claimed in claim 24 further including a catch configured to enable insertion of proximal end of the divider into the proximal mounting cavity and inhibit removable of the divider therefrom thereafter.

26. A lamp holder for an electric lamp assembly, the holder comprising:
an outer casing having a proximal end to receive electrical cable therethrough, a distal end spaced-apart from the proximal end, the distal end being configured to receive a lamp therethrough, and a longitudinal axis extending between said ends;
a core extending from the proximal end towards the distal end of the outer casing, the core having a first end aligned with the proximal end of the outer casing, a second end spaced-apart from the first end thereof, and a bulb lead mounting cavity extending from the second end towards the first end thereof;
at least one protrusion positioned at least in part between the second end of the core and the distal end of the outer casing, said at least one protrusion having a distal surface facing the distal end of the holder; and a divider including an inner portion which couples to the core so as to divide the bulb lead mounting cavity into two chambers, and the divider including an outer portion extending from the second end of the core towards the distal surface of the protrusion.

27. The lamp holder as claimed in claim 26 further including a pair of electrical contacts positioned within the bulb lead mounting cavity, the electrical contacts being spaced-apart from the distal end of the outer casing by a distance equal to or greater than 0.5 cm.

28. The lamp holder as claimed in claim 26 wherein the bulb lead mounting cavity comprises a central region and a pair of enlarged electrical contact slots between which the central region extends, the enlarged electrical contact slots being configured to receive electrical contacts for bulb leads of the assembly.

29. The lamp holder as claimed in claim 28 wherein each of the electrical contacts slots has a width equal to or less than 3.2 mm.

30. The lamp holder as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 29 further including a pair of enlarged divider slots configured to receive the divider, the electrical contact slots align in a first lateral direction and the enlarged divider slots align in a second lateral direction which is perpendicular to the first lateral direction, the lateral directions extending laterally relative to the longitudinal axis.

31. The lamp holder as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30 wherein the electrical contacts are spaced-apart from the second end of the core.

32. The lamp holder as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 31 further including a retaining member configured to enable the divider to pass into the core in a first direction extending from the distal end of the outer casing towards the proximal end of the outer casing and being configured to inhibit removable of the divider thereafter in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction.

33. The lamp holder as claimed in claim 32 wherein the retaining member is triangular in lateral cross-section.

34. The lamp holder as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 31 wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of spaced-apart blocking members which couple to and extend radially inwards from the outer casing.

35. The lamp holder as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 33 wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of spaced-apart blocking members which couple to and extend radially inwards from the outer casing.

36. The lamp holder as claimed in claim 35 wherein the retaining member couples and extends radially inwards from one of said blocking members.

37. The lamp holder as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 36 wherein the blocking members are circular segments in lateral cross-section.

38. A lamp holder comprising:
a first end portion configured to receive a lamp and a second end portion within a pair of spaced-apart electrical contacts are mounted;
at least one blocking member between the end portions with an outer end of the blocking member being adjacent to the first end portion; and a divider selectively insertable within the second end portion between the electrical contacts, the divider extending in part outwards from the second end portion and being spaced-apart from the outer end of the blocking member.