MXPA99007445A - Adapter assembly and receptacle for a fluorescent lamp compa - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly for use with a compact fluorescent lamp including a receptacle and an adapter is described, the receptacle includes a housing having an upper surface and a recess extending downwardly from the upper surface toward the lower end of the receptacle; is configured and sized to receive the ignition housing of the compact fluorescent lamp, a plurality of separate holes are provided on the upper surface, each hole being positioned to receive one of the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp; the adapter is designed to connect the lamps compact fluorescents having different types of base configurations with the receptacle, the adapter includes a base from which an ignition housing and a plurality of terminal pins extend downward, the ignition housing being positioned to be received telescopically through the recess of the receptacle. receptacle; The ignition housing is surrounded by terminal pins that are located away from each other to be inserted into the separate holes in the receptacle, in one embodiment, the base may include a recess for receiving the ignition housing of the compact fluorescent lamp and a plurality of separate holes, each hole is placed to receive one of the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp, in another mode, the base can be attached to it a secondary adapter for use with fluorescent lamp

Description

ADAPTER ASSEMBLY AND RECEPTACLE FOR A COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMP FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an assembly for use with compact fluorescent lamps. In particular, the invention relates to a universal adapter and receptacle assembly for using different types of compact fluorescent lamps that are commercially available.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Compact fluorescent lamps are becoming increasingly popular as replacements for incandescent lamps. Currently, incandescent lamps are used in a variety of applications. Incandescent lamps are used as table lamps, desk lamps, ceiling lamps and the like. Incandescent lamps have been popular because of their effectiveness in providing light. As a result of their effectiveness in providing light, incandescent lamps are often used on a continuous basis, sometimes being left on during the night or over the course of a few days. However, the continuous use of incandescent lamps creates a problem.

Incandescent lamps consume a significant percentage of the world's energy. The energy consumed by incandescent lamps contributes to a form of contamination. Pollution is generated by energy companies that rely on natural resources, such as coal, as fuel to produce electricity. Due to the continuous use of incandescent lamps, more and more electricity must be generated. As a result, as energy companies increase production to meet the demands for more electricity, so do the amount of natural resources consumed and the amount of pollution generated by these energy companies. To conserve energy, the environment and natural resources, compact fluorescent lamps have been designed as energy-saving replacements for incandescent lamps. Typically, compact fluorescent lamps have a longer life than most incandescent lamps. A compact fluorescent lamp typically has a life of between 10,000 and 20,000 hours, compared to incandescent lamps that have 750 to 1,000 hours. Also, compact fluorescent lamps use only a fraction of the energy that is normally needed for an incandescent lamp of relatively equal intensity to work. By using only a fraction of the energy, the cost associated with operating a compact fluorescent lamp, compared to an incandescent lamp, is greatly reduced. Although the initial cost associated with converting an incandescent lamp into a compact fluorescent lamp is greater than replacing a light bulb, the cost is more than compensated for the life of the compact fluorescent lamp. Therefore, compact fluorescent lamps have proven to be a cost-effective, attractive and conscious replacement of incandescent lamps in favor of energy. To benefit from the costs that will be saved, manufacturers have designed and offered to consumers a variety of compact fluorescent lamps that have various shapes and sizes. A typical compact fluorescent lamp includes a fluorescent tube that is connected to a base from which one or more terminal pins extend. Fluorescent tubes are manufactured in a variety of configurations. For example, some fluorescent tubes have a dual U-shaped configuration, while others have a circular or ring configuration. Similar to the fluorescent tube, manufacturers have designed a variety of bases that have different pin configurations. The base is designed to support fluorescent tubes and provide a means of electrical connection. Manufacturers have separated the variety of plug configurations into the following classifications: two-pin configuration (commercially known as G23, GX23, and G24D bases), four-pin configurations (commercially known as GX32D and 2G1 1 bases), and quad peg.

Finally, a pole or housing also extends from the base, placed between the terminal pins. The housing, sometimes called the "ignition housing", is used to store the ignition elements of the compact fluorescent lamp that are connected to the terminal pins. The ignition housing is also important for the stability of the fluorescent lamp. The large number of bases that have such a wide variety of plug configurations creates a problem for consumers. To use the different types of compact fluorescent lamps that are offered in the market, the consumer would have to buy a lamp specifically designed for each classification of compact fluorescent lamp that is offered in the market. Buying a different lamp for each compact fluorescent lamp is expensive. In response to this problem, manufacturers have tried to design adapters that can be connected to the different types of compact fluorescent lamps that are offered in the market. For example, the US patent. No. 4,713,019 shows lamp holder receptacles for use with compact fluorescent lamps. The lamp holders include a housing that has a series of channels for receiving the terminal pegs of the compact fluorescent lamps. However, the bras shown in the '019 patent still require the consumer to purchase various different bras for use with different compact fluorescent lamps. In other designs, manufacturers have developed adapters for use with incandescent lamps. Designs of this class are limited because, as the popularity of compact fluorescent lamps increases, the number of lamps specifically designed for use with compact fluorescent lamps will also increase. As a result, the demand for lamps having receptacles to adapt to incandescent lamps for use with compact fluorescent lamps will decrease. Therefore, there is a need in the art for an effective and simple receptacle, and a lamp assembly that allows the consumer to enjoy the benefits of using compact fluorescent lamps at relatively low costs. There is also a need in the art for an adapter that allows the consumer to use two or more compact fluorescent lamps with a single lamp holder. To be effective, the lamp assembly must be designed for use with bases that have two, four-pin, or quad-pin configurations. To meet the aforementioned needs, the present invention provides an apparatus and receptacle assembly for use with a variety of compact fluorescent lamps that are commercially available. An object of the invention is to provide a receptacle that can be used with compact fluorescent lamps. Another object of the invention is to provide an adapter that allows the consumer to use a variety of compact fluorescent lamps with a single receptacle. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings and the description of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an assembly for use with a compact fluorescent lamp. The assembly includes a receptacle and an adapter. The receptacle has an annular wall having a top surface and at least one edge defining its periphery. An opening extends downwardly from the upper surface of the wall to define a cavity or recess for receiving a portion of the compact fluorescent lamp. A plurality of separate holes are provided on the upper surface, each hole being positioned to receive one of the terminal pegs of the compact fluorescent lamp. The separate holes are connected to an assembly of switch that is located inside the receptacle to control the flow of electricity to the compact fluorescent lamp. The adapter is designed to connect the receptacle to the compact fluorescent lamp. The adapter includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. An opening extends downwardly from the top surface to form a gap and receive a portion of the fluorescent lamp. The opening is surrounded by a plurality of spaced holes that lie on the upper surface. Each hole is positioned to receive one of the terminal plugs of the compact fluorescent lamp. A plurality of terminal pins extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the adapter. Each terminal pin is located to be received telescopically in one of the separate holes of the receptacle. In an alternate mode, the base may include a secondary adapter that is designed to be electrically connected to the terminal plugs of the compact fluorescent lamp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For the purpose of illustrating the invention, a mode that is currently preferred is shown in the drawings; however, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and methods shown. Figure 1 is a schematic view with the separate perspective parts of an adapter and a receptacle for use with a compact fluorescent lamp as contemplated in the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a receptacle of the present invention shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a top plan view of the receptacle of the present invention shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle of the present invention shown in Figure 3, taken along line 4-4. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an adapter of the present invention shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a top plan view of the adapter of the present invention shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of the present invention shown in Figure 6, taken along line 7-7. Figure 8 is a schematic view with the separated parts of another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a schematic view with the parts separated in perspective of another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, where the numbers identify the elements, various embodiments of an adapter and receptacle assembly are shown for use with a variety of compact fluorescent lamps that are commercially available. As shown in Figure 1, the assembly generally includes a receptacle having the number 10 and an adapter 12. The receptacle 10 is designed to couple a typical compact fluorescent lamp. The compact fluorescent lamp will have a fluorescent tube attached to a base. The base includes a plurality of terminal pins extending downwardly away from the fluorescent tube. A pole or ignition housing also extends from the base to store the lighting elements of the fluorescent lamp. According to the traditional structure, a pair of molded detents are attached to opposite sides of the ignition housing to secure the fluorescent lamp inside the receptacle 10. As can be seen more clearly in Figure 2, the receptacle 10 includes an upper surface 14 and a housing 16. The housing 16 is annular and has an outer surface 18 and an inner surface 20. The outer surface 18 generally defines the outer periphery of the housing 16 and extends downwardly from the upper surface 14 to the lower end 22 of the housing. receptacle 10. The inner surface 20 is located radially inwardly from the outer surface 18 and also extends downwardly from the upper surface 14. The distance between the outer surface 18 and the inner surface 20 generally defines the thickness of the upper surface 14. As best illustrated in Figure 2, the inner surface 20 is defined by a plurality of d e sides 24 that are joined to one another at the corners to form a recess 26 or cavity. The recess 26 extends below the inner surface 14 and terminates in a floor 23 which is located on the lower end 22 of the receptacle 10 (see Figure 4). The recess 26 must be deep enough to substantially receive the ignition housing of the fluorescent lamp extending from the base. As also illustrated in FIG. 2, the recess 26 includes a pair of opposed slots 30 that are provided to assist in aligning the fluorescent lamp when it is inserted into the receptacle 10. Each slit 30 extends downwardly from the upper surface 12. to the 28th floor of the recess 26. The slots 30 are formed to receive an opposingly formed member projecting from a side of the ignition housing of the fluorescent lamp. The slot 30 is optional and can be removed without altering the performance of the receptacle 10. It is contemplated that the recess 26 can have any configuration. In fact, the recess 26 can advantageously be cylindrical to receive a post or housing with a substantially cylindrical shape. Those skilled in the art should understand that the cross section of the recess 26 will be slightly larger than the cross section of the ignition housing so that the fluorescent lamp can be inserted easily and firmly, and removed from the housing 10 without causing any damage. A series of hooks 32 are formed on the inner surface 20 of the recess 26 to hold the fluorescent lamp retainers. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the hooks 32 are located on opposite sides 24 of the recess 26 to stop each of the fluorescent lamp retainers. Each hook 32 projects outwardly from its joined side 24 and includes a slope 34 that tapers up towards a vertex.

When the fluorescent lamp is inserted into the receptacle 10, the fluorescent lamp detents will slide along each slope 34 until the fluorescent lamp snaps into place. The hooks 32 and detents form a locking mechanism or means to ensure that the fluorescent lamp remains securely fixed within the recess 26 of the receptacle 10. It is contemplated that other forms of closure mechanisms may be used in a manner consistent with the spirit and purpose of the present invention. Referring now to Figure 3, a switch assembly 36 for the receptacle 10 is shown. The switch assembly 36 is provided in the housing 14 as a means for controlling the flow of electricity to and within the receptacle 10. The switch assembly 36 includes an interrupting means that is operatively connected to a knob 38 projecting outwardly from a hole in the outer surface 16 of the housing 14. The knob 38 can rotate clockwise to its "on" or "on" position. "off" in relation to the electricity that can flow into the receptacle 10. According to the present invention, the interruption means can be replaced with other switches, such as a push-button switch, a pivot switch, a regulating coil or the like. Switches of this class can be operated manually or by means of electronically controlled devices. Interrupt and interruption assembly means 36 are available in the market from various manufacturers and have commonly recognized configurations.

As shown in Figure 3, a series of holes is provided 40 on the upper surface 12 of the receptacle 10. The holes 40 are spaced apart from one another to coincide with the relative spacing between the terminal pegs of the fluorescent lamp. As illustrated in Figure 3, the holes 40 are located around the recess 26, intermediate the outer surface 18 and the inner surface 20 of the receptacle 10. As best seen in Figure 4, each hole 40 extends below the upper surface 12 towards lower end 22 of receptacle 10 and has sufficient width to receive each of the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp. Within each hole 40 is a suitable form of conductive material or other means of conducting electricity, to firmly grasp each of the terminal pins. The hole 40 and the conduction means combine to form a channel 42 for electrically retaining the terminal pins. Once the terminal pins are nested within the channel 42, electricity can flow from the receptacle 10, through the conductive material and into the fluorescent lamp. Those skilled in the art should understand that the receptacle 10 can be connected to a typical lamp holder that can be used as a table or desk lamp. The receptacle 10 can be formed using suitable thermoplastic material already known in the art. The receptacle 10 may generally include a power cord extending from its lower end 18 and connected to a plug having a pair of male prongs. The tips are adapted to be inserted into a typical female AC electric outlet. The lamp holder, power cord, and plug are commercially available from various manufacturers and do not form an important part of the present invention, therefore, no further analysis of these parts is necessary. Referring now to Figure 5, a perspective view of the adapter 12 as contemplated in the present invention is shown. The adapter 12 is provided for use with the receptacle 10. As illustrated in Figure 5, the adapter 12 includes a substantially rectangular base 44 having an upper surface 46 and a lower surface 48. The base 44 is bordered by at least one edge 50 defining the outer periphery. The base 44 includes a housing 52 having a plurality of walls 54. Each wall 54 connects to the corners and extends downwardly from the upper surface 46 to the lower surface 48 of the adapter 12. The wall 54 includes an external surface 56 and an internal surface 58. The distance between the outer surface 56 and the inner surface 58 further defines the relative thickness of the housing 52. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the internal surface 58 has a plurality of sides 60 which are joined to one another at the corners to form a recess or cavity 62. The recess 62 has the same purposes as the recess 62 of the receptacle 10. In this way, the recess 62 it must be of sufficient length to receive substantially and firmly the ignition housing of the fluorescent lamp. Within the gap 62 is a pair of opposed slots 64 that help align the compact fluorescent lamp when inserted. Each slot 64 extends downwardly from the upper surface 46 towards the floor of the recess 62. The slots are created to receive an opposingly formed member projecting from the side of the ignition housing of the compact fluorescent lamp. The slots 64 are optional and can be eliminated. A pair of hooks 66 are provided within the recess 62 of the adapter 12. As shown in Figure 5, the hooks 66 are positioned to hold the fluorescent lamp retainers. Each hook 66 includes a slope 68 that tapers outwardly from the inner surface 58 towards its apex. When the fluorescent lamp is inserted, the detents will slide up along each slope 68 until the fluorescent lamp snaps into place. The hooks 66 and the fluorescent lamp retainers serve as the closure mechanism or a means for ensuring that the fluorescent lamp remains securely located within the adapter 12. Other mechanisms or closure means may be used within the scope of the present invention. A post 70, commonly called the ignition housing, extends downwardly from the bottom surface 48 of the base 44 to the recess 26 of the receptacle 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the post 70 is substantially rectangular and has four sides that they join one another at the corners. The post 70 is located within the outer edge 50 of the base 44, such that the adapter 12 will generally have a T-shaped configuration. The post 70 may be used to store the electrical components of the adapter 12 and provide stability within the receptacle. 10 once the adapter 12 is inserted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the post 70 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the configuration of the recess 26 of the receptacle 10 or the electrical components that can be stored. In fact, the post 70 can have a cylindrical configuration that fits a hollow with a substantially cylindrical shape. The post 70 can also be used as a means for guiding the electricity from the receptacle 10 if it has some form of conductive material therein. It is contemplated that the post may be used in a manner similar to the terminal pin to conduct electricity to the fluorescent lamp. As shown in Figure 5, the detents 72 are located at opposite ends 74 of the block 70, similar to the seals that are formed in the compact fluorescent lamp. Each retainer 72 is positioned to be slidably fastened in a manner of locking on the hooks 32 formed within the recess 26. The detents 72 are part of the locking mechanism that is used to hold the adapter 12, and securely secured within the receptacle 10. With reference to Figure 6, a plurality of holes 74 are shown. The holes 74 are located in the upper surface 46 of the adapter 12 to receive at least one of the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp. Within each hole 74 is a suitable form of conductive material or other conduction means for firmly grasping each of the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp.

As best illustrated in Figure 7, the combination of the hole 74 and the conductive material forms a channel 76 that projects downward toward the lower end 48 of the base 44. Once the terminal pins are nested within the channel 76, electricity can flow into the fluorescent lamp to illuminate the fluorescent bulbs. Inside the adapter 12 there is a means to provide electricity to the fluorescent lamp. In the preferred embodiments shown in Figure 7, the electricity means includes a series of terminal pins 78 that are electrically connected to a plurality of spaced holes 74. The terminal pins 78 extend downwardly from the bottom surface 48 of the base 44 towards the receptacle 10. The terminal pins 78 are spaced apart from each other to coincide with the relative position and space between the holes 40 that are in the receptacle 10. When the adapter 12 is assembled, the terminal pins 78 will be received telescopically in each of the holes 40. Once inside, the terminal pins 78 will be firmly grasped by the conductive means provided within the holes 40. In this manner, electricity can flow from the receptacle 10 to the terminal pins 78 to illuminate the fluorescent tubes. Referring now to Figure 8, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, the adapter 12 includes a substantially solid base 44 having a top surface 46 and at least one edge defining the outer perimeter. In this embodiment, the electricity conduction means of the adapter 12 includes a power cord 80 or cable that is connected to a secondary or auxiliary adapter 82. The power cord 80 has one or more wires that are electrically connected to each of the terminal pins of the adapter 12 to allow electricity to flow towards the fluorescent lamp. The secondary adapter 82 includes a plurality of holes 84 or channels to receive at least one of the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp. Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the present invention. The adapter 12 includes a support member 86 attached to the upper surface 46 of the base 44. The support member 86 is designed to support a substantially circular fluorescent lamp and includes a pair of arms 88 extending outwardly from one another. in relation to the central vertical axis of the adapter 12. Each arm 88 includes a U-shaped flange 90 which defines a recess 92 for firmly grasping the fluorescent tube. The internal edges 94 of the flange and the outer edges 96 of the flange 92 have a slight curve having a radius that is substantially the same as that of the circular fluorescent lamp. The arms 88 and the flange 90 are made of flexible material to flex flexibly and to apply sufficient reactive force to support the fluorescent lamp.

The electrical conductive means of the adapter 12 shown in this embodiment also include the cable line 80 and the secondary adapter 82. The secondary adapter 82 includes the plurality of holes 82 that are designed to be electrically connected to the terminal plugs of the fluorescent tube. circular. As shown and described above, the invention simplifies the use of compact fluorescent lamps that are commercially available. As shown in Figure 1, the receptacle 10 is designed to receive a compact fluorescent lamp having four basic parts: a fluorescent tube, a base, terminal pins, and a pole. Typically, the fluorescent tube is connected at one end of the base, from where the terminal pins and the post extend. The fluorescent tube may have a U-shaped configuration (as illustrated in Figure 1) or may have other configurations as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, respectively. Current fluorescent lamp manufacturers make and sell fluorescent tubes of various sizes and for each of them have different base sizes and terminal pin configurations. As shown in each illustration, the combination of the receptacle 10 and the adapter 12 allows the consumer to use a variety of compact fluorescent lamps. The receptacle 10 may have a shape of other configurations than the annular configuration as illustrated in Figures 1, 8 and 9. Also, the holes 40 provided in the upper surface 12 may vary in number depending on the length and the number of terminal pins extending from the base of the compact fluorescent lamp. For example, receptacle 10 may include a single hole 40 for bases having a single plug configuration or fluorescent lamp firing by electrostatic field. It is contemplated that other receptacle and plug configurations may be used with the present invention. The apparatus shown in Figures 1, 8 and 9 is easily assembled. The apparatus is assembled by inserting the adapter 12 into the receptacle 10 and then the fluorescent lamp. The end plugs of the adapter 12 will slide into each of the holes 40 of the receptacle 10. The adapter 12 will be received telescopically in the recess 26 of the receptacle 10. The adapters 12 must be pushed enough so that the bottom surface of each base 44 rests in the upper part of the upper surface 12 of the receptacle 10. In this way, the present invention covers the need to provide a universal apparatus that allows different compact fluorescent lamps to be used with a lamp assembly. Each of the adapters 12 described above can be used with the same receptacle. The use of the adapters eliminates the need for separate receptacles for each different type of base configurations for the compact fluorescent lamps currently offered in the market. The adapter 12 and the receptacle 10 provide the consumer with flexibility in the choice of a particular type of compact fluorescent lamp. The present invention may have an embodiment in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims, instead of the above specification, as indicated by the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. - An assembly for use with a compact fluorescent lamp, the compact fluorescent lamp has a fluorescent tube electrically connected to a base from which a plurality of terminal pins and an ignition housing, a guide post having at least one of the following, generally extend downwards; minus a pair of molded detents joined in opposite manner, the assembly comprises: a receptacle having an annular wall, the wall having a top surface and at least one edge defining a periphery, an opening extending down from the surface top of the wall to receive at least a portion of the fluorescent lamp, a plurality of spaced holes provided on the upper surface of the wall, each hole positioned to receive at least one of the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp, an assembly switch arranged inside the receptacle to control the flow of electricity towards the fluo lamp Resin, and an adapter for connecting the receptacle to the fluorescent lamp, the adapter includes: a base having an upper surface and a lower surface, a plurality of terminal pins, each terminal extending downwardly from the lower surface to be received by at least one of the separate holes of the receptacle and an ignition housing projecting down from the bottom surface.
2. 2. The assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the opening of the receptacle further comprises a plurality of side walls, each wall being joined at the corners to define a cavity for receiving the ignition housing of the fluorescent lamp.
3. 3. The assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the adapter further comprises an opening provided in the base to receive at least a portion of the fluorescent lamp.
4. 4. The assembly according to claim 3, further characterized in that the opening of the adapter further comprises a plurality of side walls, each wall being joined at the corners to define a cavity to receive the ignition housing of the fluorescent lamp.
5. 5. The assembly according to claim 4, further characterized in that the adapter includes a plurality of separate holes, each hole provided on the upper surface of the housing to receive at least one of the terminal pins of the fluorescent lamp.
6. 6. The assembly according to claim 4, further characterized in that the adapter further comprises a locking means for coupling the fluorescent lamp retainers so that the fluorescent lamp remains securely connected to the adapter.
7. 7. The assembly according to claim 6, further characterized in that the locking means of the adapter includes a pair of hooks, each hook located on the opposite side of the inner surface of the wall.
8. 8. The assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the interruption assembly further comprises a switch projecting outward from an opening in the receptacle wall.
9. 9. The assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the receptacle further comprises a locking means for coupling the fluorescent lamp retainers so that the fluorescent lamp remains securely connected to the lamp. receptacle after assembly.
10. 10. The fluorescent lamp assembly according to claim 9, further characterized in that the locking means further comprises a pair of detents located on opposite sides of the guide post for engaging the locking means of the receptacle. 1 1.- An assembly to use a compact fluorescent lamp, the compact fluorescent lamp has a fluorescent tube connected to a molded base, from which a series of terminal pins generally extend downwards, each of the terminal pins providing electricity to the fluorescent tube, the compact fluorescent lamp also has a molded post projecting down from the bottom of the base beyond of each of the terminal pins, the post has a pair of molded detents joined in opposite manner, the assembly of the fluorescent lamp comprises: an annular housing having an upper surface, the housing includes a substantially integral wall surrounding its vertical axis , the wall extends from the upper surface towards a lower end, the wall has an external surface and an internal surface, the outer surface defines the periphery of the housing, the inner surface forms a hole to receive the lamp post, the fluorescent lamp, hollow extends down from the upper surface towards the lower end, means d control arranged within the housing to regulate the flow of electricity into the housing, the control means include an operatively linked switch, a series of channels provided on the upper surface of the housing, each channel projecting downward to receive each of the pins fluorescent lamp terminals and has means disposed therein to provide electricity to the terminal plugs, and an adapter for use with the housing, the adapter has a base from which a series of terminal pins and a guide post extend downwards , each of the terminal pins spaced apart from one another to be received by the channels of the housing, and means for electrically connecting the adapter with the fluorescent lamp. 12. - The assembly according to claim 1 1, further characterized in that the opening of the housing includes a plurality of sides joined at the corners to define a hole received by the pole of the fluorescent lamp. 13. The assembly according to claim 12, further characterized in that the opening of the housing includes a pair of locking mechanisms formed on opposite sides for coupling the fluorescent lamp retainers. 14. The assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the opening of the housing is cylindrical. 15. The assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the adapter further comprises four walls, each wall joined with another at the corners to form an opening for receiving the fluorescent lamp. 16. The assembly according to claim 11, further characterized in that the connection means of the adapter further comprises an auxiliary adapter, the auxiliary adapter has a base, a series of separate channels to receive and provide electricity to the terminal pins of the fluorescent lamp, a power cord that connects to the auxiliary adapter with the adapter. 17. In a fluorescent light assembly having a compact fluorescent lamp for use with a receptacle, the compact fluorescent lamp has a fluorescent light bulb connected to a common base, a series of pins extending from the base, a housing Ignition that extends from the intermediate base to the series of terminal pins, the molded post includes at least two opposing detents, the receptacle comprising: an annular housing having an upper surface and a lower surface, a substantially integral wall that is extends downwardly from the upper surface, the wall has an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface has a plurality of sides, each side joined to another to form a recess, the recess has shapes and dimensions to receive the ignition housing of the fluorescent lamp, a series of separate holes provided on the upper surface, each hole located to receive at least one of the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp, a conductive material provided in each of the holes for electrically coupling and grasping the terminal pins, the conductive material forming an elongated channel, an interrupting means disposed within the housing , the interrupting means includes an operatively linked switch, the switch extends outward from a portion of the wall of the housing, a series of hooks disposed within the recess, each hook positioned to releasably couple at least one of the detents. of the fluorescent lamp. 18. In a fluorescent light assembly having a compact fluorescent lamp for use with a receptacle and an adapter, the compact fluorescent lamp has a fluorescent light bulb connected to a common base, a series of terminal pins extending from the base, a molded post extending from the intermediate base to the series of terminal pins, the molded post includes at least two opposing detents, the receptacle has a housing, a recess for substantially receiving the fluorescent lamp post, a series of separate holes surrounding the housing for receiving and electrically connecting with each of the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp, a locking means having at least one pair of opposing hooks, and an interrupting means for controlling the flow of electricity towards the receptacle, the adapter comprises: a base to support the fluorescent lamp having a surface above or and a lower surface, the lower surface facing the receptacle, a series of terminal pins extending downward from the bottom surface of the base, a post extending down from the bottom surface of the base located between the series of terminal pins, and conducting means provided within the base to provide electricity to the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp. 19. The adapter according to claim 18, further comprising a series of opposed seals provided on the post to releasably engage each of the hooks of the locking means of the receptacle. 20. The adapter according to claim 18, further characterized in that the base further comprises a recess with shape and dimensions for receiving the fluorescent lamp and a pair of opposite hooks for releasably coupling each of the post retainers of the fluorescent lamp. 21. The adapter according to claim 18, further characterized in that the conductive means comprises a series of holes provided on the upper surface of the base, each hole is separated from the other to receive each of the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp. in such a way that the electricity can flow towards the fluorescent tube. 22. The adapter according to claim 18. further characterized in that the conductive means further comprises a power cord and a secondary adapter, the power cord connected at one end to at least one of the terminal pins that extend from the base and connected at an opposite end of the secondary adapter, the secondary adapter has a receptacle, the receptacle includes a series of holes to receive the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp in such a way that electricity can flow into the fluorescent tube. 23. The adapter according to claim 18, further characterized in that the base further comprises a central vertical axis and a pair of support members extending outwardly from the vertical axis to support a substantially curved fluorescent tube. 24. The adapter according to claim 23, further characterized in that each base support member includes a U-shaped flange having a recess, the flange is curved to suit the configuration of the fluorescent tube. 25. In a method for providing an interchangeable apparatus for use with a variety of compact fluorescent lamps offered on the market, each of the fluorescent lamps has a fluorescent tube attached to a base from which a series extends downwards. of separate terminal pins, the method comprises the steps of: providing a receptacle having a top surface, a housing and a series of terminal pins, the housing includes a recess for receiving the fluorescent lamp; attaching the receptacle to a lamp holder; providing an adapter for use with the receptacle, the adapter having a base, a plurality of terminal pins, and a means for securing the adapter within the receptacle, the adapter being designed to join and provide electricity to the fluorescent lamp; electrically connect the adapter to the receptacle so that electricity can flow from the receptacle into the adapter that the compact fluorescent lamp will be used. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An assembly is described for use with a compact fluorescent lamp that includes a receptacle and an adapter; the receptacle includes a housing having an upper surface and a recess extending downwardly from the upper surface toward the lower end of the receptacle; the recess is configured and sized to receive the ignition housing of the compact fluorescent lamp; on the upper surface a plurality of separate holes are provided, each hole being positioned to receive one of the terminal pegs of the fluorescent lamp; The adapter is designed to connect compact fluorescent lamps that have different types of base configurations with the receptacle; the adapter includes a base from which an ignition housing and a plurality of terminal pins extend downward; the ignition housing is positioned to be received telescopically through the recess of the receptacle; the ignition housing is surrounded by terminal pins which are located away from each other to be inserted in the separate holes of the receptacle; in one embodiment, the base may include a recess for receiving the ignition housing of the compact fluorescent lamp and a plurality of spaced holes; each hole is positioned to receive one of the terminal plugs of the fluorescent lamp; in another embodiment, the base may have attached thereto a secondary adapter for use with the fluorescent lamp. 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