US3925655A

US3925655A - Composite map light and cigar lighter plug

Info

Publication number: US3925655A
Application number: US500370A
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald J Mattis
Original assignee: Sun Chemical Corp
Current assignee: Casco Products Corp
Priority date: 1974-08-26
Filing date: 1974-08-26
Publication date: 1975-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 1992-12-09
Also published as: CA1040277A

Abstract

A composite lamp and cigar lighter plug device for insertion in the well or holder of an electric cigar lighter for automobiles to provide a convenient map light in addition to the ignitor function. The composite device includes a lamp and knob assemblage which has a socket and switch structure that is shiftably mounted for movement between ON and OFF positions. The remainder of the composite device can be either a cooperable ignitor assemblage for conventional pop-out operation, or else a cooperable adapter functioning essentially to establish an energizing circuit to the lamp and knob assemblage. The latter thus constitutes a unique unit or article of manufacture by itself, which is useable with other different assemblages. The slidable socket and switch structure is instantly and easily removable from the unit without requiring tools, for quick servicing or replacement of the lamp. In conjunction with the ignitor assemblage, it effects a desirable contact sequence which eliminates arcing and the resultant dirtying of contacts.

Description

United States Patent [191 Mattis I Dec. 9, 1975 COMPOSITE MAP LIGHT AND CIGAR LIGHTER PLUG [75] Inventor: Donald J. Mattis, Norwalk, Conn.

[73] Assignee: Sun Chemical Corporation, New

York, N.Y.

[22] Filed: Aug. 26, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 500,370

Primary Examiner-Richard L. Moses Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Cynthia Berlow 7] ABSTRACT A composite lamp and cigar lighter plug device for insertion in the well or holder of an electric cigar lighter for automobiles to provide a convenient map light in addition to the ignitor function. The composite device includes a lamp and knob assemblage which has a socket and switch structure that is shiftably mounted for movement between ON and OFF positions. The remainder of the composite device can be either a cooperable ignitor assemblage for conventional pop-out operation, or else a cooperable adapter functioning essentially to establish an energizing circuit to the lamp and knob assemblage. The latter thus constitutes a unique unit or article of manufacture by itself, which is useable with other different assemblages. The slidable socket and switch structure is instantly and easily removable from the unit without requiring tools, for quick servicing or replacement of the lamp. In conjunction with the ignitor assemblage, it effects a desirable contact sequence which eliminates arcing and the resultant dirtying of contacts.

22 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures IIIIIIIIIIII! wwN M US. Patent Dec.'9, 1975 Sheet2 of5 3,925,655

.wvw mmm mmm vw 0 0E QQN QR US. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 3 of5 3,925,655

MVN Q VN US. Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet4 of5 3,925,655

FIG. 6

FIG. 5A

COMPOSITE MAP LIGHT AND CIGAR LIGHTER PLUG BACKGROUND This invention relates to cigar or cigarette lighter devices for automobiles and the like, and is more particularly concerned with plug assemblies for use with the existing wells or holders of conventional cigarette lighters.

Many automobiles, which include an electric cigarette lighter as standard equipment, lack a map light on the dashboard. The usual overhead courtesy light is not adequate even for general purpose reading and certainly is not suitable for study of the minute details of road maps. To equip such automobiles with a conventional-type, adequate map light would be costly and expensive. In addition to cutting through the dashboard to mount the fixture, there would be involved the wiring behind the dash. In many cases the rear space, where such wiring must be installed, is virtually inaccessible or at best difficult to work in. As a consequence, the task of providing in such cars a suitable light for reading maps presents many difficulties and disadvantages.

A number of the intermediate, low-priced and compact cars do not include an overhead light in which case there is an even greater need for a conveniently available accessory light. Here, again, the task of mounting a lighting fixture and of wiring the same is complicated and costly, usually requiring skilled or trained personnel. Thus, in many vehicles, there exists a need for a serviceable lamp to provide proper reading and/or courtesy lighting, preferably at an accessible dashboard location. Particularly such a light should, at the least, give sufficient illumination for reading maps, charts, etc.

SUMMARY The present invention obviates the drawbacks and disadvantages attendent to providing front-compartment or rear-compartment lighting of the type above mentioned, and accordingly seeks to fill the existing need for a device capable of serving as both a map light and/or courtesy light while offering the additional advantages of low-cost, ease of installation and service.

One subject of the invention, therefore, is to provide an improved combination cigar lighter and map or courtesy light device by which the installation problems heretofore existing are obviated, said device being easily and quickly put into use by the average person and being capable of easy servicing, as for replacement of bulbs, etc. A related object of the invention is to provide an improved combination ignitor and light device as above set forth, comprising basically a lighting or bulb-carryin g assembly including a body member, knob and switching means which is compatible with and quickly attachable to various contactor plugs, such as ignitor or adapter assemblies so as to constitute completed composite plug-in devices for use in existing cigar lighter wells or holders. A still further object of the invention is to provide a combined ignitor and light device having novel and improved electrical circuitry making for reliable, extended operation of either the ignitor or the lamp, all with a minimum of servicing being required. Related to this letter object is a unique mode of operation for effecting the selective switching of either the light or the ignitor. A feature of the invention resides in the provision of a novel, instantly and easily removable subassembly structure of lamp socket and lamp, all without the use of tools, by which servicing and lamp replacement are facilitated. In accomplishing these objects, the invention provides composite or combined lighting and plug devices that include a lamp socket mounted in a control section or lighting assembly, and also a contactor plug or assembly that functions as a plug-type connector receivable in the existing switch base or well of the conventional electric cigarette lighters.

The lamp socket can be shiftably mounted in the control or lighting assembly to move between a forward OFF or inactive position and a rearward ON or active position, as illustrated in the preferred embodiments of the invention described herein; or the lamp socket can be stationary in the control assembly and the switching accomplished by other means.

The contactor plug or assembly serves to complete electrical supply paths between the cigar lighter well and the lamp socket; it is illustrated as being in the form of an ignitor of the popout type that is matched to the particular lighter well. Or, the contactor assembly can be in the form of an adapter that fits most of the existing lighter wells.

In the preferred embodiments the control or lighting assembly comprises a hollow body member containing a lamp and having a window or opening for the emission of light, the hollow body also having a front opening to receive a shiftable slider that carries the lamp and lamp socket, and further having aligned, lengthwise extending side wall slots. The slider has laterally flexible side walls that are contractible for its front insertion in or removal from the body to facilitate assembly and servicing, and that are expansible into the side wall slots to guide the slider during its movement in carrying the lamp and socket between the ON and OFF positions thereof.

The control or lighting assembly constitutes an article of manufacture in the form of a unit that is complete in and of itself, being useable with various other ignitor contact assemblies or adapters, thus providing flexibility in manufacture, distribution and servicing.

Moving of the slider structure to the ON position first effects an opening of the grounding circuit for the ignitor, before the ignitor hot circuit is completed to furnish energy for the lamp. This sequential circuitry prevents arcing of contacts, extending their life and reducing the need for servicing.

A spring adapted to carry the ignitor current is formed of bimetallic stock, namely copper clad steel wire, thereby reducing losses, heating, etc. i

In the lighting assembly, a detent is provided with overtravel to insure its operability and simplify manufacture. All components are capable of high-production manufacture and assembly, thereby greatly reducing costs.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims, being illustrated in the accompanying drawings which show structure embodying preferred features of the present invention and the principles thereof, and what is now considered to be the best mode in which to apply said principles.

In the accompanying'drawings forming a part of the specification, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

FIG. 1 is a horizontal section through a composite lamp and plug unit consisting of a map lamp subassembly in conjunction with an ignitor subassembly.

FIG. 2 is a view partly in vertical sectionand partly in elevation, showing additional details of the composite unit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2-A is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the parts in actuated position to effect illumination of the bulb.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view through the inner end of the map lamp assembly taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a vertical section showing a composite lamp and plug unit consisting of a map lamp assembly and an adapter unit therefor;

FIG. S-A is an enlarged sectional view showing the adapter assembly alone.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modified ignitor unit for another type of cigarette lighter, the ignitor unit being adapted for use with the present map lighter assembly to form a composite lamp and plug unit.

FIG. 7 is a front end elevational view of a metal liner part embodied in the map light subassembly.

FIG. 8 is a side elevationalview of the liner part.

FIG. 9 is a side edge view of the liner part.

FIG. 10 is an edge elevational view of a slide structure utilized in the light subassembly.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the slide structure of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a back end elevational view of the slide structure of FIGS. 10 and 11, and

FIG. 13 is a front end elevational view of the slide structure.

Referring now to the drawings, the invention is shown as generally providing composite lamp and plug units for use in place of the conventional pop-out igniting unit of electrical cigarette lighters for automobiles and the like. In accordance with the invention specifically, the composite lamp and plug unit 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a control or lighting assembly 11 constituting by itself a new article of manufacture and functioning as a combined map lamp and ignitor actuator, in conjunction with a contactor plug or assembly 12 which also constitutes an individual article of manufacture and functions as supply circuitry for the lamp as well as an ignitor plug such as is used in pop-out type cigarette lighter constructions. The composite lamp and plug unit 130 of the invention shown in FIG. 5 consists of a similar control or lighting assembly 11 in conjunction with a contact assembly 12A that functions as an adapter solely to establish electrical contact for the lamp. Both of these composite plug units are intended for removable mounting in a cooperating receptacle or cigar lighter well that is fixedly secured either in an ash tray compartment or directly on the dashboard of a motor vehicle.

The particular plug units shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 mate with wells of the type shown in the copending Horwitt et al application, Ser. No. 457,963, filed Apr. 4,1974 and entitled Cigar Lighter Igniting Unit. Accordingly, only the bimetallic contact fingers for the switch base in such a well are shown at 32 in FIGS. 1 and 5A. The ignitor assembly of the composite plug of FIGS. 1 and 2 is basically similar to the ignitor unit of the aforesaid Horwitt et a1 application, the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated herein.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 1 TO 4 EMBODIMENT The ignitor assembly 12 shown therein, hereinafter also referred to as a contactor plug or assembly, includes an outer guard sleeve 36, a friction sleeve 38 telescopically engaged therein, a heating element 40 mounted in recessed relation within a contact cup 42 and a cup-shaped metal spacer or plug body 46 having an end wall 78 secured in anti-rotational insulated relation to the end wall 82 of the contact cup by means of a clamping eyelet 88 and a pair of mica washers 86 that flank the wall 82. The

end walls

78, 82 have mating nibs and concavities that allow the mica washers 86 to deform sufficiently to provide a rotary interlock under the clamping pressure of the eyelet. The ashguard 36 constitutes one contact or contact element of the plug body 46, that commonly involved with the ground or return circuit of the lighter. The heating element cup 42 constitutes the other contact or contact element of the plug body, and is normally associated with the hot side of the circuit.

As provided by the invention, the cup-shaped spacer 46 receives an insulator 15 that supports an extensible contact device 16 consisting of a pair of opposing telescoping contact cups 17, 18 and a compression coil spring 19 that is housed in and normally biases or urges the cups apart. The spring 19, according to the invention, is bimetallic, being preferably steel with a copper jacket whereby it has a high current capacity with minimum losses and heating. The cup 17, which constitutes an electrical contact, can be advantageously constituted of stainless steel, cooperating as a contact with the connector bushing 14 which latter can be of brass, bronze or copper by way of example. Electrical current for both the light and the heating coil described later is carried through the contact device 16 by engagement of the compression spring 19 with the end walls and by mutual engagement of the side walls of the cups.

The outer end of the spacer member 46 is fitted with an apertured connector in the form of an annular cap 48 which is of greater diameter than the spacer 46 and is provided with annularly spaced slots 50 that receive endwise projecting integral lug portions 52 which are clinched radially inwardly to interlock with and retain the cap 48 on the outer end of the spacer 46. The cap 48 and the cup 17 act as electrical circuits forming part of the circuitry of the contactor plug 12 which carries the heating current for the ignitor coil, as will be later explained in greater detail.

The cap 48, which is preferably of spring steel, has a portion cut in the form of a radially inwardly extending pressure tooth 58 to engage the axially projecting externally threaded end of a tubular connector 14 (referred to in the claims as a separable type mechanical and electrical connector means) that extends backward from the inner end of the control assembly 11. The threads of the connector 14 constitute a configuration by which the connector is fastened to a cooperable fitting or means. When the connector 14 is threaded into the cap 48, the pressure tooth 58 is caused by tracking of the threads to be squeezed thereagainst in substantially locking relation. The cap 48 is referred to in the claims as a cooperable means on the contactor plug, in conjunction with the bushing or connector 14, and it will be understood that the connector 14 can if desired be unscrewed from the cap 48 without the use of tools.

The friction sleeve 38 has a radially inwardly offset annular ledge or spring seat 60. A coil spring 62, which encircles the spacer member 46, is interposed between the seat 60 and the portion of the cap 48 extending beyond the spacer member 46. The spring 62 is hereinafter also referred to as a spring means biasing the friction sleeve 38 toward the heating element cup 42, and is compressed when the plug assembly is inserted deeply into igniting position, and on release of the bimetal fingers 32, it causes the control assembly to move to the pop-out position.

At its inner end, the friction sleeve 38 terminates in an outward annular roll 66 of diameter similar to the upper portion of the sleeve whereby it will serve as a guide for the inner end of the sleeve and whereby it will serve as a circumferential shoulder against which the heating element cup 42 is normally retracted by reason of the resilient outward pressure of spring 62, exerted through the cap 48 on the spacer member 46.

The ashguard sleeve 36 has a radially outwardly extending annular flange 68 to engage a flange on the holder (not shown) when the composite unit is fully inserted. Likewise, the friction sleeve 38 has a corresponding annular flange 70 which cooperates with flange 68 to limit inward movement of the sleeve 38 with respect to the ashguard sleeve 36.

The friction sleeve 38 is slidably guided within the ashguard sleeve 36, but it is free to rotate therein and is operational in any rotational relationship, thus permitting automatic assembly.

The friction sleeve 38 is lanced, preferably at three circumferentially-spaced locations, to form yieldable friction fingers (not shown) which are bent slightly outwardly to cause their free ends to bear with resilient pressure against the tubular inner walls of the guard sleeve 36. The pressure is sufficient to retain the friction sleeve 38 against accidental displacement in any selected axial position to which it is moved within the guard sleeve 36.

The guard sleeve 36 is provided about midway of its length with circumferentially-spaced indents 74 interposed in the retraction path of the outer periphery of the roll 66, so as to prevent retraction of the friction sleeve 38 beyond the point determined by the location of the indents 74. Thus, the telescopic reciprocation of the sleeve 38 within the sleeve 36 is limited inwardly by the flange 70 and outwardly by the indents 74.

The heating element 40 illustrated herein for purposes of disclosure, is a convolutely-wound ribbon-like strip of electrical resistance alloy having a contoured V-shaped cross section. Theouter convolution of the coil 40 is secured, such as by brazing or welding, to the periphery of the contact cup 42. The inner convolution 92 of the convolutely-wound heating coil 40 extends away from the plane in which the intermediate convolutions are wound and toward a slotted inner end of rivet 94. The rivet is pressed into an insulator 95 seated in the mouth of the eyelet 88 and projects into the spacer member 46 to establish permanent electrical contact with an end stub 18E of the outer one 18 of the telescoping contact cups.

in accordance with the invention, the control assembly 11 is constituted as an article of manufacture that is complete in and of itself, being interchangeable and usable with various ignitor or adapter assemblages. It consists of a hollow, rigid body member 20 having an enlarged annular outer end 20K serving as a knob and providing an axial opening 20A which communicates 6 with the hollow of the body member 20 for receiving a slide or lamp carrier structure 21.

As provided by the invention, the slide structure 21 is insertable in and removable from the control assembly 11 as a unit, easily and quickly and without the use of tools. Thus, not only is the manufacturing assembly facilitated, but servicing and replacement of lamps as well. The slide structure 21 consists of a slider 22 which carries a pair of conductors or

connection terminals

23, 24E of a spring metal that also serve as a lamp socket for receiving the base of a lamp bulb 25 which is disposed within the slider.

The hollow body 20 has opposing side wall portions 20S of flattened reduced cross sectional configuration as shown in FIG. 3, these side wall portions having laterally aligned elongated slots or apertures 20X as shown in FIG. 1 to serve as locating guidways or guide means for the slide structure 21, enabling complete withdrawal of the letter from the body 20. The apertures 20X communicate with the interior or hollow of the body 20. The wall 20T of the body has a forwardly located window or opening 20W for emitting light from the bulb 25. The hollow body 20 also has interior guide corners 20C extending lengthwise therein for guiding the movement of the slide structure.

The slider 22 has a front end wall 21F arranged to receive a decorative decal 21D, as well as a pair of lengthwise extending side walls 21S that include laterally projecting serrations 21L which function as finger grips, and also projections 21Q on the yieldable walls, which function as catches or releasable retainer means that are accessible through the apertures 20X to hold the slide captive in the body. The side walls 21S are laterally flexible by application of finger pressure to the serrations so as to permit the slider to be inserted into the hollow of the body 20, locating the serrated portions 21L of the side walls in the slots 20S. The slider 12 is thus guided during its travel between forward and rearward limit positions of movement relative to the hollow body 20.

By the above arrangement, the slide structure 21 can be as easily removed from the control assembly 1 l. The user need merely apply opposing finger pressures to the serrations 21L to squeeze together slightly the walls 21S carrying said serrations, whereby the slide 21 can be shifted forward and out through the knob 20K. This gives access to the lamp and lamp socket and constitutes an important feature of the invention. Lamp replacement then requires only pulling out the old lamp and inserting the new one into the

clips

23 and 24E which constitute the lamp socket and which are now described. The slide 21 thus constitutes a means for re movably mounting the socket, i.e., the

spring conductors

23, 24E in the hollow or interior space of the body member 20, for easy and quick removal without the use of tools.

The slider 22 has a cross stub 21C adjacent its inner end to mount the spring socket clip or terminal 223, and a second cross stub 21D which is slotted to receive the yoke portion 24 of the spring socket clip 24E of U- shaped configuration. Connecting the

stubs

21C and 21D is a rear cross wall 21R that carries an axial stub portion 21A receivable with clearance within the tubular connector 14.

The hollow body 20 encloses a generally U-shaped metal connector and detent liner 26 having an apertured end wall 26R secured fast to the crimped end 14E of the conductive tubular connector 14. The side walls 7 268 of the liner 26 are seated in lengthwise corner regions C provided in the hollow body 20, and the liner in turn receives the slide structure 21 in lengthwise slidable relation.

It will be noted that the slip 24E has springlike double sidewalls 24D for wiping engagement with the opposing walls 268 of the liner 26. As best seen in FIG. 2, the clip sidewalls 24D have dimpled detent portions for resilient engagement with nibs 24S on the inner faces of the liner sidewalls 26S, thereby to control the movement of the slider 22 between its forward OFF position shown in full lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 and its rearward ON position determined by engagement of the bends of the walls 24D and the nibs 24S. This engagement occurs before the inner ends 21M of rows of serrations 21L on the walls 21S engage the edges 20Z of the body 20 at the inner ends of the slots 20X. Thus, the detent structure has a safety factor in the form of an overtravel, insuring its operativeness despite small variations in manufacturing dimensions, tolerances, etc. The

spring clip

24E, 24D in conjunction with the liner 26 and nibs 24S thereof constitute a yieldable detent which can normally hold the slide 21 in circuit-opening position (maintaining the switching device 23T open) as seen in FIG. 2. The liner 26 is seen to be part of a means which provides circuits from the

conductors

23, 24E of the lamp socket respectively to a circuit on the contactor plug 12 and to the mechanical and electrical connector means, since the liner is engageable with one of said conductors (namely the clip 24E) and with said connector means 14. The conductor 24E is, of course, slidable along the liner 26.

The nibs 24S and the arms or walls 24D of the clip 24E constitute a cooperable yieldable detent means which yieldably holds the slide 21 in either of two predetermined positions, illustrated respectively in FIGS. 2 and 2A. The

parts

24D and 24S are most reliably operative to hold the slide 21 deep in the circuit closing position only after they have fully bypassed each other; to effect this, there is an overtravel at the time that the stop edge 21M is brought into engagement with the stop edge 20Z.

The terminal clip 23 for receiving the lamp base has an angled tongue 13 that extends along a groove 21G (FIG. 3) in the axial stub 21A. The tongue 13 bends at the rear of the stub 21A to form a switching device contact or contact tab 23T, said tongue and tab being disposed for contact-free insulated movement through the tubular connector 14 so that the tab 23T can contact and shift the end wall of the inner contact cup 17 rearwardly or away from the connector 14 as shown in FIG. 2A and indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 2. The

parts

13, 23T and 26 are seen as means providing circuits respectively from the

conductors

23, 24E to an electrical circuit (the cup 17) of the plug 12 and to the connector means or bushing 14. The tab 23T is seen to comprise an electrical actuating contact and thus constitutes a switching device by virtue of its cooperation with and shifting of the electrical circuit part or cup 17. Since the tab 23T is under the control of the slide 21, such slide and the serrations 21L and the central stub 21A constitute a manually-engageable means which is axially movable on the body member 20, for operating the switching device. The forward, circuit-opening position of such manually-engageable means is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and when the means is moved backward or in a direction toward the igniting plug 12, it operates the switching device 23T by moving it into engagement 8 with the cup 17 so as to close the circuit through the lam Fr om the foregoing it can be understood that the heating element or coil 40 is connected to the ground and

hot contacts

36, 42 of the plug assembly 12 by a plurality of connecting means, i.e., the brazing of the outer coil convolution to the cup and the

ground circuit parts

94, 181E, 18, 19, 17, 14, 48, 62, 38 and 36; such ground circuit parts thereby including the switch structure 14, 17.

The switch structure 14, 17 is referred to in the claims as a pair of relatively movable cooperable contacts in the form of metal conductors with associated guide means, the latter being provided by the cupshaped, telescopic arrangement where the cups 17, 18 are in opposed relation to each other. The switch contact 14 is, of course, an integral part of the connector 14. The cup 17 is also referred to as a movable electrical contact that is aligned with the aperture or bore of the connector 14. It is shiftable between advanced and retracted positions, and is electrically connected with one contact element (the ashguard 36) of the ignitor plug 12 to carry current therewith, for the advanced positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

OPERATION OF FIGS. l4 EMBODIMENT For normal ignitor operation, the lamp socket and slide structure 21 being at its forward OFF position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the composite plug unit is actuated in the usual fashion by grasping the knob 20K and pushing the entire unit inwardly until the heating element cup 42 is engaged with the birnetal contact fingers 32 of the switch base that is mounted in the lighter well or holder. As is conventional, the fingers 32 and the holder or well are connected across a source of direct current (normally the automobile battery) through suitable dashboard wiring (not shown). When hot, the fingers 32 spread and the unit then pops out.

During normal ignitor operation, the contact assembly 16 provides electrical supply paths for carrying the ignitor current. One electrical supply path is from the bimetal fingers 32 through the coil 40, rivet 94 and contact cup assembly 16 to the connector 14. The companion electrical supply path is from the connector 14 through the annular cap 48 and the

sleeves

38, 36 to the holder or well body (not shown).

For lamp operation, the lamp socket and slide structure 21 is first shifted to its rearward ON position as shown in FIG. 2A, to project the lamp terminal clip tab 23T inwardly of the connector 14 into engagement with, and to shift the contact cup 17 out of electrical contact with the connector 14 against the action of the spring 19.

This is done by finger pressure on the button 21F, as distinguished from pressure on the knob 20K. The detent arms 241) will, as the force on the button 21F is continued, fully bypass the nibs 24S until a stop comprising the end surfaces 21M of the serrations 21L engages the inner ends 20Z of the slots 20X. The finger pressure is then continued, now to effect an inward shifting of the entire composite unit 10 so as to engage the heating element contact cup 42 with the bimetal fingers 32. Upon removal of finger pressure, the spring 19 will slightly shift back the slide structure 21 until the nibs 24S again engage the detent arms 24D, as seen in FIG. 2A. The overtravel thus had insures proper action of the detents 24D and spring 19.

9 It is important to note that the circuit from the cup 17 to the connector 14 is broken prior to engagement of the cup 42 with the fingers 32. This is because the spring 62 is stronger than the detent action of the spring clip 24E whereby the latter is overcome first, accompanied by inward sliding movement of the lamp and socket structure 21. Thus, no arcing occurs during .such breaking of the circuit, thereby helping to main- 'tain contact integrity. The thus-established electrical supply path is now through the low resistance heater coil 40 and the contact cup assembly 16, thence through the terminal arm 13 and terminal 23 to the lamp 25. The remaining electrical supply path includes the terminal clip 24E, liner 26 and connector 14 which is grounded. The lamp 25 will now be illuminated, and light will pass out of the window 20W as clearly seen in FIG. 2A. The portion 265 of the liner 26 is made bright to constitute a reflector, whereby the light intensity is multiplied. By turning the knob 20K, the light can be directed to desired locations with ease. To switch off the light, the user grasps the two opposite rows of serrations 21L and merely pulls the slide structure 21 forward to its original OFF position, overcoming the action of the

detent spring

24D, 24E.

DESCRIPTION OF FIG. 6 EMBODIMENT The invention can be used with the holder wells and switch base assemblies of other manufactures. For example, in FIG. 6 an ignitor or contact assembly 112 is shown which is particularly adaptable to a Rochester type switch base. The assembly 112 has its outer end arranged similarly to the outer end of the ignitor assembly 12 described above and thus includes a spacer member 146 that houses an insulator 115 which supports a telescoping contact cup assembly 116 having an outer cup 118 mounted on the conductive rivet 194. The assembly 116 includes an inner cup 1 17 for electrical contact with the lighting actuator contact 23T that is presented through the inner end of the ignitor assem- .bly in the same fashion as illustrated in FIG. 1 and 2. An end cap 148 is shown on the outer end of the ignitor assembly 112 for receiving the connector 14 previously described.

The outer ashguard shield 136, heating element cup 142 and coil 140 are arranged and shaped to mate with the Rochester type switch base for purposes of illustrative disclosure. The rivet 194 is connected to the inner convolution of the coil 140 and is seated in a conical insulator 195 that is located in the inner end of the rivet 194.

In FIG. 6 the terminal 23T is shown engaged with the cup 117 and holding the cup out of contact with the winged portion 158 so that the direct ground path for the coil 140 is first interrupted and thereafter the bulb is connected in series with the low resistance heater coil 140.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 5, A EMBODIMENT The adapter-type contact assemblage includes an outer .tubular body 28 of insulating material that tapers towards its contact end 2ST and is shaped to fit within 'the bimetal fingers 32 of the well or holder with substantial clearance. The body 28 has a central through- 10 hole 28H which is restricted at the inner end and which opens into an enlarged end socket 288.

An extensible contact assembly 29 consisting of a pair of opposing

cups

29A, 29B normally urged or biased apart by a compression coil spring 298 is seated within the through-hole 28H so that the cup 29B projects from the inner end 28T of the body and is shiftable upon contact with the center rivet CR of the well or receptacle to a retracted position as illustrated by fragmentary phantom lines in FIG. 5A. The other contact or cup 29A is likewise shiftable in the throughhole as illustrated by phantom lines in FIG. 5.

A washer 29W of insulating material fits in the end socket 288, followed by an angled contact terminal or

leaf spring

30, 30T for establishing a ground connection with the wall of the holder (not shown) that is to receive the adapter assemblage. An apertured connection in the form of a tubular member or conductive bushing 30B is pressed fully into the outer end of the body 28 to establish good electrical contact with the terminal 30, 30T. The press fit of the bushing is such that it resists pull out or rotation. The terminal 30 has a spring-like external tab 30T nested in an external recess 28R of the main body. The interior of the bushing 30B is given a configuration to constitute a fastening means, as by being threaded to receive the connector 14 and form thereby the complete composite unit as shown in FIG. 5. A

On standby, the composite plug unit of FIG. 5 can be fully inserted to establish electrical contact between the nose of the cup 29B and the switch base rivet CR. In such position, the nose of the cup 29A engages only the insulating washer 29W and is free of contact with the terminal arm or actuating contact 23T.

For lamp operation, the slide structure 21 is shifted to its rearward ON position to project the lamp contact 23T inwardly of the connector 14 into contact with the cup 29A as indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 5.

The energizing circuit for the lamp thus includes an electrical supply path from the holder switch base rivet CR through the contact assembly 29 to the lamp terminal 23, and another electrical supply path from the

angled terminal

30, 30T that engages the holder through the conductive bushing 30B to the connector 14 and the liner 26 to the terminal clip 24E.

Switching off the light is accomplished in a manner already described above. The serrations 21L are grasped, and by exerting a pulling force on the slide structure 21 it is restored to its forward, OFF position.

While preferred constructional features of the invention are embodied in the structures illustrated herein, it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departimg from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination:

a. a hollow body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug and effecting an electrical connection to a circuit thereof,

b. a unitary lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors and means insulatedly securing the same to each other as a unit,

c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket respectively to a circuit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical and electrical connector means,

(1. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing means for controlling the same,

d. manually-engageable means carried by said body j. said detent, in response to force exerted on the manually-engageable means, yielding prior to yielding of said spring means whereby the lighting circuit closes prior to any engagement of the heating element cup with the contact fingers in a lighter well.

5. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electric circuits, comprising in combination:

member for operating said switching device, and f. means removably mounting said unitary socket and conductors thereof in the hollow of the body meml ber for removal as a unit therefrom without the use of tools, to facilitate replacement of the lamp.

2. A lighting assemblage as in claim 1, wherein:

a. the mechanical and electrical connector means a. a body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug comprises a metal bushing having a configuration 15 and effecting an electrical connection to a circuit for fastening it in a socket, thereof,

b. the means which provides a circuit from the conb. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a ductors of the lamp socket comprising an electrical pair of conductors, actuating contact adapted to extend through said c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the bushing, conductors of the lamp socket respectively to a circ. said contact constituting a part of the said switchcuit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical ing device. and electrical connector means,

3. A lighting assemblage as in claim 1, wherein: d. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing a. the body member has an annular knob having a means for controlling the same,

bore communicating with the hollow of the meme. manually-engageable means carried by said body ber, member for operating said switching device,

b. said socket-mounting means comprising a slide disf. a contactor plug comprising a plug body of an elecposed in said knob bore and hollow of the body tric cigar lighter, member, g. said plug body having contacts engageable with c. said slide being completely removable from the contacts of alighter well to establish circuits therebody member with, and having cooperable means engaged with 4. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contacsaid connector means of the lighting assemblage,

tor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter h. said plug body having a heating element and a pluwells and having electrical circuits, comprising in comrality of electrical connecting means for connectbination: ing the element to the contacts of the body,

a. a body member having separable-type mechanical i. one of said electrical connecting means including a and electrical connector means engageable with switch structure adapted to open the circuit cooperable means on the contactor plug, for dethrough the heating element, and mountably attaching the body member on said plug j. means responsive to operation of said manuallyand effecting an electrical connection to a circuit engageable means, for actuating said switch structhereof, ture.

b. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a 6. The invention as defined in claim 5, wherein:

pair of conductors, a. said switch structure comprises a pair of relatively c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the movable metal conductors and guide means associconductors of the lamp socket respectively to a cirated therewith, and cuit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical b. a coil spring engaged with one of said conductors and electrical connector means. and adapted to carry the heating element current d. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing thereto,

means for controlling the same, c. said relatively movable metal conductors comprise. manually-engageable means carried by said body ing a cup,

member for operating said switching device, d. said coil spring being contained in said cup.

f. a contactor plug of the ignitor type, comprising a 7. The invention as defined in claim 5, wherein:

plug body having a heating element cup engageable a. the switch structure comprises a pair of cooperable with contact fingers in a lighter well to establish a contacts, circuit therewith, and having cooperable means enb. one of said cooperable contacts and said mechanigaged with said connector means of the lighting ascal and electrical connector means being integral sembly, with each other.

g. a friction sleeve on the plug body, and spring 8. The invention as defined in claim 5, wherein:

means biasing said sleeve toward the heating ele- 0 a. the mechanical and electrical connector means ment cup, comprises a metal bushing having a configuration h. the manually-engageable means of said body memfor fastening it in a socket,

her being axially movable thereon from a circuitb. the means which provides a circuit from the conopening position in a direction toward the ignitor ductors of the lamp socket comprising an electrical plug to operate the switching device so as to close actuating contact adapted to extend through said the circuit through the lamp, and i. a yieldable detent normally holding said manuallyengageable means in said circuit-opening position,

bushing, c. said contact constituting a part of the said switching device.

9. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter a. a body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug and effecting an electrical connection to a circuit thereof,

b. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors,

d. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing means for controlling the same, and

e. manually-engageable means carried by said body member for operating said switching device,

f. said manually-engageable means comprising a slide,

g. said lamp socket and conductors thereof being carried by said slide.

10. The invention as defined in claim 9, and further including:

a. guide means on the body member, in which the slide is movable,

b. said guide means enabling the slide to be com pletely withdrawn from the body member.

11. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination:

a. a body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug and effecting an electrical connection to a circuit thereof,

b. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors,

d. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing means for controlling the same,

f. a slide movable on the body member and carrying said lamp socket and connectors thereof, and

g. releasable retainer means for holding the slide captive on the body member, including a catch on the slide, operable to release the latter from the body member.

12. The invention as defined in claim 11, wherein:

a. the body member is hollow,

b. said slide being movable in the hollow of the body member,

c. said catch comprising a yieldable wall of the slide,

adapted to be displaced by finger pressure.

13. The invention as defined in claim 12, wherein:

a. the body member has a side wall with an aperture communicating with the hollow thereof,

b. said catch being accessible at said aperture.

14. The invention as defined in claim 12, wherein:

a. said means which provides circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket comprises a metal liner in the hollow of the body, engageable with one of said conductors and connected to said mechanical and electrical connector means.

15. The invention as defined in claim 14, wherein:

a. said one conductor is slidable along said liner, and

b. cooperable detent means on said liner and one conductor, for yieldably holding the slide in either of two predetermined positions.

16. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination:

b. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors,

c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket respectively to a circuit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical and electrical connector means.

e.'manually-engageable means carried by said body member for operating said switching device,

f. a contactor plug having a plug body adapted to be received in the well of an electric cigar lighter,

g. said plug body having contact elements engageable with contacts of the well to establish circuits therewith,

h. cooperable means on the plug body, engaged with the connector means of the lighting assemblage, said cooperable means comprising an apertured connector member, and

i. an electrical contact located on the plug body at an end of said apertured connector member and in line with the bore thereof, said electrical contact being electrically connected to one of said contact elements to carry current therewith,

j. said switching device of the lighting assemblage comprising a contact thereon, engageable with said electrical contact.

17. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination:

b. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors,

f. detent means comprising engageable parts operative after being caused to bypass each other, for

yielding holding said manually-engageable means in a position which closes said switching device, and

g. a stop operable only after the manually-engageable means is actuated to cause bypassing and separation of said engageable parts, thereby to insure the detent function of said parts.

18. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination:

e. manually-engageable means carried by said body member for operating said switching device, and f. a contactor plug comprising a plug body having a heating element cup engageable with contact fingers in a lighter well to establish a circuit therewith, and having cooperable means engaged with said connector means of the lighting assembly,

g. a friction sleeve on the plug body, and spring means biasing said sleeve toward the heating element cup,

h. said manually-engageable means of the body member being axially movable thereon from a circuitopening position in a direction'toward the ignitor plug to operate the switching device so as to close the circuit through the lamp, and

i. a yieldable detent normally holding said manuallyengageable means in said circuit-opening position,

j. said detent, in response to force exerted on the manually-engageable means in the direction of the ignitor plug, yielding whereby said means actuates the switching device to close the lighting circuit and shifts the plug body against the action of said spring means, thereby to engage the heating element cup with the contact fingers of the well.

19. A contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and adapted for attachment to a lighting assemblage, said plug comprising, in combination:

a. a plug body having contact elements engageable with contacts of the well to establish circuits therewith,

b. cooperable means on the plug body for engagement with a connector means of the lighting assemblage, said cooperable means comprising an apertured connector member having a configuration for fastening it to said connector means,

c. a movable electrical contact located on the plug body at the aperture of said connector member and in line with said aperture, said contact being electrically connected to one of said contact elements to carry current therewith, and being movable on the plug body between the advanced and retracted positions, and

d. means on the plug body, biasing the electrical contact to its advanced position.

20. A contactor plug as in claim 19, wherein:

a. the apertured connector member is tubular,

b. said configuration of the apertured member comprising internal screw threads in the bore of the member.

21. A contactor plug as in claim 19, and further including:

a. a heating element carried by said plug body,

b. the other end of said contact elements comprising a metal cup in which the heating element is carried and to which it is electrically connected.

22. A contactor plug as in claim 21, wherein:

a. the said configuration of the apertured connector member comprises a screw thread in the aperture thereof, adapted to receive an externally threaded part.

Claims

1. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination: a. a hollow body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug and effecting an electrical conNection to a circuit thereof, b. a unitary lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors and means insulatedly securing the same to each other as a unit, c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket respectively to a circuit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical and electrical connector means, d. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing means for controlling the same, d. manually-engageable means carried by said body member for operating said switching device, and f. means removably mounting said unitary socket and conductors thereof in the hollow of the body member for removal as a unit therefrom without the use of tools, to facilitate replacement of the lamp.

2. A lighting assemblage as in claim 1, wherein: a. the mechanical and electrical connector means comprises a metal bushing having a configuration for fastening it in a socket, b. the means which provides a circuit from the conductors of the lamp socket comprising an electrical actuating contact adapted to extend through said bushing, c. said contact constituting a part of the said switching device.

3. A lighting assemblage as in claim 1, wherein: a. the body member has an annular knob having a bore communicating with the hollow of the member, b. said socket-mounting means comprising a slide disposed in said knob bore and hollow of the body member, c. said slide being completely removable from the body member

4. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination: a. a body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug and effecting an electrical connection to a circuit thereof, b. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors, c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket respectively to a circuit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical and electrical connector means, d. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing means for controlling the same, e. manually-engageable means carried by said body member for operating said switching device, f. a contactor plug of the ignitor type, comprising a plug body having a heating element cup engageable with contact fingers in a lighter well to establish a circuit therewith, and having cooperable means engaged with said connector means of the lighting assembly, g. a friction sleeve on the plug body, and spring means biasing said sleeve toward the heating element cup, h. the manually-engageable means of said body member being axially movable thereon from a circuit-opening position in a direction toward the ignitor plug to operate the switching device so as to close the circuit through the lamp, and i. a yieldable detent normally holding said manually-engageable means in said circuit-opening position, j. said detent, in response to force exerted on the manually-engageable means, yielding prior to yielding of said spring means whereby the lighting circuit closes prior to any engagement of the heating element cup with the contact fingers in a lighter well.

5. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electric circuits, comprising in combination: a. a body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug and effecting an electrical connection to a circuit thereof, b. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors, c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket respectively to a circUit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical and electrical connector means, d. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing means for controlling the same, e. manually-engageable means carried by said body member for operating said switching device, f. a contactor plug comprising a plug body of an electric cigar lighter, g. said plug body having contacts engageable with contacts of a lighter well to establish circuits therewith, and having cooperable means engaged with said connector means of the lighting assemblage, h. said plug body having a heating element and a plurality of electrical connecting means for connecting the element to the contacts of the body, i. one of said electrical connecting means including a switch structure adapted to open the circuit through the heating element, and j. means responsive to operation of said manually-engageable means, for actuating said switch structure.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5, wherein: a. said switch structure comprises a pair of relatively movable metal conductors and guide means associated therewith, and b. a coil spring engaged with one of said conductors and adapted to carry the heating element current thereto, c. said relatively movable metal conductors comprising a cup, d. said coil spring being contained in said cup.

7. The invention as defined in claim 5, wherein: a. the switch structure comprises a pair of cooperable contacts, b. one of said cooperable contacts and said mechanical and electrical connector means being integral with each other.

8. The invention as defined in claim 5, wherein: a. the mechanical and electrical connector means comprises a metal bushing having a configuration for fastening it in a socket, b. the means which provides a circuit from the conductors of the lamp socket comprising an electrical actuating contact adapted to extend through said bushing, c. said contact constituting a part of the said switching device.

9. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination: a. a body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug and effecting an electrical connection to a circuit thereof, b. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors, c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket respectively to a circuit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical and electrical connector means, d. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing means for controlling the same, and e. manually-engageable means carried by said body member for operating said switching device, f. said manually-engageable means comprising a slide, g. said lamp socket and conductors thereof being carried by said slide.

10. The invention as defined in claim 9, and further including: a. guide means on the body member, in which the slide is movable, b. said guide means enabling the slide to be completely withdrawn from the body member.

11. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination: a. a body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug and effecting an electrical connection to a circuit thereof, b. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors, c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket respectively to a circuit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical and electrical connector means, d. a switching device in one of said cirCuit-providing means for controlling the same, e. manually-engageable means carried by said body member for operating said switching device, f. a slide movable on the body member and carrying said lamp socket and connectors thereof, and g. releasable retainer means for holding the slide captive on the body member, including a catch on the slide, operable to release the latter from the body member.

12. The invention as defined in claim 11, wherein: a. the body member is hollow, b. said slide being movable in the hollow of the body member, c. said catch comprising a yieldable wall of the slide, adapted to be displaced by finger pressure.

13. The invention as defined in claim 12, wherein: a. the body member has a side wall with an aperture communicating with the hollow thereof, b. said catch being accessible at said aperture.

14. The invention as defined in claim 12, wherein: a. said means which provides circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket comprises a metal liner in the hollow of the body, engageable with one of said conductors and connected to said mechanical and electrical connector means.

15. The invention as defined in claim 14, wherein: a. said one conductor is slidable along said liner, and b. cooperable detent means on said liner and one conductor, for yieldably holding the slide in either of two predetermined positions.

16. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination: a. a body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug and effecting an electrical connection to a circuit thereof, b. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors, c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket respectively to a circuit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical and electrical connector means. d. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing means for controlling the same, e. manually-engageable means carried by said body member for operating said switching device, f. a contactor plug having a plug body adapted to be received in the well of an electric cigar lighter, g. said plug body having contact elements engageable with contacts of the well to establish circuits therewith, h. cooperable means on the plug body, engaged with the connector means of the lighting assemblage, said cooperable means comprising an apertured connector member, and i. an electrical contact located on the plug body at an end of said apertured connector member and in line with the bore thereof, said electrical contact being electrically connected to one of said contact elements to carry current therewith, j. said switching device of the lighting assemblage comprising a contact thereon, engageable with said electrical contact.

17. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination: a. a body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug and effecting an electrical connection to a circuit thereof, b. a lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors, c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket respectively to a circuit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical and electrical connector means, d. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing means for controlling the same, e. manually-engageable means carried by said body member for operating said switching device, f. detent means comprising engageable parts operatIve after being caused to bypass each other, for yielding holding said manually-engageable means in a position which closes said switching device, and g. a stop operable only after the manually-engageable means is actuated to cause bypassing and separation of said engageable parts, thereby to insure the detent function of said parts.

18. A lighting assemblage for attachment to a contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and having electrical circuits, comprising in combination: a. a hollow body member having separable-type mechanical and electrical connector means engageable with cooperable means on the contactor plug, for demountably attaching the body member on said plug and effecting an electrical connection to a circuit thereof, b. a unitary lamp socket in said body member, comprising a pair of conductors and means insulatedly securing the same to each other as a unit, c. means for providing a plurality of circuits from the conductors of the lamp socket respectively to a circuit on the contactor plug and to said mechanical and electrical connector means, d. a switching device in one of said circuit-providing means for controlling the same, e. manually-engageable means carried by said body member for operating said switching device, and f. a contactor plug comprising a plug body having a heating element cup engageable with contact fingers in a lighter well to establish a circuit therewith, and having cooperable means engaged with said connector means of the lighting assembly, g. a friction sleeve on the plug body, and spring means biasing said sleeve toward the heating element cup, h. said manually-engageable means of the body member being axially movable thereon from a circuit-opening position in a direction toward the ignitor plug to operate the switching device so as to close the circuit through the lamp, and i. a yieldable detent normally holding said manually-engageable means in said circuit-opening position, j. said detent, in response to force exerted on the manually-engageable means in the direction of the ignitor plug, yielding whereby said means actuates the switching device to close the lighting circuit and shifts the plug body against the action of said spring means, thereby to engage the heating element cup with the contact fingers of the well.

19. A contactor plug of the type receivable in electric cigar lighter wells and adapted for attachment to a lighting assemblage, said plug comprising, in combination: a. a plug body having contact elements engageable with contacts of the well to establish circuits therewith, b. cooperable means on the plug body for engagement with a connector means of the lighting assemblage, said cooperable means comprising an apertured connector member having a configuration for fastening it to said connector means, c. a movable electrical contact located on the plug body at the aperture of said connector member and in line with said aperture, said contact being electrically connected to one of said contact elements to carry current therewith, and being movable on the plug body between the advanced and retracted positions, and d. means on the plug body, biasing the electrical contact to its advanced position.

20. A contactor plug as in claim 19, wherein: a. the apertured connector member is tubular, b. said configuration of the apertured member comprising internal screw threads in the bore of the member.

21. A contactor plug as in claim 19, and further including: a. a heating element carried by said plug body, b. the other end of said contact elements comprising a metal cup in which the heating element is carried and to which it is electrically connected.

22. A contactor plug as in claim 21, wherein: a. the said configuration of the apertured connector member comprises a screw thread in the aperture thereof, adapted to receive an externally threaded part.