WO2007015093A1

WO2007015093A1 - Magnetic light fitting

Info

Publication number: WO2007015093A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/002888
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony G. E. Clough
Original assignee: The Magnetic Connection Company Limited
Priority date: 2005-08-02
Filing date: 2006-08-02
Publication date: 2007-02-08
Also published as: GB0615396D0; CN101273502A; EP1911132A1; GB2428912B; GB2428912A; AU2006274671A1; GB0515910D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to magnetic light fitting, particularly, but not exclusively for domestic and commercial applications. An assembly is provided with first and second parts (8,4), the first part being configured to receive a light bulb (2). A magnetic force is employed to maintain the first part (8) in the second part (4), with guide means also provided to further simplify replacement of a light bulb (2).

Description

MagneticLight Fitting

The present invention relates to a magnetic light fitting and particularly, but not exclusively, to a magnetic light fitting for use in domestic and commercial applications. Light bulb fittings are now widely used in domestic and commercial applications. There are many types of light bulb fittings however, from relatively sophisticated and expensive to standard and relatively inexpensive. It will be appreciated that light bulbs are consumable items which must be periodically replaced. This can be particularly inconvenient in circumstances where a light bulb is high up, out of reach, or the user has low manual dexterity. Risk of injury, whilst replacing bulbs is apparent in elderly or high risk groups. In these circumstances, the normal style of replacement bulb can be troublesome.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved light fitting which simplifies the bulb replacement process while being relatively inexpensive to manufacture and convenient to use.

The present invention provides an assembly for electrically connecting a light bulb to a power supply, the assembly comprising a first part for receiving a light bulb and a second part, wherein at least one magnet is provided on one of the first and second parts to retain the first and second parts together and wherein guide means are provided to guide the first and second parts into a predetermined position relative to one another. The magnetic nature of the assembly greatly simplifies the bulb replacement process. A bulb may be removed as desired by simply pulling vertically downwards, releasing the magnetic force. The great advantage over any other type of overhead fitting is that both fitting and removing the bulb require just one hand from the user. Both bayonet and screw type fittings, when suspended on a cord overhead, require a second hand to clasp the. fitting and react the load produced from twisting the bulb. An added advantage is the user is required to gain less height to replace the magnetic fitting as the bulb only needs to be reached as opposed to the fitting, a few inches further up. The need for hands not to reach the level of the electrical contacts also significantly reduces the chance of electrocution. One handed operation makes the task simpler and safer for all as the spare hand may be used to hold on to a handrail, chair-back or just to steady oneself. However, a large number of users suffer from low manual dexterity, partial vision, use of only one side of body, amputees etc. This group can not change a traditional lamp bulb unaided. This invention is designed to offer freedom to those affected and give a better quality of life. Another advantage of one handed operation is that a "grabber" a mechanical pincer on a rod, with remote actuating lever, can be used to reach up and grab a bulb while the user is seated, for those with mobility difficulties.

When the time comes to replace a spent bulb with a fresh one, the invention advantageously guides the bulb and fitting into correct alignment for engagement. This means that there is less need to manually guide the bulb to the fitting, a task that can prove troublesome, especially for those with poor eyesight and/or low manual dexterity. Three types of misalignment are possible. Translational misalignment occurs when the bulb is in the wrong spatial position to engage with the socket, angular misalignment is when an axis of the fitting is not parallel to an axis of the bulb, and rotational misalignment is when the bulb is not correctly rotated about said axis to allow engagement with the fitting. The guide means are provided to guide the bulb into correct translational, angular or rotational alignment with the fitting, or any combination thereof. In the most beneficial embodiments all three types of guidance are provided. A key feature of the design is the use of a collar for receiving a bulb, acting as an adapter to the magnetic assembly fitting. This collar may be shaped to accept all types of conventionally available bulb, clasping on to the bulb through fictional force, or alternatively by the bulbs original fitting.

Assembling the collar onto a bulb is easily achieved by those with good manual dexterity and strength, although it may cause problems to some users. What is proposed in this case is that a family member or friend could assemble the inexpensive collars onto spare bulbs in the home, ready for use as needed. Doing the task in advance rather than reactive to the bulb replacement could provide peace of mind to some people. The assembly of the collars and bulbs would be easily achieved in good light and in a relaxed environment. This is in contrast to the stress and pressure that may be experienced when changing a standard bulb, possibly in the dark and in an awkward to reach position. The collar may be provided with markings or other indications to demote the correct placement of the collar on the bulb.

The second part of the assembly, hereinafter the socket, is preferably provided with an aperture to receive and orient the light bulb. The orientation may be easily achieved if the aperture is formed with a non-circular opening which decreases in area through the socket, for example the opening could be substantially elliptical. The collar portion could likewise be made substantially elliptical to match the socket and to aid the guiding. As part of the guide means it is advantageous to provide, on one of the socket or collar, a number of discrete fins. These fins may serve to define the aperture in the socket or, more preferably, may be disposed on the collar to guide and rotate the bulb as it enters the socket. The height of the fins may also provide an indication as to the correct vertical positioning of the collar on the bulb.

More than one magnet may be employed to provide a stronger attractive force. Where several magnets are employed it is preferable to arrange them in at least two, preferably uniform groups to ensure that the bulb may only be returned in one of two positions. The magnets may be disposed in the socket, possibly via a snap fit or over molding technique. Since the contacts on most bulbs are non-ferrous this presents no problem with bulb contacts being attracted to the magnets. However, to account for the few instances where bulb contacts are of a ferrous material, it would be beneficial if the magnets could be arranged on the collar. It is of course possible to distribute the magnets between the socket and the collar.

It is possible that the socket of the assembly be a stand alone part to be wired directly to an electrical outlet. It is preferred, however, that the socket is suitable for attachment to an existing light fitting, ideally through the interaction of part of the socket with the existing connectors of the fitting. If the part of the socket which forms the attachment means is of elastometric material then a more secure connection can be made. Preferably said part of the socket expands, perhaps as a result of the heat of the bulb, to further improve the connection.

The socket may be such that the bulb contacts directly engage the electrical contacts of the fitting. Alternatively conductive means may be provided to act as bridging contacts between the bulb and the fitting. In the first instance correct alignment is critical but the socket is simplified. The second approach requires a more complex socket, but relies less on precise alignment of the bulb. Release means, for example in the form of lips or tabs, may also be provided on the socket to aid release of the bulb. All of the above features are applicable to numerous types of light fitting including, but not limited to standard halogen fittings, screw fittings and bayonet fittings.

The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The description is given by way of example only and is not intended to limit the protection sought. Throughout the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention in use with a light bulb;

Figure 2 shows the collar part of the assembly of Figure 1 detached from a light bulb;

Figure 3 shows a closer view of the top of the bulb in Figure I₅ with the collar attached;

Figure 4 shows a top perspective view of the socket part of the assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shoes a bottom perspective view of the socket part of the assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the socket part and light fitting of Figure 1;

Figure 7 shows the assembly of Figure 1 in fully assembled state with the light bulb in the socket;

Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the electrical connections of the assembly of Figure

7;

Figure 9 shows a schematic view of the electrical connections of an assembly according to a first alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 shows a collar part suitable for the first alternative assembly;

Figure 11 shows the collar of Figure 10 arranged on a light bulb;

Figure 12 shows a top perspective view of a socket part suitable for the first alternative assembly;

Figure 13 shows a bottom perspective view of a socket part suitable for the first alternative assembly;

Figure 14 shows an exploded view of a light fitting and the socket part of Figures 12 and

13;

Figure 15 shows a collar part for an assembly according to a second alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 shows a bottom perspective view of an alternative socket part suitable for use with the collar part of Figure 15;

Figure 17 shows a top perspective view of the socket part of Figure 16; Figure 18 shows a further alternative socket part for use with the collar part of Figure 15;

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a cross section of a further alternative socket part suitable for use with the collar part of Figure 15;

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of a cross section through the socket and collar parts of this embodiment in an assembled state;

Figures 21 to 24 show the removal of a light bulb from the assembly.

Referring first to Figure 1 a light bulb and socket assembly is shown. A typical light fitting 2 is provided with a socket part 4, which is shown already attached to the light fitting 2. A light bulb 6 is shown with a collar part 8 provided thereon. In the illustrated embodiments the light bulb 6 is shown as a typical low energy light bulb with a bayonet fitting.

The collar part 8 is designed to be received by the socket part 4 to retain the light bulb 6 in the light fitting 2. Details of the key features of the socket part 4 and the collar part 2 will be better described with reference to the remaining figures.

The collar part 8 is visible in isolation in Figure 2. The collar part 8 comprises a flat-ring

10 on the top surface of which are provided two fins 12. The outer edge of the flat ring

10 is elliptical in shape while its inner edge is substantially circular. On the inside edge of the flat ring 10 is a rubber ring 14. The rubber ring 14 is substantially circular and is provided with a circumferential groove 16 on its outer surface to allow it to grip inner periphery of the flat ring 10. The inner circumference of the rubber ring 14 is sized to provide an interference fit with the neck of a conventional light bulb. The flat ring 10 may be of a ferrous material or may be provided with ferrous metal inserts (not shown) on its top surface. The fins 12 are positioned at diametrically opposite points on the top surface of the flat ring 10, close to its major diameter. The fins 12 are generally triangular in shape and their points are swept towards each other. The distance between the points of the fins 12 is therefore less than that between their bases.

Figure 3 shows the collar 8 assembled onto the neck of a light bulb 6. The collar 8 is positioned so that the points of the fins 12 extend to a height above that of the bayonet pins 18 of the light bulb 6, that is to say closer to the light bulb contacts 44. Correct rotational alignment of the collar 8 is indicated by markings (not shown) provided on the flat ring 10. The interference fit of the rubber ring 14 with the neck of the light bulb 6 retains the collar 8 on the light bulb 6 while still allowing fine positional adjustments to be made. A discontinuity (not shown) is provided in the rubber ring 14 to allow it to be passed over the bayonet pins 18 of the light bulb 6 during assembly. Figures 4 and 5 show two views of the socket part 4 in isolation. The socket pail 4 takes the form of a tube, with a substantially circular top opening 20, as best shown in Figure 4, and a substantially elliptical bottom opening 22, as best shown in Figure 5. The bottom opening 22 is wider at every point than the top opening 20. A cross member 24 is provided between the internal walls of the socket part. The cross member is located about two thirds of the way up the socket part 4 and spans its major diameter. Fixed to the cross member 24, and positioned at right angles thereto, is a shorter second member 26. Bridging contacts 28 which in this embodiment are configured as concertinas of metal ribbon, are provided on each free end of the second member 26. The bridging contacts 28 serve, in use, to bridge a gap that would otherwise exist between the electrical contacts of the light bulb 6 and those of the light fitting 2.

Figure 5 clearly shows six magnets 30 which are arranged in two groups of three. Each magnet 30 is shaped like a small cylinder and is oriented such that its axis is parallel. to that of the socket part 4. Each group of three magnets 30 is set into a protrusion 31 formed on the internal surface of the socket part 4. The two groups of three magnets are positioned adjacent the bottom opening 22 of the socket part 4, at diametrically opposite points of the major diameter of the bottom opening 22.

Figure 6 shows the socket part 4 ready for connection to a light fitting 2. The light fitting 2 is of a bayonet type and has an upper section 32 with a hole 34 in the top through which electrical cables pass. A lower protective collar, usually attached to a threaded section 36 has been removed to allow better access to the brass connecting section 38. To fit the socket part 4 to the light fitting 2, the cross member 24 is aligned with the openings of the bayonet hooks 40 provided in the brass connecting section 38 of the light fitting 2. As the socket part 4 and the light fitting 2 are moved together the brass connecting section 38 is received in the top opening 20 of the socket part 4, and the cross member 24 of the socket part 4 engages with the bayonet hooks 40 of the brass connecting section 36. The socket part 4 is then turned clockwise (as viewed form below) to lock the cross member 24 into the bayonet hooks 40 in the same way as the bayonet pins 18 of the light bulb 6 would do. In Figure 7 the light bulb and socket assembly is shown in fully assembled state with the light bulb 6 being held in the light fitting 2 through the interaction of the socket part 4 and the collar part 8. The modified assembly maintains a sleek appearance and does not noticeably effect the overall look of the light fitting.

The internal connections of the light bulb and socket assembly according to the first embodiment are shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic representation and the external forms of the socket part 4 and collar part 8 differ from those previously shown, however, the internal workings of the assembly are the same. The cross member 24 of the socket part 4 is shown engaged in the bayonet hooks 40 of the brass connecting section 38 of the light fitting 2. The shorter member 26 is shown at right angles to the cross member 24 with the bridging contacts 28 in contact with the light fitting contacts 42. The collar part 8 is attached to the light bulb 6 and retains the light bulb 6 in the socket part 4 through the magnetic force between the magnets 30 of the socket part 4 and the flat ring 10 of the collar part 8. The bayonet pins 18 of the light bulb 6 rest on the lower edge of the brass connecting section 38 of the light fitting 2, and are vertically aligned with the cross member 24. The bridging contacts connect to the light bulb contacts 44, thus bridging the gap between the light fitting contacts 42 and the light, bulb contacts 44 which results from the bayonet pins 18 resting on the lower edge of the brass connecting section 38 of the light fitting 2, instead of being engaged in the bayonet hooks 40.

Having thus described the various physical features of the light bulb and socket assembly, the guiding feature of the design will now be explained.

Starting from the view of Figure 1, with the collar part 8 assembled onto the light bulb 6, and the socket part 4 connected to the light fitting 2, the light bulb and socket are brought towards each other. As described and shown in Figure 3, the points of the fins 12 on the collar part 8 closer to the light bulb contacts 44 than the bayonet pins 18. The distance between the points of the two fins 12 is also less than the internal diameter of the bottom opening 22 of the socket part 4 at any point. The fins 12, therefore, help to guide the light bulb 6 into the correct translational alignment with the socket part 4. The swept nature of the fins also helps to correct any angular misalignment of the light bulb 6 relative to the socket part 4.

Once one fin 12 has made contact with the bottom opening 22 of the socket part 4, the light bulb 6 is guided into the socket part 4 until both fins 12 engage with the bottom opening 22. The elliptical bottom opening 22 in the socket part 4 is sized to receive the points of the fins 12 with the light bulb 6 in any rotational orientation, but to only receive the wider base of the fins 12 when the light bulb 6 is rotated to position the fins 12 of the collar part 8 close to the major diameter of the opening 22 of the socket part 4. As a result, if the light bulb 6 is inserted into the socket part 4 in any other rotational alignment, the fins 12 of the collar part 8 will encourage the light bulb 6 and/or the light fitting 2 to rotate until the fins 12 of the collar part 8 are adjacent the magnets 30. Through correct positioning to the collar part 8 on the light bulb 6, the light bulb 6 will thereby be correctly aligned in the socket part 4. Once the light bulb 6 is properly aligned in the socket part 4, the magnets 30 of the socket part 4 engage with the flat ring 10 of the collar part 8 to hold the light bulb 6 in the socket part 4.

Figure 9 shows an alternative contact arrangement, as in Figure 8 the view shown in Figure 9 is schematic. Once again a light bulb 6 is provided with a collar part 8a, and a light fitting 2 is provided with a socket part 4a, which is connected to the bayonet hooks 40 of a brass connecting section 38. The key difference between this system and that shown in Figure 8 is that the bayonet pins 18 of the light bulb 6 are received in the initial part of the bayonet hooks 40 of the light fitting 2. As such the light bulb 6 is retained in the light fitting 2 at the same height as if traditionally connected, and the need for bridging contacts 28 is eliminated. The slight difference in rotational alignment is possible because of the elliptical shape of typical bayonet bulb contacts 44. This second embodiment retains all the features of the first embodiment although a number of components of the system must be modified as shown in the following figures. Figure 10 shows a collar part 8a suitable for a light bulb and socket assembly according to this second embodiment. The collar part 8a comprises a flat ring 10, and rubber ring 14 with features as described in relation to the first embodiment. The fins 12a of the collar part 8a are also similar in shape and configuration to those described in Figure 2, but are far taller, for reasons that shall become clear.

Figure 11 shows the collar part 8a of Figure 10 attached to a light bulb. The collar part 8a sits further down the neck of the light bulb 6 than the collar part 8 of the first embodiment, but otherwise the assembly is as previously described. The taller fins 12a of the collar part 8a still extend to a point above the bayonet pins 18 of the light bulb 6. Figure 12 and 13 show two views of a socket part 4a suitable for said second embodiment. The socket part 4a is shaped in the same way as the socket part 4 of the first embodiment. Magnets 30 are also provided as before. The second embodiment of the invention obviates the need for the bridging contacts 28 of the first embodiment, but requires that space is provided through the centre of the socket part 4a for the neck of the light bulb 6. Accordingly the cross member 24, shorter member 26 and bridging contacts 38 are replaced by two stub members 46 which extend from the interior walls of the socket part 4a from the same points as the cross member 24 of the socket part 4 of the first embodiment.

Figure 14 shows the socket part 4a of Figures 12 and 13 ready for assembly with a light fitting 2. It should be apparent that the stub members 46 connect the socket part 4a to the light fitting 2 in exactly the same way as the cross-member 24 of the socket part 4 of the socket part of the first embodiment.

The guiding feature of the second embodiment follows the same principles as that of the first embodiment. The longer fins 12a prevent interference of the bayonet pins 18 of the light bulb 6 with the brass connecting section 38 of the light fitting 2 before the light bulb 6 is properly aligned. The collar part 4a in this second embodiment must be arranged onto the neck of the light bulb 6 so that the guide features orient the bayonet pins 18 of the light bulb 6 to engage with the bayonet hooks 40 of the light fitting 2. A further alternative collar part 8b is shown in Figure 15. The collar part 8b of Figure 15 is similar to the collar part 8 of the first embodiment, being provided with a flat ring 10, rubber ring 14 and fins 12 as previously described. The collar part 8b of Figure 15 additionally incorporates the magnets 30, previously arranged on the socket parts 4, 4a. The magnets 30 are held in position by a retaining structure 48 formed on the flat ring 10 of the collar part 8b. Although short fins 12 of the type seen in the first embodiment are shown, the collar part 8b may alternatively be provided with the taller fins 12a of the second embodiment.

Figures 16 and 17 show a socket part 4b for use with the collar part 8b of Figure 15. As can be seen from Figure 16, the socket part 4b contains no magnets, as these are now located on the collar part 8b. Instead, ferrous plates 50 are provided for the magnets of the collar part 8b to engage. The overall shape of the socket part 4b of Figures 16 and 17 is the same as that of the socket parts 4, 4a of the previous embodiments. The ferrous plates 50 are shown as having a swept teardrop shape, with the widest point arranged in substantially the same place in the socket part 4b as the magnets 30 of previous embodiments. Stub members 46 are provided as before to connect the socket part 4b to the light fitting 2. Figures 16 and 17 also show two tabs 52 provided on the outside of the socket part 4b at the minor diameter of its bottom opening 22 to aid removal of a light bulb 6 from a light fitting 2 as will be described later. The tabs 52 may also be present on socket parts 4, 4a according to earlier embodiments and may alternately be positioned at the major diameter of said bottom opening 22.

A further alternative socket part 4c is shown in Figure 18. The socket part 4c is similar to that shown in Figures 16 and 17, but has a number of key differences. Resilient cones 54, of an elastomeric material are provided on the stub members 46. These cones 54 serve to improve the connection between the socket part 4c and the light fitting 2, and may equally be applied to the socket part 4a according to the second embodiment. In use the elastomeric material will be in compression and be caused to protrude into the bayonet hooks 40 of the light fitting 2, thus reacting any forces on the socket part 4c. The tabs 52 are shown on the major diameter of the bottom opening 22, rather than on the minor diameter as in the previous view. Finally, the ferrous plates 50 are shown as simple curved plates positioned at the major diameter of the socket part 4c as opposed to the more complex plates previously shown.

Figure 19 provides a cross sectional view of a further socket part 4d according to the present invention, taken at its major diameter. The socket part 4d is similar to that shown in Figure 18, but lacks the resilient curves 54. The ferrous plates 50 can clearly be seen positioned a distance above the bottom opening 22 of the socket part 4d. This clearance distance allows space for the magnets 30 of a corresponding collar part 8b when the two parts are in contact as shown in Figure 20.

Figure 20 shows the socket part 4d of Figure 19 engaged with the collar part 8b of Figure 15. The magnets 30 of the collar part 8b occupy the space between the bottom opening 22 of the socket part 4d and the ferrous plates 50, such that the flat ring 10 of the collar part 8b is in contact with the bottom opening 22 of the socket part 4b. Figure 20 also clearly shows the circumferential groove 16 in the rubber ring 14 of the collar part 8b, which is common to all described embodiments as a means of joining the rubber ring 14 to the flat ring 10.

It will be understood that the socket parts 4b, 4c, 4d and collar part 8b of Figures 15 to 20 are connected to the light fitting 2 and light bulb 6 as described for the previous embodiments. The action of the guiding means is also the same as previously described. The benefit of the arrangement according to the third embodiment is that, with the magnets 30 arranged on the collar part 8b, there is no possibility of the magnets 30 attracting the light bulb contacts 44.

Figures 21 to 24 show the removal of a light bulb 6 from a light fitting 2, and illustrate the use of the tabs 52 provided on the outside of the socket part 4c. The tabs 52 are shown at the major diameter of the socket part 4c they may alternately, and indeed preferably, be positioned at the minor diameter of the socket part 4b as shown in figures 16 and 17. With one hand placed around the top of a light bulb 6 with a thumb and forefinger positioned as shown in Figure 22, the user tightens their grip on the light bulb 6. The gap between the top of the light bulb 6 and the tabs 52 is such that as the thumb and forefinger are tightened around the neck of the light bulb 6, the thicker sections at the base of each digit adjacent the palm act between the tab and the top of the bulb to ease the assembly apart. Without the tabs 52 there would be little or no exposed area of the socket part 4c to push against, and removal of the light bulb 6 would be achieved by simply pulling the light bulb 6 downwards, which may cause unwelcome stresses on the permanent parts of the light fitting 2.

The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but is intended to cover all reasonable alternatives apparent to a reader skilled in the art. A number of the features described in one embodiment are equally applicable to other embodiments. Moreover, the specific shapes and constructions of elements as shown and described may be varied, within the scope of the appended set of claims, to achieve the desired effect. For example, the fins may be present on the socket part 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d with the collar section 8, 8a, 8b being generally shaped to correctly orient the light bulb 6 in the socket part 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. The collar part 8, 8a, 8b may be retained on the light bulb 6 by alternate means such as for example, through interaction with the bayonet pins 18. The invention may also be applied to a number of alternative pre-existing light fittings, or even be realised as a dedicated hard-wired fitting.

Claims

1. An assembly for electrically connecting a light bulb to a power supply, the assembly comprising a first part for receiving a light bulb and a second part, wherein at least one magnet is provided on one of the first and second parts to retain the first and second parts together and wherein guide means are provided to guide the first and second parts into a predetermined position relative to one another.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the guide means guides the first part of the assembly towards a predetermined position of the first part of the assembly relative to the second part of the assembly in response to the first and second parts of the assembly being moved towards one another.

3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the guide means rotates the first part of the assembly about its longitudinal axis into a predetermined rotational orientation relative to the second part of the assembly.

4. An assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the guide means guides the first part of the assembly into a predetermined angular orientation relative to the second part of the assembly, wherein the longitudinal axes of the first and second parts of the assembly are arranged at a predetermined position relative to one another.

5. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part of the assembly is a collar.

6. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide means comprises a number of discrete fins.

7. An assembly according to claim 6, wherein the fins are on the first part of the assembly.

8. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one magnet is provided on the first part of the assembly.

9. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part of the assembly is provided with means to frictionally engage with a light bulb.

10. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein said means comprises a rubber ring.

11. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the first part of the assembly is substantially elliptical in cross section.

12. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide means comprises an aperture formed in the second part of the assembly to receive and orient the first part of the assembly.

13. An assembly according to claim 12, wherein the aperture has a non-circular cross- section which decreases in area through the second part of the assembly.

14. An assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the opening of the aperture has a cross-section shape which is substantially elliptical.

15. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second part of the assembly is hard-wired to the power supply.

16. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the second part of the assembly is configured as a part to be attached to an existing standard light fitting.

17. An assembly according to claim 16, wherein the second part of the assembly is attached to the light fitting using attachment means on the second part of the assembly and the connectors of the standard light fitting.

18. An assembly according to claim 17, wherein the attachment means are of elastomeric material.

19. An assembly according to claim 18, wherein the attachment means expand to more firmly grip the light fitting.

20. An assembly according to any of claims 16 to 19, wherein conductive means are provided within the second part of the assembly to bridge a gap between the electrical contacts of the fitting and a light bulb.

21. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one magnet is provided on the second part of the assembly.

22. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein more than one magnet is provided.

23. An assembly according to claim 22, wherein the magnets are arranged in at least two groups.

24. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a tab is provided on the second part of the assembly to ease the assembly apart.

25. An assembly according to claim 24, wherein the tab is provided at a minor diameter of the second part of the assembly.

26. An assembly according to any preceding claims, wherein assembly is for a light bulb with a bayonet connector fitting.

27. An assembly according to any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the assembly is for a light bulb with a screw connector fitting.

28. An assembly according to any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the assembly is for a light bulb with a standard halogen connector fitting.

29. An assembly substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

30. A light bulb and socket assembly, wherein the assembly is as described in any of the preceding claims.