WO1997028582A1

WO1997028582A1 - Device at a low-energy lamp

Info

Publication number: WO1997028582A1
Application number: PCT/SE1997/000128
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Fager
Original assignee: Fullmestad, Stefan
Priority date: 1996-01-30
Filing date: 1997-01-28
Publication date: 1997-08-07
Also published as: SE9600323L; SE9600323D0; AU1679297A; SE511854C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for preventing the misappropriation of an energy saving bulb (2) from a light fitting. The bulb (2) has a fluorescent tube part (2a), a part (2b) comprising the bulb's ignition connection and ballast, and a connection part (2c), which for connecting the bulb (2) to the fitting is designed to be introduced into a socket with the application of a turning movement. A cover is arranged surrounding the bulb (2) and fixed to the latter, which cover is provided with an opening through which the lamp's connection part (2c) projects. When the bulb (2) is connected to the fitting the cover prevents touching of any parts of the lamp (2). The cover is furthermore rotatably arranged concentrically around the bulb (2) in such a way that turning of the cover does not result in turning of the bulb (2). The cover furthermore has members adapted to permit due fixing and release of the cover's fixing to the bulb.

Description

Device at a low- energy l amp

The present invention relates to a device for preventing misappropriation of an energy saving bulb from a light fitting, which bulb has a fluorescent tube part, a part comprising the lamp's ignition coupling and ballast, and a connection part which for connecting the bulb to the fitting is designed to be introduced into a socket with the application of a turning movement.

With rising electricity prices and greater environmental awareness it is desirable to replace conventional light bulbs in light fittings with energy saving bulbs. The said energy saving bulbs, however, entail a relatively high cost compared to conventional light bulbs. This makes energy saving bulbs extremely liable to be stolen, especially when they are located in public places. This constitutes a serious problem since it is precisely in public places with a large number of light fittings that the greatest gains can be made both in terms of energy-saving and as a consequence of the reduced need for maintenance resulting from the fact that energy saving bulbs have a significantly longer service life than conventional light bulbs.

In an experiment a number of energy saving bulbs without any anti-theft device were installed in a public area. After only a couple of weeks all the energy saving bulbs had been stolen.

The design of a device for preventing the theft of U-shaped discharge bulbs through the use of a special socket intended to receive the bulb's four contact pins and to lock these to the socket is already known from US 297 529.

A problem with such a known anti-theft socket, even if it involves another type of bulb which is connected in some other way, is that existing standard sockets in light fittings cannot be used but must be changed in order to obtain the desired protection against theft.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device which eliminates the above- mentioned problem and prevents misappropriation of an energy saving bulb from the existing standard socket of a light fitting. This object is achieved according to the invention in that a cover is arranged surrounding the bulb and fixed thereto, which cover is provided with an opening through which the connection part of the bulb projects, which cover, when the bulb is connected to the fitting prevents touching of any of the bulb's parts and which cover is rotatably arranged concentrically around the bulb in such a way that rotating of the cover does not result in rotation of the bulb, and which cover has elements adapted to allow due fixing or release of the cover's fixing to the bulb.

In order to facilitate manufacture by injection moulding the cover, according to a particular characteristic feature of the invention, is constructed from a plurality of moulded elements which can be connected to one another.

With the object of making the device easy to fit the number of moulded elements, according to a further particular characteristic feature of the invention, is preferably two.

According to a further particular characteristic feature of the invention the moulded elements comprise two moulded halves joined together which essentially enclose the bulb and are fixed to the bulb by means of a locking element, thereby producing very good interlocking of the moulded elements.

By providing at least one of the joined moulded halves with at least one locking heel made on an elastic tongue and corresponding to an indentation made in the locking element for connection to the locking element, an openable and resealable interlocking of the moulded elements is obtained according to a further particular characteristic feature of the invention.

With a design according to a further particular characteristic feature of the invention in which the locking element, for connection to the joined moulded halves, is openable and resealable and designed with a geometry corresponding to the moulded halves, so that fixing to the latter and the bulb is obtained when the locking element is sealed, a device is obtained which can more easily be fitted when the bulb is already connected to the fitting.

In order that the device can be fitted with the same type of turning movement as is required for connecting the bulb to the socket, the joined moulded halves, according to a further particular characteristic feature of the invention, are provided for connection to the locking element with a threaded section which corresponds to a thread made on the locking element and the moulded elements are designed so that unauthorised unscrewing of the joined moulded halves from the locking element is prevented. According to a further particular characteristic feature of the invention the joined moulded halves are provided with a section which can be connected to the locking element by snap locking, so as to produce a simple and reliable connection between the moulded elements.

According to a final particular characteristic feature of the invention the cover is adapted for removal from the energy saving bulb by means of a tool specially shaped for this purpose and adapted to release the locking between the joined moulded halves and the locking element, so that a spent bulb can be removed by an authorised repairer and replaced by a new one

The invention will be further explained below with reference to the attached drawing in which-

Fig. la shows how the moulded halves, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, are to be joined together in order to be then fitted to an energy saving bulb by means of a locking element

Fig. lb shows a device according to fig. la fitted to an energy saving bulb

Fig 2a shows a device according to a second embodiment of the invention

Fig. 2b shows how the locking element according to fig 2a is designed with a geometry corresponding to the moulded halves so that locking to these is accomplished when the locking element is sealed

Fig 2c shows, through a section according to the section marking A-A in fig 2a, the principle of how the locking element according to fig. 2a-b is designed to be openable and resealable.

Fig. 3a shows how the device according to a third embodiment has moulded halves provided with a threaded section which corresponds to a thread made on the locking element.

Fig 3b shows how the moulded halves according to fig. 3a at a section B-B are provided with projections adapted to interact with teeth according to fig 3c made on the locking element, so as to prevent unscrewing of the moulded halves from the locking element Fig. 3c shows how the locking element according to fig. 3a at a section B-B is provided with teeth designed to interact with projections according to fig. 3b made on the moulded halves so as to prevent unscrewing of the moulded halves from the locking element.

Fig. 4a shows how the moulded halves according to a fourth embodiment of the invention are provided with a section which, because it is shaped to correspond to a slot made in the locking element, means that the moulded halves can be connected to the locking element by snap locking.

Fig. 4b shows how the slot according to fig. 4a is preferably bounded towards the top at the section marking C-C by flanges according to fig. 4b, which make it easier to connect the joined moulded halves.

Fig. 5 shows, through an enlargement of the part, how the cover according to the first preferred embodiment is adapted for removal from the energy saving bulb by means of a tool specially shaped for this purpose and adapted to release the locking between the moulded halves and the locking element.

In fig. lb 1 generally denotes a cover constituting a first preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention for preventing misappropriation of an energy saving bulb 2 from a light fitting.

The energy saving bulb 2 in fig. la has a florescent tube pan 2a, which is connected to a part 2b comprising the lamp's ignition connection and ballast. The lamp also has a threaded cylindrical connection part 2c which may, for example, be of the standardised type E-27 or E-14. For connecting the bulb 2 to the fitting, the said connection part 2c is adapted to be inserted into a socket, located in the fitting and provided with corresponding thread, a turning movement then being applied so that it is screwed firmly to the socket, making an electrical connection to the fitting.

Fig. lb shows how a cover 1, preferably made of a suitable type of transparent plastic material, is arranged surrounding the energy saving bulb and fixed to the latter. The cover 1 is provided with an opening, through which the threaded connection part 2c of the bulb 2 projects to such an extent that it can be connected to the fitting.

The device is preferably manufactured by injection moulding, for which reason the cover 1, as shown in fig. la, is appropriately constructed from a plurality of moulded elements which can be connected to one another. The said elements preferably comprise two moulded halves 3a and 3b, which are joined together in order to form a moulded element. Joining is preferably done by means of ultrasonic welding, bonding or some equivalent method of connection. The joined moulded halves 3a, 3b are fixed to the bulb 2 by means of a locking element 4 specially adapted for this purpose. When fitting, the locking element 4 is placed around the connection part 2c of the bulb 2, the said connecting part then being connected to the fitting. The joined moulded halves 3a, 3b are then placed over the fluorescent tube part 2a of the bulb and connected to the locking element 4. This simple assembly is achieved in that the preferred number of moulded elements here is therefore two, the moulded element formed from the joined moulded halves 3a, 3b, and the locking element 4.

For connection to the locking element 4, the joined moulded halves 3a, 3b are provided with members adapted to allow proper fixing and release of the cover's 1 fixing to the bulb 2. In a first preferred embodiment the said members are achieved in that the moulded halves 3a, 3b are provided with locking heels 6, each made on an elastic tongue 5. Each locking heel 6 corresponds to an indentation 7 made in the locking element 4. Interlocking of the moulded elements and fixing of the cover 1 to the bulb 2 are accomplished by introducing the joined moulded halves 3a, 3b into the locking element 4 so that the locking heels 6 snap into their respective indentations 7.

When the bulb 2 is connected to the fitting the cover 1 prevents a manual turning movement being applied to the bulb to remove it from the fitting. This is achieved in that the cover 1 prevents touching of any of the bulb's parts and that it is rotatably arranged concentrically around the bulb 2 in such a way that turning of the cover 1 does not turn the bulb 2.

Fig. 2a-c shows how the locking element 4 according to a second embodiment of the invention is openable and resealable in that, at a section according to the section marking A-A in fig. 2b, it is made with locking heels 6, each made on an elastic tongue 5 and corresponding to indentations 7 made in the locking element, together with a section 8 acting like a hinge, see fig. 2b-c. The locking element 4 is moreover designed with a geometry corresponding to the moulded halves 3a, 3b so that, when it is closed, it surrounds a protuberance made on the moulded halves 3a, 3b, so that locking to the latter is accomplished when the locking element 4 is closed, see fig. 2a. By means of a design according to this embodiment a device is obtained which can be fitted when the bulb 2 is already connected to the fitting. In order that the device may be fitted with the same type of turning movement as is required for connection of the bulb 2 to the socket, the moulded halves 3a, 3b, according to the third embodiment of the invention shown in fig 3a-c, are provided with a threaded section 9a, which corresponds to a thread 9b made on the locking element 4 The moulded elements are moreover designed so that unscrewing of the moulded halves 3a, 3b from the locking element 4 is prevented by projections 10 according to fig 3c made on the moulded halves 3a, 3b at the section marking B-B in fig. 3a, which projections, when turned for the purpose of unscrewing, catch in teeth

11 made in the locking element according to fig. 3b

In a fourth embodiment of the invention according to fig. 4a-b each moulded half 3a. 3b is provided with a section having a bead 12 which, because it is shaped to correspond to a slot 13 made m the locking element, the slot preferably being bounded at the top at the section marking C-C by flanges 14 according to fig. 4b, means that the moulded halves 3a, 3b can be connected to the locking element 4 by snap locking

According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in fig 5, the cover 1 is adapted to be removed from the energy saving bulb 2 by means of a tool 15 specially shaped for this purpose The said tool 15 is adapted to release the locking between the moulded halves 3a, 3b and the locking element 4 by making it possible to press the locking heels 6 made on an elastic tongue 5 in simultaneously, so that they are released from the indentations 7 made in the locking element, according to the part enlargement in fig. 5 In this way the two joined moulded halves 3a, 3b can be removed from the bulb 2, so that the latter is released and a turning movement can be applied, so that when it is spent it can be removed and exchanged for a new one.

It is obvious that the connection part 2c of the bulb 2 need not be threaded but may, for example, be provided with a bayonet fitting, for connection of which to a corresponding socket a turning movement is required

It is also obvious that the threaded moulded halves 3a, 3b according to the third embodiment of the invention may prevent unscrewing of the locking element 4 in some other way than that descπbed above, for example by arranging the threads so as to produce idle turning of the cover's threads in the locking element 4

It is also obvious that a tool can be specially adapted and shaped to release the locking between the moulded halves 3a, 3b and the locking element 4 for all the embodiments described.

The invention is naturally not limited to the embodiments indicated above by way of example but may lend itself to modifications within the concept of the invention defined in the following patent claims.

Claims

Claims1 Device for preventing misappropriation of an energy saving bulb (2) from a light fitting, which bulb (2) has a fluorescent tube part (2a), a part (2b) comprising the bulb's ignition connection and ballast, and a connection part (2c), which for connecting the bulb (2) to the fitting is adapted to be introduced into a socket with the application of a turning movement, characterised in that a cover is arranged surrounding the bulb (2) and fixed to the latter, which cover is provided with an opening through which the lamp s connection pan (2c) projects and which cover, when the bulb (2) is connected to the fitting, prevents touching of any parts of the lamp (2) and is rotatably arranged concentπcally around the bulb (2) in such a way that turning ot the cover does not result in turning of the bulb(2), and which cover has members designed to permit due fixing and release of the cover's fixing to the bulb2 Device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the cover is constructed from a plurality of moulded elements connectable to one another3 Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the number of moulded elements is preferably two4 Device according to claim 3, characterised in that the moulded elements comprise two joined moulded halves (3a, 3b), which essentially enclose the bulb (2) and are fixed to the bulb (2) by means of a locking element (4)5 Device according to claim 4, characterised in that at least one of the joined moulded halves (3a, 3b), for connection to the locking element (4), is provided with at least one locking heel (6), made on an elastic tongue (5) and corresponding to an indentation (7) made in the locking element6 Device according to claim 4, characterised in that the locking element (4), for connection to the joined moulded halves (3a, 3b), is openable and resealable and is designed with a geometry corresponding to the moulded halves (3a, 3b), so that fixing to the latter and the bulb (2) is accomplished when the locking element (4) is sealed7 Device according to claim 4, characterised in that the joined moulded halves(3a, 3b), for connection to the locking element (4), are provided with a threaded section (9a), which corresponds to a thread (9b) made on the locking element, and that the elements are designed so that unscrewing of the joined moulded halves (3a, 3b) from the locking element (4) is prevented.8. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that the joined moulded halves(3a, 3b), for connection to the locking element (4), are provided with a section (12) which can be connected to the locking element (4) by snap locking.9. Device according to any of claims 4 to 8, characterised in that the cover is adapted to be removed from the energy saving bulb (2) by means of a tool ( 15), specially shaped for this purpose, which is adapted to release the locking between the joined moulded halves (3a, 3b) and the locking element (4). AMENDED CLAIMS[received by the International Bureau on 26 June 1997 (26.06.97) ; original claim 1' amended ; remaining claims unchanged (2 pages) ]

1. Device lor preventing misappropπaUon of an energy saving bulb (2) from the existing standard socket of a light fitting, said bulb (2) having a fluorescent tube part (2a), a part (2b) compnsing the bulb's ignition connection and ballast, and a connection part (2c), which for connecting the bulb (2) to the fitting is adapted to be introduced into the socket with the application of a turning movement, characterised in that a cover is arranged surrounding the bulb (2) and fixed to the latter, said cover being provided with an opening through which the lamp's connection part (2c) projects and when the bulb (2) is connected to the fitting, prevents touching of any parts of the lamp (2) and is rotatably arranged concentrically around the bulb (2) in such a way that turning of the cover does not result in turning of the bulb (2), and which cover has members designed to permit due fixing and release of the cover's fixing to the bulb

2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the cover is constructed from a plurality of moulded elements connectable to one another.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the number of moulded elements is preferably two.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterised in that the moulded elements compnse two joined moulded halves (3a, 3b), which essentially enclose the bulb (2) and are fixed to the bulb (2) by means of a locking element (4)

5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that at least one of the joined moulded halves (3a, 3b), for connection to the locking element (4), is provided with at least one locking heel (6), made on an elastic tongue (5) and corresponding to an indentauon (7) made in the locking element.

6. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that the locking element (4), for connection to the joined moulded halves (3a, 3b), is openable and resealable and is designed with a geometry corresponding to the moulded halves (3a, 3b), so that fixing to the latter and the bulb (2) is accomplished when the locking element (4) is sealed.

7. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that the joined moulded halves (3a, 3b), for connection to the locking element (4), are provided with a threaded section (9a), which corresponds to a thread (9b) made on the locking element, and that the elements are designed so that unscrewing of the joined moulded halves (3a, 3b) from the locking element (4) is prevented.

8. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that the joined moulded halves

(3a, 3b), for connection to the locking element (4), are provided with a section (12) which can be connected to the locking element (4) by snap locking.

9. Device according to any of claims 4 to 8, characterised in that the cover is adapted to be removed from the energy saving bulb (2) by means of a tool (15), specially shaped for this purpose, which is adapted to release the locking between the joined moulded halves (3a, 3b) and the locking element (4).