Patent ID: 6183286
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A convertible lamp socket for mounting a plurality of differently shaped associated lamps by holding a base of a selected lamp through engagement between a set of connection pins extending outwardly from the lamp base and a set of bayonet catch contacts associated with the selected lamp socket, the lamp socket comprising:a main housing body including a cylindrical wall member defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart locating recesses; and,a substantially cylindrical coding ring defining a first longitudinal axis and being selectively connectable with the housing body, the coding ring carrying a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart locating tabs arranged to engage the locating recesses defined on the wall member when the coding ring and the main body housing are selectively connected together, the coding ring further having a set of recesses arranged on an inner circumference of the coding ring at positions corresponding with positions of the set of connection pins extending from the associated selected lamp socket base, the set of recesses being adapted to receive said set of bayonet catch contacts associated with the selected lamp socket, each set of recesses including i) a longitudinal first groove opened on one end at an edge of the coding ring to enable the associated selected lamp base and the coding ring to be interengaged, the first groove extending substantially in parallel with the first longitudinal axis to permit relative motion between the coding ring and the associated selected lamp along said first longitudinal axis, and ii) a transverse second groove defining a bayonet catch recess contiguous with the first groove and extending tangentially relative to the coding ring, the transverse second groove permitting relative interengaged rotation between the coding ring and the associated selected lamp about said first longitudinal axis.