Lightbulb housing containing a frosted and translucent lens to convert the visual effect of a plug-in fluorescent lightbulb into the same visual effect as an incandescent BR30/BR40 reflector lightbulb

The present invention is an improved lightbulb housing installed inside of a canister transversely affixed to a ceiling plate of a ceiling fixture, wherein the lightbulb used is a plug-in fluorescent lightbulb and the visual effect is modified to cause the visual effect to simulate a reflector lightbulb. The lightbulb housing comprises a hollow reflector, a frosted and translucent lens, and a top hollow cylindrical ring cover which receives a translucent lens. The hollow cylindrical ring cover is attached to the reflector and incorporates means by which it is attached to the interior of the canister. The frosted and translucent lens is sandwiched between a transverse interior shelf on the ring cover and the top of the reflector. A plug-in fluorescent lightbulb is installed into an electric plug within the canister of the ceiling fixture, however, because of the translucent and frosted lens, the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb is concealed and lighting effect simulates a reflector lightbulb.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a lightbulb housing affixed into a ceiling fixture which is used with plug-in fluorescent lightbulb.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A lightbulb housing is a well known apparatus for controlling the spread of light from a lightbulb to achieve a desired visual effect. In the prior art, a common type of lightbulb used is a screw in reflector lightbulb which has a wide bulb surface to provide whether flood lighting effect or a spot lighting effect. In general a reflector lightbulb can be seen from the lightbulb housing and provides an aesthetic visual effect

Referring toFIG. 1, there is illustrated a prior art conventional lightbulb housing assembly100acomprising a conventional reflector lightbulb10a. The reflector lightbulb10ais visible and provides a very aesthetic visual effect.

Due to changes in lighting requirements, the reflector lightbulb has frequently been replaced with a plug in fluorescent lightbulb. In the prior art, the plug in fluorescent lightbulb is also visible. However, the aesthetic effect of being able to see the plug in fluorescent lightbulb is far less attractive than the visual effect created by the reflector lightbulb. Therefore, there is a significant need to modify the visual effect of a plug-in fluorescent lightbulb so that it is far more attractive and provides a visual effect which is similar to the visual effect of a reflector lightbulb.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved lightbulb housing installed inside of a canister transversely affixed to a ceiling plate of a ceiling fixture, wherein the lightbulb used is a plug-in fluorescent lightbulb and the visual effect is modified to cause the visual effect to simulate a reflector lightbulb. The lightbulb housing comprises a hollow reflector, a frosted and translucent lens, and a top hollow cylindrical ring cover which receives a translucent lens. The hollow cylindrical ring cover is attached to the reflector and incorporates means by which it is attached to the interior of the canister. The frosted and translucent lens is sandwiched between a transverse interior shelf on the ring cover and the top of the reflector. A plug-in fluorescent lightbulb is installed into an electric plug within the canister of the ceiling fixture, however, because of the translucent and frosted lens, the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb is concealed and lighting effect simulates a reflector lightbulb.

It has been discovered, according to the present invention, that if a ring assembly comprises means to retain a frosted and translucent lens and further comprises reflector means to which the ring assembly is attached, and also comprises means to attach the ring assembly to the interior of a ceiling fixture, then if a plug-in fluorescent lightbulb is installed into a plug within the ceiling fixture, the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb will be shielded by the frosted and translucent lens so that the plug-in lightbulb will not be visible as the illumination from the lightbulb is transmitted through the frosted and translucent lens ad the illumination effect will simulate the visual effect of the reflector lightbulb.

It has further been discovered, according to the present invention, that if the lightbulb is a plug in fluorescent lightbulb, the unsightly effects of the fluorescent lightbulb will be shielded by the present invention.

It has also been discovered, according to the present invention, that if a sealing gasket is positioned between the frosted and translucent lens and the transverse interior shelf of the ring assembly, then the frosted and translucent lens will be better sealed and seated within the ring assembly.

It has additionally been discovered, according to the present invention, that if the frosted and translucent lens is positioned so that it is above the means by which the attaching means of the assembly are affixed to the ring assembly, then the unsightly attaching means will be concealed and will not be visible through the translucent lens.

It has also been discovered, according to the present invention, that if the ring assembly has a transverse outer ring which can be used for decorative purposes and has a sealing ring adjacent its interior surface, then the sealing ring can be used to seal the canister of the ceiling fixture when the ring assembly is attached by a press fit against the canister so that the outer transverse ring serves an aesthetic and decorative purpose and the canister of the ceiling fixture can be sealed.

It has also been discovered, according to the present invention, that if the interior wall of the ring which retains the frosted and translucent lens has an interior surface above the lens and is therefore visible, then the visual effect of the illumination can be varied depending on whether the interior surface is smooth or has baffles thereon.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a means by which a frosted and translucent lens can be attached to a'reflector and ceiling fixture so that the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb within the ceiling fixture and which extends through the reflector is concealed so that when illuminated, the illumination shines through the frosted and translucent lens but the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb is hidden from view and the illumination effects simulates the illumination from a reflector lightbulb.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide means by which the assembly housing the frosted and translucent lens can be press fit into the ceiling fixture and retained therein.

It is another object of the present invention to incorporate sealing means into the assembly which retains the frosted and translucent lens so that the ceiling fixture will be sealed when the assembly housing the frosted and translucent lens is affixed to the sealing fixture.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide means in the improved lightbulb assembly to permit the wiring from the electric plug receiving the lightbulb to extend through the reflector of the present invention assembly.

It is also another object of the present invention to incorporate a decorative ring into the assembly which retains the translucent lens.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is an improvement to eliminate the unsightly appearance of a plug-in fluorescent lightbulb in a ceiling fixture by concealing the interior of the lightbulb housing with a frosted and translucent lens so that the interior of the housing is concealed and therefore the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb is concealed to thereby provide a far more beautiful aesthetic appearance when the light shines through the lens and simulates the illumination effect of a reflector lightbulb. In a preferred embodiment, the frosted and translucent lens assembly is affixed by snapper assemblies which are attached to the lens retaining apparatus and which are concealed by the frosted and translucent lens.

Referring toFIG. 3, there is illustrated a perspective view of a lightbulb assembly containing the present invention improved lightbulb housing100. The lightbulb assembly200comprises lightbulb retaining means such as a canister91transversely affixed into a ceiling plate90which has conventional means to be mounted into a ceiling. The present invention lightbulb housing100is retained within the canister91so that a source of illumination such as lightbulb within the present invention improved lightbulb housing100can shine downwardly.

Referring toFIG. 2, there is illustrated a perspective view of the present invention improved lightbulb housing100and referring toFIG. 3there is illustrated an exploded view of the present invention improved lightbulb housing100.FIG. 3Ais an exploded view of the ring cover portion of the improved lightbulb housing100.

Referring toFIGS. 2,3, and3A, the primary components of a preferred embodiment of the present invention improved lightbulb housing100are a reflector10, a frosted and translucent lens12, a rubber ring or gasket6and a top ring cover14. Referring toFIG. 2and the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 4, the reflector10is a single structure having an outer wall which by way of example can be comprised of three sections, a bottom baffle5, a middle baffle4, and an upper baffle3. The bottom baffle3is hollow and generally cylindrical with a bottom end52and a top end51. The middle baffle4is rounded or cup shaped with a bottom end42which adjoins the top end51of bottom baffle5. The middle baffle4has a top end41. The upper baffle3is also rounded or cup shaped having a bottom end52which adjoins the middle baffle4at its top end41. The upper baffle3also has a top end31which extends into an upper transverse circumferential wall2. The three baffles are aligned so that their respective center-lines are aligned and are symmetrical about the center-line the reflector10. Referring to Figure, the bottom baffle5has at least one transverse54through which electrical wires are fed. It will be appreciated that it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to have at least one hole for a wire to pass through.

Referring toFIGS. 2,3and3A, there is illustrated hollow top ring cover14which comprises an outer wall such as cylindrical wall16having a top circumference168which extends into an upper circumferential ring18which in turn extends into an upper transverse outer ring19. It will be appreciated that it also within the spirit and scope of the present for the top circumference168of the hollow cylindrical wall16to extend directly into the upper transverse outer ring19. A sealing ring7is positioned around the hollow cylindrical wall16at a location immediately beneath the upper transverse outer ring19. The sealing ring7can be a loose fit or can be affixed to the bottom of the upper transverse outer ring19by means such as adhesives.

The top ring cover14is attached to the interior of cylinder91of the housing fixture (SeeFIG. 6) by connecting means which way of example can be a pair of snapper assemblies150and152. Each snapper assembly is respectively affixed at oppositely disposed locations on the hollow cylindrical wall16by attachment means such as rivets151and153. Each snapper assembly150and152is respectively comprised of a pair of snapper connectors160and162. Referring toFIGS. 3 and 3A, the bottom161of the cylindrical wall16has three sets of hooks163a,163b,163c,163d,163eand163f. The first set comprised of hooks163aand163bare adjacent one another. The second set comprised of hooks163cand163dare adjacent one another. The third set comprised of hooks163eand163fare adjacent one another. The sets of hooks are spaced approximately one-hundred and twenty (120) degrees apart. As best illustrated inFIG. 3, the hooks163a,163b,163c,163d,163eand163fare used to lock the top ring cover14to the reflector10. It will be appreciated that it is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention to have at least one hook member at spaced apart locations rather than pairs of hook members and the present invention will work with at least one hook member but preferably there should be least two oppositely disposed hook members to retain the ring assembly14onto the reflector10.

As illustrated inFIG. 3A, the interior of the hollow cylindrical wall16has an interior transverse circumferential shelf169positioned at a location between the bottom161and transverse outer ring19. A rubber sealing gasket6is positioned to rest immediately below the interior transverse circumferential shelf169. The rubber gasket6can be press fit against the interior transverse circumferential shelf169or alternatively can be affixed thereto by means such as adhesive means.

A frosted and translucent lens12is positioned so that it rests on upper transverse circumferential wall2of reflector10and between the rubber sealing gasket6or against the interior transverse circumferential shelf169if there is no rubber sealing gasket and is held in place when the hooks163a,163b,163c,163d,163eand163fare snapped onto the top 31 of upper baffle3of the reflector10. In this orientation, the frosted and translucent lens12conceals the rivets151and153or other attaching means by which the snapper assemblies150and152are affixed to the cylindrical wall16of the top ring cover14. The completed present invention housing100is shown in the perspective view ofFIG. 2.

The interior surface167of the cylindrical wall16of the top ring cover14can have different wall designs between the top 168 of the interior surface167and the interior transverse circumferential shelf169. In one variation illustrated inFIG. 2, the interior wall167is smooth. In another variation illustrated inFIG. 3, the interior wall167is baffled having baffles or grooves32. In each case, the smooth interior wall167or the grooves32of the baffle are visible since they are above the location of the frosted and translucent lens12. Therefore, when incorporating a smooth interior surface167, the top ring cover14serves as a full light reflector whereas when used with the baffles32, the light reflection is reduced.

It will be appreciated that the present invention can operate wherein the reflector10comprises the bottom hollow cylindrical baffle5connected at least one of the upper baffles. Furthermore, the present invention still can operate if the reflector10is a circular hollow elongated structure having the rim2at a front end of the structure containing a bottom end, as long as a lightbulb can be inserted into the hollow structure.

Referring to a top plan view ofFIG. 6, there is illustrated the canister91transversely affixed into the ceiling plate90, wherein the canister91is used for installation of the lightbulb housing100. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the canister91is transversely affixed into the ceiling plate90, wherein the cylindrical canister91at its top circumference97is inserted into a central hole of the ceiling plate90, and affixed to the plate through four screws93a,93b,93c, and93d(SeeFIG. 5). The cylindrical canister91further comprises a flatted bottom92, wherein an electric socket96is installed at a center location of the bottom92for connecting a lightbulb99(SeeFIG. 5). The interior wall93of canister91further comprises a pair of oppositely disposed snapper retaining members94and95which are affixed to the interior wall93at a location below the top 97 of canister91.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, the assembly of the present invention improved lightbulb housing assembly100is illustrated, wherein the lightbulb housing100is affixed into the canister91through connections of the right side snapper connector160to the respective snapper retainer94, and the left side snapper connector162to the respective snapper retainer95of the canister91. The plug-in fluorescent lightbulb99is plugged into the electric plug before the lightbulb assembly100is affixed. Therefore, when affixed, the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb99extends into the reflector10and extends through the bottom hollow baffle5, the middle hollow baffle4and into the top hollow baffle3as illustrated inFIG. 6. The wires98of the electric plug96extend through the at least one of the opening54in bottom hollow baffle5. Through the attachment of the snapper members160and162into the respective snapper retainers94and95, the lightbulb housing100is press fitted into the canister91, wherein the bottom circumference52of the reflector10contacts the inner surface on the bottom92of the canister91, and the rear side of the cushion ring7touches the top circumference97of the canister91to thereby seal the canister91. As a result, when the assembly200is illuminated, the plug-in fluorescent bulb99is concealed by the frosted and translucent lens12so that the illumination comes through the frosted and translucent lens and the viewer is unable to actually see the source of illumination such as the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb99. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the visual effect is similar to the visual effect achieved from a reflector lightbulb as illustrated inFIG. 1and in particular, similar to an incandescent BR30/BR40 reflector lightbulb. In addition, the transverse exterior ring16can be made of decorative material to further enhance the beauty of the fixture since the decorative exterior ring16is visible against the ceiling fixture.

Defined in detail, the present invention is an improved lightbulb housing for use with a ceiling fixture having a canister containing a socket assembly for a plug-in fluorescent lightbulb which is retained therein and at least one electrical wire extending from the socket assembly, the canister also having a pair of oppositely disposed snapper retainers and also having a top wall, the improved lightbulb housing comprising: (a) a reflector having a bottom generally cylindrical hollow baffle extending into a middle hollow baffle which extends into an upper hollow baffle terminating in an upper transverse circumferential wall, the baffles aligned so that their respective center-lines are aligned and are symmetrical about the center-line; (b) a hollow top ring cover having a cylindrical wall with a top end and a bottom end, the top end extending into an upper transverse outer ring, a sealing ring positioned around the cylindrical wall at a location immediately beneath the upper transverse outer ring, an interior transverse circumferential shelf located between the top end and the bottom end, a pair of oppositely disposed snapper assembles affixed by attaching means to the cylindrical wall at a location adjacent the bottom, each snapper assembly, having a pair of snapper connectors, and a multiplicity of spaced apart attaching hook members located on the bottom of the cylindrical wall; (c) a sealing gasket positioned against the underside of the interior transverse circumferential shelf and a frosted and translucent lens positioned against the sealing gasket, the hook members of the hollow ring cover attached to the upper baffle of the reflector so that the frosted and translucent lens is retained between the upper transverse circumferential wall of the reflector and the gasket; and (d) the reflector placed into the canister of the ceiling fixture so that the lightbulb extends into the reflector and the hollow top ring cover is retained into the canister by a respective snapper connector received within a respective snapper retainer, the wire from the electric socket extending through the at least one opening in the bottom baffle so that as illumination occurs from the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb, the frosted and translucent lens conceals the lightbulb from view while permitting illumination to shine through and also conceals the means by which the snapper assemblies are attached to the cylindrical wall, the sealing ring pressed against the top wall of the canister, the frosted and translucent lens creating a visual effect similar to the visual effect achieved by a reflector lightbulb.

Defined more broadly, the present invention is an improved lightbulb housing for use with a ceiling fixture having a canister containing a socket assembly for a plug-in lightbulb which is retained therein and at least one electrical wire extending from the socket assembly, the canister also having a pair of oppositely disposed snapper retainers, the improved lightbulb housing comprising: (a) reflector having an outer wall which surrounds an interior chamber, the outer wall having a top end with an upper transverse circumferential wall, and a bottom end, the outer wall having at least one opening adjacent the bottom end; (b) a hollow top cover having an outer wall with a top end and a bottom end, the top end extending into an upper transverse outer ring, an interior transverse circumferential shelf located between the top end and the bottom end, a pair of oppositely disposed snapper assembles affixed by attaching means to the cylindrical wall at a location adjacent the bottom, each snapper assembly having a pair of snapper connectors, and at least two spaced apart attaching hook members located on the bottom of the cylindrical wall; (c) a frosted and translucent lens positioned against the underside of the interior transverse circumferential shelf, the hook members of the hollow top cover attached to the reflector so that the frosted and translucent lens is retained between the upper transverse circumferential wall of the reflector and the interior transverse circumferential shelf; and (d) the reflector placed into the canister of the ceiling fixture so that the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb extends into the reflector and the hollow top cover is retained into the canister by a respective snapper connector received within a respective snapper retainer, the wire from the electric socket extending through the at least one opening in the reflector so that as illumination occurs from the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb, the frosted and translucent lens conceals the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb from view while permitting illumination to shine through and also conceals the means by which the snapper assemblies are attached to the cylindrical wall, the frosted and translucent lens creating a visual effect similar to the visual effect achieved by a reflector lightbulb.

Defined even more broadly, the present invention is an improved lightbulb housing for use with a ceiling fixture having a lightbulb retaining means containing a socket assembly for a plug-in fluorescent lightbulb which is retained therein and at least one retaining member, the improved lightbulb housing comprising: (a) reflector having an outer wall which surrounds an interior chamber, the outer wall having a top end with an upper transverse circumferential wall, and a bottom end; (b) a hollow top cover having an outer wall with a top end and a bottom end, the top end extending into an upper transverse outer ring, an interior transverse circumferential shelf located between the top end and the bottom end, at least one connector means attached to the outer wall at a location adjacent the bottom, and at least one attaching member located on the outer wall; (c) a frosted and translucent lens positioned against the underside of the interior transverse circumferential shelf, the at least one attaching member of the hollow top cover attached to the reflector so that the frosted and translucent lens is retained between the upper transverse circumferential wall of the reflector and the interior transverse circumferential shelf; and (d) the reflector placed into the lightbulb retaining means of the ceiling fixture so that the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb extends into the reflector and the hollow top cover is retained therein by the at least one connector member being attached to the at least one retaining member so that as illumination occurs from the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb, the frosted and translucent lens conceals the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb from view while permitting illumination to shine through, the frosted and translucent lens creating a visual effect similar to the visual effect achieved by a reflector lightbulb.

Defined most broadly, the present invention is an improved lightbulb housing for use with a ceiling fixture having a lightbulb retaining means containing a socket assembly for a plug-in fluorescent lightbulb which is retained therein, the improved lightbulb housing comprising: (a) a reflector having an outer wall which surrounds an interior chamber, the outer wall having a top end with an upper transverse circumferential wall, and a bottom end; (b) an apparatus for retaining a frosted and translucent lens which is retained on the reflector so as to shield the interior of the reflector; and (c) the reflector placed into a lightbulb retaining means of a ceiling fixture so that the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb extends into the reflector so that as illumination occurs from the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb, the frosted and translucent lens conceals the plug-in fluorescent lightbulb from view while permitting illumination to shine through, the frosted and translucent lens creating a visual effect similar to the visual effect achieved by a reflector lightbulb.