Abstract:
A conversion connector supports a suspended lamp, and which can threadily engage within the socket of a recessed lighting fixture, provides for an instant conversion of a recessed light or ceiling socket to a hanging lamp, for installation within any facility. The single male conversion connector has a threaded sleeve located axially upon an insulator. The insulator electrically connects to the wires of a hanging lamp. The insulator fits securely within a base fastened to a housing where the threaded sleeve extends outwardly from the housing for turning into a recessed light fixture, generally an incandescent light socket. The connector provides a housing that orients the connector upwardly for installation. Such a connector can be easily removed by unthreading the sleeve from the socket and the lamp can be replaced with another, or a different reflector, or shade, to add to the uses and displays associated with a variety of suspended and hanging lamps.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This continuation application claims priority to the non-provisional application having Ser. No. 11/880,176, filed Jul. 20, 2007 now abandoned, which claims priority to the non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/388,736 which was filed on Mar. 24, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,247,049, and which claims priority to the provisional application for patent Ser. No. 60/665,681 which was filed on Mar. 28, 2005. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to the mounting of a lighting fixture, and more specifically pertains to a conversion connector that provides for the changing of a ceiling lamp, such as a recessed light, to a hanging style of lamp that can be easily changed, at the desire of the occupant, so as to convert quickly the style of decorative light hanging within a facility. 
   Lighting for the home, business installation, a restaurant, night club, bar, or any other business establishment, has long been available in the art. Of more recent vintage, though, the use of recessed lighting has become quite in vogue over the past twenty-five to thirty years. Recessed lighting can now be found in restaurants, taverns, even in business establishments, where the lights are mounted into a false ceiling, and such type of recessed lighting has even become stylish for installation into the residential building. Such lighting is not only attractive, but has been readily accepted by the home or business owner, to sustain its popularity. 
   Furthermore, in earlier years, a suspended or hanging type of light was of interest to particularly the homeowner, where a suspended light could be located over an end table, kitchen table, dining table, or any other location, where more proximate lighting was desired. But, when recessed lighting is installed within a facility, few means exist to allow an owner to convert from that type of lighting, to a suspended or hanging lamp, when desired. 
   A variety of patents have issued upon various types of lighting systems. For example, the U.S. Pat. No. 4,046,448, to Miller, shows a lighting fixture accessory, which is basically a telescoping type of housing for use for supporting a light socket, so that the housing can be expanded, or contracted, as desired, within a light socket of a facility. 
   The U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,402, to Aubrey, shows another light fixture. In this particular instance, the light fixture and its housing can be extended downwardly, by disengaging various latches, to allow for a lengthening of its light support, to bring the light either closer to the source of usage, or it can be contracted back up towards the ceiling, as desired. 
   The U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,969, to McNair, shows a lamp mounting apparatus and method. This apparatus is identified as for use for fitting within a recessed type of lighting fixture. But, the reflector of the shown light actually fits against the cover of a recessed receptacle, of the recessed lighting, and does not really provide for any extension or hanging of a lamp therefrom, because it appears that the reflector is originally connected up to and against the recessed fixture, during its assembly. 
   The U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,099, to Zelin, shows another lighting fixture. This particular device, as with some of the previously patented devices, is more concerned with furnishing fluorescent lighting, and its fixture, that may be interchangeable with an incandescent lighting fixture, that is recessed within the ceiling. As can be seen, it appears that the lighting fixture of this invention incorporates a lip adapter, which apparently is intended to conform to the light fixture that is mounted into the ceiling, of the recessed lighting installation, and not as a hanging lamp. 
   Another U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,758, to Aubrey, et al., shows a lamp mounting apparatus and method. Once again, this particular lamp mounting apparatus provides means for converting from an incandescent to a fluorescent type of light. In its design, it incorporates its fixture, to fit within the conventional recessed lighting fitting, so that its shoulder will bias against the recessed housing. And, the fluorescent lighting is then hardwired through wiring, into the ceiling, and connected through its screw connector, into the recessed lighting socket. Once again, this device relates to a lamp mounting apparatus, rather than means to provide for exchanging of a hanging lamp, into a recessed lighting fixture. 
   Finally, the published application of Wu, No. US 2003/0235049, shows a decoration bulb assembly. This device does not appear to relate to any type of recessed lighting fixture, but rather, simply discloses a decorative type of bulb, that emanates from its adapter, that can simply be screwed directly into a socket, at the ceiling or surface level of the facility. This does not relate to any type of an extension or converter for furnishing support, structurally, for a hanging lamp, from a recessed lighting fixture. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to a hanging light conversion connector, and more specifically to a uniquely designed connector that can turn into a recessed lighting socket, and convert the lighting to a suspension or hanging lamp, at the desire of the occupant. 
   As previously stated, in reviewing the background of this invention, recessed lighting has long been available in the art. The concept of this invention is to convert the recessed light, to a hanging lamp, so that a variety of lamps, and their particular designs or ornamental appearances can be changed, at the selection of the occupant, as desired. For example, hanging lamps can be applied that reflect the seasons of the year, as within a restaurant, a sports bar, and the like. Or, depending upon the game to be televised in the sports bar for that day, the hanging lamps could be installed that display the various competing teams&#39; colors, emblems, or the like, to add to the enthusiasm of the crowd. 
   In its primary construction, the concept of this invention is to replace the flood lamp, of a recessed light, with a hanging light fixture. The hanging light fixture can be screwed into the recessed lighting socket. Essentially, this invention is a type of uniquely designed screw-in plug, that can be threadedly engaged into the light fixture, even up in its recessed area, and the connector can have a screw-in type of plug, of the type that a lighting fixture can be hardwired to, and connected to its base, for support for the hanging lamp, during installation. The connector has a light type socket, provided at its bottom, and the wires from the lamp will extend into its opening, and be hardwired therein. Then, the double ended threaded connector will rotate its threads into the upper end of the socket, and the other threaded end of the double plug can rotate its threads directly into the socket provided in the removed recessed light. A hanging lamp can then be screwed directly into the socket for the recessed lighting fixture. Thus, when the light switch for the recessed light is turned on, the hanging lamp will light, to provide for illumination, and the reflection of the design, indicia, or coloration, that is desired for the style of hanging lamp connected thereto. As stated, in this manner, a variety of hanging lamps can be interchanged, for displaying something that may bring lighting closer to the user, or to add to the decorativeness of the facility. 
   It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide means for converting a recessed light fixture into a support and electrical connector for a hanging lamp, or a variety of hanging lamps for use in a facility, or even a house. 
   Still another object of this invention is to provide a conversion connector for a hanging lamp, that may be threadedly engaged directly into the socket of a recessed light, and thereby provide for not only the conversion of the lighting to a hanging lamp, but one that may be changed multiple times to vary the attractiveness and decorativeness of the lighting for the facility in which such hanging lamp is installed. 
   Yet another object of this invention is to provide a conversion connector that may be integrated into a thread-in plug, and yet provide terminals for hardwiring a hanging lamp thereto, when converting recessed lighting to a hanging lamp, within a facility or home. 
   Yet another object of this invention is to provide a conversion connector that can be promptly and easily installed, for changing residential or commercial lighting into the hanging style lamp. 
   These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the summary of the invention as provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiment, in view of the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In referring to the drawings, 
       FIG. 1  shows a prior art recessed lighting fixture, and its flood lamp, installed within a ceiling; 
       FIG. 2  shows the conversion of the recessed lighting fixture into an electrical and structural support for a hanging lamp; 
       FIG. 3  shows the conversion connector, enlarged, as disclosed in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  shows the double ended plug removed from the light socket for the hanging lamp; 
       FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the double ended threaded plug, with the electrically conductive tabs arranged intermediate thereof, and which can be threadedly engaged within the lamp socket for the hanging lamp; 
       FIG. 6  shows a modification to the hanging light conversion connector of this invention; 
       FIG. 7  discloses the modified conversion connector, in partial exploded view, having the electrical wiring from the hanging lamp extending into the connector and connecting with the terminal tabs of the socket plug; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a type of shade that may be applied to the end of the hanging lamp to provide cover for the light, and to display various types of other decoration, such as emblems for sport teams, etc.; 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the single male connector of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the single male connector ready for placement within the socket of a light fixture. 
   

   The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   In referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows the standard style of recessed lighting fixture, as at  1 , which has a socket  2 , holding a lamp  3 , as may be installed. The housing  4  for the recessed fixture secures to the socket base  5 , at its upper end, and at its lower end, normally includes flanges, or at least a continuous flange, as at  6 , and which supports or connects with the ceiling material  7  normally of a suspended ceiling structure. 
     FIG. 2  shows similar type of structure, for a recessed lighting fixture, but in this instance, includes the conversion connector  8  that threadedly engages within the socket  2 , and provides for suspending of the hanging lamp  9 . 
   The conversion connector of this particular invention is also shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . It includes a double ended threaded engaging plug, the two plugs being connected back to back, as can be seen at  10  and  11 . Normally, each of these plugs are of the standard type, which includes its threaded segment  12  which in this instance, can threadedly engage directly into any socket  2  for a recessed lamp, while the other plug likewise includes a series of threads, as at  13 , and which can thread directly into a light socket, as at  14 , of the type as known in the art. When the conversion connector is assembled in this manner, the electrical wires  15  from the hanging lamp, can be connected into the connector, internally, thereat as known in the art, and the double plug can then be threadedly engaged therein, within the light socket  14 , but also into the socket  2  for the recessed lighting fixture, to provide for an instant conversion of the flood lamp  3 , into a hanging lamp, and as previously explained, with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
   The specific construction of the conversion connector  8 , as previously explained, can be seen in  FIG. 5 . Each of the threaded plugs  10  and  11 , as known, at their flanged ends, as at  16  and  17 , have their plug in openings  18  and before these two plugs are sealed together, either by adhesive, or molding, as along the surface of their flanges  16  and  17 , the electrical conducting tabs  19  and  20  are inserted into their respective plug in locations, as at  18 , to provide for electrical connection from the upper threaded plug  10 , to the lower plug  11 , once assembled and installed. The bottom portion of the conversion connector includes, what was previously identified as the light socket  14 , and includes the base of the socket  21 , having an opening at its lower end, as at  22 , through which the electrical wiring  15  from the light fixture extends. 
   The pair of wires then connects by threaded fasteners, as at  23  and  24 , to the base  25  of the threaded socket  26 , as known in the art. Then, the upper part of the light socket, as at  27 , is lowered to surround the threaded socket  26 , and then threadedly engages onto the sleeve threads  28  of the lower portion  21  of the light socket, as can be seen. When the entire unit is assembled, so that it appears as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the double socket plugs  10  and  11  are then threaded into the sleeve threads  26 , to provide for electrical connection completely through the conversion connector, which is then readily assembled for installation into the recessed lighting fixture socket  2 , as described. 
   Thus, when assembled in that manner, the entire conversion connector has the appearance as shown in  FIG. 2 , it is generally concealed within the housing  4  of the recessed lighting fixture, and is not that observable to any occupant of the room, in which the hanging light fixture is located. In fact, because the light fixture  9  may have the variety of colors, designs, indicia, or other pictures applied thereto, the line of vision of the room occupant will be towards the fixture, and not up into the ceiling, as can be understood. While it is not shown, any type of reflector, or cover, can be applied at the base of the conversion connector, so as to cover the opening into the recessed lighting fixture housing  4 , to provide greater concealment for the electrical installation. In addition, to provide greater support for the hanging lamp  9 , a fastener, as at  29 , may be provided at the bottom of the lamp socket, and be tightened about the wires, to support them in position, and to aid in supporting the weight of the hanging lamp fixture  9 , once installed. Or any type of chain or other support can be applied, as known in the art. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7  disclose a further variation upon the conversion connector of this invention. The conversion connector, as shown at  30 , includes the lower structure of the light socket, as can be seen at  31 , and has a threaded plug  32  secured thereto, by means of an adhesive or other connection between their flanges  33  and  34 , when connected together. Thus, when assembled in this manner, it can provide for electrical connection within the recessed lighting fixture, and its socket  2 , but at the same time, support a hanging lamp, in the manner as previously described. Hence, because it may be desirable to separate the threaded plug  32 , from the lamp base  31 , the inner connection between the flanges  33  and  34  may be through a threaded connection, so that they may be unthreaded, for separation, to allow one to attain access into its internal electrical connectors, as can be seen in  FIG. 7 . As noted, the threaded plug  32  has its receptacle slots  35  provided therein. And, the electrical tabs  36  extend into the receptacles, to provide for electrical connection. Then, the electrical wires  37  from the hanging lamp can be fastened to each of the electrical tabs  38  and  39 , so to conduct charge through the plug  32 , from the socket  2 , and through the electrical tabs  36 , through the connected electrical wires  37 , and to the hanging light fixture, to provide for its illumination, when charge is being conducted. In addition, once again, a fastener, as at  40 , can secure the electrical wires  37 , or an associated chain, to hold them in position, and to support the weight of any light fixture suspended therebelow. 
   In addition, it may be just as likely that the flanges  33  and  34  of the threaded plug  32 , and the lamp housing  31 , can be threadedly engaged together, in a manner similar to that which the upper socket housing  27  threadedly engages onto the threaded sleeves  28 , of the lamp socket  14  as disclosed in  FIG. 5 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 8 , this is an example of the type of shade that may be applied to the hanging lamp connector, at the lower end of its cord, and where the lamp will plug into the same. The type of shade or reflector that may be applied to the lamp, as previously described in  FIG. 2 , indicated at reference character  9 . Different types of shades, globes, or any other types of reflector, that may bear indicia of different sport teams, community sites, even the name of the nightclub or restaurant, or any type of nomenclature, as desired by the owner, can be used. As can be seen, in  FIG. 8 , shade  41  includes the usual frame  42 , for supporting the shade covering  43 , and the means for connection of the shade to the wires  15 ,  37 , or even any chain that suspends from the connector  8 , includes the supporting ring  44 . In this particular instance, the supporting ring  44  includes a slot  45 , and through this slot the cord will be applied, and then can be secured by any type of a fastener or any type of a threaded connecting means, that can hold the cord or chain to the ring  44 , in suspension. The end of the electrical wires is a common type of screw in socket, similar to what has been described with respect to the light socket  14 , but will be located at the opposite end of the wires, at its downward most point, and where the lamp will be reapplied, and one of the lamps, bowls, reflectors, such as  9 , or shade  41 , is applied thereat, for surrounding the light, and allow for projection of any applied indicia, trademarks, and the like. 
   Separating from the single plug embodiment of  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 9  describes the assembly of a single male conversion connector but, without plug like blades. This embodiment of a single male socket has a pair of wires  15  that enters a base  46  for electrical connection to the remainder of this connector. The base is generally partially spherical with an entrance  47  at the top of the sphere that admits the wires  15 . The entrance is generally round and of lesser outside diameter than the remainder of the base. The entrance is spaced above the base to reinforce the base and the entrance against the movements of the wire. The entrance has an aperture  48 , generally round through which the wires proceed into the base. The base is generally hollow and opposite the entrance, the base has a lip  49  generally round and threaded. The threaded lip cooperatively engages the housing as later described. 
   Here shown beneath the base, the present invention has a plate  50  and a tongue  51  that connect to an insulator  52 . The plate is generally planar and has a generally arcuate shape with two ends  53 . The tongue, generally centered within the ends  53  of the plate, also has an end  53  generally in line with the ends of the plate. The plate and the tongue connect to the insulator using mechanical fasteners or screws  54  into corresponding threaded apertures, or alternatively cooperating flanges within the insulator. The tongue and plate electrically communicate with the wires  15  and extend along an insulator  55 . 
   The insulator  55  has a generally elongated shape with two ends and a round cross section though other cross sections such as rectangular are possible. Upon one end, the insulator has a shoulder  56  that extends partly around the perimeter of the insulator and has a greater diameter than the remainder of the insulator. The shoulder extends partially along the length of the insulator. Beneath the shoulder, the insulator  55  has a shank  57  extending downwardly. The shank is generally elongated and of lesser diameter than the shoulder. In this embodiment, the shank has a plurality of flutes extending lengthwise upon the perimeter. Opposite the shoulder  56 , the insulator has a tip  58  extending below the shank. The tip is generally rounded and of lesser width than the diameter of the shank. The tip has two parallel flat faces and the narrow portion of the tip extends outwardly of the assembled socket. In the preferred embodiment, the insulator is a ceramic or another high resistance material. 
   Here shown beneath the insulator, the present invention has a threaded sleeve  59  of greater diameter than the shank  57  but slightly less diameter than the shoulder  56 . The sleeve is hollow and has circumferential threads at a pitch for a common light socket, generally a U.S. incandescent light socket. Though a U.S. socket is described, this invention can be fitted with various shaped sleeves and insulators to fit sockets of other shapes and configurations. The sleeve is open upon both ends for placement over the shank. Upon one end, generally proximate the insulator, the sleeve has a flange  60  that extends outwardly upon the perimeter of the sleeve. 
   And beneath the sleeve,  FIG. 9  shows the housing  61 . The housing is generally a hollow cylinder with a reinforced threaded first lip  62 . The first lip receives the threads of the lip  49  from the base. Opposite the first lip, the housing has a second lip  63  that extends partially into the interior of the housing. The second lip extends along the entire perimeter of the housing. When the connector of the present invention is assembled, the flange  60  abuts the second lip  63  internally thus retaining the sleeve  59  within the housing and preventing the sleeve from rotating as the connector is turned into a socket. The flange secures to the second lip with adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or cooperating threads. 
     FIG. 10  shows the assembled connector of the present invention ready for installation into a light socket. The connector has wires  15  approaching the entrance  47  of the base  46 . The base has engaged the threaded first lip  62  of the housing  61  with the threaded lip  49  of the base. The insulator  55  with the attached plate  50  and tongue  51  are located concentrically within the base and the housing. The insulator has the threaded sleeve  59  extending outwardly and opposite the base. Generally, the sleeve is axially aligned upon the insulator and partially within the housing. The flange  60  of the threaded sleeve abuts the internally positioned lip, or second lip  63 , here shown in phantom, of the housing. The threaded sleeve then leads to the exposed tip  58  of the insulator. Upon installation of the present invention, the tip  58  contacts the center bottom of the socket and the threaded sleeve  59  contacts the threads of the socket to complete the electrical circuit transferring power from the socket to the wires of a handing light fixture below the connector of the present invention. The base and the housing as shown are also in axially alignment, thus forming a compact single male socket. 
   The type of hanging lamp conversion connector, described as connecting within a recessed lighting fixture, could also be applied to any light socket in a ceiling, where it is desired to suspend a hanging lamp, in lieu of the ceiling light, to add to the decorativeness of the installation. Thus, in many old homes, and even contemporary ones, where light sockets are applied at ceiling level, regardless whether they are recessed or not, could use this conversion connector as a means for suspending and operating a hanging lamp, rather than a ceiling mounted fixture. This is an example as to how this conversion connector can be applied. 
   Hence, the essence of this invention is to provide a conversion connector, which has not been available in the prior art, and is not known to be available for use for converting a recessed lamp into a hanging lamp fixture, in the manner as described herein. Through the use of this type of conversion connector, the type of assembly, its installation, and replacement with another hanging lamp, can be readily achieved as described herein, for the installation as shown and explained. 
   The single male hanging lamp conversion connector and its various components may be manufactured from many materials, including but not limited to, steel, aluminum, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, their alloys, polymers, polyvinyl chloride, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, Bakelite®, nylon, rubber, ceramics, and composites. 
   The purpose of this invention is to provide an adapter, as a form of conversion connector, that is designed to be a “universal” type of adapter that will enable a hanging lamp, of any variety, for application to a ceiling, by converting a ceiling level type light to a hanging lamp, to provide better esthetics and furnish greater capabilities to the lighting furnished in a room or any establishment. In addition, this device could be used to allow for the adaptation of any ceiling lighting fixture, to allow to be converted for furnishing electrical charge to any cord that suspends from the adapter, after the adapter has been plugged into the ceiling light outlet. 
   Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this development may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the invention as described herein. Such variations, if within the spirit of this development, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention as explained. The description of the preferred embodiment and as shown in the drawings, are set forth for illustrative purposes only to show the principle of this hanging lamp conversion connector.