Abstract:
A fluorescent lamp tube catcher formed of bent wire can be detachably engaged with a light fixture, with the central portion of the lamp tube catcher positioned below fluorescent tubes in the light fixture during use. In the event that a fluorescent lamp tube inadvertently becomes loose in the light fixture, the fluorescent lamp tube catcher can stop the loose fluorescent lamp tube from falling. The fluorescent lamp tube catcher can be loosely retained on the light fixture, for example while replacing a fluorescent lamp tube that has failed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present Application claims the benefit of priority as a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/555,680 titled “Fluorescent Lamp Catcher” filed on Nov. 1, 2006, which claims priority as a continuation-in-part to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/210,513, filed Aug. 2, 2004, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to the field of fluorescent lighting, and more specifically to safety devices for fluorescent lighting. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Fluorescent light fixtures, for example of the sort described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,396, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, include one or more fluorescent lamps formed as elongated tubes. For a variety of reasons, these elongated fluorescent lamp tubes can become loose and drop out of the light fixture. This can present a hazard to persons and property below. 
         [0004]    What is needed is an elegant and cost-effective device to catch a fluorescent lamp which becomes loose before it falls out of a light fixture. What is further needed is such a device to catch a fluorescent lamp, where the device can be applied to or removed from the light fixture without the use of tools. What is further needed is such a device to catch a fluorescent lamp, where the device can be unmounted from the light fixture while still loosely retained by the light fixture, for example to prevent the device from falling when replacing the fluorescent lamp tube. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A first embodiment of a fluorescent light fixture with lamp tube catcher includes a first frame portion supporting at least one first lamp socket and a second frame portion supporting at least one second lamp socket. At least one reflector defining a longitudinal axis extends between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, and is configured to reflect light emitted from a fluorescent lamp tube extending between the first lamp socket and the second lamp socket. A first lip extends substantially along the length of the reflector on a first side of the light fixture and a second lip extends substantially along the length of the reflector on a second side of the light fixture. An elongated wire member has a first end defining a first hook and a second end defining a second hook, with the first hook slidably coupled to the reflector along the first lip and the second hook slidably coupled to the reflector along the second lip, so that the elongated wire member may be disposed at any one of a plurality of locations along the length of the reflector. 
         [0006]    A second embodiment of a fluorescent light fixture with lamp tube catcher includes a first frame portion supporting at least one first lamp socket, the first frame portion having a first side with a first threaded member and a second side with a second threaded member, and a second frame portion supporting at least one second lamp socket. At least one reflector defining a longitudinal axis extends between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, and is configured to reflect light emitted from a fluorescent lamp tube extending between the first lamp socket and the second lamp socket. An elongated wire member has a first end defining a first loop removably supported by the first threaded member and a second end defining a second loop removably supported by the second threaded member, with the elongated wire member including a central portion extending between the first end and the second end and configured to support the fluorescent lamp tube in the event that the fluorescent lamp tube disengages from the first lamp socket. 
         [0007]    A third embodiment of a fluorescent light fixture with lamp tube catcher includes a first frame portion having a first side and a second side, and supporting at least one first lamp socket, and a second frame portion having a first side and a second side and supporting at least one second lamp socket. At least one reflector defining a longitudinal axis extends between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, and is configured to reflect light emitted from a fluorescent lamp tube extending between the first lamp socket and the second lamp socket, and a lip extends substantially along the length of at least one side of the reflector. A first elongated wire member extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and has a first end coupled to the first end of the first frame portion and a second coupled to the second end of the second frame portion. A second elongated wire member has a first end defining a loop disposed about the first elongated wire member for slidable engagement along the length of the first elongated wire member, and a second end defining a hook slidably coupled to the reflector along the lip, so that the second elongated wire member may be disposed at any one of a plurality of locations between the first frame portion and the second frame portion. 
         [0008]    Other aspects of the invention relate to kits that include at least a fluorescent light fixture and a fluorescent lamp catcher, and also to methods that use a fluorescent lamp catcher, such as a method of changing a fluorescent lamp. Further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    In the drawings: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of a first embodiment of a fluorescent lamp catcher according to the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an end view of a fluorescent light fixture, with a rear view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 1  positioned for mounting on the light fixture; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a fluorescent light fixture, with end views of two fluorescent lamp catchers of  FIG. 1  positioned for mounting on the light fixture; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a fluorescent light fixture, with a bottom view of two fluorescent lamp catchers of  FIG. 1  mounted on the light fixture; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective front view of a second embodiment of a fluorescent lamp catcher according to the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is an end view of a fluorescent light fixture, with the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 9  positioned for mounting on the light fixture; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a side view of a fluorescent light fixture, with two fluorescent lamp catchers of  FIG. 9  positioned for mounting on the light fixture; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a bottom perspective view of one end of a fluorescent light fixture, with the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 9  mounted on the light fixture; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16(   a ) is an end view of a fluorescent light fixture with the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 9  mounted on the light fixture, and  FIG. 16(   b ) is the same view but with one fluorescent lamp loosened from the light fixture and caught by the lamp catcher; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a perspective front view of a third embodiment of a fluorescent lamp catcher according to the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a top view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a front view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a rear view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a side view of the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is an end view of a fluorescent light fixture, with the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 17  positioned for mounting on the light fixture; 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is a side view of a fluorescent light fixture, with two fluorescent lamp catchers of  FIG. 17  positioned for mounting on the light fixture; 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is a bottom perspective view of one end of a fluorescent light fixture, with the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 17  mounted on the light fixture; 
           [0034]      FIG. 25(   a ) is an end view of a fluorescent light fixture with the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 17  mounted on the light fixture, and  FIG. 25(   b ) is the same view but with one fluorescent lamp loosened from the light fixture and caught by the lamp catcher; 
           [0035]      FIG. 26  is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a fluorescent lamp catcher according to the invention; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 27  is a bottom perspective view of one end of a fluorescent light fixture, with the fluorescent lamp catcher of  FIG. 26  mounted on the light fixture. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]      FIGS. 1-5  provide various views of a first embodiment of a fluorescent lamp catcher (also known as a fluorescent tube catcher or light tube catcher), indicated generally at  10 . The light tube catcher  10  includes a central portion  12  between two lateral portions  14 . In the light tube catcher  10 , each lateral portion  14  includes a first bend  16 , a vertical portion  18 , a second bend  19 , a lengthwise portion  20 , and a mounting portion  22  formed as a loop. This particular structure is not required, and different structures could be used with different light fixture structures. It is not necessary that the mounting portion  22  forms an entire loop, a portion of a loop could be used at one or both ends. 
         [0038]    The light tube catcher  10  is preferably formed by bending a unitary piece of metal wire of appropriate length into the desired shape, as this can be a particularly cost-effective method. However, this is not required and other materials and methods of construction could be used. For example, a molded plastic or other synthetic part could be used, or a part formed of multiple pieces could be used. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 6-7  show the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  10  positioned for mounting on an exemplary light fixture  30 . The light fixture  30  can have a so-called “I-beam” construction, which includes fluorescent lamp sockets  32 , reflectors  34 , and wiring (not shown) supported by a frame that can include two lateral frame members  38  at each end of a longitudinal frame member  40 . The light fixture  30  can be suspended using suspension cables  42 , and electrical power can be delivered to the fixture using a power supply cable  44 . However, this particular structure is not required and other light fixture structures could be used. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  10  is positioned for mounting to the light fixture  30  by aligning the mounting portions  22  of the lamp tube catcher  10  with bolts  46  on the light fixture  30 . After positioning the lamp tube catcher  10  on the bolts  46 , a wrench can be used to tighten nuts  48  to secure the lamp tube catcher  10  on the bolts  46  and light fixture  30 . The bolts  46  can be long enough that when the nuts  48  are loosened to near the end of the bolts  46 , but not removed, this gives the tube catcher  10  enough freedom of movement to provide sufficient clearance to allow replacement of fluorescent lamps in the fixture without completely disengaging the tube catcher  10  from the fixture  30 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  shows two fluorescent lamp tube catchers  10  positioned with their mounting portions  22  on the bolts  48  of a light fixture  30 . The nuts  48  are not shown in  FIG. 8  to avoid obscuring the mounting portions  22 . As best shown in  FIG. 8 , the central portions  12  of the fluorescent lamp tube catchers  10  extend across the light fixture  30  between the reflector rims  36 , whereby the lamp tube catchers are positioned to catch any lamp that may become loose. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 9-12  provide various views of a second embodiment of a fluorescent lamp tube catcher according to the invention, indicated generally at  110 . The light tube catcher  110  includes a substantially straight central portion  112  between two lateral portions  114 . Each lateral portion  114  includes a mounting portion  122  that can be formed as a mounting hook  124 . As best shown in  FIG. 12 , the mounting hook  124  can be formed with a mounting hook angle  126  of about 20 degrees. This particular structure is not required, and different structures could be used with different light fixture structures. 
         [0043]    The light tube catcher  110  is preferably formed by bending a unitary piece of metal wire into the desired shape, as this can be a particularly cost-effective method. However, this is not required and other materials and methods of construction could be used. For example, a molded plastic or other synthetic part could be used, or a part formed of multiple pieces could be used. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 13-14  show the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  110  positioned for mounting on an exemplary light fixture  130 . The light fixture  130  can have a so-called “I-beam” construction, which includes fluorescent lamp sockets  132 , reflectors  134 , and wiring (not shown) supported by a frame that can include two lateral frame members  138  at each end of a longitudinal frame member  140 . However, this particular structure is not required and other light fixture structures could be used. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 13-14 , the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  110  is positioned for mounting to the light fixture  130  by aligning the mounting portions  122  and mounting hooks  124  of the lamp tube catcher  110  above the lateral reflector rims  136  on the light fixture  130 . After positioning the lamp tube catcher  110  above the lateral reflector rims  136 , the mounting hooks  124  are clipped on a lateral structure on the light fixture, such as the reflector rims  136 , to secure the lamp tube catcher  110  on the light fixture  130  as shown in  FIG. 15 . Importantly, this embodiment of a lamp tube catcher  110  can be clipped on and off the light fixture  130  without the use of tools, for example when it is necessary to replace a failed fluorescent lamp. 
         [0046]      FIG. 15  shows one end of a fluorescent light fixture  130 , with a fluorescent lamp tube catcher  110  secured to the light fixture  130  with the mounting hooks  124  of the lamp tube catcher  110  clipped on the lateral reflector rims  136  of the light fixture  130 . As best shown in  FIG. 15 , the central portion  112  of the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  110  extends across the light fixture  130  between the reflector rims  136 , whereby the lamp tube catcher  110  is positioned to catch any fluorescent lamp tube  150  which may become loose. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 16(   a ) and  16 ( b ) show how a fluorescent lamp tube catcher according to the invention, such as the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  110 , can prevent a loosened fluorescent tube from falling.  FIG. 16(   a ) is an end view of a fluorescent light fixture  130  with the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  110  mounted on the light fixture, and  FIG. 16(   b ) is the same view but with one fluorescent lamp  152  loosened from the light fixture  130  and caught by the lamp catcher  110 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 17-21  provide various views of a third embodiment of a fluorescent lamp tube catcher according to the invention, indicated generally at  210 . The light tube catcher  210  includes a central portion  212  between lateral portions  214 . The first lateral portion  214  includes a first mounting portion  215  with a first mounting hook  216  that has a first mounting hook angle  217  that is preferably about 20 degrees. In that regard, the first lateral portion  214  is similar to the lateral portions  114  of the light tube catcher  110 . 
         [0049]    The second lateral portion  214  of the lamp tube catcher  210  also includes a second mounting portion  220  with a second mounting hook  221  that has a second mounting hook angle  222  that is preferably about 20 degrees. In the lamp tube catcher  210 , the second lateral portion  214  is connected to a retainer offset portion  223  to a retainer portion  224 . The retainer portion  224  can have a retainer proximal portion  225 , a retainer portion bend  226 , and a retainer distal portion  227 . This particular structure is not required, and different structures could be used with different light fixture structures. 
         [0050]    The light tube catcher  210  is preferably formed by bending a unitary piece of metal wire into the desired shape, as this can be a particularly cost-effective method. However, this is not required and other materials and methods of construction could be used. For example, a molded plastic or other synthetic part could be used, or a part formed of multiple pieces could be used. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 22-23  show the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  210  positioned for mounting on a light fixture  230 . The light fixture  230  can have a so-called “I-beam” construction, which includes a plurality of fluorescent lamp sockets  232 , one or more reflectors  234 , and wiring (not shown) supported by a frame that includes two lateral frame members  238  at each end of a longitudinal frame member  240 . However, this particular structure is not required and other light fixture structures could be used. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 22-23 , the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  210  is positioned for mounting to the light fixture  230  by aligning the retainer portion  224  above a bolt  246  on the light fixture  230 . Once aligned, the retainer portion  224  can be moved onto the bolt  246 , with the bolt  246  through the retainer portion  224 . Once the retainer portion  224  is on the bolt  246 , a nut  247  can be loosely tightened on the bolt  246  to loosely retain the lamp tube catcher  210  on the bolt  246 . 
         [0053]    Once the lamp tube catcher  210  is loosely retained on the light fixture  230  in this fashion, the lamp tube catcher  210  can be positioned above the lateral reflector rims  236 . Next, the first mounting portion  215  and first mounting hook  216  can be clipped on the far reflector rim  236  to secure that free end of the lamp tube catcher  210  to the light fixture  230 . Finally, the second mounting portion  220  and second mounting hook  216  can be clipped on the near reflector rim  236  to finish securing the lamp tube catcher  210  to the light fixture  230 . 
         [0054]    This embodiment of a lamp tube catcher  210  can be clipped on and off the light fixture  230  without the use of tools, for example when it is necessary to replace a failed fluorescent lamp, while loosely retaining the lamp tube catcher  210  on the light fixture  230 . Because the lamp tube catcher  210  is loosely retained at only one end, the bolt  246  forms a pivot point so the tube catcher  210  can be rotated well away from the light fixture  230  to provide excellent clearance while replacing a fluorescent lamp. Because the tube catcher  210  is loosely retained on the light fixture  230 , there is no risk that the tube catcher  210  will fall to the ground, or any need to find a place to put the tube catcher  210 , while at the top of a ladder replacing a fluorescent lamp. Because the retainer portion  224  can freely travel along the shaft of the bolt  246  while loosely retained by the nut  247 , the lamp tube catcher  210  has excellent freedom of movement about the pivot point of the bolt  246 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 24  shows one end of a fluorescent light fixture  230 , with a fluorescent lamp tube catcher  210  clipped on the lateral reflector rims  236  of the light fixture  230  and with the lamp tube catcher  210  loosely retained on the light fixture  230 . As best shown in  FIG. 24 , the central portion  212  of the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  210  extends across the light fixture  230  between the reflector rims  236 , whereby the lamp tube catcher  210  is positioned to catch any fluorescent lamp tube  250  which may become loose. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 25(   a ) and  25 ( b ) show how a fluorescent lamp tube catcher according to the invention, such as the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  210 , can prevent a loosened fluorescent tube from falling.  FIG. 25(   a ) is an end view of a fluorescent light fixture with the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  210  mounted on the light fixture, and  FIG. 25(   b ) is the same view but with one fluorescent lamp  252  loosened from the light fixture  230  and caught by the lamp catcher  210 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 26-27 , another embodiment of a lamp catcher for a fluorescent light fixture  330  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment, and is indicated generally at  310 . The light tube catcher  310  includes a first elongated wire member  312  having a central portion  322  extending between a first end portion  318  and a second end portion  314 . The first end portion  318  includes a first mounting portion shown as a first mounting loop  320  (which could also be provided as a hook or the like) and the second end portion  314  includes a second mounting portion shown as a second mounting loop  316  (which could also be provided as a hook or the like). According to one embodiment, the first and second mounting loops  320 ,  316  comprise an internal diameter within the range of approximately 0.260-0.312 inches, however, other suitable dimensions may be used to suit other embodiments. The length of the first elongated wire member  312  may be provided with any suitable dimensions. According to one embodiment, the length of the first elongated wire member  312  is within the range of approximately 40-50 inches and more particularly approximately 46.875 inches from the center of the first mounting loop  320  to the center of the second mounting loop  316 , however, other suitable dimensions may be used to suit other embodiments. The first elongated wire member  312  may be formed from any suitable material. According to one embodiment, the first elongated wire member  312  is formed from galvanized steel wire having a diameter within a range of approximately 0.09375-0.125 inches, however, other materials and sizes may be used to suit other embodiments. 
         [0058]    The light tube catcher  310  also includes a second elongated wire member  324  having a central portion  325  extending between a first end portion  326  and a second end portion  329 . The first end portion  326  includes a first mounting portion shown as a mounting loop  328  (which could also be provided as a hook or the like) and the second end portion  329  includes a second mounting portion shown as a hook  331 . According to one embodiment, the hook  331  comprises a hook angle within a range of approximately 10-20 degrees, and more particularly approximately 15 degrees, with a hook leg extending a distance of approximately 0.346 inches, and the mounting loop  328  comprises an internal diameter within the range of approximately 0.125-0.250 inches, however, other suitable dimensions may be used to suit other embodiments. The length of the second elongated wire member  324  may be provided with any suitable dimensions. According to one embodiment, the length of the second elongated wire member  324  is within the range of approximately 6-29 inches, however, other suitable dimensions may be used to suit other embodiments. The second elongated wire member  324  may be formed from any suitable material. According to one embodiment, the second elongated wire member  324  is formed from galvanized steel wire having a diameter within a range of approximately 0.09375-0.125 inches, however, other materials and sizes may be used to suit other embodiments. 
         [0059]    The first and second elongated wire members  312 ,  324  of the light tube catcher  310  are preferably formed by bending a unitary piece of metal wire into the desired shape, as this can be a particularly cost-effective method. However, this is not required and other materials and methods of construction could be used. For example, a molded plastic or other synthetic part could be used, or a part formed of multiple pieces could be used. 
         [0060]      FIG. 27  shows the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  310  positioned for mounting on a light fixture  330 . The light fixture  330  can have a so-called “I-beam” construction, which includes a plurality of first fluorescent lamp sockets  332  supported by a first frame portion  340 , one or more reflectors  334  having an outwardly extending rim or lip  335 , and wiring (not shown), and a plurality of second fluorescent lamp sockets supported by a second frame portion (as previously described with reference to prior embodiments and not shown in  FIG. 27  for clarity). However, this particular structure is not required and other light fixture structures could be used. Each frame portion is shown to include a threaded member  346  proximate each end of the frame portion  340 . 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIGS. 26-27 , the fluorescent lamp tube catcher  310  is prepared for mounting to the light fixture  330  by assembling the first elongated wire member  312  and the second elongated wire member  324  together so that the loop  328  of the second elongated wire member  324  is disposed about the central portion  322  of the first elongated wire member  312 , so that the second elongated wire member  324  is slidable along the length of the first elongated wire member  312 . The assembly may be accomplished by inserting the first elongated wire member  312  through the loop  328  of the second wire member  324  before one or both of the loops  320 ,  316  on the first elongated wire member  312  are formed. Alternatively, the loop  328  on the second elongated wire member  324  can be formed about the central portion  322  of the first elongated wire member  312 . 
         [0062]    The first and second mounting loop portions  320 ,  316  of the first elongated wire member  312  are mounted upon (or otherwise operably coupled to) the threaded member  346  on a first side of the first and second frame members  340  (second frame member is substantially opposite and identical to the first frame member—not shown for clarity) so that the first elongated wire member  312  is supported adjacent to reflector  334  and extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of reflector  334 . Once the mounting loop portions  320 ,  316  are engaged with the threaded members  346 , a nut  348  can be loosely tightened on the threaded member  346  of each of the first and second frame portions to loosely retain the first elongated wire member  312  on the fixture  330 . 
         [0063]    Once the first elongated wire member  312  of the lamp tube catcher  310  is retained on the light fixture  330  in this fashion, one or more of the second elongated wire member  324  of the lamp tube catcher  310  can be positioned at any desired location along the length of the fixture  330  between the first and second frame members  340  and the hook  331  can be slidably clipped on the lip or rim  335  of the reflector  334  at the opposite side of the fixture  330  to secure that free end  329  of the second elongated wire member  324  to the light fixture  330 . The lamp tube catcher  310  may include one or more of the second elongated wire members  324  that, once installed, are slidable along the length of the fixture  330  to any desired location. 
         [0064]    This embodiment of a lamp tube catcher  310  provides a second wire member  324  that can be easily clipped on and off (and slid back and forth along) the light fixture  330  without the use of tools, for example when it is necessary to replace a failed fluorescent lamp  350 . Because the second wire member  324  is retained by the first wire member  312  on the light fixture  330 , there is no risk that the second wire member  324  will fall to the ground, or any need to find a place to put the second wire member  324 , while at the top of a ladder replacing a fluorescent lamp  350 . Because the second wire member  324  can freely travel along the length of the first wire member  312 , the second wire member  324  has excellent freedom of movement on the fixture  330 . 
         [0065]    As best shown in  FIG. 27 , the central portion  325  of the second wire member(s)  324  extend across (e.g. substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reflector  334 ), whereby the second wire member(s)  324  are positioned to catch any fluorescent lamp tube  350  which may become loose. The central portion  325  of the second wire member  324  may be provided as a substantially straight member extending between the loop  328  and the hook  331 , however, the central portion may also be provided in any one or more of a variety of shapes intended to provide enhances capture protection for a lamp tube that becomes loose (or otherwise disengages) from the lamp holders or frame members. 
         [0066]    There are various possibilities with regard to alternative embodiments and methods including a fluorescent lamp tube catcher according to the invention. 
         [0067]    Although the preferred embodiments according to the invention disclosed herein are formed by bending a unitary piece of wire into the desired shape, other constructions could be used. For example, a flat strap of material could be bent into the desired shape and used instead of a wire. Also, it is not required that the device be formed by bending—any suitable process known in the art such as molding, thermoforming, stamping, or extruding could be used. 
         [0068]    Similarly, although the preferred embodiments disclosed herein include mounting portions that are formed as bent loops that engage bolts on a light fixture or hooks of wire that engage lateral reflector rims, other mounting portion structures could be used. The phrase “at least a portion of a loop” means either an entire loop, a portion of a loop, or a hook. For example, a slot could be formed in a flat strap of material, with the slot positioned to be clipped on a lateral reflector rim or other structure. Alternatively, the mounting portion could be a straight wire or strap end that could be inserted into a hole or slot in a portion of the light fixture. 
         [0069]    It is not necessary that there be exactly two mounting portions or that the mounting portion or portions be secured to the light fixture at or near the lateral edges of the light fixture. If a retainer portion is provided on the lamp tube catcher, a retainer offset portion is not required. If a retainer offset portion is provided, it can be a unitary part of the lamp tube catcher, or it can be a cord, chain, or cable that connects the retainer portion to the remainder of the lamp tube catcher. 
         [0070]    It is understood that the invention is not confined to the embodiments set forth herein as illustrative, but embraces all such forms thereof that come within the scope of the following claims.