Patent Abstract:
A fluorescent lamp holder assembly is adapted to receive various injection molded end cap structures allowing the fluorescent lamp holder assembly to have several embodiments, including watertight embodiments. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly may be disposable or may allow replacement of the fluorescent lamp, with the replacement style being watertight. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly generally includes a fluorescent lamp surrounded by a protective sleeve. A first end cap covers a first end of the lamp and sleeve, while a second end cap structure comprising a power connector cap and tube power connector cap covers a second end of the lamp and sleeve. In one embodiment, the protective sleeve is a structure that includes inner and outer co-axial tubes with a plurality of spacers or creases therebetween and/or therein defining a plurality of chambers defining a plurality of air pockets. The air pockets provide insulation for assisting in cold starting of the fluorescent lamp. Electrical leads that extend between the end caps may be carried by one of the air pockets or be integral with one of the inner and outer tubes as strip conductors. In another form, a ballast may be integrally incorporated into an end cap of the fluorescent lamp assembly. The end cap would be releasably retained onto the fluorescent lamp assembly and be couplable to a source of electric power.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 09/176,682, entitled “NON-ARCING FLUORESCENT LAMP HOLDER”, filed Oct. 21, 1998. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to lamp holders, and, more particularly, to fluorescent lamp holders. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Fluorescent lamps, as known, include a glass tube coated on the inside with phosphor powders which fluoresce when exited by ultraviolet light. The glass tube is filled with rare gases (such as argon, neon, and krypton) and a small amount of mercury, and operates at a relatively low pressure. Electrodes are mounted within the glass tube and emit electrons during operation. The electrons are accelerated by the voltage across the tube until they collide with mercury atoms, causing the mercury atoms to be ionized and excited. When the mercury atoms return to their normal state, photons corresponding to mercury spectral lines in both the visible and ultraviolet region are generated, thereby exciting the phosphor coating on the inside of the tube to luminance. 
     To start a fluorescent lamp, electron emission from the electrodes may be induced in one of two ways. First, a filament electrode may be heated by passing current therethrough. Secondly, a high voltage which is sufficient to start an electric discharge in the lamp may be applied across the lamp without preheating the electrodes. Instant start circuits which are commonly used today typically employ the latter method of inducing electron emission from the electrodes. Instant start circuits use a ballast which applies a high voltage (e.g., up to 848 VAC) at a high frequency. Such instant start ballasts are much more energy efficient than older style ballasts which heat the electrodes. The ballasts are wired from their mounting location to a fluorescent lamp assembly. 
     Such fluorescent tubes come in a variety of styles and thus are used in a variety of applications. One such application is in commercial refrigeration illumination. Generally, a fluorescent lamp holder or assembly for such applications includes a fluorescent lamp surrounded by a protective plastic tube that are both retained on each end by a cap structure. One cap structure covers terminals on one end of the fluorescent lamp and the connection wires. The other cap structure couples the terminals of the other end of the fluorescent lamp to electrical power, generally by a power cord. Wires run the length of the protective plastic tube for appropriate connection to the terminals on the other end of the fluorescent lamp. Each cap structure is retained to the protective plastic tube by metal clips. The lamp assembly is generally retained within the refrigerator or freezer by clips. The power cord from the lamp assembly is wired into the power of the refrigerator. The above fluorescent lamp holder is, by its nature, disposable and not waterproof. Replacement of the fluorescent tube in the prior art holders is usually not recommended. Further, when the fluorescent lamp goes out, the entire holder must be unwired, with a new holder to be rewired. Additionally, because the lamp assemblies are typically disposed in a cold environment, start-up of the fluorescent lamp may be difficult. 
     What is needed in the art is a fluorescent lamp holder which prevents electrical arcing between a conductor of the lamp holder and the contact pins of a fluorescent lamp. 
     What is also need in the art is a fluorescent lamp holder that is waterproof for use in a moisture-laden environment. 
     Further needed in the art is a fluorescent lamp holder that allows replacement of the fluorescent lamp. 
     Still further needed in the art is a fluorescent lamp assembly that provides thermal insulation for the fluorescent lamp relative to the ambient environment. 
     Still even further needed in the art is a fluorescent lamp assembly that functions better in cold environments. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluorescent lamp holder assembly adapted to accept various end cap structures. 
     In one form thereof, the fluorescent lamp holder is disposable. A protective sleeve surrounds the fluorescent lamp. A first end cap structure receives the fluorescent tube and protective sleeve and covers the wire connections to one set of terminals of the fluorescent tube. Preferably, the first end cap is permanently attached to the protective sleeve. A second end cap structure receives the other end of the protective sleeve and fluorescent tube and is comprised of a power attachment cap portion and a tube power connector cap portion. The power attachment cap portion receives one set of terminals of the fluorescent lamp and provides electrical coupling between the two sets of terminals of the fluorescent lamp with a source of electrical energy and is attached to the sleeve via an attachment chip. The tube power connector cap portion couples to the power attachment cap portion and provides a holder for the fluorescent tube and a pathway for the electrical wires for the second set of terminals. Preferably, the tube power connection cap portion is permanently attached to the protective sleeve. 
     In another form thereof, the fluorescent lamp holder provides replacement of the fluorescent tube. A first end cap structure includes terminal receptacles for receipt of one set of fluorescent lamp terminals. The receptacles are in communication with power wires of the holder and is preferably permanently attached to the protective sleeve. A second end cap structure includes a tube power attachment cap portion and a power attachment cap portion. The power attachment cap portion receives one set of terminals of the fluorescent lamp and provides electrical coupling between the two sets of terminals of the fluorescent lamp with a source of electrical energy. The tube power connector cap portion couples to the power attachment cap portion and provides a holder for the fluorescent tube and a pathway for the electrical wires for the second set of terminals. Preferably, the tube power connection cap portion is permanently attached to the protective sleeve. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluorescent lamp assembly having a sleeve structure that provides thermal insulation for the fluorescent lamp. 
     In one form, the protective sleeve structure comprises an inner tube surrounded by an outer tube which are sized appropriately such that a cavity is defined between the outer diameter of the inner tube and the inner diameter of the outer tube. Spacers are disposed in the cavity to define chambers that form air pockets between the tubes. 
     The spacers may be formed on the outer diameter of the inner tube and/or on the inner diameter of the outer tube. The spacers are preferably radially positioned about the respective diameter and extend longitudinally along the tube to define a plurality of longitudinal chambers. 
     The spacers may take the form of radially outwardly extending ribs or as radially inwardly extending creases or folds. Electrical energy is distributed through the sleeve structure by conductors that extend through one or more of the chambers. As well, the conductors may be formed in a tube as an integral strip conductor. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluorescent lamp assembly having a ballast integral with an end cap of the fluorescent lamp assembly. Heat generated by the ballast is provided to the fluorescent lamp, enhancing its operation. 
     In one form, the end cap is the power end cap having the ballast formed therein. The power cord is wired to the ballast while the ballast is wired to a plurality of receptacles formed in the power end cap. The power end cap receptacles receive prongs of the fluorescent tube and prongs of the connecting wires as the power end cap receives the fluorescent lamp stick. 
     It is an advantage of the present invention that various types of end cap structures may be used to provide various lamp assembly characteristics. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention that the lamp holder can be waterproof. 
     It is yet another advantage of the present invention that the lamp holder can be made disposable or replaceable. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention that various parts are injection molded, providing in one embodiment a watertight construction. 
     It is further an advantage of the present invention that one embodiment allows replacement of the fluorescent lamp to eliminate waste and the inconvenience of removing an old lamp holder and installing a new lamp holder. 
     It is still further an advantage of the present invention that is usable with a variety of fluorescent tube styles. 
     It is even further an advantage of the present invention that the fluorescent lamp can be insulated for faster start-ups in cold environments. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention that one embodiment of the fluorescent lamp assembly allows quicker assembly time. 
     It is yet another advantage of the present invention that one embodiment of the fluorescent lamp may utilize heat generated by a ballast in the end cap of the fluorescent lamp assembly. 
     It is further an advantage of the present invention that one embodiment of the fluorescent lamp assembly allows for easy replacement of the ballast. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a generic embodiment of the present fluorescent tube holder; 
     FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the outer tube of the present fluorescent tube holder; 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line  3 — 3  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of an attachment clip used in the present fluorescent tube holder; 
     FIG. 5 is a front view of the power coupling end cap of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the power coupling end cap as taken along line  6 — 6  of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end cap as taken along line  7 — 7  of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 8 is a front view of the end cap of FIG. 7 taken along line  8 — 8  thereof; 
     FIG. 9 is a front view of one embodiment of a tube power connector cap as taken along line  9 — 9  of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the tube power connector cap of FIG. 9 taken along line  10 — 10  thereof; 
     FIG. 11 is a front view of another embodiment of a tube power connector cap as taken along line  11 — 11  of FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the tube power connector cap of FIG. 11 taken along line  12 — 12  thereof; 
     FIG. 13 is a front view of another embodiment of the end cap as taken along line  13 — 13  of FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the end cap of FIG. 13 taken along line  14 — 14  thereof; 
     FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a section of an alternative embodiment of a protective sleeve structure with a portion of the protective sleeve structure in cutaway showing an electrical conductor extending therethrough; 
     FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the protective sleeve structure of FIG. 15 taken along line  16 — 16  thereof; 
     FIG. 17 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the protective sleeve structure of the present invention; 
     FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of the protective sleeve structure of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 19 is a side view of an alternative lamp assembly wherein the power end cap includes an integral ballast. 
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a fluorescent lamp holder/assembly generally designated  10 . Fluorescent lamp holder  10  includes a fluorescent tube or lamp  12  that is radially surrounded by a protective sleeve, tube or cylinder  14  that is preferably made of a light-transmissive plastic. Fluorescent lamp  12  and sleeve  14  are received at one end thereof in end cap  16 . The other end of the fluorescent lamp  12  and sleeve  14  are received in tube power connector cap  18  which is coupled to power attachment cap  20 . Electrical power is provided to fluorescent lamp holder  10  via power cord  22  coupled to power attachment cap  20 , wherein power cord  22  is wired to or in communication with a source of electrical power. Attachment clip  28 , preferably of metal, is used to retain power attachment cap  20  to sleeve  14 . 
     While not shown, fluorescent lamp  12  has two conventional electrical leads, terminals, prongs or the like on either end thereof for attachment to appropriate electrical leads or wires supplying the necessary electrical power. 
     With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown sleeve  14  in greater detail. Sleeve  14  is defined by an elongated tubular wall  24  having a longitudinally disposed thick portion  26  along the elongated length of sleeve  14 . Bore or shaft  25  is disposed in thick portion  26  and thus extends the entire elongated length of sleeve  14 . Tubular wall  24  defines an inner cavity or hollow  27  in which fluorescent lamp  12  is received. 
     FIG. 4 depicts attachment clip  28  which is defined by an arcuate or semi-circular portion  29  having radially inward flange  30  on one end thereof, and radially inward flange  31  on another end thereof, and may be used to secure the various caps to sleeve  14 . Flanges  30  and  31  are received in respective openings (see below) in the particular cap and engage sleeve  14  for positive retention. 
     With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is depicted power attachment cap  20  which is preferably injection-molded made from a suitable dielectric material such as plastic. Power attachment cap  20  is defined by a generally cylindrical body  34  having a radially outward notch  35  in a front portion thereof and end block  36 . End block  36  defines inner surface  40  in which are disposed two power cable bores  37   a  and  37   b  as well as tube prong receptacles bores/tube power connection bores  38   a  and  38   b.  Power cable bores  37   a  and  37   b  and tube prong receptacles  38   a  and  38   b  are in communication with power cable  22  for supplying electrical power to fluorescent lamp  12 . Opening  42  is disposed in body  34  which along with a diametrically opposite opening (not shown) allow the use of attachment clip  28 . 
     In accordance with the present invention, sleeve  14  and power attachment cap  20  are generic with respect to the various achievable embodiments of fluorescent lamp holder  10 . 
     With reference now to FIGS. 7-10 there is depicted end cap  16   a  and tube power connector cap  18   a  which, along with sleeve  14  and power attachment cap  20 , provide a disposable embodiment of fluorescent lamp holder  10 . In particular, FIGS. 7 and 8 end cap  16   a.  End cap  16   a  is defined by tubular shell  44  having end portion  45 , preferably injection-molded made from a dielectric plastic, and is sized to receive an end portion of sleeve  14  and fluorescent lamp  12  within opening  46 . Electrical leads (not shown) that extend through bore  15  of sleeve  14  are attached to the fluorescent lamp terminals that are covered by end cap  16   a.  Preferably, end cap  16   a  is permanently attached to sleeve  14  via glue, sonic welding, or the like. FIGS. 9 and 10 depict tube power connector cap  18   a,  preferably made from a dielectric plastic, which is defined by cylindrical shell  48  having end wall  49 . Tube power connector cap  18   a  has internal cavity  60  sized and dimensioned to receive fluorescent lamp  12  and sleeve  14  therein. End wall  49  includes two fluorescent lamp prong/terminal bores  50  and  51  through which the prongs/terminals (not shown) of the appropriate fluorescent lamp extend. Adjacent end wall  49  is radial ledge  52  which defines a front surface  53  that provides a stop for the fluorescent lamp when the fluorescent lamp is received therein. Ledge  52  is sized to allow the fluorescent lamp terminals/prongs (not shown) to sufficiently extend through bores  50  and  51  such that the fluorescent lamp terminals/prongs are receivable into bores  38   a  and  38   b  of power attachment cap  20  when assembled. Tube power connector cap  18   a  further includes electrical lead bores  54  and  55  that allow the electrical leads emanating from power attachment cap  18  to extend therein and feed through shaft  25  of sleeve  14  to couple with the fluorescent lamp terminals/prongs disposed within end cap  16   a.  Preferably, tube power connector cap  18   a  is permanently attached as by glue, sonic weld, or the like to sleeve  14  and when assembled, abuts power attachment cap  20 . In this regard, tube power connector cap  18   a  has radially outward notch  58  that provides a stop and abuts notch  35  of power attachment cap  20 . Additionally, O-ring  56  is provided for sealing as power attachment cap  20  extends over and around tube power connector cap  18   a  via opening  43 . Two openings, of which one opening  59  is shown, provides attachment points for attachment clip  28  if used. 
     As tube power connector  18   a  joins with power connector cap  20 , the fluorescent lamp terminals (not shown) that extend through bores  50  and  51  of end wall  49  of tube power connector  18   a  are received in bores  38   a  and  38   b  of power connector cap  20 . 
     Thus, by using end cap  16   a  and tube power connector cap  18   a,  along with sleeve  14  and power connector cap  20 , a disposable fluorescent lamp holder is produced. Of course, it should be understood that fluorescent lamp  12  would be inserted into sleeve  14  and the appropriate end caps before securing same. 
     With reference now to FIGS. 11-14, there is depicted end cap  16   b  and tube power connector cap  18   b  which, along with sleeve  14  and power attachment cap  20 , provide a replaceable lamp embodiment of fluorescent lamp holder  10 . In particular, FIGS. 13 and 14 depict end cap  16   b.  End cap  16   b  is defined by tubular shell  62  having end portion/block  64 , preferably injection-molded made from a dielectric plastic, and is sized to receive an end portion of sleeve  14  and fluorescent lamp  12  within opening  65 . Fluorescent lamp terminal/prong bores  66  and  67  are disposed in block  63  from front surface  64 . Additionally, electrical lead bores  68  and  69  are disposed in block  63  from front surface  64  and are in communication with fluorescent lamp terminal/prong bores  66  and  67  by lateral bores  70  and  71  respectively. This allows the electrical leads (not shown) extending through bore  25  of sleeve  14  to be electrically connected to the fluorescent lamp terminals/prongs (not shown) that are received in fluorescent lamp terminal/prong bores  66  and  67 . Preferably, end cap  16   b  is permanently attached to sleeve  14  via glue, sonic welding, or the like. For replacement, the old fluorescent lamp is easily removed from end cap  16   b  which carries the terminal receptacles  66  and  67 , while a new fluorescent lamp is easily installed into bores  66  and  67  of end cap  16   b  by pressure. Sleeve  14  remains attached to end cap  16   b.    
     FIGS. 11 and 12 depict tube power connector cap  18   b,  preferably injection-molded made from a dielectric plastic, which is defined by cylindrical shell  74 . Tube power connector cap  18   b  has internal cavity  82  sized and dimensioned to receive fluorescent lamp  12  and sleeve  14 . Adjacent an end thereof is radial ledge  77  which defines a front surface  78  that provides a stop for sleeve  14 . Tube power connector cap  18   b  further includes electrical lead bores  79  and  80  that allow the electrical leads emanating from power attachment cap  18  to extend therein and feed through shaft  25  of sleeve  14  to couple with the fluorescent lamp terminals/prongs disposed within end cap  16   b.  Preferably, tube power connector cap  18   b  is permanently attached as by glue, sonic weld, or the like to sleever  14  and when assembled, abuts power attachment cap  20 . In this regard, tube power connector cap  18   b  has radially outward notch  76  that provides a stop and abuts notch  35  of power attachment cap  20 . Additionally, O-ring  75  is provided for sealing as power attachment cap  20  extends over and around tube power connector cap  18   b  via opening  43 . Two openings, of which one opening  81  is shown, provides attachment points for attachment clip  28  if used. 
     For replacement of an old fluorescent lamp carried within the replaceable embodiments of the present lamp holder  10 , power connector cap  20  is removed from tube power connector cap  18   b  which disengages the terminals/prongs of the old fluorescent lamp from bores  38   a  and  38   b.  The old fluorescent lamp that thus extends from tube power connector cap  18   b  is pulled therefrom also disengaging the other terminals/prongs from bores  66  and  67  of end cap  16   b.  A new fluorescent lamp is inserted through tube power connector cap  18   b  such that one set of terminals/prongs engage bores  66  and  67  in end cap  16   b.  Thereafter, power connector cap  20  is engaged over tube power connector cap  18   b.    
     Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16 there is shown an alternative embodiment of a protective sleeve structure generally designated  100  that may be used in place of protective sleeve  14  and, as well, preferably made of a light-transmissive plastic. Protective sleeve structure  100  includes outer tube or sleeve  102  radially surrounding inner tube or sleeve  104  with inner tube  102  defining fluorescent lamp cavity  106  therein. Outer tube  102  includes a plurality of ribs or spacers  108 . Ribs  108  are disposed on an inner diameter thereof and radially inwardly protrude from the inner diameter of outer tube  102 . Ribs  108  preferably extend the longitudinal length of outer tube  102 , however, ribs  108  may take any pattern on the inner diameter of outer tube  102  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Ribs  108  are preferably formed integral with tube  102  such as by extrusion and are sized to abut an outer diameter of inner tube  104 . In addition, ribs  108  help define with the inner diameter of outer tube  102  and the outer diameter of inner tube  104  a plurality of chambers  110 . Chambers  110  provide insulation pockets of air that preferably extend the longitudinal length of protective sleeve  100 . Of course, the configuration of chambers  110  depends on the configuration of ribs  108 . 
     Additionally, protective sleeve structure  100  includes conductor  112  having first lead  114  and second lead  116  that extends within one chamber  110  and electrically connects the end caps as described above. 
     With reference now to FIG. 17 there is shown a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a protective sleeve structure generally designated  120 . Protective sleeve structure  120  has outer tube  122  and inner tube  124  both preferably made from a light-transmissive plastic. Inner tube  124  defines fluorescent lamp cavity  126  and includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending ribs or spacers  128  on the outer diameter thereof. Ribs  128  are sized to abut the inner diameter of outer tube  122  and define with the outer diameter of inner tube  124  and the inner diameter of outer tube  122  a plurality of chambers  130 . Ribs  128  and thus chambers  130  preferably extend the longitudinal length of protective sleeve structure  120 . Chambers  130  provide pockets of air regions between inner tube  124  and outer tube  122  that are insulative in nature. 
     In addition, disposed in inner tube  124  is first conductor  132  and second conductor  134 . First and second conductors  132  and  134  are electrically conducting strips that are molded into inner sleeve  124  and extend the longitudinal length of protective sleeve structure  120  to couple to the particular end caps for distributing electricity to the ends of the fluorescent lamp. 
     With reference now to FIG. 18 there is depicted a sectional view of yet another alternative embodiment of a protective sleeve structure generally designated  140 . Protective sleeve structure  140  has outer tube  142  and inner tube  144  both preferably made from a light-transmissive plastic. Inner tube  144  defines fluorescent lamp cavity  146  and is essentially coaxial with outer tube  142 . Outer tube  142  includes a plurality of folds, creases, or the like  148  in the inner diameter thereof that are radially spaced from each other. Each crease  148  preferably extends the longitudinal length of protective sleeve structure  140  and of themselves, each define an air chamber. The air chambers provide thermal insulation for the fluorescent lamp. It should be understood that the geometry of the creases may differ from that shown. 
     Additionally, outer tube  142  carries first electrical conductor  150  and second electrical conductor  152 . First and second conductors  150  and  152  are electrically conducting strips that are molded into outer tube  142  as by extrusion and extend the longitudinal length of protective sleeve structure  140  to couple to the particular end caps for distributing electricity to the ends of the fluorescent lamp. 
     With attention now to FIG. 19, there is shown another alternative embodiment of a fluorescent lamp assembly  160 . Fluorescent lamp assembly  160  has outer tube or sheath  162  that houses and/or surrounds fluorescent lamp  164 . One end of outer tube  162  and one end of fluorescent lamp  164  are received in end cap  166 . Fluorescent lamp  164  has two conducting leads or prongs  168  and  170  on one end thereof that extend from and beyond outer tube  162 . Two other like conducting leads or prongs (not seen) are disposed on the other end of fluorescent lamp  164  and are received in terminal receptacles (not shown) in end cap  166 . Extending the length of outer tube  162  in a manner as described above, are conductors that provide electrical coupling between one side of fluorescent lamp  164  and the other side of fluorescent lamp  164  and/or a ballast. At one end, the conductors terminate in prongs  172  and  174 , while at the other end, the conductors terminate in electrical contact with the terminal receptacles (not shown) of end cap  166 . 
     Fluorescent lamp assembly  160  is also characterized by end cap  176  formed by body  177 . Preferably, body  177  is a one-piece plastic injection molded component incorporating the features described below. End cap  176  releasably receives the end of fluorescent lamp subassembly  192  opposite end cap  166 . End cap  176  is formed about ballast  178  so as to be integral therewith. Ballast  178  is coupled to electrical cord  180  that extends a suitable distance from body  177 . Ballast  178  may be any suitable, generally known ballast as is appropriately used for fluorescent lamp excitation. Electrical cord  180  includes plug  181  of the type adapted to be received in a suitable standard electrical outlet. Ballast  178  is coupled appropriately via wires  194  to receptacles  182 ,  184 ,  186 , and  188  formed in body  177  and in communication with end surface  196  of body  177 . The interior of each receptacle  182 ,  184 , and  188 , or receptacle well, is shrouded to discourage electrical “creepage or arc tracking” and to allow the receptacle to flex. Receptacles  182  and  184  receive prongs  168  and  170 , respectively, of fluorescent tube  164  while receptacles  186  and  188  receive prongs  172  and  174 , respectively, of the conductor strip extending from end cap  166 . It should be understood that wires  194  are shown in simplified form and, as such, the exact wiring diagram is not intended to be nor is it shown. Extending axially from an annular periphery of end surface  196  is annular shroud  190 . Annular shroud  190  defines a bore in end cap  176  and is sized to annularly fit over or receive outer sheath  162  as the fluorescent lamp subassembly  192  is received on end cap  176 . End cap  176  is preferably watertight and formed as the other watertight end caps described herein and fits over outer sheath  162  in a preferably watertight manner. 
     By integrating ballast  178  into end cap  176 , high frequency and high voltages generated in the ballast necessary to power fluorescent lamp  164  are confined to a small area. Such a structure allows heat generated by ballast  178  to be conducted to fluorescent lamp  164 , thereby enabling the fluorescent lamp to function in a colder environment and/or better in a less cold environment. The present structure is also less likely to allow electrical arcing during unplugging of end cap  176  from subassembly  192  during replacement thereof. Additionally, replacement time and labor are decreased. The integrated ballast also allows for easier and quicker assembly of the fluorescent lamp assembly. Further, wiring problems for installation of the fluorescent lamp assembly are alleviated. 
     It should also be understood that other fluorescent lamp configuration may utilize the present invention. As well, the type and number of terminal(s) on the fluorescent lamp may vary and still utilize the present invention with minor modification(s). 
     While this invention has been described as having preferred designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7