Abstract:
A neon light fixture system that allows for interchanging of various neon light fixtures. The neon light system comprises a neon light bulb for emitting illumination upon applying predetermined voltage, caps affixed to said light member for allowing current to flow through said light member when a predetermined voltage is applied to said cap, a transformer for applying voltage to said caps, said transformer comprising a housing, a transformer disposed in said housing, and one or more receptacles for releasably receiving said caps and causing electrical contact between said transformer and said caps, said receptacles further including holding apparatus for affixing said neon light bulb to said transformer.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/118,676, filed Feb. 4, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to a neon light display and more particularly to a neon light system with interchangeable neon light bulbs. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Neon light fixtures have been known in the art for quite some time. These types of fixtures have long been used in commercial business establishments such as restaurants, taverns, beauty shops, department stores, liquor stores, drugstores and delicatessens. These fixtures take on many forms such as wall fixtures, suspended ceiling fixtures, stand-alone fixtures, billboards, and window signs. Neon fixtures are also combined with pictures or paintings. Further, household consumers buy neon signs for decorative purposes that come in all types of designs, shapes and sizes. Some fixtures display commercial advertisements, some fixtures are shaped as plants or animals while other have unique designs. 
     Neon fixtures are usually comprised of a neon light bulb, a transformer for converting 115 volts AC from a wall socket to DC voltage for illuminating the neon light bulb, and some sort of mounting apparatus or stand. They are manufactured and sold as a single unit. This means a purchaser must purchase another unit when the neon bulb no longer functions, the fixture becomes obsolete because of time, vendor changes, product changes or some other reason the purchasers want to change their neon bulb system. This requires a purchaser to buy a new fixture each time, paying the cost of the transformer, the neon bulb apparatus, the mounting mechanism and the manufacturing of these parts into a final assembly. Further, there is no longer any use for the old neon bulb fixture; therefore, perfectly good operating transformers and mounting apparatus or mounting stands get scrapped. 
     Accordingly, the present invention eliminates the need for purchasing a new neon light fixture, when a person decides to change themes or objectives of their currently owned neon fixture. Additionally, the present invention alleviates the problem associated with scrapping working neon light fixtures. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a neon light system is provided comprising a neon bulb for emitting illumination upon applying a predetermined voltage, cap means affixed to the neon bulb(s) for allowing current to flow through the neon bulb(s) when a predetermined voltage is applied to the cap means, and transformer means for applying a predetermined voltage to the cap means. The transformer means is comprised of a housing, a transformer disposed in the housing, and receptacle means for releasably receiving the cap means and causing electrical contact between the transformer and the cap means. The receptacle means includes holding means for electrically contacting the neon bulb(s) to the transformer means. 
     The receptacle means is comprised of one or two cavities for accepting and securing the cap means. The receptacle means allows for easy insertion and removal of the cap means and the neon bulb(s), to and from the transformer means. A two cavity embodiment, requires that the cap means include separate caps for attaching to both ends of the neon bulb(s), so that when the caps are inserted they make separate contact with the anode and cathode of the transformer means. A single cavity embodiment will include a single receptacle, that must include a non-conductive partition to electrically isolate both the anode and the cathode of the transformer, and cap means that must include a non-conductive partition to electrically isolate both ends of the light member means. Both the cap means and receptacle means can take on many different complimentary shapes and sizes such as cylinders, squares, key shapes and the like. 
     The receptacle means, advantageously, will include cavities with inner tabs. This will ensure that when cap means is inserted into the receptacle means, a frictional force is applied to the cap means. This force will hold the cap means and light member means in place, while establishing electrical contact between the cap means and the transformer means. The invention is not limited by this method, but may employ any method that causes cap means and transformer means to have electrical contact and to cause the cap means and light member means to remain stationary. 
     This invention is intended to be used with neon light fixtures that are wall mounted, suspended from the ceiling, window mounted, self-standing and the like. The neon light system allows for use of a variety of neon light bulb shapes and sizes to interchangeably be used with a common transformer means, therefore, solving the problems with the prior art. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a neon light system that allows for different lighting configurations and objectives more inexpensively than present neon light fixtures. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a neon light system that eliminates the scrapping of good fixtures because of the need for new lighting configurations. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a neon light system that allows for interchangeable neon light bulbs utilizing the same neon light base. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a neon light system that is easy and simple to assemble. 
     Another object of the present invention is to apply these prior objects to neon fixtures that are wall mounted, hang suspended, window mounted or self-standing. 
     These and other objects will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment taken together with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a neon light system having receptacle means comprised of two members; 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of a cavity of a receptacle having holding members comprised of inner metallic tabs; 
     FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a neon light system having receptacle means comprised of a single member; 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of a cavity of a receptacle having two jacks having the shape of half drums separated by a single membrane; 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of a cavity of a receptacle having two jacks having the shape of rectangles; 
     FIG. 6 is a side isometric view of an embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of the invention shown in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a ceiling mounted unit according to the invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a partial isometric view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention; and 
     FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG.  11 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only, and not for purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows the invention in a modification of one of its preferred forms. The embodiment shown is a neon light system  1  comprised of a neon light base  2  having a neon light bulb  4  in the shape of a truck. The neon light bulb has two ends, each end being electrically affixed to cylindrical conductive caps  10 ,  12  by some form of nonconductive epoxy  6 ,  8 . The caps preferably are brass electrode caps, but could consist of a variety of different conductive metals. Further, the caps can take on many forms and shapes as long as they can mate to the receptacle means to ensure electrical contact. The embodiment has a transformer assembly  14  comprising a housing  16 , a transformer  17  and receptacles  18 ,  20 . The receptacles  18 ,  20  include two circular apertures  22 ,  24  in the housing and two cylindrical resilient walls defining cavities  26 ,  28  for receiving the caps  10 ,  12 , to make electrical contact from the transformer  17  to the caps  10 ,  12 . In this embodiment, holding means are formed by making the diameter of the cylindrical resilient walls  26 ,  28 , slightly smaller than the diameter of the conductive caps  10 ,  12 . In this way, when the conductive caps  10 ,  12  are inserted into the receptacles  18 ,  20 , a small downward force causes the resilient cylindrical walls  26 ,  28 , to expand and receive the conductive caps. A frictional force is then asserted on the caps from the resilient cylindrical walls as they retract, thus affixing the neon light base  2  to the transformer  17 . Similarly, a small upward force on the neon light bulb will cause the cylindrical resilient walls to release the caps and allow for the interchanging of a new neon light bulb. 
     The holding means for holding a two cap embodiment in place could take on a variety of forms, as long as the caps make electrical contact with the transformer and the neon bulb can be easily affixed in place, by the holding means. Further, the fixture must be easily removable from the transformer means to allow for the ability to interchange light bulbs. FIG. 2 shows a receptacle  30  that includes, cylindrical walls defining a cavity larger than the diameter of the caps, with holding members that are in the form of inner tabs  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 . When the cap is inserted into the cylindrical wall, the inner tabs apply a frictional force on the caps holding the caps in place. The inner tabs could be 
     Referring now to another embodiment, FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the invention. The embodiment shown is a neon light system  40 , comprised of a neon light base  42  having a neon light bulb  44  in the shape of a truck. The neon light bulb has two ends, each end being electrically affixed to cylindrical conductive plugs  48 ,  50  and surrounded by some form of insulated rubber or plastic cap  46 , which could be made of other materials and includes an insulated housing for containing plugs. The insulated rubber or plastic cap  46  is in the shape of a cylinder, but can take on many other shapes and sizes. The plugs  48 ,  50  can be in many different shapes, because the electrical contact is made within the insulated material. This allows the plugs to be affixed within the insulated material, as opposed to using epoxy to hold the plugs electrically affixed on the neon light bulb itself. The transformer assembly  52  is comprised of a housing  53 , a transformer  64  and a receptacle assembly  54 . The receptacle assembly  54  includes a single circular aperture  56  in the housing and a resilient circular wall  58  defining a single cylindrical cavity for receiving plugs  48 ,  50  and the insulating material  46 . At the bottom of the circular wall defining the cavity are two jacks  60 ,  62  for receiving plugs  48 ,  50 , to make electrical contact between the plugs  48 ,  50  and the transformer  64 . In this embodiment, the diameter of the circular walls  58  defining the cylindrical cavity can be slightly smaller than the insulation  46 . Similarly, the diameter of the plugs  48 ,  50  can be slightly smaller than the jacks  60 ,  62 . Either will allow for holding means to apply frictional force on the caps and secure the neon light bulb to the neon base. 
     The single receptacle may have many different forms of jacks, as long as the cathode and the anode of the transformer supplying the predetermined voltage are isolated. For example, FIG. 4 shows a cavity  70  having jack inputs in the shape of two half drums  72 ,  74  with a thin insulated membrane  76  dividing the cylinder in half and electrically isolating the anode and cathode of the transformer. FIG. 5 shows a cavity  80  with two jacks  82 ,  84  in the shape of rectangles, similar to a typical wall socket, wherein insulation material can form the body surrounding the jacks. 
     Although the specific embodiments described pertain to self-standing neon light systems, this invention applies to all types of neon light bulbs and bases, such as wall hanging systems, ceiling hanging systems, window hanging systems and the like. In addition, the receptacle means and capping means shapes and sizes are not limited to the embodiments shown and could take on many sizes, shapes and configurations. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a ceiling, wall or base mounted unit  100 . Unit  100  has a flat surface  102  which can be mounted against a ceiling, with retainers such as screws, bolts or the like, extending through appropriate holes  104 . An electric cord with a plug  106  has jacks for insertion into an electrical outlet. A neon light bulb  108  has end caps  110 ,  112  for reception into a pair of receptacles  114  for making electrical contact with the transformer inside of unit  100 . 
     Likewise, unit  100  can be attached to a wall, with retainers extending through holes  104 . The ends of a neon bulb would preferably extend through receptacles  114 . 
     Unit  100  can also be used as a base unit, with surface  102  sitting on a table, floor or other support. Referring to FIG. 7, unit  100  is shown with receptacles  116  on the raised upper portion  118 . The capped ends of a neon lamp would be inserted into receptacles  116  for electrically connecting the neon lamp with the transformer to provide the necessary illumination. An appropriate switch would be provided for turning the bulb on and off. 
     Another ceiling mounted unit is shown in FIG.  8 . In this case, a ceiling mounted unit  130  has a transparent support  132  for holding a transformer  134 . A top support  136  is secured to a ceiling through some appropriate retaining means, and a pair of support rods  138  holds support member  132  and transformer  134  to member  136 . A neon light  140  has a pair of capped ends  142 ,  144  which can be received in electrical receptacles  146 . As with the other embodiments, actuation of an appropriate switch means would energize the transformer and illuminate the neon bulb. 
     Another variation of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 shows a neon light bulb assembly unit  150  having an L-shaped support made from Plexiglas or some other appropriate material. Support  152  has a horizontal portion  154  and an integral vertical portion  156 . An appropriate advertising message or the like can be included on support  152  such as on the vertical part  156 . A transformer housing  158  holds on its inside an appropriate transformer and a neon bulb  160  has a pair of capped ends  162 ,  164  which are releasably held in electrical receptacles  166  of the transformer inside of housing  158 . Support  152  is shown in FIG.  10 . 
     A multiple bulb unit  170  is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Unit  170  is in the general shape of a Christmas tree, and has a transformer housing  172 . Transformer housing  172  includes a multiple set of receptacle pairs  174 , each having receptacles  176  and  178 . A set of neon bulbs  180  are each attached to a base  182 . Bulbs  180  are suspended from stems or wire holders  183  which extend from the base  182  and hold the electrical wire for powering neon bulbs  180 . From each base  182  extend a pair of capped bulb ends  184 ,  186 . Since many bulbs  180  can be received in transformer housing  182 , a colorful and varied effect can be produced. 
     In all of the foregoing embodiments, the neon bulb or bulbs can be changed at will, without requiring that a new transformer or transformer base be changed as well. Therefore, if a different bulb is desired because it has a different message or a different design, the old bulb can be withdrawn, saved or destroyed, and the new bulb inserted. If the brand or type of products being advertised with the bulb changes, it is very simple to simply change the bulb as noted. The transformer base is not destroyed with an old bulb, and need not even be moved. This is a very simple and economic invention, and should provide ease of use and tremendous savings in the field. 
     The foregoing descriptions are specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated that these embodiments are described for the purposes of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.