Bates Johnson

US Patent:

58233229, Oct 20, 1998

Filed:

Mar 14, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/818305

Inventors:

Bates Johnson - Essex CT

International Classification:

H01R 33955
H01R 424

US Classification:

200 5117

Abstract:

A lamp socket injection molded of thermo plastic in one simple piece for greater safety, plus a switch handle, or actuator. The socket is quickly assembled without tools or stripped bare wires by inserting an insulated electric wire (12) into a close fitting channel (11) in the socket base and then snap-in locking a rotatable switch actuator (9) which drives two puncture pin sets (3 & 8) into both sides of the wire instantly completing the socket circuitry. The switch handle (9), or plug in switchless models, and switch bore (4) also contain a simplified novel on/off design in the form of a springy metal conductive means (10) which transverses the switch handle stem and alternately springs "on" into two conductive means cavities (4-1 & 4-3) and then "off" into two neutral cavities (4-2 & 4-4) which circumscribe the switch bore (4) as the switch is articulated clockwise. This eliminates prior art potential faulty springs, pawls or ratchets. And there are a plurality of strain relief devices to maintain the integrity of the wire connection.