Title:
LAMP CONVERSION UNIT
United States Patent 3729628
Abstract:
A unit for converting a bottle or similar receptacle having a neck into a lamp. The basic member of the unit consists of an integral one-piece molded plastic device having a central hollow core topped by a flat annular plate. A plurality of fins extend outwardly from the central core, the fins tapering down from the plate toward the bottom of the core. This member may be twisted into a bottle neck, the fins collapsing sufficiently to allow the entry. Also, the fins frictionally engage the neck to hold the member in place. A short hollow rod is passed through the core, the inner end having a hex nut threaded thereon. At the upper end, a flat washer plate covers the core plate and a bulb socket and switch is mounted on the exposed end of the rod to hold the assembly together.
Application Number:
05/227163
Publication Date:
04/24/1973
Assignee:
Cable Electric Products, Inc. (Providence, RI)
Other Classes:
248/27.3, 411/34
International Classes:
F21S6/00; F21S6/00; (IPC1-7): F21V21/00
Field of Search:
240/2LC,1R,52R,52.6,81R,81BS,85R,153 248
Primary Examiner:
Peters Jr., Joseph F.
Claims:
I claim
1. A lamp conversion unit comprising a lamp socket, a supporting rod for said socket, and means for retaining said rod in vertical position in the neck of a bottle, said means being adjustable to different bottle neck diameters, said means comprising an integral one-piece molded plastic base having a flat annular top and a central depending portion, said central portion having a vertical axial opening therethrough, said rod extending through said opening, a plurality of spaced fins extending integrally outwardly from said central portion, said fins tapering down from a wide top to a narrow bottom, whereby the collapsing action of said fins will adjust said base in the neck of a bottle, said flat annular top of said base having a plurality of radial slots, each slot above one of said fins to permit free movement of said fins.
2. A conversion unit as in claim 1, wherein the bottom end of said central depending portion is provided with a hexagonal recess, the bottom end of said rod having a hex nut threadedly mounted thereon, said nut nesting in said recess.
3. A conversion unit as in claim 1, wherein a flat annular washer-plate is positioned between the top of said base and said socket, said washer-plate covering said top of said base.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It has become conventional to convert wine or other fancy bottles into attractive lamps. The conversion unit usually comprises a short rod on which the lamp switch and socket is mounted. A cork is squeezed into the bottle neck and the rod is mounted in the cork by piercing or by first cutting a hole in the cork.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a conversion unit which eliminates the cork and replaces it with a molded plastic device which is uniform in appearance and size and which can be used on bottles or similar containers having different sized necks. The cork must be fitted to the neck of the bottle, however, the unit of the present invention will fit necks of different diameters. It consists of a central hollow core having a plurality of tapered fins extending laterally therefrom. The fins will collapse and twist enabling entry into a bottle neck and will also act as frictional retaininers for the device. The supporting rod for the lamp socket and switch can then be passed through this core and suitably locked in place.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings,
FIG. 1 is an enlarged vertical section of a bottle neck having a unit of the present invention therein;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the base member;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the base member;
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the base member; and
FIG. 5 is a vertical section of the base member and the attached unit.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The conversion unit may be used with almost any type of article having a suitable neck. It is usually applied to a fancy bottle or similar container. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the bottle neck 10 is converted to a lamp having a socket and switch of conventional form 11 by mounting on the unit 12. The base of the unit 12 comprises an integral one-piece molded plastic member having a flat annular top plate 13. Depending from the plate 13 is a central core having a plurality of laterally extending fins 14. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the fins 14 have top edges extending to almost the perimeter of the plate 13 and then taper downwardly to a comparatively narrow bottom end. In molding, it is essential that the tops of the fins 14 be free. Therefore, the plate 13 is provided with a plurality of radially extending slots 15, one over each fin 14, to permit free movement of each fin 14 independantly of the plate 13.
Now referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the central core portion 16, which extends down from the plate 13, is provided with an opening 17 vertically axially thereof. At the top, the opening 17 is surrounded by a shoulder 18 below the top surface of the plate 13. At the bottom end, the opening 17 is surrounded by a hexagonal recess 19.
As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, a rod 20 is passed through the opening 16, the rod 20 having upper and lower threads. A hex nut 21 is threaded onto the lower end of the rod 20 and is of a size to fit into the recess 19. A flat annular washer plate 22 is fitted over the plate portion 13. The plate 22 has a central opening of sufficient diameter to allow entry of the rod 20. Note that the rod 20 is long enough to extend above the surface of the plate 22 for a short distance. The conventional lamp socket is provided with an internally threaded bottom collar 23 which is threaded over the top of the rod 20. As the collar 23 is rotated, the rod 20 is pulled upwardly until the hex nut 21 seats in the recess 19. The shape of the recess now inhibits further turning movement of the hex nut and rod and allows the collar 23 to be tightened in place. This actually locks the unit into an easily handled rigid structure.
Now, the bottles may vary in the internal diameter of their necks. However, the tapered fin construction will take care of most variations in bottle diameters. The tapered bottom end is inserted into the bottle neck 10 and pushed downwardly with a twisting motion. This causes the fins 14 to collapse sufficiently to allow the unit to move down into the neck. But the resiliency of the fins adds a frictional retaining force to the unit to keep it in place.
The unit is simple and easy to assemble, and once assembled, is easily mounted in the bottle neck. While a cork has a fixed diameter, the base of the unit of the present invention will fit bottles of varying diameters due to the fin construction. Furthermore, the cork must be pierced, whereas the unit of the present invention requires only a minimum of assembly. The device is readily molded and economical to produce. Other advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.