Retrofit fluorescent lamp adaptor
A novel fluorescent lamp adaptor that safely converts an existing fluorescent lighting fixture that was designed to hold a “2D” 4-pin series fluorescent lamp to one that uses a “2C” series twin circular fluorescent lamp. The use of a type “2C” fluorescent lamp is advantageous because of its compactness, and greater efficiency, which is commensurate with a longer operational life.
1. A retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source, comprising:
a transition module formed to have a boxlike housing and including two interlocking pieces, a base and a cover;
the transition module including a means for retaining a circular fluorescent lamp;
the transition module including a means for converting operation of the fluorescent illumination source from a 2D fluorescent lamp to a long life 2C circular fluorescent lamp.
2. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 1 , the transition module including a pair of rectangular recesses on a top portion of the cover;
a lamp mounting bracket having a pair of locking projections each snapped into a corresponding rectangular recess for retention of the lamp mounting bracket.
3. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 2 , wherein an at least one circular fluorescent lamp is mounted in a straight lamp mounting bracket.
4. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 2 , wherein an at least one circular fluorescent lamp is mounted in a bent-wing style lamp mounting bracket.
5. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the base and cover are fixed together with a consequent reduction of a shock hazard.
6. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 5 , wherein the base and the cover are sealed together using a thermal bonding.
7. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 6 , wherein the housing is fabricated of an insulating material.
8. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 7 , the insulating material comprising a rigid injection molded thermoplastic material.
9. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 8 , further comprising a means for interconnecting the 2C lamp to the adaptor to provide power to the 2C lamp.
10. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 9 , the base including a base recess cavity with an array of four pins mounted on a base platform for connection with a lamp power source.
11. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 10 , further comprising a four-wire cable having a four-receptacle plug that connects with pins of the 2C circular fluorescent lamp.
12. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the adaptor supporting an at least one 2C circular fluorescent lamp is interchangeable with a 2D fluorescent lamp without a need for tools.
13. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 12 , wherein a person can install the adaptor in substitution for a 2D fluorescent lamp that is unplugged and replaced by the retrofit adaptor.
14. The retrofit adaptor for a fluorescent illumination source in accordance with claim 13 , wherein the adaptor is installed into an existing light fixture without a need of dismantling the fixture, a floor or a table lamp.
15. An adaptor to retrofit a lighting fixture having a 2D series fluorescent lamp with a 2C circular fluorescent lamp, with an adaptor assembly comprising a transition module having a pair of interchangeable fluorescent circle lamp mounting brackets, a four-wire cable including a four-receptacle plug connected to four pins of the 2C circular fluorescent lamp; wherein a second four-pin set within the transition module have dimensions equivalent to corresponding pins of the 2D series fluorescent lamp and the adaptor assembly is interchangeable with the 2D series fluorescent lamp; and, wherein said adapter provides non-interchangeability with higher wattage lamps to eliminate a potential for creation of a fire hazard.
16. A method for substituting a 2C fluorescent lamp for a 2D fluorescent lamp comprising:
providing an adaptor having a four pin array identical to the 2D series fluorescent lamp, and a means for connecting with a 2C fluorescent lamp;
unplugging the 2D fluorescent lamp from a lighting fixture;
plugging the adaptor into the lighting fixture; and
connecting the 2C fluorescent lamp to the adaptor.
17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising
securing the 2C fluorescent lamp to the adaptor.