A commonly encountered and sometimes vexatious problem associated with the installation and removal of light bulbs from sockets is the difficulty in removing the bulb from the socket, especially after a period of time, and sometimes the difficulty in properly inserting a bulb into a socket so that it makes proper etectrica ! contact. The problem is exacerbated where the fixture containing the bulb is exposed to moisture that may induce corrosion between the metallic threads of the bulb and the metallic threads of the fixture. This problem becomes especially acute since it the common practice to grasp the glass portion of the bulb in the hand while attempting to either place it in or remove it from the socket. When resistance is encountered, it is not at all uncommon for the bulb to fracture, often in the individuals hand, by the additional force which the individual exerts in attempting to free or install the bulb. The result, in addition, to possible injury to the person's hand, can also be that one is left with only the base of the electric bulb remaining in the socket in a position in which it is extremely difficult to grasp and remove.

There are several possible explanations for why the aforementioned difficulties in placing and removing electric light bulbs from sockets are encountered. First, it is clear that the engagement between the contact surface of the base of the light bulb and the interior contact surface of the socket must be fairly close to insure proper electrical contact and transmission. Thus, a tight fit is required. For bulbs having a screw-type engagement, the threads of the screw are stamped or roll formed from relatively thin sheet metal and, as a result,

the threads of the bulb and the socket may not exactly match. Additionally, the respective contact surfaces are usually both metal, and the metal surfaces have <BR> <BR> a relatively high co-efficient of friction, especially in the circumstance of a rather ~ tight engagement. Finally, when a bulb has been in use in a particular socket over an extended period of time, especially in a damp environment, some corrosion occurs between the metallic surfaces as a consequence of the transmission of electrical energy between these surfaces and this can exacerbate the problems heretofore described.

It would accordingly be desirable to provide an improved base for electric light bulbs which facilitates the installation and removal of the bulb from the socket in which it is positioned to receive electric energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a device and method which substantially obviate the aforementioned problems and disadvantages by significantly facilitating the ease by which electric light bulbs can be installe in or removed from sockets or contact receptacles.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description or maybe learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and obtained by the method and apparatus particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages, and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present invention essentially is directed to an electrically energized illuminating device, such as a light bulb, comprising a bulb with one or more electrically conductive base members attached thereto. Each of the base members has an electrically conductive contact surface which is provided with a layer of electrically conductive lubricant to facilitate removable engagement of the base member

with a source of electric energy such as a socket.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the base member attached to the bulb is a cylinder having contact surfaces which are male threads for engaging with female threads disposed within the socket providing electric energy to the device. This structure is common to incandescent light bulbs.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the contact surfaces are pins or groups of pins which respectively engage with electrical contact points disposed in sockets which provide the required electrical energy for the device.

This structure is common to fluorescent light bulbs.

Additionally, the present invention is directed to a method for facilitating installation and removal of the base of an electric light bulb from a socket which provides electrical energy to the light bulb which method comprises applying an electrically conductive lubricant to the portion of the base which contacts the socket.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates an incandescent electric light bulb having a threaded base to which the electrically conductive material is applied; Fig. 2 illustrates one end of a fluorescent light bulb having a pair of contact pins to which the electrically conductive material is applied in accordance to the present invention; and Fig. 3 illustrates a fluorescent light bulb having a threaded base to which the electrically conductive material is applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the invention an electric light bulb is provided comprising a bulb with one or more electrically conductive base members attached, which base members have electrically conductive contact surfaces which are provided with a layer of electrically conductive material to facilitate removable engagement of the base members with a source of electric energy such as a socket.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

One exemplary embodiment of the device and method of the invention is shown in Fig. 1, and is designated generally by reference numeral 1. As shown, the electrically energized illuminating device of the invention is an incandescent light bulb 1 comprising a bulb 2 having an electrically conductive base member 3 attached thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 3 has contact surfaces 4 which are male threads for engaging with female threads on a socket of an electric energy source (not shown). A thin layer of material 5 is applied to the threads 4 of base member 3 in order to facilitate installation and removal of the base member from a socket. The material, preferably a lubricant which is electrically conductive, can be applied either as a solid, in the form of a paste, as a liquid, or as a spray which adheres to the surface of the threads 4.

Fig. 2 illustrates an additional embodiment of the invention whereby the electrically energized illuminating device 6 is a fluorescent light bulb having a bulb 7 which terminates at both ends in a respective base member 10 (only one end and base member are shown). Each base member 10 is provided with a pair of electrical contacts 8, each of which is substantially coated with an electrically conductive material 9.

Fig. 3 illustrates an additional embodiment of the invention whereby the electrically energized illuminating device 11 is a fluorescent light bulb having a

bulb 12 with a threaded base member 13 attached thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 13 has contact surfaces 14 which are male threads for engaging with female threads on a socket of an electric energy source (not shown).

The material coating the contact is applied before insertion of the contact base into an appropriate receptacle or socket in accordance with the procedures described above.

As heretofore noted, the electrically conductive material employed in accordance with the invention may take various forms and be applied using any of several techniques such as spraying, dipping or painting on with a brush. The essential characteristics of the material are is that it be electrically conductive so as not to interfere with transmission of electrical energy to the illuminating device and that the material provide sufficient reduction in the coefficient of friction between the base member and the socket to achieve the desired facilitation of installation and removal. Further, the material should not deteriorate over time or as a result of exposure to electrical transmission or have a corrosive effect on the contact surface. Preferably, the material will inhibit corrosion between the contact surfaces of the bulb and the engaging socket. Examples of suitable materials for use in accordance with the invention are graphite, molybdenum disulfide, niobium disulfide, niobium diselenide, tantalum disulfide and titanium ditelluride and lubricating compositions containing these components. Various lubricating compositions containing electrically conductive components such as metals can also be used. Other electrically lubricating compositions can also be employed in accordance with the invention as well.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modification and variation of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.