Attachment for retaining lenses on a reflector lamp

#The present invention relates to attachments for lamps with reflector envelopes (reflector lamps). More specifically, the present invention relates to an attachment for retaining one or more lenses in position for the use with a reflector lamp. In addition, the present invention relates to attachments for reflector lamps that may be used or are used in conjunction with existing light fixtures. Furthermore, the present invention has at least two preferred embodiments, whereby each embodiment is to be used with one of two types of reflector lamps.

#Generally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,662 ('662) discloses an attachment consisting of a plurality of vanes, among other things, for deflecting light from lamps with reflector envelopes. More specifically, the '662 patent discloses a lamp assembly that comprises a lamp with reflector envelopes (reflector lamp) and a one-piece integral attachment upon the reflector lamp. In addition, '662 discloses that the one-piece integral attachment comprises a plurality of vanes for deflecting light that is produced from the reflector lamp, a means for interconnecting the plurality of vanes into one piece upon a rim of the reflector lamp, and holding members formed on the one piece that engage the reflector lamp behind the rim. The '662 patent does not disclose an attachment for retaining a separate lens, color filter, or light louver for use with the reflector lamp.

#U.S. Pat. No. 2,785,291 ('291) generally discloses a two-piece attachment for a reflector lamp for mounting a color lens or light louver for use with a reflector lamp. More specifically, the '291 patent discloses a device that comprises, among other things, a hollow cylindrical member, spring clips, and an adapted member. The spring clips of the '291 patent are secured to the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical member and provide for the removable attachment of the hollow cylindrical member to the reflector lamp. Further, the spring clips of the '291 patent are formed of a flat strip of spring metal, and are provided with a generally V-shaped portion. The '291 patent discloses that the attached member is releaseably secured to the hollow cylindrical member, with a color lens or light louver placed in between the hollow cylindrical member and the adapted member.

#FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the inventive attachment in use on an MR-16 light bulb.

#FIG. 1B shows a side view of the first preferred embodiment of the inventive attachment in use on an MR-16 light bulb.

#FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the inventive attachment.

#Reflector lamps, also known in the art as miniature reflectors, general diffuse reflectors, or lamps with reflector envelopes, are commonly used for home and commercial lighting applications. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, a reflector lamp (50) has a parabolic reflector portion (52) and a rim (54). The first preferred embodiment shown generally in FIGS. 1A-1C of the present invention is directed to an attachment (10) for retaining a lens for use with a reflector lamp. More specifically, the first preferred embodiment is directed to an attachment (10) for retaining a lens for use with an MR-16 reflector lamp (50). However, the scope of the present invention is directed generally toward reflector lamps, as a skilled artisan would know that the present invention may be directed toward reflector lamps other than the MR-16 type. The first preferred embodiment of the attachment (10) comprises, among other things, a main bracket (12) and a plurality of retaining arms (14).

#Generally, it is desirable for the attachment (10), including the main bracket (12) and the retaining arms (14) to be made from one or more resilient materials, such as aluminum, other metals, rubber, or plastic. However, the attachment (10) including the main bracket (12) and the retaining arms (14) may be made of other resilient materials without departing from the scope of the present invention. The skilled artisan will recognize the resilient materials that are commonly used in lighting accessories. Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize that the resiliency properties of the these materials will vary among the different materials.

#The main bracket (12) is a structure that is generally open and unobstructed such that when the attachment (10) is applied to a light source, it substantially allows the passage of light through or around the main bracket (12). More specifically, the main bracket (12) of the preferred embodiment is a substantially planar circular structure that defines a void. In addition, the main bracket (12) has one or more retaining arms (14) connected to its outer edge. The main bracket (12) of alternative embodiments may be substantially planar structures that define a void that have shapes other than circular. In further alternative embodiments, the main bracket (12) may have structures other than a substantially planar structure defining a void without departing from the scope of the present invention. In further alternative embodiments, the main bracket (12) may be made out of a material that is substantially transparent.