Twinkle light set

Abstract

A twinkle bulb light set includes, alternately from one end of the light set to an opposite end of the light set, at least one standard bulb socket configured and dimensioned to operatively receive a standard or steady-burning bulb and at least one non-standard bulb socket configured and dimensioned to operatively receive a non-standard twinkle bulb. The standard and non-standard bulb sockets are configured and dimensioned to operatively receive only standard and non-standard bulbs, respectively. Preferably the standard bulb socket is smaller than the non-standard bulb socket in at least one dimension such that the standard bulb socket cannot operatively receive a non-standard bulb, and the non-standard bulbs have at least one dimension greater than that of the standard bulbs, thereby to preclude operative receipt of a non-standard bulb in a standard bulb socket.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a twinkle light set, and more particularly to a twinkle light set which meets Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standards for safety.[0002]UL Standard 588 distinguishes between the flasher bulb (LAMP, FLASHING) and the twinkle bulb (LAMP, INDIVIDUAL FLASHING) as follows:[0003]5.16 LAMP, FLASHING—A series-or parallel-connected lamp that automatically cycles on and off by means of a bimetallic strip connected in series with the filament. For series-connected strings, the flashing lamp causes all lamps connected in series with it to flash. For parallel-connected strings, only the flashing lamp is intended to flash.[0004]5.17 LAMP, INDIVIDUAL-FLASHING—A series-connected lamp that automatically cycles on and off by means of a bimetallic strip connected in parallel with the filament. The cycling of the bimetallic strip causes only the individual-flashing lamp to flash by momentarily placing a short across the filament to turn th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022]In a preferred embodiment, the interior of the standard bulb socket is sized differently (preferably smaller) in at least one dimension than the interior of the non-standard bulb socket such that the standard bulb socket cannot operatively receive a non-standard bulb.

Problems solved by technology

This in turn terminates substantially all of the current passing through the high resistance illumination circuit and leads to cooling of the bulb.

As a result, when, by happenstance, all of the illumination circuits of all of the twinkle bulbs are open, the current passes substantially unchecked and undiminished through the low resistance bypass circuits in a decidedly unsafe manner which can lead to melting of conductors, burning of insulation, fires, and the like.

While twinkle light sets are usually sold with instructions cautioning against the replacement of standard bulbs with twinkle bulbs, users do not always heed this caution.

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