Importance

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Abstract

A lamp socket system for an illuminated decorative figure includes a lamp socket with an integral male electrical plug and a flange for mounting the socket in a hole in the decorative figure. The decorative figure is provided with a well surrounding a hole in which the socket is mounted. The well is large enough to accommodate the female end connector of an extension cord and may be provided with an oblong radially extending portion to accommodate an oblong female end connector. When the socket is installed in the hole in the figure and an extension cord is connected to the integral male plug on the socket, the electrical connection between the extension cord and the socket is sheltered by the well. The well protects the electrical connection from rain, snow, and other environmental elements. It also supports the weight of the female end connector of the extension cord so that the socket is not pulled out of the figure. Since the socket is installed at the interior end of the well, it does not protrude from the outer surface of the figure. The socket is thereby protected from damage during shipping and storage of the decorative figure. The decorative figures can be manufactured using conventional molding techniques to provide the well for receiving the socket. The socket can be insert molded with inserted conductive prongs, or can be assembled from several pieces. A fuse may be provided in the socket and the conductive prongs may be partially shrouded.

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First Claim