Multi-piece clamping shell for electric cigar lighters

Abstract

A two-piece metal clamping shell for electric cigar lighters of the type employed in automobiles and other vehicles wherein a socket is carried in an aperture of the vehicle dashboard or other panel and an igniting unit or plug is receivable in the socket. The clamping shell includes a cylindrical body member which encircles the cigar lighter socket and which is adapted to secure the latter in its operative position. The body member of the shell is disposed behind the dashboard, and retains the socket by its engagement with the rear surface of the dash. The socket has a threaded portion at its inner end, and a similarly threaded clamp ring is applied thereto with the said body member being disposed between it and the dashboard's rear surface. The clamp ring has a peripheral nest portion adapted to centralize the body member with respect to the socket, and is capable of being tightened on the socket so as to secure the latter in place. The invention is especially useful where small lamps are employed to illuminate the interior of the socket when the plug is removed. A keying arrangement on the rear surface of the dashboard and on the body member holds the latter against rotation, insuring the proper, desired orientation of the body member and lamp with openings in the socket whereby the latter does not block light from the lamp.