Light bulb storage and identification apparatus

Abstract

A molded-plastic storage apparatus that holds and identifies light bulbs that can vary by wattage and shape. The light bulb holding apparatus consists of a base and a plurality of custom receivers that interface to the various light bulbs. The base has uniform openings spaced apart in a matrix grid that can accept the receivers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for storing light bulbs, comprising:
 (a) a mounting base having a plurality of openings sharing a common outline in a matrix grid configuration; and   (b) a family of receivers sufficiently sized and shaped for insertion into the mounting base openings, such receivers containing features that interface to industry-standard light bulb features.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the receivers interface to industry-standard light bulb mount base connection features such as those defined in IEC 60061; including screw bases (most prevalent standard for home lighting, includes the Medium Edison Screw), bi-pin connectors (common for fluorescent, halogen, and LED lighting), bayonet connectors (common in cameras), and wedge base connectors (common with automotive, landscaping and Christmas mini-lights). 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each receiver is removable and interchangeable. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the unique members of the family of receivers are distinguishable from one another by markings or color-coding. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , the receiver further containing features that allow screw base light bulbs to either screw in (thread in) or push in. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , the receiver further containing features that only allow the removal of screw base light bulbs by unthreading. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a cover so as to provide safe housing of the light bulbs, wherein the cover includes a top and four sidewalls sized and shaped to fit against the mounting base. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including at least two mounting bases, wherein each mounting base includes alignment features to allow for stacking of mounting bases on retail shelves. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting base and receivers are fabricated from polypropylene or other thermoplastic resins. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting base can also contain features intended for functions other than accepting light bulb receivers. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting base becomes a component in a larger system where the larger system may include shelves, drawers or other features. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus for storing light bulbs comprising a mounting base having a plurality of receivers containing features that interface to industry-standard light bulb features. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the receivers interface to industry-standard light bulb mount base connection features such as those defined in IEC 60061; including screw bases (most prevalent standard for home lighting, includes the Medium Edison Screw), bi-pin connectors (common for fluorescent, halogen, and LED lighting), bayonet connectors (common in cameras), and wedge base connectors (common with automotive, landscaping and Christmas mini-lights). 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the receivers are distinguishable from one another by markings or color-coding. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , the receiver further containing features that allow screw base light bulbs to either screw in (thread in) or push in. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , the receiver further containing features that only allow the removal of screw base light bulbs by unthreading. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further including a cover so as to provide safe housing of the light bulbs, wherein the cover includes a top and four sidewalls sized and shaped to fit against the mounting base. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further including at least two mounting bases, wherein each mounting base includes alignment features to allow for stacking of mounting bases on retail shelves. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the mounting base is fabricated from polypropylene or other thermoplastic resins. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the mounting base can also contain features intended for functions other than accepting light bulb receivers. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the mounting base becomes a component in a larger system where the larger system may include shelves, drawers or other features.