Abstract: An all-weather lamp includes a standard fluorescent lamp and a protective assembly having a protective tube that is preformed from a semi-rigid, non-frangible polymeric transparent or translucent material that is stabilized against ultraviolet radiation and is received over the glass tube with its inner surface substantially uniformly spaced apart from the outer surface of the glass tube to form an air space for insulation of the lamp. The desired uniform spacing between the lamp tube and the protective tube is established by a spacer ring located adjacent each end of the glass tube and adhesively bonded to the glass tube. The protective tube is securely joined to the lamp by a shrink-fitted collar at each end of the lamp that overlaps and is adhesively joined to the protective tube and the lamp terminal cap. A multiplicity of vent holes in portions of the protective tube proximate to the terminal caps of the lamp allow ventilation of the air space between the glass tube and the protective tube.

Abstract: A shatter-resistant lamp assembly is formed by encasing a cylindrical lamp bulb in a seamless non-frangible sleeve that is sealed at each end to one end of the lamp. A straight lamp assembly is made by applying an adhesive to each end of a straight lamp bulb, preferably by wrapping double-sided adhesive transfer tape around each metal end cap of the lamp bulb, inserting the bulb into the sleeve with the ends of the sleeve overlapping the tape wound on each end of the bulb, and compressing the ends of the sleeve onto the tape by heat-sealing. A curved lamp assembly is formed by molding two halves of a curved sleeve with contours to fit the curved lamp bulb. Adhesive is applied to the ends of the curved lamp bulb, the two halves of the sleeve are fastened together with adhesive or by ultrasonic bonding, and the ends of the sleeve are attached to the ends of the bulb by the same means as that used for the straight lamp assembly.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp has a protective assembly that includes a protective tube preformed from a semi-rigid non-frangible polymeric transparent or translucent material that is stabilized against ultraviolet radiation. The protective tube has a body portion received over the glass tube with a clearance sufficient to enable the glass tube to be slid into the protective tube and a closure portion at each end that is mechanically and thermally deformed permanently to engage an adhesive layer on the terminal cap of the lamp and form a bond therewith such as to provide a mechanical connection that resists separation of the terminal cap from the protective tube and a moisture barrier and hermetic seal between the lamp and the protective tube.

Abstract: A protective assembly for a standard fluorescent lamp includes a protective tube that is preformed from a semi-rigid, non-frangible polymeric transparent or translucent material that is stabilized against ultraviolet radiation and is received over the glass tube with its inner surface substantially uniformly spaced apart from the outer surface of the glass tube to form an air space for insulation of the lamp. The desired uniform spacing between the lamp tube and the protective tube is established by a spacer ring located adjacent each end of the glass tube and adhesively bonded to the glass tube. Each spacer ring is formed of band of a semi-rigid polymeric foam strip material that is resistant to heat and ultraviolet radiation. The foam spacer ring forms a snug fit with an inner surface of the protective tube but allows the protective tube to be slid lengthwise onto the lamp.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes a protective cover assembly having a protective tube preformed of a semi-rigid non-frangible transparent polymeric material and received over the glass tube with a clearance between the outer surface of the glass tube and inner surface of the protective tube and extending lengthwise substantially coextensively with the glass tube and a collar preformed of a heat-shrinkable polymeric material received in overlapping relation over a portion of the protective sleeve at each end thereof and over the flange portion of the adjacent cap, the collar being heat-shrunk into sealed relation with the protective tube and the cap flange portion.