Abstract: Screw-on or slip-on covers, in the form of transparent or translucent plastic sleeves for CFLs functioning as diffusers and cups for handling bulbs during installation, removal and as a safety receptacle for mercury-contaminated broken bulbs. The covers have interior surfaces contoured to the various sizes of CFL tube configurations, spiral or axially folded tubes, so that they are securely retained when screwed or slipped onto the tubes. The inventive covers may be used in any orientation, open end up, down or horizontal, so that they are equally useful for upright CFLs in lamps, horizontally oriented CFLs screwed into wall sockets, or downwardly oriented or angled CFLs screwed into horizontal or sloped ceiling fixtures. The inventive covers function as light diffusers and hide the tubes in more pleasing external shapes. Attractive sleeve colors, designs and surface textures are disclosed. Shades and shade frames may be secured to the inventive CFL covers.

Abstract: Screw-on or slip-on covers, in the form of transparent or translucent plastic sleeves for CFLs functioning as diffusers and cups for handling bulbs during installation, removal and as a safety receptacle for mercury-contaminated broken bulbs. The covers have interior surfaces contoured to the various sizes of CFL tube configurations, spiral or axially folded tubes, so that they are securely retained when screwed or slipped onto the tubes. The inventive covers may be used in any orientation, open end up, down or horizontal, so that they are equally useful for upright CFLs in lamps, horizontally oriented CFLs screwed into wall sockets, or downwardly oriented or angled CFLs screwed into horizontal or sloped ceiling fixtures. The inventive covers function as light diffusers and hide the tubes in more pleasing external shapes. Attractive sleeve colors, designs and surface textures are disclosed. Shades and shade frames may be secured to the inventive CFL covers.