LAMPSHADE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lampshades. Some embodiments of the invention relate to foldable lampshades.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional lampshades, such as used for ceiling lamps, typically comprise a metallic structure of rods or wires, a ring mounted around the lamp wire and a shade, such as a cloth or paper, disposed on the metallic structure.

Such lampshades require the removal of the lamp bulb and the bulb socket in order to allow the wire to enter through the ring.

Some designs enable installing a lampshade without removing the bulb or socket. For example, US patent 2,435,759 relates to a structure with a ring having a slit so that the lamp wire can enter the ring via the slit. Another example is US patent 1,309,263 that relates to a single piece foldable sheet which is wrapped above and around the lamp to form a truncated cone shape.

The disclosures of the cited art are fully incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a general aspect of the invention, there is provided a foldable lampshade or lamp base adaptable for inexpensive mass production and configured for easy assembly without having to remove the lamp socket or bulb.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foldable lampshade comprising a stiffened frame made of at least one thin-walled part, and at least one flexible sheet-like part mounted on the frame.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a foldable lamp base comprising a stiffened frame made of at least one thin- walled part, and at least one flexible sheet-like part mounted on the frame. The thin-walled part is a part substantially having a thickness considerably smaller than any extent vertical to the thickness. For example, a thin sheet

formed with relief structures and/or bends that provide stiffness to the frame. The stiffened frame may still be resilient and/or flexible to some extent to allow temporary bending under some force.

In some embodiments of the invention, the frame part comprises a pair of connected or separate complementary sections, substantially shaped as a mirror image of each other.

In some embodiments of the invention, the sheet-like part is a sheet or foil, optionally having concave and/or convex relief shapes and/or notched curves as ornaments, or folding aids, or mechanical connections elements or other structures such as cutouts. In some embodiments, the at least one sheet- like part comprises a plurality of connected or separate sheets, such as a pair of parts.

The sheet-like part, or parts thereof, is adapted for forming a circular or partly-circular contour, or other shape, on the frame and/or around the lamp.

In some embodiments of the invention, the lampshade and lamp base are assembled (constructed) by folding the parts and connecting them by fasteners that are integrally formed with or attached to the parts that comprise the lampshade or lamp base (either on the flexible sheet parts and/or the frame part).

Preferably, without limiting, the lampshade and lamp base may be assembled and disassembled without removing the lamp socket or bulb and without any tools by a person with no particular skill. For example, the assembly is carried out by interlocking elements shaped like snap fasteners or by hook and loop fasteners.

In some embodiments, the fasteners are integral with the lampshade or lamp base, while in other embodiments the fasteners are attached to the lampshade or lamp base. In some embodiments of the invention, the frame part and/or sheet-like part are made of, or comprise, polymeric materials, optionally with additives.

Optionally or alternatively, the frame part comprises metal or other materials.

In some embodiments of the invention, the frame part and/or sheet-like part are formed from a sheet or foil, such as plastic sheet, by vacuum forming or cold forming. Optionally or alternatively, other fabrication methods are used, such as injection or molding.

In an opened (unassembled) position, the lampshade and lamp base parts are substantially flat, requiring negligible storage space.

In the specification and claims, unless otherwise specified, the term 'fastener' denotes any element, structure or material capable or configured to connect at least two parts. In this respect a fastener may comprise an element, structure or material capable or configured to connect to a corresponding element, structure or material. For example, projection-recess, projection-hole, hooks-loops, slit-slit, magnet-magnet, magnet-ferromagnetic material, or, for example, an adhesive or glue. According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provide a foldable lampshade, comprising:

(a) a stiffened frame made of at least one thin-walled part defining a space therein in which a lamp bulb can be disposed and defining a hollow for mounting on a lamp component; and (b) at least one flexible sheet-like part mounted on the frame for shading the lamp bulb.

In some embodiments, the frame is stiffened by structures comprised in the thin-walled part.

In some embodiments of the invention, the structures comprise at least one of relief structures or bends.

In some embodiments of the invention, the frame is resilient.

In some embodiments of the invention, the frame comprises two sections foldable along a folding groove therebetween.

In some embodiments of the invention, the frame sections comprise relief structures that that fit, at least partly, a hanging lamp electrical wire or a standing lamp pole.

In some embodiments of the invention, the frame sections complement each other to form at least one hollow to fit on at least one component of the lamp. In some embodiments of the invention, the frame comprises at least one fastener configured to attach at least the sections thereof.

In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one fastener is an integral part of the frame.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least one fastener is attached to the frame. In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one flexible sheet-like part comprises a plurality of sheet-like parts.

In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one flexible sheet- like part connects by at least one edge thereof to the frame as an integral part.

In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one flexible sheet-like part connects by at least one edge region thereof to the frame by at least one fastener.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least two parts of the flexible sheet-like parts connect to each other by at least one fastener.

In some embodiments of the invention, the lampshade is assembled by folding parts thereof.

In some embodiments of the invention, the lampshade is disassembled by unfolding parts thereof.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the frame or flexible sheets comprises a polymeric material. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the frame or flexible sheets are adaptable for fabrication from a sheet or foil.

In some embodiments of the invention, the lampshade parts are configured to open separately into a substantially flat form.

In some embodiments of the invention, the lampshade parts are configured for construction without tools.

In some embodiments of the invention, the lampshade is configured for mounting on a lamp wire or pole while maintaining the lamp socket connected to an electrical wire.

In some embodiments of the invention, the lampshade is configured for mounting on a lamp wire or pole while maintaining the light bulb within the lamp socket.

In some embodiments of the invention, the lampshade is configured for construction as a lamp stand in which a lamp socket is mounted on the frame.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provide a foldable lamp stand, comprising: (a) a stiffened frame made of at least one thin-walled part defining a space therein which a lamp bulb can be disposed and defining a hollow for mounting on a lamp component; and

(b) at least one flexible sheet-like part mounted on the frame for shading the lamp bulb.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood upon reading of the following detailed description of non-limiting an exemplary embodiments thereof, with reference to the following drawings. Identical or duplicate or equivalent or similar structures, elements, or parts that appear in more than one drawing are generally labeled with the same reference numeral. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience or clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale or true perspective. For clarity, some structures are not shown or shown only partially, or without perspective, and duplicate or equivalent or similar parts may not be repeatedly labeled.

Fig. IA shows a lampshade comprising a single part in an open position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figs. IB to IG show the sequential stages of constructing the lampshade of Fig. IA on a lamp;

Fig. IH shows a partially cut view of the lampshade of Fig. IA constructed on a lamp;

Fig. 2 A shows an open position of a frame part of a 3 -part lampshade, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2B shows an open position of two flexible sheet parts of a 3-part lampshade, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 2C to 2H show the sequential stages of constructing on a lamp the 3-part lampshade, comprising the parts of Figs. 2A to 2B, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3A shows a partially folded position of a frame part of a 3-part lampshade, similar to that of Fig. 2A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 3B to 3D show sequential stages of constructing a 3-part lampshade, comprising parts similar to those of Figs 2A to 2B, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figs. 4A to 4C show a 3-part lampshade, similar to the lampshade respective to Figs. 2C to 2L disposed on a standing lamp (rather than a hanging lamp), according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5A shows an open position of two pairs of flexible sheet parts of a lampshade, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figs. 5B to 5C show the sequential stages of constructing a lampshade, comprising the parts of Fig. 5A and a frame similar to that of Fig. 2 A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 6A to 6D show sequential stages of constructing a lampshade, comprising four flexible sheet parts and a frame similar to that of Fig. 2A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7A shows a partial stage of constructing a lamp stand, similar to constructing a lampshade such as of Figs. 2C to 2H, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

Figs. 7B to 7C show two variants of a lamp base, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description relates to some non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention. The non-limiting section headings used herein are intended for convenience only and are not necessarily limiting the scope of the invention.

Sample embodiment 1

Fig. IA shows a lampshade 100 comprising a single thin walled part in an open position. Lampshade 100, excluding connectors 13 and 14 (discussed below), is made of two substantially mirror-image complementary parts, Side A and Side B. Each side comprises two parts, divided by a folding groove 15b, as follows:

(i) a frame part 12a and 12b having relief structures 16a, 16b, 11a, and lib that provide stiffness to the part, some of which are formed in the shape corresponding to a lamp socket and passage for a wire (e.g. 11a and lib) to fit accordingly on a lamp, and (ii) a flexible sheet part 10a and 10b for providing the shade from a light bulb.

Lampshade 100 has folding grooves 15a, 15b, 15d and 15e and a cut 15c for folding part 100 into a lampshade around and over a lamp wire and socket and optionally around a lamp bulb, where projections 13 and recesses 14 in strips 9a and 9b are used to lock the folds.

With reference to Figs. 1B-1H, lampshade 100 is constructed by attaching the respective relief structures such as 11a and lib of one (first) side (Side A or Side B) on a lamp wire (or wires) and on a lamp socket and folding the opposite (second) side to face the first side and locking projections 13 into recesses 14. Next, strips 9a and 9b of each side are folded vertically to the surface of flexible sheet 10a and 10b, respectively, and sheets 10a and 10b (which are separated by cut 15c) are curved around the lamp socket (and optional bulb) and attach to frame part 12a and 12b by projections 13 and recesses 14 on strips 9a and 9b. It should noted that projections 13 form on their opposite side recesses for other projections so that, for example, projections 13 on strip 9b insert into recesses 14 which is the opposite side on projections 13 of frame part 12b.

Fig. IB shows lampshade 100 with relief structure lla (Side A) of frame part 12a attached to electrical a wire (or wires) 18 connected to a lamp socket 17 with a bulb 19, where lampshade part 100 is partially folded about groove 15a.

Fig. 1C and ID show lampshade 100 in folding stages until Side A and Side B of frame part 12a and 12b face and attaches to each other while holding on wire 18 and lamp socket 17.

Fig. IE and IF show lampshade 100 in subsequent folding stages where strips 9a and 9b are folded vertically to each Side A and Side B, respectively, and flexible sheet part 10a and 10b are curved around lamp socket 17 so that projections 13 on strips 9a and 9b face recesses 14 on frame part 12a and 12b for connection.

Fig. IG and IH (the latter is a partially cut out view) show lampshade 100 in a final construction stage where the structure of lampshade 100 is fixed by interlocking projections 13 and recesses 14 in strips 9a and 9b and frame part 12a and 12b.

Optionally, the construction can start equivalently with Side B. Optionally or alternatively, the construction may progress alternating between Side A and Side B.

Sample embodiment 2

In an alternative embodiment to lampshade 100 the connected flexible sheet parts 10a and 10b are replaced by separate parts that are subsequently connected to the frame part as described with respect to Figs. 2A to 2L below. Fig. 2A shows an open position of a thin walled frame part 210 of a 3-part lampshade comprising the frame part and two flexible sheet parts 220 (the latter illustrated in Fig. 2B and discussed below). Frame part 210 is divided by folding groove 24 into two complementary parts 21a and 21b having relief and bended structures that provide stiffness to frame part 210. The structures comprise supports 22a and 22b, projections 23b and recesses 23a, which fit into each other, respectively, and relief structures 25a and 25b, which form a hollow for an electric wire (or wires) to fit in the structures when frame part 210 is mounted on the lamp as described below.

Fig. 2B shows an open position of the two flexible sheet parts 220 of the 3-part lampshade. Parts 220 comprise sheets 26a and 26b, with two folding

grooves 29a and 29b on each sheet, outlining two strips 27a arid 27b having holes 28a and 28b on each part, respectively.

The 3 -part lampshade 200 (see, for example, Fig. 21) is constructed by connecting parts 220 on part 210. The connection is carried out by pressing holes 28a and 28b, on each side of parts 220, on projections 23b on each side of section 21b of part 210, and curving parts 220 about part 210, consequently folding section 21a of part 210 along folding groove 24. Next, lampshade 200 is mounted on a lamp electrical wire (or wires) above the lamp socket so that the wire is disposed between relief structures 25a and 25b, and lampshade 200 is fastened by interlocking projections 23b into recesses 23a (via holes 28a and 28b). Alternatively, parts 210 and 220 are folded and fastened to form the lampshade, and part 210, being resilient, is spread about structures 25a and 25b to insert the lamp socket and electrical wire, and optionally the bulb as well.

A method of constructing lampshade 200 is illustrated in sequential stages in Figs. 2C-2H.

Fig. 2C shows part 210 folded partially along folding groove 24 and Fig. 2D shows how parts 220 are disposed for connecting on frame part 210. Figs. 2E and 2F show how parts 220 are connected, one after the other, on projections 23B of part 210 through holes 28a and 28b of part 220. Fig. 2G shows how sheet-like parts 220 are curved for connection on frame part 210, and Fig. 2H shows how part 210 is disposed on the lamp wire inside a hollow formed by structures 25a and 25b with one of parts 220 connected on both ends thereof on part 210.

Another method of mounting lampshade 200 on the lamp wire is described below with reference to Figs. 2I-2L. In this method, lampshade 200 is constructed as described above and illustrated in Figs. 2C to 2H, however, without disposing it on the lamp wire and without yet attaching sections 21a and

21b of frame part 210 by projections 23b and recesses 23a, as shown in Fig. 21.

Fig. 2J shows how lampshade 200 is disposed about the lamp, and Fig. 2K how the lamp (including the bulb) is inserted in lampshade 200, taking into

account the resilience of frame part 210 so that frame part 210 can bend to let the bulb and socket thereof to slide in.

Fig. 2L shows the final disposition of lampshade 200 on the lamp, constructed according to either method as described above. It should be noted that variations of constructing lampshade 200 are possible as one skilled in the art can appreciate, noting the configuration of parts 210 and 220.

It should be noted that frame part 210 does not have relief structures to form a hollow for the lamp socket as frame part 12a and 12b of part 100 do. This variant embodiment, while not lacking in functioning and ease of assembling as a lampshade variant embodiment described with respect to Figs. IA to IH, tends to be more compact and to require less space in the open position of the parts thereof, and tends to be easier and/or cheaper to manufacture.

Sample embodiment 3

A variation of the embodiment described with respect to Figs. 2 A to 2L is described below, the main difference being that flexible sheets 220 of Figs. 2B to 2L are shaped like a trapezoid to form a truncated cone. For brevity and clarity the construction is described briefly with respect to the corresponding figures.

Fig. 3A shows a partially folded position of a frame part 310 of a 3-part lampshade 300, similar to that respective to frame part 210 of Fig. 2A. Figs. 3B to 3D show sequential stages of constructing lampshade 300, comprising frame 310 and flexible sheets 320 parts similar to those of Figs. 2A and 2B.

Sample embodiment 4

While the preceding descriptions related to mounting a lampshade on a hanging lamp (e.g. from a ceiling), the lampshade such as 100, 200 or 300 may mounted on a standing lamp, the main differences being: (a) the lampshade is flipped upside down (relative to mounting on a hanging lamp) to engage the lamp stand pole rather than the lamp wire, and (b) optionally the relief structures (e.g. structures 25a and 25b of Fig. 2A) of the frame are wider and/or the hollows thereof are deeper to adapt to the standing lamp pole, though not necessarily fitting the whole width or diameter since the frame is resilient as discussed

above. Since the construction of the lampshade is essentially the same as for a hanging lamp, the construction of the lampshade on a standing lamp is exemplified briefly with respect to Figs. 4A to 4C below.

Figs. 4A to 4C show a 3-part lampshade 400, similar or identical to lampshade 200, comprising a frame 410 similar or identical to 210 and flexible sheets 420 similar or identical to 220. Fig. 4B shows a standing lamp 430 comprising a base and a pole and lampshade 400 (upside down relative, for example, to lampshade 200) which is mounted on the lamp pole similarly to the way lampshade 200 is mounted on the hanging lamp wire. Sample embodiment 5

While in the embodiments illustrated in the preceding discussions the flexible sheets (e.g. 210 of Fig. 2B) comprised a pair of sheets, some embodiments of the invention may comprise only one sheet (e.g. a lampshade for a sconce or the like) while other embodiments comprise a larger number of sheets, optionally with different shapes, to form a lampshade of a more elaborate shape.

The constructions of the lampshade with a larger number of flexible sheets are the essentially the same as in the preceding discussions, as for example, exemplified in Figs 2A to 2H. For brevity and clarity, the construction is described briefly with respect to the corresponding Figs. 5A to 5B, where the frame is the same or equivalent to the frames illustrated in the preceding descriptions (e.g. frame 210 of Fig. 2A).

Fig. 5A shows an open position of two pairs of flexible sheet parts 520a and 520b of a lampshade 500, and Figs. 5B to 5C show the sequential stages of constructing lampshade 500, comprising parts 420a, 520b and a frame 510. Each pair of parts 520a and 520b is constructed on frame 510 as or similarly to how parts 220 are constructed on frame 210.

Sample embodiment 6

The exemplary sheet parts of the preceding embodiments (e.g. part 210 of Fig. 2A or part 510 of Fig. 5A) may further be modified and varied. For example, the sheets may have an elaborate shape, optionally with shaped partial

cuts configured to fold into or out of the sheet surface to provide ornaments to the lampshade. Additionally, a plurality of sheets (e.g. two in a lampshade comprising two pairs) may be connected to the frame on one side by fasteners as described above, and to each other on the other side by partial slits (as fasteners) as discussed briefly below with respect to Figs. 6A to 6D.

Figs. 6A to 6D show sequential stages of constructing a lampshade 600, comprising a pair of flexible sheet parts 620a, a pair of flexible sheet parts 620b, and a frame 610 similar or identical to frame 210.

Sheet parts 620a and 620b have slits 61a and 61b, respectively, with opposite directions, respectively, that allow connecting the parts to each other by inserting one part's slit into the other one's (as used, for example, in building paper or cardboard boxes out of flat parts). The other side of parts 620a and 620b (not connected by the slits to each other) are connected to frame 610 by projections and recesses through holes as discussed above. A dotted region in Fig. 6B indicates how parts 620a and 620b are connected with slits 61a and 61b.

It should be noted that, as an additional variation, parts 620a and 620b have ornamental shapes and ornamental partial and full cutouts 62.

Sample embodiment 7 The assembled lampshades typically have a substantial vertical strength

(as when mounted on a hanging lamp or standing lamp), similar to a hollow column, and optionally strengthened by the stiffened frame.

As such, the lampshade, or a variant thereof, may be used as stand for a lamp, as described briefly with respect to Figs. 7A to 7C, below. Fig. 7A shows a partial stage of constructing a lamp stand, similar to constructing a lampshade, such as lampshade 200, with a frame 710 and sheet-like parts 720 with a lamp 730 having a holder 71. Frame 710 is attached to holder 71 in a similar manner as frame 210 is attached to a lamp wire or pole, while the wire 72 of lamp 730 exits the base through an opening in one of sheet-like parts 720 (or any other manner that may be decided).

Figs. 7B shows a variant of a lamp base 740 where lamp wire 72 exits a sheet-like part through an opening 73.

Figs. 7C shows a variant of a lamp base 750 where lamp wire 72 exits a sheet-like part through an opening 74, which may look somewhat more decorative than opening 73 of lamp base 740.

General discussion

The embodiments discussed above are a few examples how a frame and flexible sheets can be used. Combinations and variations of the parts discussed and use thereof may be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The shape of the stiffened frame can vary in different embodiments, including also different relief and bending structures. The flexible sheet parts may have ornamental prints or applications on their surfaces, either on the external or internal surfaces. Other elements may be used as well, such as optical elements applied on or in the parts to give special lighting effects, optionally in addition to the light shading.

The lampshade parts are typically, but without limiting made of one or more polymeric materials or a mixture and/or combination of polymeric and non-polymeric materials. Typically, but without limitation, the parts are fabricated from a sheet, optionally, but not limited to, from thin transparent or semi-transparent or translucent sheets or foils.

Preferably, but without limiting, the parts are manufactured by an inexpensive mass production process such as cold forming or stamping that form the outline of the parts as well as the relief structures and/or cut out and/or applications and/or other elements such as optical elements. Optionally other fabrication techniques are used, comprising, for example, molding or injection.

The frame part may be opaque since it does not necessarily have a shading or light effect role. The frame part is stiffened by relief structures or other elements formed or built on or into the frame part, but yet the frame part is resilient (e.g. semi-rigid) and/or flexible to facilitate construction of the lampshade or inserting the lamp recess or bulb or electrical wire as described

above. Optionally, the frame may be fabricated from thin metal sheet such as by cold forming or stamping.

As may be appreciated by the preceding discussions, the construction of the lampshade from the parts thereof is easy and involves just the insertions of projections to recess, or interleaving slits or connections with fasteners. Optionally, the connection elements may comprises members such as hook and loop connectors, buttons and holes or other easy fast fasteners in common use or that may be manufactured. The fasteners may be located on the flexible sheet part and/or the frame, and may comprise matching pairs of fasteners such as where one part of a pair is on the frame and the other on the flexible sheets, such as holes and projections as described above. The flexible sheets may connect between each other by slits, as shown above, or by any fastener. It should be noted that typically, without limiting, no tools or particular skill is required to construct the lampshade. In the specification and claims, unless otherwise specified, the term

'fastener' denotes also an element of a fastener in a fastener pair.

General

The terms 'vertical ¹ , 'perpendicular', 'parallel', 'opposite', 'straight', 'planar', 'rectangular', 'square', 'circular', 'round', 'elliptical', 'oval', 'cylindrical', 'sphere' and other angular and geometrical shapes and relationships and inflections thereof imply also imprecise yet functional and/or practical respective relationships.

The terms 'about', 'close', 'approximate' and inflections thereof denote, unless otherwise specified or implied in the context, a sufficient functional and/or practical respective relation or measure or amount or quantity or degree according to the context in which the terms or their inflections appear.

The terms 'substantial', 'considerable', 'significant' and inflections thereof denote, unless otherwise specified or implied in the context, a measure or extent or amount or degree which is large or effective or important relative to the rest of the referenced subject matter. The terms 'negligible', 'slight' and 'insignificant' and inflections thereof denote, unless otherwise specified or implied in the context, a sufficiently small

functional and/or practical respective relation or measure or amount or quantity or degree according to the context in which the terms or their inflections appear.

The term 'similar', in addition to the ordinary meaning, relates to structures or methods of procedures that a difference in the position or order or sequence of the elements thereof yields an equivalent functionality or effect.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and their inflections and conjugates denote "including but not limited to".

The present invention has been described using descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments comprise various features, not all of which are necessarily required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Alternatively and additionally, portions of the invention described/depicted as a single unit may reside in two or more separate physical entities which act in concert to perform the described/depicted function. Alternatively and additionally, portions of the invention described/depicted as two or more separate physical entities may be integrated into a single physical entity to perform the described/depicted function. Variations of embodiments of the present invention that are described and embodiments of the present invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments can be combined in all possible combinations including, but not limited to use of features described in the context of one embodiment in the context of any other embodiment.

In the specifications and claims, unless otherwise specified, when a range of values is recited, it is merely for convenience or brevity and includes all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. Any numeric value, unless otherwise specified, includes also practical close values enabling an embodiment or a method, and integral values do not exclude fractional values. A sub-range values and practical close values should be considered as specifically disclosed valued.