AU2008100577A4 - Lantern - Google Patents

Description

00 C LANTERN

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to decorative lanterns such as traditional paper lanterns.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 00 0Decorative paper lanterns have a long history in many societies and are still used to celebrate festive occasions. They are usually constructed out of paper or fabric mounted on a base which carries a candle or small oil burner. When lit the flame illuminates the outer shell which is translucent and the light, in combination with decorative patterns and cut outs provides a pleasing effect.

However these traditional lanterns occupy a relatively large space in storage and are flimsy and so transport and storage are costly even though their weight is low. Further when they are purchased ready made and assembled the user does not derive as much satisfaction as when she makes the lantern herself and applies her own decoration.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lantern kit in knock down form which is easily assembled and decorated or at least provides an alternative to the traditional ready made lantern.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention a knock down lantern kit comprises a base, a source of light, an outer shell and a structure to support the shell on the base.

00 C-I Preferably the source of light is a candle held in a holder fixed on the upper side of the base.

SPreferably the outer shell is formed from a two dimensional cut out sheet.

Preferably the shell is supported by struts secured at the base and joined at their tops to form a pyramid.

00 0Preferably a hanging device is fixed to the top of the supporting structure.

c BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 shows components of a lantern kit Fig 2 shows supports mounted on the base Figs 3a and 3b show the decoration and forming of the outer shell Fig 4 shows the assembly and lighting of the lantern and Fig 5 shows hanging lanterns.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The kit shown in Fig 1 comprises square base 1 with fixed holder 2 which holds candle 3. Struts 4 have stops 5 at one end and binder 6 and hanging loop 7 at the other. Two dimensional cut out shell 8 is provided with flap 9 which has double sided adhesive tape (not shown) affixed.

In the first stage of assembly shown in Fig 2 struts 4 are inserted through holes 10 at the corners of base 1 which rests on stops 5. The tops of struts 4 are bound with binder 6 which also retains loop 7 between struts 4 and candle 3 is placed in holder 2.

00 Figure 3a shows the user cutting heart 11 and diamond 12 shaped openings in shell 8. In Figure 3b shell 8 is folded along four lines 13 and joined at flap 9 with double sided adhesive tape (not shown) to form a square truncated pyramid. The latter truncation allows the lantern to vent without overheating and burning.

Candle 3 is then lit and shell 8 is placed over struts 4 to sit on base 1 as shown in Fig 4. The lanterns are then hung by loop 7 where required for decorative 00 0illumination as shown in Figure 5. They can also be floated on water as is c- 10 customary in some traditional Asian festivals. Logos and advertising could also be used to decorate the lantern making them suitable for corporate promotion.

VARIATIONS

It will be realized that the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example only and that all other modifications and variations as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth. For example triangular, circular and other shaped bases could be used with three, five or more supporting struts.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the words "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising" are not intended to exclude other additives components integers or steps.

Claims (5)

1. A knock down lantern kit comprising a base, a source of light, an outer shell Sand a structure to support the shell on the base.

2. The kit of claim 1 in which the source of light is a candle held in a holder fixed on the upper side of the base. 00

3. The kit of claim 1 in which the outer shell is formed from a two dimensional cut C 10 out sheet.

4. The kit of claim 1 in which the shell is supported by struts secured at the base and joined at their tops to form a pyramid.

5. The kit of claim 1 which has a hanging device fixed to the top of the supporting structure.