GB2189017A

GB2189017A - Improvements in or relating to lampshades

Info

Publication number: GB2189017A
Application number: GB08605526A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John David Michael Brown
Original assignee: POOLE LIGHTING Ltd
Current assignee: POOLE LIGHTING Ltd
Priority date: 1986-03-06
Filing date: 1986-03-06
Publication date: 1987-10-14
Also published as: GB2189017B; GB8605526D0

Abstract

A lampshade 10 with glass panels 14 is assembled by firstly inserting a top edge 14a of each glass panel 14 into a slot 24 near the top of the lampshade frame 12, then securing the bottom edge 14b of the glass panel by means of a metal clip 26 on the frame 12, and lastly fitting the socket assembly 16. In this way, the dome-shaped cover 16b of socket assembly 16 does not have to be manipulated to hold the top edges of the glass panels during the assembly operation. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to lampshades This invention relates to lampshades. The invention is particularly applicable to lampshades comprising lampshade frames and separately made panels, especially glass panels. Lampshades with glass panels have come into vogue recently, but glass panels are not very easy to handle and assemble, particularly if curved.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of making a lampshade from a lampshade frame and separately made panels, comprising the steps of capturing one edge of each panel in a preformed slot or aperture of the frame and thereafter causing another edge of the panel to be held by another part of the frame.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for making a lampshade comprising a lampshade frame and panels, the frame being adapted to capture one edge of each panel in a preformed slot or aperture of the frame, the frame also being adapted to engage another edge of the panel.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an assembled lampshade comprising a lampshade frame and panels, a top end of each panel being received loosely in a slot or aperture at or near the top of the frame, a bottom end of each panel being supportively retained by the frame.

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a lampshade in course of assembly; Figure 2 is a partly sectioned side elevation of the lampshade, assembled ; and Figure 3 is an underneath plan view of the lampshade, assembled.

Referring to the drawings, the lampshade 10 comprises a lampshade frame 12, curved glass panels 14 and a socket assembly 16 for a lamp (not shown).

The lampshade frame 12 comprises, at the top thereof, a generally ring-form part 18 from which curved metal spokes 20 project outwardly and downwardly, being interjoined at their bottom ends by a generally scalloped wire frame portion 22.

The ring-form part 18 is formed with a number of circumferentially extending slots 24 in a ring, one between each respective pair of spokes 20. The wire frame portion 22 is provided with a series of metal clips 26, likewise provided one between each respective pair of spokes 20.

The glass panels 14 are assembled to the wire frame 12 before the socket assembly 16 is fitted to the lampshade frame 12. More particularly, to begin with each metal clip 26 is open, as shown for example in respect of the metal clips 26a and 26b in Fig. 1. Each glass panel 14 in turn is fitted to the frame 12 by inserting the top edge 14a (Fig. 1) into the respective slot 24, then positioning the bottom edge 14b against an inside ear 28 of the associated clip 26 and then upwardly folding the outside ear 30 to retain the glass panel 14, as shown in respect of glass panel 14' and clip 26' in Fig. 1.

After all the glass panels 14 have been fitted in this manner to the lampshade frame 12, the socket assembly 16 is then fitted to the lampshade frame 12 and secured by its screw threaded ring 16a in well-known manner, a dome-shaped cover 1 6b of the socket assembly 16 covering and concealing the ringform part 18 of the lampshade frame 12, including the slots 24, and also covering and concealing the top edges 14a of the glass panels 14.

Because the top edges 1 4a of the glass panels 14 are held in the slots 24, the domeshaped cover 1 6b of the socket assembly 16 is not required to carry out a function of securing the glass panels 14, which greatly facilitates assembly of the lampshade.

In a modification, the shapes of the frame and the glass panels may be modified so that the top edges are inserted far enough into the slots for the bottom edges of the panels to clear the clips at the bottom, and the glass panels are then dropped back into position.

However, this modification may be disadvantageous in that accidental inversion of the assembled lampshade may result in the glass panels falling out, unless the dome-shaped cover at the top is holding them sufficiently firmly to prevent this.

1. A method of making a lampshade from a lampshade frame and separately made panels, comprising the steps of capturing one edge of each panel in a preformed slot or aperture of the frame and thereafter causing another edge of the panel to be held by another part of the frame.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 in which a metal part of the frame is bent as a step in the method to cause it to hold said other edge of the panel.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which said one edge of each panel is at the top of each panel and said other edge is at the bottom thereof.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said one edge is held in a respective one of a ring of slots or apertures of the frame.

5. A method as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the top edge of the panel is inserted far enough into the enclosure to allow the bottom edge to drop into place.

6. A kit of parts for making a lampshade comprising a lampshade frame and panels, the

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to lampshades This invention relates to lampshades. The invention is particularly applicable to lampshades comprising lampshade frames and separately made panels, especially glass panels. Lampshades with glass panels have come into vogue recently, but glass panels are not very easy to handle and assemble, particularly if curved. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of making a lampshade from a lampshade frame and separately made panels, comprising the steps of capturing one edge of each panel in a preformed slot or aperture of the frame and thereafter causing another edge of the panel to be held by another part of the frame. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for making a lampshade comprising a lampshade frame and panels, the frame being adapted to capture one edge of each panel in a preformed slot or aperture of the frame, the frame also being adapted to engage another edge of the panel. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an assembled lampshade comprising a lampshade frame and panels, a top end of each panel being received loosely in a slot or aperture at or near the top of the frame, a bottom end of each panel being supportively retained by the frame. The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a lampshade in course of assembly; Figure 2 is a partly sectioned side elevation of the lampshade, assembled ; and Figure 3 is an underneath plan view of the lampshade, assembled. Referring to the drawings, the lampshade 10 comprises a lampshade frame 12, curved glass panels 14 and a socket assembly 16 for a lamp (not shown). The lampshade frame 12 comprises, at the top thereof, a generally ring-form part 18 from which curved metal spokes 20 project outwardly and downwardly, being interjoined at their bottom ends by a generally scalloped wire frame portion 22. The ring-form part 18 is formed with a number of circumferentially extending slots 24 in a ring, one between each respective pair of spokes 20. The wire frame portion 22 is provided with a series of metal clips 26, likewise provided one between each respective pair of spokes 20. The glass panels 14 are assembled to the wire frame 12 before the socket assembly 16 is fitted to the lampshade frame 12. More particularly, to begin with each metal clip 26 is open, as shown for example in respect of the metal clips 26a and 26b in Fig. 1. Each glass panel 14 in turn is fitted to the frame 12 by inserting the top edge 14a (Fig. 1) into the respective slot 24, then positioning the bottom edge 14b against an inside ear 28 of the associated clip 26 and then upwardly folding the outside ear 30 to retain the glass panel 14, as shown in respect of glass panel 14' and clip 26' in Fig. 1. After all the glass panels 14 have been fitted in this manner to the lampshade frame 12, the socket assembly 16 is then fitted to the lampshade frame 12 and secured by its screw threaded ring 16a in well-known manner, a dome-shaped cover 1 6b of the socket assembly 16 covering and concealing the ringform part 18 of the lampshade frame 12, including the slots 24, and also covering and concealing the top edges 14a of the glass panels 14. Because the top edges 1 4a of the glass panels 14 are held in the slots 24, the domeshaped cover 1 6b of the socket assembly 16 is not required to carry out a function of securing the glass panels 14, which greatly facilitates assembly of the lampshade. In a modification, the shapes of the frame and the glass panels may be modified so that the top edges are inserted far enough into the slots for the bottom edges of the panels to clear the clips at the bottom, and the glass panels are then dropped back into position. However, this modification may be disadvantageous in that accidental inversion of the assembled lampshade may result in the glass panels falling out, unless the dome-shaped cover at the top is holding them sufficiently firmly to prevent this. CLAIMS

6. A kit of parts for making a lampshade comprising a lampshade frame and panels, the frame being adapted to capture one edge of each panel in a preformed slot or aperture of the frame, the frame also being adapted to engage another edge of the panel.

7. A kit of parts as claimed in Claim 6 wherein said one edge of the panel is a top edge thereof.

8. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 7 wherein the frame comprises a ring of slots or apertures to capture the said one edges of the panels.

9. An assembled lampshade comprising a lampshade frame and panels, a top of each panel being received loosely in a slot or aperture at or near the top of the frame, a bottom end of each panel being supportively retained by the frame.