GB2372558A

GB2372558A - Folding lamp shade

Info

Publication number: GB2372558A
Application number: GB0203029A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wen-Chang Wu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-02-14
Filing date: 2002-02-08
Publication date: 2002-08-28
Also published as: CA2343342C; DE20107160U1; CA2343342A1; FR2827366A3; GB0203029D0; FR2827366B3

Abstract

A lamp shade that can be folded flat comprises a top ring 1 and a bottom ring 2 between which are propped frame members 3. The top ring has radial support rods 11 that bend upwards at the circumference to receive the frame members in the space 111 created. The bottom ends 33 of the frame members are shaped to lockingly and pivotally engage with mounts 211 on the bottom ring. Flexing of the lamp shade frees the frame members from the support rods and allows both them and the top ring to be laid flat on the bottom ring (figure 7), facilitating transport and storage. Inner and outer flexible covers may be applied to the lampshade whilst still enabling it to be collapsed. Figures 1-6 disclose different geometries for the fixing mounts on the bottom ring and the connecting feet of the frame members.

Description

i Improved Structure Foldable Assembly-type Lamp Shade BACKGROUND OF THE

INVENTION

1) FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein relates to an improved structure foldable assembly 5 type lamp shade in which the said bottom ring has fixing mounts consecutively disposed at frame member locations that provide for the assembly and positioning of the frame members, with the fixing mounts at the support member installation locations having different type connection sections based on the respective type of fixing mount arrangement utilized, such that when packaged, since the frame 10 members can be first folded down and whorled into a flat state such that the frame members and the top ring are stacked on the bottom ring, the lamp shade of the present invention occupies the smallest physical assembly area to facilitate ease of assembly and, furthermore, the resulting minimized storage area effectively reduces shipping costs.

15 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the invention herein is to provide improved structure foldable assembly-type lamp shade comprised of a top ring at the -1-

uppermost end of the lamp shade, a bottom ring of larger circumference than the top ring, and frame members propped between the top ring and the bottom ring, the bottom ring has fixing mounts consecutively disposed at frame member locations that provide for inserting the bottom end of the frame members into the fixing 5 mounts and thereby limits the movement of the frame members; as such, when the lamp shade of the present invention is packaged, the frame members can be first folded down and whorled into a flat state such that the frame members and the top ring are stacked on the bottom ring, the lamp shade of the present invention thereby occupying the smallest physical assembly area to facilitate ease of assembly and, 10 furthermore, with the resulting minimized storage area effectively reducing shipping costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an isometric drawing of the first embodiment of the invention herein. 15 Figure 1A is a magnified view of the bottom ring and frame member section position. Figure 2 is an isometric drawing of the second embodiment of the invention herein. -2

Figure 2A is a magnified view of the bottom ring and frame member section position. Figure 3 is an isometric drawing of the third embodiment of the invention herein. 5Figure 3A is a magnified view of the bottom ring and frame member section position. Figure 4 is an isometric drawing of the fourth embodiment of the invention herein. Figure 4A is a magnified view of a bottom ring and frame member 10positioning. Figure S is an isometric drawing of the fifth embodiment of the invention herein. Figure SA is a magnified view of the bottom ring and frame member section position. 15Figure 6 is an isometric drawing of the sixth embodiment of the invention herein. Figure 6A is a magnified view of the bottom ring and frame member section position. Figure 7 is an isometric drawing ofthe invention herein when folded.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional drawing of the enshrouded lamp shade.

Figure 8A is a magnified view of the adhesive position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, FM. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the drawings 5 illustrating the structural arrangement of We present invention, the invention herein is comprised of a top ring 1 at the uppermost end of the lamp shade, a bottom ring 2 of larger circumference than the top ring 1, and frame members 3 propped between the top ring 1 and the bottom ring 2, of which: The said top ring 1 has support rods 11 extending from the center to the 10 circumference and, furthermore, the support rods 11 are aligned with the frame members 3 at the circumferential edge of the top ring 1 and an inclosing space 1 1 1 is formed by upward bending that provides for situating the top ends of the frame members 3 against the bottom edge of the inclosing space 1 1 1.

The said bottom ring 2 has fixing mounts 21 consecutively disposed at the 15 frame member 3 locations that provide for positioning the bohom posts of He frame members 3.

The said frame member 3 have their top ends against the bottom edge of the inclosing space 111, with the bottom posts of the frame members 3 secured in

fixing mounts 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 of differing respective arrangements that each constitute different type connection sections that engage and retain the frame members 3 between the top ring 1 and the bottom ring 2.

The method by which the frame members 3 are connected to the bottom ring 5 2 is based on the bottom ring 2 fixing mounts 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 of differing arrangements and the respective insertion approach of the frame member 3 bottom posts into the varying structures so constituted such Mat the frame members 3 are engaged and retained between the top ring 1 and the bottom ring 2, wherein: In FIG. 1, the drawing of the first mounting embodiment of the invention 10 herein, the said bottom ring 2 fixing mount 21 consists of a laterally extending tab 212 having an insertion hole 211; the bottom end of each said frame member 3 having a matching bend that enables it to be inserted into the fixing mount 21 insertion hole 211 and, furthermore, thrust locked in We tab 212 by a penetration tenon 33 on it.

1 S In FIG. 2, the drawing of the second mounting embodiment of the invention herein, the said bottom ring 2 fixing mount 22 consists of an annular structure that is round and tubular shaped and, furthermore, with an insertion hole 221 through its center; the bottom end of each frame member 3 having a matching bend that enables its penetration tenon 34 to be inserted within the insertion hole 221.

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In FIG. 3, the drawing of the third mounting embodiment of the invention herein, the said bottom ring 2 fixing mount 23 has its center portion upwardly shaped into convexity, leaving a space between it and the bottom ring 2 that forms a holding slot 231 onto which each frame member 3 is yoked; the bottom end of S each frame member 3 having a matching configuration that enables insertion through the holding slot 231, and disposed around the convex end of the fixing mount 23 is a sleeve ring 35 and, furthermore' the encircled attachment of the sleeve ring 35 positions each frame member 3 onto the bottom ring 2.

In FIG. 4, the drawing of the fourth mounting embodiment of the invention 10 herein, the said bottom ring 2 fixing mount 24 consists of an annular structure that is semicircular in shape and, furthermore, the annular surface of which is slanted inward; the bottom end of each frame member 3 having a matching bend that is perpendicular to the bottom ring 2 and, furthermore, enables insertion of a penetration tenon 36 on it into the bottom ring 2 fixing mount 24; furthermore, 1 S after the penetration tenons 36 of the frame members 3 are inserted into the fixing mount 24, the frame member 3 top ends are against the bottom edge of the support rod 1 1 inclosing spaces 1 1 1 to limit the movement of We frame members 3.

In EM. 5, the drawing of the fifth mounting embodiment of the invention herein, each said frame member 3 has convexly formed at their bottomed center

sections a contact Diction extremity 32 situated against the inner side of the bottom ring 2; the corresponding bottom ring 2 fixing mount 25 is banded around the contact friction extremities 32 of the frame members 3 and the outer circumference of the bottom ring 2, the bottom ring 2 and the frame members 3 fastened into a S unitary physical entity such that the frame members 3 are positioned onto the bottom ring 2.

In FIG. 6, the drawing of the sixth mounting embodiment of the invention herein, the bottom ends of the said frame members 3 are directly punch formed into a flat fastening sections 31 and, furthermore, a through-hole 311 is formed in the 10 center of each fastening section 31 to provide for ensleeving onto the bottom ring 2; formed at an appropriate location in the said bottom ring 2 is an opening end S and, furthermore, the opening end S provides for the insertion and ensleeving of the frame member 3 fastening sections 31, and pressure flattened by punch forming at the two sides of the ensleeved frame member 3 fastening sections 31 are stop 15 nubs 26 that limit the movement of the frame members 3; following which, the opening end S of the bottom ring 2 is welded together.

Referring to FIG. 7, the drawing of the invention herein when folded, when packaging is desired, Me frame members 3 must be first folded down and whorled into a flat state such that the frame members 3 and the top ring 1 are stacked on the -7

bottom ring 2; as such, when packaged in cartons, the lamp shade of the present invention occupies the smallest physical assembly space to facilitate ease of assembly and, furthermore, the resulting minimized storage area effectively reduces shipping costs.

5 Referring to FIG. 8, after the assembly of the said lamp shade framework is completed, the exterior periphery of the top ring 1 and the bottom ring 2 are covered with a fabric material lamp shade 4, wherein the exterior fabric surface layer 41 of the said lamp shade 4 is first tightly fitted onto the outer periphery of the frame members 3; the interior fabric surface layer 42 is then placed along the 10 inner sides of the frame members 3 and, furthermore, an adhesive fastening tape 43 is respectively applied over the appropriate portions of Me interior and the exterior fabric surface layers 41 and 42, the frame members 3 are enveloped within such that the frame members 3 remain unexposed due to the ensconcing structural arrangement constituted by the interior and the exterior fabric surface layers 41 and 15 42, while also effectively achieving an attractive appearance; in addition, when the framework is folded, the lamp shade 4 collapses along with it to achieve a reduction in material storage area and thereby effectively lowers shipping costs.

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Claims

1. An improved structure foldable assembly-type lamp shade comprised of a top ring, a bottom ring at the lowest aspect of a lamp shade, and frame members propped between the said top ring and the said bottom ring, wherein the said top 5 ring has support rods extending from the center to the circumference and, furthermore, the said support rods are aligned with the said frame members at the circumferential edge of the said top ring and bent upward to fonn an inclosing space; the said bottom ring has fixing mounts consecutively disposed at the locations of the said Dame member, each said fixing mount consists of a laterally 10 extending tab having an insertion hole; the bottom end of each said frame member having a matching bend that enables it to be inserted into an insertion hole of the said fixing mount and, fur ennore, thrust locked in the said tab by a penetration tenon on it such that the said frame members are engaged and retained between the said top ring and the said bottom ring; as such, the lamp shade of the present 15 invention occupies the smallest physical assembly space to facilitate ease of assembly and, furthermore, the resulting minimized storage area effectively reduces shipping costs.

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2. An improved structure foldable assembly-type lamp shade comprised of the said top ring, the said bottom ring at the lowest aspect of the said lamp shade, and frame members propped between the said top ring and the said bottom ring, wherein the said top ring has the said support rods extending from the center to the 5 circumference and, furthermore, the said support rods are aligned with the said frame members at the circumferential edge of the said top ring and bent upward to fonn the said inclosing space; the said bottom ring has fixing mounts consecutively disposed at the locations of the said Eame members, each said fixing mount consists of an annular structure that is round and tubular shaped and, fi r ermore, 10 with an insertion hole through its center; the bottom end of each said frame member having a matching bend that enables its penetration tenon to be inserted within Me said insertion hole, such that the said frame members are engaged and retained between the said top ring and the said bottom nag; as such, the said lamp shade occupies the smallest physical assembly space to facilitate ease of assembly 15 and, fi rtherrnore, the resulting minimized storage area effectively reduces shipping costs. I

3. An improved structure foldable assembly-type lamp shade comprised of the said top ring, the said bottom ring at the lowest aspect of the said lamp shade,

and frame members propped between the said top ring and the said bottom ring, wherein the said top ring has the said support rods extending from the center to the circumference and, furthermore, the said support rods are aligned with the said frame members at the circumferential edge of the said top ring and bent upward to 5 form the said inclosing space; the said bottom ring has fixing mounts consecutively disposed at the locations of the said frame members, each said fixing mount has its center portion upwardly shaped into convexity, leaving a space between it and the said bottom ring that forms a holding slot onto which each said frame member is yoked; the bottom end of each said frame member having a matching configuration 10 that enables insertion through the said holding slot, and disposed around the convened end of the said fixing mount is a sleeve ring and, furthermore, the encircling attachment of the said sleeve ring positions each said frame member onto the said bottom ring; as such, ease of assembly is achieved and, furthermore, the resulting minimized storage area electively reduces shipping costs.

15

4. An improved structure foldable assembly-type lamp shade comprised of the said top ring, the said bottom ring at the lowest aspect of the said lamp shade, and frame members propped between the said top ring and the said bottom ring, wherein the said top ring has Me said support rods extending from We center to the

circumference and, furthermore, the said support rods are aligned with the said frame members at the circumferential edge of the said top ring and bent upward to form the said inclosing space; the said bottom ring has fixing mounts consecutively disposed at the locations of the said frame members, each said fixing mount

5 consists of an annular structure that is semicircular in shape and, furthermore, the annular surface of which is slanted inward; the bottom end of each said frame member having a matching bend that is perpendicular to the said bottom ring and, furthermore, enables insertion of a penetration tenon on it into the said fixing mount of the said bottom ring; furthermore, after the penetration tenons of the said 10 frame members are inserted into the said fixing mounts, the top ends of the said frame member are against the bottom edge of the said support rod inclosing spaces to limit the movement of the said frame members; as such, ease of assembly is achieved and, furthermore, the resulting minimized storage area effectively reduces shipping costs.

15 S. An improved structure foldable assembly-type lamp shade comprised of the said top ring, the said bottom ring at the lowest aspect of the said lamp shade, /: and frame members propped between the said top ring and the said bottom ring, wherein the said top ring has the said support rods extending from the center to the

circumference and, furthermore, the said support rods are aligned with the said frame members at the circumferential edge of the said top ring and bent upward to form the said inclosing space; each said frame member has convexly formed at their bottom-end center sections a contact friction extremity situated against the 5 inner side of the said bottom ring; the said bottom ring has matched fixing mounts consecutively disposed at the locations of the said frame members, each said fixing mount is banded around the said contact friction extremities of the said frame members and the outer circumference of the said bottom ring, the said bottom ring and the said frame members are fastened into a unitary physical entity such that 10 the said frame members are positioned onto the said bottom ring; as such, ease of assembly is achieved and, furthermore, the resulting minimized storage area effectively reduces shipping costs.

6. An improved structure foldable assembly-type lamp shade comprised of the said top ring, the said bottom ring at the lowest aspect of the said lamp shade, 15 and frame members propped between the said top ring and the said bottom ring, wherein the said top ring has the said support rods extending from the center to the circumference and, furthermore, the said support rods are aligned with the said frame members at the circumferential edge of the said top ring and bent upward to

Bonn the said inclosing space; the bottom ends of the said frame members are punch formed into a flat fastening sections and, furthermore, a through-hole is formed in the center of each said fastening section to provide for ensleeving onto the said bottom ring; formed at an appropriate location in the said bottom ring is an 5 opening end and, furthermore, the opening end provides for the insertion and ensleeving of the said frame member fastening sections, and pressure flattened by punch forming at the two sides of the ensleeved said frame member fastening sections are stop nubs that limits the movement of the said frame members; following which, the said opening end of the said bottom ring is welded together; 11:) as such, ease of assembly is achieved and, furthermore, the resulting minimized storage area effectively reduces shipping costs.

7. As mentioned in Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4, Claim 5, and Claim

6 of the unproved structure foldable assembly-type lamp shade of the invention herein, the exterior periphery of the said top ring and the said bottom ring are 15 covered with fabric material of the said lamp shade 4, the exterior fabric surface layer of the said lamp shade is first tightly fitted onto the outer periphery of the said frame members, the interior fabric surface layer is then placed along the inner sides of the said frame members and, furthermore, an adhesive fastening tape is

respectively applied over the appropriate portions of the said interior and exterior fabric surface layers, the said frame members are enveloped within such that the said frame members remain unexposed due to the ensconcing structural arrangement constituted by the said interior and exterior fabric surface layers, S while also effectively achieving an attractive appearance; in addition, when the framework is folded, the said lamp shade collapses along with it to achieve a reduction in material storage area and thereby effectively lowers shipping costs.

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