US2248117A - Electric lighted ornamental device - Google Patents

Description

.July 8, 1941. J, PETRY 2,248,117

ELECTRIC-LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL DEVICE Filed J11ne 10, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet -1 INVENTQR JOHN PETPY ATTORNEY L my July 8, 1941. PETRY 2,248,117

LEQTRIC LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL DEVICE Filed June '10, 1940 5 Sheet s-Sheet 2 'INVENTOR JOHN PETQY ATTORNEY July 8, 1941.. pE-rRY v 2,248,117

ELECTRIC LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL DEVIEE;

Filed June 10, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet a INVENTOR J OH N PE 71?) BY {M [5M ATTORNEY Patented July 8, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL DEVICE K John Pctry, Long Island City, N. Y.

, Application June 10, 1940, Serial No. 339,627

11 Claims.

This invention relates to electrically lighted ornamental devices and more particularly is directed to improvements in decorative lighting shall have said parts made interchangeable to harmonize in shape and coloring to and conform with desired decorative schemes, which shall provide an attractive and appealing illuminating unit adapted to be applied to conventional incandescent lamps, and which shall be practical and eflicient to a high degree in use. e

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the constructions hereinafter described and of which the scope of application will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings in which is shown various possible illustrative embodiments of the invention- Fig. 1 is a top plan view of an ornamental device including a reflector constructed to embody the invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2--2 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the improved device, a portion of the reflector being broken away and the path of the light beams over said reflector being shown in dot and dash lines, a flat form of reflector being shown in dotted outline;

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the improved device shown in Fig. 1;

Figs. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views taken on lines 55 and 6-6, respectively, in Fig. 1;

Figs. '7 and 8 are detailedcross-sectional views taken on lines and 88, respectively, in Fig. 5;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the reflector removed from the device;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the improved device showing the interior detail construction;

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view in front elevation of a modified form of the invention as used without the reflector;

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of the construction shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a front elevational view in section of still another modification of the invention of a device including a reflector; and

Figs. 14 and 15 are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the construction shownin Fig. 13.

Referring in detail to the drawings and more particularly to the form shown in Figs. 1 to 9, inclusive, 20 denotes a decorative electric lighted ornamental device constructed to embody the invention shown attached to a bulb B of a conventional incandescent lamp L having a screw base S. The lamp L may be of a type suitable for mounting in a receptacle-socket and connected in circuit (not shown) in the well understood manner of a Christmas tree lighting outfit, showroom or window display, game board or other decorative lighting set.

The ornamental device 20 here shown comprises a holder 2| having a circular center opening 2 la through which the screw base S is fitted, a hollow globular shaped shade member 22 which is releasably secured to the holder 2| and which extends about the lamp bulb B, and an ornamental reflector 23 which is removably retained in position between said holder 2| and shade member 22.

The holder 2| and the ornamental reflector 23 may be made of any suitable stamped, cast or molded materials, but the shade member 22 preferably is made of a cast or molded translucent product so that when the device 20 is applied to a lighted lamp L, the light beams from the latter are diflused throughout the shade'member 22 adding greatly to the other ornamental features of the device 20. The holder 2| may be made in any desired symmetrical shape such as polyangular, oval or as here shown having a circular contour, any shape of holder 2| being countersunk about the circular center opening \2|a, at 2|b to provide a seat for the portion of the bulb B of the lamp L adjacent to the screw base S. Said holder 2| is also seen to be provided with a plurality of identical relatively small through-openings 2|c spaced apart radiallywith respect to the center of said center-opening 2|a and since said holder is of circular contour, said through-openings 2|c are uniformly separated in concentric relation to said central opening 2 la. The holder 2| may be formed with an integrally extending i wpo'sltesaid countersunk side 2|b, and to emu for the circular opening 2|a. The diameter of said opening 2|a is such as will snugly flt over the screw. base S, and since "such screw bases on conventional incandescent.

lamps L are all sized to a recognized uniform specification, the circular opening 2|a may be stamped. out orvmolded so that the holder 2| may be assembled on such screw base S by a tight or neat flt for firmly retaining the holder 2| thereon. Since the lamp screw base S is usually constructed with one terminal T from the fllament F soldered-to the shell of the screw base, the collar 2|d is grooved and cut away as at 2|e to clear the solder terminal T. Should it be desirable to retain the holder 2| in place against movement more permanently. said collar 2 |d may be provided with a recess 2|! and a drop of'solder D applied to the shell of the screw base S within the recess 2 if to prevent the holder f|2 from'being backed off, as shown in Figs. 4

and 6. Another form of securing means for effectively for forming a releasable snap-lock engagement Gil retaining the holder 2| in place on the screw base S is shown in Figs. 13 and 15. Here the collar |2|d is notched as at |2|e to provide one or 0 more spaced integral formed tongues l2lf. By making the tongues |2|f extend slightly inward of the perimeter of the opening 2m to construct same, the screw base S when inserted therein will resiliently force said tongues 2|f in line with the perimeter of the screw base S and thereby serve as a spring means for clamping the holder |2| in place on the screw base S. If desired, the shell of the screw base S may be perforated or indented as at P for receiving the tongues |2|f, in which case said tongues |2|f and perforations or indentations P form a releasable locking means between the holder and the screw base.

; The globular shade member 22, as has been stated above, is preferably formed of a translucent material with ornamental flgures 22f impressed therein, and may be of any desired shape such as, for example, formed partly or wholly of a hollow hemispherical structure to correspond and interlock with the holder 2| as shown in I Figs. 2 and 3. Said shade member 22 may also be conical, pyramid, oval or any other desired artistically shaped contour, a shade member I22 of conical shape contour being shown in Fig. 11. When the cross-section of shade member 22 is polyangular or oval; (not shown), the holder 2| can be correspondingly shaped.

1 The shade member 22 has an open side 22a which is adapted to fit over the lamp bulb B and applied on the holder 2|. The surrounding walls 22b of said side 22a are cut through as at 22c at uniform spaced distances apart to communicate with the open side 22, a plurality of the re-. maining portions of said surrounding walls 2211- being terminated in attachment ends 22d. Said ends 22d are shaped, sized and constructed to interlock in the through-openings 2| 0 of the holder 2| and may be spaced and proportioned so as to form complementary releasable securing means with the rim portions of said opening 2|c. The'attachment ends 22d, as here shown, when made to be inserted into the through-openings 2|c are located so as to lie in a circle of slightly greater diameter than the circular arrangement and location of the through-openings 2|c. Thus by making the shade member 22 of material having an inherent resilient property, the attachment ends 22d may be slightly sprung inwardly 75 means with the throu h-openings 2|c. A small of the shade member 22, as seen from Figs. '2, 3

- and 4; It is to be understood that said attache attachment ends must be sprung outwardly and V latching teeth thereof extended in. the

opposite direction (not shown). I a

' The reflector 21 is preferably of artistic design which may be more or less of general circular shape as for example in the form of a sunburst or of a floral pattern I23 and may be made of a relatively thin molded material which in cross-section tapers from the portion surrounding the center opening 23a thereof to the extreme outer rim. The perimeter of said center opening 23a may be provided with uniformly spaced openings 23b and notches 23c corresponding to the location and arrangement of the holder through-openings 2|c, or the attachment ends 226 of the shade member 22. The outer diameter X of the openings 23b and notches 23c extending from the center opening 23a shown in Fig. 9 may be substantially equal to the outer diameter X of the through-openings 2|c of the holder 2|, shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

The reflector portion 23d extending beyond the shade member 22 may be inclined or tapered outwardly, or may be made substantially flat as shown in full and dotted lines, respectively, in Figs. 2, 3, 5 and 13. In either case the cut through sections 220 of the shade member 22 are such as to permit direct lighting of said reflector portion 2312 as indicated by, the dot and dash lines in Fig. 3.

To assemble the device 20 in efiective position on the incandescent lamp L, the" holder 2| is easily mounted on the screw base S as described above, which requires no tools or skilled labor when the solder D is omitted. The reflector 23 is placed on the side of the holder 2| from which the lamp bulb B projects and the-shade member 22 is applied over the bulb B with the attachment ends 2202 extending through the openings 23b and notches 23c and the holder 2| with the teeth of said end 2212 interlocking with the rim of said through-openings 2|c. There may be provided stop shoulders 229 which are adapted to abut the upper side of the reflector 23 at the rim 23d of the openings 23b to flrmly retain the latter in position, as shown in Figs. 5, 7 and 9.

It will be noted that the filament F of the lamp. L is located close to the plane of the reflector 23 of the flat type and light beams from said filament F pass through cut-through portion 22c of the shade member 22 uniformly illuminating the adjacent surface of reflector 23 as well as the interior thereof when said .reflector 23 is molded of translucent material. Said reflector 23 when made of a molded resin compound of a contrasting or harmonius color with respect to that forming the shade member 22', may be designed to provide various artistic effects.

An embodiment of the invention contemplates assembling the device 20 with various color combinations of the reflectors 23 and shade members 22 and also various patterns or designs of such parts. For example, geometrical "shaped reflectors of various designs may be assembled with various pyramid shaped shade members and a great latitude of color schemes is made available. Likewise, various floral or other designs may be utilized with a various assortment of corresponding shademember shapes in any color combination desired.

vIt is also contemplated to use the invention without the reflector 23. To this end, as shown in Figs. 11. and 12, the out through sections I22c of the shade member I22 may preferably at least extend a sufiiclent distance up from the holder 2| so as to be visible when the assembled device I20 is observed from the front thereof. This construction gives the shade member 22 a scalloped appearance and makes visible uncovered portions of the holder, when viewed as seen in Fig. 12. The assembly of the holder 2| and the shade member I22 alone provides additional ornamental and decorative forms of the improved device I20 smaller than those comprising the complete devices 20 with the reflector 23 described above.

In order to positively retain the rigidity of the device I20 when the reflector 23 is omitted, there may be provided a spacing washer I25 adapted to be inserted in place of the reflector as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. This washer I25 may be made of contrasting or harmonious color with respect to the color of the holder 2| and shade I22 and will add an ornamental trim to the device I20.

Instead of using the washer I25, there may be provided a spacing projection 22h extending down from the interior side of the shade member 22, this projection being adapted to abut the lamp bulb B and serves to limit the movement between the holder 2I and the shade member I22 when no reflector 23 or washer I25 is used. I

As has been stated above, the holder 2| may be made of various shapes. Such holder shapes would be immaterial where the reflector 23 is used unless such reflector 23 were made of a translucent material. When, however, the reflector 23 is omitted, the shape of such holder 2i can be utilized in the composition of designs in harmonious shapes and colors, with respect to shade members 22 or I22.

A further modification of the invention is shown in Figs. 13 to 15, inclusive. Here the device 220 is provided with the holder I2I which may be made similar to holder 2I with the exception that instead of having only through-'- openings 2Ic it is also provided with anchoring means I2Ic integrally formed to project from the perimeter of the holder I2I.

For forming a shade member 222, one or more strips 222a of translucent material are provided,

preferably colored to harmonize for giving a desired effect. If said strips are insufficiently flexible to be bowed or if some other than a bowed contour is desired, said strips 2220!. may be preformed when molded or otherwise. Inwardly from the ends of each strip 222a, openings 2221) are provided for engaging with anchoring means I2Ic. For increasing the rigidity of the structure of said shade member 222, where strips 222a are used in cross relation, said strips 222a may be cemented at their crossed portions, and if desired a thin gusset piece 224 may be provided either of translucent or opaque sheet material between the cross strips 222a to give an additional color trimming means as shown in Fig. 13.

The reflector I23 may be made and patterned like reflector 23 described above, but may also be provided with through openings I23a which are spaced .to correspond with the alignment of anchoring means I 2Ic of the holder I2I, said openings being of suflicient size to permit the passage of the ends of strips 222a. If desired, the strips 222a may also be provided with shoulders 222d which extend beyond the rim of the openings I23a to serve as abutment stops for firmly retaining the reflector I23 against movement.

Since the reflector I23 is provided with notches and openings as shown at 23c and 23b, respectively, of reflector 23 in Fig. 9, as well as being provided with the spaced through-openings I23c, said reflector I23 may be interchanged for use with either type of shade 22, I22 or 222.

The device 220 may be used like device 20 described above with or without the reflector'l23. It should be noted, however, that in the device 220 the shade members 22 and 222 may be inter changed to give -a greater range of pattern designs as well as a selective variety of illuminating effects.

It will thus be seen that there is provided devices in which the several objects of this invention are achieved, andwhich are well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and asyarious changes might be made in the embodiments above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

. 1. A device of the character described adapted to be assembled on an electric incandescent lamp having a bulb, a filament in the bulb and a base for connecting in a power circuit, comprising a holder having a central opening positioned with the lamp base extending through said opening and in close proximity to the lamp bulb, a shade member of translucent material surrounding said bulb and having-an open side demountably re.- tained against said holder, said shade member having spaced through-openings communicating with said open side to permit passage therethrough of light beams from the lamp filament; said through-openings being located to be visible when viewed from the end of said shade memberopposite the holder, means formed from portions of the walls of said open side for demountably I securing the shade'member to the holder. and a reflector removably mounted on the holder and held in, position by said means, said reflector extending beyond the shade member for receiving light beams passing through the throughopenings. 7

2. A device of the character described comprising a holder having a central opening adapted to be fitted over the base of an electric incandescent lamp, a shade member having a globular shaped translucent body formed with an open side to permit the insertion therethrough of the bulb of said lamp and to position said open side against the holder, spaced portions of the wall of said body being cut away to allow passage of light beams from the filament of said bulb, the perimeter of the uncut portion of said walls having integrally formed thereon attachment means for demountably securing said shade member on the holder in an effective position to surround the lamp bulb, and a reflector extending outwardly beyond the shade member releasably secured by said attachment means for receiving light beams passing through said wall cut away portions.

3. A device of the character described comprising a holder formed with a central opening for fitting overa base .of an electric incandescent lamp, a shade-member positioned to surround the bulb of the lamp, and locking means for,

securing the shade member in said position and in releasable engagement with the holder, said means being integrally formed from the holder and shade member'as complementary parts, and a reflector removably mounted on the holder to extend outwardly-beyond the shade member and retained in position by said locking means.

4. A device of the character described comprising selective interchangeable parts 01 a variety .of, design patterns and coloration, said parts including a holder formed with a central opening for fitting over the base of an incandescent lamp,

5. In a device of the character described, a shade member comprising translucent strip portions arranged. in cross relation to Iorm a globular shaped structure having an open side to permit insertion therethrough of a bulb of an incandescent lamp, the open areas of said structure formed by the cross strip portions allowing passage of light beams from said bulb, said strip portions terminating in integrally formed attachment ends for releasably engaging with a holder mounted on the base of said lamp.

6. A device of the character described comprising a one-piece holder having a central opening for fitting over the base of an electric incandescent lamp, the wall of the holder about the said holder being extended to provide an integral collar, said collar being grooved to permit clearance of a soldered filamentjerminal on the base of said lamp, and anchoring means incorporated in the holder structure for releasably attaching with complementary interlocking means of a shade member surrounding said lamp bulb.

7. A device of the character described adapted to be assembled on an electric incandescent lamp having a. bulb, a filament in the bulb and a base for connecting in a power circuit, comprising a one piece insulating holder having a central opening positioned with the lamp base extending through said opening and in close proximity to the lamp bulb, and a shade member of translucent material surrounding said bulb and having an open side, integral. spaced.- portions of the shade member forming the rim of said open side demountably retaining said member against said holder, said portions being of resilient construction for yielding movement out of a normal position to releasably engage with complementary parts of the holder whereby said member is demountably retained against the holder.

- 8. A device of the character described adapted to be assembled on an electric incandescent lamp having a bulb, a filament in the bulb and a base for connecting in a power circuit, comprising a one piece insulating holder having a central opening positioned with the lamp base extending through said opening and in close proximity to the lamp bulb, ashade member of translucent material surrounding said bulb and having an open side positioned against said holder, said shade member having spaced through-openings communicating with said open side to permit passage therethrough of light beams from the filament, the portions having inherent resilient property, and attachment ends terminating said 7 central opening, a shade member having a globular shaped translucent body formed with an open side to permit the insertion therethrough of the bulb of said lamp and to position said open side against the holder, spaced portions of the wall of said body being cut away and communicating withsaid open side to allow passage of light beams from the filament of said bulb, the perimeter of the uncut portion of said walls having integrally formed resilient terminals insertable in said concentrically arranged holder openings on being sprung out of a normal position for demountably securing said shade member on the holder in an effective position to surround the lamp bulb.

10. In a device of the character described, a

, shade member comprising a globular shaped transparent body of plastic material having an open side to permit the insertion therethrough of a bulb of an incandescent, lamp, spaced portions of the wall of said body about the open side being cut away to communicate with said open side for allowing passage of light beams from a filament of said bulb and to provide resilient construction for said uncut portions, the perimeter of the uncut portions of said wall having integrally formed thereon attachment means for removably mounting said shade member in an effective position with respect to the lamp bulb, said attachment means including wedge shaped ends so constructed and arranged to spring with said wall uncut portions for forming a snap lock with a complementary anchoring support located adjacent the lamp bulb.

11. A shade member of the character described comprising a one piece molded translucent globular shaped body having an open side to permit the insertion therethrough of a. bulb of an incandescent lamp, spaced portions of the wall of said body about the open side being cut away to communicate with said open side for allowing passage of light beams from said bulb, the perimeter of a plurality of uncut portions of said walls terminating in integrally formed attachment ends for releasably engaging with a holder mounted on the base of said lamp, and abutment stop means integrally formed to extend from said body at a spaced distance from said attachment ends.

JOHN PETRY.

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