US3681590A

US3681590A - Molded lamp

Info

Publication number: US3681590A
Application number: US35679A
Authority: US
Inventors: George Dickie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-05-08
Filing date: 1970-05-08
Publication date: 1972-08-01
Anticipated expiration: 1989-08-01

Abstract

A lamp integrally molded from a synthetic resin to present a rigid base, a rigid head, and a flexible intermediate portion whereby said head may be disposed in desired relationship to said base through flexing or bending of said intermediate portion. Provided within said intermediate portion are flexible stiffening members for retaining said intermediate section in flexed condition, resisting any memory induced property of the material to return to initial position. A bulb is carried in said head and the base is adapted to receive either batteries or to accommodate a conductor cord.

Description

United States- Patent v Dickie 1451 Aug. 1, 1972 [22] Filed:

[541' MOLDED LAMP [72] Inventor: George Dickie, 7536 Cornell,

' University City, Mo. 63130 May 8, 1970 v [21 Appl. No.: 35,679

[52] US. Cl. ..240/l0.5, 240/ 10.63, 240/81 P 51 1111.01. ..F21l 15/20, F2lv 21/32 [58] FieldofSearch ..240/ 10.6,88,89,52,8l'R, 240/81 P, 81 BC,26, 10.61, 10.63, 10.65,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,467,954 4/1949 Becker ..240/ 10.6 2,648,762 8/1953 Dunkelberger ..240/ 10.6

1,232,824 7/1917 Mayhew ..240/l0.6

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 640,672 6/1960 Italy ..240/88 Primary Examiner-Richard C. Queisser Assistant Examiner-C. E. Snee, Ill Attorney-Ralph W. Kalish [57] ABSTRACT Alamp integrally molded from a synthetic resin to present a rigid base, a rigid head, and a flexible intermediate portion whereby said head may be disposed in desired-relationship to said base through flexing or bending of said intermediate portion. Provided within said intermediate portion are flexible stiffening members for retaining said intermediate section in flexed condition, resisting any memory induced property of the material to return to initial position. A bulb is carried in said head and the base is adapted to receive either batteries or to accommodate a conductor cord.

3 Claim, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAUB 1 I972 SHEET 1 [1f 2 FIGS INVENTOR GEORGE DICKIE ATTORNEY PATENTEI'JAUB 1 I912 SHEET 2 UF 2 R. O T N. E V N GEORGE DICKIE Q 6 44 ATTORNEY MOLDED LAMP BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to lamps and, more particularly, to a lamp of integrally molded character adapted for selected positionment of the head thereof.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lamp incorporating a flexible section integrally formed with the base and head to allow of selected positionment of said head with respect to the base for satisfying the particular illuminating requirements.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a lamp of the character stated wherein the base, head and flexible intermediate section are integrally formed by molding from suitable synthetic resins, with said base and head being of sufficient thickness and formation to provide rigidity.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a lamp of the character stated which embodies means for retaining a flexible intermediate section in preselected position.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an integrally formed lamp of the character stated which is adapted for self-sufficiency as by accommodating electrical power units so that the lamp is readily portable, or may be adapted for connection to an extraneous source of electrical power.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a lamp of the character stated embodyingintegral means for positioning said head; which is adaptable for presentation in a multiplicity of forms as well as sizes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lamp of the character stated, whichis adapted for high volume economic production; which is extremely durable and reliable in usage, being resistant to breakage; which through the flexibility of its intermediate section is adapted for myriad illuminating uses; and which may be manufactured in a multiplicity of colors and formations so as to be compatible with predetermined decors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a molded flexible lamp constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention, with various of the myriad positions of said lamp being indicated in phantom lines.

FIG. 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view.

F i6. 6 is a bottom plan view.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another form of molded flexible lamp constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a further form of a molded flexible lamp constructed in accordance with and embodying thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lamp of the type shown in FIG. 1, but being adapted for connection to a source of electrical power.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICAL EMBODIMENTS Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate practical embodiments of the present invention, A designates a lamp integrally molded of a suitable synthetic resin, preferably of the 'thermosetting type, and incorporating a base 1, head 2,

. and inwardly inclined side walls 5,5 and triangular end walls a,a', which, in the zone of the apex of the developed triangle of base 1, merge into'intermediate section 3, which may be transversely coextensive with base 1 but is of flat planar character being relatively thin. The upper end of intermediate section 3 is continuous with the adjacent. apical zone of head 2 developed by downwardly converging

side walls

6,6; said head 2 having generally triangular shaped end walls b,b', and flat top wall 7 planarwise parallel to bottom wall 4 of base 1. Base 1, head 2, and intermediate section 3 form an integrated monolithic structure.

Base 1 is so formed as to present a normally downwardly opening recess or chamber 8, the lower end of which is closable by a plate 9 adapted for threaded engagement with internal threading, as at 10, formed in base 1. Chamber 8 may be ,of any suitable volume but in the present instance is of requisite extent for accommodating a plurality of dry cellbatteries, as indicated at 11. The side walls of recess 8 may be molded to present complementary correspondence to portions of batteries 11 for compactly and nonshiftably retaining same. Batteries 11 are suitably connected, as in series, to a common conductor 12 which is integrated into a cable or cord l2 fed through bore 13 formed in intermediate section 3 and extends therethrough for entry into a chamber 14 internally provided in head 2 for completing the circuit to a switch 15 and a lamp socket 16; there being a second or return conductor 17 also integrated within cord 12. Switch 15 is provided with a control button 18 extending through one end wall of base 2. Chamber 14 in head 1 opens upwardly or endwise and carries therein a reflector 19 and a lamp bulb 20 threadedly received within socket l7. Disposed across the normally upper open end of chamber 14 is a translucent or transparent cover 21 maintained in position by threading either integrally formed on the peripheral edge of said cover 21 or by a separate adaptor. Cover 21 immediately above its central portion may be provided with short radially inward projections, as at 22, to present surfaces for weighting of base 1 for assuring stability of said lamp A in operative position with base 1 disposed upon a support surface. Admittedly, there are other means for effecting such desired weighting, as by the incorporation of normally extraneous components. However, the

achievement of such weighting by wall thickening conduces to economic production, as well as preserving the fundamental integrity of the molded lamp. It is recognized that the weighting of base 1 is relative to the overall dimensions oflamp A and particularly to the character of lamp head 2 so that regardless of the disposition of the latter in manners to be described below, reliable firmness willbe assured.

.Although intermediate .section 3 may be of solid character,}the embodiment shown in FIG. .1 incorporates acentral elongated opening, 231 which thus causessaid intermediate portion 3to be divided into two preferablysymmetrical, relatively

narrow columns

24,24; Integrally molded within each'column is a

wire rod

25,25, respectively, eachof which is of U-shape character having legs, as at 26,26, at least co-extensive usage in the manner of a flashlight. in this last 4 i e v o context, opening 23'provides a convenient hand-receiving slot.

.'Accordingly-, lamp A is extremely versatile in use and resolves in a single entity illumination problems whichhave heretofore necessitated the provision of a multiplicity of specialized lamps.

,

columns

24,24. Base '1 and head'2 incorporate recesses o'r chambers corresponding to chambers 8 and with each

column

24,24. Said

rods

25,25 are suitably spaced frombore :13 containing conductor 18so that no untoward shortcircuitingmay develop. It is apparent that

rods

25,25 mayv each by replaced bya pair of rods it has beenfound that the'formation of a double rod, as it were, from a single length of rod, has facilitated production.

1 intermediate section 3, is of such limited "thickness that the same provides a zone'of flexibility and incorthe memory-induced tendency'of the plastic of intermediate section .3 to return to initial position and thus serve to maintainv said section inany chosen attitude, as will be described below.

Rods

25,25 are of sufficiently limited diameter so as to render same readily flexible, while providing reinforcement of said section 3.

It willthus be seen that due to the character of base 1 and head-2, the same are resistant to deformation while intermediate section 3 through its inherent properties and dimensions is adapted to be. flexed or otherwise deformed from its normally continuous planar condition. Thus, in FIG. there is shown in phantom lines two of myriad positions of flex into which intermediate section 3 may be disposed. The manner of flexing intermediate section 3 will be determined by the requisite presentation of light so that head 2 is properly altered in its relationship to base 1 for the particular illuminating purpose. Head 2 may be positioned at any location within an angle of 180, that is, between full downwardly directed position of head 2 on one side of base i to full downward position on the other side of base 1. ln anyselected position, stability is assured by reason of the unique cooperation ofthe material of construction, the thickness of intermediate section 3, and'the relative strength, of

rods

25,25. Conductor bore 13 is of such diameter that no untoward disruption of conductor 18 is caused by flexing of intermediate It will be particularly noted that lamp A may be of any desirable size and weight so that the same may be useful fordesk or table use, large enough for display illumination purposes, or small enough forportable Referring now to FIG. 9, A designates a lamp which is structurally similar to lamp A hereinabove described so that the same reference numerals will refer to like parts. Lamp A comprises a base'l, head 2, intermediate section'3 with anopening 23 and symmetrical 14, respectively, of lamp A hereinabove "described. However, lamp A is not of the battery type but is adapted for connection, as by a ,cord 30, to :a' convenient' electrical outlet, such as, a household wall socket. Thus, cord 30 may be led outwardly through an opening 31 formed in one. side walla of base l", or may. be of suitable length for coiling within recess 8 during periods of non usepAs' suggested irr FIG.: 9, a control 1 switch may be incorporated'within cord 30.The-upper-' open endof chamber 14 within which reflectorl9 and bulb 20 are disposed, is continuousl'y'open to allow for cooling or heat transfer in view of'the substantial heat which may be developed through connection of lamp A to the customary outlet voltage. Thus, lamp A illustrates the ready applicability of the lamp of the'present invention for'use with a conventional source of electricity.

Referring now to FIG. 7 another form of lamp, designated B, embodying'the present inve'ntionis illus- Y trated. Said lamp B is of the self-sufficient, batteryoperated type, embodying a lamp head 2, in all respects similar to head 2; of lamp A above described,so that like numerals willrefer tothe-same parts. Formed integrally with lamp head 2 and extending normally downwardly therefrom is a relatively narrow intermediate post-forming section 33'which, at its lower;

end, is integral with the upper rearward portion of a relatively enlarged forwardly extending base 34; which latter is of general box formation having parallel end and

side walls

35,36, respectively, a bottom wall, not shown, and a flat top wall 37. lntemally, base 34 incorporates a chamber (not shown) to which access may be made through an opening 38 in the top wall which is adapted for closure by a threaded cover 39; The chamber within base 34 is adapted to hold batteries (not shown) which are securely connected to a bulb in 7 head 2 by means of a conductor (not shown) passing tion 33 in its preselected disposition. Thus, lamp B differs from lamp A-in merely disclosing aslightly different arrangement wherein base 34 extends relatively forwardlyof head 2 in normal condition asopposed to being presented in alignment therewithBase 34 provides a stable support so that section 33 may be bent,

'twisted, or otherwise contorted for providing illuminaof the present invention which has certain features in common with lamps A and B above described, so that like numerals will indicate corresponding like elements. Lamp C thus incorporates a head 2 integrally formed with intermediate section 33 which latter, at its head remote end, is integral with one end of a rectangular cover plate 40 for a battery box 41. Cover plate 40 is adapted for engagement across the normally open upper end of battery box 41 and being maintainable in such position by screws 42 or the like. Thus, with battery box 41 disposed upon a support surface, section 33 may be bent upwardly so as to be swingable through an arc of substantially 180 for the selected lighting purpose. In its extreme position of flexing, section 33 will present lamp head 2 in overlying relationship to battery box 41 as shown in FIG. 8.

Thus, in view of the foregoing, the marked usefulness of lamps of the present invention is evident. The flexible intermediate section may be of generally unitary character as exemplified in lamps B and C, or of wyat might be considered bi-partite, as'shown in connections with lamps A,A'. Furthermore, the combination of a sturdy base, rigid head, and interconnecting flexible member of plastic and bendable rods permits of a mu]- tiplicity of relationships among such components so as to allow the lamps to be presented in an infinite variety of preselected dispositions.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to obtain by Letters Patent is l. A lamp comprising a body integrally molded from a thermosetting plastic, said body having a rigid base, a rigid head, the elevation crossection of said base and said head being of general triangular formation, and a relatively elongated intermediate section connecting said base and said head, said intermediate section being of reduced thickness relative to said head and said base for permitting same to be bendable for selected positionment of said head with respect to said base, said intermediate section being provided with a centrally disposed opening extending lengthwise of said section for providing a hand receiving aperture for transport purposes, a flexible member embedded within said intermediate section on each side of said opening and being fabricated of a metallic material having greater resistance to bending than the plastic material of construction of said intermediate section for maintaining said intermediate section in its selected state, lamp bulb mounting means provided within said head, an electrical conductor extending through said intermediate section with one end being connected to said lamp bulb mounting means, said rigid base having a chamber, said conductor. extending into said chamber, a source of electrical power and means connecting said source of electrical power with the portion of the conductor extending into said base chamber, said intermediate section extending between opposed apices of said base and head whereby the sides of said base and head opposite the respective apices are presented for firm support and maximum illumination, respectively.

2. A lamp as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said'source'of electrical power comprising at least one battery carried within said base chamber.

3. A lamp comprising a body integrally molded from a thermosetting plastic, said body having a rigid base, a rigid head, and a relatively elongated intermediate secti n bein of duce section relative to aid e d a d s d bas foi perm itting same to be iaenti atiie t br selected positionment of said head with respect to said base, said intermediate section being of flat character having transverse parallel planar surfaces and being provided with a centrally disposed opening extending lengthwise of said section for providing a hand receiving aperture for transport purposes, a flexible member embedded within said intermediate section on each side of said opening, said flexible member being fabricated of a metallic material having greater resistance to bending than the plastic material of construction of said intermediate section for maintaining said intermediate section in its selected state, lamp bulb mounting means provided within said head, an electrical conductor extending though said intermediate section with one end being connected to said lamp bulb mounting means, said rigid base having a chamber, said conductor extending into said chamber, a source of electrical power and means connecting said source of electrical power with the portion of the conductor extending into said base chamber.

Claims

1. A lamp comprising a body iNtegrally molded from a thermosetting plastic, said body having a rigid base, a rigid head, the elevation crossection of said base and said head being of general triangular formation, and a relatively elongated intermediate section connecting said base and said head, said intermediate section being of reduced thickness relative to said head and said base for permitting same to be bendable for selected positionment of said head with respect to said base, said intermediate section being provided with a centrally disposed opening extending lengthwise of said section for providing a hand receiving aperture for transport purposes, a flexible member embedded within said intermediate section on each side of said opening and being fabricated of a metallic material having greater resistance to bending than the plastic material of construction of said intermediate section for maintaining said intermediate section in its selected state, lamp bulb mounting means provided within said head, an electrical conductor extending through said intermediate section with one end being connected to said lamp bulb mounting means, said rigid base having a chamber, said conductor extending into said chamber, a source of electrical power and means connecting said source of electrical power with the portion of the conductor extending into said base chamber, said intermediate section extending between opposed apices of said base and head whereby the sides of said base and head opposite the respective apices are presented for firm support and maximum illumination, respectively.

2. A lamp as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said source of electrical power comprising at least one battery carried within said base chamber.

3. A lamp comprising a body integrally molded from a thermosetting plastic, said body having a rigid base, a rigid head, and a relatively elongated intermediate section being of reduced section relative to said head and said base for permitting same to be bendable for selected positionment of said head with respect to said base, said intermediate section being of flat character having transverse parallel planar surfaces and being provided with a centrally disposed opening extending lengthwise of said section for providing a hand receiving aperture for transport purposes, a flexible member embedded within said intermediate section on each side of said opening, said flexible member being fabricated of a metallic material having greater resistance to bending than the plastic material of construction of said intermediate section for maintaining said intermediate section in its selected state, lamp bulb mounting means provided within said head, an electrical conductor extending though said intermediate section with one end being connected to said lamp bulb mounting means, said rigid base having a chamber, said conductor extending into said chamber, a source of electrical power and means connecting said source of electrical power with the portion of the conductor extending into said base chamber.