Abstract: A method for 3D printing an object with at least one wall (2) having a first surface and a second, opposite surface, wherein the first surface is intended to serve as an optical functional surface, wherein the wall is formed by printing one track (16) on top of another track (17). An orientation of the object during printing is selected such that the wall has a tangent (or tangent surface) non-parallel to the z-axis, such that the first surface faces away from the x-y plane and the second surface faces the x-y plane. According to the invention, the 3D object is thus oriented during printing such that the first surface, intended to be used as an optical functional surface, faces away from the x-y plane, i.e. typically away from the support or platform on which the 3D object is printed upon. By ensuring this orientation during printing, the first surface becomes smoother than the second, opposite surface of the wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling-mounted light fixture configured to be embedded in the ceiling. The ceiling-mounted light fixture comprises: a cylindrical light fixture body having a screw thread formed on the lower end of the outer surface thereof; a light source unit which is accommodated inside the light fixture body and which has a light-emitting element; and a ring-shaped cap which has a screw thread formed on the inner surface thereof to be coupled to the screw thread of the light fixture body. According to the present invention, a ceiling-mounted light fixture is provided, wherein the diameter of the cylinder of the light fixture is increased to achieve improved light distribution efficiency and enable easy assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing a desired illumination pattern within a given plane. In one aspect, a light wash system can be configured to provide substantially even illumination on a wall or floor. The light wash system can use light-shaping optics such as a stack of optical films to provide a light wash system which is smaller than conventional light wash systems which utilize parabolic reflectors. The light wash system may include an internal retroreflector to allow a wider range of throw distances for the light wash system.

Abstract: A flameless candle includes a shell that has a sidewall and a hollow interior region. The sidewall can be made of a waxen material. The sidewall has a thickness and opacity. The shell also has a hollow interior region within the sidewall. A lamp (for example, LED) may be housed within the hollow interior region. The flameless candle also includes an insert. The insert can be made of a waxen material that may have different properties from the material of the sidewall. The insert is positioned in a top area of the hollow interior region. The insert includes a shading wall that has a thickness and opacity. The thickness of the sidewall may be different than the thickness of the shading wall. As another option, the opacity of the sidewall may be different from the opacity of the shading wall.

Abstract: Described herein are optical devices including resonant cavity structures. In one embodiment, an optical fiber includes: (1) an elongated core including an outer surface; (2) an inner reflector disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the core and extending substantially along a length of the core; (3) an outer reflector spaced apart from the inner reflector and extending substantially along the length of the core; and (4) an emission layer disposed between the outer reflector and the inner reflector and extending substantially along the length of the core, the emission layer configured to emit radiation that is guided within the optical fiber.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing a desired illumination pattern within a given plane. In one aspect, a light wash system can be configured to provide substantially even illumination on a wall or floor. The light wash system can use light-shaping optics such as a stack of optical films to provide a light wash system which is smaller than conventional light wash systems which utilize parabolic reflectors. The light wash system may include an internal retroreflector to allow a wider range of throw distances for the light wash system.

Abstract: An exemplary interchangeable lamp shade kit may comprise a lamp base, a spider element and a shade element with at least flat and deployed confirmations. The shade element includes opposing first and second ends with respective securement elements generally formed thereat and adapted to engage one another for releasably retaining the shade element in its cylindrical deployed configuration. A plurality of detent apertures in the shade element are adapted to receive respective detent elements radially distributed about the spider element. An exemplary system and method for displaying lamp shade kits may comprise a display element supportingly presenting a multiplicity of lamp bases, a plurality of spider elements, and an assortment of shade elements. The shade elements may be releasably suspended in their flat configurations in a linear or curved array for convenient review and selection by consumers positioned on a consumer pathway adjacent the display element.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology may include systems and apparatus for providing a light reflector, light fixture, light fixture retrofit apparatus, lamp reflector, lamp retrofit apparatus or luminaire reflector retrofit. According to an example embodiment of the disclosed technology, a light reflector is provided that includes two or more nested cone-shaped layers configured for reflecting light from a light source placed in proximity to the inner cone portion. The two or more nested cone-shaped layers include a reflection layer disposed adjacent to an outer cone portion of the layers. The two or more nested cone-shaped layers further include a lenticular optical film disposed between the reflection surface of the reflection layer and an inner cone portion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology may include apparatuses for providing a cone mounting, support or gasket apparatus. According to an example embodiment of the disclosed technology, a cone mounting, support or gasket apparatus is provided that is configured to attach to a cone, wherein the cone comprises a directrix and an outer surface. The cone mounting, support or gasket apparatus comprises a ring shaped structure defined by an inner surface comprising a conical wall, wherein the conical wall has a bottom and a top. The bottom of the conical wall has a greater diameter than the top of the conical wall, and the angle of the conical wall is similar to the angle of the cone outer surface. The ring shaped structure includes a ledge, wherein the ledge originates at the bottom of the conical wall and protrudes away from the conical wall. The cone attaches to the cone support apparatus whereby the directrix of the cone is disposed on the ledge of the ring shaped structure.

Abstract: A heat dissipation mechanism for LED lamp includes an LED module, a lamp holder, a thermal module, a heat transfer member, and a lamp shade. The thermal module includes a heat sink and a fan; the fan is connected at one side to the heat sink and at another side to the lamp holder. The heat transfer member is arranged between the LED module and the heat sink. The lamp shade has an open end connected to an outer periphery of the lamp holder; and the LED module, the thermal module, and the heat transfer member are received in a space defined in the lamp shade. The heat transfer member absorbs heat generated by the LED module and uniformly spreads the absorbed heat to the heat sink for dissipating into ambient air, so that an excellent heat dissipation effect can be achieved.

Abstract: A glass lampshade comprising a fusion body of crystal grain glass, an upper crystal glass plate, a lower crystal glass plate, and a curing gel layer. The upper crystal glass plate is attached to the lower crystal plate via the curing gel layer. The fusion body of crystal grain glass is attached to the upper crystal glass plate. A method of producing the glass lampshade.

Abstract: A lampshade includes a top lampshade frame, a bottom lampshade frame, a lampshade covering covering the top lampshade frame and the bottom lampshade frame, hook materials (or loop materials) provided at the top lampshade frame and the bottom lampshade frame, and loop materials (or hook materials) provided at the lampshade covering and detachably fastened to the hook materials (or loop materials) to secure the lampshade covering to the top lampshade frame and the bottom lampshade frame.

Abstract: A lampshade structure is fabricated from a collapsible, semi-flexible sheet material onto which pre-fastened magnetic strips are attached. One or more collapsible spring steel strip hoop(s) is magnetically adhered to the magnetic strips to thereby create a semi-rigid tubular structure. As part of a kit in the collapsed configuration, each spring steel strip hoop is folded upon itself and the flexible sheet material with a pre-fastened magnetic strip is rolled into a small diameter. In the expanded configuration, the spring steel strip hoop(s) is unfolded and expanded, whereupon the sheet material with pre-fastened magnetic strip is wrapped around the circumference of the spring steel strip hoop(s) relying solely on magnetic attraction as a fastening system in creating a semi-rigid hollow structure. This resultant collapsed assembly is 1/9th the volume of the fully expanded structure, thereby saving considerable shipping costs, both in the labor required for packaging materials and actual transportation costs.

Abstract: A lampshade system which utilizes a simplified lampshade design that does not require integrally manufactured frame components. The lampshade can be manufactured in a flattened position to optimize shipping, storage and display space and which may be easily assembled into a three-dimensional lampshade position by an end user at the point of use.

Abstract: A photographic light diffusing device is provided. A cowl is adapted to be mounted on a photographic light source, the cowl including an opening through which the photographic light source is visible when the cowl is mounted on the photographic light source. The cowl may also include at least one movable flap and a filter slot for a gel filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides various embodiments for apparatuses and methods of manufacturing low profile housings for electronic and/or optoelectronic devices. Some embodiments provide low profile housings with a hollow casing comprising a first surface, second surface, and at least one lateral side surface. The housing is substantially light-diffusive. At least one cap is provided for sealing an end of the casing, with the at least one cap being sized to account for variations in the casing. At least one light emitting device, such as an LED, may be mounted within the casing. A mounting means may be included for mounting the housing. In another embodiment, a low profile housing with a first casing and second casing surrounding a majority of the first casing may be provided. At least one light emitting device, such as a double-sided printed circuit board with a plurality of LEDs, may be provided in the first casing. One or more end caps may be provided for sealing both the first and second casings.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes a package body including a multilayer cavity; a first light emitting part including a first light emitting device in a first cavity of a first layer area of the multilayer cavity, and a second light emitting part including a second light emitting device in a second cavity of a second layer area higher than the first layer area.

Abstract: A shade for a recessed light fixture and a method of making same. In some embodiments the shade may include an attachment mechanism configured to flush mount the shade to a recessed light fixture.

Abstract: A device for controlling projected light beam from an electronic flash, this invention consists of a tube of elastic material such as neoprene or polyurethane (4), with a light side (6) and a dark side (5). The shape and elasticity of this device allow its configuration to change by rolling the snoot over on itself. Rolling the snoot partially upon itself, changing its length, will thereby change the size of the projected light beam. Rolling the snoot inside out will select a different interior reflectivity, thus a different quality of projected light.

Abstract: A solar-powered collapsible lighting apparatus includes a lighting element assembly having a lighting element, a solar cell, a battery unit, and a collapsible shade. The battery unit is electrically coupled to the solar cell and to the lighting element assembly. The solar cell is positioned proximate to the top of the collapsible shade. The lighting element assembly and the battery unit are positioned within the collapsible shade. The solar-powered collapsible lighting apparatus is deployed by connecting a support unit between a top portion and a bottom portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a cover for an illumination device including a composite image including selectively visible design elements. The exterior surface of the cover may include a design element viewable regardless of whether the light source is extinguished or illuminated. The interior surface of the cover may further include a design element that is viewable on the exterior surface only when the light source is illuminated. Thus, when a viewer views the exterior of the lamp generally in elevation, the cover selectively displays different designs to the viewer depending on the illumination state of the device.

Abstract: An LED lamp includes a lampshade, an LED module and a heat sink supporting and cooling the LED module. The heat sink includes a heat absorbing portion having a base plate for mounting the LED module thereon, and engaging with the lampshade for enclosing the LED module. A plurality of fins is formed on a top of the heat absorbing portion, and the fins extend outwardly beyond an outmost edge of the heat absorbing portion. A sidewall connects outmost ends of the fins. A plurality of apertures are defined between the outmost edge of the heat absorbing portion, the fins and the sidewall for allowing an airflow to flow from a bottom to a top of the heat sink via the apertures, thereby to effectively cool the heat sink and accordingly the LED module.

Abstract: A device includes a bolt, a nut, and a coupling. The bolt includes a head and a shaft, and the bolt has a first longitudinal axis that passes through a center of the head and the shaft. The shaft has a first set of threads that are disposed on a radially outer surface of the shaft, and the head has a substantially convex surface. The nut has a second set of threads that are disposed on a radially inner surface of the nut, and the second set of threads is structured to threadably engage the first set of threads. The coupling is structured to attach the bolt to an object, and the coupling and the nut are structured to maintain the substantially convex surface of the head in an abutting relationship with a substantially concave surface of the object.

Abstract: A modular lamp shade assembly in which upper and lower rings are clipped to a shade. The shade is multi layered in which one of the layers is of a material that is relatively flexible along its horizontal axis and relatively rigid in its vertical axis such that the shade in its assembled state is free of wrinkles and other deformities.

Abstract: An electric lamp comprises a lamp base and an envelope having a common axis, a support member having a fixing gap around the common axis, and an elastic shade of substantially conical shape. The shade has a first end portion inserted in the fixing gap and a second end portion remote from the lamp base. The diameter of the first end portion taken perpendicularly to said axis is smaller than the diameter of the second end portion, and the elastic shade is made of heat resistant plastic foil.

Abstract: A lighting system producing a light pattern that is customized in the field by the end user to minimize light pollution. A housing supports a light source that is connected to a power supply. The housing defines an interior chamber. An opaque or low visible light transmissivity shield is bent or formed into a generally tubular shape and is inserted into the chamber surrounding the light source. The shield includes folds, perforations, pre-scoring, grooves, and the like defining sections that can be easily detached to create windows. The windows permit outgoing light to pass while the remaining areas of the shield attenuate or block the outgoing light. The shield includes teeth that engage respective recesses in the housing to prevent rotation of the shield once installed.

Abstract: The present invention provides lanterns that have a globe or lens with portions that differ in their light transmitting characteristics such that each portion provides a different illuminating effect, and a candle or other light source held within the globe or lens on a holder that is able to swivel or rotate in relation to the globe or lens. This enables the lantern to be positioned such that light from the light source passes primarily through either one of the lens portions for the desired illumination characteristic.

Abstract: A light assembly includes a light fixture having a lower extremity affixed to the upper end of the elongate support and an opposing upper extremity, a light between the upper and lower extremities, and a parametric light fixture shade disposed at the upper extremity overlying the light. A lampshade includes a parametric flange having a continuous inner edge bounding an opening and an opposing continuous outer edge, a continuous outer face and an opposing continuous inner face. A continuous sidewall depends from the parametric flange and has a continuous upper edge affixed to the continuous outer edge of the parametric flange and an opposing continuous lower edge, a continuous outer face and an opposing continuous inner face. The continuous inner face of the parametric flange of the lampshade rests against the parametric light fixture shade. The continuous sidewall of the lampshade projects downwardly from the parametric light fixture shade encircling the light fixture.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention significantly increase the safety of shades attached to light fixtures by allowing movement of the shade in all directions relative to a fixed light fixture while at the same time preventing the shade from coming too close to a light bulb. Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of leveling a shade by using the natural balancing point of the shade. Other embodiments of the invention are described in the claims.

Abstract: A lamp with connector housing for motor vehicles comprising a push/push switch, a light source, and a backplate with a 3-way connector. The backplate with a 3-way connector further comprises a connection between point ground and point door and a connection between point ground and point B. This lamp with connector housing is twisted into the motor vehicle headliner with no screws or other fasteners, it has a compact size, and only uses one light source to illuminate the interior of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rectangular frame arrangement with one to two discoid radiation filters, as well as to a tanning module having such a frame arrangement. The rectangular frame arrangement has four corners and four lateral edges and, on a first lateral edge at least a first spring clip, and on a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge at least a second spring clip, the first and the second spring clip being joined together by at least one lateral bar, and at least the first spring clip being U-shaped with a first body portion, a first upper projection and a first bottom projection, a first radiation filter being arranged in a first marginal area between the at least one lateral bar and the first lower projection.

Abstract: A decorative lighting equipment includes a shade that is transparent or translucent and formed into a tube with opposite ends, a light source for emitting a directional light flux, the light source being placed at one end of the opposite ends of the shade so that the directional light flux is transmitted within the shade toward another end of the shade, and the shade forming thereon hairlines which extend in a direction crossing the direction along which the directional light flux emitted from the light source is transmitted.

Abstract: A lampshade having an assembled state and a collapsed state includes a first ring, a second ring spaced apart from the first ring when the lampshade is in the assembled state, and a first fabric covering interconnecting the first and second rings. A third ring is located adjacent the first ring when the lampshade is in the assembled state. A plurality of supports are connected between the second ring and the third ring. Each support has a first end portion movably connected to the second ring and a second end portion movably connected to the third ring. The supports hold the second and third rings spaced from each other. The supports urge the third ring into engagement with the first ring thereby to hold the first ring spaced apart from the second ring.

Abstract: A lampshade with reducible package volume according to the present invention relates to the improvement in the support structure of the lampshade, including a lampshade enclosure with a supporting ring arranged on the upper and lower sides thereof, on said supporting ring at one side is fixed a first mounting frame, at least two ends of said supporting ring at one side is provided with a curved part turning toward the interior of the lampshade, and at least a supporting pole having at least a curled edge part clipped in between the curved part of said mounting frame and the enclosure, and at least a supporting arm part with its end fixed on the supporting ring at the other side. The lampshade according to the present invention is easy to assemble and simple in structure, and has a fixed lampshade structure after its assembling. The outlook of the lampshade can be changed according to the shapes of the supporting ring, and is therefore rich in style.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a combination lampshade assembly. The assembly consists of a base lampshade with a closed outer surface, with an upper opening and lower opening and a generally uniform closed surface area between them. The base lampshade assembly has no visible connecting devices or means which would differentiate it from the outward appearance of a standard lampshade. The base lampshade may be of opaque, transparent or translucent material. A rigid outer lampshade assembly is configured to fit over the standard lampshade base assembly and is held in place gravitationally by contact between the base assembly and the outer assembly. The outer assembly may be in two interchangeable pieces, with an inner sheath, and an outer cover with cut-out designs on its surface.

Abstract: A lampshade having an assembled state and a collapsed state includes a first ring, a second ring spaced apart from the first ring when the lampshade is in the assembled state, and a first fabric covering interconnecting the first and second rings. A third ring is located adjacent the first ring when the lampshade is in the assembled state. A plurality of supports are connected between the second ring and the third ring. Each support has a first end portion movably connected to the second ring and a second end portion movably connected to the third ring. The supports hold the second and third rings spaced from each other. The supports urge the third ring into engagement with the first ring thereby to hold the first ring spaced apart from the second ring.

Abstract: A lampshade assembly comprises a lampshade and a connection mechanism. The lampshade has a plurality of lampshade pieces. The connection mechanism has a plurality of connecting rods each of which is respectively attached to the lampshade pieces. The connection mechanism further comprises an upper cap, a first fitting piece, a fitting set and a spring. When the spring is stretched outwardly to separate the upper cap from the first fitting piece and then stack the lampshade pieces. When the lampshade pieces are assembled, the connecting rods radiate around a circle. Since the space occupied by the lampshade assembly is reduced, the packing cost and the transport cost are reduced.

Abstract: An extendible assembly-type lamp shade structure having a top ring and a bottom ring both having appropriately situated open ends, frame members sequentially arrayed for propping between the top ring and the bottom ring, and a lamp shade fabric surfacing. The plurality of frame members each have punch formed at their bottom ends a catch section with a through-hole to provide for sleeving onto the bottom ring and, furthermore, the bottom ring has a fixing ring ensleeved at each of the two sides of the frame members that position the frame members. The top ring has sleeved onto it fixing mounts situated for each frame member that provide for the positioning of the frame members. The lamp shade fabric surfacing is positioned by the insertion of the frame members; through-holes are first made to provide for the insertion of the frame members extending from the upper aspect of the fixing mounts on the top ring and all are extended to the exterior side of the lamp shade fabric surfacing.

Abstract: A folding structure of a two-layer lampshade is disclosed. The folding structure has a top ring at a topmost of the lampshade, a bottom ring having a diameter larger than that of the top ring, and a supporting frame between the top ring and the bottom ring. A plurality of supporting rods extend from a ring edge of the top ring toward a center of the top ring. The supporting frame is formed by a plurality of longitudinal rods and a plurality of transversal rods. Since the supporting frame is engaged to the bottom ring by the buckle, it can rotate to be positioned horizontally by using the buckles as fulcrums and the inner cloth and outer cloth of the lampshade encloses the folding structure. Thereby, the lampshade is assembled to have a smaller volume, As a consequence, the transfer cost is reduced.

Abstract: A convertible candle lamp and method including a solid wax cylindrical encasement element having a translucent wall embedded with decorative objects and a solid wax base provided with illumination means including an external electrical source, a battery operated source and a candle source to give the convertible candle lamp an appearance of a glowing candle. A method of fabricating the convertible candle lamp is described.

Abstract: A lamp shade assembly includes a foldable shade having an upper edge and a lower edge to define an inner cavity therebetween, a top frame mounted at the upper edge of the foldable shade, a bottom frame mounted at the lower edge of the foldable shade, and a supporting frame detachably mounted between the top frame and the bottom frame within the inner cavity of the foldable shade for applying a stretching force on the foldable shade. The stretching force of the supporting frame is greater than a weight of the foldable shade, so that the foldable shade is stretched to provide a tension surface extending between the upper edge and the lower edge thereof, so as to form a collapsible lamp shade which is facilitated to be disassembled into a compact unit for storage and carriage and quickly assembled to tensely support a foldable shade.

Abstract: A collapsible lamp shade is provided, having removable supports to engage an upper ring and lower ring assembly in an interference fit.

Abstract: A lampshade has a frame and a shade. The frame has an upper collar, a lower collar and multiple supporting frames. The upper collar is attached to the stand of the lamp. The supporting frames are detachably mounted between the upper collar and the lower collar. Each supporting frame has an upper section, two side rods and a lower section. The lower section is connected to the side rods at the end far away from the upper section. The lower section abuts against the top of the lower collar. Such a lampshade can be disassembled into multiple parts whereby it is detachable to reduce the lampshade in size. Thus, to store and to transport the lampshade are convenient.

Abstract: A structure of a foldable lampshade is disclosed. The foldable lampshade comprises an upper and a lower securing ring, an outer shade for connecting the upper and the lower securing ring, and one or more supporting frame, characterized in that the supporting frame is detachable and/or mountable with the securing rings such that the outer shade can be folded or stacked to a minimum size. A connection end of the upper securing ring is provided with a snap slot for connection with the snap plate provided on the upper securing ring. One end of the supporting frame is mounted to the lower securing ring.

Abstract: A lampshade has a frame and a shade. The frame has an upper collar, a lower collar and multiple supporting frames. The upper collar is attached to the stand of the lamp. The supporting frames are detachably mounted between the upper collar and the lower collar. Each supporting frame has an upper section, two side rods and a lower section. The lower section is connected to the side rods at the end far away from the upper section. The lower section abuts against the top of the lower collar. Such a lampshade can be disassembled into multiple parts whereby it is detachable to reduce the lampshade in size. Thus, to store and to transport the lampshade are convenient.

Abstract: A lighting fixture has a proximal end fixture adapter connectable at a proximal end to a mounting device attachable to a ceiling. The mounting device may be an elongated track, a fixed canopy or a ceiling ring permitting a proximal portion of the fixture to be above the ceiling. The lighting fixture has a generally cylindrical housing with first and second resilient rings partially engaged into first and second external grooves around the distal end of the housing. A decorative shade has a fitter slidable on the housing and retained between the first and second resilient rings.

Abstract: A lampshade with reducible package volume according to the present invention relates to the improvement in the support structure of the lampshade, including a lampshade enclosure with a supporting ring arranged on the upper and lower sides thereof, on said supporting ring at one side is fixed a first mounting frame, at least two ends of said supporting ring at one side is provided with a curved part turning toward the interior of the lampshade, and at least a supporting pole having at least a curled edge part clipped in between the curved part of said mounting frame and the enclosure, and at least a supporting arm part with its end fixed on the supporting ring at the other side. The lampshade according to the present invention is easy to assemble and simple in structure, and has a fixed lampshade structure after its assembling. The outlook of the lampshade can be changed according to the shapes of the supporting ring, and is therefore rich in style.

Abstract: Lamp shades are provided in the form of one or more panels made of a flexible, self-supporting material. All of the panels have side edges with a plurality of holes, and when the side edges are overlapped to register the holes a fastener can be inserted (and preferably later removed) from the registered holes. A table lamp or pendant lamp includes a plurality of panels (at least two) and a hanger by which the lamp is supported on a stand or receptacle. String light lamps can be provided with a single shade for each lamp where the single shade is bent or curved around, over the lamp, to connect the side edges to each other.

Abstract: An improved structure storable lamp shade comprised of a top ring, a bottom ring, frame members pivotably conjoined between the top ring and the bottom ring, and a fabric surfacing. A beveled bottoming segment at the point of confluence between the upper support rods and the lower support rods provides for the appropriate posturing of the upper and lower support rods and prevents the slipping of the dual-rod frame members, while also facilitating the disengagement of the upper support rods and the lower support rods. A catch section projects from the bottom outer end of the upper support rod and a lock section is disposed at the bottom surface of the lower support rod and, furthermore, the catch sections are held in place by the lock sections, thereby preventing the unintentional disengagement of the dual-rod frame members.

Abstract: There is provided a lampshade frame that shifts between an erect, use configuration and a collapsed configuration for shipping, packaging and/or storage. The frame includes an upper hoop and a lower hoop with segmented ribs extending between the hoops. Each of the segmented ribs includes at least two segments that are interconnected by a sleeve that allows them to shift between an extended position, where the length of the rib is maximized for erecting the lampshade, and a retraced state, where the length of the rib is shortened for collapsing the lampshade. The sleeve also locks the ribs in the extended state against unintentional collapse of the lampshade frame.