Collapsible Patents (Class 362/450)
  • Publication number: 20030189833
    Abstract: A lampshade includes a collapsible frame to which a flexible cover is attached. The frame includes an upper ring and a lower ring. A plurality of support bars are arranged between the upper and lower rings. Each support bar includes an upper section and a lower section hinged to each other. The upper section of the support bar has an end hinged to the upper ring. The lower section of the support bar has an end hinged to the lower ring. The hinge connections between the upper and lower sections of the support bar and between the support bar and the upper and lower rings allow the frame to collapse without separating the parts from each other. A channel member is partially fixed to the upper section of the support bar for partially receiving the lower section of the support bar. Dimples are defined in the lower section of the support for engaging with bosses formed on the channel member for maintaining the support bar in an extended condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Hsien-Te Chen
  • Patent number: 6612724
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Po-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 6612711
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a spotlight and an inflatable sack detachably connected thereto and made of a material that is at least partially light-transmitting. The sack has a transparent light entrance orifice to couple to a light exit orifice of the spotlight. The light entrance orifice of the inflatable sack is defined by a transparent glass disk or a transparent foil, which along a circumferential edge is connected in an airtight manner to an edge of a corresponding orifice in the sack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Licht-Technik Vertriebs GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hagenbach, Bernhard Grill, Manfred Amling
  • Patent number: 6604846
    Abstract: A selectively collapsible lamp shade in which the shade is extended between upper and lower rings, the rings being held apart by a series of struts which are transverse to and engage the rings in a series of equidistant supports about the perimeter of the shade. The struts are pre formed to define the shape of the shade and inhibit improper installation of the struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry Strickland
  • Patent number: 6582107
    Abstract: A foldable lampshade has an upper ring and a lower ring. A plurality of ribs is pivotally mounted between the upper ring and the lower ring. Each rib has an upper arm and a lower arm pivotally mounted together by a pin. A notch is defined at an inner side of the lower arm and near an upper end of the lower arm. A pole is formed near a lower end of the upper arm and located in the notch. A resilient member has a first end secured on the upper arm and a second end secured on the lower arm. A shade covers the upper ring, the lower ring and the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Hai Tsai
  • Publication number: 20030086274
    Abstract: A foldable lampshade has an upper ring and a lower ring. A plurality of ribs is pivotally mounted between the upper ring and the lower ring. Each rib has an upper arm and a lower arm pivotally mounted together by a pin. A notch is defined at an inner side of the lower arm and near an upper end of the lower arm. A pole is formed near a lower end of the upper arm and located in the notch. A resilient member has a first end secured on the upper arm and a second end secured on the lower arm. A shade covers the upper ring, the lower ring and the ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Hai Tsai
  • Publication number: 20030076684
    Abstract: The invention is a collapsible lampshade that helps conserve shipping and storage volume. Current invention consists of a rigid upper structures, a rigid lower structure, a flexible fabric joining the rigid upper structure and rigid lower structure, supported by several trapezoidal frames after the lampshade is assembled. Using trapezoidal frames to prop up the fabric, and hence completing the assembly process is easier and faster than other means of propping up and support the tension created by the fabric joining the rigid structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Hsih Bin Chou
  • Publication number: 20030076685
    Abstract: The invention is a collapsible lampshade that helps conserve shipping and storage volume. Current invention consists of a rigid upper structures, a rigid lower structure, a flexible fabric joining the rigid upper structure and rigid lower structure, supported by several trapezoidal frames after the lampshade is assembled. Using trapezoidal frames to prop up the fabric, and hence completing the assembly process is easier and faster than other means of propping up and support the tension created by the fabric joining the rigid structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Hsih Bin Chou
  • Patent number: 6540383
    Abstract: A disassembly-type lamp shade structure of simple assembly and reduced physical dimensions includes a top ring, a bottom ring of larger circumference than the top ring, and frame members propped between the top ring and the bottom ring. The top ring has support rods extending outwardly from the center having at their extremities upward bends forming insertion hooks. The bottom ring has sleeve mounts for the insertion of the frame members, after which the upper horizontal curved rods of the frame members are situated against the insertion hooks at the extremities of the support rods and lower horizontal curved rods are situated against the bottom ring, thereby positioning and limiting the movement of the frame members. At the area of confluence between the frame member upper horizontal curved rods and the support rods, the upper horizontal curved rods have downward indentations serving as a catch hook that secures the insertion hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6527421
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Berman Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: He Hong Qing
  • Patent number: 6513955
    Abstract: A light modifier for use with a light source has a frame defining a plane that is spaced apart from a face of the light source. The frame has at least one side member extending from the frame in a direction toward the light source. A locking mechanism is operably attached to the side member for releasably locking the frame into an open position. The frame is collapsible to a closed position inside a cover. The cover has at least one pocket for receiving a light diffusion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: F. J. Westcott Company
    Inventor: Thomas A. Waltz
  • Publication number: 20030002287
    Abstract: Lamp shade structure including assembling buckles, shade bodies and a tray body. Each assembling buckle has a decorative board and a cooperative stop plate for interconnecting two adjacent shade bodies to form a complete lamp shade. The tray body is connected with all the assembling buckles to reinforce the entire structure for receiving a bulb seat therein. The assembling buckles are detachably assembled with the shade bodies to minimize the volume of the lamp shade so that the transferring and storage of a number of the components are facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Mei Ju Juang
  • Patent number: 6488391
    Abstract: A decorative article includes a plurality of members hingedly connected to one another and movable between a folded storage position and an unfolded display position. Each of the members includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second sides. A hinge interconnects adjacent members between respective first and second sides. Ones of the top surfaces overlay each other and ones of the bottom surfaces overlay each other in the article folded storage position, such that in the article folded storage position, the article has a height equal to the sum of the heights of the members, and in the article unfolded display position, the article has a height equal to the height of one of the members and wherein the members are arranged in a circular pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Emerald Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lonnie F. Gary, Chad H. Jones
  • Patent number: 6474849
    Abstract: An improved structure for a separable lamp cover having a top ring on the very top of the lamp cover, a bottom ring equipping an opening on the appropriate location, and support frames connecting the top ring and the bottom ring. Near the support portion of a support frame, there are radially extending support bars with clip hooks. After the assembly of the support frames, the upper transversal arch bars engage the clip hooks. The bottom of the support frame has clip elements with pierced holes through which is inserted on the bottom ring. On both sides of the support frame, the bottom ring has punched convex stoppers to constrain the movement of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Publication number: 20020154509
    Abstract: A frame for a collapsible lampshade. The frame includes an upper support member and a lower support member spaced apart from the upper support member, a shade spider having a central hub and a plurality of cross members extending radially from the central hub and a plurality of lampshade brackets. Each bracket includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member movably connected at an end thereof to the lower support member. The brackets further include a crossbar extending between and connected to another end of the first and second elongated members such that the crossbar is releasably engagable with the second end of the respective cross member of the shade spider in order to facilitate movement of the frame between a collapsed position and an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Michael R. Dene
  • Publication number: 20020141172
    Abstract: A folding softbox is disclosed including a collapsible frame that is provided in a manner of an umbrella frame, i.e., a central post with ribs that projects outwardly from a first end of the post and curve toward a second end of the post. A strut extends between a mid-span portion of each rib and the post to hold the ribs away from the post in an operative position. The inner ends of the struts are interconnected and are selectively slidable coaxially about the post. When the inner ends of the struts are slid toward the second end of the post, the outer ends of the struts are pulled inwardly toward the post and, thus, pull the ribs inwardly toward the post into a second or collapsed position. The folding softbox includes a mounting apparatus adapted for releasably connecting to any of a wide variety of light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: John E. Shirilla
  • Patent number: 6443601
    Abstract: A rapid assembly and disassembly lamp shade structure comprised of a top ring, a bottom ring, and frame members propped between the top ring and the bottom ring. The bottom ring has aligned with the top ring support rod positions and extending from the center to its circumference slide rods and, furthermore, coupling rings capable of traveling back and forth along the slide rods are ensleeved onto the slide rods. Each coupling ring has projecting upward a hinge tab with a through-hole formed in it, the bottom ends of the paired brace rods of the frame members are punched into a flat shape and, furthermore, the fastening sections have an insertion hole formed in the center, thereby providing for riveted conjoinment of the frame member fastening sections to the coupling ring hinge tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6439747
    Abstract: A lampshade folding structure to achieve minimum packing volume thus to reduce costs of packing material and transportation essentially comprised of a support frame to stretch up a soft shade between an upper and a lower rings; each ring provided with at least two pivoting devices so that when folded, both rings are folded into semi-circular shape and put on the same plane with the support frame removed to facilitate packaging, transportation, carriage and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Yi-Shun Liu, Chin-Min Yang
  • Patent number: 6439746
    Abstract: A lampshade for a table lamp has a top plate, multiple panel frames and multiple shade panels. Each panel frame has a panel support and at least one panel clip to hold one of the shade panels. The top plate has an elongated hole to engage with a hook formed on each panel frame. A through hole is defined in the panel support of each panel frame. A threaded stud extends from each panel frame and through the through hole in the adjacent panel frame. A nut is screwed onto each threaded stud to detachably connect adjacent panel frames. Consequently, the panel frames can be disassembled from the top plate, and the panel frames are detachable. The lampshade can be disassembled into multiple parts. The packaging and storage sizes of the lampshade are reduced. To transport or to store the lampshade becomes more convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Groton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Feng Huang
  • Publication number: 20020109997
    Abstract: The invention, a kind of improved structure for separable lamp covers, mainly comprises of a top ring on the very top of the lamp cover, a bottom ring equipping an opening on the appropriate location, and a support frame connecting the top ring and the bottom ring. Near the support portion of a support frame, there are support bars extending radiantly from the top ring and equipping clip hooks. After the assembly of the support frame, the upper transversal arch bars exactly hit the bottom rim of the clip hooks. The bottom of the support frame is directly punched to form clip elements with piercing holes. The clip elements can exactly be inserted from the opening on the bottom ring onto the bottom ring. Also, on both sides of the support frame, the bottom ring equips punched convex stoppers to constrain the movement of the support frame. Finally, weld the opening on the bottom ring. During assembly, one may rotate the support frame to reach horizontal state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Publication number: 20020085383
    Abstract: A disassembly-type lamp shade structure of simple assembly and reduced physical dimensions comprised of a top ring situated at the uppermost end of a 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 top ring has support rods extending from the center towards its circumference and, furthermore, the support rods each have at their extremities an upward bend to form an insertion hook that is fixed onto the circumference of the top ring. The bottom ring has respectively disposed at the support positions of the frame members sleeve mounts that provide for the insertion of the frame members, after which the upper horizontal curved rods of the frame members are situated against the insertion hooks at the extremities of the support rods and the lower horizontal curved rods are situated against the bottom ring, thereby positioning and limiting the movement of the frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6390658
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp device supporting structure 5 for supported by a front end of a vehicle, comprises a fragile portion 21 breakable in vehicle collision. The fragile portion is provided in mount brackets 7, 8 and 9 which protrude from a housing 10 of the lamp device 5. A shroud panel 4 supporting the lamp device 5 includes an opening 2 to allow the lamp device 5 to be displaced rearward when the mount brackets 7, 8 and 9 are broken up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Tarou Maeda
  • Patent number: 6386739
    Abstract: The invention has a top ring, a bottom ring, of which the perimeter is greater than that of the top ring, and a support frame connecting the top ring and the bottom ring. Near the support portion of a support frame, there are support bars extending radiantly from the top ring and the end of the bars are bent upward to fasten the clip hooks on the ring rim. After the assembly of the support frame, the upper transversal arch bars exactly hit the bottom rim of the clip hook on the top ring to firmly fix the support frame. Also, near the support portion on a support frame, there are fixture bases located accordingly on the bottom ring for the insert and positioning of bottom bars on the support frame. The lamp cover can thus be assembled with minimum volume to achieve the objectives of easy assembly and to reduce storage volume and delivery cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6315434
    Abstract: A one-piece, collapsible lampshade is disclosed. The invention comprises an upper and lower ring, between which a shade is attached. Supports are permanently attached to one ring, with each support having a hinge part-way along its length. Receptacles are mounted on the opposite ring to receive the unattached end of the supports. The shade may be shipped and stored in the collapsed state by removing the unattached end of the supports from the receptacles and folding the supports flat. Because the shade is shipped and stored in one piece, it is easily and quickly assembled by the purchaser, without the risk of losing parts or of damage during shipment due to the movement of loose parts against one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Cheyenne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan M. Long
  • Publication number: 20010036079
    Abstract: A lampshade for a table lamp has a top plate, multiple panel frames and multiple shade panels. Each panel frame has a panel support and at least one panel clip to hold one of the shade panels. The top plate has an elongated hole to engage with a hook formed on each panel frame. A through hole is defined in the panel support of each panel frame. A threaded stud extends from each panel frame and through the through hole in the adjacent panel frame. A nut is screwed onto each threaded stud to detachably connect adjacent panel frames. Consequently, the panel frames can be disassembled from the top plate, and the panel frames are detachable. The lampshade can be disassembled into multiple parts. The packaging and storage sizes of the lampshade are reduced. To transport or to store the lampshade becomes more convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Groton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Feng Huang
  • Publication number: 20010009515
    Abstract: A portable worklight having at least two base sections that are operable between open and closed positions. The base sections are pivotally connected and when in a closed position, the base sections nest together. When in an open position, the base sections support said worklight in an upright position by providing opposingly located support sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: M. Gary Grossman, Pei Sheng Qian, Brian L. Spitler
  • Patent number: 6176598
    Abstract: A light fixture for receiving commercially available reflectors or diffusers having flexible walls and a plurality of flexible struts, has a housing with a socket for receiving a lamp or lamps. A power connection is provided for supplying electrical power to the socket and a plurality of receivers are connected to the housing, each for receiving a free end of a strut. A mount is connected to the housing for mounting the housing to a stand or tripod or other appropriate support. Each of the receivers which are preferably in the form of tubes or blind bores, are positioned so that the free end of each strut must be bent into a braced position and inserted into a receiver. This deploys the flexible wall of the reflector or diffuser into its open reflecting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Lowel-Light Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin Seligman, Chi Yu
  • Patent number: 6155701
    Abstract: A security light comprising a mercury vapor lamp (13), a two-piece support arm (11), and a mounting bracket (17) is disclosed. The two-piece support arm includes a 90-degree arcuate section (33) and a straight section (35), which are disassemblable for shipping. When assembled, the mounting bracket (17) is located on one end (41) of the 90-degree arcuate section (33). The other end (39) of the 90-degree arcuate section (33) telescopes inside one end (37) of the straight section (35). The mercury vapor lamp (13) is mounted on the other end of the straight section (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Monte A. Leen
  • Patent number: 6022119
    Abstract: A book light having a pair of arms or a "U" bracket pivotally attached to a head at one end and a body at the other end. In the case of the "U" bracket, the head is attached by a ball joint and has infinite ranges of motion. The body has a clip for attachment to a book or a bed frame, an on/off switch, a plug for receiving an AC adapter, and a battery compartment. The head has a light assembly and a fluorescent light bulb for illuminating a book. A wire or conductive strip running along, and guided by wire guides, each of the arms provides an electrical connection between the light assembly and the source of power. The pivoting of the head and the body allow them to be pivoted for storage in the space between the arms or so that the book light be used as a free-standing desk lamp. Optionally, the two arms or the "U" bracket may be connected to a pivot arm which swivels about the body to increase the degrees of freedom and the flexibility of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Phorm Concept & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Booty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5902037
    Abstract: A lamp with improved safety features to avoid fire and burn hazards. The lamp includes an electrical circuit having a thermostat connected in series with the bulb of the lamp. The thermostat is mounted in close proximity to the lamp's bulb and, upon the ambient air temperature in the vicinity of the thermostat reaching a predetermined temperature, the thermostat effectively opens the electrical circuit, shutting the lamp off. Once power is turned off for a period of time, the thermostat resets and the lamp may be operated again. A protective guard is positioned over at least a portion of the bulb of the lamp to prevent accidental burning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Holmes Products Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Turner, Robert J. Livergood, David Lo
  • Patent number: 5871274
    Abstract: The device of a stretchable and contractable desk lamp comprising a lamp shade and a stand, the lamp shade is pivotally connected on one end thereof to a first pivot connection on the top of the stand, the connection is for pivotal mounting of a handle for carrying the lamp, the bottom of the stand is provided with a second pivot connection for pivotally mounting of a separated rotating seat, the lamp thus has a function of rotating with two pivot axles, and is portable and can save space in packaging; a receptacle is provided on the top of and engaged with the lamp shade, the receptacle receives a stretchable or drawable frame therein, a magnifying glass is provided in the frame and can be stretched out and firmly kept in a suitable anglular position on the lamp shade for viewing under illumination, the magnifying glass can be hidden in the receptacle when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventors: An Hsun Lee, Fred Mendelsohn
  • Patent number: 5825636
    Abstract: A planar luminescent device useful as a backlight for liquid crystal disp. The planar luminescent device comprises a synthetic resin sheet having at least one fold and a plurality of sheet sections foldable along this fold. A sheet holder is adapted to hold the sheet sections of the sheet, folded along the fold, in a predetermined accordion-like folded position. A reflective layer and a light emitting layer are respectively provided on the sheet sections defining opposite ends of the sheet. A light source emits light rays towards the reflective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: International Manufacturing and Engineering Services Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Kuroki, Tokio Mizukami, Yoshiyuki Nakaya
  • Patent number: 5797671
    Abstract: A luminaria frame comprises supports and braces, where each support has upstanding legs, and each brace defines spaced leg apertures. When each brace is assembled with the supports, a leg of each support is placed in the leg apertures of the brace. The other brace has the other legs of each support placed in the leg apertures of the other brace. The supports and braces thereby form a unified framework in which the supports and braces are movable relative to each other such that the framework collapses for storage and expands to hold a bag about the framework to form a luminaria with a candle placed, as desired, inside. As a result of this construction, the frame requires assembly only once, and otherwise requires only movement of the supports and braces relative to each other to change from a compact and collapsed storage positioning of the supports and braces, to an expanded usage positioning of the supports and braces. As preferred, the supports are twin U supports and the braces are twin braces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Gess
  • Patent number: 5683167
    Abstract: A collapsible lamp-shade structure for a decorative lamp having a light weight flexible material which is supported by a column of forced air emanating from a fan located in the lamp base. The lamp-shade material is held in place by spring clips located on the end of extension arms located at the top of the lamp base. Swivel joints connect the extension arms to the lamp base so that the arms may be folded in creating a pyramid shape in the non use mode or folded out causing the forced air to make the lamp-shade material billow like a parachute. A light bulb located in the lamp base shines up causing the lamp-shade to glow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Tarlow
  • Patent number: 5564822
    Abstract: A lightweight, multi-unit lantern stand and system is described. The system uses hollow body tubular portions that are connected to one another through a system of threaded collars, compression nuts and compression rings. The finished structure will support a lantern at a distance above the ground. The insertion stake at the bottom of the assembly has a reinforced top and bottom section to facilitate hammering into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: James A. Golden
  • Patent number: 5483431
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a lamp which can be assembled easily by the end user and is generally made up of a socket element, a housing element, and an internal element. The housing element is capable of assuming two positions: a shipping position, in which the housing is flat, and an assembled position, in which the housing element is not flat and is capable of supporting the lamp fixture. The socket element is supported by the internal element which in turns helps maintain the housing element in its assembled position. Preferably, the housing element is composed of a front layer and a back layer which are coupled on at least two peripheral edges. In the assembled position these layers are separated forming an internal space in which the internal element and the socket element are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Roberto Ziliani
  • Patent number: 5436804
    Abstract: A light modifier is disclosed for use in photography, comprising a frame and a screen supported by the frame. The frame comprises a spine member with first and second limbs pivotally connected to the spine member at spaced apart locations thereon. The frame is mounted on an external support with the first and second limbs retaining in screen supporting positions substantially orthogonal to the spine member such that the screen is tensioned between the first and second limbs. The first limb is seated in a first bracket attached to the spine member and the second limb is seated in a second bracket attached to the spine member. The first and second tubular collars are slidingly mounted on the first and second limbs respectively, the first and second tubular collars fitting when the first and second limbs are in the screen supporting position, over apexes of the first and second brackets respectively so as to prevent pivotal movement of the first and second limbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Sean B. J. Henry
  • Patent number: 5375048
    Abstract: A frame (2) for a collapsible lampshade comprising: upper (4) and lower (6) support members spaced in parallel planes; a plurality of peripherally spaced rib members (8) extending between the support members (4 and 6), each rib member (8) being pivotally mounted at one end (10) to the upper support member (4) and at the other end (12) to the lower support member (6) and having a hinge located intermediate said ends, and a spider member (14) having a central hub (16), and a plurality of radially extending struts (18), each strut (18) being affixed at one end to the hub (16), the other end (20) being pivotally attached to a slide (22) mounted on one of the rib members (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Charles F. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5311415
    Abstract: A universal foldable lamp shade cover which includes a uniformly pleated rectangular sheet of thin, somewhat rigid yet bendable material having a plurality of side-by-side slender elongated panels integrally connected one to another in accordion fashion along a fold line between each panel. The side margins of the pleated sheet are connected to form a somewhat tubular member which is sized, when reduced in circumference at its upper end, to be held in place primarily by a locking tie or clip arrangement which is interengageable between an aperture formed through a few evenly spaced selected panels adjacent their upper margins and an upper rigid margin of the lamp shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Barbara B. Hyland
  • Patent number: 5265000
    Abstract: A telescopic and collapsible desk lamp is disclosed having a lamp shade pivotally connected to a telescopic support supported on a cylindrical stand, wherein the telescopic support is consisted of two telescopic metal tubes pivotally connected to two metal mounting tubes fastened to the cylindrical stand by angle brackets. The lamp shade is turned upside-down and covered over the cylindrical stand at the top as the telescopic metal tubes are respectively received inside the metal mounting tubes. An insulative link is detachably connected between the telescopic metal tubes to prevent short circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Patent number: 5258900
    Abstract: A chandelier assembly and kit includes a first and second plate, each having opposing substantially planar surfaces. First and second openings are provided in the first and second plates, respectively. These openings are constructed and arranged so that an ornament bearing arm is biased into locking engagement and secured against rotation, but preferably is free of engagement with the planar surfaces of the plates when assembled. The openings are configured so as to provide a restrictive portion that frictionally engages the arm to prevent rotation when the arm is positioned at a specified angle. The openings also each include a non-restrictive portion that allows the arm to readily pass without frictional engagement. Assembly and disassembly is permitted simply by biasing the arm into and out of frictional engagement with the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Schonbek Worldwide Lighting Inc.
    Inventor: Georg Bayer
  • Patent number: 5226726
    Abstract: A foldable lantern comprises a frame body (10) composed of two crossed base members (11) each having at its two ends a corner post retaining hole (111) and at its middle a center post retaining hole (112). A center post (22) with it reduced diameter section (23) passing through the holes (112) makes the two base members (11) to be able to pivot each other to cause the frame body (10) extendible and foldable. The center post (22) with its upper end extended to become a lamp holder (20). The cross members having four corner posts (12) inserted with their upper sections (121) serving as a tightener of a tent or screen (50) while the lower section (122) as leg for upstanding of the lantern (10). A hanger ring (24) is provided at the bottom of the frame for hanging up-side-down of the lantern whenever called for. Stopper means is provided along side the cross member to prevent them from over extending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: W. T. Chen
  • Patent number: 4933824
    Abstract: An illuminated panel is provided for use in a display panel system. The illuminated panel includes a frame having opposed peripheral segments which delimit a predetermined area. A cover piece of a material pervious to light rays is mounted on the front side of the frame and overlies the predetermined area. A collapsible housing adjustable between operative and inoperative modes, is mounted on the back side of the frame and includes a pair of foldable wall sections having first portions connected to first opposed peripheral segments of the frame. When the housing is in the operative mode, second portions of the wall sections extend angularly rearwardly from the frame back side and cooperate to form a cavity for accommodating a removable light source. When the housing is in the inoperative mode, the wall sections are disposed in proximate overlying relation with the cover piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Nimlok Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Tait, Simon G. A. Perutz
  • Patent number: 4926297
    Abstract: A cylindrical glass globe is supported by an annular rigid plastic coupling member which seats and locks onto the top portion of a tubular rigid plastic housing. A fuel source in the form of a container of liquid fuel mounted on a bottom adaptor or a candle supported within a rigid casing by a compression spring, is supported within the housing by a rigid plastic base removably secured to the bottom of the housing. The globe and coupling member are inverted as a unit after being removed from the housing, and the globe is inserted into the housing around the fuel source for storage and protection of the globe. A bail-type handle connects a pair of strips slidably supported by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventors: Edward R. Masters, Peter C. Benjamin
  • Patent number: 4841424
    Abstract: A ring-shaped brace or frame for supporting the ribs of a knockdown-style lamp shade includes a plurality of rigid, elongated members which are formed to lie in a plane and interconnect end-to-end to form a rigid, closed polyagonal ring. Means are provided which receive ends of adjacent members and connect them in rigid, snap-together, pull-apart, locking engagement. Because the ring frame is quickly and easily assembled or disassembled by the consumer without the use of tools, it can be packed, along with the shade, in a compact, disassembled condition for shipment and sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Modulite Corporation
    Inventor: Franz K. Weber
  • Patent number: 4757425
    Abstract: A photographic light diffuser is disclosed having a support rod and collapsible frame with a plurality of ribs and stretchers. The frame in the open position defines an opening that is substantially square or rectangular. The frame is covered by a reflective panel and a translucent panel is connected to the reflective panel and positioned over the opening defined by the frame to define an enclosed chamber for receiving a light source. Access to the interior of the enclosed chamber is provided by one or more closeable openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: The F. J. Westcott Co.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Waltz
  • Patent number: 4646213
    Abstract: A cylindrical container of liquid fuel has a removable closure through which projects a tubular fitting supporting an adjustable wick. A set of spring metal support members are mounted on the container and have movable leg portions supporting a cylindrical transparent globe for axial movement between a collapsed position surrounding the container and an elevated position when the leg portions spring outwardly to form a stabilized support. A cover plate mounts on the globe and is retained by a cap member which engages the fitting and seals with the closure when the globe is in its collapsed position. A flexible chain connects the cap member to an L-shaped wire arm pivotally supported by one of the support members for movement between a collapsed position on top of the cover plate to an extended position where the chain may be used to suspend the lantern. The cover plate may be removed and replaced by a support ring having openings outboard of the globe to provide for heating a food container or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventors: Michael W. Fanelli, Edward R. Masters
  • Patent number: 4525773
    Abstract: In a light fixture with a lamp fixture carrier, a tube surrounding at least one current lead, and a carrier part for the tube, the tube can be connected to the carrier part and the lamp fixture carrier. The tube and the receptacle areas for the tube ends have contact pins or contact sockets, respectively, which are connected to each other. These contact pins and contact sockets have contact surfaces that are arranged concentrically to each other and to the central axis of the tube, and the joined parts are pivotable on the tube and around the central axis of the corresponding tube end. Such a light fixture can be put together in various configurations without any wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Inventors: Kurt Hesse, Hartmut Engel
  • Patent number: 4524405
    Abstract: A fan-shape foldable reflector apparatus for use with known flashing or constant beam light-source types, such are generally used by photographers for producing indirect-lighting effects by directing the emitting beam from such a light-source type to impact a reflective surface which faces an area to be so illuminated. The said fan-shape reflector produces similar indirect-lighting effects by causing the beam emitted from such a light-source type to impact this forward-curved reflective means at an upward oblique angle, thereby the beam is refracted, broadened and richochetted as diffused rays onto a subject area to which said reflector is principally faced. This improved reflector additionally comprises all necessary means for attaching and positioning various type light-sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Inventor: Charles M. Heard
  • Patent number: 4520431
    Abstract: A cylindrical container of liquid fuel has a removable closure through which projects a tubular fitting supporting an adjustable wick. A set of spring metal support members are mounted on the container and have movable leg portions supporting a cylindrical transparent globe for axial movement between a collapsed position surrounding the container and an elevated position when the leg portions spring outwardly to form a stabilized support. A cover plate mounts on the globe and is retained by a cap member which engages the fitting and seals with the closure when the globe is in its collapsed position. A flexible chain connects the cap member to an L-shaped wire arm pivotally supported by one of the support members for movement between a collapsed position on top of the cover plate to an extended position where the chain may be used to suspend the lantern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Inventors: Michael W. Fanelli, Edward R. Masters