GB2322931A

GB2322931A - Lamp shade and suspension means therefor

Info

Publication number: GB2322931A
Application number: GB9704492A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Malcolm Eric Mchugh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-03-05
Filing date: 1997-03-05
Publication date: 1998-09-09
Also published as: EP0965017A1; AU5997998A; WO1998039597A1; GB9704492D0

Abstract

A lightshade or lampshade has an outer surface shaped and configured to represent a sporting article (typically a ball) and is provided with at least one distinct receiving zone shaped and dimensioned to receive a corresponding image element adhering thereto. The surface of the article may be provided with relief features corresponding to relief features of the corresponding sporting article (for example stitching on a football). A suspension arrangement is also disclosed having suspension elements movable to and from a clamping position in which the electrical flex suspending a light bulb is clamped.

Description

Light or Lamp Shade Arrangement and Suspension Means Therefor The present invention relates to a light or lamp shade arrangement and suspension means therefor.

According to a first aspect the invention provides a light or lamp shade arrangement comprising a shade element having a general outer surface profile shaped and configured to represent a sporting article and having at least one distinct receiving zone of the outer surface shaped and dimensioned to receive thereon a corresponding discrete image element placed in register with and adhering to the outer surface of the shade.

It is preferred that the outer surface profile of the shade element is provided with one or more relief features corresponding to associated relief features of the respective sporting article. The sporting article represented is preferably a ball and may for example comprise a football, tennis ball, rugby ball, or the like. The one or more relief features of the ball are preferably representative of, for example, stitching or bonding lines commonly joining adjacent surface panels on sporting balls of the kinds referred to above.

Desirably therefore, the one or more relief features define a pre determined surface pattern on the outer surface of the shade. Advantageously, the receiving zone is substantially free from relief features, preferably being entirely devoid thereof. The extent of the one or more relief features may therefore define the limit or boundaries of respective receiving zones.

The shade element is preferably disposed about a central axis, desirably being substantially symmetrically disposed about the central axis. Advantageously, the shade element is substantially circular in section transverse to the central axis.

The shade element preferably comprises a relatively thin walled structure, advantageously of plastics material (preferably moulded plastics material). Advantageously, the shade element is provided with an opening permitting a light bulb to be fitted within the shade element.

The degree of curvature of the receiving zone preferably differs from the degree of curvature of the surface of the shade element adjacent the receiving zone. Advantageously the degree of curvature of the receiving zone is less than the degree of curvature of the surface of the shade element adjacent the receiving zone. The curvature of the receiving zone preferably approximates more to a substantially flat or planar zone than does the curvature of the surface of the shade element adjacent the receiving zone. Desirably the surface of the receiving zone is substantially smooth.

The image element is preferably arranged to be bonded to the receiving zone.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising: i) a shade element having a general outer surface profile shaped and configured to represent a sporting article and having at least one distinct receiving zone of the outer surface; and, ii) at least one discrete image element shaped and dimensioned to fit within the receiving zone when placed in register therewith.

It is preferred that bonding means is provided enabling the image element to be securely bonded in register with the outer surface of the shade element in the receiving zone. In a preferred embodiment, the image element is provided with a backing of bonding means, preferably an adhesive and or tacky backing layer arranged to stick the image element to the shade element surface. The adhesive or tacky layer may be permanently adhesive or tacky (in which a peelable backing cover layer is provided). Alternatively, the backing may only become adhesive or tacky when activated by a suitable agent (for example by wetting for a dry gummed layer). As a further alternative the image element may comprise a delcalcomania or transfer.

It is preferred that the image element has an outer boundary contour shaped to correspond to the outer boundary contour of the receiving zone. Preferably the outer boundary contour of the image element is dimensioned so as to be positioned in register with the receiving zone and wholly received within the boundary contour of the receiving zone, advantageously such that a margin is present between the respective outer boundary contours of the image element and receiving zone.

Desirably a plurality of distinct receiving zones are provided on the outer surface of the shade element; in one embodiment the distinct receiving zones may have respectively different shapes and configurations. A corresponding plurality of image elements are preferably provided shaped and configured to correspond to respective receiving zones.

The image elements preferably depict sporting articles or players.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides suspension means for suspending a lamp shade or light shade arrangement, the suspension means comprising first and second suspension elements connected to the shade arrangement so as to bear the load thereof, the first and second suspension elements being movable between a clamping position in which clamping portions of the respective suspension elements are arranged in relatively close proximity to one another, and a release position, in which the which clamping portions of the respective suspension elements are spaced relatively further apart; securing means being provided for securing the suspension elements with respective clamping portions in the clamping position.

In the clamping position, the clamping portions are arranged to clampingly engage therebetween a portion of the electrical flex from which a light bulb is suspended. The spacing of the clamping portions in the release position is sufficient to permit positioning of the shade in position, preferably permitting the light bulb to pass through the gap between the clamping portions of the suspension elements.

The suspension elements may be directly connected to the shade arrangement, or alternatively, may be connected to the shade arrangement by means of respective interconnecting elements. In a preferred embodiment, at least one (preferably both) of the suspension elements are connected to the shade arrangement so as to be pivotally movable relative to one another between the clamping and release positions.

Advantageously, the suspension elements comprise elongate members arranged to be substantially parallel to one another in the clamping position, at least one of the suspension elements (preferably both) having opposed ends pivotally mounted relative to the shade arrangement. Desirably, the elongate suspension elements have arcuate portions such that they are generally bow shaped in configuration. The suspension elements are preferably connected to the shade arrangement proximate the uppermost portion thereof, advantageously spanning the upper aperture (or gap) of the shade.

The clamping portions of the respective suspension elements are preferably provided with respective gripping formations, such as for example respective tab portions having knurled or textured surface features, preferably arranged to grip the flex without piercing the protective plastics sheath thereof.

The securing means preferably comprises fastener means arranged to selectively hold the clamping portions of the respective suspension elements in fixed relationship to one another when in the clamping position. The fastener means is releasable, permitting the clamping portions of the respective suspension elements to be moved to the release position. The fastener means preferably comprises a fastener element arranged to be carried by one of the suspension elements (preferably projecting transversely therefrom) and provided with engagement means for secure engagement with the other of the suspension elements. The fastener element may be formed integrally with the carrier suspension element.

The engagement means of the fastener element preferably comprises a channel or hook formation shaped and dimensioned to receive the breadth of a portion of the other suspension element therein, preferably in "snap-f it" engagement. Advantageously, the engagement means is arranged to engage with the other of the suspension elements in a plurality of different configurations permitting differing flex thicknesses to be accommodated. To this end a plurality of spaced channel or hook formations may be provided, extending transversely from the suspension element carrying the fastener element.

The invention will now be further described in a specific embodiment by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure la is a prospective side view of a shade arrangement according to the invention; Figure ib is a plan view of a series of stickers comprising a kit in accordance with the invention; Figure ic is a plan view of the shade arrangement of Figure la; Figure 2a is a plan view of a second embodiment of shade arrangement according to the invention; Figure 2b is a side view of the shade arrangement of Figure 2a; Figure 3a is a side view of exemplary suspension means according to the invention; Figure 3b is a plan view of the suspension means of Figure 3a and Figures 4a and 4b are perspective and plan views of a respective component comprising the suspension means of Figures 3a and 3c.

Referring to the drawing and initially Figures la-lc, there is shown a shade arrangement generally designated 1, comprising a translucent plastics thin walled ball 2 shaped and configured to be representative of a football. Ball 2 has a pentagonal uppermost opening 3, spanned by suspension means 4, arranged to be secured to a length of electrical flex 5 is such that a light bulb (not shown) is received within the interior of the ball shade 2. The outer surface of the ball shade 2 is provided with raised relief lines 6, defining a series of edge linked hexagons and pentagons corresponding to the edge linked hexagonal and pentagonal pattern of stitching on a football.

A discrete receiving zone 9, has an outer peripheral boundary 10, within which relief lines 6 do not extend.

Receiving zone 9 is therefore devoid of relief features, and provides a smooth surface zone for adhering in register therewith, an adhesive backed image element (sticker 11), depicting a football player in kit. It can be seen from Figure la that receiving zone 9 interrupts a plurality of the relief lines 6 defining the relief line pattern on the surface of ball shade 2, and that zone 9 (defined by boundary 10) is of greater area than the sticker 11.

The ball shade 2 is preferably provided with a plurality of spaced receiving zones 9 (such as ball receiving zone 8) each arranged to receive a respective image element 11.

Image elements 11 are preferably supplied adhesive backed and presented on peelable backing 12 as shown in Figure lb. The purchaser buys a kit or set comprising the ball shade arrangement 1 and one or more image element stickers 11. The purchaser may therefore select stickers representing favourite players/clubs as desired and position them on the relevant respective receiving zone 9 of the ball shade surface 2.

Referring to Figures 2 and 2a, a further embodiment is shown in which the relief line in pattern 6 conforms to a different pattern. The receiving zone 9 is also of differing degree of curvature to the general degree of curvature of the outer surface of the ball shade 2. Sticker 11 is adhered in register with receiving zone 9 in the same manner as for the first embodiment described.

Referring to Figures 3a and 4b there is shown, in detail, suspension arrangement 4 for use in suspending a light shade 2 from a length of electrical flex 5. The electrical flex 5 extends downwardly through aperture 3 such that a light bulb (not shown) is positioned in the interior of the shade 2.

The suspension arrangement 4, comprises a pair of elongate bow elements 16,17 each pivotally mounted relative to one another at respective opposed ends and to the shade 1 so as to the span the aperture 3. Bow elements 16,17 are pivotally movable from a relatively spaced (open) configuration in which the light bulb and flex can pass therebetween to position the bulb in the interior of the shade, and a "clamped" position (shown in the drawings) in which the flex is securely clamped between the bow elements 16,17.

Bow elements 16,17 are permitted to flex to a certain extent to promote secure gripping. Furthermore, each bow element 16,17 is substantially identical and provided with a respective gripping tab 19 (shown most clearly in Figure 4a) which has a knurled textured surface specifically designed to grippingly engage the flex 5. Each bow element 16,17 also carries a fastener element 20 arranged to engage with a necked (reduced dimension) portion 18 of the other respective bow element so as to secure gripping tabs 19 in gripping engagement with the flex in the clamping position.

Each fastener element 20 comprises a plastic protrusion extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the respective bow elements 16,17 and provided with a channel formation 21 shaped and dimensioned to receive the thickness of necked portion 18 of the other respective bow element therein in "snap fitting" engagement. Figure 3a shows the snap fit engagement of a respective fastener 20 with respective bow shaped element 16/17.

One end of each bow element 16/17 is provided with a pivot projection 23. the other end of each bow element 16/17 is provided with a respective aperture 24 shaped and dimensioned to receive the pivot projection provided on the respective other low element so as to permit relative pivotal movement. Each pivot projection 23 received in a respective receiving bush or recess provided in the shade at diametrically opposed edges of aperture 3.

The suspension means of the present invention provides a convenient manner for suspending a light shade from an electrical flex.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A light or lamp shade arrangement comprising a shade element having a general outer surface profile shaped and configured to represent a sporting article and having at least one distinct receiving zone of the outer surface shaped and dimensioned to receive thereon a corresponding discrete image element placed in register with and adhering to the outer surface of the shade.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the shade element is provided with one or more relief features corresponding to associated relief features of the respective sporting article.

3. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the one or more relief features define a predetermined surface pattern on the outer surface of the shade.

4. An arrangement according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the receiving zone is substantially free from relief features.

5. An arrangement according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the extent of the one or more relief features defines the limit or boundary of a respective receiving zone.

6. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the sporting article represented is a ball, the outer surface of the shade element is provided with one or more relief features corresponding to associated relief features of the respective sporting article, the one or more relief features of the ball are representative of stitching or bonding lines commonly joining adjacent surface panels on the sporting ball represented.

7. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the shade element is substantially symmetrically disposed about a central axis.

8. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, comprising a thin walled structure of plastics material.

9. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the degree of curvature of the receiving zone differs from the degree of curvature of the surface of the shade element adjacent the receiving zone.

10. An arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the degree of curvature of the receiving zone is less than the degree of curvature of the surface of the shade element adjacent the receiving zone.

11. An arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the curvature of the receiving zone approximates more to a substantially flat or planar zone than does the curvature of the surface of the shade element adjacent the receiving zone.

12. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface of the receiving zone is substantially smooth.

13. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the image element has an outer boundary contour shaped to correspond to the outer boundary contour of the receiving zone.

14. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer boundary contour of the image element is dimensioned so as to be positioned in register with the receiving zone and wholly received within the boundary contour of the receiving zone.

15. An arrangement according to claim 14, wherein a margin is present between the respective outer boundary contours of the image element and receiving zone.

16. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of distinct receiving zones are provided on the outer surface of the shade element, a corresponding plurality of image elements being provided shaped and configured to correspond to respective receiving zones.

17. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the image elements depict sporting articles or players.

18. An arrangement according to any of claims 2 to 17, wherein the boundary of the receiving zone appears to intersect one or more relief features.

19. A kit comprising: i) a shade element having a general outer surface profile shaped and configured to represent a sporting article and having at least one distinct receiving zone of the outer surface; and ii) at least one discrete image element shaped and dimensioned to fit within the receiving zone when placed in register therewith.

20. A kit according to claim 19, wherein bonding means is provided enabling the image element to be securely bonded in register with the outer surface of the shade element in the receiving zone.

21. A kit according to claim 20, wherein the image element is provided with a backing of bonding means.

22. A kit according to claim 21, wherein the backing of bonding means comprises an adhesive and/or tacky backing layer arranged to stick the image element to the shade element surface.

23. A kit according to claim 22, wherein the adhesive or tacky layer is permanently adhesive or tacky, a peelable backing cover layer being provided.

24. A kit according to claim 22, wherein the backing is arranged to become adhesive or tacky when activated by a suitable agent.

25. A kit according to claim 22, wherein the image element comprises a delcalcomania or transfer.

26. A kit according to any of claims 19 to 25, wherein the image element has an outer boundary contour shaped to correspond to the outer boundary contour of the receiving zone.

27. A kit according to any of claims 19 to 26, wherein the outer boundary contour of the image element is dimensioned so as to be positioned in register with the receiving zone and wholly received within the boundary contour of the receiving zone.

28. A kit according to claim 27, wherein a margin is present between the respective outer boundary contours of the image element and receiving zone.

29. A kit according to any of claims 19 to 28, wherein a plurality of distinct receiving zones are provided on the outer surface of the shade element, a corresponding plurality of image elements being provided shaped and configured to correspond to respective receiving zones.

30. A kit according to any of claims 18 to 28, wherein the image elements depict sporting articles or players.

31. Suspension means for suspending a lamp shade or light shade arrangement, the suspension means comprising first and second suspension elements connected to the shade arrangement so as to bear the load thereof, the first and second suspension elements being movable between a clamping position in which clamping portions of the respective suspension elements are arranged in relatively close proximity to one another, and a release position, in which the which clamping portions of the respective suspension elements are spaced relatively further apart; securing means being provided for securing the suspension elements with respective clamping portions in the clamping position.

32. Suspension means according to claim 31, wherein the clamping portions are arranged to clampingly engage therebetween a portion of the electrical flex from which a light bulb is suspended.

33. Suspension means according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the spacing of the clamping portions in the release position is such that in positioning the shade in position, the light bulb is permitted to pass through the gap between the clamping portions of the suspension elements.

34. Suspension means according to any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the suspension elements are directly connected to the shade arrangement.

35. Suspension means according to any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the suspension elements are connected to the shade arrangement by means of respective interconnecting elements.

36. Suspension means according to any of claims 31 to 35, wherein at least one of the suspension elements is connected to the shade arrangement so as to be pivotally movable between the clamping and release positions.

37. Suspension means according to any of claims 31 to 36, wherein the suspension elements comprise elongate members arranged to be substantially parallel to one another in the clamping position, at least one of the suspension elements having opposed ends pivotally mounted relative to the shade arrangement.

38. Suspension means according to any of claims 31 to 36, wherein the elongate suspension elements have arcuate portions such that they are generally bow shaped in configuration.

39. Suspension means according to any of claims 31 to 36, wherein the suspension elements are connected to the shade arrangement proximate the uppermost portion thereof spanning the upper aperture (or gap) of the shade.

40. Suspension means according to any of claims 31 to 39, wherein the clamping portions of the respective suspension elements are provided with respective gripping formations, arranged to grip the electrical flex without piercing the protective plastics sheath thereof.

41. Suspension means according to any of claims 31 to 40, wherein the securing means preferably comprises fastener means arranged to selectively hold the clamping portions of the respective suspension elements in fixed relationship to one another when in the clamping position.

42. Suspension means according to claim 41, wherein the fastener means is releasable, permitting the clamping portions of the respective suspension elements to be moved to the release position.

43. Suspension means according to claim 41 or claim 42, wherein the fastener means comprises a fastener element arranged to be carried by one of the suspension elements and provided with engagement means for secure engagement with the other of the suspension elements.

44. Suspension means according to claim 43, wherein the fastener element is formed integrally with the suspension element.

45. Suspension means according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the engagement means of the fastener element comprises a channel or hook formation shaped and dimensioned to receive the breadth of a portion of the other suspension element therein.

46. Suspension means according to any of claims 31 to 45, wherein the engagement means is arranged to engage with the other of the suspension elements in a plurality of different configurations permitting differing flex thicknesses to be accommodated.

47. A light or lamp shade arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

48. A kit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

49. Suspension means substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.