Patent Publication Number: US-7213950-B1

Title: Detachable light shade for wall fixture lighting

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present Utility patent application claims priority to provisional application for U.S. Pat. No. 60/535,096 filed on Jan. 9, 2004. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to lighting fixtures. More particularly, the invention relates to decorative light shade frames designed to detachably fit over a wall mounted light fixture. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   There have been many attempts to achieve convenient, aesthetically appealing light shades for wall mounted light fixtures that alter light illumination in desired ways, such as diffusing the glare of the light bulbs. However, known approaches have proven to be less than convenient in many application. For example, most conventional approaches require the inconvenient assembly of multiple pieces, or use of hardware, for covering the light or bulbs. Moreover, conventional approaches tend not to allow easy access to change light bulbs without making inconvenient adjustments to the covered frame. Conventional approaches also often attach to the mounted light fixture by attachment means such as clasp, clamps, or magnets, thereby resulting in opportunities to scratch or damage visible surfaces of the light fixture. 
   In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved light shading techniques for wall mounted light fixtures. It would be desirable if the light shade was cost effective to manufacture and did not require any substantial assembly thereof by the end user. It would be further desirable if it were also convenient to change light bulbs in the fixture without having to adjust the light shade. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a top, frontward perspective view of a light fixture shade according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a left side, transparent view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  mounted onto a representative wall lighting fixture; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of a mounting tab in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where  FIG. 4   a  illustrates a right side view thereof, the right side being identical to the left (not shown); and 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in the process of being mounted onto the representative wall lighting fixture of  FIG. 2 . 
   

   Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a variety of techniques to make detachable light shades for wall fixture lighting are described. 
   In one embodiment, a wire frame means for structurally supporting a light shading material is provided, wherein the light shading material is joined onto a least one side of the structural supporting means that is not a top or bottom side thereof. Means, such as mounting tabs, are further provided for removably joining the structural supporting means to the wall mounted light fixture or in proximity thereof. 
   An aspect of the present invention is to provide a decorative light shade for a light fixture enhancement that softens direct glare from exposed light bulbs and requires minimal installation time and effort. 
   Another aspect of the present invention to provide for the relatively easy changing of light bulbs without requiring the removal or adjustment of the present light shade. In some embodiments of the present invention, this is achieved by providing a frame design that has an open top and bottom on the frame design, which leaves a large enough area to relatively easily access and change light bulbs. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a relatively safe means of attachment to the light fixture. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by way of a tab that is flanked between the wall and mounted light, instead of attaching directly onto the light fixture or bulb itself. 
   Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
   Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a top, frontward perspective view of a light fixture shade  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary wire frame shown in is shaped into a generally rectangular top rim  110  that is fixedly attached by known means (e.g., welding, gluing, fasteners, etc.) to a three-sided bottom rim  120  by way of wire struts  130 , thereby forming light shade side panel areas  140  and a light shade front panel area  150 . The formed panel areas  140  and  150  are covered by known light shading materials as illustrated representatively by the hatched textures therein. A back wall mounting side, opposite the front panel area, is left open. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize a multiplicity of alternative frame styles and sizes, which may be achieved by the simple bending and welding of frame wire according to the needs of the particular application. In some embodiments, not all of the front, left, or right sides of the present light fixture shade are covered with light shading material. 
   The light shading material may be configured onto the present wire frame in any suitable way known to those skilled in the art. In the embodiment shown, the light shading material is stretched tightly over the frame and then fixed onto the frame by known attachment means such as sewing, Velcro, gluing, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize the proper selection of the light shading material to achieve a desired lighting effect. For example, to alter illumination from the light, various materials that qualify with weight, sheerness, and heat resistance may be used to cover the frame. One suitable light shading material is fabric. Other options include, but are not limited to, cloth, beads, metal mesh, parchment, and plastics. In some embodiments, when sewing fabric onto the frame, tape or fabric strips are used to first wrap the coated wire. Alternative embodiments use tape or trim and cording to additionally enhance the covers finished look. 
   To enable the mounting of light fixture shade  100  onto a wall mounted lighting fixture, light fixture mounting tabs  160  are movably attached onto the back wall mounting side of top rim  110 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a left side, transparent view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  mounted onto a representative wall lighting fixture  200  (e.g., a bathroom bar light, etc.), wherein the right side view is identical to the left view shown. To mount light fixture shade  100  onto wall lighting fixture  200 , mounting tabs  160  are slid between the wall and the top of the mounted light fixture to hold the frame on the mounted light. In the Figure, wall lighting fixture  200  is shown as a transparent cross-section to show by way of example, and not limitation, how mounting tabs  160  are lodged into a recess between the wall and the top, wall side of wall lighting fixture  200 . Mounting tabs  160  are preferably very thin, and have smoothed edges to protect against causing scratches or otherwise harming the light fixture or wall. The wire frame may be made in a multiplicity of styles and sizes. Preferably, the wire frame design provides a safe/robust distance between the light shading material and the light bulbs of wall lighting fixture  200 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing mounting tabs  160  movably attached to the rear wire of top rim  110 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of a mounting tab in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where  FIG. 4   a  illustrates a right side view thereof, the right side being identical to the left, which is not shown. As shown in the Figures, there is a curl at the top of mounting tab  160  that is shaped to wrap around the rear wire of top rim  110 . Mounting tabs  160  are preferably movably attached to the rear of top rim  110  such that they may be slid along and rotated about the rear wire of top rim  110 ; thus permitting mounting tabs  160  to be adjusted to mate into a slot-like fit with a slot receiving location that is typically formed between the mounted light fixture and the wall it is fixed upon. However, some alternative embodiments may fix the mounting tabs onto the wire frame such that they are immovable and are, moreover, sized to mate into certain predefined mounting slots associated with the light fixture. The preferred mounting tab is appropriately sized such that it does not interfere with screws used to fix the light fixture to the wall, thereby enhancing the ease of using the shade. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will recognize a multiplicity of alternative and suitable embodiments for the mounting tabs and the attachment thereof. The mounting tabs may be added during or after manufacturing of the wire frame. Suitable means of attaching the mounting tabs to the back of the top rim includes, but is not limited to, being welded on, pressed on, wrapped or curled around the wire, or any combinations of these techniques. Moreover, the mounting tabs may be replaced by any known and suitable attachment means including, but not limited to, small rods, pin type items, or straps. 
   One aspect of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1–3  is that the bottom and top of light fixture shade  100  is open, which not only directs light illumination, but also provides relatively easy access to the light fixture when light bulbs require replacement. 
   In an exemplary implementation of light fixture shade  100 , the wire frame is made of C-1008 cold drawn steel and the mounting tabs are made of 0.025 gauge thin aluminum that is curled at the top around the rear wire of top rim  110 . Dependent on the particular design choice and light fixture to be covered, mounting tabs  160  typically may sized from widths of ¼ inch to 36 inches and lengths of ¾ inch to 5 inches. Mounting tabs  160  may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, steel, copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic. In some embodiments, some, or all, metal components of the present light fixture shade (e.g., the wire frame and the mounting tabs) are coated, finished, on their exterior by known means to prevent or retard rust or types of corrosion or to provide a desired aesthetic appearance. One common finishing technique is zinc plating or powder coatings. 
   One process to make a light fixture shade according to the principles of the present invention is to start with shaping, welding, grinding and coating wire to desired wire frame form. Typically, the wire frame is formed to cover the length, width, and dept of the light fixture that the present light fixture shade is to be attached to. The wire frame may be covered by sewing onto, otherwise adhering, light shading materials onto the wire frame that diffuse light from the light fixture and are, preferably, resistant to heat radiated from the light bulbs. Suitable light shading materials, include, but are not limited to: fabrics, cloth, papers, skins, plastics, and beads. Dependent on what procedure is optimal, the mounting tabs may be added before or after covering the frame. Of course, any welding should be done before adding the light shading material. The mounting tabs are then, either bent to wrap the rear wire of the top rim, directly welded, or used in combination, otherwise, fixed/movably adhered thereon. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in the process of being mounted onto the representative wall lighting fixture of  FIG. 2 , wherein the dashed lines show the alignment of mounting tabs  160  as light fixture shade  100  is descended upon wall lighting fixture  200  where mounting tabs  160  will be lodged into a typically preexisting receiving slot in the back of lighting fixture  200 . 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 1–3 , although two mounting tabs  160  are shown in the Figures, alternative embodiments (not shown) may have any number, but at least one, of mounting tabs depending on the needs of the particular application. 
   Some embodiments (not shown) may not include three-sided bottom rim  120 , whereby wire struts  130  and the light shading material itself are designed to provide and adequate degree of structural support. Moreover, yet other embodiments (not shown) that do include three-sided bottom rim  120 , but are further provided with a structural support wire bridging the wall side of bottom rim  120  (thereby making a four sided bottom rim) such that mounting tabs  160  may be attached thereon in a similar manner as described for movably attached them to the rear wire of top rim  110 , thereby providing a mounting means from below the light fixture in addition to or in place of the top rim mounting means shown in the Figures. Similarly, alternative embodiments (not shown) exist that, in addition to or in place of the top rim mounting means shown in the Figures, attach mounting tabs  160  to the vertical wires of the wire frame that rest on the wall in a similar manner as described for movably attached them to the rear wire of top rim  110 , thereby providing a mounting means to the left and right sides light fixture. 
   Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing detachable light shades for wall fixture lighting according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The described embodiments in the foregoing were directed to implementations that covered the entire lighting fixture; however, similar techniques may be readily adapted to, instead, provide individual shading for each light bulb thereof rather than one shade frame that covers entire light fixture. Thus, such light bulb shading implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.