Patent Publication Number: US-2012033437-A1

Title: Adjustable lamp assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/371,449 filed Aug. 6, 2010, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to lighting apparatus, and more particularly, to lighting apparatus that is adjustable to multiple configurations via its assembly. 
     2. Description of the Related Prior Art 
     Lighting apparatus can be grouped into two basic groups: adjustable and non-adjustable. Some smaller-scale lamps are made to be adjustable; however, this is not the case for all. As is known, many smaller-scale lamps are designed for use on tables, most notably desks. In most cases, such lamps are configured to be easily portable in their entireties. Consequently, such lamps can be moved closer to areas where light is needed, e.g., working or reading areas. However, if such lamps are not also configured to ably direct light in a collective fashion to specific areas of need, the lamps can be found quite inefficient, i.e., the amount of light emitted from the lamp being a much higher percentage than the amount that can be effectively used by a user. 
     The reason for the inefficiency of such smaller non-adjustable lamps is that they are often designed to provide concentric distribution, and result in a generalized type of lighting for a circular area surrounding the lamp. This type of light distribution often involves the lamp having a primarily vertical construction that often is aesthetically pleasing to the onlooker. However, as described above, such lamp design does a rather poor job of collectively directing light for a person working at, or proximate to the lamp, because a significant portion of the light generated from the lamp is not aptly directed for the person&#39;s use. Therefore, while such non-adjustable lamps have a desirable aesthetic appearance, they often lack in efficiency. 
     On the other hand, adjustable lamps typically have one or more portions thereof which can be oriented to collectively direct the light generated there. As a result, they would be considered more efficient with respect to use of such light. However, these lamp designs often involve the one or more portions to angularly project outward from the lamp. Such projection of the one or more lamp portions, unfortunately, tends to compromise the lamp&#39;s aesthetic appearance. Accordingly, with such adjustable lamps, their aesthetic appearance is sacrificed for the lamp&#39;s overall efficiency. 
     In light of the above, lamp designers and manufacturers are often left in a bit quandary in deciding whether a lamp should be created for aesthetic value or for adjustability. The present invention solves these and other problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the adjustable lamp assembly of the present invention involve a plurality of operably-coupled sections that function together and allow the assembly to be selectively adjustable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In such retracted configuration, an extendable section of the assembly is effectively concealed from view; while in such extended configuration, the extendable section is positioned in view and oriented as desired. Consequently, when using such lamp assembly, the assembly can be selectively adjusted between having a clean and shallow profile that enhances its aesthetic appearance and having a diffuse and extended profile that enhances its efficiency for a user. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a lamp assembly shown in a retracted configuration in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the lamp assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the lamp assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the lamp assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the lamp assembly of  FIG. 1  in an extended configuration and directed in one orientation in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is another front perspective view of the lamp assembly of  FIG. 5  directed in another orientation in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a cutout portion of a base section of the lamp assembly of  FIG. 1  in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered identically. The drawings depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It will be understood that embodiments shown in the drawings and described below are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. 
     In the description herein, the term “lamp assembly” is used generally to represent lighting apparatus that is designed to work in conjunction with a light source. While lamp assemblies embodied herein may most notably be associated with table or desk lamps, the invention should not be limited thereto. Instead, the embodiments of the invention described herein are just as applicable to wall- or floor-mounted lamps and/or lamps integrally configured to direct light, yet by their design, lack the ability for such direction to be widely adjusted. Likewise, the term “light source” is used generally herein to represent any source of light that can be directed with the lamp assembly. For example, the light source can involve any means designed to emit light there from, including those sources configured with an outer bulb envelope. In other cases, the light source can simply be a form of light that is harnessed by the lamp assembly and then redirected from the assembly. As alluded to above, it should be understood that description of these few examples are not meant to limit the uses of the embodied adjustable lamp assembly, but conversely to provide a sense of these and other potential applications that the present invention avails itself to. 
     As described above, the adjustable lamp assembly of the present invention as embodied herein involves a plurality of operably-coupled sections that function together, allowing the assembly to be selectively adjustable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the retracted configuration, an extension of the assembly is effectively concealed from view; while in the extended configuration, the extension is revealed and can be oriented as desired. Consequently, when using such lamp assembly, the assembly can be selectively adjusted between having a streamlined profile that enhances its aesthetic appearance and having a protruding profile that enhances its efficiency for a user. 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a lamp assembly in a retracted configuration in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, while  FIGS. 2-4  are alternate views of the lamp assembly in the same configuration. As shown, the lamp assembly  10  includes a base section  12  and a shroud section  14 , where when the assembly is in its retracted configuration, the sections  12 ,  14  are operatively joined. In certain embodiments, the base section  12  and shroud section  14  are formed of plastic, such as ABS plastic; however, the sections  12 ,  14  could be alternately formed of another material or a combination of any desirable materials. 
     The base section  12  can be formed of one or more portions. For example, in certain embodiments, as shown, the base section  12  can be formed of two or more longitudinally-extending segments, including a first such segment  16  being adjacent to a second such segment  18 . As shown, such first and second segments  16 ,  18  can share certain qualities, yet be distinct with respect to other qualities. For example, in certain embodiments, the first and second segments  16 ,  18  can each have a similarly-shaped end, both of which align with each other in forming a substantially smooth outer surface for the base section  12 . Alternatively or in combination with the above, in certain embodiments, one or more portions of the base section  12 , e.g., the first segment  16 , can include an outward aesthetic quality  20 , while one or more other portions of the base section  12 , e.g., second segment  18 , may be without such aesthetic quality. As shown, such aesthetic quality  20  can be a ruffled shape; however it should be appreciated that other shapes and/or aesthetic features could just as well be used in substitute or combination. Reasons for such aesthetic differences between the two segments  16 ,  18  will be described herein. 
     As described above, the base section  12  and the shroud section  14  are operatively joined. In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , when the lamp assembly  10  is in its retracted configuration, the sections  12 ,  14  are oriented so that they substantially align, thereby collectively forming a structure having a streamlined profile. The base section  12  includes first and second opposing ends  22  and  24 . In certain embodiments, the first end  22  forms a base  26  for the lamp assembly  10 , while the second end  24  forms a platform  28  for the shroud section  14 . In certain embodiments, as shown, the second end  24  or platform  28  is configured to lie in contact with the shroud section  14  when the lamp assembly  10  is in its retracted configuration. Similar to the base section  12 , the shroud section  14  also has first and second opposing ends  30  and  32 . As such, the base section second end  24  (the platform  28 ) and the shroud section first end  30  close together when the lamp assembly  10  is adjusted to in its retracted configuration, as will be further described herein. 
     In certain embodiments, the mating ends  24 ,  30  of the base and shroud sections  12 ,  14 , respectively, have differing outer surface profiles. In certain embodiments, one of the ends  24 ,  30  narrows axially with respect to the other. For example, as best exemplified in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the shroud section first end  30  has an outer surface profile  34  that protrudes outward there from. In one such configuration, as illustrated, the profile  34  can be conically shaped so as to extend away from the shroud section first end  30  in a narrowing manner. However, the invention should not be limited to such. For example, the outer surface profile  34  can be shaped as desired. In addition, while such profile  34  is embodied herein as stemming from the shroud section  14 , such profile could alternatively stem from the base section  12 , most notably, the base section second end  24 . In either case, an indentation  36  would be formed that circles the lamp assembly  10  between the base and shroud sections  12 ,  14 . Reasons for having such indentation  36  between the two sections  12 ,  14  will be described herein. 
     Some other features of the lamp assembly  10  depicted in each of the  FIGS. 1-4  (as well as  FIGS. 5 and 6 , not yet discussed) relate to mechanisms for powering the lamp assembly  10 . As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments, the assembly  10  has an electrical cord  38  (partially shown in dashed lines) feeding into the base  26  for providing a source of electric power. However, providing power to the lamp assembly  10  in this fashion should not limit the invention. For example, the assembly  10  could just as well be powered wirelessly, e.g., through batteries or other power storage means. In turn, while not being visibly shown, electrical continuity extends from the terminal end of the cord  38  into the assembly  10  and onto a power button  40 , exemplarily located on the lower section  16  for clear accessibility for the user. In certain embodiments, the power button  40  can be a single pole switch; however, such switch could be further configured as desired. For example, the switch can be equipped with one or more of dimming and/or timing functionalities, the configuration of which would be known to the skilled artisan. 
     Electrical continuity would further internally extend from the power button  40  onto the light source of the lamp assembly  10 . In certain embodiments, the assembly  10  is configured to electrically accept the light source within its shroud section  14 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the shroud section  14  includes an electrical socket  42  for the light source to be accepted therein. While not being shown, in certain embodiments, the light source can involve a simple incandescent bulb. However, the light source, instead of being powered directly through an electric feed, may alternatively need to be initially manipulated, e.g., by ballast means, such as for fluorescent or high-intensity discharge lighting sources. As would be understood, such initial manipulation means could be integral to the light source, but it may also be designed to be remote from the light source. In such cases, such means could be held within, or remote to, the base section  12  of the lamp assembly  10 . 
     As described above, it has been problematic for designers and manufacturers in creating a lamp that exhibits aesthetically-pleasing properties while also being adjustable to exhibit enhanced efficiency for a user. One way to hit upon both these advantageous properties is through the lamp assembly  10  described herein. Through the description with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , applicants have described a retracted configuration of the lamp assembly  10 , whereby the assembly  10  has a streamlined profile for aesthetically-pleasing purposes. However, in that configuration, the assembly  10  provides light, but not in a manner so as to be collectively directed for ideal lighting conditions, e.g., for working or reading under. The lamp assembly  10 , as further described herein, addresses such issues. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  are front perspective views of the lamp assembly  10  in an extended configuration and exemplarily directed in different orientations in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. In such extended configuration, as shown, the shroud section  14  is extended apart from the base section  12 , with the sections  12 ,  14  continuing to be operatively joined. As shown, the sections  12 ,  14  are so joined via a neck section  44 . As shown, the neck section  44  includes tubing  46  formed of material that while having certain elastic properties, possesses certain rigidity so as to maintain its shape after being oriented as desired. In certain embodiments, such tubing material is braided steel; however, other materials exhibiting like properties can be alternately used, such as braided aluminum. The length of the tubing  46  can be varied as desired, so long as the length does not impede the collective rigidity properties thereof. In certain embodiments, such length is no more than about 18″. In more preferable embodiments, such length is no more about 12″, and in most preferred embodiments, such length is between about 6″ and 12″. 
     As shown, secured on the opposing ends of the tubing  46 , i.e., at the base section second end  24  and at the shroud section first end  30 , are couplings  48  and  48 ′, respectively. In certain embodiments, as shown, the couplings  48 ,  48 ′ are tube-shaped segments that have a slightly larger outer diameter than that of the tubing  46 . In certain embodiments, the couplings  48 ,  48 ′ are formed of a rigid material, such as steel. In certain embodiments, the couplings  48 ,  48 ′ have smaller outer diameters than the diameter of an opening  50  defined in the end  24  of the base section  12 . As a result, the couplings  48 ,  48 ′, along with the tubing  46 , are configured to pass relatively undeterred as they emerge or are fed into the opening  50 . 
     In certain embodiments, a supporting assembly  52  is secured to the coupling  48  at an end opposite the coupling end attached to the tubing  46 . Such assembly  52  is shown in  FIG. 7 , which illustrates a side view of an internal portion of the base section  12  in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. As shown, the internal portion involves a channel  54 , within which the supporting assembly  52  is positioned, and along its extent which the assembly  52  is configured to travel. As shown, in certain embodiments, the channel  54  includes a first portion  56  configured to substantially lie within the second segment  18  of the base section  12 , and a second portion  58  extending into the first segment  16  of the base section  12 . In certain embodiments, the channel  54  is configured to house, and thereby to visibly conceal, the neck section  44  when the lamp assembly  10  is in the retracted configuration. The first and second portions  56 ,  58  of the channel  54  can be formed of plastic, e.g., ABS plastic; however, such the materials of such portions  56 ,  58  could be formed of another materials or material combinations as desired. 
     As described above, the supporting assembly  52  is positioned within the channel  54 , and is kept therein in both the retracted and extended configurations of the lamp assembly  10 . In certain embodiments, the assembly  52  involves a ring gasket  60  sandwiched between a pair of plastic rings  62 . As such, one of the plastic rings  62  is secured to the coupling  48  at an end opposite the coupling end attached to the tubing  46 . Accordingly, when the lamp assembly  10  is in the retracted configuration, the supporting assembly  52  lies at a proximal end of the channel  54  (as is shown in  FIG. 7 ), yet lies at a distal end of the channel  54  when the lamp assembly  10  is in the extended configuration (as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). In such extended configuration, the assembly  52  comes into contact with a catch  64  of the channel  54 . 
     In certain embodiments, the catch  64  is formed of a pair of protrusions  66 , e.g., prongs, which extend from opposing sides of the channel  54  at the distal end thereof. In certain embodiments, the protrusions  66  are oriented inward in the channel  54  so as to releasably interlock with the supporting assembly  52  as it passes thereby. In particular, the protrusions  66  are flanked externally by slots  68 , enabling the protrusions  66  to bend outward to accept the supporting assembly  52  there between, and then to snap back inward to close upon the assembly  52 , thereby interlocking the assembly  52  there between. In certain embodiments, the protrusions  66  close upon the ring gasket  60  of the assembly  52  as such gasket  60  is formed of an elastic material, such as rubber. In turn, once the protrusions  66  snap back inward to close upon the ring gasket  60 , the surrounding plastic rings  62  of the supporting assembly  52  sandwich such protrusions  66 , providing a secure linkage between the assembly  52  and the channel  54 . 
     In certain embodiments, the protrusions  66  are formed of plastic, such as ABS plastic, and as shown, project from opposing sides of the channel  54  of the base section  12 . Further, in certain embodiments, the first portion  56  of the channel  54  includes a pair of fasteners  70  (only one of which is shown in  FIG. 7 ) on opposing sides of the channel  54  which are used to secure such portion  56  to the base section  12 , most notably, the second segment  18  thereof. Such securement of the first portion  56  to the second segment  18  prevents the channel  54  from moving, e.g., spinning, with respect to the base section  12  when the lamp assembly  10  is in the extended configuration and the shroud section  14  is oriented as desired. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in certain embodiments, the channel  54  (shown with dashed lines) extends downward into the base section  12  from its opening  50 . As described above, such channel  54  is sized to contain the coupling  48  and tubing  46  when the lamp assembly  10  is in the retracted configuration. The ring gasket  60  and plastic clips  62  of the supporting assembly  52  have outer diameters that are substantially similar to an inner diameter of the channel  54  such that the outer surfaces of the assembly  52  and inner surface of the channel  54  are in loose contact there between as the assembly  52  is moved within the channel  54 . Such contact between the supporting assembly  52  and the channel  54  serves to substantially secure the shroud section  14  to the base section  12  when the lamp assembly  10  is in the retracted configuration. 
     The method of converting the lamp assembly  10  from its extended configuration to its retracted configuration, and vice versa, is further detailed below. As described above, in the retracted configuration, the base and shroud sections  12 ,  14  are operatively joined. In certain embodiments, as described above, such joining of the sections  12 ,  14  is a function of the channel  54 . The coupling  48 ′ is secured to the first end  30  of the shroud section  14  via the use of fastening means, such as fasteners, adhesive, clamps, or the like. Consequently, when the lamp assembly  10  is converted from its extended configuration to its retracted configuration, a downward force is exerted on the tubing  46  so as to free the supporting assembly  52  from the catch  64 . In turn, the coupling  48  and tubing  46  of the neck section  44  are freely fed into the channel  54  through the base section opening  50  until contact is made between the ends  24 ,  30  of the base and shroud sections  12 ,  14 . As a result, once contact is made between the ends  24 ,  30 , the neck section is held within the channel  54  and visibly concealed from view. The channel  54 , as a consequence of it securely contacting the supporting assembly  52  therein, provides a secure joining of the shroud section  14  with the base section  12 . 
     Conversely, when the lamp assembly  10  is converted from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration, the shroud section  14  is pulled apart from the base section  12 . The loose contact between the supporting assembly  52  and the channel  54  provides some measure of resistance such that the neck section  44  does not slide back within the base section  12  in the event of temporarily releasing such pulling force. In pulling the shroud section  14  from the base section  12 , the tubing  46  emerges through the opening  50  and out of the base section  12 . In so doing, the other coupling  48  emerges from the opening  50  until the supporting assembly  52  secured thereto travels between the catch  64 , where upon it interlocks with the assembly  52 . As a consequence, the coupling  48  is in turn suspended by the catch  64  and provides a secure supporting device for the shroud section  14  in its extended state. 
     From this description, it should be appreciated that the lamp assembly  10 , through its transformative properties, provides a lamp that exhibits aesthetically-pleasing properties in one configuration, while being easily adaptable to exhibit high lighting efficiency if and when needed. Accordingly, the lamp assembly  10  would be ideal for endless applications in which general lighting from a streamlined, more aesthetically pleasing lamp is required at certain times, yet which is adjustable so as to direct the generated light in a collective fashion, thereby making the lamp more efficient for working, reading, etc. To that end, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the adjustability of the lamp assembly  10  in its extended configuration, via the flexible tubing  46  of its neck section  44 , provides virtually unlimited versatility with respect to directing the light. 
     Additional design considerations alluded to above can now be addressed. Creation of the indentation  36  between the base and shroud sections  12 ,  14  via the outer surface profile  34  on one of the base section second end  24  or the shroud section first end  30  forms a catch for the user to utilize. In use, such catch provides a starting point for the user as he pulls the shroud section  14  from the base section  12 . Once the shroud section  14  begins to pull free, the indentation  36  widens, thereby presenting the user an improved region to continue pulling from at the shroud section end  30 . Consequently, the user is not otherwise motivated to shift his grasp at the opposing end  32  of the section  14 . Such opposing end  32  can often be more delicate and fragile than other end  30  of the shroud section  14 ; therefore, handling of such is intended to be limited. 
     Motivation for differing aesthetics between the first and second segments  16 ,  18  of the base section  12  is derived from the manner in which the lamp assembly  10  is converted between configurations. As described above, in certain embodiments, the first segment  16  is provided with an aesthetic quality  20 , while the second segment  18  lacks such a quality. From the figures, as the second segment  18  forms the base section end  24 , it is touched/handled more often then the first segment  16 , particularly in converting the lamp assembly  10  from one configuration to the other, and vice versa. Consequently, it would be preferable for the second segment  18  to not share the aesthetic quality because such second segment  18  is more prone to marking from such periodic touching/handling Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the second section  18  is without aesthetic feature, or alternately, lacking the same aesthetic feature of the first section  16 , so that any marking/scuffing of the second segment  18  does not detract from the aesthetic quality  20  of the first segment  16 . 
     In light of the above, the second segment  18  can be of substantially less size than that of the first segment  20 . In certain embodiments, the second segment  18  is no more than about 25% of a comparable size as that of the first segment  20 . In preferred embodiments, the second segment  18  is no more than about 15% of a comparable size as that of the first segment  20 . In most preferred embodiments, the second segment  18  is no more than between about 10% and 15% of a comparable size as that of the first segment  20 . 
     It should be appreciated that in describing herein that the lamp assembly  10  has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, it could just as well be described and intends the same meaning as describing that the shroud section  14  of the lamp assembly  10  has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. This is because the shroud section  14  forms a part of the lamp assembly  10  that is being extracted and retracted relative to the base section  10 . It will be appreciated the embodiments of the present invention can take many forms. The true essence and spirit of these embodiments of the invention are defined in the appended claims, and it is not intended the embodiment of the invention presented herein should limit the scope thereof.