Patent Publication Number: US-6902297-B1

Title: Decorative lamp cover

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/274,592 filed, Oct. 21, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,136. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to lamp shades or covers and more particularly to such devices for primarily exterior lighting applications that are durable, readily interchangeable and fashionably decorative. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Decorative exterior lighting, for example along walkways, driveways and in garden areas, has become very popular. Such lighting can be low voltage, i.e. 12/24 volts driven by a transformer or solar powered, or 110 volts (in the U.S.). Low voltage lighting produces relatively small amounts of heat and thus is low temperature, while the more conventional incandescent lighting produces significant heat and higher temperatures, on the order of several hundred degrees Fahrenheit. The latter situation is particularly prevalent in the case of pole lighting fixtures and sconces such as are used on either side of doors. 
   Similarly, the use of “theme” decorations around homes during the different festive seasons of the year, e.g. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc., is also common. It has therefore been found desirable to use existing exterior lighting fixtures as the basis for the installation of such theme decorations at the appropriate times of the year. 
   Until the present time, most such decorative devices associated with, for example, exterior lighting as described above, have comprised inexpensive lamp shades or covers fabricated from paper or inexpensive plastics that are designed to surround the entire lighting fixture at a safe distance so as not to expose the shade or cover to heat from the lighting device. Such prior art devices are, largely because of their materials of fabrication, not sufficiently weather, UV, etc. resistant as to be satisfactorily used more than about one season before disposal. Additionally, because of their design to surround the entire fixture much like a sack or bag, (due to the large number of differing shapes and designs of such lighting fixtures) their location upon the lighting fixture can be disturbed by, for example, wind thereby disrupting their decorative value. 
   It would therefore be desirable to have decorative covers or shades for, for example, exterior lighting that provide easy interchangeability without the use of tools and secure attachment to such lighting fixtures while being fabricated from materials that exhibit superior UV, weather, etc. resistance thereby providing many years of useful service. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a durable and highly decorative lamp cover for, for example, exterior lighting devices that is readily interchangeable, heat, weather and UV resistant and that can be safely and securely attached to both high and low voltage lighting systems. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to the present invention, there is provided a lamp cover comprising a hollow pliant shell having an exterior surface in the form of a decorative shape and an interior surface having pliant ribs extending inwardly from the interior surface, which ribs are of a size and shape as to frictionally engage the exterior of a light fixture lens, bulb cover or bulb. According to a preferred embodiment, the lamp cover is fabricated from a pliable and high temperature resistant polymeric material that permits its close contact with a low voltage or conventional light bulb. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be best understood when the following detailed description is read in light of the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals refer to like features and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a partially phantom front view of one embodiment of the lamp cover of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1A  is a partially phantom front view of another embodiment of the lamp cover of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is an elevational view of one type of lighting fixture to which the lamp cover of the present invention can be applied. 
       FIG. 4  is a partially phantom rear view of the embodiment of the lamp cover of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  applied to the lighting fixture depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  is a partially phantom rear view of the embodiment of the lamp cover of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  applied directly to a low voltage bulb inserted into a suitable lighting fixture. 
       FIG. 6  is a partially phantom rear view of the lamp cover of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  applied to a globe of the type used to surround a conventional incandescent lamp inserted into a suitable lighting fixture. 
       FIG. 7  is a partially phantom rear view of the lamp cover of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  applied directly to an incandescent light bulb inserted into a suitable lighting fixture. 
       FIG. 8  is a top plan view of one embodiment of the lamp cover of the present invention showing recesses for the addition of coloring or other agents. 
       FIG. 9  is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of the lamp cover of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the lamp cover of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A and  2 , the lamp cover  10  of the present invention comprises a hollow pliant shell  12  having an exterior surface  14  that provides some type of decorative shape, in the case of  FIG. 1  a “pumpkin” or “jack-o-lantern” of the type used in Halloween decorations and in the case of FIG.  1 A a snowman of the type that would be used for a Christmas or winter decoration. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, lamp cover  10  is preferably at least partially translucent and partially opaque to permit proper display of the exterior decorative shape and details thereof when applied to a lighting fixture as described below. According to the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 – 7  lamp cover  10  also has an interior surface  16  from which extend inwardly a plurality of pliant ribs  18  whose purpose, as described below, is to engage a light bulb, lens, globe or lighting fixture to which lamp cover  10  is applied through insertion of the light bulb or lighting fixture through aperture  20  in the bottom of lamp cover  10 . The term “pliant” as used herein to describe the various elements of lamp cover  10  is meant to mean that the elements are bendable or flexible while of sufficient structural strength as to retain their shape unless pressure is applied thereto to deform them. Additionally, while it is preferred that hollow pliant shell  12  and pliant ribs  18  be fabricated from the same material for ease of fabrication as described below, it is contemplated that the hollow pliant shell and the pliant ribs could be fabricated from dissimilar pliant materials. 
   As alluded to above, it is preferred in many applications that while the bulk of lamp cover  10  be translucent, that certain portions thereof be opaque. This is perhaps best exemplified in the case of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1  wherein the eyes  21 , nose  23  and mouth  25  of the “jack-o-lantern” shape depicted in  FIG. 1  be made opaque by the application of, for example, paint or some other suitable opacifying agent in these areas so as to project the properly defined image when lamp cover  10  is applied over a lighting fixture or bulb as described below. While it is not critical to the successful practice of the present invention, it is also preferred that areas such as  21 ,  23  and  25  be recessed into outside surface  12  of lamp cover  10  as perhaps best shown in the case of eyes  21 , for example, in  FIG. 8 . 
   Shown in  FIG. 3  is a so-called “mushroom” lighting fixture  30  of a type commonly used for exterior lighting along the edges of walkways, driveways, etc. The essential elements of lighting fixture  30  are a stake portion  32  for insertion into the ground, a socket  34  and a mushroom-shaped cap or lens  36  whose purpose is to diffuse light produced by the enclosed light bulb (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) and to give it a “mushroom” shape. As shown in  FIG. 4 , according to one embodiment of lamp cover  10  of the present invention is applied to lighting fixture  30  by application of lamp cover  10  over mushroom-shaped cap or lens  36  by insertion of mushroom-shaped cap or lens  36  into aperture  20  in the bottom of lamp cover  10  and engagement of custom fabricated ribs  18  with mushroom-shaped cap or lens  36 . When thus applied over mushroom-shaped cap or lens  36 , light emanating from mushroom-shaped cap or lens  36  is transmitted through the translucent portions of lamp cover  10  while the opacified portions, for example areas  21 ,  23  and  25  of  FIG. 1 , do not transmit light. In this fashion, the image of a “jack-o-lantern” is replicated at each lighting fixture  30  to which lamp covers  10  are applied. For clarity, features  21 ,  23  and  25  have not been shown in  FIGS. 4–7 , however, their location and purpose will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan reading this description, and the location and topography of specific eye area  21  as it relates to surface  12 , depicted clearly in  FIG. 8 . 
   In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , lamp cover  10  of  FIG. 1  is applied directly to a low voltage light bulb  40  with inwardly extending ribs  18  engaging the outer surface of low voltage bulb  40 , after, in certain instances, socket  34  and low voltage bulb  40  having been inserted through aperture  20 . In most instances, it is not necessary that socket  34  be inserted though aperture  20 , but it may be so inserted depending upon circumstances or the design of the particular lighting fixture to which lamp cover  10  is applied. 
   Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 6  because of the character of the materials of fabrication of lamp cover  10  as described in detail below, lamp cover  10  can be applied to a globe  42  that surrounds a conventional incandescent bulb  44  contained in a socket  43  through the engagement of ribs  18  with the exterior surface of globe  42 . 
   In yet a further embodiment of the lamp cover of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 7 , lamp cover  10  is placed over incandescent bulb  44  through the insertion of bulb  44 , mounting member  46  and socket  45  through aperture  20  in lamp cover  10 . In this embodiment, ribs  18  engage directly, incandescent lamp  44 . 
   As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, pliant ribs  18  in each of the foregoing embodiments may have a different configuration depending upon the particular lighting fixture or bulb structure with which they will be required to engage. Since it is contemplated that in one of its claimed embodiments, lamp cover  10  will be packaged with a specific fixture such customization of the shape of pliant ribs  18  is relatively simple. In other embodiments, because of the relative uniformity of low voltage and conventional incandescent bulbs, the problem of rib customization is not particularly difficult. In many instances, because of the high degree of pliability of the preferred materials of fabrication described below, the shape of pliant ribs  18  can vary widely but still be such as to engage a broad variety of lighting fixture structures without significant customization. 
   While in those instances, for example that depicted in  FIG. 5 , where pliant ribs  18  engage a relatively low temperature low voltage bulb  40 , lamp cover  10  can be fabricated from a variety of pliant polymeric materials, in those instances, for example that depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , where lamp cover  10  is exposed to the relatively high temperatures produced by conventional incandescent bulbs, lamp cover  10  is preferably fabricated from a pliable high temperature polymer as described below. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9  that depicts yet another embodiment of the lamp cover  10 A of the present invention, lamp cover  10 A is assembled upon a cylindrical lamp cover base assembly  50 . In accordance with this embodiment, lamp cover  10 A comprises shell  12 A that may and preferably does have an aperture  52  in the top  54  thereof through which can be inserted a tab  56  or the like that can serve as an attachment point for, for example, a pumpkin stem  58  or the like, depending upon the particular shape or configuration of shell  12 . Such an arrangement allows for the secure attachment of shell  12 A to lamp cover base  50  through the mechanism of stem  58  or the like serving as a “snap” or other securing fitting. 
   As best seen in  FIG. 9 , it is lamp cover base assembly  50  that provides a broad range of lamp cover attachment options and which forms an important aspect of the lamp cover system of the present invention. Lamp cover base assembly  50 , as previously described comprises a cylindrical core  60 , open at one end  62  and closed at the other end  64 . Internal to lamp cover base assembly  50  cylindrical core  60  proximate closed end  64  are preferably pliant orthogonal ribs  18  which like ribs  18  previously described in connection with  FIGS. 1–3 , etc. serve to engage a light bulb  40  over which shell  12 A is installed by passage of aperture  20  over the base of a light fixture  34  as shown in  FIG. 5 . In this instance, however, it is cylindrical core  60  that directly engages light fixture  34  with ribs  18  directly engaging light bulb  40 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9  light bulb  40  is a low voltage bulb of perhaps between about 5 and 24 volts depending upon the particular lighting system utilized. In this alternative configuration, cylindrical core  60  is firmly and securely attached to light fixture  34 . Similarly, associated and attached shell  12  of lamp cover  10  is also firmly and securely attached to cylindrical core  60  and light fixture  34  through the mechanism of tab  56  previously described. 
   While as described hereinabove, lamp cover base assembly  50  is described as a separate and distinct element from shell  12 A of lamp cover  10 , it will be apparent to the skilled artisan that using the materials of construction described below, or similar readily molded or formed materials, that lamp cover base assembly  50  can be formed as an integral part of shell  12 A and the entire assembly of elements  12 A and lamp cover base assembly  50  formed as a single integral unit with, as in the case depicted in  FIG. 8 , even stem  58  being an integral part of the entire assembly. The advantage of lamp cover base assembly  50  being a separate element from shell  12 A, for example, is, however, that a single lamp cover base assembly  50  can be attached to light fixture  34  and bulb  40  and a variety of shells  12  interchangeably attached thereto without the need to remove cylindrical core  60  from light fixture  34  through the use of tab  56  or a similar shell attachment mechanism. The advantages of such ready interchangeability will be readily apparent to those skilled in the arts to which this invention pertains. 
   Similarly, while lamp cover base assembly  50  is described hereinabove as having an open end  62  and a closed end  64 , it will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan that closed end  64  could incorporate one or more apertures that might serve as vents for the release of heat produced by an incorporated light bulb  40 . 
   According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, lamp cover  10  is fabricated by molding, injection molding, blow molding, etc. a high temperature resistant silicone polymer or silicone rubber. Such materials are commonly available as liquids or gums suitable for fabrication as just described and exhibit temperature capabilities upwards of 200° C., which is adequate for direct exposure to the temperatures produced by a conventional incandescent bulb. Additionally, these materials are very pliant and very good electrical insulators, thus protecting the user from the danger of electrical shock in the applications described herein. Furthermore, these materials are weather resistant, thus making the lamp covers of the present invention suitable for outdoor use and extremely durable providing that they can be used for many years. 
   Such silicone polymers and silicone rubbers are of the type commonly used in such applications as rubber stoppers, industrial packaging, diaphragms, rollers etc., and demonstrate percent elongations in the range of about 300 to about 400 percent. These materials are easily colored through the use of conventional pigments and coloring agents, and such coloring techniques are well known to those skilled in the art of molding such materials. This ability to be colored is of particular value in the lamp covers of the present invention as, for example in the case of the “jack-o-lantern” depicted in  FIG. 1 , where the hollow pliant shell can be colored orange to mimic the color of a pumpkin while in the case of the shape depicted in  FIG. 1A  the hollow pliant shell can be colored principally white to project the image of a snowman. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , eyes  21 , nose  23  and mouth  25  could be rendered opaque using a black or other paint applied to the outer surface of hollow pliant shell  12  to properly project the image desired. 
   A particularly preferred class of silicone polymers are those supplied under the trademark Winthane™ Silicone elastomers that are available from Winfield Industries, 852 Kensington Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14215 as liquids and when fabricated retain their physical properties over a very wide range of working temperatures, minus 60° C.–+230° C. Fabrication of lamp cover  10  from pliant materials such as these further simplifies the insertion of the lighting fixture or portions thereof through aperture  20  in the bottom of lamp cover  10 . 
   There has thus been described a novel decorative lamp cover suitable for the interchangeable (without the use of tools) decoration of lighting fixtures with the change of festive seasons or holidays. The lamp cover of the present invention provides a weather resistant, temperature resistant and durable decorative element that can be used for many years and in differing locations. 
   While the invention has been described largely in the context of flexible unitized shells having pliant interior ribs, it will be apparent to the skilled artisan that the basic concept can be expanded upon with very little substantial modification. For example, the lamp cover of the present invention could be fabricated from metal, stone, etc. With translucency provided in cutouts in those areas described hereinabove as preferably opaque and opacity provided in those areas previously described as translucent due to the inherent opacity of the material of fabrication. Thus, a pumpkin shape as depicted in  FIG. 1  could be provided with eyes  21 , nose  23  and mouth  25  all cut out of a metallic or stone shell. In such an instance, ribs  18  extending from the interior surface of shell  12  interior surface could be of the same or different materials. If of the same material as that of shell  12  as just described, ribs  18  might or might not be pliant or only limitedly pliant depending upon the material of fabrication. For example, if shell  12  is fabricated from a metal such as steel ribs  18  could be rigid instead of pliant and custom made to accommodate their engagement with a specific bulb or globe configuration. Alternatively, if shell  12  were made of steel, ribs  18  could still be pliant by fabrication thereof from a suitable rubber or polymeric material that was adhered or otherwise attached to the interior surface of shell  12 . Thus, a wide variety of variations and modifications of the invention described herein are possible and contemplated by the inventors hereof. 
   As the invention has been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in any ways without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Any and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.