Patent Publication Number: US-6217199-B1

Title: Lamp with safety features

Description:
This application claims the benefit of Provisional No. 60/118,591 filed Feb. 4, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a lamp generally, and more particularly to an improved torchiere-style lamp having safety features to prevent risk of fire and injury to persons. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Many improvements have been made to enhance the safety of halogen lamps and particularly halogen torchiere-style floor lamps. For example, various different types of guards which extend over the halogen bulb to prevent flammable material from coming in close contact therewith are known and described in several U.S. patents, including commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,111. Also disclosed in the &#39;111 patent is the use of a thermostatic switch positioned within the lamp shade which terminates power to the bulb should a predetermined temperature be reached. In this way, fires can be avoided should a flammable material get draped across the shade opening preventing heat generated by the halogen bulb from escaping the lamp shade. 
     Another prior art patent describing a fire-safe halogen torchiere lamp is U.S. Pat. No. 5,801,490. The &#39;490 patent discloses use of a shielded thermostatic switch within the lamp having a function similar to that described in the &#39;111 patent. As illustrated in FIG. 2 of the &#39;490 patent, a prior art halogen torchiere lamp includes a domed or convex wire guard extending over the lampshade opening to keep combustible materials a safe distance from the heat source, i.e., the halogen bulb. Such a convex shaped grill makes the lamp less appealing by making the grill visible. 
     Underwriters Laboratory (U.L.) has been instrumental in making halogen torchiere-style floor lamps safer to use. U.L. has revised its testing parameters several times to ensure that the lamps will operate safely in a consumer&#39;s home. The latest suggested revision to halogen torchiere-style lamp design, U.L. 153, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, proposes several changes including requiring the halogen bulb be a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) from a midpoint on the length of the bulb, measured from the top of the bulb containment barrier to the wire guard which extends across the shade opening that combustibles are able to contact. Furthermore, the distance from the ends of the lamp containment barrier to any point on the wire guard that combustibles are able to contact shall be a minimum 2⅜ inches (60 mm). Yet another proposed requirement to gain U.L. approval will be the installation of a tip-over switch which would de-energize the unit when tipped beyond the angle that the unit would right itself. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to providing improved safety features for the halogen torchiere-style lamps in an effort to reduce the risk of fire and injury to persons without degrading either the appearance of the lamp or the light cast by the lamp. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a torchiere-style floor lamp which meets or exceeds all proposed U.L. requirements. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a torchiere-style floor lamp in which a wire guard extends substantially across the entire shade opening. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a torchiere-style floor lamp having a substantially flat wire guard with relatively small openings hingedly affixed to the shade opening. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a torchiere-style floor lamp which includes a safety thermostat and/or a tip-over switch to terminate power to the unit should an unsafe condition exist. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a torchiere-style floor lamp design in which the distance from a center point of the top surface of the halogen bulb containment barrier is at least three (3) inches (76 mm) to any point on the protective guard which extends across the opening of the lamp shade that combustibles are able to contact. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a torchiere-style floor lamp design in which the distance from an end of a lamp containment barrier to any point on the protective guard that combustibles are able to contact is at least 2{fraction ( 3 / 8 )} inches (60 mm). 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a torchiere-style floor lamp having a shade assembly including an upper shade portion and a lower shade portion and further including a safety switch to terminate power to the unit if the upper and lower shade portions are not properly assembled. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a torchiere-style floor lamp which is easy to assemble without the use of tools. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a torchiere-style floor lamp design having a required minimum distance between the bulb containment barrier and any point on the wire guard that combustibles are able to contact and substantially fit within the packaging (foam insert and box) currently being used with these types of prior art lamps. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     According to the lamp of the present invention, the lamp includes a base for supporting the lamp on a surface, a shade assembly, and a stem having a first end extending upwardly from the base and a second end attached to the shade assembly. The lamp further includes a light socket positioned within the shade assembly and an electrical circuit for providing power to the light socket. The shade assembly includes a lower shade portion or shade support and an upper shade portion attachable to the shade support and forming an interface therebetween. The lamp is provided with a means for determining whether the upper shade portion is properly positioned on the lower shade portion. The electrical circuit includes means responsive to the determining means for permitting power to flow to the light socket to illuminate the light bulb only when the shade assembly is properly assembled. The determining means and responsive means are preferably in the form of a safety interface device, such as a safety switch device or electrical connector device is provided at the interface of the shade support and the upper shade portion such that upon proper assembly of the shade assembly, power is permitted to flow through the electrical circuit and illuminate the light bulb. In the case of a push-button switch , the actuator of the switch is moved from its normal position to a closed position, i.e., from a normally open circuit to a closed circuit when the shade assembly is properly assembled. The switch device is provided within the electrical circuit such that power to the light socket is terminated or de-energized unless the upper shade portion is properly affixed to the shade support. In other words, power is supplied to illuminate the light bulb only if the shade assembly is properly assembled. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the safety switch is a push-button switch and, more particularly, a pressure-sensitive switch, although any type of switch device may be used. The pressure-sensitive switch requires a predetermined force to be applied to the actuator to effect a change of conductive state of the switch from its normal position i.e., an open circuit to its closed position, i.e., a closed circuit thereby permitting power to flow to the light socket to illuminate a bulb therein. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the shade assembly interface safety device is a connector having a male connector portion and a female connector portion affixed to the upper and lower shade portions. The connector is preferably a two-prong male plug connector and mating female receptacle such that when the plug connector is inserted into the female receptacle, power is permitted to flow through the connector and illuminate the light bulb. If the shade assembly is disassembled, i.e., the upper and lower shade portions are taken apart, the male plug is an open circuit and the light cannot be operated, thus ensuring that the shade assembly be properly assembled with the male plug and female receptacle connected together prior to operation. Accordingly, the safety features afforded by the two-piece shade assembly are achieved by including the safety feature of the connector. 
     The lamp shade assembly further includes a protective guard or grille which is mounted across the open ended shade assembly. The wire guard is preferably substantially flat so as not to affect the appearance of the lamp. In order to ensure that the grille does not become detached from the shade assembly, the grille is hingedly affixed to the upper shade portion. Alternatively, the grille may be connected by a chain, fastener, clips or other means of attachment to the shade assembly to prevent the grille from being lost or misplaced and not properly reassembled after cleaning or replacement of the light bulb. In the case of the hinged grille, the grille may be pivoted from an open position to access the interior of the shade to a closed position to ensure that flammable objects are maintained a safe distance from the heat source i.e., the bulb. 
     Positioned within the lamp shade and extending substantially across the light socket is a containment barrier glass shield. In order the ensure safe operation of the lamp, the distance from the center point of the light bulb measured from the top of the glass shield to the closest point on the grille is at least 3 inches. Furthermore, a minimum distance measured from an end of the glass shield to any point on the grille is at least 2⅜ inches. 
     To further enhance the safety of the lamp, the electrical circuit further includes a heat-sensitive switch such as a thermostat for sensing ambient air temperature within the shade assembly. The thermostat terminates power to the light socket in response to sensed ambient air temperature reaching a predetermined value. Accordingly, should an object become draped over the open end of the shade to create a fire hazard, the thermostat, upon reaching a predetermined temperature, will terminate power to the light until the light is shut off and/or unplugged. The electrical circuit further includes a tip-over or tilt switch for sensing an angle of tilt of the lamp with respect to a substantially horizontal support surface. The tilt switch terminates power to the light socket in response to the lamp being tilted beyond a predetermined angle with respect to the support surface. 
     Although the invention including a multiple-piece shade assembly with a safety device preventing operation unless the shade assembly is properly assembled could be applied to an incandescent, fluorescent, or any other type of lamp, in a most preferred embodiment, the lamp is a halogen torchiere-style floor lamp. Accordingly, the stem is a substantially elongated pole which extends between the base and the lower portion of the shade assembly. The light socket includes an elongated halogen bulb mounted therein and a containment barrier glass shield extending substantially across the light socket to prevent injury should the halogen bulb rupture. The halogen torchiere-style floor lamp includes the same two-piece shade assembly which includes a lower shade support portion and an upper shade portion and a safety switch mounted therebetween to prevent the light from being operated unless the shade assembly is properly assembled. 
     Although the halogen torchiere-style floor lamp of the present invention meets and/or exceeds newly proposed U.L. requirements, the disassembled lamp is arranged to fit within a package similar in size to prior art lamps. More specifically, the disassembled halogen torchiere-style floor lamp of the present invention can be arranged to fit within a package having a volume less than one cubic foot. Furthermore, the disassembled lamp may be arranged to fit within a package having a width less than six inches. In order to fit within the packaging less than one cubic foot, the lower shade assembly is able to be positioned within the upper shade assembly for packaging purposes. The safety switch positioned between the upper and lower shade portions ensures that the light will not be operated unless the shade assembly is properly assembled, and thus meeting or exceeding the proposed U.L. relative distance requirements between the containment barrier glass shield and the wire guard extending across the lamp shade assembly opening. Accordingly, both packaging and shipping costs may be reduced due to the reduced size of the packaging. 
     In order to provide an even safer operating lamp, the electrical circuit of the halogen torchiere-style floor lamp includes a thermostatic switch to terminate power to the light socket should an overheat condition be sensed and a tip-over switch to terminate power to the light socket should the lamp be accidentally knocked over. 
     A preferred form of the lamp, as well as other embodiments, objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a torchiere-style floor lamp formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the lamp shade assembly of the torchiere-style floor lamp illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp shade assembly of the torchiere-style floor lamp of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4A is an enlarged partial view illustrating the safety-switch in its normal position and the upper shade disassembled from the lower shade support. 
     FIG. 4B is an enlarged partial view illustrating the safety-switch in its activated position and the upper shade affixed to the lower shade support in its activated position. 
     FIG. 5A is an enlarged partial view illustrating the safety connection and upper and lower shade portions shown disassembled. 
     FIG. 5B is an enlarged partial view illustrating the safety connector shown in its assembled conductive state. 
     FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the upper shade portion with the wire guard illustrated in the open and closed position. 
     FIG. 7 is a simplified electrical schematic for the electrical circuit of the torchiere-style floor lamp of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is an alternative shade assembly illustrating an alternative coupling mechanism for mounting the upper shade portion to the lower shade support. 
     FIG. 9 is a series of drawings illustrating the steps for placement of a disassembled torchiere-style floor lamp of the present invention within the styrofoam product packing. 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a disassembled torchiere-style floor lamp of the present invention shown in the styrofoam bottom portion of the product package. 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an alternative design for the shade assembly of a torchiere-style floor lamp formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an alternative design for the shade assembly of a torchiere-style floor lamp formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of an alternative design for the shade assembly of a torchiere-style floor lamp formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of an alternative design for the shade assembly of a torchiere-style floor lamp formed in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As illustrated in FIG. 1, a torchiere-style floor lamp  10  formed in accordance with the present invention includes a lamp base  2  for supporting the lamp on a floor or the like, an elongated stem  4  having a first end attached to a central portion of the base  2  and a second end coupled to a shade assembly  6 . The stem  4  is hollow and includes a rotary dimmer switch  8  for controlling the on/off function of the power supply to the lamp. The dimmer switch  8  controls the intensity of the lamp in the “on” position and may also include a light sensitive element for functioning as a “night light” by sensing ambient lighting conditions. Such a dimmer switch  8  is described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,869, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     As shown in. FIGS. 1 and 2, the shade assembly  6  of the present invention has been modified from known shades used on these types of lamps. More specifically, the lamp shade assembly  6  includes an upper shade portion  12  and lower shade portion or shade support  14 . The upper shade portion  12  is preferably a concave-shaped structure having an open upper end for directing light and heat upwards and out of the shade assembly. The lower end of the upper shade portion also includes an opening surrounded by lip  18 . (FIG.  4 A). The upper shade portion  12  also further includes a guard  20  positioned across the open upper end  16  to prevent objects from falling into the shade assembly and possibly coming in contact with the bulb or creating a fire hazard by preventing heat from escaping the shade assembly  6 . As illustrated in FIGS. 2,  3  and  6 , the guard  20  comprises a substantially flat wire mesh which is hinged  13  on one side of the upper shade portion to allow access to change the bulb and to clean the inside area of the shade assembly. Upon pivoting the guard  20  down to its closed position, the guard  20  is held securely to the upper shade portion by use of a fastener  16 , such as a screw or wing nut. 
     The lower shade portion  14  includes a bottom end which is detachably coupled to the second end of the stem  4 . The lower shade portion  14  houses the lamp socket  22 , the reflector  24 , the halogen bulb  26 , and a semi-circular glass bulb containment barrier or shield  28  which is held in place by clamps  30 . Also shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are the electrical wires  32  which are electrically connected to the lamp socket  22 . A series of brackets  31 ,  33 ,  35  support the light socket within the lower shade portion  14  as well as supporting the thermostatic switch  36 . This configuration is different from existing torchiere-style floor lamps since the light socket and reflector are mounted in the lower shade portion rather than in a unitary shade as illustrated in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,111. The upper end of the lower shade portion  14  is open and includes either a rim, recess, threaded bolts affixed to the interior of the lower shade portion or other means for attachment to the upper shade portion  12  to form the shade assembly  6 . As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper shade portion and lower shade portion are fixedly coupled together via the use of threaded bolts  37  and wing nuts  34 . However, it is envisioned that any means may be used to couple the upper and lower shade portions to form the shade assembly  6  including a snap-fit connection, a threaded connection whereby the upper shade portion may be screwed onto the lower shade portion, or a twist-lock configuration as illustrated in FIG.  8 . 
     Referring to FIG. 8, the twist-lock configuration includes at least one pin  35  on either the upper or lower shade portion and at least one receiving groove  37  on the opposite shade portion from the pin for mating cooperation upon a twisting motion of the shade portions relative to each other. 
     In order to ensure the lamp shade assembly  6  has been properly assembled prior to operation, the torchiere-style lamp of the present invention includes a means for determining whether the shade assembly is properly assembled. The electrical circuit of the lamp includes means responsive to the determining means such that power is provided to the light socket only when the shade assembly is properly assembled. The determining means and responsive means may include a safety interface device, e.g., either a safety switch device  39  or safety connector  47  or other such device, which prevents operation of the lamp unless the upper and lower shade portions  12 ,  14 , respectfully, of the shade assembly  6  are properly affixed. Thus, the lamp of the present invention cannot be operated unless the upper shade portion  12  including the wire guard  20  is properly positioned and affixed to the lower shade portion to reap the benefit of all the safety features of the present invention. 
     The safety switch  39  is preferably a pressure-sensitive single pole, single throw, normally open circuit, push-button switch such as a McGill 100 Series Push-Button Switch, sold by McGill Electric Switch Product Group. The pressure-sensitive switch preferably requires a minimum pressure or force to be applied to the switch actuator  43  in order to effect a change of conductive state of the switch, e.g., from a normally open circuit to a closed circuit. For example, the operating pressure of the switch may be a minimum of 2 lbs. Use of a pressure-sensitive switch ensures that the lamp cannot be operated unless the shade assembly  6  is properly assembled and the fastening means securely fastened. It is envisioned that many different types of switch devices may be employed to carry out the safety function of the present invention, i.e., ensuring proper assembly of the shade assembly prior to operation. These different types of switch devices include proximity sensors, magnetic switches or any other known switch to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reflector  24  includes an opening  41  therethrough for accommodating the actuator of the switch  39 . FIG. 4A is an enlarged partial view of the shade assembly  6  wherein the upper shade portion  12  is illustrated disassembled from the lower shade support  14 . The actuator  43  of the safety switch  39  extends above an upper edge  45  of the lower shade support  14 . The switch  39  is mounted to an inside side portion of the lower shade support  14  and, upon mounting the upper shade portion to the lower shade portion, the upper shade portion engages the switch actuator  43  as illustrated in FIG.  4 B. More specifically, a lip portion  18  or lower edge of the upper shade portion  12  engages the switch actuator  43 . When the upper shade portion  12  is securely affixed to the lower shade portion and the fasteners securely fastened , the conductive state of the switch  39  is changed from an open circuit position to a closed circuit thereby allowing power to be supplied to the light socket to illuminate the bulb. Accordingly, the safety switch  39  ensures that the minimum distance requirements suggested by U.L. from the bulb to the wire guard are met and the lamp will not be operated without the upper shade portion and wire guard to ensure safe operation of the lamp. Without the safety switch, it would be possible for a purchaser to improperly operate the lamp without assembling the shade assembly. The present invention permits the lamp to be disassembled for packaging purposes, yet provides for enhanced operating safety by not allowing the light to function unless properly assembled. 
     Referring to FIG. 5A and 5B, an alternative embodiment is illustrated in which the safety interface device comprises a safety connector device  47 . The connector device  47  comprises a male plug connector portion  51  and a female receptacle portion  53 . The connector device portions are attached to the upper and lower shade portions of the shade assembly. For example, the male plug  51  may be mounted to the lower shade support  14  such that the prongs  55  of the plug extend upwardly beyond an upper edge of the lower shade support. The female receptacle portion  53  may be mounted to the upper shade portion  12  such that upon assembly of the upper and lower shade portions and alignment of the plug  51  and receptacle, the connector is assembled. Upon assembly of the connector device  47  current is permitted to flow through the prongs of the plug  51  and mating conductor  59  in the receptacle to allow the light to be operated. If the shade assembly is not properly assembled such that the safety connector device is assembled, no power is permitted to flow to the light socket and the light cannot be operated. Accordingly, the safety connector device  47  ensures that the shade assembly be properly assembled prior to operation of the lamp. It is also envisioned that other types of connectors or simply a conductor mounted within the upper shade portion which completes an otherwise open circuit positioned within the lower shade support may be used to ensure proper assembly of the shade assembly. Such other safety interface devices are believed to be within the scope of the invention. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the components of the lamp which were previously contained in the lower portion of a prior art unitary shade are now positioned within the lower shade portion  14  of the design of the present invention. Thus, a greater distance is achieved between the halogen bulb  26  and the bulb containment barrier glass shield  28  and the top of the shade assembly  6  including the wire guard  20  on which combustibles are able to contact. With reference to FIG. 3, the distance “X” between the halogen bulb containment barrier  28  center point to any point on the guard  20  that combustibles are able to contact is a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm). The distance “Y” from the ends of the lamp containment barrier  28  to any point on the guard  20  that combustibles are able to contact is a minimum of 2⅜ inches (60 mm.). Thus, the heat source, i.e. the halogen bulb is maintained a safe distance from any foreign objects and/or combustibles which may be placed upon or over the guard  20  positioned across the shade assembly opening to prevent a fire hazard. The present invention provides the advantage of being able to use a substantially flat wire guard  20  which does not detract from the appearance of the lamp. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the torchiere-style floor lamp of the present invention preferably includes a thermostatic switch  36  which senses temperature within the shade assembly  6  and, upon the temperature reaching a predetermined set point, terminates power to the light socket, thereby shutting off the lamp. The thermostatic switch is a normally closed switch which changes to an open circuit upon sensing a predetermined temperature. Such a device and design is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,111, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In the improved design of the present invention, the thermostatic switch  36  is preferably positioned within the lower shade portion beneath the reflector  24  and aligned with an opening  47  therein, although many locations within the shade assembly will provide satisfactory operation of the thermostatic switch. Accordingly, unsafe conditions, such as combustible material being draped over the lamp, are prevented by turning off the lamp and not permitting the lamp to operate until power to the lamp is terminated and the thermostatic switch is allowed to reset. 
     The electric circuit of the present invention also preferably includes a tip-over or tilt switch  38  which terminates power to the light socket should the lamp be tipped to a predetermined angle from normal. The tip-over switch senses an angle of tilt of the lamp with respect to a horizontal surface. Upon sensing that the lamp has been tipped a predetermined angle from normal, the switch changes conductive state to an open circuit terminating power to the light socket to prevent a potentially hazardous condition. The tip-over switch  38  is preferably positioned either in the base  2  as shown in FIG. 1 or in the shade assembly  6 , and more preferably in the lower shade portion  14  of the shade assembly. 
     FIG. 7 is a simplified electrical schematic of the circuit including each of the safety features associated with the present invention. The circuit includes a power source  50  for providing AC power to the lamp. The power source  50  is connected in series with a switch  8  including an on/off switch  52  in combination with a dimmer switch  54 . Additionally, a thermostat  36  is connected in series between the switch  8  and the light socket. Preferably, the thermostat  36  includes a bimetallic contact  56  and a parallel connected heating element  58 . If the temperature of ambient air surrounding the thermostat reaches a predetermined temperature based upon the rated temperature of the thermostat, the bimetallic contact will change from a short circuit to an open circuit terminating power to the lamp socket and the power supply is then applied across the heating element  58 . The heating element is a ceramic element which has been heated by the ambient air and, upon current being applied to the element, generates sufficient heat to maintain the bimetallic contact in an open circuit keeping the lamp off until power to the lamp is terminated either by turning off the switch or unplugging the lamp and allowing the thermostatic switch to cool down and reset. 
     The electrical circuit further includes a tip-over switch  38  also connected in series between the switch  8  and the light socket. Should the lamp be tipped to a predetermined angle from an upright position, the switch  38  changes to an open circuit terminating power to the lamp until the lamp is again placed in its operating upright position. 
     Lastly, the electrical circuit includes a safety switch  39 , connected in series between the switch  8  and the light socket for sensing whether the lamp shade assembly has been properly assembled. If the upper shade portion  12  is not properly affixed to the lower shade portion  14 , the safety switch  39  acts as an open circuit terminating power to the light socket and halogen bulb  26 . Only upon proper assembly of the shade assembly will the lamp be able to operate, thus ensuring safe operation. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the wire guard  20  of the torchiere-style floor lamp formed in accordance with the present invention. The guard  20  extends substantially across the open upper end of the shade assembly. As earlier discussed, the guard  20  helps to prevent objects, such as drapes or other flammable materials from falling into the cavity of the shade assembly. By keeping flammable objects away from the heat source, i.e. halogen bulb, potential fire hazards may be avoided. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the guard  20  comprises a wire mesh design which is substantially flat having relatively small openings, generally about 50 mm 2  in area or less to prevent objects from getting into the cavity of the shade assembly. Alternatively, the guard  20  may be formed from heat resistant glass, plastic, and/or heat resistant plastic strings strung like a tennis racquet within a frame. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the guard  20  is hinged  13  on one side of the upper shade portion to allow access to the shade assembly cavity to change the bulb and for purposes of packaging which are discussed below. 
     The method of assembly and packaging of the torchiere-style floor lamp also forms an important aspect of the invention. Although the torchiere-style floor lamp design has been significantly modified to provide for enhanced safety features, i.e. greater distance between the bulb and a top surface of the shade assembly, a thermostatic switch, a safety switch and a tip-over switch, the packing materials, i.e. the styrofoam insert and outer box, for the lamp remain substantially unchanged from previously designed lamps such as that illustrated in the &#39;111 patent. This is possible by constructing the shade assembly to be disassembled and arranged in a manner similar to that of conventional torchiere-style floor lamp shades. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates the series of steps for packaging the disassembled component parts of the lamp formed in accordance with the present invention. The upper shade portion  12  is completely detachable from the outer shade portion  14  and the stem  4  is able to be disassembled into at least three portions. The stem  4  is also detachable from the lower shade portion  14 . The wires  32  remain connected to the light socket by including enough slack to allow the stem  4  and lower shade portion  14  to be separated for purposes of packaging. Additionally, the opening in the upper end of the upper shade portion is sufficiently sized to allow the lower shade portion  14  to be positioned within the cavity  42  of the upper shade portion  12  upon pivoting the guard  20  to its open position. More specifically, upon disassembly of the upper and lower shade portions, the lower shade portion  14  is placed within the upper shade portion  12  cavity and the guard  20  is again pivoted to its closed position. It should also be noted that the guard  20  being of a substantially flat design aids in allowing the lamp of the present invention to be placed in minimally sized packaging. 
     Referring to the third step illustrated in FIG. 9, for purposes of packing, the disassembled and rearranged upper and lower shade portions are placed into one of two circular formed recesses,  46 ,  48  in a styrofoam packing insert  44 . The other circular recess is dimensioned to receive the lamp base  2 . Additionally, the disassembled stem  4  now in three sections is placed along the sides of the package insert  44  as clearly illustrated in FIG.  10 . The arrangement of components within the package insert  44  is substantially the same as prior art halogen lamps except for the disassembly and rearrangement of the shade assembly  6 . To complete the packaging, a styrofoam top (not shown) similar to a shoe box top is provided to be fitted over the package insert  44 . Finally, the package insert  44  and top are placed within a folded cardboard box (not shown) for shipping and display within a store. 
     The design of the present invention for packaging is very effective. Specifically, current torchiere-style floor lamps which do not meet the proposed U.L. 153 requirements are packaged in a box having the following dimensions: 13½″ wide×4⅞″ deep×24¼″ long, i.e., approximately 0.93 cubic feet in volume. Approximately 2,250 packages will fit into a standard 40 foot shipping container used for transporting such goods. Assuming a new torchiere design which will meet the requirements of proposed U.L. 153 for distance from the containment barrier to a point on the guard that combustibles are able to contact which does not utilize the two-piece shade design of the present invention, it is estimated that the packaging for the lamp would have the following dimensions: 13½″ wide×6″-7″ deep×24¾″ long and only approximately 1,860 packages or less would fit into a standard shipping container. Accordingly, the cost of packaging and shipping such products would increase significantly. The present invention provides a lamp design which meets or exceeds all proposed U.L. 153 changes yet still fits substantially into the “old” package. By utilizing the attached flat guard and two-piece shade assembly which can be disassembled for purposes of packaging. The lamp of the present invention fits into a box approximately 0.97 cubic feet in volume and approximately 2,230 pieces will fit into a standard 40 foot shipping container. Accordingly, the packaging for the torchiere-style floor lamp of the present invention remains substantially unchanged from that currently being used for lamps which do not meet the proposed U.L. 153 requirements. 
     FIGS. 11-14 each illustrate various different decorative designs of the shade assembly suitable for use in the present invention. Each design is similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 in that the lamp socket, bulb and reflector are positioned within a lower shade portion  14  of the shade assemblies  6  to create the desired distance between the glass bulb containment barrier  28  to the wire guard extending across the open upper end of the upper shade portion  12  in accordance with the proposed U.L. requirements, U.L. 153. Furthermore, each design would incorporate each of the safety features discussed above including the safety switch to ensure proper assembly of the shade assembly  6  prior to operation of the lamp. 
     Although the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.