HK40014771B - Interchangeable lamp shade for a lighting fixture and method of assembly - Google Patents

Description

Interchangeable lampshade for lighting fixture and assembly method

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to lampshades and, more particularly, to interchangeable lampshades for lighting fixtures.

Background Art

In a conventional lighting fixture (e.g., a lamp used to illuminate a residence or commercial building), a lampshade may include a frame and a cover extending over the frame. The frame of the lampshade may be mechanically fastened to a lighting assembly including a light source using suitable fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, nuts, caps, etc.). The cover on the lampshade may at least partially block a viewer's direct view of the light source on the lighting assembly.

In conventional lighting fixtures, the cover of a lampshade is securely fastened to the lampshade frame. To change the cover to achieve a different aesthetic or lighting characteristic, the entire lampshade must be replaced. Replacing the lampshade involves removing the mechanical fasteners securing the lampshade to the lighting assembly, removing the entire lampshade from the lighting assembly, and securing a new lampshade to the lighting assembly using mechanical fasteners. Replacing conventional lampshades in this manner can be time-consuming and cumbersome, which is generally undesirable.

Therefore, there is a need to improve the lampshade so that the lampshade cover can be more easily interchanged.

Summary of the Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a lampshade comprising an upper rigid frame. An interchangeable cover may be provided on the upper rigid frame, the interchangeable cover having side walls and an upper end, the upper end having an upper periphery. An upper elastic band may be positioned on the cover and may extend along the upper periphery of the cover, the upper rigid frame being positioned between the upper elastic band and the side walls of the cover, the upper elastic band resisting twisting away from the upper rigid frame to retain the upper rigid frame between the upper elastic band and the side walls of the cover. When the interchangeable cover is provided on the upper rigid frame, the upper elastic band may retain the interchangeable cover on the upper rigid frame and prevent the interchangeable cover from sliding off the upper rigid frame.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a lampshade comprising an upper rigid frame and a lower rigid frame. A collapsible, interchangeable cover may extend between the upper rigid frame and the lower rigid frame. The cover may comprise: a sidewall; an upper end having an upper periphery; a lower end having a lower periphery; an upper elastic band extending along the upper periphery of the cover; and a lower elastic band extending along the lower periphery of the cover. The upper rigid frame may be positioned between the upper elastic band and the sidewall of the cover; and the lower rigid frame may be positioned between the lower elastic band and the sidewall of the cover. The upper elastic band and the lower elastic band may resist twisting away from the upper rigid frame and the lower rigid frame, respectively, to retain the upper rigid frame and the lower rigid frame within the cover, or in position between the cover and the upper elastic band and the lower elastic band, respectively.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for assembling a lampshade, the method comprising the following steps: providing a cover body having side walls, an upper end having an upper periphery, and an upper elastic band extending along the upper periphery of the cover body; positioning an upper rigid frame at the upper end of the cover body; and folding the cover body over the upper rigid frame in a removable manner so that the upper rigid frame is positioned between the upper elastic band and the side walls of the cover body, the upper elastic band resisting twisting away from the upper rigid frame to maintain the upper rigid frame between the upper elastic band and the cover body.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide an interchangeable cover for a lampshade of a lighting fixture.

Another object is to provide an interchangeable cover for a lampshade that can be quickly and easily removed and replaced on the frame of the lampshade.

It is another object of the present disclosure to help reduce the need to remove the frame of a lampshade from a lighting fixture in order to replace the lampshade cover on the lighting fixture.

Many other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following drawings and description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fully assembled embodiment of a light cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lampshade of FIG. 1 .

3 is a plan view of the cover of the lampshade of FIG. 1 including an elastic band.

4 is a plan view of the cover of FIG. 3 with the ends of the cover folded over to form a cavity in the cover and the elastic band positioned in the cavity of the cover.

FIG5 is an exploded view of the lampshade of FIG1 .

6 is a partial perspective view of the lampshade of FIG. 1 being assembled with the upper rigid frame positioned at the upper end of the cover.

FIG7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover body and the upper rigid frame of the lampshade of FIG6 .

8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the cover of FIG. 6 folded over the upper rigid frame to position the upper rigid frame between the upper elastic band and the side walls of the cover.

9 is a partial perspective view of the cover of FIG. 8 fully folded over the upper rigid frame.

FIG10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover and the upper rigid frame of FIG9 .

11 is a partial bottom perspective view of the lampshade of FIG. 10 , with the lower rigid frame positioned at the lower end of the cover.

FIG12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover and the lower rigid frame of FIG11.

13 is a partial bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 11 folded beneath the lower rigid frame.

14 is a bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 13 fully folded under the lower rigid frame.

FIG15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover body and the lower rigid frame of FIG14.

16 is a partial top perspective view of the lamp housing of FIG. 9 showing the cover being twisted away from the upper rigid frame to remove the cover from the upper rigid frame.

17 is a partial bottom perspective view of the lamp housing of FIG. 14 showing the cover being twisted away from the lower rigid frame to remove the cover from the lower rigid frame.

18 is a side view of the lamp housing of FIG. 1 used with a stand lamp type lighting assembly.

19 is a side view of the lampshade of FIG. 1 in use with a pendant or suspended lighting assembly.

20 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a light shield of the present disclosure having an upper rigid frame with downwardly angled radial support arms.

21 is a partial cross-sectional view and a cutaway view of another embodiment of a lampshade of the present disclosure, wherein the upper elastic band of the lampshade includes a first band member, a second band member, and a band wrap that extends around the first band member and the second band member and secures the first band member and the second band member together in an end-to-end manner.

22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lampshade of the present disclosure, wherein the upper rigid frame and cover have a rectangular shape.

FIG. 23 is a partial detailed cross-sectional view of the lampshade of FIG. 22 .

24 is a partial cross-sectional view and a cutaway view of another embodiment of a lamp cover of the present disclosure having a weight member disposed on and securely fixed to the lower end of the cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be understood that the present invention provides many feasible inventive concepts that can be implemented in a wide variety of specific environments. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize many equivalents to the specific devices and methods described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of the present invention and are covered by the claims.

In the drawings, for the sake of clarity, not all reference numbers are included in every figure. In addition, positional terms such as "upper," "lower," "side," "top," "bottom," etc. refer to the device in the orientation shown in the drawings or otherwise described. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the device may be in different orientations when in use.

An embodiment of a lampshade 10 of the present disclosure is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The lampshade 10 may include an upper rigid frame 12. The upper rigid frame 12 may be made of any suitable rigid material (e.g., iron, steel, wood, etc.). An interchangeable cover 14 may be disposed on the upper rigid frame 12. The interchangeable cover 14 may have a sidewall 16, an upper end 18 having an upper perimeter 20, and a lower end 22 having a lower perimeter 24. An upper elastic band 26 may be positioned on the cover 14 and may extend along the upper perimeter 20 of the cover 14. The upper rigid frame 12 may be positioned between the upper elastic band 26 and the sidewall 16 of the cover 14. The upper elastic band 26 may resist twisting in a direction away from the upper rigid frame 12 to maintain the upper rigid frame 12 between the upper elastic band 26 and the sidewall 16 of the cover 14.

In some embodiments, the lamp housing 10 can include a weight member 28 supported at the lower end 22 of the cover 14. When the cover 14 is placed on the upper rigid frame 12 and the upper rigid frame 12 is suspended from a lighting assembly or fixture, the weight member 28 can provide tension to the sidewalls 16 of the cover 14. The weight member 28 can generate a downward force 30a on the cover 14, which can cause the upper rigid frame 12 to generate an upward force 30b on the cover 14 to tension the sidewalls 16 of the cover 14 between the upper rigid frame 12 and the weight member 28, thereby maintaining the cover 14 taut when the lamp housing 10 is in use.

In some embodiments, the weight member 28 can be a lower rigid frame 32 positioned at the lower end 22 of the cover 14. The lamp housing 10 can include a lower elastic band 34 positioned on the lower end 22 of the cover 14 and extending along the lower perimeter 24 of the cover 14. The lower rigid frame 32 can be positioned between the lower elastic band 34 and the sidewall 16 of the cover 14. The lower elastic band 34 can resist twisting away from the lower rigid frame 32 to retain the lower rigid frame 32 between the lower elastic band 34 and the sidewall 16 of the cover 14. As such, in some embodiments, the upper elastic band 26 and the lower elastic band 34 can retain the upper rigid frame 12 and the lower rigid frame 32, respectively, within the cover 14 during use of the lamp housing 10. In this embodiment, the upper periphery 20 of the cover body 14 can lean on or be supported by the upper rigid frame 12, and the lower rigid frame 32 can lean on or be supported by the lower periphery 24 of the cover body 14, so that tension is generated in the side wall 16 of the cover body 14 between the upper rigid frame 12 and the lower rigid frame 32.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG24 , a weight member 28 can be securely secured to the lower end 22 of the cover 14. The weight member 28 is shown securely secured to the cover 14 within a lower cavity 36 positioned on the lower end 22 of the cover 14. The weight member 28 is shown in FIG24 as a metal ring. In other embodiments, the lower cavity 36 of the cover 14 can be filled with a suitable substance that imparts weight, such as sand, water, etc. In still other embodiments, the lampshade 10 can include a plurality of weight members 28 that can be distributed around the lower perimeter 24 of the cover 14 to provide a distributed downward tension on the cover 14. In still other embodiments, the weight member 28 can be a weighted bead or other decorative feature that can be suspended from the lower perimeter 24 of the cover 14. In this manner, various types of weight members 28 may be positioned on the lower end 22 of the cover 14 such that the weight members 28 generally cause the cover 14 to hang down from the upper rigid frame 12 in a taut or tensioned manner. In still other embodiments, the cover 14 may be of significant size and weight such that the weight of the cover 14 alone causes the cover 14 to hang down from the upper rigid frame 12 in a taut or tensioned manner.

3 and 4 , an upper elastic band 26 and a lower elastic band 34 are shown positioned on the cover 14. The upper elastic band 26 is positioned at or near the upper end 18 of the cover 14, and the lower elastic band 34 is positioned at or near the lower end 22 of the cover 14. The upper elastic band 26 can generally extend along the entire upper periphery 20 of the cover 14, and the lower elastic band 34 can generally extend along the entire lower periphery 24 of the cover 14. Thus, when the cover 14 is formed into a closed loop (as shown in FIG. 1 )—with the side ends 40 of the cover 14 sewn together to form the closed loop—the upper elastic band 26 can generally extend along the upper periphery 20 of the cover 14, and the lower elastic band 34 can generally extend along the lower periphery 24. In some embodiments, the upper elastic band 26 and the lower elastic band 34 can extend substantially along the entire upper perimeter 20 and the entire lower perimeter 24, respectively. Thus, in some embodiments, the upper elastic band 26 and the lower elastic band 34 can form elastic loops. In some embodiments, the upper rigid frame 12 can have a substantially circular shape, such that the upper rigid frame 12 can be an upper rigid ring. The cover 14, which depends from the upper rigid ring 12, can have a circular or cylindrical shape, such that in these embodiments, the upper elastic band 26 and the lower elastic band 34 on the cover 14 can be formed into elastic rings.

3 and 4 , in some embodiments, the upper elastic band 26 and the lower elastic band 34 can be securely secured to the upper end 18 and lower end 22, respectively, of the cover 14, for example, using glue or an adhesive. In other embodiments, an upper cavity 38 can be formed along the upper perimeter 20 of the cover 14, and a lower cavity 36 can be formed along the lower perimeter 24. The upper elastic band 26 can be positioned in and retained within the upper cavity 38, and the lower elastic band 34 can be positioned in and retained within the lower cavity 36. In some embodiments, a portion of each of the upper end 18 and lower end 20 of the cover 14 can be folded over the sidewall 16 of the cover 14 and secured thereto, for example, using sewing stitches 43, to form the upper cavity 38 and lower cavity 36, respectively. As shown in Figure 2, the upper cavity 38 can be folded over the upper rigid frame 12 to position the upper rigid frame 12 between the upper elastic band 26 and the side wall 16 of the cover body 14, and the lower cavity 36 can be folded under the lower rigid frame 32 to position the lower rigid frame 32 between the lower elastic band 34 and the side wall 16 of the cover body 14.

5 shows an exploded view of the lampshade 10 of FIG1 , with the upper rigid frame 12, the lower rigid frame 32, the upper elastic band 26, and the lower elastic band 34 removed from the cover 14. With the upper rigid frame 12 and the lower rigid frame 32 removed from the cover 14, the cover 14 can be collapsible, allowing the cover 14 to be folded for storage when not in use.

The upper elastic band 26 and the lower elastic band 34 can be formed into substantially closed loops or rings on the cover 14, as shown in Figure 5. The upper elastic band 26 and the lower elastic band 34 can have a relatively small thickness and can be made of a suitable elastic but flexible material, including but not limited to flexible plastics, metals, composite materials, rubber, etc. The upper elastic band 26 and the lower elastic band 34 can be made of a material having torsional rigidity, so that the upper elastic band 26 and the lower elastic band 34 are twistable or can be twisted along the length of the upper elastic band 26 and the lower elastic band 34, respectively, but the upper elastic band 26 and the lower elastic band 34 resist twisting forces and, once twisted, are elastically biased toward an equilibrium orientation or non-twisted state. The upper and lower elastic bands 26, 34 are shown in FIG5 in an equilibrium state, wherein the widths 44 of the upper and lower elastic bands 26, 34 are oriented substantially parallel to their respective central axes 46 along their entire lengths, such that the upper and lower elastic bands 26, 34 are in a non-twisted state. Although FIG5 illustrates the upper and lower elastic bands 26, 34 as curved flat plates or formed as closed loops, in other embodiments, the upper and lower elastic bands 26, 34 may be continuous elastic loops. In some embodiments, the widths 44 of the upper and lower elastic bands 26, 34 may be substantially greater than their thicknesses. In some embodiments, the ratio of the widths 44 of the upper and lower elastic bands 26, 34 to their thicknesses may be greater than approximately 10:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the width 44 of the upper and lower elastic bands 26, 34 to the thickness of the upper and lower elastic bands 26, 34 may be greater than about 20:1.

15 also illustrate the assembly of the lampshade 10 of FIG. 1 . The upper rigid frame 12 can be positioned at the upper end 18 of the cover 14, as shown in FIG. 6-7 . The upper rigid frame 12 can be positioned directly below the upper cavity 38 so that the upper cavity 38 can be folded over the upper rigid frame 12. The upper elastic band 26 is shown in an extended position in FIG. 6-7 so that the upper elastic band 26 extends upward relative to the upper rigid frame 12. In the extended position, the upper elastic band 26 can also extend upward from the sidewall 16 of the cover 14. When the upper elastic band 26 is in the extended position, the upper rigid frame 12 can be placed within the cover 14 or removed from the cover 14. When the upper rigid frame 12 is positioned at the upper end 18 of the cover 14, an inward and downward folding torque 42 can be applied to the cover 14, and in particular to the upper cavity 38 and upper elastic band 26, to twist and fold the upper cavity 38 and upper elastic band 26 over the upper rigid frame 12, as shown in Figures 8-10. The downward folding torque 42 can be applied along the upper perimeter 20 of the cover 14 until the cavity 38 is folded over the upper rigid frame 12 along the entire upper perimeter 20 of the cover 14. Folding the upper cavity 38 and upper elastic band 26 over the upper rigid frame 12 positions the upper rigid frame 12 between the upper elastic band 26 and the sidewall 16 of the cover 14.

The upper elastic band 26 is shown in FIG10 in a folded position, wherein the upper elastic band 26 is positioned laterally adjacent to or internally adjacent to the upper rigid frame 12, and the upper rigid frame 12 is positioned between the upper elastic band 26 and the sidewall 16 of the cover 14. The upper elastic band 26 can generally be in an equilibrium orientation in either the extended position or the folded position. As such, when the upper elastic band 26 is initially twisted and folded over the upper rigid frame 12 from the extended position shown in FIG7 to the folded position shown in FIG10, the upper elastic band 26 resists the twisting of the upper elastic band 26 caused by the downward folding torsion force 42, biasing the upper elastic band 26 toward the extended position. As more of the upper elastic band 26 is twisted over the upper rigid frame 12 and folded into the folded position, an inversion point is passed where more of the upper elastic band 26 is in the folded position, causing the upper elastic band 26 to become biased toward the folded position and the remaining portion of the upper elastic band moves into the folded position with relatively little force.

Once the upper elastic band 26 is in the folded position on the upper rigid frame 12, the upper elastic band 26 resists twisting of the upper elastic band 26 away from the upper rigid frame 12. The resistance to twisting of the upper elastic band 26 maintains the upper rigid frame 12 in position between the upper elastic band and the sidewall 16 of the cover 14 until sufficient upwardly removing torque is applied to the upper elastic band 26 to twist the upper elastic band 26 past the inversion point, where the upper elastic band 26 is again biased toward the extended position. Referring again to FIG. 2 , the lamp housing 10 can be designed such that the force 30 b applied by the upper rigid frame 12 to the upper periphery 20 of the cover 14 to counteract the force of the weight member 28 or the lower rigid frame 32 is insufficient to twist the upper elastic band 26 past the inversion point, thereby maintaining the upper elastic band 26 in the folded position and retaining the cover 14 on the upper rigid frame 12 when the cover 14 is tensioned during use of the lamp housing 10.

In those embodiments having a weight member 28 securely fastened to the lower end 22 of the cover 14 (as shown in FIG. 24 ), the lampshade 10 can be suspended from the lighting fixture by the upper rigid frame 12 once the upper cavity 38 and upper elastic band 26 are twisted and folded over the upper rigid frame 12. The cover 14 is tensioned between the upper rigid frame 12 and the weight member 28, completing the assembly.

In those embodiments that include a lower rigid frame 32, the lower rigid frame 32 can then be positioned at the lower end 22 of the cover 14, as shown in Figures 11-12. The lower rigid frame 32 can be positioned directly above the lower cavity 36 and the lower elastic band 34 so that the lower cavity 36 and the lower elastic band 34 can be folded under the lower rigid frame 32. The lower elastic band 34 is shown in an extended position in Figures 11-12, wherein the lower elastic band 34 extends downwardly relative to the lower rigid frame 32 and extends downwardly from the sidewall 16 of the cover 14. An inward and upward folding torsional force 48 can be applied to the lower periphery 24 of the cover body 14, and in particular to the lower cavity 36 and the lower elastic band 34, to twist the lower cavity 36 and the lower elastic band 34 and fold the lower cavity 36 and the lower elastic band 34 under the lower rigid frame 32 until the lower elastic band 34 is twisted through the inversion point and biased toward the folded position, as shown in Figures 13 to 15.

Once the lower elastic band 34 is in the folded position, the lower elastic band 34 resists twisting away from the lower rigid frame 32, allowing the lower rigid frame 32 to remain in position between the lower elastic band 34 and the sidewall 16 of the cover 14. Referring again to FIG. 2 , the lower elastic band 34 and the lower rigid frame 32 can be designed so that the force 30 a exerted on the lower periphery 24 of the cover 14 by the weight of the lower rigid frame 32 does not cause the lower elastic band 34 to twist past the inflection point. In this way, when the lampshade 10 is in use, the lower elastic band 34 remains in the folded position and the lower rigid frame 12 remains between the lower elastic band 34 and the sidewall 16 of the cover 14.

Once the upper cavity 38 and upper elastic band 26 are folded over the upper rigid frame 12 and the lower cavity 36 and lower elastic band 34 are folded under the lower rigid frame 12, the lampshade 10 can be hung on the lighting fixture by the upper rigid frame 12 to tension the cover 14 between the upper rigid frame 12 and the lower rigid frame 32, thereby completing the assembly.

To remove the lamp housing 10, and/or to interchange or replace the cover 14 of the lamp housing 10 with a new cover, an upward removal torque 50 may be applied to the upper cavity 38 and the upper elastic band 26, as shown in FIG16 . The upward removal torque 50 twists the upper elastic band 26 past the reversal point, thereby returning the upper elastic band 26 to the extended position shown in FIG7 , and allowing the cover 14 to be removed from the upper rigid frame 12. In doing so, the upper elastic band 26 is twisted from a folded position to an extended position, wherein the upper elastic band 26 extends upward from the sidewall 16 of the cover 14 to allow the cover 14 to be removed from the upper rigid frame 12.

When the lampshade 10 includes the lower rigid frame 32 held between the lower elastic band 34 and the cover 14, a downward removal torque 52 can be applied to the lower cavity 36 and the lower elastic band 34, as shown in FIG17 . The downward removal torque 52 can twist the lower elastic band 34 past the reversal point and return the lower elastic band 34 to the extended position shown in FIG12 , in which the lower elastic band 34 extends downward from the sidewall 16 of the cover 14. When the lower elastic band 34 is in the extended position, the cover 14 can be removed from the lower rigid frame 32. According to the above method, a new cover can be easily assembled to the upper rigid frame and/or the lower rigid frame.

The lampshade of the present disclosure can thus allow different covers to be easily and quickly interchanged with each other on the upper rigid frame and, as needed, on the lower rigid frame. An upper elastic band positioned on each cover can be easily twisted over the upper rigid frame into a folded position to secure the cover to the upper rigid frame and quickly assemble the lampshade. The upper elastic band can then be easily and quickly twisted to return the upper elastic band to an extended position, thereby removing the cover from the upper rigid frame and replacing the cover of the lampshade. The ability to quickly and conveniently replace covers on the lampshade can easily allow a user to customize the design of a lighting fixture (e.g., a lamp) when, for example, a user desires a different lighting profile, or when the user wishes to tailor the design of the lamp to a particular event, including but not limited to a party, sporting event, or holiday.

This type of lampshade provides a significantly greater benefit than conventional lampshades, which have a cover that is securely fastened or sewn around the frame of the lampshade. To replace the cover of a conventional lampshade, the entire lampshade must be replaced, which means removing the mechanical fasteners that connect the frame of the lampshade to the lighting assembly to remove the lampshade from the lighting assembly. The new lampshade must then be attached to the lighting assembly using mechanical fasteners.

2 , the design of the lampshade 10 of the present disclosure can allow the upper rigid frame 12 to remain mounted or connected to the lighting assembly while the cover 14 can be quickly and easily removed and replaced on the upper rigid frame 12 , which can help reduce the time and difficulty associated with replacing covers in conventional lampshades.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1 , the upper rigid frame 12 can include a central hub 54 having a central opening 56 defined therein and a suspension eyelet 58 extending upwardly from the central hub 54. Two or more support arms 60 can extend radially outward from the central hub 54. The upper rigid frame 12 can include an outer frame 62. The support arms 60 can each extend between the central hub 54 and the outer frame 62. The support arms 60 can be evenly distributed about the central hub 54 to provide distributed support to the outer frame 62. The cover 14 and the upper elastic band 26 can be folded over the outer frame 62. In some embodiments, the central hub 54 can include only the central opening 56, while in other embodiments, the central hub 54 can include only the suspension eyelet 58.

FIG18 shows the lampshade of FIG1 in use with a conventional stand-lamp-type lighting fixture 64 that can be rested on a floor 65. The lighting assembly and fixture can include a lighting assembly frame 66 surrounding a light source 68, with the lighting assembly frame 66 typically including bolts extending upward from the frame. The bolts of the lighting assembly frame 66 can be inserted through the central opening 56 of the upper rigid frame 12 and caps can be screwed onto the bolts of the lighting assembly frame 66 to secure the upper rigid frame 12 to the stand-lamp-type lighting fixture 64.

19 , the lampshade 10 of FIG1 can be used with a conventional suspended light fixture 70 that can be suspended from a ceiling 67. The suspended light fixture 70 can be hooked to the hanging eyelets 58 of the upper rigid frame 12 to suspend the lampshade 10 from the light fixture 70. In some embodiments, hardware associated with the light source 68 of the light fixture 70 can be mechanically secured to the central hub 54 through the central opening 56.

20 , the central hub 54 of the upper rigid frame 12 can rest on a light fixture (e.g., a stand lamp-type light fixture 64 or a suspended light fixture) with the light source 68 extending upward from the central hub 54. In such an embodiment, the central hub 54 can be oriented below the outer frame 62, and the support arm 60 can extend in a downward direction from the outer frame 62 to the central hub 54 so that the light source 68 can remain within the cover 14 when the cover 14 is secured to the outer frame 62.

In FIG5 , the upper elastic band 26 is shown as a single band bent to form a closed loop. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG21 and FIG23 , the upper elastic band 26 may include a first band member 72, a second band member 74, and a band wrap 76 that extends around the first and second band members 72, 74 and joins the first band member 72 to the second band member 74 in an end-to-end manner. In some embodiments, the band wrap 76 may be a sheath within which the first and second band members 72, 74 are housed. In other embodiments, the band wrap 76 may be a strip of adhesive wrapped around the first and second band members 72, 74 to form the upper elastic band 26. In other embodiments, the upper elastic band 26 may include a plurality of additional band members encased in the band wrap 76. Small breaks or gaps may be defined between consecutive first and second band members 72, 74 within the band wrap 76. Having a small gap between the continuous first and second strap members 72, 74 can help the upper elastic strap 26 bend at a sharper angle than would be achievable using a single strap member. The upper elastic strap 26 can be bent at an angle greater than or equal to about 90 degrees at the junction between the continuous first and second strap members 72, 74, as shown in FIG23. However, providing a strap wrap 76 around the first and second strap members 72, 74 to join the first and second strap members 72, 74 together can help maintain the torsional stiffness of the entire upper elastic strap 26 required to resist twisting away from an equilibrium orientation in order to retain the cover 14 on the upper rigid frame 12 when the upper elastic strap 26 is folded over the upper rigid frame 12.

When the upper elastic band 26 includes multiple band members enclosed in a band wrap 76, the upper elastic band 26 is provided with increased bending flexibility, allowing the cover 14 and upper elastic band 26 to be bent and customized as needed to form the contours of various lampshade shapes. Although FIG1 shows the lampshade 10 as having a circular or cylindrical shape, the upper rigid frame 12 can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes, including but not limited to rectangular (as shown in FIG22 and FIG23 ), oval, elliptical, triangular, hexagonal, trapezoidal, star-shaped patterns, and the like. The increased flexibility in the bending of the upper elastic band 26 allows the cover 14 and upper elastic band 26 to be formed and shaped to form the contours of various desired shapes of the upper rigid frame 12 while still maintaining the torsional resistance required to retain the cover 14 on the upper rigid frame 12. In some embodiments, the lower elastic band 34 may also include multiple band members and a band wrap that joins the band members end-to-end.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of assembling a lampshade, the method comprising the steps of: providing a cover having sidewalls, an upper end having an upper periphery, and an upper elastic band extending along the upper periphery of the cover; positioning an upper rigid frame at the upper end of the cover; and removably folding the cover over the upper rigid frame such that the upper rigid frame is positioned between the upper elastic band and the sidewalls of the cover, the upper elastic band resisting twisting away from the upper rigid frame to retain the upper rigid frame between the upper elastic band and the cover. The folding step may include applying a torsional force to the upper elastic band to twist the upper elastic band and fold the upper elastic band over the upper rigid frame.

The method may further include positioning a weight member on the lower end of the cover and suspending the lampshade on the upper rigid frame so that the upper rigid frame supports the cover and the weight member generates tension in the sidewall of the cover. The method may further include twisting the upper elastic band away from the upper rigid frame to remove the cover from the upper rigid frame.

Thus, although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described with respect to a new and useful lampshade for a lighting fixture and method of assembly, it is not intended that such reference to specific embodiments be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. A lampshade, comprising: Upper rigid frame; and Interchangeable covers are provided on the upper rigid frame, the interchangeable covers having side walls and an upper end, the upper end having an upper periphery; An upper elastic band, positioned on the cover and extending along the upper periphery of the cover, and an upper rigid frame positioned between the upper elastic band and the sidewall of the cover, the upper elastic band resisting torsion away from the upper rigid frame to retain the upper rigid frame between the upper elastic band and the sidewall of the cover; and An upper cavity is formed along the upper periphery of the cover, and an upper elastic band is disposed within the upper cavity. The upper elastic band further includes: First-generation components; The second belt member is spaced apart from the first belt member; and A wrapping body extends around the first belt member and the second belt member, and joins the first belt member and the second belt member together end-to-end. A gap is defined between the first belt member and the second belt member within the belt wrapping body. 2. The lampshade of claim 1, wherein the interchangeable cover includes a lower end having a lower periphery, and the lampshade further includes a weight member supported on the lower end of the interchangeable cover to tension the sidewalls of the cover. 3. The lampshade according to claim 2, wherein: The weight-bearing component is a lower rigid frame; The lampshade also includes a lower elastic band positioned on and extending along the lower periphery of the cover, and a lower rigid frame positioned between the lower elastic band and the sidewall of the cover. The lower elastic band resists torsion away from the lower rigid frame to hold the lower rigid frame between the lower elastic band and the sidewall of the cover. 4. The lampshade of claim 1, wherein a portion of the upper end of the cover is folded and secured to the sidewall of the cover to form the upper cavity along the upper periphery of the cover. 5. The lampshade of claim 4, wherein the upper cavity is folded over the upper rigid frame to position the upper rigid frame between the upper elastic band and the sidewall of the cover. 6. The lampshade of claim 1, wherein the upper elastic band extends along the entire upper periphery of the cover. 7. The lampshade of claim 1, wherein the upper elastic band is rotatable from a folded position adjacent to the upper rigid frame in a laterally upward direction to an extended position, wherein the upper elastic band extends upward from the side wall of the cover. 8. The lampshade according to claim 7, wherein the upper elastic band is in a balanced orientation when it is in the folded position or the extended position. 9. The lampshade of claim 8, wherein the upper elastic band has torsional stiffness such that when the upper elastic band is twisted away from the balance orientation, the upper elastic band is biased to return to the balance orientation. 10. The lampshade of claim 7, wherein the cover can be removed from the upper rigid frame when the upper elastic band is in the extended position. 11. The lampshade according to claim 1, wherein the upper rigid frame comprises: A center hub, including a central opening defined by the center hub and a suspension eyelet extending upward from the center hub; Two or more support arms extend radially outward from the central hub; and The outer frame, each of the radially arranged support arms extends between the central hub and the outer frame. 12. The lampshade according to claim 1, wherein: The upper rigid frame also includes a rigid circle; and The upper elastic band forms an elastic circle. 13. A lampshade, comprising: Upper rigid frame; Lower rigid frame; A collapsible, interchangeable cover extending between the upper rigid frame and the lower rigid frame, the cover comprising: Sidewall; The upper part has an upper periphery; The lower end has a lower perimeter; An upper elastic band extends along the upper periphery of the cover; and The lower elastic band extends along the lower periphery of the cover; and An upper cavity is formed along the upper periphery of the cover, and an upper elastic band is disposed within the upper cavity. The upper rigid frame is positioned between the upper elastic band and the side wall of the cover; and the lower rigid frame is positioned between the lower elastic band and the side wall of the cover, and the upper and lower elastic bands respectively resist torsion away from the upper and lower rigid frames to retain the upper and lower rigid frames within the cover. The upper elastic band further includes: First-generation components; The second belt member is spaced apart from the first belt member; and A wrapping body extends around the first belt member and the second belt member, and joins the first belt member and the second belt member together end-to-end. A gap is defined between the first belt member and the second belt member within the belt wrapping body. 14. The lampshade of claim 13, wherein the upper periphery of the cover rests against the upper rigid frame and the lower rigid frame rests against the lower periphery of the cover, such that the upper rigid frame and the lower rigid frame generate tension in the sidewall of the cover. 15. A method for assembling a lampshade, comprising: A cover is provided having sidewalls, an upper end having an upper periphery, an upper elastic band extending along the upper periphery of the cover, and an upper cavity formed along the upper periphery of the cover, wherein the upper elastic band is disposed in the upper cavity; Position the upper rigid frame directly below the upper cavity; and The upper cavity and the upper elastic band are folded onto the upper rigid frame in a removable manner, such that the upper rigid frame is positioned between the upper elastic band and the sidewall of the cover, and the upper elastic band resists torsion away from the upper rigid frame to hold the upper rigid frame between the upper elastic band and the cover. The upper elastic band further includes: First-generation components; The second belt member is spaced apart from the first belt member; and A wrapping body extends around the first belt member and the second belt member, and joins the first belt member and the second belt member together end-to-end. A gap is defined between the first belt member and the second belt member within the belt wrapping body. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: Position the weight-bearing component at the lower end of the cover; and The lampshade is suspended on the upper rigid frame, such that the upper rigid frame supports the cover and the weighted component generates tension in the side wall of the cover. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the folding step comprises: applying a torque to the upper elastic band to twist the upper elastic band and folding the upper elastic band over the upper rigid frame. 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: twisting the upper elastic band away from the upper rigid frame to remove the cover from the upper rigid frame.