Table lamp with efficient packaging solution

Abstract

Lamp (1), such as a table lamp, comprising a base section (3) adapted to rest on a horizontal surface, an aperture section (17) adapted to be supported by the base section and to wholly or partially surround a light source (41), and a lamp holder (29) comprising a light source connection (38) for connecting the light source to a socket, characterized in that: - the base section (3) is shell-shaped, defining an interior volume (5) surrounded by an interior surface (7) and having an exterior surface (9), wherein the base section has an opening (15) located in the bottom of the interior surface, - the aperture section (17) is shell-shaped, defining an inner volume (19) surrounded by an inner surface (21) and having an outer surface (23), wherein the aperture section has an opening (27) located in the base of the inner surface, - wherein either the base (3) or the aperture section (17) is configured such that it can be inserted into the other section in an unmounted state, with the respective outer surfaces (9, 23) facing in the same direction, and - the lamp holder (29) fits into the openings (15, 27) of the base and aperture sections (3, 17) so that the lamp holder is configured to fix the aperture section (17) to the base section (3) in a mounted state in which the outer surfaces (9, 23) of the base and aperture sections are facing each other and the openings (15, 27) of the base and aperture sections are aligned.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lamp, such as a table lamp, comprising a base portion adapted to rest on a horizontal surface, a shade portion adapted to be supported by the base portion and to completely or partially surround a light source, and a holder comprising a light source connector for connecting the light source to a power outlet. background

[0002] Such a lamp is disclosed in US-1886634, wherein the aperture portion is detachable and the holder is fixed to the base portion.

[0003] A common problem with the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of such a lamp to a consumer is that the parts require appropriate packaging. Particularly when the bezel and / or base sections are made of glass and / or have a lacquer coating, they are fragile and must be individually protected by wrapping them in paper. The individual parts must then be packaged together to form a kit that can be assembled into a complete lamp by the end user or at a retail location. This means that transportation and storage costs in the steps between manufacturing and the end user can contribute a significant portion of the final cost. Summary

[0004] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a lamp which enables efficient distribution so that costs can be reduced.

[0005] This object is achieved by a lamp according to claim 1. In particular, in a lamp of the type mentioned at the outset, the base portion is cup-shaped, defining an internal volume surrounded by an internal surface and having an external surface. The base portion has an opening arranged in the bottom of the internal surface. The diaphragm portion is also cup-shaped, defining an internal volume surrounded by an internal surface and having an external surface, and also comprises an opening arranged in the bottom of the internal surface. Either the base or the diaphragm portion is configured such that, in an unassembled state, it can be inserted into the other portion, with the external surfaces facing in the same direction.The holder fits into the openings of the base and the aperture portions so that it can fix the aperture portion to the base portion in an assembled state in which the outer surfaces of the base and the aperture portions face each other, ie, point in opposite directions, and the openings of the base and the aperture portions are aligned.

[0006] This provides a lamp in which the base and shade sections can be nested during transport and storage, saving a significant amount of the storage space otherwise required. Once the lamp is assembled, the holder is used to secure the shade section to the base section. The result is a lamp that can be stored and transported cost-effectively and that can be efficiently assembled using the lamp holder required for other purposes in the lamp.

[0007] The base and bezel sections can be configured so that one can be completely housed within the space defined by the other in the unassembled state. This provides a very compact package.

[0008] To enable even more compact packaging, the base and bezel sections and the lamp holder can optionally be configured so that the lamp holder can be completely accommodated in the space defined by the smallest of the base and bezel sections in the unassembled state.

[0009] The lamp holder may include a cylindrical threaded portion and a removable ring having an internal thread, such that the cylindrical threaded portion is configured to be inserted through the openings of the base and bezel portions when the threaded ring is removed. The threaded ring can then be screwed onto the cylindrical threaded portion of the lamp holder, reaching the cylindrical threaded portion from above the bezel portion. This provides for easy assembly of the lamp that can be performed by an end user.

[0010] The lamp holder may then comprise a circumferential shoulder adjacent to the cylindrical threaded portion, wherein the threaded ring, when screwed down onto the cylindrical threaded portion until tightened, compresses the edges of the inner openings of the base and bezel portions between the threaded ring and the shoulder of the lamp holder.

[0011] Alternatively, the lamp holder may comprise a cylindrical threaded portion configured to be inserted through the openings of the base and bezel portions. At least the bezel portion includes an internal thread, preferably provided on a collar portion at the lower opening, which can be screwed onto the cylindrical threaded portion of the lamp holder, compressing the edge of the opening of the base portion between the bezel portion and a shoulder of the lamp holder.

[0012] The base and aperture sections can be essentially circularly symmetrical with respect to an axis that also runs through the center of the openings. However, polygonal shapes, for example, are also possible.

[0013] The aperture section may be translucent.

[0014] The base portion may include a rim at its wider end configured to rest on a horizontal surface and may include a groove in the rim to route a cable from inside the base portion.

[0015] Typically, each of the base and aperture sections includes a rim at its wider, open end, and for each section, the diameter of the rim is between 0.5 to 3 times, preferably 0.6 to 2.5 times, the distance between the plane of the rim and the opening in the bottom of the shell mold.

[0016] Typically, each of the base and aperture portions includes a rim at its wider end, and the diameter or a corresponding dimension of a non-circular base or aperture of the larger rim of the base and aperture portions may be in the range of 1.05 to 3 times, preferably 1.05 to 2.5 times, the diameter of the smaller.

[0017] When one of the base portion and the bezel portion is inserted into the other of the base portion and the bezel portion, the part that is inserted into the other part extends a maximum of 10 mm outside the part into which it is inserted, and preferably the part that is inserted into the other part does not extend outside the part into which it is inserted.

[0018] When one of the base section and the bezel section is inserted into the other of the base section and the bezel section, the part that is inserted into the other part is inserted within the other part to at least 75% of its height, preferably at least 90% of its height. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows a base section of a lamp. Fig. 2 shows a diaphragm section of a lamp. Fig. 3 shows a lamp or a light source holder of a lamp. Fig. 4 illustrates the lamp in the unassembled state. Fig. 5 illustrates the assembly of the lamp. Fig. 6 shows the lamp in the assembled state with an added light source. Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a diaphragm section. Detailed description

[0019] The present disclosure relates to a lamp, such as a table lamp, which means any lamp designed to rest on a horizontal surface, such as a table, an interior windowsill, or the like. The lamp is transported and stored in an unassembled state and can be assembled at a retail location or by an end user. Parts of the lamp are described below.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a base section 3 of a lamp. The base section 3 is generally bowl-shaped, which is not due to the Fig. 1, as will be explained. The base portion 3 defines an internal volume 5 surrounded by an internal surface 7. The base portion 3 further has an external surface 9 facing away from the internal surface, and the thickness of the product may be uniform, although this is not necessary. As shown in the perspective of Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the upper, wide end of the base portion 3 defines a rim 11, which forms the bottom of the lamp when the lamp is mounted. A groove 13 can optionally be made in this rim 11, as will be explained. Fig. 1, an opening 15 is provided, which is arranged in the bottom of the inner surface 7. This opening may be circular, although this is not necessary.

[0021] Fig. Figure 2 shows a diaphragm portion 17 of a lamp. Similar to the base portion 3, the diaphragm portion 17 is generally bowl-shaped, defining an interior volume 19 surrounded by an inner surface 21 and an outer surface 23 facing away from the inner surface 19. The upper, wide end of the diaphragm portion 17 defines a rim 25. Also shown in Fig. 2, an opening 27 is provided, which is arranged in the bottom of the inner surface 21. This opening 27 may be circular, although this is not necessary.

[0022] The base section 3 and the cover section 17 can each be made of, for example, sheet metal, plastic, glass, and wood. Optionally, the base section 3 and / or the cover section 17 can be provided with a lacquer, film, coating, or other surface treatment. The base section 3 and the cover section 17 can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0023] As mentioned, each of the base section 3 and the aperture section 17 includes a rim 11, 25 at their wider ends. For each section, the diameter of this rim is 45, 46, as shown in Fig. 5, between 0.5 to 3 times, preferably 0.6 to 2.5 times, the distance 47, 48 between the plane of the edge 11, 25 and the opening 15, 27.

[0024] In some embodiments, it may be preferred that each of the base portion 3 and the aperture portion 17 include a rim 11, 25 at the wider end, and that the diameter of a larger of these rims be in the range of 1.05 to 3 times, preferably 1.05 to 2.5 times, the diameter of the smaller one. This facilitates inserting one part into the other.

[0025] If the shape of the base portion 3 and / or the aperture portion 17 deviates from a circular symmetrical shape, e.g., polygonal or elliptical, as explained, the above-mentioned proportions of the respective diameters can be translated into proportions of the widest extensions of the edges of such a base and / or aperture portion other than the circular symmetrically shaped one.

[0026] Although it is advantageous for the smaller of the base section 3 and the aperture section 17 to fit completely within the other, this is not necessary. Typically, the smaller of the base and aperture sections can be allowed to extend up to 10 mm from the larger of the base and aperture sections when stacked within them.

[0027] When one of the base portion 3 and the aperture portion 17 is inserted into the other of the base portion and the aperture portion, that portion which is inserted into the other portion is typically inserted within the other portion to at least 75% of its height, preferably at least 90% of its height or more.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows a lamp holder 29, sometimes referred to as a socket or holder, for use with the base section 3 and the bezel section 17. The holder 29 may be of a type known per se and includes an opening 31 providing access to a cable terminal. A cable may be connected to the cable terminal to provide power, for example, directly from an AC outlet or, alternatively, from a general power converter or battery, depending on the light source used and how the lamp's light source is to be powered.

[0029] On the side of the lamp holder, which is in Fig. 3 is covered, a light source connection of any type (cf. 38, Fig. 5) is provided, which is designed to interact with a suitable light source connector, such as a light bulb. As is known, there are several connection standards for interacting with a light source, such as Edison standards such as E14, E27, double-pin connectors such as GU5.3, bayonet-type connectors such as BA22d, etc. The light source connector can be any available connector.

[0030] The lamp holder 29 is designed to be connected to the base 3 and the aperture section 17, and various options are possible for this purpose. In the illustrated case, the lamp holder 29 has an external thread 30 provided on an upper cylindrical portion 33. A separate, removable ring 35 with a corresponding internal thread (34, cf. Fig. 5) can be screwed onto the cylindrical threaded portion 33 and can cooperate with a circumferential shoulder 37 provided below the cylindrical threaded portion 33 to firmly assemble the lamp, as shown.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the lamp in the unassembled state. As illustrated, the base portion 3 is inserted into the bezel portion 17, with the respective outer surfaces 9, 23 facing in the same direction. This is achieved simply by providing a geometric relationship between the base portion 3 and the bezel portion 17 that allows this, and as will be explained, this can be accomplished in a variety of ways.

[0032] In the case illustrated in the figures, the base section 3 and the aperture section 17 have approximately the same overall shape, a shell shape that is circularly symmetrical along an axis that coincides with the mounting axis, as will be explained later. Stackability is achieved by making the base section 3 significantly smaller than the aperture section 17. As shown in Fig. 4, the base section 3 fits completely into the aperture section 17. This is not necessary; a relatively larger base section could protrude slightly from the interior of the aperture section 17, and yet considerable packaging space would be saved.

[0033] It is possible to reverse the size relationship between the base and aperture sections 3, 17 and instead stack the latter within the former, i.e. stack the aperture section 17 within the base section 3.

[0034] In the illustrated case, both the base 3 and the aperture 17 sections are circularly symmetrical along a central axis, so that a cross-section transverse to this axis forms a circle. This is not necessary; the corresponding cross-section could instead be more generally elliptical or generally polygonal, e.g., hexagonal, or even star-shaped, as long as one section fits into the other to some extent.

[0035] The term bowl-shaped is thus generally defined as any shape having a relatively wide and open edge 11, 25 and defining a volume by means of walls extending from that edge and forming or connecting to a base where the opening may be located.

[0036] An advantageous feature for achieving stackability is to make the base and faceplate sections 3, 17 slightly wider continuously from the bottom surface to the rim 11, 25. However, this is not necessary, since, for example, one cylindrically shaped section can fit into another by differing in size, i.e., diameter. However, a shape that narrows from the rim and downwards is less demanding in terms of tolerances.

[0037] It should also be noted that base and bezel sections 3, 17 of different sizes are not necessary. As is common with table glasses, for example, stackability can easily be achieved by fitting a narrower base section into a wider top section of an identical item.

[0038] In the illustrated case, the inner portion, the base portion 3, is large enough to accommodate the lamp holder 29 and optionally also accommodate at least one section of a cable and optionally also accommodate at least one section of an associated plug (not shown). This is advantageous because all parts of the lamp can be placed within the bezel portion 17, but it is not necessary.

[0039] Optionally, the enclosed parts could be wrapped in paper or plastic, for example, before being Fig. 4. This is not shown for a clearer representation of stacking.

[0040] The base and aperture sections 3, 17 can typically be made of sheet metal, such as steel or aluminum, glass, plastic, or ceramic. It is not necessary for both sections to be made of the same material. The aperture section can be translucent and act as a diffuser, or non-translucent to act as a screen.

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the assembly of the lamp. This is a simple process that the end user can easily perform. From the unassembled, packed state in Fig. 4, the holder 29 is brought out of the base portion 3, and the base portion 3 is brought out of the aperture portion 17 and is turned over so that the edge portion 11 faces downwards to form the base of the lamp 1, which rests on a flat surface such as a table or the like.

[0042] The separate threaded ring 35 of the holder 29 is unscrewed from the cylindrical threaded portion 33 of the holder 29.

[0043] The base section 3 and the aperture section 17 are arranged with the aperture section 17 at the top and are aligned on a common imaginary mounting axis 39 that passes through the centers of the openings 15, 27 of the base section 3 and the aperture section 17. The outer surfaces 9, 23 of the base section 3 and the aperture section 17 face each other.

[0044] The upper cylindrical portion 33, provided with an external thread 30 on the lamp holder 29, is inserted from below through the opening 15 of the base portion 3 and the opening 27 of the bezel portion 17. Then, the threaded ring 35 of the lamp holder 29 is screwed back onto the cylindrical threaded portion 33 of the lamp holder 29, reaching the cylindrical threaded portion 33 from above the bezel portion 17. The threaded ring 35 is screwed down onto the external thread 30 until tightened, at which point the opening edges 14, 26 of the openings 15, 27 of the base and bezel portions 3, 17 are compressed between the threaded ring 35 and the shoulder 37 of the lamp holder 29. This completes the assembly process.

[0045] It should be noted that other variants are possible by which the lamp holder 29 is enabled to fix the diaphragm portion to the base portion in the assembled state.

[0046] First of all, the openings do not have to be circular; other shapes such as elliptical and polygonal openings are also possible.

[0047] When the feature described above is used to secure the opening edges between a ring and a shoulder, it is not necessary to provide the threads of the cylindrical portion and the ring, as other options are conceivable, such as a bayonet lock or a snap lock. A ring with a strong permanent magnet acting on a ferromagnetic structure or another permanent magnet close to or within the shoulder would be another option, especially if the base and bezel portions 3, 17 are made of plastic, glass, or a non-ferromagnetic metal material.

[0048] It is also possible to insert the lamp holder 29 from above and in this case to move the cylindrical threaded section 33, for example, under the step.

[0049] If the base and aperture sections 3, 17 are made of a sufficiently thick material, it would be possible to provide internal threads, particularly in the openings 15, 27 themselves.

[0050] Another option that Fig. 7, is to provide the aperture portion 17' with a cylindrical threaded collar 50 projecting from the edge 26 of the aperture portion opening 27. This allows the use of a thinner fabric thickness.

[0051] Then, using the cylindrical threaded portion 33 of the holder 29, it is possible to attach the holder directly to these threads without using a separate ring 35.

[0052] Another option would be to provide the lamp holder 29 slightly oversized compared to the openings and with a rubber-like outer material that can be easily compressed to press a cylindrical part of the lamp holder 29 into the openings where it is firmly seated with an interference fit.

[0053] Fig. Figure 6 shows the lamp 1 in its assembled state. A light source 41 has been attached to the lamp holder or socket. Although this light source 41 protrudes beyond the edge of the aperture section, it should be noted that this is not necessary.

[0054] As shown, a cable 43 can protrude through the groove 13 of the edge 11 of the base section 3.

[0055] The present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above and may be varied and modified in various ways within the scope of the appended claims.

[0056] In summary, the present disclosure relates to a lamp, such as a table lamp, comprising a base portion adapted to rest on a horizontal surface, a shade portion adapted to be supported by the base portion and to completely or partially surround a light source, and a holder including a light source connector for connecting the light source to an electrical outlet. Both the base portion and the shade portion are cup-shaped, defining an interior volume surrounded by an interior surface and having an exterior surface. Openings are disposed in the respective interior surface at the bottom thereof.Either the base or the bezel section is configured to be inserted into the other section in an unassembled state, and the holder fits into the openings of the base and bezel sections such that the holder is configured to fix the bezel section to the base section in an assembled state in which the outer surfaces of the base and bezel sections face each other and the openings of the base and bezel sections are aligned. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US-1886634

[0002]

Claims

[1] Lamp (1), such as a table lamp, comprising a base portion (3) adapted to rest on a horizontal surface, a shade portion (17) adapted to be supported by the base portion and to completely or partially surround a light source (41), and a lamp holder (29) comprising a light source connector (38) for connecting the light source to a socket, characterized by , that: - the base portion (3) is bowl-shaped, defining an internal volume (5) surrounded by an inner surface (7) and having an outer surface (9), the base portion having an opening (15) arranged in the bottom of the inner surface, - the aperture portion (17) is bowl-shaped, defining an internal volume (19) surrounded by an internal surface (21) and having an external surface (23), the aperture portion having an opening (27) arranged in the bottom of the internal surface, - wherein either the base (3) or the panel section (17) is configured such that it can be inserted into the other section in a non-assembled state, the respective outer surfaces (9, 23) facing in the same direction, and - the lamp holder (29) fits into the openings (15, 27) of the base and the aperture section (3, 17) so that the lamp holder is configured to fix the aperture section (17) to the base section (3) in an assembled state in which the outer surfaces (9, 23) of the base and the aperture section face each other and the openings (15, 27) of the base and the aperture section are aligned. [2] The lamp of claim 1, wherein the base (3) and shade (17) sections are configured so that one can be completely accommodated within the space defined by the other in the unassembled state. [3] A lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (3) and the aperture portion (17) and the holder (29) are configured so that the holder can be completely accommodated in the space defined by the smallest of the base (3) and the aperture portion (17) in the unassembled state. [4] A lamp according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lamp holder (29) comprises a cylindrical threaded portion (33) and a removable ring (35) comprising an internal thread, such that the cylindrical threaded portion (33) is configured to be inserted through the openings (15, 27) of the base and the diaphragm portions (3, 17) when the threaded ring (35) is removed, and that the threaded ring (35) can be screwed onto the cylindrical threaded portion (33) of the lamp holder (29) reaching the cylindrical threaded portion (33) from above the diaphragm portion (17), wherein the lamp holder (29) preferably comprises a circumferential shoulder (37) adjacent to the cylindrical threaded portion (33), wherein the threaded ring (35), when screwed down onto the cylindrical threaded portion (33) until tightened, surrounds the edges of the openings (15, 27) of the base and the Aperture section (3,17) between the threaded ring (35) and the shoulder (37) of the lamp holder (29). [5] Lamp according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the lamp holder (29) comprises a cylindrical threaded portion (33) configured to be inserted through the openings (15, 27) of the base and the diaphragm portions (3, 17), wherein at least the diaphragm portion (17) comprises an internal thread in its opening (27), preferably provided on a collar portion (50) at the opening (27), which can be screwed onto the cylindrical threaded portion (33) of the lamp holder (29), compressing the edge of the opening (15) of the base portion (3) between the diaphragm portion (17) and a shoulder (37) of the lamp holder (29). [6] A lamp according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base and aperture portions (3, 17) are substantially circularly symmetrical with respect to an axis (39) which also passes through the centers of the openings (15, 27). [7] Lamp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture portion (17) is translucent. [8] A lamp according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base portion (3) comprises a rim (11) configured to rest on a horizontal surface and a groove (13) in the rim to guide a cable (43) out from the interior of the base portion (1). [9] Lamp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the base (3) and the aperture section (17) comprises an edge (11, 25), wherein for each section the diameter (45, 46) of the edge is between 0.5 to 3 times, preferably 0.6 to 2.5 times, the distance (47, 48) between the plane of the edge (11, 25) and the opening (15, 27). [10] A lamp according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the base (3) and the aperture (17) portions comprises an edge (11, 25) and the diameter or a corresponding dimension of a non-circular base or aperture of the larger edge is in the range of 1.05 to 3 times, preferably 1.05 to 2.5 times, the diameter of the smaller one. [11] A lamp according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when one of the base portion and the aperture portion is inserted into the other of the base portion and the aperture portion, the part which is inserted into the other portion extends a maximum of 10 mm outside the portion into which it is inserted, and preferably the part which is inserted into the other portion does not extend outside the portion into which it is inserted. [12] A lamp according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when one of the base portion and the aperture portion is inserted into the other of the base portion and the aperture portion, the part which is inserted into the other part is inserted within the other part up to at least 75% of its height, preferably at least 90% of its height.

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