Tool

Abstract

The tool 10 includes a handle portion 15 and a blade portion 20. The handle portion may be elongate and longitudinally curved. The blade portion may have a rounded edge 22 and a flat portion 24. Th

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to lampshades and particularly, although not exclusively, to a tool for use in making lampshades. A lampshade is a decorative cover that is fitted around or over a light source (such as an electric light bulb). Lampshades generally comprise a frame (often made from metal) and a covering (often made from fabric). Frames typically have at least one ring, for example a top and bottom ring and joined by one or more spokes. An important part of the process of manually making a lampshade from a frame and a covering is tucking the covering material behind the ring / s. The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to the manufacture of lampshades. An aspect of the present invention provides a lampshade fabrication tool comprising a handle portion and a blade portion. In some embodiments the handle portion is elongate and is longitudinally curved. The blade portion may comprise a rounded edge. The blade portion may comprise a flat portion. The blade portion may comprise a flat corner and a rounded corner. The tool may comprise an index finger rest point. The tool may comprise depth stop means. The tool may be formed as a one-piece moulded article. Alternatively the tool may be formed from a plurality (e.g. two or three) pieces that are assembled / connected together. A further aspect provides a fabric tucking tool for a lampshade. In some embodiments the tool comprises a curved handle and rounded tucking fin. Some aspects and embodiments provide or relate to a tool that has been developed specifically for the lampshade making market. Some embodiments may provide benefits for users suffering with arthritis. Such embodiments may have as a goal making the process of making lampshades easier without putting so much pressure on the hands. Embodiments of the present invention may provide the following benefits and / or take account of the following considerations: something that fits well in the hand looking at pressure points of fingers ease of use longevity of the tool resistance against different fabrics height of lampshade rings how to have more of a continuous movement sturdiness how to display it in a retail environment a tool that encompass all that is needed to tuck the fabric behind the rings whilst making a lampshade The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate. The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper and lower are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention. Referring first to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a tool generally indicated 10. The tool 10 comprises a handle portion 15 and a blade portion 20. The blade portion 20 comprises a rounded fin 22. One corner 24 of the blade portion is flat and the other corner 26 of the blade portion is curved / rounded. The handle portion 15 comprises an aperture 17. Figures 3 and 4 show a tool 110 formed in accordance with the present invention. Figures 5A to 5F show a tool 210 formed in accordance with the present invention. Dimensions shown are by way of example. They may or may not be limiting. Figure 6 illustrates a tool 310 created to make it easier to tuck fabric behind the rings to give a great finish. The tool fits well within the hand. The tool includes an index finger rest point to help put pressure in the right place whilst tucking in fabric behind rings. The tool includes a bottom curve to right side rounded edge - used to tuck the fabric behind the rings. It can be used in different ways: by pushing downwards, rocking forwards or backwards or applying easy pressure in a continuous motion (see other images below). Bottom ridge (both sides) - groove helps prevent the tool being pushed too far which could potentially damage fabric. Bottom left corner point - makes it adaptable to be able to go into difficult corners, or behind lampshade spokes. It can also be used to help drag any missed fabric behind the rings, if any was missed when using the bottom curve and / or rounded corner, this giving a better finish. The hole at the top is to allow the tool to be hung in a retail setting or to attach to a lanyard etc. The recessed part in the middle is to use less materials / composites thus making it cheaper to manufacture. Figure 7 shows the corner part 324 in action to help put fabric behind the lampshade spoke. Shown from another angle and can be used for either right-or left-handed individuals - Figure 8. Figure 9 shows some of the fabric already tucked in as well as showing that the bottom edge can be used to push downwards. Figure 10 shows the tool being used and the easy movement that is needed to tuck the fabric behind the ring by dragging the tool behind the ring, which in turn tucks the fabric in. Figure 11 illustrates the tool 310 in action. The rounded corner 326 of the blade portion can be used to score vinyl so you can fold it easier. The corner could, for example be generally square, rectangular, or triangular. Figures 12 and 13 show the tool in action. Figures 14 and 15 show examples of folded vinyl. Figures 16 to 24 show various views of a tool formed in accordance with the 5 present invention. Although an example has been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and / or equivalents thereof are possible.

Claims

1. A lampshade fabrication tool comprising a handle portion and a blade portion.

2. A tool as claimed in claim 1, in which the handle portion is elongate and is longitudinally curved.

3. A tool as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the blade portion comprises a rounded edge.

4. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the blade portion comprises a flat portion.

5. A tool as claimed in claim 5, in which the blade portion comprises a flat corner and a rounded corner.

6. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tool comprises an index finger rest point.

7. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a depth stop.

8. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tool is formed asa one-piece moulded article.

9. A fabric tucking tool for a lampshade.

510. A tool as claimed in claim 9, comprising a curved handle and a roundedtucking fin.io

Images