Illumination – Supports – Standard-type support
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-07
2001-04-17
Cariaso, Alan (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Supports
Standard-type support
C362S122000, C362S154000, C362S389000, C362S397000, C362S431000, C362S441000, C362S805000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217198
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to lamp fixtures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a lamp fixture used in converting bowls, planters, and vases into lamps.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fear of electrical parts near water or moisture is common. In the past, most standard lamp fixtures have been produced in metal. Metal submerged in water or in a moist environment corrodes, thus making the lamp fixture perishable and eventually dangerous. Moreover, no lamp fixture is known to have the safe and efficient ability to be placed in any shape bowl, planter, pottery, or vase for the purpose of converting the use of the bowl, planter, pottery, or vase into a decorative lamp.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to provide a fixture for use in converting bowls, planters, pottery, and vases into safe, easy to assemble decorative lamps that may contain live plants. It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a fixture which is of simple and inexpensive construction. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a fixture in form that can be disassembled quickly and easily for transference and reuse. A further object of the present invention is to provide such a fixture that may be adjusted to suit the height desired for both aesthetic reasons and so that it is adjustable with relation to the growth of the plant.
Finally, a still further object of the present invention is to provide the option of wiring the lamp so that the wire continues through the lamp and through the base of the bowl, planter, pottery or vase when a center hole is present.
These and other objects of the present invention are satisfied by the present invention, wherein a lamp fixture is provided for converting a hollow receptacle into an electric lamp comprising a base that has a central section and a plurality of resilient spokes extending from the central section, along with a lamp that is connected to the base such that when the base is inserted into the receptacle, the spokes engage one or more wall portions of the receptacle and thus secure the base of the lamp in the receptacle. Preferably, the spokes are scored by score lines so that portions can be removed by bending or cutting along one of the score lines in order to adjust its length to accommodate a variety of receptacles. Preferably the distal end of the spokes have a protruding portion which is most preferably comprised of an irregular band of resilient material, or alternatively, is a cylindrical section of resilient material. These protruding portions of the distal end of the spokes assist with the engagement of the spokes against the receptacle. In one preferred embodiment, the spokes of the base of the lamp fixture may bear suction cups
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which attach the base to one or more wall portions of the receptacle. In certain preferred embodiments, the lamp fixture further comprises a wall band that is juxtaposed with the spokes, such that the wall band creates a frictional engagement with the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the wall band is a curved band that has a plurality of protrusions that may either be cylindrical, rectangular prisms, or any other shape. In certain embodiments, an additional band is also provided and this secondary band has a plurality of cutouts shaped and sized to fit over the protrusions of the wall band. In preferred embodiments, the lamp apparatus itself has an inner tube and an outer tube in telescoping engagement such that the distance from the light bulb to the receptacle is adjustable so that the fixture may be adjusted to accommodate varying plant heights, either as the plant grows, or if the plant is replaced or changed for seasonal, decorative or other reasons. Preferably, the electrical cord extends through the base into an opening in the receptacle, although the electrical cord may alternatively be run up the side of the receptacle and over the rim or lip of the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the receptacle has an opening in its bottom portion to accommodate the exit of the electrical cord or other portions of the apparatus.
In accordance with the present invention, methods of converting an open receptacle such as a vase, bowl or other object that holds a plant into a lamp are also disclosed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 554089 (1896-02-01), Quinn
patent: 1419152 (1922-06-01), Lansing et al.
patent: 1460992 (1923-07-01), Vehling
patent: 1614102 (1927-01-01), Cary
patent: 3939338 (1976-02-01), Giammalvo
patent: 4112484 (1978-09-01), Schwartz
patent: 5121313 (1992-06-01), Chang
patent: 5428520 (1995-06-01), Skief
patent: 260467 (1911-12-01), None
Cariaso Alan
DelGizzi Ronald E.
Woodcock Washburn Kurtz Mackiewicz & Norris LLP
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