1. The Field of the Invention
Implementations of the present invention relate to decorative resin lighting fixtures.
2. Background and Relevant Art
Recent trends in building design involve using one or more sets of decorative panels to add to the functional and/or aesthetic characteristics of a given structure or design space. These recent trends are due, at least in part, because there is sometimes more flexibility with how the given panel (or set of panels) is designed, compared with the original structure. For example, recent panel materials include synthetic, polymeric resin materials, which can be formed as panels to be used as partitions, walls, barriers, treatments, decor, etc.
In particular, the use of resin materials is becoming increasingly popular in sculptural and lighting applications. In general, resin materials such as these are now popular compared with decorative cast or laminated glass materials, since resin materials may be manufactured to be more resilient and to have a similar transparent, translucent, or decorative appearance as cast or laminated glass, but with less cost. In addition, resin materials tend to be more flexible in terms of manufacture and assembly because they can be relatively easily bent, molded, colored, shaped, cut, and otherwise modified in a variety of different ways. Decorative resins can also provide more flexibility compared with glass and other conventional materials at least in terms of color, degree of texture, gauge, and impact resistance. Additionally, decorative resins have a fairly wide utility since they may be formed to include a large variety of colors, images, interlayers, and shapes.
Unfortunately, some lighting fixtures made with resin materials are designed to allow for quick, efficient, and inexpensive production. The design of such resin-based lighting fixtures may not focus on, or even allow for, full utilization of the aesthetics that resin-based materials can provide. Along similar lines, many resin-based lighting fixtures are designed for mass production. Mass produced resin-based lighting fixtures, while being relatively inexpensive, can lack uniqueness. Other lighting fixtures made with resin materials are so unique that they typically cannot be mass produced on any appreciable level without, making such unique lighting fixtures costly.
Furthermore, some lighting fixtures made with resin materials require numerous hardware components and/or complicated hardware and installation procedures. Such hardware can be visible and unsightly. Indeed, the mounting hardware of some conventional resin-based lighting fixtures may be unappealing to designers and architects seeking to obtain a certain aesthetic by using resin-based products.
Accordingly, there are a number of disadvantages in resin-based lighting fixtures that can be addressed.
One or more implementations of the present invention solve one or more of the foregoing or other problems with resin-based lighting fixtures that help magnify the aesthetic features of resin-based materials included therein. For example, one or more implementations of the present invention include resin-based lighting fixtures that reduce or eliminate the visibility of hardware. Additionally, one or more implementations include methods of forming resin-based lighting fixtures that allow for the production of unique, aesthetically pleasing, and yet cost effective resin-based lighting fixtures. In particular, one or more implementations include resin-based lighting fixtures having a blossom-shape and leaves or petals made from thermoformed resin sheets.
For example, an implementation of a lighting fixture can include a light socket and a plurality of resin propellers positioned about a light source. Each of the resin propellers can comprise a ring and one or more resin strips extending from the ring. One or more of the resin strips can be non-planar. Additionally, the resin strips can at least partially conceal the light source.
In addition to the foregoing, an implementation of a method of forming a resin-based lighting fixture can involve cutting a plurality of resin propellers from a resin sheet. Each of the resin propellers can comprise a mounting ring and one or more resin strips extending outward from the mounting ring. The method can also involve heating the resin propellers. The method can then involve shaping one or more of the resin strips. Furthermore, the method can involve assembling the resin propellers about a mounting fixture by inserting the mounting fixture through the mounting ring of each resin propeller.
Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.
In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structure or function are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
The present invention is directed toward resin-based lighting fixtures that help magnify the aesthetic features of resin-based materials included therein. For example, one or more implementations of the present invention include resin-based lighting fixtures that reduce or eliminate the visibility of hardware. Additionally, one or more implementations include methods of forming resin-based lighting fixtures that allow for the production of unique, aesthetically pleasing, and yet cost effective resin-based lighting fixtures. In particular, one or more implementations include resin-based lighting fixtures having a blossom-shape and leaves or petals made from thermoformed resin sheets.
One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that one or more implementations of the present invention can provide aesthetically pleasing light fixtures. For instance, one or more implementations include resin-based lighting fixtures that are hand shaped in aesthetically pleasing configurations. Furthermore, the resin-based light fixtures can help magnify the aesthetic features of the resin materials used to form the light fixtures. Indeed, one or more implementations help magnify the form, texture, and transparency of the resin materials. In addition, one or more implementations reduce or eliminate the visibility of hardware that could otherwise detract from the aesthetics provided by the resin materials.
For example,
The resins strips 102 of the resin-based lighting fixture 100 can comprise one or more combinations or alloys of the above-listed thermoplastic materials. As a preliminary matter, implementations of the present invention are described herein primarily with reference to resin strips. One will appreciate, however, that the strips of the lighting fixtures of one or more implementations can include materials other than resin. For example, one or more strips of a given lighting fixture can include wood, stone, fiberglass, or the like.
Furthermore, the resin strips 102 can comprise one or more layers of resin or other materials. For example, in one or more implementations, the resin strips 102 can include a decorative inter-layer, as explained in greater detail below. The decorative inter-layer can provide the resin-based lighting fixture 100 with desirable aesthetic qualities. In addition to, or in place of, a decorative image layer, the resin strips 102 can be transparent, translucent, or opaque, depending upon the desired aesthetic. Furthermore, the resin strips 102 can include color, or can have a clear configuration.
The resin strips 102 can have a gauge from as thin as about one-eighth inch (⅛″) or one quarter inch (¼″), or thinner, to as thick as about one and one-half inches (1½″) to about two inches (2″), or thicker, depending on the end-user's designs. In general, thicker gauges tend to be sturdier and more expensive than thinner gauges. In accordance with one or more implementations, the resin strips can have thinner gauges, such as anywhere from about one-sixteenth inch ( 1/16″) to about three-eighths inch (⅜″).
As shown by
The resin strips 102 can have a shape and/or curvature to provide the resin-based lighting fixture with a desirable aesthetic. For example,
The resin-based lighting fixture 100 can include any number of propellers 108. For example,
In addition to the number of propellers 108, the shape and form of the resin propellers 108 can vary. For example,
In one or more implementations, a manufacturer can fold or form the resin propellers 108 and resin strips 102 in a manner to at least partially, or fully, conceal the light source 106. The resin strips 102, however, can be flexible, and thus, allow a user to reposition them to access the light source 106. Thus, the resin strips 102 can provide an aesthetic function of concealing hardware of the resin-based lighting fixture 100, without compromising the functional need to gain access to the light source 106.
To assemble the resin-based lighting fixture 100, a manufacturer can place the rings 110 of the resin propellers 108 about the light socket 104. In so doing, the manufacturer can rotate and otherwise position the resin propellers 108 relative to each other to provide a desired aesthetic. The manufacturer can then secure the locking mechanism 112 to the threads 105 of the light socket 104, thereby securing the resin propellers 108 to the light socket 104. Thereafter, the manufacturer can secure the light source (e.g., light bulb 106) within the light socket 104.
In the illustrated implementation, the light socket 104 includes a male member with external threads. The manufacturer places the male member within the rings 110 of the resin propellers 108 and then secures the locking mechanism 112 to the male member. In this instance, the locking member 112 comprises a ring with internal threads. One will appreciate that in alternative implementations both the light socket 104 and the locking mechanism 112 can have other configurations. For example, the locking mechanism 112 can include a male component, while the light socket 104 includes a female component. Furthermore, instead of a threaded connection, the light socket 104 and the locking mechanism 112 can have a snap fit, or other engagement configuration. In any event, the locking mechanism 112 can secure the resin propellers 108 to the light socket 104.
In one or more alternative implementations, a manufacturer can use a mounting fixture other than a light socket 104 to couple the resin propellers 108 together. In such implementations, the mounting fixture can extend through the rings 110 of the resin propellers 108 and a light socket or a light source can be coupled to the mounting fixture. In at least one implementation, the mounting fixture can comprise an elongated mounting member that allows the manufacturer to space the resin propellers 108 apart and provide a larger and/or fuller configuration. Thus, the resin propellers 108 can be spaced apart in some implementations in contrast to the resin-based lighting fixture 100 where each of the rings 110 are sandwiched together when assembled (
Referring now to
To form the resin propellers 108 from the resin sheet 114, a manufacturer can first choose the size and shapes of the resin propellers 108 and associated resin strips 102. The manufacturer can then lay out the shapes on a resin sheet 114. The manufacturer can then cut the resin propellers 108 out of the resin sheet 114. In some implementations, the manufacturer can perform these acts by hand. In alternative implementations, the manufacturer can use a CNC (computer numerically controlled) machine that maximizes the number of resin propellers 108 to be cut from each resin sheet 114. In yet further implementations, the resin propellers 108 can comprise, or be cut from, resin scraps from other projects.
The resin sheets 114 from which a manufacturer can cut the resin propellers 108 can comprise any of the thermoplastic materials described herein above. Furthermore, the resin sheets 114 may have a thickness or gauge of about two inches (2″), about one inch (1″), about one-half inch (½″), about one-fourth inch (¼″), about one-eighth inch (⅛″), about one-sixteenth inch ( 1/16″), or about one-thirty-second inch ( 1/32″).
After cutting the unshaped resin propellers 108a from a resin sheet, the manufacturer can then heat the resin propellers 108a. As shown by
Upon heating the resin propellers 108a, the manufacturer can pass the propellers 108a through a shaping operation 118. During the shaping operation, the manufacturer can impart curvature or other non-linear geometry to one or more resin strips 102 of the propellers 108a. For example, the manufacturer can provide each resin strip 102 with varying degrees of flip.
In one or more implementations, the manufacturer can shape the resin strips 102 by hand. One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that shaping the resin strips 102 by hand can provide each resin-based lighting fixture with a unique configuration. In alternative implementations, the manufacture can shape the resin strips 102 by pressing the head resin strips 102 against, or between mold(s). In any event, the manufacturer can provide one or more of the resin strips 102 with curvature or other non-planar geometry. After the shaped resin propellers 108 have cooled, the manufacturer can then use them to assemble a resin-based lighting fixture in the manner described herein above.
As mentioned previously, the resin-based lighting fixture 100 may have any number of configurations and shapes, such as a blossom or flower, or a more abstract configuration. The configuration and style of the resin-based lighting fixture 100 can be based at least partially on the shape and number of resin propellers 108. Thus, a manufacturer can select the size, number, and shape of the resin propellers 108 and resin strips 102 in order to produce a particularly shaped resin-based lighting fixture.
As previously mentioned, the resin propellers 108 can have different sizes. For instance,
Additionally, while the resin propellers 108 of
In addition to having varying sizes and numbers, the resin strips 102 of the present invention can also include various shapes and configurations. As previously discussed, the resin strips 102 shown and described in reference to
Addition to the resin strips 102, the rings or mounting rings 110 of the propellers 108 can have various shapes and sizes. For example,
One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that a manufacturer can vary the shape and configuration of the resin-based lighting fixture 100 by varying the shape, curvature, and/or number of propellers 108 and associated resin strips 102. For example,
Each of the resin-based lighting fixtures 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 shown and described herein above includes a pendant or hanging light configuration. One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that the present invention is not so limited. In alternative implementations, the resin-based lighting fixtures can comprise chandeliers, wall sconces, lamps, lights of ceiling fans, outdoor lighting, etc. For example,
One will appreciate that a manufacturer can design or configure a resin-based lighting fixture in almost limitless configurations using the principles of the present invention. For example, a manufacturer can modify the color and opacity/translucence of the resin strips 102 in any number of ways to adjust the opacity/transparency of the resin-based lighting fixture for desired aesthetic effect. In at least one implementation, a manufacturer can modify the hue, color intensity, and light transmission of the resin strips 102 and/or the decorative inter-layer 116 to vary the resultant aesthetic properties of the resin-based lighting fixture. Accordingly, one or more implementations of the present invention provide a manufacturer with a number of ways to prepare an aesthetically desirable resin-based lighting fixture. These resin-based lighting fixtures can have a wide range of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, properties or colors, and can be used in a wide range of environments and applications.
Accordingly,
For example,
In addition,
In addition to the foregoing,
Accordingly, the schematics and methods described herein provide a number of unique products, as well as ways for creating aesthetically pleasing, decorative, resin-based lighting fixtures. As discussed herein, these resin-based lighting fixtures or example reduce or eliminate the visibility of hardware. One or more implementations include resin-based lighting fixtures having a blossom-shape and leaves or petals made from thermoformed resin sheets.
The present invention may thus be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
The present invention is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/653,288, filed Oct. 16, 2012, which is a 35 U.S.C. §371 U.S. National Stage of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/34358, filed on Apr. 28, 2011, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/330,196, filed Apr. 30, 2010. The entire content of each of the foregoing patent applications is incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61330196 | Apr 2010 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 13653288 | Oct 2012 | US |
Child | 14526418 | US |