Figurine lamp with illuminating dress

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method to structurally support and selectively illuminate a new and unique lamp for emitting light. The apparatus includes a frame, a figurine, and a light source to emit an artistically pleasing light and display a figurine as its exterior design. The apparatus also comprises of means for selectively turning the light source on and off. The method secures the figurine in to the frame, which in turn is covered, at least in part, by fabric. The fabric may comprise material and patterns that allow partial light reflection to cast various patterns and shades of light through the fabric. The method further couples a light socket to the frame, including means to selectively turn the light source on and off. The method may include coupling at least one hook to the frame for suspending the frame. The method may also include coupling a backdrop member to the frame for prominently displaying the facial features of the figurine and help with stabilizing the apparatus when the frame is suspended.

1 . An apparatus for holding a decorative figurine and a light source, the apparatus comprising: 
 a frame having a substantially planar portion and an outwardly projecting portion, the frame being adapted to captively receive the decorative figurine, and the outwardly projecting portion having a plurality of curved members configured to form a dress-shaped lampshade structure;    a hook coupled to the frame for suspending the frame from a separate structure;    a light socket positioned between the outwardly projecting portion of the frame and the planar portion of the frame, configured to operatively receive a light source and having means for selectively turning the light source on and off; and    fabric positioned over at least the outwardly projecting portion of the frame, and wherein at least a portion of the fabric is capable of allowing light from the light source to pass through the fabric.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the substantially planar portion of the frame is configured to be positionable contiguous to an adjacent structure.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a backdrop member coupled to the frame, the backdrop member having a back surface and the back surface being positionable against a flat surface to help stabilize the frame when the frame is suspended by the hook.    
   
   
       4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a material positioned across a bottom portion of the apparatus to soften any glare emitted from the light source.    
   
   
       5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the frame is made from molded plastic.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the frame is made from wire.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus according to  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 means for preparing the surface of the frame, whereby the fabric adheres more easily to the frame.    
   
   
       8 . A method for manufacturing a figurine lamp with an illuminating dress, the method comprising: 
 securing a figurine to a frame having a planar portion and an outwardly projecting portion;    securing a fabric with light reflective qualities to the outwardly projecting portion of the frame;    coupling a hook to the frame for suspending the frame from a separate structure; and    coupling a light socket between the planar portion of the frame and the outwardly projecting portion of the frame.    
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 securing a plurality of curved members to the outwardly projecting portion of the frame to form a dress-shaped lampshade structure.    
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 coupling a backdrop member to the frame, the backdrop member having a back surface and the back surface being positionable against a flat surface to help stabilize the frame when the frame is suspended by the hook.    
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 making the frame from molded plastic.    
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 making the frame from wire.    
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising: 
 affixing surface preparation means to the frame whereby the fabric adheres more easily to the frame.    
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 securing a material across a bottom portion of the apparatus to soften any glare emitted from the light source.