Importance

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Abstract

A lighting fixture such as a chandelier formed of a supporting frame member defining a shape of the fixture and a plurality of solid listels or baguettes attached to opposing sides of frame member sections so as to surround and obscure significantly the underlying frame member from view. One or more fasteners may be used to secure the listels to the sections of the frame members. The listels may be produced using commonly available mass production or automated manufacturing techniques. A chandelier having a frame member interposed between glass listels is commonly referred to as a Maria Theresa style chandelier. Alignment features are preferably included on either or both the listels and the frame member to assist in the placement and arrangement of the listels on the frame member for subsequent attachment. Such alignment features may include one or more bosses integral with the section that align with corresponding alignment bores formed in the frame member. Significantly, the listels may be molded to predetermined dimensions and configurations corresponding to dimensions and configurations of the frame members to which the listels are to be attached. Aligned with regions defined by adjacent listels, referred to as listel junctions, are fastening bores for receiving fasteners that are preferably utilized to secure the listels to the frame member as well as to provide a decorative cover for the listel junction. Preferably, the frame member is manufactured, such as by laser cutting, from a flat sheet of malleable material such as sheet metal. Pre-molded listels in combination with a laser cut frame member provides for a simple and accurate manufacturing process that does not require significant labor or time.

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First Claim