Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SEASONAL LIGHTING CONCEALMENT SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of seasonal lighting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many cultures, it is traditional to decorate the exterior of one's home
with lights during seasonal celebrations. For a variety of economic and
aesthetic reasons, for this purpose it is commonplace for inexpensive string
lights to be temporarily strung on homes. In much of the Northern United
States and Canada, the holiday season is characterized by inclement
weather,, which can make seasonal light installation and removal hazardous.
As a result, many households refrain from decoration, and many injuries are
suffered each year during the decoration process by those who choose to
decorate despite the, risks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Apparatus forms one aspect of the invention. This apparatus is for use with
a length of seasonal light string, the length being of the type having a
plurality of lights strung together, each light being of the type having a
base
and a light-emitting-part extending from the base. This apparatus
comprises: a clamp for each light in said length of light string, each clamp
being adapted, in use, to securely hold the base of the light for which it is
provided; a track adapted to engage the clamps in use such that, in use,
said clamps securely hold the lights for which they are provided in spaced
relation along said track; a cover secured to the track; and a housing
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hingedly connected to the cover, for movement, in use,.of the cover, track,
clamps and length of light string, between a closed position and an open
position.
At the closed position, the housing and cover together define interiorly an
elongate cavity containing said length of light string, the clamps and the
track. At the open position, the light-emitting parts of the length of light
string are exposed.
According to another aspect of the invention, the housing can be an
extrusion.
According to another aspect of the invention, all of the clamps can be the
same.
According to another aspect of the invention, each clamp can be defined by
a pair of clamp elements which, in use, are held on opposite sides of the
base of the light for which said each clamp is provided, to secure said base.
According to another aspect of the invention, the cover and track can be
integrally formed with one another.
According to another aspect of the invention, the clamps can be snap-fit
into the track.
According to another aspect of the invention, the clamp can be defined by a
pair of clamps element which, in use, engage one another in snap-fit
relation.
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According to another aspect of the invention, the housing, in use, can be
secured to the underside of an eavestrough for a building, and define a
downwardly-presenting channel; and the cover can be planar and, in the
open position, depend downwardly from the side of the housing nearest said
building.
A system, comprising the apparatus, forms another aspect of the invention.
According to another aspect of the invention, the system can further
comprise, in addition to the apparatus: linear couplers, for coupling
housings together in end-to-end, parallel relation; corner couplers, for
coupling housings together in end-to-end, perpendicular relation; and caps,
for closing exposed housing ends.
According to another aspect of the invention, each clamp can include a pair
of portions, one of the pair of portions, in use, being engaged with the track
and the other of the pair of portions being mounted to the one for pivotal
movement in use between an open position and a closed position. The
other portion, in use, can securely hold the light for which the clamp is
provided, and be adapted such that, in use, as the cover is pivoted between
its closed and open positions, the other portion pivots between its closed
and open positions. In the open position of the other portion and in use,
the light can be orientated vertically. In the closed position of the other
portion and in use, the light can be orientated horizontally.
According to another aspect of the invention, the other portion can be
biased for movement towards the open position.
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According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus can further
comprise a stop member, for arresting rotation of the other portion beyond
the open position.
Apparatus for use with a length of seasonal light string forms another
aspect of the invention. This apparatus comprises a plurality of clamps; a
track; a cover; and a housing. Each clamp is adapted, in use, to securely
hold a portion of the light string. The track is adapted to engage the
clamps in use such that, in use, said clamps are provided in spaced relation
along said track. The cover is secured to the track.
The housing is hingedly connected to the cover, for movement, in use, of
the cover, track, clamps and length of light string, between: (i) a closed
position, whereat the housing and cover together define interiorly an
elongate cavity containing said length of light string, the clamps and the
track; and (ii) an open position, whereat at least portions of the light
string
are exposed. Each clamp includes a pair of portions, one of the pair of
portions, in use, being engaged with the track and the other of the pair of
portions being mounted to the one for pivotal movement in use between an
open position and a closed position. The other portion, in use, securely
holds the respective portion of the light string, and is adapted such that, in
use, as the cover is pivoted between its closed and open positions, the
other portion pivots between its closed and open positions.
Forming yet another aspect of the invention is apparatus for use with a
length of seasonal light string. This apparatus comprises: a clamp
arrangement adapted, in use, to seclireiy hold said light string; a cover
associated with the clamp arrangement; and a housing. The housing is
hingedly connected to the cover, for movement, in use, of the cover, clamp
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arrangement and length of light string, between: (i) a closed position,
whereat the housing and cover together define interiorly an elongate cavity
containing said length of light string; and (ii) an open position, whereat, in
use, the light-emitting parts.of said length of light string are exposed.
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Forming yet another aspect of the invention is apparatus for use with a
length of seasonal light string. This apparatus comprises: (i) a plurality of
clamps, each clamp being adapted, in use, to securely hold a portion of the
light string; (ii) a cover associated with the clamps such that, in use, said
clamps are spaced apart from one another; and (iii) a housing. The housing
is hingedly connected to the cover, for movement, in use, of the cover and
clamps and length of light string, between: (i) a closed position, whereat
the housing and cover together define interiorly an elongate cavity
containing said length of light string and the clamps; and (ii) an open
position, whereat at least portions of the light string are exposed. Each
clamp includes a pair of portions, one of the pair of portions, in use, being
engaged with the track and the other of the pair of portions being mounted
to the one for pivotal movement in use between an open position and a
closed position. The other portion, in use, securely holds the respective
portion of the light string, and is adapted such that, in use, as the cover is
pivoted between its closed and open positions, the other portion pivots
between its closed and open positions.
According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus can further
comprise a lock mechanism for releasably securing the cover in the closed
position thereof.
Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as
well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the
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structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will
become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed
description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying
drawings, the latter of which is briefly described hereinbelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the components of the system of the
invention according to an exemplary embodiment;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention
according to another exemplary embodiment, in a closed
position;
Figure 3 is a top view of the structure of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a view of the structure of Figure 3, in an open position;
Figure 5 is a view along section 5-5 of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, during assembly;
Figure 7 is a view, similar to Figure 5, in an open positions
Figure 8A is an enlarged view of the structure in encircled area 8A of
Figure 1;
Figure 8B is a view of the structure of Figure 8A, from another vantage
point;
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Figure 8C is a view of a portion of the structure of Figure 8A;
Figure 8D is a view of the opposite side of Figure 8C;
.5 Figure 9 is a view of a the structure of encircled area 9 in Figure 1;
Figure 10 is a view of the structure of encircled area 10 in Figure 1;
Figure 11 is a view of the structure of Figure 2, in use;
Figure 12 is a view of the structure of Figure 4, in use;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention
according to another exemplary embodiment;
Figure 14 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention
according to another exemplary embodiment;
Figure 15 is a view, similar to Figure 6, of apparatus according to
another exemplary embodiment of the invention, in use with
an implement which forms another aspect of the invention;
Figure 16 is a view of the structure of Figure 15, in the closed position;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 15;
Figure 18 is a view of the structure of Figure 17, in another
configuration;
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Figure 18A is a view of the structure of Figure 17, from another vantage
point; and
Figure 18B is a view of the structure of Figure 18A, from yet another
vantage point.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The components of the system 20 which forms a preferred embodiment of
the present invention are shown in Figure 1 and will be seen to include a
housing 22, a bracket 24, a clamp 26, a linear coupler 28, a corner coupler
30 and an end cap 32.
Reference is initially made to the housing 22 and bracket 24 which, in
combination with a plurality of clamps 26, forms apparatus 36 for use with
a length 38 of seasonal light string, as shown in use in Figure 12.
The length of light string 38 with which the apparatus of Figure 12 is used is
of the type wherein a plurality of lights 46 are strung together, each light
46 being of the type having a base 40 (not visible, but indicated) and a
light-emitting-part, i.e. a bulb 42 extending from base 40. More
specifically, the Figure 12 apparatus 38 is for use with an 8' length of C7
light string [8 C7 sockets, strung approximately 1' apart from one another]
In said apparatus 38, eight clamps 26 are provided [one for each light in
said length of light string]. As best seen in Figures 8A-8D, all of the clamps
26 are the same, each being defined by a pair of.clamp elements 48. Each
pair of clamp elements 48 has an operative configuration wherein the
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elements are disposed against one another and collectively define a socket
50, indicated in Figure 8B.
On opposite sides of the socket, pairs of resilient feet 52 project outwardly.
In the assembled clamp 26, a pair of cut-outs 51 lead into and out of the
socket 50 and each define a channel which receives the wires that form part
of the light string. As best seen in Figures 8C,8D, the clamp elements 48
are identical, and each include a protruding hook 100 and a shoulder 102.
The pain of clamp elements 48 can be brought together in snap-fit relation,
to the configuration shown in Figure 8A, in which position, the hooks 100
mechanically engage the shoulders 102, to resist separation of the clamp
elements 48.
With reference to Figure 1, the housing 22 is an elongate structure, 8' in
length, of generally U-shaped cross-section.
The bracket 24 is an elongate structure, 8' in length, and is defined by a
track 54 and a cover 56, which, as shown, are formed integrally by
extrusion. The track 54 is of generally C-shaped cross-section. The cover
56 is generally planar.
A hinge 58 pivotably connects the bracket 24 to the housing 22 such that
the housing 22 and the bracket 24 are conveniently viewed as unit,
specifically, as a fixture 64. The hinge 58 is of the ball and socket type,
with the "ball" 60 of the hinge being defined by an enlarged bead formed
along one edge of the cover 56 and the "socket" 62 of the hinge 58 being
formed by a longitudinally-segmented tube formed along one edge of the
housing 22.
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The cover 56 terminates in a protruding lip 110. A detent 66 extends from
the cover 56, adjacent the lip 110, and the other edge of the housing 22
terminates in a slot 68.
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To use the apparatus:
= the housing is mounted to. a building, specifically, to the underside of
an eavestrough 70, as shown in Figures 11-12, such that the housing
10 22 defines a downwardly-presenting channel 72 [indicated in Figure
7];
= each clamp 26 is assembled around the light for which it is provided,
such that the light base 40 is disposed within the socket 50, the light-
- emitting bulb part 42 of the light extends from the clamp 26 and the
power conduits leading to and from the base 40 of the light traverse
the cut-outs 51 and channels; and
= the clamps 26 are fitted one at a time into the track 54 until such
time as the clamps 26 are disposed in spaced-relation along the track
54, forming a clamp arrangement. The feet 51 of the clamps can be
compressed, to permit each clamp to- be snap-fit into the track at a
desired longitudinal location, as shown by the sequence of Figures
6,7. Alternatively, the clamps could be inserted into the track end,
and slid to a desired position.
Thus assembled, the clamps 26 and lights 46 are securely mounted to
bracket 24, for movement therewith between an open position and a closed
position.
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In the open position, shown in Figures 1, 4, 7 and 12, the cover 56 depends
downwardly from the side of the housing 22 nearest said building, such that
the light-emitting-bulb 42 parts of the lights 46 depend beneath the channel
72 so as to be exposed to passers-by.
In the closed position, shown in Figures 2, 5 and 11, the housing 22 and
cover 56 together define interiorly an elongate cavity 74 (shown in Figure
5) which, in use, contains said length 38 of light string, the clamps 26 and
the track 54.
For movement to or away from the closed position, the illustrated apparatus
must deform, to permit the detent 66 to breach the socket 68. This
provides a locking mechanism, such that the bracket 24 is held in the closed
position (by engagement of the detent 66 and socket 68) unless forced
open, for example, for the holiday season.
Persons of ordinary skill will recognize that a typical C7 string contains 25
lights, and is 25' in length, whereas the apparatus of the exemplary
embodiment shown in Figure 4 accommodates only 8 lights.
Accordingly,, for neatly coupling multiple housings together, the- system
also'
includes linear couplers 28, for coupling housings 22 together in end-to-
end, parallel relation, and corner couplers 30, for coupling housings
together in end-to-end, perpendicular relation.
The installer merely procures a number of fixtures 64 sufficient to span the.
length of eavestrough (or soffit) to be decorated, procures a sufficient
number of clamps 26, secures the fixtures 64 to the building (and to one
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another, using the couplers) and positions the light string(s) using the
clamps 26.
Thus, in the case of the nominal 25' light string mentioned above, the
installer procures and installs three. 8' fixtures, so as to conveniently
receive
the 25' light string with a bit of slack, for ease in handling. For light
installations of greater or lesser length, greater or lesser numbers of
fixtures may be utilized.
As well, fixtures, being made of extruded vinyl, may be conveniently cut to
length, and mitre-cut, for a custom installation.
.The end caps are adapted for disposition in frictionally-engaged relation
within the fixture ends, to finish the installation neatly.
Figure 13 shows a pair of fixtures 64 coupled together by a linear coupler
28 (shown in phantom) and a pair of end caps 32 completing the
installation.
Figure 14 shows a pair of mitre-cut fixtures 64 coupled together by a corner
coupler 30 (shown in phantom) and a pair of end caps 32 completing the
installation.
As will be immediately recognized, the system provides a convenient
mechanism for installing seasonal lights in a manner which permits the
lights to be conveniently revealed in season and concealed out of season.
To use the apparatus, the cover is opened, and the plug of the light string is
secured to the grid, for example, by an extension cord; at the end of the
season, the extension cord is disconnected, the plug of the light string is
tucked inside the housing and the cover is closed.
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The system is also readily adapted for retail distribution in hardware stores
and the like, in that it is modular and scaleable, depending upon the specific
needs of a given homeowner.
The system of the aforedescribed exemplary embodiment, to provide
flexibility to purchasers, while at the same, limiting the number of
components for stocking purposes (and thereby reducing costs), includes:
= fixtures, in 8' lengths
= clamps, in packages of 10, for C7 bulbs
= clamps, in packages of 20, for C9 bulbs
= linear couplers
= corner couplers
= end caps
However, it will be readily understood that variations can be made, both in
the shape and style of the various components, in the manner in which they
are bundled for sale, and in terms of the light strings with which they are
useful.
Another exemplary embodiment of the apparatus is shown in Figures 15-
18B. This structure is generally similar to the structure of Figure 1-14, but
differs in the form of the clamps. Herein, the clamps are defined by a pair
of portions 114,116, pivotably mounted to one-another for movement
between an open position, shown in Figure 15, and a closed position, shown
in Figure 16. The portions 114,116 are biased by a spring, not shown, for
movement to the open position. Portion 114 is mounted in the track 54, in
the same manner in which clamp 26 oo Figures 1-14 is mounted. Portion
116 is the movable portion of the pair, and has a rounded, protruding end
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120. The dimensions of the end 120 are such that, at the,open position of
the cover, as shown in Figures 15,17, the end 120. of portion 116 extends
substantially normally towards the housing 22, in abutting. relation. This
provides a vertical orientation to the bulb 40 in use.
As the cover 56 is pivoted towards its closed position, the end 120 bears
against the peak of the inverted trough defined by the housing 22, causing
rotation of portion 116, as indicated by the sequence of Figures 17, 18. As
the cover 56 reaches its closed position, as shown in Figure 16, the bulb 40
extends lengthwise, i.e. horizontally, along the inside of the housing. This
embodiment of the invention is useful for bulbs that are relatively lengthy in
comparison to the width of the housing/eavestrough. Figures 18A, 18B
show the structure in the open position, from varied vantage points. These
views illustrate a stop member 118, which projects from portion 114 to stop
over-rotation of portion 116, and ensure the desired vertical orientation of
the bulb 40 when exposed.
Figures 15 and 16 are also notable for their depiction of an implement
which can be used to open and close the apparatus. Although not shown,
the implement will be understood to be suitable for pivotal mounting on the
end of a pole, and to have a generally planar face, for engaging the surface
of the cover 56, the face being interrupted by a hollow trough 112 and a
reentrant lip 106. The pivot axis is indicated as X, and should be
understood to be perpendicular to the page as shown in Figure 15.
The pole (again, not shown) will be understood to be of a length suitable to
reach, from the desired working elevation, the eavestrough with which the
apparatus is used.
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Figure 15 shows the implement being used to close the apparatus, for
example, at the end of the holiday season. To do so, the hollow 112 is
brought into receipt of the hinge 60, and then the implement is forced
upwardly and inwardly, towards the house; the engagement between the
5 hollow 112 and hinge 60 allows for a reliable pivotal movement of the
implement, which brings the detent 66 into the slot 68, and fixes the
structure in the closed position.
Figure 16 shows the implement as it would be used to open the apparatus,
for example, at the beginning of the holiday season. To open the
10 apparatus, the reentrant 106 is fitted over the protruding lip 110, and the
implement is pulled downwardly.
Yet further variations are possible.
15 For example, whereas the clamps are indicated in the foregoing descriptions
to be mounted in a track, to permit variations in linear spacing, it will be
evident that the track could be eliminated, and at least portions of the
clamps could be formed integrally with the cover, by injection molding or
the like. The clamps also do not need to grip the base of the bulb. For
example, it is contemplated that the cover could simply include, as a clamp
arrangement, a plurality of detents, disposed in pairs, and the electrical
conduit which connects the lights } Pr-could_simply-b-.a._forced between_
the detents of each pair, to secure the string in position.
Further, whereas the foregoing examples show traditional "light bulb"
strings, variations are possible. For example, 'icycle lights' could. be
accommodated, by further elongating the movable clamp element of, for
example, Figure 17, and providing a plurality of clamps thereon. Each
movable clamp element could thus grip at least a substantial portion of a
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respective one of the `icycles' in the string, and swing each 'icycle' from a
vertical position in the open position of the apparatus to a horizontal
position, inside the fixture, in the closed position of the apparatus.
Additionally, whereas a specific locking arrangement is shown and
described, mechanisms other than that described can be provided.
Accordingly, the invention should be understood as limited only by the
accompanying claims, purposively construed.
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