EP1172602A1

EP1172602A1 - Icicle light apparatus and associated methods

Info

Publication number: EP1172602A1
Application number: EP00306410A
Authority: EP
Inventors: King Ltd. Neon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-07-14
Filing date: 2000-07-27
Publication date: 2002-01-16

Abstract

An icicle light apparatus comprises an elongate main body (10) having main body conductors (11), a plurality of main body connectors (16) and a plurality of icicle lights (20) detachably connected to the main body via the connectors (16). The plurality of icicle lights (20) includes light strings having light string conductors and lights, and sheaths enclosing the light strings. The apparatus advantageously allows a consumer to customize the icicle light apparatus, provides a weatherproof icicle light apparatus that does not tangle and also provides an icicle light apparatus having the appearance of realistic icicles.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of lights and,more particularly, to ornamental lights and methods of forming same.

Background of the Invention

Consumers who purchase ornamental light systems for outdoor use spend considerable time and effort in storing them in off season times and untangling the light systems when attempting to take them out of storage. This is a problem that every consumer faces when attempting to unravel and hang traditional ornamental Christmas lights. Consumers wishing to use traditional icicle type light systems also have a problem attaining the appearance of realistic icicles.
Manufacturers of lights have previously been able to provide their customers with ornamental icicle type lights, but only in very limited scope. Current icicle light applications fail to provide consumers with an icicle light apparatus that provides the appearance of realistic icicles. The current applications tend to be closer in appearance to a curtain of lights. These applications also are susceptible to damage due to various harsh weather or environmental conditions.
In U.S. Patent No. 5,150,964, by Tsui, titled "Joy Light Structure", for example, the device includes an ornamental light apparatus. When positioned to hang from an elevated location, the device in Tsui tends to give the appearance of a curtain of lights. Although this device has many advantages, one disadvantage is that it too is susceptible to damage or deterioration when exposed to environmental elements. Another disadvantage of this device is that it may have a tendency to tangle when placed in a configuration suitable for storage.
Also, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,967,644 by Pan titled "Decorative Light String Set of a Curtain Type", a curtain light string is provided. One of the disadvantages of this system, and other prior icicle type of systems, is that the light strings are not detachable from the main body portion, giving the consumer no opportunity to customize the apparatus if desired. One other disadvantage of this system is that, like other ornamental outdoor light systems, it is also susceptible to damage or deterioration when exposed to environmental elements. Still, one other disadvantage of this icicle light apparatus is that it also has a tendency to tangle when placed in a configuration suitable for storage.
The device in U.S. Patent No. 3,714,414 by Sternius titled "Ornamental Lighting Means" provides a string of lights positioned in a flexible plastic tube. This device, however, provides a string of lights which does not provide the appearance of realistic icicles. Another disadvantage of this device is that the structure is permanently fixed and, therefore, there is no opportunity for consumers to customize the ornamental light, if desired.
As stated above, consumers in search of an icicle light type of apparatus can only obtain systems which typically tangle easily and are likely to deteriorate with outdoor use because they are not weatherproof. Furthermore, the current applications tend to give the appearance of a curtain of lights, not realistic icicles that hang downwardly and have varying lengths.

Summary of the Invention

With the foregoing in mind, the present invention advantageously provides an icicle light apparatus having an elongate main body portion and a plurality of icicles extending outwardly therefrom. The present invention further provides an icicle light apparatus that can be placed in a configuration for storage without causing tangling when removing the apparatus from storage. The apparatus is further advantageously weatherproof and therefore may be used in outdoor applications with a low likelihood of deterioration. Another advantage of the present invention is that when positioned to hang from an elevated location, the apparatus provides the appearance of realistic icicles. Further, the present invention advantageously provides an apparatus and methods which allow consumers the opportunity to customize the icicle light apparatus to taste, e.g., size, lengths, colors.
More particularly, the present invention provides an icicle light apparatus which includes an elongate main body portion having a plurality of main body conductors. The apparatus further includes a plurality of light strings detachably connected to the plurality of main body conductors on the main body portion and extending outwardly therefrom. The plurality of light strings each have an auxiliary body portion including at least one light string conductor and a plurality of spaced-apart lights. Each of the plurality of spaced-apart lights is connected to and extends outwardly from the at least one light string conductor. Each light string conductor has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the light string conductor is connected to at least one of the plurality of main body conductors. The apparatus further includes a plurality of sheaths positioned to enclose major portions of one of the plurality of light strings. The combination of one of the plurality of sheaths and one of the plurality of light strings defines one of a plurality of spaced-apart icicle lights depending outwardly from the elongate main body portion.
The present invention also provides an icicle light having at least one light string. The at least one light string has an auxiliary body portion including at least one light string conductor and a plurality of lights. Each of the plurality of lights connects to and extends outwardly from the at least one light string conductor. Each light string conductor has a proximal end and a distal end. The icicle light further includes a sheath positioned to enclose major portions of the plurality of lights. The combination of the enclosed light strings and the sheath defines an icicle light. The sheath includes a plastic tubular material and a distal end cap connected to a distal end of the main tube body and positioned adjacent the distal end of the at least one light string.
The present invention further provides a method of assembling an icicle light apparatus. The method preferably includes the steps of sliding a sheath over a light string having a plurality of lights associated therewith, sealing the sheath to thereby enclose the plurality of lights positioned on the light string, and connecting one of the plurality of icicle lights to at least one main body conductor positioned along a main body portion of the icicle light apparatus.
The present invention still further provides an icicle light apparatus kit having components for assembling an icicle light apparatus. The kit includes first and second elongate main body portions, each having a plurality of main body conductors. The kit also includes a plurality of icicle lights. Each of the plurality of icicle lights has a light string. Each light string has an auxiliary body portion. The auxiliary body portion includes at least one light string conductor and a plurality of lights. Each of the plurality of lights connects to and extends outwardly from the at least one light string conductor. The icicle light further includes a sheath positioned to cover the light string conductor. The kit also includes an exterior package having the first and second elongate main body portions and the plurality of icicle lights positioned therein.
Consumers using ornamental lights for outdoor applications are more satisfied when the apparatus withstands exposure to environmental elements and does not have to be replaced often. As stated above, one of the advantages of the present invention is that it is weatherproof and, therefore, may be used in outdoor applications without a likelihood that the apparatus will deteriorate due to exposure to environmental elements. This is accomplished by positioning the above mentioned sheath over the light string and sealing the sheath with proximal and distal end caps. The sheath is made up of a plastic tubular material and has a continuous annular shape throughout its entire length. The sheath may be made of a rigid, but still flexible material. One advantage of this sheath is that it provides the icicle light with an amount of rigidity that allows for simple storage configuration and eliminates tangling that typically occurs when rolling up ornamental icicle type lights. The sheath is also advantageously available in many different colors, providing consumers with the opportunity to customize the sheath to their liking.
Another advantage provided by the present invention is that portions of the at least one light string conductor extends outside the sheath to define a flexible non-rigid conductor portion extending from a proximal end of the proximal end cap toward the main body portion. This flexible non-rigid portion provides enhanced flexibility when attaching or detaching the icicle light portion to the main body portion, when storing the icicle lights, and when mounting the icicle lights for display. The flexible non-rigid portion may advantageously be provided in varying lengths depending on the amount of flexibility needed to attach the icicle light portion to the main body portion.
Customization of ornamental light systems is very important to consumers. Not all consumers have the same tastes, and therefore, when offering an ornamental light system, like the present invention, it is important to allow consumers to customize the system to satisfy their individual likings. One advantage provided in the present invention deals with the many different ways for consumers to customize the icicle light apparatus. Each of the plurality of icicle lights includes a plurality of lights connected to the light string conductor. The plurality of lights are available in a plurality of colors. Furthermore, the icicle lights are available in a plurality of different lengths, for example, ranging from about 8 to about 40 inches. This not only provides the consumers with more customization features, but also provides the appearance of realistic icicles. Finally, the icicle light apparatus includes connector portions on the main body portion for receiving additional main body portions. This advantageously allows consumers to control the total length of the apparatus as desired.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an environmental view of an icicle light apparatus according to the present invention hanging over an entranceway;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two icicle light apparatus and a connector portion according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the connections between main body portions and between main body portions and icicle lights in apparatus according to the invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a light scring loop being twisted before being inserted into a rigid sheath;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along a vertical axis of a proximal end cap positioned adjacent a proximal end of an icicle light and showing a light string conductor positioned within the proximal end cap;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a distal end cap positioned adjacent a distal end of an icicle light and a light string conductor extending and looping through a formed opening in the distal end cape ;
FIG. 7 is an environmental view of an assembled icicle light apparatus according to the present invention showing that the seals make the apparatus weatherproof
FIG. 8 is an environmental view of an icicle light apparatus according to the present invention positioned in a rolled configuration suitable for storage;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a package for an icicle light apparatus kit according to the present invention;
FIG. 10 is an environmental view of a package for an icicle light apparatus kit according to the present invention and having a plurality of icicles, an elongate main body conductor and a plug positioned therein;
FIG 11 is a perspective view of flexible conductor portions usable with the present invention and having different lengths;
FIG 12 is a perspective view of icicle lights according to the present invention having different lengths;
FIGS 13, 14 and 15 are perspective views of icicle lights according to the present invention having different colored lights; and
FIGS 16, 17 and 18 are perspective views of icicle lights according to the present invention having different colored sheaths.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

FIG 1 illustrates an icicle light apparatus I positioned to hang from an elevated location. Each of the plurality of icicle lights 20 hang directly downward and provide the appearance of realistic icicles. The icicle lights 20 are positioned in a spaced-apart relationship along an elongate main body 10 having at least one main body conductor 11 and a plurality of main body connector portions 16. The main body portion 10 further includes a proximal main body connector 12 and a distal main body connector 14. These connectors allow for a plurality of main body portions 10 to be connected to one another and allow for consumers to customize the total length of the icicle light apparatus I.
FIG. 2 perhaps better illustrates the proximal main body connector 12 and the distal main body connector 14. The connectors join with one another to form an elongated icicle light apparatus I. The main body portion 10 includes a plurality of main body connector portions 16 for connecting each of the plurality of icicle lights 20. Each of the plurality of icicle lights 20 also has a connector portion 27. Each of the plurality of main body connector portions 16 detachably connects with each of the plurality of icicle light connector portions 27 to thereby form a connection between the icicle light 20 and the main body portion 10. The connectors are secured together using a screw fastener 18, but other fasteners can be used as well, as understood by those skilled in the art.
The icicle light 20 includes a light string 22 and a sheath 50. Each of the light strings 22 further include a light string conductor 24 and a plurality of lights 28. The icicle light 20 is sealed using a proximal end cap 30 and a distal end cap 40. The distal end cap 40 is positioned adjacent the distal end of the icicle light 20 and slidably engages a distal opening 54 in the sheath 50. The distal end cap 40 includes a formed opening 42, through which the light string conductor 24 extends and loops. The distal end cap 40 is twisted to position the light string 22 in a twisted configuration. This twisted configuration increases the rigidity of the light string 22 making the process of sliding the light string 22 within the sheath 50 less complex and also provides a compact and well-defined appearance.
The proximal end cap 30 is positioned on a proximal end 52 of the sheath 50. The proximal end cap 30 includes a proximal opening 32 and a distal opening 34. The proximal opening 32 slidably engages the sheath 50. The light string conductor 24 extends through the proximal 32 and distal 34 openings in the proximal end cap 30. The rigid sheath 50 also slidably extends into the distal opening 34 of the proximal end cap 30 and terminates therein.
The icicle light 20 further includes portions of the light string conductor 24 extending outside the sheath 50 to thereby define a flexible non-rigid conductor portion 26. The flexible non-rigid conductor portion 26 extends from a proximal end 32 of the proximal end cap 30 toward the main body portion 10 for flexibly attaching the icicle light portion 20 to the main body portion 10. FIG. 11 illustrates that the flexible non-rigid conductor portion 26 further includes a plurality of different lengths A, B and C. The plurality of different lengths A, B and C allows a consumer to choose an appropriate length of the flexible non-rigid conductor portion 26 depending upon the consumer's needs.
The icicle light 20 may also be provided in varying lengths. FIG. 12 shows icicle lights having varying lengths X, Y and Z. These lengths are preferably between the range of about 8 to about 40 inches. Icicle lights 20 having varying lengths provide the appearance of realistic icicles. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the icicle light 20 may be customized so that the shorter length icicle lights 20 are positioned over doorways D to insure that the icicle light apparatus I will not obstruct access.
The sheath 50 of the icicle light apparatus I may be substantially rigid. The rigidity of the sheath 50, aids in providing the icicle light apparatus I with the appearance of realistic icicles. The sheath 50 has a tensile strength ranging between about 2600 to about 6900 pounds per square inch. Furthermore, the rigid sheath 50 also includes the property of high elasticity in that the rigid sheath 50 can absorb a high amount of stress before permanently deforming. The sheath 50 may also be provided in a plurality of colors. The plurality of colors allows a consumer to customize the icicle light apparatus I according to taste.
The light string 22 also includes a plurality of lights 28 positioned along a light string conductor 24 and extending outwardly therefrom. FIGS. 13-15 illustrate that the plurality of lights 28 may be provided in a plurality of colors so as to allow a consumer the opportunity to customize the icicle light apparatus I according to taste. The light string 22 also has a predefined boundary so that the plurality of lights 28 does not extend beyond the boundary of the sheath 50. The light string conductor 24 further includes a plastic sheath positioned to enclose the light string conductor 24. The plastic sheath 50 positioned to enclose the light string conductor 24 may further include a clear plastic material for eliminating shadowing when each of the plurality of lights 28 are illuminated, advantageously enhancing illumination.
The present invention further advantageously provides methods for assembling an icicle light apparatus I. The method includes the step of sliding a sheath 50 over a light string 22. The light string 22 has an auxiliary body portion and at least one auxiliary conductor 24. The combination of the sheath 50 and the light string 22 forms an icicle light 20. The method also includes the step of sealing the sheath 50 to thereby enclose the light string 22. The method further includes the step of connecting at least one of the icicle lights 20 to at least one of the main body conductors 11 positioned along a main body portion 10 of the icicle light apparatus I.
The step of sealing the sheath 50 includes the step of positioning a distal end cap 40 adjacent a distal end of the light string 22 and a proximal end cap 30 adjacent a proximal end of the light string 22 for making the icicle light 20 weatherproof. The step of sealing the sheath advantageously provides an icicle light 20 that has weatherproof characteristics. The weatherproof characteristics allow the icicle light 20 to sustain exposure to environmental elements without deterioration.
The method of assembling the icicle light apparatus I also includes the step of disconnecting a first icicle light 20 from the at least one main body conductor 11 and connecting a second icicle light 20 having a different predetermined length or different color to the at least one main body conductor 11. This step advantageously allows consumers an opportunity to customize the icicle light apparatus I according to personal taste. The method also includes the step of removing a first sheath 50 from the icicle light 20 and attaching a second sheath 50 having a different color to the icicle light 20, thereby providing the icicle light 20 with a variety of ornamental colors. The method finally includes the step of connecting a first main body portion 10 to a second main body portion 10 by fastening a first main body connector portion 12 connected to a first main body portion 10 to a second main body connector portion 14 connected to a second main body portion 10. This method advantageously provides an icicle light apparatus I that is customized to the liking of each individual consumer. The method further provides an icicle light apparatus I that has the appearance of realistic icicles.
The method also includes the step of extending and looping the light string conductor 24 through an opening 42 formed in the distal end cap 40. The distal end cap 40 is then twisted, thereby twisting the light string 22 and providing the light string 22 with greater rigidity. The added rigidity of the light string 22 advantageously aids in the step of sliding the light string 22 within the sheath 50.
The present invention further advantageously provides an icicle light apparatus kit K having components for assembling an icicle light apparatus I. The icicle light apparatus kit K includes a plurality of elongate main body portions 10. Each of the plurality of elongate main body portions 10 includes a plurality of main body conductors 11. The icicle light apparatus kit K further includes a plurality of icicle lights 20. Each of the icicle lights 20 includes a light string 22 and a sheath 50. Each light string 22 includes an auxiliary body portion including at least one light string conductor 24 and a plurality of lights 28. Each of the plurality of lights 28 is positioned to extend outwardly from each of the plurality of light string conductors 24. The sheath 50 is positioned to enclose the light string 22. The kit K finally includes an exterior package P. The package P has the plurality of elongate main body portions 10 with main body conductors 11, and the plurality of icicle lights 20 positioned therein.
The icicle light apparatus kit K advantageously allows consumers to customize an icicle light apparatus I according to personal taste. The kit K allows a consumer to choose from the plurality of main body portions 10 in order to customize the total length of the icicle light apparatus I. The kit K also advantageously allows a consumer to choose from a plurality of icicle lights 20. The plurality of icicle lights 20 have a plurality of lengths X, Y and Z so as to allow a consumer the opportunity to customize the icicle light apparatus I and give it an appearance of realistic icicles. Furthermore, the kit K provides a plurality of icicle lights 20 having different colors. The different colored icicle lights 20 may be provided from icicle lights 20 having colored sheaths 50 or having colored lights 28.

Claims

An icicle light apparatus comprising:

an elongate main body portion (10) having at least one main body conductor (11);

at least one light string (22) detachably connected to the main body conductor(s) and extending outwardly therefrom; and

at least one sheath (50) enclosing major portions of the at least one light string so that the combination of the at least one light string and the at least one sheath thereby defines at least one icicle light (20) extending outwardly from the elongate main body portion.
The icicle light apparatus clamed in claim 1, wherein the or each light string (22) comprises an auxiliary body portion including at least one light string conductor (24) and at least one light (28) connected to and extending outwardly from the light string conductor(s).
The icicle light apparatus claimed in claim 2,wherein the or each light string conductor (24) has a proximal end connected to the main body conductor(s) (11).
An icicle light apparatus kit (K) having components for assembling an icicle light apparatus, the kit comprising:

first and second elongate main body portions (10) each having a plurality of main body conductors (11),

a plurality of icicle lights (20), each icicle light having a light string (22) and a sheath (50) positioned to cover said light string, each light string including at least one light string conductor (24) and a plurality of lights (28) each of which is connected to and extends outwardly from the light string conductor(s); and

an exterior package (P) having said first and second elongate main body portions with main body conductors, said plurality of light strings and said plurality of sheaths positioned therein.
The article claimed in claim 1, 2 3 or 4, including a plurality of the icicle lights (20) having a plurality of colors.
The article claimed in claim 5, wherein the icicle lights (20) have different colored sheaths (50).
The article claimed in claim 5, wherein the icicle lights (20) have different colored lights (28).
The article claimed in any preceding claim, including a plurality of the icicle lights (20) having different predetermined lengths.
The article claimed in claim 8, wherein the icicle lights (20) have at least three predetermined lengths so as to provide the appearance of real icicles.
The article claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each main body conductor (11) includes at least one first connector portion (16) connected to and extending outwardly from the main body conductor (11), and wherein the or each icicle light (20) includes a second connector portion (27) connected to a proximal end of the light string(s) (22) and positioned to detachably and matingly connect to the or a first connector portion (16).
An icicle light (20) comprising:

at least one light string (22) having an auxiliary body portion including at least one light string conductor (24) and a plurality of lights (28), each of the plurality of lights being connected to and extending outwardly from the light string conductor(s), and each light string conductor having a proximal end and a distal end; and

at least one sheath (50) enclosing major portions of the plurality of lights so that the combination of the enclosed light string(s) and the rigid sheath thereby defines an icicle light (20).
The article claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each icicle light (20) includes a proximal end cap (30) positioned on a proximal end of the associated sheath (50) and having proximal and distal openings (32,34), the or each associated light string conductor (24) extends through the proximal and distal openings, and the sheath (50) slidably extends into the distal opening (34) and terminates therein.
The article claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each icicle light (20) has portions of the light string conductor(s) (24) extending outside the associated sheath (50) to thereby define a flexible conductor portion (26) extending from a proximal end of the icicle light toward the main body portion (10) for flexibly attaching the icicle light to the main body portion.
The article claimed in claim 13, including flexible conductor portions (26) of different lengths.
The article claimed in any preceding claim 2, 4 or 11, wherein the or each light string conductor (24) includes a plastic sheath positioned to enclose the light string conductor.
The article claimed in claim 15, wherein the sheath includes a clear plastic material for eliminating shadowing when the or each light (28) is illuminated.
The article claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each light string (22) has a predefined boundary so that the distal end of the light string does not extend beyond the associated sheath (50).
The article claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each sheath (50) comprises a plastic tubular material.
The article claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each sheath (50) comprises a main body tube and a distal end cap (40) connected to a distal end of the main body tube.
The article claimed in claim 19, wherein the distal end cap (40) slidably engages and seals the main body tube so that the icicle light is weatherproof.
The article claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the end cap (40) has at least one formed opening (42) through which the or each light string loops and extends when positioned within the main body tube.
The article claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each sheath (50) is substantially brittle.
The article claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each sheath (50) has a tensile strength in the range from 2,600 to 6,900 pounds per square inch.
The article claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each sheath (50) is a rigid sheath such that the combination of the light string(s) (22) and the sheath define a rigid icicle light (20).
A method of assembling an icicle light apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

sliding a sheath (50) over a light string (22) having an auxiliary body and at least one light string conductor (24), the combination of the sheath and the light string thereby forming one of a plurality of icicle lights (20);

sealing the sheath to thereby enclose the light string; and

connecting one of the plurality of icicle lights to at least one main body conductor (11) positioned along a main body portion (10) of the icicle light apparatus.
The method claimed in claim 25, wherein the step of sealing includes the step of positioning a distal end cap (40) adjacent a distal end of the light string (22) and a proximal end cap (30) adjacent a proximal end of the light string for making the icicle light weatherproof.
The method as claimed in claim 26, including the step of extending and looping the at least one light string conductor (24) through an opening (42) formed in the distal end cap (40) and twisting the light string conductor within the sheath by twisting the end cap, through which the light string conductor extends, for providing the light string with greater rigidity during the step of sliding the light string conductor within the associated sheath (50).
The method claimed in claim 25, 26 or 27, including the step of disconnecting a first icicle light (20) from the main body conductor(s) (11) and connecting a second icicle light (20) having a different predetermined length to the main body conductor(s).
The method as claimed in claim 25, 26, 27 or 28, including the step of disconnecting a first icicle light (20) from the main body conductor(s) (11) and connecting a second icicle light having a different color to the main body conductor(s).
The method claimed in claim 25, 26, 27 or 28, including the step of removing a first sheath (50) from an icicle light (20) and attaching a second sheath, having a different color, to said icicle light for providing an icicle light with a variety of ornamental colors.
The method claimed in any preceding claim 25 to 30, including the step of connecting a first main body portion (10) to a second main body portion (10) by fastening a first connector portion (12) connected to the first main body portion to a second connector portion (14) connected to the second main body portion.