[go: up one dir, main page]

WO1998032359A1 - Eclairage pour sapin de noel - Google Patents

Eclairage pour sapin de noel Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998032359A1
WO1998032359A1 PCT/GB1998/000222 GB9800222W WO9832359A1 WO 1998032359 A1 WO1998032359 A1 WO 1998032359A1 GB 9800222 W GB9800222 W GB 9800222W WO 9832359 A1 WO9832359 A1 WO 9832359A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
wand
string
socket
sockets
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1998/000222
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Frank Prineppi
Original Assignee
Halstead, Richard, Ralph
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/816,960 external-priority patent/US6210016B1/en
Application filed by Halstead, Richard, Ralph filed Critical Halstead, Richard, Ralph
Priority to AU57720/98A priority Critical patent/AU5772098A/en
Publication of WO1998032359A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998032359A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V19/00—Fastening of light sources or lamp holders
    • F21V19/04—Fastening of light sources or lamp holders with provision for changing light source, e.g. turret
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S4/00—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources
    • F21S4/10—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources with light sources attached to loose electric cables, e.g. Christmas tree lights
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S4/00—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources
    • F21S4/20—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources with light sources held by or within elongate supports
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2121/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
    • F21W2121/006—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00 for illumination or simulation of snowy or iced items, e.g. icicle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2121/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
    • F21W2121/04—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00 for Christmas trees

Definitions

  • This invention relates to decorative lighting for Christmas trees, in particular to decorative lighting adapted to illuminate the internal and external surfaces of a tree.
  • a tree which is only illuminated on the external surface looks relatively plain when compared to a tree which also includes interior lighting.
  • the decorator must thread the light string and attendant light sockets and light bulbs throughout the tree, along branches and around the trunk, as well as ensuring that the outer surface of the tree is also adequately illuminated. This is tedious, time consuming and may result in the arms and hands of the decorator being scratched or abraded.
  • These disadvantages also occur when the light string is removed after Christmas or when a light bulb has to be replaced. For these reasons, the lighting of the inside of a Christmas tree is often dispensed with even though it is the preferred choice for many.
  • an electrically operable decorative light string including a plug connected to one end thereof for insertion into a household socket to provide electrical power therefor, the light string including a plurality of light sockets and associated light bulbs, and a plurality of light socket support members in the form of wands (as hereafter defined) at spaced intervals along the string, each adapted to support selected groups of said light sockets and being insertable into the interior of a Christmas tree at said spaced intervals such that, in use. the light string illuminates the interior of the Christmas tree via said selected ones of said light bulbs and light sockets supported on said plurality of said wands, and illuminates the exterior of the Christmas tree with the remaining light sockets and light bulbs on the string
  • the wands may typically each comprise of a rod of generalK rigid material, in the sense of being able to support a number of light sockets and associated light bulbs along the length of the branch of a tree and may be, for example, of a generally transparent plastics material which includes along the length thereof a series of light socket holders with sockets and light bulbs Where the wands are required to be bent to confo ⁇ n to the shape of branches within the Christmas tree they are preferably made from a rigid but bendable material such as thick metal w iring which may preferably be provided by cover means adapted to hide or disguise the metal wiring and associated light string in the area so supported, the cover means being conveniently in the form of a ribbon, garland or similar flexible material which can be wound upon the wand and that part of the string to be hidden or disguised so that only the light bulb holder and respective light bulbs, together with the electrical wiring immediately adjacent thereto, if any, is visible to the naked eye
  • the light string may be wound around a Christmas tree from bottom to top in a conventional manner and at spaced intervals the wands can then be easily inserted into the interior of the tree ithout the need for the decorator to expose arms or hands to possible lnjurv There is also no need to thread the entire string throughout the interior and exterior of the tree in order to provide complete illumination and hence the previoush tedious and time consuming method of achieving the same objective is obviated
  • the festive season is over the light string can be easily removed by simply plucking out the wands as the light string is wound off the tree
  • each wand supports a number of lights, typically five to eight, they collectively serve as a wire-tidy which therefore minimises the possibility of the light string becoming knotted, and this also permits the light string to be easily rolled up when not in use.
  • the cover means is in the form of a binding having pile extending therefrom, in the manner of a shag pile carpet, such that when it is wrapped around the wand and wiring the wand appears to be covered by the pile in a continuous manner. Accordingly, if the binding is given a Christmas colour such as green, it has the effect of disguising or hiding the wand whilst improving the visual appearance of a Christmas tree within which it is inserted, with the binding corresponding to a substantial extent to the conventional needle effect given by the Christmas tree leaves, whether they are artificial or real.
  • the wand itself may be made from a material with no inherent aesthetic qualities since when it is covered by the binding the visual appearance is substantially altered and improved.
  • the wand is made out of wire it may be poseable, that is to say, bent or pre-shaped to conform to the shape of branches of the tree to be decorated.
  • the wands may each conveniently include means to obtain access to individual light bulbs for easy replacement thereof in the event of failure, such as by incorporating exposed areas around each individual light socket holder along the length of each wand which allow the fingers of a hand to remove and replace faulty light bulbs.
  • each light socket holder may permit its respective light socket to be bent or swivelled outwards for access in order to facilitate light bulb replacement.
  • the wands may be of varying shapes including circular or oval, since their primary function is to serve as a guide for fairy lights in the string which are intended to illuminate the interior of the tree, so that the lights are supported therewithin and require no further attention once inserted in the desired position. Tie points may, however, be provided for additional security which could be used to secure the support members in place at conveniently exposed portions of branches etc. by means of wire clips or some other form of releasable fastener.
  • the wands may also be composed of individual elements which releasably interconnect with each other, each including a light socket holder.
  • the light string may be adapted to suit particular requirements, such as by making the initial wands in the string relatively longer than those towards the end of the string to correspond with the progressively shorter radius of a cone-shaped tree from bottom to top.
  • the length of the wands may be pre-set so that they become progressively shorter, and hence carry fewer light sockets and light bulbs towards the end of the light string remote from the electric plug.
  • the light sockets and their respective light bulbs are moveable from a closed position in which they
  • each light bulb is swivelled or otherwise moved outwardly away from the major axis of the wand so that it becomes fully exposed when in use
  • This may be achieved by mounting each of the light socket holders on a respective pivot so that after insertion of the closed wand into the tree each light bulb may be individually moved into a generally upright position
  • this may be achieved semi-automatically by providing a sliding mechanism of length generally corresponding to the length of each wand, having projections co-operable with each light socket so that the light sockets and thus light bulbs may be collectively either raised or lowered
  • the wand may be inserted into the tree with the light sockets and their respective light bulbs laid flat thereagainst and once m position the light bulbs can then be raised to their operating position in which they are fully visible
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of the light string according to the invention in place on and within a Christmas tree
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of a representative portion of the light string shown in Figure 1 laid out flat
  • Figure 3 is a detailed view of an end portion of a wand of the type used in the light string shown in Figures 1 and 2
  • Figure 4 is a side view of the portion of the wand shown in Figure 3,
  • Figure 5 is a view of an end of a wand corresponding to that shown m Figure 3 but in which the wand itself is comprised of a clear plastics tube within which are axially disposed individual light sockets and their respective light bulbs,
  • FIG. 6 is a part sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein each light socket and respective light bulb of each wand may be selectively swivelled outwardly to expose each bulb,
  • Figure 7 is a part-sectional view of the wand of Figure 6,
  • Figure 8 is a schematic view of the wand shown in Figures 6 and 7 in which the light bulbs are shown in their stored position
  • Figure 9 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 8 but in which the light bulbs are shown in their exposed position
  • Figure 10 is a part sectional view corresponding to that of Figure 6 showing a still further alternative embodiment of the invention which allows the light socket and respective light bulb of each wand to be tilted when an obstacle such as a branch is encountered
  • Figure 1 1 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 10,
  • Figure 12 is a part sectional end view along the line x-x of Figure 10.
  • Figure 13 is a perspective view of part of a light string according to a further aspect of the invention in which the wand is made of wire and is covered by a binding having pile extending therefrom, and
  • Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the wand and its associated light string components of Figure 13 in a semi-assembled condition
  • FIG. 1 and 2 there is shown a schematic view of a conventional Christmas tree 1 onto and into which has been mounted a light string 2 according to the invention by means of which the exterior and the interior of the tree may be illuminated
  • the light string 2 includes a conventional household plug 3 (shown in Figure 2) at one end thereof, a series connected set of conventional light bulbs and light bulb holders 4, 5, selected groups of which are mounted for support on light socket support members in the form of rigid plastics rod-shaped wands 6 at spaced intervals along the light string 2
  • the tree 1 may be decorated on the inside and the outside by simply winding the light string around the tree in a conventional manner and at the intervals dictated by the distance between each successive wand 6. inserting them radially into the tree 1 where they are supported on branches and thereby maintain the desired position.
  • FIGs 3 and 4 there is shown a detailed view of the free end of a wand 6 in which it will be seen that it is comprised of a pair of elongate rods 7, 8 interconnected at spaced intervals along its length by part-circular links 9, 10, respective pairs of which also serve the function of acting as holders for respective light sockets 5 and attendant bulbs 4.
  • the rods 7, 8 are moulded together in a generally "D" shape 10, defining an aperture 1 1 by which the wand 6 may, if preferred, be tied or otherwise secured to the interior of the tree by a releasable fastener (not shown).
  • FIG 5 there is shown an alternative embodiment of wand to that shown in Figures 3 and 4 which comprises a transparent plastics tube 12 within which are axially positioned light bulbs 4 and light sockets 5. In this embodiment they are supported by the interior of the tube 12 which is of size generally corresponding to the external radius of each light socket 5.
  • FIGs 6 and 7 there is shown in each a part sectional view of part of a wand 6a which is adapted to selectively permit each light socket 5 and respective light bulb 4 to be swivelled outwards from a stored position as shown in Figure 8 to an exposed position as shown in Figure 9.
  • the wand comprises a generally flattened strip 13 moulded contiguously with semicircular side walls 14, 15 which collectively define a channel for receiving respective groups of light bulbs 4 and light sockets 5.
  • the sockets 5 are each provided with integral pivot pins 16 which project outwardly from respective sides thereof and are received within corresponding bores on opposing internal faces of the side walls 14, 15 so that each light bulb 4 and light socket 5 can be swivelled outwardly to the position shown in Figure 9 or swivelled back to the position shown in Figure 8 in which they lie within the channel defined by the side walls 14, 15 and the strip 13.
  • the embodiment of the wand 6a shown in Figures 6 and 7 incorporates a semi-automatic mechanism by which the light bulbs 4 are normally biased to the position shown in Figure 9 but may be selectively stored away in the position shown in Figure 8 in order to allow for easy insertion or removal of the wand 6a into or from a Christmas tree.
  • the light bulbs 4 are normally maintained in the position shown in Figure 9 by helical spring 21 which is secured between a stop member 22 and the end 23 of the wand 6a.
  • a further stop member (not shown) at the other end of the slide rod 17 limits the amount of sliding movement available to slide rod 17 such that when the stop member 22 is pressed in the direction shown arrowed in Figure 6 each bulb 4 assumes the position shown in Figure 8 and when the stop member is released each bulb 4 assumes the position shown in Figure 9.
  • FIG. 10 to 12 A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 10 to 12 in which the light bulbs 4 and respective sockets 5 are spring-biased into an upright position relative to a channel-section wand 6b, only part of which is shown.
  • the light socket 5 is wedged into a generally annular plastics socket cradle 24 of internal diameter corresponding to the external diameter of the light socket 5.
  • Pivot pins 25 protrude from diametrically opposed positions on the outer surface of the socket cradle 24 and are received in complimentary bores 26 formed at regular intervals along the opposing side walls 14a, 15a of the wand 6b so that each light socket 5 and respective light bulb 4 may be tilted about the axis of the pivot pins 25.
  • a light bulb 4 and its respective socket 5 is normally biased to remain in the position shown but when the wand 6b is being inserted or removed form a Christmas tree then if an obstacle such as a branch is encountered they will automatically tilt to one side or the other to permit access or removal, as the case may be.
  • the hystersis in the leaves 26 thereafter permit them to assume their original shape by tilting the light bulb 4 and socket 5 back to their original position as shown in the drawings.
  • spring means are provided in the form of the leaves 26 and respective feet 27, alternative spring means may be used such as a conventional metal helical spring mounted centrally beneath the socket cradle 24 and fixed centrally to the inner wall 28 of the wand 6b, with the socket cradle in this instance being connected to the otherwise free end of the spring.
  • the wand 6c is comprised of a thick wire rod 29 (shown more clearly with reference to Figure 14) having a triangular end portion 30 defining a passageway through which the light string wiring 1 a can be inserted.
  • a hook shaped formation 31 At the free end of the wand 6c is a hook shaped formation 31 by which the wand 6c, when inserted into a Christmas tree for decoration thereof, can be temporarily secured to a branch, or simply tied by means of a wire or string to a required part of a Christmas tree.
  • Cover means in the form of a pile binding 32 is wound around the wand 6c on top of those parts of the light string between adjacent wands of the light bulb holders 2 and respective light bulbs 3 in the manner as shown in Figure 14 so as to achieve the aesthetically pleasing result shown in Figure 12 whereby at spaced intervals therealong short portions of the light string adjacent to the respective light bulb holders 2 and light bulbs 3 extend generally radially from the major axis of the light wand 6c.
  • the invention in its many forms provides a useful and novel method of illuminating the inside and external surfaces of a Christmas tree quickly and conveniently, without the use of expensive or complicated accessories and at minimal risk to a person decorating the tree.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une guirlande lumineuse destinée à décorer des sapins de Noël. Cette guirlande comprend une multiplicité de supports pour douilles sous forme de tiges (6), ces tiges étant espacées les unes des autres tout au long de ladite guirlande (2). Ces tiges sont conçues pour servir de support à un ensemble de douilles, et pour être insérées à intervalles réguliers à l'intérieur d'un sapin de Noël (1). Un tel montage permet à la guirlande lumineuse (2) d'illuminer non seulement l'intérieur du sapin de Noël (1) grâce aux ampoules et aux douilles disposées sur les tiges (6), mais aussi l'extérieur du sapin de Noël (1) grâce aux autres douilles et aux autres ampoules placées sur ladite guirlande lumineuse (2). Ainsi, l'intérieur du sapin de Noël (1) peut être décoré et illuminé simplement en intercalant les tiges (6), à intervalles sélectionnés, tout autour du sapin (1).
PCT/GB1998/000222 1997-01-27 1998-01-26 Eclairage pour sapin de noel WO1998032359A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU57720/98A AU5772098A (en) 1997-01-27 1998-01-26 Christmas tree lighting

Applications Claiming Priority (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/816,960 1997-01-27
US08/816,960 US6210016B1 (en) 1997-01-27 1997-01-27 Christmas tree lighting
US81481697A 1997-03-11 1997-03-11
US08/814,816 1997-03-11
US82668097A 1997-04-07 1997-04-07
US08/826,680 1997-04-07
US89965597A 1997-05-21 1997-05-21
US08/899,655 1997-05-21
US95068297A 1997-10-15 1997-10-15
US08/950,682 1997-10-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998032359A1 true WO1998032359A1 (fr) 1998-07-30

Family

ID=27542227

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1998/000222 WO1998032359A1 (fr) 1997-01-27 1998-01-26 Eclairage pour sapin de noel

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5772098A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998032359A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000045087A1 (fr) * 1999-01-29 2000-08-03 Edgardo Dante Demaria Dispositif electroluminescent et ensemble pilier porteur
EP1172602A1 (fr) * 2000-07-14 2002-01-16 King Ltd. Neon Appareil à stalactites lumineux et méthodes associées
US6394623B1 (en) 2000-07-14 2002-05-28 Neon King Limited Translucent flexible rope light and methods of forming and using same

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2110353A (en) * 1937-04-29 1938-03-08 Barkes Curtis Cord set for christmas tree lights
US2298089A (en) * 1940-07-25 1942-10-06 Veenboer Nicholas Christmas tree decoration
CH563757A5 (en) * 1974-05-22 1975-07-15 Barry Charles Decorative illumination of Christmas trees - has lamps connected in parallel with wires inside tubes
DE29614037U1 (de) * 1996-08-13 1996-09-26 Lee, Wei-Min, Taipeh/T'ai-pei Weihnachtsbaumbeleuchtung
US5609412A (en) * 1995-09-19 1997-03-11 Contigiani; Frank Lighting systems for christmas trees

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2110353A (en) * 1937-04-29 1938-03-08 Barkes Curtis Cord set for christmas tree lights
US2298089A (en) * 1940-07-25 1942-10-06 Veenboer Nicholas Christmas tree decoration
CH563757A5 (en) * 1974-05-22 1975-07-15 Barry Charles Decorative illumination of Christmas trees - has lamps connected in parallel with wires inside tubes
US5609412A (en) * 1995-09-19 1997-03-11 Contigiani; Frank Lighting systems for christmas trees
DE29614037U1 (de) * 1996-08-13 1996-09-26 Lee, Wei-Min, Taipeh/T'ai-pei Weihnachtsbaumbeleuchtung

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000045087A1 (fr) * 1999-01-29 2000-08-03 Edgardo Dante Demaria Dispositif electroluminescent et ensemble pilier porteur
US6394625B2 (en) 1999-01-29 2002-05-28 Edgardo Dante Demaria Light-emitting device and support pillar assembly
EP1172602A1 (fr) * 2000-07-14 2002-01-16 King Ltd. Neon Appareil à stalactites lumineux et méthodes associées
US6394623B1 (en) 2000-07-14 2002-05-28 Neon King Limited Translucent flexible rope light and methods of forming and using same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU5772098A (en) 1998-08-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5772312A (en) Lighted holiday ornament
CA2447524C (fr) Montage combine d'eclairage en forme d'arbre artificiel
US5550720A (en) Artificial christmas tree with electric separable segments
US6027228A (en) Christmas tree lawn ornament
US5609412A (en) Lighting systems for christmas trees
US6155697A (en) Draping decorative light string
US4462065A (en) Apparatus for decoratively lighting an outdoor tree
US5667174A (en) Decorative light stake
US3096943A (en) A tree lighting fixture
US6162515A (en) Illuminated tree structure
US6690120B2 (en) Year-round decorative lights with selectable holiday color schemes
US20080185973A1 (en) Year-Round Decorative Lights With Selectable Color Schemes And Associated Methods
US5057976A (en) Christmas tree light assembly
US20030091757A1 (en) Artificial tree
US6210016B1 (en) Christmas tree lighting
US8376584B1 (en) Lighting system for decorating trees
US8721121B1 (en) Decorative light string with blinking lights
US6461018B1 (en) Decorative ground lighting stake assembly and system
US4544218A (en) Electrical ornamentation system
US6017132A (en) Decorative light-supporting structure for holding connected string of lights
US6779906B1 (en) Decorative tree lightning system
GB2385118A (en) Decorative lights for an artificial Christmas tree
US6361187B1 (en) Christmas tree outdoor ornament
WO1998032359A1 (fr) Eclairage pour sapin de noel
US6685340B2 (en) Outdoor decoration

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ CZ DE DE DK DK EE EE ES FI FI GB GE GH GM GW HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase