WO1998032359A1

WO1998032359A1 - Christmas tree lighting

Info

Publication number: WO1998032359A1
Application number: PCT/GB1998/000222
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Prineppi
Original assignee: Halstead, Richard, Ralph
Priority date: 1997-01-27
Filing date: 1998-01-26
Publication date: 1998-07-30
Also published as: AU5772098A

Abstract

A decorative light string for Christmas trees comprising a plurality of light socket support members in the form of wands (6) at spaced intervals along the string (2), each being adapted to support selected groups of light sockets and being insertable into the interior of a Christmas tree (1) at spaced intervals. With this arrangement, the light string (2) illuminates the interior of the Christmas tree (1) via the light bulbs and light sockets supported on the wands (6), and illuminates the exterior of the Christmas tree (1) via the remaining sockets and light bulbs on the light string (2). This allows the interior of the Christmas tree (1) to be decorated and therefore illuminated by simple insertion of the wands (6) at selected intervals around the Christmas tree (1).

Description

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Background of the Invention

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. However, to achieve the latter with a conventional string of Christmas tree fairy lights 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.

Alternative methods of illuminating the inside of Christmas trees are known but these tend to be complicated or expensive and still do not obviate all or many of the disadvantages described above, particularly where the lighting is to be used on a real Christmas tree as opposed to an artificial one It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an uncomplicated and inexpensive means of illuminating the exterior and interior of a Christmas tree in which the aforementioned disadvantages are obviated

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided 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 confoπn 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

With this arrangement, 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 Similarly, when 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 Also, because 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.

Conveniently, where cover means are provided for the light wand for the purposes of disguising the light string and supporting wire etc., 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. With this arrangement, 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. Hence, if 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. Alternatively, 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.

As well as being rod-shaped 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. With this arrangement, 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. Alternatively, 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.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the light sockets and their respective light bulbs are moveable from a closed position in which they

he generally flat against or along each wand to a position in which 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 Alternatively, 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 With this arrangement 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

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings m which

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,

Figure 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

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring firstly to Figures 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 With this arrangement 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.

In Figures 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. At the free end of the wand 6 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).

In Figure 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.

Turning now to Figures 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. In this embodiment 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. Although this may be achieved individually, 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. This is achieved by means of a spring-loaded slide rod 17 which is guided for lengthwise sliding movement between side wall 14 and a rib 18 extending along the length of the wand 6a in the channel defined by side walls 14. 15 and the flattened strip 13. At intervals along the slide rod 17 corresponding to the position of each light socket 5 extend upwardly enclosed loops 19 whose internal cam surfaces co-operate with a pivot pin 20 projecting from that side of each light socket 5 facing side wall 14 so that by reciprocating movement of the slide rod 17, the light socket 5 and attendant light bulb 4 can be raised or lowered to the positions shown in, respectively, Figures 9 and 8.

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.

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. In this instance 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. As shown in Figure

10, they are normally held in their upright position with respect to the wand 6b by means of a pair of bendable plastics leaves 26 integrally moulded with the socket cradle 24. These are disposed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the plane of the socket cradle 24 and include feet 27 which engage the inner surface 28 of the wand 6b between the side walls 14a and 15a.

With this arrangement 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. Although in this embodiment the 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.

Referring now to Figures 13 and 14 of the drawings an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in which 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. 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. It will be redially apparent that by disguising the light wand 6c in such an effective manner its presence and role in supporting either directly or indirectly a number of light bulb holders and attendant light bulbs is therefore disguised or concealed entirely thereby leaving only aesthetically pleasing parts of the entire light string generally visible to the naked eye and which look closely similar to the leaves of a Christmas tree.

It will be seen that 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.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS:

( 1 ) An electrically operable 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 at spaced intervals along the string , each adapted to support selected groups of said light sockets and associated light bulbs 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 groups of said light bulbs and light sockets supported on said plurality of said wands, and illuminates the exterior of the Christmas tree via the remaining light sockets and lightbulbs on the string.

(2) A light string according to Claim 1 in which each wand comprises a rod which includes along the length thereof a series of light socket holders for receiving the respective selected groups of said light sockets.

(3) A light string according to Claim 1 in which the wands are partially or wholly circular or oval.

(4) A light string according to any preceding Claim in which the wands are provided with tie points by which they may be releasably secured to respective parts of a Christmas tree.

(5) A light string according to any preceding Claim in which the wands are composed of individual elements which releasably interconnect with each other, and each including a light socket holder.

(6) A light string according to any preceding Claim further including means associated with each wand to permit light sockets associated therewith and there attendant light bulbs to be moved from a position where they lie axially in-line with the wand to an exposed position pointing away from the wand.

(7) A light string according Claim 6 in which the wands include pivot means to permit the light sockets and attendant light bulbs to be pivoted outwardly.

(8) A light string according to Claim 7 further including a moveable member cooperable with formations on the light sockets of each wand whereby the light bulbs may be selectively moved outwardly or inwardly with respect thereto.

(9) A light string according to Claim 8 in which the movable member is in the form of a rod slidable along the length of the wand and includes cam formations which cooperate with projections on the light sockets such that upon reciprocating movement of the slide rod along the major axis of the wand the lightbulbs may be selectively moved outward or inward with respect thereto.

(10) A light string according to Claim 9 further including spring bias means such that the light bulbs assume a normal position in which they point outwards from the wand and are fully exposed, but may be closed when the spring is compressed to permit easy insertion or removal of the wand into or from a Christmas tree.

( 11 ) A light string according to any one of Claims 1 - 5 in which the light socket holders permanently bias their respective light sockets and light bulbs to a position generally perpendicular to the wand whilst permitting them to tilt over when an obstacle such as a branch is encountered and thereafter return to an upright position relative to the wand.

(12) A light string according to Claim 1 1 in which the light socket holder is in the form of an annular cradle pivotally connected to the wand and including spring means to permanently bias the light socket and respective bulb in an upright position relative thereto.

(13) A light string according to Claim 12 in which the spring means comprises a pair of leaf springs secured to the light socket cradle and co- operable with an internal surface of the wand so that when a light socket and respective light bulb are tilted over by an obstacle a respective leaf spring biases the light socket and light bulb back to its original upright position when the obstacle is no longer there.

(14) A light string according to any one of Claims 11 and 12 in which the spring bias means is in the form of a helical spring secured between a movable light socket holder and its respective wand to allow a light socket and its respective light bulb to tilt over to one side when an obstacle is encountered and return to an upright position when the obstacle is no longer there.

(15) 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 wands (as defined) at spaced intervals along the string and being insertable into the interior of a Christmas tree, each light wand supporting either directly or indirectly a plurality of light socket holders at spaced intervals therealong electrically interconnected by the string, at least part of the string between each light socket holder being supported by the wand and being covered by cover means adapted to hide or disguise the string and wand in the area so supported.

(16) A light string according to Claim 15 wherein the cover means is in the form of a ribbon, garland or similar flexible material wound or overlaid 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 wiring immediately adjacent thereto, if any, is visible to the naked eye.

(17) A light string according to Claim 15 or Claim 16 wherein the cover means is in the form of binding having pile extending therefrom, in the manner of shag pile carpet, such that when it is wrapped around the wand the wand itself appears to be covered by the pile in a continuous manner.