Information
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Patent Grant
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6254250
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Patent Number
6,254,250
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Date Filed
Friday, October 15, 199925 years ago
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Date Issued
Tuesday, July 3, 200123 years ago
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Inventors
-
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Examiners
Agents
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CPC
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US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 362 123
- 362 252
- 362 391
- 362 431
- 362 806
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International Classifications
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Abstract
A decorative light tree set for supporting light strings thereon is disclosed. The decorative light tree set includes a rigid central post fixed to and upstanding on ground and a plurality of primary ropes extending from a top end of the central post at a predetermined inclining angle with lower ends thereof fixed to the ground by fasteners. A plurality of light strings horizontally extend between each primary rope and the central post. A number of secondary ropes vertically extend from each primary rope and interconnect the light strings forming a net-like structure whereby the light strings are securely maintained in position between the primary ropes and the central post. Electrical wires having a plug extend along the central post and are electrically connected to the light strings for supplying electrical power energy to the light strings.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a decorative light set, and in particular to a decorative light tree set for supporting decorative light strings thereon. The decorative light tree set mainly comprises a rigid central post, a plurality of primary ropes, and a plurality of secondary ropes, incorporating with light strings, to form a decorative light tree.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Decorative light strings are widely used in holidays and festivals, especially Christmas. A light string usually comprises electrical wires on which a plurality of lamp sockets are mounted for receiving lamps. Since the electrical wires are usually not rigid enough to support themselves in the space, a supporting frame is commonly adapted to support and arrange the light strings into desired shapes.
Conventionally, the frame is made of metal or plastic bars to form a supporting frame for the light strings. An example of the prior art supporting frame for decorative light is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 408,319 issued Apr. 20, 1999, issued to Byers entitled “Decorative Light Tree”. Such a supporting frame requires a great amount of space in storage. Some of the light string supporting frames have a knockdown structure allowing a user to detach/disassemble parts thereof thereby reducing the amount of space required for storage. However, the rigid components of the supporting frame still occupy quite an amount of space in storage.
Another example of the prior art supporting frame for decorative light is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,282 issued Apr. 5, 1988, issued to Ahroni entitled “Decorative Light Assembly with Tree Collar”. Such a decorative light assembly requires a collar adapted to be mounted on a tree trunk near the top of the tree. The collar has a complicated structure comprising a ring-shaped container with slots in its outer wall through which the light string passes to form unlighted retained loops inside the container and outside lighted loops draping from the container.
It is thus desirable to have a light tree set for supporting decorative light strings to overcome the problems discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a light tree set suitable to support light strings thereon for decorative purposes without need of supporting frame.
The other object of the present invention is to provide a decorative light tree set which is easy to assemble. Furthermore, the decorative light tree set is preferably composed of flexible members thereby facilitating storage thereof.
To achieve the above objects, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a decorative tree light set comprising a rigid central post adapted to be fixed to and upstanding on a fixed surface such as ground and a plurality of primary ropes extending from a top end of the central post at a predetermined inclining angle with lower ends thereof fixed to the ground by fasteners. A plurality of light strings horizontally extend between each primary rope and the central post. A number of secondary ropes may vertically extend from each primary rope and interconnect the light strings forming a net-like structure whereby the light strings are securely maintained in position between the primary ropes and the central post. Electrical wires having a plug for connection with an electrical power source extend along the central post and are electrically connected to the light strings for supplying electrical power energy thereto. Preferably, an electronic controller incorporating a control circuit therein for controlling the lightening of the lamps arranged on the electrical wires is connected between the light strings and the plug.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
is a schematic perspective view of a decorative light tree set in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a schematic perspective view of a decorative light tree set in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3
is schematic perspective view of a decorative light tree set in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4
is schematic perspective view of a decorative light tree set in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 5
is a schematic perspective view of a decorative light tree set in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the drawings and in particular to
FIG. 1
, a decorative light tree set constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, generally designated with reference numeral
100
, is shown. The decorative light tree set
100
comprises a rigid central post
102
having a lower end adapted to be positioned on a fixed surface (not shown) in an upstanding fashion. A cone section
104
is optionally mounted to the lower end of the central post
102
for supporting the central post
102
on the ground.
Preferably, the central post
102
comprises a plurality of sections that are releasably connected to each other for reducing the space required to store the central post. Alternatively, the sections of the central post
102
may be telescopically connected to each other.
At least one primary rope
106
extends from an upper end of the central post
102
to the ground at a predetermined inclining angle. For example, the primary rope
106
, the central post
102
and the ground form a triangle. Preferably, the primary rope
106
is made of nonconductive natural fibers such as cotton, or synthetic fibers such as plastic fibers, or the mixtures thereof. The primary rope
106
ma~y be attached to the central post
102
by any known means, for example by simply tying the rope
106
on the central post
102
or by clips.
In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1
, three primary ropes
106
extend at a predetermined angle from the upper end of the central post
102
to the ground and is fixed to the ground by fasteners
108
. The three primary ropes
106
are angularly equally spaced from each other about the central post
102
thereby securely retaining the central post
102
on the ground.
A plurality of light strings
110
horizontally extend between each primary rope
106
and the central post
102
. Each light string
110
has a first end attached to the primary rope
106
by any known means, such as a clip or tying a knot and a second end attached to the central post
102
. Each light string
110
comprises electrical wires to which a number of lamps
112
are mechanically attached and electrically connected. The lamps
112
are spaced along the electrical wires, normally equally spaced.
A plurality of secondary ropes
114
vertically extend between and interconnects each primary rope
106
and the corresponding light strings
110
. The vertically extending secondary ropes
114
may be attached to both the primary rope
106
and the light strings
110
by any suitable means, such as clip or tying a knot, for securely retaining the light strings
110
in position.
A power supply cable
116
extends along the central post
102
and is electrically connected to the light strings
110
. The power supply cable
116
may extend through a central bore (not shown) defined in the central post
102
or alternatively, the power supply cable
116
may be received in and coextensive with a longitudinal groove (not shown) defined in the central post
102
or the power supply cable
116
may be fixed to an outside surface of the central post
102
by clips or wires (not shown). The power supply cable
116
has a remote end to which an electrical plug
118
is mounted for connection with a wall outlet (not shown).
An electronic controller
120
comprising a control circuit which is known to those skilled in the art may be used to control the lightening sequence and patterns of the lamps
112
. The controller
120
may be replaced by known flashing control lamps that comprise bimetal contacts that switch on/off based on temperature thereof. This is also well known and no further details will be given herein.
The inclination of the primary ropes
106
from the upper end of the central post
102
to the ground forms the shape of a light tree. A star-shaped hollow member
122
may be attached to the upper end of the central post
102
with a number of lamps
126
mounted therein and powered by the power supply cable
116
.
FIG. 2
of the attached drawings shows a second embodiment in accordance with the present invention. A decorative light tree set in accordance with the second embodiment, designated with reference numeral
200
, has a structure similar to that of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG.
1
. In other words, the decorative light tree set
200
comprises a central post
202
supported on the ground. A cone section
204
is optionally mounted to the lower end of the central post
202
for supporting the central post
202
on the ground.
Three primary ropes
206
extend from an upper end of the central post
202
to the ground at a predetermined angle and fixed to the ground by fasteners
208
. A plurality of light strings
210
extend between each primary rope
206
and the central post
202
in a horizontal direction. Each light string
210
comprises electrical wires and lamps
212
mechanically and electrically connected to the electrical wires.
A power supply cable
216
extends along the central post
202
and is electrically connected to the electrical wires of the light strings
210
. The power supply cable
216
has a plug
218
for connection with a wall outlet (not shown).
An electronic controller
220
comprising a control circuit may be used to control the lightening sequence and patterns of the lamps
212
. The controller
220
may be replaced by known flashing control lamps that comprise bimetal contacts that switch on/off based on temperature thereof. A star-shaped member
222
containing a number of lamps therein may be attached to the upper end of the central post
202
.
The difference between the second embodiment shown in FIG.
2
and the first embodiment shown in
FIG. 1
is that the vertically extending secondary ropes
114
of the first embodiment are eliminated in the second embodiment. For a small sized Christmas tree formed in accordance with the present invention, the lamps
212
and the light strings may be effectively maintained in position by properly stretching the primary ropes
206
and the wires of the light strings
210
. Elimination of the secondary ropes does not cause undesired effect on the formation of the tree.
FIG. 3
of the attached drawings shows a third embodiment in accordance with the present invention. A decorative light tree set in accordance with the third embodiment, designated with reference numeral
300
, has a structure similar to that of the first embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1
but comprises more primary ropes. In other words, the decorative light tree set
300
comprises a central post
302
supported on the ground by a cone section
304
. Four primary ropes
306
extend from an upper end of the central post
302
to the ground at a predetermined angle and fixed to the ground by fasteners
308
.
A plurality of light strings
310
extend between each primary rope
306
and the central post
302
in a horizontal direction. Each light string
310
comprises electrical wires and lamps
312
mechanically and electrically connected to the electrical wires
312
.
Similar to the first embodiment shown in
FIG. 1
, a plurality of vertically extending secondary ropes (not shown) may extend between each primary rope
306
and interconnects the corresponding light strings
310
for maintaining the light strings
310
in position. The secondary ropes are eliminated as shown in the drawing.
A power supply cable
316
extends along the central post
302
and is electrically connected to the electrical wires of the light strings
310
. The power supply cable
316
has a plug
318
for connection with a wall outlet (not shown). An electronic controller
320
is also used to control the lightening sequence and patterns of the lamps
312
. A star-shaped member
322
containing a number of lamps therein may be attached to the upper end of the central post
302
.
It is apparent to those skilled in the art that more than four primary ropes may be used to connect between the upper end of the central post and the ground. For example, five or six primary ropes may be used. Preferably, the primary ropes are angularly equally spaced about the central post. However, if desired, the primary ropes may be arranged in an angularly un-equally spaced fashion.
FIG. 4
of the attached drawings shows a fourth embodiment in accordance with the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1
, a decorative light tree set in accordance with the fourth embodiment, designated with reference numeral
400
, comprises a central post
402
supported on the ground by a cone section
404
. Three primary ropes
406
extend from an upper end of the central post
402
to the ground at a predetermined angle and fixed to the ground by fasteners
408
.
A plurality of light strings
410
extend between adjacent primary ropes
406
in a horizontal direction thereby forming a pyramid configuration. The light strings
410
may be fixed to the primary ropes
406
by any suitable means as discussed above. Each light string
410
comprises electrical wires and a number of lamps
412
mechanically and electrically connected to the electrical wires.
A number of secondary ropes
414
extend between and interconnect each primary ropes
406
and the light strings
410
in a direction substantially normal to the light strings
410
and are attached to the light strings
410
for firmly maintaining the light strings
410
in position.
The decorative light tree set in this embodiment is also provided with a power supply cable, a plug, and an electronic controller, not shown in the drawing.
FIG. 5
of the attached drawings shows a fifth embodiment in accordance with the present invention. A decorative light tree set in accordance with the fifth embodiment, designated with reference numeral
500
, has a structure similar to that of the fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG.
4
. In other words, the decorative light tree set
500
comprises a central post
502
supported on the ground by a cone section
504
. Three primary ropes
506
extend from an upper end of the central post
502
to the ground at a predetermined angle and are fixed to the ground by fasteners
508
.
A plurality of light strings
510
extend between adjacent primary ropes
506
in a horizontal direction. Each light string
510
comprises electrical wires and lamps
512
mechanically and electrically connected to the electrical wires.
The decorative light tree set in this embodiment is also provided with a power supply cable, a plug, and an electronic controller, not shown in the drawing.
The difference between the fifth embodiment and the fourth embodiment is that the secondary ropes
414
of the fourth embodiment
400
are eliminated in the fifth embodiment.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention which is intended to be defined by the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A decorative light tree set for supporting light strings, comprising:a rigid central post having an upper end and a lower end adapted to be positioned on a fixed surface with the central post extending therefrom in a first direction; a plurality of primary ropes having first ends attached to the upper end of the central post and extending therefrom at a predetermined angle with respect to the first direction, lower ends of the primary ropes being attached to the fixed surface; a plurality of light strings arranged between each primary rope and the central post;and a plurality of secondary ropes vertically connected between each primary rope and corresponding light strings to securely maintain the light strings in position.
- 2. The decorative light tree set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central post comprises a plurality of sections detachably connected to each other.
- 3. The decorative light tree as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary ropes are arranged to be angularly equally spaced with respect to the central post.
- 4. The decorative light tree as claimed in claim 1, wherein three primary ropes are arranged to extend from the upper end of the central post to the fixed surface.
- 5. The decorative light tree as claimed in claim 1, wherein four primary ropes are arranged to extend from the upper end of the central post to the fixed surface.
- 6. The decorative light tree as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a star-shaped hollow member attached to the upper end of the central post.
- 7. A decorative light tree set for supporting light strings, comprising:a rigid central post having an upper end and a lower end adapted to be positioned on a fixed surface with the central post extending therefrom in a first direction; a plurality of primary ropes having first ends attached to the upper end of the central post and extending therefrom at a predetermined angle with respect to the first direction, lower ends of the primary ropes being attached to the fixed surface; a plurality of light strings arranged between adjacent primary ropes and a plurality of secondary ropes vertically connected between each primary rope and corresponding light strings to securely maintain the light strings in position.
- 8. The decorative light tree set as claimed in claim 7, wherein the central post comprises a plurality of sections detachably connected to each other.
- 9. The decorative light tree as claimed in claim 7, wherein the primary ropes are arranged to be angularly equally spaced with respect to the central post.
- 10. The decorative light tree as claimed in claim 7, wherein three primary ropes are arranged to extend from the upper end of the central post to the fixed surface.
- 11. The decorative light tree as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a star-shaped hollow member attached to the upper end of the central post.
US Referenced Citations (3)