STRING LIGHT STORAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

A string light storage container. The string light storage container includes a base. The base defines a cylinder rising upward therefrom. The cylinder is centrally disposed in the base. The cylinder is shaped to receive string lights therearound. A cover is removably securable to the base via a fastener, such that an interior cavity is formed around the cylinder when the cover is engaged with the base.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a string light storage container. More specifically, the present invention relates to a string light storage container with a removably securable cover to protect the string lights stored therein.

String lights are decorative accessories that are often used in the winter holiday season or otherwise in an outdoor setting or an indoor setting. These lights can enlighten a room and enhance the aesthetic features of the room, as well as act as a vibrant outdoor decoration. A user may not desire, however, to leave string lights up as a permanent fixture, as they may create an unsightly aesthetic if left up for too long, particularly outdoors. Thus, the string lights may need to be taken down from the structure and stored at certain times.

Unfortunately, string lights are often difficult to store, whereby they may often get tangled. When string lights get tangled, they may get damaged from kinks or twists in the string lights. Additionally, untangling tangled string lights can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. Replacing tangled string lights can be expensive compared to effectively storing the string lights. Therefore, there is a need for a device that allows for string lights to be stored in a manner that prevents tangling or other damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of light device storage containers now present in the prior art the present invention provides a string light storage container wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when storing string lights.

The present system comprises a base defining a planar surface. The base defines a cylinder rising upward from the planar surface thereof. The cylinder is centrally disposed upon the base such that the base provides a platform around the cylinder for the storage of string lights. The cylinder is shaped to receive string lights therearound, such that string lights can be stored around the cylinder without being tangled. A cover is removably securable to the base via a fastener, such that an interior cavity is formed around the cylinder when the cover is engaged with the base.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a base that is a circular planar surface, such that when a string light is wrapped around the cylinder, it can be evenly distributed relative to the fastener at which the cover attaches to the base.

In yet another embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cover and a base that are of an identical diameter, such that dust and debris are prevented from entering the interior cavity between the cover and the base when the cover engaged with the base.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the base defines an outer threading that corresponds to an inner threading that is on the cover. As such, dust and debris are further prevented from entering the interior cavity when the outer threading of the base is engaged with the inner threading of the cover.

In yet another embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide a handle disposed on an external surface of the cover. As such, the handle is utilized to manipulate the cover relative to the base, such that the cover can be secured upon the base via an action of the user.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, an indent is disposed in the cover, and extends downwardly toward the cylinder of the base. As such, the string lights are further secured and prevented from tangling in the interior cavity.

In a further embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide an indent of the cover that is in contact with the cylinder of the base when the cover is engaged with the base, such that a column is defined entirely through the interior cavity.

In yet another embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide a flat surface on the cover, such that a second base of a second string light storage device is receivable upon the cover.

In yet a further embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide a base that defines an interface, such that the interface is receivable upon a second cover of a second string light storage device.

In another embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cylinder that is rounded or beveled at the distal end thereof, such that damage is reduced to the string lights being stored around the cylinder.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a base of an embodiment of the string light storage container.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a bottom surface of a base of an embodiment of the string light storage container.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the string light storage container wherein the cover is engaged with the base.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the string light storage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the string light storage container. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a base of an embodiment of the string light storage container. The base 11 defines a planar surface 12 and at least one base sidewall 14 extending downward therefrom, such that the at least one base sidewall 14 provides support to the planar surface 12 of the base 11. The planar surface 12 is designed to gravitationally secure a plurality of string lights thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 11 defines a planar surface 12 that is circular. As such, when a string light is wrapped around the cylinder, it is evenly distributed therearound as the distance between the cylinder and an edge of the planar surface 12 is more stable.

A cylinder 13 extends upward from the planar surface 12 of the base 11. In the illustrated embodiment, that string lights are wrappable around the cylinder 13. The cylinder 13 defines a proximal end 15, that is in contact with the planar surface 12 of the base 11 opposite of a distal end 16. During use, as the string lights are wrapped around the cylinder 13, a first end of the string lights will be placed at the proximal end 15 of the cylinder 13. The string lights will be wrapped around the cylinder 13 repeatedly, and the string lights rest upon each other. In one embodiment, the distal end 16 of the cylinder 13 is rounded or beveled, such that damage to the string lights is reduced when they are stored upon the cylinder 13.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 11 further comprises a fastener 17 disposed on an external surface of the at least one base sidewall 14. The fastener 17 is configured to removably receive a cover thereon, as is illustrated in FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 17 is a threaded fastener. However, in further embodiments any fastener may be utilized, such as an interlocking lip or a frictional fitting part. Any suitable fastener may be utilized to removably secure the cover to the base 11.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a bottom surface of a base of an embodiment of the string light storage container. In one embodiment, the base 11 defines an interface. The interface is configured to be receivable upon a second cover of a second string light storage device. Users that own multiple strings of string lights may need to utilize several string light storage devices to store them. As such, the interface provided on the base 11 allow for multiple string light storage devices to be stacked or otherwise stored together in a structurally secure manner.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 11 further comprises a plurality of base supports. The plurality of base supports is configured to provide structural support to the base 11, such that when string lights are stored in the string light storage device, the planar surface of the base 11 will not sag or bend. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of base supports comprises a central base support 23 and a plurality of secondary base supports 22 extending outwardly therefrom. The central base support 23 is configured to rest below the cylinder that is centrally disposed upon the top surface of the base 11. As such, force exerted upon the cylinder is absorbed by the central base support 23. Each secondary base support of the plurality of secondary base supports 22 extends from the central base support 23 to an internal surface of the at least one base side wall 14. As such, force exerted upon the planar surface of the base 11 is absorbed by the plurality of secondary base supports 22.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the string light storage container. The string light storage container 10 further comprises a cover 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 31 tapers from a bottom edge to a top edge thereof. The cover 31 is removably securable to the base 11 via a fastener. When the cover 31 is engaged with the base 11, an interior cavity is defined around the cylinder, between the cover 31 and the base 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 31 further comprises a rim 32. Furthermore, as shown, the rim 32 is of an identical circumference as the base 11. When the cover 31 and the base 11 are of an identical diameter, convenience is provided as dust and debris are prevented from entering the interior cavity between the cover 31 and the base 11 when the cover 31 is engaged with the base 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 31 further comprises a handle 33. The handle 33 is disposed on an external surface of the cover 31. As shown, the handle 33 is disposed in an indent 34. As such, in the shown embodiment, the handle 33 does not protrude from the cover 31 in a manner that would prevent stacking of a plurality of string light storage units. The handle 33 is provided, such that the handle 33 is utilized to manipulate the cover 31 relative to the base 11, such that the cover 31 can be secured upon the base 11 via an action of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 33 structurally comprises a pair of perpendicularly disposed intersecting members 36. The pair of intersecting members 36 meet at a center point 37 each thereof. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the handle 33 forms a unitary piece with the cover 31. As such, the handle 33 provides an ideal structure through which the user may twist the handle 33 engaging or disengaging the cover 31 with the base 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 31 defines a flat surface 35 at the top face thereof, such that a second base of a second string light storage container is receivable upon the cover 31. Users that own multiple strings of string lights may need to utilize several string light storage containers to store them. As such, the flat surface 35 of the cover 31 will allow for the second string light storage device to be rested or stacked thereon. In one embodiment, the cover 31 is entirely flat with the exception of the indent 34 that is centrally disposed on the cover 31. In another embodiment, the cover 31 further comprises a lip 38 defined around a perimeter of the top face of the cover 31. As such, the lip 38 provides further structural stability to the string light storage device 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the string light storage container. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 11 defines an outer threading 41. The outer threading 41 is disposed on an external surface of a vertical lip 42 rising upward from the base 11. The outer threading 41 is configured to correspond with an inner threading 43. The inner threading 43 is disposed on an interior surface of a vertical overhang 44 of the cover 31. As such, humidity, dust and debris are further prevented from entering the interior cavity 45 when the outer threading 41 of the base 11 is engaged with the inner threading 43 of the cover 31 as the protrusions of the outer threading 41 will interlock with the protrusions of the inner threading 43. In use, the user can engage the outer threading 41 of the base 11 with the inner threading 43 of the cover 31 by turning the handle 33.

In the illustrated embodiment, the indent 34 in the cover 31 extends downwardly toward the cylinder 13 of the base 11. As such, the string lights are further secured and prevented from tangling in the interior cavity because the gap between the cylinder 13 and the indent 34 of the cover 31 is dimensioned such that a string light is unable to pass therethrough. In a further embodiment, the indent 34 of the cover 31 is in contact with the distal end 16 of the cylinder 13 of the base 11 when the cover 31 is engaged with the base 11, such that a column is defined entirely through the interior cavity 45. As such, the indent 34 and the cylinder 13 not only prevent tangling of the string lights, but also provide structural support to the cover 31 such that the cover 31 is prevented from sagging or collapsing in a manner that may potentially cause damage to the contents of the interior cavity 45.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form function and manner of operation, assembly and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A string light storage container, comprising: a base defining a planar surface;a cylinder extending upwardly from the base; anda cover removably secured to the base via a fastener such that an interior cavity is defined around the cylinder when the cover is engaged with the base.

2) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the base defines a circular planar surface.

3) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the cover and the base are of an identical diameter.

4) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the base defines an outer threading configured to correspond to an inner threading defined by the cover.

5) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein a handle is disposed on an external surface of the cover.

6) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein an indent in the cover extends downward toward the cylinder.

7) The string light storage container of claim 6, wherein the indent is in contact with the cylinder when the cover is engaged with the lid.

8) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the cover defines a flat surface, such that a second base of a second string light storage container can be stacked upon the cover.

9) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the base defines an interface on a lower surface thereof, wherein the interface is configured to rest upon the top surface of the cover.

10) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the cylinder is beveled.

11) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the cylinder is rounded.

12) A string light storage container, comprising: a base defining a planar surface;a cylinder extending upward from the base;a cover removably secured to the base such that an interior cavity is defined around the cylinder when the cover is engaged with the base;wherein the cover forms a seal against the base when in a closed configuration.

13) A string light storage container, comprising: a base having a top surface opposite a bottom surface;a cylinder extending upward from the top surface of the base;the cylinder having a proximal end attached at the base and a distal end opposite of the proximal end;the distal end of the cylinder being rounded;a cover removably securable around the step of the base;the step configured to receive the cover therearound, such that a seal is formed between the step and the cover;the cover comprising an indent;the indent sized to contact the cylinder when the cover is engaged with the base;the indent comprising a handle therein.