The field of the invention is lights, more specifically, string lighting and light components with removable light elements and lampshades, and methods of assembling light components.
The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
String lighting is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor lighting and is also commonly used for seasonal decorating. Conventional string lighting assemblies typically comprise a main wired connection line that provides electrical current to a plurality of sockets and light components extending or hanging from the main line. One end of the string has an electrical plug that mates with, and receives electricity from, a power outlet. Optionally, the other end of the string can have another plug for providing power to another string.
Examples of different string light assemblies and light components can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,070,347, 9,752,763, U.S. Ser. Nos. 10/100,986, 10/309,591, 10/422,486, U.S. Pat. Publ. Nos. US20160215942 and US20180340676, and China Patent Nos. CN105805618B, CN106122821A, CN107370003A, CN108224135A, CN205678443U, CN206723917U, CN206846401U, CN207716102U, CN207893476U, CN208222138U, and CN304484212S. These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
While various string light assemblies are known, there remains a need for a string light assembly that has fewer parts, is easier to assemble, and is more reliable than conventional string light designs. It would also be advantageous to provide a string light that has removable and interchangeable components such as lampshades to change and customize the appearance of the string light assembly.
The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which a string light assembly comprises a wired connection that has two ends. The first end has an electrical connector configured to electrically couple with an electrical power supply and the second end can optionally have an electrical connector configured to electrically couple with, and provide electricity to, another string light assembly. The wired connection comprises a plurality of light components extending therefrom at intervals located along a length of the wired connection. It is contemplated that the intervals can be regular (e.g., evenly spaced, repeat pattern spacing) or irregular (e.g., randomly spaced).
Each light component comprises two covers that join together and form a housing that has an interior space. A pair of electrical wires are sized and dimensioned to fit inside the interior space of the housing. The housing can comprise two arms extending from a body wherein each arm has an opening for receiving one of the wires. In this manner, the pair of electrical wires can pass through the interior space of the housing to provide electricity to the light element. In some embodiments, the housing can comprise a t-shaped body with two arms extending from the body in different directions and in alignment with one another (e.g., along the same line). However, it is also contemplated that the arms could extend from the body at different angles (e.g., not along the same line).
In some embodiments, the pair of electrical wires can connect with an electrical socket for receiving and removably coupling the light element. The electrical socket can have a cavity with an electrical connection for connecting a light element such as an LED bulb. When the electrical socket is placed inside the interior space of the housing, the cavity of the socket is accessible via an opening in the housing.
Each light component further comprises a collar sized and dimensioned to fit over a portion of the housing. In addition, a light element is configured to electrically and removably couple with the pair of electrical wires. The light element (also referred to as light source) is covered and/or protected by a first lampshade that either removably couples with the collar or is integrally formed with the light element.
Each light component can also include a second lampshade that has an opening sized and dimensioned to receive and fit over an external surface of the distal end of the housing, while at the same time the opening is smaller than an outer width of the collar. In this manner, the collar can be used to removably secure the second lampshade to the housing by first inserting the distal end of the housing through the opening of the second lampshade, and then securing the collar to the external surface of the distal end of housing. In some embodiments, the collar has internal threads that are configured to mate with external threads on the housing. However, it is also contemplated that non-threaded fasteners, such as press-fit (e.g., tapered surfaces), snap-fit (e.g., latching elements), male/female engagements, and magnetic fasteners can be used in a manner that is consistent with the inventive principles disclosed herein.
In yet other embodiments, the first lampshade can have external threads that mate with the internal threads on the collar. In this embodiment, the internal threads are long enough such that one end of the collar can be used to engage the housing while the other end of the collar can be used to engage the first lampshade.
In other aspects, the first and second covers that form the housing can each comprise a half-shell of the housing. It is also contemplated that the first cover and second cover can comprise either symmetrical or non-symmetrical portions of the housing.
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
First socket cover 112 and second socket cover 116 can be made of plastic, metal, a composite, or any other material suitable for housing an electrical socket and light element. When coupled, first socket cover 112 and second socket cover 116 form a t-shaped housing with two arms extending in different directions. The arms also have openings on their respective ends that allow the two wired connections of socket 114 to pass therethrough.
Socket 114 can be any suitable electrical socket such as parallel XTW or SPT for #20 AWG light string with E12 socket or E17 socket, or parallel XTW or SPT for #18 AWG light string with E17 socket. Socket 114 has a threaded cavity with electrical connections for supplying power to a light element 120. Light element 120 can be any suitable light source, such as E12/E17 incandescent bulbs or LED bulbs. Light element 120 has external threads that mate with the threads of the cavity of socket 114. However, it is also contemplated that light element 120 can removably couple with socket 114 using other known fasteners, including male-female engaging connectors, press-fit or snap-in connections, and magnetic fasteners.
Light component 110 also comprises a lamp shade 122 that removably couples with collar 118 via external threads that mate with the internal threads of collar 118. However, it is contemplated that light component 110 could also be removably coupled with collar 118 using other fasteners. Lampshade 122 has an interior space that is sized and dimensioned to house light element 120 for protection. Lampshade 122 can be made of plastic, metal, or any suitable material for protecting light element 120. Lampshade 122 can also be made of different colors and/or levels of translucency to produce different lighting.
It is contemplated that lampshade 124 can be made of plastic, metal, a composite, or any material suitable for providing shading to a light element. It is also contemplated that lampshade 124 can be made in many different shapes to provide different styles (e.g., outdoor, indoor, modern, rustic, etc.) and can be interchangeable with different shapes and colors of lampshades to create a different style for the string light assembly. It is also contemplated that lampshade 122 and light element 120 can be interchangeable with other lampshades and light elements, respectively, to provide different shapes, colors, and light types (e.g., LED vs incandescent, 60 watts vs 100 watts, etc.).
The light component design described herein advantageously allows for different lampshades and light elements to be interchangeable to customize the look and feel of the string light assembly. Additionally, the light component design is easy to assemble due to a reduced number of parts. The design can also be used to imitate the effect of an E26 string light, but with the lower cost due to use of an LED bulb.
First cover 212 and second cover 216 can be made of plastic, metal, a composite, or any other material suitable for housing a pair of electrical wires. When coupled, first cover 212 and second cover 216 form a t-shaped housing with two arms extending in different directions. The arms also have openings on their respective ends that allow the pair of electrical wires 214 to pass therethrough.
Pair of electrical wires 214 can be any suitable electrical wiring, including #22 AWG, #20 AWG, and #24 AWG light string. Pair of electrical wires 214 can be suitable light string for an incandescent light bulb or a light emitting diode (LED) bulb. Pair of electrical wires 214 supply power to a light element 220. Light element 220 can be any suitable light source, such as E12/E17 incandescent bulbs or LED bulbs. Light element 220 can be either permanently or removably coupled with pair of electrical wires 214. In some embodiments, light element 220 can be removably coupled with the pair of electrical wires 214 via a threaded coupling, male-female engaging connectors, press-fit or snap-in connections, magnetic fasteners, or any other suitable fastening means.
Light component 210 also comprises a lamp shade 222 that removably couples with collar 218 via external threads that mate with the internal threads of collar 218. However, it is contemplated that light component 210 could also be removably coupled with collar 218 using other fasteners. Lampshade 222 has an interior space that is sized and dimensioned to house light element 220 for protection. Lampshade 222 can be made of plastic, metal, or any suitable material for protecting light element 220. Lampshade 222 can also be made of different colors and/or levels of translucency to produce different lighting.
It is contemplated that lampshade 224 can be made of plastic, metal, a composite, or any material suitable for providing shading to a light element. It is also contemplated that lampshade 224 can be made in many different shapes to provide different styles (e.g., outdoor, indoor, modern, rustic, etc.) and can be interchangeable with different shapes and colors of lampshades to create a different style for the string light assembly.
First socket cover 112 and second socket cover 116 can be made of plastic, metal, a composite, or any other material suitable for housing an electrical socket and light element. When coupled, first socket cover 112 and second socket cover 116 form a t-shaped housing with two arms extending in different directions. The arms also have openings on their respective ends that allow the two wired connections of socket 114 to pass therethrough.
Socket 114 can be any suitable electrical socket such as parallel XTW or SPT for #20 AWG light string with E12 socket or E17 socket, or parallel XTW or SPT for #18 AWG light string with E17 socket. Socket 114 has a threaded cavity with electrical connections for supplying power to a light element 620. Light element 620 comprises a suitable light source, such as E12/E17 incandescent bulbs or LED bulbs, surrounded by an outer lampshade. Unlike the light component 110 and lampshade 122 in
Light element 620 has external threads that mate with the threads of the cavity of socket 114. However, it is also contemplated that light element 620 can removably couple with socket 114 using other known fasteners, including male-female engaging connectors, press-fit or snap-in connections, and magnetic fasteners. Since the lampshade layer of light element 620 is integral with the light source, collar 118 does not need internal threads on its distal end for coupling a lampshade. Thus, in alternative embodiments, collar 118 of light component 610 can be modified to have a threaded end and a non-threaded end.
It is contemplated that lampshade 624 can be made of plastic, metal, a composite, or any material suitable for providing shading to a light element. It is also contemplated that lampshade 624 can be made in many different shapes to provide different styles (e.g., outdoor, indoor, modern, rustic, etc.) and can be interchangeable with different shapes and colors of lampshades to create a different style for the string light assembly.
The light component design described herein advantageously allows for different lampshades to be interchangeable to customize the look and feel of the string light assembly. Additionally, the light component design is easy to assemble due to a reduced number of parts. The design can also be used to imitate the effect of an E26 string light, but with the lower cost due to use of an LED bulb.
From a methods perspective, the inventive subject matter includes a method of assembling a light component comprising the steps of: (i) placing an electrical socket between, and inside, the interior space of a first socket cover and a second socket cover; (ii) fastening the first socket cover and second socket cover together, such as by ultrasonic welding, threading a screw from the first socket cover to the second socket cover, or placing and fastening a collar over the distal end of the first and second socket cover; and (iii) removably coupling a light element or light source to the electrical socket, such as by threading external screws on the light element or light source to internal threads in the cavity of the electrical socket. The method can also include the step of placing a secondary lampshade over the distal end of the first and second socket cover prior to placing the collar over the distal end, and then placing the collar on the distal end to secure the secondary lampshade.
As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the amended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of priority of from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/909,487, filed on Jun. 23, 2020, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/691,298, filed on Nov. 21, 2019, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16909487 | Jun 2020 | US |
Child | 17102080 | US | |
Parent | 16691298 | Nov 2019 | US |
Child | 16909487 | US |