Patent Application
20220403989
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a decorative light string, and, more particularly, a water-resistant decorative light string.
Electric lamps, such as light emitting diodes (LEDS), are very commonly used in decorative light strings. Such decorative light strings are typically used to decorate Christmas trees. However, decorative light strings can also be used in other circumstances, such as to decorate the outside of a user's house or yard. Accordingly, it can be desirable to provide a decorative light string suitable for use outdoors.
Conditions of outdoor use of decorative light strings can differ significantly from conditions of indoor use. For example, when used outdoors, decorative light strings can be subject to a variety of weather conditions, such as wind and rain. Due to the construction and manufacturing process, an electric lamp assembly on a decorative light string can not be entirely sealed and can allow water or moisture to leak into the internal compartment of the lamp assembly, which can interfere with the electrical components. For example, in a typical lamp assembly, wires can exit the lamp assembly through holes in the base of the lamp assembly and these holes can provide space for water to enter the internal compartment of the lamp assembly. This area can be particularly susceptible to leaks, as in some cases, the wires exiting the lamp assembly can serve to guide water running down the wires directly into the internal compartment of the lamp assembly. Water that can enter the internal compartment of the lamp assembly can cause damage to the assembly or a malfunction of the assembly, such as a short circuit.
The present disclosure relates to water-resistant decorative lighting system and methods for making the same. An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a plurality of lamp assemblies and a wiring harness. Each lamp assembly of the plurality of lamp assemblies can include a lamp holder, a light source, a waterproofing device, and an outer bulb. The lamp holder can comprise a first side portion, a second side portion and a hinged portion. The first side portion can have a first locking mechanism. The second side portion can have a second locking mechanism. The hinged portion can be connected between the first and second side portions such that the lamp holder can be configured to move about the hinged portion from an open position to a closed position. The light source can be configured to fit within the lamp holder when the lamp holder is in the closed position. The outer bulb can detachably attachable to the lamp holder. The wiring harness can have two or more insulated conductors. The wiring harness can be configured to electrically connect the plurality of lamp assemblies.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first locking mechanism can comprise one or more latches. The second locking mechanism can comprise one or more receiving slots. The one or more latches can be configured to couple with the one or more receiving slots.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, at least a portion of the waterproofing device can be configured to seal around at least a portion of the light source.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, at least a portion of the waterproofing device can be configured to seal around at least a portion of the wiring harness.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the lamp holder can be configured to house at least a portion of the light source when the lamp holder is in the closed position.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the water-resistant decorative lighting system can further comprise an electrically insulating member. The light source can comprise one or more electrical contacts. The electrically insulating member can be configured to insert between the one or more electrical contacts.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, at least a portion of the waterproofing device can be configured to seal around at least a portion of the electrically insulating member.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the electrically insulating member can be a low melting point plastic. The low melting point plastic can be selected from the group consisting of ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), cycloaliphatic epoxy, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), silicones, and combinations thereof.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the outer bulb can further comprise a hollow internal cavity. The light source can be configured to vertically extend above the lamp holder when the lamp holder is in the closed position. The outer bulb can be configured to position at least a portion of the light source within the hollow internal cavity of the outer bulb.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the light source can be selected from the group consisting of incandescent lamp, halogen lamp, neon lamp, fluorescent lamp, LED, mini-LED, micro-LED and combinations thereof.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the light source can comprise a printed circuit board assembly.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the waterproofing device can be selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic, modified PVC, silicon tape, liquid electrical tape, heat shrink tube, nail polish, potting compound, and combinations thereof.
Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a water-resistant decorative lighting system comprising a lamp assembly and a wiring harness. The lamp assembly can include a lamp holder, a light source, a waterproofing device, and an outer bulb. The lamp holder can comprise a first side portion, a second side portion, and a hinged portion. The first side portion can have a first locking mechanism. The second side portion can have a second locking mechanism. The hinged portion can be connected between the first and second side portions such that the lamp holder can be configured to move about the hinged portion from an open position to a closed position. The light source can be configured to fit within the lamp holder when the lamp holder is in the closed position. The outer bulb can be detachably attachable to the lamp holder. The wiring harness can have two or more insulated conductors.
Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of assembling a water-resistant decorative lighting system. The method can comprise providing one or more lamp assemblies. The lamp assemblies can include a light source, a waterproofing device, and a wiring harness. The wiring harness can have two or more insulated conductors. The wiring harness can be configured to electrically connect the one or more lamp assemblies. The method can also comprise wrapping at least a portion of the waterproofing device at least partially around the light source. The method further can comprise wrapping at least a portion of the waterproofing device at least partially around the wiring harness. The method can comprise sealing the waterproofing device.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the method can further comprise providing an electrically insulating member. The light source can comprise one or more electrical contacts. The electrically insulating member can be configured to insert between the one or more electrical contacts. The method can also comprise wrapping at least a portion of the waterproofing device at least partially around the electrically insulating member.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the electrically insulating member can be a low melting point plastic selected from the group consisting of ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), cycloaliphatic epoxy, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), silicones, and combinations thereof.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the method can further comprise providing a lamp holder. The lamp holder can comprise a first and second side portions, and a hinged portion. the first side portion can have a first locking mechanism. The second side portion can have a second locking mechanism. The hinged portion can be connected between the first and second side portions such that the lamp holder can be configured to move about the hinged portion from an open position to a closed position. The light source can be configured to fit within the lamp holder when the lamp holder is in the closed position.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the method can further comprise providing an outer bulb. The outer bulb can comprise a hollow internal cavity. The method can comprise positioning at least a portion of the light source configured to vertically extend above the lamp holder when the lamp holder is in the closed position within the hollow internal cavity of the outer bulb. The method can comprise securing the outer bulb to the lamp holder.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the step of sealing the waterproofing device can be a step of irradiating with an ultraviolet light or a step of melting with a heat treatment.
In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the waterproofing device can be selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic, modified PVC, silicon tape, liquid electrical tape, heat shrink tube, nail polish, potting compound, and combinations thereof.
Reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Embodiments of the disclosed technology include a water-resistant decorative lighting system for preventing fluids from entering the internal compartment of the plurality of lamp assemblies. In various embodiments, a water-resistant lamp assembly can provide a seal to prevent water from entering the lamp assembly. In some embodiments, a water-resistant lamp assembly can include a hinged lamp holder. In some embodiments, a decorative lighting system can be assembled according to the novel and improved method described further herein.
The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the examples included herein. Before the exemplary embodiments of the devices and methods according to the present disclosure are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that embodiments are not limited to those described within this disclosure. Numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and remain within the scope of the disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Some embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosed technology can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth therein. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is to be understood that embodiments of the disclosed technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) of the disclosed technology so described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it can.
Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. Unless otherwise noted, the terms used herein are to be understood according to conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Further, it is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are explained hereinafter with reference to their implementation in an illustrative embodiment. Such illustrative embodiments are not, however, intended to be limiting. The materials described hereinafter as making up the various elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the present disclosure, for example.
Throughout this disclosure, certain embodiments are described in exemplary fashion in relation to a lamp assembly on a decorative lighting system. However, embodiments of the disclosed technology are not so limited. In some embodiments, the disclosed technique can be effective in other types of electric lamp assemblies, such as outdoor lamp fixtures.
Referring now to the drawings,
In some embodiments, the lamp holder 104 can comprise a first side portion 302, a second side portion 304, and a hinged portion 306. In some embodiments, the first side portion 302 and second side portion 304 can be joined by the hinged portion 306 such that they can be folded together about the hinged portion 306. In some embodiments, the first side portion 302 can have a first locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the second side portion 304 can have a second locking mechanism. In some embodiments, when the first side portion 302 and the second side portion 304 are folded together about the hinged portion 306, the first and second locking mechanism cause the first side portion 302 to be locked closed with the second side portion 304. In some embodiments, the first locking mechanism can comprise one or more latches 308. In some embodiments, the second locking mechanism can comprise one or more receiving slots 310. The one or more latches 308 can be configured to couple with the one or more receiving slots 310. In some embodiments, the coupling can be reversible.
In some embodiments, the lamp holder 104 can be made of many different materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, polymer, metal, glass, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the lamp holder 104 can be flexible. In some embodiments, the lamp holder 104 can be molded plastic piece, such as, for example, a mold of polypropylene or another similar material.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the water-resistant light assembly 102 can include a lamp holder 104, a light source 106, a waterproofing device 108, an electrically insulating member 120, and a wiring harness 112 having two or more insulated conductors 112a, 112b. As shown in
As further depicted, a waterproofing device 108, such as a heat shrink sleeve, can be placed over a portion of the light source 106. In some embodiments, the waterproofing device 108 can be placed over the electrical contacts 106a of the light source 106 and a portion of the insulated conductors 112a, 112b in order to seal off any exposed portions of wire. As will be appreciated such a design will prevent water from coming into contact with insulated conductors 112a, 112b or electrical contacts 106a of the light source 106. The waterproofing device 108 can be a device or sealant made of rubber, plastic, modified PVC, silicon tape, liquid electrical tape, nail polish, potting compound, or some other suitable material. In some embodiments, the waterproofing device 108 can contract when heat is applied. Heat can then be applied in order to secure the waterproofing device 108 in place. In some embodiments, heat can be applied to the waterproofing device 108 by means of a hot air gun or heat gun. In some example embodiments, when the heat is applied, a waterproofing device 108 can shrink and can partially melt around a portion of the electrically insulating member 120, the insulated conductors 112a, 112b, and/or the electrical contacts 106a of the light source 106 such that the waterproofing device 108 can become sealed around the electrical components and/or live parts. In some embodiments, upon cooling of the lamp assembly 102, the partially melted electrically insulating member 120 can act as a seal around the electrical components and/or live parts causing the lamp assembly 102, and/or the lighting system 100 to become more resilient against water intrusion.
In some embodiments, ultraviolet (UV) light can be applied to the waterproofing device 108. In some example embodiments, when the UV light is applied, the waterproofing device 108 can cure around a portion of the electrically insulating member 120, the insulating conductors 112a, 112b, and/or the electrical contacts 106a of the light source 106, such that the waterproofing device 108 can become sealed around the electrical components and/or live parts. In some embodiments, upon cooling of the lamp assembly 102, the cured waterproofing device 108 can act as a seal around the electrical components and/or live parts causing the light assembly 102 and/or the lighting system 100 to become more resilient against water intrusion. Such a method can be repeated a plurality of times in order to create a water-resistant decorative lighting system 100 including a plurality of water-resistant lighting assemblies 102.
In some embodiments, such lighting system 100 can be assembled into one or more strings. In some example embodiments, such lighting system 100 can be assembled on to all kinds of Christmas decorative products, such as trees, wreaths, garlands, or decorative designs. Some potential decorative lighting system designs can include, but are not limited to, gifts, candy cane(s), Santa Claus, snowman, snow flake, reindeer, Christmas tree(s), North Pole, elf, manger, cross, ornament, sled, holly, bells, stockings, star, candle(s), sack of gifts, wreath, mistletoe, and the like. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the water-resistant decorative lighting system 100 can include many decorations for many holidays (e.g., Halloween, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, birthdays, etc.).
As will be appreciated, the decorative lighting system 405 will maintain a smaller geometric footprint than a design incorporating previously discussed lamp holder 104 and outer bulb 110. Such a design can be advantageous for certain embodiment, such as for example, use in certain artificial trees. The smaller profile can allow for more focus on the other aesthetics of the tree. As will be further appreciated, the method can further include adding lamp holders 104 and outer bulbs 110 to the lighting units 106. As will be further appreciated, such a method 400 allows for a more streamlined method of manufacturing light strings as the decorative lighting system 405 can be used as manufactured independent of lamp holders. Further, such a method allows for more customization of a standard light string 405. For example, the light string 405 can be deployed and used as manufactured or it can be further customized to include additional decorative and functional features (e.g., lamp holder and outer bulb).
While certain embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosed technology is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
This written description uses examples to disclose certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain embodiments of the disclosed technology is defined in the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
This application is a national stage application, filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371, of International Patent Application No. PCT/US20/58293, filed on 30 Oct. 2020, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/928,354, filed on 30 Oct. 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US20/58293 | 10/30/2020 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62928354 | Oct 2019 | US |
