Abstract: Disclosed is a packing device for CRT funnels vertically stacked over and over, receiving a plurality of CRT funnels, comprising a planar supporter having a plurality of through holes, each through hole allowing a neck of the funnel to be inserted therethrough; a pair of first inner walls formed in opposite sides of the supporter, being able to be folded relative to the planar surface of the supporter; and a pair of second inner walls formed in opposite sides of the supporter, being able to be folded relative to the planar surface of the supporter together with the first inner walls, a plurality of foldable lines being formed in at least one of the first and second inner walls, allowing the first and second inner walls to be folded relative to the planar surface of the supporter. With this configuration, there is provided a packing device for CRT funnels having a stiffness enough to support the CRT funnels while the funnels are being transferred, and being stored with reduced volume.

Abstract: A string of decorative lights comprises a plurality of elongated electrical conductors having multiple electrical lamps connected thereto at intervals along the lengths of the conductors, a small storage compartment for storing spare components for use in the light string, a movable closure for opening and closing the storage compartment to permit access to the spare components stored therein, and to closing the compartment during storage. The storage compartment is attached to the string of decorative lights so that the spare components stored therein are conveniently accessible when needed to replace a component in the light string.

Abstract: A carton for holding one or more articles, for example light bulbs, includes an article engaging panel having at least one retaining aperture provided in the engaging panel for receiving and retaining at least one article such that one portion of the at least one article protrudes therethrough, a pair of opposed side walls extending upwardly from the engaging panel to shield the one portion and terminating at the respective free upper edges of the side walls to allow access to the one portion, and a cover arrangement for containing the other portion of the at least one article. The side walls extends away from the cover arrangement. The cover arrangement includes a series of hingedly interconnected panels including a pair of opposed terminal panels. The terminal panels of the cover arrangement are connected to the side walls respectively to form a tubular structure for enveloping the other portion of the at least one article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for storing and handling holiday light strings such as icicle lights. The device in accordance with the invention includes a vertically disposed rotatable spindle. The icicle light string can be conveniently wound on the spindle by rotating the spindle in the direction of winding. The device allows for ease of storage and handling of such light strings without any substantial tangling of the strings. When it is desired to mount the lights after a period of storage, the light strings can be readily unwound from the rotatable spindle and directly mounted at desired locations.

Abstract: A holiday light storage system, for storing holiday light strings having a main cord and a plurality of dangling strands spaced along and extending from the main cord, using a storage device having a base, a hub extending upward from the base, and a plurality of spokes extending radially from the hub. The main cord is wrapped around the hub above the spokes, the main cord is supported by the spokes, and the dangling strands hang perpendicularly downward from the main cord. Accordingly, the holiday lights are maintained in a substantially tangle-free condition. The base preferably allows the hub to rotate to facilitate wrapping the light strings around the hub, and removal of the light strings from the hub.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing strings of lights and accessories includes a container with a side wall having an upwardly and inwardly extending outer surface, between upper and lower radial flanges, on which the strings of light are wrapped, and subsequently unwrapped, as the container rotates about a vertical pivot mounted on a base. The container has an internal cavity accessible through a central lid covered opening in which accessories, such as ornaments and the like, are supported on circumferentially spaced, radially inwardly directed hangers alternately secured at staggered heights to the container side wall. Below the hangers are compartments for other accessories, especially fragile ornaments, which extend around a vertical post supporting a large tree topping ornament. A hood can extend down over the side wall to protect the strings of lights. A handle or hook for lifting and hanging the apparatus can project through an opening in the hood.

Abstract: A protective cover is placed over a rack of cathode ray tube components to prevent contamination of the components and/or moisture damage to the components. Some cathode ray tube components, particularly funnels, are stockpiled so that assembly lines can be kept running even if the supply of the component becomes temporarily exhausted. However, these stockpiled funnels must be protected while in storage. The protective cover described herein can be fastened in place around a rack or pallet containing a stockpile of funnels. The protective cover can also incorporate moisture-absorbent elements to prevent moisture damage to the stockpiled funnels.

Abstract: A protective cover is placed over a rack of cathode ray tube components to prevent contamination of the components and/or moisture damage to the components. Some cathode ray tube components, particularly funnels, are stockpiled so that assembly lines can be kept running even if the supply of the component becomes temporarily exhausted. However, these stockpiled funnels must be protected while in storage. The protective cover described herein can be fastened in place around a rack or pallet containing a stockpile of funnels. The protective cover can also incorporate moisture-absorbent elements to prevent moisture damage to the stockpiled funnels.

Abstract: A holiday light strand organizer that is amenable to the winding and storage of holiday light strands, extension cords, and like articles, after such are first used, in the configuration of a drawer unit comprising a carrier portion having a frame structure about which the article is wound, and a storage case portion in which the carrier portion is inserted for storage. A frame with a wide cross section is provided, so that conducting strands are not excessively flexed or creased when wound for storage. A holder for the plug or socket portion of a holiday light strand or like article is a separate position from the strand, so that the ends of the strand do not become tangled and may be easily located for the testing of the strand. The carrier has special provision in the form of a clip to accept the plug or socket portion of the holiday light strand so that it does not become tangled, and can be found for testing of the light strand.

Abstract: In a device for the packing of fluorescent ring lamps (1, 2, 3) comprising each a blank (4, 5, 6) at sheetlike material, preferredly corrugated board, which has been formed by folding along bending lines and by insert joints or glue joints into a planar envelope which at least partially covers and protects the respective lamp (1, 2, 3) and has two flat faces (10, 11; 12, 13; 14, 15) enclosing the lamp therebetween, a plurality of envelopes (7, 8, 9) of different sizes for the reception of lamps (1, 2, 3) of also different sizes is provided, the largest envelope (7) of which at its two flat faces (10, 11) having cut-outs (16, 17) which are adapted as to their dimensions to the dimensions of envelopes (8, 9) of smaller sizes for frictional and/or interlocking reception of same, so that from each face at least one smaller envelope (8, 9) can be inserted into the volume of the larger envelope (7) in such a manner that by several single packages there is formed a joint package which in assembled condition does not

Abstract: A Christmas decoration organizer that includes a number of storage trays and boxes that are configured by the user to accommodate the user's specific decorations and which are then stacked one atop the other and secured by a securing mechanism with a handle to allow for easy transporting and storage of the decorations.

Abstract: A storage container for storing ornaments in a hanging orientation is provided. The container is comprised of a box and a plurality of ornament supportable cross-members which extend across the opening defined by the box. In use, a person hangs ornaments from the cross-members by placing a portion of the ornament's hook in a hole formed within the cross-members.

Abstract: The invention is a device for quickly and easily protecting decorative light strings, such as Christmas lights, for storage. The stored light strings are protected against damage, and are immediately ready for re-use without tangling.

Abstract: An electric plug carrier and light string packing arrangement including a light string packing holding a light string having an electric plug, and an electric plug carrier mounted in the light string packing. The electric plug carrier includes a base plate positioned in the light string packing, a slide holding the electric plug of the light string on the base plate, and a button connected to the slide and driven to move the slide on the base plate between a first position where the electric plug of the light string is received inside the light string packing, and a second position where the electric plug of the light string is extended out of an opening at the light string packing for making a test.

Abstract: A holder for storing Christmas ornaments which has a container with at least one removable side to access the inside of the container and hooks to hold a hanger on which the Christmas ornaments can be placed.

Abstract: A combined holder for displaying and packaging a decorative midget lamp assembly, which can be satisfied with beauty of concentrative random twinkling and flickering of the plurality of light sources displacing toward left and right generating from on-off controlling operation of the light sources, the holder can effectively use a cover portion formed in the package condition where the portion of the power cable occupying approximately 80% of space in the overall decorative midget lamp assembly is hidden, as a space for displaying a fantastic picture, and the holder can also ornament it on a tree or other structures after taking out it from the holder as usual.

Abstract: A Christmas light storage system having a container with a lid, a plurality of racks, and a tower. The tower attaches to the container to provide a stable base, and individual racks attach to the tower to allow a strand of lights stored on the rack to be removed. The racks may be oscillating or compartmentalized racks, with the oscillating racks holding at least one strand of lights on each of the two sides of the rack. When removing the lights from the oscillating rack, one end of a strand of lights is pulled and the rack osculates or rocks back and forth to release the lights. The compartmentalized racks include individual compartments for each light bulb on a strand of lights. The compartmentalized rack may be attached to the tower so that an end of a strand of lights may be pulled to remove the entire strand from the rack. Both the oscillating and the compartmentalized racks include means for securing and separating the racks when stored in the container.

Abstract: A light bulb holster (10) is provided in which pockets (18,36) are used to hold a plurality of tubular bulbs (22). A flap (28) is operable to cover the top ends of the bulbs (22) during transport and to secure the holster (10) to a ladder brace at the work site. A pouch (40) is provided on top of the holster (10), near the openings of the pockets (18, 36), for storing ballasts (48). Additional pockets (50) are also provided on top of the pouch (40) for storage of tags (54), starters (56), and nuts and bolts (58). Furthermore, at least one slot (62) may be included between at least two of the additional pockets (50) for holding a fastening tool (68) for the nuts and bolts (58), such as a screwdriver, wrench, or power tool.

Abstract: A holder for a string of lights including an elongated tube having an outer circumference convenient for winding the string of lights around. The elongated tube includes an open-ended slot parallel to a predominant axis of the tube extending from and end of the tube towards a central portion for receiving an end plug of the string of lights. The holder also includes a keeper of a diameter sufficient to form an interference fit with the ends of the tube when slid over the ends of the tube for trapping the end plug of the string of lights in the slot.

Abstract: A holiday light set storage device and method for storing a holiday tree light set having a plurality of lights coupled together via wires. The holiday light storage device includes a base mounting a pair of upstanding, spaced apart light trays adjustably coupled to the base for movement relative to each other. At least one of the trays includes a plurality of laterally spaced apart, open-ended, upwardly opening slots for slidably receiving successive portions of the string in a zig-zag fashion. Adjacent lights on the string are disposed on the outer sides of the slots and the wires between adjacent bulbs are slidably received in the slots and extend between the inner sides of the upstanding trays. A cover is provided for enclosing the trays and the base.

Abstract: A safety package of the strung up electrical lights comprises a first packing member and a second packing member made from carton papers. The first packing member has several rows of circular recesses for sequentially mounting the strung up electrical lights therein and places into a carton box and the second packing member has same rows of smaller circular recesses made in registry with the circular recesses of the first packing member so that the smaller recesses engage the topmost of the respective lights when the second packing member protects the top of the lights.

Abstract: A packaging system is disclosed for a number of elongate tubular lamps. The lamps are oriented along a longitudinal axis and each have a first end opposite a second end along the axis. A first spacer is provided to engage a first end of each of the lamps and maintain spacing therebetween. Similarly, a second spacer engages a second end of each of the lamps to maintain spacing therebetween. A third spacer is positioned between the first and second spacers and includes a first wall defining a first number of openings and second wall defining a second number of openings. The first and second openings are paired to define a number of passages each receiving a corresponding one of the lamps therethrough. The first, second, and third spacers cooperate to provide a packagable lamp set. Moreover, the third spacer includes a handle graspable from a top aspect of the set to lift and carry it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Christmas light and ornament storage device designed to prevent light strands from tangling. The device comprises a box shaped carrier having a bottom surface, four side walls depending therefrom and an open top. An interior box dimensioned slightly smaller than the carrier is received therein. A plurality of removably attached tubular members vertically depend from the bottom surface some of which are received within the interior box and are arranged in two opposing parallel rows. Opposing pairs of the tubular members received within the interior box each are surrounded by continuous pieces of fabric which form parallel sidewalls. The area between the fabric walls and the interior box define a plurality of soft, flexible storage compartments for receiving fragile decorations. Christmas light strands may be wrapped around adjacent pairs of the tubular members disposed externally of the interior box to prevent the strands from being entangled.

Abstract: A housing device for Christmas light bulbs is able to securely receive not only the light bulbs therein, but also the plug. Furthermore, a resilient plate integrally formed on the housing device is able to provide necessary resilience to bring the plug back to its original position within the housing device after the plug is pulled out from the housing device.

Abstract: A system for storing a light string and removably coupling the light string to a building. The inventive device includes a hollow tube about which a light string can be wound for storage. Hook and loop fasteners secure the light string to an exterior of the tube and permit a removable coupling of the light string to a building during a holiday season.

Abstract: A storage receptacle especially useful for containing Christmas lighting and accessories has at least one cordage member for supporting and securing strands of Christmas lights. The cordage member has a handle with opposite terminal ends. Opposing walls of the receptacle have top edges with spaced slots formed therein. The terminal ends of the handle are bent obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the cordage member so that the slots can receive the ends when the cordage member is positioned within the receptacle. The cordage member is reversible and interchangeable. The receptacle has a lock for securing a top so that the contents of the receptacle may be safely stowed away.

Abstract: A storage rack and method for storing one or more strings of lights is disclosed. The storage rack includes a tubular body having a plurality of slots opening at one end. Light bulbs from a string of lights may be inserted successively into the slots so that the slack in the cord is taken up by the distance between the slots. The light bulbs are located on the interior of the tubular body so that the bulbs are protected from external forces. The rack may be hand-held or mounted on a rotatable base.

Abstract: A lamp string holding container includes a bottom having four side panels to define a container in which inverted V-shaped ridges are provided with a plurality of lamp retaining holes spaced along the ridges to each receive therein a lamp. The container is made of a single sheet of paperboard by cutting and folding the paper blank.

Abstract: The present invention is a suspendable carrying device for decorative light strings wherein the light strings include a plurality of light bulbs connected to the others and each bulb has an enlarged portion of greater diameter than the neck portion. The carrying device comprises a body member having an elongated track extending through the body member where at least one expanded aperture is located along a length of the elongated track. The expanded aperture has a greater width than the elongated track which is sufficient to accommodate insertion of the enlarged portion of each light bulb therethrough. The elongated track has a width sufficient to accommodate the neck portion of each light bulb therein and prevent passage of the enlarged portion of each light bulb therethrough.

Abstract: The unit comprises a tray (3) carrying block-shaped cartons (1), arranged in rows (6), in which electric lamps (2) are accommodated. A wrapper (10) having a closure is folded about folding lines (11) so as to surround a base wall (4) and first side walls (5a) of the tray (3), and the side (7) of the cartons (1) remote from the base wall (4). The wrapper (10) encloses the package (1, 3) with clamping force. The unit has important advantages such as easy packing and unpacking, small material requirement, and visibility of the contents of the wrapper. A sticker (42) may be present over the closure of the wrapper, indicating that the wrapper has not been opened. A sticker (42) in combination with flaps (45'), which are integral with second side walls (5b) and fastened to the first side walls (5a) of the tray (3), and in combination with recesses (40) in the wrapper (10) with which the flaps cooperate, provides an indication that the contents of the unit have not been tampered with.

Abstract: Packaging for shipping spent fluorescent tubes includes an external paperboard box lined with a plastic bag that encloses a pair of end pads positioned on opposite ends of an array of sleeves. The sleeves form discrete cells in which a spent fluorescent tube can be inserted for shipping. The end pads include foam that is pressed into the ends of the sleeves when the box is shut and confine the tubes to the sleeves in the event of breakage. The foam protects the plastic bag liner by accommodating electrical pins of the lamps and also clamps the lamps in relatively fixed positions while functioning as a shock absorber. The plastic bag is tied closed for shipping so that any mercury which issues from a broken lamp is largely confined to the bag. The packaging better retains mercury for disposition by a recycler, as opposed to release into the environment, and is arranged to serve the convenience of the user for encouraging recycling of fluorescent tubes.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for transporting and supporting fluorescent lamps, the carrier assembly comprising a container including a flexible bag having open and closed ends, the bag having a length between the open and closed ends, and the bag defining a volume; and the container including a tube support, the tube support including first and second parallel spaced apart surfaces, the first and second surfaces being perpendicular to the length of the bag, the first surface having an array of lamp receiving apertures therethrough, the second surface having an array of lamp receiving apertures therethrough which are aligned with the apertures through the first surface, the tube support being attached to the open end of the flexible bag to support and arrange a plurality of fluorescent lamps in spaced apart relation wherein portions of respective lamps extend into the volume in the bag.

Abstract: A carrier includes a base and handles on each end of that base with the handles being coaxial with the central axis of the base so that long, flexible elements, such as Christmas lights, that are to be stored on the carrier can be easily wound onto the carrier as well as unwound from that carrier. A plurality of arms are included and cavities are located near the central axis for releasably accommodating electric plugs associated with the flexible elements. One embodiment of the carrier has the handles fixed to a base, and a second embodiment has a swivel connection between the base and the handles. Hook-receiving holes are defined in the handles on the central axis whereby the carrier can be pendently supported for storage.

Abstract: An installation and storage system for decorative light strings which includes a plurality of track channels for holding successive segments of the light string, such track channels being supportable by snap attachment to pre-positioned snap fasteners, either on a building or in the yard surrounds. A storage rack having opposite end frames and central support is then constructed to receive successive light track channels in snap-fit for carriage and storage.

Abstract: A storage device with support carrier for use with electrical cords of the type having electrical sockets, receptacles, lights and the like spaced along the electrical cord and method of using the storage device with support carrier to easily and conveniently store several such electrical cords. The new and novel storage device with support carrier is generally cylindrical in shape with at least one axle removably disposed through the storage device and removably engaged by the support carrier. One or several electrical cords with spaced apart objects thereon can be wrapped onto or unwrapped from the new and novel storage device with support carrier by a single user by simply rotating the storage device around the at least one axle. The new and novel storage device with support carrier provides a convenient, stable, protective, device for storing electrical cords with spaced apart objects thereon.

Abstract: An integrally molded plastic device for supporting and storing elongated strands such as decorative light strings, the frame comprising integral cord winding members, cooperatively aligned hook and slot-containing members, electrical plug retention members, and a centrally disposed handgrip member.

Abstract: A packaging display system includes a first set of cartons packaging a first group of products and a second set of cartons packaging a second set of products. Each of the sets and groups are divided into subsets and sub-groups. The products of the first group are selectively matable with the products of the second group, with only some of the first sub-groups products properly mating with only some of the second sub-group products but not with other products of the second sub-groups. Color coding is provided on the cartons for indicating which of the products of the first; sub-groups properly mate with the second sub-group products. The color coding includes patches of different colors with a same color patch appearing on the cartons of the first and second sub-groups packaging products of the first and second sub-groups which properly mate.

Abstract: A package for decorative lights includes an elongate hollow cylindrical core with notches in the ends of the core. The decorative light string is wound around the exterior of the core with the terminal ends of the string extending through the notches, securing the cord around the core, with the electrical connector plugs on the terminal ends enclosed within the core. A protective outer cover encloses the core and the light string wound on the core. Preferably the outer cover has a polygonal cross-section and the electric lights on the string are received in and protectively enclosed by the inner apexes of the cover.

Abstract: A package for an object includes a support component extending axially to the object, and two end pieces resting, respectively, on the ends of the support component and projecting beyond the cross-section of the object. The package also includes a tensioned tubular film which is joined with the end pieces to create a union therewith and fix the end pieces in their position. The tubular film is attached in grooves or recesses encircling the circumference of the end pieces by a positive or a frictional joint.

Abstract: The tray and the blank from sheet material comprise a rectangular base portion (1) having first (2, 4) and second (3, 5) opposing edges. First walls (12, 14) extend along and remote from the first edges and comprise opposing openings (112, 114) for accommodating a respective end portion of a body. Buffering bands (22, 24; 32, 34) are present at the first walls adjacent (22, 24) as well as remote (32, 34) from the base portion (1). Second walls (13, 15) are present along the second edges (3, 5), each connected to the remote buffering bands (32, 34). The base portion (1) is connected to one second wall (13) and coupled to the other second wall (15). The tray can be formed from the blank without auxiliary means. The tray and bodies, e.g. fluorescent lamps, accommodated therein can be handled without additional support.

Abstract: The packed electric lamps have a box (1) provided with a base (2) having a base wall (7) and side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) connected thereto. First seats (31) and corresponding second seats (41) are present in the base (2) at a first side wall (3) and a second (4) side wall, in which seats cushion-shaped cartons (50) with electric lamps (20) are held. The packed electric lamps have a comparatively small volume, but the packaging also protects comparatively vulnerable lamps against damage.

Abstract: To permit reuse of shipping boxes and shipping holders for elongated artis having a transverse flange, particularly automotive-type halogen lamps, a stackable carrier plate (1) is formed with article receptors (2) which each include an engagement surface (4) which is tilted by an acuate angle (.alpha.) of, for example, about 13.degree. with respect to the major plane of the plate. The engagement surface is apertured so that the articles can hang at the receptors, with the flange engaging the engagement surface, the angle being selected to place the elongated portion (3b, 3e) of the articles below the plate between the elongated portion (3d) of the article which is above the engagement surface of a lower plate (1') in the stack.

Abstract: Assembly type packing device for decoration light strings comprises clamp structures for holding the lamp(s) or light(s), rack structures for supporting clamped lights; and linkage structures for linking together the rack structures into a package form. Optionally a base structure is provided to help maintain the racks erect so that a compact and orderly package for decoration light strings is achieved to facilitate storage, shipment and/or display.

Abstract: A molded, one-piece stackable package for fragile articles, such as circuline fluorescent light bulbs with bulb-shaped adapters and attached fittings, has a bottom tray and a top cover mutually hinged together respectively at one side wall. The tray interior has a center support defining an annular trough between the tray side walls and the support in which the circuline bulb will nest without substantial lateral movement. The center support also defines a cavity contoured and tapered to partially receive a light-bulb shaped article. Corner posts and a center foot extend from the outer surface of the bottom of the tray to support the tray. The cover has a second center support with a second socket compartment to receive the other portion of the light-bulb shaped article when the package is in a closed position.

Abstract: A packing cell for installing lite sets and their accompanying wires includes a base member made of thin material having a opening thereon. A first fastening member extends vertically to a suitable height from one end of the base member. A second fastening member is parallel with the first fastening member and extends vertically to the same height of the first fastening member from the base member. The first fastening member and second fastening member jointly secure whole strings of lite sets and their wires.

Abstract: A package for shipping fluorescent lamps comprising a rectangularly shaped first carton closed at both ends and containing said lamps within and being disposed inside a hexagonally shaped second carton or sleeve. The longitudinal axes of both cartons are parallel and two opposing sides of the first carton are parallel to and in proximate contact with the inside surface of two respective opposing sides of the second carton inside the second carton. The package contains two triangularly shaped and opposing cavities each of which contains a triangular shaped spacer to prevent rotation of the first carton within the second carton.

Abstract: An improved synthetic resin dunnage element (10) for use in packaging and shipping of fluorescent tubes (76,78) is provided which is specifically designed to be of minimum fore and aft length while still providing maximum protection against tube breakage. The support (10) is of integral, thermoformed construction and advantageously includes alternating upwarding and downwardly opening and diverging wall sections (68,70,70a) with the fowardmost downwardly opening section (70a) being of lesser width, greater radius and vertically lower in position than the associated rearward sections (70). In this fashion the forwardmost sections (79a) engage the fluorescent tube end caps (82) whereas the sections 70 engage the glass tube body. Provision of such specialized, different downwardly opening wall sections (70,70a) allows the support (10) to be manufactured using substantially less starting sheet material as compared with prior supports.

Abstract: A light string carrier includes a lattice for holding a light string wrapped thereabout and a handle integral with the lattice. A carrier cover having two hinged members is provided to overfit the lattice with the handle protruding from the cover. Hinges on the cover members provide for removability of the cover from the lattice.

Abstract: Fluorescent tube-supporting dunnage elements (10) are provided which are designed to ensure easy machine-dispensibility thereof by preventing complete nesting of a stack of interfitted supports (10). The supports (10) are integral, thermo-formed bodies presently a plurality of elongated, open-top, juxtaposed tube-receiving recesses (24) each presenting alternating, upwardly and downwardly opening and diverging wall sections (52,54) interconnected by short upright walls (56). The walls (56) are provided with outwardly extending, upwardly opening arcuate ridges (58) which prevent complete nesting of stacked supports (10).

Abstract: A package for shipping fluorescent lamps comprising a rectangularly shaped first carton closed at both ends and containing the lamps within and being disposed inside a second rectangularly shaped carton with the longitudinal axis of both cartons parallel and the first carton being rotated inside the second carton such that the four longitudinal sides of the first carton contact the respective side wall inside the second carton to form four triangularly shaped cavities and wherein two of the cavities contain a triangularly shaped spacer to prevent rotation of the first carton within the second carton.