Winder for string of lights and method for using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a winder for strings of lights and storage for the same. The device includes a frame coupled to a spool retainer. The device further includes a means for winding the spool retainer, such as a drive shaft driven by a hand crank or electric motor. The device further includes a removable spool, for receiving a string of lights, that is coupled to the spool retainer. Additionally, the device includes a handle mountable to the frame for supporting the winder during winding. The invention additionally provides a method for winding a string of lights. A frame coupled to a spool retainer is provided. A reversible handle is then mounted to the frame. A removable spool is coupled to the spool retainer. One end of a string of lights is secured to the spool. A crank is then rotated to coil the string of lights about the spool.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a winder and a method for winding strings of lights.

[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0004] Many people enjoy the ambiance created by festive strings of lights during holiday celebrations including, by way of example, the Christmas season. Notwithstanding the delight offered by such ornamentation, inconveniences associated with hanging and removing strings of lights can create discontent and may erode holiday cheer. In particular, it is often difficult to manage the dismounted portion of the lights while they are being unstrung. Moreover, after the lights are removed one is often faced with difficulties in storing the lights during the intervening periods of nonuse. During such times, strings of lights frequently become tangled with themselves or other strings, and the individual light bulbs may be damaged.

[0005] Various devices have attempted to overcome the aforementioned difficulties. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,985 to Winesett describes a string light reel that includes a spool housing, a spool disposed within the housing, and a crank to rotate the spool so as to coil a string of lights. However, this disclosure does not provide a device for portably winding a string of lights, nor does it provide a spool that is easily removable for convenient storage of light strings. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,334 to Cedillo discloses a device for storing and hanging string lights that includes a spool disposed about an axle that is coaxial with a handle. The spool includes an integral winding handle for rotating the spool about the axle to coil strings of lights. However, this device may not be employed with spools that are stackable for convenient storage.

[0006] There is consequently a need in the art for a winding device for strings of lights, and/or a method of winding strings of lights, that overcomes one or more of the above limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a solution to one or more problems set forth above. One advantage of the present invention is that a winder, as disclosed herein, will handily coil strings of lights about a removable spool as they are dismounted. The removable spools may easily be stacked upon each other for storage. Still another advantage of the present invention is that it includes a reversibly mountable handle so that the device may be operated by either a right-handed or a left-handed person, while being supported by that person's non-dominant hand. Alternatively, the device may be mounted to a flat surface during operation.

[0008] It is a primary object of the present invention to overcome the foregoing problems and/or to satisfy at least one of the aforementioned needs. The invention provides winder for coiling strings of lights. The device includes a frame coupled to a spool retainer. The device further includes a means for winding the spool retainer, such as a drive shaft driven by a hand operable crank or an electric motor. The device further includes a removable spool, for receiving a string of lights, that is coupled to the spool retainer. Additionally, the device includes a handle mountable to the frame for supporting the winder during operation.

[0009] The invention further provides a method for winding a string of lights. A frame having a spool retainer is provided. A reversible handle is then mounted to the frame. A removable spool is coupled to the spool retainer. One end of a string of lights is secured to the spool. A crank is then rotated to coil the string of lights about the spool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a winder in accordance with the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a winder in accordance with the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a frame, spool retainer, and crank of a winder in accordance with the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side exploded view of a handle of a winder in accordance with the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of a spool of a winder in accordance with the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the spool in FIG. 5 taken about the lines 6-6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Referring now to the Figures wherein like reference numerals are used to identify identical components in the various views, FIG. 1 illustrates a winder 10. Winder 10 is provided to wind up or unwind one or more strings of lights 12 (or “strings 12”) in a manner more fully detailed below. Winder 10 is particularly adapted for winding and unwinding strings of lights, such as Christmas lights. Such strings commonly include a female end and a male end, or plug, which may be plugged into an electrical power source or which may be plugged into the female end of another string in order to create a chain of light strings. Winder 10 includes frame 14, spool retainer 16, a means for winding, such as crank assembly 18, handle 20 and removable spool 22.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, frame 14 provides a rigid structural foundation upon which the other components of winder 10 may be secured. Frame 14 may be constructed from molded plastic. Frame 14 may likewise be constructed from any similar material that will provide a rigid support. It should be understood, however, that material composition and method of manufacture of frame 14 may be varied without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0018] As further illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, frame 14 may include base 24 and arm 26 extending upward from base 24. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that terms of orientation used herein, such as upward/downward, left/right, etc., are merely offered for convenient reference and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Base 24 is provided to support winder 10 on a stable, relatively flat surface. Base 24 may be positioned relative to the other components of winder 10 such that winder 10 may remain in an upright position when placed on such a surface without the aid of mounting hardware, such as threaded fasteners. Base 24 additionally provides a surface upon which a clamp or other mounting device may more firmly secure winder 10 to a table or other flat surface, should it be desired that winder 10 be utilized in a fixed position. As shown in FIG. 3, base 24 may include mount 28 for receiving handle 20, as shown in assembled form in FIG. 1. Mount 28 may be a feature molded in base 24, or it may be separately manufactured and attached. Mount 28 may include opposing notches 30, 31 so that handle 20 may be reversibly mounted on base 24, in a manner described below. Those skilled in the art will recognize that similar structures, such as opposingly projecting arms, may provide benefits similar to mount 28 and notches 30, 31.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, arm 26 is provided to supply clearance for spool 22 above base 24. Arm 26 may be molded as part of base 24, or it may be separately manufactured and affixed to base 24 by means of screws, epoxy, or other conventional methods. Arm 26 may include boss 32 through which journal bearing 34 may extend. One end of journal bearing 34 may be threaded and disposed within tensioner 36. Tensioner 36 is provided so that the diameter of one end of journal bearing 34 may be constricted or dilated to adjust the tension level associated with operating device 10 as detailed below. In the illustrated embodiment, tensioner 36 is a tension nut disposed about a threaded flange 37 of journal bearing 34. As tension nut 36 is tightened, it constricts flange 37 to narrow the opening to journal bearing 34.

[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, spool retainer 16 is provided to retain and drive spool 22 during operation of winder 10. It may be made of molded plastic or other rigid material. Those skilled in the art will recognize that material composition and method of manufacture of spool retainer 16 may be varied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. As illustrated, spool retainer 16 may include axle 38, hub lock 40, and neck 42. In the illustrated embodiment, axle 38, hub lock 40, and neck 42 are fixed relative to each other, and rotatably coupled to frame 14 in a manner described below. Axle 38 is provided to support and secure spool 22. Axle 38 is disposable within spool 22 and may include retaining member 44. Retaining member 44 is provided to temporarily prevent spool 22 from sliding off axle 38. Retaining member 44 may include a spring-loaded ball bearing 46 or similar device, such as a peg, disposed within a housing 48. When compressed, ball bearing 46 is flush with the outer periphery of axle 38. In a released state, ball bearing 46 extends above the surface of the outer periphery of axle 38. Ball bearing 46 may be made from steel, or any other sufficiently rigid material.

[0021] With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, hub lock 40 is provided to engage spool 22. Hub lock 40 may be disposed about one end of axle 38. Hub lock 40 may include drive pin 50. Drive pin 50 is fixed within and projects from hub lock 40 to fit within spool 22, as described below. Drive pin 50 is provided to rotationally fix spool 22 relative to spool retainer 16. Drive pin 50 may be made from steel, or any other sufficiently rigid material.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, neck 42 may extend from the side of hub lock 40, opposite axle 38, to journal bearing 34. Neck 42 may be the same diameter as journal bearing 34, and is provided to allow spool retainer 16 to flushly abut journal bearing 34.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, crank assembly 18 is provided as a means for winding string of lights 12. It transmits rotation to spool retainer 16 and, accordingly, spool 22. Assembly 18 may include drive shaft 52 and crank 54. Drive shaft 52 may be made from steel or other sufficiently rigid material. One end of drive shaft 52 may be fixed within spool retainer 16, by epoxy, as a threaded member, or by any other conventional methods. Shaft 52 extends from spool retainer 16 and through journal bearing 34. Shaft 52 is rotatably supported within journal bearing 34. In this manner, spool retainer 16 is rotatably coupled to frame 14. The torque required to rotate shaft 52 may be increased or decreased by adjusting tensioner 36. Such and adjustment may be desired to provide a comfortable level of resistance when the present invention is utilized.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, crank assembly 18 is provided to rotate drive shaft 52. Crank assembly 18 includes crank body 54, which may be made from plastic or other sufficiently rigid material. Crank body 54 may further include pin 56, which extends from a base of crank body 54 to drive shaft 52. Pin 56 may be threaded and mateable within a threaded bore in one end of shaft 52. Crank body 54 may also include crank handle 55. Crank handle 55 may be gripped by an operator to rotate crank body 54 such that pin 56 is rotated about its longitudinal axis. Crank handle 55 may be further rotatably coupled to crank body 54 by crank handle pin 57 to allow crank assembly 18 to be driven more comfortably.

[0025] In addition to crank assembly 18, those skilled in the art will recognize that other structures may sufficiently serve as a means for winding spool retainer 16. For example, the output of an electric motor may be coupled to drive shaft 52. Such electric motors may include, by way of example, a direct current motor or the output of an electric hand drill.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, handle 20 is provided for portably supporting winder 10, should a user not wish to fix base 24 to a flat surface. Handle 20 may include body 58 and head 60. Body 58 and head 60 may be cylindrical members made of plastic or other rigid material. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes and materials will similarly serve the same function. Head 60 may be disposed about one end of body 58, and may be secured to the same by mating threads 62, 64 in body 58 and head 60, respectively. Body 58 may have covering 66, made of foam, rubber, or similar materials, disposed about its outer periphery to provide for more comfortable gripping of handle 20.

[0027] With reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, body 58 may additionally have receptor 68 for engaging one of notches 30, 31 of mount 28. In particular, head 60 may be removed from body 58. Receptor 68 may then slide within one of notches 30, 31. Head 60 may then be refastened to body 58 and, in so doing, may extend within the other of notches 30, 31, as shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, handle 20 is reversibly mountable to base 24 such that crank 54 may be held by a right or left hand, while handle 20 may be held by a left or right hand, respectively.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, spool 22 is provided as a component upon which one or more strings of lights 12 may be coiled and stored, and from which strings of lights 12 may be unwound. Spool 22 may include core 70, annular side walls, 72, 74, and hubs 76, 78. Core 70 may be generally cylindrically shaped and made from plastic, cardboard, or other suitably rigid material. Core 70 is hollow, and is disposable about axle 38. The outer periphery of core 70 provides a surface on which string 12 may be wound.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, annular side walls 72, 74 are disposed at each end of core 70, respectively. Side walls 72, 74 may be molded or stamped from plastic, or may be conventionally manufactured from any other similarly durable material. Additionally, side walls 72, 74 may be formed from translucent plastic. Such a configuration provides the benefit of allowing one to visibly inspect string of lights 12 prior to unwinding it from spool 22. Moreover, should the male end of string 12 be accessible while coiled about spool 22, it may be electrically connected to a power source and translucent side walls 72, 74 will afford one the opportunity to ensure that the lights of string 12 function properly prior to unwinding. Side walls 72, 74 preferably have a diameter sufficient to permit at least one 100 foot string of lights 12 be wound about spool 22. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the benefits realized by the present invention are not dependent upon the diameter of side walls 72, 74. Side walls 72, 74 additionally provide a surface upon which spool 22 may be stored on a flat surface, and upon which additional spools 22 may be stacked for storage.

[0030] At least one of side walls 72, 74 may have an inner notch, or tab, 80 and at least one of side walls 72, 74 may have an outer notch, or tab, 82. While the embodiment illustrates side wall 72 having notches 80, 82, those skilled in the art will recognize that either wall 72 or wall 74 or both may have either notches 80 or 82, or both. Notch 80 may be provided to secure one end of string 12 as it is being coiled about spool 22. Preferably, a portion of string 12 near its female end is secured by weaving a portion of it 80, as shown in FIG. 1, so as to allow the male end of string 12 to be electrically accessible, as discussed above. As illustrated, additional notches 80 may be provided for convenience. Notch 82 may be provided to secure the other end, preferably the male end, of string 12 in the same fashion. Additionally, insofar as spool 22 may be employed to store a chain of strings by mating the male end of a first string of lights with the female end of a second string of lights, notch 82 may be utilized to secure the last male end of a chain of string lights. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, additional notches 82 may be provided for convenience. In a preferred embodiment, side walls 72, 74 are substantially solid but for notches 80, 82. Such a configuration minimizes the locations on to which strings 12 may catch while winding and unwinding. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments that side walls 72, 74 may also have less solid, that is more open, configurations which may reduce manufacturing costs through the use of less material.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, hubs 76, 78 are provided to secure side walls 72, 74, to core 70. Hubs 76, 78 may be made from plastic or other sufficiently rigid and durable material. Hubs 76, 78 have an aperture 84 that preferably has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of axle 38. Disposed about the perimeter of apertures 84 are retaining lips 86. Lips 86 are disposed about and support spool 22 about axle 38. Additionally, lips 86 serve to compress spring loaded ball bearing 46 as spool 22 passes over retaining member 44, and provide a structure against which retaining member 44 may temporarily anchor spool 22, as shown in FIG. 2. At least one of hubs 76, 78 may further have depression 88. Depression 88 is provided to mate with hub lock 40. Depression 88 may further have drive hole 90 for receiving drive pin 50.

[0032] Winder 10 may be employed to wind and unwind string of lights 12. In particular, the method of winding a string of lights 12 includes first step of providing a spool retainer coupled to a frame. Next, a reversible handle is mounted to the frame. A removable spool is then coupled to the spool retainer 16. A female end of the string of lights is preferably secured to a notch in the spool. Finally, a crank coupled to the spool retainer is rotated to coil the string of lights about the spool. The method may additionally include the step of mounting the frame to a flat surface. Alternatively, the method may include the additional step of coupling a second string of lights to the other end of the string in order to coil a chain of strings about the spool. Still alternatively, the method may include the additional step of increasing or decreasing the rotation tension of the crank.

[0033] While the present invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments and implementations, it is understood that various modifications and variations will no doubt occur to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. These and all other such variations which basically rely of the teachings through which this disclosure has advanced the art are properly considered within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A winder, comprising:

a frame,

a spool retainer rotatably coupled to said frame;

a means for winding said spool retainer;

a handle mountable to said frame for supporting said winder during winding; and

a removable spool coupled to said spool retainer for receiving a string of lights.

2. The winder of claim 1, wherein said means for winding comprises a drive shaft coupled to said spool retainer, said drive shaft further coupled to a crank for rotating said drive shaft.

3. The winder of claim 2, wherein said means for winding further comprises a tensioner for adjusting the torque necessary to rotate said drive shaft.

4. The winder of claim 3, wherein said drive shaft extends through said frame, and said tensioner further comprises a tension nut disposed about a threaded portion of said frame though which said drive shaft extends.

5. The winder of claim 2, wherein said spool retainer includes a drive pin for rotatably driving said spool.

6. The winder of claim 1, wherein said means for winding comprises a drive shaft coupled to said spool retainer, said drive shaft further coupled to an electric motor for rotating said drive shaft.

7. The winder of claim 1, wherein said handle is reversibly mountable on said frame.

8. The winder of claim 1, wherein said frame further comprises a base for supporting said winder on a flat surface and an arm extending from said base to said spool retainer.

9. The winder of claim 7, wherein said handle is reversibly mountable on said base.

10. The winder of claim 1, wherein said removable spool comprises a hollow core, a pair of annular side walls spaced apart and disposed at each end of said core, a first notch in one of said side walls for receiving a first end of a string of lights, and a second notch in one of said side walls for receiving a second end of a string of lights.

11. A winder, comprising:

a frame;

a spool retainer rotatably coupled to said frame;

a crank;

a drive shaft coupled to said spool retainer, said drive shaft extending through said frame and coupled to said crank for rotating said drive shaft;

a reversible handle mounted to said frame for supporting said winder during winding; and

a removable spool coupled to said spool retainer for receiving a string of lights.

12. The winder of claim 11, further comprising a tensioner for adjusting the torque necessary to rotate said drive shaft.

13. The winder of claim 11, wherein said spool retainer includes a drive pin for rotatably driving said spool.

14. The winder of claim 11, wherein said frame further comprises a base for supporting said winder on a flat surface and an arm extending from said base to said spool retainer.

15. The winder of claim 14, wherein said handle is reversibly mountable on said base.

16. The winder of claim 11, wherein said removable spool further comprises a hollow core, a pair of annular side walls spaced apart and disposed at each end of said core, a first notch in one of said side walls for receiving a first end of a string of lights, and a second notch in one of said side walls for receiving a second end of a string of lights.

17. The winder of claim 16, wherein said side walls are made from translucent plastic.

18. A method of winding a string of lights, comprising:

providing a spool retainer coupled to a frame;

mounting a reversible handle to said frame;

coupling a removable spool to said spool retainer;

securing one end of a first string of lights to said spool; and

rotating a crank coupled to said spool retainer to coil said first string of lights about said spool.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of mounting said frame to a flat surface.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of coupling a second string of lights to the other end of said first string of lights, wherein said step of rotating further comprises rotating said crank to coil said first and second strings of lights about said spool.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of adjusting the rotation tension of said crank.

22. A device for storing strings of lights, comprising

a cylindrical core upon which a string of lights may be coiled;

a first substantially flat, translucent annular side wall disposed about one end of said core;

a second substantially flat, translucent annular side wall disposed about the other end of said core; and

a notch in one of said side walls for retaining a female end of a string of lights;

whereby a string of lights may be coiled about said core, whereby the male end of the string of lights may be electrically connected to a power source, and whereby it may be visually determined whether the string of lights is operable prior to uncoiling the string of lights.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein said first and second side walls are substantially solid.