Abstract:
A track-mounted decorative lighting system comprises a track system, a light string, and a motorized lighting cartridge. The track system comprises a flexible track with an inverted “T”-shape profile mounted by a user in a desired configuration upon a structure. The motorized lighting cartridge comprises a gear-type drive system which deploys or retracts the light string through the track. A user may use a hand-held remote controller to activate the internal motor to drive the lights out into position along the track system upon the structure. The lighting system provides a means to add additional light strings and light cartridges to obtain a greater length of deployed lighting. The motor withdraws the deployed lights back into the cartridge for storage. The lighting system further provides a hook embodiment onto which a user may secure existing string-type lighting while still utilizing the deployment and retraction functions.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     There are no current applications co-pending with the current application. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to decorative lighting, and in particular, to track-mounted motorized systems which deploys and retracts the lighting. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Holiday lights are well known decorations for external surfaces of structures or homes. The process of setting-up the lights and removing the lights is relatively long. Many times the lights remain set up for months after the holiday due to the removal inconvenience. Additionally, putting up and taking down of such lights typically require the use of a ladder, which is a safety issue. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide a decorative lighting system. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,509, issued in the name of Wulfman et al., describes a magnetic track lighting system. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,104, issued in the name of Ferrara, describes a decorative lighting system on a support structure. 
     U.S. Patent No. 2007/0211453, issued in the name of Hamburger, describes a permanently installed lighting system. 
     While these systems fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more disadvantages. Many systems are not suited to be easily utilized or user friendly. Many other systems are permanently installed onto the structure. Furthermore with all these systems, too many parts are used which makes storage complicated. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a decorative lighting system. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present embodiments of the invention to solve at least one (1) of these problems. The inventor has addressed this need by developing track-mounted decorative lighting system that provides an ease of use during set-up, removal, and storage. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a light strip assembly and a means to deploy the light strip assembly along a track section which is stationarily mounted to a structure. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a motorized cartridge assembly to provide automatic extension or retraction of the light strip assembly through the track section. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide remote activation to deploy the light strip assembly via a wireless interface between a motor and a remote controller. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to transmit an RF signal which is received by a control box located within said cartridge assembly, to deploy/retract the light strip assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a common power cord to receives electrical power from a standard 120 VAC outlet receptacle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to have the power cord in direct electrical communication with the control box via wiring. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the control box with a microprocessor-based electronic module capable of managing embedded software and switching power to the motor to motion said light strip assembly in both a forward and reverse direction within the track section. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an alternate hook embodiment to provide a means to utilize existing string-like lighting. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable the alternate hook embodiment to attach string-type lighting equipment to a third drive member portion via hook fixtures. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of procuring a model of the decorative light system having desired color bulbs as well as any additional light strip assemblies and light strip extensions required to create a desired length of holiday lighting based upon particular features of a structure, mounting at least one track section in a continuous linear manner along the features of the structure, positioning the cartridge assembly upon the structure so as to align the track connector portion of the cartridge assembly to a proximal end portion of the track section, plugging the power cord, manipulating the remote controller, adding additional strip extensions as needed, and utilizing the hook embodiment as needed. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a track-mounted decorative lighting apparatus  10  depicted as connected to an exterior wall of a structure  200 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of disconnected light strip assembly  20 , light strip extension  120 , and end cap  130  portions of the track-mounted decorative lighting apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of the light strip assembly  20  and track  50  portions of the track-mounted decorative lighting apparatus  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is another section view of a first bulb holder portion  22  of the track-mounted decorative lighting apparatus  10  taken along section line B-B (see  FIG. 3 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of a cartridge assembly portion  60  of the track-mounted decorative lighting apparatus  10  taken along a vertical center line, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is another section view of the cartridge assembly portion  60  of the track-mounted decorative lighting apparatus  10  taken along section line C-C (see  FIG. 5 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a hook embodiment  170  of the invention, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 10 
                 track-mounted decorative lighting apparatus 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 light strip assembly 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 first bulb holder 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 first drive member 
               
               
                   
                 26a 
                 first rack gear 
               
               
                   
                 26b 
                 second rack gear 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 male connector 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 female connector 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 bulb 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 track section 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 adapter 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 inner channel 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 track connector 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 cartridge assembly 
               
               
                   
                 61 
                 aperture 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 housing 
               
               
                   
                 63 
                 support channel 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 gear support plate 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 motor support plate 
               
               
                   
                 68 
                 mounting hook 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 mounting bracket 
               
               
                   
                 72 
                 light strip support plate 
               
               
                   
                 73 
                 light strip slot 
               
               
                   
                 74 
                 divider panel 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 motor 
               
               
                   
                 82 
                 control box 
               
               
                   
                 84 
                 drive shaft 
               
               
                   
                 85 
                 first gear 
               
               
                   
                 86 
                 second gear 
               
               
                   
                 88 
                 reduction gear 
               
               
                   
                 90 
                 idler gear 
               
               
                   
                 92 
                 magnetic strip 
               
               
                   
                 94 
                 sensor 
               
               
                   
                 96 
                 power cord 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 light strip plug 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 remote controller 
               
               
                   
                 102 
                 radio frequency (RF) signal 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 light strip extension 
               
               
                   
                 122 
                 second bulb holder 
               
               
                   
                 124 
                 second drive member 
               
               
                   
                 130 
                 end cap 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 threaded fastener 
               
               
                   
                 152 
                 wiring 
               
               
                   
                 170 
                 hook embodiment 
               
               
                   
                 174 
                 third drive member 
               
               
                   
                 176 
                 hook fixture 
               
               
                   
                 178 
                 existing string-type lighting 
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 structure 
               
               
                   
                 202 
                 fascia board 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 , and in terms of alternate embodiments herein depicted in  FIG. 7 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the track-mounted decorative lighting apparatus (herein referred to as the “apparatus”)  10 , depicted here being affixed to a fascia board portion  202  of a structure  200 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides a “T”-shaped outdoor holiday light strip assembly  20 , and a means to deploy said light strip assembly  20  along a track section  50  which is stationarily mounted to the structure  200 . The track section  50  is to be mounted in an inverted orientation and may also be affixed to a roof line, an overhang, a railing, or other features of the structure  200  commonly used to support holiday lights. The apparatus  10  further comprises at least one (1) cylindrical motorized cartridge assembly  60  which provides automatic extension or retraction of the light strip assembly  20  through said track section  50 . The cartridge assembly  60  further provides a means to remotely activate and deploy said light strip assembly  20  via wireless interface between a motor  80  and a remote controller  100 . Said remote controller  100  transmits an RF signal  102  which is in turn received by a control box  82  located within said cartridge assembly  60 , thereby deploying/retracting the light strip assembly  20 . Said remote controller  100  is envisioned to comprise a plurality of surface-mounted buttons to wirelessly initiate such functions as “DEPLOY”, “RETRACT” to motion the light strip assembly  20 , as well as “ON” and “OFF” functions to illuminate the lamps  32 . The apparatus  10  is intended to make putting up holiday lights  22  take a matter of minutes instead of a number of hours. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of disconnected light strip assembly  20 , light strip extension  120 , and end cap  130  portions, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  may be introduced as a unitary lighting strip assembly  20  being contained within a unitary cartridge assembly  60 , or may also comprise additional lighting components and cartridge assemblies  60  in a modular fashion so as to create a desired overall length of holiday lights. Based upon a desired lighting arrangement, the apparatus  10  may comprise a combined connection of at least one (1) light strip assembly  20 , at least one (1) light strip extension  120 , a decorative end cap  130 , and a corresponding number of cartridge assemblies  60  to contain said light strip assemblies  20  and light strip extensions  120 . The cartridge assembly  60  is designed to be easily removed from the structure  200  and replaced with additional cartridge assemblies  60  via “lift-off” mounting brackets  70  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
     Said light strip assemblies  20  are envisioned to be provided in various incremental lengths between approximately twenty (20) and fifty (50) feet having various desired color bulbs  32  being arranged in an equally-spaced manner approximately six (6) inches to two (2) feet apart. In like manner, the light strip extensions  120  are envisioned to be provided in various lengths of approximately one (1) to five (5) feet, thereby allowing a user to combine a number of strip assemblies  20  and light strip extensions  120  to obtain a desired specific overall length. Finally, the end cap  130  is added to a distal end portion of said light strips  20 ,  120  to provide protection against weather elements as well as to provide a decorative appearance. Each light strip assembly  20  and light strip extension  120  includes mating pin-type male connections  28  at one (1) end and female connections  30  at an opposite end, which provide both mechanical and an electrical communication between adjacent light strip sections  20 ,  120  as well as providing a mechanical connection to the end cap  130 . Said male  28  and female  30  connections allow for additional lengths of light strips  20 ,  120  to be attached for continuation of the apparatus  10  while maintaining electrical communication and connectivity between. 
     Each light strip assembly  20  and light strip extension  120  further comprises a “T”-shaped construction with vertical first  22  and second  122  bulb holders, and horizontal first  24  and second  124  drive members, respectively (see  FIG. 4 ). Said drive member portions  24 ,  124  comprise a top horizontal portion further comprising respective first rack gear  26   a  and second rack gear  26   b  portions along opposing edges which enable the motorized cartridge assembly  60  to mechanically engage and motion said light strip portions  20 ,  120  through the track section  50  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a section view of the light strip assembly  20  and track section  50  portions of the apparatus  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises at least one (1) light strip assembly  20  and at least one (1) supporting track section  50 . The track section  50  includes a generally “T”-shaped inner channel  52  and is made using a semi-rigid synthetic material such as nylon, urethane, TEFLON®, or the like, being of a compliant bendable nature in order to follow the contours and obstacles of the structure  200  to which it is mounted. It is envisioned that a plurality of track sections  50  may be provided and may be mounted in an end-to-end manner as well as being cut to length so as to match an overall combined length of the light strip assemblies  20  and light strip extensions  120 . The light strip assemblies  20  and extensions  120  are driven through the inner channel  52  of the track section  50  by the motorized portion  80  of the cartridge assembly  60  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a section view of light strip portions  20 ,  120  of the apparatus  10  taken along section line B-B (see  FIG. 3 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Each light strip assembly  20  and light strip extension  120  further comprises a “T”-shaped construction with respective vertical first  22  and second  122  bulb holders, and horizontal first  24  and second  124  drive members. Said bulb holders  22 ,  122  are envisioned to be approximately six (6) to twelve (12) inches in length and approximately one-half (½) inch thick. Said bulb holders  22 ,  122  provide a decorative means to route a plurality of internal wires  152  in a weather-proof manner to a plurality of respective subjacent bulbs  32 . Said wiring  94  is routed along a length of said light strips  20 ,  120  and to each bulb  32  being in electrical communication with the previously described male  28  and female  30  connectors (see  FIG. 2 ). The bulbs  32  are preferably light emitting diodes (LED); however, other equivalent bulb technologies may be utilized as well to create a desired lighting effect. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , respective vertical and horizontal section views of the cartridge assembly portion  60  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The cartridge assembly  60  provides a storage means as well as a means to propel the contained light strip assembly  20  through the track section  50 . The cartridge assembly  60  comprises a cylindrical housing  62  further comprising internal horizontal structures including a gear support plate  64 , a motor support plate  66 , and a light strip support plate  72 , onto which internal equipment is mounted. Said light strip support plate  72  further comprises a light strip slot  73  arranged in a spiral pattern being designed to compactly store the light strip assembly  20  within the cartridge  60  in a vertically hanging, and a ready to deploy position. The cartridge  60  further comprises a semi-rigid plastic divider panel  74  which extends between a top surface portion of the motor support plate  66  and a bottom surface of the light strip support plate  72 . Said divider panel  74  is secured to said support plates  66 ,  72  being arranged in a spiral pattern with respect to the light strip assembly  20  so as to separate circular wrappings of said light strip assembly  20 , thereby avoiding possible tangling of the first bulb holder portions  22 . 
     The cartridge assembly  60  comprises a support channel  63  located inwardly from an inner surface and providing a means to rout the light strip assembly  20  from the means to deploy the light strip assembly  20  to the outer aperture  61  for subsequent conveyance along the track section  50 . 
     The cartridge assembly  60  provides removable attachment to an end portion of a previously mounted track section  50  via interlocking attachment of a male-shaped track adapter  51  and an integral female-shaped track connector portion  54  of the cartridge assembly  60  being located at an equal elevation as the light strip support plate  72  along an outer surface. Said track adapter  51  and track connector  54  portions provide an aligned entrance and egress means of the light strip assembly  20  as well as aid in positioning said cartridge  60  at a matched elevation with said receiving track section  50  which is attached to the structure  200 . 
     The motorized cartridge assembly  60  provides a pushing and pulling force to the light strip assembly  20  which enables said light strip assembly  20  to “flow” through the inner channel portion  52  of the track section  50 . The cartridge assembly  60  comprises a motor  80 , a control box  82 , a drive shaft  84 , a first gear  85 , a second gear  86 , a reduction gear  88 , an idler gear  90 , a power cord  96 , and a light strip plug  98 . The motor support plate  66  creates an internal area within a bottom portion of the housing  62  which is envisioned to contain the motor  80  and the control box  82  being affixed to a bottom surface of said motor support plate  66 . Electrical power is provided to the cartridge assembly  60  via a common power cord  96  which receives electrical power from a standard 120 VAC residential or commercial outlet receptacle. Said power cord  96  is in direct electrical communication with the control box  82  via common wiring  152 . Said control box  82  comprises a microprocessor-based electronic module capable of managing embedded software and switching power to the motor  80  to motion said light strip assembly  20  in both a forward and reverse direction within the track section  50 . The motor  80  comprises a common AC or DC electrical motor having a vertical drive shaft  84  which extends upwardly along a vertical centerline of the housing  62  to an area above the gear support plate  64 . Said drive shaft  84  is in turn in mechanical communication with a gear drive assembly which is envisioned to include a first gear  85  which drives a second gear  86  having a subjacent reduction gear  88  along a common shaft. Said reduction gear  88  in turn engages the aforementioned first  26   a  and second  26   b  rack gear portions  26   a  of the first  24  and second  124  drive members, respectively (see  FIG. 2 ). An idler gear  90  is positioned opposite to said reduction gear  88  to engage and entrap the drive members  24 ,  124  between. When the motor  80  is energized by the remote controller  100 , the reduction gear  88  drives the first rack gear  26   a  to motion the light strip assembly  20  within the track section  50 . 
     A unitary light strip assembly  20  or a connected combination of light strip assemblies  20  and light strip extensions  120  define a length of holiday lighting which further comprises an adhesively affixed magnetic strip  92  at each end portion which provides a means to sense a position of the light strips  20 ,  120  and to automatically halt the motor  80 . Said motor  80  is halted at such times as the lighting strips  20 ,  120  being completely retracted or completely deployed from the cartridge assembly  60 . Said magnetic strips  92  work in conjunction with a proximity sensor  94  mounted within the cartridge assembly  60  adjacent to the track connector  54 , which sends an electrical signal to the control box  82  upon detection of said magnetic strip  92 , to halt said motor  80 . 
     The apparatus  10  provides a means whereby more than one (1) light strip assembly  20  may be utilized along a length of track section  50  via attachment of additional cartridges  60 . The cartridge assembly  60  is envisioned to be mounted to the structure  200  via a pair of integral mounting hooks  68  and receiving mounting brackets  70 , thereby allowing easy “lift off” removal of the cartridge assembly  60  from the structure  200 . The detachable track adapter  51  and track connector  54  portions, as well as the male  28  and female  30  connector portions of the light strip assemblies  20 , allow easy attachment of additional light strip assemblies  20 . Furthermore, each cartridge assembly  60  comprises an external light strip plug  98  comprising a pair of male connector portions  28  which provide for easy electrical connection to a proximal end portion of a deployed light strip assembly  20 . Said light strip plug  98  is in electrical communication with the control box  82 , thereby conducting electricity to illuminate the lamps  32  when desired, using the remote controller  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of a hook embodiment  170  of the invention, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The hook embodiment  170  provides a means to utilize existing string-like lighting  178  as an alternate to the previously described light strip assembly  20  by allowing a user to attach various string-type lighting equipment  178  to a third drive member portion  174  via a plurality of hook fixtures  176 . The hook embodiment  170  utilizes the cartridge assembly  60  in a similar manner as the light strip assemblies  20  to retract, store, and deploy said hook embodiment portion  170 . The hook embodiment  170  comprises a third drive member  174  being similar in construction as the previously described first drive member  24 . Said third drive member  174  further comprises a plurality of integrally-molded and downwardly hanging hook fixtures  176  in lieu of the first bulb holder portions  22  of the light strip assemblies  20 . Said hook fixtures  176  further comprise equally-spaced vertical rod portions which extend downwardly approximately six (6) to twelve (12) inches, each having an integral oval-shaped hook feature at an end portion which provides a center opening portion suitable to partially encompass and secure the string-type lighting  178  within. The hook embodiment  170  allows the existing string-type lighting  178  to be affixed to said hook fixtures  176  and then be retracted and deployed from the cartridge assembly  60  in a similar manner as the light strip assemblies  20  using the motor  80  and remote controller  100  as previously described. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the apparatus  10  having desired color bulbs  32  as well as any additional light strip assemblies  20  and light strip extensions  120  required to create a desired length of holiday lighting based upon particular features of a structure  200 ; loading a fresh set of batteries into the remote controller  100 ; mounting at least one (1) track section  50  in a continuous linear manner along the features of the structure  200  commonly used to support holiday lights, such as a fascia board, a roof line, an overhang, a railing, and the like; positioning the cartridge assembly  60  upon the structure  200  so as to align the track connector portion  54  of the cartridge assembly  60  to the track adapter  51  being positioned at the proximal end portion of the track section  50 ; mounting said cartridge assembly  60  to the structure  200  by attaching the mounting brackets  70  to said structure  200  using the threaded fasteners  150  and engaging the corresponding mounting hook portions  68  of the cartridge assembly  60 ; aligning the track section  50  with the track adapter  51 ; attaching the track adapter  51  to the track connector portion  54  of the cartridge assembly  60 ; plugging the power cord  96  into a household electrical outlet; deploying the light strips  20 ,  120  by pressing the “DEPLOY” button portion of the remote controller  100 ; deploying a desired length of lighting  20 ,  120  into the track section  50  or continuously deploying said lighting  20 ,  120  until the magnetic strip portion  92  of the light strip  20 ,  120  is detected by the sensor  94 , thereby automatically halting the motor  80 ; connecting the female connector portion  30  of the deployed light strip assembly  20  to the light strip plug  98  upon the cartridge assembly  60 ; using the remote controller  100  to illuminate the lamps  32  when desired by pressing the “ON” button portion; utilizing the holiday lights in a conventional manner as desired; pressing the “OFF” button portion of the remote controller  100  to turn off the lamps  32 ; retracting the light strips  20 ,  120  into the cartridge assembly  60  when desired by pressing the “RETRACT” button on the remote controller  100 ; and, saving time and effort required to display and store holiday lighting  20 ,  120  while utilizing the present invention  10 . 
     The method of adding additional light strip assemblies  20  and/or light strip extensions  120  to the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: deploying an initial light strip assembly  20  as previously described; disconnecting the track connector  54  portion of the cartridge assembly  60  from the track section  50 ; unplugging the power cord portion  96  of the cartridge assembly  60  from the power source; lifting the empty cartridge assembly  60  off the mounting brackets  70  and setting it aside; mounting an additional cartridge assembly  60  onto said mounting brackets  70  as previously described; connecting the track connector  54  to the track section  50 ; connecting the male connector portion  28  of the additional light strip assembly  20  to the female connector portion  30  of the previously deployed light strip assembly  20 ; deploying the additional light strip assembly  20  using the remote controller  100  as previously described; and, repeating the process to add additional cartridge assemblies  60  and light strip assemblies  20  as desired. 
     The method of installing and utilizing the hook embodiment  170  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring the apparatus  10  having at least one (1) cartridge assembly  60  loaded with the alternate hook embodiment  170 ; mounting the cartridge assembly  60  and track section  50  to the structure  200  as previously described; deploying the hook embodiment  170  using the remote controller  100  as previously described; connecting the existing string-type lighting  178  to the hook fixtures  176  in a linear fashion; illuminating the existing string-type lighting  178  by connecting said existing string-type lighting  178  to an available power source in a conventional manner; utilizing said existing string-type lighting  178  as desired; disconnecting the existing string-type lighting  178  from the power source; and, retracting the hook embodiment  170  along with the attached existing string-type lighting  178  into the cartridge assembly  60  for storage in a similar manner as the previously described preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10 . It is understood that the apparatus  10  may also be connected to lighting which provides special illumination effects, such as but not limited to, programmable light strips which provide customized computer coordination with musical tracts and the like. 
     The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be used during holidays such as, but not limited to: Christmas, Halloween, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Easter, and other such holidays or occasions. 
     It is envisioned that the apparatus  10  would be made available in multiple colors to match varying house decors. 
     Additionally, it is envisioned that track section portions  50  of the apparatus  10  may incorporate embedded integral heating elements in cold climate areas to eliminate ice build up on said track section  50 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.