Lighting display and assembly kit

A versatile lighting decoration has a display sheet fabricated from a transparent and resilient film. An outline of a predetermined shape is marked on the film and a plurality of apertures placed through and along the outline. A string of lights having multiple bulbs, each bulb fitted within a socket adapted for gripping the display sheet, is releasably secured in the apertures to generate a lighted image of the predetermined shape that may be highlighted by one or more additional strings of lights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
A display system comprising a panel and an array of lights with adapted 
sockets for gripping the panel is disclosed. More specifically, the 
display system is often utilized during holidays and includes a 
transparent panel with highlighted markings and one or more strings of 
lights which mount into apertures in the panel to form recognizable 
patterns. Additionally, the display system is easily assembled by children 
and may be positioned in various locations, both indoor and outdoor. 
2. Description of the Background Art 
Related in U.S. Pat. No. 3,446,953 is an electrical window decoration 
having transparent sheets divided into sections shaped to fit around the 
inner perimeter of a window. Included in each section is a permanent 
printed wiring circuit having a plurality of specialized sockets for 
holding light bulbs. Fasteners mechanically and electrically connect the 
sections together. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,110,818 discloses an illuminated flag or pennant. Fiber 
optic cables deliver light patterns to the surface of the flag or pennant. 
An indoor decorative wall hanging is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,793. 
Included is an opaque or nontransparent folding, non-resilient panel that 
has apertures for receiving the sockets of light bulbs from within a 
string of decoration lights. A pattern is printed on an outwardly facing 
surface of the panel in which the lights show as ornaments. A layout guide 
for positioning the light sockets within the string is printed on an 
inwardly facing surface. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,646 presents an ornamental lighting frame comprising a 
preshaped frame with a plurality of openings. Fitted within the openings 
are clips for holding a string of lights to present an object in low 
density lighting patterns. 
Presented in U.S. Pat. No. B1 5,113,325 is a light assembly kit for 
illuminating an article of clothing. LEDs are positioned on a garment to 
enhance various graphic illustrations placed on the garment. 
A decorative light grid is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,409. A grid 
having bulb socket gripping means is provided. A larger structure may be 
formed by connecting together a plurality of grids to produce a low 
density light display. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,925 describes a decorative lighting system and method 
of use that comprises webbing of electrically conductive filaments that 
glow upon the application of current to the web. 
An illuminated flag is supplied in U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,437. Within a pocket 
formed between two layers of a flag is contained a string of lights. The 
bulbs of the lights project through the material of the flag and are held 
in place by suitable metal grommets. 
The device summarized above are generally costly to produce, difficult to 
assembly, and require a level of assembly expertise above that possessed 
by children. Generally, unlike the subject invention in which the lights 
are the artwork, the prior art lights are used only to accent the 
structural and artistic aspects of the underlying supports to produce the 
overall appearance of the prior art products. 
The foregoing patents reflect the state of the of which the applicant is 
aware and are tendered with the view toward discharging applicant's 
acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information which may be 
pertinent in the examination of this application. It is respectfully 
submitted, however, that none of these patents teach or render obvious, 
singly or when considered in combination, applicant's claimed invention. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Many advantages over the prior art and objects for the present invention 
exist as listed immediately below: 
1. The subject invention uses inexpensive "miniature" lights having 
specifically designed film or panel gripping sockets that releaseably hold 
the supporting film. 
2. The subject invention utilizes lights that create the image and does not 
rely on non-lighted features to produce the desired display. 
3. The subject invention is easy to work with and assembly can be done by 
children, usually age eight and up. 
4. The subject invention is mostly transparent and therefore when placed in 
a window the subject device allows light to enter during daylight hours. 
5. In addition to the lights, the remaining portions of the subject 
invention are fabricated from inexpensive materials. 
6. The subject invention is easily shipped in a relatively small container. 
7. The subject invention is lightweight and easily hung in varied 
locations. 
8. The subject invention is resilient and easily mounts on uneven or 
textured surfaces. 
9. The subject invention is produced from materials that resist weathering 
and withstand a reasonably wide temperature range, therefore permitting 
the subject device to be used for either an indoor or outdoor display. 
10. The subject invention is easy to disassemble and/or store, thereby 
providing a continuing project that can be shared repeatedly by a family 
during relevant holiday seasons or other events. 
11. The subject invention uses a display sheet that is elastic or resilient 
and therefore the sheet holds or grips the specifically designed light 
sockets in a manner that permits high density lighting patterns without 
the aid of additional fastening devices. 
Disclosed is a versatile lighting decoration that comprises a display sheet 
fabricated from a transparent and resilient film. Frequently, the 
transparent and resilient film is fabricated from polyvinyl chloride or an 
equivalent material. Usually, the film has at least an upper and a lower 
edge. An outline of a predetermined shape is denoted or marked on the 
film, often by a silk screen procedure or similar method. A series of 
first apertures are formed in the film and positioned along the outline of 
the predetermined shape. 
At least one string of primary lights is employed to light the display. 
Each string of lights has a plurality of bulbs and associated sockets with 
each socket adapted for gripping the film or panel. The film gripping 
sockets releasably fit into the apertures in the film or panel to produce 
a lighted image of the shape. The means utilized to hold each socket 
within its aperture in the film (grip the film or panel) comprises first 
and second opposing segmented ridges that releaseably "pinch" or secure 
the film or panel between them. Standard wiring connects the bulbs 
together, with the wiring terminating in a common plug for receiving 
power. Commonly, to generate additional attractive qualities such as depth 
and solidity to the lighted shape, a plurality of second apertures are 
formed and positioned within the outline of the predetermined shape. A 
string of secondary lights having a plurality of bulbs and associated film 
gripping sockets are then utilized to fill the second apertures. Each of 
the film gripping sockets within the string of secondary lights releasably 
fit into one of the secondary apertures in an equivalent manner as with 
the primary light film gripping sockets. 
Usually, a first support strip is secured at the upper edge of the film and 
a second support strip is secured at the lower edge of the film. These 
strips serve to prevent distortions in the film and to provide a method of 
hanging the subject invention in a window, on a wall, or other suitable 
location. The exact form of the support strip and its association with the 
film is variable and may range from a pressure fitted coupling over the 
film to other coupling interactions such as gluing, molding, hooking, 
snapping, and the like of equivalent stabilizing members. Additionally, 
means for hanging the film are supplied, wherein the hanging means 
releasably couples with the first or upper support strip. 
Preferably, means are provided for securing the plug from the string of 
lights to the transparent and resilient film. Often, the plug securing 
means comprises a pair of apertures formed in the film and an anchor strap 
that tightens through the apertures and about the cord. Alternate plug 
securing means are contemplated and include systems such as cable ties and 
adhesive cable tie mounts (available from Calterm, Inc., El Cajon, Calif. 
92020-1197). 
Since the subject invention is visualized as being utilized for a festive 
event or holiday, the components of the subject invention are often 
supplied in the form of a kit that can be used as a focusing pre-activity 
for the event or holiday. The kit for assembling the subject lighting 
decoration, comprises a transparent and resilient film having upper and 
lower edges; an outline of a predetermined shape denoted on the 
transparent and resilient film; a plurality of first apertures positioned 
along the outline of the predetermined shape; at least one string of 
primary lights having a plurality of bulbs and associated film gripping 
sockets connected together by wiring terminating in a plug, wherein each 
of the sockets within the string of primary lights releasably fits into 
one of the first apertures; a first support strip secured proximate the 
upper edge of the transparent and resilient film; a second support strip 
secured proximate the lower edge of the transparent and resilient film; 
means for hanging the transparent and resilient film; and means for 
instructing the user in a assembling the lighting decoration. The 
instructional means often comprises an instruction sheet or sheets that, 
in addition to actual mechanical assembly directions, indicate to the user 
a possible design plan for placing different colored lights in specific 
apertures. 
Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will 
become apparent from the detailed description that follows, when 
considered in conjunction with the associated drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a 
lighting decoration that may be displayed in various settings that can be 
either indoors or in an outside environment. Decorations or displays that 
contain white or colored lights are utilized for advertising, noting 
special events, and for observing holidays. By way of example and not by 
way of limitation, an appropriate lighting decoration may be exhibited to 
celebrate Christmas. A typical lighting decoration for the Christmas 
season would include, but not be limited to: wreaths, Christmas trees, 
sleighs with reindeer, Santa Claus, snowpersons, and the like. To 
illustrate the subject invention, a wreath has been selected to be the 
predetermined shape that will be outlined for lighting, however, shapes 
are equally acceptable. 
Depicted in FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the subject lighting decoration 
5. Comprising the decoration 5 is a display sheet fabricated from a 
transparent and resilient film 10. Since the film is transparent, daylight 
may enter through the subject decoration if it is mounted in a window. 
Commonly, the film 10 is fabricated from natural or synthetic polymers 
such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or the equivalent. The film 10 material 
must be flexible enough to compact easily, yet sturdy enough to weather 
well and to hold or firmly grasp the lights by means of its resiliency or 
elasticity. Although other substances are contemplated as being within the 
realm of this disclosure, a PVC sheet has been found to be an ideal film 
10 for the subject invention. The thickness of the film is usually about 
one sixteen inch but may vary from thinner to thicker dimensions or from 
about one sixty-fourth inch or less to about one quarter inch or more. The 
generally used film 10 of about one sixteen inch thickness easily rolls 
into a compact cylinder for shipping or storage, but securely hold a light 
string and endures outdoor use. 
The overall, outer, or perimeter shape of the film 10 may have any desired 
form from rectangular, as shown in FIG. 1, to circular or other 
configuration. The rectangular shape depicted in FIG. 1 has an upper edge 
11 and a lower edge 12, along with two opposing side edges 13 and 14. 
An outline 15 of the predetermined shape is denoted or marked on the film 
10. FIG. 1 shows the outline 15 of a typical Christmas wreath. Standard 
techniques are utilized to mark the outline 15 shape on the film 10 such 
as silk screening, inking, melting, painting, staining, and the like. The 
outline 15 is usually applied in a stripe that is about one quarter inch 
wide, however, narrower or broader lines are acceptable and may be applied 
in neutral or colored shades to emphasize the pattern of the lights for 
assembly or to indicate the exact color of lights to be placed at a 
specific location. 
Primary apertures 20 are formed in the film 10 along the outline 15 and are 
either directly on or proximate to the outline 15 image. The primary 
apertures 20 are used to hold or support at least one primary string of 
lights 23a. The primary string of lights 23a (as well as the secondary 
string of lights 23b discussed below) is of the type generally termed 
"miniature" lights which comprises specifically adapted light bulb sockets 
24 (see below and in FIGS. 4 and 5 for details of these film or panel 
gripping sockets), light bulbs 25, wiring 26, and a plug 27. Each aperture 
20 is formed in the film 10 by traditional methods such as by punching, 
melting, forming during the polymerization of the polymer sheet, drilling, 
and the like. For the depicted example (see FIGS. 1 and 2), the apertures 
20 are punched to an approximate opening diameter of about five-sixteenth 
inch. The diameter of the aperture 20 needs to be such that the panel 
gripping light bulb socket 24 containing the light bulb 25 is retained 
within the aperture by means of the resilience or elasticity of the film 
10 and the retection means formed in the film or panel gripping sockets 
24. As the socket 24 is inserted within the aperture 20, the film 10 
exerts a resilience or elasticity generated force on the socket 24, 
thereby retaining it within the aperture in cooperation with the retention 
means detailed further below (see FIGS. 4 and 5). 
For the example wreath shown in FIG. 1, one primary string of lights 23a 
might be an all green string and positioned to cover the inner and outer 
outline of the circular leafy part of the wreath and another primary 
string of lights 23a might be an all red string and positioned to cover 
the outline of the bow, thereby producing a two color illuminated image. 
Secondary apertures 30 are formed in the film 10 in an equivalent manner to 
the method utilized with the primary apertures 20. At least one string of 
secondary lights 23b is held within the secondary apertures 30. The 
secondary apertures are positioned either within or outside of the outline 
15 image marked on the film 10. The purpose of the secondary string of 
lights 23b fitted within the secondary apertures 30 is to highlight or 
emphasize the appearance of the predetermined outline 15 image. As 
indicated above, the outline 15 in the example wreath in FIG. 1 might be 
lighted in green and red lights while the interior of the green portion 
may have mixed color lights that serve as ornaments. Clearly, the exact 
color combinations for the primary and secondary lights can be varied from 
a standard supplied color scheme to any random pattern. 
As with each primary string of lights 23a and its receiving apertures 20, 
each secondary string of lights 23b pressure fits within its accepting 
apertures 30 and is releasable or removable in the sense that the film or 
panel gripping sockets 24 may be removed from the film 10 to change a 
color pattern or to store the device. 
Since the resilient film 10 is not rigid it may distort and not position 
itself in a planar orientation. To smooth the surface of the film 10 and 
to provide additional support, upper 35 and lower 40 support strips are 
supplied. Usually, the upper support strip 35 is "U" shaped and pressure 
fits over the upper edge 11 of the film 10. The upper edge 11 is slid 
within the retaining "U" shaped groove. The pressure exerted by the upper 
support strip 35 upon the upper edge 11 is sufficient to provide an anchor 
point for suspending or hanging the device, but may be removed from the 
film 10 by suitable leverage and pushing or pulling. Likewise, the lower 
edge 12 is retained within the "U" shaped grove of the lower support 
strip. Other equivalent means for strengthening and flattening the film 10 
are considered to be provided in this disclosure. Clearly, if the 
perimeter shape of the film 10 is not rectangular, as the depicted example 
(see FIGS. 1 and 2), an appropriate modification of the upper 35 and lower 
40 support strips would need to be made. 
Means for hanging or mounting the subject film 10 are provided. Usually, 
the hanging means are one or more clips 45 that releasably fasten to the 
upper support strip 35. The clips illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 pressure 
fit about the outer form of the upper support strip 35. Coupling means are 
included in the clips 45 and are depicted as openings 48 for receiving a 
hook member 50. Each hook member 50 may in turn be constructed and 
configured to hook to a supporting wall, frame, easel, tree, house 
structural component, and the like. On exemplary form the hook member may 
be adapted to mate with is a suction cup member 55 that releasably 
attaches to the surface of a window pane (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). 
As described above, the apertures 20 and 30 retain the film or panel 
gripping bulb housings or sockets 24 for each string of lights 23a or 23b 
fitted to the film 10. However, the terminal plug 27 is anchored or 
secured to the film 10 by means that allow the user to power the lights 
without having the weight of the power cord extracting the lights from the 
film 10. Usually, a pair of anchoring apertures 60 are placed in the film 
10, generally near the lower edge 12. Retention means are provided for 
securing the terminal plug 27 to the film 10 via the pair of anchoring 
apertures 60. A suitable plug retention means comprises a tie member 65 
that loops through the anchoring apertures 60 and about the plug 27 in a 
securing manner. Although the force of the socket-to-aperture mating in 
the primary and secondary lighting strings is usually sufficient to hold 
interior plugs that connect multiple light strings together, interior plug 
anchoring means similar to the terminal plug 27 approach may be utilized 
for the interior plugs. 
Preferably, the subject device is supplied in the form of a kit that 
contains the components needed for assembling the subject invention. The 
subject kit contains the display sheet (outlined 15 and aperture 20 and 30 
containing film 10), one or more strings of lights 23a and 23b, an 
appropriate number of support strips 35 and 40, means for hanging the 
subject device, and means for instructing the user in assembling the 
subject lighting decoration. Usually, the means for instructing the user 
comprises an instruction manual or an instruction sheet 70 depicted in 
FIG. 3. Comprising the preferred instruction sheet are regions for: 1) a 
statement 75 concerning general procedures such as the insertion of the 
specified colored light containing sockets into the indicated apertures, 
fastening the plug to the film, hanging instruction, and the like; 2) a 
color chart of the outlined image with, for example, green lights at the 
crosses 80, red lights at the triangles 85, and mixed colored lights at 
the circles 90; and 3) "lights included in this container" region 95 for 
indicating exactly what color and bulb count exist for the strings of 
lights included in the kit. Additional relevant information may be noted 
in the instructional means, including storage techniques, replacement of 
non-functioning bulbs, assembly games created to add enjoyment to the 
creative process, event, or holiday, and the like. 
FIGS. 4 and 5 specifically detail the socket 24 utilized in both the 
primary and secondary light strings 23a or 23b. Attached to a central body 
98 that has a central bulb holding aperture 99 is an upper or first 
gripping means comprising two opposing and projecting ribs 100 and 105 
separated by gaps 102 and 107. Also attached to the central body 98 is a 
lower or second gripping means comprising another two opposing and 
projecting ribs 110 and 115 separated by gaps 112. Preferably, the outer 
borders or edges of all of the upper and lower ribs are angled or sloped 
as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. The first ribs 100 and 105 are staggered 
approximately 90.degree. over the second ribs 110 and 115, thereby 
producing for each rib above a gap immediately below or a gap above and a 
rib immediately below. This configuration generates a space 120 into which 
the film or panel fits and is gripped between the upper ribs 100 and 105 
and the lower ribs 110 and 115. The gaps 102, 107, and 112 (the gap 
opposite gap 112 is not shown), in cooperation with the ribs 100, 105, 
110, and 115 grip the film within the space 120 in a removable or 
releaseable manner. It is stressed that other equivalent configurations 
having three or more upper and three or more lower ribs are also 
considered to be within the realm of this disclosure. 
The invention has now been explained with reference to specific 
embodiments. Other embodiments will be suggested to those of ordinary 
skill in the appropriate art upon review of the present specification. 
Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way 
of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it 
will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced 
within the scope of the appended claims.