Abstract:
An outdoor light string that is deployed along a track and stored in a box at the end of the track intended to aid in installing a light string provides for an inverted hanging track mounted along the roof line, overhang, railing, or other structure used to support the light string. A first end of the track system is provided with a removable storage box used to hold the light string in a looped fashion. When needed, the box is opened on the end facing the track, and a hook stick is used to grab a loop at the end of the light string. It is then pulled out and secured at a second end of the track. The light string is supported with intermediate trolley hangers along the track. The light string is guided back into the storage box for storage and protection.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/200,907, filed Dec. 5, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to decorative lighting fixtures, and in particular, to a time saving system and apparatus for track-mounted exterior lighting. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Outdoor decorative lighting fixtures are a common and vaunted part of many holiday celebrations. In particular, such lights abound during the season leading up to Christmas. In the modern day, many different variations of such lights have become popular, including many variations such as multicolored light strings, plain white lights, “icicle”-style lighting strings, blinking lights, and the like. 
     One (1) major problem with such traditional decorative lighting fixtures is the time and effort associated with their installation. Common light strings are often stored indoors for the majority of the season, leading to difficult to untangle messes. Furthermore, the impermanent nature of the mounting means often means that the lights are installed insecurely and the mounting fixtures must be reinstalled every year. The high-hanging nature of many such decorative assemblies can lead to even more increased time of setup as well as increase risks. The process of tearing down the lights becomes and equally time consuming endeavor. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide decorative lighting systems. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,161, issued in the name of Whitaker et al., describes an outdoor decorative lighting system. The Whitaker system provides a series of customizable tracks for the installation of permanent lighting fixtures. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,583, issued in the name of Winter, describes a device for storing and displaying decorative light strings. The Winter device consists of hemispherical light housings rotatably mounted within hemispherical tracks. This allows a user to open and close the lighting portions by rotating them within or without the tracks. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for a decorative lighting fixture exist, particularly U.S. Patent Nos. D 452,581 and D 486,602. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses do not allow a user to easily remove lights for indoor storage. Also, many such apparatuses do not provide an unlimited range of simple user customizability with regards to length and directions of a mounting track. In addition, many such apparatuses do not allow a user to store lights in a tangle-free manner which allows for very simple and quick reinstallation of the lights in the future. Furthermore, many such apparatuses do not provide simple and stable securing mechanisms for a mounted light string which is both retrofittable and adaptable to custom light strings. Accordingly, there exists a need for a track-mounted exterior decorative lighting system and apparatus without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to provide for the simple, quick, and repeatable installation of exterior decorative lighting fixtures in a manner which provides consistency, customizability, and simple storage. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to comprise an inverted light track which is fastened to a mounting surface and enables a user to deploy a light string from a removably attached light box. The apparatus enables a user to quickly deploy and take down light strings in a safe manner for various festive occasions. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise a light track, a light box, a light string, and a plurality of hangers. In a preferred embodiment, the components are constructed of a lightweight, durable, weather resistant material such as aluminum, thermoplastic, or the like, fabricated via common techniques. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the light track of an elongated track body mounted to the underside of a surface such as a soffit, a gutter, or the like via a plurality of mounting fasteners. The fasteners comprise a common fastener such as nails, screws, or the like. The track is made available in sections, which a user may easily cut to a desired length and shape with standard hand tools. In a preferred embodiment, the sections are joined together by arranging their ends in a parallel manner. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is for the light box to house the light string during times when the string is not being utilized. The light box is removably attachable to an end of the light track, allowing the light string to be deployed from the box and into the light track. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the light string of expected features similar to other commercially available string, icicle, or curtain lights. This includes features such as electrical wiring, a plurality of lights, a plurality of bulb receptacles, a plug, and the like. The light string further comprises a pull ring located on each end, which enables a user to deploy the string throughout the track by pulling on the ring with a hook. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a stick, which further comprises a hook and a handle. The hook is integrally molded onto an end of the stick. The handle is located at the opposite end and comprises a means for a user to grip the stick. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the light track of a plurality of fastener tabs with fastener apertures, equally spaced at opposing sides of a top surface of the track. The track is mounted to a surface via placing fasteners through the corresponding apertures located within the fastener tabs. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise the light track of a rectangular channel with a hollow inner track. The inner track provides a means to house and guide the plurality of hangers, which slide along the track in a manner similar to a shower curtain. The track further comprises a hanger slot along the bottom to allow the hanger to extend downwards in order to secure the light string. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise the light track of an end hook which is attached to a vertical end surface of the light track. The hook pivots approximately ninety degrees to a vertical orientation in order to engage a pull ring and secure the light string in place once deployed. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise an opposing end of the light string of a standard electrical plug to provide power to the light string. The track further comprises a recessed groove along both upper, outer surfaces. The groove interfaces with corresponding protruding rails of the light box. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a hanger of a roller, a clip, and a stem. The roller is a generally round member which fits with the inner track of the light track and provides a full range of rotational movement within the track. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is for the stem to extend out from the roller and through to the underneath surface of the light track. The clip is located on the end of the stem and comprises a tubular clamp-like segment capable of accepting and securing the light string. The total number of hangers used varies depending on the length of the light track and the length and configuration of the light string. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the light box of a main body, a pair of rails, an open front, a rear wall, and an open top. The body comprises a generally rectangular box shape with rails located on upper inner surfaces of the box. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the open top of the box of a shape which corresponds to the outer shape of the light track. The light track is insertable into the open top portion, and the rear wall provides an end-stop for the light track. The open front portion further houses the light string for deployment into the light track. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to neatly loop the light string within the open front portion of the box, in a manner similar to an open curtain. The box provides a storing means for the light string and the hangers while they are not being used. The box further comprises a front door and top door which may be closed in order to provide an enclosed storage area. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of permanently, customizably installing a light track, and allowing a user to quickly, simply, and safely deploy a string of decorative lights throughout the track and subsequently remove and store the lights for later use. 
     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 a side environmental view of a track-mounted exterior light string  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a stick  60 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of a segment of a light track  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of a segment of a light track  20  taken along line A-A  FIG. 3 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of a hanger  50 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a light box  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  track-mounted light string 
               20  light track 
               21  fastener tab 
               22  fastener aperture 
               23  mounting fastener 
               24  inner track 
               25   a  first hanger slot 
               25   b  second hanger slot 
               26  end hook 
               27  hook fastener 
               28  groove 
               30  light box 
               31  body 
               32  rail 
               33  open front 
               34  open top 
               35  front door 
               36  top door 
               37  plug aperture 
               38  hinge 
               39   a  first fastener 
               39   b  second fastener 
               40  light string 
               41  light 
               42  bulb receptacle 
               43  plug 
               44  pull ring 
               45  rear wall 
               50  hanger 
               51  clip 
               52  roller 
               53  stem 
               54   a  second latch 
               54   b  second slot 
               60  stick 
               61  hook 
               62  handle 
               70  mounting surface 
           
         
       
    
     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 . 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. 
     The present invention describes a track-mounted exterior light string (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means to easily and efficiently attach, remove, and deploy light strings  40  to and from a house or similar structure, particularly holiday lights during a festive season. The apparatus  10  comprises an inverted light track  20  which is fastened thereto a mounting surface  70  and enables a user to deploy said light string  40  therefrom a removably attachable light storage box  30 . The apparatus  10  enables a user to quickly deploy and take down light strings  40  in a safe manner and enables different lights for various festive occasions to be used. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side environmental view of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 2 , a front view of the stick  60 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a light track  20 , a light box  30 , a light string  40 , and a plurality of hangers  50 . The general component piece parts of the apparatus  10  are preferably made of a light weight, durable, weather resistant material such as, but not limited to: aluminum, thermoplastic, or the like and are fabricated via common techniques. The light track  20  comprises an elongated track body and is mounted thereto an underside of a mounting surface  70  such as, but not limited to: a soffit, a gutter, or the like via a plurality of mounting fasteners  23  which are preferably nails, screws, or the like. The light track  20  is made available in up to ten (10) foot long sections which may be joined together in order to form any length desired by a user and capable of being easily cut to any length with standard hand tools in order to fit therein any necessary spot. The light track sections  20  are preferably aligned together via arranging an end of one (1) light track  20  with the end of another light track  20  in a parallel manner and fastening to the mounting surface  70  as above-mentioned, yet other aligning means may be provided without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     The light box  30  houses the light string  40  during times of the year when said light string  40  is not being utilized. During periods when light strings  40  are utilized for decorative purposes, the light box  30  is removably attached thereto an end of the light track  20  which enables said light string  40  to be deployed therefrom said light box  30  and thereinto the light track  20  via the hangers  50 . The light string  40  comprises expected features similar to other commercially available string, icicle, or curtain lights, such as electrical wiring, a plurality of lights  41 , a plurality of bulb receptacles  42 , a plug, and the like (see  FIG. 3 ). The light string  30  further comprises a pull ring  44  which is located thereon a distal end. The pull ring  44  enables a user to deploy the light string  40  via engaging said pull ring  44  with a hook  61  thereon the distal end of a cylindrical stick  60  and pulling said light string  40  therearound a house or similar structure therethrough the light track  20 . Said stick  60  is detached from the apparatus  10  and enables the user to grasp the pull ring  44  from ground level. The stick  60  comprises a hook  61  and a handle  62 . The hook  61  thereon the stick  60  is preferably integrally molded thereto the distal end thereof. The handle  62  is located thereon a proximal end thereof and provides a means for a user to digitally grasp the stick  60 . The stick  60  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: wood, aluminum, plastic, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a side perspective view of a segment of the light track  20  and  FIG. 4 , a section view of the light track  20  taken along line A-A  FIG. 3 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The light track  20  comprises a plurality of fastener tabs  21  equally spaced thereat opposing sides of a top perimeter surface of said light track  20 . Each fastener tab  21  comprises a fastener aperture  22  through which provides a means of attaching the light track thereto the mounting surface  70  via a corresponding fastener  23 . The light track  20  is comprised of a rectangular-shaped channel further comprising a hollow inner track  24 . The inner track  24  provides a means to house and guide the plurality of hangers  50  which slide therewithin in a similar manner as a shower curtain or the like. The light track  20  further comprises a first hanger slot  25   a  located along a bottom surface of said light track  20  which provides an opening through which the hanger  50  may extend in order to secure the light string  40  thereto the light track  20 . The light track  20  further comprises an end hook  26  rotatingly attached thereto a vertical end surface of said light track  20  via a hook fastener  27 . The end hook  26  is positioned in a horizontal orientation as illustrated during the assembly of the light track  20  and then to pivot therearound the hook fastener  27  approximately ninety degrees (90°) to a vertical orientation. Once in a vertical orientation, the end hook  26  engages the pull ring  44 , thereby providing a means of securing the light string  40  in a taut and immobile position once said light string  40  has been deployed. An opposing end of the light string  40  comprises a standard electrical plug  43  and engages a standard electrical receptacle thereby providing power thereto said light string  40  and securing said plug  43  end. The light track  20  further comprises a recessed groove  28  disposed along the entire length of opposing upper outer surfaces of said light track  20  which interface with corresponding protruding rails  32  therein the light box (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a side perspective view of the hanger  50 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Although illustrated herein as comprising a removably attachable hanger  50 , it is known that said hanger  50  may be retrofitted to the light string  40  without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The hanger  50  comprises a roller  52 , a clip  51 , a stem  53 , a second fastener  54   a , and a second slot  54   b . The roller  52  is a generally round member which fits therewithin and traverses along the inner track  24  of the light track  20  providing three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°) of movement therewithin. The stem  53  extends out therefrom the roller  52  and once the hanger  50  is inserted therein the inner track  24 , said stem  53  protrudes therethrough the underneath surface of the light track  20  and traverses therewithin the first hanger slot  25   a . The clip  51  is located thereon an end of the stem  53  opposing the roller  52  and comprises a tubular clamp-like segment which is capable of being opened in order to accept and secure the light string  40 . The second fastener  54   a  is inserted into the second slot  54   b , thereby securing the clip  51  in a closed position via an interference fit, a snap fit, or the like. The total number of hangers  50  used with the apparatus  10  preferably varies depending on the length of the light track  20  and the length and configuration of the light string  40 . The hangers  50  enable the apparatus  10  to remove the light string  40  for repair or replacement if required via the clip  51 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a front perspective view of the light box  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The light box  30  generally comprises a main body  31 , a pair of rails  32 , an open front  33 , a rear wall  45 , and an open top  34 . The body  30  comprises the general shape of a rectangular box. The rails  32  are located on upper inner opposing surfaces of the light box  30  and create interference fit therewith the grooves  28  of the light track  20 . The open top  34  portion of the light box  30  comprises a shape which generally corresponds to the outer shape of the light track  20  and acts as a receiving channel section for the end thereof said light track  20  further comprising a second hanger slot  25   b  for permitting passage of the stem portion  53  of each hanger  50 . The rear wall  45  provides a limit of maximum insertion of the light track  20  thereinto the open top  34  portion and is an end-stop for the end of said light track  20 . The open front  33  portion of the light box  30  houses the light string  40  and allows said light string  40  to be deployed therefrom. The light string  40  neatly loops therewithin the open front  33  portion the similar to an open curtain. The light box  30  provides a storing means for the light string  40  and the plurality of associated hangers  50  when said light string  40  is not being used for decoration. Once the light string  40  and hangers  50  have been housed therewithin the light box  30  a front door  35  and top door  36  may be closed in order to provide an enclosed storage area. The doors  35  and  36  are pivotally attached thereto the light box  30  via conventional hinges  38  and are secured in a closed position thereto said light box  30  via a first fastener  39   a  and a second fastener  39   b . Each first fastener  39   a  is preferably a conventional permanent magnet, yet other fastening means may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . Each second fastener  39   b  is preferably a ferromagnetic material, yet other materials which are attracted to magnets may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . In use, each first fastener  39   a  engages a respective second fastener  39   b , thereby positioning the front door  35  and top door  36  in a closed position. Since the light box  30  is removably attached thereto the light track  20 , said light track  20  requires a minimum amount of open space beyond an attaching end thereof in order to allow said light box  30  to fit thereon said end of said light track  20 . 
     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 through 6 . 
     The method of aligning the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; cutting segments of the light track  20  to achieve a desired length of light track  20 ; mounting the light track  20  thereto the mounting surface  70 , thereby inserting a plurality of mounting fasteners  23  thereinto corresponding fastener apertures  22  thereon each fastener tab  21 ; repeating the abovementioned process for a desired amount of light tracks  20 ; acquiring another pre-cut length of light track  20  and aligning each groove  28  on one (1) light track  20  to each groove  28  thereon the other light track  20  in a parallel manner; mounting the light track  20  thereto the mounting surface  70  via the mounting fasteners  23 ; and, repeating as desired. 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: retrieving the light box  30  which houses the length of light string  40  and hangers  50 ; opening the front door  35  and the top door  36 , thereby disengaging the first fasteners  39   a  from the second fasteners  39   b ; sliding the light box  30  thereon the light track  20  via engaging the rails  32  therewith the grooves  28  wherein the roller portion  52  of each hanger  50  is fully engaged therein the inner track portion  24  of the light track  20 ; grasping the handle  62  thereon the stick and engaging the pull ring  44  therewith the hook  61 ; deploying the light string  40  by guiding the hangers  50  from the open top  34  area of the light box  30  thereto the inner track  24  portion of the light track  20 ; continuing to pull the light string  40  therefrom the light box  30  until said entire light string  40  is fully deployed; rotating the end hook  26  to a vertical orientation; engaging the end hook  26  therewith the pull ring  44  to secure the light string  40  to the light track  20 ; removing the light box  30  therefrom the light track  20 ; inserting the plug  43  thereinto a standard electrical receptacle or extension cord; and, supplying power to the lights  41 . 
     The method of removing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: removing the light string  40  when desired; disengaging the end hook  26  therefrom the pull ring  43 ; attaching the light box  30  thereto the light track  20 ; grasping the handle  62  thereon the stick  60  and engaging the pull ring  44  therewith the hook  61 ; pulling the light string  40  toward the light box  30 , thereby pushing the hangers  50  back therethrough the inner track  24  and thereinto the light box  30 ; continuing pulling the pull ring  44  until the entire light string  40  and all hangers  50  are within the light box  30 ; removing the light box  30  therefrom the light track  20 ; closing the doors  35 ,  36  via engaging the first fasteners  39   a  to the second fasteners  39   b ; storing the light box  30  until another desired time; and, benefiting from the improved convenience and increased safety afforded a user of the present apparatus  10 . 
     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.