Abstract:
A mini light machine system for evenly distributing a light strand along a window frame and adhering the light strand to a window with easy peel tape. The mini light machine system has a mini light machine assembly. The mini light machine assembly has a placing machine for placing and adhering a light strand and a light box container for condensed loading and storage of a light strand. In the preferred embodiment the mini light machine assembly is self-propelled and automatically places a light strand in repeatable distances between the individual lights. The mini light machine assembly adheres to a vertical window surface allowing lights to be placed in hard to reach places. Intelligent control is used to cease operation when the mini light machine assembly reaches the end of a window frame. The mini light machine assembly contains a battery thus eliminating the need for power chords.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       1. Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of tools and more specifically relates to auxiliary devices for hanging lights. 
       2. Description of Related Art 
       [0003]    Displaying decorative lights is a manner by which to celebrate various occurrences and holidays. Decorative lights are often hung in windows for both internal and external viewing. It is desirable to hang light strands in a secure and uniform manner with the ability to easily remove them. Hanging lights from windows can pose a challenge in terms of adherence methods as well as for accessibility especially for the elderly and those with limited movement. Therefore a suitable solution is desired. 
         [0004]    Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,070,544 to Shaps and Neal, U.S. Pat. No. 8,555,749 to Gatski, U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,379 Hill, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 9,056,393 Gary et al., and Canadian Pat No. CA 2,049,134 to Bassaris. This art is representative of auxiliary devices for cleaning, placing, hanging, or removing lights. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known tools art, the present invention provides a novel mini light machine system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a device for uniformly placing and adhering a light strand to a window. 
         [0006]    A mini light machine system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising a mini light machine assembly further comprising a placing machine and a light box container. In the preferred embodiment, the placing machine adheres to a window and automatically dispenses a light strand that is bonded to the window in a uniform fashion with easy peel tape that sticks the light strand to the window. Easy peel tape offers the advantage of easy removal of the light strand. The placing machine and said light box container are structured and arranged together in combination for providing a means by which to uniformly place a strand of lights along a window frame and adhere the strand of lights to a window with the easy peel tape. 
         [0007]    The placing machine further comprises at least two first coupling mechanisms and a first power connection for connecting to the light box container. The placing machine is self-propelled by an electrically powered assembly in combination with a drive assembly comprised of at least three wide alignment wheels thus providing the advantage of uniformly placing a light strand along a window. Automated self-propelled operation offers a further advantage of accessing places that are difficult to reach. Additionally, a window wiper assembly cleans the window for improved adherence of the mini light machine assembly as well as the easy peel tape. The placing machine includes a handle for adhering and removing the mini light machine assembly. The light strand is placed by a light strand dispensing mechanism that is internal to the placing machine while automatically adhering a light strand using a tape dispensing assembly and a tape placement assembly. Both the placing machine and light box container are powered by a power source that is connected to the electrical assembly with a switch. A roll of easy peel tape is secured in the placing machine with a mounting fixture. The placing machine includes a light strand entrance aperture for a light strand to enter the device and a combination light strand and tape placement aperture so a light strand can exit the device for uniform placement along a window as well as adhering the light strand to the window. The placing machine also has a catcher pocket for storing spent backing from the easy peel tape. 
         [0008]    In the preferred embodiment, the handle comprises a display window and a switch. The display window comprises an indice of footage covered by the placing machine which further indicates the length of the dispersed portion of a light strand. The electrically powered assembly comprises a motor for the purpose of driving a light dispensing mechanism, a drive assembly, a tape dispensing assembly, and a tape placing assembly. The drive assembly comprises at least three wide alignment wheels that propel the placing machine along a window. The at least three wide alignment wheels comprise adhering suction cups for sticking to a vertical window surface. 
         [0009]    The preferred embodiment includes a light box container that comprises at least two second coupling mechanisms and a second a power connection. The light box container is removably coupleable to the placing machine. The light box container includes a light strand exit aperture as an exit point for a light strand. The light box container has a flip down door and a light box lid in order to access an inner volume for loading a light strand. The light box container further comprises a guide assembly and light tray. The guide assembly comprises a plurality of guides that further comprise a tension release lever, a plurality of light strand clips, and a movable clip track that provide the advantage of loading and retaining light strands in a condensed fashion. The light tray comprises an inner volume and a plastic slip cover for further retaining light strands. The flip down door enables the plurality of light guides to slide out of the light box container in a drawer like fashion for ease of loading a light strand. Certain embodiments may not have a light box. 
         [0010]    The electrically powered assembly comprises intelligence for propelling the mini light machine assembly around the interior of a window frame. The intelligence and a position sensor work together in functional combination for detecting the end of a window frame and gathering data as to the distance covered and length of light strand dispersed. The intelligence is further used for establishing the placement distance between individual lights along a light strand as well as providing a means for accommodating plugs on multiple light strands. The intelligence works in conjunction with the guide assembly to automatically adjust the light strand spacing to accommodate for the presence of plugs in multiple light strands thus providing the advantage of an evenly place light strand. The plurality of light strand clips are a means for aligning the light strand for dispersing through the light strand exit aperture. The dual purpose tension release lever provides a means to compress the plurality of light strand clips when in one position while providing a means to guide a light strand when in a second position. 
         [0011]    In the preferred embodiment the power source is a battery. The intelligence ceases self-propelled motion when the position sensor indicates the mini light machine assembly has reached the end of a window frame. Alternate embodiments use manual power and position control when dispersing a light strand. 
         [0012]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a mini light machine system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, mini light machine system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view illustrating a mini light machine system during an ‘in-use’ condition showing mini light machine assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view illustrating the mini light machine system of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view illustrating a mini light machine assembly of  FIGS. 1-2 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the mini light machine assembly of  FIGS. 1-3 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the mini light machine system of  FIGS. 1-4 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    The various embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Preferably, a mini light machine system should provide means to uniformly place and adhere a light strand to a window and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable mini light machine system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
         [0021]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to tools and more particularly to a mini light machine system as used to improve the ability to uniformly adhere a light strand to a window. 
         [0022]    Generally speaking, a mini light machine system may comprise a mini light machine assembly further comprising a placing machine and a light box container. Mini light machine system is structured and arranged to provide a means by which to evenly place a light strand along a window while using a window frame as a guide, and applying easy peel tape for adherence of the light strand to the window. 
         [0023]    Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in  FIG. 1 , mini light machine system  100  comprises a mini light machine assembly  110  which further comprises a placing machine  200  and a light box container  300  that work together in functional combination.  FIG. 1  shows the mini light machine system  100  in an ‘in-use’ condition  150  by user  140 . Mini light machine assembly  110  is shown traversing window frame  162  in a self-propelled manner to evenly adhere light strand  122  to window  160 , while securing light strand  122  with easy peel tape  120 . 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , mini light machine assembly  110  is illustrated including placing machine  200  and light box container  300 . Placing machine  200  provides a means by which to evenly disperse light strand  122  using drive assembly  224  ( FIG. 3 ), electrically powered assembly  220  ( FIG. 3 ), and light strand dispensing mechanism  230  ( FIG. 3 ). Mini light machine assembly  110  automatically adheres light strand  122  to window  160  ( FIG. 1 ) using tape dispensing assembly  232  and tape placement assembly  234 . 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  showing a bottom view of placing machine  200 . Placing machine  200  includes an electrically powered assembly  220  which powers drive assembly  224  for automated movement of mini light machine assembly  110 . Drive assembly  224  is comprised of at least three wide alignment wheels  226  that are further comprised of adhering suction cups  228  for gripping window  160  ( FIG. 1 ). At least three wide alignment wheels  226  provide a means by which to propel mini light machine assembly  110  along window frame  162  ( FIG. 1 ). Electrically powered assembly  220  is further comprised of motor  222  for driving drive assembly  224  and powering tape dispensing assembly  232 , tape placement assembly  234 , and light strand dispensing mechanism  230 . 
         [0026]    Light strand  122  is placed along the window  160  through combination light strand and tape placement aperture  244 . Light strand  122  exits light box container  300  ( FIG. 4 ) through light strand exit aperture  326  ( FIG. 4 ) and enters placing machine  200  through light strand entrance aperture  246 . Tape placement assembly  234  automatically places easy peel tape  120  over light strand  122 . Power source  236  provides power to electrically powered assembly  220  and light box container  300 . In the preferred embodiment, power source  236  is a battery. In the alternate embodiments, power source  236  can be via an external power cable or alternative forms of internal portable power sources. 
         [0027]    In the preferred embodiment at least two first coupling mechanisms  202  on placing machine  200  are removably couplable to at least two second coupling mechanisms  302  ( FIG. 4 ) on light box container  300  for the purpose of combining placing machine  200  and light box container  300  into single mini light machine assembly  110  that stores as well as disperses light strand  122  and easy peel tape  120 . In alternate embodiments, placing machine  200  can be configured to accept a manual insertion of light strand  122  while functioning independent of light box container  300 . 
         [0028]    In the preferred embodiment, first power connection  204  on placing machine  200  connects to second power connection  304  ( FIG. 4 ) on light box container  300  for the purpose of providing power to light box container  300 . Removable easy peel tape  120  is contained in roll form via mounting fixture  238 . Dispensed easy peel tape  120  backing is contained in catcher pocket  240 . Window wiper assembly  206  cleans window  160  of debris and moisture such that easy peel tape  120  will adhere more securely. 
         [0029]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 , placing machine  200  further comprises handle  210 . In preferred embodiments handle  210  contains a switch  248  for powering the mini light machine assembly  110 . Switch  248  connects power from power source  236  ( FIG. 3 ) to electrically powered assembly  220  ( FIG. 3 ) to activate self-propelled mode. 
         [0030]    Electrical intelligence combined with position sensors determine position for placing individual lights of light strand  122  at intervals as well as determining distance covered and sensing the end of window frame  162  ( FIG. 1 ). The sensed information is used to update indice of footage in addition to automatically ceasing operation when encountering the end of window frame  162 . 
         [0031]    In alternate embodiments handle  210  contains display window  212  for indicating the length of dispersed light strand  122  via indice of footage. Handle  210  is useful for adhering mini light machine assembly  110  to window  160  ( FIG. 1 ) and then removing mini light machine assembly  110  from window  160 . 
         [0032]    An alternate embodiment may be void of electrical powered assembly  220 , and therefore may comprise a fully mechanical drive arrangement whereas handle  210  is used to manually move mini light machine assembly  110  while at least three wide alignment wheels  226  provide mechanical power to the drive assembly  224 , tape dispensing assembly  232 , tape placement assembly  234 , light strand dispensing mechanism  230 , and guide assembly  310 . Alternate embodiments of mini light machine assembly  110  may include a yellow warning light as a means for indicating a low volume of easy peel tape  120  roll. Alternate embodiments of mini light machine assembly  110  may also include a red warning light as a means for indicating a low volume of light strand  122 . In the preferred embodiment, easy peel tape  120  is dispensed as one continuous strand. In alternate embodiments, easy peel tape  120  may be dispensed in segments. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , mini light machine assembly  110  includes light box container  300  for the purpose of inserting and containing light strand  122  in light tray  320 . Light tray  320  further comprises plastic slip cover  324 , inner volume  322 , and plurality of light strand clips  316 , for the purpose of staging light strand  122  for dispersion via placing machine  200 . Light box container  300  further comprises guide assembly  310  which automatically disperses light strand  122  via plurality of guides  312 . Plurality of guides  312  include tension release lever  314 , plurality of light strand clips  316 , and movable clip track  318  that work together in functional combination for the purpose of providing an organized method of arranging light strand  122  in light tray  320 . 
         [0034]    Tension release lever  314  performs a dual function. When in a first position tension release lever  314  assists in guiding light strand  122  during operation. When arranged in a second position tension release lever  314  serves as a means of pressuring and closely aligning light strand clips  316  in a manner that allows more room for user  140  ( FIG. 1 ) to insert light strand  122 . Light strand clips  316  also provide a means by which light strand  122  can be wrapped uniformly within light tray  320 . In the preferred embodiment, user  140  slides guide assembly  310  out through flip down door  328  for loading light strand  122 . In alternate embodiments, user  140  opens light box lid  306  to insert light strand  122  into light box container  300 . User  140  then closes light box lid  306  in order to contain light strand  122  within the mini light machine assembly  110  to complete the loading process. 
         [0035]    In the preferred embodiment, light box container  300  provides a means for accommodating electrical plugs on light strands  122 . Also in the preferred embodiment, guide assembly  310  automatically adjusts light strand  122  spacing to accommodate for the presence of electrical plugs in light strands  122 . In alternate embodiments, the spacing between individual lights is user adjustable. 
         [0036]    In alternate embodiments a premade light tray assembly in the form of a cartridge containing a uniformly placed light strand  122  may be used in place of an independent light strand  122 . The premade light assembly may consist of multiple light strands  122  containing less than one hundred lights, one hundred lights, or more than one hundred lights of a single color or multiple colors. In alternate embodiments a premade assembly may be sold separately from the mini light machine system  100 . 
         [0037]    It should be noted that mini light machine system  100  may be sold as kit  440  comprising the following parts: at least one mini light machine system  100  and at least one set of user instructions  450 . The kit  440  has instructions  450  such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Mini light machine system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 5  showing flowchart  550  illustrating method of use  500  for mini light machine system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . As shown, method of use  500  may comprise the steps of: step one  501 , obtaining or providing a system for placing a strand of lights (mini light machine system  100 ); step two  502 , loading a mini light machine assembly  110 ; step three  503 , adhering a mini light machine assembly  110  to a window  160 ; step four  504 , activating a mini light machine assembly  110 ; step five  505 , operating a mini light machine assembly  110 ; and step six  506 , removing a mini light machine assembly  110 . It should be noted that step six  506  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use  500 . 
         [0039]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f). Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0040]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.