Abstract:
A method for decorating an exterior light fixture includes the step of providing a decorative body with an ornamental design corresponding to a single event, where the decorative body has a rear side with an elastically deformable couple and a front side with the ornamental design. The method also includes the step of elastically deforming at least a part of the rear side to removably attach the decorative body to an exterior light fixture that is attached to an exterior surface of a building structure such that the ornamental design is positioned on a side of the light fixture opposite the structure. The ornamental design and at least a portion of the body surrounding the ornamental design have differing translucences such that light emitted from the light fixture enhances visibility of the ornamental design from a distance away from the body.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/860,574, filed Ser. No. 09/25/2007 the entire disclosure of which is all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to holiday decorations, and more particularly relates to a sleeve with a holiday or special event-related pattern that fits over an exterior light attached to a building. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Exterior light fixtures, such as light  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , are well known. The light  100  is of the type found on many homes  102  in a typical neighborhood. The light  100  has a light bulb  104  and power is fed to the bulb  104  though a conductor  106  that is connected to a remote power source within the house  102 . Although the style of the light  100  varies from home to home, the purpose is consistent—to provide light to the front of the structure  102 . In most instances, the light fixture  100  can be seen from the street and has a decorative effect. 
         [0004]    Many people enjoy expressing themselves on special occasions, such as the Fourth of July, Halloween, Christmas, birthday parties, baby showers, and many others. This expression is often in the form of, for example, signs, banners, objects in the yard, and internally-lighted ornaments. Internally-lighted ornaments can be, for example, a pumpkin with a light bulb inside, a plastic snowman with a light bulb inside, or other similar devices. However, the light bulbs must receive power from a power source. This requires a user to install the ornament somewhere in the front of their house and to run an electrical conductor to a receptacle that supplies power to the ornament. If the receptacle is not close to the ornament, a long conductor, such as an extension cord, is required. The extension cord is vulnerable to tripping people and presents an electrical hazard. If no receptacle is available on the exterior of the house, the electrical conductor must be run to the interior of the structure, which may prevent a window or door from being able to be shut securely. This renders the home vulnerable to break-ins and theft. In addition, setting up and powering the ornament takes time and effort. Furthermore, free-standing ornaments are susceptible to falling over in high winds. 
         [0005]    Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, disclosed a method for decorating an exterior light fixture, which includes the step of providing a decorative body with an ornamental design corresponding to a single event, where the decorative body has a rear side with an elastically deformable couple and a front side with the ornamental design. The method also includes the step of elastically deforming at least a part of the rear side to removably attach the decorative body to an exterior light fixture that is attached to an exterior surface of a building structure such that the ornamental design is positioned on a side of the light fixture opposite the structure. The ornamental design and at least a portion of the body surrounding the ornamental design have differing translucences such that light emitted from the light fixture enhances visibility of the ornamental design from a distance away from the body. 
         [0007]    In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the elastically deforming step includes manipulating a fastener coupled from a first side of the body to a second side of the body so that the fastener, together with the body, surrounds the light fixture. 
         [0008]    In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the elastically deforming step includes expanding an opening in the rear side from a closed position in which the body has a natural resting shape to an open position in which a portion of the body is flexibly deformed from the natural resting shape. 
         [0009]    In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the body includes an interior void for receiving therein the exterior light fixture and an exterior surrounding the void and having the ornamental design. 
         [0010]    In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the removably attaching step includes inserting the light fixture into the interior void. 
         [0011]    In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the body includes a bottom portion and a structure support portion at the bottom portion, the structure support portion shaped to support and balance the body on the light source when inserted within the interior. 
         [0012]    In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, disclosed is a light cover that includes a body defining an interior void for receiving a light source affixed to a structure. An opening in a first portion of the body has a closed position and an open position in which the light source can be inserted into the interior of the body. A structure support portion at the opening is shaped to support and balance the body on the light source when the light source is inserted within the interior. A second portion of the body has an ornamental design, wherein the ornamental design and at least a portion of the body surrounding the ornamental design has differing translucences such that light emitted from the void enhances visibility of the ornamental design from outside the skin. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes fastener that is attached to on opening on the body and selectively couples a first side of the opening to a second side. 
         [0014]    In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the ornamental design is at least partially defined by recessed areas in the body. 
         [0015]    In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the ornamental design is a holiday-related image, a holiday-related shape, and/or text. 
         [0016]    In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the shape is at least one of curved, square, and a holiday figure. 
         [0017]    In accordance with a further feature, the present invention includes a skin that has a closable opening for accepting a light source into an interior portion of the skin and adhering to the light source, a decorative portion, and a translucence allowing light to pass from the light source, through the skin, and away from the skin. 
         [0018]    In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes a cover for covering an exterior lamp attached to a building, where the cover includes a skin having a holiday-related design, a shape defining a lamp-holding void, an opening fluidically connected to the void when in an open position, a clasping mechanism operable for holding the opening in a closed position, and a translucence for allowing light to pass from the light source, through the skin, and away from the skin. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary, side elevational view of a building structure with a fixed prior art external light source; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a decorative skin in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the decorative skin of  FIG. 2  in a closed/secured position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the decorative skin of  FIG. 3  in a partially opened position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a rear elevational view of the skin of  FIG. 3  in the closed position with a clasp holding the skin closed; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is an elevational side view of the skin of  FIG. 2  attached to the light source of 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is an elevational front view of another exemplary embodiment of a skin in accordance with the present invention with a decoration thereon; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is an elevational front view of a further exemplary embodiment of a skin in accordance with the present invention having an exterior shape; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is an elevational side view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a skin in accordance with the present invention with indentions forming a decoration; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a partially hidden and elevational front view of still another exemplary embodiment of a skin in accordance with the present invention with a decoration formed by removing portions of the skin; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is an elevational front view of another exemplary embodiment of a skin in accordance with the present invention with a partially textual decoration thereon. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
         [0033]    The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 
         [0034]    The present invention provides a novel decorative lamp covering that easily slips onto existing exterior lighting fixtures attached to building structures and provides a visually stimulating and pleasant effect. The invention can be provided in many embodiments, allowing a user to express him or herself for virtually any special event or occasion. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the present invention is shown.  FIG. 2  illustrates several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. In this first embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the inventive decorative cover  200  includes a substantially rigid skin  202  that is shaped with a curve  204  that defines a void  206  within an interior of the skin  202 . As used herein, substantially rigid or semi-rigid means retaining its shape under normal forces (i.e., slight bending or flexing by hand) and outdoor temperatures (e.g., −10 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit). The decorative cover  200  has an ornamental design  208  on a portion of the skin  202 , in this case, a jack-o-lantern face. In one embodiment, the skin  202  is a semi-rigid plastic material that is inexpensive to make, light weight, and durable. The skin  202 , however, can be made of any material that is suitable for attachment to a light fixture. The skin  202  can have a translucent quality that allows light to pass from the light source  100 , through the skin  202 , and away from the skin  202 , where it can be seen by viewers a distance away. Many plastics, if provided in sufficiently thin dimensions, provide this translucence. Other material may also be used. In one embodiment, the translucent attribute allows a light source to illuminate all portions of the cover  200  except for the design  208 , which is opaque or otherwise has a translucence that differs from that of the rest of the cover  200 . In other embodiments, only the design is translucent and the rest of the cover is opaque. 
         [0036]    As shown in the top view of  FIG. 3 , one side  300  of the skin  200  has an opening  302  that will allow the cover  200  to be placed onto a lamp. The opening  302 , in one embodiment, is simply a separation, or discontinuity, of the skin  202 , where the material, e.g., of plastic, is able to separate. If the material is semi-rigid, the opening  302  can be placed in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 4 , by temporarily deforming, bending, or flexing the skin  202  to separate two sides  402  and  404  of the opening  302 . Once the two sides  402  and  404  of the skin  202  are separated, the cover  200  can be placed around a light fixture  400  and allowed to return to its steady state closed position, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0037]    Once around the light fixture  400 , the skin  202  is rigid enough to adhere to the fixture  400  and retain its original shape, for example, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . As stated above, once the cover  200  is around the light fixture  400 , and the light fixture  400  is on and radiating light, the cover  200 , in one embodiment, is of an at least partially translucent material that is able to receive light from the light-radiating portion (bulb) of the light fixture  400  and allow the light to pass through and project away from the skin  202 . The translucent attribute of the skin  202  allows the decorative cover to be visible at night from a distance and will allow the ornamental design  208  to be easily seen. Providing the skin material  202  in a variety of colors provides multiple visual choices. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is an elevational rear view of the decorative cover  200  showing the opening  302  in a closed position. In this exemplary embodiment, a fastener  500  is attached to one or both of the sides  402  and  404  of the opening  302  and is able to couple one of the sides  402  of the opening  302  to the other side  404  of the opening  302 . The fastener  500  can be one or more snaps, VELCRO, hooks, tape, an interlocking mechanism, a combination thereof, or many more. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  shows an elevational side view of the present invention  200  attached to an exterior light fixture  400 . As can be seen in this view, the decorative cover  200  has an opening  600  at a bottom end  602  thereof. An edge  604  of the opening  600  presents a structure support portion of the cover  200  and rests against an attachment post  606  of the light fixture  400  and supports the cover  200  in its balanced position on and around the light fixture  400 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the decorative cover  200  does not have an opening along the back side  608 . In this embodiment, the cover  200  can be attached to the light fixture  400  by sliding the opening  600  in the bottom end  602  of the cover  200  over the lamp fixture  400 . If the opening  600  is sufficiently large, it will easily slide over the lamp  400 . If desired, the lower extremity can be made of a material that expands to stretch over the lamp fixture  400 . 
         [0040]    The top portion  610  can also have an opening  612 . The opening  612  advantageously allows heat to escape and reduces the likelihood that the cover  200  will melt or otherwise be damaged by the heat. In other embodiments, there is no opening in the top portion  610 . 
         [0041]    Although an exemplary embodiment of the present invention  200  attaches to an exterior light fixture  400  which is, itself, attached to an exterior surface of the building structure  102 , the present invention can also attach to a free standing light post set a distance away from the house  102 . Quite common on residential and business properties, free standing light posts are installed directly in the ground away from the building structure  102  in order to illuminate the area, such as a yard or driveway. The ground may include, but is not limited to, soil, concrete, gravel, grass, pavers, and the like. Free standing light posts attach to the ground by connecting the base of the post to the ground, i.e., Earth, or by digging a hole in the ground to permanently affix the post. By using the fastener  500 , the present invention  200  can attach to free standing light posts in the ground, not only exterior light fixtures  400 . 
         [0042]    Similar to the way the Earth creates an electrical “ground” that would couple the building structure  102  to the free standing light post, the ground can also couples objects physically. In the case of a free standing light post, the light post is mechanically fixedly coupled to the building structure  102  through the ground (earth) upon which both are supported. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 7-11  show several examples of alternative ornamental designs that can be placed on the skin  202  of the cover  200 . The design can be drawn  702  onto the skin  202 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , or, as shown in  FIG. 8 , can be an exterior shape  802  of the cover  200 . In the shaped embodiments, the skin can be shaped as a holiday figure, such as a snowman (shown in  FIG. 8 ), an Easter bunny, a birthday present, and many others. The design can also be, as shown in  FIG. 9 , indentions  902  into the skin material  202  or, as shown in  FIG. 10 , removed portions  1002  of the skin material  202 . The ornamental design does not have to be a shape, but can instead or additionally, be text  1102  placed on the cover  200 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0044]    A decorative cover has been disclosed that easily slides onto or over a light fixture and produces a decorative effect that allows self-expression or that reminds others of holidays and/or other special events. The decorative cover is easy to install and remove and, advantageously, does not require the installation of additional electrical wires or a separate power source.