Abstract:
An apparatus and method by which light strings can be quickly wound up and securely stored is herein disclosed. A freely rotating base and spindle assembly has a tray disposed along the shaft of the spindle upon which a reel assembly sits. The reel assembly has a number of interspaced grooves formed on its outer surface to retain a plurality of light strings and an inverted “U”-shaped device acting as a winding mechanism on its top surface. A cover assembly is provided to protect the wound light strings from the environment and a removably detachable handle for attachment to the spindle shaft is also provided. The spindle and base assembly is mounted on a wheeled cart to provide portability.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/734,407, filed on Nov. 9, 2005. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method by which light strings can be quickly wound up and securely stored and, more particularly, to a freely rotating base and spindle assembly with a tray disposed along the shaft of the spindle upon which a reel assembly sits and to a protective functional cover. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Although string lights are used throughout the year in a variety of residential and commercial settings, perhaps the most prevalent time for installing and storing string light sets is during the end-of-the-year holiday season. Whether the lights are used on the exterior of a building structure or inside on a tree, lights are the one thing that truly makes the season magical. However, this magic quickly comes to an end when dealing with lights that were haphazardly stored after last season&#39;s use. First, the lights may have become broken from improper storage from the previous year. Second, if the lights are not broken, surely they are tangled, which requires time away from the festivities to untangle them. Finally, lights are typically stored in discrete coils, which make it difficult to locate and find the right set for the right spot. Then, at the conclusion of the holiday season, the lights are usually hastily taken down and improperly stored, ensuring that the above problems will be repeated again the following year. 
     The invention is a unique apparatus that aids in containing, storing, and dispensing strings of holiday lights. The invention takes the form of a wheeled base with a central, upright spindle. A reel on the spindle (capable of holding up to ten strings of lights) spins in either direction and allows the light stings to be stored or removed without putting a twist into the electrical cable. To remove the lights, they are simply pulled from the reel, which free-wheels to match the speed of dispensing. A round, tube-like cover is provided, which slides over the reel to protect the lights from breakage and dirt during storage. Finally, a handle is provided on the top of the reel, which extends through the cover and is used for not only turning the wheel when winding light strings back up, but for transporting the invention as well. The use of the light winding apparatus allows for the quick, easy, and efficient use of conventional electric Christmas lights during their application, retrieval, and storage cycles. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to assist users in winding and storing light strings on a reel. U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,985, issued in the name of Winesett, discloses a Christmas light reel including a spool housing, a spool, a crank having a shaft passing through the spool and cord clips. The Winesett patent is not disposed to be a wheeled transport system and is not designed to store multiple strings of light as in the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,759, issued in the name of Simonson, teaches a Christmas light organizer including spaced apart panels with inner rods extending therebetween and outward of the panels. One of the inner rods has slots for retaining the prong of an electrical plug. Unfortunately, along with the Winesett design, there are no provisions for transporting and storing multiple light strings on a wheeled base, thereby allowing the user to maneuver the light string storage reel anywhere. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,518, issued in the name of Czerniak, describes a cord or wire holder for Christmas lights for fastening to an exterior location and as such, differs in scope of the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,890,005, issued in the name of Hoogestraat, teaches a portable wire reel for electric fence wire that is carried on the shoulders of a person, a crank-operated spool, and a friction brake for preventing backlash of the reel during unwinding. The Hoogestraat patent suffers from the same shortcomings as the previously mentioned patents in that it does not provide a wheeled device that also stores the light strings. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,557,792 and 6,398,148, both issued in the name of Snow, disclose a device and method for storing holiday light strings with a vertically disposed rotatable spindle with a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions for preventing sagging of the wound light string. However, the Snow devices also are not disposed on a wheeled base for transportation and they do not teach a cover for the wound light strings on the reel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,401, issued in the name of O&#39;Donnell, discloses a hand reel storage device for a holiday light string having a spool as well as devices to retain the light string on the reel. Unfortunately, the O&#39;Donnell device has no provisions for a wheeled base for transporting the storage reel and, therefore, does not fall under the scope of the present invention. 
     Additionally, various patents have been issued based on an ornamental design for storage reels for light strings, notably D 339,976 issued in the name of Ferguson, Sr., and D 247,218 issued in the name of Barber. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes a portable device for winding, unwinding, and storing light strings—especially Christmas lights. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which decorative holiday lights can be stored, applied, and removed in a manner that eliminates the drawbacks associated with conventional storage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need of an apparatus and method that aids in the winding, dispersing, and storage of light strings—particularly Christmas lights. 
     It has further been observed that there is a need for a device that is maneuverable and easily transportable. 
     The object of the present invention is to provide a winding apparatus, comprising a spindle mounted into a base; a reel for retaining light strings; a cover portion; a detachable handle for pushing or pulling the apparatus; and a wheeled base unit for transportation. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus fabricated of one or more durable materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, metal, wood, styrofoam, and cardboard. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a wheeled cart, typically of a low profile and sturdy enough to counterbalance the weight of the assembly during the operation of the apparatus. Attached to the cart base are four wheels fabricated out of heavy-duty tires to provide easy transport across any surface. The wheels are affixed to the base and have swivel attachments that rotate such that the wheels are in engagement with the ground in a readily stable stance capable of resisting overturning forces lined in a parallel orientation with that of the direction of motion. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a base member of cylindrical design that is envisioned to support the apparatus having an overall diameter sizable to attach thereto the upper portion of the cart base so as to accommodate the weight of the apparatus and the lights. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention provides for a spindle, rotatably attached thereto said base, envisioned to comprise a circular cross-section, projecting vertically upwards at a designated distance. The spindle is rotatably attached transversally thereto the axial plane of the base, having an upper half comprising a suitable diameter to removably receive and accept a light string reel and a lower half rotatably affixed thereto the base and centrally positioned thereon, enabling the entire spindle assembly to freely rotate. A circular tray member is affixed at an intermediate position on the central shaft, having a diameter similar to or slightly larger than that of a reel cover to temporarily sustain a reel and/or a reel cover. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a removable reel, which rests upon the tray portion of the spindle, comprising a base member that rests upon the spindle tray; a central cylindrical portion of a lesser diameter, comprising interspaced circumferential grooves formed on its surface; a central guide hole of a diameter slightly larger than that of the spindle that is designed to receive said spindle and vertically oriented; and, a winding mechanism comprising an inverted “U”-shape that straddles the guide hole of the reel and provides enough clearance to allow the spindle to rotate freely and also to clear through the central slot of a cover member. The winding mechanism provides a means for a user to provide rotational movements of the spindle and the reel in a manner such that the spindle and reel rotate together with respect to said winding mechanism. The equidistantly-spaced grooves removably accept and retain light strings thereby preventing tangling of said light strings when wound about said reel. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a cover member for the reel, comprising a hollow cylindrical housing of the same diameter as said base of said reel. Centrally located on the top portion of said cover member is an orifice or slot to accommodate the passing of said winding mechanism of said reel when said cover member is placed over said reel. The cover member covers and retains therein said reel and wound light strings, and said slot limits movement of said winding mechanism and prevents unintentional unwinding of said light string. The cover member may further comprise a latching mechanism. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a handle assembly, comprising a clamping mechanism removably attached thereto said lower half of said spindle; a cylindrical, resilient shaft with a proximal end attached to said clamping mechanism perpendicular to said spindle, a distal end, and a first bent angle and a second bent angle so as to orient said distal end parallel to said spindle; and, a removably detachable ergonomic grip attached to said distal end of said shaft. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism for securing the wheel assembly in a locked position, thereby preventing unwanted wheel slippage. 
     To achieve the above and other objectives, a method for utilizing the present invention comprises the steps of: removing the cover member of the apparatus; verifying that the reel is resting on the tray member with the upper half of the spindle passing through the central guide hole; placing the handle assembly on a location thereon the lower half of the spindle so as to allow it to be easily maneuverable; transporting the apparatus via the wheeled cart to an area containing the light string by using the handle assembly to guide the apparatus; securing a lead end of the light string within the grooves of the reel; manipulating the winding mechanism in a circular motion by grasping the saddle of the inverted “U”-shape by hand and rotating the apparatus in a forward or a backward direction, wherein said rotating spins both halves of the spindle, the tray member, and the reel, while the user and winding mechanism remain in a fixed location and causes the light string to wind around the reel and itself to secure it within the grooves; repeating said manipulating of said winding mechanism for retaining additional light strings to be wound within additional grooves as necessary; placing the cover member by guiding the winding mechanism through the slot on the cover member; transporting said apparatus to an out-of-the-way place via the wheeled cart and the handle assembly; removing said handle assembly by detaching the clamping mechanism from the lower half of the spindle; removing the reel with the wound light strings and cover member from the upper half of the spindle; storing the reel with the wound light strings and cover member in a desired location; and, unwinding the wound light strings from the apparatus by reversing the preceding steps. 
    
    
     
       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 front view of a Christmas light winder  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the Christmas light winder  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up perspective view of a base  11  attached thereto a wheeled cart  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the Christmas light winder  10  without a reel cover  40  and a handle  50 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a close-up view of a clamping mechanism  52  removably attached thereto a lower half of a spindle  12 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  light string winding apparatus 
               11  base 
               12  lower half of spindle 
               13  reel tray member 
               14  upper half of spindle 
               20  light string reel 
               21  reel base 
               22  groove 
               23  winding mechanism 
               30  cart 
               31  wheel 
               32  swivel attachment 
               40  reel cover member 
               41  winding mechanism slot 
               50  handle shaft 
               51  grip 
               52  detachable clamp 
               55  threaded screw 
           
         
       
    
     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 5 . 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 an apparatus and method that aids in winding, dispersing, and storing light strings—particularly Christmas lights. The light string winding apparatus (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10  comprises a spindle  12 ,  14  mounted into a base  11 ; a reel  20  for retaining Christmas or other light strings; a cover portion  40 ; a detachable handle  50  for pushing or pulling the apparatus  10 ; and a wheeled base unit  30  for transportation. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be fabricated of one (1) or more durable materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, metal, wood, styrofoam, and cardboard. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , views of the apparatus  10  and the base  11  attached thereto a wheeled cart  30 , are disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The entire assembly that will subsequently described is mounted onto a wheeled cart  30  typically of a low profile and sturdy enough to counterbalance the weight of the assembly and any tangential forces created during the operation of the apparatus  10 . Attached to the cart base  30  are four (4) wheels  31  with swivel attachments  32  to provide easy transport across any surface. The wheels  31  are envisioned to comprise a sizeable diameter so that there is ample space between the ground and the apparatus  10 , thereby providing motion of the apparatus  10 , even over small obstructions. The swivel attachments  32  are spinable about the longitudinal axis having a “U”-shape configuration extending beyond the wheels  31  thereof. During travel, the apparatus  10  is motioned in the desired direction and the swivel attachments  32  rotate such that the wheels  31  are in engagement with the ground in a readily stable stance capable of resisting overturning forces lined in a parallel orientation with that of the direction of motion. A base member  11  of cylindrical design is envisioned to support the apparatus  10  before, during, and after winding Christmas lights. The base  11  is of a cylindrical design, having an overall diameter sizable to attach thereto the upper portion of the cart base  30  so as to accommodate the weight of the apparatus  10  and the lights. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10 , without a reel cover  40  and a handle  50 , is disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The base  11  comprises a spindle  12 , rotatably attached thereto, comprising a circular cross-section projecting vertically upwards at a designated distance. The spindle  12  is rotatably attached transversally thereto the axial plane of the base  11 , comprising an upper half  14  and a bottom half  12  thereof such that the bottom half  12  is affixed thereto the base  11  thereof. The bottom half  12  is centrally positioned thereon the base  11 , and the upper half  14  comprises a suitable diameter such to removably receive and accept a light string reel  20 . The bottom half of the spindle  12  is attached to a base member  11 , enabling the entire spindle assembly  12 ,  14  to freely rotate. The spindle portion  12 ,  14  of the present invention  10  is manufactured out of resilient material and has a general shape of a cylindrical shaft member extending through a circular tray member  13  and situated in an intermediate position on the central shaft and affixed thereto, thereby defining a top half  14  and a bottom half  12 . The diameter of the tray  13  is similar or slightly larger than that of a reel cover  40  in order to temporarily sustain a reel  20  and/or a reel cover  40 . 
     A removable reel  20 , also of a resilient material of construction, rests upon the tray portion  13  of the spindle  12 ,  14 . The reel  20  has a base member  21  that rests upon the spindle tray  13  and a central cylindrical portion of a lesser diameter with interspaced circumferential grooves  22  formed on its surface. A central guide hole of a diameter slightly larger than that of the spindle  14  and designed to receive said spindle  14  is vertically formed through the entire reel  20 . Formed on the upper surface of the central reel portion  20  is an inverted “U”-shaped winding mechanism  23  that straddles the guide hole of the reel  20  and provides enough clearance to allow the spindle  14  to rotate freely and also to clear through the central orifice  41  of the exterior cover  40 . The winding mechanism  23  provides a means for a user to provide rotational movements of the spindle  12 ,  14 , hence the reel  20 , in a manner such that the spindle  12 ,  14  and reel  20  rotate together with respect to said winding mechanism  23 . The reel  20  also comprises a plurality of equidistantly spaced dividers or grooves  22  in a generally “V”-shaped configuration so as to removably accept and retain the Christmas light strings, thereby preventing tangling of the said light strings when wound about said reel  20 . The grooves  22  further keep the string of Christmas lights in place while preventing excessive drooping or slumping, especially when said lights are in the process of being wound about the reel  20 . The grooves  22  also prevent wound Christmas light strings from sagging during storage while wound about reel  20 . Upon winding of said lights, the reel  20  retains a length of Christmas lights when wound thereabout. The bottommost or topmost groove  22  may be utilized for retaining the first end of the elongated string of lights in place. 
     A cover member  40 , made of a resilient and waterproof material, covers the entire reel section  20  and is of generally the same diameter as the base  21  of the reel  20 . The cover  40  takes the form of a hollow cylindrical housing to cover the reel  20 , hence the wound Christmas lights, so as to protect and keep said lights. Centrally located on the top portion of the cover  40  is an orifice or slot  41  to accommodate the passing of the winding mechanism  23  therethrough when the cover  40  is placed over the reel section  20 . The passing of the winding mechanism  23  therethrough the slot  41  prevents unintentional unwinding of the Christmas light string. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a close-up view of the clamping mechanism  52 , removably attached thereto the lower half of a spindle  12 , is disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Removably attached at an intermediary position on the bottom half of the spindle shaft  12  between the base member  11  and tray portion  13  is a handle  50 . A cylindrical resilient shaft  50  is attached to a removable clamp  52 , perpendicular to the spindle shaft  12 , and is bent in two (2) or more places so as to orient the distal end parallel to the spindle shaft  12 . The handle  50  generally takes the form of a shaft that is removably attachable to the lower half of the spindle  12  to a means to push and/or pull the apparatus  10 . At the distal end of the handle  50  is a removably detachable ergonomic grip  51 . A clamping mechanism  52  provides an adjustment means such that the handle  50  and grip  51  may adjustably and slidably move upwardly and downwardly along the lower half of the spindle  12  and releasably secured in a desired position thereon said lower half  12 . Threaded screws  55  or the like may be inserted therewithin the clamping mechanism  52 , comprising at least one (1) aperture defining bore for rotatably accepting said screw  55  so that the clamping mechanism  52  may be releasably secured. Alternate fastening mechanisms may be used to releasably secure the handle  50  and handle grip  51  thereto the lower half of the spindle  12 . Whenever desired, the cover  40  may be removed, thereby allowing the free rotational movement of the spindle  12 ,  14 , hence the reel  20 , thereby allowing the elongated string of lights to be freely unwound from the reel  20  by a user. Removing the cover  40  allows the reel  20  to rotate thereabout so that the string of lights can freely unwind from said reel  20 . 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user, who has little or no training, in a simple and effortless manner. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be configured as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 5 . 
     To operate the present invention  10 , a single light string or plurality of light strings must be readily available. The cover  40  of the apparatus  10  must be removed and the light string reel  20  must be verified to rest on the reel tray  13  with the top half of the spindle  14  passing through its center. The apparatus  10 , after verifying that the handle  50  is secured to the bottom half of the spindle  12 , is then transported via the wheeled cart  30  to the area containing the light string by using the handle assembly  50  to guide the apparatus  10 . The handle  50  may be placed anywhere on the lower half of the spindle  12  as to allow it to be easily maneuverable by the user. 
     To begin winding the light string onto the reel  20 , the user secures one end of the light string within the grooves  22  of the reel  20  and begins to manipulate the winding mechanism  23  in a circular motion by grasping the “U” shaped mechanism  23  and rotating the entire assembly in the forward or backward direction. This, in effect, spins both halves of the spindle  12 ,  14 , the reel tray  13 , and the reel assembly  20  while the user and winding mechanism  23  remain in one location. This winding motion causes the light string to wind around the reel  20  and, eventually, around itself to help secure it within the grooves  22  of the reel assembly  20 . The plurality of grooves  22  allow for the apparatus  10  to retain a number of light strings on the reel assembly  20 . 
     Once the light string or strings have been wound on the reel assembly  20 , the user then places the cover assembly  40  by guiding the winding mechanism  23  through the slot  41  on the cover  40 . This action also prevents the accidental unwinding of the reel  20  inasmuch as the winding mechanism  23  cannot rotate with the cover  40  on due to the dimensions of the slot  41 . For prolonged storage, the apparatus  10  can be transported to an out-of-the-way place via the wheeled cart  30  and the handle assembly  50  may be removed by detaching the clamp  52  from the bottom half of the spindle  12 . The reel assembly  20  with the wound light strings and cover assembly  40  is then removed from the top half of the spindle  14  and then placed in its desired location. 
     When it is desired to unwind the light strings from the apparatus  10 , the preceding steps may be followed, noting that the cover  40  must be removed prior to any action. 
     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.