Patent Publication Number: US-2005117331-A1

Title: Light housing

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates to light housings and, more particularly, a housing for holding a light source which is adapted for attachment to a structure.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Many devices are known for attachment to a structure, such as an exterior of a house, in which electric lights can be positioned. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,751 (Shaffer)-discloses a device including an elongate channel having top and bottom walls joined by a rear wall and a front wall depending from the top wall. The device also includes a flexible, rectangular screen cover. A string of Christmas lights is positionable in the channel, when the cover screen is removed.  
      The invention disclosed in Shaffer suffers from the defect that it is relatively inconvenient to position the Christmas lights in the device, because the positioning is effected by means of cord clamps. The device includes a main body which is fastened to a structure using fasteners, such as screws. However, the cord clamps also include screws which have to be tightened so that they will hold the Christmas lights. Also, the main body of the device includes two portions—a body defining a channel, as well as the screen cover—so that the user is required to handle two components on installation, as well as fasteners and the cord clamps, and the screws needed for the cord clamps. In addition, the Shaffer device is adapted to permit light to be transmitted through the screen cover only, and the lighting effects which can be produced using the Shaffer device are therefore somewhat limited.  
      There is therefore a need for a simple housing adapted for attachment to a structure adapted for holding a light source therein.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing for holding at least one light source. The housing has a front wall with an exterior side and an opposed interior side, a first wall extending from the front wall and one or more support elements extending from the interior side of the front wall. Each support element is adapted to locate one or more sources in the housing.  
      In another embodiment, the first wall extends from the interior side of the front wall.  
      In yet another embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of apertures so that light from the light source held in the housing is transmittable through the apertures in the front wall.  
      In another alternative embodiment, each support element comprises a tab movable between an open position, in which the light source is receivable on the tab, and a closed position, in which the tab holds the light source in the housing.  
      In yet another alternative embodiment, the housing additionally includes a second wall extending from the interior side of the front wall. The second wall is spaced apart from the first wall a predetermined distance sufficient to permit the light source to be received therebetween.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The invention will be better understood with reference to the drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a housing of the invention showing an interior side of a front wall, a first wall extending from the front wall, and a support element extending from the interior side of the front wall;  
       FIG. 1B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 1A  showing the first wall and an exterior side of the front wall;  
       FIG. 1C  is a cross-section of the housing of  FIG. 1A  attached to a structure and with a light source held therein, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 1D  is an isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 1A  with a fastener positioned to be passed through the support element and through a fastener hole in the first wall, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 1E  is an isometric view of the housing and the fastener of  FIG. 1D , showing an exterior side of the front wall and the first wall;  
       FIG. 1F  is a cross-section of the housing of  FIG. 1E  showing the housing positioned adjacent to the structure, with the fastener positioned to be passed through the support element and through the fastener hole into the structure, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 2  is a isometric view of a structure to which a series of housing portions are attached to the structure in preselected locations drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the housing of  FIG. 1A , with a light source held therein and attached to the structure of  FIG. 2  schematically showing light-from the light source transmitted through openings in the housing, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the housing and light assembly of  FIG. 3  with the light source positioned therein, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 5B  is an elevation view of the front wall of the housing of  FIG. 5A ;  
       FIG. 5C  is a cross-section of the housing of  FIG. 5A  attached to the structure and with the light source held therein, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 6A  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, showing an exterior side of a front wall with two substantially planar portions positioned at a predetermined angle relative to each other, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 6B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 6A ;  
       FIG. 6C  is a cross-section of the housing of  FIG. 6A  attached to the structure and with the light source held therein, drawn at a small scale;  
       FIG. 7A  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 7B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 7A ;  
       FIG. 7C  is a cross-section of the housing of  FIG. 7A  attached to the structure and with-the light source held therein, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 8A  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 8B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 8A ;  
       FIG. 8C  is a cross-section of the housing of  FIG. 8A  attached to the structure and with the light source held therein, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 9A  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 9B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 9A ;  
       FIG. 9C  is a cross-section of the housing of  FIG. 9A  attached to the structure and with the light source held therein, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 10A  is an isometric view of yet another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, curved to conform to a curvilinear structure, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 10B  is a top elevation view of the housing of  FIG. 10A ;  
       FIG. 10C  is a front elevation view of the housing of  FIG. 10A ;  
       FIG. 10D  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 10A , mounted on a curved surface of a structure, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 11A  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 11B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 11A ;  
       FIG. 11C  is a cross-section of the housing of  FIG. 11A  attached to the structure and with the light source held therein, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 12A  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 12B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 12A ;  
       FIG. 12C  is a cross-section of the housing of  FIG. 12A  attached to the structure and with the light source held therein, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 13A  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 13B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 13A ;  
       FIG. 13C  is a cross-section of the housing  FIG. 13A  attached to the structure and with the light source held therein, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 14A  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 14B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 14A ;  
       FIG. 14C  is a cross section of the housing of  FIG. 14A  attached to the structure and with the light source held therein, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 15A  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 15B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 15A ;  
       FIG. 15C  is a cross-section of the housing of  FIG. 15A  attached to the structure and with the light source held therein, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 16A  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 16B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 16A ;  
       FIG. 16C  is a cross-section of the housing of  FIG. 16A  attached to the structure and with the light source held therein, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 17A  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the housing of the invention, curved to conform to a curved surface formed by an arch structure, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 17B  is another isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 17A ;  
       FIG. 17C  is an elevation view of a front wall of the housing of  FIG. 17A ;  
       FIG. 17D  is an isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 17A  attached to an arch structure, drawn at a smaller scale;  
       FIG. 18A  is an isometric view of a housing and light assembly, drawn at a larger scale;  
       FIG. 18B  is another isometric view of the housing and light assembly of  FIG. 18A ;  
       FIG. 19A  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a housing and light assembly of the invention;  
       FIG. 19B  is another isometric view of the housing and light assembly of  FIG. 19A ;  
       FIG. 20A  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a housing and light assembly of the invention;  
       FIG. 20B  is another isometric view of the housing and light assembly of  FIG. 20A ;  
       FIG. 21A  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a housing and light assembly of the invention; and  
       FIG. 21B  is another isometric view of the housing and light assembly of  FIG. 21A .  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)  
      Reference is first made to  FIGS. 1A-1F  to describe a preferred embodiment of a housing indicated generally by the numeral  50  in accordance with the invention. As can be seen in  FIG. 1C , the housing  50  is adapted for holding a light source  52  in the housing  50 . The housing  50  has a front wall  54  with an exterior side  56  ( FIG. 1B ) and an opposed interior side  58  ( FIG. 1A ) and a first wall  60  extending from the front wall  54 . Preferably, the first wall  60  extends from the interior side  58  of the front wall  54 .  
      In the preferred embodiment, the housing  50  also includes a second wall  66  extending from the front wall  54  ( FIG. 1A ). Preferably, the second wall  66  is spaced apart from the first wall  60  a predetermined distance sufficient to permit the light source  52  to be received therebetween.  
      The second wall  66  includes a support element  62  for locating the light source  52  in the housing  50 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1C , the support element  62  preferably is a tab movable between an open position ( FIG. 1A ), in which the light source  52  is receivable between the tab  62  and the first wall  60 , and a closed position ( FIG. 1C ), in which the tab  62  holds the light source  52  in the housing  50 . The tab  62  is shown in the open position in  FIG. 1D  and in the closed position in  FIG. 1C . The tab  62  preferably includes an opening  63  ( FIG. 1A ), as will be described.  
      As can be seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the front wall  54  preferably includes a number of apertures  64 . The apertures  64  are positioned so that, when the light source  52  is held in the housing  50 , light from the light source  52  is transmittable through the apertures  64 . Light transmitted through the apertures  64  is schematically represented in  FIG. 1C  by arrow “A”.  
      For example, the first wall  60  and the second wall  66  are shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1C  as being spaced apart a distance “X” which is sufficient to permit the light source  52  (shown in  FIG. 1C ) to be received therebetween.  
      In the preferred embodiment, the first wall  60  is substantially planar. Preferably, the second wall  66  is also substantially planar. The second wall  66  can extend from the interior side  58  of the front wall  54  substantially parallel to the first wall  60  and spaced apart from the first wall  60  a predetermined distance sufficient to permit the light source  52  to be received therebetween. Preferably, the support element  62  is substantially coplanar with the second wall  66 .  
      As can be seen in  FIGS. 1C and 18A , when the light source  52  is held in the housing  50  by the support element  62 , a gap  67  is defined between the second wall  66  and the first wall  60 . Light, schematically represented by arrow “B” ( FIG. 1C ), is simultaneously transmitted from the light source  52  through the gap  67  and the apertures  64 . The result is an aesthetically pleasing backlighting effect.  
      The opening  63  in the tab  62  also permits light from the light source  52  to be transmitted generally in substantially the same direction as light transmitted through the gap  67 . Light from the light source  52  which is transmitted through the opening  63  is schematically represented in  FIG. 1C  by arrow “C”. It will be appreciated that light is also transmitted from the light source  52  substantially parallel to arrow “C” along the length of the light source  52 , except where blocked by the support element  62 .  
      For example, as can be seen in  FIG. 1F , the second wall  66  includes a back edge  73  ( FIG. 1D ) which, together with the first wall  60 , defines an opening  74 . When the light source  52  is located in the housing  50  (i.e., as shown in  FIG. 1C ), light from the light source  52  is transmittable through the opening  74 . The only obstructions to this transmission of light from the light source  52  through the opening  74  along the light source&#39;s length are the support elements  62 .  
      In the preferred embodiment, the first wall  60  is adapted to be secured to a structure  68  ( FIGS. 1C, 1F ,  2 ,  3  and  4 ). Preferably, the first wall  60  includes a fastener hole  70  in which a fastener  72 , such as a screw, is receivable. As shown in  FIG. 1D , the tab  62  is preferably positioned so that the fastener  72  can be aligned with the fastener hole  70  through the opening  63  in the tab  62 , thereby simplifying the installation of the housing  50  on the structure  68 . An installer (not shown), who is typically positioned on a ladder when attaching the housing  50  to the structure  68 , need only insert the fastener through the opening  63  and directly into the fastener hole  70  ( FIGS. 1E, 1F ). The fastener  72  in the fastener hole  70  is subsequently tightened until the fastener  72  secures the first wall  60  to the structure  68 .  
      It will be understood that the various embodiments of the housings shown as being attached to the structure in the drawings are attached thereto by any suitable fasteners, and/or by any other suitable means. As many fastener holes  70  and fasteners  72  as are needed along a length of housing  50  are used. It will also be understood that, although only one support element is shown in a housing in the drawings, housings are typically formed to be elongate, and typically include a plurality of support elements. The support elements are typically spaced apart along a length of a housing at predetermined intervals sufficient to hold the light source securely in the housing.  
      The housing  50  is preferably included in a housing and light assembly  74  ( FIGS. 2-4 ,  18 A, and  18 B) including the front wall  54 , the first wall  60  and the tabs  62 , as well as one or more light sources  52  held in the housing  50 . The light source  52  is preferably held against the interior side  58  of the front wall  54  by support elements, or tabs,  62 . Also, the light source  52  is preferably adapted for use with an external source of electric current, as will be described.  
      Preferably, a number of housing and light assemblies  74 , or housing portions, are positioned in series relative to each other, to form a decorative light system  80 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In the preferred embodiment, the ends of adjacent housing portions  74  are formed so that they cooperate to form a continuous, or substantially continuous, system positioned in a preselected location on the structure  68  ( FIGS. 2, 4 ,  18 A,  18 B).  
      Preferably, the housing  50  comprises steel, aluminium, or a durable plastic material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). The apertures  64  can have round shapes, or can have any other shape, or shapes, desired. The spacing of the apertures  64  in the front wall  54  can be regular, so that the apertures  64  form a pattern, or the spacing can be random. It will also be appreciated that the support element  62  could, alternatively, be of solid construction.  
      The light source  52  is preferably a rope light. As is known in the art, a rope light typically includes an elongate translucent tube (usually comprising a flexible plastic material) with one or more incandescent light elements disposed inside the tube. Rope lights for producing light in a variety of colors are available.  
      In use, the housing  50  is positioned on the structure at a preselected location by the installer (not shown), and fasteners  72  are inserted through the fastener holes  70 , to secure the housing  50  to the structure  68 . The installer inserts the light source  52  into the housing  50 , mounting the light source on the support element  62 , which secures the light source  52  in the housing  50 . Preferably, the support element  62  is deflected, or bent, to a closed position, to hold the light source  52  more securely in the housing  50 . After the light source  52  is in place, another housing portion  50  is installed next to and adjacent to the first housing, and a light source  52  is also inserted and held therein. Each housing portion with a light source held therein comprises a housing and light assembly. Once all the housing portions required are in position on the structure ( FIG. 2 ), electricity is provided to the light system comprising the plurality of housing and light assemblies. As can be seen in  FIGS. 1C and 4 , the housing and light assemblies provide both light transmitted through the apertures in the front walls and light transmitted through the opening  74  along the back of the housing (and through openings  63 ), to provide a backlighting effect. The overall effect of the light transmitted out of the housing both towards an observer (not shown) and away from the observer is aesthetically pleasing and unique.  
      Preferably, once attached, the housing  50  is allowed to remain in place on the structure  68 , with the light source  52  therein. When the light source is not energized, the decorative light system is unobtrusive. For example, if the system is used primarily to provide a decorative lighting effect during the Christmas season, the system can be left in place throughout the year, and the annual household task of putting up and taking down Christmas lights is thereby done away with.  
      In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , a housing  150  includes the front wall  54  and the first wall  60  and a support element  162  extending from the front wall  54 . Preferably, the support element  162  extends from the interior side  58  of the front wall  54 , and is movable between an open position ( FIG. 5A ) and a closed position ( FIG. 5C ). The light source  52  is receivable on the support element  162  (i.e., between the support element  162  and the first wall  60 ) when the support element  162  is in the open position. After the housing  150  has been attached to the structure  68  the light source  52  is positioned in the housing  150 . Next, the support element  162  is bent to secure the light source  52  in the housing  150  so that the light source  52  is held in place between the support element  162 , the interior side  58  of the front wall  54 , and the first wall  60 .  
      Preferably, the support element  162  is of solid construction (i.e., without an opening) and has a main portion  163  and a second portion  165 . The second portion  165  is positioned at an angle relative to the main portion  163 , and when the support element  162  is in a normal position ( FIG. 5C ), a gap  167  is defined between the second portion  165  and the first wall  60 . The second portion  165  of the-support element  162  is positioned at an angle to the first portion  163  to assist in guiding the light source  52  into the gap  167 , when the light source  52  is to be inserted into the housing  150 . The light source  52  is then pressed into the gap  167  by-the installer, causing deflection of the support element  162  away from the first wall  60  (i.e., thereby widening the gap  167 ) sufficiently to enable the light source  52  to move through the gap  167  and into contact with the first portion  163 . The support element  162  resiliently returns to its normal position after the light source  52  is located adjacent to the first portion  163 , in which the gap  167  is insufficiently wide to permit the light source  52  through, so that the light source  52  is thereby held in the housing  150 . It can be seen, therefore, that the support element  162  is not bent or deflected to a closed position in the same manner as the support element  62 . This “snap-in” version of the support element is typically narrower than the bendable version of the support element, and may be used where the material comprising the housing is suitable. The snap-in version can provide somewhat quicker and easier installation, where the appropriate materials are used.  
      The support element  162  is located a preselected distance offset from the fastener hole  170  because the fastener (not shown) could not be passed through the solid support element  162 . The support element  162  could, alternatively, have an opening therein (not shown). If the support element  162  had an opening therein, it could be located in alignment with a fastener hole. It will also be appreciated that the support element  62  (i.e., in housing  50 ) could, alternatively, be replaced by support element  162 .  
      In another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C , a housing  250  includes a front wall  254  and a first wall  260  extending from the front wall  254 . The front wall  254  includes a first portion  253 , from which the first wall  260  extends, -and a second portion  255 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 6A and 6C , the second portion  255  and the first portion  253  are both substantially planar, but they are positioned at an angle relative to each other. As can be seen in  FIG. 6C , relatively more light can be directed downwardly and forwardly out of the housing  250  due to the positioning of the second portion  255  relative to the first portion  253 , and the positioning of both relative to the light source  52  ( FIG. 6C ). The support element  262  is movable between an open position ( FIG. 6B ) and a closed position ( FIG. 6C ). Preferably, the support element  262  is solid, and is offset from the fastener hole  270 . However, the support element  262  could, alternatively, include an opening therein (not shown).  
      In another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C , a housing  350  includes a front wall  354  which includes a substantially planar first portion  353  and a curved second portion  355  extending from the first portion  353 . A first wall  360  also extends from the first portion  353 , and the second portion  355  of the front wall  354  includes a distal end  357  which is spaced apart from the first wall  360  a distance sufficient to permit the light source  52  to be received between the distal end  357  and the first wall  360 .  
      Preferably, the housing  350  includes a support element  362  of solid construction, for locating and retaining the light source  52  in the housing  350 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 7B and 7C , the support element  362  preferably includes a first portion  363  and a second portion  365  positioned at an angle relative to the first portion  363 .  
      The support element  362 , like the support element  162 , is a “snap-in” support element. The second portion  363  is positioned to guide the light source  52  towards a gap  367  (between the support element  362  and the first wall  360 ), when the light source  52  is being inserted into the housing  350 . As the light source  52  is pressed into the gap  367 , the support element  362  deflects away from the first wall  360 , causing the gap  367  to widen, thereby allowing the light source  52  through. The light source  52  is held in place by the support element  362  because, after deflection, the support element  362  resiliently returns to its normal position ( FIG. 7C ), in which the gap  367  is insufficiently wide to permit the light source  52  to pass therethrough. The light source  52  is thereby held in the housing  350 .  
      As can be seen in  FIG. 7C , the second portion  355  of the housing  350  provides support for the light source  52  along the length of the light source  52 . Because of this, the support elements  362  can be relatively narrow, thereby making installation of the light source  52  somewhat easier. Also, the apertures  64  in the second portion  355  provide an aesthetically pleasing effect, in which light from the light source is directed through the apertures downwardly (through portion- 355 ) and horizontally (through portion  353 ), as well as through the gap  367  and an opening  374  along the back of the housing  350 , to provide a backlighting effect.  
      In another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C , a housing  450  includes a curved front wall  454  with a first end  447 , from which a first wall  460  extends, and a second end  449 , from which a support element  462  extends. As can be seen in  FIG. 8C , the front wall  454  is preferably curved so that the light source  52  fits within an interior side  458  of the front wall  454 .  
      In another alternative embodiment shown on  FIGS. 9A-9C , a housing  550  includes a front wall  554 , a first wall  560  extending from the front wall  554 , and a second wall  566  also extending from the front wall  554 . The first wall includes a first portion  559  which is adjacent to the front wall, and a second portion  561  which preferably is positioned substantially orthogonally to the first portion  559 . The second portion  561  preferably includes fastener holes  570 . As can be seen in  FIG. 9C , the position of the-second portion  561  relative to the first portion  559  can permit the front wall  554  to be positioned at a distance from a front surface  69  of the structure  68 .  
      As can be seen in  FIGS. 9C and 9D , the housing  550  preferably also includes a support element  562  which is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the support element  562  is in the open position, the second wall  566  and the support element  562  are spaced apart from the first portion  559  of the first wall  560  a distance sufficient to permit the light source  52  to be positioned between the first portion  559 , on the one hand, and the second wall- 566  and the support element  562 , on the other hand. After the light source  52  is positioned in the housing  550 , the support element  562  is bent to engage the light source  52  and press the light source  52  against the interior side  558  of the front wall  554  and also against the first portion  559 .  
      In another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D , a housing  650  includes a front wall  654  and a first wall  660  extending from the front wall. The housing  650  also includes a second wall  666  ( FIG. 10B ) extending from the front wall  654 , and a support element  662  extending from the second wall  666 . The first wall  660  includes a first portion  659  and a second portion  661 . The second portion  661  preferably includes fastener holes  670 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 10A-10C , the first portion  659  extends from the front wall  654 , positioned substantially orthogonally to the front wall  654 , and the second portion  661  extends substantially orthogonally to the first portion  659 . The front wall  654  and the first portion  659  are divided by a series of cuts  675  which permit the housing  650  to be bent to conform with a curvilinear shape. Preferably, the cuts  675  are spaced apart a predetermined distance.  
      As can be seen in  FIG. 10D , the housing  650  is bendable to conform to a curved surface  667  of a structure  668 . Preferably, after the housing  650  has been bent to the appropriate curve, the housing  650  is attached to the curved surface  667  by fasteners (not shown) inserted through the fastener holes  670  and into the curved surface  667 . Subsequently, the light source  52  is positioned in the housing  650 , and then the support elements  662  are bent over the light source  52 , to hold the light source  52  in the housing  650 .  
      In another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17A-17D , a housing  750  includes a front wall  754  and a first wall  760  extending from the front wall. The housing  750  also includes a second wall  766 , also extending from the front wall  754 , the second wail  766  being substantially parallel to the first wall  754 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 17A-17C , the front wall  754  and the second wall  766  are divided by a series of cuts  775  which permit the housing  750  to be bent to conform with a curvilinear shape. Support elements  762  extend from the second wall  766 . Preferably, the cuts  775  are spaced apart a predetermined distance.  
      As can be seen in  FIG. 17B , the housing  750  is bendable to conform to a curved surface formed by an arch structure  768 . Preferably, after the housing  750  has been bent to the appropriate curve to conform with the curvature of the arch  768 , the housing  750  is attached to the arch  768  by fasteners (not shown) inserted through the fastener holes  770  and into the arch structure  768 . Subsequently, the light source  52  is positioned in the housing  750 . The support elements  762  are then bent over the light source  52 , to hold the light source  52  in the housing  750 .  
      In another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11A-11C , a housing  850  includes a substantially planar front wall  854 , a substantially planar first wall  860  extending from the front wall  854 , the first wall  860  and the front wall  854  being substantially co-planar. The housing  850  additionally includes a second wall  866  extending substantially orthogonally from the front wall  854  and a support element  862  extending from the second wall. Fastener holes  870  are preferably included in the first wall  860  ( FIGS. 11A, 11B ).  
      As can be seen in  FIG. 11C , after the housing is attached to the structure  68 , the light source  52  is positioned between the second wall  866  and a second surface  71  of the structure  68 . The support element  862  is then bent from the open position to the closed position ( FIG. 11C , so that the support element  862  urges the light source  52  into contact with each of the front wall  854 , the second wall  866 , and the second surface  71  of the structure  68 .  
      In another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C , a housing  950  includes a substantially planar front wall  954 , and a substantially planar first wall extending from the first wall  960  extending from the front wall  954  in a first direction, as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . The first wall  960  includes fastener holes  970  therein. The housing  950  also includes a substantially planar second wall  966  extending from the front wall  954  in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction. Additionally, the housing  950  includes a support element  962  extending in the second direction and movable between an open position and a closed position.  
      As can be seen in  FIG. 12C , the housing is mounted to the second surface  71  of the structure  68 . The light source is positioned in the housing, i.e., between the second wall  966  and the second surface  71 . The support element  962  is bent to the closed position in which the support element  962  urges the light source  52  against the front wall  954 . In this embodiment, the light source  52  may also come into contact with the second surface  71  of the structure  68  (not shown).  
      In another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13A-13C , a housing  1050  includes a substantially planar front wall  1054 , a first wall  1060  having a substantially planar first portion  1059  extending in a first direction from the front wall  1054  and positioned substantially orthogonally to the front wall  1054 , and including a second portion  1061 . Preferably, the second portion  1061  is substantially planar and extends from the first portion  1059  in a direction away from the front wall  1054 . The second portion  1061  includes fastener holes  1070 . The housing  1050  also preferably includes a second wall  1066  extending substantially orthogonally from the front wall  1054  in a second direction which is substantially opposite to the first direction. Finally, the housing  1050  additionally includes a support element  1062  extending from the second wall  1066  in the second direction.  
      As can be seen in  FIG. 13C , the second portion  1060  preferably is fastened to the front surface  69  of the structure  68 . Because of the positioning of the second portion  1060  and the first portion  1059  relative to each other and relative to the front wall  1054 , the light source  52 , when held in the housing  1050 , is offset back from the front surface  69 . The support element  1062  is bent so that it urges the light source  52  against the front wall  1054 , to hold the light source  52  in the housing  1050 .  
      In another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 14A-14C , a housing  1150  includes a front wall  1154  including a substantially planar first portion  1153  and a curved second portion  1155 . Preferably, the housing  1150  includes a first wall extending from the first portion in a first direction away from the second portion. Additionally, the housing  1150  preferably includes one or more support elements  1162  extending from the curved second portion  1155  of the front wall  1154 . As can be seen in  FIG. 14C , the first wall  1160  is attached to the second surface  71  of the structure  68 . The light source  52  is preferably positioned in the housing, held between the first portion  1153  and the second portion  1155  of the front wall  1154 .  
      In yet another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15A-15C , a housing  1250  includes a substantially planar front wall  1254 , with a substantially planar first wall  1260  extending therefrom substantially orthogonally to the front wall  1254 . The front wall  1254  has an exterior side  1256  and an opposed interior side  1258 . Fastener holes  1270  are included in the first wall  1260 . The housing  1250  additionally includes a second wall  1266  extending from the interior side  1258  of the front wall  1254 . The second wall  1266  includes apertures  1267  which are substantially aligned with the fastener-holes  1270  in the first wall  1260 . The apertures  1267  permit fasteners to be passed there through and into the fastener holes  1270  when the housing  1250  is attached to the structure  68 .  
      As can be seen in  FIGS. 15A and 15C , the second wall  1266  preferably includes a first portion  1265 -which is curved to receive the light source  52 , and a second portion  1269  which extends towards the first wall  1260 . As can be seen in  FIG. 15C , the gap  1243  between the first wall  1260  and the second portion  1269  is substantially less than the diameter of the light source  52 . As can be seen in  FIG. 15C , in order for the light source  52  to be inserted in the housing  1250 , the second portion  1269  is deflected (not shown), to enable the light source  52  to be inserted in the housing  1250 . Because of the flexibility needed to enable the second portion  1269  to deflect sufficiently, the housing  1250  is preferably made of PVC or other suitable material with sufficient flexibility. After the insertion of the light source  52  through the gap  1243 , the second portion  1269  returns to its original position ( FIG. 15C ) so that it holds the light source  52  in the housing  1250 .  
      In yet another alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16A-16C , a housing  1350  includes a front wall  1354  having a substantially planar first portion  1353  and a substantially planar second portion  1355  positioned orthogonally to the first portion  1353  and extending in a first direction therefrom. The housing  1350  additionally includes a first wall  1360  with fastener holes  1370  therein. Preferably, the housing  1350  additionally includes support elements  1362  movable between an open position ( FIG. 16B ) and a closed position ( FIG. 16C ).  
      As can be seen in  FIG. 16C , the housing  1350  can be used where, for example, the structure  68  includes an extension part  73  to which the first wall  1360  is attached.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 18A and 18B , a housing and light assembly  174  can be prepared for installation with a light source  152  having a predetermined length, and connectors  151 ,  153  at opposite ends thereof. Preferably, the connector  151  is adapted for use with an electrical power cord  155  to provide electricity to the light source  152  from a source (not shown). The connector  153  is preferably adapted to cooperate with a connector  251  positioned in a light source  252  in an -adjacent housing portion (not shown). When the housing portions are positioned on the structure, the light sources  152  and  252  are joined together at the connectors  153 ,  251  so that electrical current can reach the light sources  152 ,  252 . By means of such connectors, a series of housing portions, each containing a light source, can be connected together to form a decorative lighting system attached to a structure, such as a house.  
      An additional embodiment  1450  of the housing is shown in  FIGS. 19A and 19B , with the light source  152  positioned therein. The housing  1450  is formed to conform with a corner in a structure (not shown) to which the housing  1450  is to be attached. As can be seen in  FIG. 19B , the housing  1450  includes fastener holes  1470  through which fasteners can be inserted in order to secure the housing  1450  to the structure. The housing  1450  also includes support elements  1462  which are shown in the open position in  FIG. 19B  for greater clarity.  
      The housing  1450  is preferably formed out of a substantially straight housing portion. After the dimensions of the corner in the structure are obtained, angled cuts re made in the front wall  1454  and in the second wall  1466 . Preferably, the first wall  1460  is then bent to conform with the corner in which the housing  1450  is to be attached.  
      Another alternative embodiment of a housing  1550 , with the light source  152  held therein, is shown in  FIGS. 20A and 20B . The housing  1550  is formed to fit in an inwardly-directed  900  corner. The housing  1550  includes a first wall  1560  extending from a front wall  1554 , and fastener holes  1570  are included in the first wall  1560 . The support elements  1562  are shown in the open position for clarity. The housing  1550  preferably is formed by welding two housing potions (of suitable materials) together in the appropriate configuration.  
      Yet another alternative embodiment of a housing  1650  is shown in  FIGS. 21A and 21B . The housing  1650  is formed to fit into a peak on a structure  68 . Preferably, the housing  1650  is made of a suitable material which can be bent into a shape and retain its shape afterwards, so that the housing  1650  can be formed to fit into a peak in a manner similar to the manner in which the housing  1450 -is formed (described above).  
      The housing can be made of any suitable material. Preferably, the housing is made of material which is suitably resilient, where necessary, and otherwise which can be formed into the appropriate shapes, as required. The housing permits light to be directed from the light source positioned therein outwardly, through the front wall, and through an opening formed generally between the first wall and the second wall, i.e., in those embodiments of the housing which include a second wall. In the embodiments lacking a second wall, the opening is formed between the first wall and a distal end of the front wall. The result is to provide a decorative lighting system in which the observer can see light from the light source which is transmitted through the front wall as well as light simultaneously transmitted through the opening which provides a backlighting effect.  
      It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention can take many forms, and that such forms are within the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.