Patent Publication Number: US-2010110696-A1

Title: Icicle attachment

Description:
The present invention is generally related to decorative lamp casings and lamp bulb envelopes and is more particularly directed to an icicle attachment for a light bulb. 
     Existing decorative lamp covers have the general appearance of an icicle, however these devices do not present the visual effect of a real icicle and further do not provide light escape or sparkle provided by actual icicles. 
     In addition, prior art devices do not provide for enhancing water drainage or dripping realistically found in natural light bulbs. 
     The present invention fills that need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An icicle attachment in accordance with the present invention for a light bulb generally includes a hollow tube having a shape simulating a pendant spear of ice with the tube being tapered with a wide top opening for receiving a standard string holiday light bulb and an opposing narrow open bottom. The tube is formed from a translucent heat resistant diffusing white plastic in order to emulate a lighted icicle. 
     At least two radially inward directed spokes are disposed at the tube top with the spokes being pliable for enabling a bulb socket to be inserted therepast into the tube top and thereafter retained the bulb socket in the tube top. Alternatively, a clamshell arrangement may be provided for ease of attaching to the lights with the spokes holding the bulb socket in place. 
     Notches formed in a rim or the tube top enable straight passage of socket wire through the tube top and flush mounting of the tube top against the decorated surface. This further enhances the realistic effect of the icicle attachment in accordance with the present invention by simulating direct attachment to an eave or the like, and in addition to flush mounting, it allows for the light socket to be hidden. 
     Slits formed in walls of the tube proximate the open body and communicating therewith enhance drainage of the tube and light escape or sparkle and further provide a dripping action when water accumulated during precipitation drains from the icicle attachment. 
     Preferably, the tube has greater opacity at the tube top than the tube bottom to simulate an icicle appearance and to diffuse the light along the tube and the tube has an undulating surface between the tube top and the tube top bottom for varying a direction of emitted light as adding to the sparkle of the icicle attachment in accordance with the present invention. The undulations are also designed to mimic the unevenness of a real icicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a cross sectional view of an icicle attachment in accordance with the present invention generally showing a hollow tube, a light bulb, socket, and notches formed in the walls of the tube proximate an open end for enabling straight passage of a socket wire; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the icicle attachment illustrating more clearly inwardly directed spokes for enabling a bulb socket to be inserted therepast into the tube top and thereafter retain the bulb socket in the tube top; and 
         FIG. 3  is an elevation view of the icicle attachment shown in  FIG. 1  more clearly showing the notches along with a slit formed in the tube of the wall proximate an open bottom and communicating therewith for enhancing drainage from the tube and light escape or sparkle from the tube. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3  there is shown an icicle attachment  10  for a light bulb  12  and socket  14  in communication with companion sockets/bulbs (not shown) by socket wire  20 . 
     The icicle attachment  10  includes a hollow tube  24  having a wide open top  28  for receiving the light bulb  12  and socket  14  and an opposing narrow open bottom  30  on a with the tube  24  being formed from a translucent, heat resistant diffusing white plastic of any suitable configuration for emulating a lighted icicle. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , but best shown in  FIG. 2 , at least two radially inwardly directed spokes  34 ,  36  which has sufficient flexibility, or pliability, for enabling the light bulb  12  and socket  14  to be inserted therepast into the tube top  28  and thereafter retain the bulb socket  14  in the tube top  28  through tension in the wire  20 . 
     Notches  40 ,  42  formed in a rim  46  enable straight passage of the socket wire  20  through the tube top  28  which enables flush mounting of the tube top  28  against a decorated surface  50 , such as an eve. This simulates the direct attachment of the icicle attachment to the eve to create a more realistic icicle appearance. In addition, the present invention  10  provides for a ease of attachment to a house, for ease of changing the design with different separation between “icicles” and different numbers of icicles showing, variations in color (color lights vs. white vs. clear), variations in size easily changed, and provides for mixing icicles in with the lights. These features can only be accomplished easily with the use of this design that allows it to be placed over existing lights. 
     Slits  54 ,  56  formed in the tube  24  approximate the open bottom  30  and communicating therewith not only enhance drainage of accumulated water but also provide a light escape with simulates a sparkle of the icicle attachment  10 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , there is shown, by way of dappling  58 , the tube  24  having greater opacity at or near the tube top  28  than the tube bottom  30 . In addition, the tube  24  may have an undulating surface  62  for varying a direction of emitted light and further enhancing the overall lighted effect of the icicle attachment  10  in simulating an actual icicle. 
     In addition, the icicle attachment  10  in accordance with the present invention may include two halves  66 ,  68  as indicated by dashed line  70 , which in effect provide a clam shell arrangement for enabling assembly of the attachment  10 , around the bulb  12  and socket  14 . 
     Although there has been hereinabove described a specific icicle attachment in accordance with the present invention for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may be used to advantage, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the recited elements. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. Accordingly, any and all modifications, variations or equivalent arrangements which may occur to those skilled in the art, should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.