Patent Publication Number: US-6340238-B1

Title: Hanger structure used for decorative light bulb strings

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Decorative light bulb strings are widely applied on various occasions. Using a variety of light bulb arrays to create a unique decorative effect is common in the practical field. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, a light bulb string is attached to a support by conventional hanging devices ( 1 ). Each hanging device ( 1 ) is composed of a hook portion ( 11 ), a barb portion ( 12 ), a catch portion ( 13 ) and a trough portion ( 14 ). The hanging device ( 1 ) can secure electrical conductive wires ( 2 ) in its trough portion ( 14 ) by locking the barb portion ( 12 ) with the catch portion ( 13 ) thereof. By routing electrical conductive wires through the trough portions of a plurality of hanging devices as shown in FIG. 1, a light bulb string can be attached to a support and displays a planar pattern. However, such an arrangement often needs a plurality of prior art hanging devices ( 1 ). Besides, the hanging mechanism is complicated in structure. It is not easy to disconnect the barb portion with the catch portion to release electrical conductive wires in the trough portion. Thus it does favor for repetitive use. Moreover, the hook portion of the device does not give a firm attachment to supports and thus dropping might happen. Once the light bulb string or the hanging device is broken, the replacement will be time-consuming. 
     In view of the above shortcomings, the object of the invention is to provide a hanger structure used for decorative light bulb strings that uses an ingenious design combined with a unique arrangement of light bulb strings to show an innovative decorative effect while it has practical and economical value in the field. Now the structure and features of this invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows prior art hanging devices used for decorative light bulb strings. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the prior art hanging device of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 shows the prior art hanging device of FIG. 2 in a developed state. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a hanger according to the invention. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the application of the hanger according to the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the invention provides a hanger structure that comprises a ring-like loop portion ( 3 ) integrally molded with a resilient retainer portion ( 31 ). The resilient retainer portion ( 31 ) is provided with an opening ( 32 ) on the top as an entrance to the interior thereof. The entrance ( 32 ) has a curved configuration that facilitates the passage of electrical conductive wires. The entrance ( 32 ) is smaller in comparison with the diameter of an electrical conductive wire so that it only allows electrical conductive wires urged by an external force to pass through. The elasticity of material will restore the entrance to its original size after electrical conductive wires passing and so they can be secured inside. The interior of the retainer portion is dimensioned to accommodate two or more electrical conductive wires ( 2 ). 
     In application, the electrical conductive wires ( 2 ) of a light bulb string are routed through the retainer portion of a hanger ( 3 ) disposed on each turning point. These hangers are further attached to supports by their loop portion. In this way, a light bulb string can be arranged to form various patterns that are different from what conventional hanging devices can acquire. Furthermore, the hanger according to the invention provides convenience in use and is economical in cost. In addition, evidently the hanger of the invention is not only skillful in structure but also convenience in replacement. It meets the requirements of a patent grant.