Patent Abstract:
Apparatus for deploying decorative wiring upon elevated locations. The apparatus, packaged in kit form, utilizes a pole for installing wiring from a stable ground position. An installation nut screws unto the pole for manipulating accessory tools that deploy the clips and wiring. The nut comprises captivating slots to which a clip controller and wire tool are alternately coupled. A prong projecting from the controller forcibly engages the wiring clips. After clip installation, wires are installed with the wire tool&#39;s arms. The controller and wire tool both comprise flexible legs fitted within the nut slots that are snap-fitted by detents. Each clip comprises a baseplate, and an outwardly angled cradle for holding wiring. The gutter clip has a projecting latch terminating in a gutter-engaging barb. The adhesively-backed clip is press fitted to the target. A control region formed between the cradle and the baseplate of each clip receives the controller prong.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of a previously filed, copending United States utility patent application entitled “Suspension Ceiling Clips and Installation Method,” Ser. No. 09/993,983, filed Nov. 16, 2001, and owned by the same assignee as in this case. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    Our invention relates generally to systems for suspending and supporting decorations including strings of Christmas lights or other miscellaneous objects from elevated structures including residential dwellings, office buildings, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a system preferably used for hanging strings of decorative lights with multiple, resilient support clips that are remotely quick-fitted to structures such as gutters or the like, and which includes appropriate hand-operated installation apparatus for manipulating the clips and installing the wiring from the ground. Known prior art systems that are pertinent to the invention can be found in United States Patent Class 248, Subclasses 74.2, 223.41; Class 294, Subclass 24; Class 362 Subclass 396; and Class 428, Subclass 99.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Outdoor lighting displays are quite popular during major holidays such as Christmas. Both commercial and non-commercial light displays involving diverse designs, colors and features are becoming increasingly common. Displays of multi-colored lights take on a variety of forms, and they may be applied to trees, shrubbery, exterior portions of buildings, signs, posts and other miscellaneous structures. Most residential, decorative lighting displays are temporary. Homeowners commonly install desired chains of colored lights before or slightly after the Thanksgiving Holiday, and then remove them after New Years Day. Many retail establishments, including specialty stores and smaller shops, also use temporary decorative lights on a seasonal basis. However, the popularity and complexity of vivid, colorful lighting displays is increasing—displays are often erected for other occasions, such as the Fourth of July, Halloween etc. Considerable electrical lengths of decorative wiring are frequently suspended along the roofline of residences. For example, it is common to attach strings of lights to gutters at the roof edges. Quite often, extension ladders are used by the installer to reach these elevated and otherwise inaccessible places. Installation can be difficult, time consuming, and vexatious. Possible detrimental weather conditions during the winter months aggravate installation problems.  
           [0006]    Concurrently, large-scale light displays involving hundreds or thousands of lights are becoming increasingly popular. Gigantic displays, involving substantial creativity and artistic input, necessitate multiple electrical strands, each with bulbs of varying colors, sizes, and intensity. The installation of huge displays engenders extra effort, as lines of lights are often arranged and rearranged by “trial and error” methods to achieve the desired aesthetic impression. Where multiple, alternative configurations are deployed, the work effort increases dramatically, as strings of lights may be deployed, evaluated, and then taken down for adjustments and redeployment in alternative configurations. The efficiency of the installation and removal processes is critical.  
           [0007]    Access to suitable support structures, including residential gutters, trees, and the like is often difficult. Extension ladders are heavy and cumbersome to handle. Commercial scaffolding arrangements are time consuming and often too expensive to use. Improper use of smaller stepladders or stools invite accident and injury. Not surprisingly, hand tools with elongated handles that facilitate installation of decorative lights from the ground or floor have previously been developed.  
           [0008]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,975, issued Oct. 1, 1996, discloses a pole-operated system for installing decorative lights upon elevated structures while the operator stays on the ground. Decorative strings of lights are manipulated by an adaptor suspended from and controlled by an elongated pole. Resilient “hooks” are removably installed upon structure to be decorated to hold strands of bulbs. A finger projecting from the adaptor penetrates a ring that is integral with each hook to aid in handling and installation. Legs emanating from each hook ring facilitate engagement of the hook upon tree branches, roof gutter structure, or the like. Each hook has a curved, lower lip that removably supports the decorative wiring once the hook is deployed.  
           [0009]    Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,489 issued Oct. 12, 1999 shows a pole-operated hook structure that facilitates the placement of decorations, including ornaments or decorative light strands. The pole controls a unique hook that enables manipulation of both the ornament and wire to be installed, and the elevated support structure that will hold it.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,291 issued Mar. 5, 2002 depicts another system for remotely affixing and removing decorative strands of lights upon a roof, a gutter, a tree, etc. An elongated pole-like implement supports a remote, U-shaped cradle that manipulates wire strands. A downwardly oriented hook facilitates proper positioning of the wiring. Temporary hangers or clips are used to support the wiring.  
           [0011]    Other analogous pole-controlled systems for installing decorative lighting or other ornaments are seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,617, 6,227,584, and 6,425,614. In addition, analogous pole-operative tools for mounting various items to suspended ceilings are seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,135,692, 5,052,733, 5,188,332, 5,267,764, 5,247,725, 5,632,519, 5,938,255, and 6,048,010.  
           [0012]    Finally, numerous resilient clips for supporting strands of decorative lights are known in the art. These diverse designs presumably may be manipulated and installed with or without special manipulating poles similar to those described above. In this regard attention is directed to U.S. Utility Pat. Nos. 3,181,827, 3,193,229, 3,438,604, 3,540,687, 3,599,916, 3,599,918, 4,905,131, 5,056,747, 5,388,802, 5,496,005, 5,566,058, and 5,581,956. Furthermore, resilient clips of this general character are illustrated in U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D325,866, D356,246, D376,535, D414,291, and D427,510.  
           [0013]    Known installation tools for erecting strands of decorative lights have several disadvantages. For one thing, roof designs are of varying dimensions and configurations, and many differently shaped gutters exist. In other words, the vertical cross-sections of different residential gutters can vary, complicating the required design for any clip or hook that is to be snap-fitted to the gutter. While “universal” clips have been proposed in the art, some gutters are sufficiently different from the norm that available clips will not easily “snap-fit” to the gutter structure for a stable mount. Thus, even when affixed to available edge portions of the gutter or roofline, some clips do not assume a desired, uniform orientation. On the other hand, some buildings are not equipped with gutters at all. Clips designed with resilient fingers or prongs or legs that are designed to resiliently snap-fit to available structure often cannot be deployed upon available, flat surfaces. Furthermore, the efficiency of known application tools used to install prior art “clip” or “hooks” to irregular surfaces or structures is low. Another problem is that conventional, pole-operated clip-installation tools are insufficiently dexterous to remove clips or hooks that have been forcibly installed upon irregular structures or surfaces for which they were not designed. As a result, some clips cannot be easily removed while the user stands in a safe position on the ground.  
           [0014]    Another problem is that the higher one tries to reach, the more difficult it can become to manipulate a hand tool. Tools having moving parts such as compressible jaws or the like require substantial activation forces. This makes it difficult to manipulate or remove a wire-mounting clip, or the wiring held thereby, when working at maximum elevations. Another problem is that some prior art tools are incomplete, forcing the installer to use various hand tools in addition to the clips and parts already required.  
           [0015]    In a typical situation where the installer cannot reach the tallest part of the structure upon which the lights are to be installed, one must use a ladder or other elevating structure. Of course, the closer to ground that the user stands, the more stable is his or her support. Thus, adequate installing systems must enable the user to remain stably supported as close to the ground as possible. Furthermore, valuable time is lost when, because of the inaccessible orientation of the structure to be decorated, the user&#39;s stand or stool must be frequently repositioned to enable access to target regions being decorated. A suitable system must readily facilitate access to as wide a region to be decorated as possible, to minimize the number of times that the stool or other stand must be repositioned.  
           [0016]    Thus a rapidly deployable pole and clip system that accommodates vastly different applications, including roofs, gutters, and other structures of varying dimensions, elevations, and configurations is highly advantageous.  
           [0017]    Such a system must include clips of appropriate configurations and dimensions to handle those real-world applications that are likely to be encountered in the field. The installation tools must reliably and non-destructively handle not only the suspension clips, but the wiring strands and lights to be erected. Furthermore, the clips must be readily capable of removal. Of course the installation tool must adequately enable disassembly—hard to reach clips that are to be removed should be easily “snapped” out of engagement with the gutter where desired. Suitable clips must be inexpensive and lightweight, and at the same time, strong and dependable. The use of complex metallic tools with compound parts should be avoided. Finally, the entire system must be readily capable of dependable and safe use by a single person standing as close as possible to the ground, without dangerously overextending himself or herself upon a step stool or the like.  
           [0018]    Resilient, preferably plastic clips and tools that accomplish these goals, and an apparatus and method for installing and/or removing them, are proposed.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0019]    Our invention comprises a system broadly adapted for deploying decorative strands of lighting from elevated objects or structures such as roof lines, gutters or the like. The preferred system, adapted to be packaged and sold as a kit, enables decorative lighting strings to be installed (and then removed) by a single person safely and efficiently from a stable position as close as possible to the ground. Our system is ideal for installing Christmas lights, but numerous other items including various forms of decorations and/or electrical wiring can be easily mounted upon available structures. Installation is readily accomplished without deploying cumbersome extension ladders, scaffolding, or heavy, unwieldy lifting equipment.  
           [0020]    Our system uses a conventional, elongated pole for remotely accessing elevated objects or locations to be decorated. The other parts are injection molded from plastic. An installation nut screws onto the pole for remotely manipulating our accessory tools that control and deploy our wire-holding clips. One of our quick-connect tools is specially designed to control our wire-holding clips during installation. Another system accessory tool strings the decorative wiring amongst previously deployed clips, and manipulates the decorative wiring for removal. Two different wire-clip designs are provided. One gutter clip snap fits to conventional, residential rain gutters to suspend decorative wiring. We also provide a “peel-and-stick” adhesive clip for applications lacking gutters. The adhesive clips are pressed against and thus stuck to available flat surfaces.  
           [0021]    The preferred, two-piece steel pole is extensible, and it terminates in a suitable thread, similar to a common ACME thread. Many common household, metal or wooden poles like those used with mops, rakes, brooms or the like will work with our system, as long as the pole terminates in a suitable thread for quick, threadable connection to our preferred installation nut. The pole-mounted installation nut provides a means for quick connecting the various accessory tools that deploy our clips and/or manipulate decorative light strands. The preferred installation nut resembles a cylindrical barrel in shape. Opposite, spaced apart sides of the nut comprise receptacles to which preferred system accessory tools “quick-connect”. Preferably the nut receptacles have elongated, captivating slots to which the accessory tools are releasably coupled, without the need for hand tools or the like. Alternatively, the accessory tools may be threadably coupled to nut top through a suitable orifice.  
           [0022]    Our wire-holding clips are preferably deployed upon or adjacent elevated locations with our preferred, clip controller. The resilient clip controller, shaped generally like a question mark, has an upper, outwardly-projecting, horizontal prong for temporarily penetrating and releasably engaging wiring clips to be installed. The lower, vertical portion of the controller comprises a pair of flexible, parallel legs. These legs are spaced apart from each other across a channel that facilitates flexing. To install the controller, the legs are inserted into the installation nut receptacle channel, and the two parts are simply pushed together. When the controller&#39;s legs slide down far enough within the channel, special detents that are integral with the legs emerge from the nut. After the legs snap apart slightly, the detents yieldably captivate the controller within the installation nut.  
           [0023]    After the controller is snap-fitted to the nut, the controller prong may be temporality pressed into engagement with a chosen clip. With the help of the pole, clips are lifted to a desired location for installation, and oriented properly for application. Gutter clips moved into a position proximate a gutter may be snap fitted to its edges; adhesive clips may be simply pressed upon a desired flat surface. After a clip is installed, sideways movement of the clip controller will disassociate it from a clip as its prong withdraws. Installed gutter clips, which will remain firmly attached, may later be removed by a reversal of the process.  
           [0024]    Once the clips are pre-installed, the wiring strands may be deployed. Our special wire controller tool mounts to the pole and installation nut the same way the clip controller does. First, the clip controller is removed by pinching the legs together, clearing its integral leg detents, and then pulling the controller and it apart. The wire tool is then installed. Preferably, it comprises an elongated, body with a pair of upper, arcuate arms. One arm has an upwardly facing recess for lifting wiring, and the oppositely curved arm is ideal for pulling wires downwardly into the deployed clips. The wire tool has a pair of downwardly projecting legs similar to those of the clip controller. During installation, the legs are fitted within the installation nut slot, and when fully inserted, integral, projecting detents will emerge from the nut bottom and allow the legs to pop apart. The wire tool will thus be resiliently captivated within the nut. Afterwards, when it is desired to change tools, the leg feet need merely be pinched slightly together to compress the detents, and free the tool for removal.  
           [0025]    The preferred gutter clip comprises a central baseplate, an integral, upper latch projecting towards the lip of the gutter, an integral, lower foot, and an integral, outwardly angled cradle for holding the wiring. The generally rectangular baseplate functions as a frame, and when the clip is properly deployed, it is oriented vertically. The latch comprises a horizontal arm integrally projecting away from the baseplate. The arm terminates in an integral barb that engages the gutter lip for mounting. The gutter clip foot projects away from the baseplate and contacts the gutter to bias and tension the arrangement, enabling the clip to resiliently, snap-fit to the target.  
           [0026]    The resilient cradle extends away from the gutter clip baseplate on the opposite side of the arm and foot. The cradle comprises a pair of interconnected, arcuate segments, and it terminates in an outer tab. An open throat between the cradle tab and the baseplate admits the wiring to be installed. Importantly, a semicircular controller region is defined between the larger cradle arcuate segment and the baseplate. This region is adapted to be yieldably penetrated by the clip installer prong to temporarily captivate and manipulate a clip.  
           [0027]    The adhesively-backed clip is designed to be pressed against and stuck to available flat surfaces. Each adhesive clip comprises a baseplate that supports an integral, outwardly projecting cradle. The resilient, angled cradle comprises an arcuate segment terminating in an integral, outer tab. As with the gutter clip, a semicircular controller region is defined between the cradle and the baseplate for engagement by the clip controller prong during installation. As before, a throat is defined between the cradle tab and the baseplate surface for supporting wiring extending between the clips. Unlike the gutter clips, each adhesive clip has an adhesive layer on the underside of the baseplate that is normally covered by a peel-away sheet. Prior to installing an adhesive clip captivated by the clip controller, the sheet is peeled away, and the clip is press-fitted to the desired target with the aid of the pole.  
           [0028]    In the best mode, all clips have numerous, integral, transverse cylindrical bosses traversing their width. These bosses facilitate ejection from the high-speed mold. Additionally, the spaced apart bosses reinforce the clips, adding substantial strength and durability to prevent breakage.  
           [0029]    Thus, a basic object of our invention is to provide a streamlined technique for installing and/or uninstalling decorative strings of lights upon or within various structures, enclosures, buildings, residences, or the like.  
           [0030]    Another fundamental object is to provide an installation method and apparatus for stringing Christmas lights and decorations.  
           [0031]    A similar object is to provide resilient plastic clips that can be easily deployed upon gutters or other support structure for receiving and reliably holding decorative strings of lights.  
           [0032]    Yet another object is to provide a simple, multi-piece system of the character described that may be used by a single individual for installing decorative light strings, while stably positioning himself or herself as close as possible to the ground, the floor, or other horizontal supporting surface.  
           [0033]    Another related object is to provide resilient wire-holding clips that can be quickly snap-fitted to conventional, residential gutters.  
           [0034]    Another object of our invention is to provide a pole-like tool that enables a single person to install and/or uninstall not only the resilient holding clips, but also the wiring that is supported by the clips.  
           [0035]    Another object is to provide a safe method for mounting decorative light strings, and for pre-attaching the clips used to support the wires, to available roof structures such as rain gutters, without ladders, stools, lifting equipment, scaffolding or similar elevating structure.  
           [0036]    Yet another simple object of our invention is to provide a resilient clip that snap-fits to conventional gutters, and which is capable of remote control from a safe position upon the ground.  
           [0037]    A related object is to provide an alternative clip that adhesively sticks to available flat surfaces, which are present on walls, windows, eaves, conventional gutters, and the like.  
           [0038]    A further object is to provide a manipulating tool of the character described that can be employed with common household poles bearing common threads, similar to common ACME threads.  
           [0039]    Another important object is to avoid special tools or equipment utilizing compound parts or heavy metal components.  
           [0040]    Yet another important object is to provide a simple method enabling the installation of Christmas lights either outside upon a building, or inside.  
           [0041]    A still further object of our invention is to provide a clip of the character described that is strong, lightweight, and dependable, and which, when installed, provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.  
           [0042]    A still further object is to provide a decorating system of the character described that is equally suited for either outdoors or inside light displays.  
           [0043]    A related object is to provide a highly adaptable and dexterous wiring installation system adapted to readily decorate a variety of structures other than buildings, including parked vehicles, signs, and a variety of natural or man-made objects.  
           [0044]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0045]    In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views:  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, diagrammatic and pictorial view showing portions of a conventional roof line and gutter, showing an installation pole and tool, and a plurality of spaced-apart mounting clips;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, plan view of the gutter and installation apparatus of FIG. 1;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side view showing the gutter and installation apparatus;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 4 is an enlarged, plan view derived from circled region  4  in FIG. 3, showing a gutter clip disposed in an intermediate position as it is installed upon the gutter;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric view showing the installation apparatus and a clip disposed in an installed position upon a gutter;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 6 is an enlarged, frontal isometric view of the preferred gutter clip;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the gutter clip of FIG. 6;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 8 is a left side elevational view of the gutter clip;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 9 is a right side elevational view of the gutter clip;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the gutter clip;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 11 is an enlarged, isometric view of the preferred clip controller tool;  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 12 is an exploded isometric view showing the clip controller tool in a moved position immediately prior to insertion into the preferred installation tool;  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 13 is an isometric view showing the clip controller tool fitted to the installation tool;  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 14 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 13, but showing a gutter clip temporarily captivated by the clip controller;  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 15 is a right side elevational view of the clip controller, the left side comprising a mirror image thereof;  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view of the clip controller;  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the clip controller;  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the clip controller;  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, isometric and diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the clip controller mounting an adhesive clip upon a gutter;  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 20 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 19;  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 21 is an enlarged, frontal isometric view of the preferred adhesive clip, with a portion of the rear adhesive backing partially displaced;  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the adhesive clip, the opposite side comprising a mirror image thereof;  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 23 is a rear plan view of the adhesive clip, with portions thereof broken away, moved, or shown in section for clarity;  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 24 is a front plan view of the adhesive clip;  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the adhesive clip;  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the adhesive clip;  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 27 is an enlarged, frontal isometric view of the preferred wire tool;  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 28 is an enlarged, elevational view of the wire tool inserted and seated within the installation receptacle;  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 29 is an exploded, isometric view showing the wire tool portioned to be inserted into the installation receptacle;  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 30 is an isometric view of the wire tool inserted and seated within the installation receptacle nut;  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 31 is a fragmentary, diagrammatic and pictorial view illustrating the deployment of wiring to a plurality of previously mounted gutter clips;  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the preferred installation nut;  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 33 is a longitudinal sectional view of the nut taken generally along line  33 - 33  of FIG. 32;  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 34 is an enlarged, fragmentary, bottom isometric view of the preferred nut;  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 35 is a partially exploded and fragmentary isometric view showing how an optional bolt may be captivated within the installation nut;  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 36 is an partially fragmentary, sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 35;  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 37 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment wherein a modified wire tool is screw-attached to the preferred nut; and,  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 38 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment wherein a modified clip controller is screw-attached to the preferred nut.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0084]    Referring now to the appended drawings, a building  50 , upon which decorative lights are to be installed, has been schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. Building  50  may comprise a single-family or multi-family residence, a commercial building, temporary shed or the like. Building  50  comprises a conventional roof  52  structurally separated from an outer, vertically oriented wall  54 . An elongated gutter  56  is disposed above wall  54  proximate the lowermost edges of roof  52  for collecting and redirecting rain water in the usual fashion. Our system, generally designated by the reference numeral  59 , is partially illustrated in FIG. 1. As explained in detail hereinafter, one incarnation of our system  59  enables an applicator to install strings of Christmas lights upon gutter  56 , while stably positioned as close as possible to either the ground  58 , an interior floor, or some equivalent generally, horizontal, supporting surface. As explained in detail later, alternative configurations of the concept enable decorative wires to be installed upon and supported by flat surfaces, such as the outer surface of wall  54  (FIG. 1).  
         [0085]    Referring jointly to FIGS. 1 and 2, system  59  has deployed a plurality of resilient, gutter clips  60 , at spaced-apart intervals along the length of the gutter  56 . As described in adequate detail hereinafter, system  59  broadly comprises a conventional, elongated pole  64  that remotely controls not only the installation of the gutter clips  60  and/or adhesive clips  66  (i.e., FIGS.  21 - 24 ) to be described later, but subsequent deployment of the desired light strings that are suspended from the clips. Moreover, gutter clips  60  can be removed with the same equipment where necessary. Pole  64  is preferably extensible. However, common household poles, like those used with mops for example, can be used, as long as one end terminates with an appropriate thread  63  (i.e., FIG. 35) that is similar to an ACME thread. A resilient, barrel-like installation nut  70  is threadably coupled to pole  64  to aid the installation process. Tool accessories described later herein may be releasably fitted to nut  70  for ultimately controlling either clips  60  or  66 . For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the preferred clip-controller tool that is releasably fitted to nut  70  to manipulate the desired gutter clips  60 . Alternatively, a wire tool  74  (i.e., FIGS. 27, 29) adapted to be temporality fitted to nut  70  manipulates wire strands, and guides them towards engagement with the gutter clips  60  or adhesive clips  66 .  
         [0086]    As seen in FIGS.  3 - 5 , pole  64  supports nut  70  and the clip controller  72 , which temporarily hold a clip  60  to be installed upon gutter  56 . Alternatively, a plurality of adhesive clips  66  (FIG. 21) may be installed by controller  72  upon a variety of available flat surfaces, as illustrated generally in FIGS. 19, 20. After the predetermined quantities of clips  60  and/or are thusly installed, wire tool  74  (i.e., FIGS.  28 - 30 ) may be substituted for clip controller  72 , and the light strands  80  (FIG. 31) may be manipulated into engagement with the chosen clips. Wire tool  74  allows the user to either install Christmas lights or remove them from the various clips that are preinstalled in an orderly, elevated arrangement upon the building or other item to be decorated.  
         [0087]    The preferred gutter clip  60  (FIGS.  6 - 10 ) can assume a variety of specific configurations, and it can be constructed from a variety of materials. In the best mode known to us at this time, gutter clips  60  are injection molded from polyethylene. To fit as wide a variety of gutters as possible, clips  60  are approximately 3.0 cm. high and 3.0 cm. wide in the best known mode. Of course, they may be smaller or larger depending upon application requirements and a variety of related design considerations known to those skilled in the art. Each gutter clip  60  (i.e., FIG. 6) comprises a central baseplate  90 , an integral, upper latch  92 , an integral, lower foot  94 , and an integral, outwardly angled cradle  96 . As best seen in FIG. 4, upon installation, latch  92  and foot  94  face the gutter  56 .  
         [0088]    As seen in FIGS.  6 - 9  the gutter clip baseplate  90  is generally rectangular and planar. When gutter clip  60  is properly deployed, baseplate  90  is oriented substantially vertically with respect to the ground. The width of the baseplate between edges  100 ,  102  (FIG. 6) is approximately 12 mm. in the best mode. The length or height of the baseplate as measured between upper shoulder  104  and lower edge  107  (FIG. 6) is approximately 28 mm. The width of cradle  96 , foot  94 , and latch  92 , is approximately 5 mm. in the best mode. Thus, in the best mode known at this time, the width dimension  108  (FIG. 9) is approximately twice that of width dimension  111  (FIG. 7).  
         [0089]    Latch  92  comprises a horizontal arm  93  integrally projecting away from the upper shoulder  104  of baseplate  90  which surmounts the upper, outer gutter edge  95  (FIGS. 5, 6). Arm  93  outwardly terminates in an integral, downwardly curved barb  97  that operationally engages the inwardly-turned barb of gutter lip  91  (FIGS. 4, 5). The lower foot  94  of the gutter clip integrally projects away from the bottom of the clip baseplate  90 . When a gutter clip is properly installed, foot  94  physically contacts the exposed, external surface of the gutter, enabling the clip to resiliently snap-fit to the gutter, in combination with insertional deflections of arm  93  and barb  97 . Foot  94  (FIG. 10) is semi-circular in cross section, ending in an inwardly projecting, open, terminal end  99  (FIGS. 6, 10), that faces the baseplate  90 . The gap (FIG. 10) between foot end  99  and the baseplate  90  permits slight bending of the foot as the clip is yieldably deformed and compressed during installation. A small, narrow reinforcement runner  110  (FIG. 10) extends at one side of the clip integrally between the foot end  99  and the baseplate  90  to add further resilience.  
         [0090]    The integral, resilient cradle  96  extends angularly upwardly away from the lower external surface  114  (FIGS. 6, 8) of the baseplate  90 . In the best mode, the resilient cradle  96  comprises a lower, arcuate segment  118  (FIG. 10) extending from the bottom of the baseplate  90 , a larger, intermediate arcuate segment  120 , and an angled tab  122 . The open throat  126  (FIGS. 6, 10) defined between cradle tab  122  and baseplate  90  admits wires or other structures to be held by the clips after installation. After the clips are placed properly, the Christmas light wiring, for example, can be lifted into a position proximate throat  126 , and upon release, the wiring will drop into the lowermost, hollow support region  128  (FIG. 10) between cradle lower segment  118  and baseplate  90 . During installation, as explained in more detail later, the clip controller  72  (i.e., FIG. 5) engages the larger control region  127  (i.e., FIG. 10) defined between the large cradle segment  120  and the baseplate  90  of gutter clip  60  above region  128  (FIGS. 6, 10). Control region  127  is dimensioned to properly fit with and support conventional rope lights, which essentially comprise plastic tubes with strings of lights or LED&#39;s within them.  
         [0091]    In the best mode, various portions of the gutter clip  60  are reinforced with cylindrical bosses that are integrally molded into the clip structure. Each of these reinforcement bosses traverses the width of the pertinent clip structure, and terminates at each outer extremity in a substantially circular end. During the molding process, follower pins enter the mold cavities to eject the clips by contacting the ends of these reinforced bosses. Thus in the best mode, the baseplate  90  has a boss  130  (FIGS. 6, 10) traversing its width at a point diametrically between cradle segment  118  and foot  94 , and a second, upper, boss  132  at its top reinforcing shoulder  104 . Latch  92  has a transverse boss  134  (FIGS. 6, 10) at the junction between arm  93  and barb  97 . Foot  94  preferably has a lower boss  136  at its midpoint, approximately between baseplate boss  130  and foot end  99  (FIG. 6). Another boss  138  reinforces foot end  99 . Similarly, cradle preferably has an integral, transverse boss  140  defined between cradle segments  118  and  120 , and another boss  142  defined between cradle segment  120  and tab  122 .  
         [0092]    An alternative, adhesively-backed clip  66  (FIGS.  21 - 26 ) is designed to be press fitted and stuck to available flat surfaces. All system installation kits will be shipped with both gutter clips and adhesive backed clips  66 . Some gutters vary in shape so much that gutter clips will not fit properly. However, many gutters have exposed, flat surface portions to which adhesive clips  66  readily stick. Furthermore, adhesive clips  66  easily mount to exposed wall surfaces  55  (FIG. 1), siding panels, windows, and/or other flat items and structures proximate an area to be decorated.  
         [0093]    Adhesive clip  66  (FIGS.  21 - 26 ), preferably molded from polyethylene, comprises a flat, preferably, square baseplate  150  that is integral with an elongated, offset boss  152  and an angularly, outwardly extending cradle  156 . Boss  152  has a semicircular cross section (FIG. 22) and is offset from the front surface  153  (FIG. 21) of the baseplate. Cradle  156  comprises an arcuate segment  158  and an integral, projecting tab  160 . Segment  158  originates from baseplate surface  153  from a point substantially beneath boss  152 , and curves towards a juncture  162  (FIGS. 21, 22) from which tab  160  originates. A throat  166  (FIG. 21, 22) is defined between tab  160  and baseplate surface  153 . Wiring to be supported by adhesive clip is guided or dropped through throat  166  into hollow, control region  168  defined between cradle  156  and surface  153  (FIG. 21). The control region  168  also functions as a support region, because wiring to be supported by the cradle is disposed within this region. Furthermore it “fits” rope lights, as discussed in conjunction with clip  60 .  
         [0094]    Importantly, adhesive clip  66  comprises an adhesive layer  170  (FIGS. 22, 23) affixed to the rear of baseplate  150 . Prior to installation, the adhesive layer is normally covered by a removable, peel-away backing  171  preferably made of plastic. By simply grabbing a corner  172  (FIGS. 21, 23) of the temporary backing  171 , it is peeled-away and removed from the clip baseplate to expose the adhesive layer  170 , and thereafter the clip may be attached where desired. As is the case with gutter clips  60  described previously, the adhesive clips  66  (FIG. 20) are installed with the clip controller  72 , which temporarily penetrates control region  168  (FIG. 21) to facilitate clip manipulation As seen in FIG. 20, the installation pole  64  is manipulated by the user from a safe, stable position as close as possible to the ground. Clip controller  72 , which is in turn held by installation nut  70 , holds the clip as it is pressed towards an available flat spot. For example, a relatively flat spot  175  on the exterior of gutter (FIG. 20) has been selected for application of an adhesive clip  66 .  
         [0095]    Both clips  60 ,  66  are installed with clip controller  72  (i.e., FIGS.  5 ,  11 - 14 ), which in turn is controlled by and releasably mounted to the barrel-like installation nut  70  mentioned previously. Nut  70  is described in detail in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/993,983, filed Nov. 16, 2001, entitled “Suspension Ceiling Clips and Installation Method,” which is owned by the same assignee as in this case. For purposes of disclosure and enablement, the latter application is hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0096]    A preferred, two-piece, telescopingly extensible pole  64  (FIGS. 1, 5) is conventional. Alternatively, a three or four-piece pole comprising a plurality of screw-together segments may be employed. It terminates in a common thread, similar to an ACME thread, that is threadably mated to nut  70 . A suitable threaded socket (not shown) is defined within the installation nut  70  for mating with pole  64 . The receptacle is releasably, threadably engaged by pole  64 , for manipulation from the floor or ground. The socket at the underside of nut  70  comprises an internal bore  71  (FIGS. 33, 34) defining a tubular interior that is coaxial with upper orifice  195  (FIG. 12) defined in nut top  196 . Preferably, the socket is internally threaded with threads  73 , similar to an ACME thread. As best seen in FIGS.  33 - 34 , in the best mode known to us at this time there is a hexagonal recess  75  defined in the underside of nut top  196 . Thus when a hex head bolt  76  (FIG. 35), for example, is inserted within the nut, it&#39;s head seats within hexagonal recess  75  as seen in FIG. 36, thereby preventing twisting. When pole  64  is mated to the nut&#39;s threads  73  (FIG. 33, 34), bolt  76  (FIG. 35) is axially captivated within the nut  70  with its shank  77  (FIG. 36) emanating from orifice  195 , and exposed for contact with a modified clip controller or modified wire tool. Pole  64  easily screws into nut (FIG. 1). Other readily available poles provided with threads similar to an ACME thread, such as wooden poles of the type commonly used for household mops, brooms and the like, can be substituted for the two-piece aluminum pole  64  seen in the drawings.  
         [0097]    The preferred installation nut  70  (FIGS.  5 ,  12 - 14 ) is injection molded from nylon. Nut  70  is somewhat cylindrical, and its periphery comprises a pair of opposed, faceted sides  191 ,  191 A and a pair of slotted receptacles  193 ,  193 A at the nut edges comprising elongated channels of generally parallelepiped dimensions. Importantly, receptacles  193  and  193 A (FIGS. 12, 13) function as docking stations for removably and temporarily receiving and controlling various tools such as the clip controller  72  and the wire installer described in detail hereinafter. These twin receptacles are preferably identical, but they may be dimensioned somewhat differently to adapt to differently sized accessories or tools, as will be appreciated by those with skill in the art. With combined reference directed FIGS.  14 , receptacle  193  preferably comprises a pair of opposed, generally planar retaining arms  200 ,  202  that face one another across a central gap  204 . Each retaining arm  200 ,  202  is offset from an inner, generally rectangular edge surface  205 . An elongated, transverse captivation slot  210  is defined between the arms  200 ,  202  and the inner edge surface  205  of the installation nut  70 . The captivation slot  210  is generally in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, and in cross section it is generally T-shaped. The tools to be described are slidably mated to the nut  70  by inserting them within slots  210 . Means are provided for positioning them properly, and for temporarily, yieldably locking them into position.  
         [0098]    With emphasis directed now to FIGS.  5 , and  12 - 17 , the resilient clip controller  72  is shaped generally like a question mark. It is preferably injection molded from nylon. The upper body  220  integrally extends from an intermediate plate  222  that is generally square. An integral, projecting fork  224  extends downwardly from the plate  222 . Fork  224  is adapted to be releasably coupled to the installation nut  70 , as explained below.  
         [0099]    The upper body  220  (FIG. 12) of each clip controller  72  comprises a rigid, generally C-shaped structure comprising a base  230 , a lower elbow  232 , a vertical spacer  234 , an intermediate elbow  235 , and an integral, control prong  236 , which terminates in a convex point  238 . Prong  236  penetrates the clip control regions  127  (FIG. 10) and/or  168  (FIG. 21) when captivating a gutter clip  60  or adhesive clip  66  respectively. Prong  236  is firmly grasped by the cradle of the clip being installed, so the clip may be turned to a desired control orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 14. Once a clip is “loaded,” pole  64  elevates the clip into the proximity of either a gutter or other structure to for attachment. Once a clip is installed, sideways movement of the pole will transversely withdraw the prong  236  from the clip, which will remain firmly attached as intended by the installer.  
         [0100]    Fork  224  (FIGS.  11 - 13 ) facilitates coupling of the clip controller  72  to the nut  70 . Each fork  224  comprises a web  240  projecting downwardly from the center of plate  222 . Web  240  is divided into a pair of elongated, and spaced apart legs  246 ,  247  (FIG. 11). There is an elongated, generally rectangular clearance slot  250  (FIG. 12) defined between legs  246 ,  247  so that they may yieldably deflect towards one another when the fork is mated to the installation nut  70  (FIG. 12, 13). Legs  246 ,  247  terminate in lowermost terminal feet  254 ,  256  (FIG. 11) respectively. Each leg has an integral, laterally-outwardly projecting, detent  258 ,  260  (FIG. 11) located above its foot  254 , or  256 .  
         [0101]    To mount a clip controller, the fork  224  is inserted within the T-shaped slot  210  at a selected side of a selected nut  70 . As best seen in FIG. 12, the fork feet  254 ,  256  clear the entrance point and slide within the slot  210 . As the twin detents  258 ,  260  enter the lateral confines of the slot  210 , they will compress the fork legs together. Fork  224  may slide downwardly through the slot  210  until, as seen in FIG. 13, plate  222  contacts and then rests firmly against top  196  of the nut  70 . As the fork legs become fully inserted within nut  70 , feet  254  and  256  will eventually project out of nut  70  (FIG. 13). When a maximum travel position is reached, detents  258 ,  260  will “pop out” of the channel, and the fork feet  254 ,  256  will spring apart and assume their “normal” uncompressed orientation. In this position, the clip controller  72  will be yieldably prevented from withdrawing from nut  70 , as the detents  258 ,  260  (FIG. 11) will clear slot  210 , and yieldably block withdrawal by contacting the underside of nut  70 . (The same detent concept is employed with the wire tool discussed later illustrated fully in FIG. 28). To withdraw the clip controller  72 , the fork feet  254  and  256  emanating from the underside of nut  70  (i.e., as seen best in FIG. 13) are simply pinched together. Concomitantly, as detents  258 ,  260  are deflected inwardly, they will clear the edges of slot  210  so fork legs  246 ,  247  may be drawn upwardly into slot  210  as the controller  72  is pulled vertically upwardly to escape nut  70 .  
         [0102]    An alternative clip controller  300  (FIG. 38) is attached to the installation nut  70  slightly differently. In this case the lower segment  302  has a threaded bore which is mated to bolt  76  (FIG. 35) so that the clip controller  300  is threadably secured to the nut  70 .  
         [0103]    With reference now directed to FIGS.  27 - 30 , the wire tool  74  is also designed to be snap-fitted to the installation nut  70 . It is preferably injection molded from nylon. Wire tool comprises an elongated, generally rectangular body  280  provided with a pair of spaced-apart, oppositely-bowed and curved arms  282  and  284  emanating from top  285 . Arm  282  presents an upwardly facing, concave recess  286 , whereas the similarly-shaped but oppositely directed recess  289  formed by arm  284  faces downwardly. Body  280  terminates in a pair of spaced apart legs  290 ,  292  (FIG. 27) disposed on opposite sides of an open clearance slot  293 . Legs  290 ,  292  have integral feet  294 ,  296  below the integral, laterally outwardly projecting detents  295 ,  297  (FIGS. 27, 28). One edge of the wire tool  74  comprises a laterally outwardly projecting stop  299 , which limits travel of the tool when coupled to the installation nut  70 .  
         [0104]    Wire tool  74  is coupled to or removed from installation nut  70  in much the same manner as clip controller  72  discussed above. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 28 and 30, feet  294  and  296  may be inserted into slot  210  and slidably forced therewithin. The twin detents  295 , and  297  will pinch the legs  290 ,  292  (FIG. 27) slightly together when they enter slot  210 . Tool  74  may slide downwardly into nut  70  through slot  210  until the stop  299  abuts the upper surface  196  of nut  70  (FIGS. 28, 30). At this maximum deflection point, feet  294  and  296  project out of nut  70  (FIG. 28) at the bottom. After maximum displacement, detents  295 ,  297  will pop apart after escaping slot  210  to snap-fit tool  74  to nut  70 . In the “installed” position, tool  74  will be yieldably prevented from withdrawing from nut  70 , as the spread-apart detents  295 ,  297  (FIG. 28) block withdrawal by contact with the underside of nut  70 . To withdraw tool  74 , the feet  294  and  296  at the underside of nut  70  (FIG. 28) are simply pinched together, deflecting detents  295 ,  297  together to clear the edges of slot  210  enabling upward travel of tool  74  until it escapes nut  70 .  
         [0105]    An alternative wire installation tool  310  (FIG. 37) is threadably coupled to and retained by a nut  70 . It&#39;s integral base portion  312  has an internal, threaded bore that mates with bolt (FIG. 35).  
         [0106]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages that are inherent to the structure.  
         [0107]    It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.  
         [0108]    As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0