Abstract:
String array lighting is mounted with an elongated assembly that comprises a light shade that at least partially blocks light emission from the lighting. A series of at least translucent light emitting lenses, a plurality of hangers, and a plurality of lighting supports are disposed along the body length. The elongated assembly may define an open sided channel with first and second channel legs and a series of cross ties that are spaced along the body length and that extend across the open side from the first channel leg toward the second channel leg.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This is a continuing non-provisional application of co-pending U.S. provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/712,306, entitled Ropelite Runners and filed on Aug. 30, 2005, by Russell D. Taylor, now expired, the disclosure of which is incorporated here by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates to mountings for lighting and more specifically to a mounting system adapted to mount a string array of lighting.  
         [0003]     Most people are familiar with various attempts to arrange and mount various configurations of string array lighting, which are commonly and customarily displayed in connection with Christmas and winter solstice celebration displays and the like. The string array lighting is, thus, commonly known as Christmas lights. A more recent development in string array lighting includes a rope configuration, including encasing so called Christmas lights in a clear tubular hose or rope, and various ensuing developments thereof.  
         [0004]     Regardless of the string array lighting configuration, typical mounting attempts include: simply laying the light strings upon a structure without attachment; tying the lighting with string, wire ties, and the like; stapling the lighting to a supporting structure; and using screw hooks and the like to secure the lighting n place. Other attempts at mounting string array lighting include construction of specific substructures along the nature of forming holes in lengths of wood strips or plastic conduits with the holes adapted for placement of individual lamps of the lighting string in the holes. The string array lighting is thus or otherwise mounted to the substructure and the substructure is positioned and secured as desired. People seldom pursue the relatively great effort of building such substructures, however.  
         [0005]     Regardless, the difficulties or challenges of mounting string array lighting are commonly and well known. Thus, a need for convenient and effective string array lighting mounting is readily understood.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     Accordingly, a string array lighting mount of the invention is adapted to conveniently and effectively arrange and secure string array lighting. The mount may commonly have an elongated body with a light shade that at least partially blocks light emission from the string array lighting and a series of at least translucent light emitting lenses. The lenses, a plurality of hangers, and a plurality of lighting supports are disposed along the body length. The supports are adapted to support string array lighting.  
         [0007]     In various aspects of the invention, the body may be generally tubular and may further define an open sided channel with a first channel leg and a second channel leg. The elongated body may include an elongated wall with at least one lens defined by an aperture through the wall. At least a portion of the wall may define the shade. A flange may extend from the body and defines a hanger and may extend along the body and defines the plurality of hangers.  
         [0008]     In other aspects of the invention, the elongated body may include a series of cross ties extending across the open side of the open sided channel. The cross ties may be spaced along the length of the body. The cross tie may define a hanger or may define at least a portion of the shade. A lens may be defined between a first one of the ties and a second one of the ties. At least one of the cross ties may have an end that releasably couples with the second channel leg. Further, at least one of the cross ties may have a first end that releasably couples with the first channel leg and a second end that releasably couples with the second channel leg.  
         [0009]     These and other features, objectives, and benefits of the invention will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art and by those who practice the invention, from this disclosure, including the specification, the claims, and the drawing figures. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  is an upper, left end perspective view of a first embodiment of string array lighting mount of the invention, shown upon a generally vertical surface, such as a length of deck;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is an upper, left end perspective view of a modular length thereof with an elongated body;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is the view of  FIG. 2  in partial fragment, showing a plurality of lighting supports that are spaced along the body length;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view thereof;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view thereof in partial fragment, showing the plurality of lighting supports spaced along the body length;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a lower right fragmentary perspective view of two modular lengths thereof; showing the two lengths spaced near one another in an uncoupled condition;  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is the view of  FIG. 6 , showing the two lengths in a coupled condition;  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged detail of a right end of a modular length thereof, showing a self flange thereof;  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is an upper perspective view of an outside corner connector with two modular lengths thereof;  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is an upper perspective view of the outside corner connector;  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  is an upper perspective view of the outside corner connector in partial fragmentary view, showing a plurality of lighting supports;  
         [0021]      FIG. 12  is an upper perspective view of an inside corner connector with two modular lengths thereof;  
         [0022]      FIG. 13  is an upper perspective view of the inside corner connector;  
         [0023]      FIG. 14  is an upper perspective view of the inside corner connector in partial fragmentary view, showing a plurality of lighting supports; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 15  is a right end perspective view of a modular length thereof, showing the plurality of lighting supports that are spaced along the body length and showing an optional additional shade cover;  
         [0025]      FIG. 16  is a left end perspective view of a second embodiment of string array lighting mount of the invention, shown upon a generally vertical surface, such as a length of deck or railing, showing a length of string array lighting supported thereby;  FIG. 17  is an upper, left end perspective view in partial fragment, of a modular length thereof with an elongated body, showing a plurality of lighting supports spaced along the body length; and  
         [0026]      FIG. 18  is an upper, left end perspective view of two modular lengths thereof;  
         [0027]      FIG. 19  is an exploded view of an upper and right end perspective of a third embodiment of string array lighting mount of the invention, showing a length of string array lighting supported thereby;  
         [0028]      FIG. 20  is an upper and right end perspective view thereof, shown upon a generally vertical surface, such as a length of deck or railing;  
         [0029]      FIG. 21  is a fragmentary upper and right end perspective view thereof, showing mounting positioning of hangers thereof;  
         [0030]      FIG. 22  is an upper and right perspective view of a hanger thereof;  
         [0031]      FIG. 23  is a right side elevation of the third embodiment of string array lighting mount assembly;  
         [0032]      FIG. 24  is a right end schematic view thereof, showing a partially assembled condition relative to a generally vertical surface, showing a length of string array lighting supported thereby; and  
         [0033]      FIG. 25  is the view of  FIG. 24  in a final installed condition;  
         [0034]      FIG. 26  is an exploded view of an upper and right end perspective of a fourth embodiment of string array lighting mount of the invention, showing a length of string array lighting supported thereby;  
         [0035]      FIG. 27  is a right end schematic view thereof, showing a first partially assembled condition relative to a generally vertical surface;  
         [0036]      FIG. 28  is the view of  FIG. 27  in a second partially installed condition;  
         [0037]      FIG. 29  is the view of  FIG. 27  in a third partially installed condition;  
         [0038]      FIG. 30  is the view of  FIG. 27  in a final installed condition;  
         [0039]      FIG. 31  is front right perspective view of the fourth embodiment of string array lighting mount of the invention in the second partially installed condition of  FIG. 28 , shown upon a generally vertical surface, such as a length of deck or railing;  
         [0040]      FIG. 32  is an upper right end perspective schematic view thereof, showing mounting positioning of a base plate thereof;  
         [0041]      FIG. 33  is the view of  FIG. 32 , showing hanger ties positioned upon the base plate thereof;  
         [0042]      FIG. 34  is the view of  FIG. 33 , showing a channel portion thereof positioned relative to the hanger ties and the base plate thereof;  
         [0043]      FIG. 35  is an upper right end perspective view of the fourth embodiment of string array lighting mount assembly, showing a length of string array lighting supported thereby;  
         [0044]      FIG. 36  is an upper and right perspective view of a hanger thereof, and  
         [0045]      FIG. 37  is a right side elevation of the fourth embodiment of string array lighting mount assembly;  
         [0046]      FIG. 38  is an upper perspective view of a fifth embodiment of string array lighting mount of the invention in a landscape perimeter installation, showing a portion of the string array lighting mount in exploded view;  
         [0047]      FIG. 39  is an enlarged detail of the exploded portion thereof;  
         [0048]      FIG. 40  is a cross section view thereof, showing use of the fifth embodiment of string array lighting mount in combination with a known landscape edging and the like;  
         [0049]      FIG. 41  is a fragmentary perspective view thereof, showing placement along a surface of a walk or a deck and the like;  
         [0050]      FIG. 42  is a cross section view thereof, showing the lighting mount optionally oriented with its lenses directing light toward the surface as opposed to the shade portion directing light away from the surface;  
         [0051]      FIG. 43  is a front elevation view of a modular length of the fifth embodiment of string array lighting mount;  
         [0052]      FIG. 44  is a left end perspective view thereof;  
         [0053]      FIG. 45  is a fragmentary front elevation of two abutting lengths thereof;  
         [0054]      FIG. 46  is an end perspective view of a coupler thereof; and  
         [0055]      FIG. 47  is the view of  FIG. 45 , showing the coupler installed;  
         [0056]      FIG. 48  is fragmentary left front perspective view of a sixth embodiment of string array lighting mount; and  
         [0057]      FIG. 49  is the view of  FIG. 48 , showing installation with landscape stakes. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0058]     Several preferred and merely exemplary embodiments of a string array lighting mount according to the invention are generally shown in the drawing figures and discussed below. Common to each embodiment are foundational elements of the inventive string array lighting mount, including a body  102  with shade  104 , lens  106 , hanger  108 , and support  110  structure portions. These reference numerals shall be used across the several variations of the invention discussed below.  
         [0059]     A string array lighting mount according to the invention may be useful in various lighting environments, including exterior installations like decks, landscaping, pools, and pathways, and interior installations. The unique design of the invention provides for directing and casting of string array lighting as desired for a particular installation, depending upon various embodiment factors, including width, length, and orientation of the lenses  106 . Some sample installation settings may include: placement about a perimeter of a deck to cast light down onto landscape areas ( FIG. 1 ); placement under a railing cap to cast light onto spindles and walk or deck surfaces ( FIGS. 16 and 20 ); placement along landscape area edgings ( FIG. 38 ); placement along walking paths ( FIG. 41 ); placement on a wall near a ceiling to cast light onto the ceiling; and placement on a wall spaced from a floor to illuminate an entertainment area. Many additional indoor and outdoor installations of string array lighting with a mount according to the invention will occur to one having ordinary skill in the art and to those who use the invention.  
         [0060]     Further, the several preferred embodiments of a string array lighting mount according to the invention and additional variations, as will occur to one having ordinary skill in the art from the teaching of this invention, may be constructed of any suitable material, including plastics, metals, woods, their combinations, and their variations. Any fabrication process may also be used as may be appropriate for the material selected.  
         [0061]     A first preferred embodiment  200  of a string array lighting mount  100  according to the invention is generally shown in the drawing  FIGS. 1-15  in which common elements including a body  102  with shade  104 , lens  106 , hanger  108 , and support  110  structure portions are identified. While the deck perimeter installation noted above is specifically shown in  FIG. 1 , this is not a limitation of the invention, which may be installed upon any suitable foundational structure, either vertical or horizontal and either indoor or outdoor.  
         [0062]     In the first embodiment  200 , the invention is shown configured in modular length sections  201  of a generally tubular or open-sided channel geometry. The hanger  108  is formed as a flange that extends generally radially outward from and lengthwise along an elongated body. A series of fastening holes may be provided in the flange to accommodate commonly known screw or nail fastening and the like of each length of modular section of the embodiment  200  to a supporting structure.  
         [0063]     The support is defined by way of a series of fingers  202  that extend from a first leg  204  and across an open side toward a second leg  206 . This leaves a gap as shown between the first and the second legs, so that string array lighting may be easily laid into the mount and upon the support fingers  202 .  
         [0064]     Adjacent lengths of modular sections of the embodiment  200  may be conveniently coupled by provision of a self-coupling  212  on one end of the sections as is commonly known in closed tubular plastic electrical conduit and the like. More specifically, each modular length has an uniform end profile at a first end  214 . The self-coupling  212  has an interior configuration that corresponds to the uniform end profile at a first end. The self-coupling is also formed on an opposite second end of each modular length. Thus, adjacent modular sections may merely “plug” together, so a first end of an adjacent second modular section may slide into and mate with the self-coupler of an adjacent first modular section ( FIGS. 6-8 ).  
         [0065]     To facilitate assembling several lengths of modular sections of the embodiment  200  around various structures, angle fittings may be provided and may include exterior corner fittings  222  and interior corner  224  fittings ( FIGS. 9-14 ), among others as desired. Each fitting provided may include the features of the modular lengths  201 , including the hanger  108 , the support  110  with fingers  202 , and the self-coupling  212  structure portions.  
         [0066]     An additional decorative shade  250  may desirably be added ( FIG. 15 ).  
         [0067]     A second preferred embodiment  300  of a string array lighting mount according to the invention is generally shown in the drawing  FIGS. 16-18  in which common elements including a body  102  with shade  104 , lens  106 , hanger  108 , and support  110  structure portions are identified. The embodiment  300  is similar to the embodiment  200  and differs significantly in that the fingers  302  of embodiment  300  extend from a first leg of an open sided channel body and across an open side toward a second leg, and further extend farther to actually extend between and connect with each leg.  
         [0068]     As with the embodiment  200 , the embodiment  300  may also incorporate a self-coupling  312  on one end of each section, so adjacent lengths of modular sections may be conveniently coupled. Also, various angle fittings may be provided to facilitate assembling several lengths of modular sections around various structures, including exterior corner fittings and interior corner  224 , among others as desired.  
         [0069]     A third preferred embodiment  400  of a string array lighting mount according to the invention is generally shown in the drawing  FIGS. 19-25  in which common elements including a body  102  with shade  104 , lens  106 , hanger  108 , and support  110  structure portions are identified. The embodiment  400  is also similar to the embodiment  200  and differs significantly in that the fingers of embodiment  300  may be separate members that define hangers  108  and incorporate supports  110 .  
         [0070]     The hangers  108  are generally J-shaped members that have a short leg  402  and a long leg  404  extending in the same general direction from a bight portion that defines the support  110  ( FIG. 22 ). The long leg terminates at a shade hanger upper edge  406  and includes at least one fastening hole  408  to accommodate commonly known screw or nail fastening and the like as discussed above. The short leg curls upward from the bight portion  110  and is spaced from the long leg so that string array lighting may be easily laid into the hanger and upon the support with the short leg substantially capturing and cradling the lighting in a preselected location. A shade latch  412  may be formed on the short leg in the form of a barb flange or recess or the like.  
         [0071]     The body  102  in embodiment  400  is formed as an open-sided channel with a first leg  422  and a second leg  424  ( FIG. 23 ). A portion of the body, including portions of each of the legs  422  and  424 , define the shade  104 . A flange  414  is provided at a terminal end of the first leg  422  and cooperates with the top edge  406  to hang the body or shade on the hanger  108 . The flange may further be configured as a groove as shown, into which the hanger edge  406  is seated. A flange is provided on the second leg  424  to define a shade catch  416  that cooperates with the shade latch  412 .  
         [0072]     In use, a series of hangers  108  may be secured to a supporting structure by screw fastening, adhesive fastening, or other desired method, for example, and are preferably disposed along a straight line. A desired string lighting  60  is placed between the hanger legs  402  and  404  to rest on the support  110 . A length of the string array lighting mount body  102  is secured to at least a portion of the series of hangers by mating the flange  414  with respective ones of the hanger top edges  406  and slightly pivoting the body downward to engage the shade latch  412  with the shade catch  416 , and snap fasten the respective hangers with the body.  
         [0073]     Whence so assembled, the body  104 , more specifically the shade portion  104  of the body, the supporting structure, and the hangers  108 , perhaps more specifically the support  110  portion of the hangers, define an open space or lens  1 . 06  there between, through which light from the lighting  60  is cast and by which the light is directed.  
         [0074]     Each length of the body  104  in this embodiment  400  may preferably be provided with a self-coupling  412  in the manner discussed above relative to the prior embodiments. Thus, adjacent modular sections may merely “plug” together, so a first end of an adjacent second modular section may slide into and mate with the self-coupler of an adjacent first modular section.  
         [0075]     A fourth preferred embodiment  500  of a string array lighting mount according to the invention is generally shown in the drawing  FIGS. 26-37  in which common elements including a body  102  with shade  104 , lens  106 , hanger  108 , and support  110  structure portions are identified. The embodiment  500  is substantially similar to the embodiment  400  and differs significantly by addition of a quick mount backing plate  550  that may also define at least a portion of the shade.  
         [0076]     The plate  550  is an elongated member that may be generally configured as a rectangular solid as shown. A series of mounting holes  552  that are adapted for screw or nail fastening, for example, may preferably be provided along a length of the plate. A hanger alignment device, which is shown as a groove  554 , may preferably be defined along the plate as is discussed further below. A shade hanger flange  556  may also preferably be provided along a top edge of the plate.  
         [0077]     The hangers  108  are generally J-shaped members that have a short leg  502  and a long leg  504  extending in the same general direction from a bight portion that defines the support  110  ( FIG. 36 ). The long leg includes at least one fastening hole  508  to accommodate commonly known screw or nail fastening and the like as discussed above and in the summary. An alignment barb  506  that correspond to and is adapted to cooperate with the alignment device  554  may be provided along the long leg  504 .  
         [0078]     The short leg  502  of the hangers  108  curls upward from the bight portion  110  and is spaced from the long leg  504  so that string array lighting may be easily laid into the hanger and upon the support  110  with the short leg substantially capturing and cradling the lighting in a preselected location. A shade latch  512  may be formed on the short leg in the form of a barb flange or recess or the like.  
         [0079]     The body  102  in embodiment  500  is formed as an open-sided channel with a first leg  522  and a second leg  524  ( FIG. 23 ). A portion of the body, including portions of each of the legs  522  and  524 , define the shade  104 . A flange  514  is provided at a terminal end of the first leg  522  and cooperates with the shade hanger flange  556  of the mount backing plate  550 . The flange may further be configured as a groove as shown, into which the hanger flange  556  is seated. A flange is provided on the second leg  524  to define a shade catch  516  that cooperates with the shade latch  512  of the hanger short leg  502 .  
         [0080]     In use, the mount backing plate  550  may be secured to a supporting structure by screw fastening, adhesive fastening, or other desired method, for example. A series of hangers  108  may be selectively disposed along the plate  550  with the alignment barb  506  cooperatingly engaging the hanger alignment device groove  554 . Each hanger may be secured in its place upon the plate  550  by screw fastening, adhesive fastening, or other desired method, for example.  
         [0081]     A desired string lighting  60  is placed between the hanger legs  502  and  504  to rest on the support  110 . A length of the string array lighting mount body  102  is secured to at least a portion of the series of hangers by mating the flange  514  with the shade hanger flange  556  along a top edge of the plate  550 , slightly pivoting the body downward to engage the shade latch  512  with the shade catch  516 , and snap fasten the respective hangers with the body.  
         [0082]     Each length of the body  104  in this embodiment  500  may preferably be provided with a self-coupling  512  in the manner discussed above relative to the prior embodiments. Thus, adjacent modular sections may merely “plug” together, so a first end of an adjacent second modular section may slide into and mate with the self-coupler of the adjacent first modular section.  
         [0083]     While the above discussed embodiments of a string array lighting mount of the invention are conspicuously useful in both indoor and outdoor environments where a supporting or foundational structure may be available, a fifth preferred embodiment  600  of a string array lighting mount according to the invention that lends itself to more freeform placement is generally shown in the drawing  FIGS. 38-47  in which common elements including a body  102  with shade  104 , lens  106 , hanger  108 , and support  110  structure portions are identified. The embodiment  600  is similar to the embodiment  300 . While the second embodiment  300  is configured to accommodate a hanging orientation, the fifth embodiment is configured to accommodate a standing orientation.  
         [0084]     As shown, the hanger is defined as a flange that extends along the length of body and extends generally radially out from the body. A plurality of lenses are formed along the body to preferably generally cast light other than toward the hanger.  
         [0085]     A sixth preferred embodiment  700  of a string array lighting mount according to the invention is generally shown in the drawing  FIGS. 48 and 49  in which common elements including a body  102  with shade  104 , lens  106 , hanger  108 , and support  110  structure portions are identified. The embodiment  700  is similar to each of the second embodiment  300  and the fifth embodiment  600  and is principally differentiated insofar as it is configured to generally lay upon a surface. Thus, the hanger may be defined as a series of tabs that extend generally radially outward from the body and are disposed along the length of the body. A plurality of lenses are formed along the body to cast light generally toward or away from the hanger.  
         [0086]     One having ordinary skill in the art and those who practice the invention will understand from this disclosure that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed inventive concept. One will also understand that various relational terms, including left, right, front, back, top, and bottom, for example, are used in the detailed description of the invention and in the claims only to convey relative positioning of various elements of the claimed invention.