U.S. patent application number 16/439866 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-26 for string light storage container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Abdul Khan, Bich Nguyen. Invention is credited to Abdul Khan, Bich Nguyen.
Application Number | 20190292007 16/439866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67984785 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190292007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Khan; Abdul ; et
al. |
September 26, 2019 |
STRING LIGHT STORAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
A string light storage container. The string light storage
container includes a base. The base defines a cylinder rising
upward therefrom. The cylinder is centrally disposed in the base.
The cylinder is shaped to receive string lights therearound. A
cover is removably securable to the base via a fastener, such that
an interior cavity is formed around the cylinder when the cover is
engaged with the base.
Inventors: |
Khan; Abdul; (Lovettsville,
VA) ; Nguyen; Bich; (Lovettsville, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Khan; Abdul
Nguyen; Bich |
Lovettsville
Lovettsville |
VA
VA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67984785 |
Appl. No.: |
16/439866 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62689309 |
Jun 25, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00361
20130101; B65H 2701/3915 20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D
21/0217 20130101; B65H 75/4473 20130101; B65D 25/28 20130101; B65D
2543/00851 20130101; B65D 25/106 20130101; B65D 85/04 20130101;
B65D 2543/00527 20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65H 75/4471
20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65H 75/44 20060101
B65H075/44; B65D 21/02 20060101 B65D021/02; B65D 25/28 20060101
B65D025/28 |
Claims
1) A string light storage container, comprising: a base defining a
planar surface; a cylinder extending upwardly from the base; and a
cover removably secured to the base via a fastener such that an
interior cavity is defined around the cylinder when the cover is
engaged with the base.
2) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the base
defines a circular planar surface.
3) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the cover
and the base are of an identical diameter.
4) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the base
defines an outer threading configured to correspond to an inner
threading defined by the cover.
5) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein a handle
is disposed on an external surface of the cover.
6) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein an indent
in the cover extends downward toward the cylinder.
7) The string light storage container of claim 6, wherein the
indent is in contact with the cylinder when the cover is engaged
with the lid.
8) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the cover
defines a flat surface, such that a second base of a second string
light storage container can be stacked upon the cover.
9) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the base
defines an interface on a lower surface thereof, wherein the
interface is configured to rest upon the top surface of the
cover.
10) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein a distal
end of the cylinder is beveled.
11) The string light storage container of claim 1, wherein the
distal end of the cylinder is rounded.
12) A string light storage container, comprising: a base defining a
planar surface; a cylinder extending upward from the base; a cover
removably secured to the base such that an interior cavity is
defined around the cylinder when the cover is engaged with the
base; wherein the cover forms a seal against the base when in a
closed configuration.
13) A string light storage container, comprising: a base having a
top surface opposite a bottom surface; a cylinder extending upward
from the top surface of the base; the cylinder having a proximal
end attached at the base and a distal end opposite of the proximal
end; the distal end of the cylinder being rounded; a cover
removably securable around the step of the base; the step
configured to receive the cover therearound, such that a seal is
formed between the step and the cover; the cover comprising an
indent; the indent sized to contact the cylinder when the cover is
engaged with the base; the indent comprising a handle therein.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/689,309 filed on Jun. 25, 2018. The above
identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a string light storage
container. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
string light storage container with a removably securable cover to
protect the string lights stored therein.
[0003] String lights are decorative accessories that are often used
in the winter holiday season or otherwise in an outdoor setting or
an indoor setting. These lights can enlighten a room and enhance
the aesthetic features of the room, as well as act as a vibrant
outdoor decoration. A user may not desire, however, to leave string
lights up as a permanent fixture, as they may create an unsightly
aesthetic if left up for too long, particularly outdoors. Thus, the
string lights may need to be taken down from the structure and
stored at certain times.
[0004] Unfortunately, string lights are often difficult to store,
whereby they may often get tangled. When string lights get tangled,
they may get damaged from kinks or twists in the string lights.
Additionally, untangling tangled string lights can be a
time-consuming and frustrating process. Replacing tangled string
lights can be expensive compared to effectively storing the string
lights. Therefore, there is a need for a device that allows for
string lights to be stored in a manner that prevents tangling or
other damage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of light device storage containers now present in the prior
art the present invention provides a string light storage container
wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the
user when storing string lights.
[0006] The present system comprises a base defining a planar
surface. The base defines a cylinder rising upward from the planar
surface thereof. The cylinder is centrally disposed upon the base
such that the base provides a platform around the cylinder for the
storage of string lights. The cylinder is shaped to receive string
lights therearound, such that string lights can be stored around
the cylinder without being tangled. A cover is removably securable
to the base via a fastener, such that an interior cavity is formed
around the cylinder when the cover is engaged with the base.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
base that is a circular planar surface, such that when a string
light is wrapped around the cylinder, it can be evenly distributed
relative to the fastener at which the cover attaches to the
base.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a cover and a base that are of an identical
diameter, such that dust and debris are prevented from entering the
interior cavity between the cover and the base when the cover
engaged with the base.
[0009] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the base
defines an outer threading that corresponds to an inner threading
that is on the cover. As such, dust and debris are further
prevented from entering the interior cavity when the outer
threading of the base is engaged with the inner threading of the
cover.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a handle disposed on an external surface of
the cover. As such, the handle is utilized to manipulate the cover
relative to the base, such that the cover can be secured upon the
base via an action of the user.
[0011] In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, an
indent is disposed in the cover, and extends downwardly toward the
cylinder of the base. As such, the string lights are further
secured and prevented from tangling in the interior cavity.
[0012] In a further embodiment, it is an object of the present
invention to provide an indent of the cover that is in contact with
the cylinder of the base when the cover is engaged with the base,
such that a column is defined entirely through the interior
cavity.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a flat surface on the cover, such that a
second base of a second string light storage device is receivable
upon the cover.
[0014] In yet a further embodiment, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a base that defines an interface, such that
the interface is receivable upon a second cover of a second string
light storage device.
[0015] In another embodiment, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a cylinder that is rounded or beveled at the
distal end thereof, such that damage is reduced to the string
lights being stored around the cylinder.
[0016] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood
after a review of the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are
provided throughout.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a base of an embodiment
of the string light storage container.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a bottom surface of a
base of an embodiment of the string light storage container.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
string light storage container wherein the cover is engaged with
the base.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
string light storage container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like
or similar elements of the string light storage container. The
figures are intended for representative purposes only and should
not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view
of a base of an embodiment of the string light storage container.
The base 11 defines a planar surface 12 and at least one base
sidewall 14 extending downward therefrom, such that the at least
one base sidewall 14 provides support to the planar surface 12 of
the base 11. The planar surface 12 is designed to gravitationally
secure a plurality of string lights thereon. In the illustrated
embodiment, the base 11 defines a planar surface 12 that is
circular. As such, when a string light is wrapped around the
cylinder, it is evenly distributed therearound as the distance
between the cylinder and an edge of the planar surface 12 is more
stable.
[0024] A cylinder 13 extends upward from the planar surface 12 of
the base 11. In the illustrated embodiment, that string lights are
wrappable around the cylinder 13. The cylinder 13 defines a
proximal end 15, that is in contact with the planar surface 12 of
the base 11 opposite of a distal end 16. During use, as the string
lights are wrapped around the cylinder 13, a first end of the
string lights will be placed at the proximal end 15 of the cylinder
13. The string lights will be wrapped around the cylinder 13
repeatedly, and the string lights rest upon each other. In one
embodiment, the distal end 16 of the cylinder 13 is rounded or
beveled, such that damage to the string lights is reduced when they
are stored upon the cylinder 13.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 11 further comprises
a fastener 17 disposed on an external surface of the at least one
base sidewall 14. The fastener 17 is configured to removably
receive a cover thereon, as is illustrated in FIG. 3. In the
illustrated embodiment, the fastener 17 is a threaded fastener.
However, in further embodiments any fastener may be utilized, such
as an interlocking lip or a frictional fitting part. Any suitable
fastener may be utilized to removably secure the cover to the base
11.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a bottom surface of
a base of an embodiment of the string light storage container. In
one embodiment, the base 11 defines an interface. The interface is
configured to be receivable upon a second cover of a second string
light storage device. Users that own multiple strings of string
lights may need to utilize several string light storage devices to
store them. As such, the interface provided on the base 11 allow
for multiple string light storage devices to be stacked or
otherwise stored together in a structurally secure manner.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 11 further comprises
a plurality of base supports. The plurality of base supports is
configured to provide structural support to the base 11, such that
when string lights are stored in the string light storage device,
the planar surface of the base 11 will not sag or bend. In the
illustrated embodiment, the plurality of base supports comprises a
central base support 23 and a plurality of secondary base supports
22 extending outwardly therefrom. The central base support 23 is
configured to rest below the cylinder that is centrally disposed
upon the top surface of the base 11. As such, force exerted upon
the cylinder is absorbed by the central base support 23. Each
secondary base support of the plurality of secondary base supports
22 extends from the central base support 23 to an internal surface
of the at least one base side wall 14. As such, force exerted upon
the planar surface of the base 11 is absorbed by the plurality of
secondary base supports 22.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view
of an embodiment of the string light storage container. The string
light storage container 10 further comprises a cover 31. In the
illustrated embodiment, the cover 31 tapers from a bottom edge to a
top edge thereof. The cover 31 is removably securable to the base
11 via a fastener. When the cover 31 is engaged with the base 11,
an interior cavity is defined around the cylinder, between the
cover 31 and the base 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover
31 further comprises a rim 32. Furthermore, as shown, the rim 32 is
of an identical circumference as the base 11. When the cover 31 and
the base 11 are of an identical diameter, convenience is provided
as dust and debris are prevented from entering the interior cavity
between the cover 31 and the base 11 when the cover 31 is engaged
with the base 11.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 31 further
comprises a handle 33. The handle 33 is disposed on an external
surface of the cover 31. As shown, the handle 33 is disposed in an
indent 34. As such, in the shown embodiment, the handle 33 does not
protrude from the cover 31 in a manner that would prevent stacking
of a plurality of string light storage units. The handle 33 is
provided, such that the handle 33 is utilized to manipulate the
cover 31 relative to the base 11, such that the cover 31 can be
secured upon the base 11 via an action of the user. In the
illustrated embodiment, the handle 33 structurally comprises a pair
of perpendicularly disposed intersecting members 36. The pair of
intersecting members 36 meet at a center point 37 each thereof.
Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the handle 33 forms a
unitary piece with the cover 31. As such, the handle 33 provides an
ideal structure through which the user may twist the handle 33
engaging or disengaging the cover 31 with the base 11.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 31 defines a flat
surface 35 at the top face thereof, such that a second base of a
second string light storage container is receivable upon the cover
31. Users that own multiple strings of string lights may need to
utilize several string light storage containers to store them. As
such, the flat surface 35 of the cover 31 will allow for the second
string light storage device to be rested or stacked thereon. In one
embodiment, the cover 31 is entirely flat with the exception of the
indent 34 that is centrally disposed on the cover 31. In another
embodiment, the cover 31 further comprises a lip 38 defined around
a perimeter of the top face of the cover 31. As such, the lip 38
provides further structural stability to the string light storage
device 10.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross-sectional
view of an embodiment of the string light storage container. In the
illustrated embodiment, the base 11 defines an outer threading 41.
The outer threading 41 is disposed on an external surface of a
vertical lip 42 rising upward from the base 11. The outer threading
41 is configured to correspond with an inner threading 43. The
inner threading 43 is disposed on an interior surface of a vertical
overhang 44 of the cover 31. As such, humidity, dust and debris are
further prevented from entering the interior cavity 45 when the
outer threading 41 of the base 11 is engaged with the inner
threading 43 of the cover 31 as the protrusions of the outer
threading 41 will interlock with the protrusions of the inner
threading 43. In use, the user can engage the outer threading 41 of
the base 11 with the inner threading 43 of the cover 31 by turning
the handle 33.
[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the indent 34 in the cover 31
extends downwardly toward the cylinder 13 of the base 11. As such,
the string lights are further secured and prevented from tangling
in the interior cavity because the gap between the cylinder 13 and
the indent 34 of the cover 31 is dimensioned such that a string
light is unable to pass therethrough. In a further embodiment, the
indent 34 of the cover 31 is in contact with the distal end 16 of
the cylinder 13 of the base 11 when the cover 31 is engaged with
the base 11, such that a column is defined entirely through the
interior cavity 45. As such, the indent 34 and the cylinder 13 not
only prevent tangling of the string lights, but also provide
structural support to the cover 31 such that the cover 31 is
prevented from sagging or collapsing in a manner that may
potentially cause damage to the contents of the interior cavity
45.
[0033] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has
been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized
however, that departures may be made within the scope of the
invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person
skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it
is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for
the parts of the invention, to include variations in size,
materials, shape, form function and manner of operation, assembly
and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in
the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in
the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be
encompassed by the present invention.
[0034] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *