String light storage lattice

Abstract

The invention concerns a devise being a flat lattice frame for holding string lights, such as Christmas lights, for tangle free storage designed to fit in a standard file storage box. It is designed in a manner for easy use, helps to minimize the required storage space and to approximately match the interior of a standard file box to provide vertical support.

Claims

1. A device for storing string lights comprising: a. a frame, wherein the frame comprises: i. at least two cross members opposite one another, the at least two cross members having a plurality of notches on an interior surface of each of the at least two cross members, wherein the interior surface of each of the at least two cross members face one another, wherein the plurality of notches extend into the interior surface of each one of the at least two cross members; ii. a plurality of lattice members extending between the at least two cross members, wherein the plurality of lattice members have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end extends beyond one of the at least two cross members, and wherein the second end extends beyond another one of the at least two cross members, wherein the plurality of lattice members are generally parallel with one another, wherein the at least two cross members are generally parallel with one another, and wherein an intersection of each of the plurality of lattice members and each of the at least two cross members is general perpendicular, and wherein the first end and the second end separate one or more strands of lights.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of notches generally bisects two of the plurality of lattice members, wherein the plurality of notches are curves, wherein each of the plurality of notches is wider than the one or more strand of lights, and wherein each of the plurality of notches holds a plug end of the one or more strands of lights.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more openings defined by the interior surface of each of the at least two cross members and an interior surface of at least two of the plurality of lattice members, wherein the one or more openings is a handle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Figure one is the front flat perspective of the invention.

(2) Figure two is a rotated view to provide a perspective of the depth of the inventions

(3) Attachment A is a detailed description of the measurement references

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(4) As shown in the drawing the invention s a flat thin lattice frame 1 having cross members 15 and lattice 10 to hold multiple string lights (such as those used for seasonal holiday decorations). The invention has an anticipated thickness of a quarter inch and a design length (A) of fifteen inches and height (B) of nine inches to fit vertically on the wider length of a standard file storage box. The longer width (A) with initial winding length design of 9 inches helps to minimize the curve associated with winding string lights around the lattice frame 1 which minimize the area not used in the storage process. The lateral nature of the lattice frame for vertical storage helps prevent pressure against the light strings and adds support when placed in a standard file box.

Attachment ADetailed Description of Measurement References Provided in Figures

(5) A. Overall Length of the frame lattice is to match the interior length of a standard file box. The current design is fifteen (15) inches but can be slightly shorter without impacting function and can be modified to fit standard file boxes in other countries. B. Overall height of the frame lattice is to match the interior height of a standard file box. The current design is nine (9) inches, but can be slightly shorter without impacting function and can be modified to fit standard file boxes in other countries. C. The depth of the end opening of the frame lattice is designed to be two and three quarters (2) inches to provide enough depth to the opening so that many typical strings will fit on the lattice without, but variations +/ of a half inch will not substantively impact function and may be modified to address consumer preferences. D. The width of the end opening of the frame lattice is designed to be one and five eights (1) inches to provide sufficient width for most standard string lights 5 and to provide four uniform openings not to exceed the height of a standard file box and provide sufficient width of the frame lattice to withstand the strains of use and storage. E. The width of the interior opening of the frame lattice is designed to be one and five eights (1) inches to provide for sufficient room to act as a handle, as well as match the exterior width to simplify manufacturing and be more visually appealing. F. The width between the end opening of the frame lattice is designed to be nine and one half (9) inches to maximize the winding length for the string ling without impacted the depth of the end opening and not exceeding the length of a standard file box. G. The width of the top and bottom lattice of the frame lattice is designed for one half () inch and is slightly thicker than the width of the other lattices in anticipation that it will be stored in a standard file box. The additional width it to provide stronger support and help prevent collapsing of the file box. H. The width of the three interior lattices is designed to five eights () of an inch to have sufficient strength to withstand typical use and storage, but can be slightly modified without impacting function. I. The width of the interior notch 20 is designed to be one half () inch to allow for sufficient lateral movement of the plug end during the winding process and is narrow enough to hold a typical plug end but can be slightly shorter without impacting function and can be modified to accommodate the associated electric plugs used in other countries. J. The distance between the notch and the edge of the interior opening is nine sixteenths ( 9/16) inch as the result of other designed factors. K. Is primary width of the vertical lattice of the frame lattice and is designed to be 1 inches and functions as the vertical support of the frame lattice. While this width is a function of the end opening depth (C) and the interior opening (E) this portion can act as a structural element since it can help brace the top and bottom of the file box. The width can be slightly shorter without impacting function. L. Is the distance from the end of the lattice frame to the end of the curve end and is currently designed for five sixteenths ( 5/26) of an inch and is the same for all lattices for appearance purposes. Is the nine sixteenths ( 9/16) inch. M. The depth of the interior notch is designed to be is the nine sixteenths ( 9/16) inch to allow for area to hold the plug end during the winding process and but not so deep to interfere with the winding\unwinding process or impact the strength of the vertical lattice (with width K). The depth can be slightly shorter without impacting function. N. Is to confirm that the lattice has the same width the entire length to simplify manufacture and be more visually appealing. O. Is to confirm that the lattice has the same width the entire length to simplify manufacture and be more visually appealing. P. This is the distance between the two curved ends as the result of other designed factors. Q. The thickness of the frame lattice is designed to be one quarter () inch to provide sufficient rigidness in anticipation that the frame lattice will be made of a stiff plastic. This thickness may be modified depending on the characteristics of the material used to manufacture the lattice frame.