Diffuse patio lighting arrangement
First Claim
1. Alighting apparatus for outdoor use in a radially extending pattern, said apparatus comprising:
- a) a power supply cord for a central outlet;
b) a plurality of miniature light strings with each string containing at least five miniature lights connected in a series circuit; and
,c) a central connection box having means for electrically connecting each of said light strings in parallel with said power supply cord, a cover cooperating with the central connection box, said cover having water impervious sides and a water impervious top, and side channels for collecting said storing a portion of the wire from each string.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A lighting arrangement is provided that is generally useful for a variety of outdoor lighting applications and in particular on patio umbrellas. The lighting has a radial arrangement of the lights that extend from a central connector box. The central connector box allows a multiplicity of light strings to emanate from a single power source. A diffuse and attractive light display is provided by the large number of small lights. A rain resistant cover over the central connector box protects against electrical shock. As an added safety feature the lighting arrangement will usually include a ground fault circuit interrupt device "GFCI" on a central power supply cord to prevent electrical shock. The ground fault interrupt is particularly advantageous when the lighting arrangement is located on conductive materials.
99 Citations
13 Claims
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1. Alighting apparatus for outdoor use in a radially extending pattern, said apparatus comprising:
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a) a power supply cord for a central outlet; b) a plurality of miniature light strings with each string containing at least five miniature lights connected in a series circuit; and
,c) a central connection box having means for electrically connecting each of said light strings in parallel with said power supply cord, a cover cooperating with the central connection box, said cover having water impervious sides and a water impervious top, and side channels for collecting said storing a portion of the wire from each string. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A lighting apparatus for outdoor use in a patio umbrella having radially extending ribs for supporting a covering material thereon, said apparatus comprising:
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a) a power supply cord for a central outlet; b) a plurality of miniature light strings with the lights in each string connected in a series circuit; c) means for securing individual light strings along the length of individual ribs of said umbrella; d) a central connection box having means for electrically connecting each of said light strings in parallel with said power supply cord and a cover that cooperates with said central connection box, said cover having water impervious sides and a water impervious top; and
,e) means for securing said central connection box to a center support for said umbrella. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A patio umbrella arrangement for providing diffuse light comprising:
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a) a patio umbrella having a center support, a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from an upper section of said center support, and a covering material supported by said ribs; b) a string of miniature lights connected in a series circuit, secured to and extending along each rib; c) a power supply cord for a n electrical outlet; and
,d) a central connection box secured to said center support having means for electrically connection each of said light strings in parallel with said power supply cord and a cover that cooperates with said central connection box, said cover having layer impervious sides and a water impervious top. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A lighting apparatus for outdoor use in a radially extending pattern, said apparatus comprising:
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a) a power supply word for a central outlet; b) a plurality of miniature light strings with each string containing at least five miniature lights connected in a series circuit and said light strings having leads that terminate in plate connectors; c) a central connection box having means for electrically connecting each of said light strings in parallel with said power supply cord and a cover cooperating with said central connection box, said cover having water impervious sides and water impervious top; and
,(d) a pair of connector buses in said central connection box arranged in electrical connection with the leads of said power cord and electrically connected to said light strings said connector buses comprising elongate conductive strips of resilient material that form a plurality of spaced apart clips for retaining said plate connectors. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification