Lights in a blanket

• US 6,402,336 B1
• Filed: 09/02/2000
• Issued: 06/11/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donald Reese
• Original Assignee: Donald Reese
• Inventors: Reese, Donald
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sawhney, Hargobind S.
• Application Number:
  US09/654,241
• Time in Patent Office: 647 Days
• Field of Search: 362/103, 362/108, 362/151, 362/252, 362/251, 362/806, 362/840, 405/41
• US Class Current: 362/103
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/10 with light sources attached to loose electric cables, e.g. Christmas tree lights
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/007 with provision for shipment or storage
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/08 Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/00 Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/004 mounted on the exterior of houses or other buildings to illuminate parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/806 Ornamental or decorative
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/812 Signs

Abstract

The present invention 10 discloses a means for decorating using lights 30 which are fixed to a blanket 14. The blanket 14 can be of variable length and width constructed of a backing material 38 providing means for attaching a decorative symbol 40, as well as means for permanently attaching a light string 30 thereto. The light string 30 can form a random pattern, or a recognizable symbol 16 and can be used to highlight some decorative design within the blanket 14 itself. The blanket 14 can be attached to any appropriate surface 26 using fastening means 32. Further the blanket can be rolled up for storage purpose which eliminates the lights 30 and wires 52 becoming entangled.

Claims

1. An apparatus for displaying decorative lights on a surface of a building, comprising:

a) a blanket, said blanket being generally elongated and rectangular, said blanket having a first end, a second end, a front side and a rear side;

b) a plurality of lights disposed on said front side of said blanket for a decoration;

c) a first means for attaching said blanket to the building;

d) a second means for attaching said lights to said blanket;

e) means for a decorative layer disposed on said front side of said blanket;

f) means for electrically connecting said lights;

g) a power source for said lights;

h) said second means for attaching said lights to said blanket further comprising a substrate layer disposed on said rear of said blanket; and

i) means for anchoring said lights to said substrate whereby said lights are securely attached to said blanket.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said blanket is made of flexible material for being rolled.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, said first means for attaching said blanket to the building further comprises mating hook and loop material.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said hook and loop material is disposed on said first and said second ends of said blanket.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said hook and loop material is disposed on said rear side of said blanket.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, said means for anchoring further comprises elongated members for insertion through said substrate and into said blanket.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for a decorative layer further comprises said decorative layer having various decorative shapes.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said decorative layer is disposed on said front side of said blanket, said decorative layer having multiple apertures therein, said apertures for receiving said lights.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising multiple blankets formed from said blankets by joining said means for electrical connection together.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for a light control whereby said lights can be controlled.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for a timer, whereby the timing of said lights is controlled.

12. An apparatus for displaying decorative lights on a surface of a building, comprising:

a) a blanket, said blanket being generally elongated and rectangular, said blanket having a first end, a second end, a front side and a rear side;

b) a plurality of lights disposed on said front side of said blanket for a decoration;

c) a first means for attaching said blanket to the building;

d) a second means for attaching said lights to said blanket;

e) means for a decorative layer disposed on said front side of said blanket;

f) means for electrically connecting said lights;

g) a power source for said lights; and

h) means for controlling. said lights comprising a plurality of light control switches.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said lights can be individually controlled.