Device and method for manipulating decorations at elevated locations

Abstract

A Y-shaped device for manipulating decorations at elevated locations comprises a proximal end, and a U-shaped distal end having two spaced-apart arms that each have ends, wherein at least one of the ends of the two arms is bevelled. To install a decoration at an elevated location using the Y-shaped device, a user would dispose of the device on a distal end of a pole, dispose of a portion of the decoration between the arms of the Y-shaped device, lift the pole at a proximal end thereof such that the Y-shaped device approaches the elevated location, install the decoration at the elevated location, and repeat the above steps for a plurality of additional portions of the decoration until the entire decoration has been installed at the elevated location. To remove a decoration from an elevated location using the Y-shaped device, a user would dispose of the device on a distal end of a pole, lift the pole at a proximal end thereof such that the Y-shaped device approaches the elevated location, wedge at least one of the arms between a portion of the decoration and an object at the elevated location, dispose of the portion of the decoration between the arms of the Y-shaped device, lift the pole such that the portion of the decoration is no longer installed at the elevated location, and repeat the above steps for a plurality of additional portions of the decoration until the entire decoration has been removed from the elevated location.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for the improved manipulating of decorations at elevated locations. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The traditional method of hanging lighting strands and decorations at elevated locations involves the use of a stepladder. This approach is clearly not optimal since there is an inherent danger associated with the use of a stepladder. This is especially true in the winter months, when most decorating occurs. There is an increased danger that the ladder may be placed onto an icy patch and may slide when climbing is attempted. [0003] Also, due to their size and weight, stepladders can damage landscaping. They are difficult to carry, and their weight makes use difficult for weaker persons. [0004] A stepladder is also tedious to use since the user must perform multiple repetitions of a cycle—climbing up the ladder, hanging lighting strands, climbing down the ladder, moving the ladder, and climbing up again. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved device and method for manipulating decorations at elevated locations.

[0013] The advantages of the present invention are numerous. First, bevelled ends on the arms of the device permit its arms to be wedged between a decoration and some other object such as an eaves trough, which is particularly useful in situations where the decoration and the other object are in close proximity. Second, use of the present invention avoids the inherent dangers associated with using a stepladder or climbing onto a roof when one is trying to manipulate decorations by hand. Lastly, the present invention allows for a speedier installation and removal process for decorations at an elevated location.

Problems solved by technology

This approach is clearly not optimal since there is an inherent danger associated with the use of a stepladder.

There is an increased danger that the ladder may be placed onto an icy patch and may slide when climbing is attempted.

Also, due to their size and weight, stepladders can damage landscaping.

They are difficult to carry, and their weight makes use difficult for weaker persons.

A stepladder is also tedious to use since the user must perform multiple repetitions of a cycle—climbing up the ladder, hanging lighting strands, climbing down the ladder, moving the ladder, and climbing up again.

Due to the awkward nature of walking on a roof and the fact that many roofs are slippery during the winter months, falls from roofs have resulted in serious injuries, and in some cases, death.

These devices are limited, however, to affixing to objects such as tree branches in cases where the objects are thin enough to allow the hook to interconnect.

On thick tree branches, the hook may be too small to fit.

Also, using hooks adds additional cost to the device and complexity in the decorating process.

Thick arms of a trough make it difficult to remove lights that are in close proximity to another object, such as an eaves trough.

Although this approach may work for light strands where there is limited interference from surrounding objects, the alligator clamp may be too large and cumbersome to work with light strands that are located in close proximity to other objects.

Another drawback of this approach is that there must be a trigger to release the clamping mechanism.

This added hardware could increase the cost and difficulty of use, as well as the potential for mechanical failures, too.

Lastly, there is a danger that the teeth of the alligator clamp may pierce the wire of a lighting strand.

This may cause an electrical safety hazard, thus damaging the lights and preventing them from operating correctly.

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