DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a holiday light storage system 10, comprising a horizontal base 12 and a main hub 14 extending vertically upward therefrom. The main hub 14 has a bottom 14B at the base 12, and a top surface 14T. The main hub 14 is generally cylindrical in shape, having a central axis.

[0018] A plurality of spokes 16 extend radially outward from the main hub 14 at uniform circumferential intervals. The spokes 16 are located near the top surface 14T, preferably are all at substantially the same height above the base 12, and extend substantially parallel to the base 12.

[0019] The base 12 is generally rectangular, having four sides 12S, and preferably comprises an upper plate 20 and a lower plate 22. The upper plate 20 is mounted for rotation upon the lower plate 22 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 1. To facilitate even rotation within the confines of the base 12, the upper plate 20 is preferably circular in shape, coaxial with the central axis of the main hub 14, and has a radius which is smaller than the minimum radial distance from the central axis to one of the sides 12S.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates the light storage system 10 in use, being used to store a multi-branch light string 30. Commonly known as an “icicle” lights, the multi-branch light string 30 includes a main cord 32, and a plurality of dangling strands 34 which hang from the main cord 32. The dangling strands 34 each have an end 35 opposite from the main cord 32, and each have a dangling strand length, measured between the main cord 32 and the end 35. Adjacent dangling strands 34 are spaced apart along the main cord 32 at substantially uniform intervals. A plurality of light bulbs 36 are distributed along each of the dangling strands 34.

[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the light string 30 is wrapped around the hub 14, wherein the main cord 32 is directly wound around the hub 14, above the radial spokes 16. Accordingly, as the main cord 32 is wound around the hub 14 and is supported by the spokes 16, the dangling strands 34 “straddle” the spokes 16, hanging plumb, parallel to the central axis of the main hub 14. As the light string 30 is continually wrapped around the main hub 14, it spirals outward therefrom in a substantially planar configuration, wherein the dangling strands 34 hang neatly therebelow, perpendicular to the main cord 32, in a compact but relatively untangled mass.

[0022] In order to allow the dangling strands 34 to hang neatly below the main cord 32, with each of the dangling strands 34 hanging relatively straight and plumb, the spokes 16 must be located a height above the base 12 which exceeds the strand length. Generally the strand length of most multi-branch light strings commonly manufactured is substantially standard. Accordingly, the proper height for the spokes 16 above the base 12 can be readily determined. However, a relatively safe range of variation for different purposes would dictate that the height of the spokes 16 above the base fall within the range of eight to thirty six inches, wherein such configurations accommodate strand lengths of up to thirty six inches.

[0023] Because the base 12 allows rotation of the hub 14, storage and removal of the light strings 30 upon the hub 14 is greatly facilitated. As seen in FIG. 2, the main cord 32 can be rapidly wound around the hub 14, provided that care is taken to ensure that the dangling strands 34 are not inadvertently pulled across two of the spokes 16 instead of dangling between the spokes. A suggested practice is to hold the main cord 32 taught outwardly from the hub 14 to ensure that the dangling strands 34 fall around the spokes 16 and do not get caught thereon. Removal of the light strings 30 is also facilitated by rotation at the base 12. Accordingly, one can simply pull the main cord 32 radially away from the hub 14, causing the hub to rotate and release the light string 30.

[0024] To facilitate both rotation of the hub 14 and removal of the light storage device 10 from a storage box 40, a handle 38 is provided on the top surface 14T of the main hub 14. The handle 38 is preferably provided in the form of a collapsible strap 39, which arcs upward to accommodate a hand when needed to lift or rotate the light storage device 10, as shown in FIG. 2, and folds relatively flat against the top surface 14T when not in use, as shown in FIG. 1. Such a handle can be implemented in a number of ways. One example is to provide a flange at both ends of the strap, and provide slots in the top surface 14T which are smaller in size than the flanges. Thus, the strap can be pulled upward until the flanges meet the top surface 14T, at which point the strap can be used to lift the device 10, or the strap can be pushed downward so that it extends through both slots until the strap is folded flat against the top surface 14T.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, which shows the device 10 in conjunction with the storage box 40. The storage box is of a generally rectangular prism shaped configuration, such that it snugly accommodates the base, and has sufficient height to accommodate the device from the base 12 to the top surface 14T of the main hub 14. As seen in FIG. 3, the light string 30 has been wrapped around the hub 14, with the main cord 32 remaining above the spokes 16 and the dangling strands 34 hanging freely therebeneath. As illustrated, the main cord 32 droops somewhat between spokes 16. Accordingly to remain neat, four spokes 16 is preferred. However, a minimum of two spokes 16 is possible.

[0026] In conclusion, illustrated herein is a holiday light storage system which allows holiday light strings to be stored in a neat, logical, and tangle-free manner. The invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which provides an example of an implementation of the inventive concepts. These illustrations, however, are exemplative only. Numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concepts. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention.