Winder for string of lights and method for using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a winder for strings of lights and storage for the same. The device includes a frame coupled to a spool retainer. The device further includes a means for winding the spool retainer, such as a drive shaft driven by a hand crank or electric motor. The device further includes a removable spool, for receiving a string of lights, that is coupled to the spool retainer. Additionally, the device includes a handle mountable to the frame for supporting the winder during winding. The invention additionally provides a method for winding a string of lights. A frame coupled to a spool retainer is provided. A reversible handle is then mounted to the frame. A removable spool is coupled to the spool retainer. One end of a string of lights is secured to the spool. A crank is then rotated to coil the string of lights about the spool.

1 . A winder, comprising: 
 a frame,    a spool retainer rotatably coupled to said frame;    a means for winding said spool retainer;    a handle mountable to said frame for supporting said winder during winding; and    a removable spool coupled to said spool retainer for receiving a string of lights.    
     
     
         2 . The winder of  claim 1 , wherein said means for winding comprises a drive shaft coupled to said spool retainer, said drive shaft further coupled to a crank for rotating said drive shaft.  
     
     
         3 . The winder of  claim 2 , wherein said means for winding further comprises a tensioner for adjusting the torque necessary to rotate said drive shaft.  
     
     
         4 . The winder of  claim 3 , wherein said drive shaft extends through said frame, and said tensioner further comprises a tension nut disposed about a threaded portion of said frame though which said drive shaft extends.  
     
     
         5 . The winder of  claim 2 , wherein said spool retainer includes a drive pin for rotatably driving said spool.  
     
     
         6 . The winder of  claim 1 , wherein said means for winding comprises a drive shaft coupled to said spool retainer, said drive shaft further coupled to an electric motor for rotating said drive shaft.  
     
     
         7 . The winder of  claim 1 , wherein said handle is reversibly mountable on said frame.  
     
     
         8 . The winder of  claim 1 , wherein said frame further comprises a base for supporting said winder on a flat surface and an arm extending from said base to said spool retainer.  
     
     
         9 . The winder of  claim 7 , wherein said handle is reversibly mountable on said base.  
     
     
         10 . The winder of  claim 1 , wherein said removable spool comprises a hollow core, a pair of annular side walls spaced apart and disposed at each end of said core, a first notch in one of said side walls for receiving a first end of a string of lights, and a second notch in one of said side walls for receiving a second end of a string of lights.  
     
     
         11 . A winder, comprising: 
 a frame;    a spool retainer rotatably coupled to said frame;    a crank;    a drive shaft coupled to said spool retainer, said drive shaft extending through said frame and coupled to said crank for rotating said drive shaft;    a reversible handle mounted to said frame for supporting said winder during winding; and    a removable spool coupled to said spool retainer for receiving a string of lights.    
     
     
         12 . The winder of  claim 11 , further comprising a tensioner for adjusting the torque necessary to rotate said drive shaft.  
     
     
         13 . The winder of  claim 11 , wherein said spool retainer includes a drive pin for rotatably driving said spool.  
     
     
         14 . The winder of  claim 11 , wherein said frame further comprises a base for supporting said winder on a flat surface and an arm extending from said base to said spool retainer.  
     
     
         15 . The winder of  claim 14 , wherein said handle is reversibly mountable on said base.  
     
     
         16 . The winder of  claim 11 , wherein said removable spool further comprises a hollow core, a pair of annular side walls spaced apart and disposed at each end of said core, a first notch in one of said side walls for receiving a first end of a string of lights, and a second notch in one of said side walls for receiving a second end of a string of lights.  
     
     
         17 . The winder of  claim 16 , wherein said side walls are made from translucent plastic.  
     
     
         18 . A method of winding a string of lights, comprising: 
 providing a spool retainer coupled to a frame;    mounting a reversible handle to said frame;    coupling a removable spool to said spool retainer;    securing one end of a first string of lights to said spool; and    rotating a crank coupled to said spool retainer to coil said first string of lights about said spool.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the step of mounting said frame to a flat surface.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the step of coupling a second string of lights to the other end of said first string of lights, wherein said step of rotating further comprises rotating said crank to coil said first and second strings of lights about said spool.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the step of adjusting the rotation tension of said crank.  
     
     
         22 . A device for storing strings of lights, comprising 
 a cylindrical core upon which a string of lights may be coiled;    a first substantially flat, translucent annular side wall disposed about one end of said core;    a second substantially flat, translucent annular side wall disposed about the other end of said core; and    a notch in one of said side walls for retaining a female end of a string of lights;    whereby a string of lights may be coiled about said core, whereby the male end of the string of lights may be electrically connected to a power source, and whereby it may be visually determined whether the string of lights is operable prior to uncoiling the string of lights.    
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein said first and second side walls are substantially solid.