U.S. patent application number 10/136250 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-12 for multiple stem artificial holiday tree with shelves.
Invention is credited to Lonneman, Alan, Lonneman, Janice.
Application Number | 20030106472 10/136250 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26834157 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030106472 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lonneman, Alan ; et
al. |
June 12, 2003 |
Multiple stem artificial holiday tree with shelves
Abstract
An artificial Christmas tree with shelving. More particularly,
the invention relates to an artificial Christmas tree including a
number of shelves separated and supported by multiple legs.
Inventors: |
Lonneman, Alan; (Plymouth,
MN) ; Lonneman, Janice; (Plymouth, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John M. Vasuta, Esq.
7570 Hudson Park Drive
Hudson
OH
44236
US
|
Family ID: |
26834157 |
Appl. No.: |
10/136250 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60339862 |
Dec 6, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/92 ;
211/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/0043 20130101;
A47G 33/06 20130101; A47B 87/0223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/92 ;
211/186 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/00; A47B
057/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An artificial tree comprising: a first shelf of a generally
planar design having a top surface and a bottom surface with an
edge therebetween; a second shelf of a generally planar design
having a top surface and a bottom surface with an edge
therebetween; and a plurality of legs extending from the bottom
surface of the second shelf and resting against the top surface of
first shelf to support the second shelf on the first shelf.
2. The artificial tree of claim 1 wherein each edge includes a
method for attaching at least one of decorations, ornaments and
garland.
3. The artificial tree of claim 2 wherein the method of attaching
decorations, ornaments and garland includes at least one of a hook,
clip, adhesive, and fastener for receiving and holding the
decorations, ornaments and garland.
4. The artificial tree of claim 3 further comprising at least one
of decorations, ornaments and garland attached to the tree via the
at least one of the hook, clip, adhesive, and fastener for
receiving and holding the decorations, ornaments and garland.
5. The artificial tree of claim 1 wherein the shelves are one of
circular or oval in shape.
6. The artificial tree of claim 5 wherein the distance across the
top surface of the first shelf is greater than the distance across
the top surface of the second shelf.
7. The artificial tree of claim 1 further comprising additional
shelves each of a generally planar design having a top surface and
a bottom surface with an edge therebetween, and including a
plurality of legs extending from the bottom surface of each shelf
and resting against the top surface of the adjacent shelf
therebelow.
8. The artificial tree of claim 7 wherein the distance across the
top surface of adjacent shelves diminishes as the shelves are
greater distances from the first shelf which is the lowermost
shelf.
9. The artificial tree of claim 1 wherein the plurality of legs
extending from the bottom surface of the second shelf are affixed
thereto, while in contact with the top surface of first shelf to
support the second shelf on the first shelf.
10. The artificial tree of claim 1 wherein the plurality of legs
extending from the bottom surface of the second shelf are affixed
thereto as well as are affixed to the top surface of first shelf to
connect the second shelf on the first shelf.
11. The artificial tree of claim 1 wherein the plurality of legs
extending from the bottom surface of the second shelf are affixed
thereto, and are seated within a bumper on the top surface of first
shelf to support the second shelf on the first shelf.
12. An artificial tree comprising: a plurality of shelves each of a
generally planar design having a top surface and a bottom surface
with an edge therebetween; and a plurality of legs extending from
the bottom surface of each of the shelves.
13. The artificial tree of claim 12 wherein each edge includes a
method for attaching at least one of decorations, ornaments and
garland.
14. The artificial tree of claim 13 wherein the method of attaching
decorations, ornaments and garland includes at least one of a hook,
clip, adhesive, and fastener for receiving and holding the
decorations, ornaments and garland.
15. The artificial tree of claim 13 further comprising at least one
of garlands, lights, ornaments affixed to the edge.
16. The artificial tree of claim 12 wherein the shelves are one of
circular or oval in shape.
17. The artificial tree of claim 16 wherein the distance across the
top surface of the first shelf is greater than the distance across
the top surface of the second shelf.
18. The artificial tree of claim 12 wherein the plurality of legs
extending from the bottom surface of each shelf are affixed
thereto, while in contact with one of the top surface of a shelf
immediately below and a surface on which the tree is
positioned.
19. The artificial tree of claim 12 wherein the plurality of legs
extending from the bottom surface of each shelf are affixed thereto
as well as are affixed to the top surface of a shelf immediately
below if such shelf exists.
20. The artificial tree of claim 12 wherein the plurality of legs
extending from the bottom surface of the second shelf are affixed
thereto, and where a shelf exists immediately below are seated
within a bumper on the top surface of such shelf positioned
immediately below.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The invention pertains to artificial trees, and more
specifically to artificial evergreen or pine trees. More
particularly, the invention relates to artificial Christmas or
holiday trees designed to include shelves for use in displaying
ornamental items.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] The use of evergreen or pine trees, often also referred to
as Christmas trees, to celebrate the Christmas holiday is widely
practiced. More specifically, it has become common practice over
many decades to hang decorations and candles or more recently
lights, upon the tree branches. In more recent times, artificial
trees have become very popular including over the past couple of
years artificial trees with lights and/or ornaments permanently
affixed therein.
[0005] Lots of other decorations have also become popular in
association with the Christmas holidays. These include displaying
collectibles including miniature houses, a collection of which are
sometimes referred to as a Christmas village. In recent years it
has become very popular to display these under the Christmas tree,
on the top surface or shelves of a popular furniture item, on the
fireplace mantle, and so on.
[0006] In addition to miniature houses and the like, other
decorations and collectibles are also often displayed on shelves,
mantles, and/or under the Christmas tree including: presents,
nativity sets, villages (with streets, cars, miniature trees,
paths, ice rinks, and other life like miniature models), model
railroad layouts including electric or ornamental trains, miniature
forest, party food, books, tree skirts, tree toppers, and toys. All
of these shall be collectively referred to as "decorations"
hereinafter.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. D414,056 shows an ornamental design for one
type of a special Christmas shelf designed specifically for the
display of decorations on shelves. This device retains the precise
ornamental design of a natural tree with a single stem. A single
stem design often presents several difficulties including
difficulty in firmly mounting each shelf to the single main stem,
instability or rocking of the shelves and particularly when
significant weight is placed upon the shelves, and sagging of the
shelves over time around the outer periphery due to the weight of
the collectibles and/or persons viewing the collectables leaning
against or pulling on that outer periphery. The single large square
stem of the '056 patent is also difficult to fit into the
ornamental layout of certain collectables including miniature
houses.
[0008] Display stands in the form of Christmas trees wherein
shelves are mounted upon a central column are known as shown in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,577,207 and 3,674,612. However, such devices,
while in the general shape of a Christmas tree, do not employ
needled branches, and for most people would not be a proper
substitute for a more traditional Christmas tree.
[0009] It is known to incorporate a shelf into an artificial
Christmas tree for display purposes as shown in U.S. Pat. No.
5,085,901. In this patent, a shelf is disclosed at mid-height
whereby houses, candy, packages and the like may be mounted on the
shelf and are readily visible. The practice of this invention
requires a single gap not consistent with the remainder of the
tree. The tree configuration immediately above the shelf must be
devoid of branches at only one level. The concept of this patent
limits the display area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is desirable to create or provide a shelf system embodied
as a tree such as a Christmas tree or tree for other holidays, and
more specifically to provide a solid, stable, rugged support that
will firmly hold heavy and valuable collectables, be easy to put
up, be easy to take down, use low cost standard technology with
available standard hardware and/or manufacturing methods, be able
to adjust the size/height, be easy to display things on or hang
ornaments and lights, and be easy to store.
[0011] An optional object of the preferred embodiment is for the
support structure to blend into the layout of miniature house
arrangements and other miniature arrangements making the tree seem
like a forest with tree trunks supporting a forest canopy which is
really the next shelf up.
[0012] These and other objectives and advantages are obtained by
the improved multiple stem artificial Christmas tree with shelves
of the present invention, the general nature of which may be stated
as an artificial tree including a first shelf of a generally planar
design having a top surface and a bottom surface with an edge
therebetween, a second shelf of a generally planar design having a
top surface and a bottom surface with an edge therebetween, and a
plurality of legs extending from the bottom surface of the second
shelf and resting against the top surface of first shelf to support
the second shelf on the first shelf.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the
principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown
in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and
set forth in the appended claims.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
Christmas tree shelving system of the present invention where a set
of shelves is separated or disassembled;
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a different tree topper for use on the top
shelf of the present invention replacing the artificial tree top
shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a bottom side view of one of the shelves of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the Christmas tree
shelving system of the invention, with the garland hanging on the
shelf edge removed for purpose of illustration;
[0018] FIG. 5 is an enlarged section view of one embodiment of the
shelf edge taken from FIG. 4 showing a plurality of holes embodied
as a perforated flexible extrusion for attaching ornaments, lights,
and the like;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross section view of the shelf edge
of FIG. 5 showing the perforated flexible extrusion for attaching
ornaments, lights, and the like with a connector therein;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a similar view to FIG. 6 showing various items
attached to the edge strip including an ornament and garland;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a detailed partial sectional view of one of the
legs and its attachment to adjacent shelves;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing four shelves with legs
and a tree top with arrows showing how they set together; and
[0023] FIG. 10 shows a typical decorated shelf embodied as a round
or oval shelf with a plurality of legs connecting this shelf to
another shelf.
[0024] Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] The present invention is a multiple stem artificial tree 10
with shelves 12 incorporated herein. The tree 10 may be a Christmas
tree for displaying Christmas nick-nacks as described below,
decorative tree for displaying collectibles of any kind, or holiday
tree such as for displaying nick-nacks for any holiday such as
Easter, St. Patricks Day, Valentines Day, Passover, Hanukkah,
Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving Day or the like.
[0026] Basically, the invention is a tree 10 that employs a system
where multiple legs 14 separate shelves 12 that are stacked on top
of each other. The top shelf may stand alone as the top-most piece
or it allows but does not require an artificial tree top that more
accurately depicts a finished tree top (the conical-like point of
an evergreen or other tree such as 13 in FIG. 1) or typical tree
top decorations such as an angel or star such as 23 in FIG. 2. The
legs may be affixed at both ends to the respective shelves, or only
at one end while merely resting against the other end as described
below in more detail. At the ends the legs are affixed, standard
leg mounting hardware is used to mount the substantially vertical
legs 14 to the shelves 12, that is typically at least to the
underside of the shelves and where affixed at both ends to the
underside and top side of the shelves. In design, the edge of the
shelf is designed to allow artificial pine tree garland, ornaments,
lights and other items to be attached.
[0027] In more detail and referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tree 10
includes a plurality of shelves 12 (in the embodiment shown five
shelves 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and 12E, but any number of shelves is
contemplated) separated by a plurality of substantially vertical
legs 14, the number of which may vary between shelves but is
preferably at least two or three, and more likely three to six
although any number of legs are contemplated so long as the number
is at least two. In addition, on the bigger and typically lower
shelves more legs may be used versus on the smaller and typically
higher shelves.
[0028] In one embodiment (not shown), a base shelf sits on the
floor thereby providing substantial stability and a flat shelf
surface for display purposes. Alternatively in other embodiments
including those shown, base legs may be provided extending up from
the floor to this base or lowermost shelf 12A.
[0029] All, some or none of the shelves may be permanently
connected to the adjacent shelves. Alternatively, all, some or none
of the shelves may be removably connected to the adjacent shelves.
The embodiment in FIG. 1 shows a combination of permanent and
removable connections; specifically, shelves 12B-12E are
permanently connected to each other via the legs therebetween,
while base shelf 12A is an adder shelf referenced as 15 where the
legs of the shelf above it (shelf 12B) are only connected to the
underside of the shelf above it (shelf 12B) rather than both the
undersigned of the shelf above it (shelf 12B) and the base shelf
12A. In effect, the tree 10 may be used with or without the adder
shelf thereby adjusting the number of shelves and height of the
overall tree. It is contemplated that all of the shelves may be
permanently connected as shelves 12B-12E are, that only some may be
with one or more adder shelves, or that all of the shelves may
merely sit on the adjacent shelf thereunder in a removable
fashion.
[0030] Any number of shelves may be used to provide the height,
size or appearance desired. For example, a one foot shelf (adder
shelf 15 which may be of other sizes) may be added to the bottom of
a tree, such as a 6'6" tree to make it a taller tree, such as a
7'6" tree. The system is thus very flexible.
[0031] To give the appearance of a typical evergreen or pine tree
that is used as a Christmas tree, typically each shelf is larger
than the one that sits on it substantially adding to the pyramid
like stability of the structure. This is shown in the Figures. The
shelves may each be of a round or oval design as shown in the
Figures, or optionally may also include a flat face thereon for
better positioning the tree against a wall or in a corner.
[0032] As noted above, the shelves are separated from one another
using legs that are either removably mounted or securely affixed to
the respective shelf that the legs set on and shelf the legs
support. Specifically, legs 14 all of which may be identical molded
legs are mounted to the bottom side of each shelf or to the top
side or to both sides. Optionally detents 17 to position legs or
fastening features may be used. FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the 3
legs attached to a shelf.
[0033] FIG. 8 shows a typical leg 14. A fastener 81 fastens the leg
14 to a top bracket 82, and more specifically in the embodiment
shown the fastener is a bolt or screw that is inserted through a
hole in the bracket 82 and threaded into the end of the leg 14. The
bracket 82 is mounted to the bottom of a shelf 84 (could be any
shelf 12A-12E) using fasteners 83 such as screws or bolts. The leg
may be removed by unscrewing from bracket. An optional detent 85
may be provided in the shelf to help to position the leg within the
lower face of the shelf 84.
[0034] The bottom end of the leg may be similarly secured to the
adjacent shelf, or alternatively may be removably affixed or merely
rested against the adjacent shelf. In one embodiment as shown in
FIG. 8, the bottom end of the leg includes a fitting 86 that is
alignable and fits within a detent 87 in the top side of the
adjacent shelf. In another embodiment, the leg merely ends and is
set upon the top face of the adjacent shelf. In yet another
embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 with reference to the adder shelf
12A, a non-skid bumper, glide or interface 18 may be used such that
the bottom of the leg is insertable therein. This bumper 18 may
also selectively add height if desired and in effect be a
spacer.
[0035] Artificial pine garland 16 may typically be attached to the
shelves, and it may alternatively include lights, ornaments, or the
like therein. FIGS. 5 and 6 show one embodiment of shelf with a
plurality of holes or perforations 51 therein such as by extrusion
on an outer perimeter, periphery or edge. These perforations are
used to attach garland, lights, other ornaments and the like, or a
mixture thereof. In the preferred embodiment an edge molding 61 may
be pressed into the perforations 51 on the shelf whereby a press
tang 62 facilitates this fastening. FIG. 7 shows ornaments 71 and
garland 72 attached to the shelf edge.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a typical decorated shelf.
Garland 101, lights 102, power cords and other items may be
attached to the edge. Miniature buildings 103, miniature trees 104,
miniature automobiles, and many other items may be placed on the
shelves.
[0037] In addition to adding artificial pine tree garland to the
shelves to make the tree look more like a real tree the legs may be
natural wood logs or be molded plastic made to look like natural
logs. For quicker set up and take down an option is to use
collapsible legs like on a card table or such.
[0038] It is also contemplated that quick set up may also be
accomplished by having the electrical system incorporated. Each
shelf could have a multi-plex outlet mounted. The garland would be
pre-cut to length with light bulbs and twist ties. Once assembled
each shelf could be independent electrically with one plug. Each
shelf cord would follow, and be concealed by, the rear leg to a
main multi-plex outlet. For take down and storage the user may only
need to remove the collectables and ornaments, unplug electrical,
remove the legs and stack the shelves in a compact space.
[0039] It is contemplated that the legs may be constructed of or by
blow molding plastic, injection molding plastic, steel tubes,
extrusion, wicker, wire, sheet metal, wood, particle board, actual
tree branches, or the like. The shelves may be constructed of or by
wire, wire frames, blow molding plastic, injection molding plastic,
steel tubes, extrusion, wicker, woven basket material, foam sheets,
sheet metal, plywood, particle board, plexiglass, or the like. The
edge molding 61 may alternatively be weld clips, wire clips,
pegboard clips, plastic clips, hooks, fasteners, twist ties, or any
other method of affixing the garland or ornaments to the shelf.
[0040] In one embodiment, the plastic foam may be white that would
give the appearance of a snow covered ground. The legs may be
molded to appear as tree trunks, and/or be actual branches to give
the appearance of tree trunks where by the garland encapsulated
edge of the shelves give the appearance of tree tops above the tree
trunks.
[0041] In another embodiment, the legs include passages therein
through which wires may pass thereby functioning to hide the wires
which is both aesthetically pleasing and safer. The shelves may
include corresponding holes through which the wires pass. In legs
designed to be or appear to be logs, this hole may have the
appearance of a crack or crevice in the log such as a "raccoon
hole".
[0042] In yet a further embodiment, the shelves include recesses
that act as seats for the legs. This provides a designated spot for
the legs to be placed thus better assuring proper assembly and a
more secure seating of each shelf. The legs include passages that
extend into the base of the leg and correspond with a passage
extending out of the recess and through to the bottom of the shelf
for wire passage.
[0043] Power strips or extension cords with one or more outlets may
be incorporated into the tree 10 such as via the legs, the shelves,
or both. In one example, a power strip is seated within a recess in
the shelf so as to be substantially flush with the shelf
surface.
[0044] It is also contemplated that the shelves not need to be
stacked in a uniform or symmetrical fashion. The shelves for
instance may be staggered, or a particular level may include more
than one shelf. The distance between shelves need not be
uniform.
[0045] As to storage, the legs may be readily removable via a snap
fit, a threaded fit, or any other connections means. The legs may
alternatively be hinged and thus fold or retract out of the way. It
is also contemplated that the legs may be positioned such that the
shelves may be flipped over and the smaller shelves may be stacked
within the larger shelves.
[0046] It is even further contemplated that a base may be added
beneath the tree whereby the base is an enclosed chamber which may
have doors therein. This provides storage which may be desirable in
a residential or more likely in a commercial setting.
[0047] Accordingly, the artificial tree is simplified, provides an
effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device which achieves
all the enumerated objectives, provides for eliminating
difficulties encountered with prior devices, and solves problems
and obtains new results in the art.
[0048] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0049] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited
to the exact details shown or described.
[0050] Having now described the features, discoveries and
principles of the invention, the manner in which the improved
artificial tree is constructed and used, the characteristics of the
construction, and the advantageous, new and useful results
obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements,
arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended
claims.
* * * * *