U.S. patent application number 10/654170 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for automatically erectable decorative tree.
Invention is credited to Fillipp, Stephen L., Gary, Lonnie F., Wang, Sheng-Chien.
Application Number | 20050048226 10/654170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34218030 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050048226 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gary, Lonnie F. ; et
al. |
March 3, 2005 |
Automatically erectable decorative tree
Abstract
An automatically erectable decorative Christmas tree having a
base, a telescoping center pole, a vertical array of curvilinear
elements of graduated diameter supported from the top of the
telescoping center pole by a plurality of circumferentially spaced
tethers with the diameter of the curvilinear elements graduating in
inverse proportion to the distance above the base; a plurality of
circumferentially spaced branches pivotally connected to the
curvilinear elements and extending radially outward from the
curvilinear elements; and an electrically powered drive mechanism
that is controllable by a user to selectively raise and lower the
telescoping center pole. The subject tree can also be pre-lighted
and pre-decorated. An automatically erectable support structure
suitable for use as a tree stand and other applications is also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Gary, Lonnie F.; (Ransom
Canyon, TX) ; Fillipp, Stephen L.; (Lubbock, TX)
; Wang, Sheng-Chien; (ShenGang Township, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LOCKE LIDDELL & SAPP LLP
ATTN: SUE COTT
2200 ROSS AVENUE
SUITE 2200
DALLAS
TX
75201-6776
US
|
Family ID: |
34218030 |
Appl. No.: |
10/654170 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 33/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/018 |
International
Class: |
A41G 001/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An artificial tree comprising: a base; a telescoping center pole
supported vertically by the base; a plurality of curvilinear
elements of graduated diameter supported from the top of the
telescoping center pole by a plurality of circumferentially spaced
tethers, the diameter of the curvilinear elements graduating in
inverse proportion to the distance above the base; a plurality of
circumferentially spaced branches pivotally connected to the
curvilinear elements and extending radially therefrom; and an
electrically powered drive mechanism that is controllable by a user
to selectively raise and lower the telescoping center pole.
2. The artificial tree of claim 1 wherein the curvilinear elements
are vertically spaced rings.
3. The artificial tree of claim 1 wherein the curvilinear elements
are part of a spiral frame.
4. The artificial tree of claim 2, further comprising a top tree
section attachable to the top of the telescoping center pole.
5. The artificial tree of claim 4 wherein the top tree section
comprises a center pole member and a plurality of circumferentially
spaced branches connected to the center pole member.
6. The artificial tree of claim 3 wherein each branch comprises at
least one lighting element.
7 The artificial tree of claim 5 wherein each branch of the tree
and each branch of the top tree section comprises at least one
lighting element.
8. The artificial tree of claim 7 comprising an electrical
connection between the lighting elements of the tree and the
lighting elements of the top tree section.
9. The artificial tree of claim 1 wherein the drive mechanism
comprises an electric motor and a shaft that is rotatable by the
motor to raise and lower the telescoping center pole.
10. The artificial tree of claim 9 wherein the shaft has a threaded
section.
11. The artificial tree of claim 1 comprising a control panel
having at least one switch that is operable by a user to
selectively raise and lower the telescoping center pole.
12. The artificial tree of claim 1 comprising a control panel
having at least one switch that is operable by a user to
selectively activate and deactivate the lighting element.
13. An artificial tree comprising: a base; a telescoping center
pole supported vertically by the base; a plurality of ring
assemblies of graduated diameter supported from the top of the
telescoping center pole by a plurality of circumferentially spaced
tethers; a plurality of circumferentially spaced branches pivotally
connected to each ring assembly and extending radially therefrom;
and an electrically powered drive mechanism that is controllable by
a user to selectively raise and lower the telescoping center
pole.
14. The artificial tree of claim 13, further comprising a top tree
section attachable to the top of the telescoping center pole.
15. The artificial tree of claim 14 wherein the top tree section
comprises a center pole member and a plurality of circumferentially
spaced branches connected to the center pole member.
16. The artificial tree of claim 13 wherein each branch comprises
at least one lighting element.
17. The artificial tree of claim 14 wherein each branch of the tree
and each branch of the top tree section comprises at least one
lighting element.
18. The artificial tree of claim 17 comprising an electrical
connection between the lighting elements of the tree and the
lighting elements of the top tree section.
19. The artificial tree of claim 13 wherein each ring assembly
further comprises two concentric rings maintained in fixed relation
to each other by a plurality of radially extending spokes disposed
between the two rings, the two concentric rings comprising an inner
ring and an outer ring.
20. The artificial tree of claim 19 wherein each branch is
pivotally connected to an inner ring of a ring assembly.
21. The artificial tree of claim 20 wherein each branch is
pivotable downwardly into a resting position against the outer ring
connected to the inner ring to which the branch is pivotally
connected.
22. The artificial tree of claim 13 wherein the drive mechanism
comprises an electric motor and a shaft that is rotatable by the
motor to raise and lower the telescoping center pole.
23. The artificial tree of claim 22 wherein the shaft has a
threaded section.
24. The artificial tree of claim 13 comprising a control panel
having at least one switch that is operable by a user to
selectively raise and lower the telescoping center pole.
25. The artificial tree of claim 16 comprising a control panel
having at least one switch that is operable by a user to
selectively activate and deactivate the lighting element.
26. An artificial tree comprising: a base; a telescoping center
pole supported vertically by the base; a plurality of rings of
graduated diameter supported from the top of the telescoping center
pole by a plurality of circumferentially spaced tethers; a
plurality of circumferentially spaced branches pivotally connected
to each ring and extending radially therefrom; and an electrically
powered drive mechanism that is controllable by a user to
selectively raise and lower the telescoping center pole.
27. The artificial tree of claim 26, further comprising a top tree
section attachable to the top of the telescoping center pole.
28. The artificial tree of claim 27 wherein the top tree section
comprises a center pole member and a plurality of circumferentially
spaced branches connected to the center pole member.
29. The artificial tree of claim 26 wherein each branch comprises
at least one lighting element.
30. The artificial tree of claim 27 wherein each branch of the tree
and each branch of the top tree section comprises at least one
lighting element.
31. The artificial tree of claim 30 comprising an electrical
connection between the lighting elements of the tree and the
lighting elements of the top tree section.
32. The artificial tree of claim 26, further comprising at least
one flexible branch tether that limits downward movement of each
pivotally connected branch around the ring to which it is pivotally
connected.
33. The artificial tree of claim 32 wherein the branch tethers are
supported from an elevation near the top of the telescoping center
pole.
34. The artificial tree of claim 26 wherein the drive mechanism
comprises an electric motor and a shaft that is rotatable by the
motor to raise and lower the telescoping center pole.
35. The artificial tree of claim 34 wherein the shaft has a
threaded section.
36. The artificial tree of claim 26 comprising a control panel
having at least one switch that is operable by a user to
selectively raise and lower the telescoping center pole.
37. The artificial tree of claim 29 comprising a control panel
having at least one switch that is operable by a user to
selectively activate and deactivate the lighting element.
38. An artificial tree comprising: a base; a telescoping center
pole supported vertically by the base; a spiral frame supported
from the top of the telescoping center pole by a plurality of
circumferentially spaced tethers, the spiral frame having a
gradually increasing diameter in the downward direction; a
plurality of circumferentially spaced branches pivotally connected
to the spiral frame and extending radially therefrom; and an
electrically powered drive mechanism that is controllable by a user
to selectively raise and lower the telescoping center pole.
39. The artificial tree of claim 38 wherein each branch comprises
at least one lighting element.
40. The artificial tree of claim 38 wherein the drive mechanism
comprises an electric motor and a shaft that is rotatable by the
motor to raise and lower the telescoping center pole.
41. The artificial tree of claim 40 wherein the shaft has a
threaded section.
42. The artificial tree of claim 38 comprising a control panel
having at least one switch that is operable by a user to
selectively raise and lower the telescoping center pole.
43. The artificial tree of claim 38 comprising a control panel
having at least one switch that is operable by a user to
selectively activate and deactivate the lighting element.
44. An automatically erectable support structure comprising: a
base; a plurality of telescoping tubular members comprising a first
member that is disposed in fixed relation to the base and at least
one other member that can telescope upwardly from the first member;
a vertical shaft rotatably mounted inside the base and extending
upwardly from the base; and an electric motor selectively providing
rotational motion to the vertical shaft in one of two rotational
directions; the vertical shaft further comprising a threaded upper
portion cooperatively engaged with at least one other tubular
member to elevate the at least one other member relative to the
first tubular member when the shaft is rotated in a first
rotational direction and to lower the at least one other member
relative to the first tubular member when the shaft is rotated in
the second rotational direction.
45. The support structure of claim 44 comprising at least second
and third tubular members telescoping upwardly from the first
tubular member.
46. The support structure of claim 45 wherein the third tubular
member telescopes upwardly from the second tubular member.
46. The support structure of claim 46, further comprising a tension
line having a first end connected to the first tubular member and a
second end connected to the third tubular member.
47. The support structure of claim 44 comprising a tension line
having a first end connected in fixed relation to the base and a
second end connected in fixed relation to a tubular member other
than the first tubular member.
48. The support structure of claim 44, further comprising at least
one switch controlling the rotational direction.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to artificial trees and, more
particularly, to an automatically erectable, decorative Christmas
tree that is shipped and stored in a relatively flat configuration
and is quickly and easily expanded by an electric motor into an
erect configuration. The subject tree can also be pre-lighted and
pre-decorated.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Many different types of artificial decorative trees are
disclosed in the prior art. Some are supported by a center pole
that is either segmented or telescoping so as to be collapsible.
Some have branches that plug into sockets disposed on collars
attached to the center pole. Some have vertically spaced rings in
graduated diameters that are supported from the top with tethers or
stringers to maintain desired spacing. Some have simulated branches
made in a spiral configuration. Some have branches or sub-branches
that are loosely pivotally-connected to support members. Some are
pre-lighted or otherwise decorated. Such prior-art trees are
disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,677,867; 4,748,058;
4,968,541; 5,106,661; 5,413,825; 6,132,063; 6,379,021; and
6,458,435. U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,991 discloses an electrically
powered, dynamic, collapsible and revolving toy tree.
[0005] Notwithstanding the many and various types of artificial
trees previously disclosed, a decorative tree is needed that can be
shipped and stored in a relatively flat configuration, and then
automatically erected to almost full height within a very short
period with little effort by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An artificial tree is disclosed that has a base, a
telescoping center pole, and a plurality of radially extending
branches that are pivotally connected to a vertical array of
curvilinear elements of graduated diameter, which curvilinear
elements are supported from the top of the telescoping center pole.
The curvilinear elements can take the form of a plurality of
discrete, vertically spaced, single or double rings, or a spiral
frame extending continuously downward from the top of the
telescoping center pole to a point at or slightly above the base.
The diameter of the curvilinear elements, defined herein as twice
the radial distance between any point on a curvilinear element and
the center pole, plus the diameter of the center pole at that
height, desirably decreases at increasing heights above the base to
promote a generally conical, Christmas-tree-like appearance. The
lengths of the pivotally connected branches also desirably
decreases at increasing heights above the base of the erected
tree.
[0007] The subject tree will ship and store with branches attached
in a box having a relatively flat configuration, preferably 20
inches or less in height for a six to eight foot tree. Upon removal
from the box at the use site, the tree can be quickly and easily
expanded to its full telescoping height by plugging a power cord
into a conventional wall outlet and operating a single switch to
activate the electrical drive mechanism for the center pole.
Optionally, the tree can be made with a single top section that is
connectable to the top of the telescoping center pole. The subject
tree can also be pre-lighted and pre-decorated if desired.
Additionally, a novel, automatically telescoping support structure
is disclosed that can have applications other than for use with
decorative trees.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The apparatus of the invention is further described and
explained in relation to the following drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a simplified front perspective view of one
preferred embodiment of a pre-lighted, auto-erecting decorative
tree of the invention in its fully expanded configuration;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a further-simplified front perspective view of the
tree of FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a simplified detail view of a single pre-lighted
branch for use with the tree of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a simplified front perspective view of another
preferred embodiment of the auto-erecting decorative tree of the
invention in its fully expanded configuration;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a simplified front perspective view of a preferred
base, collapsed center pole and control box suitable for use in the
auto-erecting trees of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a further-simplified front perspective view of the
base and center pole of FIG. 5, with the center pole expanded to
its erect position;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a detailed, cross-sectional, front elevation view
taken along Line 7-7 of FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a detailed, cross-sectional, front elevation view
taken along Line 8-8 of FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a simplified, front-elevation view of another
preferred embodiment of the auto-erecting decorative tree of the
invention in its fully expanded configuration;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a preferred spiral
frame for the tree of FIG. 9 as shown in a collapsed position;
[0019] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, detail view taken from FIG. 10;
and
[0020] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, exploded detail view of a pivotable
hinge-and-branch assembly suitable for use with the spiral frame as
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] One preferred embodiment of automatically erectable tree 10
of the invention is further described in relation to FIGS. 1-3. It
should be understood that the branch structure and other features
of tree 10 are simplified for illustrative purposes, so that the
basic structure and features can be more easily seen and explained.
Therefore, it will be appreciated that the individual branches of
tree 10 will have many more sub-branches than shown, giving the
resultant tree a much more natural appearance. Similarly, only two
branches 30 are depicted as being attached to inner ring 24 of each
ring assembly 20, whereas in a commercial product each ring
assembly will have more than two pivotally connected branches 30
that are circumferentially spaced around tree 10.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, tree 10 preferably comprises base
12, telescoping center pole 14, and tree top section 16. Tree top
section 16 is desirably prefabricated with the branches attached
and is connectable to the top of center pole 14 either before or
after center pole 14 is elevated to its fully erect configuration.
As shown in FIG. 2, one structure suitable for use in connecting
tree top section 16 to the top of center pole 14 is projection 56
that is insertable into frictional engagement with a cooperating
recess in cross-braces 36 that are used to mount support ring
assembly 34 on top of center pole 14. Referring to FIG. 1, a
plurality of vertically spaced ring assemblies of graduated
diameter are suspended from support ring assembly 34 in spaced
apart relation that is determined by flexible tethers 28. Although
only two tethers 28 are visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be
appreciated that one tether 28 is hidden behind center pole 14 and
the use of three or more circumferentially spaced tethers 28 is
preferred to maintain the desired spacing and alignment between
ring assemblies 20. Desirably, branches 30 will have sufficient
fullness that ring assemblies 20, tethers 28 and center pole 14 are
not readily visible when the tree is erected to its full
height.
[0023] Each ring assembly 20 preferably further comprises two
concentric rings with a plurality of circumferentially spaced,
radially extending spokes 26 connecting outer ring 22 and inner
ring 24 in fixed positional relation to each other. Each branch
preferably comprises one end 32 that is pivotally connected to
inner ring 24 in such manner that branch 30 can rotate slightly
upward when center pole 14 is collapsed to the position shown in
FIG. 2. The range of permitted upward rotation around inner ring 24
should be sufficient to accommodate nesting with interfering lower
branches 30 as center pole 14 is lowered to the collapsed
configuration. When center pole 14 is in the fully erect position
as shown in FIG. 1, each pivotally connected branch 30 rests on and
is supported by outer ring 22, which limits the range that each
branch 30 can pivot downwardly around inner ring 24. Tethers 28 are
preferably tied off on each outer ring 22 to maintain the desired
vertical spacing between ring assemblies 20 supported beneath top
support ring assembly 34.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, tree 10 is preferably pre-lighted, as
represented by light wiring harness 48 that extends upwardly from
control panel 40, around center pole 14 and down each branch 30.
Plug 52 is desirably provided at the top of center pole 14 to
permit the attachment of light wiring 54 attached to top tree
section 16. Alternatively, in place of wiring 54, it will be
appreciated that an additional length of light wiring can be
provided at the top end of wiring harness 48 for use in lighting
top tree section 16 after it is attached to center pole 14. The
power supply to wiring harness 48 and through wiring 46 to motor 44
that is used to selectively raise and lower telescoping center pole
14 is received through power cord 42 connectable to a conventional
wall outlet. Control panel 40 preferably comprises a step-down
transformer and switches 50 that are operated by the user to
selectively control the lighting and the raising or lowering of
center pole 14. Wiring harness 48 and wiring 54 used to light tree
10 can comprise any of the many well known, commercially available
types of lighting such as, for example, rope lights, mini-lights,
fiber optic lights, or the like. FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail view
depicting a single branch 30 pivotally connected to one of two ring
assemblies 20 that are constructed and joined by flexible tethers
28 as described above. Branch 30 depicts in simplified form
additional "feathering" 64 that can be attached to sub-branches 56
to provide a fuller, more bushy look, and also depicts the use of a
decorative light string 60 comprising a plurality of mini-light
bulb and socket assemblies 62.
[0025] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed
in simplified form in relation to FIG. 4, wherein tree 70 comprises
base 72, telescoping center pole 74, and a plurality of vertically
spaced and separated rings 76 supported by circumferentially spaced
tethers 86 from top support ring 82 affixed to the top of
telescoping center pole 74 by cross-braces 88. Tree top section 90
is desirably connectable to telescoping center pole 74 above top
support ring 82. A plurality of circumferentially spaced branches
78 are pivotally connected to each ring 76, and the downward
rotation of each branch 78 relative to its respective ring 76 is
limited by at least one flexible tether 84. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 4, tethers 84 are suspended from branches connected in
fixed relation to top support ring 82, although other similarly
effective points of attachment can also be used. As with the
embodiment previously described in relation to FIGS. 1-3,
electrical power is desirably supplied to motor 96 in base 72
through power cords 94, 98 and control panel 92. Tree 70 can also
be pre-lighted as previously described, although the wiring harness
connected to lighting power cord 100 is not shown in FIG. 4 for
ease of illustration.
[0026] Although the preferred embodiments of the invention
described in relation to FIG. 1-4 utilize a top tree section
disposed above the support ring assembly attached to the top of the
telescoping center pole, it will be appreciated that the need for a
top tree section can be eliminated by further increasing the number
of ring assemblies and by gradually reducing the diameter of the
vertically spaced rings and top support ring to a point where the
top support ring can satisfactorily serve as the apex of the tree.
In such case, it may also be desirable to increase the number of
telescoping sections in the center pole. When no tree top section
is required, the entire artificial tree becomes automatically
erectable simply by plugging the power cord into a wall outlet and
operating a switch on the control panel.
[0027] A preferred construction for a base and telescoping center
pole suitable for use in the automatically erectable, artificial
trees of the invention is further described and explained in
relation to FIGS. 5-8. Referring to FIG. 5, tree stand 110
desirably comprises base 112 and telescoping center pole 114. A
drive mechanism disposed inside base 112 and center pole 114 is
powered by electric motor 120, which preferably receives power
through power cords 118 and 122, and is user-controlled by means of
switches disposed in control panel 116. In FIG. 5, telescoping
center pole 114 is collapsed into its storage position, whereas in
FIG. 6, tubular lower section 124, middle section 126 and upper
section 128 are fully extended, as indicated by taut tension lines
132. Orifice 130, which can be threaded, is desirably provided in
the top of upper section 128 to facilitate the attachment of a
support ring assembly and tree top section (not shown).
[0028] The internal structure and operation of tree stand 110 are
more particularly described and explained in relation to FIGS. 7
and 8. Base 112 comprises a shaft-support member 140 containing an
elongate, rotatable shaft 146 having a threaded upper portion. The
lower end of shaft 146 is connected to a horizontal pulley 142 that
is rotated by belt 144 driven by a cooperating drive pulley
attached to the output shaft of electric motor 120. The bottom end
of tubular lower section 124 of telescoping center pole 114 is
desirably connected in fixed relation to base 112. Middle section
126 has a generally cylindrical sidewall with a diameter slightly
less than that of lower section 124 so that middle section 126 can
rest in sliding engagement inside lower section while in the
collapsed position. The lower end of middle section 126 preferably
comprises a bottom 150 that further comprises a threaded nut 148
having threads that cooperatively engage the threaded upper portion
of shaft 146. With this arrangement, the rotation of shaft 146 by
motor 120 in one direction will cause middle section 126 to "climb"
upwardly on shaft 146, causing its top end to rise progressively
upward out of lower section 124. It will also be appreciated that
other similarly effective drive mechanisms such as worm gears can
be used to rotate shaft 146 using motor 120 if desired.
[0029] The upward travel of middle section 126 relative to lower
section 124 is limited by the length of shaft 146, which will
desirably comprise a transversely extending pin, nut, or other
readily available, similarly effective obstruction (not shown) at a
desired height near its upper end to prevent middle section 126
from either rotating off the end of shaft 146 or from traveling so
far out of lower section 124 that it can no longer provide stable
support for upper section 128. Any such obstruction must, however,
be such that upper section 128 can slide upwardly over shaft 146 as
middle section 126 moves up the shaft. Alternatively, the outside
wall of middle section 126 can be provided with a vertical keyway
that extends from its top to a point near its bottom, and lower
section 124 can be provided with an inwardly facing projection that
travels along the vertical keyway as middle section 126 rises
relative to lower section 124. Further upward movement of middle
section 126 inside lower section 124 will then be stopped when a
shoulder at the lower end of the vertical keyway contacts the
inwardly facing projection. Generally cylindrical upper section 128
desirably slidably engages both shaft 146 and the inside of middle
section 126.
[0030] Upper section 128 of telescoping center pole 114 desirably
moves upward relative to middle section 126 as middle section 126
simultaneously rises inside lower section 124. According to a
preferred embodiment of the invention, upper section 128 is drawn
upwardly by tension exerted along tension lines 132 as middle
section 126 rises inside lower section 124. Tension lines 132 are
preferably pinned to lower section 124 at a plurality of
circumferentially spaced connection points 134 and to lower end 137
of upper section 128 at circumferentially space connection points
152. At least two diametrically opposed tension lines 132 are
needed, with three or four evenly spaced lines being most
preferred. The upward range of travel of upper section 128 is
limited by the length of tension lines 132, but is also desirably
limited by annular outside shoulder 136 (visible in FIG. 7) on
lower end 137 of upper section 128 that abuts inwardly projecting
guide member 138 near the top of middle section 126 to prevent the
rupture of tension lines 132. Guide member 138 is desirably shaped
and constructed so as to reduce the likelihood of fraying or
cutting of tension lines 132. If desired, motor 120 can also be
provided with an automatic shut-off that is activated whenever the
torque loading on shaft 146 exceeds a predetermined value that is
reached whenever telescoping center pole 114 reaches its fully
expanded or fully collapsed position. Although this structure is
disclosed herein for use in connection with the preferred
application as a tree stand 110 for an automatically erectable
decorative tree, it should be understood that there can likewise be
many other applications for this auto-erecting support
structure.
[0031] Still another embodiment of the invention is described and
explained in relation to FIGS. 9-12, which depict an automatically
erectable tree 160 that does not embody either discrete, vertically
separated rings or, necessarily, a top tree section. Referring to
FIG. 9, tree 160 preferably comprises base 162, telescoping center
pole 164, and spiral frame 166 that is attachable to top 168 of
center pole 164 and to bottom connector ring 170 of base 162. Drive
motor 176 is also provided in base 162 and is connected by power
cord 178 to control panel 172 having a plurality of switches that
can be used to selectively raise and lower telescoping center pole
164 when main power supply cord 174 is connected to a conventional
electrical outlet. Another power cord 180 is optionally provided
where tree 160 is pre-lighted as previously discussed in relation
to other embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 9, the major portion
of spiral frame 166 is broken away to simplify the drawing, but the
entire spiral frame is depicted in a collapsed configuration in
FIG. 10.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, spiral frame 166 preferably
further comprises an elongate, coiled hollow body portion 182
having a connector tab 188 disposed at one end for attachment to
bottom connector ring 170 of FIG. 9, and molded top end portion 184
and top connector hub 186 disposed at the other end for attachment
to the top of telescoping center pole 164 of FIG. 9. A plurality of
branch attachment sockets 190 are spaced apart along the
curvilinear length of hollow body portion 182 for use in pivotally
attaching branch connector members 192. FIG. 12 is an illustrative,
exploded detail view showing a portion of a curvilinear element of
hollow body 182, branch connector member 192 and branch 198 as they
would be aligned for assembly during the manufacture of tree 160 of
FIG. 9. Hinge end 194 of branch connector member 192 desirably
snaps into pivotal engagement with branch attachment socket 190,
and cylindrical socket 196 of branch connector member 192 is
configured to receive branch 198 in frictional sliding engagement
so that branch 198 is thereafter pivotally connected to hollow body
182. The configuration of branch attachment sockets 190 and of
branch connector members 192 cooperate to permit branch 198 to
rotate slightly upward relative to hollow body 182 during nesting
of the branches that occurs when center pole of tree 160 is
collapsed. The shapes of branch connector members 192 and hollow
body 182 also cooperate to limit the downward range of travel of
branch 198 relative to hollow body 182 during normal use when tree
160 is fully erect. As with other embodiments of the invention
discussed above, feathered or tufted sub-branches 200 can be
provided to give tree 160 a more full appearance, and electrical
conductors 202 with lighting elements 204 can be pre-attached for
minimizing set-up effort required of the user.
[0033] Materials used for constructing the artificial trees of the
invention can vary, and will typically include both metallic and
polymeric materials, depending upon the particular element and its
intended use. The materials of construction are desirably
sufficiently durable to permit repeated use but not so expensive as
to make the resultant trees unaffordable for widespread use by a
variety of consumers.
[0034] It should be understood that the apparatus of the invention
is not limited to the preferred drive mechanism described herein
for selectively raising and lowering the center pole, and any other
similarly suitable drive mechanism can likewise be used. Thus, for
example, drive mechanisms utilizing gears or other means can be
substituted for combination screw drive/ tensioning line system
disclosed above. Also, it will be apparent upon reading the
disclosure that the automatically erectable trees disclosed herein
can be pre-decorated with garland, bows, ornaments, or the like, in
addition to lights if desired. Furthermore, it will be appreciated
that the ring assemblies, rings, spiral frames, top support rings,
and branches of the subject trees can themselves be wrapped in or
covered with materials that will better simulate natural trees if
desired.
[0035] Other alterations and modifications of the invention will
likewise become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
reading this specification in view of the accompanying drawings,
and it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein
be limited only by the broadest interpretation of the appended
claims to which the inventors are legally entitled.
* * * * *