U.S. patent application number 12/591013 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for illuminated artificial christmas tree.
Invention is credited to Marsha K. Boggs.
Application Number | 20100053991 12/591013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41725222 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100053991 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boggs; Marsha K. |
March 4, 2010 |
Illuminated artificial christmas tree
Abstract
The artificial Christmas tree has a trunk configured in the form
of popular or religious inspired figures, which may include a
Christian cross, Santa Claus, an angel, Jesus, holiday signage and
a reindeer. The artificial tree is provided with a base to support
the trunk and with artificial branches and/or materials that
simulate the shape of a Christmas tree. The branches and base are
removably attached to the trunk to allow for dismantling and
storage. The trunk is fabricated from plastic and/or other material
that may be translucent to light. A source of light can be disposed
inside the trunk to illuminate the trunk. The branches are of
different lengths and configurations so that the assembled
artificial tree will assume the shape of a Christmas tree as much
as possible.
Inventors: |
Boggs; Marsha K.;
(Annapolis, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
POST OFFICE BOX 15035, CRYSTAL CITY STATION
ARLINGTON
VA
22215-0035
US
|
Family ID: |
41725222 |
Appl. No.: |
12/591013 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12450676 |
|
|
|
|
PCT/US2008/010975 |
Sep 22, 2008 |
|
|
|
12591013 |
|
|
|
|
60960245 |
Sep 21, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/565 ; 428/7;
428/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 33/06 20130101;
A47G 2200/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/565 ; 428/7;
428/8 |
International
Class: |
A47G 35/00 20060101
A47G035/00; A47G 33/06 20060101 A47G033/06; A47G 33/08 20060101
A47G033/08 |
Claims
1. An artificial Christmas tree comprising: a trunk configured as a
Christian cross; and decorative structure attached to the trunk,
the decorative structure having a spiral configuration and
encompassing the trunk.
2. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 1, wherein said
decorative structure is fabricated from artificial, simulated
Christmas wreath material.
3. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 1, wherein said
decorative structure is fabricated from artificial, simulated
Christmas wreath material, the artificial Christmas tree further
comprising decorative lighting disposed on said artificial,
simulated Christmas wreath material.
4. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 1, wherein said
decorative structure comprises continuous neon light tubing.
5. An artificial Christmas tree, comprising: a trunk configured as
a Christian cross having a vertical component and a horizontal
component, the vertical component having a hollow interior, an
upper end, and a lower end, the vertical component having a
plurality of openings defined therein; a rod disposed in the hollow
interior of the vertical component and extending from the lower end
to the upper end; and a plurality of artificial, simulated tree
branches disposed in the plurality of openings.
6. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 5, wherein said
rod is frictionally secured in the hollow interior of said vertical
component at the upper end and the lower end of said vertical
component.
7. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 5, wherein said
trunk is fabricated of separable tubing segments.
8. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 5, wherein said
rod is fabricated of separable segments.
9. An artificial Christmas tree, comprising: a trunk configured as
a Christian cross having a vertical component and a horizontal
component, the vertical component having a hollow interior, an
upper end, and a lower end, the vertical component having a
plurality of openings defined therein; a rod disposed in the hollow
interior of the vertical component, the rod extending from the
lower end to the upper end; a collar member disposed in the hollow
interior, the collar member frictionally engaging the rod; and a
plurality of artificial, simulated tree branches disposed in the
plural of openings.
10. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 9, wherein
said trunk and said rod are fabricated of separable segments.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/450,676, filed Oct. 6, 2009, and
International Patent No. PCT/US2008/010975, filed Sep. 22, 2008,
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 60/960,245, filed on Sep. 21, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to decorative
objects. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
artificial Christmas tree that is designed in the shape of popular
or religious-inspired figures.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Decorating the house and/or yard for Christmas is
traditional in most Christian households in the western world. In
fact, since the Christmas holiday has been embraced by most retail
establishments, the display of holiday inspired decorations is
practiced in many non-Christian households. The central decorative
theme of Christmas has always been the Christmas tree. Because of
various constraints (shedding, the need to water, size, annual
monetary expenditure, etc.) live or harvested trees are not always
prudent for display in the home or commercial establishment. In
recent years, the artificial Christmas tree has been utilized as a
solution to this problem. Heretofore the artificial tree has been
fabricated to resemble a "real" tree as much as possible. However,
many consumers desire new and varied options instead of the same
traditional "tree look". For example, many people would prefer a
decorative tree that would embrace a religious theme. Others,
however, might want to emphasize a secular approach. Thus, an
artificial Christmas tree solving the aforementioned problems is
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The artificial Christmas tree has a trunk configured in the
form of popular or religious-inspired figures, which may include,
but are not limited to, a Christian cross, Santa Claus, an angel
and a reindeer. The artificial tree is provided with a base to
support the trunk and with artificial branches or materials that
simulate the shape of a "real" Christmas tree. The branch design,
base and trunk are removably attached to allow for dismantling and
storage. As contemplated, in some embodiments the trunk is
fabricated from plastic material that is translucent to light. A
source of light is disposed inside the trunk whereby to illuminate
the trunk. In other embodiments, the light may be emitted from an
external source, or there may be no lighting at all. The branches
are of different lengths and configurations so that the assembled
artificial tree will assume the shape of a Christmas tree as much
as possible. The tree may be designed for adjustability. Decorative
ornaments may be hung from the branches as is customary.
[0007] Accordingly, the artificial Christmas tree presents a choice
of decorative themes. The invention provides for improved elements
thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are
inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their
intended purposes.
[0008] A clear understanding of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a first
embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an environmental, perspective view of a second
embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an environmental, perspective view of a third
embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an environmental, perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a partial view of the branch insert structure of
an artificial Christmas tree according to the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an environmental, perspective view of a fifth
embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an environmental, perspective view of a sixth
embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is an environmental, perspective view of a seventh
embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is an environmental, perspective view of an eighth
embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a front view of support tubing for an artificial
Christmas tree according to the present invention, shown broken
away and partially in section.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view in section of support
tubing for an artificial Christmas tree according to the present
invention.
[0020] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the artificial
Christmas tree is generally indicated at 10. The trunk 12 of the
tree is configured as a Christian cross and is removably mounted on
a base 14. Trunk 12 is preferably fabricated from a suitable
plastic material that is translucent to light. Trunk 12 has an
interior that houses light emitting devices 16. Devices 16 can be
adapted for operation by either AC or DC (battery) or other
suitable power sources. Artificial branches 18, which simulate the
branches of a Christmas tree, are removably attached to the trunk.
Branches 18 are of different lengths and shapes so that when
assembled on the trunk, the artificial tree will assume the shape
of a conventional Christmas tree.
[0022] The artificial trees of FIGS. 2-5 each have trunks 12 that
are respectively configured as a popular Christmas figure, a
reindeer, an angel and Santa Claus. As in FIG. 1, each trunk 12 is
fabricated from translucent plastic material and houses light
emitting devices 16. Each trunk is also provided with removable,
simulated branches 18. As noted above, the trunk can be designed to
assume other configurations if desired.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial view of trunk 12 sectioned to
show openings 12a therein. Each opening 12a is sized to receive the
stem 18a of a respective branch 18. The number and orientation of
openings 12a as well as the length, shape, number and type of
branches and/or materials 18 will be pre-determined based on design
considerations.
[0024] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate artificial trees that employ the
Christian cross 20 as trunks, similar to that discussed above.
However, the embodiments of FIGS. 6 through 8 utilize spirally
configured decorative structures 22, 24 and 26 in lieu of faux
branches. The crosses may be illuminated as discussed above, or may
employ other forms of illumination (indirect LED lights, bubble
lights, etc.) that are installed for example, in the base 14 of the
tree. The spiral structure 22 includes decorative lighting 22a
thereon. Structure 22 is designed to resemble Christmas wreath
material. Spiral structure 24 is a continuous neon light and can be
adapted to change colors during operation. Spiral structure 26 is
also constructed to resemble Christmas wreath material. However,
the spiral structure 26 is devoid of internal lighting means. All
of the spiral structures can be removably attached to the crosses
by any convenient method (pins, tape, hook and loop fasteners,
etc.) The trees can be made to rotate in the base, as is
conventional in the art. Although the spiral configuration is
preferred, it should be noted that other geometric configurations
(rings, hexagons, squares, etc.) could be utilized, if desired.
[0025] As best seen in FIGS. 9-11, the artificial Christmas tree
includes an embodiment wherein a vertical trunk 30 can be
disassembled for storage. Trunk 30 comprises separable,
tongue-and-groove tubing segments 32 that are locked end to end to
form the hollow trunk 30. A rod 34 is disposed in the trunk and is
frictionally retained therein via a collar 30a at the top of the
trunk 30. A similar collar (not shown) is disposed at the bottom of
the trunk 30. The rod 34 enhances the rigidity and stability of the
trunk 30 and is designed in separable segments 34a for easy
disassembly.
[0026] L-shaped openings 32a are strategically arranged through
each tubing segment 32. Openings 32a are adapted to receive
artificial branches 36 therein. Although illustrated in a circular
configuration, it should be noted that the trunk 30 may be
fabricated in other shapes (rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal,
etc.), if desired. Horizontal cross member 38 is also made of
separable segments and can be attached to the vertical trunk 30 in
any convenient manner.
[0027] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *