U.S. patent application number 12/653226 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-26 for artificial tree storage container system.
Invention is credited to David Bebrin, Terri Cyr Bebrin.
Application Number | 20100213090 12/653226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42630017 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100213090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bebrin; David ; et
al. |
August 26, 2010 |
Artificial tree storage container system
Abstract
A storage container system for the transport and storage of
multiple trunk segment artificial trees. The system takes advantage
of the hinged branch or similarly flexible branched artificial
trees capability to be disassembled into two or more trunk segments
and stored with branches folded against the trunk. The object of
the storage container system is to distribute the otherwise heavy
and bulky artificial tree trunk segments among multiple storage
units. Each storage unit, which varies by size, is comprised of a
hollow cylinder body (10) and two end caps (20A) (20B), to form the
enclosed storage container. The sturdy, non-flexible, cylindrically
shaped storage containers, of varying sizes, are matched by size to
the individual trunk segments of the artificial tree, for an
orderly, efficient, and flexible use of space for storage.
Inventors: |
Bebrin; David; (Wolcott,
CT) ; Cyr Bebrin; Terri; (Wolcott, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Terri Cyr Bebrin
61 Idlewood Road
Wolcott
CT
06716
US
|
Family ID: |
42630017 |
Appl. No.: |
12/653226 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61208120 |
Feb 20, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/423 ;
53/473 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/54 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/423 ;
53/473 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; B65B 5/00 20060101 B65B005/00 |
Claims
1. An artificial tree storage container system comprising a. a
plurality of hollow elongated receptacles of varying sizes and b.
end caps for each end of said hollow elongated receptacles the
improvement whereby the weight and bulk of an artificial tree that
disassembles into a plurality of trunk segments is distributed
among said plurality of hollow elongated receptacles.
2. An artificial tree storage container system of claim 1 wherein
said plurality of hollow elongated receptacles of varying sizes are
hollow cylindrically shaped bodies.
3. The artificial tree storage container system of claim 2 wherein
said hollow cylindrically shaped bodies are made of rigid,
non-flexible material.
4. The artificial tree storage container system of claim 3 wherein
each of said hollow cylindrically shaped bodies have two of said
end caps, that are of varying predetermined diameters as a means
for forming enclosed receptacles when positioned on each open end
of said hollow cylindrically shaped bodies.
5. The artificial tree storage container system of claim 4 wherein
each of said end caps are secured to said hollow cylindrically
shaped bodies by means of one or more attachment mechanisms.
6. An artificial tree storage container system comprising a. a
plurality of hollow elongated receptacles of varying predetermined
lengths and diameters and b. end caps for each end of said hollow
elongated receptacles.
7. An artificial tree storage container system of claim 6 wherein
said plurality of hollow elongated receptacles of varying
predetermined lengths and diameters are hollow cylindrically shaped
bodies.
8. The artificial tree storage container system of claim 7 wherein
said hollow cylindrically shaped bodies are made of rigid,
non-flexible material.
9. The artificial tree storage container system of claim 8 wherein
each of said hollow cylindrically shaped bodies have two of said
end caps that are of varying predetermined diameters as a means for
forming enclosed receptacles when positioned on each end of said
hollow cylindrically shaped bodies.
10. The artificial tree storage container system of claim 9 wherein
each of said end caps are secured to said hollow cylindrically
shaped bodies by means of one or more attachment mechanisms.
11. A method of storing artificial trees, that disassembles into a
plurality of trunk segments comprising a. matching artificial tree
trunk segments, by size, to a plurality of elongated storage
container units of varying predetermined lengths and b. inserting
one of said tree trunk segments per storage container unit whereby
distributing the weight and bulk of said artificial tree for easier
transport and storage.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein said elongated storage container
units are made of rigid non-flexible material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional
application Ser. No. 61/208,120, filed 2009 Feb. 20 by the present
inventors.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Field
[0005] This application generally relates to a method of storing
artificial Christmas trees, specifically for those artificial trees
that disassemble into two or more trunk segments.
[0006] 2. Priorr Art
[0007] Artificial Christmas trees have risen in popularity in
recent years for safety reasons, ease of use, and environmental
concerns. Among the most popular of artificial Christmas tree
configurations is the type that breaks down to 2 or more trunk
segments to facilitate transport and storage. A large percentage of
these multi-segment trees are of the hinged branch style. These
include a number of artificial branches circumferentially arranged
around a central trunk. Each artificial branch is hinged to the
trunk of the tree, whereby the branches are capable of being swung
between vertically erect and outwardly disposed, up-swept
positions. This type of tree lends itself to quick disassembly and
orderly storage when the branches are collapsed inward to the
trunk. But it also makes for a heavy tree because of the metal
hinge assemblies.
[0008] Traditionally a suitable artificial tree storage container
for long time use is not provided with the purchase of an
artificial tree. Typically the tree comes stuffed into a large
cardboard box which does not seem to be large enough to return the
tree to for storage after use.
[0009] Previously, several types of storage containers have been
designed. Most commonly found in stores is a large bag or a very
large cumbersome rectangular plastic box. These types of containers
have the disadvantage of being unwieldy as the user tries to
transport the entire weight and bulk of an artificial Christmas
tree. They both tend to flatten out the normal cylindrical shape of
the collapsed tree. Because of their large size, they have a large
storage area footprint. The box may be too large to fit thru
ceiling access attic hatches.
[0010] Designers of storage and transport containers for live
Christmas trees realize the importance of maintaining the normal
shape of the tree. U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,356 to Porter and Williams
(1986) and U.S. Pat. No. 1,150,708 to Schlecht (1915) designed
elongated storage containers that transported the tree as a single
unit. This is also cumbersome, but necessary, for real, live
trees.
[0011] There is artificial tree storage containers designed for a
specific configuration. U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,032 to Kaczor et al
(1997) utilizes the base of the artificial tree to close one end of
the container. The disadvantage is that most commercially available
artificial trees utilize a detachable stand that cannot be used as
an end cap to seal the container.
[0012] Previous designs have not taken full advantage of an
artificial trees capability to disassemble into smaller trunk
segments that are more easily lifted, transported and stored, with
more efficient and flexible use of space.
[0013] Others have invented artificial tree storage containers
before, but this artificial tree storage system has the following
advantages.
[0014] This embodiment allows a multiple trunk segment artificial
tree to be taken apart and stored as separate units, thus making
moving and lifting of a cumbersome tree easier and more manageable
than moving and lifting an entire tree in a single storage
container. The size of each cylindrical storage unit can be matched
to the size of the artificial tree trunk segment.
[0015] Many of the commercially available artificial trees
disassemble into 2, 3, or more segments. The largest segment would
be matched to the largest cylindrical storage unit, which is both
the largest in diameter and longest in length. Each subsequent tree
trunk segment, which is a smaller portion of the tree, is matched
to a proportionally smaller storage unit. This has the advantage of
making efficient use of storage space and distributes the bulk and
weight of the tree.
[0016] The radially extended branches of the artificial tree, when
folded vertically along the length of the trunk, folds into a
roughly cylindrical shape, which lends itself to storage in a
cylindrically shaped container. Therefore another advantage of this
embodiment is that each collapsed trunk segment of the artificial
tree maintains its cylindrical shape, with the branches folded
against the tree trunk.
[0017] Another advantage of this embodiment is that each end of the
container can be opened allowing for ease of insertion of the tree
trunk segment into one end and easy removal from the opposite
end.
[0018] The preferred embodiment is made of sturdy, non-flexible
material. The advantage is that each storage unit can be stored in
an upright position or on its side. When stored in the upright
position, the unit rests on one of the end caps. Thereby it makes a
smaller storage area footprint when compared to a storage box or
bag. The advantage is that it can be stored in small areas such as
a closet. When stored on its side, it can be inserted into low
clearance areas, such as an attic crawl space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In accordance with one embodiment, an artificial tree
storage container system comprised of a plurality of elongated
cylindrically shaped storage container units of varying sizes with
end caps at each end to form enclosed units.
[0020] The object of this embodiment is to solve the problem of how
to efficiently transport and store an artificial tree, particularly
those trees that have the capability of disassembling into multiple
tree trunk segments.
[0021] It is another object of this embodiment to take advantage of
the artificial trees capability to disassemble into smaller trunk
segments and store as separate units thus making moving and lifting
easier and more manageable than moving and lifting an entire
artificial tree as a single unit.
[0022] It is another object of this embodiment to provide a storage
container that stores the tree segments with branches collapsed
against the trunk in a manner which minimizes distortion of their
branch configuration.
[0023] It is another object of this invention to give the user of
this storage system the flexibility to store the container units on
their side or upright on their ends.
[0024] The novel features that are considered characteristic of the
embodiment are set forth in the following detailed description and
appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. The embodiment itself, however, both as to its structure
and operation together with the object and advantages thereof will
be best understood from the following description of the preferred
embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more of the
embodiments of the present invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The
drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more
preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed
as limiting the invention. In the drawings:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the present
invention in an unassembled state of one storage container
unit.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the present
invention illustrating one assembled storage container unit.
[0028] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of one storage unit
without the end cap.
[0029] FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of one embodiment of one
end cap in a position to enclose the storage container unit.
[0030] FIG. 4A is a side view of a commercially available hinged or
similarly flexible branched artificial tree segment, collapsed from
the extended branch configuration (dot and dash lines).
[0031] FIG. 4B is a side view of one storage unit in a position to
receive the artificial tree trunk segment of FIG. 4A.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a side view of the storage unit of FIG. 4B in a
position for removal of the artificial tree trunk segment.
[0033] FIG. 6A is a side view of a commercially available
disassembled artificial tree, exhibiting 3 trunk segments.
[0034] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a disassembled
artificial tree ensconced within the storage unit system.
[0035] FIG. 7 is one embodiment of the artificial tree storage
container system assembled in accordance with the principles of the
present invention.
DRAWINGS-REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0036] 10 cylinder body [0037] 20A first end cap [0038] 20B second
end cap [0039] 30 attachment mechanism [0040] 40 flat end piece
[0041] 50 end piece collar [0042] 70 largest artificial tree trunk
segment [0043] 71 largest storage container unit [0044] 80 mid-size
artificial tree trunk segment [0045] 81 mid-size storage container
unit [0046] 90 smallest artificial tree trunk segment [0047] 91
smallest storage container unit
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] The present invention is a container useful for the
transport and storage of artificial trees, which disassemble into
two or more trunk segments. The present embodiment may be realized
in any number of materials or hardware components figured to form
the specified functions.
[0049] FIG. 1 depicts a first embodiment of one storage container
the present invention in an unassembled state, which is comprised
of three parts. The body of the elongated container is preferably a
hollow cylinder (10) of non-flexible material. There are two open
ends of the cylinder. Two end caps (20A) (20B) are, for the
preferred embodiment, of slightly larger diameter, and fit over the
end of the hollow cylinder body (10).
[0050] FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of one assembled storage
container unit. Each of the two end caps (20A) (20B), are secured
over each end of the cylindrical body (10).When all three parts are
assembled in this manner, it forms an enclosed storage container
unit.
[0051] FIG. 3A is a top view perspective of the open end of the
cylinder body (10). Shown in FIG. 3B is the end of the cylinder
body (10) with one of the end caps (20A) or (20B) in position to
close off the open end of the cylinder body (10).
[0052] Each of the end caps (20A)(20B) of the preferred embodiment
is comprised of a flat circular end piece (40) and a collar (50),
that is mounted circumferentially around the flat circular end
piece (40). The circular end piece(40), with the mounted
collar(50), is slightly larger in diameter than the opening of the
cylinder body (10). In this way, the end cap fits snugly over the
end of the cylinder body (10). Each end cap may have one or more
reusable attachment mechanisms (30) to secure the end cap
(20A)(20B) to the cylinder body (10). In an alternate embodiment,
said end caps may be of a diameter that is of the same or slightly
smaller diameter of the cylinder body (10) diameter (not shown).
The end cap (20A)(20B) would then be snapped in, screwed in, or
similarly attached to the cylinder body (10). The attachment
mechanisms (30) may be of Velcro, hook and loop, clasp, latch, or
the like. The attachment mechanisms (30) are used to ensure that
the end caps will remain attached.
[0053] The materials used for the cylindrical body (10), the two
end caps (20A)(20B), and attachment mechanisms (30), may be made of
the same material type or different material type. The storage
container units maybe contracted in any known and suitable fashion
such as those known in the art for making such containers in
commercially available form. Heat or adhesive sealing technologies
may be utilized to join various components or elements of the
container to themselves or to each other. In addition the container
bodies, end caps, and attachment mechanisms may be thermoformed,
blown, or otherwise molded.
[0054] FIG. 4A illustrates a commercially available artificial tree
trunk segment of the hinged branch type, or similarly flexible
branched type, that collapses from the extended branch
configuration (shown in dot and dash lines), thereby lending itself
to storage in the present storage container system. FIG. 4B depicts
said collapsed artificial tree trunk segment (FIG. 4A) in the
process of insertion into the cylindrical body (10) of one storage
container unit. The tree trunk segment should have its hinged
branches folded against the tree trunk. One end cap (20A) is
removed and the tree segment is slid into the cylindrical body
(10), trunk end first. This way the tree branches remain aligned
with the tree trunk. Each tree segment is matched to its own
storage container unit by size, and then inserted the same way. The
end cap (20a) is put back on for final transport. An alternative
would be to remove both end caps (20A)(20B), with the container on
its side, and then insert the tree segment in one end, trunk first.
The user would then reach in the opposite end with users arm and
pull the tree segment into the cylindrical storage container body
(10). Both end caps (20A)(20B) would then be replaced.
[0055] Removal of the tree segment is illustrated in FIG. 5.
Removal of the tree segment is accomplished by the opposite action.
Place the container on its side and remove the end cap (20B)
closest to the trunk end of the tree segment. Reach in and pull the
tree segment out by the trunk.
[0056] FIG. 6A depicts a commercially available artificial tree of
3 trunk segments, suitable for storage in a multiple unit storage
container system (FIG. 6B). Illustrated in FIG. 6B is a
cross-sectional view of one embodiment in which the artificial tree
(FIG. 6A) is stored in said multiple unit storage container system.
The largest trunk segment of the artificial tree (70) is matched to
and inserted into the largest storage unit (71). Similarly, the
midsize artificial tree trunk segment (80) is inserted into the
mid-size storage unit (81).The smallest artificial tree trunk
segment (90) is matched to and inserted into the smaller storage
unit (91). The number of storage units can be varied based on the
number of artificial tree trunk segments.
[0057] Because the weigh of the artificial tree has been
distributed between two or more storage container units, it is
easier to carry and transport, thus making it more amenable to
attic, basement, or closet storage.
[0058] Note that the artificial tree depicted in FIG. 6A and FIG.
6B, does not have an irremovable attached supporting stand. The
stand was removed for storage. An alternative is for those
artificial trees in which the stand is permanently attached to the
lowest trunk section, the segment would be slid in branches first
into the storage container body (10) and only one end cap (20A)
would be used on top (not shown).
[0059] FIG. 7 depicts the artificial tree storage containers
according to the present embodiment in their assembled
configuration. They configure to different sizes of varying lengths
and diameters, which fall within the scope of this disclosure. The
container may have additional components to enhance utilization,
such as handles, of same or different materials. Also,
identification tags or labels so the user can mark the contents for
identification and organization. For decoration purposes the
container may be screen painted, painted, have adhesive decor, or
otherwise decorated.
[0060] In another embodiment, end caps may also be adapted with
integrated casters, rollers, runners, or the like elements (not
shown), to facilitate transport of the container. End caps
(20A)(20B) which are shown to be similar in the preferred
embodiment, may be dissimilar in another embodiment, while still
performing the same function of enclosing the storage container
unit. This embodiment is in keeping with the intent and spirit of
the present invention.
[0061] In another embodiment, there may be additional structural
supports, for reasons of flexibility, durability, or
transportability.
[0062] The description presented above is one embodiment of an
artificial tree storage container system configured to be more
easily transported and more efficiently organized storage of
commonly found, commercially available, artificial trees.
[0063] While my above description contains many specifications,
these should not be construed limitations on the scope, but as an
exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other
variations are possible.
[0064] The foregoing description of our invention is necessary of a
detailed nature so that a specific embodiment might be set forth as
required, but it is to be understood that various modifications of
detail, rearrangement and multiplication of parts might be resorted
to without departing from its spirit, essence, or scope.
* * * * *