U.S. patent application number 12/475787 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for jewelry tree.
This patent application is currently assigned to Umbra LLC. Invention is credited to David Shaw Quan.
Application Number | 20100300900 12/475787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43219017 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100300900 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Quan; David Shaw |
December 2, 2010 |
JEWELRY TREE
Abstract
A jewelry tree including a base in the form of a saucer having a
concave top surface and an aperture, a cylindrical rod including an
opaque material and a first end, a first tubular sleeve including a
translucent material, and a second tubular sleeve including a
translucent material and at least one branch extending therefrom,
wherein the first end is adapted to be removably secured in the
aperture, the cylindrical rod is arranged to extend upwardly from
the base when the first end is removably secured in the aperture,
the first tubular sleeve is adapted to slide onto the cylindrical
rod and rest upon the base, the second tubular sleeve is adapted to
slide onto the cylindrical rod, stack upon the first tubular
sleeve, and rotate on the cylindrical rod, and the at least one
branch is adapted to hold at least one item above the concave top
surface.
Inventors: |
Quan; David Shaw; (Toronto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SIMPSON & SIMPSON, PLLC
5555 MAIN STREET
WILLIAMSVILLE
NY
14221-5406
US
|
Assignee: |
Umbra LLC
Buffalo
NY
|
Family ID: |
43219017 |
Appl. No.: |
12/475787 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/6.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/16 20130101;
A45F 5/00 20130101; A47F 7/02 20130101; A47F 5/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/6.1 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/16 20060101
A45C011/16 |
Claims
1. A jewelry tree comprising: a base comprising a saucer having a
concave top surface and an aperture; a cylindrical rod comprising
an opaque material and including a first end; a first tubular
sleeve comprising a translucent material; and, a second tubular
sleeve comprising a translucent material and including at least one
branch extending therefrom, wherein the first end is adapted to be
removably secured in the aperture, the cylindrical rod is arranged
to extend upwardly from the base when the first end is removably
secured in the aperture, the first tubular sleeve is adapted to
slide onto the cylindrical rod and rest upon the base, the second
tubular sleeve is adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod, stack
upon the first tubular sleeve, and rotate on the cylindrical rod,
and the at least one branch is adapted to hold at least one item
above the concave top surface.
2. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1 wherein the cylindrical rod
further includes a second end arranged opposite the first end, and
the jewelry tree further comprises a cap removably securable to the
second end and arranged to secure the first and second tubular
sleeves on the cylindrical rod.
3. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1 further comprising a third
tubular sleeve comprising a translucent material and including at
least one branch extending therefrom, wherein the third tubular
sleeve is adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod, stack upon the
first tubular sleeve and/or the second tubular sleeve, and rotate
on the cylindrical rod, and the at least one branch is of the third
tubular sleeve is adapted to hold at least one item above the
concave top surface.
4. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1 wherein the second tubular
sleeve includes a plurality of branches extending therefrom,
wherein each branch of the plurality of branches is adapted to hold
at least one item above the concave top surface.
5. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1 wherein the aperture is
arranged centrally in the top surface.
6. A jewelry tree comprising: a base having an aperture; a
cylindrical rod comprising an opaque material and including a first
end; and, at least one branched tubular sleeve, wherein the first
end is adapted to be removably secured in the aperture, the
cylindrical rod is arranged to extend upwardly from the base when
the first end is removably secured in the aperture, the at least
one branched tubular sleeve is adapted to slide onto and rotate on
the cylindrical rod, and includes at least one branch adapted to
hold at least one item above the base.
7. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 wherein the at least one
branched tubular sleeve includes a plurality of branches, wherein
each branch of the plurality of branches is adapted to hold at
least one item above the base.
8. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 wherein the at least one
branched tubular sleeve comprises a translucent material or an
opaque material.
9. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 comprising a plurality of
branched tubular sleeves adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod
in a stacked formation, wherein each branched tubular sleeve of the
plurality of branched tubular sleeves is adapted to rotate on the
cylindrical rod and includes at least one branch adapted to hold at
least one item above the base.
10. The jewelry tree recited in claim 9 wherein each branched
tubular sleeve of the plurality of branched tubular sleeves
comprises a translucent material or an opaque material.
11. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 further comprising a
tubular sleeve adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod and rest
upon the base, wherein the at least one branched sleeve is arranged
to stack upon the tubular sleeve when arranged on the cylindrical
rod.
12. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 wherein the tubular sleeve
comprises a translucent material or an opaque material.
13. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 wherein the cylindrical rod
further includes a second end arranged opposite the first end, and
the jewelry tree further comprises a cap removably securable to the
second end and arranged to secure the at least one branched tubular
sleeve on the cylindrical rod.
14. The jewelry tree recited in claim 9 wherein the cylindrical rod
further includes a second end arranged opposite the first end, and
the jewelry tree further comprises a cap removably securable to the
second end and arranged to secure the plurality of branched tubular
sleeves on the cylindrical rod.
15. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 wherein the base comprises
a saucer having a concave top surface, and the aperture is arranged
centrally in the top surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention broadly relates to devices for holding and
displaying jewelry, such as necklaces, and more particularly to
jewelry trees.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Jewelry trees are well known devices or articles of
manufacture, which provide a user an aesthetically pleasing means
for holding and displaying jewelry having long chains, straps,
and/or strings, as jewelry of this type tends to become entangled
if held in containers, such as jewelry boxes. Generally, a jewelry
tree comprises a base, a "trunk" or "stem" extending upwardly from
the base, and a plurality of "branches" or members extending
outwardly from the trunk, wherein the branches are operatively
arranged to hold separate and display a plurality of items.
[0003] One problem with prior jewelry tree designs is that the
branches tend to be in a fixed arrangement, which limits how a user
may arrange items thereon. For example, with branches in a fixed
positions, a user may not be able to hang a particular item, such
as a long necklace, on some of the branches as it may become
entangled on nearby lower branches or with nearby hanging jewelry.
Additionally, since the branches are fixed, another problem with
this type of prior jewelry tree is that the particular branching
pattern of the jewelry is fixed, which again limits how the user
may arrange items thereon.
[0004] Another problem with prior jewelry tree designs is that
their decorative appearance is generally immutable, that is, their
color, texture, and other aspects of their appearance is fixed.
Thus, a user who wishes to change the decor of the room in which
the jewelry tree is kept cannot change the appearance of the
jewelry tree to match, unless she substitutes it with a different
jewelry tree.
[0005] Yet another problem with prior jewelry trees is that they
are only designed to hold long jewelry, such as necklaces, thus
necessitating a separate device for holding other types of jewelry,
such as rings and earrings.
[0006] Thus, there is a long-felt need for a jewelry tree having
branches which may be arranged according to its user's needs and
wishes. There is also a long-felt need for a jewelry tree having a
modifiable branching pattern. There is also a long-felt need for a
jewelry tree having a modifiable decorative appearance. Lastly,
there is a long-felt need for a jewelry tree having a means for
holding various types of jewelry, such as necklaces, watches,
rings, and earrings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Broadly, the present invention is a jewelry tree comprising:
a base having an aperture; a cylindrical rod comprising an opaque
material and including a first end; and, at least one branched
tubular sleeve, wherein the first end is adapted to be removably
secured in the aperture, the cylindrical rod is arranged to extend
upwardly from the base when the first end is removably secured in
the aperture, the at least one branched tubular sleeve is adapted
to slide onto and rotate on the cylindrical rod, and includes at
least one branch adapted to hold at least one item above the
base.
[0008] In one embodiment, the at least one branched tubular sleeve
may include a plurality of branches, wherein each branch of the
plurality of branches is adapted to hold at least one item above
the base. Additionally, the at least one branched tubular sleeve
may comprise a translucent material or an opaque material.
[0009] In another embodiment, the jewelry tree may comprise a
plurality of branched tubular sleeves adapted to slide onto the
cylindrical rod in a stacked formation, wherein each branched
tubular sleeve of the plurality of branched tubular sleeves is
adapted to rotate on the cylindrical rod and includes at least one
branch adapted to hold at least one item above the base. In this
embodiment, each branched tubular sleeve of the plurality of
branched tubular sleeves may comprise a translucent material or an
opaque material.
[0010] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a
jewelry tree having branches which may be arranged according to its
user's needs and wishes.
[0011] It is also a general object of the present invention to
provide a jewelry tree having a modifiable branching pattern.
[0012] It also is a general object of the present invention to
provide a jewelry tree having a modifiable decorative
appearance.
[0013] It is also a general object of the present invention to
provide a jewelry tree having a means for holding various types of
jewelry, such as necklaces, watches, rings, and earrings.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be readily appreciable from the following
description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the
accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention
will now be more fully described in the following detailed
description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing
figures, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
present invention jewelry tree having a plurality of branched
tubular sleeves, shown with items held on two of its branched
tubular sleeves and on a top surface of its base;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first
embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
present invention jewelry tree;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the first embodiment,
shown with its plurality of branched tubular sleeves in a first
rotated position;
[0020] FIG. 4a is a top plan view of the first embodiment shown in
FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the first embodiment,
shown with its plurality of branched tubular sleeves in a second
rotated position;
[0022] FIG. 5a is a top plan view of the first embodiment shown in
FIG. 5; and,
[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
6-6 in FIG. 5a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or
functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While
the present invention is described with respect to what is
presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be
understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the
disclosed aspects.
[0025] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not
limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications
described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of
the present invention, which is limited only by the appended
claims.
[0026] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It
should be appreciated that the term "saucer" refers to an object
having the shape of a shallow dish having a slight circular
depression or concavity in the center. The term "tube" or "tubular"
refers to a hollow, substantially cylindrical object. The term
"translucent" refers to a material which permits at least some
visible light to pass through, and the term "transparent" refers to
a material which permits substantially all visible light to pass
through.
[0027] Although any methods, devices or materials similar or
equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or
testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and
materials are now described.
[0028] Adverting now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of a first embodiment of the present invention jewelry tree,
hereinafter referred to as jewelry tree 100. Generally, jewelry
tree 100 comprises base 110, rod 120, first tubular sleeve 130,
second tubular sleeve 140, third tubular sleeve 150, fourth tubular
sleeve 160, and fifth tubular sleeve 170.
[0029] The base of the present invention is adapted to rest upon a
horizontal surface, such as a table, shelf, etc., and includes an
aperture arranged to receive at least one end of the cylindrical
rod. For example, as shown in the figures, base 110 includes
aperture 112, which is arranged to receive first end 122 of rod 120
therein. In the embodiment shown in the figures, base 110 comprises
a saucer having concave top surface 111. It is preferable for the
base to have a concave top surface so that if any jewelry falls off
the jewelry tree, it will be caught within the concavity of the top
surface. Additionally, such a concave surface is generally useful
for holding small items of jewelry, such ring 40 and earrings 50.
In this embodiment, aperture 112 is arranged in tubular extension
113, which is substantially vertically disposed and centrally
arranged in top surface 111. It is preferable for the aperture be
arranged in tubular extension 113, as such a tubular extension
helps secure rod 120 in a substantially vertical position when
inserted therein.
[0030] Rod 120 includes first end 122 arranged opposite second end
124. First end 122 is adapted to be removably secured in aperture
112, and rod 120 is arranged to extend upwardly from base 110 when
first end 122 is removably secured in aperture 112. Rod 120
preferably comprises an opaque material, so that the jewelry has
the appearance of a tree coated in ice when the tubular sleeves
comprise a translucent or transparent material. The jewelry tree
may include a means for securing the rod in the aperture. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, jewelry tree 100 includes screw
128 and washer 127, which are arranged to removably secure first
end 122 to base 110.
[0031] The present invention jewelry tree includes at least one
but, preferably, a plurality of tubular sleeves having at least one
branch extending therefrom, hereinafter referred to as "branched
tubular sleeves". For example, each of second tubular sleeve 140,
third tubular sleeve 150, fourth tubular sleeve 160, and fifth
tubular sleeve 170 is a branched tubular sleeve which includes a
tubular sleeve portion and at least one branch extending therefrom.
In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, branched tubular sleeve 140
includes tubular portion 146, having bottom end 141 and top end
145, and main branch 142 extending from tubular portion 146. Main
branch 142 preferably includes first terminal branch 143 and second
terminal branch 144 extending therefrom, in order to provide
distinct branches upon which jewelry may be hung. Likewise,
branched tubular sleeve 150 includes tubular portion 156, having
bottom end 151 and top end 155, and main branch 152 extending from
tubular portion 156. Main branch 152 preferably includes first
terminal branch 153 and second terminal branch 154 extending
therefrom. Branched tubular sleeve 160 includes tubular portion
166, having bottom end 161 and top end 165, and main branch 162
extending from tubular portion 166. Main branch 162 preferably
includes first terminal branch 163 and second terminal branch 164
extending therefrom. Branched tubular sleeve 170 includes tubular
portion 176, having bottom end 171 and top end 175, and main branch
172 extending from tubular portion 176. Main branch 172 preferably
includes first terminal branch 173 and second terminal branch 174
extending therefrom.
[0032] It should be appreciated that the branched tubular sleeves
shown in the figures are merely exemplary embodiments of the
branched tubular sleeve of the present invention, which may, in
alternative embodiments, include different numbers of branches and
having different shapes and sizes, and may also include different
branching patterns. For example, each of the aforementioned
branched tubular sleeves may include more than one "main branch"
extending from its respective tubular portion, and each main branch
may include any number of terminal branches extending therefrom.
However, as shown in the figures, all such main and terminal
branches, which are intended to hold items such as jewelry, should
be angled upwardly as they extend from their respective tubular
portions, so that such items hung thereon will tend to slide on the
branches toward the tubular portion, as opposed to sliding toward
the distal end of the branches. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1,
each branch is preferably adapted to hold such items above base
110, in particular, above concave top surface 111 for the reasons
cited above.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4-6, each of branched tubular
sleeves 140, 150, 160, and 170, is adapted to slide onto
cylindrical rod 120 in a stacked formation, and rotate on
cylindrical rod 120. For example, FIGS. 4 and 4a show branched
tubular sleeves 140, 150, 160, and 170 in a first rotated position,
wherein the branched tubular sleeves are spread out such that each
is arranged to hold a at least one item above base 110. As
illustrated with the double-headed arrows in FIGS. 1 and 4a, each
is rotatable about rod 120. FIG. 5a shows branched tubular sleeves
140, 150, 160, and 170 in a second rotated position, wherein all
the branched tubular sleeves are vertically aligned. As each
branched tubular sleeve is preferably arranged to rotate three
hundred sixty degrees (360.degree.) around rod 120, the branches of
each branched tubular sleeve are preferably arranged such that they
do not impede the rotation of adjacent tubular sleeves.
[0034] The present invention jewelry tree may also include a
tubular sleeve which is adapted to slide onto the rod, and which
lacks branches. For example, jewelry tree 100 includes first
tubular sleeve 130, which is adapted to slide onto cylindrical rod
120 and rest upon base 110. Accordingly, the plurality of branched
tubular sleeves, namely, 140, 150, 160, and 170, is arranged to
stack upon first tubular sleeve 130 when arranged on cylindrical
rod 120. A tubular sleeve, such as first tubular sleeve 130, is
preferable as it is arranged to support the branched tubular
sleeves above the base at a vertical distance sufficient to allow
long items, such as necklaces, to hang from the branched tubular
sleeves without collecting and becoming entangled on the top
surface of the base.
[0035] First tubular sleeve 130 and/or any of branched tubular
sleeves 140, 150, 160, and 170, may comprise a translucent and/or
transparent material as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-6, or an opaque
material, as shown in FIG. 3. A translucent or transparent material
is preferable when the user wishes to give the jewelry tree the
appearance of a tree coated in ice. An opaque material is
preferable when the user wishes to give the jewelry tree the
appearance of a tree coated in snow, for example, if the material
is colored white, or if the user wishes to give the jewelry tree
the appearance of a regular tree, for example, if the material is
colored and/or textured to resemble tree bark.
[0036] As the plurality of branched tubular sleeves, namely, 140,
150, 160, and 170, and first tubular sleeve 130 are arranged to
easily slide onto rod 120, these components may also easily slide
off the rod, which may be a problem if the jewelry tree is ever
tipped over. Accordingly, the jewelry tree may also include a means
for securing the tubular sleeves on the rod. For example, as shown
in the figures, jewelry tree 100 includes cap 180, which is
arranged to be removably secured to second end 124 of rod 120, and
which is wide enough to prevent the tubular sleeves from sliding
off rod 120.
[0037] It should be appreciated that the branched tubular sleeves
and first tubular sleeve may be arranged in a variety of shapes,
colors, and branching patterns without departing from the scope of
the present invention. Moreover, as stated above, it is an object
of the present invention to provide a jewelry tree having
components which a user may easily replace and/or substitute, in
order to, for example, change the appearance of the jewelry tree to
match a particular season or the substitute the branched tubular
sleeves in order to provide different branching patterns based upon
the user's particular needs.
[0038] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention
are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the
invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill
in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the
spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood
that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present
invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore,
other embodiments of the present invention are possible without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *