U.S. patent application number 13/798631 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for decorative artificial tree with removable branches.
The applicant listed for this patent is Steven J. Altamura. Invention is credited to Steven J. Altamura.
Application Number | 20140272205 13/798631 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51528272 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140272205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Altamura; Steven J. |
September 18, 2014 |
Decorative Artificial Tree With Removable Branches
Abstract
A tree and branch system with a trunk 12, a base 14 and branches
16 is disclosed. The trunk includes a plurality of stems 18
extending from the trunk. Branches include a recess 22 at their
proximal end which is sized to receive and overlie at least a
portion of the stem. In this arrangement, rain water will not
accumulate in the recess and will simply flow down the trunk.
Inventors: |
Altamura; Steven J.;
(Scarsdale, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Altamura; Steven J. |
Scarsdale |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51528272 |
Appl. No.: |
13/798631 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/20 ;
29/592 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 1/007 20130101;
Y10T 29/49 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/20 ;
29/592 |
International
Class: |
A41G 1/00 20060101
A41G001/00; A41G 1/02 20060101 A41G001/02 |
Claims
1. A tree and branch system comprising: a trunk, a stand, a
plurality of stems extending generally upwardly from the trunk at
an oblique angle and at locations on the trunk intended to
approximate living tree branches, a plurality of branch segments,
each having a branch extension at their distal end and an
attachment portion having a recess at the proximal end of the
branch, said recess sized to receive a portion of said stem so that
the branches are attachable to the trunk with the stubs being at
least partly covered by the branch recess so that when the branches
are affixed to the trunk, the stem are at least partially protected
against rain and wherein said recesses are oriented generally
downwardly so that rain cannot collect therein.
2. The tree system of claim 1, wherein said branch segment includes
a bulging portion which includes said recess.
3. The tree system of claim 1, wherein said recess and said stem
have mating cross sections.
4. The tree system of claim 1, wherein said recess and said stem
include cross sections, that when mated, prevent rotation of the
branch relative to the stem.
5. The tree system of claim 1, further including a lock on said
branch to prevent removal thereof once said branch is attached to
said stem.
6. The tree system of claim 5, wherein said lock includes a set
screw.
7. The tree system of claim 5, wherein said lock includes a spring
release locking pin.
8. A method of preventing water collection in a tree branch joint
of an artificial tree having a trunk, a plurality of stems
extending from said trunk and a plurality of branches attachable to
said stems, comprising the stems of: a. orienting the stems such
that they generally point upwardly at an oblique angle relative to
the trunk; b. creating a recess in said branches sized to receive
and overlie at least a portion of said stem.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the peripheral cross section of
said stem and the interior shape of said recess are generally the
same so that the branch is prevented from rotating on said
stem.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the peripheral cross section of
said stem and the interior shape of said recess are non circular
generally the same so that the branch is prevented from rotating on
said stem when inserted thereon.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure invention is directed at a
decorative, typically lighted, artificial tree.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] It is known in the art to make artificial lighted trees for
decorative purposes. Most typical are lighted artificial conifer or
Christmas trees. Another type of artificial tree is designed to
show a deciduous tree at its early blossom stage, before leafing
out. In such case, the artificial branches are clearly visible and
become part of the art. These branches are usually made of metal or
rigid plastic with metal trunks or support members, and are not
particularly flexible. Therefore, it is important that the branches
be removable so that the tree can be disassembled for shipping.
Often such trees are used outside and are thus subject to the
elements.
[0006] Prior art tree assembly systems did not take this
all-weather requirement into account. They were constructed in wall
mount "flag pole" holder style with a tubular receptacle projecting
from a trunk and branches made from cylindrical rods being inserted
into the tubular receptacle. These receptacles fill with water and
are subject to corrosion. Rust then drips down the trunk making the
tree unsightly. If the tree is wired for electric lights, this can
further create an electrical hazard, or the water can enter the
main trunk of the tree at the wire penetration, rusting and
weakening the tree stand.
[0007] The present disclosure is directed to a tree/brand system
and method of assembly which deals with water management.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0008] The following summary is intended to assist the reader in
understanding the full disclosure and the claims. The claims define
the scope of the invention, not this summary.
[0009] The disclosure includes a tree/branch system and method
which includes a trunk, a removable stand, a plurality of stubs
extending generally upwardly from the trunk at randomized locations
on the trunk intended to approximate living tree branches, a
plurality of branch segments, each having a branch extension at
their distal end and recess at it proximal end sized to receive a
portion of said stub or stem, so that the branches are attachable
to the trunk with the stubs (stems) being at least partly covered
by the branch recess so that when the branches are affixed to the
trunk, the stubs (stems) are at least partially protected against
rain and wherein said recesses are oriented generally so that rain
cannot collect therein.
[0010] The disclosure further includes a branch wherein the
proximal end includes a bulging portion having an inner diameter
greater than the outer diameter of the stub.
[0011] The disclosure further includes an optional locking element
near said proximal end to fix the branch to the stub.
[0012] The disclosure further includes an optional screw which is
threaded thru a wall near the proximal end, said screw aligned to
contact the stub when tightened.
[0013] The disclosure further includes a stand releasably
attachable to the bottom of the trunk, said stand including a
flange extending laterally in a plurality of directions
orthogonally from the trunk and a plurality of legs each releasably
affixed to said plurality of flanges distally therefrom, one of
said legs extending under said trunk.
[0014] Also disclosed is a method of preventing water collection in
a tree branch joint of an artificial tree having a trunk, a
plurality of stems extending from said trunk and a plurality of
branches attachable to said stems, comprising any of the stems of:
orienting the stems such that they generally point upwardly at an
oblique angle relative to the trunk, creating a recess in said
branches sized to receive and overlie at least a portion of said
stem.
[0015] Also disclosed is the method wherein the peripheral cross
section of said stem and the interior shape of said recess are
generally the same so that the branch is prevented from rotating on
said stem when inserted thereon.
[0016] Also disclosed is the method wherein the peripheral cross
section of said stem and the interior shape of said recess are
non-circular generally the same so that the branch is prevented
from rotating on said stem when inserted thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a tree system.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a close up perspective view of a portion of the
tree system.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a close up perspective view of a pair of
connectors in the tree system.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a close up perspective view of a fragmentary tree
trunk, a stub (stem?) and a fragmentary branch.
[0021] FIGS. 4a-4b are close up elevational views of the branch
looking into the recess.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a close up perspective view of the stand portion
of the tree system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0023] The present description shows a tree system 10 with trunk 12
removably connected to a base 14, stubs or stems 18 connecting
branches 16.
[0024] FIGS. 2-4 provide further details of the trunk and branch
system.
[0025] Trunk 12 includes a plurality of stubs or stems 18 which
extend generally upwardly from the trunk. In most cases they will
be at an oblique angle relative to the trunk in order to
approximate the angle at which branches grow on a live tree. The
stems are located a various places on the stem which would appear
to be randomized, but in production they are of course in generally
the same place on each tree.
[0026] The stem (stub) and recess 22, see FIGS. 4a, 4b, show a
hollowed out receiver portion the proximal end of the branch are
preferably made with a peripheral cross section (i.e. peripheral
shape) which round 22, but other shapes can have an added benefit.
A non-circular cross section, such square, polygon 22', oval or
have any non-circular or asymmetric cross section can provide a
means to prevent rotation of the branch when properly mated
therewith. For example, a polygonal interior peripheral cross
section in the recess, mated with a like outer cross section on the
stem, will prevent the branch from rotating without the need for a
separate locking collar. A keyway and key on the shaft and/or stem
will also work.
[0027] The branches 16 have an extended portion, possibly with
twigs 20 at their distal end and a bore or hollow region 22 as seen
when looking into the proximal end. This hollow region 24 is sized
to receive at least a portion of stem 18 so that it overlies same.
If the stem is a particular cross sectional shape it is thus
desirable to make the bore of a similar cross section that that
rotation of the branch is inhibited.
[0028] A locking device, such as a bore and bolt/set screw 26 can
be provided in the wall of the hollow portion 24. Other locking
means are possible as known in the art. The lock may include a
spring loaded release mechanism with a slot in the pole and a
spring protrusion, as known from umbrella locks.
[0029] In the preferred embodiment the hollow portion is enlarged
such as in the bulge portion 24 shown. This allows the distal end
of the branch to be thinner and more realistic.
[0030] It will be appreciated that rainwater falling on the tree
will not enter the hollow region because it is always oriented
downwardly so that it drains away stem 18 therefore has no water
retaining pockets.
[0031] If the tree has electrical lighting, connectors 30, 32 are
provided to allow releasability of the branches both mechanically
and electrically.
[0032] The base 14 is removable from the trunk 12 for
transportability. A flange 40 includes a centrally located stem
(not shown but similar to stem 18 but of appropriate diameter to be
received within the hollow trunk).
[0033] The flange 40 includes apertures 42 which allow it to be
bolted to cross member legs 46, 48 and 50. In the preferred
embodiment leg 46 passes completely under the flange as a unitary
part. Legs 48 and 50 then abut cross leg 46 and are bolted into
place. This makes the stand very rigid in one axial direction due
to the unitary design and relatively rigid in the other axis. Other
tree stands, as known in the art, can be used in place of the
embodiment show.
[0034] For additional strength the legs have a cross section with
multiple bends as shown. Power for the lighting can be provided
thru the trunk as shown with optional transformer 52, since the
water accumulation problem of the prior art is solved; full voltage
120/240v supply without step down is possible.
[0035] The description of the invention and its applications as set
forth herein is illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope
of the invention. Variations and modifications of the embodiments
disclosed herein are possible and practical alternatives to and
equivalents of the various elements of the embodiments would be
understood to those of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this
patent document. These and other variations and modifications of
the embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from
the scope and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *