US20140272205A1

US20140272205A1 - Decorative Artificial Tree With Removable Branches

Info

Publication number: US20140272205A1
Application number: US13/798,631
Authority: US
Inventors: Steven J. Altamura
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Seasonal Specialties LLC
Priority date: 2013-03-13
Filing date: 2013-03-13
Publication date: 2014-09-18

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure invention is directed at a decorative, typically lighted, artificial tree.
2. Description of the Related Art
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.
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.
The present disclosure is directed to a tree/brand system and method of assembly which deals with water management.

BRIEF SUMMARY

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.
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.
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.
The disclosure further includes an optional locking element near said proximal end to fix the branch to the stub.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a tree system.

FIG. 2 is a close up perspective view of a portion of the tree system.

FIG. 3 is a close up perspective view of a pair of connectors in the tree system.

FIG. 4 is a close up perspective view of a fragmentary tree trunk, a stub (stem?) and a fragmentary branch.

FIGS. 4 a-4 b are close up elevational views of the branch looking into the recess.

FIG. 5 is a close up perspective view of the stand portion of the tree system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present description shows a tree system 10 with trunk 12 removably connected to a base 14, stubs or stems 18 connecting branches 16.
FIGS. 2-4 provide further details of the trunk and branch system.
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.
The stem (stub) and recess 22, see FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If the tree has electrical lighting, connectors 30, 32 are provided to allow releasability of the branches both mechanically and electrically.
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).
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.
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 120/240 v supply without step down is possible.
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.

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.