ARTIFICIAL TREE HAVING A NONLINEAR TREE POLE COMPONENT

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 63/371,312, filed Aug. 12, 2022.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to festive goods and decorations and, more particularly, artificial trees having a nonlinear tree pole component. Artificial trees having a nonlinear tree pole component can provide non-traditional aesthetics for decorations and diversity in decor. Furthermore, artificial trees having a nonlinear tree pole component can provide decorations for holidays other than Christmas.

BACKGROUND

It is known in the prior art that there are artificial trees. Most artificial trees are created to resemble real trees. These artificial trees differ in construction and assembly methods. Many artificial trees have multiple sections with branches joined to one or more tree pole sections. Consumers can then assemble these trees at home or the location of display by joining the sections of the artificial tree. Some of these trees also come with pre-strung lighting. Artificial trees assembled with this design are typically linear and provide the tree pole that is substantially vertical when assembled.

Known artificial trees are substantially vertical and do not include structure sufficient for user creativity as far as configuration and/or customization of the overall appearance of the artificial tree. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an artificial tree capable of non-traditional shapes, aesthetics, and appearances.

It is also preferred to provide variety from the presently available vertical trees, to provide for diversity in Christmas and holiday decor, and to enable the use of artificial trees as decorations for holidays other than Christmas.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an artificial tree with at least one nonlinear tree pole component.

According to some embodiments, an artificial tree is provided comprising a tree pole assembly having a substantially nonlinear tree pole component. The substantially nonlinear tree pole component has at least one radius of curvature and the at least one radius of curvature is greater than zero.

According to some embodiments, an artificial tree is provided comprising a tree pole assembly having a flexible tree pole component. The flexible tree pole component can be shaped to have one or more curves.

According to some embodiments, an artificial tree is provided comprising a tree pole assembly having a substantially nonlinear tree pole component and a flexible tree pole component. The substantially nonlinear tree pole component has at least one first radius of curvature and the at least one first radius of curvature is greater than zero. The flexible tree pole component has at least one second radius of curvature and the at least one second radius of curvature is greater than zero.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an artificial tree assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an artificial tree assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a portion of the nonlinear tree pole component illustrated in FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an artificial tree base with a receptacle;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a nonlinear tree pole component;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a tree pole component assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of a flexible tree pole component illustrated in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an artificial tree base with a receptacle;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a tree pole component assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tree pole component assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an artificial tree base with a receptacle;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a nonlinear tree pole component;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of a flexible tree pole component;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tree pole component assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an artificial tree base with a receptacle;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a linear tree pole component;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a nonlinear tree pole component;

FIG. 9D is a perspective view of a flexible tree pole component;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a mating portion;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a mating portion; and

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of a mating portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings in which the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise represented. The implementations set forth in the following description of exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with the disclosure. Instead, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with aspects related to the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. The terms and definitions provided herein control, if in conflict with terms or definitions incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to artificial trees including, for example, artificial trees comprising a substantially nonlinear tree pole component, a flexible tree pole component, or both a substantially nonlinear tree pole component and a flexible tree pole component.

An artificial tree 100 is generally shown in FIG. 1. As shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1, each artificial tree 100 can include a base 110, a tree pole assembly 200, and branches 114. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, branches 114 are connected to the tree pole assembly 200. Tree pole assembly 200 may include one or more of a nonlinear tree pole component, a flexible tree pole, and a linear tree pole component.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a tree pole assembly 200 that includes a nonlinear tree pole component 220, and a linear tree pole component 230. Tree pole assembly 200 may, among other things, be used to achieve various non-traditional shapes for the artificial tree 100, such as the shape of a witch's hat, the shape of curved tree, give the impression of being blown in the wind, or give the impression of being deflected under the weight of a heavy star or snow.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, nonlinear tree pole component 220 is removably engaged with linear tree pole component 230, which is removably engaged with base 110. Tree pole assembly 200 comprises a proximal end 122 and a distal end 124. Proximal end 122 removably engages in base 110. Base 110 provides stability to tree pole assembly 200. Base 110 and tree pole assembly 200 can be constructed out of metal, alloys, plastics, man-made composites or fibers, wood, metal or other hard materials that can maintain the structural integrity of the tree pole assembly 200.

The nonlinear section 126 of nonlinear tree pole component 220 can enable a unique and/or alternative aesthetic for the tree 100. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that nonlinear tree pole component 220 could have one or more nonlinear sections 126, providing various curves and shapes to the nonlinear tree pole component 220. The one or more curves of the nonlinear tree pole component 220 can be characterized by one or more radii of curvature. The one or more radii or curvature determine the angle of distal end 222 relative to proximal end 221 of the nonlinear tree pole component 220. In some embodiments, the radii of curvature range from greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees and, more specifically, can be in the range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that, for some embodiments, the nonlinearity of nonlinear tree pole component 220 can help to accommodate an offset center of gravity for the artificial tree 100. For example, as shown in the embodiment of the artificial tree 100 in FIG. 1, the artificial tree 100 can be configured with a curved shape and the curved shape can alter the center of gravity such that the center of gravity for the artificial tree 100 is not in the location where it would typically be found for a substantially vertical artificial tree. The nonlinear tree pole component 220 can be configured to account for the offset of the center of gravity and provide support and stability for the artificial tree 100.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the nonlinear tree pole component 220. As shown in the embodiment in FIG. 2B, the curve of the nonlinear tree pole component 220 can be characterized by angle “A,” the angle of the distal end 222 relative to proximal end 221 of the nonlinear tree pole component 220. In some embodiments, angle “A” may be greater than 0 degrees. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, at least one radius of curvature of nonlinear tree pole component 220 is greater than 1 inch and the angle “A” is greater than 5 degrees. In some embodiments, branches 114 are connected to nonlinear tree pole component 220.

As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3A-3B, base 110 further comprises a receptacle 112. In some embodiments the proximal end 201 of the tree pole assembly 220 removably engages in receptacle 112 of the base 110.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a tree pole assembly 300 that includes a linear tree pole component 320, a flexible tree pole component 330, and a base 110. The flexible tree pole component 330 enables customization by the user and/or manufacturer to configure the flexible tree pole component 330 with one or more curves or shapes. Tree pole assembly 300 may, among other things, be used to achieve a non-traditional shape, give the impression of being blown in the wind, or give the impression of being deflected under the weight of a heavy star or snow. In some embodiments, the tree pole assembly 300 can be shaped or bent by the manufacture or the user to provide a non-traditional shape or aesthetic for tree pole assembly 300.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, tree pole assembly 300 is removably engaged in base 110. Tree pole assembly 300 comprises a proximal end 301 and a distal end 302.

Proximal end 301 removably engages in base 110. Base 110 provides stability to tree pole assembly 300. Base 110 and tree pole assembly 300 can be constructed out of metal, alloys, plastics, man-made composites or fibers, wood, metal or other hard materials that can maintain the structural integrity of the tree pole assembly 300.

In some embodiments, the flexible tree pole component 330 can configured with one or more curves. For some embodiments, the flexible tree pole component 330 can be shaped by the manufacturer to have one or more desired curves. In additional embodiments, the flexible tree pole component 330 can be shaped by the user after assembly at the point of display to have one or more desired curves. Thus, flexible tree pole component 330 may be configurable to achieve multiple radii of curvature. For some embodiments, the user can determine the shape and appearance of the flexible tree pole component. The configuration of flexible tree pole component 330 may modify the overall shape, aesthetic, and impression of the artificial tree 100. Flexible tree pole component 330 may have one or more curves, which can be characterized by one or more radii of curvature. The one or more radii of curvature determine the shape of the flexible tree pole component 330. In some embodiments the radii of curvature may be greater than 0 inches.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view of flexible tree pole component 330 illustrated in FIG. 4A, having a proximal end 331 and distal end 332. As shown in the embodiment in FIG. 4B, the curve of the flexible tree pole component 330 is characterized by angle “B,” the angle of the proximal end 331 relative to distal end 332. In some embodiments, angle “B” may be greater than 0 degrees. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, at least one radius of curvature is greater than 1 inch and the angle “B” is greater than 120 degrees. In some embodiments, branches 114. In other embodiments, branches 114 are connected to flexible tree pole component 330. In some embodiments, flexible tree pole component 330 can be constructed out of wire, plastics, or other flexible materials that allow flexible tree pole component 330 to be configurable by a user to achieve multiple radii of curvature.

As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5A-5B, base 110 further comprises a receptacle 112. In the embodiment shown in Fig. SB, the proximal end 301 of the tree pole assembly 300 may removably engage in receptacle 112 of base 110.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a tree pole assembly 400 that includes both a nonlinear tree pole component 420, a flexible tree pole component 430, and a linear tree pole component 440. Tree pole assembly 400 may, among other things, be used to achieve a non-traditional shape, such as the shape of a witch's hat, give the impression of being blown in the wind, or give the impression of deflecting under the weight of a heavy star or snow.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, tree pole assembly 400 is removably engaged in base 110, flexible tree pole component 430 is removably connected to the nonlinear tree pole component 420, and the nonlinear tree pole component 420 is removably connected to the linear tree pole component 440. The tree pole assembly 400 comprises a proximal end 401 and a distal end 402. Base 110 provides stability to tree pole assembly 400. Base 110, nonlinear tree pole component 420, linear tree pole component 440, and flexible tree pole component 430 can be constructed out of metal, wire, plastic, man-made composites or fibers, wood, metal or other hard materials that can maintain the structural integrity of the tree pole assembly 400.

The nonlinearity of nonlinear tree pole component 420 and the configuration of flexible tree pole component 430 may determine the appearance, shape, and impression of the tree pole assembly 400 in some embodiments. Furthermore, in some embodiments the user may modify the appearance, shape, and impression of the tree pole assembly 400 by adjusting on or more curves or shapes of the flexible tree pole component 430. In some embodiments, the nonlinear tree pole component 420 and flexible tree pole component 430 may have one or more curves, which can be characterized by one or more radii of curvature. The radii of curvature may determine the angle of the distal end 402 of tree pole assembly 400 relative to the proximal end 401. The radii of curvature may be greater than 0 inches, and the angle of the distal end 402 of the tree pole assembly 400 flexible tree relative to the proximal end 401 may be greater than 0 degrees. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, at least one radius of curvature of the nonlinear tree pole component 420 and at least one radius of curvature of the flexible tree pole component 430 are both greater than 1 inch, and the angle of the distal end 402 to the proximal end 401 is greater than 5 degrees. In some embodiments, flexible tree pole component 430 is removably engaged with nonlinear tree pole component 420, and the nonlinear tree pole component 420 is removably engaged with the linear tree pole component 440, which is removably engaged with base 110. In some embodiments, branches are connected to linear tree pole component 440, nonlinear tree pole component 420, and flexible tree pole component 430.

As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7A-7C, base 110 further comprises a receptacle 112. Proximal end 401 of the tree pole assembly 400 may removably engage in receptacle 112. Further, distal end 422 of the nonlinear tree pole component 420 comprises a mating portion 140, and proximal end 431 of flexible tree pole component 430 comprises a mating portion 142. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, mating portion 140 may removably engage with mating portion 142. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, mating portion 140 may provide a socket, and mating portion 142 may provide a receptacle to receive the socket of mating portion 140.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a tree pole assembly 500 that includes a base 110, a linear tree pole component 540, a nonlinear tree pole component 520, a flexible tree pole component 530. In the embodiment show in FIG. 8, the linear tree pole component 540, nonlinear tree pole component 520, and flexible tree pole component 530, each provide mating portions, such a first mating portion 160 and a second mating portion 162, that enable these poles to be removably connected. Tree pole assembly 500 may, among other things, be used to achieve a non-traditional shape, such as the shape of a witch's hat, give the impression of being blown in the wind, or give the impression of deflecting under the weight of a heavy star or snow. The linear tree pole component 540, a nonlinear tree pole component 520, a flexible tree pole component 530 can be constructed of metal, wire, plastic, man-made composites or fibers, wood, metal or other hard materials that can maintain the structural integrity of the tree pole assembly 500.

As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 9A-9D, the base 110 of tree pole assembly 500 further comprises a receptacle 112. The proximal end 541 of the linear tree pole component 540 may removably engage in receptacle 112. Furthermore, in the embodiment show in FIGS. 9B-9D, mating portions of the linear tree pole component 540, nonlinear tree pole component 520, and flexible tree pole component 530 may be removably connected. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9B-9D, some mating portions may provide a socket and other mating portions may provide a receptacle to receive the socket of the complementary mating portion.

As shown in greater detail in Figs. 10A-10C, an embodiment of a mating portion 170 may enable connection between two tree pole components of the tree pole assembly. As shown in the embodiment in Figs. 10A-10C, mating portion 170 may provide a receptacle. The receptacle of the embodiment of mating portion 170 may receive the socket of the complementary mating portion of another tree pole component.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments have been described with reference to numerous specific details that can vary from implementation to implementation. Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. It is also intended that the sequence of steps shown in figures are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limited to any particular sequence of steps. As such, those skilled in the art can appreciate that these steps can be performed in a different order while implementing the same method.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatuses, systems, and related methods. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed apparatuses, systems, and related methods. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.