US20220354291A1

US20220354291A1 - Ornamental cardboard tree kit

Info

Publication number: US20220354291A1
Application number: US17/736,844
Authority: US
Inventors: Tara M. Robertson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-05-05
Filing date: 2022-05-04
Publication date: 2022-11-10

Abstract

An apparatus includes a plurality of rings and a connective material. The plurality of rings includes a first ring with a first diameter and a second ring with a second diameter. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The connective material is directly coupled to each of the plurality of rings. The connective material is configured to collapse when the plurality of rings is arranged in a storage position and configured to expand when the plurality of rings is arranged in a display position. When in the storage position, the first ring and the second ring are coplanar, and when in the display position the first ring is suspended in a first plane and the second ring is suspended in a second plane. The first plane is a distance from the second plane. The distance is based at least in part on the direct coupling of the connective material to the plurality of rings.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/184,552, filed May 5, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to decorations, and more particularly, to tree decoration.

BACKGROUND

Every year, millions of trees are erected and decorated in homes to celebrate holidays (e.g., Christmas) or to change indoor decor. Some of these trees are real while others are artificial. Real trees are typically cut down while artificial trees are often manufactured with synthetic materials. When used in holiday celebrations, real trees are typically disposed of after the celebratory period is over. Examples of real trees used for holiday celebration include fir trees, pine trees, spruce trees, etc. Real trees used for celebration can cause sustainability issues. Growing trees can be localized to specific regions, therefore, requiring transportation of cut trees across state lines. Trees are typically heavy (e.g., a 7 ft tree can weigh as much as 80 pounds). Thus, transportation costs (i.e., financial costs associated with transporting the tree and environmental costs such as carbon emissions associated with fossil fuels burned) can quickly add up. Furthermore, trees take time to grow. Some trees can take as long as 15 years while others can take as little as 4 years. In order to accelerate growth, pesticides and fertilizers can be liberally employed. Pesticides can be harmful to humans, especially if the tree is left indoors.
Artificial trees also have drawbacks. Artificial trees are typically styled and manufactured to resemble real trees. Materials used in making these artificial trees may not be recyclable and can end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste. Because artificial trees potentially have a longer shelf life than real trees, they are sometimes manufactured internationally. Therefore, shipping and transportation costs associated with artificial trees can be greater than those of real trees when factoring in international shipping rather than national shipping. More sustainable tree options can alleviate some of these issues associated with real and conventional artificial trees.

SUMMARY

The term embodiment and like terms, e.g., implementation, configuration, aspect, example, and option, are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this disclosure and the claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the claims below. Embodiments of the present disclosure covered herein are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the disclosure and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. This summary is also not intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this disclosure, any or all drawings, and each claim.
According to some implementations of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes a plurality of rings and connective material. The plurality of rings includes a first ring with a first diameter and a second ring with a second diameter. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The connective material is directly coupled to each of the plurality of rings. The connective material is configured to collapse when the plurality of rings is arranged in a storage position and is configured to expand when the plurality of rings is arranged in a display position. When in the storage position, the first ring and the second ring are coplanar, and when in the display position the first ring is suspended in a first plane and the second ring is suspended in a second plane. The first plane is a distance from the second plane. The distance is based at least in part on the direct coupling of the connective material to the plurality of rings.
According to some implementations of the present disclosure, an ornamental tree includes a stand, a plurality of rings, connective material, and a plurality of retentive members. The plurality of rings includes a first ring with a first diameter and a second ring with a second diameter. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The connective material is directly coupled to each of the plurality of rings. The connective material is configured to collapse when the plurality of rings is arranged in a storage position and configured to expand when the plurality of rings is arranged in a display position. The plurality of retentive members is attached to the connective material. The plurality of retentive members is arranged periodically along the connective material. When in the storage position, the first ring and the second ring are coplanar, and when in the display position, the stand is coupled to the plurality of rings and the connective material. The first ring is suspended in a first plane and the second ring is suspended in a second plane. The first plane is a distance from the second plane. The distance is based at least in part on the direct coupling of the connective material to the plurality of rings.
According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a tree apparatus is provided. The method includes threading a connective material through a plurality of rings that include a first ring with a first diameter and a second ring with a second diameter. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. A plurality of retentive members is attached to the connective material wherein consecutive retentive members are separated by at least one ring in the plurality of rings. The connective material is hung on a stand such that the first ring is suspended in a first plane and the second ring is suspended in a second plane. The first plane is a distance from the second plane. The distance is based at least in part on the locations of at least a portion of the plurality of retentive members.
The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing summary merely provides an example of some of the novel aspects and features set forth herein. The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the present invention, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Additional aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure, and its advantages and drawings, will be better understood from the following description of representative embodiments together with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only representative embodiments, and are therefore not to be considered as limitations on the scope of the various embodiments or claims.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an artificial tree in a storage position, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a portion of the artificial tree of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a partial view of the tree of FIG. 1A showing a portion of a connective material and a retentive member, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a folding of a portion of the tree of FIG. 1A, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates fully folding the tree of FIG. 1A, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an artificial tree in a display position, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a first stand and the artificial tree of FIG. 1A in a display position, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a second stand and the artificial tree of FIG. 1A in a display position, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific implementations have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in further detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, real and conventional artificial trees used for holiday celebration can be environmentally unsustainable. Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to reduce, if not eliminate, the drawbacks of real and conventional artificial trees by providing sustainable artificial tree designs. The artificial tree designs can be provided as a ready-to-use tree kit. Indoor trees are used for decorative purposes, and when used for holiday celebrations, for holding ornaments and/or lighting and other decorative elements. The present disclosure provides a plurality of rings to hold ornaments or other decorations. The rings have different sizes and are arranged in space to resemble a tree. Furthermore, lighting and other decorative elements can be hung on the tree. The rings can be made from recyclable materials, such as cardboard, thereby avoiding any problematic unrecyclable materials of conventional artificial trees. In some embodiments, the rings do not have any sharp pine needles and do not need to be watered, like real trees. Further, in some embodiments, the artificial tree, or portions of the artificial tree, can be folded and stored conveniently to decrease storage space required for the artificial tree.
Various embodiments are described with reference to the attached figures, where like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and are provided merely to illustrate aspects and features of the present disclosure. Numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of certain aspects and features of the present disclosure, although one having ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that these aspects and features can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, with other relationships, or with other methods. In some instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail for illustrative purposes. The various embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are necessarily required to implement certain aspects and features of the present disclosure.
For purposes of the present detailed description, unless specifically disclaimed, and where appropriate, the singular includes the plural and vice versa. The word “including” means “including without limitation.” Moreover, words of approximation, such as “about,” “almost,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like, can be used herein to mean “at,” “near,” “nearly at,” “within 3-5% of,” “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances of,” or any logical combination thereof. Similarly, terms “vertical” or “horizontal” are intended to additionally include “within 3-5% of” a vertical or horizontal orientation, respectively. Additionally, words of direction, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “above,” and “below” are intended to relate to the equivalent direction as depicted in a reference illustration; as understood contextually from the object(s) or element(s) being referenced, such as from a commonly used position for the object(s) or element(s); or as otherwise described herein.
FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an artificial tree 100 in a storage position, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The artificial tree 100 includes a plurality of rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, . . . , 110, and 108. In some implementations, the plurality of rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, . . . , 110, and 108 are concentric with each other. For example, the diameter of the ring 102-3 fits within the ring 102-2, and the diameter of the ring 102-2 fits within the ring 102-1. In some implementations, a solid shape 104 is provided at the center. The plurality of rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, . . . , 110, and 108 and the solid shape 104 are coplanar in the storage position. In some implementations, the rings can be made from the same material or a combination of materials. The materials can include cardboard, plastic, wood, glass, or any combination thereof.
Each of the plurality of rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, . . . , 110, and 108 and the solid shape 104 includes a respective one or more coupling locations 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, . . . , 106-13. For example, the ring 102-1 can have one or more coupling locations 106-1 arranged around the ring 102-1, the ring 102-2 can have one or more coupling locations 106-2 arranged around the ring 102-2, etc. In some implementations, the coupling locations 106-X are arranged equidistant around the ring 102-X. Similarly, the coupling locations 106-13 are arranged equidistant about the solid shape 104. Each of the rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, . . . , 110, and 108 can have any suitable number of coupling locations 106 (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, etc. coupling locations 106). In some implementations, each ring 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, . . . , 110, and 108 includes six coupling locations 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, . . . , 106-13. In some implementations, the one or more coupling locations 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, . . . , 106-13 are holes in the rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, . . . , 110, and 108 and the solid shape 104. In some implementations, the one or more coupling locations 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, . . . , 106-13 are attachment points on the rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, . . . , 110, and 108 and the solid shape 104.
FIG. 1A provides an example of the tree 100 in the storage position. The example tree 100 is not limiting. The number of rings of the tree 100 can be varied. For example, the tree 100 can have three rings, four rings, five rings, ten rings, seventeen rings, twenty rings, etc. Furthermore, in some implementations, the tree 100 does not include the solid shape 104. Although depicted as having a circular shape, the rings (e.g., the rings 102-1 and 102-2) of the tree 100 can have an oval shape or a polygonal shape (e.g., a square shape, a diamond shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, etc.).
While the discussion of FIG. 1A provides a general overview of the tree 100, the discussion of FIG. 1B provides additional detail with respect to specific dimensional definitions for the rings (e.g., a first ring 108 and a second ring 110) and the solid shape 104.
FIG. 1B illustrates a portion of the tree 100 (FIG. 1A) that includes the first ring 108, the second ring 110, and the solid shape 104. The solid shape 104 has an outer edge 104 c, a solid shape diameter 104 e, and eight coupling locations 106-13. The first ring 108 has a first ring outer edge 108 c, a first ring inner edge 108 d, and a first ring diameter 108 e. The second ring 110 has a second right outer edge 110 c, a second ring inner edge 110 d, and a second ring diameter 110 e. For the each of the rings of the tree 100 (e.g., the first ring 108 and the second ring 110), the diameter of the ring (e.g., the first ring diameter 108 e and the second ring diameter 110 e) is defined by the outer edge of the ring (e.g., the first ring outer edge 108 c and the second right outer edge 110 e).
In some implementations, at least two rings fit snugly such that when in the storage position, an inner edge of a larger ring has a same or similar circumference as an outer edge of a smaller ring. For example, the first ring outer edge 108 c and the second ring inner edge 110 d can coincide such that the first ring diameter 108 e is approximately equal to a diameter of the second ring inner edge 110 d. Similarly, in some implementations, the solid shape 104 can fit snugly in the first ring 108 such that the solid shape 104 has approximately a same circumference as the first ring inner edge 108 d.
In some implementations, all of the rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, . . . , 110, and 108 (FIG. 1A) in the tree 100 fit snugly because all of the rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, . . . , 110, and 108 were carved out concentrically from the same solid piece of material. For example, concentric circles can be carved out from a large piece of cardboard. The concentric circles can be carved out in increasing diameter such that the first concentric circle carved out defines both the outer edge 104 c of the solid shape 104 and the first ring inner edge 108 d, the second concentric circle carved out defines both the first ring outer edge 108 c and the second ring inner edge 110 d, etc.
Coupling locations on a ring (e.g., the coupling locations 106-11 on the second ring 110) are provided a distance away from edges of the ring. For example, the coupling locations 106-11 are provided an inner distance 110 a from the second ring inner edge 110 d and an outer distance 110 b from the second ring outer edge 110 c. For a specific ring (e.g., the second ring 110), FIGS. 1A and 1B provide a single coupling location along a specified radius. In some implementations, two or more coupling locations (e.g., the coupling location 106-11) can be provided along a specified radius. For example, along a specified radius, two coupling locations can be provided on a single ring. The first coupling location can be provided at an outer edge of the ring and a second coupling location can be provided at an inner edge of the ring.
While the discussion of FIGS. 1A and 1B provides detail regarding rings arrangement of an artificial tree in a storage position, the discussion of FIG. 2 describes links between rings in the artificial tree.
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the tree 100 in the storage position, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. In some implementations, each of the rings 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 110 (FIG. 1A), 108 (FIG. 1A) has a same thickness 206. In some implementations, thickness for some of the rings 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 110 (FIG. 1A), 108 (FIG. 1A) can be different. As shown in FIG. 2, the rings 102-1, 102-2, . . . have widths 208-1, 208-2, . . . , respectively. In some implementations, each of the widths 208-1, 208-2, . . . are equal. In some implementations, some, or all, of the widths (e.g., widths 208-1, 208-2, . . . ) can be different. In some implementations, the largest ring has the largest width and the smallest ring has the smallest width.
The tree 100 includes a connective material 202. The connective material 202 can be of any suitable type, such as threads, wires, yarns, fishing lines, strings, etc. The connective material 202 is directly coupled to each of the rings 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 110 (FIG. 1A), 108 (FIG. 1A) at the coupling locations 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, . . . . In embodiments that include the solid share 104 (FIG. 1A), the connective material 202 is also directly coupled to the solid shape 104 (FIG. 1A). When the tree is in the storage position, the connective material 202 has some slack, hence the bends in the connective material 202 as shown in FIG. 2. The connective material 202 can thus collapse in the storage position.
In some implementations, the tree 100 includes a plurality of retentive members 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . . . The retentive members 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . . are arranged along the connective material 202. In some implementations, the retentive members 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . . are arranged periodically along the connective material 202. In some implementations, the retentive members 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . . are adhered, or otherwise affixed, to the connective material 202. The retentive members 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . . can be comprised of any suitable material, such as corks, rubber members, plastic members, knots, etc. In some implementations, the retentive members 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . . are made of scored cork. The scored cork is a scored cork that is finely scored so that the scored cork can stay in position on the connective material 202 without adhesive. That is, the scoring of the cork can provide a snug fit on the connective material 202. When in a display position (e.g., display position of FIG. 4), the retentive members 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . . act as stoppers to hold the rings 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 110 (FIG. 1A), 108 (FIG. 1A) and the solid shape 104 (FIG. 1A) at specified locations along a length of the connective material 202.
In some implementations, no retentive members are provided, and the connective material 202 is adhered or affixed directly to the rings 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 110 (FIG. 1A), 108 (FIG. 1A) and the solid shape 104 (FIG. 1A). On example adhesive is glue is, but other types of adhesives or putty can be used.
In some implementations, only the retentive members 204-1 are provided (i.e., retentive members below the ring 102-1) on the connective material 202, and no other retentive members are provided on the connective material 202. For example, the retentive members 204-1 can be a portion of the connective material 202 tied into knots. The retentive members 204-1 prevent the ring 102-1 from sliding further down the connective material 202. An angle on the connective material 202 between the ring 102-1 and the neighboring ring 102-2 can establish how far the neighboring ring 102-2 sits above the ring 102-1. Further discussion of this setup is provided below in the display position of FIG. 5.
In some implementations, retentive members are provided as needed. The tree 100 can have any suitable dimensions. In some implementations, the tree 100 has a largest ring with diameter between 3.5 feet to 4 feet. In some implementations, the tree 100 has a solid shape with diameter of around 2 inches. In some implementations, each of the rings (e.g., the rings 102-1, 102-2, . . . ) of the tree 100 has equal width of about 3 inches. In some implementations, the tree 100 includes twelve rings (e.g., the rings 102-1, 102-2, . . . ) and one solid shape (e.g., the solid shape 104).
While the discussion of FIG. 2 provides detail regarding links between rings in an artificial tree, FIGS. 3A and 3B provide detail regarding folding of the artificial tree for shipping, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 3A illustrates a first folding view 300 of a portion of the tree 100, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. In the first folding view 300, at least some of the rings (e.g., the rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, and 102-4) can be folded to reduce an aspect ratio of the tree 100 for shipping. For example, folded tree width 304 is shorter than the diameter of the ring 102-1. In some implementations, one or more rubber members can be provided at around location 302 to prevent creases forming in the folded rings (e.g., the rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, and 102-4). The rubber members can include rubber bands, foam, etc. Though FIG. 3A depicts on the first four rings 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, and 102-4 as being foldable, it should be noted that embodiments are not so limited and greater, or fewer, than four rings can be foldable.
FIG. 3B illustrates a second folding view 301 fully folding the tree 100, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. In the second folding view 301, all of the rings can be folded to further reduce an aspect ratio of the tree 100 for shipping. For example, folded tree width 306 is less than the folded tree width 304 of FIG. 3A.
While the discussion of FIGS. 3A and 3B describes detail regarding folding of an artificial tree for shipping, FIG. 4 provides detail regarding hanging the artificial tree from a ceiling for display.
FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an artificial tree 400 attached to a ceiling 404, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The tree 400 is provided in a display position, where the rings of the tree 400 (e.g., rings 414-1, 414-2, 414-3, 414-4) are in different planes. The tree 400 is similar to or the same as the tree 100 of FIG. 1A. In some implementations, the tree 400 includes rings of similar sizes alongside rings of different sizes. For example, the ring 414-1 and the ring 414-2 have a same diameter, and the ring 414-3 and the ring 414-4 have a same diameter. But the ring 414-1 and the ring 414-3 have different diameters with the diameter of the ring 414-1 being larger than the diameter of the ring 414-3. In some implementations, the tree 400 hangs from the ceiling 404 with the ring 414-1 touching the ground. Alternatively, in some implementations, the tree 400 hangs from the ceiling 404 with the ring 414-1 elevated a distance from the ground.
The tree 400 is attached to the ceiling 404 at a ceiling fixture 406. A ceiling coupler 402 (e.g., a hanging line) extends from the ceiling fixture 406 to attach to a connective material 412. In some embodiments, the connective material 412 is similar to, or an extension of the same connective material 202, the connective material 202 of FIG. 2. The connective material 412 is directly coupled to each of the rings of the tree 400 (e.g., the rings 414-1, 414-2, 414-3, 414-4) at evenly spaced locations around a circumference of the rings of the tree 400. Retentive members and/or adhesives can be used to hold the rings (e.g., the rings 414-1, 414-2, 414-3, 414-4) in place.
The tree 400 provides an interior space 420 when expanded. The rings of the tree 400 encircle and expand to define the interior space 420. In some implementations, presents can be stacked within the interior space 420 to emulate “placing presents under a Christmas tree.” Furthermore, decorations or other accessories can be affixed to one or more of the rings of the tree 400. These decorations can include lights, ornaments, scent sticks, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the rings of the tree 400 may be multi-colored (e.g., the ring 414-1 may be white and the ring 414-2 may be green), a single color (e.g., all of the rings of the tree 400 may be green), etc.
In some implementations, the ceiling fixture 406 can include a motor that rotates the ceiling coupler 402, thus causing the tree 400 to rotate. In some implementations, a music box is provided or affixed on the tree 400. The ceiling fixture 406 can provide electrical access (e.g., the ceiling fixture 406 can be similar to ceiling plates that hold ceiling fans in place. In some implementations, the ceiling fixture 406 is a hook attached to the ceiling 404 so that the ceiling coupler 402 hangs from the attached hook.
Besides hanging from the ceiling 404, embodiments of the present disclosure provide artificial trees that can be displayed on a stand. FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a first tree-stand combination 500 in a display position, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The first tree-stand combination 500 includes the tree 100 of FIG. 1A held in the display position by a first stand 502. The first stand 502 includes a base 504 and a longitudinal member 506. The base 504 can be of any suitable type, such as a tripod base, a solid cylindrical base, a solid rectangular prism base, etc.
The solid shape 104 of the tree 100 can sit atop the longitudinal member 506 of the first stand 502. Sections of the connective material 202 all meet at the solid shape 104. In some implementations, the different sections of the connective material 202 are adhered to the solid shape 104 or tied together at the solid shape 104. The connective material 202 extends from the solid shape 104 through intermediate rings to the ring 102-1. The ring 102-1 has the largest diameter of all the rings, therefore, the angle of extension of each section of the connective material 202 to the ring 102-1 is a function of the location of the coupling locations 106-1 of the ring 102-1.
In some implementations, the first tree-stand combination 500 includes retentive members (e.g., the retentive members 204-1 of FIG. 2) only after the ring 102-1. Because the smaller rings (e.g., the rings 102-2, 102-3, . . . , 108) will settle to locations along the connective material 202 that are proportional to respective diameters of the smaller rings, there may not be a need to add further retentive members (e.g., the retentive members 204-2, 204-3, . . . of FIG. 2). In the display position, due to the successive decrease in size of the rings starting from the ring 102-1 to the ring 108 and the solid shape 104, each of the rings will be suspended in a different plane. The connective material 202 determines location of suspension of each of the rings, whether by retentive members coupled to the connective material 202 at specific locations along the connective material 202, or by angles of sections of the connective material 202 as described.
In some implementations, the first stand 502 can be motorized to rotate the tree 100. For example, a motor can be provided between the base 504 and the longitudinal member 506 to rotate the longitudinal member 506 about its major axis, thereby translating the angular motion to the tree 100.
While the discussion of FIG. 5 provides a first type of stand for hanging an artificial tree, FIG. 6 provides details on a second type of stand that can facilitate displaying the artificial tree.
FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a second tree-stand combination 600 in the display position, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The second tree-stand combination 600 includes the tree 100 held in the display position by a second stand 602. The second stand 602 can be a wireframe stand having a wireframe base 606. The second stand can include a top 604 where the connective material 202 and the wireframes of the second stand 602 meet. In some implementations, the top 604 is decorative material that hides the solid shape 104. In some implementations, the solid shape 104 is not included, and the top 604 is decorative material that hides location where sections of the connective material 202 are bound to the second stand 602.
Embodiments of the present disclosure can be provided as a tree kit or as an ornamental tree kit. For example, the tree 100, the tree 400, the first tree-stand combination 500, and/or the second tree-stand combination 600 can be provided as a tree kit. The tree kit can require some assembly. FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process 700 for assembling a tree kit, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. As an example, the second tree-stand combination 600 will be used to describe the process 700.
At 702, a connective material is threaded through a plurality of rings. The connective material 202 can be threaded through the rings 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 108. Sections of the connective material 202 are threaded through each of the coupling locations 106-1, 106-2, . . . .
At 704, retentive members are attached. Retentive members (e.g., only the retentive members 204-1 or a combination of retentive members 204-1, 204-2, . . . ) are attached to the connective material 202. In some implementations, if retentive members 204-2, 204-3, . . . are used, consecutive retentive members are separated by at least one ring as shown in FIG. 2.
At 706, the plurality of rings is expanded. The rings 102-1, 102-2, . . . , 108 are expanded such that tension develops in the connective material 202. In the case where only the retentive members 204-1 are used, the tension in the connective material 202 and the angle of sections of the connective material 202 dictated by the diameter of the ring 102-1 and the top 604 will determine the planes where each of the smaller rings will settle.
At 708, the connective material is hung. The connective material 202, coupled to the rings, is hung on the second stand 602 such that the rings are suspended as depicted in FIG. 6. Although this step indicates that the connective material 202 is hung on the second stand 602, the connective material 202 can be hung from a ceiling as described in connection with FIG. 4.
Although the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur or be known to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.
While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein, without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the disclosure should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a plurality of rings including a first ring with a first diameter and a second ring with a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter; and

a connective material directly coupled to each of the plurality of rings, the connective material configured to collapse when the plurality of rings is arranged in a storage position and configured to expand when the plurality of rings is arranged in a display position;

wherein when in the storage position, the first ring and the second ring are coplanar, and when in the display position the first ring is suspended in a first plane and the second ring is suspended in a second plane, the first plane being a distance from the second plane, the distance being based at least in part on the direct coupling of the connective material to the plurality of rings.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rings has a circular shape, an oval shape, or a polygonal shape.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of retentive members attached to the connective material, the plurality of retentive members arranged periodically along the connective material such that the distance between the first plane and the second plane is based at least in part on locations of the plurality of retentive members on the connective material.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of retentive members includes corks, rubber members, knots, and plastic members.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further including:

a solid shape;

wherein the plurality of rings includes at least six rings, wherein each of the rings has a different diameter, and wherein each subsequent ring in the plurality of rings seats inside a previous ring and the solid shape seats inside a smallest one of the plurality of rings when in the storage position.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further including:

a plurality of retentive members attached to the connective material, wherein when in the display position, the plurality of retentive members holds each of the plurality of rings and the solid shape in respective planes.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a respective one of the plurality of rings is directly coupled to the connective material at evenly spaced locations around a circumference of the respective one of the plurality of rings and wherein the solid shape is directly coupled to the connective material at evenly spaced locations around a circumference of the solid shape.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connective material includes one or more of threads, wires, yarn, or fish lines.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each ring in the plurality of rings has at least one of a same thickness or a same width.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further including:

a ceiling coupler directly attached on a first end to a ceiling and coupled to the plurality of rings at a second end, the ceiling coupler holding a weight of the plurality of rings and the connective material when in the display position.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of rings is foldable to place the apparatus in a shipping position.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rings is made from cardboard material.

13. An ornamental tree comprising:

a stand;

a plurality of rings including a first ring with a first diameter and a second ring with a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter;

a connective material directly coupled to each of the plurality of rings, the connective material configured to collapse when the plurality of rings is arranged in a storage position and configured to expand when the plurality of rings is arranged in a display position; and

a plurality of retentive members attached to the connective material, the plurality of retentive members arranged periodically along the connective material;

wherein when in the storage position, the first ring and the second ring are coplanar, and when in the display position, the stand is coupled to the plurality of rings and the connective material, the first ring is suspended in a first plane and the second ring is suspended in a second plane, the first plane being a distance from the second plane, the distance being based at least in part on the direct coupling of the connective material to the plurality of rings.

14. The tree of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of rings has a circular shape, an oval shape, or a polygonal shape.

15. The tree of claim 13, wherein the plurality of rings is made from cardboard material.

16. The tree of claim 13, wherein the connective material includes one or more of threads, wires, yarn, or fish lines.

17. The tree of claim 13, wherein the plurality of retentive members includes corks, rubber members, knots, and plastic members.

18. The tree of claim 13, wherein each ring in the plurality of rings has a different diameter, and each subsequent ring in the plurality of rings seats inside a previous ring when in the storage position.

19. The tree of claim 13, wherein when in the display position, the stand is coupled to the plurality of rings via a solid shape.

20. A method of assembling a tree apparatus, comprising:

threading a connective material through a plurality of rings that include a first ring with a first diameter and a second ring with a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter;

attaching a plurality of retentive members to the connective material wherein consecutive retentive members are separated by at least one ring in the plurality of rings;

expanding the plurality of rings such that tension develops in the connective material; and

hanging the connective material on a stand such that the first ring is suspended in a first plane and the second ring is suspended in a second plane, the first plane being a distance from the second plane, the distance being based at least in part on the locations of at least a portion of the plurality of retentive members.