Tree Patents (Class 362/123)
  • Patent number: 8053042
    Abstract: An artificial tree apparatus having a plurality of tree trunk segments that couple together to provide electrical power to receptacles on each of the segments. An electrical line is connected to a first trunk segment electrical connector, such that when the first trunk segment is brought into juxtaposition with the second trunk segment, a detent on the first trunk segment can be brought into alignment with and slidably engage with a guide slot on the second trunk segment to permit connection of the first trunk segment electrical connector (socket) with the second trunk segment electrical connector (plug). The recessed location of the plug on the second segment protects the plug prongs, and connection with the corresponding socket on the first segment is only possible when the detent on the first segment has been aligned with the guide slot on the second segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Loomis
  • Patent number: 7943211
    Abstract: An improved three dimensional display such as a Holiday decoration having collapsible constructions having a shape memory internal frame. In one embodied form, the unique display includes a collapsible internal frame formed, in part, from metal wire imparted with suitable memory characteristics. Such metals are referred to as “shape memory alloys” (SMAs) because much metals “remember” their original shapes. Accordingly, the present invention uses a deformable internal metal frame supporting an outer sheath formed from suitable materials such as fabric, or plastic film for the skin of the inventive three dimensional displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Willis Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Johnny Chen
  • Patent number: 7914168
    Abstract: A pop-up Christmas tree that is formed by translucent spandex printed fabric member, printed with a graphic of a real Christmas tree, wrapped into a cone shape. An electrically motorized power antenna assembly is located within the hollow trunk of the tree display. A plurality of supporting frames and cords are mounted inside the fabric cone shape. The antenna tip is attached to the internal apex of the fabric cone shape. The base of the cone shape is attached to the perimeter of a molded plastic tree base housing. When the user activates the power antenna via a remote control switch, the tree shape rises from its base housing to instantly form a realistic Christmas tree shape. The walls of the fabric cone shape include apertures that hold standard Christmas lights and hooks for ornaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: BoPal LLC
    Inventor: Barbara L. Oliva
  • Patent number: 7896516
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a decorative artificial twig structure for displaying a lamp, comprising a bendable rod serving as a structural foundation, an electrical wire, and a decorative lamp connected to the electrical wire. The rod and electrical wire are bundled together and wrapped in a covering to a position on the bundle below an end of the lamp such that the lamp can emit light visible to a viewer of the decorative artificial twig structure. In another embodiment, the decorative artificial twig structure comprises a plurality of lamps, a plurality of electrical wires connected to the lamps, and a plurality of bendable rods serving as a structural foundation for the lamps and electrical wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jianrong Zhu
  • Patent number: 7784961
    Abstract: A decorative Christmas tree lighting system with individual light strands for each tree bough or branch is herein disclosed, comprising a central bus wire located near the trunk of the tree and a series of five (5) to ten (10) single-ended lighting strands originating in an outward or radial pattern therefrom the central bus wire. Each of these lighting “branch” strands has approximately ten (10) to twenty (20) individual light bulbs, depending on the overall size, and is routed along or around an individual branch or bough of the tree. Each individual light strand is held in place with at least two (2) clip means, one (1) near the outer end of the branch, and one (1) near the tree trunk, which help hold the lights in place. The central bus wire comprises a plurality of electrical plugs on each end to allow for end-to-end connection of multiple light systems. In such a manner, any size tree can be illuminated by simply adding additional light systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: April Rawlings
  • Patent number: 7666483
    Abstract: An artificial palm tree assembly for insertion into a table, preferably a patio table, is provided. The artificial palm tree assembly comprises a palm head comprising a crown element and a plurality of tree elements attached to the crown element of the palm head. Each of the tree elements comprises a branch having a plurality of artificial palm tree leaves thereon. In addition, the artificial palm assembly further comprises a trunk element adapted for installation through an opening in the top of the table. The palm head connects to the trunk element via an attachment formed between a bottom area of the crown element and the top end of the trunk element. Moreover, artificial palm assembly preferably further comprises a base portion for providing support for the palm head and the trunk element of the palm tree assembly installed within the patio table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Barcana, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Barthelmess
  • Patent number: 7641355
    Abstract: The decorative light device has a stylized shape of a Christmas tree, or a snow flake. It comprises a transparent or translucent solid plastic member having an elongated solid plastic main body and a plurality of side branches extending outward therefrom at an angle at a plurality of junctions. A light refraction opening is formed at the main body and located adjacent to each one of those junctions. An LED light source is located at a bottom end of the main body and is operative to provide a single or a series of flashing lights of various sequential colors for illuminating the main body and the side branches. A stylized snow flake can be made with a plurality of these solid plastic members mounted in an evenly spaced manner around the periphery of a center mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Kam Cham Lau
  • Publication number: 20090289560
    Abstract: A pop-up Christmas tree that is formed by translucent spandex printed fabric member, printed with a graphic of a real Christmas tree, wrapped into a cone shape. An electrically motorized power antenna assembly is located within the hollow trunk of the tree display. A plurality of supporting frames and cords are mounted inside the fabric cone shape. The antenna tip is attached to the internal apex of the fabric cone shape. The base of the cone shape is attached to the perimeter of a molded plastic tree base housing. When the user activates the power antenna via a remote control switch, the tree shape rises from its base housing to instantly form a realistic Christmas tree shape. The walls of the fabric cone shape include apertures that hold standard Christmas lights and hooks for ornaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Barbara L. Oliva
  • Patent number: 7601407
    Abstract: An inflatable tree that may be used as an indoor or outdoor decoration, particularly during the Christmas holiday season. In one embodiment, the inflatable tree comprises an inflatable bladder having a substantially conical or cylindrical prism shape, wherein the axial direction of the bladder is oriented along a vertical axis, and a plurality of conical skirts attached to the bladder, wherein the plurality of conical skirts are attached at different points along the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Allen Jacob Irvine
  • Patent number: 7585552
    Abstract: A decoration assembly is provided. The decoration assembly includes a tree and a support member coupled to the tree. The support member includes an interior surface and an opposite exterior surface. The interior surface defines a cavity within the support member. The support member further includes an electrical distribution system positioned within a portion of the cavity. The decoration assembly further includes a secondary support member including at least three legs. The secondary support member substantially circumscribes the support member. A method of assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Melinda Joanne Meseke
  • Patent number: 7559666
    Abstract: An illuminating imitation plant, comprising a stem, twigs and leaves. Said stem is made as the pattern of a real plant stem and stem light circles and light bands are arranged outside or inside the stem at intervals; the elastic supporting rod is installed in the middle of said stem and interposes pin said stem; meanwhile, the illuminant bodies are installed inside twigs on which multiple leaves are distributed; said leaves imitate the natural leaves and colors and show natural flexible patterns and are also inserted with elastic strips and with distributed light bands made of illuminant bodies and photo conducting materials. The twigs and leaves are ideally elastic and flexible especially can wobble vividly when it is breezy. They also glow more evenly and dimly and the effects of night illuming and decorating are excellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Li Min Liu
  • Patent number: 7547111
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a decoration apparatus may have an attractive appearance and multi-functional capabilities. The decoration apparatus may include one or more internal light sources that provide lighting effects in combination with decorative elements formed in the structure. In addition to providing internal lighting effects, the decoration apparatus may include a projector device, which is capable of displaying a light pattern on a remote surface, such as a wall or a ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Rebecca M. Richmond, Ronald L. Carlson, Carol A. Kobza, Stephen E. Finken, Therese F. Steiger, Brenda S. Klenke
  • Patent number: 7547110
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus that facilitates the efficient arrangement of a Christmas light display and the efficient removal of that display. The invention accomplishes this through the use of a sliding rod and a multitude of alternating hanger members. The rod and hangers are slidingly attached to each other allowing the positioning of light strands around a columnar article in a knitting arrangement. Accordingly, when removal of the display is desired, an end restraint is removed and the rod is pulled out of the display by sliding through the hangers. The result, therefore, is that the hangers and their attached light strands fall freely from the columnar article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Doran K. Vaught
  • Patent number: 7490950
    Abstract: A conical helix decorative Christmas tree with lights attached is supported either on a pole or a bracket extending from a wall. If a pole is used, the base may be in a tree stand or a bracket attached to a wall. In both embodiments the base of the helix has a circle aligned by a plurality of strings attaching the circumference of the circle to a washer at the radial center of the helix. More than one helix may be used in this manner to form the tree. A shroud may be used to add a translucent decorative effect. A topper of a star, angel or continuation of the conical tree to a point may be added at the top of the conical helix tree. The tree can be attached to horizontal or vertical surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Maravarr Dream Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul E. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20090003012
    Abstract: A lighting tree has a base, a stand mounted on the base, multiple lighting branches connected to the stand, multiple lighting leaves expanding from each lighting branch, and a control box incorporated with a speaker. Each lighting branch has a lighting element mounted in one end of the lighting branch. The control box determines whether the lighting elements should be activated. Based on different types of music output by the speaker, the control box determines the lighting branches and lighting leaves to be turned on or off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Sheng-Hung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080291662
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a plurality of circular or disk-shaped lighting rings suitable for installation on a Christmas tree. The lighting rings include lights affixed to a webbing or net, and slits and trunk apertures to facilitate their placement around the Christmas tree trunk. For connection to an electrical power source, the lighting rings include electrical connectors including female electrical and male electrical connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Frank A. Barbieri
  • Patent number: 7445823
    Abstract: An artificial tree according to the present invention includes a tubular trunk with a stand for holding the trunk in an upright position. The artificial tree includes a plurality of branches coupled to the tree, each branch having a hook at an end displaced from the trunk. Each branch presents a length with branches at lower trunk levels having longer lengths than more upwardly positioned branches. The branches may be removably coupled to the trunk and storable within a trunk interior space. The artificial tree may also include ornamentation such as garland or lights and may include an audio device that plays sound in predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Lora L. Tennison
  • Publication number: 20080165525
    Abstract: A Christmas tree replica includes a shank extending upright from and supported by the base, a spiral frame connected to the shank and light bulbs electrically connected to one another via cables which are received inside the passage of the spiral frame. The light bulbs are axially extending away from the spiral frame such that decorative effect is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Hsiu-Tsen Chang
  • Patent number: 7380956
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a decoration apparatus may have an attractive appearance and multi-functional capabilities. The decoration apparatus may include one or more internal light sources that provide lighting effects in combination with decorative elements formed in the structure. In addition to providing internal lighting effects, the decoration apparatus may include a projector device, which is capable of displaying a light pattern on a remote surface, such as a wall or a ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Rebecca M. Richmond, Ronald L. Carlson, Carol Kobza, Stephen E. Finken, Therese F. Steiger, Brenda S. Klenke
  • Patent number: 7338185
    Abstract: This futuristic Christmas ornament has at least one externally illuminated light transmissive tube extending out of a hollow body which holds the light source internally. The power source can be a battery that is also within the hollow body or a low voltage electric feed with a plug connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: William T. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7288298
    Abstract: A human-shaped adornment includes a supporting holder, which comprising a base and a supporting component; and a spiraled frame having a same axis with the supporting component. The spiraled frame includes a plurality of rings, which outline along its axis direction is a curve which is constituted by three arcs smoothly connecting with each other in a predetermined sequence; wherein the center of the three arcs are on a same line and their diameters gradually increase from top to bottom; the spiraled frame connecting with the supporting component through a connector having a plurality of connecting strings connected therewith for keeping the space between every two rings of the spiraled frame; wherein the connecting strings sequentially connects with each ring of the spiraled frame from top to bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Sheng-Wen Huang
  • Publication number: 20070195516
    Abstract: A decorative bulb chain including a plurality of bulb chain units, which can be connected one another electrically in a detachable manner, is provided. Various shapes of the tree branches can be realized by connecting the respective bulb chain units in series, in parallel, or in combination thereof, or by way of false threads. The mounting and removal of the decorative bulb chain of the present invention are very easy, and wire tangling easily avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Chung Wai Cheng
  • Patent number: 7241043
    Abstract: The trunks and/or branches of a decoration tree are made of “metal mesh/insulation/metal mesh” sandwiched structure. Ornamental articles are configured to be easily and rapidly inserted into the sandwiched structure to decorate the decoration tree. The two metal meshes are each coupled to one of the two electrodes of an electric power supply. The coaxial pin of each ornamental article is made coaxial to couple to the two metal meshes respectively, so that the ornamental article shines when it has been inserted in the trunks or branches of the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Jiahn-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 7198383
    Abstract: A light emitting art portrayal is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment includes a generally flat substrate having a front side, a back side, a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge. The substrate has a height defined by the distance between the top edge and the bottom edge. The substrate has a width defined by the distance between the right edge and the left edge. The substrate has a thickness defined by the distance between the front side and back side. An image is portrayed on the front side and is visible from the front side. The image resembles at least one Christmas tree. At least one light emitting source is affixed to the substrate. The light emitting source is visible from the front side. The light emitting source is portrayed as a Christmas tree light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Marc Gregory Martino
  • Patent number: 7163725
    Abstract: A display representing a tree, such as a Christmas tree, has a trunk made of a hollow tube and held by a base in substantially vertical position. A liquid, such as water, is placed in the tube and an air supply in or near the bottom of the tube generates bubbles that rise through the tube. The tube and bubbles therein are preferably illuminated to add to the effectiveness of the display. Illumination can be provided by LED's which avoid the heat of incandescent lamps. Branches are secured to the trunk tube and extend outwardly therefrom to support a foliage garland to provide tree foliage and give the display the appearance of a tree. The tree can be provided as a separate trunk tube portion, base, and foliage garland so the parts can be packed and shipped without the base attached to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: R. James Johnson, Robert M. Johnson, Jonathan L. Johnson, Jayson A. Johnson, Susan L. Johnson, Ronald F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7152998
    Abstract: An assemblable string tree wherein, when completely assembled, a pole vertically supports a hanger above a base with light strings extending generally downwardly and outwardly between hanger engagements and base engagements such that the light strings cumulatively provide the general appearance of an upright truncated cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Najeh Rahman
  • Patent number: 7144610
    Abstract: A display tree for electrical ornaments has a support tube. A male electrical plug is connected to the support tube upper end. A female electrical socket is connected to the support tube lower end. A flange electrical contact is electrically connected to the female electrical socket. The flange electrical contact is connected to the lower flange. A shelf electrical contact is connected to the shelf bottom side. The shelf electrical contact is for detachable connection to the flange electrical contact. A shelf electrical outlet is connected to the shelf top side. The shelf electrical outlet is electrically connected to the shelf electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Benjamin Estes, William Bingham
  • Patent number: 7055981
    Abstract: A stretchable and shrinkable tree light string including a long trunk with many short pipes. The short pipes have one or many connecting rings. A base frame has a central axis to support the long trunk to stand up straight. Multiple branches connect at one end with a pin to the connecting ring on the short pipe. These branches use the connecting ring as a base pivot point. The branches being centered on the long trunk to be able to stretch out to form a tree shape, and also to be able to fold up to reduce the volume. Single or many sets of light strings, composed of many lamp bulbs, lamp holders, electrical conductors and receptacles, are to be fixed on the branches to establish tree light strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Willis Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Yao
  • Patent number: 7055980
    Abstract: A decorative tree lamp includes a long trunk composed of many short pipes. The height of the tree lamp can be adjusted based on the number of the short pipes used. At least one of the short pipes that form the long trunk is provided with one or more connecting rings to connect with many branches. A base frame is used as a supporting surface and has a center axial receiving part to support the long trunk so that it stands up right and straight. Multiple branches connect one end with the connecting ring on the short pipe and use the connecting ring as the base point. The other end of the branch extends away from the center of the trunk to be able to stretch out to form a tree shape and to also be able to be folded up to reduce the volume. One of single or multiple sets of light strings are provided, composed of many lamp bulbs, lamp holders, electrical conductors and receptacles. A fixing device is used to fix the light strings on the branches to establish tree light strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Jeng-Shyong Wu
  • Patent number: 7052156
    Abstract: A combination artificial tree-lighting arrangement including a generally elongated tree trunk. The combination also includes a plurality of connecting components mountable on the tree trunk and a plurality of display components mountable on the connecting components. Each display component has tree limbs and lighting cables extending therefrom. The lighting cables are provided with decorative lights. An electrical circuitry connectable to an electrical power source is attachable to the connecting components. The electrical circuitry includes a connecting component-to-light coupling arrangement for electrically coupling the connecting components to the decorative lights. The connecting component-to-light coupling arrangement allows the display components to rotate relative to the connecting components about a rotation axis substantially parallel to the trunk longitudinal axis while maintaining the electrical coupling between the connecting components and the decorative lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Sylvain Primeau
  • Patent number: 7021785
    Abstract: The present invention is a miniature illuminating Christmas tree intended to create a decorative display in the window of a home, car, or office. In the preferred mode, the tree-shaped ornament is made from plastic and artificial green Christmas tree material and contains an illumination source, such as blinking LEDs, fiberoptics, or bulbs configured according to a previously determined pattern. A power source, such as at least one battery, is housed in the base or trunk of the ornament. The device is removably attached to a window through usage of one or more suction cups, and may be reversed, allowing the user to display the object on the outside or the inside of the window in question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Jonathan Rubin
  • Patent number: 7014331
    Abstract: A light system to be installed under branches of a tree, particularly under the fronds of a palm tree. The system involves a flexible multiple bulb light rod or a continuous string of lights. A lower end of the light rod is installed to a trunk of a tree by way of a bracket. The upper end of the flexible light rod has one end of a cord attached thereto. The cord is passed along the light rod by way of hooks attached thereon. By pulling at the other free end of the cord the flexible light rod will be bent downwardly to simulate the curvature of a branch on the tree without being attached thereto. The free end of the cord is then tied to a lower end of the bracket. The support rod for the lighting string may be supported on both ends on individual columns to form an arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Charles E Risch, Mary B. Risch, Brian Joseph Risch, Eric Steven Risch
  • Patent number: 6974227
    Abstract: The present invention is a supporting structure for decorative Christmas lights. The main structure of the present invention is a center pole with a fixed hub at the top, and a movable hub, which can move along the center pole. A plurality of hanging bars are connected to the fixed hub at one end, and connected to the supportive struts at the other end. The other ends of the supportive struts are hooked to the movable hub. This forms an umbrella-like structure. By moving the movable hub along the center pole, the structure can be easily opened up or display or fold to save storage space. It could also form a multi-level structure and a number of variations. The lights can be hanged, or clipped to the structure. When the structure is implemented with hollow tubes, the lights can be inserted inside the tubes. The different styles of attaching lights to the supporting structure can be combined to achieve various desirable visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Hung-Chi Tsai
  • Patent number: 6951405
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of decorative light strings with combination tree, including a long trunk to be composed of many short pipes, the height of tree lamp can be adjustable by the number of the short pipe; base frame is to use a support surface to erect the base frame and has a center axis to support long trunk to stand up right straight; multiple branches connect with the long trunk; single or multiple set of light strings, composed of many lamp bulbs, lamp holders, electrical conductors and receptacles, to be fixed on the branches to establish tree light strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Willis Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Yao
  • Patent number: 6942355
    Abstract: A lighting system has a base and at least one vertical support (trunk) that frictionally engages the base. The vertical support (trunk) has apertures around its circumference and its inner circumference is lined with longitudinal current carrying conductors. A low voltage transformer disposed within the base and electrically connected to a voltage supply contact in the base. The longitudinal current carrying conductors engage the voltage supply contact when the vertical support frictionally engages the base. Pairs of current carrying rods (branches) frictionally engage the vertical support (trunk) at the apertures and have voltage supply contacts that contact the longitudinal current carrying conductors. Ornaments having resilient clasps, with a pair of separately disposed electrical contacts on both sides of the clasp, frictionally engage the current carrying rods (branches) and electrically connect the current carrying rods to the electrical contacts and the ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Helen Castiglia
  • Patent number: 6918692
    Abstract: A decorative optical fiber artificial plant has a base and an artificial foliage arrangement. The base has a housing and a colored light generator mounted in the housing. The artificial foliage arrangement is composed of multiple optical fibers and is connected to a specific position of the housing on which colored lights shines. The colored light generator has multiple LEDs and a controller to drive the LEDs. The controller has at least a microprocessor and multiple electronic switches connected between output ports of the microprocessor and the corresponding LEDs. Further, different driving programs are built into the microprocessor so the colored light generator can generate different color lights with various characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Chao Tai Electron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 6908215
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamically sensitized decorative lighting equipment wherein a plurality of lighting elements such as miniature decorative lamps or LEDs is divided in several individual groups which are hung on a structural framework and configurated into special patterns of variety of artistic contours to exhibit a unique and dynamical sensitization lighting effect by partially constantly turning on and partially alternatively glittering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Jeng-shyong Wu
  • Patent number: 6883951
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combinative decorative light equipment wherein a plurality of lighting elements are mutually connected into several individual lamp groups by wires in series or series-parallel manner, so as to be hung on a structural framework. The upper connectors of said lamp groups are installed on the connecting device of different structural frameworks, and which are connected into a decoration framework, so that the lamp groups on different structural frameworks are mutually connected to form larger lamp groups and assembled into a pre-designed decoration body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Jeng-shyong Wu
  • Patent number: 6869198
    Abstract: A portable palm tree in a planter. The tree has a core stem with a proximal end and a distal end to provide structure for the portable palm tree in a planter, a planter box to receive and hold the core stem in an upright position, a plurality of sheet metal leaves each with a threaded stem attached to the core stem, a base disposed within the bottom of the planter box with a flange to receive the proximal end of the core stem, and a plurality of artificial coconut lights to illuminate the portable palm tree in a planter. Different embodiments have different placements for the plurality of artificial coconut lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Saul Garza
  • Patent number: 6840663
    Abstract: The panel branch disclosed is used with an artificial tree. The panel branch includes a plurality of twigs, a channel element, a number of inserts, and a hook-like member. Each twig is inserted through an aperture in the insert and the insert, in turn, is placed in and secured in the channel element. The hook-like member has a short side used to secure the branch to an artificial trunk and a long side secured in the channel element. Optical fibres are associated with the twigs of the panel branch. Each optical fiber is threaded through an aperture in an insert and gathered into a bundle. A socket with a light source is provided to receive the bundle of optical fibres such that the branch is lighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Boto (Licenses) Limited
    Inventor: Cheung Chong Kao
  • Publication number: 20040257799
    Abstract: A stretchable and shrinkable tree light string including: long trunk: composing of many short pipes, the short pipes having one or many connecting ring; base frame: having the central axis to support long trunk to stand up right straight; multiple branches: connecting one end of pin with the connecting ring on the short pipe, to use the connecting ring as base point, the other end of branches being the center of the long trunk to be able to stretch out to form a tree shape, also to be able to fold up to reduce the volume; single or many sets of light string: composed of many lamp bulbs, lamp holders, electrical conductors and receptacles, to be fixed on the branches to establish tree light strings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Yao
  • Patent number: 6830361
    Abstract: An improved formed lighting fixture having a frame, a plurality of bulbs, and a refracting layer, in which the frame is formed by gathering a plurality of rods and profiled in a specific contour, the bulbs are installed on the frame to serve as lighting ornaments, and the rod frame is coated with a refracting layer of a transparent material. A formed lighting fixture so constructed can offer a dazzling effect to thereby reduce bulb amount and facilitate production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Jessica Wang
  • Patent number: 6811836
    Abstract: A display representing a tree, such as a Christmas tree, has a trunk made of a hollow tube and held by a base in substantially vertical position. A liquid, such as water, is placed in the tube and an air supply in or near the bottom of the tube generates bubbles that rise through the tube. The tube and bubbles therein are preferably illuminated to add to the effectiveness of the display. Branches are secured to the trunk tube and extend outwardly therefrom to provide tree foliage and give the display the appearance of a tree or support foliage, such as in the form of a garland, which provides the tree foliage and gives the display the appearance of a tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jayson A. Johnson, Ronald F. Johnson, Susan S. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040212997
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar-powered lighting system that may be used to decorate trees and other outdoor items. The system of the present invention comprises a solar energy gatherer that converts solar energy to electrical energy, a storage battery, a light sensor or photoresistor that detects ambient light, and at least one lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Noelle L. Ballarini, Robert J. Ballarini
  • Publication number: 20040179353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of decorative light strings with combinative tree, including a long trunk to be composed of many short pipes, the height of tree lamp can be adjustable by the number of the short pipe; base frame is to use a support surface to erect the base frame and has a center axis to support long trunk to stand up right straight; multiple branches connect with the long trunk; single or multiple sets of light strings, composed of many lamp bulbs, lamp holders, electrical conductors and receptacles, to be fixed on the branches to establish tree light strings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Yao
  • Patent number: 6776511
    Abstract: There are three different embodiments of lamp assemblies according to this invention that can be exposed to forms of moisture and still be protected against a potentiality of short-circuiting. The first embodiment has the lamp shade oriented below a horizontal plane. The lamp shade is secured to a base with an o-ring mounted there between, and this secured connection-is covered by a base cap. The base cap and o-ring prevent water from entering the lamp shade at the connection with the base, and the orientation of the entire assembly below the horizontal plane prevents water from entering the open end of the lamp shade. The second embodiment has the lamp shade resting in a base cap and the socket and base of the electrical components are arranged in the fixture such that the top of the socket and base rise above the top edge of the base cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Lance Trimble Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6773134
    Abstract: An illuminated artificial tree having a display position and a folded position is constructed of an odd number of upright wire mesh panels hingedly attached at their vertical inner edges, the panels including a first end panel, a second end panel and a plurality of intermediate panels between the first and second end panels. A string of decorative lights are attached in a plurality of spaced, reversed loops, the string extending from adjacent the lower edge of the first panel around the intermediate panels to the second panel, then upwardly along the outer edge of the second panel, and then back around the outer edges of the intermediate panels to the first panel, thereby permitting folding of the tree without removal of the light string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Neal Harvey
  • Patent number: 6764195
    Abstract: An ornamental netting including a web-like structure having an array of loops integral the material forming the web-like structure, with the loops receiving the hooks of ornaments, the ornamental netting sized for positioning over a Christmas tree or other structure. The ornamental netting further having an array of electrical lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Yate K. Cutliff
  • Publication number: 20040136191
    Abstract: A decorative lighting system, having a flexible net to be placed over a wall, tree, or bush, allowing an electrical current to pass through and illuminate Christmas or holiday lights placed randomly along the net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: David Bluford
  • Publication number: 20040136181
    Abstract: An illuminated artificial tree having a display position and a folded position is constructed of an odd number of upright wire mesh panels hingedly attached at their vertical inner edges, the panels including a first end panel, a second end panel and a plurality of intermediate panels between the first and second end panels. A string of decorative lights are attached in a plurality of spaced, reversed loops, the string extending from adjacent the lower edge of the first panel around the intermediate panels to the second panel, then upwardly along the outer edge of the second panel, and then back around the outer edges of the intermediate panels to the first panel, thereby permitting folding of the tree without removal of the light string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Neal Harvey