Abstract: An artificial tree has a central trunk, a number of main branches suspended from an upper portion of the trunk in a downwardly and outwardly inclined orientation, and a preformed tree top section extending upwardly from the upper portion of the trunk. Each main branch includes a number of sub-branch clusters and a bundle of fiber optic conduits which terminate in the sub-branches. The bundles of fiber optic conduits are received in an opaque enclosure housing a high intensity light source, which enclosure is attached to the upper portion of the trunk. Electric lights are disclosed as an alternative means to illuminate the tree. The trunk includes upwardly open hook elements which receive pin elements within the interior of rigid support members of the main branches. Each sub-branch cluster is pivotally connected to an associated rigid support member to articulate between a collapsed position for storage and shipping, and an extended position for display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling plastic waste to produce a wood substitute material for use in manufacture of garden products. A mixture of one or more types of plastic materials is extruded in a partially plasticised condition so as to allow gases formed by the extrusion process to escape from the surface of the extrusion to create a simulated wood. Holes (9) formed in the surface of the extruded plastic material by escaping gases are elongated by passage of the extrusion through a finishing die (7) downstream of the extruder (5) to form a rough textured surface similar to sawn wood and the plastic material is set to retain the shape and configuration of the textured surface by cooling in a water bath (8) downstream of the finishing die (7).

Abstract: The present invention provides molded fireplace articles comprising a plurality of non-white inorganic fibers that are substantially uniformly coated with a colored metal oxide. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing molded fireplace articles comprising: providing a plurality of non-white inorganic fibers; mixing the fibers with a binder and a liquid to form a slurry; pouring the slurry into a mold having a desired shape; and forming the slurry into a shaped article. A method of preparing non-white inorganic fibers is also provided, the method comprising the steps of: providing a colorant solution formed by dispersing or dissolving a metal compound into a carrier liquid, providing an inorganic fiber, applying the colorant solution to the inorganic fiber to form a colorant coated fiber, and heating the colorant coated fiber to a temperature sufficient to decompose the metal compound to a non-white metal oxide that is substantially uniformly coated on said fibers.

Abstract: An artificial tree leaf is made of a plastic material by molding. The leaf is similar in shape to a natural tree leaf and is provided with a grain resembling a vein of the natural tree leaf. The artificial tree leaf is resistant to deformation.

Abstract: A fabric having plant material adhered between layers of silk or hand-made paper. The silk or paper layers are translucent to allow the fabric to have the appearance of plant material. The fabric is manufactured by soaking dry plant material in water, pressing and drying the plant material to flatten it, adhering bottom and top layers of silk or paper to the plant material, and applying a stiffening agent to the fabric. Articles of various shapes may be formed by shaping the fabric into a predetermined shape prior to the step of applying the stiffening material.

Abstract: An artificial tree or foliage article is provided with at least one bundle of optical fibers (11) having a proximal end at which, in use, a light source is directed, and a distal end, wherein adjacent the distal end the fibers are bent sharply to induce fractures therein.

Abstract: A device comprising a base, a foam pillar disposed adjacent the base and adapted for receiving a plurality of boughs to form the shape of a tree, and a support member operably associated with the foam pillar to provide support for the foam pillar.

Abstract: A collapsible Christmas tree designed to be suspended in mid-aid from overhead. The tree comprises a central rope threaded through alternating sections of hollow rigid trunk sections and individual or grouped cross members having centered holes. Cross members have a decreasing length and girth as seen from the bottom of the tree to the top. Each cross member is rotated about the rope to resemble the branches of the Christmas tree.

Abstract: Artificial icicles, artificial Christmas trees, garlands, ribbons and the like composed of non-flammable polypropylene film.

Abstract: The present invention is a unique design and technique of construction for an artificial tree. The tree is created from an engineered superstructure with a porous outer covering or skin. Artificial leaves are attached to the skin creating an artificial tree with no limbs or branches. An additional feature is a light source that can be incorporated inside the superstructure to illuminate the tree. The foliage is replaceable to allow for seasonal color changes.

Abstract: Pellets which may, for example, simulate snow are brought to a position such as the top of a tree from where they are dispensed. After falling to the bottom. the pellets are collected and re dispensed. The pellets are blown through venturi tube and from there to a tube which runs to the position at where the pellets are dispersed. An adjustable flap is provided in the venturi tube, this flap functioning both to contribute to the venturi action controlling the fluid pressure and as a valve to control the rate of flow of pellets for optimum operation.

Abstract: Artificial icicles, artificial Christmas trees, garlands, ribbons and the like composed of non-flammable polypropylene film.

Abstract: An arborescent concealment artifice for hunters and nature observers constructed of artificial limbs, branches, stems and leaves. The limbs have a plastically deformable wire core sheathed in flexible plastic. The proximal ends of the limbs are detachably connected to a common mounting block; the block is detachably secured to a connector plate disposed intermediate the block and a support; and, the connector plate is detachably secured to the support.

Abstract: A artificial blinking Christmas tree assembly for providing mesmerizing and time-saving Christmas decoration. The artificial blinking Christmas tree assembly includes a base support including a main support member, a plurality of feet members extending from a bottom of the main support member, and a plurality of upright tree support members extending upwardly from a top of the main support member; and also includes a light assembly support member securely mounted upon the base support member; and further includes a light-reflecting member securely disposed within the light assembly support member; and also includes a light-fragmenting member removably disposed about the light assembly support member; and also includes a tree-shaped housing having an open bottom and being removably supported upon the base support member; and further includes a light-emitting element for emitting light through the tree-shaped housing.

Abstract: A simulated Christmas tree light display having a circular ring and a plurality of elongated legs attached to the ring. Each of the elongated legs has a first end connected to the ring and a second end positioned opposite the ring. The first end has an aperture for threading the ring through the leg and a flattened end section. The apertures are sized to allow the legs to rotate about the ring to form a variety of angled designs. Lights and other holiday decorations may be wrapped about the legs to further provide the appearance of a lighted Christmas tree.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree is provided which consists of a stand base, a stand pillar, at least two truncated-cone elements conically grauated in terms of size, an a conical element for the top of the tree. The elements are detachably fastened to each other so a to form a stylized tree which can be easily disassembled for storage.

Abstract: Two types of synthetic resin are used with zephyrs 2 made from a wide range of bamboo canes from undried to dried. An appropriate amount of special thread 4 comprising a core thread 5 having a high melting point and a core-thread covering skin 6 having a low melting point are added to the zephyrs and kneaded together. When molding the kneaded material, it is heated to the temperature at which the skin starts to melt and pressed. Then the skin works as a binder that binds the zephyrs and the core thread. The core thread supplements the strength and the flexibility of the bamboo zephyr board.

Abstract: A miniature model tree is provided that is random in appearance and durable in design. In embodiments disclosed herein, the miniature model tree comprises a plurality of twisted wires, spiraled together to simulate a trunk; a plurality of fibrous strands simulating branches wound within the twisted wire; a layer of paint over the branches; and fine particles layered over the layer of paint and attached to the branches by the layer of paint to simulate foliage. A hardening layer may be provided over the foliage.

Abstract: An imitation ornamental tree can be formed by clamping a split sleeve around an outdoor lamp post, and extending imitation tree branches outwardly from the sleeve. Each tree branch can incorporate multiple electrical lights and lead wiring for the lights. The sleeve can have built-in circuitry for connecting the lead wiring to the power supply for the outdoor lamp, such that the tree lights can be energized by the lamp power supply. The imitation ornamental tree transforms the conventional outdoor lamp into a lighted ornamental display during the Christmas season, or whenever it is desired to have an outdoor ornamental tree.

Abstract: An ornamental display such as an artifical christmas tree has a conical hollow body which is externally ornamented and closed by a pair of side-hinged doors. An ornamental scene is housed within the hollow body and is viewable when the doors are open. A sound and/or motion sensor is provided for automatically operating a motor for opening the doors which are spring-biassed into the closed position in which the ornamental scene is hidden from view.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an artificial tree is provided which includes a tree element having a central generally disc-shaped member and a plurality of generally annular rings concentric to the central disc-shaped member and to one another such that the central disc-shaped member and the rings, in the operative position, are positioned in a vertically spaced, tiered array, with the central disc-shaped member at an uppermost position such that the tiered array is configured to have a tree-shape. A plurality of connecting strips connect each tier of the array to a next adjacent tier of the array. The disc-shaped member, the concentric rings, and the connecting strips may be formed from a unitary sheet of material, and the disc-shaped member and the concentric rings may be formed by providing a plurality of discontinuous generally spiral slits in the sheet of material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tiles from waste wood uses round crosscut wood slices, a binder, and a filler. The slices, all generally of a thickness, are placed on the flat bottom of a die within side walls. Adhesive is applied to the slices and the die is filled with a mixture of the binder and the filler. The die contents are hot pressed to achieve the required tile thickness. The tile is ejected from the die and then maintained at room temperature for not more than 72 hours. The face side of the tile is ground and the dimensions of the tile are brought within the required tolerances.

Abstract: The leaves of an artificial Christmas tree are each formed from a length of metal having its opposite ends secured to a tree trunk and a plurality of coils formed along the length thereof and having substantially the configuration of a coiled spring. A reinforcing member may extend through the coils and separate ornaments may be individually hung on selected coils.

Abstract: The invention is a process of simulating rough bark on an artificial tree comprising the steps of coating the artificial tree surface with a thin layer of plastic foam and exposing the foam to a blast of concentrated heat sufficient to collapse part of the foam structure.

Abstract: A branch joint for use with a christmas tree to connect a plurality of additional branches to trunk of the christmas tree, are designed to an umbrella-shaped body. A plurality of top and bottom ellipses respectively distributed on the top and bottom circumference of said body. A plurality of recesses form on a top edge of said body. Meanwhile, the additional branches are capable of being respectively inserted into said top ellipses, through the bottom ellipses, to be inward bent at a specific angle then for retaining a distal end of each branch within the corresponding recess whereby the branches and the umbrella-shaped body are retained together in a more natural, simple and useful manner.

Abstract: An artificial tree has a trunk (2), at least one tubular bracket (4) for fitting on the trunk, a fixing ring (6) and a branch (12) having a stem portion, wherein the tubular bracket (4) defines an opening for insertion of an end of the stem, the fixing ring (6) being adapted to fit over the tubular bracket and to be deformable so as to tightly grip the tubular bracket.

Abstract: An imitation tree comprising a fluid bearing support stand and a plurality of natural boughs attached to the stand, a method of making same and a support stand for attaching boughs thereto.

Abstract: A cover for a flower pot, the cover comprising a sheet of material sized to substantially surround and encompass the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot and a fastener comprised of elastic or elasticized materials and forming a generally continuous loop, the fastener connectingly held to either the upper surface or the lower surface of the sheet of material. The fastener can be stretched to an extent sufficient to enable the fastener to be disposed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot and to hold the sheet of material applied thereabout. The invention further comprises a method for wrapping a pot with a covering such as described above, and a preformed pot cover having a fastener connected circumferentially to the interior surface of the pot cover.

Abstract: A space saving decorative tree is provided including a base and a plurality of posts interconnected with respect to each other and further connected to the base and extending upwardly therefrom. Next provided is a plurality of branches removably coupled to the posts, wherein the branches are constrained by an arc of no more than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A synthetic top covering replicating a decorative moss used for dressing the top of potted plants and the like. The synthetic decorative moss is composed of a non-woven bundle of individual strands of kinked material which are gathered in a rope-fashion. One end of the bundle is secured to maintain the strands of the bundle together. The strands are colored to replicate moss, and have varying lengths. One or more of the bundles can be formed as a top dressing for a potted plant and the like by draping them in a mat on the plant, with any free ends tucked beneath the mat to hide the gathered ends of the bundles.

Abstract: A collapsible spiral Christmas tree construction 10 including a central support unit 11 for supporting a spiral display unit 13 including a spirally wound support member 40 having a plurality of contiguous spiral coils 41 and an adjustable tether unit 14 for varying the effective height and density of said spiral display unit 13.

Abstract: An artificial foliage article such as Christmas trees comprising one or more branch stems 4 in the form of plastics covered metal wires and a plurality of foliage-bearing sub-branches 10 connected to the branch stem or stems 4, each sub-branch 10 having an associated connector 12 which defines an aperture 14 therein to allow the sub-branches 10 to be push-fitted onto the branch stem 4.

Abstract: A process for the production of a foam rubber tree bark-configured article having a manmade textile backing is provided. The inventive process involves the vulcanization of NBR or SBR including a chemical blowing agent, and optionally including EPDM as an ozone-resistance agent, over a silicon-base mold which is a negative relief mold of at least a portion of tree bark, and with a backing adhered to, and not easily removed from, the unmolded side of the rubber. Such a backing is either 100% polyester or 100% nylon, which provides an excellent, long-lasting, durable, easily colored, fast-drying article for use in outdoor camouflage applications. The article itself, as well as clothing, footwear, and shelter articles incorporating the inventive product, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an improved artificial shrub or tree and the method for constructing same. The invention improves upon all prior art artificial shrubs or trees by providing for a marketedly authentic series of branches which extend from the trunk or main body of the growth and improves upon all prior art structures through the use of an intermediate adapter shaped in the form of a branch which has its thickest end extending from the trunk and which becomes increasingly thinner as it approaches the cantilever end thereof. The adapter produces an authentic branch appearance in comparison to prior art branches which generally have little if any diminishing thickness extending from the supporting end and which are simply bluntly stuck into a bore in the trunk. The method pertains to an economical and efficient sequence of steps for producing aforesaid artificial shrub or tree.

Abstract: An imitation tree comprising a fluid bearing support stand and a plurality of natural boughs attached to the stand, a method of making same and a support stand for attaching boughs thereto.

Abstract: A decorative Christmas tree device is provided including a base. A post is coupled to the base and extended upwardly therefrom. At least one light is mounted to the post and base for illuminating upon the receipt of power. Further included is monofilament line for encompassing the post, base, and light. As such, the illumination of the light permeates through the line.

Abstract: An imitation tree is made by forming a trunk, roots, branches and leaves by using chiefly stranded wires as a material imitating a natural tree. The stranded wire which is a material may be a composite stranded wire obtained by stranding metal filaments and an optical fiber together, or may be obtained by stranding the same or different kinds of metal filaments selected from iron or an iron alloy, copper or a copper alloy, aluminum or an aluminum alloy and noble metals. The stranded wires are suitably subjected to the annealing or surface treatment such as coloring, plating, lustering, delustering or application of a fluorescent coating material. The stranded wires are bundled together to form a trunk, roots and branches, and the ends thereof are unstranded to form twigs, leaves, buds and blossoms.

Abstract: A preassembled tree simulation has decor strands (1) with top-simulation ends (2) attached to a roll-on member (9, 10, 11) onto which the decor strands are rolled for storage and from which the decor strands are unrolled to be suspended downwardly and outwardly from a raised attachment to an arrayer (12, 13, 14, 15, 16). Downward and outward suspension of the decor strands can be slanted, spiraled, curved or articulated selectively. The roll-on member can be a center rod, a telescopic rod, a positional rod, a tote handle or other convenient item. The arrayer can be a circular ring, a polygonal ring, a plurality of anchors, a single anchor, a resilient anchor rod, a segmental circular ring, a segmental polygonal ring, a segmental resilient rod or other convenient arrayer.

Abstract: An imitation tree comprising a fluid bearing support stand and a plurality of natural boughs attached to the stand, a method of making same and a support stand for attaching boughs thereto.

Abstract: A stand for supporting an elongate object such as a Christmas tree in a substantially vertical orientation has a central tubular support (4) adapted to receive an end of the object, and a plurality of legs (12) pivotally secured to the tubular support (4) so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the legs extend radially outwardly therefrom, and a locking collar (10) which is slidably disposed on the support (4) to engage lugs (24) on the legs (12) to secure them in the extended position.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree 10 having several branch segment assemblies 14-18 is disclosed, and further having electrically activated lights 46, 48, and 50 which are predisposed or preassembled upon the tree. Also disclosed is a method for automatically winding or placing the lights upon tree 10.

Abstract: An artificial log assembly is disclosed. The artificial log assembly includes first and second concrete portions and a ceramic portion disposed between the first and second concrete portions. The concrete portions are easily and economically formed to an appearance of natural firewood, and the ceramic portion provides a "glowing effect" of burning embers when heated. Also disclosed is a log assembly system utilizing dual gas burners of different flame temperatures.

Abstract: A weatherproof seasonal tree ornamentation includes a sheet of clear waterproof plastic which is dimensioned to fit around the trunk of a tree and which is imprinted with at least some facial indicia such as two eyes and a mouth. When the ornamentation is attached to a tree, the clear portion of the ornamentation blends in with the color of the tree trunk and the facial indicia appear to be part of the tree. The resulting effect of the ornamentation is to give the appearance that the tree is an animate character having a face. According to a second embodiment, the sheet of clear waterproof plastic is imprinted with indicia of a complete animate character, i.e. face, torso and legs. When the ornamentation of this embodiment is attached to the trunk of a tree, the clear portion of the ornamentation blends in with the color of the tree trunk. The resulting effect is the appearance of an animate character standing in front of the tree.

Abstract: An electrified, artificial Christmas tree, which comprises both the artificial tree, composed of a stand and trunk with attachable branches, and various electrical components. The trunk portion of the tree is composed of a plurality of coupled sections which are joined together in a vertical orientation, and each of which has holes for branches to be inserted. The trunk pieces also have electrical sockets which are internally connected to the base of the trunk. The base of the trunk has attached to it another electrical socket and a master power cable. In use, the tree is assembled as any standard artificial tree, connecting trunk pieces together, and inserting into them branches of various sizes. Any conventional ornament or lighting fixture may be hung on these branches, and plugged into the trunk for power requirements. A stand at the base of the trunk provides stability, and internal circuit breakers provide assurance against fire.

Abstract: An artificial plant assembly (10) consisting of a stationary central stem (12) and a plurality of rotatable fronds (70). The central stem (12) includes a rigid inner core (14) and a molded outer stem (22). Near the lower terminus (26) of the outer stem (22) is a frond stop (30), a bulbous section (48) located above the stop (30), and extending from the upper end (18) and sides is located a plurality of leaves (58). The rotatable frond (70) also has a rigid inner core (72) and a molded outer stem (80). The outer stem (80) has an upper terminus (82), a lower bulbous section (84), and a plurality of leaves (58) that extend from its upper terminus (82) and sides. The lower bulbous section (84) has an open side (86) and an enclosed lower portion (80) having an opening (90). To produce the artificial plant assembly (10) the lower bulbous section (84) is inserted upward through the lower end (16) of the inner core (14) and forced over the frond stop (30).

Abstract: A novel fireplace element is made by a novel process wherein the fireplace element is first molded from a mixture of refractory and ceramic fibers and removed from the mold in a green state. While the fireplace element can be treated in the green state, it is preferred that the fireplace element is cured to provide a rigid fireplace element of the type used in artificial fireplace log sets. The element if not already processed is provided with a surface of loosened fibers so that the loose fibers will reach an incandescent glow set state and give the appearance of the total element being incandescent well before the surface and/or body of the fireplace element can reach an incandescent temperature.

Abstract: Natural tree camouflage sheet material having a three-dimensional camouflage effect for use in clothing shelters, blinds and other general purpose camouflage applications includes a sheet of three-dimensional camouflage material having the appearance of natural tree bark and including a molded portion with the molded portion being formed from a pliant material molded into a natural tree bark configuration taken from a negative relief mold, the negative relief mold being obtained from an impression of the bark from a natural tree.

Abstract: A candy tree with a conical shape having wrapped candies adhesively and removably attached thereon covering the entire surface of the plastic or styrofoam cone forming the principal part of the tree element. The remaining portion of the tree element is the semispherical rigid holder into which the cone snugly fits. The holder is generally obscured by the wrapped candies and its flat underside allows the candy tree to rest on any flat surface. The candy tree can be used for ornamental, decorative, amusement or religious purposes and permits individual candies to be removed by children. Various decorative elements, such as a ribbon, a miniature santa claus or a pumpkin can be inserted into the top end of the tree element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hassle-free artificial Christmas tree that eliminates the time and frustration of assembly and storage of previously known artificial Christmas trees. The artificial Christmas tree of the present invention is preferably formed of a central pole having a sleeve concentric with the central pole and slidable along the central pole between an upper and lower position. At least one arm is rotatably coupled to the central pole and forms a limb of the tree. The sleeve is provided with an opening, including a flange framing the opening, for urging the arm between an upper and lower position when the sleeve is slid along the central pole. A base is provided for supporting the central pole in an upright position. A storage tube is also provided for storing the artificial tree when not in use. The storage tube has an opening for receipt and retrieval of the tree. The tree is readily slidable within the storage tube and is closed on either end by end caps.