Abstract: An artificial tree assembly, and a tree constructed therefrom, are provided. The assembly comprises a collapsible three-piece pole; a base member formed by the bottom of a box for storing the tree assembly and including a pole support member secured thereto for supporting the pole; and a plurality of limb sections and interconnecting garlands. The limb-sections each comprise a central ring portion and a plurality of limb members extending radially outwardly from the central ring portions. The ring portions of the limb sections are stacked, when not in use, on the pole support member and are disposed, in use, along the length of pole in spaced relationship therealong. The garlands interconnect the limb portions so that as the ring portions are lifted, from the top, from the stacked positions thereof on the pole support member and slid along the pole, the garlands between adjacent limb section are tensioned, in turn, and thus serve to lift the next adjacent limb section until the tree is fully erected.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree is constructed in a manner to be transformable between a compact storage state and an erected state. The tree has an elongated trunk and a series of branch assemblies spaced upon its trunk. An upper collar is slidably disposed upon the trunk in association with each branch assembly. When the upper collar is moved downwardly, lever arms pivotably attached to the collar causes branch elements to move away from the trunk and assume a tree-like upwardly angled disposition.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture directed to a mural like device which is formed on a blank or sheet of flexible fabric type material by the forming in the surface thereof a pattern to define predetermined form. Strands of yarn material formed in closely spaced spiral loops are secured to the blank or sheet material along the pattern formed thereon as e.g. by sewing. The loops so fixed are severed along the free end thereof to impart a three dimensional effect to the pattern. Illuminating lights are disposed along the pattern for added visual effects and decorative or ornamental devices may also be interposed between and/or to compliment said lights for additional visual effects.

Abstract: A smoke alarm mounted atop a Christmas tree, where an early indication of an impending fire may be generated. The alarm has built-in ionization chamber for smoke detection, control circuits for operating the ionization chamber and circuitry for processing and interpreting the output signals from the ionization chamber. In case of smoke detection, the control circuit operates a loudspeaker to generate a loud audible signal. The smoke alarm also has provisions for mounting atop a door. In an expanded version, the smoke alarm incorporates an intrusion alarm that is connected with a vibration detector with control circuits that operates the loudspeaker to produce a loud audible signal in case of tampering with the door. The alarm has provisions for self-checking the status of the built-in batteries and a light indicator shows if the batteries need replacement. A manual push button provides means for testing the smoke.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree of the narrow dimension variety that is easily stored and assembled for use as supported on a vertical wall or door structure. The artificial tree consists of a triangular panel member that includes a plurality of equispaced apertures and mounting rings for attachment to an adjacent supporting structure. A plurality of limb fronds of varying length and configuration may then be selectively inserted in selected ones of the apertures thereby to achieve a desired Christmas tree effect for subsequent support of the traditional Christmas tree decorations.

Abstract: A mobile-type Christmas tree (10) conveying the impression of Christmas ornaments (13) hung upon an invisible coniferous tree is disclosed. The mobile (10) includes an overhead support (11), and a multiplicity of filaments (12) depending from the overhead support (11). A multiplicity of ornaments (13) are attached to the filaments (12). The above ornament length of the filaments (12) increases in outward radial progression from the center of the overhead support (11) so that the ornaments (13) are supported in spaced locations such that the peripheral ornaments define the invisible tree's branches and, thus, the shape of the tree.

Abstract: Artificial Christmas trees have been formed by sandwiching one or more thin strips of plastics sheeting, whose side edges have been severed by a very large number of closely spaced transverse cuts so as to give transverse elements simulating the pine needles, between a pair of wires approximately at the longitudinal center line of the strip. The resulting structure is cut to a length of two twigs and joined at its center to a main branch formed, for example, by twisting a pair of larger wires. A full branch is formed by providing a number of such twigs spaced along the length of the branch. In a branch of an artificial Christmas tree according to the invention a length to be formed into a pair of twigs is formed by twisting the composite structure at the center of its length relative the two ends forming twists of opposite directions on either side of the center.

Abstract: A method and device for producing artificial branches from a continuous roll of wire and individual branch tips. The branches tips are attached to the wire by means of wrapping with a filament. In a first embodiment, the wrapping process is started and stopped under control of a stored program computer that measures the amount of wire fed. In a second embodiment, the wire is continuously fed and a wrapping assembly is reciprocated in timed relation with the wire fed to permit the attachment of the individual branch tips.

Abstract: A method and composition for corrosion protection of metal components of a fluid circulation system utilizing a buffered solution containing perchlorate ion and specific operative additives.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described which combine visual and olfactory stimuli such that behavioral responses of fruit flies to test chemicals can be readily assessed. In the method of the invention, the test chemical is placed in a chamber, air is drawn past the sample to enhance volatilization and increase the concentration of volatiles in the air, the concentrated volatiles are blown in the vicinity of a substrate which visually mimics the fruit fly host plant in a concentration sufficient to elicit a behavioral response, and the responses are observed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wall hanging to removably store child's toys thereon. The wall hanging is formed in the configuration of a tree, is of flat masonite and fixedly carries hook patches of VELCRO material which are releasably engaged by corresponding loop patches of material affixed to the back surfaces of such toys to removably store sayd toys on said wall hanging.

Abstract: A wall decoration in the shape of a pine tree; including a base made of plywood panels glued one upon another, pine cone scales glued on the front side thereof, and a gold panel applied to the front of this assembly.

Abstract: A rotatable stand is provided which is particularly designed for supporting and displaying a tree for sale on a Christmas tree lot, and which is characterized by permitting quick and easy installation of the tree in the stand. The stand includes a base adapted to be positioned on the ground and a rotatable tree support rotatably mounted above the base and adapted for receiving and supporting a Christmas tree therein. The tree support includes a support platform and at least three elongate upright tree support members mounted on the support platform and extending longitudinally alongside the tree trunk with the tree branches extending outwardly between the upright support members and serving to assist in holding the tree in a stable upright position.

Abstract: An artificial shrub comprises a central trunk and a plurality of branches connected thereto by a loop at the end of each branch which is receivable directly on the trunk. Shrubs of this construction are easily user assembled and adjusted for aesthetic effect, particularly where the branches are of appreciable axial extent and downwardly, outswept from the loops. A branch rest in the form of a serrated hoop may be provided to give lateral and radial support for the branch ends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of constructing simulated vegetation for models. The method encompasses the steps of providing a substrate of non-ferrous light-penetrable fibrous material having a light penetrability of at least 50% and applying an adhesive to this substrate. The substrate is then at least partially covered with a non-ferrous leaf simulating material of ground rubber-like foam particles. It is contemplated that a preferred form of covering the substrate with the particles is by spraying the particles onto the substrate after the adhesive is applied.

Abstract: A table is made by cutting a portion of a tree trunk longitudinally with one limb remaining thereon which is cut parallel to the tree trunk so that the truncated limb comprises a support for the trunk, the flat surface of which functions as a table top.

Abstract: This device is a tree ornament which is magnetically attachable to an artificial tree. Artificial trees usually have branch twigs either permanently attached, or attachable, by inserting the end of each through spaced apertues through the branches.This device makes it very easy to attach or detach any ornament to the tree, by using a magnetizable or magnetic element either or both on the ornament or on the tree branch or tree branch twig. Many artificial tree branches are built about an axial ferrous core and, in such case, the ornament has a permanent magnet built into or on the ornament, and the ornament thus readily attaches to and detaches from the branch. The magnetic flux of the ornament magnet is selected to be strong enough to attach to the axial core of the branch.Alternatively, the axial core may be made with spaced loops thereon extending to or through the branch surface.

Abstract: A method of constructing a model tree structure and the article resulting therefrom constitute the present invention. First a full three-dimensional pattern is constructed from wire and tin-lead. The pattern is then partially flattened and placed in a rubber mold. The mold is filled in around the pattern with rubber and the entire mold with the pattern in place is heated to vulcanize the rubber and form a mold cavity conforming to the configuration of the pattern. A casting metal is provided which preferably is at least 98% lead. Up to 2% antimony may be added to increase flow characteristics. It is also permissible to include a quantity of tin. The part is cast in the mold using centrifugal casting techniques. After the part has solidified and been removed from the mold it is bent into full three-dimensional form corresponding generally to the initial shape of the pattern.

Abstract: A greeting card display assembly is disclosed herein and utilizes a stack of straight slats to simulate a Christmas tree in both two dimensions and three dimensions and, at the same time, supports greeting cards for display.

Abstract: An artificial christmas tree apparatus includes a plurality of movable branches which are closeable and openable through the relative motion of an inner and outer tube arrangement which forms the trunk mechanism of the tree. Each branch includes a decorated leafy end and an oppositely located base end which is received in the trunk mechanism. The trunk mechanism comprises an outer tube having a first and a second aperture therein and an inner tube located within said outer tube. The inner tube includes a third and fourth aperture therein. The second aperture is larger than the first aperture and the third aperture is larger than the fourth aperture. The base end of each branch passes through said second, fourth, third and first apertures respectively and is anchored by a crimp located at one end of the branch. Relative motion of the inner and outer tubes causes the branches to move from a closed to an open position and vice versa.

Abstract: The rot-resistant plant support which is aesthetically pleasing and can be inexpensively produced consists of a rod section and a plastics material which can be colored. The interior of the rod is finely porous while the surface zone has bark-like protuberances. The plant supports are manufactured by extrusion at processing temperatures in the tool adjusted to between 5 and 30.degree. C. above the temperatures conventionally employed for extruding foams with a smooth surface from the same thermoplasts.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for artificial Christmas trees that allows for the collapse of the tree without danger of the hinge binding or pinching materials in contact with the hinge and which is well suited to fabrication by mass production techniques.

Abstract: A substantially flat, suspensible, ornamental display comprised of a plurality of identical flat, rigid members arrayed in partially overlapping relationship in accordance with a regular pattern, with the overlapping portions of the members fastened together, is readily enlarged or reduced in size by the user, resists disruption caused by air currents, and is conveniently shipped and stored. The members are assembled to leave openings between adjacent members that are similar in shape to the members, and ornamental devices are detachably suspended in the openings.

Abstract: A method of constructing a model tree structure and the article resulting therefrom constitute the present invention. First a full three-dimensional pattern is constructed from wire and tin-lead. The pattern is then partially flattened and placed in a rubber mold. The mold is filled in around the pattern with rubber and the entire mold with the pattern in place is heated to vulcanize the rubber and form a mold cavity conforming to the configuration of the pattern. A casting metal is provided which preferably is at least 98% lead. Up to 2% antimony may be added to increase flow characteristics. It is also permissible to include a quantity of tin. The part is cast in the mold using centrifugal casting techniques. After the part has solidified and been removed from the mold it is bent into full three-dimensional form corresponding generally to the initial shape of the pattern.

Abstract: A noncombustible artificial log and method for simulating combustion thereof, wherein the artificial log is provided with fuel retaining recesses disposed at spaced axial locations therealong for receiving a readily combustible supply of fuel therein. The recesses are sufficiently deep so as to retain a supply of fuel therein which has a long burn duration. The recesses have a diameter which is small relative to the overall diameter of the artificial log.

Abstract: A magnetizable donor is magnetized to define a microfield with a characteristic spacing between pole centers of about 0.010 inches. The strong short range fields between poles pick up and hold a thin uniform and continuous layer of magnetic toner. The layer of toner is then electrostatically charged and brought into close proximity to a receptor, without touching the same, where only latent image areas of the receptor attract toner from the donor layer.

Abstract: A picture kit for providing entertainment and for furthering development of arts and crafts skills. The picture kit has a selection of picture rendering cards and is equipped with art supplies, such as drawing and coloring implements, for composing a picture or design on the card surface. A plurality of buttons are included and adapted for selective attachment to the card surface to complete the art work. The buttons are furnished in different sizes, shapes and colors and have various surface contours for creating unusual visual effects.

Abstract: A self-supporting, ornamental, artificial tree is disclosed which comprises: a base; a plurality of elongated members attached at one of their ends to the base by attachment means and attached at their other ends one to the other, these attached support members together forming a cone-shaped ornament support frame; and ornaments attached to the cone-shaped, ornament support frame.