With Article Holder Or Ornament Patents (Class 428/19)
  • Patent number: 10907779
    Abstract: A device to be affixed to an extension pole to support string lights, the device including a base member, a receiving portion formed in a bottom of the base member and configured to receive an end of an extension pole, and a plurality of hook members extending laterally from the base member and curving upwards to form a receiving portion configured to receive and support a portion of string lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Mark V. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10433604
    Abstract: A rotation-locking lighted artificial tree that includes a first and second portion. The first portion includes a trunk, first electrical connector, and first wiring harness. The first electrical connector includes a first body portion and a first electrical contact set. The first body portion includes multiple projections electrically isolated from the first electrical contact set. The second tree portion includes a second electrical connector and a second wiring harness. The second electrical connector includes a second body portion and a second electrical contact set, the second body portion including multiple recesses. When the first tree portion couples to the second, the first and second electrical contact sets form an electrical connection and the recesses of the second body portion receive the projections of the first body portion, thereby electrically connecting and mechanically coupling the first tree portion to the second tree portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Willis Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Johnny Chen
  • Patent number: 8968843
    Abstract: A decoration holder is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the decoration holder can hold a card, such as a Christmas card, on a tree, such as a Christmas tree. The holder can therefore provide way to decorate a Christmas tree with Christmas cards, thereby enhancing the festive appearance of the tree. The holder can also provide a way to decorate other portions of a user's home with various festive objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
    Inventors: Jessica Madrid, Eric Steinmeyer
  • Patent number: 8323757
    Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree with an array of imitation animal antlers incorporated into the tree to serve as additional branches. The purpose of the incorporated animal antler branches is to provide structural support to the tree so that the device can hold a multitude of Christmas ornaments. The antlers serve as strong branches and can support the weight of several heavy Christmas ornaments at once on each animal antler branch, while providing an ornamental and novel looking tree device for supporting hanging articles and Christmas decoration. Each antler has plurality of elongated prongs, allowing a user to place many ornaments on a single antler without resulting in deflection thereof. The antlers strength keeps the branches from drooping under the weight of the decorations, which leaves the Christmas tree aesthetically pleasing to the eye and particularly attractive for animal hunters and enthusiasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Benjamin Charles Barto
  • Patent number: 8221185
    Abstract: The invention is a method of use of an assemblage of a electrified base member having a plurality of perforations holding an array of sockets for light sources for optional lighting of the interior of various miniature buildings, a white cover material to simulate snow and a plurality of figurines of people and animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Dorothy Tome
  • Patent number: 8127421
    Abstract: The specification and drawing disclose the steps and structure involved in making one of a wide variety of three-dimensional branching structures that can be individually formed into extremely complex spatial representations of natural or abstract shapes suitable for viewing from many perspectives. A branching structure in the form of a wall-mounted tree is comprehensively disclosed along with means for affixing leaves to the tree to further simulate the form of a tree and for the further (optional) purpose of physically memorializing persons or events. A second embodiment is also disclosed to suggest the wide range of variations possible through employment of the basic method steps and to illustrate a form of branching structure that can be viewed from any horizontal or vertical perspective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Sam Sutton
  • Publication number: 20120040110
    Abstract: A kit for securing a tree topper to a tree includes an extension member for receiving the tree topper includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body includes at least one opening positioned between the first end and the second end. At least one fastener extends through at least one of the openings to secure the extension member to the tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: THOMAS MACMARTIN HARMAN, II
  • Publication number: 20120003404
    Abstract: An ornament hanger is disclosed for hanging an ornament on a display, such as a Christmas tree. The ornament hanger includes an upper portion removably linkable to the display and a lower portion engaged with the upper portion. The lower portion includes at least two ornament retaining members, to facilitate hanging multiple ornaments from a single branch. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion slidably engages the lower portion, thereby allowing one to adjust the position of the ornament retaining members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Lynn Hamlin
  • Patent number: 7981490
    Abstract: An assembly and method for sculptural presentation of plant or animal epidermal surfaces, the assembly incorporating a multiplicity of scallops and a multiplicity of links interconnecting the scallops in a laterally extending series or band, the multiplicity of links being manipulated to extend the multiplicity of scallops in a “clinker-built” configuration; the multiplicity links being further manipulated to extend the multiplicity of scallops helically; a plurality of links among the multiplicity of links being further manipulated to flare or counter-flare a plurality of the scallops; a second plurality of links among the multiplicity of links being further manipulated to corrugate a second plurality of the scallops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Wendell Turner
  • Patent number: 7883752
    Abstract: This invention relates to a decorative assembly that is placed above a table to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding area. The present invention is an assembly that fits through the center hole of a garden or patio table designed to accommodate a center, pole supported umbrella. The invention comprises interchangeable, decorative elements that can be used year round in garden or patio table and has means to provide electricity to the decorative elements through any standard electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Tonya Auvil
  • Publication number: 20100196628
    Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree includes a central trunk broken into at least two separate portions including a fixed trunk portion and at least one rotating trunk portion. The fixed trunk extends up from an underlying base. Rotating trunks rotatably attach at midpoints thereof at least indirectly to an upper end of the fixed trunk. Limbs are pivotably attached to the rotating trunks with optional lights coupled thereto. These limbs pivot between a perpendicular orientation extending from the rotating trunks and a collapsed configuration closer to a centerline of the rotating trunks. The rotating trunks can be pivoted from a first collapsed configuration with a first end above a second end to a deployed configuration with the second end above the first end. During such pivoting, the limbs attached to the rotating trunk transition between a collapsed to a deployed configuration automatically. A wheeled base and cover further facilitate storage and deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce A. Shooley
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090249690
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to plant hedges or barriers and provide a method, system and apparatus for creating artificial plant hedges or barriers. In one embodiment of the invention, an artificial plant barrier system can be provided. The system can include a starter unit, a middle unit coupled to a top of the starter unit, and a top end unit coupled to a top of the middle unit. The starter unit can include a channel defined between a first opening in a top of the starter unit and a second opening in a bottom of the starter unit, wherein the bottom of the starter unit is coupled to a base support. The middle unit can include a channel defined between a first opening of a top of the middle unit and a second opening of a bottom of the middle unit, wherein the bottom of the middle unit is coupled to the starter unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Lee Garner, II
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090029075
    Abstract: An artificial tropical 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. The trunk element of the tree assembly is preferably formed of two parts—an upper part and a lower part. The upper part is adapted to have at least a portion thereof be raised or lowered out of the lower part to adjust the height of the tree for patio table heights and this accommodate the tree assembly for use with any patio table. The lighting can be string lighting and can be LED lights, miniature lights or spotlights (near or at the top of the tree trunk).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Barthelmess
  • Patent number: 7374803
    Abstract: A band-like matter fastening seal for fixing a wound end of a band-like matter that is wound in a roll form to the body of said band-like matter, includes: a first attaching part adhered to said end of the band-like matter; a second attaching part having an attaching side adhered to the body of the matter in order to fasten the end to the body of the matter; and a handle part extended from the second attaching part, the attaching side being exposed when the attaching side is lifted from a masking side covering the attaching side, wherein the handle part rises up along the tangent line of the roll when a portion of the band-like matter fastening seal in the vicinity of the handle part is curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Tabuchi, Takashi Komine, Yukio Seto, Hironori Sasaki, Akihiro Sanda, Nobuo Sugiyama, Yasuko Sano, Naoki Yoshikawa, Mototada Yasui
  • Patent number: 7326452
    Abstract: An artificial flower which contains an integral gift is disclosed. The integral gift enhances the value and appeal of the artificial flower, or likewise enhances the appeal of an arrangement of such artificial flowers. The invention relates to an artificial flower, or an arrangement of a plurality of such flowers, containing an adapter for holding a small gift member, and a gift member. The scope of the invention includes the artificial flower, adapter, and gift member. The gift member may be selected from a number of special, or thematic, items such as miniature beverage bottles, golf balls, cigars, gift boxes, jewelry, or any gift items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: Christina Lynn Vargas, Michael James Haas
  • Patent number: 7320816
    Abstract: A novel decorative structure includes a length of strand material, having a plurality of individual strands twisted with respect to one another and fixed with respect to one another near a first end of the strands, a twisting member having a plurality of apertures formed therein, each adapted to receive a respective one of the individual strands therethrough, and an anchoring member adapted to support the decorative structure on a support surface. In a particular embodiment the twisting member is a disc, such that when the twisting member is advanced from a second end of the strands to the first end, the strand material is caused to unwind. Similarly, when the twisting member is advanced from the first end to the second end of the strands, the strand material is caused to wind up. When unwound, the strands can support a container within the unwound ends of the strand material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Cameron F. Quigel
  • Patent number: 7310910
    Abstract: A device and method for helping a floral designer create a floral arrangement that is well balanced in its distribution of flowers and greens. The device includes a three-dimensional foam structure that has a plurality of different levels. Each of the different levels is of a different size, thereby creating an overall tapered foam structure. Areas of equal size are demarcated on each of the different levels. The areas of equal size are evenly distributed around a plurality of different levels. The demarcation of the various equal sized areas are created either by using an external grid work that lay over the foam structure or shaping the foam into protrusions on each level. Using the equal sized areas as a distribution grid, a floral designer can quickly and easily place flowers and greens throughout the three-dimensional foam structure in a manner that is evenly distributed and well balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: Terry Miller, Marlin S. Miller
  • 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: 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: 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: 6923641
    Abstract: A tree shaped candle holder having at least one twisted tree wire that has a root end and a branch end. At least one bead is wrappingly connected to the tree wire adjacent to the branch end. At least one votive cup is wrappingly connected to the tree wire. A base is connected to the tree wire root end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Aaron Tabor
  • Publication number: 20040197221
    Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree includes a trunk and a series of branches extending outwardly from the trunk. A fragrance source is associated with the artificial Christmas tree. In one embodiment, the fragrance source is disposed within a container contained within the Christmas tree or disposed adjacent the Christmas tree. Air is directed past the fragrance source where the fragrance is mixed with the air to form an air-fragrance mixture. This air-fragrance mixture is directed upwardly through the trunk of the artificial Christmas tree and eventually emitted from the Christmas tree. Preferably the fragrance would be selected such that the scent emitted would simulate a live Christmas tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Virgil E. Stanley
  • Publication number: 20040146664
    Abstract: As used to attach a decorative attachment, such as a lighting string or an ornament, to a branch of a natural or artificial tree or wreath, a twist tie has a wire spine and has artificial foliage, which conceals the wire spine and which simulates foliage of the branch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Neuman Tree, Inc.
    Inventor: Carolyn Hope Neuman
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6719251
    Abstract: A frame system attached to the top of a Christmas tree which allows decorations, such as bows, to be secured to the frame and which will decorate the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Carolyn E. Eastland, Dedra E. Pennington
  • Patent number: 6663921
    Abstract: A novel decorative structure includes a length of strand material, having a plurality of individual strands twisted with respect to one another and fixed with respect to one another near a first end of the strands, and a twisting member having a plurality of apertures formed therein, each adapted to receive a respective one of the individual strands therethrough. In a particular embodiment the twisting member is a disc, such that when the twisting member is advanced from a second end of the strands to the first end, the strand material is caused to unwind. Similarly, when the twisting member is advanced from the first end to the second end of the strands, the strand material is caused to wind up. When unwound, the strands retain a decorative helical shape, and give the appearance of a Christmas tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Cameron F. Quigel
  • Publication number: 20030072898
    Abstract: The production of a display of dried and preserved flowers, plants and plant matter, bouquets, boutonniere, flower arrangements, mounted and displayed within a shadowbox to contain, surround, encompass and enclose the same, with or without the inclusion of any one or more of the following items or the like: photos, glassware, invitations, announcements, other printed matter, bows, lace, special, and sentimental mementoes within the display by the process comprising of a logical sequence of the following steps: recording the inventory of elements to be included in the display; gluing the outer most petals of said flowers to the sepal; drying the plant material by means of a dehydrating agent; gluing the petals in place; coloring the flowers as desired; providing a background on which to mount the floral display; mounting the floral display on the background; framing the display; and sealing the frame around the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Toni Sharp
  • Patent number: 6514581
    Abstract: A pop-up artificial Christmas tree, for making it much easier for the user to set up and take an artificial Christmas tree. The pop-up artificial Christmas tree includes a base member assembly including a weighted base member; and also includes a tree trunk assembly including a hollow tree trunk member having a bottom end which is removably mounted to the base member, and also including an elongate support member being movably disposed and upwardly biased in the hollow tree trunk member with the hollow tree trunk member having a plurality of holes spaced along and disposed through a side wall thereof; and further includes a branch assembly having a plurality of branch members each being pivotally mounted to the elongate support member and being extended through a respective hole in said hollow tree trunk member; and also includes a light-emitting assembly having a plurality of light-emitting members securely attached to the branch members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Cheryl A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20030021916
    Abstract: A spatial decorative device includes one or two base plates for securing together, or for attaching onto various kinds of objects, and each having one or more kinds of patterns applied on one or both surfaces. One or two cover panels may be secured onto the base plates and each may include one or more further patterns arranged corresponding to the patterns of the base plates for forming different patterns when viewing from different angles. The patterns may be dots, lines, star-shaped members, wavy lines, dotted lines, etc. The cover panel includes a reflective wavy outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Yeong Shyan Hsueh
  • Patent number: 6417119
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Sang Roberson
  • Patent number: 6350499
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Richard D. Babcock
  • Patent number: 6329028
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Bobby J. Bucher
  • Patent number: 6277452
    Abstract: A tethered fortune and charm assembly to permit easy retrieval from a cake, candle, package, game, balloon, pinata, table setting, Christmas decoration, party favor, card, flower arrangement, wedding garter or wedding bells and alert party guest or the receipient to the presents of an object at the end of the tether. An assembly consisting of a tether, to any of combination of a fortune and charm. The tether is attached to a combination of a fortune and charm or a fortune or charm with a fortune printed into or on plastic, metal, cardboard, paper, fibrous or non-fibrous tether, charm or any other medium, The charm can be plastic, metal, candy, or a printed engraved or embossed representation of a symbol or charm. The charm and fortune assembly can be sealed in a semi-hermetic or hermetically sealed package or lamination. With or without a self adhesive patch on the reverse side of the most exterior surface of the most significant portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Fernita D. Craig
  • Patent number: 6270864
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Gerhard Weiss
  • Patent number: 6180194
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Hwa-Dong Liang
  • Patent number: 6099920
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Cheung Chong Kao
  • Patent number: 6093459
    Abstract: Artificial trees and wreathes are constructed from a plurality of artificial leaves having shape memory characteristics. The leaves are constructed from twisted wires of plastic material which capture elongated strips providing the thistles for the leaves. The shape memory characteristics enable the leaves to return to their original orientation after being distorted from storage in a carton either during shipping or between use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph Puleo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6048592
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: David E. Rolf
  • Patent number: 6045880
    Abstract: A three-dimensional relief plastic sheet for use on articles such as binders comprises a decorative overlay sheet made of a plastics material and at least one three-dimensional relief representation integrally formed on the overlay sheet, for instance, by vacuum forming. The overlay sheet is adapted to be mounted to various articles, preferably made of plastics materials, by way of adhesives, heat-sealing, high-frequency welding, etc. The overlay is preferably made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene or styrene (e.g. polystyrene) and thus can be secured, for example along the periphery thereof, to the vinyl covering of loose-leaf binders and other document carrying folders respectively using high-frequency welding and glues. The three-dimensional representation and the overlay sheet typically include colored sections and possibly transparent sections. A mirror-like backing sheet is provided behind the overlay sheet when there are such transparent sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Creations Executive - 153291 Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Nick Minichiello
  • Patent number: 6040023
    Abstract: A decoration for a tree and method of decorating a tree includes figurines, an elongate decorative flexible member arranged between the figurines and an elongate spacer attached to a tree for spacing the figurines from the tree, thereby providing the appearance that the figurines are decorating the tree with the decorative member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Anthony J. Salerno
  • Patent number: 6030670
    Abstract: An artificial decorating tree with embellishing lamps is provided which includes several hollow joints, sockets, connectors, branches, embellishing lamps and a set of electric cords. The decorating tree is assembled with plug-in joints and internal wiring coupled to lamps supported from branches, thereby avoiding the use of exposed light strings external to the artificial tree structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Chih-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 6017618
    Abstract: A storage media for storing information having a substrate. The substrate has an upper surface and a molecular weight greater than 5,000. Preferably the material is a polymer. The material has a plurality of piles of molecular chains in selected areas formed by pushing the molecular chains of the material on its upper surface to the selected area mechanically with a mechanical tool. The piles represent written information. The mechanical tool is preferably an atomic force microscope. Another aspect of the present invention is a method for storing information having the steps of selecting a material substrate having an upper surface and pushing molecules on the upper surface into a molecular pile at selected locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Arunava Gupta, Ravi Saraf
  • Patent number: 6007882
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Morrill R. Worcester
  • Patent number: 6001435
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventors: Serena Hardy, Michael Hale
  • Patent number: 5942294
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Paul R. Heim
  • Patent number: 5891535
    Abstract: A cover provides a facade for the base of a Christmas tree on a stand, house plant, or other domestic object. The cover includes a board that is creased and folded into a plurality of interlocking panels. The cover is formed by interlocking panels to form an open structure having a top, two sides, a front, an open back, and an open bottom. The top is notched for embracing the base. The cover thus formed can be set with the notched top embracing the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: William Bucuk, Jr.