Abstract: A decorative, spherically shaped structure formed by a plurality of circumferentially spaced, elongated, pivotably interconnected ribs that lie in substantially coplanar, contiguous relation to each other when not expanded, but are readily expandable to form a discontinuous, substantially spherical body having top and bottom hub sections formed by end panels unitarily molded onto the ends of each rib. The pivotable interconnection between adjacent ribs is achieved by providing tabs on the end panels, the tabs having cylindrical apertures cooperatively alignable with mating tabs of adjacent ribs, permitting such cooperatively aligned tabs to be pinned or riveted together to form an integral structure. The end panels of each molded rib preferably further comprise cooperatively engageable lips having stepped cross-sections that intermesh to form substantially continuous upper and lower hub surfaces providing strength and rigidity to the expanded sphere.

Abstract: An injection molded plastic hanger that, in the preferred embodiment, has a generally triangular body with a unitarily molded hook member at one corner and suction cup attachment devices at the other two corners. The hanger is constructed to have a low profile relative to a smooth support surface, meaning that the body and suction cup attachment devices are specially adapted to permit attachment of suction cups to the body in such manner that the body remains close to the support surface when the suction cups are subsequently attached to the support surface. The suction cup attachment devices include a retainer ring and a stud support member that assist in retaining engagement between the hanger and the suction cup when the hanger is subjected to a shear force.

Abstract: A tree stand having a unitarily molded plastic body having a pentagonal reservoir with a downwardly curved buttress extending radially outward on each side of the reservoir to a peripherally extending base flange defining inwardly curving arcs between adjacent buttresses, upwardly directed retaining walls disposed along said arcs between said buttresses; and a bolt receptacle elevated above the reservoir at the top of each buttress.

Abstract: An automated and seemingly animated door knocker is disclosed that includes a housing with a pivotably connected knocking member, the housing being releasably supported on the door by an over-the-door hanger or other similarly satisfactory attachment device, and the knocking member being reciprocated by a battery-powered, motor-driven linkage that is controlled by an integrated circuit and activated by a difference in light intensity as sensed by a photocell when someone approaches the door. A sound generator controlled from the circuit board is also desirably activated contemporaneously with the motor-driven linkage to play a prerecorded sound sequence.

Abstract: A device useful for supporting decorative light strings or other articles from a brick wall, the device having an expander, retainer, hook and threaded fastener, the expander being insertable into a mortar groove, the retainer having teeth adapted to engage bricks surrounding the mortar groove when the retainer is tightened against the expander by the fastener, and a support hook attached to the retainer.

Abstract: A decorative lighting display unit includes a housing having a shape of an eye mask including areas simulating a pair of eye balls. An illumination source is disposed within the housing for illuminating the areas simulating the pair of eye balls. A controller is utilized for energizing the display unit which may control multiple units for creating an on\off lighting pattern.

Abstract: A foldable stand for supporting a cylindrical shaft, the stand being operable between a folded position and a stand support position for supporting the shaft includes first, second, third, and fourth hingedly connected legs. The first and second legs are disposed generally parallel to each other in the folded position and generally perpendicular to each other in the support position. The third and fourth legs are disposed generally parallel to each other in the folded position and generally perpendicular to each other in the support position. Each leg includes a hinge member that is pivotally connected to an adjacent leg. The second and fourth legs include a receptacle adapted to receive the shaft in the stand support position.

Abstract: A molded product display system having an array-of interconnected, tearably releasable, molded plastic parts, and a display card that is preferably supported by the array of plastic parts for display of the parts at the point of sale. The array of molded parts preferably includes a molded section defining an aperture usable for hanging the molded product display system from a support rod or other hanger at the point of sale. The display card preferably includes a plurality of apertures or slits useful for releasably attaching the display card to the array of molded parts.

Abstract: A system or kit for creating readily changeable messages is provided. The system includes a plurality of letter boxes, a plurality of removably mountable and interchangeable letter panels and a plurality of lights. Each letter box has an opening for receiving a light such that when the panel is attached thereto, the panel is backlit so that an image imprinted on the panel will be visually perceptible. The letter boxes can be arranged in any order to create any desired design or message. The message can be easily changed simply by moving the panel and replacing it with another panel having a different image thereon and/or adding or removing other letter boxes. The letter boxes are nestable within one another such that a kit including a plurality of letter boxes, lights and letter panels can be placed in a single package for shipping, sale and/or storage purposes.

Abstract: A reconfigurable decorative apparatus which has a display position defining a star and a more compact collapsed, or storage position generally defines a rectangular shape. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of elements pivotably connected to one another at the ends thereof. The members will pivot about connections points when the apparatus is moved between its display and storage positions. In the display position, the apparatus defines a star having a plurality of projections. To move the apparatus from its display to its storage position, connections between the ends of some of the members are removed to allow the members to pivot about the remainder of the connection points to a storage position. The apparatus may have lights attached thereto for display purposes and will move between its display and storage position with the lights attached.

Abstract: A frame for supporting lights above a surface includes a plurality of spaced apart spiral strips extending between a location above the surface and a location on the surface. The strips are adapted to receive the lights. A plurality of connectors interconnect ones of the plurality of strips at spaced apart intervals along the strips to form a unitary structure. The strips in an unassembled position are coplanar and in an assembled extend position between the location above the surface and the surface.

Abstract: A frame for arranging decorative lights in a conical or Christmas tree shape is provided. The frame is a spiral-shaped frame which defines a plurality of openings for holding decorative lights. The frame includes a plurality of revolutions and preferably has a U-shaped or channel-shaped cross section. The frame provides a means for concealing wires that connect the decorative lights to one another and is collapsible from a substantially flat or storage position to a display position in which the frame defines a Christmas tree or conical shape.