Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to reusable tree cover systems and methods that may be used with live trees or artificial trees. The cover systems may be stored in a pouch placed around the lower trunk of the tree from which the cover or tree bag is withdrawn and pulled up to substantially enclose the tree for transport and/or storage. The reusable systems may be designed to facilitate removal of the cover systems from the stored/covered tree while minimizing the undesirable forces on the tree and the cover system. This may be done by providing features that facilitate removing the cover systems in an upward direction relative to the tree along the stored/covered tree. As this removal direction is the same direction used to store/cover the tree in the first place and matches the natural bending/storing direction of the tree, storing and removal are facilitated by these systems.

Abstract: A hanger for hanging of garlands and the like around a doorway is described. The hanger can be removably placed within a doorway, where it is secured by pressure and friction, thereby avoiding any damage to the door or door frame. The hanger includes outward extensions that extend outward of the door frame to permit hanging of garlands and the like on either side of the doorway. The hanger may also include one or more central extensions for supporting the garlands or the like centrally above the doorway so that the garland or the like does not hang downward too much, thus keeping the doorway clear. The hanger may use a large number of materials and decorative forms, whereby the garland hanger can also be a part of the decoration around the doorway. The hanger may fit different widths of door frames, including a wide range of door frame widths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tree support and cover system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a tree stand configured for efficient transportation of a tree. The tree stand includes two sets of wheels for use in translating the tree. A first set of wheels is disposed below the tree stand and allows for conventional translation with an erect tree. A second set of wheels is disposed on the side of the tree stand and allows for tipped translation. The tree stand may also include an optional electrical system with one or more electrical items including a timer, a Ground Fault Interrupter outlet, a remote controlled positioning system, etc. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a collapsible tree cover that can be used to efficiently transport and store the tree. The collapsible tree cover can be concealed within a tree stand or used as a skirt when it is collapsed below the tree.

Abstract: A light winding apparatus that may be used to wind strands of holiday lighting, extension cords, and the like for compact, convenient, and organized storage is described. The light winding apparatus may also be used to unwind/redeploy the wound strands of lighting and the like. The apparatus may also be used to wind/store and/or unwind/deploy other similarly oriented materials, including ropes, twines, cords, wires, garlands, etc. The apparatus is designed to allow releasing of the wound light strand from the apparatus so that the apparatus may be re-used for winding additional light strands.

Abstract: Wheeled covers for patio furniture are described. The patio furniture covers include wheels attached to the covers that are positioned to secure to and support at least two locations on the covered patio furniture. When the patio furniture covers are used to cover the patio furniture, the covered patio furniture may then be easily wheeled using the cover wheels to move the covered patio furniture from one location to another. Thus, the patio furniture itself need not have wheels, and no modification of the patio furniture is required. The wheels of the patio furniture covers may be secured to the patio furniture to ensure stability of the wheeled configuration. The covers may include a self-contained or self-attached storage bag or pouch in which the patio furniture cover may be stored when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tree support and cover system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a tree stand configured for efficient transportation of a tree. The tree stand includes two sets of wheels for use in translating the tree. A first set of wheels is disposed below the tree stand and allows for conventional translation with an erect tree. A second set of wheels is disposed on the side of the tree stand and allows for tipped translation. The tree stand may also include an optional electrical system with one or more electrical items including a timer, a Ground Fault Interrupter outlet, a remote controlled positioning system, etc. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a collapsible tree cover that can be used to efficiently transport and store the tree. The collapsible tree cover can be concealed within a tree stand or used as a skirt when it is collapsed below the tree.

Abstract: An ornament storage system and device is described that provides for secure, compartmentalized, and compact storage of ornaments and other similar objects (“ornaments”). The ornament storage system and device provides easy access to the ornaments through removal of the top and one or more sides of the system and device. Access is further improved by separating the stored ornaments onto individual storage trays or shelves. The individual storage trays or shelves are easily accessible by substantially vertically telescoping the storage trays or shelves in such a way as to provide increased vertical separation between each successive shelf. Additionally, each individual storage tray or shelf may be removable from the ornament storage system and device. In such a way, each ornament in the ornament storage system and device may be simultaneously viewed while in storage and may be easily stored in or accessed from the ornament storage system.

Abstract: A device capable of carrying a plurality of equipment is described. The device includes at least one handle, a conforming region, and at least one location for attaching or storing equipment. Users may carry equipment stored on/in the device by carrying the device on their backs and/or shoulders by grasping the handle of the device over their shoulder and allowing the conforming region to conform to their back and/or shoulder. The device, therefore, aids a user in carrying a plurality of equipment simultaneously. In at least some instances, a rotating handle may permit easy transitioning between a carrying position on a user's back/shoulder and a storage position, such as hanging on a wall or rack and vice-versa.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to reusable tree cover systems and methods that may be used with live trees or artificial trees. The cover systems may be stored in a pouch placed around the lower trunk of the tree from which the cover or tree bag is withdrawn and pulled up to substantially enclose the tree for transport and/or storage. The reusable systems may be designed to facilitate removal of the cover systems from the stored/covered tree while minimizing the undesirable forces on the tree and the cover system. This may be done by providing features that facilitate removing the cover systems in an upward direction relative to the tree along the stored/covered tree. As this removal direction is the same direction used to store/cover the tree in the first place and matches the natural bending/storing direction of the tree, storing and removal are facilitated by these systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to tree stands that accommodate relocation and the like and, more particularly, to a circular base unit with casters which allow a stable rolling motion in combination with casters which allow a stable tilting motion and also including an inner support collar sleeve for providing additional support and preventing bending and damage to the tree's trunk during relocation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inexpensive disposable tree cover system particularly useful for enclosing trees to catch shed leaves and needles. One embodiment is directed at a disposable tree cover system that may be attached at the base of the trunk of the tree then extended up and around the tree to provide a shed-proof enclosure for the tree. The material forming the cover system may be inexpensive fabric, cloth, or plastic. If the material is strong enough, handles may be provided on the enclosure to facilitate handling of the tree. The handles also facilitate manipulating the cover system during enclosing of the tree. The disposable tree bay may also be used in other areas, such as shipping of live trees, where the bag would serve as protection for the tree. If desired, the bag may be manufactured of sturdier material so as to be reusable instead of disposable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved light holder system. The light holder system may be used individually or part of a light string. The light holder system includes a light bulb assembly and a light holder. The light bulb assembly is configured to securely releasably couple to the light holder in a manrier to minimize undesired release. The light bulb assembly may comprise two elongated members that are configured to extend down through the light holder. At the ends of each elongated member is a locking flange that is configured to bias in a locked position when extended below the bottom of the light holder, or into a bottom locking post base that is recessed. In order to release the light bulb assembly, a user must compress both locking flanges and pull the light bulb assembly away from the light holder. In addition, the light bulb assembly may include a durable light bulb resistant to fracture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tree support and cover system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a tree stand configured for efficient transportation of a tree. The tree stand includes two sets of wheels for use in translating the tree. A first set of wheels is disposed below the tree stand and allows for conventional translation with an erect tree. A second set of wheels is disposed on the side of the tree stand and allows for tipped translation. The tree stand may also include an optional electrical system with one or more electrical items including a timer, a Ground Fault Interrupter outlet, a remote controlled positioning system, etc. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a collapsible tree cover that can be used to efficiently transport and store the tree. The collapsible tree cover can be concealed within a tree stand or used as a skirt when it is collapsed below the tree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved light holder system. The light holder system may be used individually or part of a light string. The light holder system includes a light bulb assembly and a light holder. The light bulb assembly is configured to securely releasably couple to the light holder in a manner to minimize undesired release. The light bulb assembly includes two elongated members that are configured to extend down through the light holder. At the ends of each elongated member is a locking flange that is configured to bias in a locked position when extended below the bottom of the light holder. In order to release the light bulb assembly, a user must compress both locking flanges and pull the light bulb assembly away from the light holder. In addition, the light bulb assembly includes a durable light bulb resistant to fracture.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for adapting a socket capable of receiving a light bulb into a socket also capable of receiving a light bulb and further comprising a strand with at least one dangling light extending therefrom. The dangling light strand electrically connects and receives power through the adaptor socket. In one exemplary embodiment, the adaptor device connects to a socket on a strand of holiday lights, and several evenly spaced dangling lights extend from the adaptor in a configuration sometimes referred to as icicle lights.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved light holder. The light holder may be used individually or in series as part of a light string. The light holder includes a trigger clip that allows for one handed attachment to a rain gutter or other structure. The trigger clip mechanism is coupled to the body of the light holder. The trigger clip is configured to expand and clamp down on a gutter or structure effectively releasably coupling the light holder thereto. The trigger clip further includes a clip portion and a finger rest.