Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage the voids of another power distribution subsystem without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.

Abstract: A canopy system comprising a shading element, a support element, and an attachment element member. The canopy system is adapted to provide shade over at least a portion of an above-ground container. The canopy system is configured to maintain its structure during slightly windy and mild weather conditions.

Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage the voids of another power distribution subsystem without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.

Abstract: A decorative system comprises a body, a biasing member, a head, and a light string system. The decorative system can further comprise a base. The biasing member is carried by the body such that a first end of the biasing member is in communication with the body and the second end is in communication with the head. The head is adapted to wobble or bobble relative to the body upon contact with the body or head. The decorative system can comprise an inner body and an outer body wherein the outer body is adapted to wobble or bobble relative to the inner body. The light string system can be carried by the body, the biasing member, and/or the head. The light string system comprises a plug for insertion into an outlet, wiring, a plurality of bulb assemblies, wherein each bulb assembly comprises a light source and a socket assembly.

Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage the voids of another power distribution subsystem without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.

Abstract: A decorative system includes an inflatable bladder assembly, a light string system, and a covering. The inflatable bladder assembly includes a bladder, which includes a seal or passage for dispensing and removing media to inflate the bladder. The interior of the bladder is adapted to receive and hold media inserted therein. When the bladder is inflated, it provides a desired, decorative shape. When the bladder is not inflated, it provides a foldable profile that has a low weight and is relatively easy to package and/or ship. The light string system includes a plurality of lamp systems tied together with a plurality of conductive wires. Each lamp system includes a light assembly and a socket assembly. Each lamp system can be secured to the exterior of the bladder by an attachment assembly. The covering can cover the inflated bladder to provide additional shape and structure to the decorative system.

Abstract: A canopy system comprising a shading element, a support element, and an attachment element member. The canopy system is adapted to provide shade over at least a portion of an above-ground container. The canopy system is configured to maintain its structure during slightly windy and mild weather conditions.

Abstract: A decorative system comprises a body, a biasing member, a head, and a light string system. The decorative system can further comprise a base. The biasing member is carried by the body such that a first end of the biasing member is in communication with the body and the second end is in communication with the head. The head is adapted to wobble or bobble relative to the body upon contact with the body or head. The decorative system can comprise an inner body and an outer body wherein the outer body is adapted to wobble or bobble relative to the inner body. The light string system can be carried by the body, the biasing member, and/or the head. The light string system comprises a plug for insertion into an outlet, wiring, a plurality of bulb assemblies, wherein each bulb assembly comprises a light source and a socket assembly.

Abstract: A decorative system includes an inflatable bladder assembly, a light string system, and a covering. The inflatable bladder assembly includes a bladder, which includes a seal or passage for dispensing and removing media to inflate the bladder. The interior of the bladder is adapted to receive and hold media inserted therein. When the bladder is inflated, it provides a desired, decorative shape. When the bladder is not inflated, it provides a foldable profile that has a low weight and is relatively easy to package and/or ship. The light string system includes a plurality of lamp systems tied together with a plurality of conductive wires. Each lamp system includes a light assembly and a socket assembly. Each lamp system can be secured to the exterior of the bladder by an attachment assembly. The covering can cover the inflated bladder to provide additional shape and structure to the decorative system.

Abstract: A portable swimming pool comprising a base having a perimeter; and a side wall erected upright. The side wall includes a top and a bottom, such that the bottom of the side wall is coupled to the perimeter of the base. The side wall incorporates an expansion system that enables the side wall to increase and decrease to different heights, and thus increasing/decreasing the depth/volume of the pool. The expansion system can include a zipper means that extends about the circumference or perimeter of the swimming pool.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for decreasing tumor growth in a subject that rely on detecting an increase in the expression of angiopoietin-1 or a decrease in the expression of angiopoietin-2 in the tumor or in the bloodstream of the subject to detect the normalization window in tumor vasculature.