Tree decorator ring kit
A decorator system includes an adjustable belt with a plurality of channels for selectively engaging one or more suspension members. The suspension members include engagement prongs for insertion into the channels. The suspension members also include cantilevered arms.
This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of priority to, non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/407,529 filed Sep. 24, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an adjustable apparatus for hanging a user selectable plurality of ornaments on a columnar object such as a tree trunk.
2. Background Description
Trees and other objects may be adorned with ornamentation for aesthetic appeal. While branches are useful for supporting decorations as in the case of a Christmas tree, many outdoor trees lack branches at a convenient height for a user to access and hang decorations. Additionally, accessible branches may be too pliable to sturdily support relatively heavy decorations. Furthermore, the branches may not be in desired positions for supporting decorations.
Though the trunk of a tree is typically very sturdy and capable of supporting considerable weight, cost-effective easy-to-use devices have not heretofore been conceived which use a columnar structure such as a trunk as a support and which at the same time are readily adjustable and capable of securely supporting a selected number of relatively heavy (as well as lightweight) ornaments in selected positions.
The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe invention solves the problems and/or overcomes the drawbacks described above by providing a system comprised of an adjustable belt having a plurality of engagement projections, a plurality of engagement holes configured for receiving said engagement projections, and a plurality of vertical channels. The system also has at least one suspension member having an engagement prong and a cantilevered arm. The vertical channels are configured to securely receive the engagement prong of the at least one suspension member.
In another embodiment, the system includes an adjustable belt approximately two o four feet in length having a plurality of engagement projections, a plurality of engagement holes configured for receiving said engagement projections, and a plurality of vertical channels. The system also includes at least one suspension member having an engagement prong and a cantilevered arm. The vertical channels are configured to securely receive the engagement prong of the at least one suspension member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where:
An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes an adjustable belt configured for supporting one or more releasable suspension members. The exemplary belt includes a buckle with plurality of projections for securely engaging holes in the belt. The exemplary belt also includes a plurality of channels for engaging a portion of the suspension arms. The exemplary suspension arms include an engagement prong, a support prong, and a cantilevered arm with a recessed end.
Referring now to
The belt 100 is preferably comprised of a plastic or polymeric material that provides adequate strength, durability, flexibility, and weather and sunlight resistance. By way of example the belt may preferably be comprised of a polycarbate plastic, or polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylics, cellulosics, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymers, urethanes, thermoplastic resins, thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE), acetal resins, polyamides, polycarbonates and polyesters. Though other materials may be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned materials and/or other materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably the material is relatively inexpensive and easy to use in manufacturing operations and results in an aesthetically acceptable product. The material may further include additives to provide desired properties such as desired colors, structural characteristics (e.g., fiber reinforcements), glow-in-the dark properties and thermal reactivity (e.g., color changes according to heat).
The belt 100 includes a plurality of projections 110. A cutaway view of projection section A-A is provided in
The belt 100 also includes a plurality of holes 120 along its length. A cutaway view of hole section C-C is provided in
The belt 100 further includes a plurality of vertical channels 115 for receiving engagement prongs 220 of suspension members. A cutaway view of channel section B-B is provided in
Referring now to
The suspension member 310 is preferably comprised of a plastic or polymeric material that provides adequate strength, durability, rigidity, and weather and sunlight resistance. By way of example the member 310 may preferably be comprised of a phenolic plastic, or polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylics, cellulosics, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymers, urethanes, thermo-plastic resins, thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE), acetal resins, polyamides, polycarbonates and polyesters. Though other materials may be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned materials and/or other materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably the material is relatively inexpensive and easy to use in manufacturing operations and results in an aesthetically acceptable product. The material may further include additives to provide desired properties such as desired colors, structural characteristics (e.g., fiber reinforcements), glow-in-the dark properties and thermal reactivity (e.g., color changes according to heat).
The suspension member 200 also includes a support prong 210 for supporting the suspension member 200 against the belt 100. A suspension channel 215 divides the support prong 210 from the engagement prong 220. The suspension channel 215 is sized, shaped and configured to enable the support prong 210 to fit within a channel 115 of the belt 100 while the engagement prong rests snugly against the outer surface of the belt 100.
The suspension member 200 also further includes a cantilevered arm 230 with a recessed portion 205 near the free end. The cantilevered arm 230 is sized, shaped and configured to enable the support member 200 to support an ornament (e.g., a flower pot) a determined distance from the belt. Preferably, an ornament is hung from the recessed portion 105 of the cantilevered arm 230. The recessed portion 205 helps reduce the risk of a hung ornament sliding off the cantilevered arm 205, such as due to wind forces. Other means for securely hanging an ornament, such as a slot, hook, loop, one or more vertical protrusions and/or similar devices may be used in lieu of or in addition to the recessed portion 205, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Referring now to
The side of the belt in contact with the columnar structure (i.e., the gripping side) may be textured to enhance frictional engagement between the belt and structure. The texturing may include projections, surface roughening or the like.
Referring now to
Advantageously, the weight of a hanging object creates a moment that forces the support prong against the belt. The force applied against the belt thus helps support the hanging object.
While this invention has been described fully and completely with special emphasis upon a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the foregoing detailed description. Such alternative embodiments and implementations are intended to come within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A decorator ring system comprised of:
- an adjustable belt having a plurality of engagement projections, a plurality of engagement holes configured for receiving said engagement projections, and a plurality of vertical channels; and
- at least one suspension member having an engagement prong and a cantilevered arm;
- wherein the vertical channels are configured to securely receive the engagement prong of the at least one suspension member.
2. A decorator ring system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable belt is approximately two to four feet in length.
3. A decorator ring system according to claim 1, wherein:
- the plurality of engagement projections extend from the belt in a direction adapted to facilitate securing engagement holes.
4. A decorator ring system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of engagement projections include free ends having protrusions adapted to prevent the engagement projections from slipping out of engagement holes.
5. A decorator ring system according to claim 1, wherein:
- the plurality of engagement holes include parallel rows of engagement holes.
6. A decorator ring system according to claim 5, wherein the parallel rows of engagement holes provide ten or more locking positions.
7. A decorator ring system according to claim 6, wherein the engagement holes provide locking position increments of about ½ to 3 inches.
8. A decorator ring system according to claim 1, wherein the vertical channels define ten or more hanging positions.
9. A decorator ring system according to claim 8, wherein the vertical channels provide hanging position increments of about 1 to 3 inches.
10. A decorator ring system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one suspension member includes a support prong adapted to support the at least one suspension member against the adjustable belt.
11. A decorator ring system according to claim 10, said suspension member including a cantilevered arm with a free end, wherein the support prong is adapted to apply a force against the adjustable belt when a downward force is applied at or near the free end of the cantilevered arm.
12. A decorator ring system according to claim 11, wherein the cantilevered arm includes a means for securely hanging an ornament at or near the free end of the cantilevered arm.
13. A decorator ring system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable belt includes a side for frictionally contacting a structure, and said side is textured for frictional enhancement.
14. A decorator ring system comprised of:
- an adjustable belt having a plurality of engagement projections, a plurality of engagement holes configured for receiving said engagement projections, and a plurality of vertical channels; and
- at least one suspension member having an engagement prong and a cantilevered arm;
- wherein the vertical channels are configured to securely receive the engagement prong of the at least one suspension member, the adjustable belt is approximately two to four feet in length.
15. A decorator ring system according to claim 14, wherein:
- the plurality of engagement holes include parallel rows of engagement holes and the parallel rows of engagement holes provide ten or more locking positions with locking position increments of about ½ to 3 inches.
16. A decorator ring system according to claim 18, wherein the vertical channels define ten or more hanging positions.
17. A decorator ring system according to claim 16, wherein the vertical channels provide hanging position increments of about 1 to 3 inches.
18. A decorator ring system according to claim 17, wherein the at least one suspension member includes a support prong adapted to support the at least one suspension member against the adjustable belt.
19. A decorator ring system according to claim 18, said suspension member including a cantilevered arm with a free end, wherein the support prong is adapted to apply a force against the adjustable belt when a downward force is applied at or near the free end of the cantilevered arm.
20. A decorator ring system according to claim 19, wherein the adjustable belt includes a side for frictionally contacting a structure, and said side is textured for frictional enhancement.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 21, 2004
Publication Date: Mar 24, 2005
Inventors: Grey Steven (Jacksonville, FL), Phillip Lay (Jacksonville, FL)
Application Number: 10/831,645