JEWELRY TREE

Abstract

A jewelry tree comprising a base having a concave top surface, a tube having a first tube end, a second tube end, and at least two branches extending therefrom, and a rod having a first rod end, a second rod end, and at least two branches extending therefrom, where the first tube end is adapted to be secured to the base, the tube is arranged to extend upwardly from the base, the rod is adapted to slidably and telescopingly engage the tube, the rod is rotatable within the tube, and each branch is adapted to hold at least one item above the base.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly relates to jewelry holders and, more particularly, to a jewelry tree.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jewelry trees are well known devices or articles of manufacture, which provide a user with an aesthetically pleasing means for holding and displaying jewelry having long chains, straps, and/or strings, as jewelry of this type tends to become entangled if held in containers, such as jewelry boxes. Generally, a jewelry tree comprises a base, a “trunk” or “stem” extending upwardly from the base, and a plurality of “branches” or members extending outwardly from the trunk, where the branches are operatively arranged to hold separate and display a plurality of items.

One problem with prior jewelry tree designs is that the trunk tends to be in a fixed arrangement, which limits how a user may arrange items thereon. For example, with the trunk in a fixed position, a user may not be able to hang a particular item, such as a long necklace, on some of the branches as it may become entangled on nearby lower branches or with nearby hanging jewelry. Additionally, since the trunk is fixed, another problem with this type of prior jewelry tree is that the particular branching pattern of the jewelry is fixed, which again limits how the user may arrange items thereon.

Another problem with prior jewelry trees is that they are only designed to hold long jewelry, such as necklaces, thus necessitating a separate device for holding other types of jewelry, such as rings and earrings. Yet another problem with prior jewelry trees is that the branches tend to be linear, such that jewelry like a necklace, bracelet, watch, etc., can easily slide off the branch from which it is hung.

Thus, there is a long-felt need for a jewelry tree having a telescoping and rotatable trunk, which may be arranged according to its user's needs and wishes. There is also a long-felt need for a jewelry tree having a customizable branching pattern. There is also a long-felt need for a jewelry tree having a means for holding various types of jewelry, such as necklaces, watches, rings, earrings, etc. There is a further long-felt need for a jewelry tree having curved branches to hold jewelry that might otherwise slide off a linear branch.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises a jewelry tree having a base, a tube, a rod and a plurality of branches. The base has a concave top surface. The tube includes a first tube end, a second tube end, and at least two branches extending therefrom. The rod includes a first rod end, a second rod end, and at least two branches extending therefrom. The first tube end is adapted to be secured to the base and the tube is arranged to extend upwardly from the base. The rod is adapted to slidably and telescopingly engage the tube and the rod is rotatable within the tube. Each branch is adapted to hold at least one item above the base.

In a preferred embodiment, the tube further comprises a keyhole and a key setscrew. The key setscrew comprises a threaded end and a looped end. The threaded end of the key setscrew threadably engages the keyhole and is operatively arranged to hold the rod in a set position. The looped end of the key setscrew includes two open key loops where the two key loops are disposed on opposite sides of the key rod. The tube and the rod include a plurality of branches extending therefrom and each branch is substantially parallel to the base. Additionally, each branch extends radially outwardly from the rod or the tube and includes a first open loop and a second open loop. Each branch curves outwardly and upwardly to form a first open loop. The second open loop is disposed approximately halfway between the rod or the tube and the corresponding first open loop. Furthermore, preferably the rod includes four branches and the tube includes four branches. The branches extend radially outwardly from the rod or the tube and each branch is substantially equally spaced apart approximately 90 degrees from the adjacent branches.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a jewelry tree having a telescoping and rotatable rod, which may be arranged according to its user's needs and wishes.

It is also a general object of the present invention to provide a jewelry tree having a modifiable branching pattern.

It is also a general object of the present invention to provide a jewelry tree having a means for holding various types of jewelry, such as necklaces, watches, rings, earrings, etc.

It is also a general object of the present invention to provide a jewelry tree having curved branches to hold jewelry that might otherwise slide off a linear branch.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention jewelry tree having a base, a rod, a tube, and a plurality of branches, shown with items held on two of its branches and on a top surface of the base;

FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the present invention taken generally along line 4-4 of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a left elevational view of the present invention, showing a first rotated position where the branches on the rod and the branches on the tube are in a vertically aligned arrangement;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the rod taken generally along line 7A-7A of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the tube taken generally along line 7B-7B of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the present invention, showing the first rotated position;

FIG. 9 is a left elevational view of the present invention, showing a second rotated position where the branches on the rod and the branches on the tube are in a staggered arrangement;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the rod taken generally along line 10A-10A of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the tube taken generally along line 10B-10B of FIG. 9; and,

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the present invention, showing the second rotated position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and, as such, may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly”, “very nearly”, “about”, “approximately”, “around”, “bordering on”, “close to”, “essentially”, “in the neighborhood of”, “in the vicinity of”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Adverting now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention jewelry tree, hereinafter referred to as jewelry tree 10. Generally, jewelry tree 10 comprises base 11, tube 14, rod 15, and plurality of branches 17.

Base 11 of jewelry tree 10 includes concave top surface 12 and bottom surface 13. Bottom surface 13 is adapted to rest upon a horizontal surface, such as a table, shelf, etc. In the embodiment shown in the figures, base 11 comprises a saucer having concave top surface 12. It is preferable for the base to have a concave top surface so that if any jewelry falls off the jewelry tree, it will be caught within the concavity of the top surface. Additionally, such a concave surface is generally useful for holding small items of jewelry, such as ring 93 and earrings 94. It should be appreciated that “in a preferred embodiment,” base 11 is substantially circular in shape. However, it should be appreciated that base 11 can be a variety of suitable shapes and dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, first tube end 25 is integral with and substantially perpendicular to concave top surface 12. Tube 14 is substantially vertically disposed and centrally arranged atop the center of concave top surface 12.

Tube 14 includes first tube end 25 arranged opposite second tube end 26. First tube end 25 is adapted to be fixedly secured to concave top surface 12, and tube 14 is arranged to extend upwardly from base 11 when first tube end 25 is fixedly secured to concave top surface 12. The jewelry tree may include a means for securing the tube to the base. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, jewelry tree 10 includes screw 23, which is arranged to fixedly secure first tube end 25 to base 11. Rod 15 includes first rod end 28 (shown in FIG. 4), second rod end 29, and closed top loop 21. First rod end 28 is inserted into second tube end 26 such that rod 15 is concealed within tube 14 when rod 15 is fully retracted. Rod 15 extends vertically in a telescoping manner from within tube 14 and is held in a set position by key setscrew 19.

Jewelry tree 10 includes at least one but, preferably, plurality of branches 17 extending from tube 14 and rod 15. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, tube 14 includes at least two but, preferably, four branches 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. Branches 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d extend substantially perpendicular to and radially outwardly from second tube end 26 of tube 14. Rod 15 includes at least two, but preferably, four branches 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d. Branches 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d extend substantially perpendicular to and radially outwardly from second rod end 29 of rod 15.

It should be appreciated that the branches shown in the figures are merely exemplary embodiments of the plurality of branches of the present invention, which may, in alternative embodiments, include different numbers of branches and having different shapes and sizes, and may also include different branching patterns. For example, each of the aforementioned branches may include any number of secondary branches extending therefrom. However, as shown in the figures, all branches, which are intended to hold items such as jewelry, should be curved upwardly, so that such items hung thereon will not tend to slide off the ends of the branches. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, each branch is preferably adapted to hold items, such as watch 91 and necklace 92 above base 11, in particular, above concave top surface 12 for the reasons cited above.

FIG. 2 is a left elevational side view of jewelry tree 10, depicting branches 16a and 16b extending outwardly from tube 14 and branches 18a and 18b extending outwardly from rod 15. In FIG. 2, rod 15 is shown slightly extended vertically upwardly from within tube 14 such that branches 18a and 18b are positioned slightly above branches 16a and 16b. Additionally, branch 16a is aligned with branch 18a and branch 16b is aligned with branch 18b.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of jewelry tree 10, showing the branches extending from tube 14 aligned with the branches extending from rod 15. In particular, branch 16a is aligned with branch 18a, branch 16b is aligned with branch 18b, branch 16c is aligned with branch 18c, and branch 16d is aligned with branch 18d. In a preferred embodiment, the branches extending from the tube are slightly longer than the branches extending from the rod. Such that from the top plan view when the branches are aligned the outer edge of branches 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d extending from tube 14 are visible below branches 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d extending from rod 15. FIG. 3B is a bottom plan view of jewelry tree 10. In a preferred embodiment, bottom surface 13 is made of a non-slip material, such as a foam material, so that jewelry tree 10 does not slide when placed atop a surface. However, it should be appreciated that bottom surface 13 can be made of any suitable material.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of jewelry tree 10 taken generally along line 4-4 of FIG. 3A. In a preferred embodiment, the tube and the rod are substantially cylindrical in shape and the tube is slightly larger in diameter than the rod so that the rod can retract almost completely within the tube such that only the branches extending from the rod are visible. However, it should be appreciated that the tube and the rod can be a variety of suitable shapes and dimensions. As shown in FIG. 4, rod 15 is partially extended. Key setscrew 19 comprises key rod 36, which comprises threaded end 35. Threaded end 35 of key rod 36 is inserted into keyhole 24 and engages rod 15. As key setscrew 19 is turned clockwise, it extends further into keyhole 24 and exerts pressure upon rod 15 allowing rod 15 to remain in a set position. As key setscrew 19 is turned counterclockwise, it recedes outwardly from keyhole 24 and allows rod 15 to extend and retract within tube 14. First tube end 25 is fixedly secured to concave top surface 12. In a preferred embodiment, screw 23 is housed with base 11. Screw 23 is affixed to bottom surface 13 and extends vertically therefrom. Screw 23 further extends vertically through first tube end 25 and fixedly secures tube 14 to base 11.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of jewelry tree 10. In a preferred embodiment, each branch of plurality of branches 17 extends radially outwardly and slightly downwardly from tube 14 or rod 15 and then curves upwardly to form a first open loop. For example, branch 16a extends outwardly and slightly downwardly from second tube end 26 of tube 14 and then curves upwardly to form first open loop 31a. Branch 16b extends outwardly and slightly downwardly from second tube end 26 of tube 14 and then curves upwardly to form first open loop 31c. Branch 16c extends outwardly and slightly downwardly from second tube end 26 of tube 14 and then curves upwardly to form first open loop 31e. Branch 16d extends outwardly and slightly downwardly from second tube end 26 of tube 14 and then curves upwardly to form first open loop 31g. Branch 18a extends outwardly and slightly downwardly from second rod end 29 of rod 15 and then curves upwardly to form first open loop 32a. Branch 18b extends outwardly and slightly downwardly from second rod end 29 of rod 15 and then curves upwardly to form first open loop 32c. Branch 18c extends outwardly and slightly downwardly from second rod end 29 of rod 15 and then curves upwardly to form first open loop 32e. Branch 18d extends outwardly and slightly downwardly from second rod end 29 of rod 15 and then curves upwardly to form first open loop 32g.

Additionally, each branch of plurality of branches 17 comprises a second open loop approximately halfway between tube 14 or rod 15 and the first open loop. For example, approximately halfway between tube 14 and first open loop 31a, branch 16a curves upwardly to form second open loop 31b. Approximately halfway between tube 14 and first open loop 31c, branch 16b curves upwardly to form second open loop 31d. Approximately halfway between tube 14 and first open loop 31e, branch 16c curves upwardly to form second open loop 31f. Approximately halfway between tube 14 and first open loop 31g, branch 16d curves upwardly to form second open loop 31h. Approximately halfway between rod 15 and first open loop 32a, branch 18a curves upwardly to form second open loop 32b. Approximately halfway between rod 15 and first open loop 32c, branch 18b curves upwardly to form second open loop 32d. Approximately halfway between rod 15 and first open loop 32e, branch 18c curves upwardly to form second open loop 32f. Approximately halfway between rod 15 and first open loop 32g, branch 18d curves upwardly to form second open loop 32h.

These open loops not only add aesthetic appeal but are functional as well. The open loops prevent items, such as jewelry, that are hung thereon from sliding off the ends of the branches. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, key setscrew 19 comprises key rod 36, which further comprises threaded end 35 opposite a looped end having two open key loops 33 and 34. The two open key loops provide both aesthetic appeal, as they are similar in shape to the first and second open loops, as well as function, since they make the key setscrew easy to grasp and turn. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, second rod end 29 curves around to form a closed top loop 21. Similar to the open loops, the closed top loop is aesthetically appealing, as it adds a top curvature to coordinate with the open loops, and it is functional since items can be hung therefrom.

In a preferred embodiment, tube 14 has height H1 and rod 15 has height H2, and heights H1 and H2 are substantially equal. In a preferred embodiment, tube 14 has a height H1 of approximately 27.5 centimeters and rod 15 has a height H2 of approximately 27.75 centimeters. The rod and tube being substantially equal in height allows the rod to nest almost completely within the tube while providing the maximum total height possible when the rod is completely extended. Moreover, it is preferable that the branches are arranged above the base at a vertical distance sufficient to allow long items, such as necklaces, to hang from the branches without collecting and becoming entangled on the top surface of the base.

FIG. 6 is a left elevational view of jewelry tree 10, showing a first rotated position where the branches on the rod and the branches on the tube are in an aligned arrangement. Rod 15 is preferably arranged to rotate three hundred sixty degrees (360°) while nested within tube 14. Since the rod both rotates 360° and vertically extends and retracts, the positions the rod can be affixed in and the branching patterns formed therefrom are virtually unlimited. However, the branches are preferably arranged such that they do not impede the rotation of the rod.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the rod and the branches extending therefrom taken generally along line 7A-7A of FIG. 6. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the tube and the branches extending therefrom taken generally along line 7B-7B of FIG. 6. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate that preferably all the branches are substantially similar in size and shape and equally spaced apart about the rod and the tube.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of jewelry tree 10, showing the first rotated position where the branches on the rod and the branches on the tube are vertically aligned. Angle θ is the angle between adjacent branches on both the tube and the rod. In a preferred embodiment, tube 14 has four branches 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d extending outwardly therefrom and rod 15 has four branches 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d extending outwardly therefrom. In the first rotated position of a preferred embodiment, the four branches on both the rod and the tube are substantially equally spaced apart and symmetrically arranged about the axis, therefore, angle θ is approximately 90 degrees. Additionally, the angle between each branch extending from the rod and the adjacent branch extending from the tube and vice versa is also approximately 90 degrees. For example, the angles between branch 16a and branch 16b as well as branch 16a and branch 18b are approximately 90 degrees. The angles between branch 16b and branch 16c as well as branch 16b and branch 18c are approximately 90 degrees. The angles between branch 16c and branch 16d as well as branch 16c and branch 18d are approximately 90 degrees. The angles between branch 16d and branch 16a as well as branch 16d and branch 18a are approximately 90 degrees. It should be appreciated that other arrangements and branch configurations are possible. The number of branches on the tube and the rod as well as the angle separating adjacent branches can vary. For example, the rod may have three branches extending outwardly therefrom and symmetrically arranged about the axis, therefore, the angle separating each adjacent branch is approximately 120 degrees. However, in another arrangement a first branch and a second branch may be 60 degrees apart while a second branch and a third branch are 180 degrees apart. Additionally, the rod may have three branches extending outwardly therefrom while the tube has two branches extending outwardly therefrom. Therefore, it should be appreciated that since the number of branches can vary and the angle separating adjacent branches can vary, numerous branching patterns and configurations are possible.

FIG. 9 is a left elevational view of jewelry tree 10 similar to FIG. 6, showing the branches on the rod and the branches on the tube, except illustrating a second rotated position with a staggered branch arrangement. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the rod and the branches extending therefrom taken generally along line 10A-10A of FIG. 9. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the tube and the branches extending therefrom taken generally along line 10B-10B of FIG. 9. Similar to FIGS. 7A and 7B, FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate that preferably all the branches are substantially similar in size and shape and equally spaced apart about the rod and the tube.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the present invention, showing the second rotated position where the branches on the rod and the branches on the tube are staggered. In a preferred embodiment, in the second rotated position, the four branches on both the rod and the tube are substantially equally spaced apart, therefore, angle θ is approximately 90 degrees. However, in the second rotated position, angle σ, the angle between each branch extending from the rod and the adjacent branch extending from the tube and vice versa is approximately 45 degrees. For example, the angle between branch 16a and branch 16b is approximately 90 degrees but the angle between branch 16a and branch 18b is approximately 45 degrees. The angle between branch 16b and branch 16c is approximately 90 degrees but the angle between branch 16b and branch 18c is approximately 45 degrees. The angle between branch 16c and branch 16d is approximately 90 degrees but the angle between branch 16c and branch 18d is approximately 45 degrees. The angle between branch 16d and branch 16a is approximately 90 degrees but the angle between branch 16d and branch 18a is approximately 45 degrees. The branches are spread out such that each is arranged to hold at least one item above base 11.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention jewelry tree is made of metal. However, it should be appreciated that the jewelry tree may be made of a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, wood, etc. It should also be appreciated that the branches may be arranged in a variety of shapes, colors, and branching patterns without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A jewelry tree comprising:

a base having a concave top surface;

a tube having a first tube end, a second tube end, and at least two branches extending therefrom; and,

a rod having a first rod end, a second rod end, and at least two branches extending therefrom, wherein said first tube end is adapted to be secured to said base, said tube is arranged to extend upwardly from said base, said rod is adapted to slidably and telescopingly engage said tube, such that the height of the jewelry tree is adjustable, said rod is rotatable within said tube, and each branch is adapted to hold at least one item above said base.

2. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1, wherein said tube further comprises a keyhole and a key setscrew, wherein said key setscrew passes through said keyhole and is operatively arranged to hold said rod in a set position.

3. The jewelry tree recited in claim 2, wherein said key setscrew is threadably secured to said keyhole.

4. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1, wherein said key setscrew comprises a key rod, a threaded end and a looped end, wherein said looped end comprises at least one open key loop.

5. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1, wherein said tube and said rod are cylindrical.

6. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1, wherein said tube and said rod include a plurality of branches extending therefrom, wherein each branch of the plurality of branches is adapted to hold at least one item above said base.

7. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6, wherein each branch of said plurality of branches is substantially parallel to said base.

8. The jewelry tree recited in claim 7, wherein each branch of said plurality of branches curves outwardly and upwardly to form a first open loop.

9. The jewelry tree recited in claim 8, wherein each branch of said plurality of branches further comprises a second open loop.

10. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1, wherein said second rod end curves to form a closed top loop.

11. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6, wherein each branch of said plurality of branches extends radially outwardly from said rod or said tube.

12. The jewelry tree of claim 11, wherein said rod comprises four branches and said tube comprises four branches.

13. The jewelry tree of claim 12, wherein said branches are equally spaced apart at angle, θ.

14. The jewelry tree of claim 13, wherein said angle, θ, is approximately 90 degrees.

15. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1, wherein said tube has a height, H1, and said rod has a height, H2, and H1 and H2 are equal.

16. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1, wherein said rod and said tube are substantially perpendicular to said base.

17. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1, wherein said jewelry tree is made of metal.

18. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1, wherein said jewelry tree is made of plastic.

19. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1, wherein said jewelry tree is made of wood.