Decorative frame

Abstract

A decorative frame having a triangular section and one or more trapezoidal sections is disclosed. The sections are connected by hinges and can be folded at the hinges to enable easy installation, storage and transportation of the frame. The frame may also be decorated using ornaments, lights and/or garlands.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a decorative frame, and more specifically to a foldable and portable Christmas tree apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During the Christmas holiday season, millions of Americans adorn their homes with Christmas trees, both real and artificial. In doing so, they spend countless hours unloading, setting and decorating their Christmas trees. Further, once the season is over, much time again is spent disassembling and storing the trees. These trees have their problems. In certain instances, the size of the Christmas trees may not fit a desired space. In addition, time is spent disassembling and cleaning up after the tree. As such, there is a need for a foldable and portable Christmas tree apparatus that could be easily assembled and easily decorated.

The decorative frame, in an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, is designed to save time and energy during the hectic holiday season. Installation of the frame only takes seconds and it may be conveniently stored. Use of the decorative frame eliminates the hassle of storing and transporting big bulky boxes (for real or synthetic trees). The contemplated decorative frame also eliminates the need for cleanup normally associated with a real tree.

The decorative frame easily assembles by unfolding and hanging it on a wall hook, nail or tack. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the decorative frame may be hung using a hook attached to the frame's apex. The decorative frame quickly folds for easy storage. In short it is a folding, hanging pre-lit Christmas tree. The decorative frame, in an aspect, may be welded to the shape and size of a Christmas tree. Ornaments, garlands and lights may be securely wrapped around the decorative frame to give the visual illusion of a traditional Christmas tree. The hinges allow the tree to be folded into halves and thirds for easy storage.

The decorative frame can be installed and removed in a fraction of the time it takes to use a traditional live tree or even a pre-lit synthetic tree. Instillation will take less than 5 minutes and the customer can start decorating right away. Users will no longer have the hassle of cleaning up pine needles or watering the tree. The decorative frame can be customized to fit the customers style. This product differs from other Christmas trees in the following ways: the tree will take up less space by hanging on a wall instead of taking up 4 to 5 feet in one' home. In addition, the frame's installation is quick, easy and can be easier stored, this is a cost-effective item, it can be reused and decorated over and over. The front and back of the frame are identical and can be decorated on either side. The frame also can be hung from the ceiling to give a more traditional feel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention contemplates a decorative frame which may include a triangular section having a base, a first trapezoidal section, having left, right, top and base sides, where the first trapezoidal section may be connected with the triangular section using one or more hinges. The frame may also include a second trapezoidal section, having left, right, top and base sides, where the second trapezoidal section may be connected to the first trapezoidal section using one or more hinges. The triangular and both trapezoidal sections of the frame may also include crossbars connecting opposite sides of each section and parallel to the hinge(s).

In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the decorative frame may include a handle attached to a crossbar of the second trapezoidal section.

In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the triangular section may include a hook at its apex. The hook may be used to install the frame on a wall or for hanging the frame from the ceiling or other position.

In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the crossbars may include attachment grooves for attaching any one or more of: ornaments, garlands, lights.

In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the first trapezoidal section may be smaller in area than the second trapezoidal section.

In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the triangular section's base may be equal in length with the first trapezoidal section's top side. In this aspect, the first trapezoidal section's base may be equal in length with the top side of the second trapezoidal section. As such, when all of the sections are unfolded, they together form a triangular shape.

In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the hinges enable the frame to be folded into thirds.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention contemplates a decorative frame which may include a triangular section having a base, and a trapezoidal section, having left, right, top and base sides. The trapezoidal section may be connected with the triangular section using one or more hinges. The triangular and trapezoidal sections may also include crossbars which connect opposing sides of each section and are parallel to the hinge(s).

In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the decorative frame may include a handle attached to a crossbar of the trapezoidal section.

In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the triangular section may include a hook at its apex. The hook may be used to position or install the frame on a wall or to hang it from a ceiling.

In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the crossbars may include attachment grooves for attaching any one or more of: ornaments, garlands, lights.

In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the triangular section's base may be equal in length with the trapezoidal section's top side. As such, when unfolded, both sections together form a triangular shape.

In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the hinges enable the frame to be folded in half.

Additional aspects, objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the claims and drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a decorative frame having triangular and trapezoidal sections according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a decorative frame having a triangular section and two trapezoidal sections according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an installed and decorated decorative frame according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a decorative frame bent at its hinges according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1 a decorative frame 100 having triangular (102) and trapezoidal (108) sections is shown according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. Decorative frame 100 includes triangular section 102 which has apex 102A and base 102B. Triangular section 102 is connected to trapezoidal section 108 by way of hinges 106 which connects base 102B with top section 108A of trapezoidal section 108.

Connecting opposite sides of triangular section 102 and trapezoidal section 108 are a plurality of crossbars 110. Crossbars 110, in an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention may include grooves which could be used to install ornaments, garlands, lights etc.

Attached to a crossbar 110 of trapezoidal section 108 is handle 112 which is used to transport or move decorative frame 100 once triangular section 102 has been folded over at hinges 106.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a decorative frame 200 having a triangular section 202 and two trapezoidal sections 210, 216 is shown according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. Decorative frame 200 includes triangular section 202. Triangular section 202 includes apex 208 which, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, may include a hook for installing decorative frame 200. Triangular section 202 also includes base 204 of triangular section 202. Base 204 connects with top (212) of first trapezoidal section 210 by way of hinges 206. First trapezoidal section 210 also includes a base 214.

Base 214 of first trapezoidal section 210 is connected with top side 218 of second trapezoidal section 216 by way of hinges 220. Across triangular section 202 and trapezoidal sections 210 and 216 are crossbars 222. Crossbars 222, in an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention may include grooves which could be used to install ornaments, garlands, lights etc. Attached to one of crossbars 222 of second trapezoidal section 216 is handle 224 for transporting decorative frame 200.

Triangular section 202, first trapezoidal section 210 and second trapezoidal section 216 may be folded with triangular section 202 being folded to first trapezoidal section 210 and the, along with first trapezoidal section 216 folded onto second trapezoidal section 216. A user may then transport decorative frame 200 by carrying it using handle 224.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of an installed and decorated decorative frame 300 is shown according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. Here decorative frame 300 is shown decorated with garlands 302, ornaments 304. Decorative frame 300 also includes hook 306 (not shown). Hook 306 enables decorative frame 300 to be easily hung on a wall or installed in another way.

Referring now to FIG. 4 a perspective view of a decorative frame 400 bent at its hinges 406 is shown according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. Decorative frame 400, having triangular section 402 is shown with triangular section 402 folded over trapezoidal section 404 by way of hinges 406. Decorative frame 400 may also include crossbars 408. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, frame 400 may be decorated with lights 410 and garlands 412. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, lights 410 and garlands 412 may be installed on decorative frame 400 using grooves on crossbars 408 or grooves on the sides of decorative frame 400.

It should be noted that the decorative frame, in aspects of embodiments of the present invention, may be made of different metals or materials, including, without limitation, steel, aluminum, wood, metal alloys etc.

Although this present invention has been disclosed with reference to specific forms and embodiments, it will be evident that a great number of variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, steps may be reversed, equivalent elements may be substituted for those specifically disclosed and certain features of the present invention may be used independently of other features—all without departing from the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A decorative frame, comprising:

a triangular section having a base;

a first trapezoidal section, comprising of left, right, top and base sides, wherein said first trapezoidal section is connected with the triangular section by way of at least one hinge; and

a second trapezoidal section, comprising of left, right, top and base sides, wherein said second trapezoidal section is connected to the first trapezoidal section by way of at least one hinge, wherein triangular and both trapezoidal sections comprise of crossbars parallel to each of the at least one hinge.

2. The decorative frame of claim 1, further comprising of a handle attached to a crossbar of the second trapezoidal section.

3. The decorative frame of claim 1, wherein the triangular section comprises of a hook at its apex.

4. The decorative frame of claim 1, wherein the crossbars comprise of attachments grooves for attaching any one or more of: ornaments, garlands, lights.

5. The decorative frame of claim 1, wherein the first trapezoidal section is smaller in area than the second trapezoidal section.

6. The decorative frame of claim 1, wherein the area of the sections unfolded, together form a triangular shape.

7. The decorative frame of claim 1, wherein the triangular section's base is equal in length with the first trapezoidal section's top side and wherein the first trapezoidal section's base is equal in length with the top side of the second trapezoidal section.

8. The decorative frame of claim 1, wherein the hinges enable the frame to be folded into thirds.

9. A decorative frame, comprising:

a triangular section having a base; and

a trapezoidal section, comprising of left, right, top and base sides, wherein said trapezoidal section is connected with the triangular section by way of at least one hinge, wherein said triangular and trapezoidal sections comprise of crossbars parallel to the at least one hinge.

10. The decorative frame of claim 9, further comprising of a handle attached to a crossbar of the trapezoidal section.

11. The decorative frame of claim 9, wherein the triangular section comprises of a hook at its apex.

12. The decorative frame of claim 9, wherein the crossbars comprise of attachments grooves for attaching any one or more of: ornaments, garlands, lights.

13. The decorative frame of claim 9, wherein the area of the sections unfolded, together form a triangular shape.

14. The decorative frame of claim 9, wherein the triangular section's base is equal in length with the trapezoidal section's top side.

15. The decorative frame of claim 9, wherein the hinges enable the frame to be folded in half.