APEX DECORATION STABILIZING MOUNT FOR A DECORATIVE TREE

Abstract

An apex decoration support device including an apex decoration mount is provided and described. The apex decoration mount includes a central shaft and a frustoconical shell coupled to one end of the central shaft at an attachment end of the central shaft, the frustoconical shell extending from the attachment end lengthwise along the central shaft. The apex decoration mount further includes a a carriage coupled to and configured to move linearly along the central shaft such that linear movement of the carriage along the central shaft toward the attachment end rotates the frustoconical shell around the attachment end away from the away from the central shaft.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/283,991, filed Nov. 29, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

There are many occasions where decorative items are hung on decorative structures such as trees, bushes, poles, posts, and the like. Decorative items can vary depending on the preferences of a user, a holiday or holiday season, and the like. It is often tradition to place a decorative item on the top of a real or artificial tree, such as a holiday tree, or a Christmas tree.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an apex decoration support coupled to a decorative tree in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 2A is side view of an apex decoration support in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a top-down view of a section of an apex decoration support in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a side view of an apex decoration support in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a side view of an apex decoration support in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3C is a side view of an adjustment coupling of an apex decoration support in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3D is a side view of an adjustment coupling of an apex decoration support in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an apex decoration support in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 5C is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a side view of an apex decoration support in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a side view of an apex decoration support in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 12A is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 12B is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 13A is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment; and

FIG. 13B is a side view of an apex decoration mount in accordance with an example embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purpose of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details can be made and are considered included herein. Accordingly, the following embodiments are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, any claims set forth. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarity in illustrating steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of layouts, distances, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that such detailed embodiments do not limit the overall concepts articulated herein but are merely representative thereof. One skilled in the relevant art will also recognize that the technology can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, compounds, ingredients, etc. In other instances, well-known materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

In this application, “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing” and “having” and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law and can mean “includes,” “including,” and the like, and are generally interpreted to be open ended terms. The terms “consisting of” or “consists of” are closed terms, and include only the components, structures, steps, or the like specifically listed in conjunction with such terms, as well as that which is in accordance with U.S. Patent law. “Consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” have the meaning generally ascribed to them by U.S. Patent law. In particular, such terms are generally closed terms, with the exception of allowing inclusion of additional items, materials, components, steps, or elements, that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics or function of the item(s) used in connection therewith. For example, trace elements present in a composition, but not affecting the compositions nature or characteristics would be permissible if present under the “consisting essentially of” language, even though not expressly recited in a list of items following such terminology. When using an open-ended term in this written description, like “comprising” or “including,” it is understood that direct support should be afforded also to “consisting essentially of” language as well as “consisting of” language as if stated explicitly and vice versa.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a composition that is “substantially free of” particles would either completely lack particles, or so nearly completely lack particles that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, a composition that is “substantially free of” an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a given term, metric, value, range endpoint, or the like. The degree of flexibility for a particular variable can be readily determined by one skilled in the art. However, unless otherwise expressed, the term “about” generally provides flexibility of less than 0.01%. It is to be understood that, even when the term “about” is used in the present specification in connection with a specific numerical value, support for the exact numerical value recited apart from the “about” terminology is also provided.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 1.5, 2, 2.3, 3, 3.8, 4, 4.6, 5, and 5.1 individually. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

Reference throughout this specification to “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of phrases including “an example” or “an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example or embodiment.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of the stated steps may possibly be omitted and/or certain other steps not described herein may possibly be added to the method.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

As used herein, comparative terms such as “increased,” “decreased,” “better,” “worse,” “higher,” “lower,” “enhanced,” and the like refer to a property of a device, component, or activity that is measurably different from other devices, components, or activities in a surrounding or adjacent area, in a single device or in multiple comparable devices, in a group or class, in multiple groups or classes, or as compared to the known state of the art.

An initial overview of embodiments is provided below, and specific embodiments are then described in further detail. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the disclosure more quickly and is not intended to identify key or essential technological features, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Many traditions involve hanging decorative items on outdoor and indoor structures environments. While decorative items may be hung on any type of structure, in some cases such a structure can include a natural or artificial tree, such as, for example, a Christmas tree. Often a decorative item is placed at the apex of a tree, such as a star, angel, or other ornamental item. Given the physical nature of the apex of a tree (e.g., apical thickness, minimal support, high flexibility, etc.), such “apex decorations” can be challenging to place, both in terms of stability during the initial positioning and stability over time. Traditional apex decorations generally include a hollow bottom portion that sits on the apex of a tree. Due to the nature of tree growth (and artificial trees designed to mimic such growth), the trunk of the tree has a substantially larger cross section at the bottom compared to the relatively small cross section near the top of the tree (i.e., the apex). The positioning of an apex decoration can be unstable as a result of the thin cross section near the apex of the tree, due to lateral tipping or “wobble” of the apex decoration and/or lateral bending of the tree.

In many cases, a portion of the apex of the tree may need to be cut away to improve the stability of the apex decoration, which can decrease the aesthetics of the tree. Furthermore, in addition to the stability of this thin portion of the tree at the apex, positional stability of the apex decoration can be problematic. In many cases it can be challenging to maintain the apex decoration aligned with the trunk axis. This is due to the small diameter of the apex of the tree inserted into the hollow portion of the apex decoration that generally has a much larger opening compared to the diameter of the apex of the tree. This disparity between the small diameter of the apex of the tree and the larger diameter of the opening of the hollow space can allow the apex decoration to shift laterally following the initial positioning.

The present disclosure overcomes at least these issues and provides an apex decoration support device for stably positioning an apex decoration on the apex of a natural or artificial tree, where the apex decoration is maintained in a stable position that minimizes readjustments. The apex decoration support includes a tree coupling and an apex decoration mount to stabilize the apex decoration. The apex decoration mount can be adjusted to reduce the disparity between the small diameter of the apex of the tree and the larger underside of an apex decoration. In some examples, the apex decoration support can be fixed to the apex of a tree and can be positioned or repositioned to approximate a vertical orientation.

FIG. 1 shows one example of an apex decoration support 100 coupled to a decorative tree 102 and receiving an apex decoration 104. The apex decoration support 100 has sufficient axial stiffness to support the apex decoration 104 in a substantially vertical position with minimal to no lateral bending (see dashed arrows, FIG. 1) when coupled to the decorative tree 102. The axial stiffness is additionally sufficient to maintain the apex decoration 104 in the substantially vertical position for an extended period of time, such as for a day, days, weeks, or months with little to no repositioning.

FIG. 2A shows one example of an apex decoration support 200 having an apex decoration mount 206 coupled to a tree coupling 208. The apex decoration mount 206 can be removably or nonremovably coupled to the tree coupling 208. In removably coupled examples, the apex decoration mount 206 can be coupled to the tree coupling 208 at an attachment point 210 located therebetween. The attachment point 210 can include any type of removable attachment device capable of securing the apex decoration mount 206 to the tree coupling 208 with sufficient strength and stiffness to maintain the apex decoration 104 stabily at the apex of the decorative tree 102. In one example, the removable attachment device is a threaded connection, whereby the tree coupling 208 is threaded on an outside surface at one end to screw into a matching threaded socket at one end of the apex decoration mount 206 or the apex decoration mount 206 is threaded on an outside surface at one end and configured to screw into a matching threaded socket at one end of the tree coupling 208. In yet another example of a threaded connection, the tree coupling 208 and the apex decoration mount 206 are each threaded on an outside surface at one end and configured to screw into opposite ends of a threaded coupling (not shown). In a further example, the apex decoration mount 206 and the tree coupling 208 each include a threaded socket at one end configured to receive opposite ends of a threaded rod or threaded tube (not shown). In a further example, one of the apex decoration mount 206 or the tree coupling 208 is threaded an outside surface and configured to screw into a threaded coupling, while the other of the apex decoration mount 206 or the tree coupling 208 includes a threaded socket configured to receive a threaded outside surface of the threaded coupling.

In another example, the removable attachment is a threadless connection, where the tree coupling 208 is shaped at one end to fit inside of a threadless socket at one end of the apex decoration mount 206 or the apex decoration mount 206 is shaped at one end to fit inside of a threadless socket at one end of the tree coupling 208. In yet another example of a threadless connection, the tree coupling 208 and the apex decoration mount 206 are each shaped at one end to fit inside of opposite ends of a threadless coupling (not shown). In a further example, the apex decoration mount 206 and the tree coupling 208 each include a threadless socket at one end configured to receive opposite ends of a rod or tube (not shown). In a further example, one of the apex decoration mount 206 or the tree coupling 208 is shaped at one end to fit inside of a threadless coupling, while the other of the apex decoration mount 206 or the tree coupling 208 includes a threadless socket shaped to receive a complimentarily configured end of threadless coupling.

In a yet another example, the removable attachment is a butt joint between the apex decoration mount 206 and the tree coupling 208 secured together by a clasp, binding, or the like (not shown). While the above examples have been described such that the apex decoration mount 206 and the tree coupling 208 are aligned along a common axis, in some examples the apex decoration mount 206 and the tree coupling 208 include removable (or nonremovable) attachments that secure the apex decoration mount 206 and the tree coupling 208 together axially offset from one another (not shown).

In some cases, the attachment connection between the apex decoration mount 206 and the tree coupling 208 is a nonremovable attachment. In one example, the tree coupling 208 is a continuous extension of the apex decoration mount 206, which includes a continuous extension of the same material or a continuous extension of different materials that have been nonremovably attached. In another example, the apex decoration mount 206 and the tree coupling 208 are welded, soldered, or glued together as, for example, a butt joint, a socket joint, a coupling joint, or the like. It is additionally contemplated that, in some examples, the apex decoration mount 206 and the tree coupling 208 are coupled together by a hinge or other bendable or foldable device. Such would allow the apex decoration mount 206 and the tree coupling 208 to be collapsed for storage while keeping the two conveniently coupled together.

The apex decoration support 200 has sufficient axial strength and stiffness to minimize or eliminate undesirable lateral bending that requires repositioning the apex decoration 204. In addition, the strength and/or stability of the attachment between the tree coupling 208 and the decorative tree 202 can additionally contribute to minimizing or eliminating undesirable lateral bending and/or repositioning of the apex decoration 204. As such, the tree coupling 208 is structurally configured in a manner to facilitate such stability. In one example, FIG. 2A shows a tree coupling 208 having a helical structure at one end sized and shaped to twist around an upper portion 212 of the decorative tree 102 from the apex of the decorative tree downward. FIG. 2B shows a top-down view of a tree coupling 208. As is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, one example of the tree coupling 208 spirals downward in a clockwise direction. It is noted, however, that in other examples, the tree coupling 208 is structurally configured to spiral downward in a counterclockwise direction (not shown).

In some cases, as is shown in FIGS. 3A-D, the attachment connection between an apex decoration mount 306 and a tree coupling 308 is an adjustable attachment connection that allows vertical adjustment of the apex decoration mount 306 relative to the tree coupling 308. FIG. 3A shows a nonlimiting example of an adjustable attachment connection comprising an adjustment coupling 314 coupled between the apex decoration mount 306 the tree coupling 308. In one example, the adjustment coupling 314 is coupled to the tree coupling 308 via a threaded or non-threaded connection. While the adjustable attachment connection can be according to a variety of mechanisms or techniques, FIGS. 3A and 3B show the apex decoration mount 306 coupled to the adjustment coupling 314 by a ball and socket connection 316. In one specific example, the apex decoration mount 306 includes a rounded or spherical end that fits into a complementary socket of adjustment coupling 314. It is additionally contemplated that the adjustment coupling 314 can include a rounded or spherical end configured to couple to a complementary socket at the end of the apex decoration mount 306 (not shown).

FIG. 3C shows an adjustable attachment connection comprising an adjustment coupling 314 coupled between the apex decoration mount 306 the tree coupling 308 whereby the adjustment coupling 314 is coupled to the apex decoration mount 306 via a threaded or non-threaded connection while the tree coupling 308 is coupled to the adjustment coupling 314 by a ball and socket connection 316. In one specific example, the tree coupling 308 includes a rounded or spherical end that fits into a complementary socket of adjustment coupling 314. It is additionally contemplated that the adjustment coupling 314 can include a rounded or spherical end configured to couple to a complementary socket at the end of the tree coupling 308 (not shown).

FIG. 3D shows an adjustable attachment connection comprising an adjustment ball coupling 320 coupled to an adjustment socket coupling 322. The apex decoration mount 306 is coupled to the adjustment ball coupling 320 via a threaded or non-threaded connection and the tree coupling 308 is coupled to the adjustment socket coupling 322 via a threaded or non-threaded connection. Alternatively, the apex decoration mount is coupled to the adjustment socket coupling via a threaded or non-threaded connection and the tree coupling is coupled to the adjustment ball coupling via a threaded or non-threaded connection (not shown).

It is noted that the use of an adjustment coupling 314 or an adjustment ball coupling 320 and adjustment socket coupling 322, including the described attachments between the apex decoration mount 306, tree coupling 308, are merely exemplary. As such, any structure, mechanism, or technique that allows vertical adjustment between the apex decoration mount 306 and the tree coupling 308 is intended to be included within the present scope.

FIG. 3B shows a vertical adjustment (see arrow) of a misaligned apex decoration mount at a mount position 306a to a mount position 306b that is linearly aligned with the tree coupling 308. It is additionally noted, that in situations where the tree coupling 308 is not in vertical alignment due to the structural characteristics of the top portion of the decorative tree 102, a misaligned mount can be adjusted to a vertical or approximately vertical alignment that is not linearly aligned with the tree coupling (not shown). The adjustment coupling can include a locking mechanism to lock the apex decoration mount at a desired position. Any useful locking mechanism is considered to be within the present scope, including, without limitation, set screws, clamps, thumb screws, and the like. In one example, the apex decoration mount and the adjustment coupling can have a sufficient amount of friction therebetween to hold the apex decoration mount at a desired position. In another example, the apex decoration mount and the adjustment coupling can have a sufficient amount of friction therebetween to hold the apex decoration mount and the apex decoration at a desired position. The friction can result from the interface between the materials of the apex decoration mount and the adjustment coupling, a lining material between the two, a pressure bias applied to the apex decoration mount and/or the adjustment coupling, or the like, including a combination thereof.

FIG. 4 shows a nonlimiting example of an adjustable attachment connection comprising an adjustment coupling 414 coupled between the apex decoration mount 406 the tree coupling 408 where the adjustment coupling 414 is an extension of the tree coupling 408. In this case, the apex decoration mount 406 is coupled to the adjustment coupling 414 by a ball and socket connection 416. The apex decoration mount 406 includes a rounded or spherical end that fits into a complementary socket of the adjustment coupling 414. It is additionally contemplated that tree coupling can include a rounded or spherical end configured to couple to a complementary socket of an adjustment coupling that is an extension of the apex decoration mount (not shown).

FIGS. 5A-C show nonlimiting examples of various apex decoration mounts 506 with differing termination couplers, depending on the configuration of the device into which an apex decoration mount is coupling to. FIG. 5A shows an example of an apex decoration mount 506 having a rod coupler 508 into which a threaded coupler 510 is coupled. The rod coupler 508 can be an extension of the apex decoration mount 506 or a separate coupler threaded to interface with the apex decoration mount 506 to which the threaded coupler 510 is coupled. FIG. 5B shows an example of a ball coupler 512, which can be, without limitation, an extension of the apex decoration mount 506, a threaded ball coupler screwable into the apex decoration mount 506, or the like. FIG. 5C shows an example of an apex decoration mount 506 terminating in a threaded connection 514.

FIG. 6A shows an example of an apex decoration support having an apex decoration mount 606 coupled to a tree coupler 608 at connection 614. The connection 614 can be a threaded connection, an adhesive connection, a friction connection, or the like, including appropriate combinations thereof. The apex decoration support can further include a bendable region 630 of the tree coupler 608 to allow the apex decoration mount 606 to be adjustable relative to the tree coupler 608. The bendable region 630 can be a portion of the tree coupler 608 or the bendable region 630 can encompass the length of the tree coupler 608. The bendable region is sufficiently stiff to hold the apex decoration mount and an apex decoration at a desired position but sufficiently bendable to be bent into a desired position by hand.

FIG. 6B shows a vertical adjustment (see arrow) of a misaligned apex decoration mount at a mount position 606a to a mount position 606b that is linearly aligned with the tree coupling 608. It is additionally noted, that in situations where the tree coupling 608 is not in vertical alignment due to the structural characteristics of the top portion of the decorative tree 102, a misaligned mount can be adjusted to a vertical or approximately vertical alignment that is not linearly aligned with the tree coupling (not shown).

FIGS. 7A and 7B show nonlimiting examples of an apex decoration mount 700. As described, an apex decoration mount 700 is adjustable to a size that provides support and stability for an apex decoration placed thereon (not shown). Turning to FIG. 7A, an apex decoration mount 700 can include a central shaft 702 and a frustoconical shell 704 coupled to an attachment end 706 of the central shaft 702, the frustoconical shell 704 extending from the attachment end 706 lengthwise along the central shaft 702. The apex decoration support 700 additionally includes a carriage 708 movably coupled to the central shaft 702 which moves linearly along the central shaft 702. The movement of the carriage 708 linearly along the central shaft 702 toward the attachment end 706, as shown by arrow 710, rotates the frustoconical shell 704 around the attachment end 706 away from the central shaft 702 as is shown by arrows 712.

In some examples of the apex decoration mount 700, shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the central shaft 702 includes central shaft threads 714 extending from the attachment end 706 at least part way down the central shaft 702. In other examples, the central shaft threads 714 extend at least throughout a travel of the carriage 708 that allows the frustoconical shell 704 to be raised (rotated away from the central shaft) and lowered (rotated toward the central shaft) to a degree that supports and stabilizes an apex decoration. The carriage 708 includes a central hole sized to receive the central shaft that includes central hole threads 716 complimentary to the central shaft threads 714, such that rotation of the carriage 708 relative to the central shaft 702 as shown by arrow 722 moves the carriage 708 linearly along the central shaft 702 in the direction shown by arrow 710. It is noted that the direction of the carriage movement shown by arrow 710 relative to the direction of rotation shown by arrow 722 is merely exemplary, and in other examples rotation in the direction shown by arrow 722 moves the carriage away from the attachment end.

FIG. 7B shows the example of FIG. 7A with the carriage 708 positioned near the attachment end 706 with the frustoconical shell 704 rotated toward the attachment end 706 relative to the position of the carriage 708. The rotation of the carriage 708 relative to the central shaft 702 as shown by arrow 724 moves the carriage 708 linearly along the central shaft 702 in the direction shown by arrow 720. It is noted that the direction of the carriage movement shown by arrow 720 relative to the direction of rotation shown by arrow 724 is merely exemplary, and in other examples rotation in the direction shown by arrow 722 moves the carriage toward from the attachment end.

Additionally, in the nonlimiting example of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the frustoconical shell 704 includes a plurality of linear supports 730 that extend radially downward from the attachment end 706. As such, the linear movement of the carriage 708 along the central shaft 702 raises and lowers (rotates) the plurality of linear supports 730 depending on the direction of linear movement of the carriage. 708. The degree of raising and lowering of the plurality of linear supports 730 is dependent on the shape and/or size of the carriage 708 as it interfaces with the plurality of linear supports 730. The apex decoration support additionally includes a cap 732 coupled to the attachment end 706 of the central shaft 702 to which the plurality of linear supports 730 is coupled. The plurality of linear supports 730 can be coupled to the cap 732 by any mechanism or technique that allows the plurality of linear supports 730 to rotate at the attachment end. In the present nonlimiting example, each of the plurality of linear supports 730 is coupled to the cap 732 by a hinge 736 that is further coupled to the cap 732. In one example, the plurality of linear supports is at least three linear supports.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show another example of an apex decoration device 800 having a central shaft 802, a carriage 808 movably coupled and structurally configured to move linearly along the central shaft 802, a frustoconical shell 804, and a cap 832 coupled to an attachment end 806 of the central shaft 802. The central shaft 802 includes central shaft threads 814 extending from the attachment end 806 at least part way down the central shaft 802. In other examples, the central shaft threads 814 extend at least throughout a travel of the carriage 808 that allows the frustoconical shell 804 to be raised (rotated away from the central shaft) and lowered (rotated toward the central shaft) to a degree that supports and stabilizes an apex decoration. The carriage 808 includes a central hole sized to receive the central shaft that includes central hole threads 816 complimentary to the central shaft threads 814, such that rotation of the carriage 808 relative to the central shaft 802 moves the carriage 808 linearly along the central shaft 802.

The frustoconical shell 804 includes a plurality of linear supports 830 that extend radially downward from the attachment end 806. As such, the linear movement of the carriage 808 along the central shaft 802 raises and lowers (rotates) the plurality of linear supports 830, depending on the direction of linear movement of the carriage 808. The degree of raising and lowering of the plurality of linear supports 830 is dependent on the shape and/or size of the carriage 808 as it interfaces with the plurality of linear supports 830. The plurality of linear supports 830 in examples 8A and 8B are coupled to the cap 832 by a plurality of living hinges 840 that allow the plurality of linear supports 830 to raise and lower as the carriage 808 moves up and down the central shaft. It is noted in FIGS. 8A and 8B that the surface of the frustoconical shell 804 can be contoured 842 to more closely match a shape of the underside of the apex decoration in order to provide a greater degree of support and stability.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show yet another example of an apex decoration device 900 having a central shaft 902, a carriage 908 movably coupled and structurally configured to move linearly along the central shaft 902, a frustoconical shell 904, and a cap 932 coupled to an attachment end 906 of the central shaft 902. The carriage 908 includes a central hole 909 sized to receive the central shaft 902 such that the carriage 902 slides linearly along the central shaft 902. The frustoconical shell 904 includes a plurality of linear supports 930 that extend radially downward from the attachment end 906. As such, the linear movement of the carriage 908 along the central shaft 902 raises and lowers (rotates) the plurality of linear supports 930, depending on the direction of linear movement of the carriage 908. The degree of raising and lowering of the plurality of linear supports 930 is dependent on the shape and/or size of the carriage 908 as it interfaces with the plurality of linear supports 930. The plurality of linear supports 930 in the examples of FIGS. 9A an 9B are coupled to the cap 932 by a plurality of hinges 940, which can include any type of hinge mechanism that allow the plurality of linear supports 930 to raise and lower as the carriage 908 moves up and down the central shaft, including, for example, slot-type hinges, living hinges, pin hinges, or the like.

In some examples, as is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the apex decoration mount 900 further includes a slide lock 942 positioned around the central shaft 902 to lock the carriage 908 at a desired location where the plurality of linear supports 930 are raised to an optimal degree that stabilizes and supports the apex decoration. In other example, the slide lock can be associated with the carriage, such as, for example, a set screw passing through the carriage to contact the central shaft.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example of an apex decoration mount 1000 having a center shaft 1002, a frustoconical shell 1004, and a carriage 1008 movably coupled to the center shaft 1002. The frustoconical shell 1004 is coupled to an attachment end 1006 of the central shaft 1002. As the carriage 1008 moves linearly along the center shaft 1002 toward the attachment end 1006, the frustoconical shell 1004 is raised (rotated at the attachment end away from the central shaft 1002). As the carriage 1008 moves linearly along the center shaft 1002 away from the attachment end 1006, the frustoconical shell 1004 is lowered (rotated at the attachment end toward from the central shaft 1002). FIG. 10A shows an apex decoration 1050 with a conical-shaped underside resting on the apex decoration mount 1000. FIG. 10B shows the carriage 1008 positioned near the attachment end 1006, which has raised the frustoconical shell 1004 to a position that more effectively stabilizes and supports the apex decoration 1050 compared to that shown in FIG. 10A.

Similarly, FIG. 11 shows an apex decoration mount 1100 having a center shaft 1102, a frustoconical shell 1104, and a carriage 1108 movably coupled to the center shaft 1102. The frustoconical shell 1104 is coupled to an attachment end 1106 of the central shaft 1102. The carriage 1008 positioned near the attachment end 1006, which has raised the frustoconical shell 1104 to a position that more effectively stabilizes and supports an apex decoration 1050 disposed thereupon.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show nonlimiting examples of an apex decoration mount 1200. As described, an apex decoration mount 1200 is adjustable to a size that provides support and stability for an apex decoration placed thereon (not shown). Turning to FIG. 12A, an apex decoration mount 1200 can include a central shaft 1202 and a frustoconical shell 1204 coupled to an attachment end 1206 of the central shaft 1202, the frustoconical shell 1204 extending from the attachment end 1206 lengthwise along the central shaft 1202. The apex decoration support 1200 additionally includes a carriage 1208 movably coupled to the central shaft 1202 which moves linearly along the central shaft 1202. The movement of the carriage 1208 linearly along the central shaft 1202 toward the attachment end 1206 rotates the frustoconical shell 1204 around the attachment end 1206 away from the central shaft 1202,

In some examples of the apex decoration mount 1200, shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the central shaft 1202 includes central shaft threads 1214 extending from the attachment end 1206 at least part way down the central shaft 1202. In other examples, the central shaft threads 1214 extend at least throughout a travel of the carriage 1208 that allows the frustoconical shell 1204 to be raised (rotated away from the central shaft) and lowered (rotated toward the central shaft) to a degree that supports and stabilizes an apex decoration. The carriage 1208 includes a central hole sized to receive the central shaft that includes central hole threads 1216 complimentary to the central shaft threads 1214, such that rotation of the carriage 1208 relative to the central shaft 1202 moves the carriage 1208 linearly along the central shaft 1202.

FIG. 12B shows the example of FIG. 12A with the carriage 1208 positioned near the attachment end 1206 with the frustoconical shell 1204 rotated toward the attachment end 1206 relative to the position of the carriage 1208. The rotation of the carriage 1208 relative to the central shaft 1202 moves the carriage 1208 linearly along the central shaft 1202. Additionally, in the nonlimiting example of FIGS. 12A and 12B, the frustoconical shell 1204 includes a frustoconical sheet 1230 having an edge 1236 at each lateral side that overlap and slide relative to one another to allow the frustoconical sheet 1230 to increase and decrease in size as the carriage 1208 moves back and forth linearly along the central shaft 1202. In some examples, the frustoconical sheet 1236 is comprised of a plurality of frustoconical sheet segments, each having an edge at each lateral side that are arranged to slide past one another as the frustoconical shell 1204 raises and lowers.

The apex decoration mount 1200 additionally includes a cap 1232 coupled to the attachment end 1206 of the central shaft 1202 to which the frustoconical shell 1204 is coupled. The frustoconical shell 1204 can be coupled to the cap 1232 by any mechanism or technique that allows the frustoconical shell 1204 to rotate at the attachment end. Nonlimiting examples include crimping, a plurality of living hinges, adhesive bonding, extrusion from the cap 1232, and the like, including appropriate combinations thereof. In one example, plurality of frustoconical sheet segments is at least three frustoconical sheet segments.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show nonlimiting examples of an apex decoration mount 1300. As described, an apex decoration mount 1300 is adjustable to a size that provides support and stability for an apex decoration placed thereon (not shown). Turning to FIG. 13A, an apex decoration mount 1300 can include a central shaft 1302 and a frustoconical shell 1304 coupled to an attachment end 1306 of the central shaft 1302, the frustoconical shell 1304 extending from the attachment end 1306 lengthwise along the central shaft 1302. The apex decoration support 1300 additionally includes a carriage 1308 movably coupled to the central shaft 1302 which moves linearly along the central shaft 1302. The movement of the carriage 1308 linearly along the central shaft 1302 toward the attachment end 1306 rotates the frustoconical shell 1304 around the attachment end 1306 away from the central shaft 1302.

In some examples of the apex decoration mount 1300, shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the central shaft 1302 includes central shaft threads 1314 extending from the attachment end 1306 at least part way down the central shaft 1302. In other examples, the central shaft threads 1314 extend at least throughout a travel of the carriage 1308 that allows the frustoconical shell 1304 to be raised (rotated away from the central shaft) and lowered (rotated toward the central shaft) to a degree that supports and stabilizes an apex decoration. The carriage 1308 includes a central hole sized to receive the central shaft that includes central hole threads 1316 complimentary to the central shaft threads 1314, such that rotation of the carriage 1308 relative to the central shaft 1302 moves the carriage 1308 linearly along the central shaft 1302.

FIG. 13B shows the example of FIG. 13A with the carriage 1308 positioned near the attachment end 1306 with the frustoconical shell 1304 rotated toward the attachment end 1306 relative to the position of the carriage 1308. The rotation of the carriage 1308 relative to the central shaft 1302 moves the carriage 1308 linearly along the central shaft 1302. Additionally, in the nonlimiting example of FIGS. 13A and 13B, the frustoconical shell 1304 includes a frustoconical sheet 1330 having a plurality of folds or pleats 1336 longitudinally positioned around the frustoconical sheet 1330 that are in a folded position (FIG. 13A) when the frustoconical shell 1304 is lowered and in an extended position (FIG. 13B) when the frustoconical shell 1304 is in a raised position. The pleats 1336 in the frustoconical sheet 1330 thus unfold from a folded position to an unfolded position to cause the frustoconical shell 1304 to increase and decrease in size as the carriage 1308 moves back and forth linearly along the central shaft 1302. In some examples, the frustoconical sheet 1330 is comprised of a plurality of frustoconical sheet segments, each having a plurality of folds or pleats 1336 longitudinally positioned therearound.

The apex decoration mount 1300 additionally includes a cap 1332 coupled to the attachment end 1306 of the central shaft 1302 to which the frustoconical shell 1304 is coupled. The frustoconical shell 1304 can be coupled to the cap 1332 by any mechanism or technique that allows the frustoconical shell 1304 to rotate at the attachment end. Nonlimiting examples include crimping, a plurality of living hinges, adhesive bonding, extrusion from the cap 1332, and the like, including appropriate combinations thereof. In one example, plurality of frustoconical sheet segments is at least three frustoconical sheet segments.

The various structures described herein can comprise a variety of materials and/or material combinations, and such materials can be rigid, semirigid, flexible, etc. Nonlimiting examples of such materials can include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood materials, natural rubbers, and the like, including alloys, mixtures, and composites thereof. Non-limiting examples of metals include iron, nickel, copper, chromium, silver, platinum, gold, aluminum, tin, titanium, tungsten, tungsten carbide, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, and the like, including alloys and combinations thereof. (e.g. brass, bronze, etc.). Non-limiting examples of polymers include polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyetheretherketone, polyimide, polymethyl methacrylate, silicon, polymer clay, copolymers, and the like, including combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of ceramics can comprise aluminum oxides, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, cobalt II oxides, and the like, including combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the structure comprises a combination of at least two of metal, a polymer, a ceramic, or a wood product. In some embodiments, all of the structures are composed of the same materials. In other embodiments, the individual components can be comprised of different materials with respect to one another.

Claims

1. An apex decoration support device, comprising:

an apex decoration mount, including; a central shaft; a frustoconical shell coupled to one end of the central shaft at an attachment end of the central shaft, the frustoconical shell extending from the attachment end lengthwise along the central shaft; and a carriage coupled to and configured to move linearly along the central shaft such that linear movement of the carriage along the central shaft toward the attachment end rotates the frustoconical shell around the attachment end away from the away from the central shaft.

2. The apex decoration support device of claim 1, wherein the carriage further includes a central hole sized to receive the central shaft and allow the carriage to move linearly along the central shaft.

3. The apex decoration support device of claim 2, further comprising a slide lock coupled to the carriage and structurally configured to lock the carriage at a location on the central shaft.

4. The apex decoration support device of claim 2, wherein the central shaft further includes central shaft threads extending from the attachment end at least part way down the central shaft and the central hole of the carriage further includes central hole threads complimentary to the central shaft threads, such that rotation of the carriage relative to the central shaft moves the carriage linearly along the central shaft.

5. The apex decoration support device of claim 1, wherein the frustoconical shell is comprised of a plurality of linear supports extending radially downward from the attachment end.

6. The apex decoration support device of claim 5, wherein each linear support of the plurality of linear supports is coupled to the attachment end by a plurality of hinges.

7. The apex decoration support device of claim 5, wherein each linear support of the plurality of linear supports is coupled to the attachment end by a plurality of living hinges.

8. The apex decoration support device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of linear supports is at least three linear supports.

9. The apex decoration support device of claim 1, wherein the frustoconical shell is comprised of a frustoconical sheet having an edge at each lateral side that overlap and slide relative to one another to allow the frustoconical sheet to increase and decrease in size as the carriage moves back and forth linearly along the central shaft.

10. The apex decoration support device of claim 9, wherein the frustoconical sheet is comprised of a plurality of frustoconical sheet segments, each having an edge at each lateral side.

11. The apex decoration support device of claim 1, wherein the central shaft includes a cap coupled to the attachment end to which the frustoconical shell is coupled.

12. The apex decoration support device of claim 1, further comprising a tree coupling coupled to the central shaft of the apex decoration mount at one end and configured to couple to an apex of an artificial tree at an opposite end.

13. The apex decoration support device of claim 12, wherein the tree coupling is rotatably coupled to the central shaft.

14. The apex decoration support device of claim 12, wherein the tree coupling is bendably coupled to the central shaft.

15. The apex decoration support device of claim 12, wherein the tree coupling is at least partially comprised of bendable body.

16. The apex decoration support device of claim 12, wherein the opposite end of the tree coupling has a helical structure sized and shaped to twist around an upper portion of the artificial tree from the apex of the artificial tree downward.