Christmas Tree Patents (Class 362/568)
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Patent number: 8936379Abstract: A lighted artificial tree includes a first tree portion including a first trunk portion, first branches joined to the first trunk portion, and a first light string. The first trunk portion has a trunk connector and a first trunk wiring assembly, the first trunk wiring assembly is electrically connectable to the first light string and the trunk connector, and at least a portion of the first wiring assembly is located inside the first portion. The second tree portion includes a second trunk portion, second branches, and a second light string. The second trunk portion has a trunk connector and a second trunk wiring assembly, the second trunk wiring assembly electrically connectable to the second lighting string and the trunk connector. The second tree portion may be mechanically coupled and electrically connected to the first tree portion by coaxially coupling the first trunk portion to the second trunk portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Willis Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Johnny Chen
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Patent number: 8915000Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention includes a three-panel pocket with an internal cavity which contains a fiber optic bundle, various electronic components, fabric layer and a removable panel. A front face of the three-panel pocket contains a substantial opening thereon through which the fabric layer is visible. The fiber optic bundle contains various fiber optic strands. Each of the fiber optic strands is inserted through the fabric layer and is visible through the front face of the greeting card. A contact arm switch controls illumination of the fiber optic strands along with the insertion and removal of the removable panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: American Greetings CorporationInventors: Cindi Pochatek, Lynne Shlonsky, Erin Dennis
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Patent number: 8608334Abstract: Some embodiments may include a device for displaying and illuminating images. The device may include a housing including an interior portion. An opening in the housing may provide access to the interior portion. A viewing aperture may be formed in the housing. The device may include a light guide having a light source. The light guide may be removably received within the housing via the opening. The device may include a graphic medium with an image printed thereon. The graphic medium may be removeably received within the housing via the opening and guided via a guide surface disposed on a portion of the light guide. The graphic medium may be guided via the guide surface and positioned with respect to the light guide such that at least a portion of the image is viewable through the aperture and at least partially illuminated via light originating from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Lightheaded Ventures, LLCInventor: Gerald R. Sanders
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Patent number: 8480278Abstract: A decorative lighting strand for decorating a surface having a limb with a branch extending from the limb, where the strand has a length of wire connecting a plurality of decorative bulbs and midway the strand there is a hub which can be secured on the limb so that the strand can be extended from the hub along the branch from each side of the limb, and the invention includes multiple such strands electrically connected together each of which can be arranged in a horizontal plane of the surface. The invention also includes the method of decorating a surface with one or more such lighting strands which includes the steps of attaching the hub midway the length of the strand to the limb and extending the strand along one or more branches from each side of the hub.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Wellspring Innovations, LLCInventor: Leslie Wasem
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Patent number: 8282256Abstract: A lighting system for efficiently illuminating various structures using LEDs and fiber-optics. The lighting system generally includes a base unit including at least a first socket and a second socket. A first light source is positioned within the first socket and a second light source is positioned within the second socket, wherein more light sources are used for additional sockets. A first lens may be positioned within the first socket over the first light source to emit a first color and a second lens may be positioned within the second socket over the second light source to emit a second color. At least some of the colors of the lenses are preferably different. At least one light transmitter including a light gathering end and a light dispersing end is positioned within a selected socket to emit a respective color through the light dispersing end.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Inventors: John K. Pike, Janet R. Carville
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Patent number: 8100546Abstract: A sculpted decorative object, such as a Christmas tree, is shown which has a motor driven vertical drive shaft and three rotating sections. Rotation of the vertical drive shaft and an associated drive gear causes relative rotation of a driven gear and, in turn, a respective rotating section of the object about the axis of the drive shaft. A fiber optic bundle is mounted within each rotating section of the object. Each bundle contains several fiber optic strands which terminate at a LED light source at one end and at a light emitting element at an opposite end. Each LED light source is supplied from a common electrical source by means of a series of wiper contacts and rotatable contact rings carried by respective stationary and rotating portions of the sculpted object.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Inventors: Frank Lutz, Jon Turan
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Publication number: 20110211364Abstract: A sculpted decorative object, such as a Christmas tree, is shown which has a motor driven vertical drive shaft and three rotating sections. Rotation of the vertical drive shaft and an associated drive gear causes relative rotation of a driven gear and, in turn, a respective rotating section of the object about the axis of the drive shaft. A fiber optic bundle is mounted within each rotating section of the object. Each bundle contains several fiber optic strands which terminate at a LED light source at one end and at a light emitting element at an opposite end. Each LED light source is supplied from a common electrical source by means of a series of wiper contacts and rotatable contact rings carried by respective stationary and rotating portions of the sculpted object.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Frank Lutz, Jon Turan
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Patent number: 7806559Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative light string, being formable to provide varying shapes, to hold position when wrapped around or placed upon structures to be decorated, and to facilitate storage without tangling of one or more light strings.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: Benjamin David Reed
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Patent number: 7789521Abstract: The invention relates to an ornamental light and, more particularly, relates to an ornamental light with polychrome effect. The ornamental light includes at least one illuminant, a support frame with special shape and a film covered on the surface of the support frame. The film includes a transparent base plate and two polychrome films. Each of the polychrome film is stuck to each side of the base plate respectively. The venations of the two polychrome films are perpendicular to each other. The invention provides an ornamental light which can present different polychrome display effect, enough imagination and aesthetic feeling when viewed from different angles.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Inventor: Xuliang Li
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Patent number: 7540622Abstract: A tree ornament for being positioned on top of a tree to decorate the tree includes a base being configured to be mounted on a top of the tree. A centerpiece includes a reflective surface to reflect light off of the centerpiece. The centerpiece is mounted to the base. A support ring is coupled to the base. The support ring extends upwardly from the base and is positioned around the centerpiece. Each of a plurality of light assemblies is coupled to the support ring and arranged around the centerpiece. Each of the light assemblies is electrically coupled to a power supply. The light assemblies emit light towards the centerpiece to be reflected off of the centerpiece when the light assemblies are provided power by the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventor: Bryan F. Bechtol
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Patent number: 7445823Abstract: An artificial tree according to the present invention includes a tubular trunk with a stand for holding the trunk in an upright position. The artificial tree includes a plurality of branches coupled to the tree, each branch having a hook at an end displaced from the trunk. Each branch presents a length with branches at lower trunk levels having longer lengths than more upwardly positioned branches. The branches may be removably coupled to the trunk and storable within a trunk interior space. The artificial tree may also include ornamentation such as garland or lights and may include an audio device that plays sound in predetermined conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Inventor: Lora L. Tennison
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Patent number: 7178961Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent flasher type lamps in which substantially all of the lamp filaments in the set are individually provided with a voltage regulated shunt circuit, which includes a voltage responsive silicon semiconductor device, which operates in one of two conducting states, neither of which is greater than about 200 ohms. When the flasher lamp is in the “on” or illuminated state, the silicon semiconductor voltage regulating shunt device is in a low impedance state. When the flasher is in the “off” state, the impedance of the silicon semiconductor device is in a lower impedance state equal to or slightly greater than the parallel equivalent impedance of silicon semiconductor device in parallel with the normal operating impedance of the flasher lamp.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: JLJ, Inc.Inventor: John Louis Janning
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Patent number: 7163725Abstract: A display representing a tree, such as a Christmas tree, has a trunk made of a hollow tube and held by a base in substantially vertical position. A liquid, such as water, is placed in the tube and an air supply in or near the bottom of the tube generates bubbles that rise through the tube. The tube and bubbles therein are preferably illuminated to add to the effectiveness of the display. Illumination can be provided by LED's which avoid the heat of incandescent lamps. Branches are secured to the trunk tube and extend outwardly therefrom to support a foliage garland to provide tree foliage and give the display the appearance of a tree. The tree can be provided as a separate trunk tube portion, base, and foliage garland so the parts can be packed and shipped without the base attached to the tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Inventors: R. James Johnson, Robert M. Johnson, Jonathan L. Johnson, Jayson A. Johnson, Susan L. Johnson, Ronald F. Johnson
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Patent number: 7144610Abstract: A display tree for electrical ornaments has a support tube. A male electrical plug is connected to the support tube upper end. A female electrical socket is connected to the support tube lower end. A flange electrical contact is electrically connected to the female electrical socket. The flange electrical contact is connected to the lower flange. A shelf electrical contact is connected to the shelf bottom side. The shelf electrical contact is for detachable connection to the flange electrical contact. A shelf electrical outlet is connected to the shelf top side. The shelf electrical outlet is electrically connected to the shelf electrical contact.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Inventors: Benjamin Estes, William Bingham
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Patent number: 7080931Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus to light an object. One end of each optical fiber in a group is bound into a bundle and the other is distributed to provide light as desired. There are more than one group of fibers and more than one bundle. A base structure includes a motor assembly, multiple light sources and a light governing disk with concentric tracks. Each track provides a different light pattern. The bundles are associated with the base structure and positioned such that one light source directs light through one said concentric track to one said bundle. Upon actuation, the motor turns the light governing disk so that one concentric track on the light governing disk moves between a light source and a bundle and the ends of the fibers in that bundle reflect the light pattern on the concentric track.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Boto (Licenses) LimitedInventor: Cheung Chong Kao
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Patent number: 6979111Abstract: A decorative light assembly comprises a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle having a length greater than one inch, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, and a second end that is fused for providing the received light as decorative illumination. The decorative light assembly is for use on, e.g., Christmas trees, windows, doors, etc.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: National Christmas Products, Inc.Inventors: Salvatore J. Puleo, Sr., Joseph A. Puleo
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Patent number: 6883937Abstract: A light integrator is mounted in a housing or cover that allows aligning the light integrator relative to a color wheel or other sequential color element. In some embodiments, a plate is attached to one end of a light rod and supports the light rod in the cover in a cantilever fashion or in combination with other support. The light rod is aligned to a light source, such as a lamp, and then the color wheel is aligned to the output of the light rod without altering the relationship between the light rod and the lamp.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: JDS Uniphase CorporationInventors: George B. Vastola, Donald L. Dunning, Eric M. Thomas, Brian Dresser
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Patent number: 6883951Abstract: Disclosed is a combinative decorative light equipment wherein a plurality of lighting elements are mutually connected into several individual lamp groups by wires in series or series-parallel manner, so as to be hung on a structural framework. The upper connectors of said lamp groups are installed on the connecting device of different structural frameworks, and which are connected into a decoration framework, so that the lamp groups on different structural frameworks are mutually connected to form larger lamp groups and assembled into a pre-designed decoration body.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Inventor: Jeng-shyong Wu
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Patent number: 6840663Abstract: The panel branch disclosed is used with an artificial tree. The panel branch includes a plurality of twigs, a channel element, a number of inserts, and a hook-like member. Each twig is inserted through an aperture in the insert and the insert, in turn, is placed in and secured in the channel element. The hook-like member has a short side used to secure the branch to an artificial trunk and a long side secured in the channel element. Optical fibres are associated with the twigs of the panel branch. Each optical fiber is threaded through an aperture in an insert and gathered into a bundle. A socket with a light source is provided to receive the bundle of optical fibres such that the branch is lighted.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Boto (Licenses) LimitedInventor: Cheung Chong Kao
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Publication number: 20040252523Abstract: A decorative illumination includes an illumination string and a baseplate. The baseplate is provided with laser film. The illumination string fits inside a lamphole, and the lamphole is a through hole that penetrates the baseplate and laser film. The baseplate is made form plastic film material. In addition, there is a support frame on the other side of the laser film opposite to the base plate, and the illumination string is inside the support frame and fitted in the lamphole. The illuminations in accordance with the present invention provide advantages of simple structure and aesthetic appearance that can beautify the environment and provide perfect night lighting effect, which can be used for decoration, beautifying the environment, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventor: Yihong Yao
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Publication number: 20040213019Abstract: The present invention discloses a panel branch to be associated with an artificial tree. The panel branch includes a plurality of twigs, a channel element, an number of inserts, and a hook-like member. Each twig is inserted through an aperture in the insert and the insert, in turn, is placed in and secured in the channel element. The hook-like member has a short side and a long side. The long side of the hook-like member is secured in the channel element and the short side is used to secure the panel branch to an artificial trunk. In addition, optical fibres are associated with the twigs of the panel branch. Each optical fiber is threaded through one of the apertures in an insert and gathered into a bundle. When the panel branch is associated with the artificial tree, a socket with a light source is provided to receive the bundle of optical fibres such that the branch is lighted.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventor: Cheung Chong Kao
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Publication number: 20040170029Abstract: A Christmas tree stand has a base for supporting the stand above a ground level and a shell having a lateral surface. The shell is disposed atop the base so as to define an inner volume and the shell houses electrical components within the inner volume. The shell has a plurality of holes disposed on a top portion of the lateral surface that provide ventilation between the inner volume and an outside environment. Further, the shell has a flange overhanging the top portion of the lateral surface so as to shield the holes. A base may also be provided for the Christmas tree stand including an elevated surface and a support structure for supporting the elevated surface above the ground level. Finally, the elevated surface may define one surface of the inner volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventor: Salvatore J. Puleo
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Publication number: 20040120687Abstract: A Christmas tree has a base, a trunk formed of two or more interconnected segments, a first of which is supported by the base, a number of branches extending from each segment, two or more light source modules, at least one of which is associated with each segment, and fibre optics extending from each light source to positions upon the branches of the respective segments. The light source modules are mutually interconnected by electric cables Each light source comprises one or more LEDs. The LED(s) of each module is/are mounted upon a PCB that is located within a housing. The fibre optics have ends secured within a socket, which socket is plugged into the respective housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Packway Industries LimitedInventor: Chun Chung Fung
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Patent number: 6739746Abstract: A water-resistant base device for optical-fiber Christmas trees, consisting of a main base unit, a upper base cover, a rotating unit, a fixing unit, a water-resistant hood, a top cover and a tree unit. The rotating unit is installed on the fixing unit structure on the upper cover of the base, using a ringed wall protruding from the top periphery of the main base unit, the water-resistant hood fastened onto the top of the upper base cover, and the arched top cover covering the top of the water-resistant hood, to enable heat radiation and water resistant functions to the entire base assembly, so the Christmas tree can be installed for indoor and outdoor purposes.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Inventor: Tai-Ning Tang
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Patent number: 6733167Abstract: A coaxial light emitter a fibre optic lighted artificial tree of the present invention serves as a trunk for the tree and includes two spaced apart light sources that individually provide light to fibre optic bundles for a portion of the tree so that the tree can be separated into parts for the purposes of packaging or storage.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Boto (Licenses) LimitedInventor: Cheung Chong Kao
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Publication number: 20040070992Abstract: A decorative light assembly comprises a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle having a length greater than one inch, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, and a second end that is fused for providing the received light as decorative illumination. The decorative light assembly is for use on, e.g., Christmas trees, windows, doors, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: National Tree CompanyInventors: Salvatore J. Puleo, Joseph A. Puleo
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Patent number: 6648497Abstract: A Christmas tree stand has a base for supporting the stand above a ground level and a shell having a lateral surface. The shell is disposed atop the base so as to define an inner volume and the shell houses electrical components within the inner volume. The shell has a plurality of holes disposed on a top portion of the lateral surface that provide ventilation between the inner volume and an outside environment. Further, the shell has a flange overhanging the top portion of the lateral surface so as to shield the holes. A base may also be provided for the Christmas tree stand including an elevated surface and a support structure for supporting the elevated surface above the ground level. Finally, the elevated surface may define one surface of the inner volume.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventor: Salvatore J. Puleo, Sr.
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Publication number: 20030133312Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning structure for lighting fibers of a decorative lamp, which is composed of a shell, a bulb, a control unit, and a rotated color plate. A transparent plate is provided and fixed in a joint of the shell and placed under the lower end of the lighting fiber for positioning and preventing the lighting fiber from touching the rotated plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventor: Fu-Shien Hsu
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Patent number: 6592094Abstract: The present invention provides stability for a decorative tree. Specifically, the decorative tree will have a base part, the lower section of which fits into a stand assembly and an upper section of which includes receiving means for an internal sleeve. The internal sleeve is sized to snugly receive a tree trunk and is formed to provide a plurality of clearances between the internal sleeve and the base part to accommodate parts associated with the trunk of the decorative tree such as bundles of fiber optics.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Boto (Licenses) LimitedInventor: Cheung Chong Kao
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Publication number: 20030081429Abstract: The invention comprises a lighting arrangement and an aquarium. The lighting arrangement has a light source, a light conducting conduit, a first part positioning means engageable to, or engaged with, the light source, and a second part positioning means engageable or engaged with the light conducting conduit. The light source and one end of the light conducting conduit can be placed in a position such that the light conducting conduit and the light source are mounted on opposite sides of a sheet of light conducting material so that the light conducting conduit conducts light from the light source. The lighting arrangement can be used to provide decoration within an aquarium.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: GREATBOND INVESTMENTS LIMITEDInventor: Kai Wai Wong
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Publication number: 20020141203Abstract: An elongate tube with at least one extended rib for a decorative light assembly is disclosed. The extended rib is extended in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube. One end of the elongate tube is supported on a top end of a central post, and the other end is spirally suspended around the central post. A number of ropes extend at a predetermined angle with respect to the central post and angularly spaced from each other about the central post, winding on the elongate tube thereby retaining the tube in a three-dimensional spiral shape. The elongate tube is further formed with a plurality of concave sections thereon, so that the rope passing across the elongate tube is wound on the concave section to prevent the rope from sliding along the elongate tube. A plurality of light units are electrically connected in series and arranged inside the hollow inner tube of the elongate tube in a manner equally spaced from each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Whiter Shieh, S.T. Chen
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Publication number: 20020122313Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber optic arrangement for Christmas light having a socket mounted on the Christmas light bulb. A plurality of fiber optic elements are mounted on the socket, thereby increasing the decorating effect of the Christmas light. In addition, a socket is hollow-shaped inside thereof. One end thereof is provided with a mounting opening for receiving a Christmas light bulb while the other end thereof includes a plurality of connecting holes for receiving fiber optic bundles. The connecting holes communicate with the hollow part inside of the socket so that the fiber optic bundles receive the light source of the Christmas light bulb, thereby creating a radial lighting effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2001Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventor: Jack Chang
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Patent number: 6438879Abstract: A stand (8) for supporting an artificial tree of a type having a plurality of optical fibers comprises: a housing (4) having a base (3) and a sidewall defining one or more windows (6), a screen (9) in each window (6), an internal light source (54), a decorative image-bearing material (38) or shape arranged between the light source and the screen, and a tree trunk supporting sleeve (20).Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Boto (Licenses) LimitedInventor: Cheung Chong Kao
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Patent number: 6431740Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree incorporating a large number of fiber optic strands with one end of each strand terminating between, adjacent to or closely associated with the tip ends of the simulated needles at the outer end portions of the branches or stems on the Christmas tree. The other end of each of the fiber optic strands terminates above and in alignment with colored segments of a rotatable color wheel which overlies a light source. The color wheel is motor driven and when it rotates and the light source is energized, the fiber optic strands will transmit changing colors to the terminal ends of the fiber optic strands adjacent the tip ends of the needles thereby providing a Christmas tree that includes a large number of illuminated terminal ends of the fiber optic strands which continuously change color.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Inventor: Anthony Puleo
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Publication number: 20020093835Abstract: A Christmas tree stand has a base for supporting the stand above a ground level and a shell having a lateral surface. The shell is disposed atop the base so as to define an inner volume and the shell houses electrical components within the inner volume. The shell has a plurality of holes disposed on a top portion of the lateral surface that provide ventilation between the inner volume and an outside environment. Further, the shell has a flange overhanging the top portion of the lateral surface so as to shield the holes. A base may also be provided for the Christmas tree stand including an elevated surface and a support structure for supporting the elevated surface above the ground level. Finally, the elevated surface may define one surface of the inner volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventor: Salvatore J. Puleo
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Patent number: 6386728Abstract: A decorative light assembly for illuminating Christmas trees and the like having a ring shaped housing containing a DC light source and a motor drive for rotatably driving one of a series of interchangeable disks disposed in the path of the light source and providing variable light patterns through the disk which communicate with fiber optic strands to receive and distribute light received through the disks from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: John P. Colonna
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Patent number: 6361198Abstract: An interactive light display includes multiple LED's selectively arranged to provide a light display, each of the LED's being capable of a plurality of activation states. Multiple fiber optic strands are also included, each strand having one end near one of the LED's and extending away from the LED to carry light outward from the LED. A computer is used for controlling the activation state of each of the LED's, allowing a wide variety of routines to be run with the display. Standard computer cable is used for connecting each of the LED's to the controlling computer, such that the activations states of all the LED's may be controlled to form selected light patterns. At least one one-way hinge may be positioned on each branch of the tree such that the distal portion of the branch is capable of hinging only upwards relative to the branch.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Inventor: Edward Reed
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Patent number: 6318876Abstract: An artificial flower arrangement that includes a number of lights and also includes a scent generating mechanism for dispensing a scent into the room. The scent generating mechanism is a plug in air freshener. Each of the light bulbs is positioned in the center of the corolla of an artificial flower.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventors: Curt J. Sigro, Sheila Sigro
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Patent number: 6056427Abstract: An artificial tree has a trunk (22), a plurality of branches (24) secured to the trunk (22), and a plurality of optical fibers extending along the trunk (22) from an illumination source (46) to the branches, and being arranged in bundles (26) which extend along the branches (24), the bundles (26) being loosely secured to the branches (24) to allow a limited degree of movement, and splaying out at the branch tips.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Boto (Licenses) LimitedInventor: Cheung Chong Kao
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Patent number: 6053628Abstract: A fiber optic light system is provided including a light assembly having a pair of lights adapted to illuminate upon the receipt of power. Also included is a flasher unit connected to the lights for intermittently supplying power to the lights. A plurality of fiber optic strands are provided each including an inboard end mounted on the light assembly. A plurality of modules are each mounted along the strands for emitting light passing through the corresponding strand.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: Terry L. Rakisits
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Patent number: 6050714Abstract: A Christmas tree having illuminable branches includes a hollow base component having an elongated trunk member vertically extending therefrom. A plurality of fiber optic cables are received within the trunk member and extend into the base component through which a lamp transmits light via a rotating color wheel. The lamp is in communication with a sound producing means and a circuit for varying the intensity of light according to the output of the sound producing means. Accordingly, the intensity of the illuminable tree varies according to the speed or volume of the music being produced by the integral sound producing means.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Inventor: Livio Isabella
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Patent number: 6017142Abstract: A decorative fiber optic tree formed of a plurality of light conducting optical fibers, each having a first end and a second end. The fiber optic tree includes a base unit having an interior chamber to house a light source. The light source is arranged to produce light that is directed through an opening on an upper surface of the base unit. An elongated and perforated center tube may be included having a top end and a bottom end, and is substantially vertically oriented. The center tube, which is removeably mounted on the base unit, is positioned at least in part over the opening in the upper surface of the base. The optical fibers are disposed partially within the center tube with the first end of each fiber located near the bottom end of the center tube and suitably positioned to enable light from the light source passing through the opening to be coupled into each respective optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Inventor: Wilson Harris, Jr.
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Patent number: 5944416Abstract: A decoration apparatus having two flexible sheets of material that are adhered either directly or indirectly to each other. A plurality of light pipes are positioned or sandwiched between a front face of a first flexible sheet and a rear face of a second flexible sheet. A light source supplies light to the light pipes to produce a decorative effect.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Inventor: Lee F. Marsh