Abstract: A frame for supporting lights above a surface includes a plurality of spaced apart spiral strips extending between a location above the surface and a location on the surface. The strips are adapted to receive the lights. A plurality of connectors interconnect ones of the plurality of strips at spaced apart intervals along the strips to form a unitary structure. The strips in an unassembled position are coplanar and in an assembled extend position between the location above the surface and the surface.

Abstract: A branch joint for use with a christmas tree to connect a plurality of additional branches to trunk of the christmas tree, are designed to an umbrella-shaped body. A plurality of top and bottom ellipses respectively distributed on the top and bottom circumference of said body. A plurality of recesses form on a top edge of said body. Meanwhile, the additional branches are capable of being respectively inserted into said top ellipses, through the bottom ellipses, to be inward bent at a specific angle then for retaining a distal end of each branch within the corresponding recess whereby the branches and the umbrella-shaped body are retained together in a more natural, simple and useful manner.

Abstract: A decoration for a tree and method of decorating a tree includes figurines, an elongate decorative flexible member arranged between the figurines and an elongate spacer attached to a tree for spacing the figurines from the tree, thereby providing the appearance that the figurines are decorating the tree with the decorative member.

Abstract: A new space saving Christmas tree kit for mounting to a surface, such as a window. The inventive device includes an elongate trunk member and a plurality of elongate branch members shaped and formed to resemble branches of a pine tree. The trunk member has a plurality of spaced apart suction cups outwardly extending from the back of the trunk member mounting the trunk member to a surface. The kit also includes a star member, a plurality of ornaments, and a string of lights which are adapted to be mounted to a tree. The branch members are couplable to the trunk member so that the truck member and the branch members resemble a pine tree.

Abstract: A three-dimensional doorway decoration is disclosed which may contain graphic illustrations and text corresponding to a particular educational theme. The doorway decoration includes a header assembly having left and right header pieces that are adjustably connected as a function of the doorway width, and a title component that interconnects with each of the header pieces and overlies the juncture thereof. The doorway decoration also includes left and right side assemblies mounted to each side of the doorway and extending downward from the header assembly. Each side assembly preferably includes upper and lower side pieces that are mounted in overlapping relation. Standoff means are associated with the header assembly and the side assemblies so that the upper and outer edges thereof are spaced from the surrounding wall structure, producing a slanted, three-dimensional visual effect. The door decoration may also include various three-dimensional accessory components to provide additional visual effects.

Abstract: A lighting display device simulates a decorated, lighted tree, when illuminated. A plurality, preferably 15 elongated support members are attached at each end to a central shaft. The upper end is hingedly attached to a stationary collar while the lower end is attached to a collar which is axially moveable along the shaft. A hinge is formed in each of the support members at a point spaced away from the ends of the support members. Each of the support members has a generally C-shaped configuration with an open side facing the shaft and a plurality of spaced openings through a surface of each of the support members faces away from the shaft. Each of the openings is adapted to receive a light bulb from a string of lights, and the channel is adapted to receive a plurality of light sockets supporting the lights.

Abstract: A decorative ornament and supporting display box are disclosed. The decorative ornament provides an elongate body of a thin sheet material having a covering of holographic vinyl. The holographic vinyl has the characteristic of refracting light into a rainbow-like display of colors. The elongate body forms a spiral, having upper and lower ends that gently taper. The body has been cut to provide a large number of very narrow radially directed slats having squared ends. These slats provide a large number of planar surfaces each angled in a slightly different direction, which results in a more eye-catching display of color. A multifaceted crystal made of glass or other transparent material is carded by the bottom of the elongate body, pulling the body downwardly in a manner that causes it to be better displayed. A short segment of transparent support line carries the top of the helix body, allowing it to spin if touched or in a breeze.

Abstract: A greeting card including an ornament, uniquely suited for display in an automobile. The card includes a pocket for containment of an ornament. The ornament has a reflective, preferably colored exterior, and an elastic tether. Thus, the ornament is caused to oscillate vertically in response to vehicle motion. The ornament is preferably formed from intersecting sheets of material having a glittering surface, which construction induces rotating and swinging motion of the ornament responsive to air currents within the vehicle, in addition to the bobbing or oscillations caused by vehicle motion. These complex motions, combined with the colored and glittering appearance, maximize the twinkling visual effect of this uncomplicated device while requiring no effort on the part of the observer or user. In a preferred embodiment, the ornament is impregnated with a pine scent in order to further thematically link the ornament to Christmas.

Abstract: A reusable, "tear-through" display banner is disclosed. The banner consists of fabric or a flexible sheet of material having multiple portions capable of being assembled into a unitary banner by the use of a releasable fastening means along the portion edges.

Abstract: A seasonal display in a characteristic shape such as a Christmas tree or wreath formed by a pliable backing sheet allowing roll up storage densely covered with artificial evergreen garlands. A formable wire is disposed in a hem of the backing sheet to form a frame to stabilize its shape, with a depth effect enabled by curving the bottom edge of the Christmas tree. A plurality of the displays can be detachably connected together to form a three-dimensional display viewable from all sides.

Abstract: Various embodiments of balance and proprioception training and enhancement devices, which serve to improve the balance and proprioceptive abilities of a user thereof. A balance platform is placed atop a base platform, with the balance platform being angularly displaceable in any direction relative to the base platform and having a low friction interface between the base platform and the balance platform. The base platform may have either a spherically shaped convex support or a spherically shaped concave depression, with the balance platform having the complementary configuration to the base platform. The low friction interface between the two curved surfaces may comprise low friction coatings or rollers. Angular displacement sensors (rheostats, optical sensors, etc.

Abstract: An ornamental, wire-frame device connector includes connector elements attached to the wires of separable parts of the device, and each connector defines a plurality of openings for removably receiving fastening elements whereby the separable parts of the wire-frame device are removably connected together.

Abstract: The invention provides an ornamental film comprising a laminate structure consisting of two biaxially oriented films and a thermally fusible polyolefin layer interposed between the films, characterized in that the biaxially oriented film has a decorative layer either on a face side or on a reverse side, that the thermally fusible polyolefin layer has a thickness corresponding to 25.about.70% of the total thickness of the laminate structure, and that the bond strength between the biaxially oriented film and thermally fusible polyolefin layer has been controlled at 20.about.170 g/15 mm. This ornamental film is advantageous in that when formed with slits or cutouts and expanded three-dimensionally, it is protected against tear propagation, that it lends itself well to vapor deposition, that it can be incinerated for disposal, and that it is comparatively inexpensive.

Abstract: A collapsible cone structure includes a base, an upright support and a spiral coil. The coil is shiftable between a supported, cone-shaped extended configuration and a flattened configuration which may be easily stored or transported. Preferably the structure includes a detachable theme head including a support, a plurality of coil segments and a vertically adjustable coupling pin. Other preferred forms include detachable wings.In particularly preferred forms, the cone structure includes a base, a spiral coil, and a fastener. The coil is shiftable between a cone-shaped resting configuration and a flattened extended configuration which may be latched in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to the creation of three dimensional objects from elements or blanks produced by inscribing inwardly and outwardly extending circles about a plurality of polygons, such as isoceles triangles, rectangles, or trapezoids of four, six or other even numbered sides through each point where the sides of the polygons intersect. To provide the appropriate arc lengths, the inscribed circles have the same diameter as the length of the side of the polygon where the arcs are to be inscribed. The element is bent or folded along each arc to form the three dimensional object. Multiple elements can be joined to form complex elements by superimposing individual elements upon a portion of adjacent elements. The objects thus formed can be held together by forces generated by the folded arcs, although an adhesive may optionally be used. The elements three dimensional objects, and methods of making same also form part of this invention.

Abstract: A collapsible cone structure includes a base, an upright support and a spiral coil. The coil is shiftable between a supported, cone-shaped extended configuration and a flattened configuration which may be easily stored or transported. Preferably the structure includes a detachable theme head including a support, a plurality of coil segments and a vertically adjustable coupling pin. Other preferred forms include detachable wings.In particularly preferred forms, the cone structure includes a base, a spiral coil, and a fastener. The coil is shiftable between a cone-shaped resting configuration and a flattened extended configuration which may be latched in place.

Abstract: Decorative combination structure comprising a combination of a flexible bag member and a flexible sheet which together simulate a fanciful conception of the appearance of a giant bat. The flexible bag is arranged for receiving a plurality of light-weight and preferably inflatable filler elements and for assuming a substantially tubular shape with rounded ends when so filled so as to simulate a bat body, and the bag member is provided with facial indicia of a bat. The flexible sheet is shaped to simulate bat wings and is attached to the bag. A plurality of closure or bunching means for the flexible bag are provided to cause ear-like protrusions at be formed at the initially open end of the bag member. A plurality of fastener means are provided for fastening the bag and the wing-like sheet together.

Abstract: A shoe mounted novelty device includes an elongate antenna like member having an inner end mounted on a shoe and an outer end projecting in an upright erect manner therefrom. An amusement or ornamental device such as a ball, flower, pompon or the like is secured to the outer end of the antenna member. The inner end of the antenna member is mounted to the shoe by a post which is clipped onto a component of the shoe.

Abstract: Decorative structures comprising a combination of a flexible sheet member and a decorative bag member simulate a universal conception of the appearance of a well known theme. For example, a combination structure for simulating a universal conception of the appearance of a ghost and Halloween jack-o-lantern pumpkin comprises a flexible sheet member placed over a support bag member and having facial indicia simulating an appearance of a face of a ghost thereon, and a generally rounded bag for receiving filling material and having indicia simulating a pumpkin. The free ends of the sheet member are secured to the ground at spaced apart positions, to provide a substantially pyramidal or generally inverted conical shape, so that, if desired, the resultant structure can flutter when subjected to wind. The support bag member may be fixed to the ground, for example, by means of pegs.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for mounting artificial tree branches to an artificial tree trunk. A series of bracket guideways, each bridged by a horizontal pin, are adapted for pivotal engagement each with a branch member for movement between stowed and operative positions. Each branch mounts a hinge piece adjacent to one end adapted for pivotal engagement with the horizontal pin as the branch moves between stowed and operative positions, the hinge piece suspending the branch radially from the tree trunk when in an operative position. Snaps secure the branch in a groove on the hinge piece to restrict movement of the branch about the bracket when in either a stowed or an operative position. Extended bracket guideways and a hinge piece back stop also assist in securing the branch to the hinge piece and restricting radial movement of the branch about the bracket.

Abstract: A visual display device having two helices each wound from a single tubular-like material about a common axis and one of the helices being within the peripheral confines of the other and the coils of the one helix being wound in the same direction as the wound direction of the coils in the other helix, so that when the device as a whole is rotated the two helices appear to perpetually move in simultaneously opposite directions, thus offering to the viewer of the rotating display device an aesthetically interesting sight.

Abstract: An ornamental device and a kit therefor. In the preferred embodiment, layers of ornamental balls with progressively decreasing diameters are threaded down a shaft and nested together to simulate a Christmas tree. The kit may further include a protective support having pockets for receiving the various balls, base, shaft and decorative pinnacle for the device.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree with folding branches is disclosed. A special form of branch-mounting sleeve and adapter element allow pivoting action to be achieved while enabling the use of conventional, readily-available bent wire branch elements. The adapter element is initially assembled with the bent wire branch, after which the adapter is snapped onto a pivot bar formed by the branch mounting sleeve. The branch wire and adapter are inseparably assembled once the adapter is pivotally attached to the sleeve. Considerable savings are realized by the ability to use conventional bent wire branches.

Abstract: A pop-up artificial Christmas tree has an elongated trunk which is held vertical by a stand. A plurality of stationary sleeves are affixed to the trunk and a guide sleeve is disposed on the trunk to slide proximate to and remote from an adjacent stationary sleeve. Pivotally connected to depend from each sleeve are a plurality of limbs that bear integrally attached branches. When the guide sleeve is pushed into proximity with the lowermost stationary sleeve, the limbs of the stationary sleeves and the guide sleeves pivot to substantially horizontal orientations. The guide sleeve is held into proximity with the lowermost stationary sleeve by a pin extending through the trunk, and an extension with branches of decreasing length from bottom to top may be attached to extend from the top of the trunk to effect a conical configuration of a natural tree.

Abstract: An artificial shrub or the like including at least one branch holder; said branch holder including a hub; a plurality of adjacent equispaced, radial walls supported from said hub; each said radial wall having a transverse aperture communicating with each lateral side thereof; a plurality of branches, each said branch having a u shaped hooked end thereto, said hooked ends being captured in said transverse apertures to thereby form hinge elements for said branches whereby said branches can be moved between a generally upstanding, stored position and an outspread position; means interconnected with said hub for supporting said branches in said outspread position.

Abstract: An artificial tree having a conic frustrum-shaped branch supporting frame with an inner space specially adapted for surrounding an item such as a combination patio table-beach umbrella and thereby adapting it to wintertime use as a decorative artificial tree.

Abstract: A segmented geometric structure that when rotated serves as a functional mood-setting device or simply as a static or rotatable object d'art. The structure is comprised of a plurality of spirally formed curvilinear segments that are joined at their respective top and bottom to form a single rigid structure. The structure may take the form of a spheroid, ellipsoid or any other three-dimensional geometric form amenable to a segmented construction. The structure is suspended by means of a suspension line that is attached to an elevated support or a shaft may be attached to either the top or bottom end of the structure. The other end of the shaft is attached to a reversible electrical motor that is housed within a mounting base. When the structure is rotated, either manually or by the motor, in a clockwise direction the segments appear to move spirally upwards conversely when rotated in a counter clockwise direction the segments appear to move spirally downward.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree of the narrow dimension variety that is easily stored and assembled for use as supported on a vertical wall or door structure. The artificial tree consists of a triangular panel member that includes a plurality of equispaced apertures and mounting rings for attachment to an adjacent supporting structure. A plurality of limb fronds of varying length and configuration may then be selectively inserted in selected ones of the apertures thereby to achieve a desired Christmas tree effect for subsequent support of the traditional Christmas tree decorations.

Abstract: A mobile-type Christmas tree (10) conveying the impression of Christmas ornaments (13) hung upon an invisible coniferous tree is disclosed. The mobile (10) includes an overhead support (11), and a multiplicity of filaments (12) depending from the overhead support (11). A multiplicity of ornaments (13) are attached to the filaments (12). The above ornament length of the filaments (12) increases in outward radial progression from the center of the overhead support (11) so that the ornaments (13) are supported in spaced locations such that the peripheral ornaments define the invisible tree's branches and, thus, the shape of the tree.

Abstract: A method and device for producing artificial branches from a continuous roll of wire and individual branch tips. The branches tips are attached to the wire by means of wrapping with a filament. In a first embodiment, the wrapping process is started and stopped under control of a stored program computer that measures the amount of wire fed. In a second embodiment, the wire is continuously fed and a wrapping assembly is reciprocated in timed relation with the wire fed to permit the attachment of the individual branch tips.

Abstract: An artificial tree, simulating a Christmas tree, includes a vertical trunk and a plurality of limbs made of twisted wire extending from the trunk. A plurality of "wire brush" type filaments are arranged in parallel on a tape carrier. The tape carrier, with the filaments, is interleaved in the twisted wire of the limbs to provide the appearance of needles extending from the limb. This provides an inexpensive way of making a realistic looking artificial tree.

Abstract: A decorative device for hanging in and revolving in the wind to create a pleasant effect. The device has a number of slats of selected material mounted for arcuate positioning with respect to one another on a longitudinally extending strut also serves as a hanging device. The slats are rotatable on the strut and are held thereon in such a manner to provide positioning and holding friction between adjacent slats which allows the arcuate positioning of one slat to another to provide for the creation of a spiral design of any desired lead or pitch. By coloring selected areas of the slats while they are in a flat, unformed position, a particular decorative effect is obtained when the spiral is formed.

Abstract: A construction kit for forming a variety of curvilinear faced polyhedrons all surfaces of which are arcuate and clusters of such polyhedrons from one or more of a variety of planar foldable polygonal components derived from arcuate lobed equilateral triangles, squares, rhombuses, pentagons and hexagons.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree for quick folding and display comprises a hollow trunk having reinforced ribs integrally formed along the inner wall within the hollow section and it is erected and mounted on a base support, with a plurality of forked branch-coupling members fitted around various places of the trunk at predetermined levels. Each of the forked branch-coupling members includes a lock ring fitted around the trunk, a lower branch ring coupled with the lock ring, a fastening ring engaged with the upper end of the lock ring, an upper branch ring coupled with both the lower branch ring and the fastening ring, which can be turned for making the adjustment, and a pivotable joint pivotally connected to the upper branches for accommodating the twigs, which can be folded against the trunk for storage or rapidly unfolded for display through pivotal turning of the pivotable joint.

Abstract: An automatic artificial Christmas tree using an improved one-piece plastic molded branch holding ring and spacer combination for use with twisted wire stem branches or other suitable metal wire branches without the need to resort to individual branch attaching connectors. According to the disclosed method of assembly, the branches used have a straight wire stem. The stem of each branch is first inserted into a branch receiving radial slot of a branch holder. Its free end is then raised upwardly from the horizontal position to the vertical or beyond to form a hook for pivotally connecting the branch to the holder.

Abstract: This invention relates to an illuminated ornamental structure that is easily assembled and disassembled and, more particularly, to an assemblage of light transmitting components that may be packaged as a kit and subsequently erected to provide a simulated illuminated Christmas tree.

Abstract: A flight simulating mobile device is disclosed characterized in that any of a variety of different bird, butterfly or like flying creatures may be fabricated of plastic or like material, readily assembled, and balanced in such manner that when suspended in an air current the same provide a realistic replication of a creature in flight.

Abstract: A combination greeting card, ornament and seed germination receptacle which comprises an initially flat, scored blank that is foldable into a three-dimensional hollow ornament. A greeting message is printed on the blank and the latter in its flat form is adapted to be received in a mailing envelope and mailed as a greeting card. A relatively low profile seed germination packet is mounted on the blank and is located so that when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional ornament the latter forms an enclosure for the packet. The enclosure is provided with window openings located so that light can enter the enclosure and aid in the seed germination. The ornament with the seed packet therein can be hung on a Christmas tree or placed on any flat surface such as a table or mantle.

Abstract: The mobile has twelve elongated members positioned with respect to one another to create the appearance of a hexahedron. At each of the eight corners is a flexible joint means joining three rods together and permitting the rods to pivot relative to one another (but maintaining their attachment) so that exterior forces such as air currents or mechanical thrusts cause the mobile to move in an undulating fashion and thereby create changing hexahedron shapes or patterns. The mobile is suspended from a ceiling or from an arm on a stand. Suspension is attained by a pair of threads which are respectively attached to an opposite pair of top members.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree construction wherein artificial foliage (i.e., pine needles) is secured to rings of successively smaller diameter. The rings are supported on rods which extend outwardly and downwardly from a central support column. The tree may be stored and shipped in a carton of smaller volumetric capacity than is required for prior art artificial tree constructions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kinetic waveform that is adapted to be vertically oriented and anchored. As so oriented, the kinetic waveform device comprises a plurality of generally uniformly sized and shaped slats suspended and secured along two vertical axis threads that are in turn anchored between two vertically spaced apart points. Once vertically oriented and anchored, the waveform will generally revolve about a vertical axis with the individual slats slowly and generally progressively revolving about the same general vertical axis. Thus the plane of the slats tends to twist, ripple, and to continue to change shapes in a wave-like manner about the vertical axis thereby imparting an art like character to the waveform that is particularly beneficial in providing visual stimulation and intellectual entertainment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new and improved pole-branch holder sub-assembly for use in the construction of artificial Christmas trees. Specifically, the new pole-branch holder comprises an elongated cylindrical tubular member having selectively rotatable branch holder elements assembled therewith at predetermined elevations. The branch holders themselves are advantageously formed of high impact injection molded plastic and comprise sleeves, adapted to telescope the pole in close fitting relation thereto, having a plurality of integral uniformly spaced bosses with vertical bores therein, each of which bores are associated with cantilevered support channels extending radially outwardly from the bosses. The new pole branch holder sub-assembly enables an artificial Christmas tree to be assembled rapidly by user merely by dropping the pre-formed bent ends of conventional twisted wire branches into the well-defined, multi-axis support established by the combination of the vertical bore and intersecting channel.

Abstract: A snap-together, three-dimensional decorative ornament comprising of three interconnected, substantially planar sheets possessing a defined ornamental outline, such as a snowflake or the like, said sheet being adapted to provide peripheral and central interlocking.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for manufacturing an artificial tree of the type wherein a plurality of stiffly flexible stem members are intertwisted to capture stiffly flexible limb members. The method comprises (a) inserting the limb members between the stem members at spaced predetermined positions, (b) placing a slitted web along the stem members, and (c) intertwisting the stem members to capture the limb members at spaced longitudinal positions and to capture the slitted web. An artificial tree produced by this method has a full, natural appearance. Also disclosed is an apparatus for continuously and automatically performing this method.

Abstract: A bracket for supporting a plurality of artificial tree branches, such as those used to form artificial Christmas trees, from a tree trunk in an angular relation simulative of the natural relationship between a tree trunk and tree branches. The bracket member includes a collar mounted on the tree trunk and a plurality of radially extending, circumferentially spaced arms unitary therewith with each of the arms defining an upwardly opening channel having parallel side walls and an upwardly and outwardly inclined bottom wall for receiving the inner twisted wire end of an artificial Christmas tree branch.

Abstract: An illusionary device comprising an elongated body of predetermined outline having at least one portion thereof twisted about the longitudinal axis of the body. This twisted portion includes a surface which is modified and adapted so as to have an appearance of an axially moving, sinusoidal, optical wave pattern if said body is rotated. This includes a plurality of axially repeating features. Any one "feature" at a given axial location along the length of the twisted portion will appear to the viewer as varying periodically from a point, to a maximum for the feature, back to a point, and so on, as the body is rotated. Also, axially successive ones of the repeating features appear to the viewer as varying from a point to a maximum and back to a point over the length of each twist. The combined effect is such that the apparent axial movement of the wave pattern is enhanced when the body is rotated.

Abstract: An artificial tree or the like having an improved holder for the branches thereof is disclosed. The branch holder comprises a support element such as a hub which can form or be attached to the trunk-forming member from which hub support arms extend radially outwardly for support of branches. Each of the support arms includes a bearing adjacent the juncture of the hub and the support arm for receiving therein a pivot element at the end of each branch to be supported therein. The bearing is accessible by way of a passageway which has a trap located therein, which trap is yieldable to permit entry of the pivot element of the branch and is resistant to withdrawal of the branch from the support arm. The configuration of the holder is particularly adapted for unipartite molding with thermoplastic materials in a simple draw die.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new and improved pole-branch holder sub-assembly for use in the construction of artificial Christmas trees. Specifically, the new pole-branch holder comprises an elongated cylindrical tubular member having selectively rotatable branch holder elements assembled therewith at predetermined elevations. The branch holders themselves are advantageously formed of high impact injection molded plastic and comprise sleeves, adapted to telescope the pole in close fitting relation thereto, having a plurality of integral uniformly spaced bosses with vertical bores therein, each of which bores are associated with cantilevered support channels extending radially outwardly from the bosses. The new pole branch holder sub-assembly enables an artificial Christmas tree to be assembled rapidly by user merely by dropping the pre-formed bent ends of conventional twisted wire branches into the well-defined, multi-axis support established by the combination of the vertical bore and intersecting channel.

Abstract: A decorative ornament construction is disclosed in which two substantially flat sheets are adapted to be interconnected so as to form a three-dimensional ornament capable of being suspended and thus useful as a Christmas tree decoration or the like. One of the sheets is centrally slotted so as to receive the other sheet in intersecting relation while the other sheet is provided with a pair of spaced seats for the support of said one sheet. Generally, the periphery of the sheets each define a similar design configuration such that the ornament presents a substantially uniform three-dimensional appearance.