CA1101206A - Artificial shrubs of improved construction - Google Patents
Artificial shrubs of improved constructionInfo
- Publication number
- CA1101206A CA1101206A CA339,061A CA339061A CA1101206A CA 1101206 A CA1101206 A CA 1101206A CA 339061 A CA339061 A CA 339061A CA 1101206 A CA1101206 A CA 1101206A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- branch
- holder
- hub
- passageway
- pivot element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 title abstract description 7
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 241000191291 Abies alba Species 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims 3
- 235000004507 Abies alba Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000008331 Pinus X rigitaeda Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000011613 Pinus brutia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000018646 Pinus brutia Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002860 competitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- JXSJBGJIGXNWCI-UHFFFAOYSA-N diethyl 2-[(dimethoxyphosphorothioyl)thio]succinate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)CC(SP(=S)(OC)OC)C(=O)OCC JXSJBGJIGXNWCI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- KVFIJIWMDBAGDP-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethylpyrazine Chemical compound CCC1=CN=CC=N1 KVFIJIWMDBAGDP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 210000003414 extremity Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920005669 high impact polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004797 high-impact polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940061319 ovide Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001364 upper extremity Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G33/00—Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
- A47G33/04—Christmas trees
- A47G33/06—Artificial Christmas trees
Landscapes
- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
ARTIFICIAL SHRUBS OF IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
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 number 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 OF THE DISCLOSURE
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 number 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.
Description
AR~IFICAL SHRUBS OF IMPROVED CCNSTRUCTION
e present invention relates to artificial shrubs, for example Christmas trees. It particularly relates to structure for securing the branches of such shrubs to a central trunk of the tree so as to peImit facile user assembly.
Artificial shrubs of the type ccmprehended by the instant invention comprise a central trunk, usually an axi~lly elongated member of circular cross section, and a plurality of branches which are supported frcm the trunk. In certain knc~n structures the trunk is provided with openings into which an end of a branch, which may for e~ample be of a twisted wire and plastic filament construction, ~ay be inserted by a user. In a second construction the branches may be sec~tred to an lntermediate branch support. Generally such branch support forms part of a branch holder, which in tunt secures to the trunk. The branch support includes a means for pivoting the branch in an axial plane between a first position in general axial alignment ~ith the trunk, and a second position outstret~ted therefrom~ This type of construction ; is preferred as it permits the tree to be more readily mounted and dismounted. In the prior art pivotable structures ~te pivot means in one embodlm. nt thereof necessitates drilling and riv~ting maXing this
e present invention relates to artificial shrubs, for example Christmas trees. It particularly relates to structure for securing the branches of such shrubs to a central trunk of the tree so as to peImit facile user assembly.
Artificial shrubs of the type ccmprehended by the instant invention comprise a central trunk, usually an axi~lly elongated member of circular cross section, and a plurality of branches which are supported frcm the trunk. In certain knc~n structures the trunk is provided with openings into which an end of a branch, which may for e~ample be of a twisted wire and plastic filament construction, ~ay be inserted by a user. In a second construction the branches may be sec~tred to an lntermediate branch support. Generally such branch support forms part of a branch holder, which in tunt secures to the trunk. The branch support includes a means for pivoting the branch in an axial plane between a first position in general axial alignment ~ith the trunk, and a second position outstret~ted therefrom~ This type of construction ; is preferred as it permits the tree to be more readily mounted and dismounted. In the prior art pivotable structures ~te pivot means in one embodlm. nt thereof necessitates drilling and riv~ting maXing this
2~6 second construction somewhat less competitive econcmically with the first type. In a second enbxliment of the pivotable structure a pivot is molded as a spur into the branch support structure, and a loop formed at the end of a branch is engageable therewith. The loop is maintained in engagement with the pivot by using a separately provided wedge. This structure is amenable to user assembly, but in practise it has be~n found to be disadvantageous in permltting an undesirable lateral m~vement (wobbling) of the branches, and in necessitating the provision of a separate component whlch can be misplaced.
m e present invention seeks to provide in one aspect thereof artificial shrubs permitting easy assembly of the branches with branch supports wherein the desired pivotal movement is achieved without requiring.the provision of other com~onents or parts.
m e invention contemplates in a further aspect branch supports of the above type which are unipartitely formed by si~ple molding techniques.
In accordance with the broad aspects of the present invention there is provided a branch holder for artificial branches of an arkificial tree or the like, comprising a central support - element; at least one support arm extends outwardly from the central support element and is joined thereto, which arm provides a slot in which a branch is swingable in one plane between one position in which it is folded against the tree trunk and another position in which it is outspread therefrom. A bearing is provided adjacent the juncture of the h~b and the support arm for a pivot .
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element at the end of said branch and in which the pivot element is receivable and rotatable to permit swinging of the branch in the slot between the two positions. m e h~lder further ccmprises a passageway ccnn~u~icating with the slot. The passageway is restricted by a trap which is yieldable to permit insertion of the branch pivot element into a bearing at the bottam on the passageway, but which is resistant to the withdrawal of the pivot element therefrom.
In accordance with more specific aspects of the present ~ invention, the central support element comprises a collar like hub ; 10 which in turn is securable upon the trunk of the tree. The support arm comprises a radi~l wall extending outwardly from the hub; this wall has a proximal portion secured to the hub and a distal portion which is laterally spaced frQm the proximal portion. me distal portion of the radial wall has a downw~rdly opening cleft therein located so that termi~ll portions of the distal portion form a resilient detent finger. A ramp surface is provided on the surface of the hub, the ramp surface and detent finger together forming the ahove passagewa~y and trap. The ramp surface terminates ~ abruptly so that the restriction in the passageway is removed. An ; 20 outwardly turned end portion of a branch forms a simple pivot element; this pivot element may be forced b~ a user down the passageway and past the trap, to be received in the bottom portion of the passageway, the walls thereof, together with the terminating ramp Æ face forming a bearing surface for the pivot element.
Other re specific aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto.
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2~6 In the drawings: .
Fig. 1 - is a perspective view of a branch holder in accordance with the present invention attached '~
; to a post constituting the trunk of a Christmas tree or the like ornamental structure of ' which only a part is shown;
Fig. 2 - is a partial perspective view of the h~lder and a branch ready to be inserted in the holder;
Fig~ 3 - is a plan view of a support arm of the holder;
Fig. 4 - is a cross-section along line 4-4 in Fig. 3;
and Fig. 5 - is an elevational view of a support arm.
Referring to the Figu~es, a tree trunk T forming part of a Christmas tree o~ the like decorative struc~ure has attached thereto a branch holder H for branches BR, the holder comprising a plura~ity of branch support ar~s A. Merely by way of example, the holder H may have three such branch support arms located generally ~n radial relation with respect to the tr~nk T. ;
The holder serves to support the branches BR in a first position in which they are outspread'as shown, and further permits swinging of each branch towards the trunk T so as to provide reduced buIk of the mounted branches during out of season storage.
~ tGh of the branches'BR is furnished with a pivot element 10 near the end of the branch which is to be attached to the trunk T
by way of the halder H. As shcwn.in Figs. l and 2, the pi~ot elemen't 10 is here furnished by rectangularly b~nt end portion of the stem-forming structure of the branch. Again merely by way of ~a~;zo6 example, the branch may be fashioned ~y two pieces of wire 12 and 14, respectively, which are twisted together with plastic strands 16 intertwined therebetween to form a replica of a pine branch.
Holder H typically is camprised of a hollow cylindrical hub 20 which forms a central supFort element for support arm A
radiating outwardly therefram. Tne hub 20 is furnished with a hole 21 in a wall segment adjacent-a supFort arm A for attachment of the holder H to the trDnk using a nail or similar fastener, not shown.
Each supFort arm A comprises a radial wall 22 extending outwardly from a hub 20; the radial wall is formed to provide a radial slot 23 which permits the branch BR to swing in an axial plane between a first outstretched position, for example as shown in Fig. 1, and a second generally upstanding position wherein it is approxImately axially aligned. Slot 23 is of a width to provide for a snug fit of the stem of branch BR therein so as to avoid lateral wobbling of the branch, whilst permitting the branch to m~ve between the first and second Fositions.
As best seen with reference to Fig. 2, radial wall 22 has a proximal portion 24 thereof secured to hub 20 and a distal portion 25 thereof laterally spaced from proximal portion 24 and radially spaced from hub 20. The lateral spacing of wall portions 24 and 25 in part defines slot 23; in this preferred embodiment wall portions 24 and 25 form a continuum of parallel, laterally spaced cheeks 26~28 with slot 23 extending therebetween.
The distal portion 25 of cheek 28 is provid~d with a downwardly opening cleft 30 therein so as to form a resilient finger 32 which functions as a detent as will be further described.
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Z~36 Opposed to detent finger 32 there is provided on hub 20 a ramp surface 34, the ramp surface and detent f m ger together forming a passageway P which communicates along the length thereof with ; slot 23. The passageway P is dimensioned at the upper extremity thereof to receive pivot element 10 therein. The ramp surface 34 constricts passageway P, and with the detent finger forms a trap TR for pivot elemen~ 10. Ramp surface-34 terminates abruQtly so as to rem~ve the constriction, the portion of the passageway beneath the constriction, which portion includes the downwardly facing end of ramp surface 34, form~ng part of a kearing surface for receiving the trapped pivot element 10 therein.
Passageway P is closed by a stop wall 36 which functions together with the hottom portion of the passageway and ramp surface to form a hearing B for pivot element 10. Stop wall 36 may be supported from hub 20 or arm A. In the preferred embodiTe~t stop wall 36 connects ketween hub 20 and cheek 28 radially outwardly of cleft 30, so as to rigidify the support arm.
Rigidity is also ensured by interconnecting lower and outer peripheral portions of cheeks 26,28 at 38 so as to in effect form an upwardly opening trough. ~ne upper limit of wall 38 forms a limit to the downward movement of branch BR an~ is provided with an indent 40 in the upperm~st rim to receive branch BR therein.
Branch holder H is desirably formed as a unipartite molding from a thermoplastic material, for example high impact polystyrene. In one form ther~of the various undercut surfaces of i ~ ~ cleft 30, detent finger 32 and ramp surface 34 may ke molded using , , " . ~
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a split cavity mold technique as will be kncwn to persons in the art. Using such technique stop wall 36 m~y form a continuum of rigidifying wall 38 if desired. Split cavity molding engendiers certain disadvantages, in comparison to draw m~ld mg, amongst which are increased mold cost andi moldin~ time. Of im~ortance in the present context, the number of sup~ort arms that can be formed upon a central supp~rt element such as hub 20 is considerably llmitedi when using a split ~avity moldi. Persons skilled in the art will recognize thait in the preferredi form of the branch holder H
stop wall 36 locates laterally outwardly on cheek 28 and ramp surface 34, as best seen in Fig. 3, and rigidifying wall 38 commences radi~lly outwardly of cleft 30, so as to provide an access opening 48 to all undercut surfaces, whereby a simple straight draw mold may be employed to Eorm branch holder H.
lt is generally found to be desirable to increase the surface area of bearing B so as to p~ovide for greater retention of a branch BR in the branch hDlder H, particularly when i~ the upright position. For this purpose the wall of hub 20 is thickened at 42 and a small step extension 44 is formed on stop wall 36.
Step 44 has a vertical wall portion 46 formed slightly radially outwardly of the lower radially inwardly facin~ extremity of detent finger 32 so th~t it oombines with the detent finger to form a bearing surface when pivot element 10 is in its engaged pDsition, but it does nDt im~ede the passage of the pivot element through trap TR.
W~ilst supFort arms A h~ve been illustrated as being secured to a hub which is in turn secured to the trunk of the tree, , .
' ~: '' . :` ~'' ' ,' it will be recognized that the support arms may be unipartitely formed with the trunk or otherwise attached directly thereto. The illustrated embodiment is deemed to ~e preferred as it permits reduced molding costs, since the trunk may be extrusion formed whereas the support arms are generally injection molded. Also the separate formation of the parts permits considerable latitude in the aesthetic aspects of the construction and assembly, partic~arly in regard to branch density and spacing. Gther changes from the preferred embodiment may be deemed desirable according to specific circumstances, without departing from the spirit of what has been inven-ted as is described in the following claims.
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m e present invention seeks to provide in one aspect thereof artificial shrubs permitting easy assembly of the branches with branch supports wherein the desired pivotal movement is achieved without requiring.the provision of other com~onents or parts.
m e invention contemplates in a further aspect branch supports of the above type which are unipartitely formed by si~ple molding techniques.
In accordance with the broad aspects of the present invention there is provided a branch holder for artificial branches of an arkificial tree or the like, comprising a central support - element; at least one support arm extends outwardly from the central support element and is joined thereto, which arm provides a slot in which a branch is swingable in one plane between one position in which it is folded against the tree trunk and another position in which it is outspread therefrom. A bearing is provided adjacent the juncture of the h~b and the support arm for a pivot .
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element at the end of said branch and in which the pivot element is receivable and rotatable to permit swinging of the branch in the slot between the two positions. m e h~lder further ccmprises a passageway ccnn~u~icating with the slot. The passageway is restricted by a trap which is yieldable to permit insertion of the branch pivot element into a bearing at the bottam on the passageway, but which is resistant to the withdrawal of the pivot element therefrom.
In accordance with more specific aspects of the present ~ invention, the central support element comprises a collar like hub ; 10 which in turn is securable upon the trunk of the tree. The support arm comprises a radi~l wall extending outwardly from the hub; this wall has a proximal portion secured to the hub and a distal portion which is laterally spaced frQm the proximal portion. me distal portion of the radial wall has a downw~rdly opening cleft therein located so that termi~ll portions of the distal portion form a resilient detent finger. A ramp surface is provided on the surface of the hub, the ramp surface and detent finger together forming the ahove passagewa~y and trap. The ramp surface terminates ~ abruptly so that the restriction in the passageway is removed. An ; 20 outwardly turned end portion of a branch forms a simple pivot element; this pivot element may be forced b~ a user down the passageway and past the trap, to be received in the bottom portion of the passageway, the walls thereof, together with the terminating ramp Æ face forming a bearing surface for the pivot element.
Other re specific aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto.
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2~6 In the drawings: .
Fig. 1 - is a perspective view of a branch holder in accordance with the present invention attached '~
; to a post constituting the trunk of a Christmas tree or the like ornamental structure of ' which only a part is shown;
Fig. 2 - is a partial perspective view of the h~lder and a branch ready to be inserted in the holder;
Fig~ 3 - is a plan view of a support arm of the holder;
Fig. 4 - is a cross-section along line 4-4 in Fig. 3;
and Fig. 5 - is an elevational view of a support arm.
Referring to the Figu~es, a tree trunk T forming part of a Christmas tree o~ the like decorative struc~ure has attached thereto a branch holder H for branches BR, the holder comprising a plura~ity of branch support ar~s A. Merely by way of example, the holder H may have three such branch support arms located generally ~n radial relation with respect to the tr~nk T. ;
The holder serves to support the branches BR in a first position in which they are outspread'as shown, and further permits swinging of each branch towards the trunk T so as to provide reduced buIk of the mounted branches during out of season storage.
~ tGh of the branches'BR is furnished with a pivot element 10 near the end of the branch which is to be attached to the trunk T
by way of the halder H. As shcwn.in Figs. l and 2, the pi~ot elemen't 10 is here furnished by rectangularly b~nt end portion of the stem-forming structure of the branch. Again merely by way of ~a~;zo6 example, the branch may be fashioned ~y two pieces of wire 12 and 14, respectively, which are twisted together with plastic strands 16 intertwined therebetween to form a replica of a pine branch.
Holder H typically is camprised of a hollow cylindrical hub 20 which forms a central supFort element for support arm A
radiating outwardly therefram. Tne hub 20 is furnished with a hole 21 in a wall segment adjacent-a supFort arm A for attachment of the holder H to the trDnk using a nail or similar fastener, not shown.
Each supFort arm A comprises a radial wall 22 extending outwardly from a hub 20; the radial wall is formed to provide a radial slot 23 which permits the branch BR to swing in an axial plane between a first outstretched position, for example as shown in Fig. 1, and a second generally upstanding position wherein it is approxImately axially aligned. Slot 23 is of a width to provide for a snug fit of the stem of branch BR therein so as to avoid lateral wobbling of the branch, whilst permitting the branch to m~ve between the first and second Fositions.
As best seen with reference to Fig. 2, radial wall 22 has a proximal portion 24 thereof secured to hub 20 and a distal portion 25 thereof laterally spaced from proximal portion 24 and radially spaced from hub 20. The lateral spacing of wall portions 24 and 25 in part defines slot 23; in this preferred embodiment wall portions 24 and 25 form a continuum of parallel, laterally spaced cheeks 26~28 with slot 23 extending therebetween.
The distal portion 25 of cheek 28 is provid~d with a downwardly opening cleft 30 therein so as to form a resilient finger 32 which functions as a detent as will be further described.
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Z~36 Opposed to detent finger 32 there is provided on hub 20 a ramp surface 34, the ramp surface and detent f m ger together forming a passageway P which communicates along the length thereof with ; slot 23. The passageway P is dimensioned at the upper extremity thereof to receive pivot element 10 therein. The ramp surface 34 constricts passageway P, and with the detent finger forms a trap TR for pivot elemen~ 10. Ramp surface-34 terminates abruQtly so as to rem~ve the constriction, the portion of the passageway beneath the constriction, which portion includes the downwardly facing end of ramp surface 34, form~ng part of a kearing surface for receiving the trapped pivot element 10 therein.
Passageway P is closed by a stop wall 36 which functions together with the hottom portion of the passageway and ramp surface to form a hearing B for pivot element 10. Stop wall 36 may be supported from hub 20 or arm A. In the preferred embodiTe~t stop wall 36 connects ketween hub 20 and cheek 28 radially outwardly of cleft 30, so as to rigidify the support arm.
Rigidity is also ensured by interconnecting lower and outer peripheral portions of cheeks 26,28 at 38 so as to in effect form an upwardly opening trough. ~ne upper limit of wall 38 forms a limit to the downward movement of branch BR an~ is provided with an indent 40 in the upperm~st rim to receive branch BR therein.
Branch holder H is desirably formed as a unipartite molding from a thermoplastic material, for example high impact polystyrene. In one form ther~of the various undercut surfaces of i ~ ~ cleft 30, detent finger 32 and ramp surface 34 may ke molded using , , " . ~
,, : , ,;.. . :: . . ..
:: . , . : ::: .,.. ,.... : , :
:: ; :-: . ::. : : : :
, 2~
a split cavity mold technique as will be kncwn to persons in the art. Using such technique stop wall 36 m~y form a continuum of rigidifying wall 38 if desired. Split cavity molding engendiers certain disadvantages, in comparison to draw m~ld mg, amongst which are increased mold cost andi moldin~ time. Of im~ortance in the present context, the number of sup~ort arms that can be formed upon a central supp~rt element such as hub 20 is considerably llmitedi when using a split ~avity moldi. Persons skilled in the art will recognize thait in the preferredi form of the branch holder H
stop wall 36 locates laterally outwardly on cheek 28 and ramp surface 34, as best seen in Fig. 3, and rigidifying wall 38 commences radi~lly outwardly of cleft 30, so as to provide an access opening 48 to all undercut surfaces, whereby a simple straight draw mold may be employed to Eorm branch holder H.
lt is generally found to be desirable to increase the surface area of bearing B so as to p~ovide for greater retention of a branch BR in the branch hDlder H, particularly when i~ the upright position. For this purpose the wall of hub 20 is thickened at 42 and a small step extension 44 is formed on stop wall 36.
Step 44 has a vertical wall portion 46 formed slightly radially outwardly of the lower radially inwardly facin~ extremity of detent finger 32 so th~t it oombines with the detent finger to form a bearing surface when pivot element 10 is in its engaged pDsition, but it does nDt im~ede the passage of the pivot element through trap TR.
W~ilst supFort arms A h~ve been illustrated as being secured to a hub which is in turn secured to the trunk of the tree, , .
' ~: '' . :` ~'' ' ,' it will be recognized that the support arms may be unipartitely formed with the trunk or otherwise attached directly thereto. The illustrated embodiment is deemed to ~e preferred as it permits reduced molding costs, since the trunk may be extrusion formed whereas the support arms are generally injection molded. Also the separate formation of the parts permits considerable latitude in the aesthetic aspects of the construction and assembly, partic~arly in regard to branch density and spacing. Gther changes from the preferred embodiment may be deemed desirable according to specific circumstances, without departing from the spirit of what has been inven-ted as is described in the following claims.
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Claims (24)
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A holder for artificial branches of an artificial shrub or the like, said holder comprising:
a central support element;
a support arm extending outwardly from said central support element and joined thereto, said arm providing a slot in which one of said branches is swingable in a plane between one position in which it is generally aligned with said central support element and another position in which it is outspread therefrom;
a bearing adjacent the juncture of the central support element and said support arm for a pivot element at the end of a said branch and in which said pivot element is receivable and rotatable to permit swinging of the branch in said slot between its two positions aforesaid;
a passageway providing the entrance for said pivot element into said bearing;
a trap in said passageway which is yieldable to permit insertion of said pivot element into said bearing and resistant to the withdrawal of said pivot element from said bearing.
a central support element;
a support arm extending outwardly from said central support element and joined thereto, said arm providing a slot in which one of said branches is swingable in a plane between one position in which it is generally aligned with said central support element and another position in which it is outspread therefrom;
a bearing adjacent the juncture of the central support element and said support arm for a pivot element at the end of a said branch and in which said pivot element is receivable and rotatable to permit swinging of the branch in said slot between its two positions aforesaid;
a passageway providing the entrance for said pivot element into said bearing;
a trap in said passageway which is yieldable to permit insertion of said pivot element into said bearing and resistant to the withdrawal of said pivot element from said bearing.
2. The holder as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising wall means and support means in said support arm for supporting the branch in its outspread position.
3. The holder as Claimed in Claim 1, wherein said slot is provided by a trough.
4. The holder as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said slot is provided by a trough extending outwardly from said central support means.
5. The holder as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said channel includes cheeks between which the branch is movable between the positions aforesaid; said passageway being bounded by the central support means on one of its sides and the end of one said cheeks on its other side.
6. The holder as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said trap is constituted by:
a ramp in said passageway forming part of said central support element and narrowing the passageway adjacent to said bearing; and a resiliently deflectible detent finger constituting the end of the wall bounding said passageway.
a ramp in said passageway forming part of said central support element and narrowing the passageway adjacent to said bearing; and a resiliently deflectible detent finger constituting the end of the wall bounding said passageway.
7. The holder as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said detent finger is provided by a cleft in the cheek bounding said passageway.
8. The holder as claimed in Claim 7, including a bottom stop for said passageway.
9. The holder as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said central support element is a hub for attachment to a post or the like constituting a tree trunk.
10. The holder as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein a plurality of said support arms are radially disposed about a hub which constitutes said central support element.
11. A branch holder for a Christmas tree or the like comprising a hub and at least one support arm comprising a radial wall extending outwardly from said hub, said radial wall having a proximal portion secured to said hub and a distal portion laterally spaced from said proximal portion; said radial wall having a slot therein in which the branch is swingable, said distal portion having a downwardly opening cleft therein whereby terminal portions of said distal portion form a resiliently movable detent finger, a ramp surface on said hub opposed to said detent finger, said ramp surface and said detent finger together defining a constricted passageway, said ramp surface terminating abruptly adjacent the bottom end of said passageway to remove the constriction, a stop wall secured to said hub and locating adjacent the bottom of said passageway, said stop wall and the bottom portions of said passage-way together forming a bearing for a pivot element of the branch.
12. The branch holder of Claim 11 wherein said radial wall comprises a pair of laterally spaced cheeks.
13. The branch holder of Claim 12 wherein said cheeks are interconnected by bottom portions thereof to form an upwardly opening trough.
14. The branch holder of Claim 12 wherein said cheeks locate in generally parallel vertical planes.
15. The branch holder of Claim 13 wherein said bottom portions commence radially outwardly of said cleft opening.
16. The branch holder of Claim 11 wherein said stop wall locates laterally outwardly of the surfaces defining said passageway.
17. The branch holder of Claim 16 wherein said stop wall connects to said distal portion of said radial wall.
18. The branch holder of Claims 16 or 17 wherein said stop wall includes a step portion located to increase the bearing surface of said stop wall.
19. The branch holder of Claims 11, 12 or 13 wherein said radial wall and said stop wall are unipartitely formed with said hub.
20. The branch holder of Claims 11, 12 or 13 wherein said radial wall and said stop wall are unipartitely formed with said hub by molding in a thermoplastic material.
21. The branch holder of Claims 11, 12 or 13 wherein a plurality of said support arms are radially disposed about said hub.
22. In a kit for a Christmas tree or the like adapted for user assembly including one or more generally cylindrical section forming a trunk, the improvement wherein there is provided a plurality of branch holders as defined in Claims 11, 12 or 13 wherein said hub is adapted to be received on said trunk, a plurality of branches, each said branch having a central stem and an end portion projecting generally at right angles to the remaining portion of the central stem, said central stem having a radial dimension adjacent said end portion such that the end portion may be forced along said passageway to be pivotally received in the bottom portion thereof and retained therein by said trap.
23. An artificial shrub comprising a central cylindrical trunk member and a plurality of branch holders as defined in Claim 1, 2 or 3 supported from said trunk by said central support elements, a plurality of branches, each said branch having a central stem including an end portion thereof forming a pivot element, said pivot element being pivotally received in said bearing and retained therein by said trap, with portions of said central stem adjacent said pivot element being received in said slot whereby said branches are swingable as aforesaid.
24. An artificial shrub comprising a central cylindrical trunk member and a plurality of branch holders as defined in Claim 11, 12 or 13 having the hub portions thereof received on said trunk member,a plurality of branches, each said branch having a central stem including an end portion thereof forming a pivot element, said pivot element being pivotally received in said bearing and retained therein by said trap, with portions of said central stem adjacent said pivot element being received in said slot whereby said branches are swingable as aforesaid.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA339,061A CA1101206A (en) | 1979-11-02 | 1979-11-02 | Artificial shrubs of improved construction |
| GB8028442A GB2063067B (en) | 1979-11-02 | 1980-09-03 | Artificial shrubs of improved construction |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA339,061A CA1101206A (en) | 1979-11-02 | 1979-11-02 | Artificial shrubs of improved construction |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1101206A true CA1101206A (en) | 1981-05-19 |
Family
ID=4115525
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA339,061A Expired CA1101206A (en) | 1979-11-02 | 1979-11-02 | Artificial shrubs of improved construction |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1101206A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2063067B (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2128476A (en) * | 1982-10-08 | 1984-05-02 | Wong Fok Kee Company Limited | Artificial Christmas tree for quick folding and display |
| IT208933Z2 (en) * | 1985-10-21 | 1988-05-28 | Borella Mariano | PLASTIC SUPPORT TO ASSEMBLE MODULAR PINE BRANCHES GIVING THE POSSIBILITY OF FORMING OVERLAPPING VARIOUS LAYERS, A COMPLETE ARTIFICIAL PINE. |
-
1979
- 1979-11-02 CA CA339,061A patent/CA1101206A/en not_active Expired
-
1980
- 1980-09-03 GB GB8028442A patent/GB2063067B/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2063067B (en) | 1983-09-28 |
| GB2063067A (en) | 1981-06-03 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |