EP2361028B1 - Arbre de noël pouvant être inversé - Google Patents

Arbre de noël pouvant être inversé Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2361028B1
EP2361028B1 EP08878792.4A EP08878792A EP2361028B1 EP 2361028 B1 EP2361028 B1 EP 2361028B1 EP 08878792 A EP08878792 A EP 08878792A EP 2361028 B1 EP2361028 B1 EP 2361028B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
trunk
rotating
rotating trunk
limbs
artificial tree
Prior art date
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EP08878792.4A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP2361028A4 (fr
EP2361028A1 (fr
EP2361028B8 (fr
Inventor
Bruce A. Schooley
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BALSAM HILL LLC
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Individual
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Publication of EP2361028A4 publication Critical patent/EP2361028A4/fr
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Publication of EP2361028B1 publication Critical patent/EP2361028B1/fr
Publication of EP2361028B8 publication Critical patent/EP2361028B8/fr
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    • 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

Definitions

  • the followinginvention relates to artificialtrees and particularly artificial Christmas trees which can be collapsed and stored when not in use and deployed when intended to be used. More particularly,this invention relates to collapsible Christmas trees which collapse by rotation of one portion of the Christmas tree relative to a second portion of the Christmas tree.
  • Such decorations When decorating a space, it is often desirable to include trees as part of such decorations. To allow such decorations to last substantially indefinitely without maintenance and allow for repeated cycles of storage and deployment of such decorations,it is desirable to provide artificial trees rather than live trees.
  • An example of such decorations are Christmas trees typically deployed during holiday seasons occurring at the end of each calendar year.
  • Such artificial Christmas trees are often configured to be collapsible so that they take up a minimum of space during initial shipping and inventory before being sold, and also to allow the user to store the Christmas tree when not in use in a relatively small space and protected from damage.
  • Some such collapsible Christmas trees or other trees have limbs which are removably attachedfrom a central trunk.
  • the limbs typically include further branches which extend from the limbs which can be formed of wire or other materials with the limbs formed of wood, steel or other relativelyrigid materials and the central trunk formed of wood, metal or other materials that are substantially rigid and strong enough to handle the loads encountered by carrying the limbs.
  • needles of an artificial nature are fastened by wire,adhesive or otherwise to the branches extending from the limbs or directly to the limbs themselves.
  • lighting is permanently fixed to the limbs, such as with lights coupled to cords and with the cords plugging into a central cord running up the trunk.
  • the limbs are not removed from the trunk but rather pivotfrom a stored orientation to a deployed orientation.
  • the deployed orientation is generally perpendicular to the trunk and the stored orientation is somewhere between 45° pivoted away from horizontal to a substantially vertical orientation parallel to the trunk.
  • This tree reorienting procedure is a particularly difficult maneuver in that the tree must be held away from the body of the individual before rotation. Many individuals lack the strength, arm length and dexterity to perform such a maneuver. For others, such a maneuver is dangerous to perform, presenting the possibility of injury or damage to the user or the tree. Accordingly, a need exists for a Christmas tree or other artificialtree which can be easily reconfigured from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration with a minimum of strength or dexterity being required for such tree deployment.
  • JP 55-12871 discloses a collapsible artificial tree according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the trunk includes two trunk portions including a fixed trunk portion adapted to be supported above a floor and a rotating trunk portion pivotably attached to the fixed trunk portion through a pivotjoint.
  • the fixed trunk portion extends from a lower end to an upper end with the pivotjoint located closer to the upper end than to the lower end and typically adjacent the upper end.
  • the rotating trunk portion has a portion thereof between a first end and a second end of the rotating trunk portion pivotably attached through the pivot joint to the fixed trunk portion.
  • This pivot joint allows the rotating trunk portion to pivot substantially 180° from a collapsed orientation extending substantially vertically to a deployed orientation extending substantially vertically,but with the first and second ends havingswapped.
  • first end is above the second end.
  • second end of the rotating trunk portion is above the first end.
  • the limbs are pivotably attached to the rotating trunk portion. These limbs pivot between a perpendicular orientation and a collapsed orientation pivotingtoward the second end of the rotating trunk portion somewhat away from the deployed position. Such pivoting can occur by gravity or through manual movement of the limbs. If by gravity alone, merely rotating the rotating trunk portion about the pivot joint between the collapsed orientation and the deployed orientation allows the limbs to pivot from their collapsed position to their deployed substantially perpendicularto the rotating trunk portion position. Thus, all one need do is spin the rotating trunk portion 180° while the entire weight of the rotating trunk portion is supported by the fixed trunk portion resting upon a floor or other underlying surface.
  • a clasp is preferably provided to selectively secure the rotating trunk portion in the deployed orientation (and optionally also in the stored orientation)to avoid inadvertently inverting the rotating trunk portion after ployment thereof.
  • Lights preferably run up the fixed trunk portion then transition to the rotating trunk portion at the pivot joint and then toward each end of the rotating trunk portion and out at least some of the limbs, to provide lights for the Christmas tree or other artificial tree.
  • a wheeled base is optionally provided to further facilitatedeploymentof the artificialtree where desired.
  • a top cap is preferably removably attachable to the second end of the rotating trunk portion to provide an uppermost portion of the tree. This uppermost portion can also include lights thereon with an appropriate plug to provide electrical connection when the cap is coupled to the second end at the top of the deployed rotating trunk portion of the deployed Christmas tree.
  • reference numeral 10 is directed to a collapsible artificial tree.
  • the tree 10 is invertible( Figure 4 ) so that it can transition between an upside down stored orientation ( Figure 3 ) with limbs angling downwardly to decrease a width of the collapsed artificial tree, and a deployed orientation ( Figure 5 ) with the limbs pivoted to an orientation substantially perpendicular to the trunk. The user thus need not pick up the artificial tree 10 at any time to convert it from its stored orientation to its deployed orientation.
  • the tree 10 includes a base 20 upon which the entire artificial tree 10 is supported above an underlying floor.
  • a fixed trunk 30 extends verticallyup from the base 20. This fixed trunk 30 extends approximately half of a height of the tree 10.
  • a pivot 36 is provided near an upper end 34 of the fixed trunk 30 .
  • This pivot 36 rotatably supports a rotating trunk 40 thereto.
  • the rotating trunk 40 preferably has a length similarto a height of the artificial tree with the rotating trunk 40 pivotablycoupled to the fixed trunk 30 through the pivot 36 near a midpoint of the rotating trunk 40.
  • Limbs 50 extend laterally from the rotatingtrunk 40.
  • these limbs 50 are pivotably connected to the rotating trunk 40 so that the limbs 50 can pivot relativeto the trunk between an approximately perpendicular deployed orientation and a collapsed orientation which pivots toward the trunk.
  • the limbs 50 extend substantially horizontally when the rotating trunk 40 is in a final position for deployment of the limbs 50, and the limbs 50 pivot toward the rotating trunk 40 when the rotating trunk 40 is rotated to a stored position ( Figure 3 ).
  • Branches 60 typically extend from each limb 50.
  • Lights 70 are typically routed up the fixed trunk 30, out to each end of the rotating trunk 40 and then out the limbs 50 potentially out onto branches 60 supported by the limbs 50.
  • the lights receive power such as through a power receptacle P.
  • a cap 80 is preferably provided which attaches to an end of the rotatingtrunk 40 to provide an uppermost portion of the tree 10 after the rotating trunk 40 has been rotated to a deployed orientation.
  • accessories for the collapsible artificial tree 10 are described for use when the collapsible artificial tree 10 is in a stored configuration.
  • These accessories preferably include a substantially cylindrical cover 2 with a diametersized to fit over the collapsible artificial tree 10 when it is in its stored position ( Figure 3 ).
  • the cap 80 can also fit inside this cover 2.
  • a lid 4 is preferably also provided which can moverelativeto the cover2 (such as along arrow A of Figure 2 ) and attach to the cover 2, such as through a zipper 6.
  • the lid 4 is particularly useful during shipping or when the collapsible artificial tree 10 is to be stored on its side. Otherwise, the lid 4 is not required.
  • the cover2 on the collapsible artificial tree 10 the entire collapsible artificial tree 10 can be rolled into a closet or other storage area and be kept clean and keep the artificial tree from damaging other objects, such as within the closet.
  • the base 20 provides a preferred form of means to support the collapsible artificial tree 10 above an underlying ground surface, such as a floor of a residential structure.
  • This base 20 has sufficient width to provide stability for the collapsible artificial tree 10 to prevent it from tipping over.
  • the base 20 also preferably elevates lowermost portions of the collapsible artificial tree 10 somewhat above an underlying surface.
  • This base 20 in this most preferred embodiment is a wheeled base 20 including wheels 28 thereon so that the entire collapsible artificial tree 10 can be rolled about on the underlying surface for easy transportation, such as between a stored location and a deployed location.
  • the base 20 includes a plate 22 which is preferably circular or square in form and oriented generally horizontally.
  • a pedestal 24 extends vertically upward from a central portion of the plate 22.
  • the pedestal 24 is configured to be fixedly attachedto the fixed trunk 30 with the fixed trunk 30 preferably extending vertically upward from the pedestal 24.
  • joints 25 preferably have legs 26 pivotably attached to the plate 22 therethrough.
  • the joints 25 allow the legs 26 to pivot relativeto the plate 22 (about arrow B of Figure 2 ).
  • Wheels 28 are preferably provided at the end of each of these legs 26.
  • the wheels 28 are preferably on casters or other swivel joints.
  • the base 20 can have a deployed configuration with the legs 26 extending radially outwardly for maximum stability,but the legs 26 can be pivoted inwardly (narrow B) to provide a lesser width and to allow the lid 4 to be closed over the base 20 and to completely enclose the collapsible artificial tree 10 within the cover 2 when desired ( Figure 1 ).
  • the base 20 shown herein is described according to this preferred embodiment, other bases 20 could also be utilized.
  • the base 20 could merely be a fixed structure having sufficient width to resist tipping of the collapsible artificial tree 10.
  • the base 2 could merely be a hole in an underlying floor into which the fixed trunk 30 of the collapsible artificial tree 10 would be removably mounted.
  • Other forms of artificial tree stands could also be utilized to support the fixed trunk 30 and dispense with the base 20 altogether.
  • the collapsible artificial tree 10 preferably includes a central trunk formed of two separate trunk portions including a first portion referred to as a fixed trunk 30 and a second portion referred to as a rotating trunk 40. Also, a top trunk 82 is provided as a portion of the cap 80 defining a small portion of the overall trunk structure of the collapsible artificial tree 10.
  • the fixed trunk 30 preferably has a height substantially half of that of the collapsible artificial tree 10.
  • the fixed trunk 30 is elongate in form and can be configured such as in a solid cylindrical form or in the form of a cylindrical tube.
  • the fixed trunk 30 is formed of substantially rigid material and carries loads of the collapsible artificial tree 10 upon the base 20 or other underlying surface.
  • the fixed trunk 30 includes a lower end 32 opposite an upper end 34.
  • a clasp 33 is provided near the lower end 32. This clasp 33 is configured to be removably attached to a portion of the rotating trunk 40 to secure the rotating trunk 40 in either the stored configuration ( Figure 3 ) or in the deployed configuration ( Figure 5 ). This clasp structure is further particularly shown in Figures 10 and 11 .
  • the upper end 34 of the fixed trunk 30 includes a pivot 36 adjacent thereto.
  • This pivot 36 can be as simple as a hole passing laterally through the fixed trunk 30 with an axle 37 passing through this hole.
  • the pivot 36 is in this simple form with the axle 37 providing for pivotableattachmentbetween the rotating trunk 40 and the fixed trunk 30.
  • the axle 37 has a length similar to twice a diameter of the fixed trunk 30.
  • the rotating trunk 40 has a diameter similar to that of the fixed trunk 30 and the axle 37 passes through both the fixed trunk 30 and the rotating trunk 40 with the rotating trunk 40 alignable parallel with the fixed trunk 30 but just slightly offset laterallyfrom the fixed trunk 30 so that the rotatingtrunk 40 can rotate freely relativeto the fixed trunk 30.
  • the fixed trunk 30 can be spaced slightly away from a center of mass of the collapsible artificial tree 10 so that the rotating trunk 40 can have its center of mass more closely aligned with the center of mass of the overall collapsible artificial tree 10 for maximum stability.
  • Figures 3-10 is perhaps the simplest embodiment for the pivot 36, other embodimentsof this pivotcould be utilized,including those depicted in Figures 18-21 .
  • Figures 18 and 19 depictfront and top viewsof an alternatejoint 136 with a bracket 138 pi votably attached to the upper end 34 of the fixed trunk 30 and an end of the bracket 138 opposite the upper end 34 of the fixed trunk 30 either fixed or pivotably attached to the rotating trunk 40.
  • Rotation of the rotatingtrunk 40 relativeto the fixed trunk 30 occurs by first movingalong arrow C', then moving along arrow C". 180° of rotation is achieved and the rotating trunk 40 moves from being directly adjacent the fixed trunk 30 on a first side thereof to being directly adjacent the fixed trunk 30 on a second side opposite the first side.
  • FIGs 20 and 21 another embodiment is provided in the form of a second alternative joint 236.
  • An axle 237 is provided to allow the rotating trunk 240, having a square cross-section, to rotate relative to the fixed trunk 230 in the form of a generally square cross-sectioned structure havingone open side opposite the side bearing the axle 237.
  • the rotating trunk 40 has a size slightly smaller than that of the fixed trunk 30 so that the rotating trunk 40 can rotate to nest inside the fixed trunk 30 when in one position, but pivot out of this nested configuration when in the second configuration after 180° of rotation (along arrow C' and then arrow C" ( Figure 20 )).
  • Other embodiments of joints or pivots could also be resorted to, to allow for pivotable attachment of the rotating trunk 40 to the fixed trunk 30.
  • the rotating trunk 40 preferably supports all of the limbs 50 of the collapsible artificial tree 10 thereon.
  • This rotating trunk 40 has an elongate rigid form similarto that of the fixed trunk 30.
  • the rotating trunk 40 preferably has a length similar to a height of the collapsible artificial tree (minus a height of the cap 80 and minus a height of the base 20 up to a top of the pedestal 24).
  • This rotating trunk 40 has a first end 42 opposite a second end 44 ( Figures 4 and 9 ).
  • the first end 42 is configured to be below the second end 44 when the rotating trunk 40 is in its deployed configuration.
  • the rotating trunk 40 is configured to have the first end 42 above the second end 44 when in the stored configuration ( Figure 3 ).
  • a port 45 is provided at the end of the second end 44 which can receive and support the cap 80 thereon.
  • a core 46 passing through an interior of the rotating trunk 40 is preferably hollow. Such a hollow core 46 minimizes weight of the rotating trunk 40 while maintaining strength for the rotating trunk 40 and also optionally provides a pathway through which electric equipment for the lights 70 can be routed. Slots 48 ( Figures 12-17 ) are formed in the rotating trunk 40 through which limbs 50 can interface in a rotating fashion relative to the rotating trunk 40.
  • the rotating trunk 40 preferably has a center point or a point near the center point of the rotating trunk 40 which is pivotably attached to the fixed trunk 30 through the pivot 36. This midpoint is also preferably a center of mass of the rotating trunk 40.
  • the rotating trunk 40 can be freely rotated 180° to move the first end 42 from directly above the second end 44 and directly above the fixed trunk 30, to a second position with the first end 42 adjacent the fixed trunk 30 and directly below the second end 44; with a center of mass of the rotating trunk 40 always remaining substantially aligned with the fixed trunk 30.
  • the rotating trunk 40 can be "spun" without causing instability in the collapsible artificial tree 10 resting upon the base 20 or other support above a floor.
  • near each end 42, 44 of the rotating trunk 40 holes are provided which can interface with the clasp 33 so that the rotating trunk 40 can be secured to the fixed trunk 30 in both the collapsed configuration and the deployed configuration.
  • the limbs 50 could be attached to the rotatingtrunk 40 in many different ways including in fixed fashion or in a fashion which is removable but not pivotable. However, most preferably the limbs 50 are pivotably attached to the rotating trunk 40. Such pivoting preferably allows for rotation of the limbs 50 between a perpendicular orientation (actually substantially perpendicular but preferably slightly angled upwardly, when the rotating trunk 40 is oriented vertically)and a collapsed configuration closerto the angle of the rotatingtrunk 40 centerlinethan to perpendicularto the rotatingtrunk 40 centerline.
  • a perpendicular orientation actually substantially perpendicular but preferably slightly angled upwardly, when the rotating trunk 40 is oriented vertically
  • a collapsed configuration closerto the angle of the rotatingtrunk 40 centerlinethan to perpendicularto the rotatingtrunk 40 centerline.
  • this collapsed angle for the limbs 50 is 70° away from the deployed configuration for the limbs 50.
  • Such rotation of the limbs 50 is depicted by arrow E ( Figures 12, 13 and 15 ). While the limbs appear to pivotupward, they in fact pivotdownwardafter the rotating trunk 40 has rotated (about arrow C ( Figure 12 )) so that the limbs 50 actually rotate downward by gravity forces, but only when the rotating trunk 40 has been rotated from the deployed configuration to the stored orientation. When this action is reversed and the rotating trunk 40 is rotated from the stored orientation to the deployed orientation,the limbs 50 pivot in an opposite direction to the deployed configuration approximately perpendicular to a centerlineof the rotating trunk 40.
  • Each of the limbs 50 is preferably an elongate rigid structure with a plurality of such limbs 50 radiating from the rotating trunk 40. Most preferably, the limbs 50 extend in many different directions radially from the rotating trunk 40 ( Figure 14 ) when a complete symmetrical generally conical bushy collapsible artificial tree 10 is to be provided.
  • the limbs 50 generally each include a root 51 defining an end thereof closest to the rotating trunk 40 and a tip 55 opposite the root 51.
  • a hinge 52 is located at the root 51 to pivotably attach the limbs 50 to the rotatingtrunk 40.
  • a stop 54 is provided to prevent the limbs 50 from rotating either past substantially horizontal and perpendicularto the rotating trunk 40 when in the deployed configuration or past a collapsed angle, such as 70°, away from the deployed orientation.
  • this stop 54 is in the form of a flange of material extending substantially perpendicularly from the extent of the limbs 50 from the root 51 to the tip 55.
  • the root 51 of the limbs 50 merely passes through a slot 48 in the rotatingtrunk 40 and a lower portion of this slot 48 acts as the stop 54.
  • the hinge 52 generally includes at least one axle 52 or axle-I ike structure about which the limbs 50 can pivotably move relative to the rotating trunk 40.
  • Branches 60 optionally but preferably radiate from the limbs 50 in a pattern which mimics at least some natural tree or otherwise has a desirable form.
  • needles 52 also extend from the branches 60.
  • These needles 62 can be actual natural needles such as pine needles, but most typically are synthetic structures such as attached by wire or adhesiveto the branches 60. It is also conceivablethat needles 62 can also be directly attached to the limbs 50.
  • the branches 60 can have a generally planar form such as might exist on a noble fir, or might have a more bushy cylindrical form which might be provided on many different types of pines. Needles 62 can also be long or short depending on the design characteristics desired for the collapsible artificial tree 10.
  • the collapsible artificial tree 10 is also permanently wired with lights 70.
  • a plug 74 is provided which is removably attachable to a power receptacle P.
  • a cord 72 extends from the plug 74 and extends up the fixed trunk 30 to the rotating trunk 40. At the joint 36, this cord 72 preferably splits into two separate cords, one of which extends towards the first end 42 of the rotating trunk 40 and the other of which extends towards the second end 44 of the rotating trunk 40.
  • the cords are routed out the limbs 50 and terminateat various different locations with lights 70.
  • Various different controllers can be provided and various different lights can be provided if desired so that a variety of different light displays can be provided through the lights 70.
  • the cord 72 can be routed through an interior of the fixed trunk 30 and through an interior of the rotating trunk 40 (and also conceivable through an interior of the limbs 50). Perhaps in a simplest form of the invention,the cord 72 can merely be wrapped around an exterior of the fixed trunk 30 and an exterior of the rotating trunk 40.
  • the cord 72 can be camouflaged to have a color similar to that of the fixed trunk 30, rotating trunk 40 and limbs 50 (i.e. green) to help hide the cords 72.
  • an uppermost portion of the collapsible artificial tree 10 is configured as a separate cap 80.
  • This separate cap 80 preferably includes a top trunk 82 which fits into the port 45 in the second end 44 of the rotating trunk 40.
  • the cap 80 can thus be attached with the top trunk 82 colinear with the rotating trunk 40. To simplify attachment,it can occur when the rotatingtrunk 40 has been rotated halfway,or just a little more (see Figure 9 ).
  • Top limbs 84 radiate from the top trunk 82 with a configuration similar to the limbs 50.
  • a bottom end 83 of the cap 80 is sized to fit inside the port 45 for secure but removableattachmentof the cap 80 to the rotating trunk 40.
  • Lowermost portions of the cap 80 typically have a diameter similar to that of the collapsible artificial tree 10 when the limbs 50 are in their collapsed configuration ( Figure 3 ).
  • the top limbs 84 of the cap 80 need not pivot relative to the top trunk 82. However, such pivoting could take place.
  • a plug is provided and lights are provided on the cap 80 with the plug attachableto a plug in the second end 44 of the rotating trunk 40 so that the lights 70 on the cap 80 can be coupled to lights 70 on the rotating trunk 40 so that all of the lights 70 on the collapsible artificial tree 10 can be simultaneously powered from a single powerreceptacleP. Attachmentof the cap 80 to the rotating trunk 40 is depicted along arrow D of Figure 6 .
  • This invention exhibits industrial applicability in that it providesan artificial tree which can be easily transitioned from a collapsed orientation to a deployed orientation.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a Christmas tree which is easy to store in a collapsed form and easy to deploy when to be used.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a Christmas tree which can be transitioned from a collapsed form to a deployed form without requiring high strength or dexterity.
  • Another object of the present invention is toprovide a Christmas tree which can be transitioned between a collapsed and a deployed configuration without damage to the Christmas tree.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a Christmas tree which can be readily transitioned between a collapsed and a deployed position with lights associated with the Christmas tree remaining coupled to various different portions of the Christmas tree both in the collapsed and the deployed configuration.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a Christmas tree which can be set up quickly.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for transitioning an artificial Christmas tree from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration.

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Claims (15)

  1. Arbre de Noël artificiel repliable (10), comprenant :
    - une partie tronc fixe (30, 230) adapté pour être posé sur un sol ;
    ladite partie tronc fixe (30, 230) ayant une forme allongée s'étendant entre une extrémité supérieure (34) et une extrémité inférieure (32), ladite extrémité supérieure étant située au-dessus de ladite extrémité inférieure lorsque la partie tronc fixe est posé sur un sol ;
    - une partie tronc rotative (40, 240) ayant une forme allongée entre une première extrémité (42) et une deuxième extrémité (44) ;
    ladite partie tronc rotative (40, 240) comprenant une pluralité de branches (50) s'étendant latéralement à partir de celle-ci, ladite pluralité de branches (50) étant attachée à ladite partie tronc rotative de manière à permettre le pivotement des branches par rapport à la partie tronc rotative (40, 240), lesdites branches étant limitée en mouvement entre une position sensiblement perpendiculaire à un axe longitudinal de la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) et une configuration repliée avec la pointe de chaque branche (50) plus proche de la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) que dans la position déployée où elles s'étendent sensiblement perpendiculairement à la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) ;
    - une liaison pivotante (36, 136) couplant ladite partie tronc fixe à la partie tronc rotative de manière à permettre un pivotement de la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) par rapport à la partie tronc fixe (30, 230) ;
    ladite liaison pivotante (36, 136) étant couplée à ladite partie tronc fixe (30, 230) à une position plus proche de l'extrémité supérieure (34) que de ladite extrémité inférieure (32) ;
    et
    ladite liaison pivotante (36, 136) étant couplée à ladite partie tronc rotative (40, 240) à une position espacée à la fois de ladite première extrémité (42) et de ladite deuxième extrémité (44) de ladite partie tronc rotative (40, 240),
    caractérisé en ce que ladite liaison pivotante (36, 136) permet à la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) de pivoter sensiblement d'au moins 180° d'une position repliée s'étendant sensiblement verticalement vers une position déployée s'étendant sensiblement verticalement, mais avec les première (42) et deuxième (44) extrémités interverties.
  2. Arbre artificiel repliable (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite liaison pivotante (36, 136) comprend un axe (37, 237) couplé à la fois à ladite partie tronc fixe (30, 230) et la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) avec ladite partie tronc rotative pivotante autour dudit axe par rapport à ladite partie tronc fixe.
  3. Arbre artificiel repliable (10) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ladite liaison pivotante (36, 136) est située sensiblement à un point médian de ladite partie tronc rotative (40,240).
  4. Arbre artificiel repliable (10) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ladite liaison pivotante (36, 136) est positionnée sensiblement à un point d'équilibre de ladite partie tronc rotative (40, 240) aligné avec un centre de masse de ladite partie tronc rotative.
  5. Arbre artificiel repliable (10) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ladite liaison pivotante (36, 136) est située adjacent à ladite extrémité supérieure (34) de ladite partie tronc fixe (30, 230).
  6. Arbre artificiel repliable (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel des lumières (70) sont prévues le long d'un cordon (72) adaptée pour être couplées à une source de puissance électrique (P), ledit cordon acheminé jusqu'à ladite partie tronc fixe (30, 230) et en passant de ladite partie tronc fixe vers la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) adjacent à ladite liaison de pivotement (36, 136) avec le cordon d'alimentation électrique des lumières déployé sur au moins une branche (50) couplée à ladite partie tronc rotative.
  7. Arbre artificiel repliable (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite deuxième extrémité (44) de ladite partie rotative (40, 240) est adaptée pour recevoir une extrémité inférieure d'une partie de chapeau (80) dudit arbre artificiel repliable, ladite partie de chapeau comprenant une partie tronc supérieure (82) et des branches supérieures (84) s'étendant latéralement à partir de ladite partie tronc supérieure, ladite partie tronc supérieure étant sensiblement alignée avec ladite partie tronc rotative lorsque l'extrémité inférieure dudit chapeau est couplée à ladite deuxième extrémité de la partie tronc rotative.
  8. Arbre artificiel repliable (10) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel un fermoir (33) est prévu pour verrouiller de manière sélective la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) dans la position déployée pour éviter le pivotement par inadvertance de la partie tronc rotative après son déploiement.
  9. Procédé pour déployer un arbre artificiel repliable, ledit procédé comprenant les étapes suivantes :
    fournir un arbre artificiel selon l'une des revendications précédentes,
    positionner initialement l'arbre artificiel avec la partie tronc fixe (30, 130) et la partie tronc rotative s'étendant sensiblement verticalement, la première extrémité (42) de la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) étant située au-dessus de la deuxième extrémité (44) de la partie tronc rotative;
    faire pivoter la partie tronc rotative autour de la liaison pivotante (36, 136) sensiblement de 180° de sorte que la partie tronc rotative soit verticale avec la seconde extrémité au-dessus de la première extrémité.
  10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, comprenant une étape supplémentaire pour permettre aux branches couplées à la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) de pivoter par rapport à la partie tronc rotative entre une position sensiblement perpendiculaire à la partie tronc rotative et une position repliée pivotée plus proche de la partie tronc rotative avec les branches dans la position repliée lorsque la première extrémité (42) de la partie tronc rotative est au-dessus de la deuxième extrémité (44) de la partie tronc rotative et les branches s'étendant horizontalement lorsque la deuxième extrémité de la partie tronc rotative est située au-dessus de la première extrémité de la partie tronc rotative.
  11. Procédé selon la revendication 9, comprenant une étape supplémentaire consistant à fixer la première extrémité (42) de la partie rotative (40, 142) à une portion de la partie tronc fixe (30, 230) d'une manière temporaire pour maintenir la partie tronc rotative dans une position déployée avec la deuxième extrémité (44) de la partie tronc rotative au-dessus de la première extrémité (42) de la partie tronc rotative.
  12. Procédé selon la revendication 9, comprenant une étape supplémentaire consistant à fournir un chapeau (80) ayant une partie tronc supérieure (82) avec une pluralité de branches supérieures s'étendant latéralement à partir de la partie tronc supérieure, la partie tronc supérieure étant attachée de manière amovible à la deuxième extrémité (44) de la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) avec la partie tronc supérieure s'étendant sensiblement de façon colinéaire avec ladite partie tronc rotative ; et attacher la partie tronc supérieure du chapeau à la deuxième extrémité de la partie tronc rotative.
  13. Procédé selon la revendication 9, comprenant des étapes supplémentaires consistant à
    fournir une housse (2) ayant une hauteur équivalente à la longueur de la partie tronc fixe (30, 230) plus environ la moitié de la longueur de la partie tronc rotative (40, 240) et une largeur équivalente à la largeur de l'arbre artificiel (10) lorsque l'arbre est dans une position repliée avec la première extrémité (42) de la partie tronc rotative au-dessus de la deuxième extrémité (44) de la partie tronc rotative, les largeurs étant définies par les extrémités des branches attachées à la partie tronc rotative ; et
    retirer la housse avant ladite étape de pivotement.
  14. Procédé selon la revendication 9, comprenant des étapes supplémentaires consistant à
    fournir un socle sur roues (20) ;
    fixer l'extrémité inférieure (32) de la partie tronc fixe (30, 230) au socle sur roues ; et
    utiliser le socle sur roues pour transporter l'arbre artificiel (10) d'un emplacement de stockage à un emplacement destiné au déploiement de l'arbre.
  15. Kit comprenant un arbre artificiel repliable selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, et :
    (a) une housse (2) dimensionnée pour couvrir entière ment l'arbre artificiel lorsqu'il est dans une position de stockage ; et/ou
    (b) un socle sur roues (20).
EP08878792.4A 2008-12-10 2008-12-10 Arbre de noël pouvant être inversé Active EP2361028B8 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2008/013587 WO2010068188A1 (fr) 2008-12-10 2008-12-10 Arbre de noël pouvant être inversé

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2361028A1 EP2361028A1 (fr) 2011-08-31
EP2361028A4 EP2361028A4 (fr) 2012-06-27
EP2361028B1 true EP2361028B1 (fr) 2014-11-26
EP2361028B8 EP2361028B8 (fr) 2015-01-07

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08878792.4A Active EP2361028B8 (fr) 2008-12-10 2008-12-10 Arbre de noël pouvant être inversé

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Country Link
EP (1) EP2361028B8 (fr)
CN (1) CN201504969U (fr)
AU (1) AU2008364940B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2781589C (fr)
WO (1) WO2010068188A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8062718B2 (en) * 2008-12-10 2011-11-22 Schooley Bruce A Invertible christmas tree
US9040130B2 (en) 2008-12-10 2015-05-26 Balsam Hill Llc Collapsible artificial tree
CN103126502B (zh) * 2011-11-30 2016-01-13 布路斯·史高利 可折叠人造树
US8968843B1 (en) * 2013-09-05 2015-03-03 Polygroup Macau Limited (Bvi) Decoration holder
US9581287B2 (en) * 2014-01-27 2017-02-28 UCP International Co. Ltd. Invertible structure with a track

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3900637A (en) * 1974-11-06 1975-08-19 Charles F Byrd Collapsable christmas tree apparatus
JPS5811266Y2 (ja) * 1978-07-13 1983-03-02 楠玩具株式会社 折り畳み式クリスマスツリ−
JPS5512871A (en) 1978-07-13 1980-01-29 Toray Ind Inc Production of polyester fiber
JPH04316603A (ja) * 1991-04-08 1992-11-09 Takaraya Bussan Kk 模造樹木における枝体支持装置
US5855705A (en) * 1996-03-29 1999-01-05 Gauthier; Ray Artificial Christmas tree
FI2503U1 (fi) * 1996-04-04 1996-07-19 Julina Pussi joulukuusta varten
CN2611741Y (zh) * 2003-03-11 2004-04-14 伟力电器股份有限公司 展缩式树灯
US7122230B1 (en) * 2004-06-12 2006-10-17 Thomas Joseph Maskell Controlled diameter collapsible artificial christmas tree
US7267852B1 (en) * 2006-05-03 2007-09-11 Rosado Wanda E Collapsible artificial Christmas tree
US8062718B2 (en) * 2008-12-10 2011-11-22 Schooley Bruce A Invertible christmas tree

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN201504969U (zh) 2010-06-16
CA2781589A1 (fr) 2010-06-17
AU2008364940A1 (en) 2011-07-28
EP2361028A4 (fr) 2012-06-27
EP2361028A1 (fr) 2011-08-31
CA2781589C (fr) 2016-04-05
EP2361028B8 (fr) 2015-01-07
AU2008364940B2 (en) 2015-09-10
WO2010068188A1 (fr) 2010-06-17

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