US20100300900A1

US20100300900A1 - Jewelry tree

Info

Publication number: US20100300900A1
Application number: US12/475,787
Authority: US
Inventors: David Shaw Quan
Original assignee: Umbra LLC
Current assignee: Umbra LLC
Priority date: 2009-06-01
Filing date: 2009-06-01
Publication date: 2010-12-02
Also published as: CA2667871A1

Abstract

A jewelry tree including a base in the form of a saucer having a concave top surface and an aperture, a cylindrical rod including an opaque material and a first end, a first tubular sleeve including a translucent material, and a second tubular sleeve including a translucent material and at least one branch extending therefrom, wherein the first end is adapted to be removably secured in the aperture, the cylindrical rod is arranged to extend upwardly from the base when the first end is removably secured in the aperture, the first tubular sleeve is adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod and rest upon the base, the second tubular sleeve is adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod, stack upon the first tubular sleeve, and rotate on the cylindrical rod, and the at least one branch is adapted to hold at least one item above the concave top surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly relates to devices for holding and displaying jewelry, such as necklaces, and more particularly to jewelry trees.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jewelry trees are well known devices or articles of manufacture, which provide a user an aesthetically pleasing means for holding and displaying jewelry having long chains, straps, and/or strings, as jewelry of this type tends to become entangled if held in containers, such as jewelry boxes. Generally, a jewelry tree comprises a base, a “trunk” or “stem” extending upwardly from the base, and a plurality of “branches” or members extending outwardly from the trunk, wherein the branches are operatively arranged to hold separate and display a plurality of items.
One problem with prior jewelry tree designs is that the branches tend to be in a fixed arrangement, which limits how a user may arrange items thereon. For example, with branches in a fixed positions, a user may not be able to hang a particular item, such as a long necklace, on some of the branches as it may become entangled on nearby lower branches or with nearby hanging jewelry. Additionally, since the branches are fixed, another problem with this type of prior jewelry tree is that the particular branching pattern of the jewelry is fixed, which again limits how the user may arrange items thereon.
Another problem with prior jewelry tree designs is that their decorative appearance is generally immutable, that is, their color, texture, and other aspects of their appearance is fixed. Thus, a user who wishes to change the decor of the room in which the jewelry tree is kept cannot change the appearance of the jewelry tree to match, unless she substitutes it with a different jewelry tree.
Yet another problem with prior jewelry trees is that they are only designed to hold long jewelry, such as necklaces, thus necessitating a separate device for holding other types of jewelry, such as rings and earrings.
Thus, there is a long-felt need for a jewelry tree having branches which may be arranged according to its user's needs and wishes. There is also a long-felt need for a jewelry tree having a modifiable branching pattern. There is also a long-felt need for a jewelry tree having a modifiable decorative appearance. Lastly, there is a long-felt need for a jewelry tree having a means for holding various types of jewelry, such as necklaces, watches, rings, and earrings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, the present invention is a jewelry tree comprising: a base having an aperture; a cylindrical rod comprising an opaque material and including a first end; and, at least one branched tubular sleeve, wherein the first end is adapted to be removably secured in the aperture, the cylindrical rod is arranged to extend upwardly from the base when the first end is removably secured in the aperture, the at least one branched tubular sleeve is adapted to slide onto and rotate on the cylindrical rod, and includes at least one branch adapted to hold at least one item above the base.
In one embodiment, the at least one branched tubular sleeve may include a plurality of branches, wherein each branch of the plurality of branches is adapted to hold at least one item above the base. Additionally, the at least one branched tubular sleeve may comprise a translucent material or an opaque material.
In another embodiment, the jewelry tree may comprise a plurality of branched tubular sleeves adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod in a stacked formation, wherein each branched tubular sleeve of the plurality of branched tubular sleeves is adapted to rotate on the cylindrical rod and includes at least one branch adapted to hold at least one item above the base. In this embodiment, each branched tubular sleeve of the plurality of branched tubular sleeves may comprise a translucent material or an opaque material.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a jewelry tree having branches which may be arranged according to its user's needs and wishes.
It is also a general object of the present invention to provide a jewelry tree having a modifiable branching pattern.
It also is a general object of the present invention to provide a jewelry tree having a modifiable decorative appearance.
It is also a general object of the present invention to provide a jewelry tree having a means for holding various types of jewelry, such as necklaces, watches, rings, and earrings.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention jewelry tree having a plurality of branched tubular sleeves, shown with items held on two of its branched tubular sleeves and on a top surface of its base;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention jewelry tree;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the first embodiment, shown with its plurality of branched tubular sleeves in a first rotated position;

FIG. 4 a is a top plan view of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the first embodiment, shown with its plurality of branched tubular sleeves in a second rotated position;

FIG. 5 a is a top plan view of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5; and,

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 6-6 in FIG. 5 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.
Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be appreciated that the term “saucer” refers to an object having the shape of a shallow dish having a slight circular depression or concavity in the center. The term “tube” or “tubular” refers to a hollow, substantially cylindrical object. The term “translucent” refers to a material which permits at least some visible light to pass through, and the term “transparent” refers to a material which permits substantially all visible light to pass through.
Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Adverting now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention jewelry tree, hereinafter referred to as jewelry tree 100. Generally, jewelry tree 100 comprises base 110, rod 120, first tubular sleeve 130, second tubular sleeve 140, third tubular sleeve 150, fourth tubular sleeve 160, and fifth tubular sleeve 170.
The base of the present invention is adapted to rest upon a horizontal surface, such as a table, shelf, etc., and includes an aperture arranged to receive at least one end of the cylindrical rod. For example, as shown in the figures, base 110 includes aperture 112, which is arranged to receive first end 122 of rod 120 therein. In the embodiment shown in the figures, base 110 comprises a saucer having concave top surface 111. It is preferable for the base to have a concave top surface so that if any jewelry falls off the jewelry tree, it will be caught within the concavity of the top surface. Additionally, such a concave surface is generally useful for holding small items of jewelry, such ring 40 and earrings 50. In this embodiment, aperture 112 is arranged in tubular extension 113, which is substantially vertically disposed and centrally arranged in top surface 111. It is preferable for the aperture be arranged in tubular extension 113, as such a tubular extension helps secure rod 120 in a substantially vertical position when inserted therein.
Rod 120 includes first end 122 arranged opposite second end 124. First end 122 is adapted to be removably secured in aperture 112, and rod 120 is arranged to extend upwardly from base 110 when first end 122 is removably secured in aperture 112. Rod 120 preferably comprises an opaque material, so that the jewelry has the appearance of a tree coated in ice when the tubular sleeves comprise a translucent or transparent material. The jewelry tree may include a means for securing the rod in the aperture. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, jewelry tree 100 includes screw 128 and washer 127, which are arranged to removably secure first end 122 to base 110.
The present invention jewelry tree includes at least one but, preferably, a plurality of tubular sleeves having at least one branch extending therefrom, hereinafter referred to as “branched tubular sleeves”. For example, each of second tubular sleeve 140, third tubular sleeve 150, fourth tubular sleeve 160, and fifth tubular sleeve 170 is a branched tubular sleeve which includes a tubular sleeve portion and at least one branch extending therefrom. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, branched tubular sleeve 140 includes tubular portion 146, having bottom end 141 and top end 145, and main branch 142 extending from tubular portion 146. Main branch 142 preferably includes first terminal branch 143 and second terminal branch 144 extending therefrom, in order to provide distinct branches upon which jewelry may be hung. Likewise, branched tubular sleeve 150 includes tubular portion 156, having bottom end 151 and top end 155, and main branch 152 extending from tubular portion 156. Main branch 152 preferably includes first terminal branch 153 and second terminal branch 154 extending therefrom. Branched tubular sleeve 160 includes tubular portion 166, having bottom end 161 and top end 165, and main branch 162 extending from tubular portion 166. Main branch 162 preferably includes first terminal branch 163 and second terminal branch 164 extending therefrom. Branched tubular sleeve 170 includes tubular portion 176, having bottom end 171 and top end 175, and main branch 172 extending from tubular portion 176. Main branch 172 preferably includes first terminal branch 173 and second terminal branch 174 extending therefrom.
It should be appreciated that the branched tubular sleeves shown in the figures are merely exemplary embodiments of the branched tubular sleeve of the present invention, which may, in alternative embodiments, include different numbers of branches and having different shapes and sizes, and may also include different branching patterns. For example, each of the aforementioned branched tubular sleeves may include more than one “main branch” extending from its respective tubular portion, and each main branch may include any number of terminal branches extending therefrom. However, as shown in the figures, all such main and terminal branches, which are intended to hold items such as jewelry, should be angled upwardly as they extend from their respective tubular portions, so that such items hung thereon will tend to slide on the branches toward the tubular portion, as opposed to sliding toward the distal end of the branches. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, each branch is preferably adapted to hold such items above base 110, in particular, above concave top surface 111 for the reasons cited above.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4-6, each of branched tubular sleeves 140, 150, 160, and 170, is adapted to slide onto cylindrical rod 120 in a stacked formation, and rotate on cylindrical rod 120. For example, FIGS. 4 and 4 a show branched tubular sleeves 140, 150, 160, and 170 in a first rotated position, wherein the branched tubular sleeves are spread out such that each is arranged to hold a at least one item above base 110. As illustrated with the double-headed arrows in FIGS. 1 and 4 a, each is rotatable about rod 120. FIG. 5 a shows branched tubular sleeves 140, 150, 160, and 170 in a second rotated position, wherein all the branched tubular sleeves are vertically aligned. As each branched tubular sleeve is preferably arranged to rotate three hundred sixty degrees (360°) around rod 120, the branches of each branched tubular sleeve are preferably arranged such that they do not impede the rotation of adjacent tubular sleeves.
The present invention jewelry tree may also include a tubular sleeve which is adapted to slide onto the rod, and which lacks branches. For example, jewelry tree 100 includes first tubular sleeve 130, which is adapted to slide onto cylindrical rod 120 and rest upon base 110. Accordingly, the plurality of branched tubular sleeves, namely, 140, 150, 160, and 170, is arranged to stack upon first tubular sleeve 130 when arranged on cylindrical rod 120. A tubular sleeve, such as first tubular sleeve 130, is preferable as it is arranged to support the branched tubular sleeves above the base at a vertical distance sufficient to allow long items, such as necklaces, to hang from the branched tubular sleeves without collecting and becoming entangled on the top surface of the base.
First tubular sleeve 130 and/or any of branched tubular sleeves 140, 150, 160, and 170, may comprise a translucent and/or transparent material as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-6, or an opaque material, as shown in FIG. 3. A translucent or transparent material is preferable when the user wishes to give the jewelry tree the appearance of a tree coated in ice. An opaque material is preferable when the user wishes to give the jewelry tree the appearance of a tree coated in snow, for example, if the material is colored white, or if the user wishes to give the jewelry tree the appearance of a regular tree, for example, if the material is colored and/or textured to resemble tree bark.
As the plurality of branched tubular sleeves, namely, 140, 150, 160, and 170, and first tubular sleeve 130 are arranged to easily slide onto rod 120, these components may also easily slide off the rod, which may be a problem if the jewelry tree is ever tipped over. Accordingly, the jewelry tree may also include a means for securing the tubular sleeves on the rod. For example, as shown in the figures, jewelry tree 100 includes cap 180, which is arranged to be removably secured to second end 124 of rod 120, and which is wide enough to prevent the tubular sleeves from sliding off rod 120.
It should be appreciated that the branched tubular sleeves and first tubular sleeve may be arranged in a variety of shapes, colors, and branching patterns without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, as stated above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a jewelry tree having components which a user may easily replace and/or substitute, in order to, for example, change the appearance of the jewelry tree to match a particular season or the substitute the branched tubular sleeves in order to provide different branching patterns based upon the user's particular needs.
Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A jewelry tree comprising:

a base comprising a saucer having a concave top surface and an aperture;

a cylindrical rod comprising an opaque material and including a first end;

a first tubular sleeve comprising a translucent material; and,

a second tubular sleeve comprising a translucent material and including at least one branch extending therefrom, wherein the first end is adapted to be removably secured in the aperture, the cylindrical rod is arranged to extend upwardly from the base when the first end is removably secured in the aperture, the first tubular sleeve is adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod and rest upon the base, the second tubular sleeve is adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod, stack upon the first tubular sleeve, and rotate on the cylindrical rod, and the at least one branch is adapted to hold at least one item above the concave top surface.

2. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1 wherein the cylindrical rod further includes a second end arranged opposite the first end, and the jewelry tree further comprises a cap removably securable to the second end and arranged to secure the first and second tubular sleeves on the cylindrical rod.

3. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1 further comprising a third tubular sleeve comprising a translucent material and including at least one branch extending therefrom, wherein the third tubular sleeve is adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod, stack upon the first tubular sleeve and/or the second tubular sleeve, and rotate on the cylindrical rod, and the at least one branch is of the third tubular sleeve is adapted to hold at least one item above the concave top surface.

4. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1 wherein the second tubular sleeve includes a plurality of branches extending therefrom, wherein each branch of the plurality of branches is adapted to hold at least one item above the concave top surface.

5. The jewelry tree recited in claim 1 wherein the aperture is arranged centrally in the top surface.

6. A jewelry tree comprising:

a base having an aperture;

a cylindrical rod comprising an opaque material and including a first end; and,

at least one branched tubular sleeve, wherein the first end is adapted to be removably secured in the aperture, the cylindrical rod is arranged to extend upwardly from the base when the first end is removably secured in the aperture, the at least one branched tubular sleeve is adapted to slide onto and rotate on the cylindrical rod, and includes at least one branch adapted to hold at least one item above the base.

7. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 wherein the at least one branched tubular sleeve includes a plurality of branches, wherein each branch of the plurality of branches is adapted to hold at least one item above the base.

8. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 wherein the at least one branched tubular sleeve comprises a translucent material or an opaque material.

9. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 comprising a plurality of branched tubular sleeves adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod in a stacked formation, wherein each branched tubular sleeve of the plurality of branched tubular sleeves is adapted to rotate on the cylindrical rod and includes at least one branch adapted to hold at least one item above the base.

10. The jewelry tree recited in claim 9 wherein each branched tubular sleeve of the plurality of branched tubular sleeves comprises a translucent material or an opaque material.

11. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 further comprising a tubular sleeve adapted to slide onto the cylindrical rod and rest upon the base, wherein the at least one branched sleeve is arranged to stack upon the tubular sleeve when arranged on the cylindrical rod.

12. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 wherein the tubular sleeve comprises a translucent material or an opaque material.

13. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 wherein the cylindrical rod further includes a second end arranged opposite the first end, and the jewelry tree further comprises a cap removably securable to the second end and arranged to secure the at least one branched tubular sleeve on the cylindrical rod.

14. The jewelry tree recited in claim 9 wherein the cylindrical rod further includes a second end arranged opposite the first end, and the jewelry tree further comprises a cap removably securable to the second end and arranged to secure the plurality of branched tubular sleeves on the cylindrical rod.

15. The jewelry tree recited in claim 6 wherein the base comprises a saucer having a concave top surface, and the aperture is arranged centrally in the top surface.