(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0253191 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`NOV. 1, 2007
`Chin et al.
`
`US 20070253191Al
`
`(54) REVOLVING CHRISTMAS TREE WITH
`ARTICULATING BRANCHES
`
`(76) Inventors: Sye Fu Chin, Diamond Bar, CA (US);
`John Chin, Diamond Bar, CA (US);
`Frank Chin, Diamond Bar, CA (U S)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`DAVID J. WILSON
`61 BELCHER CIRCLE
`MILTON, MA 02186 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/413,253
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 28, 2006
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`F21S 6/00
`(52) US. Cl. ............................................................ ..362/123
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`This invention relates to a revolving, collapsible Christmas
`tree Wherein the branches of the tree are arranged such that
`they can be folded for storage and returned to a outstretched
`position for display. This invention also relates to a revolv
`ing Christmas tree that incorporates at least tWo safety
`devices to prevent the possibility of the drive motor from
`over heating. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a
`Christmas tree that incorporates an audio system and a light
`projection system for the acoustic and visual pleasure of
`onlookers.
`
`Page 1
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`US 2007/0253191A1
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`Nov. 1, 2007
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`REVOLVING CHRISTMAS TREE WITH
`ARTICULATING BRANCHES
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to a collapsible,
`revolving Christmas tree With articulating branches, audio
`system, light projection system and dual safety mechanism.
`
`BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
`
`[0002] Christmas trees have long been a tradition during
`the holiday season. Traditionally, the trees used have been
`natural trees either cut and placed in a stand or potted for
`replanting out of doors at a latter time. Later, arti?cial trees
`Were made out of metals, plastics and/or paper materials.
`Many of these arti?cial trees Were made to resemble natural
`trees and many others Were made to look different from
`natural trees. Some of these trees Were made of various
`colors (silver or White, for example), siZes, shapes, etc. Most
`arti?cial trees Were made to be stored as they Were or they
`Were made to have branches removed for storage. Smaller
`arti?cial trees had branches made of ?exible metal materials
`to facilitate the folding of the branches for storage. These
`prior art methods are problematic since branches can be lost
`or damaged or, in the case of folding branches made of
`?exible metal, can break off after repeated use With no
`suitable means for reattachment. Trees With branches that
`neither fold nor come off take up more space for storage than
`most people are Willing to spare.
`
`[0003] Although arti?cial trees have had many interesting
`features over the years, these features tend to be limited.
`Novel features Would make arti?cial Christmas trees visu
`ally more interesting and Would appeal to those persons that
`have not purchased currently available arti?cial trees and,
`also, that don’t like to shop yearly for natural trees or
`clean-up lost needles that have fallen from natural trees.
`Arti?cial Christmas trees have been made of various non
`traditional colors or have had colored lights projected onto
`them from external sources. Some have had small lights
`incorporated into the branches to take the place of or
`augment traditional string lights. Some small trees (i.e.,
`siZed for placement on a table top or mantle piece) have been
`made to rotate but this feature has not been incorporated
`onto large ?oor model trees because of safety concerns.
`Such large trees Would require a large motor to rotate the tree
`and if the tree’s rotation Were to be impeded or blocked the
`motor may over heat and cause a ?re haZard, for example.
`
`[0004] What is needed are visually appealing arti?cial
`Christmas trees that solve the problems of storage and alloW
`tree rotation in a safe manner.
`
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`
`[0005] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a
`collapsible, revolving (rotating) Christmas tree With articu
`lating (folding) branches for ease of storage and a rotation
`feature that permits the rotation of the tree While also
`providing at least tWo safety mechanisms to prevent over
`heating of the motor should the tree’s rotation be impeded or
`stopped. In another aspect, the present invention also relates
`to a Christmas tree that comprises an audio system for the
`playing of sounds or music and a light projection system for
`illuminating and decorating the tree. Furthermore, the
`present invention relates to a revolving Christmas tree With
`
`an adjustment mechanism to permit the adjustment of the
`tension on the tree trunk by the clutch mechanism that is part
`of the drive mechanism of the tree. In this Way the tree can
`be made to rotate depending on, for example, the siZe of the
`tree or the amount of Weight on the tree or Wear on the
`system.
`[0006] The Christmas tree of the present invention may
`also comprise an advanced optic projection system incor
`porating, for example, a pattern Wave function and an
`advanced audio playback system. The advanced optic sys
`tem of the present invention incorporates, for example,
`LEDs as a light source Wherein the LEDs project light
`through the base unit cover and onto the Christmas tree.
`Additionally, the audio system of the present invention
`incorporates, for example, self-contained audio effects and/
`or plays audio effects from an external source. Further, the
`base unit provides for the rotation of the Christmas tree
`driven by a drive system and poWered by an electric motor.
`In a preferred embodiment, the lights, sound and movement
`of the present invention are synchronized to provide a
`uni?ed effect for the pleasure of the observer.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`[0007] FIG. 1 shoWs a three-dimensional schematic dia
`gram of one exemplary embodiment of the collapsible,
`revolving Christmas tree of the present invention. The ?gure
`shoWs the branches attached to the trunk of the tree and
`folded doWn in the display position. It also shoWs the trunk
`inserted into the base unit. It is noted that the schematic
`diagram of this ?gure does not shoW needles or leaves on the
`branches of the tree for clarity
`
`[0008] FIG. 2 shoWs a three-dimensional schematic dia
`gram of one exemplary embodiment of the collapsible,
`revolving Christmas tree of the present invention. The ?gure
`shoWs the branches attached to the trunk of the tree and
`folded doWn in the display position. In this vieW the trunk
`is not inserted into the base unit to shoW one embodiment of
`hoW the end of the trunk is con?gured for insertion into the
`base unit. It is noted that the schematic diagram of this ?gure
`does not shoW needles or leaves on the branches of the tree
`for clarity
`
`[0009] FIG. 3 shoWs a three-dimensional schematic dia
`gram of the components of one exemplary embodiment of
`hoW the branches of the tree may be attached to the trunk of
`the tree.
`
`[0010] FIG. 4 shoWs a close-up vieW of one section of the
`tree With branches attached in the open display position.
`
`[0011] FIG. 5 shoWs a close-up vieW of one section of the
`tree With the branches folded upWards for storage.
`
`[0012] FIG. 6 shoWs a close-up vieW of one embodiment
`of hoW the branches may be attached to the trunk of the tree.
`
`[0013] FIG. 7 shoWs one embodiment of a vieW of the
`base unit of the tree With control buttons and sWitches, LED
`lights and tree trunk receptacle visible.
`
`[0014] FIG. 8 shoWs a three-dimensional exploded vieW
`of one embodiment of the base unit shoWing preferred
`components of the base unit.
`
`[0015] FIG. 9 shoWs a three-dimensional vieW of the
`assembled base unit Without the base cover.
`
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`[0016] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the tensioning
`screw both in assembled and exploded vieWs. The exploded
`vieW shoWs the spring and position bead (e.g., a ball
`bearing) of the tensioning screW of the present invention.
`
`[0017] FIG. 11 shoWs an inverted vieW of the drive motor
`and drive plate assembly of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0018] The invention Will noW be described in detail With
`reference to a feW preferred embodiments, as illustrated in
`accompanying Figures. In the folloWing description, numer
`ous speci?c details are set forth in order to provide a
`thorough understanding of the invention. HoWever, it Will be
`apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention may be
`practiced Without some or all of these speci?c details. In
`other instances, Well-knoWn features and/or process steps
`have not been described in detail in order to not unneces
`sarily obscure the invention. The features and advantages of
`the invention may be better understood With reference to the
`Figures and discussions that folloW.
`
`[0019] The present invention relates to, in one embodi
`ment, a Christmas tree (see, FIG. 1) With folding (articulat
`ing) branches for easy storage and a base unit that provides
`for the rotation of the tree (see, FIG. 2). FIG. 3 shoWs an
`exploded vieW of the various parts of one embodiment of the
`tree before assembly at the factory or by the user. The trunk
`is made of sections 1, connected to each other by connectors
`2. The trunk sections 1 and connectors 2 are designed to
`accept the branches 3 of the tree and Which may be attached
`With pins 4.
`
`[0020] In another embodiment, the Christmas tree of the
`present invention may also comprise an audio system for the
`playing of sounds or music. In yet another embodiment, the
`Christmas tree of the present invention may also comprises
`a lighting system for the projection of light from the base
`unit to illuminate the tree and for decoration (e.g., to create
`a visually pleasing display for persons vieWing the tree).
`
`[0021] In one embodiment, the Christmas tree of the
`present invention comprises folding (articulating) branches.
`The articulating branches of the present invention attach to
`the trunk of the tree in such a Way to permit the folding of
`the branches in, for example, an upWard motion. In another
`embodiment, the branches may fold in a doWnWard motion.
`The trunk of the tree is designed to accept the branches of
`the tree. The attachment points on the tree trunk are posi
`tioned such that the branches may fold With minimal or no
`interference form other branches. FIGS. 4 and 5 shoW the
`branches of the tree of the present invention extended and
`folded, respectively.
`[0022] The present invention is not limited to the mecha
`nism used to secure the branches of the tree to the trunk of
`the tree. FIG. 6 shoWs a preferred embodiment of hoW the
`branches attach to the trunk of the tree. The proximal ends
`of the branches (i.e., the ends designed to attach to the tree
`trunk) are ?attened to ?t betWeen tWo projections on the
`trunk and are attached With a pin. The pin may be secured
`by, for example, a pressure cap or the pin may be a tension
`pin and, thereby, be self-securing. One skilled in the art Will
`see that other methods may be used to secure the branches
`of the tree to the trunk of the tree.
`
`[0023] The trunk of the Christmas tree of the present
`invention is designed, for example, to accept the branches of
`the tree and permit the folding of the branches for storage,
`certain embodiments of Which are described above. The
`trunk of the Christmas tree of the present invention is also
`designed to be inserted into the base unit of the tree. In this
`regard, the end of the trunk is designed to ?t into the base
`unit to keep the tree upright and it is also designed to
`facilitate the rotation of the tree. The end of the trunk that ?ts
`into the base unit meshes With the drive mechanism of the
`base unit of the tree. The present invention is not limited to
`the design of the trunk used to facilitate the rotation of the
`tree. In one embodiment, the end of the trunk is circular and
`designed With a portion of the end of the trunk made ?at. In
`this Way the end of the trunk is “keyed” to ?t into the base
`unit in one Way only. This facilitates the rotation of the tree
`by preventing slipping that may occur if the end of the trunk
`Were, for example, circular. The end of the trunk may also
`be made in other shapes to serve the same purpose. For
`example, the end of the trunk that meshes With the drive
`mechanism of the base unit may be square, rectangular or
`hexigonical. The present invention may use any shape that
`ensures the rotation of the tree as long as the shape is
`con?gured to mesh With the shape of the drive mechanism
`of the base unit.
`
`[0024] The Christmas tree of the present invention may
`also comprise a light projection system for projecting lights
`on to the Christmas tree of the present invention. The light
`projection system of the present invention Would be incor
`porated into the base unit of the invention. The lights Would
`be projected from the base unit onto the tree from beloW. The
`light projection system may incorporate a pattern Wave
`function. A “pattem Wave function” is de?ned herein as a
`prede?ned or random sequence of lights to be projected by
`the light projection system. The pattern Wave function may
`be, for example, synchronized With sounds emanating form
`the audio system of the present invention. In another
`embodiment, the lights may stay on continually as long as
`poWer is supplied to the lights. In a preferred embodiment,
`the user Would choose if the lights Were to stay on continu
`ally, utiliZe a pattern Wave function or be projected ran
`domly.
`[0025] The light projection system comprises light emit
`ting diodes (LEDs) that are located Within the base unit. The
`base unit has a plurality of holes through Which light from
`the LEDs may be projected. It Will also be apparent that the
`invention is not limited by the number of LEDs used to
`project light from the base unit. In a preferred embodiment,
`the number of LEDs number from about 4 to about 50. Also,
`the LEDs of the present invention are not limited to the
`certain number of colors. The colors many number as feW as
`one or as many as the number of LEDs present in the
`ornamental device. In a preferred embodiment, the number
`of colors utiliZed by the illumination system of the present
`invention number from 1 to about 8. In one embodiment of
`the present invention, the lights may be turned on continu
`ally. In another embodiment of the present invention, the
`LEDs may turn on and off in any of a Wide number of
`patterns and sequences. The patterns and sequences of the
`LEDs are controlled by an electronic control device that may
`be programmed by the user or may be preprogrammed by
`the manufacturer, for example.
`
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`[0026] In another embodiment, the Christmas tree of the
`present invention comprises an audio system. The audio
`system comprises a play back circuit board, an optional
`ampli?er and a speaker, a volume resister board and a
`volume control device. In one embodiment, the audio sys
`tem is located Within the base unit and the base unit may
`function as a resonant cavity. The audio playback system of
`the Christmas tree of the present invention may play back
`sounds selected from analog recordings, digital recordings
`or a mixture of both analog and digital recordings. In another
`embodiment, the audio system of the present invention may
`play back music, voice sounds (e.g., speech and laughing)
`and/or sounds associated With the Christmas season (e.g.,
`bells, Weather sounds). The audio system of the present
`invention may also have a volume control resister board and
`a volume control device for user control of the volume of the
`audio play back. Furthermore, the audio system of the
`present invention may comprise an input socket for the
`playing sounds through the Christmas tree that are not
`preprogrammed in the device. For example, digital sounds
`may be supplied from compact disks or other electronic
`audio sources. Analog sounds may be supplied from cassette
`tapes, vinyl records or the like.
`
`[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, When
`the Christmas tree of the present invention is poWered by an
`electric poWer source i) the projection system projects light
`from said light project from the light projection system, ii)
`the audio system emits sounds and, iii) said electric motor
`rotates the trunk of the tree. In a more preferred embodi
`ment, each of these functions can be controlled indepen
`dently of each other depending on the need and choice of the
`user.
`
`[0028] In one embodiment, the base unit (see, FIG. 7) of
`the present invention serves the function of supporting the
`tree in an upright position, housing the light projection and
`audio systems and providing the drive mechanism With
`Which to rotate the Christmas tree of the preset invention. In
`this regard, the base unit comprises a chassis to Which the
`numerous various components of the invention are housed
`and attached to. For example, the drive motor of the present
`invention is mounted to a mounting bracket Which, in turn,
`is attached to the chassis. LikeWise, the control board, Which
`provides, for example, user control and provides program
`ming for the audio and illumination systems, is mounted on
`the chassis either directly or indirectly. The speaker may also
`be mounted directly or indirectly on the chassis. The chassis
`may also have holes located adjacently to the speaker to
`permit sound to emulate form the base unit. The base unit is
`covered With a removable cover. The cover has holes for
`both the LED lights and to alloW the tree trunk access to the
`drive mechanism.
`
`[0029] NoW, in relation to a non-limiting, exemplary
`embodiment of the present invention, We Will refer to the
`Figures. We begin by describing a preferred embodiment of
`the drive mechanism located in the base unit as shoWn in
`FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shoWs an exploded vieW of the base unit. The
`base unit is built on a chassis 26. The chassis is supported by
`feet 27. The number of feet used is adequate to stability
`support the tree. In a preferred embodiment, the base unit
`has four feet. The feet of the present invention are adjustable
`by screWing the feet into or out of threaded holes in the
`chassis. The threaded holes may also comprise nuts Welded
`or otherWise attached to the chassis. The adjustment of the
`
`feet alloWs for the leveling of the Christmas tree. The
`electric drive motor 19 is mounted on the drive motor mount
`22 that is attached to the chassis With screWs 21. When
`poWered, the drive motor turns a drive motor bushing ring
`20 that is, in one embodiment, in contact With the drive plate
`15. One practiced in the art Will see that in certain embodi
`ments is may be desirable to incorporate reduction gears
`betWeen the shaft of the drive motor 19 and the drive motor
`bushing ring 20 to regulate the speed of the drive motor
`bushing ring. Another method contemplated for controlling
`the speed of the drive motor bushing ring is the use of a
`resister type speed controller on the drive motor.
`
`[0030] FIG. 11 shoWs an inverted vieW of the drive motor
`mechanism shoWing the hoW the drive motor bushing 20
`contacts the underside 28 of the drive plate 15. The drive
`motor bushing ring and the underside 28 of the drive plate
`15 may be made of any material that Would provide adequate
`friction to rotate the tree supported by the base unit While at
`the same time alloW for the drive plate 15 to slip on the drive
`motor bushing ring 20 if the rotation of the tree Was impeded
`or blocked. Examples of such suitable materials are metals
`such as, for example, bronZe, brass, copper and other metals
`and alloys that are considered to be self-lubricating; carbon
`and carbon composites; plastics such as, for example, nylon
`and polyurethane; composite materials such as, for example,
`metal/plastic composites. In a preferred embodiment, the
`underside 28 of the drive plate 15 and the motor drive
`bushing ring 20 are made of polyurethane.
`
`[0031] Continuing With FIG. 8, located beneath the drive
`plate 15, are a bushing 16 and a clutch plate 17 (referred to
`together as the clutch mechanism). The end of the trunk of
`the tree is positioned to pass through the bushing 16 and be
`supported by the clutch plate 17. The bushing is compressed
`as the clutch plate is tightened to the bottom of the drive
`plate. The clutch plate 17 is attached to the bottom of the
`drive plate With a plurality of position bead screWs 18 (see,
`FIG. 10). The position bead screWs are designed to permit
`the adjustment of the tension generated on the bushing and,
`therefore, the trunk of the tree, as they are tightened and
`loosened. This adjustment may be necessary depending on
`the Weight of the tree used (different tree models may utiliZe
`the same base unit), the Weight of the ornaments placed on
`the tree and to compensate for Wear after multiple uses. The
`clutch mechanism of the present invention is also designed
`to permit the motor to keep turning if the rotation of the tree
`is impeded or blocked since the bushing Will slip around the
`tree trunk if any resistance is applied to the tree’s rotation.
`In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is
`contemplated that the position bead screWs are adjustable
`externally of the base unit or are reached easily after the
`removal of the base unit cover.
`
`[0032] The tree trunk is supported above the drive plate 15
`by bearings and/or bushings and by holders suitable for
`holding said bearings and/or bushings. An example of one
`embodiment of this support mechanism is shoWn in FIG. 8.
`As shoWn in FIG. 8, a bushing or bearing saddle 14 and a
`bearing 13 are located above the drive plate 15. These
`support a loWer bearing holder 12. The loWer bearing is
`attached to an upper bearing holder 9 With, for example,
`screWs 11. BetWeen the loWer 12 and upper 9 bearing
`holders is a bearing or bushing 10 suitable for supporting the
`tree in an upright fashion and suitable for alloWing the tree
`to rotate With minimal resistance. A second bearing or
`
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`Nov. 1, 2007
`
`bushing 7 may be located above the upper bearing support
`9 (held by screws 8) if necessary for adequate support of the
`tree. One practiced in the art Would be able to determine if
`the additional support Was necessary depending on, for
`example, the Weight of the tree or the maximum speed of
`rotation that could be obtained by the tree. The chassis and
`associated drive mechanism of the base unit are covered
`With a removable base unit cover 5 to protect the drive
`mechanism and provide for a more visually appealing base
`unit. In one embodiment it is contemplated that the LED
`lights 6 are located Within the base unit cover 5 providing,
`for example, ease of manufacture and reduced cost of
`production. In another embodiment, it is contemplated that
`the LED lights are mounted on a separate support (not
`shoWn) positioned to alloW the light provided by the LEDs
`to project through holes in the base unit cover and to
`provide, for example, easier bulb replacement for the user.
`
`[0033] As also indicated in FIG. 8, the base unit of the
`Christmas tree of the present invention also comprises a
`control panel 25 including, for example, a poWer plug for
`connection to an electrical poWer source, a poWer sWitch for
`turning the unit on and o?‘, a volume control for adjusting the
`volume of the audio playback, a control for turning the LED
`lights on and off or, optionally, changing the lighting
`sequence (e.g., blinking, steady or random), a socket
`(optionally) for audio input, and other controls, connections
`and sWitches as may be desired by a user. The base unit Will
`also (as indicated in FIGS. 8 and 9) comprise an electronic
`control board 23 for the coordination of the various func
`tions of the base unit, a speaker 24, ampli?er (optional) and
`other components as are necessary or desired by the user. In
`another embodiment, the present invention contemplates
`that the user may control the function of the Christmas tree
`of the present invention by a remote control device.
`
`[0034] In another embodiment of the present invention,
`the Christmas tree may comprise lights (LED) in the
`branches of the tree. PoWer is provided to these lights by
`poWer from the base unit that is conducted from the base unit
`to the lights via Wires and contact points Where Wires are not
`appropriate. Contact points for the conduction of poWer to
`the lights are found, for example, at the pivot points Where
`the tree branches connect to the tree trunk and Where the tree
`trunk connects With the base unit. The contact points for the
`conduction of poWer to the LED lights comprise, for
`example, ?at pieces of metal that press against each other
`even if the pieces of the tree to Which they Were attached
`Were moved (i.e., the tree branches moved up or doWn or the
`tree trunk rotated). Such contact points are embedded into
`the proximal ends of the tree branches and mounting points
`for the branches on the tree trunk.
`
`[0035] For conduction of poWer into the tree trunk from
`the base unit, in one embodiment for example, either the
`base unit opening or the tree trunk comprises a band of
`electrically conductive material (e.g., metal) and the other
`part (base unit opening or tree trunk) comprises, for
`example, spring mounted ball bearings that contact the metal
`band and permit the conduction of electricity from the base
`unit to the tree trunk.
`
`[0036] For safety, the amount of poWer conducted through
`these contact points is the minimal amount needed for
`lighting the LED lights and circuit breaker trip sWitches are
`incorporated into the device to shut off poWer in the event of
`
`a short circuit. Those practiced in the art Will recogniZe that
`there are other Ways knoWn in the art at the time of ?ling of
`this application that can be utiliZed for the conduction of
`electrical poWer through pivotal or rotating devices and
`these are incorporated herein. Those practiced in the art Will
`also recogniZe that there are other methods of ensuing the
`electrical safety of such devices that are knoWn in the art at
`the time of ?ling of this application that can be utiliZed in the
`present invention and these are also incorporated herein.
`
`[0037] FIG. 10 shoWs one embodiment of the design of the
`tensioning screW of the present invention. The tensioning
`screW of the present invention comprises i) a cylinder With
`a spiral screW design cut into the outer surface of the
`cylinder, ii) a compressed spring Within the cylinder and iii)
`a ball bearing pressed into the opening of the cylinder
`Wherein said ball bearing is held in place by the compression
`of the cylinder on the ball bearing and said ball bearing holds
`the spring under tension Within the cylinder. The present
`invention is not limited to his design of a tensioning screW
`(or equivalent). Those skilled in the art Will recogniZe that
`other designs knoW at the time of ?ling may be feasible for
`use in the present invention and such designs are herein
`incorporated.
`[0038] The Christmas tree of the present invention may be
`made of any suitable material or materials. In a preferred
`embodiment, the Christmas tree is made of plastic.
`Examples of suitable plastics include, but are not limited to
`acrylic, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, polya
`minde, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene terephthalate,
`polyester, epoxys, high density polyethylene, polycarbonate,
`ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), nylon and vinyl chlo
`ride. In other embodiments, certain parts of the Christmas
`tree of the present invention (for example, parts subject to
`Wear and/or stress or used for the conduction of electricity)
`may be made of metal. Examples of the parts of the present
`invention that are suitable for construction from metal
`include several internal parts such as the chassis 26 and
`portions of the electric motor 19. Other parts of the Christ
`mas tree of the present invention may be made of the
`material best suited for that purpose. For example, LEDs
`Would include plastic or glass; control circuit boards Would
`be made of materials including metal, plastic and silicon.
`One practiced in the art Would knoW the preferred materials
`for these and other various components of the present
`invention.
`
`[0039] The Christmas tree is not limited to any particular
`siZe. The device, for example, may be siZed to ?t on a table
`indoors or may be siZed to stand on the ?oor. In a preferred
`embodiment, the Christmas tree of the present invention is
`betWeen about 24 inches and 10 feet tall.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A revolving Christmas tree With folding branches,
`comprising:
`a. i) a plurality of branches, ii) a trunk and iii) a base unit;
`
`b. With each branch of said plurality of branches com
`prising a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal
`end comprising a means for attaching said branches to
`said trunk and permitting the movement of the branches
`in an essentially vertical manner from an essentially
`outstretched position to an essentially upright position
`and back;
`
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`Nov. 1, 2007
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`c. said trunk con?gured to accept said proximal ends of
`said branches arranged in such a manner to permit the
`vertical movement of said branches from an essentially
`outstretched position to an essentially upright position
`and back and Wherein said trunk comprises an end
`con?gured to be placed in said base unit;
`d. Wherein said base unit comprises i) an opening for
`accepting said trunk, ii) a drive mechanism for revolv
`ing said trunk, said drive mechanism for revolving said
`trunk comprising a clutch mechanism Wherein the trunk
`is in contact With said clutch mechanism and said
`clutch is driven by friction from a drive plate and,
`Wherein, said drive plate is driven by friction from a
`drive motor, iii) an audio system and, iv) a light
`projection system for projecting light onto said Christ
`mas tree, said light projection system comprising light
`emitting diodes (LEDs).
`2. The Christmas tree of claim 1, Wherein said base unit
`further comprises a mechanism for adjusting the tension of
`the mechanism for revolving said trunk on said trunk.
`3. The Christmas tree of claim 1, Wherein said means for
`attaching said branches to said trunk comprises a pivotable
`joint.
`4. The Christmas tree of claim 1, Wherein said means for
`attaching said branches to said trunk comprises a friction
`?tting.
`5. The Christmas tree of claim 1, Wherein said branches
`comprise synthetic needles or leaves made to resemble
`natural needles or leaves.
`6. The Christmas tree of claim 1, Wherein said branches
`comprise synthetic needles or leaves made to not resemble
`natural needles or leaves by comprising a non-natural color
`and/or shape and/or by comprising a decoration.
`7. The Christmas tree of claim 1, Wherein said light
`emitting diodes emit one or more colors of light.
`8. The Christmas tree of claim 1, Wherein said clutch is
`adjusted such that it Will slip if said trunk is at least partially
`impeded or blocked from rotating.
`9. The Christmas tree of claim 1, Wherein said drive motor
`Will slip on said drive plate if said trunk is at least partially
`impeded or blocked from rotating.
`10. The Christmas tree of claim 1, Wherein said base unit
`additionally comprises an audio input socket.
`11. The Christmas tree of cla