United States Patent [19]
`
`Ha le
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`US005758948A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
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`5,758,948
`Jun. 2, 1998
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`[54]
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`[76]
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`[21]
`[22]
`[51]
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`[52]
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`[58]
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`SEASONAL LIGHT DISPLAY DEVICE
`Inventor: Gregory S. Hale, 812 E. Broadway,
`Waukesha, Wis. 53186
`
`Appl. No.: 677,832
`Filed:
`Jul. 10, 1996
`Int. Cl* … F21P1/00; F21P 1/02;
`A47G 33/06
`U.S. Cl. .......................... 362/123; 362/123; 362/249;
`428/8; 428/9
`Field of Search ..................................... 362/102. 123.
`362/109, 249: 428/8, 9
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2,087,537 7/1937 Finkel ..................................... 362/102
`2,414,866
`1/1947 Glaser ..................................... 362/123
`2,708,324 5/1955 Wedden .................................. 362/123
`3,313,929 4/1967 Schiavone ............................... 362/102
`3,704,366 11/1972 Korb et al. .............................. 362/123
`3,819,459 6/1974 Wren ....................................... 362/123
`4,404,621
`9/1983 Mauro ..................................... 362/123
`4,620,270 10/1986 Laakso .................................... 362/123
`4,734,301
`3/1988 McKinney .................................. 428/8
`4,806,392 2/1989 Dixon ............
`... 362/123
`4,847,123
`7/1989 Armstead et al. .......................... 428/9
`5,053,931 10/1991 Rushing ............
`... 362/102
`
`5,359,502 10/1994 Cantin ................. - - - - - - - - 4 - > *** * * * * * * 362/249
`
`1/1996 Miller et al. ............................ 362/123
`5,488,549
`3/1997 Contigiani ............................... 362/123
`5,609,412
`Primary Examiner—Ira S. Luzarus
`Assistant Examiner—Matthew Spark
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Ryan, Maki, Mann & Hohenfeldt
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`A lighting display device simulates a decorated, lighted tree,
`when illuminated. A plurality, preferably 15 elongated sup
`port members are attached at each end to a central shaft. The
`upper end is hingedly attached to a stationary collar while
`the lower end is attached to a collar which is axially
`moveable along the shaft. A hinge is formed in each of the
`support members at a point spaced away from the ends of the
`support members. Each of the support members has a
`generally C-shaped configuration with an open side facing
`the shaft and a plurality of spaced openings through a
`surface of each of the support members faces away from the
`shaft. Each of the openings is adapted to receive a light bulb
`from a string of lights, and the channel is adapted to receive
`a plurality of light sockets supporting the lights. When the
`collar is moved axially along the shaft, each of the support
`members is moved, from a substantially straight position
`suitable for storage of the device, to an erect position
`wherein each of the support members is folded outwardly
`from the shaft at the hinge point. The axially moveable ends
`of the support members are secured to the shaft thus forming
`a conical tree-like structure.
`10 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1009, Page 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 2, 1998
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`Sheet 1 of 5
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 2, 1998
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`Sheet 2 of 5
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1009, Page 3
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 2, 1998
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`Sheet 3 of 5
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1009, Page 4
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 2, 1998
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`Sheet 4 of 5
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 2, 1998
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`Sheet 5 of 5
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1009, Page 6
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`

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`1
`SEASONAL LIGHT DISPLAY DEVICE
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`5,758,948
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`preferably 15, elongated support members are attached at
`each end to a central shaft. The upper end is hingedly
`attached to a stationary collar while the lower end is attached
`to a collar which is axially moveable along the shaft. Ahinge
`is formed in each of the support members at a point spaced
`away from the ends of the support members. Each of the
`support members has a generally C-shaped configuration
`with an open side facing the shaft and a plurality of spaced
`openings through a surface of each of the support members
`faces away from the shaft. Each of the openings is adapted
`to receive a light bulb from a string of lights, and the channel
`is adapted to receive a plurality of light sockets supporting
`the lights. When the collar is moved axially along the shaft,
`each of the support members is moved, from a substantially
`straight position suitable for storage of the device, to an erect
`position wherein each of the support members is folded
`outwardly from the shaft at the hinge point. The axially
`moveable ends of the support members are secured to the
`shaft thus forming a conical tree-like structure.
`Further objects and advantages of the invention will be
`apparent from the following detailed description, the claims
`and the accompanying drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a lighting device of
`this invention in the assembled, erect position;
`FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken along
`line 2–2 of FIG. 1:
`FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line
`3—3 of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is a fragmentary central sectional view showing in
`expanded detail the relationship between the central shaft
`and the elongated light supporting members:
`FIG. 5 is fragmentary view showing the lower strip
`connecting assembly in the storage position;
`FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing the device of the
`invention in the collapsed storage position:
`FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line
`7–7 in FIG. 6;
`FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a pivoting
`joint formed in the elongated supporting strips used in
`connection with the structure of the invention; and,
`FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9–9 of FIG.
`8;
`FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing an
`alternate form of an upper end cap for device of this
`invention;
`FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view with parts in section
`showing an alternative embodiment of a slidable collar and
`central supporting shaft assembled together:
`FIG. 12 is a side elevational view with some of the light
`supporting strips removed for clarity showing a lighting
`device of this invention suitable for use at Valentine's Day;
`and,
`FIG. 13 is a view showing schematically a lighting device
`suitable for use at Halloween.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`Referring more particularly to the drawings, a lighting
`device 10 of this invention is shown in the assembled and
`erect position in FIG. 1. Device 10 is adapted to support at
`least one string of conventional Christmas tree lights and to
`resemble, when illuminated, a lighted Christmas tree, when
`viewed at night or in darkness. As will be further explained.
`such a device can be provided either for indoor or outdoor
`display.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to lighted display devices
`such as simulated Christmas tree. More specifically the
`invention relates to a collapsible light-supporting device
`that, when illuminated, at night resembles a lighted outdoor
`tree or similar lighted object.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Various types of artificial Christmas trees have been
`utilized for indoor and outdoor usage. Often, to provide an
`outdoor lighted tree, either a living tree or some type of
`framework that can support the Christmas lights in a shape
`resembling a tree, when lighted at night, have been utilized.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention provides a collapsible and erectable
`structure adapted to hold one or more strings of conventional
`Christmas tree lights, and which, when erected, assumes a
`conical shape resembling a lighted Christmas tree when
`illuminated and viewed in darkness.
`In accordance with one of its aspects, the invention
`provides a collapsible light supporting device adapted to
`hold one or more strings of conventional Christmas lights in
`a shape simulating a tree when erected and illuminated.
`In accordance with a related aspect of the invention, a
`framework is provided which includes a plurality of chan
`nels for holding a string of lights. In accordance with a
`further aspect of the invention the channels for receiving the
`lights are configured to receive a string of commercially
`available lights installed in plurality of sockets generally
`wired together to form a string of lights. Preferably the
`channels are provided with openings for receiving and
`supporting the individual lights. In accordance with a further
`aspect of the invention a conical, treelike structure can be
`collapsed, much in the manner of an umbrella, for off-season
`storage.
`In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the
`conical structure is provided with a supporting base which
`preferably is provided at its lower end with a projecting
`spike which can be inserted into the ground, by hammering,
`even if the ground is frozen.
`In accordance with yet further aspects of the invention.
`the structure is preferably formed of plastic channel-shaped
`strips connected to the upper end of a central shaft which
`resembles a tree trunk and which are adapted to be pivoted
`away therefrom into a conically shaped superstructure for
`uSè.
`In accordance with still further aspects of the invention,
`the lower ends of each strip are connected to a collar, which
`forms an interconnecting structure for the lower end of the
`conical superstructure, which is slidable axially along the
`central shaft. In accordance with still further aspects of the
`invention, each rib is provided with a pivoting joint nearer
`the base of the treelike structure than its top so that, when the
`collar is moved upwardly on the central shaft, the strips will
`each pivot outwardly to provide a uniform conically-shaped
`Structure.
`In accordance with still further aspects of the invention.
`other shapes of lighted displays of varying colors are pro
`vided for different holidays or special days such as Valen
`tine's Day or Halloween.
`Briefly, a lighting display device of the invention simu
`lates a decorated, lighted tree, when illuminated. A plurality,
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`Device 10 includes a plurality, around its circumference,
`of elongated light supporting strips 12. Strips 12 are all
`mounted concentrically around a central supporting shaft 14.
`Each strip 12 is preferably in the form of a generally
`C-shaped channel and is adapted to support a plurality of
`small miniature or small light bulbs 15 provided in a
`conventional string of lights. Each of the strips 12 is
`connected at its lower end to a sleeve 16 which is concen
`trically slidably mounted around a central supporting shaft
`14. As best seen in FIG. 4 the lower end of supporting sleeve
`16 is provided with a plurality, preferably a pair, of clips 18
`which have inwardly extending tips or ends 19, which are
`adapted to be received in openings or slats 20 provided in
`shaft 14 at an elevation which supports the strips 12 in a
`generally conical shape as shown in FIG. 1.
`As best seen in FIG. 7, each of strips 12 is provided with
`an outwardly exposed side having circular openings through
`each of which a light bulb 15 extends. Strips 12 have
`opposed lateral edges 22 and 24 which are sloped inwardly
`at an angle which enables all of the strips, when placed in the
`storage position shown in FIG. 6, to form an encircling
`assembly around central shaft 14. In the illustrated embodi
`ment there are 15 strips 12 positioned around central shaft
`14. This number of strips has been convenient, and
`preferred. in that a single string of miniature type Christmas
`tree lights will conveniently fit within and be supported by
`the channels of strips 12. However, it will be understood that
`a different number of strips 12 can be utilized and that the
`side surfaces 22 and 24 can be positioned at a slightly
`different angle appropriate for the number of strips 12
`employed to fit together.
`As further seen in FIG. 7, the sides 22 and 24 of strips 12
`also have inwardly turned edges 26 and 28 which form a
`partial inner wall for strips 12 through which light bulbs 15
`can be introduced or removed as needed.
`It will be noted that the sockets 30 into which miniature
`style light bulbs 15 are conveniently each provided with a
`flange or ledge 32 which abuts against the inner side of strips
`12 thereby enabling the light bulbs 15 only, to extend
`through openings 29 in strips 12. Light sockets 30 also,
`conveniently, usually have ledges 34 formed thereon, which
`are of a size adapted to snap under and to be retained by an
`edge 26 or 28, to thus securely hold the lights in place. In
`conventional fashion the light Sockets are all connected
`electrically in by means of wires or cords 36 which are
`provided at their ends with a conventional electrical plug 38
`for installation in the socket of an electrical outlet or
`extension cord.
`Each of the strips 12 is provided with a section 40 which
`is the devoid of Sidewalls 22 and 24. Sections 40 thus
`provide a point for folding of the strips 12 outwardly when
`sleeve 16 is raised along the length supporting shaft 14. The
`pivoting points defined by sections 40 are preferably located
`closer to the lower end of the assembly than to the top so that
`a conical shape is achieved as shown in FIG. 1 when sleeve
`16 is moved to an elevation wherein ends 19 of clips 18 can
`be lodged in slots 20. Note also in FIGS. 4 and 5 that clips
`18 have projecting flanges 17 which are provided to enable
`removal of ends 19 from slots 20 by pivoted caused by
`inward finger pressure against the projecting flanges 17.
`As also best seen in FIGS. 1 and 8, the lower ends of strips
`12 are preferably provided with a plurality of slots or
`notches 42 which impart a degree of flexibility and curvature
`to the lower ends of strips 12 while the upper ends are
`relatively more rigid. Also provided in the strips 12 at a
`location just below pivot sections 40 are openings 44 which
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`4
`are adapted to receive an encircling restraining cord 45.
`Cord 45 is of benefit in assisting the assembly 10 in holding
`its shape even when adverse weather conditions, such as
`wind or blowing snow are encountered. Cord 45 is prefer
`ably attached to each strip 12 by means of glue. a clip or
`similar fastening means. An L-shaped tab 52 can be adhered
`to sleeve 16 corresponding to each strip 12. The ends 54 of
`tabs 52 provide surfaces for attachment of strips 12.
`An upper plate 50 is also provided at the upper end of
`shaft 14 as best seen in FIG. 3. Connecting strips 46 are also
`connected to upper ends of strips 12 and to a downwardly
`depending flange 48 on plate 50. This arrangement will be
`observed to enable repeating pivoting of the upper ends of
`strips 12 toward and away from shaft 14 without failure on
`account of material fatigue.
`Also located at the upper end of the device 10 is a
`translucent conical cap 56 which houses a bulb 58 which is
`adapted to extend through a central opening 57 in plate 50.
`This enables lighting of the conical cap 56 at the upper end
`of the device. Instead of a single bulb 58, a short string, for
`example, one with 10 miniature lights can be in inserted
`within cap 56 to provide a somewhat modified visual effect.
`Device 10 can be mounted outdoors and secured to the
`ground 60 by means of a spike 62 which is centrally located
`through a hole in a short cylindrical shaft 64 preferably
`formed of plastic material. Shaft 64 has an outer dimension
`to fit snugly within the inside diameter of central supporting
`shaft 14. Thus the device can be easily installed by ham
`mering the top of spike 62 to install shaft 64 above the
`ground surface and the central shaft 14 is installed thereover
`with the strips 12 in the conically expanded position. The
`device is then ready for illumination by installation of plug
`38 into an electrically energized socket. Spike 62 can be
`provided with laterally extending fins to improve anchoring
`of the device in temperate climates or when soft ground is
`encountered, for example, for non-wintertime use.
`It is preferred to construct the device 10 entirely out of
`plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride. high density
`polyethylene or other commercially available plastics. An
`exception, of course is spike 62 which would generally be
`formed of metal. It will also be appreciated that instead of
`a spike 62, shaft 64 can be attached to a suitable supporting
`base having laterally extending feet, so that device 10 can be
`placed in an indoor location. It will thus be appreciated that
`while during daylight only a conical structure as shown in
`FIG. 1 will be noted, that, in the darkness, when illuminated.
`the device will resemble a lighted Christmas tree. The device
`also can be provided with accessories for storage such as a
`suitable containing sleeve or a band, such as a Velcro strip,
`to retain the strips 12 in the elongated storage position of
`FIG. 6 for off season storage. The device of this invention
`can also be displayed in the collapsed position to form a
`“pillar of light.”
`While it is convenient to use a string of lights to provide
`illumination, other arrangements could be substituted. For
`example, a separate string of lights could be provided for
`each of strips 12.
`Also, the device can be provided in alternate forms for use
`in seasons other than Christmas. For example, as depicted in
`FIG. 12, a lighting display appropriate for Valentine's Day
`or Halloween can be provided by altering the placement of
`the strips 12 and notches 42 formed therein.
`Referring to FIG. 10, there is seen an alternative form of
`a cap 70 suitable for attachment to upper end plate flange 48.
`For that purpose, indentations are formed on two or more
`sides of the conically-shaped cap 70 and indentations 72 are
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`formed on two or more sides of the conically-shaped cap 70.
`The bottoms of indentations 72 are provided with openings
`to facilitate placement of screws 74 for attachment of cap 70
`to end plate flange 48.
`An alternative form of clip 76 is illustrated in FIG. 11.
`Two or more clips 76 are provided in place of clips 18 to
`engage an opening 20 and central shaft 14. Extensions 78 are
`provided to enable flexing of the ends 19 of clip 76 out of
`openings 20 to permit sliding of the assembly along shaft 14.
`The upper ends 80 of clips 76 are adapted to be adhered
`within channels 82 cut into the interior edge of sleeve 16.
`FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate alternative embodiments of the
`invention provided for differing seasons of the year. It will
`be noted that by appropriate placement of notches 42 and
`light supporting strips 12A. in the embodiment shown on
`FIG. 12, a generally heart-shaped lighting display 85 can be
`formed. In keeping with a Valentine's display, the lights 15
`could be fitted with red or pink bulbs.
`A still further form of display device 90 is shown in FIG.
`13. Device 90 is suitable for use as a Halloween display. In
`this case, the notches 42 in strips 12B are formed so as to
`provide a pumpkin-shaped outline. Light bulbs 15 can be
`orange-colored bulbs. Upper conical cap 56 in such event
`could be fitted with a green bulb. Additionally, it will be
`apparent to those skilled in the art that lighting displays
`suitable for other seasons or occasions can be provided.
`While preferred embodiments of the invention have been
`shown for the purposed of illustration, it will be understood
`various substitutes and changes may be made by those
`skilled in the art without departing from the concepts of the
`invention.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A lighting display device for simulating a selected
`lighted object, when illuminated, comprising
`a central shaft,
`a plurality of elongated support members each attached at
`one end to said shaft adjacent a first end of said shaft,
`at least one hinge formed in each of said support members
`and spaced away from said first end of said shaft,
`each of said support members having a generally
`C-shaped configuration with an open side facing said
`shaft and a closed side facing away from said shaft, a
`plurality of spaced openings through said closed side of
`each of said support members, each of said openings
`being adapted to receive a light bulb which is provided
`with means for illumination thereof, said bulbs extend
`able through said openings in a direction away from
`said shaft, said C-shaped configuration being adapted
`to receive and contain therein a plurality of light
`sockets supporting said lightbulbs, the end of each said
`support members opposite said first end being move
`able axially along said shaft, whereby each of said
`support members can be moved, from a substantially
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`straight position suitable for storage of said device. to
`an erected position wherein each of said support mem
`bers is folded outwardly from said shaft at said hinge.
`and,
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`means to retain said axially moveable ends at a selected
`position relative to said shaft.
`2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said support
`members have inwardly angled sidewalls on each side
`thereof which are each complementary with the side walls of
`an adjacent support member, whereby said support
`members, collectively, when in the elongated storage
`position, circumscribe said shaft.
`3. A device according to claim 1 wherein a cylindrical
`collar is provided for supporting each end of said elongated
`support members on said shaft.
`4. A device according to claim 2 wherein fifteen of said
`elongated support members are employed.
`5. A display device according to claim 1 wherein said
`open sides of said C-shaped channels are bordered by
`inwardly extending edges and said sockets are adapted to
`snap fit under and to be retained by said edges,
`6. A lighting display device which simulates a decorated.
`lighted tree, when illuminated, comprising a plurality of
`elongated support members attached at each end to a central
`shaft, the upper end of each member being hingedly attached
`to a stationary collar and the lower end being attached to a
`collar which is axially moveable along the shaft, a hinge
`being provided in each of the support members at a point
`spaced away from the ends thereof, each of the elongated
`support members having a plurality of spaced openings
`therethrough, said openings passing a through a surface of
`each of the support members which faces outwardly away
`from the shaft, each of the openings being adapted to receive
`a light bulb attached to a string of lights with each bulb
`extendable through one of said openings in a direction away
`from said central shaft, the elongated support members each
`having a C-shaped channel having an open side facing
`toward said shaft and a closed side having said surface
`facing away from said shaft which channel is adapted to
`receive and contain a plurality of light sockets supporting
`the light bulbs, each of the support members being movable,
`from a substantially straight position suitable for storage of
`the device, to an erect position wherein each of the support
`members is folded outwardly from the shaft at the hinge.
`thus forming a conical tree-like structure, when said mov
`able collar is moved axially upward along the shaft.
`7. A device according to claim 6 wherein said support
`members comprise generally C-shaped channels with an
`open side facing the shaft.
`8. A device according to claim 6 wherein a hollow conical
`housing is provided at the upper end of said shaft, said
`housing being adapted to contain at least one light bulb for
`illumination thereof.
`9. A device according to claim 7 wherein said hinge on
`each support member is formed by a section which is devoid
`of side walls.
`10. A device according to claim 7 wherein each end of
`each of said elongated members is hingedly attached to one
`of said collars.
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`Yotrio Ex. YOT-1009, Page 9