(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. N0.: US 2010/0072747 A1
`KRIZE
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`US 20100072747A1
`
`(54) TREE POLE COUPLER SYSTEM
`
`(52) US. Cl. ...................................................... .. 285/330
`
`(76) Inventor:
`
`DENNIS KRIZE, Trumbull, CT
`(Us)
`
`Correspondence Addressi
`SARA CENTIONI KANOS
`NEXSEN PRUET, LLC
`P-O- DRAWER 10648
`GREENVILLE, SC 29603-0648 (Us)
`
`(21) APP1- NOJ
`_
`(22) Flled:
`
`12/234,935
`
`sep‘ 22’ 2008
`_
`_
`Cl _?
`P bl_
`u lcatlon
`assl canon
`
`(51) Int, Cl,
`F16L 21/08
`
`(200601)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A coupler system foruse in assembling arti?cial tree trunks or
`poles. In particular, the coupler system includes a ?rst part
`having a cone-shaped end and carrying a Wedge-shaped
`groove parallel to its axis, Which is insertable into a second
`part that is formed as a pair of concentric cylinders. The inner
`of these cylinders receives the ?rst part of the coupler system
`and includes a bulge parallel to its axis that aligns With the
`Wedge-shaped groove of the ?rst part When the tWo are ?tted
`together. Preferably, the end of the ?rst part opposite the
`cone-shaped end is dimensioned to ?t into a ?rst tubular
`segment that stands as a surrogate for a tree trunk. Addition
`ally, the outer of the concentric cylinders is dimensioned to
`receive a second tubular segment.
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`Willis Exhibit 1012 - 1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Willis Exhibit 1012 - 2
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Willis Exhibit 1012 - 3
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`Willis Exhibit 1012 - 4
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`Willis Exhibit 1012 - 5
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Willis Exhibit 1012 - 6
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Willis Exhibit 1012 - 7
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`US 2010/0072747 A1
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`Mar. 25, 2010
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`TREE POLE COUPLER SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to arti?cial tree sys
`tems, and, inparticular, to coupler systems used in connection
`With arti?cial tree trunk segments.
`[0002] The popularity of arti?cial trees is ever increasing.
`The use of arti?cial trees in decorating, especially during
`holidays, offers a convenient, yet still aesthetically pleasing
`alternative to natural trees. Live trees are often as expensive,
`or more so, than arti?cial trees. Furthermore, signi?cant
`cleaning and maintenance is required for live trees, Which
`require Water and Which shed materials such as leaves,
`needles or sap. Many types of natural trees used for holiday
`decorating also have a short life span and must be removed
`folloWing the holiday and then replaced before the next holi
`day season.
`[0003] By contrast, arti?cial trees require only a one-time
`purchase, and do not need Watering or grooming to be main
`tained. Depending on the siZe and features of the arti?cial
`tree, such trees are commonly sold disassembled for ease of
`packaging and storage. Assembly of arti?cial trees typically
`requires the user to connect pole sections to form the trunk of
`the tree. Because the segments and couplers are typically
`made of steel and are therefore heavy, and prone to corrosion,
`they tend to become Wedged together and dif?cult to separate.
`The more dif?cult the segments are to separate, the more
`likely that other common tree features, such as light strings,
`become damaged.
`[0004] Accordingly, there exists a need for a simpli?ed and
`effective coupler system for use in assembling arti?cial trees.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0005] The folloWing presents a simpli?ed summary of the
`invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some
`aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive
`overvieW of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or
`critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of
`the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of
`the invention in a simpli?ed form as a prelude to the more
`detailed description that is presented later.
`[0006] According to its main features and brie?y stated, the
`present invention is a coupler system for use in assembling
`arti?cial tree trunks or poles. In particular, the coupler system
`includes a ?rst part having a cone-shaped end and carrying a
`Wedge-shaped groove parallel to its major axis, Which runs
`through the tip of the cone. The ?rst part is insertable into a
`second part that is in the form of a pair of concentric cylinders
`joined at one end. The inner of the tWo cylinders receives the
`?rst part of the coupler system and includes a bulge parallel to
`its major axis alignable With the Wedge-shaped groove of the
`?rst part When the tWo are being ?tted together. Preferably,
`the end of the ?rst part opposite the cone-shaped end is
`dimensioned to ?t into one of a ?rst tubular segments. The gap
`betWeen the inner and the outer of the concentric cylinders is
`dimensioned to receive a second tubular segment.
`[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, an arti?cial tree
`employing the coupler system of the present invention
`includes a top portion having an arrangement of arti?cial
`branches. The top portion includes ?rst tubular segment, the
`loWer end of Which receives the ?rst part of the coupler
`system. The arti?cial tree further includes a bottom portion
`having an arrangement of arti?cial branches. The bottom
`
`portion includes second tubular segment, the top end of Which
`receives the second part of the coupler system of the present
`invention.
`[0008] A feature of the present invention includes the use of
`a Wedge-shaped groove parallel to its axis. The groove makes
`it easier to align the tWo parts When the ?rst part is inserted
`into the second part.
`[0009] The bulge is a second feature of the present inven
`tion as it aligns the tWo parts When the ?rst part is being
`inserted into the second part.
`[0010] Still another feature of the present invention is the
`use of a cone-shaped end on the ?rst part Which alloWs easier
`insertion of the ?rst part into the second part.
`[0011] Yet another feature of the present invention is the
`use of a ?rst part and a second part made of plastic. The use of
`plastic rather than metal avoids corrosion of the parts.
`Accordingly, the shape and proper ?tting of parts is main
`tained. More importantly, the parts are much easier to sepa
`rate When they remain free of the negative effects of oxida
`tion. Corroded tree segments and couplers of assembled trees
`must often be forced apart. Furthermore, as many arti?cial
`trees include the use of light strings, Which are delicate in
`nature, damage to these light strings is minimized or avoided
`When the tree segments can be more easily separated.
`[0012] Other features and advantages of the present inven
`tion Will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a careful
`reading of the Detailed Disclosure of the Preferred Embodi
`ment presented beloW and accompanied by the draWings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0013] In the draWings,
`[0014] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective vieW of a tree pole
`coupler system in use With an arti?cial tree according to a
`preferred embodiment of the present invention;
`[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective vieW of the tree
`pole coupler system according to a preferred embodiment of
`the present invention;
`[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective vieW ofa ?rst part ofa tree
`pole coupler system according to a preferred embodiment of
`the present invention;
`[0017] FIG. 4 is a side vieW of a ?rst part of a tree pole
`coupler system according to a preferred embodiment of the
`present invention;
`[0018] FIG. 5 is an top vieW of a ?rst part of a tree pole
`coupler system according to a preferred embodiment of the
`present invention;
`[0019] FIG. 6 is a bottom vieW ofa ?rst part ofa tree pole
`coupler system according to a preferred embodiment of the
`present invention;
`[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective vieW of a second part of a tree
`pole coupler system according to a preferred embodiment of
`the present invention;
`[0021] FIG. 8 is a side vieW ofa second part ofa tree pole
`coupler system according to a preferred embodiment of the
`present invention;
`[0022] FIG. 9 is a top vieW of a second part ofa tree pole
`coupler system according to a preferred embodiment of the
`present invention;
`[0023] FIG. 10 is a bottom vieW ofa second part ofa tree
`pole coupler system according to a preferred embodiment of
`the present invention;
`[0024] FIG. 11 is an exploded, side cross-sectional vieW of
`a tree pole coupler system according to a preferred embodi
`ment of the present invention;
`
`Willis Exhibit 1012 - 8
`
`

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`US 2010/0072747 A1
`
`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`[0025] FIG. 12 is an assembled, side cross-sectional vieW
`of tree pole coupler system according to a preferred embodi
`ment of the present invention;
`[0026] FIG. 13 is a bottom vieW of a tree pole coupler
`system according to a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention;
`[0027] FIG. 14 is a bottom vieW of a tree pole coupler
`system according to a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention; and
`[0028] FIG. 15 is a bottom vieW of a tree pole coupler
`system according to a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`[0029] Referring noW to the ?gures, FIG. 1 shoWs an
`exploded vieW of an arti?cial tree 12 having a top portion 14
`and bottom portion 16 that are assembled and joined using a
`tree coupler system 10 according to the present invention. Top
`portion 14 and bottom portion 16 may be holloW cylinders
`that may be made of metal, and preferably made of steel and
`may receive synthetic branches that may simulate pine
`branches. The features of the arti?cial tree 12 are shoWn so as
`to place the coupler system 10 of the present invention into
`context. It is thus Within the purvieW of the present invention
`to combine the coupler system 10 With arti?cial trees having
`any number of sections, as Well as a variety of features and
`dimensions.
`[0030] As shoWn, top and bottom portions 14, 16 of arti?
`cial tree 12 are adapted to be removably secured or joined
`together by coupler system 10 in a manner Which alloWs a
`single longitudinal stem or trunk 20 to be formed by their
`interconnection. Both the top and bottom portions 14, 16 may
`include a plurality of branches 18 that are longer toWard the
`base of the tree 12 and may be progressively shorter near the
`top of the tree 12 to give the arti?cial tree 12 a generally
`conical overall shape. The number, shape, siZe of, and mate
`rials used to form the branches 18 can be changed to accom
`modate the desired look of the tree 12. As further illustrated,
`the arti?cial tree 12 is maintained in a generally upright,
`vertical position by a stand 22. It may, of course, possible to
`use a variety of other stands or bases for the arti?cial tree 12.
`[0031] The particular features of the tree coupler system 10
`used to connect the top and bottom portions 12, 14 of arti?cial
`tree 12 are shoWn in FIGS. 2-12. The coupler system 10
`includes a ?rst part 26 having a cone-shaped ?rst end 28 and
`an opposing second end 29 and carrying a Wedge-shaped
`groove 30 parallel to its axis. The ?rst part 26 is telescopingly
`insertable into a second part 32 by a male-female member
`relationship. The second part 32 is formed as a pair of con
`centric cylinders, including an outer cylinder 34 and an inner
`cylinder 36 that are connected. The inner cylinder 36 is
`dimensioned to receive the ?rst part 26 of the coupler system
`10 and includes a bulge 40 parallel to its axis that aligns With
`the Wedge-shaped groove 30 of the ?rst part 26 to provide a
`key ?t When the tWo are joined together.
`[0032] Preferably, top and bottom portions 14, 16 of arti?
`cial 12 are connected to the tree coupler system 10 by a ?rst
`and second tubular segment or pole 24, 25 respectively,
`shoWn in FIG. 2. First and second tubular segments 24, 25 can
`either be connected integrally or operatively to the top and
`bottom portions 14, 16 of the arti?cial tree 12, respectively.
`When tree trunk 20 is fully assembled, ?rst and second parts
`26, 32 of coupler system have a coaxial nesting relationship
`
`With ?rst and second tubular segments 24, 25, respectively.
`Speci?cally, ?rst part 26 is inserted into ?rst tubular segment
`24; and second part 26 receives second tubular segment 25, as
`Will be described more fully beloW.
`[0033] The ?rst part 26 of the tree coupler system 10 is
`shoWn in greater detail in FIGS. 3-6. As illustrated, ?rst part
`26 of coupler system 10 is generally holloW having an interior
`space 54, and has an external surface With a frustoconical
`portion 50 at the conical ?rst end 28 of ?rst part 26 and a
`cylindrical portion 52 at the opposing second end 29 of ?rst
`part 26. Wedge-shaped groove 30 extends longitudinally
`along external surface. Cylindrical portion 52 of ?rst part 26
`also includes a plurality of ridges 56 that are evenly spaced
`apart, extend longitudinally and are parallel to the axis of the
`?rst part 26. These ridges can increase the friction betWeen
`?rst part 26 and second part 32 so as to improve the security
`of the connection When the coupler system is assembled.
`Additionally, the ridges 56 can assist in aligning the Wedge
`shaped groove 30 over the bulge 40 as ?rst part 26 and second
`part 32 are brought together. Alternatively, cylindrical portion
`52 can be smooth, that is, having no ridges.
`[0034] FIGS. 7-10 shoW the second part 32 of the coupler
`system 10 in greater detail. As illustrated, second part 32 is
`generally tubular in shape having an interior space or holloW
`center 60, and includes a receiving end 62 and an opposing
`second end 64. Receiving end 62 is dimensioned to receive
`conical ?rst end 28 of ?rst part 26, and opposing second end
`64 includes bulge 40 that compliments Wedge-shaped groove
`30 of ?rst part 26. Additionally, second part 32 includes a
`cylindrical slot 70, Which is formed betWeen inner and outer
`cylinders 36, 34, dimensioned to receive second segment 25.
`Preferably, inner cylinder 36 extends beyond the length of
`outer cylinder 34 at second end 64 so as to facilitate engage
`ment With tubular tree trunk segments. The interior surface of
`second part 32 also includes a plurality of guide members 66
`that extend longitudinally and parallel to the axis of the sec
`ond part 32. These guide members 66 can assist positioning
`the plurality of ridges 56 of the ?rst part 26 so that enhanced
`alignment and securing is provided With ?rst part 26 is
`inserted into second part 32. Alternatively, the interior surface
`of second part can be smooth, that is, having no guide mem
`bers.
`[0035] The coaxial nesting and key ?t relationship betWeen
`?rst part 26, second part 32, and at least one tubular segment
`of an arti?cial tree is shoWn in FIGS. 11-12. As illustrated,
`coupler system 10 is assembled by sliding conical ?rst end 28
`of ?rst part 26 into second part 32, Which aligns and secures
`?rst part 26 by frictionally engaging the Wedge-shaped
`groove 30 With the complementary bulge 40. In use, the
`tubular segments forming the trunk of an arti?cial tree, such
`as ?rst and second tubular segments 24, 25, are connected by
`inserting opposing end 29 of ?rst part 26 into ?rst tubular
`segment 24 (not shoWn), and by inserting second tubular
`segment 25 into the slot 70 of second part 32.
`[0036] When assembling the tree coupler system 10, cer
`tain optional features assist in aligning and securing the ?rst
`and second parts 26, 32. As illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, in
`addition to the key ?t relationship betWeen the Wedge-shaped
`groove 30 and the corresponding bulge 40, ?rst part includes
`plural ridges 56, With at least one ridge on either side of the
`Wedge-shaped groove 30. Additionally, the second part
`includes plural guide members 66, With at least one guide
`member on either side of the bulge 40. As ?rst part 26
`becomes inserted into second part 32, the guide members 66
`
`Willis Exhibit 1012 - 9
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`

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`US 2010/0072747 A1
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`Mar. 25, 2010
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`align the Wedge-shaped groove 30 to receive the bulge 40 by
`engaging and surrounding the ridges 56 included on either
`side of the groove 30. Additionally, the ridges 56 and guide
`members 66 can help to prevent the ?rst part 26 from tWisting
`out of place When it is inserted into second part 32.
`[0037] As discussed, preferably ?rst and second parts 26,
`32 are made of plastic. The use of plastic rather than metal
`avoids corrosion of the parts. Accordingly, the shape and
`proper ?tting of parts is maintained. More importantly, the
`parts are much easier to separate When they remain free of the
`negative effects of oxidation. Corroded tree segments and
`couplers of assembled trees must often be forced apart. Fur
`thermore, as many arti?cial trees include the use of light
`strings, Which are delicate in nature, damage to these light
`strings is minimized or avoided When the tree segments canbe
`more easily separated.
`[0038] The foregoing description of preferred embodi
`ments of the invention has been presented for purposes of
`illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
`or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and
`obviously many modi?cations and variations are possible in
`light of the above teachings. The embodiments Were chose
`and described in order to best explain the principles of the
`invention and its practical application to thereby enable one
`skilled in the art to best utiliZe the invention in various
`embodiments and With various modi?cations as are suited to
`the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope
`of the invention be de?ned by the claims appended hereto.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A tree coupler system, comprising:
`a ?rst part having a ?rst end and an opposing second end
`and carrying a Wedge-shaped groove parallel to its axis,
`Wherein said second end is dimensioned to be nested
`Within a ?rst tubular segment that forms a ?rst portion of
`a tree trunk; and
`a second part including an outer cylinder connected to an
`inner cylinder, Wherein a slot is formed betWeen said
`inner cylinder and said outer cylinder, Wherein said ?rst
`
`part is insertable into said second part, Wherein said
`inner cylinder includes a bulge parallel to its axis that
`aligns With said Wedge-shaped groove of said ?rst part,
`and Wherein said slot is dimensioned to receive a second
`tubular segment that forms a second portion of a tree
`trunk.
`2. The system as recited in claim 1, Wherein said ?rst part
`has an external surface With a frustoconical portion at said
`?rst end and a cylindrical portion at said second end.
`3. The system as recited in claim 1, Wherein said second
`part includes a receiving end and an opposing end, Wherein
`the length of said inner cylinder extends beyond the length of
`said outer cylinder at said opposing end.
`4. The system as recited in claim 3, Wherein said receiving
`end is dimensioned to receive said ?rst end of said ?rst part,
`and Wherein said bulge is at said opposing end.
`5. The system as recited in claim 1, Wherein said ?rst and
`second tubular segments are connected to a top portion and a
`bottom portion of an arti?cial tree, respectively.
`6. The system as recited in claim 1, Wherein said ?rst part
`carries a plurality of ridges parallel to its axis.
`7. The system as recited in claim 6, Wherein said plurality
`of ridges includes at least one ridge on either side of said
`Wedge-shaped groove.
`8. The system as recited in claim 6, Wherein said plurality
`of ridges are spaced apart evenly.
`9. The system as recited in claim 7, Wherein said inner
`cylinder carries a plurality of guide members.
`10. The system as recited in claim 7, Wherein said plurality
`of guide members, includes at least one guide member on
`either side of said bulge.
`11. The system as recited in claim 10, Wherein said at least
`one guide member engages said at least one ridge on either
`side of said Wedge-shaped groove When said ?rst part is
`nested Within said second part.
`12. The system as recited in claim 1, Wherein said ?rst part
`and said second part are made of plastic.
`
`*
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`*
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`*
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`*
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`*
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`Willis Exhibit 1012 - 10