Patent Application
20250143498
Decorative artificial trees are convenient and widely used for both holiday and non-holiday displays. Such trees are usually placed on display and then stored for use on other occasions. Artificial trees are generally made in sections that are designed to separate from one another during storage. Separating these sections creates wear and tear on the artificial tree, thus shortening its useful lifespan. Upright artificial tree containers can be used to enclose an artificial tree without the need to separate the various sections, thus reducing wear and protecting the artificial tree from dust and other damage.
Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purpose of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details can be made and are considered included herein. Accordingly, the following embodiments are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, any claims set forth. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Also, the same reference numerals appearing in different drawings represent the same element. Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarity in illustrating steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of layouts, distances, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that such detailed embodiments do not limit the overall concepts articulated herein but are merely representative thereof. One skilled in the relevant art will also recognize that the technology can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, layouts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure.
In this application, “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing” and “having” and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law and can mean “includes,” “including,” and the like, and are generally interpreted to be open ended terms. The terms “consisting of” or “consists of” are closed terms, and include only the components, structures, steps, or the like specifically listed in conjunction with such terms, as well as that which is in accordance with U.S. Patent law. “Consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” have the meaning generally ascribed to them by U.S. Patent law. In particular, such terms are generally closed terms, with the exception of allowing inclusion of additional items, materials, components, steps, or elements, that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics or function of the item(s) used in connection therewith. For example, trace elements present in a composition, but not affecting the composition's nature or characteristics would be permissible if present under the “consisting essentially of” language, even though not expressly recited in a list of items following such terminology. When using an open-ended term in this written description, like “comprising” or “including,” it is understood that direct support should be afforded also to “consisting essentially of” language as well as “consisting of” language as if stated explicitly and vice versa.
As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a composition that is “substantially free of” particles would either completely lack particles, or so nearly completely lack particles that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, a composition that is “substantially free of” an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof.
As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a given term, metric, value, range endpoint, or the like. The degree of flexibility for a particular variable can be readily determined by one skilled in the art. However, unless otherwise expressed, the term “about” generally provides flexibility of less than 1%, and in some cases less than 0.01%. It is to be understood that, even when the term “about” is used in the present specification in connection with a specific numerical value, support for the exact numerical value recited apart from the “about” terminology is also provided.
As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.
Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 1.5, 2, 2.3, 3, 3.8, 4, 4.6, 5, and 5.1 individually.
This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.
Reference throughout this specification to “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of phrases including “an example” or “an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example or embodiment.
The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of the stated steps may possibly be omitted and/or certain other steps not described herein may possibly be added to the method.
The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
As used herein, comparative terms such as “increased,” “decreased,” “better,” “worse,” “higher,” “lower,” “enhanced,” and the like refer to a property of a device, component, or activity that is measurably different from other devices, components, or activities in a surrounding or adjacent area, in a single device or in multiple comparable devices, in a group or class, in multiple groups or classes, or as compared to the known state of the art. For example, a data region that has an “increased” risk of corruption can refer to a region of a memory device which is more likely to have write errors to it than other regions in the same memory device. A number of factors can cause such increased risk, including location, fabrication process, number of program pulses applied to the region, etc.
An initial overview of embodiments is provided below, and specific embodiments are then described in further detail. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the disclosure more quickly and is not intended to identify key or essential technological features, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
When an artificial tree is ready to be stored, a storage container such as a storage bag can be positioned at the trunk of the tree and pulled upward toward the top to thus surround and enclose the tree. It is noted that the term “tree” herein refers to an artificial tree. It is desirable to collapse the tree such that its branches fold upward to reduce the circumference such that the tree has a minimal storage footprint. Depending on the design of the storage bag, such can be challenging, especially for large trees and situations where a single individual is collapsing the tree into the bag. This can be particularly true because many bags are designed to fit trees that may have different expanded widths and differences in fullness. These, as well as other bags, generally have a larger diameter than a fully collapsed tree. In such cases, the user generally needs to pull the storage bag upward along the sides of the artificial tree, while at the same time compressing the artificial tree branches inward and simultaneously raising the storage bag further over expanded upper portions of the artificial tree while tightening any securing mechanisms on the outside of the storage bag.
The present disclosure provides a solution to many if not all of the difficulties in collapsing an artificial tree into a storage bag. The presently disclosed device allows an artificial tree to be easily collapsed from a display position to a storage position without holding parts of the tree collapsed while tightening the bag around the collapsed portions of the tree.
In one example, a storage container for holding an artificial tree and having an expanded storage configuration and a collapsed display configuration can include a storage bag sized to enclose an artificial tree in the collapsed storage position. The storage bag additionally includes a bottom having a trunk hole disposed there through sized to accept a trunk of the artificial tree. An inner compression sleeve is coupled inside of the storage bag. The inner compression sleeve has an internal shape that compresses the artificial tree branches and pulls them toward the center of the artificial tree when pulled up the sides of the artificial tree. The storage bag can then be pulled up and over the inner compression sleeve to further protect the artificial tree during storage.
The storage bag and the inner compression sleeve can independently be made of any useful and durable material that is capable of enclosing an artificial tree for storage. Nonlimiting examples can include natural and/or polymeric materials, such as, for example, polyester, nylon, vinyl, PVC, canvas, polyethylene coated fabrics, polypropylene coated fabrics, nonwoven polypropylene, and the like, including combinations thereof.
In some examples, the inner compression sleeve has a cone shape extending from one end to the other. In other examples the inner compression sleeve increases in cross sectional area from the bottom end near the trunk hole to the upper opposite end. This allows the artificial tree to be readily compressed and into the storage configuration by merely pulling the inner compression sleeve along the sides of the artificial tree.
The inner compression sleeve gathers the tree limbs and raises them upward as the narrowing inner compression sleeve moves upward. The narrower portion of the inner compression sleeve begins to compress the limbs to the small diameter at the lower end of the inner compression sleeve. These collapsed tree branches are held in this compressed state due to the smaller diameter at the bottom portion of the inner compression sleeve, which allows the compressed tree branches to easily slide the inner compression sleeve. Once the inner compression sleeve has been fully raised up the artificial tree, the inner compression sleeve holds the tree in the collapsed state while the storage bag is raised over the inner compression sleeve and the artificial tree without the need of physically holding the lower portions of the artificial tree in a collapsed configuration.
In another example, the artificial tree storage container includes a storage bag having an inner compression sleeve, The storage bag is sized to envelop the artificial tree in the storage configuration. The inner compression sleeve is attached inside the storage bag and has a structural configuration to compress the artificial tree into the compressed storage state and to maintain the artificial tree in the compressed storage configuration.
The inner compression sleeve is situated inside the storage bag near its base and plays an important role in guiding and compressing the tree's branches as the bag is elevated. In some examples the inner compression sleeve includes two segments: a lower segment and an upper segment. The lower segment is attached at one end near the inside base of the storage bag and plays a role in compressing the artificial tree as well as maintaining the tree in the compressed storage configuration. It has an inner diameter appropriately sized to compress the artificial tree into the storage configuration without causing damage to the branches.
The upper segment is connected to the opposite end of the lower segment and is characterized by an increase in cross-sectional area from the point of attachment with the lower segment to its distal end. In one example the segment is structurally configured in a conical manner, which accommodates the natural tapered profile of the artificial tree from in the compressed state. The conical shape facilitates efficient compression by gradually accommodating branches of varying lengths and positions as it moves upward, ensuring smooth compression without causing harm to the branches.
In operation, the storage bag rests in its collapsed display configuration at the base of the artificial tree, with the inner compression sleeve encircling the trunk near the lowest branches. To compress the tree for storage, the user lifts the inner compression sleeve upward along the tree. As the inner compression sleeve ascends, the lower segment of the compression sleeve engages the lower branches, folding them inward. The upper segment then engages the middle and upper branches, with its tapered shape allowing it to accommodate the increasing width of the tree and compress the branches smoothly. Once the inner compression sleeve has enclosed the tree, the storage bag is then lifted up and over the inner compression sleeve without having to compress the tree with the storage bag. The storage bag can then be secured using fasteners such as zippers, drawstrings, buckles, hook and loop connections, and the like. The hole in the base permits the tree to remain on its stand or base, though the tree can be removed if desired. The compressed tree, enclosed within the storage bag, can then be easily transported or stored in a compact space.
In another example of the present disclosure, the upper segment of the inner compression sleeve incorporates adjustable features such as elastic materials, drawstrings, hook and loop connections, and the like, to accommodate trees of different sizes. Alternatively, the upper segment may have a cylindrical shape, including a cylindrical shape with an adjustable diameter. The materials used for the inner compression sleeve could be semi-rigid or rigid to enhance compression efficiency, and the storage bag could be made from water-resistant or padded materials for additional protection. Additional features such as handles, straps, or wheels could be added to the storage bag for easier transportation, and pockets or compartments could be included for storing tree accessories like lights and ornaments. The storage bag and the inner compression sleeve can be independently made from durable, flexible materials, such as nylon, polyester, canvas, vinyl, polymer-coated fabrics, and the like, including combinations thereof.
The bag is designed to transition between an expanded storage configuration, wherein it fully encloses the compressed artificial tree, and a collapsed display configuration, where it rests unobtrusively at the base of the tree during display. A distinctive feature of the storage bag is a hole in its base, allowing the trunk of the artificial tree to pass through. This design enables the bag to move upward along the tree without necessitating the removal of the tree from its stand or base.
In one example, the storage bag is constructed from heavy-duty, tear-resistant materials like reinforced nylon or canvas, and includes durable fasteners made from metal or high-strength plastic. The hole in the base of the bag has reinforced edges to prevent fraying and ensure longevity. The inner compression sleeve's lower segment is made from smooth, low-friction material to prevent snagging on branches, while the upper segment is constructed to maintain its conical shape.
The dimensions of the storage device are determined based on the size of the artificial tree. The storage bag has a height sufficient to enclose the entire tree when compressed and a diameter large enough to accommodate the compressed branches. The inner compression sleeve's lower segment has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the maximum branch spread at the base, and the upper segment's diameter increases to match the tree's tapering profile.
The manufacturing process involves cutting fabric materials according to patterns that define the storage bag and inner compression sleeve components, sewing the components together using industrial sewing machines to ensure strong seams, and securely attaching the inner compression sleeve to the inside of the storage bag near the base. Finished products undergo inspection for material defects and structural integrity to ensure quality.
An example of using the artificial tree storage device involves placing the storage bag in its collapsed state around the base of the artificial tree and ensuring the inner compression sleeve is properly positioned. The user then lifts the inner compression sleeve upward along the tree, with the inner compression sleeve engaging and folding the branches inward as it ascends. Once the inner compression sleeve covers the tree, it can either be secured maintained in position by the storage bag, once it has been drawn into place. The compressed tree can then be transported to the storage location, with the compact form factor saving space and protecting the tree until the next use.
In one example of a storage device is shown in
Another example of a storage device is shown in
In some examples, the storage bag can additionally include a bottom support having a trunk hole sized to accept a trunk of the artificial tree. Various non-limiting examples of the bottom support are shown in
It is noted that the lower segment can be coupled to the storage bag at any position along the storage bag that allows the inner compression sleeve to function as described. In some examples, the lower segment is coupled to the storage bag at a position such that, as the inner compression sleeve moves upward, the narrower portion of the inner compression shape begins to compress the limbs to the small diameter at the lower segment of the inner compression sleeve, which allows the compressed tree branches to easily slide into the lower segment in the region of the storage bag, which can, in some cases, have a narrow diameter approximating the lower segment of the inner compression sleeve. In some examples, the lower segment can be coupled to the storage bag at a distance of 0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or more from the bottom support of the storage bag.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/596,566, filed Nov. 6, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63596566 | Nov 2023 | US |
