Claims
- 1. A device comprising:
a first base; a second base; a telescoping assembly coupleable between the first base and the second base; a plurality of rods, each rod having a first end and second end wherein each first end is pivotally coupleable with the first base and each second end is pivotally coupleable with the second base so that as the telescoping assembly contracts, the first base and the second base are caused to move towards one another and the rods are caused to flex, wherein the first end of each rod is tapered; and a cover positioned over the plurality of rods so that as the plurality of rods flex, the cover is expanded.
- 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the telescoping assembly further comprises:
a first pole; and a second pole configured to internally receive the first pole.
- 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a lighting assembly coupled with the telescoping assembly.
- 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the lighting assembly includes a bulb assembly and a power cord operably coupled with the bulb assembly.
- 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the lighting assembly includes a bulb assembly and a battery compartment operably coupled with the bulb assembly.
- 6. The device of claim 3, wherein the lighting assembly includes a plurality of lighting elements.
- 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the second end of each rod is tapered.
- 8. The device of claim 1 wherein each of the first ends of each of the rods include a T-connector coupleable with a receiving slot located in the first base.
- 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a cord having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is operatively coupled with the first base and the second end is secured to the second base so that pulling the first end in a direction away from the first base causes the first base and the second base to move toward one another.
- 10. The device of claim 8, further comprising, a first bead coupled with the cord proximate the first end so that the cord is prevented from disengaging with the first base
- 11. The device of claim 8, further comprising:
a key-hole slot through the first base; and a catch bead coupled with the cord so that the catch bead and the cord can be pulled through a first portion of the key-hole slot and caused to engage a second portion of the key hole slot.
- 12. The device of claim 11, further comprising, a guide pin coupled with the cord proximate the catch bead.
- 13. The device of claim 11, wherein the guide pin and the catch bead form an integral unit.
- 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the second base further comprises a tab for receiving a stake to affix the device to the ground.
- 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a design.
- 16. The device of claim 1, wherein the device has an expanded position and a collapsed position, wherein the rods are flexed away from the telescoping assembly in both the expanded position and the collapsed position.
- 17. A decorative device comprising:
means for expanding a frame supporting a cover; and means for securing the frame in an expanded position.
- 18. The decorative device of claim 17, further comprising:
means for causing the frame to expand into a circular configuration.
- 19. A device comprising:
a first base; a second base; a plurality of flexible rods pivotally coupleable between the first base and the second base, wherein each rod has a first tapered end and second tapered end; a lighting assembly disposed within an interior defined by the flexible rods; and a cover positionable around at least a portion of the flexible rods so that as the first base and the second base are caused to move toward one another, the flexible rods expand causing the cover to expand.
- 20. The device of claim 19, wherein each first tapered end include a T connector receivable within a slot on the first base.
- 21. The device of claim 19, further comprising a telescoping assembly disposed between the first base and the second base.
- 22. The device of claim 19, further comprising:
a cord having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is operatively coupled with the first base and the second end is secured to the second base so that pulling the first end in a direction away from the first base causes the first base and the second base to move toward one another.
- 23. The device of claim 22 further comprising:
means for securing the cord when the device is in an expanded configuration.
- 24. The device of claim 22, further comprising, a first bead coupled with the cord proximate the first end so that the cord is prevented from disengaging with the first base
- 25. The device of claim 22, further comprising:
a key-hole slot through the first base; and a catch bead coupled with the cord so that the catch bead and the cord can be pulled through a first portion of the key-hole slot and caused to engage a second portion of the key hole slot.
- 26. The device of claim 25, further comprising, a guide pin coupled with the cord proximate the catch bead.
- 27. The device of claim 22, wherein the second end of the cord is bifurcated into two extensions, wherein the two extensions are coupled with the second base.
- 28. The device of claim 27, further comprising:
a cord spacer coupled with the lighting assembly and positioned to space the cord from the lighting assembly.
- 29. The device of claim 19 wherein the device has an expanded position and collapsed position, wherein the rods are flexed away from the lighting assembly in both the expanded position and the collapsed position.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 60/232,286, dated Sep. 13, 2000.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60232286 |
Sep 2000 |
US |