RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202323449978.X filed Dec. 18, 2023.
The above applications and all patents, patent applications, articles, books, specifications, other publications, documents, and things referenced herein are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety for all purposes. To the extent of any inconsistency or conflict in the definition or use of a term between any of the incorporated publications, documents, or things and the text of the present document, the definition or use of the term in the present document shall prevail.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The disclosure belongs to the technical field of simulated decorations, and relates to a simulated tree.
BACKGROUND
With ongoing improvement of living standards, people pay more attention to aesthetics, and placement of decorations takes an increasingly important role in daily life. A variety of decorations such as simulated flowers, simulated plants, and simulated trees placed in a room can make people refreshed and relaxed, in addition to decorating the room and increasing the aesthetic feeling, and are also convenient and rapid to care.
As disclosed in the Chinese patent document with the authorized publication number CN201083348Y, an assembled simulated tree with lamps includes a trunk, branches, flowers, and a base. At least two trunk sections are in butt joint through a sleeve, so as to form the trunk. In other words, two ends of the sleeve are inserted into the two trunk sections in butt joint respectively, and an edge of the sleeve is provided with several branch insertion holes distributed in a peripheral direction. The branches are made of metal wires, the flowers or leaves are fixedly connected to the branches, and ends of the branches are inserted into the branch insertion holes.
The above simulated tree has a simulated decoration effect. But under the action of an external force, its entire branch is likely to be dislocated after rotating about the trunk or deforming, resulting in appearance instability.
According to a simulated tree disclosed in the Chinese patent with the publication number CN2614478Y, branches inclining upwards are arranged on a trunk, and decorative twigs and leaves are mounted on the branches. However, the branches may still deform and fall off in a case that the decorative twigs and leaves are subjected to an external force or are too heavy, still leading to insufficient appearance stability. In order to improve the appearance stability, it is common practice to thicken the branches or arrange reinforcing ribs on outer peripheral surfaces of the branches, but this will require the decorative twigs and leaves sleeving the branches to be changed in size adaptively. In consequence, existing produced decorative twigs and leaves cannot be mounted.
SUMMARY
Aiming at the above problem existing the prior art, the disclosure provides a simulated tree. The technical problem to be solved by the disclosure is that an existing simulated tree is instable in appearance.
An objective of the disclosure can be implemented through the technical solution as follows:
The simulated tree includes a plurality of decorative units capable of being inserted end to end in sequence, where each of the decorative units includes a main trunk in a cylindrical shape, a plurality of connection columns are integrally arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the main trunk, and the connection columns are obliquely arranged from inside to outside in a radial direction of the main trunk towards a top of the main trunk; and pull rods are integrally connected between all or some of the connection columns and the main trunk of at least one of the decorative units, and joints between the pull rods and the connection columns are positioned in middles of the connection columns.
During mounting, the simulated tree is formed by fixedly inserting several decorative units end to end and vertically placed, with bottoms of the decorative units underneath tops of the decorative units, the connection columns incline upwards, and ferrules of decorative twigs and leaves are capable of sleeving outer ends of the connection columns. The pull rods are integrally connected between the connection columns and the main trunk, and the joints between the pull rods and the connection columns are positioned in the middles of the connection columns. Thus, the bearing strength and the structural strength of the corresponding connection columns can be enhanced, and the appearance instability and even damage caused by deformation of the connection columns under force can be avoided accordingly. Further, with the pull rods arranged, the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves can be limited and prevented from completely sliding down to inner ends of the connection columns while the connection between the decorative twigs and leaves and the outer ends of the connection columns is not affected. Thus, the appearance stability of the simulated tree can be improved.
In one embodiment of the above simulated tree, the outer ends of the connection columns are in a stepped shape of which an outer diameter decreases in a direction from the inner ends to the outer ends of the connection columns.
The ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves sleeve the outer ends of the connection columns and abut against step surfaces at stepped positions. Thus, the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves are stably supported by the connection columns, and the appearance stability is guaranteed. If the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves or the step surfaces deform due to machining errors, long-term use, or an external force, the ferrules slide downwards from the step surfaces. Since the pull rods are connected to the middles of the connection columns, the normal connection between the decorative twigs and leaves and the outer ends of the connection columns is not affected, and the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves can also be limited under abnormal conditions, so as to prevent the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves from completely sliding down to the inner ends of the connection columns. The pull rods and the step surfaces form a double limiting guarantee, so as to ensure the appearance stability.
In one embodiment of the above simulated tree, sections between the step surfaces at the stepped positions on the connection columns and the main trunk are in a tapered shape of which an outer diameter gradually decreases in a direction from the inner ends to the outer ends of the connection columns; and a spacing distance is provided between the joints between the pull rods and the connection columns, and the step surfaces at the stepped positions on the corresponding connection columns.
Sections between the step surfaces at the stepped positions on the connection columns and the main trunk are extension sections. If the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves and the step surfaces deform due to machining errors, long-term use, or an external force, the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves slide downwards from the step surfaces. Since the extension sections are in a tapered shape with smaller upper portions and larger lower portions, the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves can still be in tight fit at the extension sections, so as to be fixed and prevented from completely sliding down, and the appearance stability is guaranteed. Thus, with the above structure arranged, the connection between the decorative twigs and leaves and the outer ends of the connection columns is not affected, and the decorative twigs and leaves are supported and limited by the step surfaces under normal conditions. Moreover, under the abnormal condition that the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves slide downwards, tapered structures at outer ends of the extension sections are in tight fit with the ferrules for fixation at first. Then, the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves are limited by the pull rods, so as to be prevented from completely sliding down to the inner ends of the connection columns. Accordingly, a triple limiting guarantee is formed, and the appearance stability is guaranteed.
In one embodiment of the above simulated tree, each of the decorative units further includes a support tube in a tubular shape and made of a metal material, and the support tube is fixed in the main trunk in a penetrating manner; and the support tubes are capable of being inserted end to end in sequence.
The support tube made of a metal material may be used as an internal framework of the decorative unit, so that the decorative unit has sufficient overall rigidity, and the appearance stability of a trunk is guaranteed. The main trunk is positioned outside the support tube, so as to protect the support tube and lighten an entire decorative unit.
In one embodiment of the above the simulated tree, top ends and bottom ends of the support tubes both extend out of the corresponding main trunks; and when the support tubes are inserted end to end in sequence, the bottom ends of the support tubes are inserted into top ends of lower adjacent support tubes, and the top ends of the support tubes abut against bottom end surfaces of upper adjacent main trunks.
After the simulated tree is assembled, small parts of the top ends of the support tubes may be exposed without affecting the decoration effect due to the shielding effect of peripheral decorative leaves. Further, with such an arrangement, a user can determine and identify the joints of the decorative units during disassembling, so that the disassembling efficiency and the safety are improved. Moreover, the support tubes made of metal and positioned at lower portions bear all the weight of the decorative unit and tree sections above, and the corresponding main trunk bears the weight of the decorative twigs and leaves on the decorative unit only. Thus, deformation of the main trunk due to an excessive load is avoided, and the appearance stability of the simulated tree is improved.
In one embodiment of the above simulated tree, an outer side surface of each main trunk is provided with a plurality of annular grooves distributed in sequence in an axial direction.
In one embodiment of the above simulated tree, when the support tubes are inserted end to end in sequence, the bottom ends of the support tubes are in screwed fit with the top ends of the lower adjacent support tubes.
In one embodiment of the above simulated tree, when the decorative units are inserted end to end in sequence, a maximum axial included angle between the connection columns and the main trunk of each of the decorative units is less than or equal to a minimum axial included angle between the connection columns and the main trunk of a lower adjacent decorative unit.
In one embodiment of the above simulated tree, each of the main trunks is provided with a plurality of connection groups spaced apart in an axial direction of the main trunk, and each of the connection groups is composed of a plurality of the connection columns; and on a same main trunk, a length of the connection columns of each of the connection groups is greater than that of the connection columns of an upper adjacent connection group.
In one embodiment of the above simulated tree, the connection columns of a same connection group are evenly arranged around the main trunk in a peripheral direction.
In one embodiment of the above simulated tree, the main trunk, the connection columns, and the pull rods on each of the connection columns are integrally injection-molded.
In one embodiment of the above simulated tree, head portions of the outer ends of the connection columns are in a round-head shape.
Compared with the prior art, the disclosure has the advantages as follows:
- 1, in the simulated tree, the connection columns may diverge outwards as a platform for mounting the split decorative twigs and leaves, so that the decorative twigs and leaves can cover the tree in the peripheral direction. The outer ends of the connection columns can be sleeved with or clamped into the decorative twigs and leaves. With the assistance of an extension length of the connection columns, a mounting space around the outer ends of the connection columns is more sufficient, which is conducive to operation and convenient and rapid mounting. Moreover, since the connection columns have more desirable rigidity, and the outer ends incline upwards, natural falling of the decorative twigs and leaves mounted at the outer ends of the connection columns under the action of gravity can be avoided, and the probability of falling of the decorative twigs and leaves under the action of the external force can also be reduced. Thus, the appearance stability can be improved.
- 2, with the pull rods arranged, the bearing strength and the structural strength of the corresponding connection columns can be enhanced, and the appearance instability and even damage caused by deformation of the connection columns can be avoided accordingly. Further, the connection between the decorative twigs and leaves and the connection columns is not affected. Moreover, under the abnormal condition that the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves slide downwards, the ferrules of the decorative twigs and leaves are limited by the pulls rod, so as to be prevented from completely sliding down. Accordingly, the appearance stability is guaranteed.
- 3, with a combined arrangement of the support tubes and the main trunks, an entire simulated tree is light-weighted, and the appearance stability of a trunk is guaranteed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative unit (specifically a second decorative unit) in Embodiment I of a simulated tree.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a joint (specifically a joint between a first decorative unit and a second decorative unit) between two adjacent decorative units in Embodiment I of a simulated tree.
FIG. 4 is an assembly diagram of four decorative units in Embodiment I of a simulated tree.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the four decorative units combined in Embodiment I of a simulated tree.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the four decorative units combined in Embodiment I of a simulated tree.
FIG. 8 is a schematic section view along B-B in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion C (specifically a joint between a third decorative unit and a fourth decorative unit) in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of part of a second decorative unit in Embodiment II of a simulated tree.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second decorative unit in Embodiment III of a simulated tree.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Set forth below are specific embodiments of the present disclosure and a further description of the technical solutions of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.
Embodiment I
As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, a simulated tree includes four decorative units 1 inserted end to end in sequence in an up-and-down direction. The four decorative units 1 are sequentially referred to as a first decorative unit, a second decorative unit, a third decorative unit, and a fourth decorative unit in a direction from top to bottom. Each decorative unit 1 includes a main body 2 and a support tube 3. Each main body 2 includes a main trunk 2a in a cylindrical shape and a plurality of connection columns 2b having outer ends configured to be connected to decorative twigs and leaves (the dotted portions in FIGS. 5 and 8 are composed of the decorative twigs and leaves). The connection columns 2b are integrally arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the main trunk 2a and around the main trunk 2a in a peripheral direction. The connection columns 2b are obliquely arranged from inside to outside in a radial direction of the main trunk 2a upwards (i.e. towards a top of the main trunk 2a).
The four decorative units 1 are inserted in an up-and-down direction in sequence, so that a shape of a trunk is simulated, and a height of the tree is adjusted by increasing or decreasing a number of the decorative units 1 according to actual needs. Moreover, the decorative units are capable of being disassembled from one another, and thus are convenient and rapid to store. The connection columns 2b integrally arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the main trunk 2a may diverge outwards as a platform for mounting the decorative twigs and leaves split. The decorative twigs and leaves may sleeve peripheries of the outer ends of the connection columns 2b through ferrule structures, etc., so as to be assembled, and the decorative twigs and leaves can cover the tree in the peripheral direction. The outer ends of the connection columns 2b may be sleeved with or clamped into the decorative twigs and leaves. With the assistance of an extension length of the connection columns 2b, a mounting space around the outer ends of the connection columns is more sufficient, which is conducive to operation and convenient and rapid mounting. Moreover, since the connection columns 2b have more desirable rigidity, and the outer ends the connection columns 2b incline upwards, natural falling of the decorative twigs and leaves mounted at the outer ends of the connection columns 2b under the action of gravity can be avoided, and the probability of falling of the decorative twigs and leaves under the action of the external force can also be reduced. Thus, the appearance stability can be improved.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the outer end of each connection column 2b is in a stepped shape of which an outer diameter decreases in a direction from an inner end to the outer end of each connection column 2b, a stepped position is provided with a step surface 2b3, a section from the step surface 2b3 on the connection column 2b to the main trunk 2a is an extension section 2b1, and a section from the step surface 2b3 on the connection column 2b to the outer end surface of the connection column 2b serves as a plug 2b2. The extension section 2b1 is in a tapered shape of which an outer diameter gradually decreases in the direction from the inner end to the outer end of the connection column 2b. In other words, the extension section 2b1 is in a conical shape with a smaller upper portion and a larger lower portion. The plug 2b2 is in a cylindrical shape. A minimum diameter of the extension section 2b1 is greater than a diameter of the plug 2b2, and the plug 2b2 and the extension section 2b1 are coaxially arranged. In other embodiments, the plug 2b2 may also be arranged in other directions while maintaining the upward tendency as a whole. The step surface 2b3 is provided between the plug 2b2 and the extension section 2b1 for limiting. In a case of guaranteeing support rigidity of the extension section 2b1, the decorative twigs and leaves sleeving the plugs 2b2 may also be limited and supported by the extension sections 2b1. Accordingly, mounting positions of the decorative twigs and leaves are accurate and stable. An end portion of the plug 2b2 is in a round-head shape, such as a semi-round-head shape, a planarized round-head shape, or a flat round-head shape. Thus, the decorative twigs and leaves can be guided when assembled to the plugs 2b2, which is conducive to implementation of more convenient and rapid mounting.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, except for the first decorative unit, a pull rod 2c is integrally connected between the extension section 2b1 of each connection column 2b and the corresponding main trunk 2a of the other decorative units 1, a joint between the pull rod 2c and the connection column 2b is positioned in a middle of the connection column 2b, and the pull rod 2c, the connection column 2b, and the main trunk 2a are integrally injection-molded. In a case that some connection columns 2b are arranged at a lower layer of the tree, and thus need to be connected to heavier and more luxuriant decorative twigs and leaves, the pull rods 2c can increase the bearing strength of the corresponding connection columns 2b. Thus, the appearance instability and even damage caused by deformation of the connection columns 2b can be avoided. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, each pull rod 2c is obliquely arranged, an inner end of the pull rod 2c is integrally connected to the main trunk 2a, an outer end of the pull rod 2c is integrally connected to the corresponding extension section 2b1, and the pull rod 2c, the connection column 2b, and the main trunk 2a form a triangular support structure. The outer end of the pull rod 2c is close to the plug 2b2, and a spacing distance 8 is provided between the joint between the pull rod 2c and the connection column 2b, and the step surface 2b3. The spacing distance 8 is typically 5%-10% of a length of the connection column 2b, and may be 8% of the length of the connection column 2b, for example.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, in the first decorative unit, five connection groups 21 spaced apart in an axial direction of the main trunk 2a are connected to the main trunk 2a. Except for the first decorative unit, four connection groups 21 spaced apart in an axial direction of the main trunk 2a are connected to each main trunk 2a, and each connection group 21 is composed of a plurality of the connection columns 2b. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, except for the first decorative unit, each connection group 21 of other decorative units 1 is composed of twelve connection columns 2b. Connection columns 2b of a same connection group 21 are relatively concentrated. On a same main trunk 2a, a length of the connection columns 2b of each connection group 21 is greater than that of the connection columns 2b of an upper adjacent connection group 21. The lengths of the connection columns 2b of a plurality of connection groups 21 on the same main trunk 2a gradually increase from top to bottom. Thus, a resulting appearance is closer to an actual tree appearance. The decorative twigs and leaves are more convenient to mount, and the appearance stability of the simulated tree is realized. The main trunk 2a and the connection columns 2b are integrally injection-molded. In this way, the connection strength between the connection columns 2b and the main trunk 2a and the appearance stability are guaranteed. With reference to FIG. 7, the connection columns 2b of the same connection group 21 are evenly arranged around the main trunk 2a in the peripheral direction. In this way, the main trunk 2a is stressed evenly and stably, and a tree simulation effect is more desirable.
As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, a maximum axial included angle between the connection columns 2b and the main trunk 2a of the decorative unit 1 is less than or equal to a minimum axial included angle between the connection columns 2b and the main trunk 2a of a lower adjacent decorative unit 1. In this way, a form of the connection columns 2b is closer to a real appearance of branches of the tree, and the appearance stability of the simulated tree can also be realized. In the first decorative unit, axial included angles between the connection columns 2b of the same connection group 21 and the main trunk 2a are the same. Moreover, in the first decorative unit, axial included angles between the connection columns 2b of different connection groups 21 and the main trunk 2a gradually increase in a direction from top to bottom. With reference to FIG. 1, a lowermost connection group 21 of the first decorative unit and two uppermost connection groups 21 of the second decorative unit each include an upper group and a lower group arranged in the up-and-down direction. Connection columns 2b of the upper group and connection columns 2b of the lower group in the same connection group 21 are staggered in the peripheral direction of the main trunk 2a. In the second decorative unit, axial included angles between the connection columns 2b of the same connection group 21 and the main trunk 2a are the same. In the direction from top to bottom, axial included angles between the connection columns 2b of different connection groups 21 and the main trunk 2a gradually increase until axial included angles between the connection columns 2b of two lowermost connection groups 21 and the main trunk 2a are identical to each other. As shown in FIG. 9, in the third decorative unit and the fourth decorative unit, axial included angles between the connection columns 2b and the main trunk 2a of the same decorative unit 1 are the same, and axial included angles between the connection columns 2b and the main trunk 2a of the two decorative units 1 are also the same. The maximum axial included angle between the connection columns 2b and the main trunk 2a of the first decorative unit is less than or equal to the minimum axial included angle between the connection columns 2b and the main trunk 2a of the second decorative unit, and the maximum axial included angle between the connection columns 2b and the main trunk 2a of the second decorative unit is less than or equal to the axial included angle between the connection columns 2b and the main trunk 2a of the third decorative unit. With such an arrangement, the decorative twigs and leaves can be staggered with one another and evenly distributed on the simulated tree, so that the appearance instability caused by mutual pressing of some decorative twigs and leaves is reduced.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the support tube 3 is in a tubular shape and made of a metal material, and the support tube 3 is fixed in the main trunk 2a in a penetrating manner. The support tubes 3 are capable of being inserted end to end in sequence. The main body 2 is made of plastic. The support tube 3 is put into an injection molding machine, so as to integrally injection-mold the main body 2 outside the support tube 3 during production. Two ends of each support tube 3 extend out of the corresponding main trunk 2a, and a length by which a top end of the support tube 3 extends from the corresponding main trunk 2a is less than a length by which a bottom end of the support tube 3 extends from the corresponding main trunk 2a.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 8, and 9, when the support tubes 3 are inserted end to end in sequence, the bottom ends of the support tubes 3 are inserted into top ends of lower adjacent support tubes 3 and fixed to the top ends of the lower adjacent support tubes 3, and top ends of the support tubes 3 extend out of the main trunks 2a and abut against bottom end surfaces of upper adjacent main trunks 2a. In the first decorative unit, a stopper is inserted into the top end of the support tube 3, so as to seal the support tube 3.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, an outer side surface of each main trunk 2a is provided with a plurality of annular grooves 2a1 distributed in sequence in an axial direction. In addition to a decoration effect, these annular grooves 2a1 also function as expansion joints. Thus, cracking of the main trunk 2a caused by thermal expansion and contraction under the action of temperature changes is reduced, so that the appearance stability is guaranteed. In addition, it can be guaranteed that the weight of the simulated tree is borne by the support tubes 3. For example, the support tubes 3 are tapered tubes with larger upper portions and smaller lower portions, and are in tight fit with one another after mutually inserted. Alternatively, steps are arranged on inner side surfaces of the top ends of the support tubes 3, and the upper adjacent support tubes 3 are inserted into the corresponding support tubes and abut against the steps, so as to be fixed. Assuming that the main trunk 2a is provided with no annular groove 2a1, in the presence of machining errors, when the top end of the support tube 3 abuts against the bottom end surface of the upper adjacent main trunk 2a, but the two support tubes 3 are still not in tight fit (in other words, a gap is provided between insertion portions of the two support tubes 3), and alternatively, the bottom end of the upper adjacent support tube 3 does not abut against the step (in other words, there is a gap between the bottom end of the upper adjacent support tube and the step), it is impossible to transmit the gravity between the support tubes 3, and all the weight of the decorative unit 1 and tree sections above is borne by the main trunk 2a of the decorative unit 1, which is not conducive to the appearance stability. After the main trunk 2a is provided with the annular grooves 2a1, a cylindrical wall of the main trunk 2a may deform slightly, so as to adapt to the machining errors, and the two support tubes 3 are still fixedly connected to each other when one support tube 3 abuts against the bottom end surface of the upper adjacent main trunk 2a. Thus, the support tubes 3 transmit the gravity and bear all the weight of the decorative unit 1 and the tree sections above, and the main trunk 2a bears the weight of the decorative twigs and leaves on the decorative unit 1 only, so that the appearance stability is guaranteed.
Embodiment II
As shown in FIG. 10, the embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment I, and is different in that except for a first decorative unit, no pull rod 2c structures are provided between some or all of connection columns 2b and main trunks 2a of other decorative units 1. Thus, a process cost of integrally molding the connection columns 2b and the main trunks 2a is reduced.
Embodiment III
As shown in FIG. 11, the embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment I, and is different in that outer peripheries of bottom ends of support tubes 3 are provided with external threads, so as to be in screwed fit with lower adjacent support tubes 3. Thus, the overall connection stability is more desirable.
The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can make various modifications, additions, or similar substitutions to the specific embodiments described, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure defined by the appended claims.
REFERENCED PARTS
1 decorative unit
2 main body
2
a main trunk
2
a
1 annular groove
2
b connection column
2
b
1 extension section
2
b
2 plug
2
b
3 step surface
2
c pull rod
21 connection group
3 support tube
8 spacing distance
Patent Application
20250194723
