BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to a surround for obscuring a support base from view. For example, in one embodiment, the present disclosure describes a surround for a Christmas tree stand.
2. Background of the Related Art
Upstanding elements, such as Christmas trees, are typically supported by a base, e.g., a display stand. Often times, these bases can be aesthetically unappealing due to the inclusion of retention features, such as clamps, bolts, or the like, to secure the upstanding element in a desired orientation. As such, several varieties of base covers have been developed.
Many known base covers are formed from fabric, which is not only relatively expensive, but can result in a base cover that lays flat on the floor covering only a portion of the base, whereas other, more rigid base covers, can be bulky items that are difficult to store when not being used.
The present disclosure addresses these deficiencies, among others, by describing a surround that is not only relatively inexpensive to manufacture, but easily stored when not in use.
SUMMARY
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a surround is disclosed for obscuring a support base, either partially or entirely. The surround includes a first panel, and a discrete second panel that is selectively connectable to the first panel such that the surround is positionable in relation to the support base to obscure the support base.
The first and second panels include a deformable material permitting the surround to be reconfigured following connection of the first and second panels, and may be either planar or curvate prior to reconfiguration.
The first and second panels each define a front surface, a rear surface, and a peripheral surface, wherein each peripheral surface includes a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges.
The first edge of the second panel may be selectively connectable to the second edge of the first panel, e.g., via an adhesive strip.
In certain embodiments, the first panel and/or the second panel may include a plurality of segments that are integrally connected, e.g., via one or more living hinges. For example, the first panel may include a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment defines the first edge of the first panel, and the second segment defines the second edge of the first panel. Additionally, or alternatively, the second panel may include a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment positioned between the first and second segments, wherein the first segment of the second panel defines the first edge of the second panel, and the second segment of the second panel defines the second edge of the second panel.
The surround may further include a discrete third panel selectively connectable to the second panel, wherein the third panel defines a front surface, a rear surface, and a peripheral surface including a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges.
In certain embodiments, the third panel may include a plurality of segments that are integrally connected, e.g., via one or more living hinges. For example, the third panel may include a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment of the third panel defines the first edge of the third panel, and the second segment of the third panel defines the second edge of the third panel, the first edge of the third panel being selectively connectable to the second edge of the second panel.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a surround is disclosed for obscuring a support base, either partially or entirely. The surround includes a deformable panel having opposed first and second ends that is reconfigurable between first and second configurations, as well as a discrete connector, e.g., an adhesive strip, that is selectively connectable to the panel to releasably fix the first and second ends of the panel in relation to each other to assist in maintaining the second configuration of the panel.
In the first configuration, the first and second ends of the panel are separated by a first distance, and in the second configuration, the first and second ends of the panel are separated by a second distance that is less than the first distance.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of obscuring a support base is disclosed that includes positioning a first panel of a surround adjacent to a discrete second panel of the surround, releasably securing together the first and second panels via a connector, e.g., an adhesive strip, and positioning the assembled first and second panels in relation to the support base to obscure the support base, either partially or entirely.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit is disclosed for use in obscuring a support base, either partially or entirely. The kit includes: (i) a surround with a first panel, and a discrete second panel selectively connectable to the first panel such that the surround is positionable in relation to the support base to obscure the support base; and (ii) a connector for releasably connecting the first and second panels, e.g., an adhesive strip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surround, kit, and associated methods are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein like references numerals identify similar or identical elements.
FIG. 1 is a front, plan view of one embodiment of the presently disclosed surround, shown in a first (initial) configuration, together with a connector for use in obscuring a support base (shown in perspective for clarity);
FIG. 2 is a front, plan view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed surround;
FIG. 3 is a top, perspective view of the surround of FIG. 1 shown in a second (subsequent) configuration;
FIG. 4 is a top, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed surround;
FIG. 5 is a top, perspective view of the surround of FIG. 1 shown in an alternate second (subsequent) configuration;
FIG. 6 is a front, plan view showing the surround of FIG. 1 obscuring the support base;
FIG. 7 is a front, plan view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed surround;
FIG. 8 is a front, plan view of another embodiment of the presently disclosed surround shown in a first (initial) configuration together with a plurality of connectors;
FIG. 9 is a rear, plan view of the surround seen in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a front, plan view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed surround;
FIG. 11 is a rear, plan view of the surround seen in FIG. 8 with the connectors and the surround secured together;
FIG. 12 is a top, perspective view of the surround of FIG. 8 shown in a second (subsequent) configuration, wherein the surround is generally octagonal;
FIG. 13 is a top, perspective view of the surround of FIG. 8 shown in an alternate second (subsequent) configuration, wherein the surround is generally circular;
FIG. 14 is a front, plan view of an alternate embodiment of the presently disclosed surround shown prior to assembly in an unfolded configuration;
FIG. 15 is a top, perspective view of the surround of FIG. 14 shown prior to assembly in a partially folded configuration; and
FIG. 16 is a side, plan view of the surround of FIG. 14 shown prior to assembly in a fully folded configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surround, kit, and associated methods will now be described. In the following description, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “left,” and “right” are used with reference to the particular orientation shown in the corresponding figure(s).
Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the presently disclosed surround is shown, which is identified generally by the reference numeral 100, for use in obscuring a support base, which is identified generally by the reference numeral 1000, either partially or entirely. Throughout the present disclosure, the support base 1000 will be described and illustrated as a stand for a Christmas tree. The principles of the present disclosure, and the structures, methods, and kits disclosed herein, however, are equally applicable in any context in which it may be desirable to obscure a support base, or other such structure.
The surround 100 includes a panel 102 having opposing surfaces 104, 106, e.g., front and rear surfaces, and a peripheral surface 108 defining a first pair of opposed edges 110, 112, e.g., top and bottom edges, and a second pair of opposed edges 114, 116, e.g., left and right side edges, extending between the first pair of opposed edges 110, 112.
The panel 102 defines an overall height “H” equal to the distance defined between the edges 110, 112, and an overall length “L” equal to the distance defined between the edges 114, 116. The height “H” and the length “L” of the panel 102 may be altered in various embodiments of the surround 100 dependent upon the intended use of the surround 100. For example, the height “H” and/or the length “L” may be increased or decreased to alter the scale of the surround 100, and may be either constant (see FIG. 1) or variable (see FIG. 2).
The panel 102 may include, e.g., be formed from, any suitable deformable material, including but not limited to one or more of paper, oak tag, cardboard, plastic, textiles, metal(s), and the like, which facilitates reconfiguration between a first (initial) configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 1) and a second (subsequent) configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 3). It is envisioned that the panel 102 may be generally planar in the first configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, e.g., to reduce the amount of space required for storage of the surround 100 when not in use, and/or during shipping. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the panel 102 may be non-planar in the first configuration, e.g., the panel 102 may exhibit a general curvature, as shown in FIG. 4.
In the first configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 1), the edges 114, 116 of the panel 102 are separated by a first distance “D1” (FIG. 1) of the panel 102, and in the second configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 3), the edges 114, 116 of the panel 102 are separated by a second distance “D2” (FIG. 3) that is less than the first distance “D1.” As illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, the distance “D1” may be equal to the overall length “L.” Alternatively, however, the distance “D1” may be less than the overall length of the panel 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 4).
When the panel 102 is in the second configuration, it is envisioned that the edges 114, 116 may either be in contact with one another, or alternatively, that the edges 114, 116 may be separated from one another. For example, the edges 114, 116 may be arranged as shown in FIG. 3, or portions of the panel 102 may overlap such that the edges 114, 116 are arranged as illustrated in FIG. 5.
In the second configuration, the panel 102 is configured and dimensioned for positioning in relation to the support base 1000 to obscure the support base 1000. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the panel 102 may be positioned so as to partially or entirely circumscribe the support base 1000. The configuration and dimensions of the panel 102 may be altered or varied in alternate embodiments of the surround 100 to obscure the support base 1000 in any desired manner.
The panel 102 may assume any desired geometrical shape in the second configuration dependent upon the nature of the intended use of the panel, and the desired aesthetic. For example, the configuration and dimensions of the panel 102 may be customized to achieve a desired effect based upon the shape, dimensions, etc. of the support base 1000. While the panel 102 is shown as circular in in the second configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 3), in alternate embodiments, other geometrical configurations are also envisioned. For example, in the second configuration, the panel 102 may be square, rectangular, triangular, oval, hexagonal, octagonal, star shaped, etc.
In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 7, the panel 102 may be divided into several discrete segments 118 separated by one or more areas 120 of increased flexibility, e.g., living hinges 122, perforations (not shown), or combinations thereof. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the surfaces 104, 106 of the panel 102 may be uniform, and devoid of the aforementioned areas 120 of increased flexibility, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, e.g., to reduce manufacturing costs.
With continued reference to FIG. 7, the areas 120 of increased flexibility further facilitate reconfiguration of the panel 102, and increase control over the dimensions defined by the panel 102 in the second configuration, e.g., by permitting overlap of one or more of the segments 118, which may also reduce the amount of space required for storage of the surround 102 when not in use. It is envisioned that the areas 120 of increased flexibility may extend along the entire height “H” and/or length “L” of the panel 102, or along only a portion thereof. While the panel 102 is illustrated as including four segments 118 separated by three areas 120 of increased flexibility in FIG. 7, it should be appreciated that the number of segments 118 and the number of areas 120 of increased flexibility may be increased or decreased in alternate embodiments of the surround 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 6, the surround 100 may include one or more decorative features 124 located on one or more of the opposing surfaces 104, 106 of the panel 102, e.g., the (front) surface 104, for display when the panel 102 is in the second configuration. The decorative feature(s) 124 may be either integrally formed with, e.g., printed upon, the panel 102, or the decorative feature(s) 124 may be selectively attachable to the panel 102. For example, the decorative feature(s) 124 may be attached to the panel 102 using one or more of a temporary adhesive, magnet, mechanical connectors, or the like such that the appearance of the panel 102 can be customized by the user. Additionally, or alternatively, it is envisioned that the decorative feature(s) 124 may include one or more lights (not shown), LEDs (not shown), or combinations thereof.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, use of the surround 100 in conjunction with the support base 1000 will be discussed. Initially, the surround 100 is brought into proximity of the support base 1000. The surround 100 can then be transitioned into the second configuration, and oriented as desired in relation to the support base 1000, e.g., to display the decorative feature(s) 124, and obscure the support base 1000, as shown in FIG. 6. To accentuate deformation, e.g., curvature, of the panel 102, it is envisioned that the panel 102 may be rolled, bent, or otherwise manipulated by the user.
The material of construction used in formation of the panel 102 may be of sufficient structural rigidity to allow the panel 102 to maintain the second configuration without further action by the user. However, to assist in maintenance of the second configuration, one or more discrete connectors 126 (FIG. 1) may be provided, e.g., as part of a kit, for use with the surround 100, which may be any structure suitable for the intended purpose of inhibiting relative movement between the edges 114, 116. For example, the connector(s)126 may include one or more adhesive strips 128, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, one or more magnets (not shown), one or more male and female couplings (not shown), or combinations thereof. It is envisioned that the connector 126 may directly connect the edges 114, 116 to one another, or alternatively, that the connector 126 may connect overlapping portions defined by the panel 102 in the second configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 5), either releasably or fixedly.
Following orientation of the panel 102 as desired, the user may attach the connector(s) 126 to the panel 102. Thereafter, in certain embodiments, the user may accentuate the appearance of the surround 100 by selectively attaching the decorative feature(s) 124 (FIGS. 1, 6) for display during use of the surround 100.
With reference now to FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, another embodiment of the surround will be discussed, which is identified generally by the reference numeral 200. The surround 200 is identical to the surround 100 discussed above but for the distinctions highlighted below. Accordingly, in the interest of brevity, certain features common to the surrounds 100, 200 may be omitted from the discussion below.
The surround 200 includes a plurality of discrete, separate panels 202 that are selectively connectable to one another at the user's discretion, e.g., dependent upon the size of the support base 1000 (FIG. 1) to be obscured, and a series of discrete connectors 204 that facilitate connection of the panels 202. In the embodiment of the surround 200 illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, three panels 202 are shown, i.e., panels 202A, 202B, and 202C. It should be understood, however, that the number of panels 202 may be increased or decreased in alternate embodiments of the surround 200 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The panels 202 may be either generally planar in configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, or alternatively, one or more of the panels 202 may be non-planar in configuration, e.g., curvate, bent, etc.
Each of the panels 202 includes opposing surfaces 206, 208, e.g., front and rear surfaces, and a peripheral surface 210 defining a first pair of opposed edges 212, 214, e.g., top and bottom edges, and a second pair of opposed edges 216, 218, e.g., left and right side edges extending between the edges 212, 214. Specifically, the panel 202A includes opposing surfaces 206A, 208A, and a peripheral surface 210A defining a first pair of opposed edges 212A, 214A, and a second pair of opposed edges 216A, 218A, the panel 202B includes opposing surfaces 206B, 208B, and a peripheral surface 210B defining a first pair of opposed edges 212B, 214B, and a second pair of opposed edges 216B, 218B, and the panel 202C includes opposing surfaces 206C, 208C, and a peripheral surface 210C defining a first pair of opposed edges 212C, 214C, and a second pair of opposed edges 216C, 218C. As discussed in connection with the surround 100, the heights “HA”, “HB,” “HC” and/or the lengths “LA,” “LB,” LC” defined by the panels 202A, 202B, 202C, respectively, may be increased or decreased to alter the scale of the surround 200, and may be either constant, as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, or variable (see FIG. 2).
The panels 202A-202C may include indicia 220 (FIGS. 9, 11), e.g., numerals, symbols, or the like, to facilitate connection of the panels 202A-202C in a predetermined manner. For example, with specific reference to FIGS. 9 and 11, the panel 202A includes indicia 220A (in the form of roman numeral “I” in the illustrated embodiment) corresponding to indicia 220B1 included on panel 202B, and panel 202C includes indicia 220C (in the form of roman numeral “II” in the illustrated embodiment) corresponding to indicia 220B2 included on panel 202B. It is envisioned that the indicia 220 may be positioned in any suitable location. For example, as seen in FIG. 9, the indicia 220A may be located on surface 208A of panel 202A, the indicia 220B1, 220B2 may be located on surface 208B of panel 202B, and the indicia 220C may be located on 208C of panel 202C, in order to hide the indicia 220A, 220B1, 220B2, 220C from view during use of the surround 200.
In one embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, one or more of the panels 202 may be divided into several discrete, integrally connected segments 222 that are separated by one or more areas 224 of increased flexibility, e.g., living hinges 226, perforations (not shown), or combinations thereof, which may extend along the entire height “H” and/or length “L” of the panels 202, or along only a portion thereof. For example, with reference to FIG. 8, the panel 202A is illustrated as including a pair of segments 222A1, 222A2 separated by a living hinge 226, the panel 202B is illustrated as including a four segments 222B1, 222B2, 222B3, 222B4 separated by living hinges 226, and the panel 202C is illustrated as including a pair of segments 222C1, 222C2 separated by a living hinge 226. It should be understood, however, that the number of segments 222 and the number of areas 224 of increased flexibility may be increased or decreased in alternate embodiments of the surround 200 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Alternatively, it is envisioned that the surfaces 206A, 208A, 206B, 208B, 206C, 208C of the panels 202A, 202B, 202C, respectively, may be uniform, and devoid of the aforementioned areas 224 of increased flexibility, as shown in FIG. 10 e.g., to reduce manufacturing costs.
As discussed above in connection with the surround 100, one or more of the decorative features 124 (FIG. 8) may be associated with the panels 202 for display during use of the surround 200.
With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 11, the connectors 204 will be discussed. The connectors 204 are configured, dimensioned, and adapted to establish a releasable connection between the panels 202, and may be any structure suitable for this intended purpose. For example, the connectors 204 may include one or more of adhesive strips 228, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 11, a series of magnets (not shown) integrally associated with the panels 202 in corresponding locations, a series of male and female couplings (not shown), or combinations thereof.
Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, use of the surround 200 in conjunction with the support base 1000 (FIG. 1) will be discussed. Initially, the panels 202A-202C are laid out so as to permit orientation in a desired manner, e.g., such that indicia 220A, 220B1, 220B2, 220C(FIGS. 9, 11) are visible. For example, the panels 202A-202C may be positioned such that the indicia 220A, 220B1 and the indicia 220B2, 220C are adjacent. To further facilitate orientation of the panels 202A-202C, instructions for use (not shown) may be provided, e.g., to safeguard against improper display of the decorative feature(s) 124 (FIG. 8).
Thereafter, the connectors 204 are utilized to connect the panels 202A-202C. For example, with reference to FIG. 11, in the illustrated embodiment, an adhesive strip 228 is arranged so as to span the edge 218A of panel 202A and the edge 216B of the panel 202B, and an adhesive strip 228 is arranged so as to span the edge 218B of the panel 202B and the edge 216C of the panel 202C.
Either prior or subsequent to attachment of the connectors 204, and connection of the panels 202, one or more of the panels 202 may be manipulated by the user to accentuate the appearance of the surround 200. For example, the user may roll, bend, or otherwise alter one or more of the panels 202 to achieve a desired effect, e.g., the generally octagonal configuration illustrated in FIG. 12, or the more rounded/circular configuration illustrated in FIG. 13.
The surround 200 is subsequently brought into proximity with the support base 1000 (FIG. 1) and oriented in relation thereto in the manner discussed above. It is envisioned that the material of construction used in formation of the panels 202 may be of sufficient structural rigidity to allow the surround 200 to maintain the second configuration without further action by the user. Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 11, for example, it may be advantageous to use an additional connector 204 to connect the edge 216A of panel 202A and the edge 218C of the panel 202C, for example, to enhance stability of the surround.
Following orientation of the surround 200 as desired, in certain embodiments, the user may accentuate the appearance of the surround 200 by selectively attaching one or more of the decorative features 124 (FIG. 8) for display during use of the surround 200, as discussed above.
With reference now to FIGS. 14-16, another embodiment of the surround will be discussed, which is identified generally by the reference numeral 300. The surround 300 is identical to the surround 200 discussed above but for the distinctions highlighted below. Accordingly, in the interest of brevity, certain features common to the surrounds 200, 300 may be omitted from the following discussion.
The surround 300 includes a plurality of discrete, separate panels 302, each of which is divided into several discrete, integrally connected segments 322. The segments 322 each define a length “L,” and are separated by one or more areas 324 (FIGS. 14, 16) of increased flexibility, e.g., living hinges 326, perforations (not shown), or combinations thereof. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the surround 300 includes panels 302A 302B, 302C, wherein the panel 302A includes a pair of segments 322A1, 322A2 separated by a living hinge 326 (FIGS. 14, 16), the panel 302B includes four segments 322B1, 322B2, 322B3, 322B4 separated by living hinges 326 (FIGS. 14, 16), and the panel 302C includes a pair of segments 322C1, 322C2 separated by a living hinge 326 (FIGS. 14, 16). It should be understood, however, that the number of panels 302, the number of segments 322, and/or the number of areas 324 of increased flexibility may be increased or decreased in alternate embodiments of the surround 300 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
As can be appreciated through reference to the transition illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, the surround 300 is repositionable between an unfolded configuration (FIG. 14), a partially folded configuration (FIG. 15), and a fully folded configuration (FIG. 16), e.g., to reduce the amount of space required during storage of the surround 300 when not in use, and/or shipping of the surround 300. To facilitate reconfiguration of the surround 300, one or more of the segments 322 of the panels 302 may define a reduced length “L.” For example, with specific reference to FIG. 15, the length “LA1” defined by the segment 322A1 of the panel 302A is less than the length “LA2” defined by the segment 322A2 by a distance “R1,” the lengths “LB1,” “LB4” respectively defined by the segments 322B1, 322B4 of the panel 302B are less than the lengths “LB2,” “LB3” respectively defined by the segments 322B2, 322B3 by a distance “R2,” and the length “LC2” defined by the segment 322C2 of the panel 302C is less than the length “LC1” defined by the segment 322C1 by a distance “R3.” Although illustrated as being equivalent in the embodiment of the surround 300 seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, one or more of the distances “R1,” “R2,” “R3” may be varied in alternate embodiments of the surround 300 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. By reducing the lengths“LA1,” “LB1,” “LB4,” and “LC2,” the panels 302 can be reconfigured in a more efficient manner by eliminating the need to bend or deform the panels 322 during folding.
Persons skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments of the surround, kit, and associated methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures are non-limiting, exemplary embodiments, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed as being merely exemplary of the particular embodiments disclosed. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, it is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and/or described, except as indicated by the appended claims.
Patent Application
20160106250
