Artificial tree pole cover

Abstract

An artificial tree includes an artificial tree pole having a bottom portion and supporting a plurality of artificial branches extending outwardly therefrom. An artificial tree trunk includes a flexible substrate that is wrapped around the bottom portion of the pole below the plurality of artificial branches. The flexible substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface, a first edge and an opposite second edge, and a first end and an opposite second end. An image of tree bark is displayed on the first surface.

Claims

1. An artificial tree, comprising: (a) an artificial tree pole having a bottom portion and supporting a plurality of artificial branches extending outwardly therefrom; and (b) an artificial tree trunk that includes a flexible substrate wrapped around the bottom portion of the pole below the plurality of artificial branches, the flexible substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a first edge and an opposite second edge, and a first end and an opposite second end, an image of tree bark being displayed on the first surface, wherein the flexible substrate comprises a selected one of a felt and a paper.

2. The artificial tree of claim 1, wherein the flexible substrate comprises a cylindrical sheet having an open position in which the first edge is separated from the second edge by a distance sufficient to allow the flexible substrate to pass around the pole and a closed position in which the first edge is disposed adjacent to the second edge.

3. The artificial tree of claim 1, further comprising: (a) a pressure sensitive adhesive strip applied to the second surface adjacent to the first edge; and (b) a release liner strip disposed on the pressure sensitive adhesive strip and configured to be peeled away so as to allow the pressure sensitive adhesive to be secured to the flexible substrate adjacent to the second edge so as to secure the artificial tree trunk around the artificial tree pole.

4. An artificial tree, comprising: (a) an artificial tree pole having a bottom portion and supporting a plurality of artificial branches extending outwardly therefrom; and (b) an artificial tree trunk that includes a flexible substrate wrapped around the bottom portion of the pole below the plurality of artificial branches, the flexible substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a first edge and an opposite second edge, and a first end and an opposite second end, an image of tree bark being displayed on the first surface, the flexible substrate comprising a selected one of a felt and a paper; (c) a pressure sensitive adhesive strip applied to the second surface adjacent to the first edge; and (d) a release liner strip disposed on the pressure sensitive adhesive strip and configured to be peeled away so as to allow the pressure sensitive adhesive to be secured to the flexible substrate adjacent to the second edge so as to secure the artificial tree trunk around the artificial tree pole.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pole cover, as applied to an artificial tree.

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pole cover in a flat state.

(3) FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a pole cover.

(4) FIG. 3B is a bottom plan view of a pole cover.

(5) FIG. 3C is a front side elevational view of the pole cover shown in FIG. 3A.

(6) FIG. 3D is a back side elevational view of the pole cover shown in FIG. 3A.

(7) FIG. 3E is a left side elevational view of the pole cover shown in FIG. 3A.

(8) FIG. 3F is a right side elevational view of the pole cover shown in FIG. 3A.

(9) FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of a pole cover in a fully extended state.

(10) FIG. 4B is a side elevational view of a pole cover in a first shortened state.

(11) FIG. 4C is a side elevational view of a pole cover in a second shortened state.

(12) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, as applied to an artificial tree.

(13) FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pole cover.

(14) FIG. 6B is an elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.

(15) FIG. 6C is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.

(16) FIGS. 7A-7C are a series of top views showing the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A being applied to a pole.

(17) FIG. 8A is a top plan view of third embodiment of a pole cover.

(18) FIG. 8B is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A.

(19) FIG. 8C is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(20) A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Unless otherwise specifically indicated in the disclosure that follows, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of a, an, and the includes plural reference, the meaning of in includes in and on. Also, tree bark means the outer rhytidomal tissue of a tree.

(21) As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of a pole cover 100 can be wrapped about a portion of an artificial tree pole 10. The pole cover 100 has the appearance of tree bark (or it can have another decorative design) that creates the illusion to a viewer that the viewer is looking at a natural tree trunk rather than an artificial pole. The pole cover 100 can also be used to hide a power cord 12 of a string of decorative lights.

(22) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3F, the pole cover 100 includes a flexible substrate 110 having a first surface 112 and an opposite second surface 118, a first edge 111 and an opposite second edge 113, and a first end 115 and an opposite second end 117. The flexible substrate 110 could be made of, for example, a synthetic rubber (e.g., a polychloroprene synthetic rubber sponge material such as Neoprene) with a stretchable knit fabric laminated onto one or both sides. A decorative image 116, such as an image of tree bark, is displayed on at least the first surface 112. In certain embodiments, the flexible substrate can include sheet plastic, paper, felt, or one of the many flexible materials onto which a decorative image can be applied.

(23) The image 116 can be printed on the first surface 112. In certain embodiments, it could also be molded onto the first surface 112 to provide a texture. In some embodiments, a second decorative image 118 can be displayed on the second surface 114, thereby giving a user the option of choosing to display a different image. Such alternate images can include, for example, patterns, colors, or designs that have a festive feel. For example, a candy cane pattern could be used to generate a festive look.

(24) A first coupling member 122 (e.g., a loop-type material of a hook-and-loop fastener) is disposed on the first surface 112 adjacent to the first edge 111. A second coupling member 120 (e.g., a hook-type material of a hook-and-loop fastener) is disposed on the second surface 114 adjacent to the second edge 113. The second coupling member 120 is complimentary to the first coupling member 122 and is engagable therewith. In certain embodiments, the coupling members can include clasps, snaps, magnets, adhesives or one of the may devices that are capable of holding the ends together.

(25) As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, a third coupling member 125 that has physical characteristics corresponding to the first coupling member 122 can be added so that when the flexible substrate 110 is folded inwardly, the third coupling member 125 engages the second coupling member 120. As a result, the cover 100 will be held in a folded configuration, thereby allowing adjustment of the height of the cover 100 to accommodate shorter poles. A fourth coupling member 125 can be added to allow folding when the side with the second image 118 is displayed.

(26) One embodiment makes the bottom area of artificial Christmas trees look like real tree bark. By wrapping the flexible and adjustable cover 100 around the base pole and acting as faux tree bark, the cover makes an artificial Christmas tree look more realistic and attractive. It installs quickly and gives the tree a more authentic real tree look.

(27) As shown in FIGS. 5, 6A-6C and 7A-7C, one embodiment includes an artificial tree trunk that includes a flexible substrate 200 wrapped around the bottom portion of the pole 10 below the plurality of artificial branches 12. The flexible substrate 200 includes cylindrical sheet 216 having a first edge 202 and an opposite second edge 204. The cylindrical sheet 216 has an open position (shown in FIG. 7A) in which the first edge 202 is separated from the second edge 204 by a distance 206 sufficient to allow the flexible substrate 200 to pass around the pole 10 and a closed position (shown in FIG. 7C) in which the first edge 202 is disposed adjacent to the second edge 204 and in which the natural elasticity of the flexible substrate 200 holds the cylindrical sheet 216 around the pole 10.

(28) In one embodiment, the flexible substrate 200 includes an elastic thermoplastic, such as nylon. In this embodiment, an image (such as an image of tree bark) can be printed onto one side of a thermoplastic sheet and then the thermoplastic is heated until it reaches a plastic (formable) state. It is then wrapped about a cylindrical object having a diameter corresponding to the pole 10 and allowed to cool while still wrapped about the cylindrical object. As a result, it will retain a cylindrical shape. In certain embodiments, the image can be printed using a 3D printer to give it an actual raised texture corresponding, for example, to tree bark.

(29) In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the flexible substrate 300 includes a first edge 302 and an opposite second edge 304. An image of tree bark is displayed on the first surface 316 and an alternate image can be displayed on the second surface 318. The flexible substrate 300 in this embodiment can include a sheet material, such as a felt, a fabric, a paper, a plasticized paper, a plastic or any one of the many combinations thereof. A pressure sensitive adhesive strip 320 may be applied to the second surface 318 adjacent to the first edge 302 and a release liner strip 322 can be placed on the pressure sensitive adhesive strip 320 to protect it prior to use. When used, the release liner strip 322 is peeled away so as to allow the pressure sensitive adhesive 320 to be secured to the flexible substrate 300 adjacent to the second edge 304 so as to secure the artificial tree trunk around the artificial tree pole 10.

(30) Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description. It is understood that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. The operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, each refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. It is intended that the claims and claim elements recited below do not invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words means for or step for are explicitly used in the particular claim. The above described embodiments, while including the preferred embodiment and the best mode of the invention known to the inventor at the time of filing, are given as illustrative examples only. It will be readily appreciated that many deviations may be made from the specific embodiments disclosed in this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the claims below rather than being limited to the specifically described embodiments above.