Decorative tree with insertable, interchangeable branches system and method

Abstract

A fabricated decorative tree with insertable branches system is provided that includes a tree trunk configured with at least one limb stub that is configured to receive a branch. The trunk, stub, and branch all have internal supports and an external decorative skin. The stub internal support has a proximal end fixedly attached to the trunk internal support and has a distal end having a receptor with a channel cut at least through the internal support distal edge. Only the distal end of the branch internal support is covered with the external skin. The uncovered proximal end of the branch internal support is a male sleeve insert having an outwardly projecting alignment protuberance sized to fit within the stub's channel. Means to further secure the stub-branch joint and methods by which one set of interchangeable branches are replaced by a second set of branches are also provided.

Claims

1. A decorative tree system, comprising: a tree trunk (15) comprising a trunk internal support (17) and a trunk external rough skin (13); wherein said trunk external rough skin (13) is disposed outwardly of at least a portion of said trunk internal support (17); a receiving limb stub (20) comprising a stub internal support (27), an external stub rough skin (23) disposed outwardly of at least a portion of said stub internal support (27), and channel edges (22) defining a channel (25) disposed interior of said stub rough decorative skin (23); wherein said stub rough decorative skin (23) comprises a stub skin distal end (14); wherein said stub internal support (27) has a stub internal support proximal end (32) and a stub internal support distal end (38); wherein said stub internal support distal end (38) ends at a stub internal support distal edge (39); wherein said opposing channel entrance edges (21) form a channel (25) of a pre-determined channel width and depth beginning at said stub internal support distal edge (39); wherein said channel comprises a first vertical channel portion defined by first opposing vertical edges (26) extending vertically downward from said channel entrance edges (21), a horizontal channel portion defined by opposing horizontal edges (24) and extending horizontally from said first vertical channel portion, and a second vertical channel portion defined by opposing vertical edges (26) and extending vertically downward from said horizontal channel to a bottom stop defined by bottom stop edge (28); wherein said stub rough skin (23) comprises a top edge (14); wherein said stub rough skin (23) is disposed outwardly of said channel (25) so that no opening is created in said stub rough skin (23) by said channel (25); and a branch (40) comprising a branch internal support (47) and an external branch rough skin (43); wherein said branch internal support (47) comprises a branch internal support proximal portion (48) and a branch internal support distal portion (59); wherein at least a portion of said branch internal support distal portion (59) is covered by said branch rough skin (43) having a proximal skin edge (69); wherein said branch internal support proximal portion (48) comprises a cylindrical un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) with smooth exterior walls not covered by said branch rough skin (43); wherein said un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) extends from said proximal skin edge (69) to a sleeve proximal edge (49); wherein said un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) comprises an outwardly-projecting alignment protuberance (45) that protrudes from the exterior of said branch internal support proximal portion (48) and that has a smaller width and depth than said pre-determined channel width and depth; and wherein, when said protuberance (45) is inserted into said channel (25), a stub-to-branch juncture is formed in which said branch proximal skin edge (69) is disposed adjacent to said stub skin distal end (14).

2. The decorative tree system as recited in claim 1, wherein said channel edges (22) form a cut through said stub internal support (27); and wherein said cut is interior of stub rough skin (23) and does not form a cut in said stub rough skin (23).

3. The decorative tree system as recited in claim 2, wherein said un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) comprises a smooth cylindrical exterior surface; wherein said branch rough skin (43) comprises a rough exterior surface.

4. A decorative tree system, comprising: a tree trunk (15) comprising a trunk internal support (17) and a trunk external decorative skin (13); wherein said trunk external decorative skin (13) is disposed outwardly of at least a portion of said trunk internal support (17); a receiving limb stub (20) comprising a stub internal support (27, a stub external decorative skin (23), and channel edges (22) defining edges of a channel (25) disposed interior of said stub external decorative skin (23); wherein said stub external decorative skin (23) is disposed outwardly of said stub internal support (27) and comprises a stub skin distal end (14); wherein said stub internal support (27) has a stub internal support proximal end (32) and a stub internal support distal end (38); wherein said stub internal support proximal end (32) is fixedly attached to a portion of said trunk internal support (17); wherein said stub internal support distal end (38) ends at a stub internal support distal edge (39) and is configured with a smooth, cylindrical inner surface; wherein said channel edges (22) comprise opposing channel entrance edges (21), opposing vertical channel portion edges (26) and a bottom stop edge (28); wherein said opposing channel entrance edges (21) define the entrance to said channel (25) of a pre-determined channel width and depth beginning at said stub internal support distal edge (39); wherein said channel edges (22) extend a pre-determined distance from said channel entrance edges (21) into said stub internal support distal end (38) forming an opening through said stub internal support (27) to define said channel (25); wherein said stub external decorative skin (23) is disposed outwardly of said channel (25) so that no opening is created in said stub external decorative skin decorative skin (23) by said channel (25); and a branch (40) comprising a branch internal support (47) and a branch external decorative skin (43); wherein said branch internal support (47) comprises a branch internal support proximal portion (48) and a branch internal support distal portion (59); wherein at least a portion of said branch internal support distal portion (59) is covered by said branch external decorative skin (43); wherein said branch external decorative skin (43) comprises a branch proximal skin edge (69); wherein said branch external decorative skin (43) extends distally from said branch proximal skin edge (69); wherein said branch internal support proximal portion (48) comprises a un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) that is not covered by said branch external decorative skin (43); wherein said un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) comprises a sleeve proximal edge (49) and a smooth, cylindrical exterior which is received by said smooth, cylindrical interior of said trunk internal support (17); wherein said un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) extends from said sleeve proximal edge (49) to said proximal skin edge (69); wherein said un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) comprises an outwardly-projecting alignment protuberance (45) that protrudes from the exterior of said branch internal support proximal portion (48) and that has a smaller width and depth than said pre-determined channel width and depth; and wherein, when said protuberance (45) is inserted into said channel (25), a stub-to-branch juncture is formed in which said branch proximal skin edge (69) is disposed adjacent to said stub skin distal end (14).

5. The decorative tree system as recited in claim 4, further comprising a branch-leaf component fixedly attached to said branch internal support distal portion (59); and wherein: said trunk internal support (17) supports said tree trunk (15); said trunk internal support (17) further comprise a trunk exterior surface to which said external decorative skin (13) is fixedly attached; said receiving limb stub (20) supports said limb stub (20); said stub internal support (27) supports said limb stub (20); and said stub internal support (27) further comprises an external surface to which said stub external decorative skin (23) is fixedly attached.

6. The decorative tree system as recited in claim 4, wherein said channel (25) comprises a first vertical channel portion defined by first opposing vertical edges (26) extending vertically downward from said channel entrance edges (21), a horizontal channel portion defined by opposing horizontal edges (24) and extending horizontally from said first vertical channel portion, and a second vertical channel portion defined by opposing vertical edges (26) and extending vertically downward from said horizontal channel to a bottom stop defined by bottom stop edge (28).

7. The decorative tree system as recited in claim 6, wherein said channel edges (22) form a cut through said stub internal support (27); and wherein said cut is interior of stub external decorative skin (23) and does not form a cut in said stub external decorative skin (23).

8. The decorative tree system as recited in claim 4, wherein said protuberance (45) is positioned at an interconnection distance B from said sleeve proximal edge (49); wherein said protuberance (45) is positioned at an overlap distance A from said branch proximal skin edge (69); and wherein said overlap distance A is larger than said interconnection distance B to strengthen said stub-to-branch connection.

9. The decorative tree system as recited in claim 4, further comprising a permanent magnet disposed near said branch internal support proximal portion (48) or near said stub internal support distal end (38).

10. The decorative tree system as recited in claim 4, wherein said channel edges (22) form a cut through said stub internal support (27); and wherein said cut is interior of stub external decorative skin (23) and does not form a cut in said stub external decorative skin (23).

11. The decorative tree system as recited in claim 4, wherein said un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) comprises a smooth cylindrical exterior surface; and wherein said stub external decorative skin (23) comprises a rough exterior surface.

12. A method of using a decorative tree system, comprising: selecting a fabricated tree trunk (15) supporting multiple limb stubs (20); wherein each of said multiple limb stubs (20) comprise a stub external decorative skin (23), a channel (25) defined by channel edges (22), said channel (25) having a width and depth, and a stub internal support (27) having a stub internal support proximal end (32) and a stub internal support distal end (38) ending at a stub internal support distal edge (39); wherein said channel edges (22) comprise opposing channel entrance edges (21), opposing vertical channel portion edges (26) and a bottom stop edge (28); wherein said channel edges (22) extend from said stub internal support distal edge (39) into said stub internal support distal end (38); wherein said decorative skin (23) is disposed outwardly of said channel (25) so that no opening is created in said decorative skin (23) by said channel (25); and providing a first set (60) of branches (40) and a second set (60) of branches (40) wherein said first set (60) of branches (40) is visually distinguishable from said second set (60) of branches (40); wherein each branch (40) of said first set (60) of branches (40) and said second set (60) of branches (40) comprises a branch external decorative skin (43) and a branch internal support (47); wherein said branch internal support (47) has a branch internal support proximal end (48) and a branch internal support distal portion (59); wherein at least a portion of said branch internal support distal portion (59) is covered by said branch external decorative skin (43); wherein said branch internal support proximal portion (48) comprises an un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) that is not covered by said branch external decorative skin (43); wherein said un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) comprises an outwardly-projecting alignment protuberance (45) that protrudes from the exterior of said branch internal support proximal portion (48) and that has a smaller width and depth than said channel width and depth; selecting a first first-set branch (40) from said first set of branches (60); aligning said alignment protuberance (45) of said first first-set branch (40) with said channel (25) of a first one of said multiple limb stubs (20); introducing said alignment protuberance (45) of said first first-set branch (40) between said opposing top entrance edges (21) and into said channel (25) of said first one of said multiple limb stubs (20); removing said alignment protuberance (45) of said first first-set branch (40) out of said channel (25) of said first one of said multiple limb stubs (20) by sliding said un-skinned male sleeve (50) of said first first-set branch (40) out of said stub internal support distal end (38) of said first one of said multiple limb stubs (20); selecting a first second-set branch (40) from said second set of branches (60); aligning said alignment protuberance (45) of said first second-set branch (40) with said channel (25) of a first one of said multiple limb stubs (20); introducing said alignment protuberance (45) of said first second-set branch (40) between said opposing top entrance edges (21) and into said channel (25) of said first one of said multiple limb stubs (20); and removing said alignment protuberance (45) of said first second-set branch (40) out of said channel (25) of said first one of said multiple limb stubs (20) by sliding said un-skinned male sleeve (50) of said first second-set branch (40) out of said stub internal support distal end (38) of said first one of said multiple limb stubs (20).

13. The method of using a decorative tree system of claim 12 wherein said channel (25) comprises a first vertical channel portion defined by first opposing vertical edges (26) extending vertically downward from said channel entrance edges (21), a horizontal channel portion defined by parallel opposing horizontal edges (24) and extending horizontally from said first vertical channel portion, and a second vertical channel portion defined by opposing vertical edges (26) and extending vertically downward from said horizontal channel to a bottom stop defined by bottom stop edge (28); method further comprising: after introducing said alignment protuberance (45) of said first first-set branch (40) into said channel (25) of said first one of said multiple limb stubs (20), sliding said alignment protuberance (45) vertically down said first vertical channel; sliding said alignment protuberance (45) horizontally across said horizontal channel portion; sliding said alignment protuberance (45) vertically down said second vertical channel portion; and resting said alignment protuberance (45) against said bottom stop edge (28).

14. The method of using a decorative tree system of claim 12 wherein said channel edges (22) form a cut through said stub internal support (27); and wherein said cut is interior of stub external decorative skin (23) and does not form a cut in said stub external decorative skin (23).

15. The method of using a decorative tree system of claim 12 wherein introducing said alignment protuberance (45) of said first first-set branch (40) between said opposing top entrance edges (21) and into said channel (25) of said first one of said multiple limb stubs (20) comprises: entering said alignment protuberance (45) into said opposing top entrance edges (21); vertically sliding said alignment protuberance (45) down a first vertical channel portion defined by first opposing channel vertical edges (26); horizontally sliding said alignment protuberance (45) along a horizontal channel portion defined by opposing horizontal edges (24); vertically sliding said alignment protuberance (45) down a second vertical channel portion defined by opposing vertical edges (26); and engaging said alignment protuberance (45) at a bottom stop defined by bottom stop edge (28) to lock said first first-set branch (40) to said first one of said multiple limb stubs (20).

16. The method of using a decorative tree system of claim 12 wherein at least one of said stub internal support distal end (38) or said un-skinned male insert sleeve (50) comprises a permanent magnet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements.

(2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 1A is a detail view taken from circle 1A of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged front perspective view with the external decorative skin of both the stub and branch removed, showing the stub internal support and the branch internal support, which are unengaged.

(5) FIG. 3 is the view of FIG. 2 with the alignment protuberance of the branch internal support engaged within the channel of the stub internal support.

(6) FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged front perspective view of a portion of the exterior of the stub and branch of the second embodiment, which are unengaged.

(7) FIG. 5 is the view of FIG. 4 with the alignment protuberance of the branch engaged in the channel of the stub and with the branch locking pin disposed within a locking aperture of the stub.

(8) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 showing the branch male sleeve insert portion of the branch internal support disposed inside the stub internal support, and the branch locking pin received by the locking aperture of the stub.

(9) FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged front perspective view of a portion of the exterior of the stub and branch of the third embodiment, which are unengaged.

(10) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a system of decorative, fabricated, insertable, removable, interchangeable branches for use with a decorative fabricated tree, shown generally as reference number 10, and a method of using the interchangeable branches, which advantageously allows the replacement of one type or style of branch (or set of branches) with a different type or style of branch (or set of branches). The modular branches are supported in a sturdy stub-to-branch connection (at stub-branch joint 30), yet each branch is quickly and easily removable for replacement with a different type or style of branch.

(12) In all of the multiple embodiments, the decorative tree with insertable branches system 10 comprises a tree trunk 15 including at least one limb stub 20 that is configured to receive an insertable, interchangeable branch 40, and usually will include multiple stubs 20 each of which accommodates a branch 40. The branch 40 may include a branch-leaf component 65 or may not (such as when imitating a deciduous branch in winter). When the branch 40 is inserted into the limb stub 20 the stub-branch joint 30 is preferably barely visible, being obscured by the irregularity or pattern of the exterior decorative skins 23, 43 of the stub 20 and branch 40.

(13) The trunk 15, limb stub 20, and branch 40 all have internal supports 17, 27, 47 and an external decorative skin 13, 23, 43, respectively. For clarity in discussing the internal structures (such as the internal supports 17, 27, 47 and the reversible coupling system of the stub-to-branch connection), FIGS. 2-3 show a portion of the trunk 15, limb stub 20, and branch 40 without the corresponding external decorative skin 13, 23, 43.

(14) The stub internal support 27 has a proximal end 32 (FIG. 3) fixedly attached to the trunk internal support 17 at a trunk-stub connection 12. The trunk-stub connection 12 may be formed by any method suitable for the size and materials of the tree. For example, if stub internal support 27 and trunk internal support 17 are large and metal, the trunk-stub connection 12 may be a welded joint, but if the internal supports 17, 27 are small and plastic, they may be formed integrally (such as by injection molding or other molding methods) or they may be adhesively attached.

(15) The interior portion of the distal end 38 (FIGS. 2, 4) of the stub internal support 27 is configured as a receptor 29.

(16) The branch internal support 47 is only partially covered with the decorative skin 43. At least a portion of the branch internal support distal portion 59 is covered with the decorative skin 43, but at least a portion of the proximal portion 48 (FIGS. 1A, 2) of the branch internal support 47 is left uncovered by the decorative skin 43 to form the bare or non-skinned male sleeve insert 50. The male sleeve insert 50 is sized and designed to allow manual installation into the receptor 29 of the stub internal support 27. To allow the male sleeve insert 50 to slide into the interior of the receptor 29, the male sleeve insert 50 does not have a rough bark-like exterior, but has a generally smooth exterior surface. This outer stub and inner branch engagement necessitates that the exterior diameter of the male sleeve insert 50 (which may be a cylindrical tube or the like) is smaller than the inside diameter of the stub internal support 27 (which may also be a cylindrical tube or the like).

(17) In all of the embodiments, a reversible coupling system is employed both to enhance the strength of the stub-branch joint 30 when the male sleeve insert 50 is inserted into the stub receptor 29 and to allow the male sleeve insert 50 to be removed when necessary for removal and replacement of the branch 40. The reversible coupling system of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 utilizes the alignment protuberance 45 engaged within an angled, curved, or otherwise non-straight internal channel 25. The reversible coupling system of the second embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 utilizes both the alignment protuberance 45 and an engaging member 55, which engage with a through-type guide channel 25 and a locking aperture 35, respectively. The reversible coupling system of the third embodiment of FIG. 7 uses both the alignment protuberance 45 and corresponding channel 25 along with one or more magnets. In all three embodiments, the alignment protuberance 45 and guide channel 25 are used to facilitate proper alignment for coupling of the male sleeve insert 50 of the interchangeable branch 40 with the receptor 29 of the stub 20.

(18) In the embodiments, the stub internal support 27 has a distal end 38 (FIGS. 2, 3, 4) configured with a notch or channel 25 that receives the branch's alignment protuberance 45. The channel 25 is an opening at the edge 39 of the distal end 38 of the receptor 29 of the stub internal support 27. The channel 25 may be straight or non-straight (angled and/or curved). For example, edges 22 (FIG. 2) may define a straight channel 25 defined by opposing top entrance edges 21, opposing vertical channel portion edges 22, and a bottom stop edge 28.

(19) In all of the embodiments, a single tree system 10 is provided with at least one set 60 of branches 40 with each branch 40 of the set 60 insertable into the receiving stub 20 by use of the reversible coupling system. Preferably, multiple sets 60 of branches are supplied with the tree system 10 or additional sets 60 are available for ordering, as desired. Although an additional set 60 of branches may include branches 40 that are identical to the branches 40 of the first set (such as for replacement of worn branches), it is advantageous if multiple sets 60 of visually distinguishable branches are available. This enables the removal of the first set 60 and the replacement with a second set having a markedly different appearance. Advantageously, with a single installed tree trunk with attached limb stubs, multiple set 60 of stylistically different branches 40 can be rotated in and out. This allows the user of the system 10, with a minimal of effort, to give a fresh, new look or different atmosphere to the area in which the tree system 10 is installed. Additionally, if the user of the tree kiosk system 10 remodels and, for example, lowers the height of the ceiling, a set 60 of generally vertical branches can be replaced with a set 60 of more horizontally spreading branches.

(20) In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the channel 25 serves as a guideway for the branch's alignment protuberance 45. The channel 25 is non-straight (angled, jogged, notched, and/or curved) to improve engagement and to secure the connection. To maintain a natural appearance, the channel 25 is interior of the external decorative skin 23, as can be seen best in FIG. 1A. Consequently, no opening is created in the external decorative skin 23. An exemplary angled channel is shown, which is defined by opposing top entrance edges 21, two sets of opposing vertical channel portion edges 26, opposing horizontal channel portion edges 24, and a bottom stop edge 28.

(21) In the first embodiment, the alignment protuberance 45 is a stem, tab, or other projection that extends outwardly from the male sleeve insert 50. The alignment protuberance 45 may be unembellished or the top, viewable portion may be textured or otherwise camouflaged. The alignment protuberance 45 may be formed integrally with the male sleeve insert 50 or may be permanently attached to the exterior of the male sleeve insert 50, such as by welding or permanent adhesive. If formed separately and attached, the alignment protuberance 45 may or may not be formed of the same material as the male sleeve insert 50. The alignment protuberance 45 is positioned at a pre-determined interconnection distance B (FIG. 1A) from the proximal edge 49 of the sleeve insert 50. The interconnection distance B from alignment protuberance 45 to the proximal edge 49 of the sleeve insert 50 is the distance that, when the modular branch 40 is attached, the sleeve insert 50 will extend beyond the bottom stop edge 28 of the channel 25. This extension of the lower portion of the sleeve insert 50 beyond the bottom stop edge 28 enhances the strength of the stub-branch joint 30. An exemplary length of the interconnection distance B may be in the range of from one-half to six diameters of the sleeve insert 50.

(22) The non-skinned male sleeve insert 50 extends a pre-determined overlap distance A (FIG. 1A) from alignment protuberance 45 to the bottom edge 69 of the decorative skin 43. When sleeve insert 50 is inserted within the receptor 29, the bare branch internal support proximal portion 48 overlaps the upper part of the receptor 29 the pre-determined overlap distance A. The overlap distance A is the distance above the alignment protuberance 45 to the decorative skin edge 69. An exemplary length of the overlap distance A may be in the range of from one to six diameters of the sleeve insert 50.

(23) Though the figures show the overlap distance A as approximately equal to the interconnection distance B, there is no requirement for this. For instance, the alignment protuberance 45 can be disposed quite near the proximal edge 49 of sleeve insert 50 (thus the interconnection distance would be quite small), and the distance between the alignment protuberance 45 and the edge 69 of the decorative skin 43 could be much longer than illustrated (thus the overlap distance A would be quite large in comparison to the interconnection distance B). A short distance B may provide advantages to allow the limb stub 20 to be short, which may facilitate shipping. A longer interconnection distance B would force the limb stub 20 to be longer, which might be useful to move the stub-branch joint 30 to a more obscure location. A longer overlap distance A may strengthen the stub-to-branch connection when the branches have a wider diameter or the tree system 10 is to be used in a high wind area. A determination of the interconnection distance and the overlap distance may be made for each branch independently of other branches or simultaneously for multiple branches of a set. The determination of the interconnection B and overlap A distances may be based on considerations of manufacturing ease, aesthetic interests, functional requirements, shipping needs, environment of use considerations, the diameter and weight of the branch, and the like.

(24) FIG. 2 (illustrating the internal components without the external decorative skin 13, 23, 43) shows the male sleeve insert 50 properly aligned to be manually engaged with receptor 29 of the stub internal support 27. The alignment protuberance 45 is in alignment with the channel 25 opening between the opposing top entrance edges 21, so is properly aligned for lowering sleeve insert 50 downward toward the stub receptor 29.

(25) FIG. 3 illustrates the assembled stage (again with the decorative skins 23, 43 removed). The alignment protuberance 45 has been manually inserted into the channel entrance at opposing top entrance edges 21, has been slid vertically downward along the first vertical channel portion defined by first opposing vertical edges 26, has been slid horizontally along the horizontal channel portion defined by opposing horizontal edges 24, has been slid vertically down the second vertical channel portion defined by opposing vertical edges 26, and has come to rest at the bottom stop defined by bottom stop edge 28. In the exemplary illustration of FIGS. 2-3, the length of the interconnection distance B (from the alignment protuberance 45 to the edge 49) is slightly greater than the length of the internal support 27. Therefore, in this particular example, the sleeve insert 50 will extend somewhat past the trunk-stub connection 12 and into the trunk internal support 17.

(26) When in the assembled stage, the sleeve insert 50 of the branch 40 is fully inserted into the limb stub internal support 27 until the alignment protuberance 45 rests in the channel bottom stop defined by bottom stop edges 28. In this position, the bottom portion 69 of the external decorative skin 43 of branch 40 is adjacent to the top portion 14 of the external decorative skin 23 of the stub 20, forming the stub-branch joint 30 (FIGS. 1, 1A). The irregularities and/or design of the external decorative skin 23, 43 cause the stub-branch joint 30 to be barely perceptible.

(27) The second embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 shares many features with the first embodiment, but illustrates a second reversible coupling system used to create the stub-to-branch connection. The second reversible coupling system varies from the first embodiment in the type of the alignment protuberance 45, the type of the channel 25, and in the addition of an engaging member 55 and a complementary locking aperture 35.

(28) As in the first embodiment, the alignment protuberance 45 is received by the guide channel 25, but in contrast to the first embodiment, the channel 25 is straight, and it extends through both the stub internal support 27 and the stub external decorative skin 23. The alignment protuberance 45 is disposed adjacent to the proximal edge 69 of the branch external decorative skin 43 and extends outwardly from proximal edge 69. When the alignment protuberance 45 is inserted into the channel 25, the branch external decorative skin 43 of the alignment protuberance 45 is adjacent to the stub external decorative skin 23 at the edges of the channel 25. In this embodiment, the alignment protuberance 45 may be a square or rectangular tab that may be unembellished, but preferably the top, viewable portion may be textured or otherwise camouflaged. Preferably and the branch external decorative skin 43 extends from this proximal edge 69 onto the outer surface of the alignment protuberance 45.

(29) The locking aperture 35, defined by aperture edge 36, extends through the stub internal support 27 and the stub external decorative skin 23. Preferably multiple aligned locking apertures 35 may be provided to allow branches with different overlap distances A (FIG. 1A) to be used with the tree system 10 and/or to allow adjustment of the length of the branch 40. Generally, the one or more apertures 35 will be disposed on the distal portion of the stub 20, though they may additionally or instead by disposed on the proximal portion of the stub 20. The locking apertures 35 have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the engaging member 55 to receive engaging member 55. The engaging member 55 may have a top, viewable surface that is unembellished, but preferably the top, viewable portion may be textured or otherwise camouflaged, such as by being covered with an external decorative skin 23.

(30) An engaging member system 55 is at least partially secured within the sleeve insert 50 of the branch internal support 47. The engaging member system 55 preferably includes a spring-biased push button assembly having a locking pin 44 that, when the branch is connected to the stub, projects through the stub aperture 35 to hold the branch 40 in place with respect to the stub 20.

(31) To attach the branch 40 to the stub 20, the locking pin 44 of the engaging member system 55 is aligned with the aperture 35 and the locking pin 44 is urged radially outward by a spring 52 to lock the branch 40 and stub 20 against relative movement. When the limb 40 is to be removed, the locking pin 44 of the engaging member system 55 is depressed (through the aperture 35) against the spring force, and the branch 40 can be removed. Or, optionally, the locking pin 44 of the engaging member system 55 can be moved to a different one of the aligned apertures 35. The engaging member system 55 may include only a single spring-biased locking pin 44, as illustrated in FIG. 6, or may include two locking pins 44, such as on opposing sides of the sleeve insert 50 (in which case two opposing sets of apertures 35 will be included on opposing sides of the stub 20).

(32) To attach the branch 40, the branch 40 is brought near the stub 20. The proximal portion of the male sleeve insert 50 enters the distal end of the stub 20, the locking pin 44 is depressed, and the sleeve insert 50 is moved further into the distal end of the stub 20 with the locking pin 44 in the depressed state. The branch 40 is then turned to align the alignment protuberance 45 with the channel 25, which turns the locking pin 44 of the engaging member system 55. At this point, the locking pin 44 is above the aperture 35 with which it will be engaged, but is in line with it. As the branch 40 is brought lower, the alignment protuberance 45 slides into the channel 25, which also causes the location of the locking pin 44 of the engaging member system 55 to correspond to the location of the aperture 35. Due to the force exerted by the spring 52, the locking pin 44 maintains an outwardly extending thrust into the aperture 35 until the steps are reversed to remove the branch 40.

(33) The third embodiment of FIG. 7 illustrates another variation in the reversible coupling system. The third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment in that the location of the alignment protuberance 45 is adjacent to the proximal edge 69 of the branch external decorative skin 43, but the third embodiment is different than the second embodiment in that the branch external decorative skin 43 does not extend from the edge 69 onto the surface of the alignment protuberance 45. The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that the channel 25 is not cut through the stub external decorative skin, but is only cut through the internal support 27.

(34) In the third embodiment, in contrast to the other embodiments, one or both of the stub internal support 27 and the branch internal support 47 are configured with permanent magnets 37, 56, respectively. The branch magnet 56 may be located within the annular interior of the tubular male sleeve insert 50 or may be disposed within the wall of the male sleeve insert 50. The stub magnet 37 may be disposed within the wall of the stub internal support 27, within the stub external decorative skin 23, between the stub internal support 27 and the stub external decorative skin 23, or partially within both the stub internal support 27 and the stub external decorative skin 23.

(35) To use the third embodiment, if only one magnet is included (stub magnet 37 or branch magnet 56), the opposing internal structure (stub internal support 27 or branch internal support 47) will necessarily include ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, steel, cobalt, nickel, or the like. The branch 40 is brought near the stub 20 with the alignment protuberance 45 aligned with the channel 25 and lowered into the receptor 29. The alignment protuberance 45 is fully inserted into the channel 25. The magnetic attraction created between the magnet 37 or 56 and the opposing internal structure 27 or 47 enhances the strength of the stub-branch joint 30.

(36) To use the third embodiment, if both magnets 37, 56 are included, the branch 40 is brought near the stub 20, preferably with the alignment protuberance 45 to one side or the other of the channel 25, and lowered into the receptor 29 as far as possible. The branch 40 is then turned to align the alignment protuberance 45 with the channel 25. Then the branch 40 is brought lower, and the magnets fully engage with the location of the branch magnet 56 corresponding to the location of the complementary stub magnet 37. The magnetic field created between the two magnets 37, 56 enhances the strength of the stub-branch joint 30.

(37) In all of the embodiments, the base 19 (FIG. 1) of trunk 15 may be appropriately anchored, based on considerations of the size and shape of the decorative tree system 10 and of the environment of use. The upper portion 11 of trunk 15 may generally be configured with multiple receiving stubs 20 (that may vary in angle and size) for receiving generally larger bottom branches 40 and generally smaller upper branches 40. However, the upper portion 11 may only have a single receiving stub 20 for receiving a single treetop-type branch 40. Generally, the angle of the stub 20 determines the angle of the installed branch 40.

(38) The design of the external decorative skin 13, 23, 43 may vary, with the chosen design based on aesthetic desires or functional requirements. Often the external decorative skin 13, 23, 43 may be designed to imitate a type of natural bark. However, other textures, grains, veneers, and other natural or artificial designs may also be used; for instance, designs incorporating the style of simulated alligator skin, brick, hair, pebbles, paisleys, plush fabrics, smooth or textured metallic finishes or the like could be utilized.

(39) The materials and production processes of the components of the decorative tree with insertable branches system 10 may vary based on considerations of size, environment of use, aesthetic desires, and functional requirements. However, in an exemplary production process, the internal supports 17, 27, 47 may be formed of metal (such as steel) piping of appropriate sizes. The metal pipe of the trunk internal support 17 may be welded to the smaller metal pipe of the stub internal support 27 at trunk-stub connection 12 (FIG. 3). The alignment protuberance 45 may be welded onto the metal pipe forming internal support 47. The metal pipe of the stub internal support 27 may have the channel 25 cut into it. The external decorative skin 13, 23, 43 may be preferably formed of urethane, which may be adhered with a methacrylate adhesive onto the internal supports 17, 27, 47, or may be adhered to an intermediary layer of urethane soft foam that is applied to wire mesh that is supported by metal pipes. Until the methacrylate adhesive cures, a plastic film may be used to wrap the glued portions to allow proper curing.

(40) Optionally, the internal supports 17, 27, 47 may be formed of a wire mesh with stronger metal reinforcements. Then the external decorative skin 13, 23, 43 may be attached to the wire mesh. The stronger metal reinforcements can be used, for example, to fixedly attach the stub internal support 27 to the trunk internal support 17.

(41) Optionally, the internal supports 17, 27, 47 may be formed of a heavy wire frame with tubular portions forming the distal end of the stub internal support 27 and the male sleeve insert 50. Or a combination of materials may be used to form the various parts of the internal supports 17, 27, 47. For example, the trunk internal support 17 may be formed of heavy wire with a tubular member welded to it to serve as the receptor 29 of the stub 20.

(42) The branch-leaf component 65 may be attached to the branch 40 in any of a variety of ways, but is preferably fixedly attached. The branch-leaf component 65 may have a metal end that can be welded to a metal pipe of the branch internal support 47. Or the lower proximal end of branch internal support 47 may be formed of a metal pipe with the upper distal end formed of a wire mesh to which the branch-leaf component 65 is firmly attached, such as by wire or adhesive.

(43) The tree trunk 15, stub 20, and the branches 40 are fabricated, meaning that they are assembled from parts or sections and made or constructed by art or skill and human or robotic labor. The materials used include metal, various plastics, fabrics, other manmade materials, and also preserved natural materials (such as preserved natural branches, trunks or leaves). In general, the framing of the trunk may be done with wire with a fabric attached to the wire to form the outer portion. For outdoor locations or larger trees, a heavier gauge wire and heavier outer fabric may be used than for indoor or smaller trees. The materials may be used with or without coatings or sealants. Coatings may be used to add advantages such as ease of cleaning and fire retardation. For instance, the leaves may be made of polyester fabric, but have a polyurethane coating to repel dust, prevent penetration of the fabric by spills, and enhance cleaning. The fabricated parts may duplicate, copy or replicate something from nature, or they may create an interesting presentation or display that is quite different than that found in nature (for instance, metal triangle-shaped attachments substituted for leaves attached to LED light strands substituted for branch skin). In some cases, manmade branches and/or branch-leaf components are used with a manmade fabric-covered wire trunk. Preserved natural branches can be adapted to attach to the male sleeve insert 50 so can be used with a manmade metal pipe trunk or with a preserved trunk 15 fitted with a stub 20 to receive the male sleeve insert 50. Preserved or manmade branch-leaf components can be used with either type of branch.

(44) The size of the stub 20 and the branches 40 are determined or influenced by the size of the tree trunk 15. For instance, the entire tree may have a height of 10 feet with an 8-foot diameter canopy, in which case the trunk may have a diameter of from 3 to 5 inches and the tree may weigh less than 200 pounds. In another instance, the tree might be an 18-foot tree with a 20-foot diameter canopy with a trunk from 15 to 21 inches in diameter with the tree weighing more than 600 pounds. And, though in general, the tree may be over 6 feet tall, smaller trees are within the scope of the invention. For instance, a table-top size tree having a height of only 2 to 4 feet and a trunk diameter of three-fourths inch to 3 inches may utilize the provided stub 20 and the branches 40.

(45) Variations of the structures presented are within the scope of the invention. For instance, in any of the embodiments the channel 25 may be cut through the stub external decorative skin or may be an interior channel only cut through the internal support 27. Additionally, the aspects of one embodiment may be utilized with another embodiment. For instance, the magnets of the third embodiment can be utilized with the first or second embodiments.

(46) Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.