TREE POLE COUPLER SYSTEM

• US 20100072747A1
• Filed: 09/22/2008
• Published: 03/25/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Pre LIT Tree Concept, The 5Th Industrial Zone, The First Pre Lit Tree Concept
• Original Assignee: Pre LIT Tree Concept
• Inventors: KRIZE, DENNIS
• Application Number:
  US12/234,935
• Publication Number:
  US 20100072747A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 285/330
• CPC Class Codes: A41G 1/007 Artificial trees
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 33/06 Artificial Christmas trees

Abstract

A coupler system for use in assembling artificial tree trunks or poles. In particular, the coupler system includes a first part having a cone-shaped end and carrying a wedge-shaped groove parallel to its axis, which is insertable into a second part that is formed as a pair of concentric cylinders. The inner of these cylinders receives the first part of the coupler system and includes a bulge parallel to its axis that aligns with the wedge-shaped groove of the first part when the two are fitted together. Preferably, the end of the first part opposite the cone-shaped end is dimensioned to fit into a first tubular segment that stands as a surrogate for a tree trunk. Additionally, the outer of the concentric cylinders is dimensioned to receive a second tubular segment.

Claims

1. A tree coupler system, comprising:

a first part having a first end and an opposing second end and carrying a wedge-shaped groove parallel to its axis, wherein said second end is dimensioned to be nested within a first tubular segment that forms a first portion of a tree trunk; and

a second part including an outer cylinder connected to an inner cylinder, wherein a slot is formed between said inner cylinder and said outer cylinder, wherein said first part is insertable into said second part, wherein said inner cylinder includes a bulge parallel to its axis that aligns with said wedge-shaped groove of said first part, and wherein said slot is dimensioned to receive a second tubular segment that forms a second portion of a tree trunk.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first part has an external surface with a frustoconical portion at said first end and a cylindrical portion at said second end.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said second part includes a receiving end and an opposing end, wherein the length of said inner cylinder extends beyond the length of said outer cylinder at said opposing end.

4. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein said receiving end is dimensioned to receive said first end of said first part, and wherein said bulge is at said opposing end.

5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second tubular segments are connected to a top portion and a bottom portion of an artificial tree, respectively.

6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first part carries a plurality of ridges parallel to its axis.

7. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said plurality of ridges includes at least one ridge on either side of said wedge-shaped groove.

8. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said plurality of ridges are spaced apart evenly.

9. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein said inner cylinder carries a plurality of guide members.

10. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein said plurality of guide members, includes at least one guide member on either side of said bulge.

11. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein said at least one guide member engages said at least one ridge on either side of said wedge-shaped groove when said first part is nested within said second part.

12. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first part and said second part are made of plastic.