Trunk joint for an artificial tree

• US 7,128,954 B2
• Filed: 11/18/2004
• Issued: 10/31/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/18/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yuan-Hui Tsai
• Original Assignee: Yuan-Hui Tsai
• Inventors: Tsai, Yuan-Hui
• Primary Examiner(s): McNeil, Jennifer C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): BALDWIN, GORDON
• Application Number:
  US10/990,505
• Publication Number:
  US 20060105118A1
• Time in Patent Office: 712 Days
• Field of Search: 428/7, 428/10, 428/12, 428/18, 428/19, 428/23, 428/27
• US Class Current: 428/17
• CPC Class Codes: A41G 1/007 Artificial trees
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 33/06 Artificial Christmas trees

Abstract

Disclosed is a trunk joint for an artificial tree which comprises a tube member having a first diameter. A collar having a base extends from the tube member and having a second diameter different to the first diameter and the base defines at least a supporting opening through a wall thereof. A positioning disk is arranged in the collar and having an aperture of a third diameter substantially equal to the first diameter for receiving a trunk therein. The aperture has an inner rim defining at least one locking notch corresponding to the supporting opening through the wall of the collar.

Claims

1. A trunk joint for an artificial tree, comprising:

a tube member having a first diameter;

a collar having a base extending from the tube member and having a second diameter different to the first diameter, the base defining at least a supporting opening trough a wall thereof, the collar having a top rim defining a locating notch corresponding to each supporting opening; and

a positioning disk arranged in the collar and having an aperture of a third diameter substantially equal to the first diameter for receiving a trunk therein, the aperture having an inner rim defining at least one locking notch corresponding to the supporting opening through the wall of the collar;

wherein each locking notch, and the corresponding supporting opening and locating notch form a planar three point spatial relationship that is adapted to firmly support a branch.

2. The trunk joint as recited in claim 1, wherein the tube member, the collar and the positioning disk are integrally formed.

3. The trunk joint as recited in claim 1, wherein there are six sets of supporting openings, locking and locating notches for positioning at least six branches thereon.

4. The trunk joint as recited in claim 1, wherein the collar comprises a first tubular base and a second tubular base jointed to each other and wherein the first tubular base defines a plurality of locating notches, while the second tubular base defines a plurality of supporting openings in alignment with the locating notches respectively.

5. The trunk joint as recited in claim 4, wherein the supporting opening is an elongated opening.