Abstract:
This invention relates to a decorative assembly that is placed above a table to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding area. The present invention is an assembly that fits through the center hole of a garden or patio table designed to accommodate a center, pole supported umbrella. The invention comprises interchangeable, decorative elements that can be used year round in garden or patio table and has means to provide electricity to the decorative elements through any standard electrical outlet.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a decorative assembly that is placed above a table to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding area. More specifically, the present invention relates to an assembly that fits through the center hole of a garden or patio table designed to accommodate a center, pole supported umbrella. More particularly, the present invention relates to interchangeable, decorative elements that can be used year round in garden or patio tables. 
     Beach umbrellas have enjoyed wide use for numerous years as an easy, convenient way to provide shade where sun is abundant. Beach umbrellas typically consist of a center pole or rod with a plurality of hinged ribs radiating outwardly from the center pole. A piece of cloth, or other lightweight material, is generally affixed to the ribs and sewn such that when the ribs are extended away from the center pole, the cloth or material is extended and is taught between the ribs forming a dome-like structure. This way, any precipitation that falls onto the cloth will not puddle, but rather will roll off. This creates a shelter from the precipitation. 
     Eventually, garden and patio tables were adapted to take advantage of the popularity of umbrellas and umbrella-like structures as protection from the sun, rain, and elements in general. Such garden and patio tables were designed with a hole in the center to accommodate the center pole which supported the umbrella. Beach umbrellas are used in these garden and patio tables to provide a covering for the table. When in use, the ribs of the umbrella are extended and the umbrella forms a canopy over the table. When not in use, typically the ribs are lowered and the umbrella collapsed with the cloth material bunching together. Since the cloth material is bunched together around the center pole of the umbrella, it typically is not aesthetically pleasing. Typically the configuration of the garden or patio table is such that the umbrella can be removed when not in use; however, this leaves the center hole unused. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an aesthetically pleasing apparatus to be placed into the center hole in a garden or patio table when the umbrella is removed. Further, a need for interchangeable, decorative elements that can be used year round with garden and patio furniture exists. Further, a need exists for a decorative apparatus that provides electrical power to decorative elements exits. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,693 to Sibold discloses a decorative plant support. The decorative plant support taught by Sibold is generally in an umbrella shaped pattern and contains a plurality of support hubs and slats. However, Sibold does not teach an apparatus that provides electrical power to the decorative elements. Thus, a need exists for an apparatus that provides electricity to the decorative elements exits. The present invention solves this long-felt need. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a table top topiary that can be used with a garden or patio table. The invention further has an elongated center pole that extends upwardly through the center hole in the garden or patio table. The invention further has an upper, decorative element that is removably attached to the center pole and is of an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The present invention further contains means for conducting electricity via an AC/DC adaptor or a battery pack at its base up to the decorative element such that the decorative element can power lights or other electrical devices. 
     The present invention also contemplates a plurality of decorative elements for use with the invention. It is further an object of the invention to provide multiple removable tops that can be interchanged depending on the desires of the user. For example, a decorative element appearing like a Christmas tree could be used in December and a decorative element appearing like a snowman could be used in January. As can be readily seen, the present invention contemplates numerous embodiments that are interchangeable and designed to appeal to a wide range of aesthetic tastes. 
     The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus for displaying decorative elements. The present invention contemplates a first support pole and a second support pole that are securely fastened to each other, but that can be removed by the user. The present invention also contemplates a manner of conducting electricity extending from the first support pole and passing upwardly to the second support pole. This can be any conventional means to conduct electricity such as a wire or battery. Also, the present invention contemplates further providing a number of rods affixed to the second support pole that form a decorative shape or that can support decorative elements. 
     The present invention is also directed toward an apparatus having a base that provides stability and will withstand a variety of weather conditions. The invention also consists of a support hub affixed to the second support pole and a plurality of rod supports affixed to said support hub. In addition, a number of rods are affixed to the support hub such that the rods form a decorative shape or can support decorative elements. 
     The present invention also comprises an electrical wire that transfers electricity from the first support pole to the second support pole. The invention contemplates using a female plug affixed to the end of the first support pole and a male plug affixed to the end of the second support pole. The invention allows the plugs to align such that when said second support pole is inserted into said first support pole said male plug is inserted into said female plug and electricity is provided to the second support pole and the decorative elements. 
     In addition, the present invention consists of an aligning slot corresponding to a protrusion on the male plug. As the second support pole containing the male plug is inserted into the first pole, the slot captures the protrusion and rotates the second pole until it is in proper alignment. 
     The present invention is also directed to an apparatus with rod supports that contain protrusions from the interior of the rod supports to securely hold the rods at varying angles. Thus the user can set the rod in a fixed position at any number of angles with respect to the support pole. 
     The invention also contemplates using a female plug with a drain hole. The drain hole should be large enough to allow moisture to drain from the apparatus. Also, the invention consists of a male plug is that has a drain hole to allow moisture to drain from the apparatus. Thus, any moisture that accumulates as a result of weather conditions will drain out of the apparatus. This will aid in the prevention of rust and extend the life of the invention. 
     The present invention is intended to consist of a decorative element affixed to the rods. Any number of various decorations can be placed upon the rods. Also, it is contemplated that the invention will consist of rods where the rods can be configured to define an aesthetically pleasing shape. For example, the rods can be configured in a Christmas tree shape, generally an inverted cone. The present invention can also configure its rods in varying configurations and shapes to represent many other different items. 
     Moreover, the present invention is directed to a method of providing an interchangeable, decorative table top topiary consisting of the above described apparatus. This method includes providing a first support pole and a second support pole that are attached but removable. Also, providing electrical connections from an electrical source, typically an electrical outlet or rechargeable or replaceable battery pack within the support pole or base, extending into the first support pole and passing upwardly into the second pole. Thereby providing electricity to said second support pole and the attached rods or decorative elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the table top topiary. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the protective cap and the joinder of the support pole to the elongated pole. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of the protective cap and the semi-circular supports. 
         FIG. 4  is front view of the semi-circular support. 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged cross-section view of the bottom of the support pole. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged side view of the male plug. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of the blade. 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view of the male plug. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the female plug. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the aligning tube. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged, cross sectional view of the female plug. 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the female plug. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of the support pole, female plug, and male plug. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In  FIG. 1  of the drawings, the table top topiary is generally referred to with the numeral  10  and shown to include a base  12 . An elongated support pole  14  is affixed to the base and extends vertically from the base  12 . The base  12  is constructed such that it rests on a flat surface, typically the floor or ground, and provides stability to the table top topiary  10 . In an alternative embodiment, the base can be adapted to contain batteries to provide electricity to the topiary. Extending from the elongated support pole  14  is another elongated pole  16  that extends vertically upward from the elongated support pole  14 . The elongated pole  16  is constructed with a hole  18  near the end extending into the elongated support pole  14  such that an electrical cord  20  may pass through the hole  18  into the elongated pole  16 . In an alternative embodiment, the elongated pole  16  can be adapted to contain a rechargeable battery to provide electrical power to the topiary. The electrical cord  20  is fitted with an electrical plug  22  adapted to plug into a standard outlet to receive electricity. The elongated support pole  14  is constructed to have a circumference such that the elongated pole  16  will slide into the elongated support pole  14  and be held in a secure position due to frictional forces. Thus, stability of the elongated pole  16  is maintained as the elongated pole  16  continues upward. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a protective cap  24  is shown. The protective cap  24  is sized to fit over the elongated pole  16  and serves as a stabilizer and as a protector for the enclosed electrical components. The protective cap  24  slopes inward and up at the upper end forming a cone shape that decreases in diameter. This cone shape  26  decreases the diameter of the protective cap  24  and ends in a shorter cap  28 . The shorter cap  28  is secured to and covers an end of an elongated topiary support pole  30  that extends upward and downward from the shorter cap  28  and supports the topiary structure. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the protective cap  24  is shown illustrating the cone shape  26  and the shorter cap  28 . The support pole  30  extends upward from the shorter cap  28  to a predetermined height. The circumference of the support pole  30  is such that it fits into the shorter cap  28  of the protective cap  24  and is securely held in position. Wrapped around the support pole  30  is a band  32  that has a plurality of semi-circular supports  34  secured to the band  32 . The semi-circular supports  34  are affixed to the band  32  such that the semi-circular supports  34  are at a fixed angle relative to the support pole  30 . The semi-circular supports  34  are angled to slope upward toward the top of the table top topiary  10 . This allows the semi-circular supports  34  to maintain a predetermined angle relative to the support pole  30 . The band  32  is attached to the support pole  30  such that it is maintained in a fixed location and is prevented from sliding up and down the support pole  30 . Further, the band  32  is attached to the support pole  30  securely enough that additional weight and pressure added to the band  32  will not dislodge the band  32  from the support pole  30  and allow the band  32  to move along the support pole  30 . It is also contemplated that the support pole  30  could be constructed to include the semi-circular supports  34  thereby eliminating the need for the band  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 , the semi-circular supports  34  are constructed in a generally “U” shape with a first wall  36  facing a second wall  38  and defining a space there-between. The first wall  36  and the second wall  38  join to define an axel  40 . A rod  42  with one end forming a loop  44  is secured around the axel  40  such that the rod  42  is rotatably fixed to the axel  40 . When rotated down toward the protective cap  24 , the rod  42  rests upon the bottom surface  46  of the semi-circular support  34 . Thus, the rod  42  can support decorative elements whose weight is supported by the rod  42  pressing against the bottom surface  46  and the rod  42  is held in place by the axel  40 . The rod  42  can rotate upward toward the support pole  30  and come to rest against the support pole  30  thereby providing a compact configuration for storage when the table top topiary  10  is not in use. A plurality of semi-circular supports  34  can be affixed to the band  32  or incorporated into the support pole  30  such that the semi-circular supports  34  will extend from the support pole  30  at varying radians. 
     It is further contemplated that the semi-circular supports  34  can be configured in a manner to support the rods  42  at varying angles relative to the support pole  30 . Thus, the rods  42  supporting decorative elements can be configured at varying angles relative to the support pole  30  thereby holding the rods  42  at varying angles relative to the support pole  30 . Moreover, it is contemplated that the first wall  36  and the second wall  38  may have protrusions  48  extending toward the opposing wall ( 36  or  38 ) such that the protrusions  48  will support the rod  42  at varying angles relative to the supporting pole  30 . Thus, the rod  42  can be adjusted by the user to maintain any number of different angles relative to the support pole  30 . Conceivably the rod  42  can be made of any number of different materials including metal, plastic, wood, etc., that would be strong enough to maintain the weight of various decorations. 
     As can be easily seen with reference to  FIG. 1 , a plurality of bands  32  and semi-circular supports  34  can be affixed to the support pole  30 . The rods  42  can be of differing length and width, and the loop  44  can also be of varying sizes. Further, the bands  32  and semi-circular supports  34  can be of varying sizes as well. In a preferred embodiment, the sizes of the bands  32 , rods  42 , and semi-circular supports  34  would decrease toward the top of the support pole  30 . This will allow the heaviest or bulkiest decorative items to be placed on the lower rods  42  with lighter or smaller decorative elements placed on higher rods  42 . Further, the rods  42  can be affixed to the support pole  30  directly, without using a semi-circular support  34 . Affixing rods  42  directly to the support pole  30  is preferably done in a manner such that the rod  42  is at an angle relative to the support pole  30  such that the weight of a decorative element will not bend, deform, flex, or otherwise damage the rod  42  or support pole  30 . As can readily be seen, combinations of rods  42  directly affixed to the support pole  30  and rods  42  attached to the support pole  30  by the semi-circular supports  34  can be used through out the table top topiary  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , the support pole  30  is preferably configured to define at the lower end a slot  50  for securely holding a male plug  52 . The male plug  52  is configured with a housing  54  generally configured in a cylindrical shape. The size of the housing  54  is determined by the inside diameter of the support pole  30  such that the male plug  52  can slide into an open end of the support pole  30 . Thus, the internal diameter of the open end of the support pole  30  is sized slightly larger than the outside diameter of the housing  54  such that when the male plug  52  is slid into the end of the support pole  30  the male plug  52  is held securely by frictional forces. Further, the housing  54  also includes a raised lip  56  sized such that it fits securely within the slot  50  at the lower end of the support pole  30 . The raised lip  56  prevents insertion of the male plug  52  into the lower end of the support pole  30  at random angles. The raised lip  56  ensures that the male plug  52  can only be inserted into the support pole  30  at a predetermined radial angle. The raised lip  56  is sized such that when the male plug  52  is inserted into the support pole  30  the raised lip  56  fits tightly within the slot  50 . Thus, the male plug  52  is further held by frictional forces between the raised lip  56  and the slot  50 . It should be readily understood, however, that the male plug may be secured to the support pole  30  by any conventional means such as a pin, screw, etc. 
     The male plug  52  is further configured to have a cap  58  at the lower end such that the cap  58  encircles the bottom end of the male plug  52  and protrudes slightly outward from the housing  54  of the male plug  52 . The cap  58  runs circumferentially around the outside diameter of the housing  54  but does not protrude outwardly as far as the raised lip  56 . Thus, the raised lip  56  protrudes beyond both the housing  54  and the cap  58 . The cap  58  is sized such that the outside diameter of the cap  58  slightly exceeds the internal diameter of the support pole  30 . Thus, when the male plug  52  is inserted into the end of the support pole  30 , the male plug slides into the support pole  30  until the cap  58  abuts the end of the support pole  30  thereby preventing the male plug  52  from continuing into to the support pole  30 . Preferably, the male plug  52  is configured such that the dimensions of the cap  58  and the raised lip  56  are such that when the male plug is inserted into the support pole the cap  58  contacts the end of the support pole  30  at the same time the raised lip  56  reaches the end of the slot  50 . At this point the progress of the male plug  52  into the support pole  30  is arrested by both the cap  58  and the raised lip  56 . 
     As can be easily seen from  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 , the male plug  52  is further configured to contain a first blade  60  and a second blade  62  which protrude from the bottom of the male plug  52  near the cap  58 . The first blade  60  and the second blade  62  are constructed such that they extend through the body of the male plug  52  and extend out the top. The first blade  60  and the second blade  62  are constructed of a conductive metal such that electricity is easily conducted through the first blade  60  and the second blade  62 . The first blade  60  and the second blade  62  are spaced apart in the male plug  52  at a standard distance for typical electrical outlets. The first blade  60  extends through the housing  54  and protrudes from the top of the housing  54 . The top end of the first blade  60  defines an opening that accommodates a first screw  64 . The first screw  64  is removably connected to the first blade  60  such that an electrical wire  72  (see  FIG. 3 ) can be secured between the first screw  64  and the top end of the first blade  60 . Thus, electricity is conducted from the first blade  60  to the electrical wire  72  as a result of contact between the electrical wire and the first blade  60 . Likewise, the second blade  62  is also configured to define an opening that accommodates a second screw  66 . The second screw  66  is removably connected to the second blade  62  such that an electrical wire  72  can be secured between the second screw  66  and the top end of the second blade  62 . Thus, electricity is conducted from the second blade  62  to the electrical wire  72  as a result of contact between the electrical wire and the second blade  62 . 
     The first blade  60  and the second blade  62  are configured and positioned with the male plug  52  such that the top end of the first blade  60  is in opposite relation to the top end of the second blade  62 . Further, the male plug  52  includes an extension  68  from the top of the housing  54  that separates the first screw  64  from the second screw  66  and prevents the potential for the secured electrical wires from touching one another and causing a short circuit. Preferably the extension  68  is constructed of the same non-conducting material as the housing  54 . The first screw  64  and the second screw  66  are sized such that when connected to the first blade  60  and the second blade  62 , they define an area small enough to be inserted within the support pole  30 . Thus, when the male plug  52  is inserted into the support pole  30 , the support pole  30  hides and protects the first screw  64  and the second screw  66  from view. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 3 , the present invention provides an upper wire  72  connected to the first screw  64  and the second screw  66 . The upper wire  72  is designed to carry electricity from the male plug  52  to the decorative elements of the table top topiary  10 . The upper wire  72  runs upwardly through the support pole  30  from the male plug  52  to an upper opening  74  in the support pole  30 . The upper opening  74  is defined by the sides of the support pole  30  and is configured to be small enough for the upper wire  72  to pass through. Preferably a grommet  76  is placed over the upper opening  74  to prevent the upper wire from rubbing against the edge of the upper opening  74  in the support pole  30 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1  and to  FIG. 10 , the elongated pole  16  is affixed to an aligning tube  78  that is secured to the top end of the elongated pole  16 . The aligning tube  78  fits inside the top end of the elongated pole  16  and is supported by frictional forces and an aligning lip  80  that protrudes from the aligning tube  78  such that when the aligning tube  78  is slid into the elongated pole  16  the aligning lip  80  abuts the top edge of the elongated pole  16  preventing the aligning tube from sliding further into the elongated pole  16 . The interior of the aligning tube  78  defines a groove  82  that wraps around the interior of the aligning tube  78 . The groove  82  corresponds to the raised lip  56  (see  FIG. 6 ) on the male plug  52 . When the support pole  30  is slid into the aligning tube the groove  82  will capture the raised lip  56  and force the support pole  30  to rotate until it is in proper alignment with the elongated pole  16 . Once the proper alignment is achieved, the groove straightens out and progresses vertically with respect to the elongated pole  16 . 
     The aligning tube  78  further comprises a female plug  86 . The female plug  86  is configured to contain a first receiver blade  88  and a second receiver blade  90  which are housed in the upper portion of the female plug  86 . The first receiving blade  88  and the second receiving blade  90  are constructed such that they extend down through the body of the female plug  86  and extend out the bottom of the aligning tube  78 . The receiving first blade  88  and the second receiving blade  90  are constructed of a conductive metal such that electricity is easily conducted through the first receiving blade  88  and the second receiving blade  90 . The first receiving blade  88  and the second receiving blade  90  are spaced apart in the female plug  86  at a standard distance for typical electrical outlets. The first receiving blade  88  extends down through the female plug  86  and protrudes from the bottom. The bottom end of the first receiving blade  88  defines an opening that accommodates a first receiving screw  92 . The first receiving screw  92  is removably connected to the first receiving blade  88  such that an electrical wire (not shown) can be secured between the first receiving screw  92  and the bottom end of the first receiving blade  88 . Thus, electricity is conducted from the first receiving blade  88  to the electrical wire (not shown) as a result of contact between the electrical wire and the first receiving blade  88 . Likewise, the second receiving blade  90  is also configured to define an opening that accommodates a second receiving screw  94 . The second receiving screw  94  is removably connected to the second receiving blade  90  such that an electrical wire (not shown) can be secured between the second receiving screw  94  and the bottom end of the second receiving blade  90 . Thus, electricity is conducted from the second receiving blade  90  to the electrical wire (not shown) as a result of contact between the electrical wire and the second receiving blade  90 . 
     The first receiving blade  88  and the second receiving blade  90  are configured and positioned within the female plug  86  such that the bottom end of the first receiving blade  88  is in opposite relation to the bottom end of the second receiving blade  90 . Further, the female plug  86  includes a bottom extension  96  from the bottom of the female plug  86  that separates the first receiving screw  92  from the second receiving screw  94  and prevents the potential for the secured electrical wires from touching one another and causing a short circuit. Preferably the bottom extension  96  is constructed of the same non-conducting material as the female plug  86  and the housing  54 . The first receiving screw  92  and the second receiving screw  94  are sized such that when connected to the first receiving blade  88  and the second receiving blade  90 , they define an area small enough to fit within the elongated pole  16 . Thus, the female plug  86  as part of the aligning tube  78  is contained within the elongated pole  16  protected from view. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 12 , the female plug  86  is preferably constructed to have a drain hole  70  running through the female plug  86 . The drain hole  70  is large enough to allow water to pass through the female plug  86  and drain down toward the base  12 . The drain hole  70  advantageously allows moisture from condensation, rain, snow, or the like that has collected inside the support pole  30  to drain. This aids in the prevention of rust and other detrimental effects caused by moisture. It is contemplated that the female plug  86  can be constructed with a plurality of drain holes  70 . Further, the female plug could be constructed such that the female plug housing  84  has grooves (not shown) that traverse the female plug&#39;s  86  longitudinal axis and continue through the elongated pole  16 . Such grooves will allow the moisture to drain downwardly toward the base  12 . Preferably the female plug  86  is constructed with a combination of drain holes  70  and grooves to facilitate the removal of moisture from the interior of the support pole  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the female plug  86  is preferably constructed to have a drain hole  98  running through the female plug  86 . The drain hole  98  is large enough to allow water to pass through the female plug  86  and drain down toward the base  12 . The drain hole  98  advantageously allows moisture from condensation, rain, snow, or the like that has collected inside the support pole  30  to drain. This aids in the prevention of rust and other detrimental effects caused by moisture. It is contemplated that the female plug  86  can be constructed with a plurality of drain holes  98 . Further, the female plug could be constructed such that the outside diameter has grooves  100  that traverse the female plug&#39;s  86  longitudinal axis. Such grooves  100  will allow the moisture to drain downwardly toward the base  12 . Preferably the female plug  86  is constructed with a combination of drain holes  98  and grooves along the female plug housing  84  to facilitate the removal of moisture from the interior of the support pole  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the elongated pole  16  is constructed with a hole  18  near the end extending into the elongated support pole  14  such that an electrical cord  20  may pass through the hole  18  into the elongated pole  16 . The hole  18  is fitted with a grommet  102  to protect the electrical cord  20  from rubbing against the edge of the hole  18  in the elongated pole  16  and causing an electrical short. The electrical cord  20  is fitted with an electrical plug  22  at the bottom end of the electrical cord  20  that is adapted to plug into a standard outlet to receive electricity. The electrical cord  20  is run through the hole  18  and then upward through the elongated pole  16  where the ends of the electrical cord  20  are tied into the female plug  86  by securing the ends of the electrical cord  20  to the first receiving blade  88  and the second receiving blade  90  via the first receiving screw  92  and the second receiving screw  94  respectively. As the support pole  30  is inserted into the elongated pole  16  the male plug  52  is inserted into the female plug  86  such that the first blade  60  slides inside the first receiving blade  88  and the second blade  62  slides inside the second receiving blade  90 . Thus, an electricity conducting connection between the male plug  52  and the female plug  86  is achieved. As such, when the electrical plug  22  is inserted into an electrical outlet, electricity becomes available to the electrical cord  20  and the electrical wire  72  via the connection between the male plug  52  and the female plug  86 . Thus, electricity is provided to the decorative elements on the table top topiary  10 . 
     It is contemplated that the decorative elements of the present invention can be of varying shapes, sizes, and characteristics. For example, the decorative elements can be shaped to form a Christmas tree appearance for use during the Christmas season. Further, the decorative elements could be arranged to appear like various characters or animals such as a rabbit during the Easter season or a turkey during Thanksgiving. Moreover, each of these decorative elements can have any number of attachments or adaptations to take advantage of electrical power. For example, the decorative elements can use lights, sounds, movements, etc. 
     It should be clear to anyone skilled in the art that the foregoing discussion and detailed description is only one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the foregoing description and drawings are illustrative of a preferred embodiment only, are not limiting in any respect, and that the spirit of the present invention can be determined only by reference to the following claims. Thus, actual embodiments of the present invention may differ significantly from the foregoing description yet remain within the contemplated scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the invention claimed is embodied by the following claims.