Patent Publication Number: US-8993077-B2

Title: Invertible Christmas tree

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/798,496, filed on Apr. 5, 2010 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,062,718 on Nov. 22, 2011 which claims priority from International Patent Application No. PCT/US2008/013587 filed on Dec. 10, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The following invention relates to artificial trees and particularly artificial Christmas trees which can be collapsed and stored when not in use and deployed when intended to be used. More particularly, this invention relates to collapsible Christmas trees which collapse by rotation of one portion of the Christmas tree relative to a second portion of the Christmas tree, and associated bags to cover such trees when not in use. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     When decorating a space, it is often desirable to include trees as part of such decorations. To allow such decorations to last substantially indefinitely without maintenance and allow for repeated cycles of storage and deployment of such decorations, it is desirable to provide artificial trees rather than live trees. An example of such decorations are Christmas trees typically deployed during holiday seasons occurring at the end of each calendar year. 
     Such artificial Christmas trees are often configured to be collapsible so that they take up a minimum of space during initial shipping and inventory before being sold, and also to allow the user to store the Christmas tree when not in use in a relatively small space and protected from damage. Some such collapsible Christmas trees or other trees have limbs which are removably attached from a central trunk. The limbs typically include further branches which extend from the limbs which can be formed of wire or other materials with the limbs formed of wood, steel or other relatively rigid materials and the central trunk formed of wood, metal or other materials that are substantially rigid and strong enough to handle the loads encountered by carrying the limbs. Typically, needles of an artificial nature are fastened by wire, adhesive or otherwise to the branches extending from the limbs or directly to the limbs themselves. 
     In some cases lighting is permanently fixed to the limbs, such as with lights coupled to cords and with the cords plugging into a central cord running up the trunk. With other collapsible Christmas trees the limbs are not removed from the trunk but rather pivot from a stored orientation to a deployed orientation. With such trees the deployed orientation is generally perpendicular to the trunk and the stored orientation is somewhere between 45° pivoted away from horizontal to a substantially vertical orientation parallel to the trunk. 
     While such pivotable limbs on Christmas trees have the benefit of avoiding the requirement that the limbs be attached to the central trunk, difficulty is encountered in transitioning the limbs from a collapsed orientation to a deployed orientation. Either the limb reorienting process is highly labor intensive as each limb is adjustably positioned, or if deployed by reorienting the trunk, requires that the entire tree be picked up and reoriented in various different ways. 
     This tree reorienting procedure is a particularly difficult maneuver in that the tree must be held away from the body of the individual before rotation. Many individuals lack the strength, arm length and dexterity to perform such a maneuver. For others, such a maneuver is dangerous to perform, presenting the possibility of injury or damage to the user or the tree. Accordingly, a need exists for a Christmas tree or other artificial tree which can be easily reconfigured from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration with a minimum of strength or dexterity being required for such tree deployment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With this invention an artificial Christmas tree is provided which can be readily inverted and which has limbs pivotably attached to a central trunk for automatic deployment of the limbs of the Christmas tree upon such inversion of the Christmas tree. To facilitate such inversion, the trunk includes at least two trunk portions including a first trunk portion adapted to be supported above a floor and at least one second trunk portion pivotably attached to the first trunk portion, at least indirectly, through at least one pivot joint. The first trunk portion extends from a lower end to an upper end with the pivot joint located closer to the upper end than to the lower end and typically adjacent the upper end. 
     The at least one second trunk portion has a portion thereof between a first end and a second end of the second trunk portion pivotably attached at least indirectly through the pivot joint to the first trunk portion. This pivot joint allows the at least one second trunk portion to pivot substantially 180° from a collapsed orientation extending substantially vertically to a deployed orientation extending substantially vertically, but with the first and second ends having swapped. In particular, in a collapsed orientation the first end is above the second end. In the deployed orientation the second end of the second trunk portion is above the first end. 
     The limbs are pivotably attached to the at least one second trunk portion. These limbs pivot between a perpendicular orientation and a collapsed orientation pivoting toward the second end of the second trunk portion somewhat away from the deployed position. Such pivoting can occur by gravity or through manual movement of the limbs. If by gravity alone, merely rotating the second trunk portion about the pivot joint between the collapsed orientation and the deployed orientation allows the limbs to pivot from their collapsed position to their deployed substantially perpendicular to the second trunk portion position. Thus, in a simplest embodiment of the invention, all one need do is invert the second trunk portion 180° while the entire weight of the second trunk portion is supported by the first trunk portion resting upon a floor or other underlying surface. 
     A clasp is preferably provided to selectively secure the at least one second trunk portion in the deployed orientation (and optionally also in the stored orientation) to avoid inadvertently inverting the at least one second trunk portion after deployment thereof. Lights preferably run up the first trunk portion then transition to the second trunk portion at the pivot joint and then toward each end of the second trunk portion and out at least some of the limbs, to provide lights for the Christmas tree or other artificial tree. 
     A wheeled base is optionally provided to further facilitate deployment of the artificial tree where desired. A top cap is preferably removably attachable to the second end of the second trunk portion to provide an uppermost portion of the tree. This uppermost portion can also include lights thereon with an appropriate plug to provide electrical connection when the cap is coupled to the second end at the top of the deployed at least one second trunk portion of the deployed Christmas tree. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide an artificial tree which can be easily transitioned from a collapsed orientation to a deployed orientation. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Christmas tree which is easy to store in a collapsed form and easy to deploy when to be used. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Christmas tree which can be transitioned from a collapsed form to a deployed form without requiring high strength or dexterity. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Christmas tree which can be transitioned between a collapsed and a deployed configuration without damage to the Christmas tree. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Christmas tree which can be readily transitioned between a collapsed and a deployed position with lights associated with the Christmas tree remaining coupled to various different portions of the Christmas tree both in the collapsed and the deployed configuration. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Christmas tree which can be set up quickly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for transitioning an artificial Christmas tree from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an artificial tree which can be inverted between an upside down storage position and a right side up deployed position. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a cover for an artificial Christmas tree that can be inverted with the Christmas tree during set-up of the tree. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an artificial tree with one fixed trunk portion extending up from a base on the ground and multiple rotating trunk portions that rotate at least somewhat independently to provide multiple levels of a large artificial tree when rotated into a deployed position. 
     Other further objects of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the included drawing figures, the claims and detailed description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-7  are front elevation views of the invertible Christmas tree of this invention at various different stages from a completely collapsed stored configuration to a completely deployed and illuminated configuration revealing the various steps in a method of deploying the collapsible Christmas tree of this invention. 
         FIGS. 8-10  are details of  FIGS. 3-5  revealing details of the invertible Christmas tree of this invention around a central pivot joint which allows a second trunk portion of the Christmas tree to pivot relative to a first trunk portion of the Christmas tree. 
         FIG. 11  is a detail of a portion of that which is shown in  FIG. 10  and from a side view taken along lines  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a detail of a portion of that which is shown in previous figures illustrating how a limb can be pivotably attached to the second trunk portion of the invertible Christmas tree of this invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a detail similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 12 , but after inverting the second trunk portion so that the limb transitions to a stored configuration pivoting away from substantially perpendicular to the second trunk portion. 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of that which is shown in  FIG. 12  further illustrating details of a limb according to one form of this invention and illustrating in broken lines how other limbs can be provided in different circumferentially spaced orientations from the second trunk portion of the invertible Christmas tree. 
         FIG. 15  is a detail similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 12  but for an alternative embodiment limb and limb attachment to the second trunk portion. 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of that which is shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of an alternative pivot joint for joining the rotating trunk portion to the fixed trunk portion, with the repositioning of the rotating trunk shown in broken lines. 
         FIG. 19  is a top plan view of that which is shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a front elevation view of a second alternative pivot joint for joining the rotating trunk to the fixed trunk, with the rotating trunk shown in broken lines after repositioning. 
         FIG. 21  is a top plan view of that which is shown in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a side elevation view of an alternative Christmas tree similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 11  showing the entire fixed trunk and rotating trunk according to a slightly different embodiment than that shown in  FIGS. 1-11 , and with limbs and branches not shown. 
         FIG. 23  is a side elevation view similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 22  but for an alternative trunk configuration. 
         FIG. 24  is a side elevation view similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 22  but for a still further alternative trunk configuration, and additionally showing the base thereon. 
         FIG. 25  is a front elevation view of the Christmas tree of this invention contained within an alternative cover for the Christmas tree, which cover is inverted with the tree during deployment. 
         FIG. 26  is a side elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is a top plan view of that which is shown in  FIG. 25  with limbs of the Christmas tree shown in broken lines as they are positioned contained within the cover. 
         FIG. 28  is a side elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 25  with a gap formed in the cover spread open more than would typically be the case to most clearly show details of portions of the cover within the gap and with portions of the trunk fixed portion of the Christmas tree shown in broken lines. 
         FIG. 29  is a side elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 25  with a side pouch thereof opened and with a cap portion of the Christmas tree in the process of being removed from the side pouch. 
         FIG. 30  is a front elevation view similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 25 , but after rotation of the Christmas tree halfway from a stored position to a final deployed position, and illustrating how the alternative cover can rotate with the Christmas tree, rather than requiring removal of the cover before rotation. 
         FIG. 31  is a front elevation view similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 25 , but after complete rotation of the Christmas tree with the cover in place, and showing the cover in the process of being removed by pulling downward on the cover. 
         FIG. 32  is a front elevation view of a multiple pivot Christmas tree alternative embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 33  is a top plan view of that which is shown in  FIG. 22  with a contour of separate sections of the tree generally indicated by circles shown in broken lines. 
         FIG. 34  is a top plan view similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 33 , but with an upper rotating trunk having been rotated 90° according to a first step in transiting the two pivot Christmas tree from its stored position shown in  FIG. 32  and a final deployed position shown in  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 35  is a front elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 32  after the upper rotating trunk and a lower rotating trunk have each been rotated 90° and before final rotation of an intermediate rotating trunk to complete the transition of the multiple pivot Christmas tree from its stored configuration to its deployed configuration, and also illustrating how a cap portion of the Christmas tree is attached to an upper rotating trunk of the Christmas tree before final rotation of the intermediate rotating trunk. 
         FIG. 36  is a front elevation view of the two pivot Christmas tree after completion of all rotations and completion of transitions from the stored position to the deployed position. 
         FIG. 37  is a side elevation view of a further alternative embodiment artificial tree according to this invention, featuring two pivoting upper trunk portions. 
         FIG. 38  is a side elevation view of the alternative trunk of  FIG. 37  with the upper trunk portions having been rotated to transition the tree of this embodiment from the stored configuration to the deployed configuration. 
         FIG. 39  is a front elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 40  is a front elevation view similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 37 , but after the beginning of the rotation process for one of the two portions of the upper trunk portion of the tree of this embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference numeral  10  is directed to an invertible Christmas tree or other artificial tree. The tree  10  is invertible ( FIG. 4 ) so that it can transition between an upside down stored orientation ( FIG. 3 ) with limbs angling downwardly to decrease a width of the collapsed Christmas tree, and a deployed orientation ( FIG. 5 ) with the limbs pivoted to an orientation substantially perpendicular to the trunk. The user thus need not pick up the Christmas tree  10  at any time to convert it from its stored orientation to its deployed orientation. 
     In essence, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 3-7 , basic details of the invertible Christmas tree  10  of this invention are described according to a preferred embodiment. The tree  10  includes a base  20  upon which the entire Christmas tree  10  is supported above an underlying floor. A fixed trunk  30  extends vertically up from the base  20 . This fixed trunk  30  extends approximately half of a height of the tree  10 . Near an upper end  34  of the fixed trunk  30  a pivot  36  is provided. This pivot  36  rotatably supports a rotating trunk  40  thereto. The rotating trunk  40  preferably has a length similar to a height of the Christmas tree (less the height of a cap portion  80 ), with the rotating trunk  40  pivotably coupled to the fixed trunk  30  through the pivot  36  near a midpoint of the rotating trunk  40 . 
     Limbs  50  extend laterally from the rotating trunk  40 . Preferably, these limbs  50  are pivotably connected to the rotating trunk  40  so that the limbs  50  can pivot relative to the trunk between an approximately perpendicular deployed orientation and a collapsed orientation which pivots toward the trunk. Thus, the limbs  50  extend substantially horizontally when the rotating trunk  40  is in a final position for deployment of the limbs  50 , and the limbs  50  pivot toward the rotating trunk  40  when the rotating trunk  40  is rotated to a stored position ( FIG. 3 ). Branches  60  typically extend from each limb  50 . Lights  70  are typically routed up the fixed trunk  30 , out to each end of the rotating trunk  40  and then out the limbs  50  potentially out onto branches  60  supported by the limbs  50 . The lights receive power such as through a power receptacle P. A cap  80  is preferably provided which attaches to an end of the rotating trunk  40  to provide an uppermost portion of the tree  10  after the rotating trunk  40  has been rotated to a deployed orientation. 
     More specifically, and with initial reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , details of accessories for the invertible Christmas tree  10  are described for use when the invertible Christmas tree  10  is in a stored configuration. These accessories preferably include a substantially cylindrical cover  2  with a diameter sized to fit over the invertible Christmas tree  10  when it is in its stored position ( FIG. 3 ). Typically the cap  80  can also fit inside this cover  2 . A lid  4  is preferably also provided which can move relative to the cover  2  (such as along arrow A of  FIG. 2 ) and attach to the cover  2 , such as through a zipper  6 . The lid  4  is particularly useful during shipping or when the invertible Christmas tree  10  is to be stored on its side. Otherwise, the lid  4  is not required. With the cover  2  on the invertible Christmas tree  10 , the entire invertible Christmas tree  10  can be rolled into a closet or other storage area and be kept clean and keep the Christmas tree from damaging other objects, such as within the closet. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , details of the base  20  of the invertible Christmas tree  10  are described according to a preferred embodiment. The base  20  provides a preferred form of means to support the invertible Christmas tree  10  above an underlying ground surface, such as a floor of a residential structure. This base  20  has sufficient width to provide stability for the invertible Christmas tree  10  to prevent it from tipping over. The base  20  also preferably elevates lowermost portions of the invertible Christmas tree  10  somewhat above an underlying surface. This base  20  in this most preferred embodiment is a wheeled base  20  including wheels  28  thereon so that the entire invertible Christmas tree  10  can be rolled about on the underlying surface for easy transportation, such as between a stored location and a deployed location. 
     The base  20  includes a plate  22  which is preferably circular or square in form and oriented generally horizontally. A pedestal  24  extends vertically upward from a central portion of the plate  22 . The pedestal  24  is configured to be fixedly attached to the fixed trunk  30  with the fixed trunk  30  preferably extending vertically upward from the pedestal  24 . 
     Lateral portions of the plate  22  support joints  25 . These joints  25  preferably have legs  26  pivotably attached to the plate  22  therethrough. Thus, the joints  25  allow the legs  26  to pivot relative to the plate  22  (about arrow B of  FIG. 2 ). Wheels  28  are preferably provided at the end of each of these legs  26 . The wheels  28  are preferably on casters or other swivel joints. 
     With such a configuration, the base  20  can have a deployed configuration with the legs  26  extending radially outwardly for maximum stability, but the legs  26  can be pivoted inwardly (arrow B) to provide a lesser width and to allow the lid  4  to be closed over the base  20  and to completely enclose the invertible Christmas tree  10  within the cover  2  when desired ( FIG. 1 ). 
     While the base  20  shown herein is described according to this preferred embodiment, other bases  20  could also be utilized. For instance, the base  20  could merely be a fixed structure having sufficient width to resist tipping of the invertible Christmas tree  10 . Also, the base  2  could merely be a hole in an underlying floor into which the fixed trunk  30  of the invertible Christmas tree  10  would be removably mounted. Other forms of Christmas tree stands could also be utilized to support the fixed trunk  30  and dispense with the base  20  altogether. 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 3-7  and  8 - 10 , details of the fixed trunk  30  of the invertible Christmas tree  10  are described according to this preferred embodiment. The invertible Christmas tree  10  preferably includes a central trunk formed of two separate trunk portions including a first portion referred to as a fixed trunk  30  and a second portion referred to as a rotating trunk  40 . Also, a top trunk  82  is provided as a portion of the cap  80  defining a small portion of the overall trunk structure of the invertible Christmas tree  10 . 
     The fixed trunk  30  preferably has a height substantially half of that of the invertible Christmas tree  10 . The fixed trunk  30  is elongate in form and can be configured such as in a solid cylindrical form or in the form of a cylindrical tube. The fixed trunk  30  is formed of substantially rigid material and carries loads of the invertible Christmas tree  10  upon the base  20  or other underlying surface. 
     The fixed trunk  30  includes a lower end  32  opposite an upper end  34 . A clasp  33  is provided near the lower end  32 . This clasp  33  is configured to be removably attached to a portion of the rotating trunk  40  to secure the rotating trunk  40  in either the stored configuration ( FIG. 3 ) or in the deployed configuration ( FIG. 5 ). This clasp structure is further particularly shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
     The upper end  34  of the fixed trunk  30  includes a pivot  36  adjacent thereto. This pivot  36  can be as simple as a hole passing laterally through the fixed trunk  30  with an axle  37  passing through this hole. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 3-11 , the pivot  36  is in this simple form with the axle  37  providing for pivotable attachment between the rotating trunk  40  and the fixed trunk  30 . The axle  37  has a length similar to twice a diameter of the fixed trunk  30 . 
     The rotating trunk  40  has a diameter similar to that of the fixed trunk  30  and the axle  37  passes through both the fixed trunk  30  and the rotating trunk  40  with the rotating trunk  40  alignable parallel with the fixed trunk  30  but just slightly offset laterally from the fixed trunk  30  so that the rotating trunk  40  can rotate freely relative to the fixed trunk  30 . If desired, the fixed trunk  30  can be spaced slightly away from a center of mass of the invertible Christmas tree  10  so that the rotating trunk  40  can have its center of mass more closely aligned with the center of mass of the overall invertible Christmas tree  10  for maximum stability. 
     While the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-10  is perhaps the simplest embodiment for the pivot  36 , other embodiments of this pivot could be utilized, including those depicted in  FIGS. 18-21 . For instance,  FIGS. 18 and 19  depict front and top views of an alternate joint  136  with a bracket  138  pivotably attached to the upper end  34  of the fixed trunk  30  and an end of the bracket  138  opposite the upper end  34  of the fixed trunk  30  either fixed or pivotably attached to the rotating trunk  40 . Rotation of the rotating trunk  40  relative to the fixed trunk  30  occurs by first moving along arrow C′, then moving along arrow C″. 180° of rotation is achieved and the rotating trunk  40  moves from being directly adjacent the fixed trunk  30  on a first side thereof to being directly adjacent the fixed trunk  30  on a second side opposite the first side. 
     In  FIGS. 20 and 21  another embodiment is provided in the form of a second alternative joint  236 . An axle  237  is provided to allow the rotating trunk  240 , having a square cross-section, to rotate relative to the fixed trunk  230  in the form of a generally square cross-sectioned structure having one open side opposite the side bearing the axle  237 . In this embodiment, the rotating trunk  40  has a size slightly smaller than that of the fixed trunk  30  so that the rotating trunk  40  can rotate to nest inside the fixed trunk  30  when in one position, but pivot out of this nested configuration when in the second configuration after 180° of rotation (along arrow C′ and then arrow C″ ( FIG. 20 )). Other embodiments of joints or pivots could also be resorted to, to allow for pivotable attachment of the rotating trunk  40  to the fixed trunk  30 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 3-11 , details of the rotating trunk  40  are described according to this preferred embodiment. The rotating trunk  40  preferably supports all of the limbs  50  of the invertible Christmas tree  10  thereon. As an alternative, multiple rotating trunks can be provided, such as upper and lower rotating trunks pivoting from an intermediate rotating trunk to the fixed trunk (see for instance  FIGS. 32-36 ). This simple rotating trunk  40  has an elongate rigid form similar to that of the fixed trunk  30 . However, the rotating trunk  40  preferably has a length similar to a height of the invertible Christmas tree (minus a height of the cap  80  and minus a height of the base  20  up to a top of the pedestal  24 ). 
     This rotating trunk  40  has a first end  42  opposite a second end  44  ( FIGS. 4 and 9 ). The first end  42  is configured to be below the second end  44  when the rotating trunk  40  is in its deployed configuration. The rotating trunk  40  is configured to have the first end  42  above the second end  44  when in the stored configuration ( FIG. 3 ). A port  45  is provided at the end of the second end  44  which can receive and support the cap  80  thereon. 
     A core  46  passing through an interior of the rotating trunk  40  is preferably hollow. Such a hollow core  46  minimizes weight of the rotating trunk  40  while maintaining strength for the rotating trunk  40  and also optionally provides a pathway through which electric equipment for the lights  70  can be routed. Slots  48  ( FIGS. 12-17 ) are formed in the rotating trunk  40  through which limbs  50  can interface in a rotating fashion relative to the rotating trunk  40 . 
     The rotating trunk  40  preferably has a center point or a point near the center point of the rotating trunk  40  which is pivotably attached (at least indirectly, and in this embodiment directly) to the fixed trunk  30  through the pivot  36 . This midpoint is also preferably a center of mass of the rotating trunk  40 . Thus, the rotating trunk  40  can be freely rotated 180° to move the first end  42  from directly above the second end  44  and directly above the fixed trunk  30 , to a second position with the first end  42  adjacent the fixed trunk  30  and directly below the second end  44 ; with a center of mass of the rotating trunk  40  always remaining substantially aligned with the fixed trunk  30 . Thus, the rotating trunk  40  can be “spun” without causing instability in the invertible Christmas tree  10  resting upon the base  20  or other support above a floor. Preferably, near each end  42 ,  44  of the rotating trunk  40  holes are provided which can interface with the clasp  33 , so that the rotating trunk  40  can be secured to the fixed trunk  30  in both the collapsed configuration and the deployed configuration. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 12-17 , details of the limbs  50  and branches  60  of the invertible Christmas tree  10  are described according to a preferred embodiment. The limbs  50  could be attached to the rotating trunk  40  in many different ways including in fixed fashion or in a fashion which is removable but not pivotable. However, most preferably the limbs  50  are pivotably attached to the rotating trunk  40 . Such pivoting preferably allows for rotation of the limbs  50  between a perpendicular orientation (actually substantially perpendicular but preferably slightly angled upwardly, when the rotating trunk  40  is oriented vertically) and a collapsed configuration closer to the angle of the rotating trunk  40  centerline than to perpendicular to the rotating trunk  40  centerline. 
     Most preferably, this collapsed angle for the limbs  50  is 70° away from the deployed configuration for the limbs  50 . Such rotation of the limbs  50  is depicted by arrow E ( FIGS. 12 ,  13  and  15 ). While the limbs appear to pivot upward, they in fact pivot downward after the rotating trunk  40  has rotated (about arrow C ( FIG. 12 )) so that the limbs  50  actually rotate downward by gravity forces, but only when the rotating trunk  40  has been rotated from the deployed configuration to the stored orientation. When this action is reversed and the rotating trunk  40  is rotated from the stored orientation to the deployed orientation, the limbs  50  pivot in an opposite direction to the deployed configuration approximately perpendicular to a centerline of the rotating trunk  40 . 
     Each of the limbs  50  is preferably an elongate rigid structure with a plurality of such limbs  50  radiating from the rotating trunk  40 . Most preferably, the limbs  50  extend in many different directions radially from the rotating trunk  40  ( FIG. 14 ) when a complete symmetrical generally conical bushy invertible Christmas tree  10  is to be provided. The limbs  50  generally each include a root  51  defining an end thereof closest to the rotating trunk  40  and a tip  55  opposite the root  51 . A hinge  52  is located at the root  51  to pivotably attach the limbs  50  to the rotating trunk  40 . A stop  54  is provided to prevent the limbs  50  from rotating either past substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the rotating trunk  40  when in the deployed configuration or past a collapsed angle, such as 70°, away from the deployed orientation. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13  this stop  54  is in the form of a flange of material extending substantially perpendicularly from the extent of the limbs  50  from the root  51  to the tip  55 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 15 and 16  the root  51  of the limbs  50  merely passes through a slot  48  in the rotating trunk  40  and a lower portion of this slot  48  acts as the stop  54 . The hinge  52  generally includes at least one axle  52  or axle-like structure about which the limbs  50  can pivotably move relative to the rotating trunk  40 . 
     Branches  60  optionally but preferably radiate from the limbs  50  in a pattern which mimics at least some natural tree or otherwise has a desirable form. Typically, needles  52  also extend from the branches  60 . These needles  62  can be actual natural needles such as pine needles, but most typically are synthetic structures such as attached by wire or adhesive to the branches  60 . It is also conceivable that needles  62  can also be directly attached to the limbs  50 . The branches  60  can have a generally planar form such as might exist on a noble fir, or might have a more bushy cylindrical form which might be provided on many different types of pines. Needles  62  can also be long or short depending on the design characteristics desired for the invertible Christmas tree  10 . 
     With particular reference to FIGS.  7  and  12 - 14 , details of the lights  70  are described. Most preferably, the invertible Christmas tree  10  is also permanently wired with lights  70 . A plug  74  is provided which is removably attachable to a power receptacle P. A cord  72  extends from the plug  74  and extends up the fixed trunk  30  to the rotating trunk  40 . At the joint  36 , this cord  72  preferably splits into two separate cords, one of which extends towards the first end  42  of the rotating trunk  40  and the other of which extends towards the second end  44  of the rotating trunk  40 . 
     As these cords pass the limbs  50 , the cords are routed out the limbs  50  and terminate at various different locations with lights  70 . Various different controllers can be provided and various different lights can be provided if desired so that a variety of different light displays can be provided through the lights  70 . The cord  72  can be routed through an interior of the fixed trunk  30  and through an interior of the rotating trunk  40  (and also conceivable through an interior of the limbs  50 ). Perhaps in a simplest form of the invention, the cord  72  can merely be wrapped around an exterior of the fixed trunk  30  and an exterior of the rotating trunk  40 . The cord  72  can be camouflaged to have a color similar to that of the fixed trunk  30 , rotating trunk  40  and limbs  50  (i.e. green) to help hide the cords  72 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  6  and  7 , details of the cap  80  are described, according to this preferred embodiment. Most preferably, to minimize an overall length of the rotating trunk  40  and height of the invertible Christmas tree  10  when in a stored configuration, an uppermost portion of the invertible Christmas tree  10  is configured as a separate cap  80 . This separate cap  80  preferably includes a top trunk  82  which fits into the port  45  in the second end  44  of the rotating trunk  40 . The cap  80  can thus be attached with the top trunk  82  colinear with the rotating trunk  40 . To simplify attachment, it can occur when the rotating trunk  40  has been rotated halfway, or just a little more (see  FIG. 9 ). 
     Top limbs  84  radiate from the top trunk  82  with a configuration similar to the limbs  50 . A bottom end  83  of the cap  80  is sized to fit inside the port  45  for secure but removable attachment of the cap  80  to the rotating trunk  40 . Lowermost portions of the cap  80  typically have a diameter similar to that of the invertible Christmas tree  10  when the limbs  50  are in their collapsed configuration ( FIG. 3 ). Thus, the top limbs  84  of the cap  80  need not pivot relative to the top trunk  82 . However, such pivoting could take place. 
     Also, most preferably a plug is provided and lights are provided on the cap  80  with the plug attachable to a plug in the second end  44  of the rotating trunk  40  so that the lights  70  on the cap  80  can be coupled to lights  70  on the rotating trunk  40  so that all of the lights  70  on the invertible Christmas tree  10  can be simultaneously powered from a single power receptacle P. Attachment of the cap  80  to the rotating trunk  40  is depicted along arrow D of  FIG. 6 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 22-24 , further details of the trunk of this invention are described and according to slightly different alternative embodiments for the trunk, including alternatives to the fixed trunk  30  and rotating trunk  40  ( FIGS. 1-11 ). In  FIG. 22  an alternative Christmas tree  210  is shown including a fixed trunk  230  and a rotating trunk  240 . A joint such as the alternative joint  136  is provided and marked as alternative joint  236  joining the rotating trunk  240  to the fixed trunk  230 . 
     Also, a releasable fastener  250  is shown for securing the rotating trunk  240  to the fixed trunk  230  both when in the deployed orientation and in the stored orientation. This releasable fastener  250  would typically have two sides which are similarly configured to grip either the upper portion  244  of the rotating trunk  240  or the lower portion  242  of the rotating trunk  240 . The fastener  250  could, in one embodiment, be a pair of similar “C-shaped” clamps formed of a resilient material to releasably hold the rotating trunk  40  in one of the two pairs of clamps. 
     In this alternative Christmas tree  210 , the rotating trunk  240  is shown with an asymmetrical configuration with the upper portion  244  longer than the lower portion  242 . In such a configuration the joint  236  can be spaced away from a center of mass of the rotating trunk  240 , or the positioning of limbs of different lengths and weights on the two portions  242 ,  244  can be provided so that the rotating trunk  240  is still balanced about the joint  236 . 
     With the alternative Christmas tree  210 , the rotating trunk  240  is shown displaced laterally relative to the fixed trunk  230  slightly when the rotating trunk  240  has been rotated to the deployed configuration. Similarly, when the rotating trunk  240  is rotated to the stored position, the rotating trunk  240  is also slightly displaced laterally from the fixed trunk  230 , but on an opposite side of the fixed trunk  230 . With this alternative embodiment Christmas tree  210 , such an offsetting of the rotating trunk  240  from the fixed trunk  230  is merely accepted as part of the design of the alternative Christmas tree  210  and the base  220  ( FIG. 24 ) is configured to accommodate any potential offsetting of the center of gravity of the overall alternative Christmas tree  210  to maintain stability. 
     Alternatively, limbs and branches can be configured with a slightly greater length on one side than on the other side to balance the alternative Christmas tree  210  laterally even though the rotating trunk  240  is offset laterally relative to the fixed trunk  230  somewhat. As another alternative, the fixed trunk  230  could be attached to the base  220  ( FIG. 24 ) at a location slightly spaced from a center of the base  220 , or the base  220  can be configured to be asymmetrical to balance the alternative Christmas tree  210  to prevent any tipping propensity. 
     A further alternative Christmas tree  310  is depicted in  FIG. 23 . This alternative Christmas tree  310  includes a fixed trunk  330  pivotably attached to the rotating trunk  340  through a joint  236 . The rotating trunk  340  is similar to the rotating trunk  240 , such that it includes an upper portion  244  and lower portion  242  which in this embodiment are shown having slightly different lengths. 
     Uniquely with the further alternative embodiment Christmas tree  310 , the fixed trunk  330  is configured to include three separate parts: an upper part  332 , a lower part  334  and a bend  336  between the upper part  332  and the lower part  334 . This bend  336  includes upper and lower curves so that the upper part  332  and lower part  334  remain parallel to each other but are offset laterally relative to each other an amount similar to the lateral offset provided by the joint  236 . In this way, the rotating trunk  340  is aligned with the lower part  334  of the fixed trunk  330  when the rotating trunk  340  is in the deployed configuration. The releasable fastener  250  is coupled to the upper part  332  and is similar to the releasable fastener  250  provided with the Christmas tree  210  ( FIG. 22 ). The further alternative Christmas tree  310  is configured so that the trunk is balanced and symmetrical when in the deployed configuration, aligned with both the lower part  334  of the fixed trunk  330  and the base  220  ( FIG. 24 ) to which the lower part  334  of the fixed base  330  is attached. 
     When the rotating trunk  340  is rotated to the stored position, in this embodiment a somewhat less balanced configuration would result, or the base  20  could be appropriately modified to provide stability both when the further alternative Christmas tree  310  is in the deployed configuration or in the stored configuration. Other techniques for balancing the further alternative Christmas tree  310  when in the stored configuration could also be resorted to, including adding masses to portions of the tree  310  when in the stored configuration to achieve balance, or limiting rotation of some of the limbs coupled to the tree  310  so that balance is maintained when the limbs pivot because some of the limbs pivot more than other limbs. Also, it is conceivable that the cover  2  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) could be weighted and provided with a specified orientation so that the cover  2  would provide necessary balancing of a tree  310  when in the stored configuration. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 24  an additional further alternative embodiment of the Christmas tree  410  is disclosed. With the tree  410 , an offset similar to that provided with the alternative Christmas tree  310  ( FIG. 23 ) is provided. However, rather than utilizing the bend  336  ( FIG. 23 ) a coupling  436  is provided to join the upper part  432  of the fixed trunk  430  to a lower part  434  of the fixed trunk  430 . In this embodiment, the upper part  432  and lower part  434  can each be entirely linear, but the offset is still provided similar to that provided with the tree  310  ( FIG. 23 ). Other details of the tree  410  are similar to that disclosed in the tree  310  of  FIG. 23 . 
     The tree  410  is also shown coupled to the base  220  which would typically be similar for each of the embodiments of  FIGS. 22-24 . This base  220  is similar to the base  20  ( FIGS. 1-11 ) except that it is shown in a simplified form without collapsibility and clearly depicting the wheels as caster wheels which can rotate about a vertical axis to swivel and allow the tree  410  to be rolled on a flat surface easily in a variety of different directions. 
     The alternative trees  210 ,  310 ,  410  shown in  FIGS. 22-24  can have details thereof selectively combined with details of the joints shown in  FIGS. 18-21  and also selectively combined with details of the tree  10  of  FIGS. 1-11 . Also, various different limbs and branches and lights can be coupled to trees such as the alternative trees  210 ,  310 ,  410  to configure a tree according to this invention to meet the desires of a particular consumer. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 25-31  details of an alternative cover  102  for the Christmas tree  10  are described. This alternative cover  102  generally is wider than the cover  2  of the previously described embodiment, such as to accommodate Christmas trees  10  which have limbs  50  which rotate less than those depicted in the previous embodiment discussed above. The cover  102  generally includes a top panel  104  and a side panel  106 . The top panel  104  is generally circular but can be configured to be semi-spherical or semi-conical in form so that it can take on a somewhat domed configuration. This top panel  104  preferably is substantially complete in form except where a gap  110  forms a break in the top panel  104  ( FIG. 27 ). 
     The side panel  106  is generally cylindrical in form, except that the side panel  106  preferably has a slightly lesser diameter at a lower end than at an upper end adjacent the top panel  104 . The side panel  106  is preferably open at a lower end and otherwise substantially continuous except where the gap  110  causes a break in the side panel  106  ( FIGS. 26 and 28 ). Handles  108  are preferably attached to the side panel  106  on a front and rear side of the cover  102 . These handles  108  assist in moving the tree under the cover  102  and rotating the cover  102  and included Christmas tree upon the wheeled base  20 . 
     The gap  110  is somewhat in the form of a pie shaped cutout extending from upper to lower ends of the cover  102 . This gap  110  is primarily defined by two substantially planar side walls  112  which almost face each other but preferably are angled slightly (perhaps 5° to 15°) away from each other. These side walls  112  are joined together at an inner joint  114  close to a central vertical axis of the cover  102 . The gap  110  is configured so that it can fit between two adjacent limbs  50  ( FIG. 27 ) and to allow the cover  102  to remain on the tree  10  as the tree  10  is rotated ( FIG. 30 ) between a stored orientation and a deployed orientation. After transitioning to the deployed orientation ( FIG. 31 ), the cover  102  is then removed. 
     The gap  110  provides clearance to allow the fixed trunk  30  of the Christmas tree  10  ( FIGS. 1-24 ) to transition from one orientation relative to a remainder of the Christmas tree to another orientation relative to the entire Christmas tree, associated with rotation of portions of the Christmas tree relative to the fixed trunk  30 . Such rotational clearance can perhaps best be seen with reference to  FIG. 26  or  28  where an upper portion of the cover  102  and contained Christmas tree rotate toward the viewer out of the page with lower portions of the cover  102  and associated Christmas tree rotating away from the viewer and into the page. This rotation can also be seen in  FIG. 30  where the gap  110  is illustrated by an arrow to indicate where it is actually located (also in  FIG. 29 ). 
     The inner joint  114  of the gap  110  includes an arch  116  which defines a break in the inner joint  114  so that the inner joint  114  only joins the side panels  112  on an upper half of the gap  110 . A lower half of the inner joint  114  below the arch  116  is open between two inside edges of the side walls  112 . This open portion of the inner joint  114  below the arch  116  is beneficial in facilitating removal of the cover  102  after completion of the rotation process (along arrow G of  FIG. 31 ). 
     To keep portions of the cover  102  within the gap  110  properly positioned in spite of this open portion of the inner joint  114  below the arch  116 , inner corners  118  of the side walls  112  preferably include an inner fastener  120 . This inner fastener  120  is initially wrapped around the fixed trunk  30  and coupled together to keep the inner corners  118  of the side walls  112  of the gap  10  positioned where desired and to resist any tendency of the cover  102  to rotate prematurely. When the cover  102  and included tree are to be rotated, this inner fastener  120  would typically be manipulated into a detached configuration to then allow free rotation of the cover  102  and included Christmas tree (along arrow F of  FIG. 30 ). If desired, an outer fastener  130  can be provided at outer corners  128  of the gap  110  to help keep the gap  110  substantially closed. A similar outer fastener  130  could optionally be provided at corners of the side walls  112  adjacent the top panel  104 . These outer fasteners  130  would also be attached when the cover  102  is in a stored configuration and then detached before rotation but before removal of the cover  102 . 
     The alternative cover  102  is beneficial for larger trees, where a shorter user might have difficulty in lifting the cover  2  of the previous embodiment up off of the tree after rotation. With this alternative cover  102 , the cover  102  is pulled down (along arrow G of  FIG. 31 ) after rotation of the cover  102  and included Christmas tree, so that the user need not be required to lift the cover  102  up off of the Christmas tree. The cover  102  can later be repositioned on the Christmas tree, either by reversing the cover  102  removal steps or by first inverting the tree to the stored position and then pulling the cover  102  down over the top of the inverted Christmas tree. 
     The alternative cover  102  includes a side pouch  140  sized to receive the cap  80  of the Christmas tree therein. An access opening  142  is provided, typically with a zipper thereon or other closure. The inside pouch  140  is sized sufficiently large to allow the cap portion of the Christmas tree to be replaceably positioned within the side pouch  140 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 32-36 , details of a two pivot Christmas tree  510  defining an alternative embodiment of the Christmas tree  10  described above are described. This two pivot Christmas tree  510  utilizes the same basic principle of one fixed trunk and at least one rotating trunk, but adds to the principle by providing multiple separate rotating trunk portions. With such a configuration, trees of increased height can be readily managed by a single user without requiring a step ladder or excessive strength. Also, a size of the collapsed tree can be minimized, such as to accommodate transport through standard doorways and other standard building area dimensions. 
     The entire two pivot Christmas tree  510  rests upon a base  520  which consists essentially of a rigid frame  522  having various different elements to provide rigidity to the base  520 . Wheels  528  support the base  520  above ground and allow for simple and easy rolling movement of the two pivot Christmas tree  510  to a desired position before transitioning of the Christmas tree  510  from its stored configuration ( FIGS. 32 and 33 ) to its final deployed configuration ( FIG. 36 ). 
     The two pivot Christmas tree  510  includes four basic trunk portions including a fixed trunk  530 , an intermediate rotating trunk  540 , an upper rotating trunk  550  and a lower rotating trunk  560 . The fixed trunk  530  is generally similar to the fixed trunk  30  of the Christmas tree  10  described in detail above. Specifically, in this embodiment the fixed trunk  530  includes a lower end  532  opposite an upper end  534  and is rigid and elongate in form extending vertically up from the base  520 . Preferably, an offset  535  is formed in the fixed trunk  530  near the lower end  532  to assist in balancing the different portions of the two pivot Christmas tree  510  over a center point of the base  520 . 
     The intermediate rotating trunk  540  is pivotably attached through a middle pivot  542  to the upper end  534  of the fixed trunk  530 . This intermediate rotating trunk  540  is similar to the fixed trunk  530  in that it does not have limbs extending directly therefrom. The intermediate rotating trunk  540  is distinct from the fixed trunk  530  in that it is capable of rotating relative to the fixed trunk  530  at least 90° about the middle pivot  542 . 
     The middle pivot  542  is preferably at a center of the intermediate rotating trunk  540  to maintain balance and thus simplicity of rotation of the intermediate rotating trunk  540 . As an alternative, the middle pivot  542  could be placed at different locations along the intermediate rotating trunk  540 . A clasp  543  is preferably provided as part of the middle pivot  542  which can secure the upper rotating trunk  550  and lower rotating trunk  560  in deployed configuration relative to the intermediate rotating trunk  540  after rotation thereof (along arrows H and I of  FIG. 32 ). In one form of the invention, the clasp  543  can be in the form of an open “C” clamp with the upper and lower rotating trunks  550 ,  560  having a circular cross-section which can snap into the C-clamp configured clasp  543 . 
     The intermediate rotating trunk  540  includes a high end  544  opposite a low end  546 . In the stored position, each of these ends  544 ,  546  are at a common height as the intermediate rotating trunk  540  is configured to extend horizontally ( FIGS. 32 and 35 ). In a final rotating step (about arrow J of  FIGS. 32 and 35 ) the intermediate rotating trunk  540  is rotated relative to the fixed trunk  530 , and about the middle pivot  142  ninety degrees until the high end  544  is directly above the low end  546 . 
     The upper rotating trunk  552  is pivotably coupled to the high end  544  of the intermediate rotating trunk  540 . In particular, a middle pivot  552  is interposed between the high end  544  of the intermediate rotating trunk  540  and the upper rotating trunk  550  at a point between a first end  554  and a second end  556  of the upper rotating trunk  550 . The first end  554  of the upper rotating trunk  550  is that portion of the upper rotating trunk  550  which is configured to have longer limbs than limbs extending from the second end  556 . When completely deployed, the upper rotating trunk  550  defines a middle portion of the two pivot Christmas tree  510 . The middle pivot  552  facilitates ninety degrees of rotation between the upper rotating trunk  550  and the intermediate rotating trunk  540 . 
     The lower rotating trunk  560  is pivotably attached to the low end  546  of the intermediate rotating trunk  540 . In particular, a middle pivot  562  is interposed between the low end  546  of the intermediate rotating trunk  540  and a portion of the lower rotating trunk  560  between a first end  564  and a second end  566  of the lower rotating trunk  560 . The first end  564  of the lower rotating trunk  560  is configured to have limbs  570  which are longer than limbs  570  extending from the second end  566  of the lower rotating trunk  560 . The middle pivot  562  facilitates ninety degrees of rotation between the lower rotating trunk  560  and the intermediate rotating trunk  540 . After transition to the deployed configuration, the lower rotating trunk  560  defines a lowermost portion of the two pivot Christmas tree  510 . 
     The limbs  570  are generally similar to those described above for various different alternative embodiments of the Christmas tree  10  ( FIGS. 1-24 ). Branches would also typically extend from the limbs  570  and lights can optionally be provided on the limbs  570  and/or branches. Electric wiring for such lights is preferably routed up the fixed trunk  530  to the intermediate trunk  540  at the middle pivot  512 . The wiring can then split into two paths, one extending to the high end  544  and one extending to the low end  546 . At these joints, the wiring again splits to extend on to first ends  554 ,  564  and second ends  556 ,  566  of the upper rotating trunk  550  and lower rotating trunk  560 . Lights are then coupled to the wiring lanes adjacent where the limbs  570  couple to the trunks  550 ,  560 . 
     A cap  580  is preferably provided which is attachable to the second end  556  of the upper rotating trunk  550  to define an uppermost portion of the two pivot Christmas tree  510 . This cap  580  would typically be attached to the upper rotating trunk  150  after rotation of the upper rotating trunk  550  and lower rotating trunk  560  relative to the intermediate rotating trunk  540  (along arrows H and I of  FIG. 32 ) but before final rotation of the intermediate rotating trunk  540  (along arrow J of  FIGS. 32 and 35 ). Typically the cap  580  merely includes a lower tip which can be telescopically received into a hollow bore formed coaxially within the second end  556  of the upper rotating trunk  550 . If required, electrical connections can also be made adjacent this interface so that lights on limbs  570  of the cap  580  can receive power. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 32-34 , the two pivot Christmas tree  510  has a relatively short and compact form when in the stored position. A general outline of tips of the limbs  570  are depicted in top plan views ( FIGS. 33 and 34 ) by circular broken lines generally defining an upper tree portion  590  supported upon the upper rotating trunk  550  and a lower tree portion  600  defined by the limbs extending from the lower rotating trunk  560 . 
     In one embodiment, a final deployed Christmas tree ( FIG. 36 ) of approximately sixteen feet tall can be collapsed into an approximately six foot tall compact package which can be readily handled and transported by a single user. Not only does this two pivot Christmas tree  510  facilitate the simple deployment of an exceptionally large Christmas tree in a simple and fast manner, but also decorations can conceivably be at least partially attached to the two pivot Christmas tree  510  before final rotation of the intermediate rotating trunk  540  (along arrow J of  FIG. 35 ) so that a user can more easily place ornaments on the Christmas tree before final rotation when at least upper portions of the two pivot Christmas tree  510  on the cap  580  and upper tree portion  590  are not as readily accessed. At a minimum, the cap  580  can be entirely decorated before attachment to the upper rotating trunk  550  and then a single short ladder can be utilized for decoration of the upper tree portion  590  and lower tree portion  200 . 
     When re-storage of the two pivot Christmas tree  510  is desired, the steps in deployment are reversed until the two pivot Christmas tree  510  has been transitioned again to its stored configuration ( FIG. 32 ). Typically, a cover is provided to protect the tree  510  in this collapsed orientation. Handles can also extend up from the base  520  to a convenient height so that a user can maneuver the tree  510  on the wheeled base  520  without pushing directly on the limbs  570  of the tree  510 . Such handles are preferably either removable or collapse down to the base  520  when not in use after the tree  510  is deployed at a particular location. 
       FIG. 37  is a side elevation view of a further alternative embodiment of the artificial tree of this invention. In this alternative embodiment, an artificial tree  610  is shown. The tree  610  includes a base  620  with a fixed trunk  630  extending vertically up from the base  620 . At an upper end of the fixed trunk  630  a pivot  636  is provided. Uniquely, with this tree  610 , two upper trunks  642 ,  644  are provided. Each of the two upper trunks  642 ,  644  each rotate about the common pivot joint  636  to attach the upper trunk  642 ,  644  to the lower trunk  630 . The first upper trunk  642  includes limbs  652  extending therefrom similar to limbs of previous embodiments. The second upper trunk  644  includes limbs  654  pivotably attached thereto in a manner similar to limbs in embodiments discussed above. Each of the upper trunks  642 ,  644  are configured to rotate 180° about the pivot  636 . When in the stored orientation, as shown in  FIG. 37 , the upper trunks  642 ,  644  are inverted and in an upside down vertically extending orientation. 
     The first upper trunk  642  includes a lower end  643  which is elevated in this orientation and an upper end  641  that is lowered in this orientation ( FIG. 37 ). The second upper trunk  644  includes a lower end  647  which is elevated in this orientation and an upper end  645  that is lowered in this orientation ( FIG. 37 ). 
     As depicted in  FIG. 38 , after rotation of each of the upper trunks  642 ,  644  by a full 180°, the limbs  652 ,  654  extend outwardly somewhat and the upper ends  641 ,  645  of the upper trunks  642 ,  644  are at the uppermost position on the tree.  FIG. 39  depicts the same tree  610  but from a front view. The two upper trunks  642 ,  644  are lined up with the trunk  642  in front of the trunk  644  so that only the trunk  642  can be seen. 
     Note that the limbs  652 ,  654  are configured with branches extending therefrom. As with previous embodiments described above. With the limbs  652 ,  654  and branches in place the upper trunks  642 - 644  are obscured so that the tree does not appear to have a dual trunk character. Also, a cap would typically be provided with a single central trunk portion. This cap would attach to one of the upper ends  641 ,  645  of the upper trunks  642 ,  644  or both. 
     In  FIG. 40  the beginning of the rotation process has begun, with the upper trunk  642  rotated 90° (about arrow K) and halfway from its stored position to its deployed position. The upper trunk  644  has not yet been rotated. After the upper trunk  642  has been rotated 180° (along arrow K of  FIG. 40 ) it will be in its deployed configuration, such as that shown in  FIG. 38 . The upper trunk  644  is rotated about arrow L by a full 180° to transition from its stored position to its deployed position, as depicted in  FIG. 38 . Typically some form of latch (e.g. C-clamps, straps, cotter pins, etc.) would be provided along the lower trunk  630  to secure the upper trunks  642 ,  644  in both the stored and deployed configurations. Other details of this tree  610  can be similar to those described above with previous embodiments. 
     This disclosure is provided to reveal a preferred embodiment of the invention and a best mode for practicing the invention. Having thus described the invention in this way, it should be apparent that various different modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention disclosure. When structures are identified as a means to perform a function, the identification is intended to include all structures which can perform the function specified. When structures of this invention are identified as being coupled together, such language should be interpreted broadly to include the structures being coupled directly together or coupled together through intervening structures. Such coupling could be permanent or temporary and either in a rigid fashion or in a fashion which allows pivoting, sliding or other relative motion while still providing some form of attachment, unless specifically restricted.