Patent Publication Number: US-2023137955-A1

Title: Decorative Tree with Insertable, Interchangeable Branches System and Method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of currently pending U.S. Application (to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 11,533,960 on Dec. 27, 2022), which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15,681,301 filed on Aug. 18 2017 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,791,781 on Oct. 6, 2020), which is a bypass continuation-in-part application of international application No. PCT/US2016/018544 having an international filing date of Feb. 18, 2016 and designating the United States, the international application claiming a priority date of Feb. 18, 2015 based upon prior-filed U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/117,866 filed on Feb. 18, 2015, the entire contents of the aforesaid applications being incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a decorative tree having a tree trunk including at least one limb stub for receiving an insertable, removable, interchangeable branch. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A variety of decorative trees are commercially available, particularly due to the interest in artificial Christmas trees. Though many are collapsible for storage, a few have branches that are connectable to the tree trunk, but the variety of branch-to-trunk connections tend to be not particularly sturdy. It is postulated that this may be because usually a Christmas tree has relatively light branches; is used in an indoor, wind-free, residential environment; and is used for a limited length of time each year. 
     However, there are other uses for decorative trees, such as for displays or to enhance a commercial setting. In situations where there is a need for a decorative tree that is larger, that is designed for commercial applications, and/or that is suited to a demanding environment, it would be advantageous to provide a trunk and insertable/removable branch system that has a robust connection between the insertable/removable branches and the trunk. In all situations, insertable branches that are easy to install, remove, and replace would be useful. For example, if a branch suffers damage, it could be replaced. Particularly useful would be a system and method in which multiple sets of visually distinguishable branches are supplied and in which one set of branches can be quickly and easily removed to be replaced by a second set of branches to markedly change the appearance of the fabricated tree. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,649 to Popowych et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,440 to Ayers both provide a monopole tower with receptors supporting artificial palm fronds or pine boughs that are permanently installed utilizing bolts and cables attached to a clamp. Though the connections may be robust, the palm fronds or pine boughs are not meant to be removed and replaced. Consequently, this one-time installation is time consuming and is not suitable for situations in which the removal and replacement of the artificial branches is recurrent on a periodic basis. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,829,349 to Hermanson provides an artificial Christmas tree that allows branches to be installed in layers, as the trunk of the tree is built upward. This design is also not suitable for the recurring substitution of one set of branches for another, because the trunk must be disassembled to install the layers of branches. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a decorative tree with insertable, removable, interchangeable branches that allows one set of branches to be quickly, easily installed and then uninstalled to allow a second set of branches to be installed, but that also provides a sturdy connection between the branch and its corresponding limb stub. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a decorative tree system having insertable, removable, interchangeable branches and is further directed to a method of use that allows a first set of these interchangeable branches to be removed and replaced by a second set of interchangeable branches. 
     The decorative tree system includes a tree trunk having at least one limb stub configured for receiving an insertable, removable, interchangeable branch (usually multiple limb stubs each receive a branch). The tree trunk includes a trunk internal support and a trunk external decorative skin fixedly attached to at least a portion of the exterior of the trunk internal support. 
     The limb stub is attached to the tree trunk, and the internal portion of its distal end forms the receptor for the branch to be inserted. The limb stub has a stub internal support and a stub external decorative skin. 
     The stub external decorative skin is fixedly attached to the exterior of at least a portion of the stub internal support and is also directly adjacent to, attached to, or formed integrally with the trunk external decorative skin. For instance, if the external decorative skin of both the stub and tree trunk are bark-like, the trunk-stub connection may imitate a tree&#39;s natural appearance with the bark of the branch continuing (or appearing to continue) from the bark of the tree trunk. 
     The proximal end of the stub internal support is fixedly attached to (or formed integrally with) the trunk internal support at a pre-determined angle, as desired for the particular limb stub given the particular size, shape, and location of the branch to be attached. Disposed at the distal end of the receiving stub is a female receiving portion or receptor that receives the male sleeve insert of the insertable branch. In the first embodiment, the receptor is configured with channel edges defining a guide channel. In the various aspects of the first embodiment the guide channel may be angled, notched, curved or straight and may be short or long. In the embodiments, the channel may be an interior channel (interior of the skin) or an exterior channel. The channel is used to promote alignment and/or positioning and/or securing. 
     The insertable branch has a branch internal support and a branch external decorative skin. The branch skin is fixedly attached to a distal portion of the branch internal support, but a proximal portion of the branch internal support, the male sleeve insert, is not covered by the branch external decorative skin. 
     In the embodiments, the stub-to-branch connection allows the convenient attachment of the insertable branch at the pre-determined angle of the limb stub. Multiple examples of stub-to-branch connections are provided. In most aspects, when the branch is connected to the stub, the proximal portion of the branch external decorative skin is adjacent to the distal portion of the stub skin. Therefore, the designs of both the branch skin and stub skin are preferably complementary for concealment of the seam. For instance, if both skins are bark-like, the stub-to-branch connection imitates a tree&#39;s natural appearance or if both skins are embossed metal, then the seam at the stub-to-branch connection may be integrated into the embossing design for camouflage. 
     In the first embodiment, the un-skinned portion of the branch sleeve is configured with an alignment protuberance, which is sized to fit within an interior (under the skin) guide channel of the limb stub internal support, but it but remains under the outer skin. Besides the alignment function of the alignment protuberance, the protuberance also serves to lock or secure the branch to the limb stub. In this embodiment, the channel is angled and/or curved. To connect the branch to the limb stub, an interior (interior of the skin) outwardly projecting alignment protuberance is engaged within the top entrance of the guide channel and is lowered into the channel following any jogs, curves, or angles of the channel to the final resting place of the alignment protuberance at the bottom stop of the channel. This provides resistance to inadvertent removal of the branch, such as by high winds or accidental bumping. 
     In the second embodiment, two optional securing systems are disclosed. In one aspect, the limb stub internal support is configured with one or more lock holes. The un-skinned portion of the branch sleeve is configured with an outwardly protruding engaging member, which has a locking pin sized and configured to fit within one of the lock holes. In another aspect, the limb stub is configured with an external channel, and the branch is configured with a branch sleeve exterior alignment protuberance. The branch sleeve exterior alignment protuberance is sized and configured to fit within the exterior channel of the stub, which serves to align the branch to the stub. If both aspects are used together in the second embodiment, the alignment protuberance additionally serves to facilitate alignment of the locking pin with the locking aperture. In this case, to connect the branch to the limb stub, the alignment protuberance is aligned with and then inserted into the top entrance of the exterior channel, locating the locking pin in a position to be received within one of the locking apertures as the proximal end of the branch is further inserted into the distal end of the stub. 
     In the third embodiment, one or both of the stub internal support (in addition to being configured with a guide channel) and/or the branch male sleeve insert (in addition to being configured with an alignment protuberance) are configured with one or more permanent magnets. When the male sleeve insert is received within the receptor of the stub internal support, any magnet(s) included are magnetically attracted to the corresponding magnet(s) or to ferromagnetic materials in the opposing member, thereby forming a magnetic stub-to-branch connection. As in the other embodiments, an internal or external alignment protuberance is engaged within the guide channel. 
     In use, the decorative tree may be provided to an establishment or residence with one set of branches or with multiple interchangeable sets of branches. For example, seasonal sets may be supplied, such as bare branches for winter, budded branches for spring, green-leaved branches for summer, and branches with autumn-colored leaves for fall. In another example, an event hall may have multiple set of branches, each set of which is designed to coordinate with a particular theme, such as cherry blossom branches for a Japanese theme, branches with leaves of yellow and purple and green for a Mardi Gras theme, branches with gold and silver metallic diamond-shaped “leaves” for a modern theme, etc. 
     The stub-to-branch connection provides sturdy support for the branches yet allows quick and easy removal of the branches of a first set and replacement with a second interchangeable set of branches. Therefore, a single fabricated tree can express multiple, decidedly different looks, which can be advantageous in both commercial and residential installations. The ease of replacement reduces labor costs for commercial installations, which is particularly advantageous to businesses with multiple units of the decorative tree. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a decorative tree with insertable branches that allows quick removal and replacement of the branch elements. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a decorative tree with insertable branches that provides good support for the branches. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements. 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a detail view taken from circle  1 A of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  2    is a partial enlarged front perspective view with the external decorative skin of both the stub and branch removed, showing the stub internal support and the branch internal support, which are unengaged. 
         FIG.  3    is the view of  FIG.  2    with the internal alignment protuberance of the branch internal support engaged within the internal channel of the stub internal support. 
         FIG.  4    is a partial enlarged front perspective view of a portion of the exterior of the stub and branch of the second embodiment, which are unengaged. 
         FIG.  5    is the view of  FIG.  4    with an external alignment protuberance of the branch engaged in the external channel of the stub and with the branch locking pin disposed within a locking aperture of the stub. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  5    showing the branch male sleeve insert portion of the branch internal support disposed inside the stub internal support, and the branch locking pin received by the locking aperture of the stub. 
         FIG.  7    is a partial enlarged front perspective view of a portion of the exterior of the stub and branch of the third embodiment, which are unengaged. 
         FIG.  8    is a cut diagram showing a first support base of an embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a cut diagram showing a second support base of an embodiment of the current invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a system of decorative, fabricated, insertable, removable, interchangeable branches for use with a decorative fabricated tree, shown generally as reference number  10 , and a method of using the interchangeable branches, which advantageously allows the replacement of one type or style of branch (or set of branches) with a different type or style of branch (or set of branches). The modular branches are supported in a sturdy stub-to-branch connection (at stub-branch joint  30 ), yet each branch is quickly and easily removable for replacement with a different type or style of branch. 
     In all of the multiple embodiments, the decorative tree with insertable branches system  10  comprises a tree trunk  15  including at least one limb stub  20  that is configured to receive an insertable, interchangeable branch  40 , and usually will include multiple stubs  20  each of which accommodates a branch  40 . The branch  40  may include a branch-leaf component  65  or may not (such as when imitating a deciduous branch in winter). When the branch  40  is inserted into the limb stub  20  the stub-branch joint  30  is preferably barely visible, being obscured by the irregularity or pattern of the exterior decorative skins  23 ,  43  of the stub  20  and branch  40 . 
     The trunk  15 , limb stub  20 , and branch  40  all have internal supports  17 ,  27 ,  47  and an external decorative skin  13 ,  23 ,  43 , respectively. For clarity in discussing the internal structures (such as the internal supports  17 ,  27 ,  47  and the reversible coupling system of the stub-to-branch connection),  FIGS.  2 - 3    show a portion of the trunk  15 , limb stub  20 , and branch  40  without the corresponding external decorative skin  13 ,  23 ,  43 . 
     The stub internal support  27  has a proximal end  32  ( FIG.  3   ) fixedly attached to the trunk internal support  17  at a trunk-stub connection  12 . The trunk-stub connection  12  may be formed by any method suitable for the size and materials of the tree. For example, if stub internal support  27  and trunk internal support  17  are large and metal, the trunk-stub connection  12  may be a welded joint, but if the internal supports  17 ,  27  are small and plastic, they may be formed integrally (such as by injection molding or other molding methods) or they may be adhesively attached. 
     The interior portion of the stub distal end  38  ( FIGS.  2 ,  4   ) is the stub internal support  27 , which is configured as a receptor  29 . 
     The branch internal support  47  is only partially covered with the decorative skin  43 . At least a portion of the branch internal support distal portion  59  is covered with the decorative skin  43 , but at least a portion of the proximal portion  48  ( FIGS.  1 A,  2   ) of the branch internal support  47  is left uncovered by the decorative skin  43  to form the bare or non-skinned male sleeve insert  50 . The male sleeve insert  50  is sized and designed to allow manual installation into the receptor  29  of the stub internal support  27 . To allow the male sleeve insert  50  to slide into the interior of the receptor  29 , the male sleeve insert  50  does not have a rough bark-like exterior but has a generally smooth exterior surface. This outer stub and inner branch engagement necessitates that the exterior diameter of the male sleeve insert  50  (which is preferably a cylindrical tube or the like with a smooth exterior) is smaller than the inside diameter of the stub internal support  27  (which is preferably also a cylindrical tube or the like with a smooth interior). 
     In all of the embodiments, a reversible coupling system is employed both to enhance the strength of the stub-branch joint  30  when the male sleeve insert  50  is inserted into the stub receptor  29  and to allow the male sleeve insert  50  to be removed when necessary for removal and replacement of the branch  40 . The reversible coupling system of the first embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 3    utilizes an internal alignment protuberance  45 I engaged within an angled, curved, or otherwise non-straight internal channel  25 I. The reversible coupling system of the second embodiment of  FIGS.  4 - 6    utilizes at least an external alignment protuberance  45 E which engages with an external through-type guide channel  25 E. In an aspect the second embodiment of  FIGS.  4 - 6    uses a locking pin  44  and a corresponding locking aperture  35 . The reversible coupling system of the third embodiment of  FIG.  7    provides an internal alignment protuberance  45  and corresponding channel  25 , and, in an aspect, provides one or more magnets. In all three embodiments, the guide channel  25  along with the alignment protuberance  45  are used to facilitate proper alignment for coupling of the male sleeve insert  50  of the interchangeable branch  40  with the receptor  29  of the stub  20 . 
     In the embodiments, the alignment protuberance  45  is a stem, tab, button, prong, tongue, or other projection that extends outwardly from or over the male sleeve insert  50 . The alignment protuberance  45  may be formed integrally with the male sleeve insert  50  or may be permanently attached to the exterior of the male sleeve insert  50 , such as by welding or permanent adhesive. If formed separately and attached, the alignment protuberance  45  may or may not be formed of the same material as the male sleeve insert  50 . The alignment protuberance  45  may be internal and bare or unskinned, as shown in the first embodiment ( FIGS.  1 A,  2 - 3   ) and third embodiments ( FIG.  7   ), or may be external and skinned, as shown in the second embodiment of  FIGS.  4 - 6   . 
     In the embodiments, the stub internal support  27  has a distal end (disposed at stub distal end  38 , as seen in  FIGS.  2 ,  3 ,  4   ) configured with a channel  25  (internal or external) that receives the branch&#39;s internal alignment protuberance  45 I (in the first embodiment) or the exterior alignment protuberance  45 E (in the second embodiment). The channel  25  is an opening or notch at the edge  39  of the receptor  29 . The channel  25  may be straight or non-straight (angled and/or curved). For example, edges  22  ( FIG.  2   ) may define a straight channel  25  defined by opposing top entrance edges  21 , opposing vertical channel portion edges  22 , and a bottom stop edge  28 . 
     In all the embodiments, a single tree system  10  is provided with at least one set  60  of branches  40  with each branch  40  of the set  60  insertable into the receiving stub  20  by use of the reversible coupling system. Preferably, multiple interchangeable sets  60  of branches are supplied with the tree system  10  or additional sets  60  are available for ordering, as desired. Although an additional set  60  of branches may include branches  40  that are identical to the branches  40  of the first set (such as for replacement of worn branches), it is advantageous if multiple sets  60  of visually distinguishable branches are available. This enables the removal of the first set  60  and the replacement with a second set having a markedly different appearance (such as a variation in color, shape, texture, and/or material). Advantageously, with a single installed tree trunk with attached limb stubs, multiple set  60  of stylistically different branches  40  can be rotated in and out. This allows the user of the system  10 , with a minimal of effort, to give a fresh, new look or different atmosphere to the area in which the tree system  10  is installed. Additionally, if the user of the tree kiosk system  10  remodels and, for example, lowers the height of the ceiling, a set  60  of generally vertical branches can be replaced with a set  60  of more horizontally spreading branches having a lower vertical height. 
     In the first embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the internal channel  25 I serves as an internal guideway for the branch&#39;s outwardly-projecting internal alignment protuberance  45 I. The channel  25 I is non-straight (angled, jogged, notched, and/or curved) to improve engagement and to secure the connection. To maintain an outer natural appearance, the channel  25 I is interior of the external decorative skin  23 , as can be seen best in  FIG.  1 A . Consequently, no opening is created in the external decorative skin  23 . An exemplary angled channel is shown, which is defined by opposing top entrance edges  21 , two sets of opposing vertical channel portion edges  26 , opposing horizontal channel portion edges  24 , and a bottom stop edge  28 . 
     In the first embodiment, the alignment protuberance  45  is positioned at a pre-determined interconnection distance B ( FIG.  1 A ) from the proximal edge  49  of the sleeve insert  50 . The interconnection distance B from alignment protuberance  45  to the proximal edge  49  of the sleeve insert  50  is the distance that, when the modular branch  40  is attached, the sleeve insert  50  will extend beyond the bottom stop edge  28  of the channel  25 I. This extension of the lower portion of the sleeve insert  50  beyond the bottom stop edge  28  enhances the strength of the stub-branch joint  30 . An exemplary length of the interconnection distance B may be in the range of from one-half to six diameters of the sleeve insert  50 . 
     The non-skinned male sleeve insert  50  extends a pre-determined overlap distance A ( FIG.  1 A ) from alignment protuberance  45  to the bottom edge  69  of the decorative skin  43 . When sleeve insert  50  is inserted within the receptor  29 , the bare (un-skinned) branch internal support proximal portion  48  overlaps the upper part of the receptor  29  the pre-determined overlap distance A. The overlap distance A is the distance above the alignment protuberance  45  to the decorative skin edge  69 . An exemplary length of the overlap distance A may be in the range of from one to six diameters of the sleeve insert  50 . 
     Though the figures show the overlap distance A as approximately equal to the interconnection distance B, there is no requirement for this. For instance, the alignment protuberance  45  can be disposed quite near the proximal edge  49  of sleeve insert  50  (thus the interconnection distance would be quite small), and the distance between the alignment protuberance  45  and the edge  69  of the decorative skin  43  could be much longer than illustrated (thus the overlap distance A would be quite large in comparison to the interconnection distance B). A short distance B may provide advantages to allow the limb stub  20  to be short, which may facilitate shipping. A longer interconnection distance B would force the limb stub  20  to be longer, which might be useful to move the stub-branch joint  30  to a more obscure location. A longer overlap distance A may strengthen the stub-to-branch connection when the branches have a wider diameter or the tree system  10  is to be used in a high wind area. A determination of the interconnection distance and the overlap distance may be made for each branch independently of other branches or simultaneously for multiple branches of a set. The determination of the interconnection B and overlap A distances may be based on considerations of manufacturing ease, aesthetic interests, functional requirements, shipping needs, environment of use considerations, the diameter and weight of the branch, and the like. 
       FIG.  2    (illustrating the internal components without the external decorative skin  13 ,  23 ,  43  for clarity of discussion) shows the male sleeve insert  50  properly aligned to be manually engaged with receptor  29  of the stub internal support  27 . The alignment protuberance  45  is in alignment with the channel  25 I opening between the opposing top entrance edges  21 , so is properly aligned for lowering sleeve insert  50  downward toward the stub receptor  29 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates the assembled stage (again with the decorative skins  23 ,  43  removed). The alignment protuberance  45  has been manually inserted into the channel entrance at opposing top entrance edges  21 , has been slid vertically downward along the first vertical channel portion defined by first opposing vertical edges  26 A, has been slid horizontally along the horizontal channel portion defined by opposing horizontal edges  24 , has been slid vertically down the second vertical channel portion defined by opposing vertical edges  26 B, and has come to rest at the bottom stop defined by bottom stop edge  28 . In the exemplary illustration of  FIGS.  2 - 3   , the length of the interconnection distance B (from the alignment protuberance  45  to the edge  49 ) is slightly greater than the length of the internal support  27 . Therefore, in this particular example, the sleeve insert  50  will extend somewhat past the trunk-stub connection  12  and into the trunk internal support  17 . 
     When in the assembled stage, the sleeve insert  50  of the branch  40  is fully inserted into the limb stub internal support  27  until the alignment protuberance  45  rests in the channel bottom stop defined by bottom stop edges  28 . In this position, the bottom portion  69  of the external decorative skin  43  of branch  40  is adjacent to the top portion  14  of the external decorative skin  23  of the stub  20 , forming the stub-branch joint  30  ( FIGS.  1 ,  1 A ). The irregularities and/or design of the external decorative skin  23 ,  43  cause the stub-branch joint  30  to be barely perceptible. 
     The second embodiment of  FIGS.  4 - 6    shares many features with the first embodiment, but it provides a second reversible coupling system used to create the stub-to-branch connection. The second reversible coupling system varies from the first embodiment in the type of the outward projection (alignment protuberance  45 E), the type of channel (exterior channel  25 E), and in the addition of an engaging member  55  and a complementary locking aperture  35 . The second embodiment provides two basic aspects that may be used independently or together. The first aspect provides an external alignment protuberance  45 E to be received by channel  25 E. The second aspect provides an engaging member system  55  (such as a spring-biased push button assembly having a locking pin  44 ) to be received by a locking aperture  35 . 
     As in the first embodiment, a projection (external alignment protuberance  45 E) is received by the channel, which in this embodiment is an external guide channel  25 E. In the second embodiment, in contrast to the first embodiment, the channel  25 E is straight, and it extends through both the stub internal support  27  and the stub external decorative skin  23 . The alignment protuberance  45 E is disposed adjacent to the proximal edge  69  of the branch external decorative skin  43 , and the branch external decorative skin  43  extends from this proximal edge  69  onto the outer surface of the alignment protuberance  45 E. Preferably the branch external decorative skin  43  external to the distal portion of the branch  40  is formed integrally with the branch external decorative skin  43  external to the skinned external alignment protuberance  45 E. 
     The external channel  25 E has a channel width and a channel length. The external alignment protuberance  45 E is received into, and substantially fills, the external channel  25 E. The alignment protuberance  45 E is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the channel  25 E. Thus, the alignment protuberance  45 E has a length close to, but slightly less than, the channel length and has a width close to, but slightly less than, the channel width. The alignment protuberance  45 E can be slidingly engaged into the channel  25 E, thus must necessarily be slightly less in width and length than the channel to fit into the channel  25 E. When the alignment protuberance  45 E is inserted into the channel  25 E, the branch external decorative skin  43  of the alignment protuberance  45 E is adjacent to the stub external decorative skin  23  at the edges of the channel  25 E, which serves to obscure the edges of the connecting portions. 
     Optionally, the alignment protuberance  45 E may be formed integrally with the branch  40  or may be formed separately and fixedly attached to the branch  40 . 
     In the second aspect of the second embodiment, the locking aperture  35 , defined by aperture edge  36 , extends through the stub internal support  27  and the stub external decorative skin  23 . There may be a single locking aperture  35 , or, in a variation, multiple aligned locking apertures  35  are provided to allow branches with different overlap distances A ( FIG.  1 A ) to be used with the tree system  10  and/or to allow adjustment of the length of the branch  40 . Generally, the one or more apertures  35  will be disposed on the distal portion of the stub  20 , though they may additionally or instead by disposed on the proximal portion of the stub  20 . 
     An engaging member system  55  is at least partially secured within the sleeve insert  50  of the branch internal support  47 . The engaging member system  55  preferably includes a spring-biased push button assembly having a locking pin  44  that, when the branch is connected to the stub, projects through the stub aperture  35  to hold the branch  40  in place with respect to the stub  20 . In a preferred aspect, the locking pin  44  extends outwardly radially with a skinned top surface. The top surface is configured with a portion of skin, pin external decorative skin  53 , that visually corresponds to the outer surface of the stub external decorative skin  23 , thus obscuring the locking pin  44  and providing a more uniform look. The top surface of the locking pin  44  preferably substantially fills the stub aperture  35 . 
     To attach the branch  40  to the stub  20 , the locking pin  44  of the engaging member system  55  is aligned with the aperture  35  and the locking pin  44  is urged radially outward by a spring  52  to lock the branch  40  and stub  20  against relative movement. When the branch  40  is to be removed, the locking pin  44  of the engaging member system  55  is depressed (through the aperture  35 ) against the spring force, and the branch  40  can be removed. Or, optionally, the locking pin  44  of the engaging member system  55  can be moved to a different one of the aligned apertures  35  (if provided). The engaging member system  55  may include only a single spring-biased locking pin  44 , as illustrated in  FIG.  6   , or may include two locking pins  44 , such as on opposing sides of the sleeve insert  50  (in which case two opposing sets of apertures  35  will be included on opposing sides of the stub  20 ). In one preferred aspect, the one or more apertures  35  are disposed on the top of the branch  40 , which serves to obscure the connection from the view of people walking below the tree, yet the connection is easily viewable by, and accessible to, a maintenance person on a ladder. 
     In the second embodiment, to attach the branch  40 , the branch  40  is brought near the stub  20 . The proximal portion of the male sleeve insert  50  enters the distal end  38  of the stub  20 . The locking pin  44  is depressed, and the sleeve insert  50  is moved further into the distal end  38  of the stub  20  with the locking pin  44  in the depressed state. The branch  40  is turned to align the alignment protuberance  45 E with the channel  25 E, which rotates the locking pin  44  of the engaging member system  55 . At this point, the locking pin  44  is above the aperture  35  with which it will be engaged, but it is in line with it. As the branch  40  is brought lower, the alignment protuberance  45 E slides into the channel  25 E, which also causes the location of the locking pin  44  of the engaging member system  55  to correspond to the location of the aperture  35 . When locking pin  44  aligns with the location of the aperture  35 , the locking pin  44  is pushed lower into the stub  20 , the locking pin  44  is urged radially outward by the spring  52  to lock the branch  40  and stub  20  against relative movement. Due to the force exerted by the spring  52 , the locking pin  44  maintains an outwardly extending thrust into the aperture  35  until the steps are reversed to remove the branch  40 . 
     The third embodiment of  FIG.  7    illustrates another variation in the reversible coupling system. The third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment in that the location of the alignment protuberance  45  is adjacent to the proximal edge  69  of the branch external decorative skin  43 , but it is different than the second embodiment in that the alignment protuberance  45  of the third embodiment is un-skinned or bare. The branch external decorative skin  43  does not extend from the edge  69  onto the surface of the alignment protuberance  45 . The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that the channel  25 I is not cut through the stub external decorative skin but is only cut through the internal support  27 . 
     In an aspect of the third embodiment, in contrast to the other embodiments, one or both of the stub internal support  27  and the branch internal support  47  are configured with permanent magnets  37 ,  56 , respectively. If the stub internal support  27  and/or the branch internal support  47  are formed of ferrous materials, only one magnet will be required. The branch magnet  56  may be located within the annular interior of the tubular male sleeve insert  50  or may be disposed within the wall of the male sleeve insert  50 . The stub magnet  37  may be disposed within the wall of the stub internal support  27 , within the stub external decorative skin  23 , between the stub internal support  27  and the stub external decorative skin  23 , or partially within both the stub internal support  27  and the stub external decorative skin  23 . 
     To use the third embodiment, in the aspect in which no magnets are included, the branch  40  is brought near the stub  20  with the alignment protuberance  45  aligned with the channel  25 I and lowered into the receptor  29 . The alignment protuberance  45  is fully inserted into the channel  25 I and rests below the external decorative stub skin  23 . The branch  40  is supported by the stub  20  by the engagement of the alignment protuberance  45  with the channel  25 I. In this aspect, the channel  25 I and the protuberance  45  may be longer than shown in  FIG.  7   . 
     To use the third embodiment, if only one magnet is included (stub magnet  37  or branch magnet  56 ), the opposing internal structure (stub internal support  27  or branch internal support  47 ) will necessarily include ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, steel, cobalt, nickel, or the like. The branch  40  is brought near the stub  20  with the alignment protuberance  45  aligned with the channel  25  and lowered into the receptor  29 . The alignment protuberance  45  is fully inserted into the channel  25 . The magnetic attraction created between the magnet  37  or  56  and the opposing internal structure  27  or  47  enhances the strength of the stub-branch joint  30 . 
     To use the third embodiment, if both magnets  37 ,  56  are included, the branch  40  is brought near the stub  20  with the alignment protuberance  45 I aligned with channel  25 I, and the branch end is lowered into the receptor  29  to allow the magnets to engage and the protuberance  45  to be received by the channel  25 I. In an aspect, the branch  40  is brought near the stub  20 , with the alignment protuberance  45  to one side or the other of the channel  25 , and lowered into the receptor  29 , but it then turned to align the alignment protuberance  45  with the channel  25 , which allows the branch  40  to drop lower. This aspect may provide an easier installation, as the magnets do not attract until the branch is in the lower position. The magnets fully engage when the branch magnet  56  corresponds in location to the complementary stub magnet  37 . The magnetic field created between the two magnets  37 ,  56  enhances the strength of the stub-branch joint  30 . 
     The lower portion  19  ( FIG.  1   ) of the trunk  15  may be appropriately anchored, based on considerations of the size and shape of the decorative tree system  10  and of the environment of use.  FIG.  8    and  FIG.  9    provide two exemplary support bases  70 . 
     In an aspect shown in  FIG.  8   , the tree trunk lower portion  19  is configured with a receiving chamber  78  (defined by receiving chamber edges  16 ) and ends at a trunk lower boundary  18 . The tree is to be placed on the finished floor  77 . Below the finished floor  77  is a substrate  79 , which may typically be concrete. A support base  70  comprises a horizontal portion, base plate  71 , and a vertical portion, vertical extension  75 . The vertical extension  75  is fixedly attached to, or formed integrally with, the base plate  71 . The vertical extension  75  projects upwardly and is sized and shaped to be received by the receiving chamber  78 . The vertical extension  75  may be formed of a metal cylinder, piping, or other elongated structure. 
     The horizontal base plate  71  extends outwardly beyond the vertical extension  75 , and it is configured with multiple holes (defined by plate hole edges). The base plate  71  is first installed. A bolt  73  is positioned into each of the holes, inserted through flooring holes in the finished flooring  77 , and firmly attached to the substrate  79 . The tree then can be lowered onto the upright vertical extension  75 , which is received within the receiving chamber. This serves to anchor the tree to the substrate  79  to prevent accidental toppling. 
       FIG.  8    shows the tree partially lowered onto the vertical extension  75  with the vertical extension  75  partially filling the receiving chamber  78  defined by receiving chamber edges  16 . In an aspect, when fully lowered, the trunk lower boundary  18  is adjacent to the finished floor  77 . In another aspect the trunk lower boundary  18  is slightly above the finished floor  77  with an interposed decorative element (not shown) filling the gap between the boundary  18  and the floor  77 . 
       FIG.  9    shows another support base  70  aspect of the invention in which the tree is installed into and supported by a containing structure  80 . The containing structure  80  may be a pot, basin, bowl, bucket, basket, urn, vessel, or other receptacle. The containing structure  80  is sized to receive and provide support to the tree and to visually coordinate with the look of the tree. 
     The support base of  FIG.  9    includes both a horizontal portion, weighted foundational structure  81 , and a vertical portion, vertical extension  85 . 
     In one aspect the containing structure  80  may be bolted to a substrate  79 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . In another aspect the containing structure  80  may include a weighted foundational structure  81  that is disposed in the bottom of the containing structure  80 . The weighted foundational structure  81  may be formed of concrete or similar heavy material or may be formed by a frame filled with concrete or other heavy material. 
     A vertical extension  85  is fixedly attached to, or formed integrally with, the foundational structure  81 . The foundational structure  81  is wider than the vertical extension  85 . In similarity to the aspect shown in  FIG.  8   , the lower trunk  19  is configured with a receiving chamber  78  defined by edges  16 . 
     In the aspect shown in  FIG.  9   , to install the tree into the support base  70 , the support base  70  may be optionally bolted to the substrate  79 . The vertical extension  85  is then inserted into the cavity of the receiving chamber  78 . Optionally, the weight of the foundational structure  81  is used to balance and support the tree without the use of bolts to attach the support base  70  to the substrate  78 . In this case, the foundational structure  81  is disposed in the bottom of the containing structure  80  with the vertical extension projecting upwardly. The tree is lowered onto the vertical extension  85  and the receiving chamber  78  accommodates the vertical extension  85 . 
     In all the embodiments, the upper portion  11  of trunk  15  may generally be configured with multiple receiving stubs  20  (that may vary in angle and size) for receiving generally larger bottom branches  40  and generally smaller upper branches  40 . However, the upper portion  11  may only have a single receiving stub  20  for receiving a single treetop-type branch  40 . Generally, the angle of the stub  20  determines the angle of the installed branch  40 . 
     The design of the external decorative skin  13 ,  23 ,  43  may vary, with the chosen design based on aesthetic desires or functional requirements. Often the external decorative skin  13 ,  23 ,  43  may be designed to imitate a type of natural bark. However, other textures, grains, veneers, and other natural or artificial designs may also be used; for instance, designs incorporating the style of simulated alligator skin, brick, hair, pebbles, paisleys, plush fabrics, smooth or textured metallic finishes or the like could be utilized. 
     The materials and production processes of the components of the decorative tree with insertable branches system  10  may vary based on considerations of size, environment of use, aesthetic desires, and functional requirements. However, in an exemplary production process, the internal supports  17 ,  27 ,  47  may be formed of metal (such as steel) piping of appropriate sizes. The metal pipe of the trunk internal support  17  may be welded to the smaller metal pipe of the stub internal support  27  at trunk-stub connection  12  ( FIG.  3   ). The alignment protuberance  45  may be welded onto the metal pipe forming internal support  47 . The metal pipe of the stub internal support  27  may have the channel  25  cut into it. The external decorative skin  13 ,  23 ,  43  may be preferably formed of urethane, which may be adhered with a methacrylate adhesive onto the internal supports  17 ,  27 ,  47 , or may be adhered to an intermediary layer of urethane soft foam that is applied to wire mesh that is supported by metal pipes. As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 5   , the decorative skin is preferably applied without a seam between the stub  20  and the tree trunk  15 , so the stub  20  appears to be a part of the tree trunk  15 . Until the methacrylate adhesive cures, a plastic film may be used to wrap the glued portions to allow proper curing. 
     Optionally, the internal supports  17 ,  27 ,  47  may be formed of a wire mesh with stronger metal reinforcements. Then the external decorative skin  13 ,  23 ,  43  may be attached to the wire mesh. The stronger metal reinforcements can be used, for example, to fixedly attach the stub internal support  27  to the trunk internal support  17 . 
     Optionally, the internal supports  17 ,  27 ,  47  may be formed of a heavy wire frame with tubular portions forming the distal end of the stub internal support  27  and the male sleeve insert  50 . Or a combination of materials may be used to form the various parts of the internal supports  17 ,  27 ,  47 . For example, the trunk internal support  17  may be formed of heavy wire with a tubular member welded to it to serve as the receptor  29  of the stub  20 . 
     The branch-leaf component  65  may be attached to the branch  40  in any of a variety of ways, but it is preferably fixedly attached. The branch-leaf component  65  may have a metal end that can be welded to a metal pipe of the branch internal support  47 . Or the lower proximal end of branch internal support  47  may be formed of a metal pipe with the upper distal end formed of a wire mesh to which the branch-leaf component  65  is firmly attached, such as by wire or adhesive. 
     The tree trunk  15 , stub  20 , and the branches  40  are fabricated, meaning that they are assembled from parts or sections and made or constructed by art or skill and human or robotic labor. The materials used include metal, various plastics, fabrics, other manmade materials, and also preserved natural materials (such as preserved natural branches, trunks, or leaves). In general, the framing of the trunk may be done with wire with a fabric attached to the wire to form the outer portion. For outdoor locations or larger trees, a heavier gauge wire and heavier outer fabric may be used than for indoor or smaller trees. The materials may be used with or without coatings or sealants. Coatings may be used to add advantages such as ease of cleaning and fire retardation. For instance, the leaves may be made of polyester fabric, but have a polyurethane coating to repel dust, prevent penetration of the fabric by spills, and enhance cleaning. The fabricated parts may duplicate, copy, or replicate something from nature, or they may create an interesting presentation or display that is quite different than that found in nature (for instance, metal triangle-shaped attachments substituted for leaves attached to LED light strands substituted for branch skin). In some cases, manmade branches and/or branch-leaf components are used with a manmade fabric-covered wire trunk. Preserved natural branches can be adapted to attach to the male sleeve insert  50  so can be used with a manmade metal pipe trunk or with a preserved trunk  15  fitted with a stub  20  to receive the male sleeve insert  50 . Preserved or manmade branch-leaf components can be used with either type of branch. 
     The size of the stub  20  and the branches  40  are determined or influenced by the size of the tree trunk  15 . For instance, the entire tree may have a height of 10 feet with an 8-foot diameter canopy, in which case the trunk may have a diameter of from 3 to 5 inches and the tree may weigh less than 200 pounds. In another instance, the tree might be an 18-foot tree with a 20-foot diameter canopy with a trunk from 15 to 21 inches in diameter with the tree weighing more than 600 pounds. And, though in general, the tree may be over 6 feet tall, smaller trees are within the scope of the invention. For instance, a table-top size tree having a height of only 2 to 4 feet and a trunk diameter of three-fourths inch to 3 inches may utilize the provided stub  20  and the branches  40 . 
     Variations of the structures presented are within the scope of the invention. For instance, in any of the embodiments the channel  25  may be cut through the stub external decorative skin or may be an interior channel only cut through the internal support  27 . Additionally, the aspects of one embodiment may be utilized with another embodiment. For instance, the magnets of the third embodiment can be utilized with the first or second embodiments. 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.