Patent Publication Number: US-2012027961-A1

Title: Decorating Assembly and Methods of Use Thereof

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to decorations. More particularly, the present invention relates to decorating assemblies and methods of decorating trees. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Decorating a tree for the Christmas or the holiday season is arduous and time consuming. Moreover, removing most decorations from the tree and storing the decorations until it is time to use them again is a similarly unenviable activity. Decorating a tree typically includes many activities such as but not limited to placing lights on the tree, wrapping garland or other stringed decorations, and hanging ornaments. While there are countless other means to further decorate a tree, these similarly add significant time to the decorating and removal/cleanup process as opposed to helping busy persons save time during the hectic holiday season. Nevertheless, the majority of people, as busy as they may be, desire to decorate a tree to celebrate the holiday season. 
     As time crunched as many people are, they continuously seek a way to save time and be more efficient in their daily lives. This objective is exacerbated during the hectic holiday season, particularly with the daunting task of decorating a tree. Heretofore, an apparatus and method that can reduce the time necessary to provide a simple yet beautifully decorated tree as well as minimizing the time necessary to remove and store the decorations remains a long felt need of many individuals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an annular base member of a decorating assembly according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an overhead plan view of a decorating assembly according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a user decorating a tree with a decorating assembly according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an overhead plan view of a decorating assembly whereby one or more ornamental strings comprises a light strand according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention comprise decorating assemblies and methods of decorating. The decorating assembly comprises a base member, typically annular, and one or more ornamental strings. The base member typically comprises an aperture, a rim section, a trough section, and a plurality of slots disposed along the rim section. In some but not all embodiments the aperture, rim section, and trough section are generally circular in nature. Additionally, the base member can include a plurality of supporting arms and an elevation section, such as a generally frustoconical section used with annular base members. 
     The one or more ornamental strings are typically removably coupled to the base member to enable changing and replacement of the one or more ornamental strings providing the decorative effect. Many ornamental strings comprise alternating ornate portions and connective portions whereby the ornate portions are typically larger than the connective portions. The ornate portions should be large enough so as they do not to fit through the slots in the rim section while residing in the trough section of the base member. The connective portions are typically thinner than the ornate portions and are adapted to fit into the slots thereby keeping the ornate portion generally within the trough section and fixing the ornamental string in place. 
     In some embodiments the one or more ornamental strings can be a single ornamental string whereby ornate portions are generally interlaced with the base member to lock the single ornamental string in place to the appropriate configuration of a given tree or application. This configuration is particularly useful when the single ornamental string is a light strand thereby enabling a user to interlace the light strand one time to fit his or her specific tree. Then, the base member and the light strand can be removed together as a one-piece decorating assembly that is now custom fit to that specific tree and can be quickly reapplied the following year. 
     In use, embodiments of the decorating assembly are typically applied to a tree, such as a real or artificial Christmas tree during the holiday season. However, embodiments can be used in other contexts and for other festive occasions such as, but not limited to, weddings and birthday parties. Moreover, in some embodiments, no assembly is required and the decorating assembly comes prepackaged and ready to use making it a great time saver during the busy holiday season. 
     Terminology 
     The terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document including the claims unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase&#39;s case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase. 
     The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning: either or both. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment. 
     The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact. 
     The term “removable,” “removably coupled,” “readily removable,” “threadably coupled,” and similar terms, as used in this specification and appended claims, refer to structures that can be uncoupled from an adjoining structure with relative ease (i.e., non-destructively and without complicated or time consuming process), and can also be readily reattached or coupled to the previously adjoining structure. 
     Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting. 
     As applicable, the terms “about” and “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated mean a margin of +−20%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−10%. Concerning angular measurements, “about” or “generally” refer to +−10 degrees and “substantially” refers to +−5.0 degrees unless otherwise indicated. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied. 
     The term “ornamental strings” as used in this specification and the appended claims, unless clearly intended otherwise, refers generally to any contiguous decorative article. Many ornamental strings such as, but not limited to, bead garland and light strands comprise larger ornamental portions generally alternating with connective portions. Ornamental portions can consist of, but are not limited to, beads, light-emitting bulbs, balloons, bells, candies, popcorn, and knots. However, some ornamental strings can be mainly uniformly distributed contiguous decorative articles such as, but not limited to, tinsel garland, streamers, and ribbons. 
     An Exemplary Embodiment of a Decorating Assembly 
     An exemplary decorating assembly  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . The decorating assembly  10  typically comprises: a base member  12  and one or more ornamental strings  50 . The base member  12  is typically a unitary annularly-shaped piece. However, it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the base member can include various shapes, such as but not limited to, a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, and hexagon. Moreover, while the base member  12  is typically a single molded piece, some implementations can be comprised of a plurality of pieces to create this functional apparatus. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the base member  12  typically comprises an aperture  15 , a circumferential trough section  16 , a circumferential rim section  14 , and a plurality of slots  18 . Each of the plurality of slots  18  extends generally vertically from a top edge of the circumferential rim section  14  to proximal the circumferential trough section  16 . Hence, a plurality of tabs is created along the circumferential rim section  14  alternating with each of the plurality of slots  18 . The slots  18  can also comprise widened opening portions disposed proximal the top edge of the circumferential rim section  14  to enable ease of insertion of the one or more ornamental strings  50 . Hence, the plurality of tabs will have a tapered configuration on the top edge of the circumferential rim section  14 . 
     Moreover, a plurality of supporting arms  19  can be included in the base member  12  to provide structural support for each of the plurality of tabs along the circumferential rim section  14  and to define segments within the circumferential trough section  16 . The plurality of supporting arms  19  generally extend radially from an inner wall of the circumferential trough section  16  proximal the aperture  15  to the plurality of tabs of the circumferential rim section  14 . The plurality of supporting arms  19  are typically disposed in the approximate center of the plurality of tabs of the circumferential rim section  14 . 
     The base member  12  can also include a generally frustoconical section  13  extending from a top edge forming the aperture  15  to the circumferential trough section  16 . The generally frustoconical section  13  typically has a smaller diameter at the top edge forming the aperture  15  and a greater diameter at the portion leading to the circumferential trough section  16 . The generally frustoconical section  13  and the aperture  15  serve to secure the base member  12  to a generally elongated member such as, but not limited to, a top branch  82  of a tree  80 . Also, it is pertinent to note that in some implementations the generally frustoconical section can be cylindrical in nature. 
     As can be seen from the overhead views of  FIGS. 2 &amp; 4 , the aperture  15  is disposed in the approximate center of the base member  12 . The diameter of the aperture  15  (and the general diameter of an inner cavity formed by the generally frustoconical section  13 ) can vary substantially depending on the implementation of the decorating assembly  10 . For example, if the intended use of the decorating assembly  10  is for a large outdoor tree, the diameter of the aperture  15  will typically be larger than that of an embodiment of the decorating assembly  10  intended for use with a standard-sized indoor artificial Christmas tree. It is to be appreciated that the base member is typically constructed to be light weight (e.g., under approximately 1.5 ounces), yet durable and strong (e.g., capable of supporting  125  pounds of direct pressure without breaking or substantially deforming). 
     The one or more ornamental strings  50  are typically removably coupled to the base member  12 . Various methods exist for removably coupling the one or more ornamental strings  50  to the base member  12  such as, but not limited to, those illustrated and described herein. Moreover, the one or more ornamental strings  50  can comprise a wide array of contiguous decorative articles. However, many ornamental strings  50  comprise alternating ornate portions  52  and connective portions  54 . The ornate portions  52  are typically larger than the connective portions  54 . The ornate portions  52  are large enough so as they do not to fit through the slots  18  in the circumferential rim section  14  of the base member  12 . In contrast, the connective portions  54  are typically thinner than the ornate portions and are capable of fitting into the slots  18 . The connective portions  54  operatively couple the multiple ornate portions  52  throughout the ornamental string  50 . It is also pertinent to note that the ornate portions  52  are typically sized to fit generally within the circumferential trough section  16  of the base member  12  (and in some implementations, within the segments defined by the plurality of supporting arms  19  in the circumferential trough section  16 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , embodiments of the decorating assembly  10  typically comprise multiple ornamental strings  50  whereby each ornamental string  50  is removably coupled to a segment within the circumferential trough section  16  of the base member  12 . Each of the one or the one or more ornamental strings  50  can be removably coupled to each segment in the circumferential trough section  16  of the base member  12  by locating a first ornate portion  52   a  within the circumferential trough section  16  and locating a first connective portion  54   a  within a one of the plurality of slots  18  (e.g., between two adjacent tabs of the circumferential rim section  14 ). Also note that the segments defined within the circumferential trough section  16  and each of the first ornate portions  52   a  therein are illustrated. The supporting arms  19  are shown extending radially from an inner wall of the circumferential trough section  16  proximal the center of the base member  12  to the circumferential rim section  14  and spaced between each of the plurality of slots  18 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 4 , embodiments of the decorating assembly  10  can comprise a single ornamental string  50  whereby various portions of the single ornamental string  50  are removably coupled to or interlaced with segments in the circumferential trough section  16  of the base member  12 . In  FIG. 4 , the single ornamental string  50  is illustrated as a light strand, but the single ornamental string  50  can be bead garland or any other type of ornamental string. In this exemplary embodiment, the ornate portions comprise one or more light-emitting bulbs  62  and the connective portions comprise one or more electrical wires  64 . In this single ornamental string embodiment, a first light-emitting bulb  62   a  rests within the circumferential trough section  16  and a first electrical wire portion fits within a slot  18 . Note that the first light-emitting bulb  62   a  need not necessarily be the very first (or end bulb) of the single light strand. The following several light-emitting bulbs  62  are left to hang down before a first intermediate electrical wire  64   b  is located within another of the plurality of slots  18 . An intermediate light-emitting bulb  62   b  is then disposed within the circumferential trough  16  and a second intermediate electrical wire  64   c  is located into an immediately adjacent slot  18 . This interlacing as described and illustrated can be repeated as necessary to obtain the desired appearance of the decorating assembly  10 . A power plug  66  at an end of the light strand can be electrically coupled to an electrical outlet or wall socket to provide power to the light strand and create the desired ornamental appearance. 
     An Exemplary Method of Decorating a Tree with a Decorating Assembly 
     A new and useful exemplary method of decorating a tree is disclosed herein. It is to be understood that various embodiments of the decorating assembly  10  can be used in conjunction with exemplary method. By way of example but not limitation, a decorating assembly comprising light strands and/or bead garland as the one or more ornamental strings can be utilized in this method interchangeably. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the decorating assembly  10  and a tree  80  during the process of decorating the tree  80  using the exemplary method. The decorating assembly  10  comprises a base member  12  and one or more ornamental strings  50 . The base member  12  comprises an aperture disposed in the approximate center of the base member  12 , a rim section having a plurality of slots, a trough section, and an elevation section extending from the trough section to a top edge of the aperture. The one or more ornamental strings  50  are typically removably coupled to the base member  12 . 
     A first operation of the exemplary method comprises providing an embodiment of the decorating assembly  10 . It is to be appreciated that the decorating assembly  10  can be wholly contained within a container such as, but not limited to, a cellophane bag or cylinder/drum with the one or more ornamental strings  50  already coupled or preassembled to the base member  12 . Such a pre-assembled decorating assembly and container provide an easy storage means and efficient packing/unpacking process of the decorative apparatus. For example, ornamental strings of bead garland, in particular, can be stored from season to season still coupled to the base member. Tangling of the ornamental strings  50  can be avoided by lowering the base member  12  with the pre-attached ornamental strings into the container, such as a cylindrical container/drum. When the decorating assembly  10  is next needed, the base member  12  with the pre-attached ornamental strings  50  can be pulled straight up and applied to the tree without having to first untangle them. 
     Next, a user  90  can hold the decorating assembly  10  with a first hand while the decorating assembly  10  is moved into position over the tree  80 . Then, all or a portion of the one or more ornamental strings  50  can be held in a second hand (as illustrated by the bunched together portion of ornamental strings  50  on the right side of the tree  80  in  FIG. 3 ). Next, the decorating assembly  10  is placed on a top branch  82  of the tree  80 . This is accomplished in a similar manner as one would place a star, angel, or similar ornament at the top of a Christmas tree. However, it is to be appreciated that other methods of decorating a tree with the decorating assembly can comprise placement of the decorating assembly  10  on a branch of the tree that is not necessarily considered the top branch. 
     The decorating assembly  10  is typically placed on the general top portion of the tree  80  such that the top branch  82  of the tree  80  fits through the aperture of the base member  12 . The base member  12  is oriented such that the one or more ornamental strings  50  stay coupled to the base member  12  and at least one first ornate portion rests within the trough section. The top branch  82  of the tree  80  passes through the aperture into the elevation section, which aids in stabilizing the decorating assembly  10  on the top portion or top branch  82  of the tree  80 . As would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, the one or more ornamental strings  50  can be placed and spread along the length and/or circumference of the tree, as well as within or generally inside of the tree, and arranged in a myriad of ways. For example, a generally vertical application whereby the one or more ornamental strings  50  are extended straight down the side of the tree may provide the desired look. However, a generally horizontal and/or spiral application can be achieved by looping relatively longer ornamental strings  50  around the girth of the tree. 
     In sum, the tree  80  can be quickly and elegantly decorated by a single person or user  90  of this exemplary method. In some implementations, each of the one or more ornamental strings  50  can be individually coupled to the base member  12 , particularly when the user  90  desires to include custom-made ornamental strings. Yet in other implementations, each of the ornamental strings  50  can be pre-attached to the base member  12 . Moreover, the one or more ornamental strings  50  can be cut to the appropriate length for the given tree and desired arrangement. 
     It is pertinent to note that a plurality of decorating assemblies  10  can be used to decorate as single tree as the base members  12  are generally stackable. Therefore, methods of decorating a tree can further include, for example, (i) placing a first decorating assembly having bead garland as the one or more ornamental strings, (ii) placing a second decorating assembly having light strands as the one or more ornamental strings on top of the first decorating assembly, and (iii) placing a third decorating assembly having tinsel as the one or more ornamental strings on top of the second decorating assembly. 
     Alternative Embodiments and Variations 
     The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Embodiments of the decorating assembly and methods of use thereof may include use with different types and numbers of ornamental string. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the decorating assembly can be used for a variety of festive occasions in numerous arrangements. For example, the annular base member can be placed on the top of an elongated pole or suspended in some manner from a ceiling and each distal end of the plurality of ornamental strings can be attached to a wall or other structure. Hence, an ornamental gazebo like effect can be created indoors or outdoors. 
     All variations of the invention disclosed in this provisional application are intended and contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.