US4161768A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Artificial Christmas tree
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-06-14
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Granted: 1979-07-17
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Expires: 1998-06-14
Abstract
Abstract This invention is an electrically lit artificial Christmas tree which is assembled from separate components consisting of a central stalk, a base which supports said stalk, and main branches which have secondary branches attached to them. The branches which are made of two stiff, intertwisted and insulated electrical wires are attached to the central stalk by inserting their ends into holes provided in the stalk; this also connects the branches electrically to electrical conductors provided within the stalk; which are in turn powered by an electric cord leading from the conductors in the stalk to an electrical wall outlet. The branches have Christmas tree decorative electric globes attached to them, and are trimmed with artificial pine needles.
Inventors
- 👤 Ray J. Gauthier
- 👤 Fred G. Caverzan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:09
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47G; A47G33/00; A47G33/04; A47G33/06; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/806
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
221 words
An artificial Christmas tree which is produced in knock-down components for assembly by the user, comprising in combination a central stalk made of a wooden tube containing therein electrical conductors which are concentric with and run the full length of said central stalk; spaced holes located around the stalk for inserting therein branches of said tree, said holes leading from the surface of the stalk in a downward angle to its center; a plurality of main branches to which are attached secondary branches, made of two intertwined, stiff, and insulated electrical wires, said secondary branches being electrically connected to their main branch by jump wires, and each of the main branches terminating at its top with a cap, and at its stalk insertion end with a plug which makes electrical contact with the said electrical conductors within the stalk; tufts of artifical pine needles covering the said main and secondary branches; spaced, colored, ornamental electric lights attached to said main and secondary branches; a cap on the top of the central stalk provided with a central extension for attaching an ornament thereto; in combination with an electric cord leading from the said conductors within the central stalk and at the bottom thereof for attaching the tree to a power source; and a pedestal to which the central stalk can be attached.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
221 words
An artificial Christmas tree which is produced in knock-down components for assembly by the user, comprising in combination a central stalk made of a wooden tube containing therein electrical conductors which are concentric with and run the full length of said central stalk; spaced holes located around the stalk for inserting therein branches of said tree, said holes leading from the surface of the stalk in a downward angle to its center; a plurality of main branches to which are attached secondary branches, made of two intertwined, stiff, and insulated electrical wires, said secondary branches being electrically connected to their main branch by jump wires, and each of the main branches terminating at its top with a cap, and at its stalk insertion end with a plug which makes electrical contact with the said electrical conductors within the stalk; tufts of artifical pine needles covering the said main and secondary branches; spaced, colored, ornamental electric lights attached to said main and secondary branches; a cap on the top of the central stalk provided with a central extension for attaching an ornament thereto; in combination with an electric cord leading from the said conductors within the central stalk and at the bottom thereof for attaching the tree to a power source; and a pedestal to which the central stalk can be attached.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
102 words
A Christmas tree such as described in claim 1, in which the conductors within the central stalk consist of an outer concentric copper tube and an inner concentric copper tube, separated from each other by a tubular insulating material located between the said tubes; and the said plug at the stalk insertion end of each main branch consisting of two concentric electrical contacts, insulated from each other, the outer contact being shorter in order to contact the said outer conductor, and the inner contact extending further to contact the inner conductor, when the said main branch is inserted into the central stalk.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-07-16 | 1983-01-15 | 1983-07-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-07-16 | 1987-01-15 | 1987-07-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-07-16 | 1991-01-15 | 1991-07-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |