US4396652A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Artificial shrubs
Assignee: Noma Canada Inc
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Filing: 1982-05-18
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Granted: 1983-08-02
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Expires: 2002-05-18
Abstract
Abstract An artificial shrub comprises a central trunk and a plurality of branches connected thereto by a loop at the end of each branch which is receivable directly on the trunk. Shrubs of this construction are easily user assembled and adjusted for aesthetic effect, particularly where the branches are of appreciable axial extent and downwardly, outswept from the loops. A branch rest in the form of a serrated hoop may be provided to give lateral and radial support for the branch ends.
Inventors
- 👤 Rudolph A. Koehler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 06:55
CPC Classifications
A; A41; A41G; A41G1/00; A41G1/007; A47; A47G; A47G33/00; A47G33/04; A47G33/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
An artificial shrub for user assembly comprising: a stand; a trunk erectable from said stand; a plurality of branches each having a stem supported from said trunk; characterized whereby each said stem is provided at the proximal end thereof with a loop formed in a horizontal plane receivable on said trunk so as to support said stems directly therefrom, and means for limiting the axial travel of said loops on said trunk.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
An artificial shrub for user assembly comprising: a stand; a trunk erectable from said stand; a plurality of branches each having a stem supported from said trunk; characterized whereby each said stem is provided at the proximal end thereof with a loop formed in a horizontal plane receivable on said trunk so as to support said stems directly therefrom, and means for limiting the axial travel of said loops on said trunk.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
An artificial shrub as defined in claim 1, wherein said loops are rotatable about the major axis of said trunk.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
An artificial shrub as defined in claim 1, wherein said loops are unitarily formed with said stems of said branches.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
An artificial shrub as defined in claim 3, wherein said stems are formed of twisted wire.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An artificial shrub as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said means for limiting the axial travel of said loops on said trunk comprises at least one shoulder on said trunk.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
An artificial shrub as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said means for limiting the axial travel of said loops on said trunk comprises at least one shoulder of limited peripheral extent on said trunk.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
An artificial shrub as defined in claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein said branches are adapted to be downwardly supported from said loops to form a hollow shrub.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
An artificial shrub as defined in claim 2, 3 or 4 further comprising a rest mounted from said trunk to support distal portions of said branches.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
54 words
An artificial shrub as defined in claim 2, 3 or 4, further comprising a rest mounted from said trunk to distal portions of said branches, said rest comprising a hoop member continuously formed about its periphery with serrations within which said distal portions are receiveable so as to provide lateral location and support therefor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
An artificial shrub as defined in claim 2, 3 or 4, further comprising a preformed top section supported from the distal end of said trunk.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
100 words
An artificial shrub of hollow construction comprising: a trunk and stand therefor; a plurality of branches each comprising an axially elongated stem portion and side branches supported therefrom; said stem portion terminating at one end in a closed loop slidingly receivable on said trunk to be rotatable thereabout; said stem portion being angularly deformed adjacent said loop whereby said stem portion extends downwardly and outwardly from said trunk; stop means for limiting the axial travel of said loops on said trunk, and rest means axially spaced from said stop means for supporting distal ends of said stems from said trunk.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
100 words
An artificial shrub of hollow construction comprising: a trunk and stand therefor; a plurality of branches each comprising an axially elongated stem portion and side branches supported therefrom; said stem portion terminating at one end in a closed loop slidingly receivable on said trunk to be rotatable thereabout; said stem portion being angularly deformed adjacent said loop whereby said stem portion extends downwardly and outwardly from said trunk; stop means for limiting the axial travel of said loops on said trunk, and rest means axially spaced from said stop means for supporting distal ends of said stems from said trunk.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
An artificial shrub as defined in claim 11 wherein said rest means is provided with a plurality of laterally spaced outwardly opening notches to provide lateral support to said distal ends.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
An artificial shrub as defined in claim 11 wherein said stop means comprises a transverse dowel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-08-01 | 1987-01-31 | 1987-08-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-08-01 | 1991-01-31 | 1991-08-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-08-01 | 1995-01-31 | 1995-08-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |