Christmas tree and method of assembling a tree

Solution Overview

Problem

Tall artificial Christmas trees require the use of ladders and lift equipment for setup and decoration, increasing setup time and cost.

Innovation Solution

An artificial Christmas tree system that includes a base, an elongated support that can be moved between prone and erect positions, and a hoist to facilitate the assembly of frame sections without the need for ladders or lift equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If ladders and lift equipment are used to set up and decorate tall artificial Christmas trees, then the tree can be assembled at height, but the setup time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to assemble tree at heightVSAvoidSetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tree is divided into multiple frame sections that can be assembled separately at ground level and then connected vertically. This segmentation allows the tree to reach tall heights without requiring ladders or lift equipment during the entire assembly process, as each section can be prepared independently on the ground before being joined together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If ladders and lift equipment are used to set up and decorate tall artificial Christmas trees, then the tree can be assembled at height, but the equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to assemble tree at heightVSAvoidEquipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tree is divided into multiple frame sections that can be assembled separately at ground level and then connected vertically. This segmentation allows the tree to reach tall heights without requiring ladders or lift equipment during the entire assembly process, as each section can be prepared independently on the ground before being joined together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If frame sections are assembled sequentially from bottom to top using traditional methods, then the tree structure is stable, but the assembly process requires ladders and lift equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTree structure stabilityVSAvoidAssembly process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tree is divided into multiple frame sections that can be assembled separately at ground level and then connected vertically. This segmentation allows the tree to reach tall heights without requiring ladders or lift equipment during the entire assembly process, as each section can be prepared independently on the ground before being joined together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Frame sections are pre-assembled and prepared at ground level before being positioned vertically. This preliminary action at a convenient height allows decorators to work on each section while standing on the ground, eliminating the need for ladders or lift equipment during the decoration process while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12239252B2Christmas tree and method of assembling a tree

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 BALSAM INT UNLTD

AI summary

An artificial Christmas tree includes an elongated trunk extending between proximal and distal ends thereof. A base may support the trunk of the artificial tree in an upright position relative to floor. The proximal end of the trunk may be coupled to the base and the distal end of the trunk extending outwardly from the base. A plurality of frame sections may extend circumferentially around the trunk and being moveable in an axial direction relative to the trunk. Each frame section may extend longitudinally between axially spaced apart ends thereof and being connected with at least one other frame section, whereby axial movement of a given frame section along the trunk causes corresponding axial movement of each other frame section to which the given frame section is connected.