Gregory S Hale

US Patent:

57589488, Jun 2, 1998

Filed:

Jul 10, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/677832

Inventors:

Gregory S. Hale - Waukesha WI

International Classification:

F21P 100
F21P 102
A47G 3306

US Classification:

362123

Abstract:

A lighting display device simulates a decorated, lighted tree, when illuminated. A plurality, preferably 15 elongated support members are attached at each end to a central shaft. The upper end is hingedly attached to a stationary collar while the lower end is attached to a collar which is axially moveable along the shaft. A hinge is formed in each of the support members at a point spaced away from the ends of the support members. Each of the support members has a generally C-shaped configuration with an open side facing the shaft and a plurality of spaced openings through a surface of each of the support members faces away from the shaft. Each of the openings is adapted to receive a light bulb from a string of lights, and the channel is adapted to receive a plurality of light sockets supporting the lights. When the collar is moved axially along the shaft, each of the support members is moved, from a substantially straight position suitable for storage of the device, to an erect position wherein each of the support members is folded outwardly from the shaft at the hinge point. The axially moveable ends of the support members are secured to the shaft thus forming a conical tree-like structure.