Christmas tree.

Application filed March 10,1902. Serial Ho. 97,660. (No model.) branches of the tree. The lower end of the next succeeding tubular section 16 has a threaded engagement with the upper end of 5 section 11, as at 17. The lower joining end of section 16 being of a less diameter provides for a shoulder-bearing 18 on section 11 and on which rests one of a series of hubs 19, which are mounted on the different sections ( forming the body of the tree and are disposed at intervals, as shown in Fig. 1. These hubs are each provided with a number of socketapertures 20 for the loose reception of the inner ends of the branches or limbs 21. The t apertures enter the hubs at an angle, as shown, so that the branches will assume an inclined position in imitation of a natural tree. Artificial branches may be used; but natural evergreens are plentiful in the market in.the proper season and of course impart a more realistic and otnainental appearance to the tree. The tubular sections comprising the body of the tree gradually diminish in diameter in the direction pf the top, and the branches may be made to shorten c^’wespondingly in imparting a natural appearance to the tree. The top section 22 has a threaded connection with the next section below, as at 23, the upper end being open and forms' a έ holder for the tree-top 24. The hubs 19 are also provided with a number of horizontal apertures 25 for the reception of a number of radial arms 26, which are held in the horizontal position shown. These arms will be 8 properly arranged with reference to the branches or limbs and are adapted to support suitable lighting devices, such as a, in providing for the illuminating feature.

The tree as a whole is revolubly mounted 9 on a stationary spindle 27, which extends upward on the inside of the body and stops short of the top. The lower end of this spindle is fixed in the supporting-base 28, the uppe. 'nd terminating in a conical bearing-point 29, seating in the ball-bearing 30, located in cavity 31, formed in the lower end of a bearingI plug 32. This plug has a threaded engage ment in the inside of the tubular body and is vertically movable in positioning the bear ing. The upper end of the hub 4 is cupped - out for the spindle ball-bearing 33. Thecon- tracted tubular bearings 34 and 35 also assist j in maintaining the parts in their vertica¹ poTo all whom it may concern: 1

Bo it known that I, Arthur H. ZAHL,aciti- i zen of the United States, residing at Bensen- t ville, in the county of Dupage and State of s 5 Illinois, have invented certain new and use- < ful Improvements in Christmas Trees; and I 1 do hereby declare the following to be a full, < clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art io to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to improvements in artificial or Christmas trees, and has for its object to provide a device of this character 15 which may be used as a substitute for the natural tree and is adapted to have a rotary movement when used for display purposes.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is an elevation embodying the improved features. Fig. 2 is 20 a vertical longitudinal section of the body of the tree, the rotating mechanism being shown in its relative working position; and Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on line 3, Fig. 1, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow.

The tree-body A is composed of a number j of tubular sections capable of being conveniently assembled in securing and holding the different parts together.

A hub 4 has a loose shoulder bearing in 30 the cap-plate 5 of the clockwork mechanism B. A pinion 0 is formed on the lower part of the hub and is engaged by a driving gearwheel C of the clockwork. The lower end of section 7 of the body A has a threaded en35 gagement with the upper part of hub 4, as at 8. The upper end of the tubular section 7 is provided with an internal flange 9, screwthreaded in its inner circumferential surface for the engagement of the lower contracted 40 end 10 of the next joining-section 11. A table 12 is provided centrally with an aperture 14 and rests on the upper end of section 7, as shown best in Fig. 2. In forming the connecting-joint the contracted end 10 of section 45 11 is inserted down through the aperture in the table and engages the upper end of the first section 7, the shoulder 15comingto bearing on the table and clamping the same rigidly in place as the joining ends of the sec50 tions are drawn together. The table attachment 12 is for the purpose of holding such articles as cannot be conveniently hung on the sa sition and prevent a lateral or swaying moveinept when in motion. By this means the weight of the tree and its load is suspended ^and supported froin the conical bearing-point 5 of the spindle and will turn freely on its axis with the expenditure of but a minimum of power.

. The general construction and arrangement is such that the device may be assembled with io facility and is as easily taken apart for compactness in storage when not in use or for convenience in packing for shipment.

The actuating clockwork mechanism is set on the base 28 and will be suitably incased. '5 This clockwork will be of the usual order, so that a detail descrintion thereof is not necessary.