Folding decorative device

Abstract

A foldable structure including a base having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. A frame is secured about the shaft and has a perimeter defining an interior space. A first inner member is rotatably secured to the shaft. The first inner member has an outer perimeter that fits within the frame perimeter. The first inner member has a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the frame. The first inner member has a second position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed outside of the inner perimeter of the frame and the frame and first inner member lie in different planes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A foldable structure comprising:
 a base having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom;   a frame secured about the shaft and having a perimeter defining an interior space; and   a first inner member rotatably secured to the shaft, the first inner member having an outer perimeter that fits within the frame perimeter, the first inner member having a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the frame, and the first inner member having a second position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed outside of the inner perimeter of the frame and the frame and first inner member lie in different planes.   
     
     
         2 . The structure as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first inner member as secured to a first pivot device having an opening the shaft extending through the first pivot member opening. 
     
     
         3 . The structure as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the first inner member is secured to a plurality of pivot members each having an opening extending therethrough. 
     
     
         4 . The structure as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the first inner member has an inner perimeter defining a space, and a second inner member is rotatably secured to the shaft, the second inner member having an outer perimeter, and wherein the second inner member has a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the second inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the first inner member, and the frame and first and second inner members lie in substantially the same plane. 
     
     
         5 . The structure as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the second inner member is secured to a pivot device having an opening extending therethrough to receive the shaft. 
     
     
         6 . The structure as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the inner member pivot device is disposed between pivot device of the first inner member. 
     
     
         7 . The structure as defined in  claim 2 , wherein a locking apparatus restricts the rotation of the first inner member in a predetermined position relative to the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The structure as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the frame includes a shaft receiver non-pivotally secured thereto, and the locking apparatus includes a mechanical engagement between the shaft receiver and the inner member pivot device to restrict relative rotation. 
     
     
         9 . The structure as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the inner member pivot device is translatable along an axis of rotation relative to the shaft receiver and the mechanical engagement between the shaft receiver and the inner member pivot device is overcome. 
     
     
         10 . The structure as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the frame has an outer perimeter forming the shape of a tree. 
     
     
         11 . The foldable decorative tree as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a plurality and the frame and the first inner member lie in the same plane when in the first position. 
     
     
         12 . A foldable decorative tree comprising:
 a base having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom;   a frame secured about the shaft and having a perimeter defining an interior space; and   a first inner member rotatably secured to the shaft, the first inner member having an outer perimeter that fits within the frame perimeter, the first inner member having a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the frame, and the first inner member having a second position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed outside of the inner perimeter of the frame and the frame and first inner member lie in different planes; and   a locking apparatus restricting the rotation of the first inner member in a predetermined position relative to the frame.   
     
     
         13 . The foldable decorative tree as defined in  claim 12 , wherein and the frame and the first inner member lie in the same plane when in the first position. 
     
     
         14 . The foldable decorative tree as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the shaft is formed of a plurality of elongate shaft members removabley joinable to each other. 
     
     
         15 . The foldable decorative tree as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the frame is formed of a plurality of frame members and each shaft member includes one of the plurality of frame members connected thereto. 
     
     
         16 . The foldable decorative tree as defined in  claim 15 , including a plurality of first inner members each shaft member includes one of the plurality of first inner members connected thereto. 
     
     
         17 . The foldable decorative tree as defined in  claim 16 , including a plurality of second inner members, and each shaft member includes one of the plurality of second inner members connected thereto. 
     
     
         18 . The foldable decorative tree as defined in  claim 17 , wherein each of the plurality of first inner members has an inner perimeter defining a space, and each of the second inner member has an outer perimeter, and wherein each second inner member has a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the second inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the first inner member, and the frame and first and second inner members lie in substantially the same plane. 
     
     
         19 . A foldable decorative structure comprising:
 a base having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom;   a frame secured about the shaft and having a perimeter defining an interior space;   a first inner member rotatably secured to the shaft, the first inner member having an outer perimeter that fits within the frame perimeter, the first inner member having a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the frame, and the first inner member having a second position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed outside of the inner perimeter of the frame and the frame and first inner member lie in different planes; and
 a second inner member rotatably secured to the shaft, the second inner member having an outer perimeter, and wherein the second inner member has a first position wherein an outer perimeter of the second inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the first inner member, and wherein the frame and first and second inner members have an open position wherein the frame and first and second inner members each lie in a different plane and a closed position wherein the frame and first and second inner members each lie in substantially the same plane.