Obviously this would be an artificial tree, and not an actual tree.
It would have an electric motor in it's base which rotates a telescoping linear actuating mechanism which is the tree's trunk. The branches are connected at the top of each section of the trunk.
The lights will be pre-strung so that the tree requires only one power outlet.
You can raise or lower the tree depending on how tall you want it, but the shorter you have it, the more stout it will be.
Of course you lower it to it's most compact form for storage.-- BJS, Dec 26 2007 News van http://www.freefoto...k=KRON+4+News+Truck'could possibly work similarly to this mobile news antenna. [BJS, Dec 26 2007] PAT 5712002 Telescopic decorative tree. http://www.uspto.go...themes/icelight.htm [2 fries shy of a happy meal, Dec 26 2007] 5712002 in full http://www.patentst...12002-fulltext.html [MaxwellBuchanan, Dec 26 2007] Actually I was thinking the branches would stay almost strait out making it pretty thin when it is retracted, BUT that would probably work too, and it might even work better!
Actually either way would probably be good.-- BJS, Dec 26 2007 While not widely know to exist, it is patented.
[link]. 3rd down on the left.-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, Dec 26 2007 .... and a fluffy white cat MUHWHAHAHHHAHAHAHA ! ....
Ahem.
Sorry.-- 8th of 7, Dec 26 2007 All that is in that link is a thumbnail image of a diagram with "PAT 5712002 Telescopic Decorative Tree" underneath it.-- BJS, Dec 26 2007 What does that have to do with this idea?-- BJS, Dec 26 2007 "Lady, don't fall backwards ...."-- 8th of 7, Dec 26 2007 I'm pretty sure the patent is not for an electric device.-- BJS, Dec 26 2007 random, halfbakery