US Patent 9631800 Compressible decorative structure

A compressible decorative structure can be easily converted from a non-compressed configuration to a compressed configuration. The structure includes an inner support that is attached to a base. A movable ring slides along the inner support and is held in the compressed configuration by retaining clips. Naturally biased connectors, formed of a flexible material, return the structure to its non-compressed configuration when the retaining clips are disengaged. Alternatively, the structure includes a rope and a top cover that engages the rope. Springs hold the structure in the desired configuration.