Abstract: The subject invention is a lid assembly (20) for use on a container (22) presenting an endless top rim (24). A frame (26) includes shell-shaped sidewalls (36) that face one another, and present upper concave central edges (48). The upper concave central edges (48) are connected by lower edges (50) to define opposed L-shaped openings (54) between the central edges (48). A pair of abutting L-shaped flaps (28) each define a top leg (64) and a side leg (68). The flaps (28) are complementary to the L-shaped openings (54) by extending away from each other along the upper central edges (48) of the sidewalls (36) and then downward to the lower edge (50). The top legs (64) may be pushed down into the opening (54) to provide access to the container (22) while the side legs (68) bias the flaps (28) to a closed position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 20, 2008
Date of Patent:
October 4, 2011
Assignee:
HMS Manufacturing Company
Inventors:
Janet M. Sofy, Robert W. Patterson, Scott M. Luplow
Abstract: An assembly (10) for holding a tree (12) in an upright position above a level surface (14) includes a base (22) for supporting the tree (12). A rim (24) holds a quantity of water (20) on the base (22) and in contact with the tree's trunk end (16). Four retainer pins (60) hold the trunk end (16) centrally on the base means (22). A back-up retainer (32) limits trunk end (16) sliding or twisting while allowing the quantity of water (20) to flow to the trunk end (16). Guy elements (28) engage the trunk (18) of the tree at an elevated position above the trunk's end (16) and resist tree-tipping forces. Clamps (30), disposed at spaced locations around the rim (24), hold the guy elements (28) to the rim (24). Each clamp (30) has a lever arm (118) that adjustably and releasably clamps the guy elements (28) to the base (22) as the lever arm (118) is pivoted between engaged (A) and disengaged (B) positions. A reservoir fence (176) prevents objects, such as tree skirts from contacting the water (20).