Abstract: A tree stand (10) comprising a base (12) extending about an axis (A) and a tree support wall (14) extending about the axis (A) upwardly from the base (12) to an open top. The top of the support wall (14) and the open top of a receptacle (24) define trunk support portions (26) and liquid storage portions (28) disposed about the axis (A). The trunk support portions (26) are disposed radially closer to the axis (A) than the storage portions (28) and the support portions (26) are intermingled with and alternate the storage portions (28) circumferentially about the axis (A) and the wall (14) undulates continuously and circumferentially about the axis (A) through the support (26) and storage (28) portions.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for collecting candy comprises a channel (20) having an upper opening (22) and a lower opening (24) for receiving candy in the upper opening (22) and directing the candy out of the lower opening (24) for deposition in a receptacle (24), and a lid (30) moveably supported on the channel (20) for movement between a closed position covering the upper opening (22) and an open position providing access to the upper opening (22). The assembly (10) is characterized by the lid (30) presenting a face (70) overlying the upper opening (22). The face (70) includes a mouth (71), a space for two eyes (72), nostrils (73), the back of a head (74), a forehead (75) above the eyes (72), ears (77), and teeth (76). The channel (20) includes a pivotal member (21) for pivotally supporting the face (70) on the channel (20) and an actuation device (31) for manually pivoting the face (70) relative to the channel (20).

Abstract: A rigid decorative shell (20) is provided for surrounding a display stand (22) which holds an upstanding element such as a Christmas tree (24) or display pole. The decorative shell (20) is formed of a first section (28) and a nestable second section (30). The first (28) and second (30) sections each render the general shape of a mountain village, and include a plurality of receiving areas (56) to which model structures (58) can be attached. A light bulb (70) is positioned within each model structure (58) to project light through windows and doorways. An annular shelf (50) provides an area for a model railroad track (52) and train (54). Male (82) and female (84) interlocking elements are located on the first (28) and second (30) sections for releasably connecting their left (36) and right (38) side edges together to restrain the first (28) and second (30) sections in an opposing operational relationship enshrouding the display stand (22).

Abstract: A rigid decorative shell (20) is provided for surrounding a display stand (22) which holds an upstanding element such as a Christmas tree (24) or display pole. The decorative shell (20) is formed of a first section (28) and a nestable second section (30). The first (28) and second (30) sections each render the general shape of a mountain village, and include a plurality of receiving areas (56) to which model structures (58) can be attached. A light bulb (70) is positioned within each model structure (58) to project light through windows and doorways. An annular shelf (50) provides an area for a model railroad track (52) and train (54). Male (82) and female (84) interlocking elements are located on the first (28) and second (30) sections for releasably connecting their left (36) and right (38) side edges together to restrain the first (28) and second (30) sections in an opposing operational relationship enshrouding the display stand (22).

Abstract: A base extension assembly (20) for a Christmas tree stand (10) includes a platform (22) upon which the tree stand (10) is anchored by way of cantilever fingers (42). The cantilever fingers (42) are secured to the platform (22) by a screw (52), and prevented from rotating by a locking nub (46) which is seated in a depression (50) in the platform (22). The platform (22) can be broken down into two segments (56) for compact storage and shipment of the assembly (20). The segments (56) are joined together in an operational condition by a series of connector plates (60) with accompanying screws (62) beneath the platform (22). Additionally, an array of nut and bolt combinations (60) secure opposing end flanges (64) to help hold the segments (56) together. A bridge bar (70) spans the interior of each segment (56) to maintain structural integrity. An array of support ribs further enhance structural rigidity.

Abstract: A rotating stand assembly (10) for a stemmed article such as a Christmas tree (24) or a merchandise display rack includes a base (12), a spindle (18), bearings (36, 38) interconnecting the base (12) and the spindle (18). An electric motor (46) drives the spindle (18) through a gear train. A clutch (58) automatically disconnects the motor (46) from the spindle (18) in response to a predetermined force applied to the spindle. The clutch (58) includes a compression spring (78) for establishing the predetermined force required to disconnect the motor (46) from the spindle (18). Snap-fit outlets (86) are located in a top cover (32) of the spindle (18). The outlets (86) are electrically connected to contact rings (90, 92) without solder. A limit switch (84) can provide and audible warning that there is an obstruction to normal operation. A live tree adapter (106) is placed into the spindle (18) to accommodate a live Christmas tree (24).

Abstract: A plastic stand assembly (10) is provided for supporting an upright pole (12) such as used with artificial Christmas trees, merchandise display stands or the like. A substantially circular domed body includes an annular flange (20) forming a bearing surface (18). A receptacle (34) is formed in the body and includes a multi-sectioned conically tapering side wall terminating at a bottom (36). A collet (44) surrounds the pole (17) and is wedged into the receptacle (34) to hold the pole (12) in a vertical position. The collet (44) includes an annular neck (46) and four wedge-shaped grippers (48) which extend in cantilever fashion from the neck (46). Screws (48) pass through ears (64) in the collet (44) and thread into sockets (70) in the body to hold the collet (44) tightly wedged into the receptacle (34). A plurality of radial (30) and circumferential (32) ribs are located on the underside of the body for structural rigidity.

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 (18) is pivoted between engaged (A) and disengaged (B) positions. A reservoir fence (176) prevents objects, such as tree skirts from contacting the water (20).

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).

Abstract: A tree stand device (10) comprises a cup-shaped receptacle (12) including an upwardly standing peripheral wall (16), a skirt (18) disposed about the exterior of the receptacle (12) and a base (22) extending downwardly and outwardly from the skirt (18). The base (22) comprises a first annular wall (24) extending radially from the skirt (18), and a second annular surface (26) having an inverted frustum shape extending outwardly from the radial outward edge of the first wall (24). A leg (28) extends downwardly from the radial outward edge of the second surface (26) and includes a an annular foot (30) extending about the periphery. The device (10) includes a plurality of secondary ribs (38) between the leg (28) and the second surface (26) equally spaced about the periphery of the base (22). A plurality of primary strengthening ribs (36) extend radially inwardly from the leg (28) between adjacent secondary ribs (38) and into the first wall (24).