Christmas tree stand

Abstract

A Christmas tree stand that holds various size Christmas trees, both live cut and artificial, trees in a secure and stable manner due to its large display platform and plurality of interlocking pieces. The Christmas tree stand includes a self watering system utilizing a two gallon water tray located beneath the platform that transfers water from the tray to the tree holder. It includes a special adaptor to hold artificial trees. The Christmas tree stand consists of a two piece display platform, a tree holder, a water tray, fencing, and screws with knobs which when assembled provides structural integrity and stability to the stand as well as an area to display Christmas decorations.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a Christmas tree stand with new and improved features which provides a display area for Christmas decorations and provides improved stability, and that can be used for artificial or live cut trees.

2. Description of Prior Art

U.S. Design patent D389777 ornamental design for tree stand.

The present invention is substantially different starting with the platform whereas the present invention is a 2 piece platform with the two pieces very visible, U.S. Patent D389777 is clearly one piece. The fencing struts and rails, lighted posts, fence gate, stairs, sides, tree holder, or all substantially different the present invention.

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world. Most people do a significant amount of decorating around their house. The Christmas tree which is usually the focal point of the decorated house has little or no room to decorate beneath the tree. Also, many people have concerns about the stability of there tree. And finally, most stands allow for the use of either a live cut tree or an artificial tree but most are not equipped to handle either/both. The stand described herein provides them with an opportunity to place decorations around their tree on a display type platform, feel comfortable with the stand's stable characteristics and use either an artificial or live cut tree.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

the present invention relates to a Christmas tree stand that provides added stability to a Christmas tree which may be live cut or artificial. The platform which provides a display area for Christmas decorations is also instrumental in providing greater stability to the stand because of its broader base. All parts play an integral roll in providing structural integrity to this Christmas tree stand. A water tray with a several gallon capacity automatically provides water for a live tree. A two piece display platform with water refill opening and fencing that ties the two pieces together. Finally, a tree holder that locks into the display platform and water tray and ties them all together providing overall superior structural integrity and tree stability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a perspective view of the invention illustrating a Christmas tree stand

FIG. 2 an exploded view of Christmas tree stand illustrating, tree holder, display platform, and water tray

FIG. 3 top view of Christmas tree stand

FIG. 4 sectional view of water tray

FIG. 5 sectional view of water tray

FIG. 6 top view of tree holder, screws, raised points

FIG. 7(a) sectional view of screw end cap against tree trunk

FIG. 7(b) sectional view of screw, nut, double wall tree holder, knurled knob, screw cap

FIG. 8 top view of water tray illustrating, cylindrical center docking port, locking slots

FIG. 9 sectional view of tree holder

FIG. 10 artificial tree adaptor

FIG. 11 tree holder

FIG. 12 exploded view and assembly of display platforms and water tray

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

a Christmas tree stand FIG. 1 comprising: a display platform 15 having four sides and water fill hole with cap FIG. 3, 175, a tree holder with screws FIGS. 6, 9,& 11, a water tray FIGS. 4, 5, 8 & 12, an artificial tree adaptor FIG. 10, decorative fencing 35 and stairs 36. When the aforementioned parts are assembled and lock together FIG. 2 it forms a structurally solid and stable Christmas tree stand and a large area in which to display decorations while holding a live cut or artificial Christmas tree.

as shown in FIG. 2 the Christmas tree stand is comprised of four main parts that all lock together i.e. tree holder 20, display platform 30a, display platform 30b, & water tray 40.

the display platform is comprised of two pieces 30a, 30b it could be multiple pieces, and each said platform piece has a top, four sides, and structural ribs 150 & 190 on the underside to provide platform display surface support and strength.

the display platform pieces each have a semi-circular piece that protrude downward 190 from the inside center edge of the platform surface and when said Christmas tree stand is assembled each side of the semi-circular downward protruding piece that has an opening 170 to allow for water to flow into the tree holder and then it is inserted into and along side the inside wall of the raised cylindrical center docking port 65 of the water tray 40, which in turn forms a tight fitting docking port for the tree holder 20. The downward protruding semi-circular pieces add stability and structural integrity to the Christmas stand once inserted into the water tray FIG. 12.

the display platform pieces have locking slots 160 in the surface of the display platform that form a semi-circle on the outside perimeter of the downward protruding pieces 190. The aforementioned display platform slots 160 line up directly above the locking slots 145 of the cylindrical center docking port when assembled. This allows the tree holder 20 to be inserted through the display slots and into the docking port with its locking tabs 80 securing all pieces together. Once the locking tabs are inserted in the locking slots the tree holder is rotated clockwise to lock in all of the pieces.

the display platform pieces 30a & 30b have a rectangular piece 55 that protrudes downward from the underside ceiling of said platform and when display platform pieces are assembled FIG. 4 the rectangular downward protruding area 55 snugly encompasses and tightly frames in the water tray wall 45 preventing water tray movement, reducing possible water spillage, and adds to the structural integrity and strength of the Christmas tree stand.

the display platform pieces have two shallow downward protruding edges 200 located on both sides of the circular downward protruding pieces 190 and on the inside center area of the display platform pieces. When the display platform pieces are assembled FIG. 12 the shallow downward protruding edges rest in water tray slots 60, located on the two outside walls of the water tray and also rest in 2 slots 205 located the top of the of the of the cylindrical center docking port. The display pieces are joined together 30 and lock into the aforementioned slots thereby forming one complete deck and providing structural integrity and stability to the Christmas tree stand.

the outer lower inside edges of the display platform are locked together with tab and slot mechanism 165 thereby adding strength to the Christmas tree stand.

the water tray 40 has a bottom surface and raised outer sides with 2 slots as previously mentioned on the sides opposite each other for the display platform pieces to join and rest. The water tray sides have structural ribs 50 for strength. The water tray accommodates several gallons of water 150. It has a raised cylindrical docking port in center 65 of the water tray which is where the tree holder 20 is inserted and subsequently locks all pieces together.

the raised cylindrical docking port 65 in center of the water tray has a top surface with locking slots 145 on the top surface circumference of cylindrical center docking port.

the raised cylindrical docking port in center of the water tray has a vertical side wall opening 75 from its top to the floor of the water tray to allow water to enter tree holder which in turn supplies the tree with water and nourishment.

the tree holder 20 is a cylindrical device with a double straight wall 195 extending half way down its side. The tree holder is used to mount and secure a tree trunk, artificial or live cut, utilizing screws 110 to secure the tree trunk 11 and maintain it in an upright and plumb position.

the tree holder is inserted and locked into the display platform and water tray FIG. 2 providing strength and stability. The tree holder has openings in the sides 70 and holes in bottom 210 which allows water to enter from the water tray to feed the live cut tree. An artificial tree adaptor FIG. 10-180 is specifically designed to act in concert with the tree holder

the tree holder double straight wall construction 195 allows for locking tabs 80 to be formed at the bottom of the exterior side of the double wall and subsequently get inserted into the slots of the display platform 160 and slots of the water tray cylindrical center docking port 145. Once the tree holder locking tabs are inserted into the aforementioned pieces the tree holder is turned clockwise to lock all pieces to together. The double straight wall also has structurally ribbing 140 between the outer wall and the inner wall which provides additional strength when securing the tree.

the tree holder double straight wall construction provides for a nut 120 between the two walls and has adjustable screws 110 to hold the artificial or live tree upright and plumb.

the tree holder screws 110 have extra large knurled handles 130 to provide leverage when tightening the screws against the tree trunk. The screws have metal caps 100 at the end of the screws to prevent the screws from penetrating the tree trunk which could result in jeopardizing the stability of the tree, its plumb line, and freshness.

Claims

1. A Christmas tree stand comprising: a display platform having sides protruding downward and water fill hole with cap, a tree holder with screws, a water tray, an artificial tree adaptor, decorative fencing and stairs. When the aforementioned parts are assembled and lock together it forms a structurally solid and stable Christmas tree stand and a large area in which to display decorations while holding a live cut or artificial Christmas tree.

2. A Christmas tree stand of claim 1 wherein said display platform is comprised of two sections, but could be multiple sections, and each said platform piece has a top, four sides, and structural ribs on the underside to provide platform display surface support and strength.

3. A Christmas tree stand of claim 2 wherein said display platform pieces each have a semi-circular piece that protrudes downward from the inside center edge of each platform's section top surface and nestles in water tray when assembled.

4. A Christmas tree stand of claim 2 wherein said display platform pieces have locking slots in the surface of the display platform that form a semi-circle on the perimeter of the semi-circular downward protruding piece that is referenced in claim 3.

5. A Christmas tree stand of claim 2 wherein said display platform sections have a rectangular piece that protrudes downward from the underside ceiling of said platform sections that tightly surround the water tray when assembled.

6. A Christmas tree stand of claim 2 wherein said display platform sections have a shallow downward protruding edge located on the inside center area of the display platform pieces and the edge locks into the water tray, as referenced in claim 9.

7. A Christmas tree stand of claim 1 wherein said water tray has a bottom surface and raised outer sides with 2 slots on the sides opposite each other for the display platform to nest in, as referenced in claim 6. The water tray sides have structural ribs for strength. The water accommodates several gallons of water. It has a raised cylindrical docking port in the center of the water tray which is where the tree holder, as referenced in claim 10, is inserted and subsequently locks into.

8. A Christmas tree stand of claim 7 wherein said raised cylindrical docking port in center of the water tray has a top surface with locking slots around the circumference of cylindrical center docking port.

9. A Christmas tree stand of claim 8 wherein said cylindrical center docking port has cut-outs adjacent to the slots in the sides of the water tray that accommodate the nesting of the display platform pieces.

10. A Christmas tree stand of claim 1 wherein said tree holder is a cylindrical device with a double straight wall extending half way down its side. The tree holder is used to mount and secure a tree trunk, artificial or live cut, utilizing screws to secure the tree trunk and maintain it in an upright and plumb position. The tree holder is inserted and locked into the display platform and water tray as referenced in claims 4 & 8, providing additional stability. The tree holder has holes in the sides and bottom which allows water to enter from the water tray to feed the live cut tree. An artificial tree adaptor is specifically designed to act in concert with the tree holder

11. A Christmas tree stand of claim 10 wherein said tree holder double straight wall construction that extends approximately half way down its side wall allows for locking tabs to be formed at the bottom of the exterior side wall. The double straight wall also has structurally ribbing between the outer wall and the inner wall which provides additional strength.

12. A Christmas tree stand of claim 10 wherein said tree holder double straight wall construction has adjustable screws to hold the artificial or live tree upright and plumb.

13. A Christmas tree stand of claim 10 wherein the double wall construction of the tree holder has is a nut positioned between the two walls at the top of the tree holder which allows for the screws to be adjusted in and out.

14. A Christmas tree stand of claim 12 wherein said tree holder screws have extra large knurled handles to provide leverage when tightening the screws against the tree trunk.

15. A Christmas tree stand of claim 12 wherein said tree holder screws have metal caps at the end of the screws to prevent the screws from penetrating the tree.

16. A Christmas tree stand of claim 10 wherein said tree holder has a hole in the bottom center which provides for a screw, nail, or spike to be driven into the bottom of the live cut tree trunk in order to keep the bottom of the trunk from shifting there by improving tree stability.

17. A Christmas tree stand of claim 10 wherein said tree holder has raised points at bottom of the tree holder which helps hold the tree trunk from shifting or moving.

18. A Christmas tree stand of claim 10 wherein said tree holder has an artificial tree adaptor as referenced in claims 1 & 10, that gets attached to the bottom of the artificial tree and fits snugly in the bottom of the tree holder which prevents the bottom of the artificial tree from moving or shifting. The said adaptor is cylindrical in shape is double walled with structural ribs between the two walls to provide strength. There are recessed screws within the adaptor along with corresponding nuts that are recessed in the double wall construction. The screws and nuts work in concert for adjusting and securing the adaptor to the artificial tree trunk.

19. A Christmas tree stand of claim 1 wherein decorative fencing that is inserted around the perimeter of the display platform and removable stairs in the front.

20. A Christmas tree stand of claim 1 wherein water refill opening with snap-on cap located on the display platform directly above the water tray. This provides for easier filling of the water reservoir.