TREE STAND

Abstract

The invention provides a tree stand comprising: a projection comprising a plurality of ribs for insertion into the cut end of a tree trunk to thereby engage and support the tree, wherein the projection is upwardly-orientated, and the ribs are upwardly-orientated. The invention also provides method and kits related to the tree stand.

Claims

1-41. (canceled)

42. A tree stand comprising: a projection comprising a plurality of ribs for insertion into the cut end of a tree trunk to thereby engage and support the tree, wherein the projection is upwardly-orientated and the ribs are upwardly-orientated.

43. The tree stand of any preceding claim, wherein the projection and/or ribs are made from plastic.

44. The tree stand of claim 42, wherein one or more of the ribs comprise a sharp or pointed portion.

45. The tree stand of claim 42, wherein the ribs have a depth which is smaller at the upper end thereof than at the lower end thereof.

46. The tree stand of claim 42, wherein the ribs have a thickness which varies along the length of the rib.

47. The tree stand of claim 42, wherein the ribs have a thickness with is smaller at the end thereof away from the projection than at the end at the projection.

48. The tree stand of claim 42, wherein the projection comprises a cylindrical shell from which the ribs extend outwards.

49. The tree stand of claim 42, wherein the projection comprises a generally hollow cylinder.

50. The tree stand of claim 42, wherein the projection comprises a strengthening component.

51. The tree stand of claim 49, wherein the projection comprises strengthening ribs on the inner surface of the projection.

52. The tree stand of claim 49, wherein the strengthening component is provided as a removable insert.

53. The tree stand of claim 42, wherein the stand further comprises a fluid reservoir and the projection is provided within the fluid reservoir.

54. The tree stand of claim 42, wherein the projection is provided as a removable insert.

55. The tree stand of claim 42, wherein the stand further comprises a tree-receiving portion arranged to receive an end of a cut tree trunk.

56. The tree stand of claim 55, wherein the tree-receiving portion comprises tree-retaining components arranged to grip the cut end of the tree trunk.

57. The tree stand of claim 56, wherein the tree-retaining components comprise a plurality, of projections arranged to grip the cut end of the tree trunk.

58. The tree stand of claim 57, wherein the tree-receiving portion comprises multiple sections.

59. The tree stand of claim 42, wherein the stand comprises at least one tree-retaining components that is mounted to the tree-receiving portion, wherein the tree-retaining components are arranged to flex in response to an end of a cut tree trunk received in the tree-receiving portion and thereby apply a gripping force to an end of a cut tree trunk.

60. The tree stand of claim 59, wherein the tree retaining components comprise three sets of two tree-retaining projections arranged to grip the cut end of the tree trunk.

61. A method of securing a cut tree within a tree stand, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a tree stand according to claim 42, and a tree with a cut end; (ii) using mechanical force to insert the projection of the tree stand into the cut end of the tree.

Description

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE FIGURES

[0064] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

[0065] FIG. 1 illustrates an upper perspective view of a tree stand according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0066] FIG. 2 illustrates a to side view of the tree stand of FIG. 1;

[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of securing a cut tree within a tree stand of the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates a kit comprising a tree stand and a cut tree;

[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates an upper perspective view of a tree stand according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0070] FIG. 6 illustrates a top side view of the tree stand of FIG. 5;

[0071] FIG. 7 illustrates an expanded top side view of the tree stand of FIG. 5; and

[0072] FIG. 8 illustrates an expanded upper perspective view of the tree stand of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a tree stand 100 which comprises a projection 110. The projection 110 is upwardly-orientated, and comprises a plurality of upwardly-orientated ribs 120. The ribs 120 are arranged around the projection 110, extending from the outer surface of the projection 110. The projection 110 is located within a tree-receiving portion 150. The projection 110 and tree-receiving portion 150 are connected concentrically within the fluid reservoir 140, with these three elements all substantially cylindrical in shape. The tree-receiving portion 150 comprises an aperture 190, located at its base, which allows fluid communication between the tree-receiving portion 150 and the fluid reservoir 140.

[0074] In use, projection 110 and ribs 120 are inserted into the cut end of a tree trunk to be supported in the tree stand 100. In order to aid insertion, the ribs 120 comprise sharp, for example pointed edge portions which can at least partially cut into the inside of the tree. Similarly, the projection 110 may be formed by a wall that defines a hollow interior portion, with a sharp edge. In this way the cut end of the tree may be more easily penetrated. Additional support for the cut end of the tree may in this way be provided by engagement of the interior surface of the projection 110.

[0075] Further, the circumference of the cut end of the tree is chosen to be similar or smaller than the interior circumference of the tree-receiving portion 150, so that the insertion is not hindered, but additional support for the tree may be provided by engagement of the cut end of the tree with the inwardly facing surface of the tree-receiving portion 150. In other embodiments, not shown, the inwardly facing surface of the tree-receiving portion 150 is also provided with ribs, inwardly facing, that are able to penetrate an exterior portion of the cut end of the tree to provide additional support.

[0076] Once the tree is supported by the tree stand 100, water can be poured into the fluid reservoir 140. The aperture 190 allows the water to enter the tree-receiving portion and access the cut end of the tree. There are spacers 180 within the tree-receiving portion 150 which elevate the base of the tree and allow water to access the base of the tree. These spacers may have indents or apertures to aid water transfer.

[0077] There are strengthening elements 200 within the tree stand which help provide structural integrity. The strengthening elements 200 comprise hollow, arched sections which extend across the fluid reservoir 140 between the exterior of the tree-receiving portion 150 and the outer wall of the fluid reservoir 140. The strengthening elements 200 extend upwardly from, and are provided by, portions of the base of the fluid reservoir 140. Indents 170 within the strengthening elements 200 allow water to easily transfer throughout the fluid reservoir 140.

[0078] The tree stand comprises multiple feet 160 to help stabilise the base.

[0079] FIG. 3 illustrates the steps required for securing a tree within a tree stand according to the present invention. Firstly, a tree stand according to the present invention and a tree with a cut end are provided. Mechanical force is then used to insert the projection of the tree stand into the base of the cut end of the tree trunk. Optionally the method also comprises the step cutting or carving a recess into the base of the cut end of the tree trunk. This optional step is performed before the step of inserting the projection into the cut end of the tree trunk.

[0080] FIG. 4 provides a schematic of a kit comprising a tree stand according to the present invention (A.) and a cut tree (B.). The tree stand may be provided as a single item or may be provided as parts to be assembled. For example, the projection and ribs may be provided as a removable insert which can be connected to the base of the tree stand.

[0081] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a tree stand 101 comprising the features of FIGS. 1 and 2. The tree stand 101 further comprises tree retaining projections 210 mounted on the tree receiving portion 150. There are three sets of two tree retaining projections mounted at substantially even intervals within the tree receiving portion 150. In use the tree retaining projections 210 arranged to flex in response to an end of a cut tree trunk received in the tree-receiving portion and thereby apply a gripping force to an end of a cut tree trunk. FIGS. 7 and 8 show expanded views of the views in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0082] In summary, example embodiments described herein provide a number of advantages over previously known tree stands. The ribs of the projection act to increase the surface area which is in contact with the inside of the cut tree trunk, when compared to a tree stand which uses a regular projection. The increased contact area improves the stabilisation of the tree, whilst also securing the tree to the stand. Example embodiments also enhance water uptake by the tree. The ribs cut into the xylem containing portion of the tree trunk and so provide pathways for water to enter the trunk of the tree. Improved water uptake will allow the tree the stay green and look fresh for longer. As such, this tree stand is particularly suited for displaying trees such as those intended to be Christmas trees, as these trees are generally displayed for a prolonged period of time.

[0083] Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0084] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0086] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0087] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Numbered Embodiments of the Invention

[0088] 1. A tree stand comprising: a projection comprising a plurality of ribs for insertion into the cut end of a tree trunk to thereby engage and support the tree, wherein the projection is upwardly-orientated and the ribs are upwardly-orientated.

[0089] 2. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs are arranged on the outside of the projection.

[0090] 3. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the projection is vertically-orientated.

[0091] 4. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs are arranged around the outer surface of the projection.

[0092] 5. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs extend outwards from the projection.

[0093] 6. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs extend radially outwards from the projection.

[0094] 7. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs are vertically-orientated.

[0095] 8. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the projection and ribs are orientated in the same direction.

[0096] 9. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the projection and/or ribs are made from plastic.

[0097] 10. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the projection and/or ribs are made from metal.

[0098] 11. The tree stand of any of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs are arranged parallel to one another.

[0099] 12. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs are rectilinear.

[0100] 13. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein one or more of the ribs comprise a sharp or pointed portion.

[0101] 14. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs have a depth which varies along the length of the rib.

[0102] 15. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs have a depth which tapers along the length of the rib.

[0103] 16. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs have a depth which is smaller at the upper end thereof than at the lower end thereof.

[0104] 17. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs have a thickness which varies along the length of the rib.

[0105] 18. The tree stand of any one of preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs have a thickness which tapers along the length of the rib.

[0106] 19. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the ribs have a thickness with is smaller at the end thereof away from the projection than at the end at the projection.

[0107] 20. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the projection is generally cylindrical.

[0108] 21. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the projection is open at an upper end.

[0109] 22. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the projection comprises a cylindrical shell from which the ribs extend outwards.

[0110] 23. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the projection comprises a generally hollow cylinder.

[0111] 24. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the projection comprises a strengthening component.

[0112] 25. The tree stand of embodiment 23 or 24, wherein the projection comprises strengthening ribs on the inner surface of the projection.

[0113] 26. The tree stand of embodiment 23 or 24, wherein the strengthening component is provided as a removable insert.

[0114] 27. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the stand further comprises a fluid reservoir.

[0115] 28. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the stand further comprises a base and the projection is mounted to the tree stand at the base.

[0116] 29. The tree stand of embodiment 27, wherein the projection is provided within the fluid reservoir.

[0117] 30. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the projection is provided as a removable insert.

[0118] 31. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the stand further comprises a tree-receiving portion arranged to receive an end of a cut tree trunk.

[0119] 32. The tree stand of embodiment 31, wherein the tree-receiving portion comprises tree-retaining components arranged to grip the cut end of the tree trunk.

[0120] 33. The tree stand of embodiment 32, wherein the tree-retaining components comprise a plurality of projections arranged to grip the cut end of the tree trunk.

[0121] 34. The tree stand of embodiment 31 to 33, wherein the tree-receiving portion comprises multiple sections.

[0122] 35. The tree stand of any preceding embodiment, wherein the stand comprises at least one tree-retaining components that is mounted to the tree-receiving portion, wherein the tree-retaining components are arranged to flex in response to an end of a cut tree trunk received in the tree-receiving portion and thereby apply a gripping force to an end of a cut tree trunk.

[0123] 36. The tree stand of any one of embodiments 32 to 35, wherein the tree retaining components comprise three sets of two tree-retaining projections arranged to grip the cut end of the tree trunk.

[0124] 37. The tree stand of embodiment 36, wherein the three sets of two tree-retaining projections arranged at substantially even intervals within the tree-receiving portion.

[0125] 38. A kit comprising: a tree stand of any one of embodiments 1 to 37 and a tree.

[0126] 39. A kit of embodiment 38, wherein the tree is provided with a recess cut into the centre of the tree trunk, wherein the projection of the tree stand can be inserted.

[0127] 40. A method of securing a cut tree within a tree stand, comprising the steps of: [0128] (i) providing a tree stand according to any of embodiments 1 to 37, and a tree with a cut end; [0129] (ii) using mechanical force to insert the projection of the tree stand into the cut end of the tree.

[0130] 41. The method of embodiment 40, wherein the method comprises an additional step, prior to step (ii), of cutting or carving a recess into the centre of the cut end of the tree wherein the projection is to be inserted.