PORTABLE TREE STAND FOR LIVE TREES

Abstract

A portable tree stand is disclosed herein. The portable tree stand includes a base, a top section, and a water distribution system. The base includes a flat bottom, side walls and open top adapted to receive a live tree having a tree trunk and root ball. The base having a plurality of integrated wheels configured to allow for wheeled movement of the mobile tree stand. The top section has approximately the same dimensions as the base and configured to be removably secured to the base creating an interior when secured to the base. The water distribution apparatus is located proximate the interior surface of the top section creating a water reservoir therebetween which is configured to store water. The apparatus has a plurality of water distribution openings configured to allow water stored in the reservoir to pass therethrough into the tree root cavity.

Claims

1. A mobile tree stand for live trees, the stand comprising: a base, the base having approximately the same width and length dimensions, the base having a flat bottom, side walls and open top adapted to receive a live tree having a tree trunk and root ball, the base having a plurality of integrated wheels configured to allow for wheeled movement of the mobile tree stand; a top section, the top section having approximately the same width and length dimensions as the base and is configured to be removably secured to the base creating a tree root cavity when secured to the base, the tree root cavity configured to receive the root ball of the live tree, the top section having a top opening circular opening having a first diameter; and a water distribution apparatus having approximately the same configuration as the top section and located proximate the interior surface of the top section creating a water reservoir therebetween, the water reservoir being configured to store water, the water distribution apparatus having a plurality of water distribution openings configured to allow water stored in the reservoir to pass therethrough into the tree root cavity, the water distribution apparatus having a water distribution circular opening having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the top opening circular opening and located within the top opening circular opening creating a water inlet therebetween, the water distribution circular opening configured to receive the tree trunk of the live tree.

2. The mobile tree stand of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises one or more integrated tilt wheels configured to allow for wheeled movement of the mobile tree stand while in a tilt position.

3. The mobile tree stand of claim 2, wherein the base further comprises two or more height adjusting elements.

4. The mobile tree stand of claim 3, wherein the top section comprises a hinged door allowing access to the water distribution circular opening.

5. The mobile tree stand of claim 4, wherein the top section further comprises two or more connectors to receive pull straps.

6. The mobile tree stand of claim 5, wherein the top section further comprises two or more pull straps removably connected to the top section.

7. The mobile tree stand of claim 4, wherein the base and top section are made from sustainable material.

8. The mobile tree stand of claim 4, wherein the base and top section are made from hemp.

9. The mobile tree stand of claim 4, further comprising a fiber plate being made from a sustainable material and being elevated above the bottom of the base and located approximately in the center of the base creating an underspace between the fiber plate and the bottom.

10. The mobile tree stand of claim 9, wherein the fiber plate is secured to the base.

11. The mobile tree stand of claim 9, wherein the fiber plate is secured to the top section.

12. The mobile tree stand of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises two or more height adjusting elements.

13. The mobile tree stand of claim 1, wherein the top section comprises a hinged door allowing access to the water distribution circular opening.

14. The mobile tree stand of claim 1, wherein the top section further comprises two or more connectors to receive pull straps.

15. The Mobile tree stand of claim 1, wherein the top section further comprises two or more pull straps removably connected to the top section.

16. The mobile tree stand of claim 1, wherein the base and top section are made from sustainable material.

17. The mobile tree stand of claim 1, wherein the base and top section are made from hemp.

18. The mobile tree stand of claim 1, further comprising a fiber plate being elevated above the bottom of the base and located approximately in the center of the base creating an underspace between the fiber plate and the bottom.

19. The mobile tree stand of claim 18, wherein the fiber plate is secured to the base.

20. The mobile tree stand of claim 18, wherein the fiber plate is secured to the top section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, rotatable shoe cleats, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a cut-away side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2a is a side view of an additional embodiment of the present invention illustrating an embodiment of a tilt wheel in a horizontal position.

[0019] FIG. 2b is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 2a in a tilted position.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view of an additional embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the base of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of the top section of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a blow-up view of an embodiment of the top section and water distribution apparatus of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a blow-up view of an embodiment of the water distribution apparatus of the present invention showing embodiments of water distribution openings of the present invention.

[0026] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a tree stand, and more specifically to a mobile tree stand for live trees.

[0028] The present invention provides a tree stand designed for live trees. The stand is mobile by use of integrated wheels that allow for easy handling. A tilt wheel allows the stand to be tipped on an angle during movement similar to that of a furniture dolly. Further, the present invention is made from eco-friendly material, such as hemp, to allow roots to extend double the length allowing tree roots to grow as natural as possible, eliminates girdling of the roots which is common with traditional round pots. Still further, an opening and locking system will allow for easy operating, planting, and reduction of any mess.

[0029] Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-XX, various views of embodiments of a mobile tree stand 10 for live trees. In some embodiments the mobile tree stand 10 includes a base 12 and a top section 14.

[0030] The base 12 has approximately the same width W1 and length L1 dimensions to form approximately a square base. The base 12 further includes a flat bottom 20, side walls 22 and open top 24 adapted to receive a live tree 18 having a tree trunk 26 and root ball 28. Integrated into the base 12 are a plurality of wheels 30. These wheels are configured to allow for wheeled movement of the mobile tree stand 10.

[0031] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b, base 12 includes one or more integrated tilt wheels 60. In FIG. 2a, the stand 10 is shown in a horizontal position on the ground 61. The tilt wheels 60 are configured is a manner like a hand truck or moving dolly. This allows for the mobile tree stand 10 to be moved into a tilted position or angled position relative to the ground 61, as illustrated in FIG. 2b, allowing the stand 10 to become mobile and moved from one location to another.

[0032] In some embodiments, the base 12 includes two or more height adjusting elements 62. These elements 62 allow for the tree stand 10 to be placed in a level position.

[0033] The top section 14 has approximately the same width W2 and length L2 dimensions for form approximately a square and are configured to be removably secured to the base 12 creating a tree root cavity 32 when secured to the base 12. The tree root cavity 32 is configured to receive the root ball 28 of the live tree 18.

[0034] The top section 14 can be affixed to the base 12 in a water-tight manner to prevent liquid from within the stand 10 to leak outward. One such connection can be using various fasteners 15 such as screws or bolts. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, top section 14 and base 12 includes flanges 17 and 19 which are configured to receive fasteners 15. This illustration is not limiting as other configurations of top section 14 and base 12 that allow the removable securing of these elements is within the scope of the invention. For example, the interlocking of the top section 14 and base 12 can also be included to help prevent liquid leaks.

[0035] The top section 14 has an exterior surface 42 and an interior surface 44 and defines a top opening circular opening 34 having a first diameter D1. The first diameter D1 is sufficiently large enough to allow the tree trunk 26 of the live tree 18 to be located therein.

[0036] In some embodiments, the top section 14 includes two or more connectors 66 to receive pull straps 68. The pull straps 68 can assist with the movement of the stand 10.

[0037] In some embodiments, the top section 14 includes one or more hinged doors 64 that are hingedly connected to the top section 14 by way of hinges 68. In the open position, the hinged doors 64 allow access into the tree root cavity 32. In the closed position, the hinged doors 64 are secured by a latch 72.

[0038] In some embodiments, the base 12 and top section 14 are made from recyclable material such as hemp.

[0039] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, base 12 includes a fiber plate 70 which is elevated above the bottom 20 and is located approximately in the center of the base 12, creating an underspace 72 between the plate 70 and the bottom 20. This plate 70 is configured to allow the root ball 28 of the tree 18 to rest. This allows the roots 29 of the tree 18 to grow in a naturally horizontal direction toward the side walls 22 of the base 12. Once the roots 29 reach the edge of the fiber plate 70, the roots 29 will wrap underneath the fiber plate 70 into the underspace 72 and continue to grow horizontally back toward the center of the stand 10.

[0040] In some embodiments, plate 70 is secured to base 12 by a plurality of posts 74 extending between plate 70 and bottom 20, see FIG. 1, or a plurality of tabs 76 extending between plate 70 and side wall 22, see FIG. 5. Further, in some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6, plate 70 is secured to top section 14 by a plurality of tabs 76 extending between plate 70 and outer edge of top section 14. The use of posts and tabs are illustrative and are not meant to be limiting.

[0041] In some embodiments, stand 10 also includes a water distribution apparatus 16 having approximately the same configuration as the top section 14. Apparatus 16 is located proximate the interior surface 44 of the top section 14 creating a water reservoir 38 therebetween. The water reservoir 38 is configured to store water 39. Apparatus 16 has a plurality of water distribution openings 46 configured to allow the water 39 stored in the water reservoir 36 to pass therethrough into the tree root cavity 32 in the form of water droplets 41.

[0042] Apparatus 16 has a water distribution circular opening 48 having a second diameter D2 that is smaller than the first diameter D1 of the top opening circular opening 34 and located within the top opening circular opening 34 creating a water inlet 52 therebetween to allow water to be placed within water reservoir 38. The water distribution circular opening 48 is sufficiently large enough to allow the tree trunk 26 of the live tree 18 to be located therein.

[0043] Further embodiments of the invention include a cover (not illustrated) or tree skirt that covers the stand such that the stand 10 and wheels 30, 60 are hidden from view. This can assist with the aesthetics such as when the tree is in use as a Christmas tree during the holiday season. The cover can be a hard cover case make from firm material, including sustainable material. The cover could also be a soft cover made from cloth, sustainable material, or other suitable material. The cover can wrap around the tree truck while covering the stand 10.

[0044] Other embodiments can include a wireless component where live tree data can be obtained and transferred on a wireless network to and from the stand to a computer server, mobile application or software program. The data can then be reviewed and analyzed so that specific actions may be undertaken.

[0045] Other embodiments can include a tree planting clutch. The clutch includes a top part which has two prongs and a shaft that has interchangeable lengths and pegs that go into the ground. The shaft is used to stabilize and support the tree during the planting process by which it is planted into the ground. The peg can include various configurations to accommodate various planting terrains.

[0046] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.