Tree stand

Abstract

A system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process.

Claims

1. A Christmas tree stand comprising: a body having: a first concentric cylinder rotatably coupled with a second concentric cylinder, each of the first concentric cylinder and the second concentric cylinder comprising a hole; and an adapter positioned proximate an end of the body; one or more legs coupled to the first concentric cylinder; one or more legs coupled to the second concentric cylinder; and a spring-loaded locking mechanism configured to engage the holes of the first and second concentric cylinders and secure the position of the first concentric cylinder relative to the position of the second concentric cylinder, the spring-loaded locking mechanism including a spring and a detent having a base portion and a protruding portion, wherein, when the spring-loaded locking mechanism is in a locked configuration, the spring pushes the detent outward from a central axis of the first and second concentric cylinders such that the protruding portion extends at least partially through the holes of the first and second concentric cylinders and the base portion abuts an inner wall of the first concentric cylinder or the second concentric cylinder, wherein, when the spring-loaded locking mechanism is in an unlocked configuration, the spring is compressed such that the base portion does not abut an inner wall of the first concentric cylinder or the second concentric cylinder and the protruding portion is located substantially within the inner wall of the first concentric cylinder and the second concentric cylinder.

2. The Christmas tree stand of claim 1, wherein at least one of the concentric cylinders is configured to receive an artificial Christmas tree trunk.

3. The Christmas tree stand of claim 1, wherein the first concentric cylinder comprises an outer base having upper and lower cylindrical portions.

4. The Christmas tree stand of claim 3, wherein the second concentric cylinder comprises an inner base positioned between the upper and lower cylindrical portions of the outer base.

5. The Christmas tree stand of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism fixes the position of the outer base with respect to the position of the inner base.

6. The Christmas tree stand of claim 4, wherein each leg coupled to the first concentric cylinder is attached to both the upper and lower cylindrical portions.

7. The Christmas tree stand of claim 1, wherein rotation of the first and second concentric cylinders relative to one another enables the legs of the first and second concentric cylinders to be rotated between a retracted position and a deployed position.

8. The Christmas tree stand of claim 7, wherein each leg is positioned to be in contact with another leg when in the retracted position.

9. The Christmas tree stand of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism fixes the position of the first concentric cylinder relative to the position of the second concentric cylinder in the deployed position.

10. The Christmas tree stand of claim 7, wherein each leg is positioned to be substantially equally spaced apart from to each adjacent leg when in the deployed position.

11. The Christmas tree stand of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is connected to one of the first and second concentric cylinders.

12. A Christmas tree stand comprising: a first base comprising a hole and a second base comprising a hole, the first base and the second base each comprising one or more legs, and wherein the first base can rotate with respect to the second base such that the legs of the first base rotate with respect to the legs of the second base; an adapter positioned proximate an end of the first base or the second base; and a spring-loaded locking mechanism configured to engage, when the spring-loaded locking mechanism is in a locked configuration, at least one of the holes of the first base and the second base to prevent rotation of the first base with respect to the second base when the legs of the first base and the legs of the second base are in a deployed state, the spring-loaded locking mechanism including a spring and a detent having a base portion and a protruding portion, wherein, when the spring-loaded locking mechanism is in the locked configuration, the spring pushes the detent outward from a central axis of the first and second concentric cylinders such that the protruding portion extends at least partially through the holes of the first and second concentric cylinders and the base portion abuts an inner wall of the first concentric cylinder or the second concentric cylinder, wherein, when the spring-loaded locking mechanism is in an unlocked configuration, the spring is compressed such that the base portion does not abut an inner wall of the first concentric cylinder or the second concentric cylinder and the protruding portion is located substantially within the inner wall of the first concentric cylinder and the second concentric cylinder.

13. The Christmas tree stand of claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism can be depressed to enable rotation of the first base with respect to the second base such that the legs of the first base and the legs of the second base can be rotated from the deployed state to a retracted state.

14. A method of changing a tree stand from a retracted position to a deployed position comprising: rotating a first concentric cylinder of the tree stand relative to a second concentric cylinder of the tree stand to separate legs of the tree stand; and aligning a detent with a hole in each of the first and second concentric cylinders, wherein upon alignment of the holes of the first and second concentric cylinders, a spring pushes the detent outward from a central axis of the first and second concentric cylinders such that a protruding portion of the detent extends at least partially through the holes of the first and second concentric cylinders and the base portion abuts an inner wall of the first concentric cylinder or the second concentric cylinder, wherein the tree stand includes an adapter positioned proximate an end of the tree stand.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising causing the detent to protrude through the holes in each of the first and second concentric cylinders.

16. The Christmas tree stand of claim 1, wherein the adapter is integral with at least one of the first concentric cylinder and the second concentric cylinder.

17. The Christmas tree stand of claim 12, wherein the adapter is operable to receive a tree trunk.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIGS. 1a and 1b depict a conventional tree stand in the retracted and deployed positions, respectively.

(2) FIG. 1c is a detailed view of FIG. 1b.

(3) FIGS. 2a and 2b depict a tree stand with an adapter in the retracted and deployed positions, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 2c depicts a plurality of inserts with different inner diameters for insertion into the adapter, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 2d depicts one of the inserts from FIG. 2c inserted into an adapter in a tree stand, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 3a depicts a set screw locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 3b depicts a spring-loaded detent locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 4a depicts an alternative spring-loaded detent locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 4b depicts the alternative spring-loaded detent locking mechanism of FIG. 4a with the spring cover removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(10) Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to stands, and more specifically to Christmas tree stands with locking legs and/or trunk adapters. The system can comprise a base, an adapter, and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of folding legs for supporting the tree in the deployed position, while folding for convenient storage and/or transportation. The base can comprise a locking mechanism to lock the legs in the deployed position, the retracted position, or in many positions between the two. The base can comprise an adapter for receiving a plurality of inserts. The system can further comprise a plurality of inserts with a common outer diameter and varying inner diameters. In this configuration, the inserts can enable trees with varying trunk diameters to be mounted in the base. In some embodiments, the inserts can mount directly to the base, foregoing the use of an adapter.

(11) To simplify and clarify explanation, the system is described below as a system for supporting artificial Christmas trees. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention is not so limited. The system can also be deployed, for example and not limitation, to support living trees and other ornamental objects in many situations. The system can also be deployed to support many objects that require support in a substantially vertical manner such as, for example, ornamental trees, and flag poles.

(12) The materials described hereinafter as making up the various elements of the present invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the invention, for example. Any dimensions listed in the various drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Other dimensions and proportions are contemplated and intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

(13) As mentioned above, a problem with conventional tree stands has been that they are both difficult to deploy and damage the tree they are intended to support. In addition, different stands can be required for different sized Christmas trees. Conventional stands can be difficult to deploy, for example, because there are no mechanisms in place to prevent the support legs from swinging back and forth while the stand is being placed on the tree (or vice-versa), for example. As a result, the legs can cause impact and/or pinching injuries to the user, for example, and generally add to the complexity and instability of the process. When attempting to control an already unwieldy Christmas tree, the conventional stand adds an unwelcome element of difficulty.

(14) In addition, for some known stand designs to provide sufficient clamping force or support for many trees, the stand's set screws have to be screwed in until they at least partially dent the trunk of the tree. This requires either a person with uncommonly strong hands or, at minimum, additional tools to create sufficient force to turn the set screws. In addition, this configuration damages the tree's trunk. This damage can necessitate the replacement of the tree, among other problems.

(15) As shown in FIGS. 2a-3b, embodiments of the present invention relate to a stand 200 with an integral locking mechanism 205. In some embodiments, the stand 200 can comprise two or more concentric cylinders 210a, 210b rotatably coupled. In some embodiments, cylinder 210b can comprise an outer base having an upper and lower cylindrical portion, and cylinder 210a can comprise an inner base. The stand 200 can further comprise three or more supports 215, or legs, coupled to one or more of the cylinders 210. The rotatable cylinders 210 can enable the legs 215 to be rotated from a first, retracted position (FIG. 2a) to a second, deployed position (FIG. 2b). In the first position, the legs 215 coupled to cylinder 210a contact the legs 215 coupled to cylinder 210b. In some embodiments, the stand 200 can further comprise an adapter 217 for receiving one or more inserts 220, as discussed below. Adapter 217 can be inserted into an upper portion of stand 200, and may have a flanged top portion with a central opening coaxial to cylinders 210. Adapter 217 may fit over one of the cylinders 210, or it may fit inside of one of the cylinders 210. The functions of adapter 217 may be performed by a receiver portion, which may be an adapter 217, or a region formed by a portion of stand 200, such as of one of the cylinders 210. In some embodiments, the base 202 of the stand 200 can comprise, for example and not limitation, metal or plastic.

(16) As shown in FIGS. 2c and 2d, the system 200 can further comprise a plurality of inserts 220. The inserts 220a-d can comprise a plurality of collars with a common outer diameter, but varying inner diameters. In this manner, an insert 220 can be chosen with an appropriate inner diameter to retain a tree with a particular trunk diameter, for example, while providing the correct diameter to interface with the adapter 217 in the stand 200. As a result, the user can choose the appropriate insert 220 for a particular tree, slide the insert over the tree trunk, and then place the insert 220 in the adapter 217 in the stand 200.

(17) In some embodiments, the inserts 220 can comprise ridges 222 that enable the tree trunk to slide easily into the insert 220, but prevent the tree trunk from being easily removed from the insert 220. In some embodiments, barbs, fingers, or other means to retain the tree trunk in the adapter can be used. In some embodiments, the inserts 220 can comprise a one-way cam, or other means, that requires the user to press a release to remove the insert 220 from the tree trunk.

(18) In some embodiments, the inserts 220 can be frictionally engaged in the adapter 217. In some embodiments, the inserts 220 can comprise one or more relief cuts 224 to enable the insert 220 to flex slightly when inserted into the adapter 217. In this manner, compression can be created between the inserts 220 and the adapter 217 for frictional retention. In some embodiments, ribs 226 are included on insert 220 to control the maximum amount of flex by contacting an inner surface of adapter 217 before the insert 220 flexes more than a desired amount. Ribs 226 can prevent insert 220 from cracking or breaking under stress. In other embodiments, the inserts 220 can be slightly conical and can match a similarly conical surface in on the interior of the adapter 217.

(19) In some embodiments, locating features, such as tabs 228, can be included on inserts 220 in order to secure insert 220 into adapter 217. Insert 220 can be in contact with an upper face of adapter 217. To maintain contact between insert 220 and adapter 217, locating features can take many forms. For example, tabs 228 can protrude from a lower portion of insert 220. Adapter 217 may include slots 219 which can receive tabs 228. In some embodiments, once tabs 228 pass through slots 219, rotating insert 220 serves to secure insert 220 in adapter 217. In still other embodiments, adapter 217 and inserts 220 can be engaged with, for example and not limitation, tongue and groove joints, set screws, or pins. The inserts 220 and adapter 217 can comprise, for example and not limitation, plastic, metal, or ceramic materials that are suitable for casting, molding, machining, or otherwise manufacturing into suitable shapes.

(20) The system 200 can further comprise a locking mechanism 205. The locking mechanism 205 can enable the cylinders 210 to be locked into the first position, the second position, or other positions therebetween. In this manner, the legs 215 can be locked in a stable position when the user is attempting to insert the tree into the stand 200, for example, or attempting to attach the stand 200 to the tree. As shown in FIG. 3a, in some embodiments, the locking mechanism 205 can comprise one or more set screws 305 to frictionally engage the cylinders 210. Set screws 305 can selectively engage both cylinders 210a and 210b.

(21) In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3b, the locking mechanism 205 can comprise a spring loaded detent 310. In this configuration, when a hole 315 in one of the cylinders 210 aligns with the detent 310, the detent 310 can protrude through the hole 315 preventing rotation of the cylinder 210. The detent 310 can be mounted over a spring 320, or other device, to provide the force necessary to retain the detent 310 in the hole 315. To release this type of locking mechanism 205, the user can simply depress the detent 310. In some embodiments, detent 310 is connected to a spring 320 that is anchored to an inner surface of cylinder 210a. In some embodiments there is a plurality of holes 315 in one of the cylinders in order to allow the detent to engage cylinder 210b in multiple locations. The locking mechanism 205 could also comprise, for example and not limitation, a bolt, pin, e-clip, or snap ring.

(22) In FIG. 4a, an alternative locking mechanism 400 is illustrated. Bracket 405 can be used to support detent 410. In some embodiments, spring cover 415 can be employed to cover spring cavity 420 and protect spring 425 from being disloged or broken. FIG. 4b shows how, in some embodiments, spring 420 biases detent 410 to provide locking to the cylinders. Spring 425 can be anchored against bracket 405 in spring cavity 420, and can provide sufficient force to urge detent 410 into a locked position when desired, but also allow a user to push detent 410 out of the hole for opening or closing the stand.

(23) A method for supporting a Christmas tree can include employing a tree stand in accordance with the above disclosure. Inserts may be manufactured in many different shapes and sizes in order to mate with different tree trunks. The stand could be shipped and/or sold with a plurality of inserts as a universal tree stand. Alternatively, the stand could be packaged with different artificial trees and a single insert. This method could allow for a single type of stand to be manufactured, and inserts could allow it to support an entire product line of different trees.

(24) While several possible embodiments are disclosed above, embodiments of the present invention are not so limited. For instance, while several possible uses for the stand, including supporting a variety of decorative trees, have been disclosed, other uses are possible and are contemplated herein. In addition, the location and configuration used for various features of embodiments of the present invention can be varied according to, for example and not limitation, a particular tree size, mounting location, or tree material that requires a slight variation due to, for example, the materials used and/or space constraints. Such changes are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention.

(25) The specific configurations, choice of materials, and the size and shape of various elements can be varied according to particular design specifications or constraints requiring a device, system, or method constructed according to the principles of the invention. Such changes are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments, therefore, are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.