TREE STANDS INCLUDING CANTILEVERED SUPPORT LEGS

Abstract

The present disclosure describes tree stands. In one embodiment, a tree stand is provided comprising a central tree support configured for supporting a base of a real or artificial tree and four support legs configured to stabilize the tree stand on a surface. In this embodiment, each support leg of the four support legs comprises a single substantially straight cantilevered beam connected to the central tree support at a proximal end portion and extending outward from the central tree support to a distal end portion. The present disclosure also provides a method of forming a tree stand comprising securing two upper support legs to an upper sleeve of a central tree support, wherein each of the two upper support legs comprises a single substantially straight cantilevered beam extending away from the upper sleeve at a first oblique angle and securing two lower support legs to a lower sleeve of the central tree support, wherein each of the two lower support legs comprises a single substantially straight cantilevered beam extending away from the lower sleeve at a second, different oblique angle.

Claims

1. A tree stand, comprising: a central tree support configured for supporting a base of a real or artificial tree; and four support legs configured to stabilize the tree stand on a surface, wherein each support leg of the four support legs comprises a single substantially straight cantilevered beam connected to the central tree support at a proximal end portion and extending outward from the central tree support to a distal end portion.

2. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the central tree support comprises a receptacle configured to receive the base of the real or artificial tree.

3. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein each of the support legs comprises a round body.

4. The tree stand of claim 3, wherein the round body comprises a round tubular body.

5. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the central tree support comprises an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve rotatable relative to the upper sleeve.

6. The tree stand of claim 5, wherein the four support legs comprise two upper legs coupled to the upper sleeve and two lower legs coupled to the lower sleeve.

7. The tree stand of claim 5, further comprising a locking mechanism positioned and configured to maintain the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve in an open rotational position relative to each other.

8. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the proximal end portions of the four support legs are welded to the central tree support.

9. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the four support legs are welded to the central tree support around substantially an entire circumference of each proximal end portion of the four support legs.

10. The tree stand of claim 1, further comprising four end feet respectively coupled to the distal end portions of the four support legs.

11. The tree stand of claim 10, wherein each foot of the four end feet comprises a rounded polymer foot.

12. The tree stand of claim 11, wherein each rounded polymer foot is positioned at least partially within a respective distal end portion of the support leg.

13. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein each support leg of the four support legs extends away from the central tree support at an oblique angle.

14. The tree stand of claim 13, wherein two upper support legs of the four support legs extend away from the central tree support at a first oblique angle and two lower support legs of the four support legs extend away from the central tree support at a second, different oblique angle.

15. The tree stand of claim 14, wherein the distal end portions of the four support legs are substantially positioned in a common plane with each other.

16. The tree stand of claim 1, further comprising a central foot extending downward from the central tree support and positioned to rest on the surface.

17. A tree stand, comprising: a central tree support configured for supporting a base of a real or artificial tree; four support legs configured to stabilize the tree stand on a surface, wherein each support leg of the four support legs comprises a single substantially straight cantilevered beam welded to the central tree support at a proximal end portion and extending outward from the central tree support to a distal end portion at an oblique angle relative to the central tree support; four end feet respectively coupled to the distal end portions of the four support legs; and a central foot extending downward from the central tree support and positioned to rest on the surface.

18. The tree stand of claim 17, wherein each of the support legs comprises a round tubular body.

19. The tree stand of claim 17, wherein the four end feet and the central foot are substantially positioned in a common plane with each other.

20. A method of forming a tree stand, the method comprising: securing two upper support legs to an upper sleeve of a central tree support, wherein each of the two upper support legs comprises a single substantially straight cantilevered beam extending away from the upper sleeve at a first oblique angle; and securing two lower support legs to a lower sleeve of the central tree support, wherein each of the two lower support legs comprises a single substantially straight cantilevered beam extending away from the lower sleeve at a second, different oblique angle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tree stand in an open position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tree stand in an open position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tree stand in a closed position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the tree stand, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 5A is a side view of an upper support leg of a tree stand and FIG. 5B is a side view of a lower support leg of the tree stand, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of forming a tree stand, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the example embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the example embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The present disclosure provides detailed descriptions of tree stands for supporting real or artificial trees, such as Christmas trees. As will be explained in greater detail below, embodiments of the present disclosure may include tree stands that include a central tree support and four support legs configured to stabilize the tree stand on a surface. Each of the four support legs may include a single substantially straight cantilevered beam connected to the central tree support at a proximal end. The support legs may extend outward from the central tree support to a distal end portion. Tree stands according to the present disclosure may be simple and relatively cheap to manufacture compared to some existing tree stands, while exhibiting good structural integrity and functionality.

[0013] Features from any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the general principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

[0014] The following will provide, with reference to FIGS. 1-4, detailed descriptions of an example tree stand according to the present disclosure. Next, example support legs for such a tree stand will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. With reference to FIG. 6, detailed descriptions of example methods of forming a tree stand will then be presented.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tree stand 100 in an open position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The tree stand 100 may include a central tree support 102 that is configured for supporting a base of a real or artificial tree and four support legs 104 that are configured to stabilize the tree stand 100 on a surface, such as a floor, table, porch, ground, or other suitable surfaces.

[0016] In some examples, the central tree support 102 may include a receptacle 106 configured (e.g., shaped and sized) to receive the base of the real or artificial tree. For example, in a tree stand 100 for supporting a real tree, the receptacle 106 may have a sufficiently large inner diameter to receive a base (e.g., a trunk) of a typical Christmas tree. By way of example and not limitation, in this case, the receptacle 106 may have an inner diameter of between about 3 inches (7.62 cm) and about 6 inches (15.24 cm). In a tree stand 100 configured for supporting an artificial tree, the receptacle 106 may have an inner diameter tailored to a base of the artificial tree. For example, the inner diameter of the receptacle 106 in this case may be between about 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) and about 3 inches (7.62 cm).

[0017] In some embodiments, a cap 107 may be positioned over a top portion of the central tree support 102. By way of example, the cap 107 may be formed of a polymer material. The cap 107 may be configured to form a narrower opening over the receptacle 106, such as for receiving the base of an artificial tree. In some embodiments, an inner shape of the cap 107 may be complementary to an outer shape of a base of an artificial tree. In addition, the cap 107 may be configured to cover a top portion of the central tree support 102, such as to cover sharp edges of the central tree support 102.

[0018] The central tree support 102 may include an upper sleeve 108A and a lower sleeve 108B that is rotatable relative to the upper sleeve 108A. For example, the upper sleeve 108A and lower sleeve 108B may be rotatable between a closed position, such as for storage, and an open position (as shown in FIG. 1), such as for supporting the real or artificial tree on a surface. A locking mechanism 110 may be configured to lock the upper sleeve 108A and lower sleeve 108B in the closed position and/or in the open position. By way of example, the locking mechanism 110 may include a spring-loaded push button that engages with an aperture in the upper sleeve 108A and/or in the lower sleeve 108B to inhibit relative rotation between the upper sleeve 108A and lower sleeve 108B. When a user wishes to rotate the upper sleeve 108A and lower sleeve 108B relative to each other, the user can depress the spring-loaded push button to disengage the push button from the aperture to allow the rotation.

[0019] In some examples, relational terms, such as first, second, upper, lower, downward, etc., may be used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings and do not connote or depend on any specific preference, orientation, or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] The support legs 104 may each include a single substantially straight cantilevered beam connected to the central tree support 102 at a proximal end portion. The support legs 104 may extend outward from the central tree support 102 to a distal end portion. For example, two upper support legs 104A may be connected to the upper sleeve 108A of the central tree support 102 and two lower support legs 104B may be connected to the lower sleeve 108B of the central tree support 102.

[0021] In some examples, the terms substantially and about in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition, may refer to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances and/or conventional measurement techniques. For example, a parameter that is substantially met may be at least about 90% met, at least about 95% met, at least about 99% met, or fully met.

[0022] In some embodiments, the support legs 104 may be connected to the central tree support 102 by a weld, such as a weld around an entire circumference of each proximal end portion of the support legs 104. In additional embodiments, the support legs 104 may be connected to the central tree support 102 with an adhesive (e.g., glue, epoxy, etc.). In some embodiments, the support legs 104 may be connected to the central tree support 102 by engaging with a peg or knob extending outward from the central tree support 102. In some examples, one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, pins, etc.) may be used to secure the support legs 104 to the central tree support 102.

[0023] As mentioned above, each of the support legs 104 may include a single substantially straight cantilevered beam. For example, each of the support legs 104 may include a round body, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In some examples, the round body may be a round tubular body. The body of the support legs 104 may be formed of a rigid material, such as metal, polymer, wood, a composite material, or a combination thereof.

[0024] In some embodiments, the tree stand 100 may also include four end feet 112 respectively coupled to the distal end portions of the four support legs 104. Each of the end feet 112 may include a rounded polymer (e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.) foot for engaging with a surface on which the tree stand 100 is to be positioned. Each of the end feet 112 may include a base that fits within the distal end portions of the support legs 104. In some examples, the end feet 112 may be secured to the support legs 104 via a press fit, e.g., by compressing a portion of the end feet 112 to fit within the distal end portions of the support legs 104. Additionally or alternatively, the end feet 112 may be secured to the support legs 104 with an adhesive, a fastener, or a combination thereof.

[0025] In some embodiments, the tree stand 100 may also include a central foot 114 extending downward from the central tree support 102. The central foot 114 may be positioned to rest on the surface supporting the tree stand 100. For example, the central foot 114 may be sized and positioned to substantially be in the common plane with the four end feet 112 such that the central foot 114 and the four end feet 112 are configured to rest on the surface to support the tree stand 100 and the real or artificial tree to be displayed via the tree stand 100.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tree stand 100 in an open position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The left half of FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tree stand 100 through an upper leg 104A and the right half of FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tree stand 100 through a lower leg 104B.

[0027] The upper support legs 104A and lower support legs 104B may each extend away from the central tree support 102 at an oblique angle, such as angled downward. For example, the upper support legs 104A may extend away from the central tree support 102 at a first oblique angle 116A and the lower support legs 104B may extend away from the central tree support 102 at a second, different oblique angle 116B. For example, the first oblique angle 116A downward between the upper support leg 104A and the central tree support 102 may be a smaller angle than the second oblique angle 116B downward between the lower support leg 104B and the central tree support 102. In addition, the upper support legs 104A may be longer than the lower support legs 104B. The angles and lengths of the upper support legs 104A and lower support legs 104B may be selected such that the distal end portions thereof and/or the end feet 112 are positioned in a substantially common plane with each other and at substantially a same radial distance outward from the central tree support 102.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the end feet 112 may be positioned to rest upon a surface 118 supporting the tree stand 100. The end feet 112 may include a rounded end portion for resting upon the surface 118 and an insert portion that is sized to fit within the distal end portions of the upper support legs 104A and lower support legs 104B. In some embodiments, the central foot 114 may also be positioned at a lower end of the central tree support 102 to rest upon the surface 118 to support at least a portion of a weight of the real or artificial tree.

[0029] Referring again to FIG. 2, in some examples the upper sleeve 108A may include a lower portion that fits within the lower sleeve 108B. Alternatively, in additional examples the lower sleeve 108B may include an upper portion that fits within the upper sleeve 108A. A push button of the locking mechanism 110 may pass through apertures in both the upper sleeve 108A and lower sleeve 108B to lock the tree stand 100 in an open position and/or in a closed position.

[0030] As noted above, the upper support legs 104A and the lower support legs 104B may be secured to the central tree support 102 in a cantilevered fashion, such as with a weld 120 around substantially an entire circumference of respective proximal end portions of the upper support legs 104A and lower support legs 104B.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tree stand 100 in a closed position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the closed position, the tree stand 100 may be more compact, such as for storage, compared to the open position. To reach the closed position from the open position, a user may depress a push button of the locking mechanism 110 (see FIGS. 1-2) and rotate the upper sleeve 108A relative to the lower sleeve 108B. This rotation may also rotate the upper support legs 104A relative to the lower support legs 104B. In the closed position, the upper support legs 104A may abut against or be close to the lower support legs 104B, such that the tree stand 100 is in a configuration that is close to flat.

[0032] In some examples, the locking mechanism 110 may lock the tree stand 100 in the closed position shown in FIG. 3. In other examples, the upper sleeve 108A and the lower sleeve 108B may be held in the rotational position by friction and the locking mechanism 110 may not lock the tree stand in the closed position.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the tree stand 100, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the central tree support 102 may include the upper sleeve 108A and the lower sleeve 108B that can be assembled to be rotatable relative to each other, such as with a lower portion of the upper sleeve 108A fitting inside the lower sleeve 108B. The cap 107 may be positioned to cover a top portion of the upper sleeve 108A. The central foot 114 may be secured to a lower portion of the lower sleeve 108B. The central foot 114 may be formed as a unit with, or pre-assembled with, elements of the locking mechanism 110, such as a push button, a biasing member (e.g., a spring), and a bracket for mounting the push button and biasing member.

[0034] In some embodiments, a guide flange 122 may be positioned within and secured to the upper sleeve 108A. The guide flange 122 may have a shape like a washer, with a central aperture. The central aperture of the guide flange 122 may be sized and positioned to receive a lower end of a base of an artificial tree. In additional embodiments, the guide flange 122 may be a solid ring lacking an aperture. In this case, the guide flange 122 may act as a stop that the base of the artificial tree rests on, such as to protect the locking mechanism 110.

[0035] As explained above, proximal end portions of the upper support legs 104A may be secured to the upper sleeve 108A. Likewise, proximal end portions of the lower support legs 104B may be secured to the lower sleeve 108B. End feet 112 may be respectively secured to distal end portions of the upper support legs 104A and lower support legs 104B, such as by inserting a portion thereof into the distal end portions of the upper support legs 104A and lower support legs 104B.

[0036] FIG. 5A is a side view of an upper support leg 104A of a tree stand and FIG. 5B is a side view of a lower support leg 104B of the tree stand, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The upper support leg 104A may have a first length LA for reaching from the upper sleeve to the surface (e.g., ground, floor, etc.) supporting the tree stand. The lower support leg 104B may have a second length LB for reaching from the lower sleeve to the surface supporting the tree stand. The second length LB may be shorter than the first length LA since the distance from the lower sleeve to the surface may be less than the distance from the upper sleeve.

[0037] A proximal end portion 124A of the upper support leg 104A may be cut or otherwise formed at a first oblique angle 116A relative to the first length LA of the upper support leg 104A. The first oblique angle 116A may be tailored such that the upper support leg 104A extends downward from the central tree support toward the surface supporting the tree stand. Similarly, a proximal end portion 124B of the lower support leg 104B may be cut or otherwise formed at a second oblique angle 116 relative to the second length LB of the lower support leg 104B. The second oblique angle 116B may be tailored such that the lower support leg 105B extends downward from the central tree support toward the surface supporting the tree stand. The first oblique angle 116A and the second oblique angle 116B may be different from each other. In some examples, the combination of the different lengths LA and LB and of the different oblique angles 116A and 116B may result in the upper support legs 104A and the lower support legs 104B reaching the surface supporting the tree stand at substantially a same radial distance from the central tree support.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 600 of forming a tree stand, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] At operation 610, two upper support legs may be secured to an upper sleeve of a central tree support. Each of the two upper support legs may include a single substantially straight cantilevered beam extending away from the upper sleeve at a first oblique angle. Operation 610 may be performed in a variety of ways. For example, as discussed above, the upper support legs may be welded or adhered to the upper sleeve. Additionally or alternatively, a press fit or other form of mechanical interference may be used to secure the upper support legs to the upper sleeve. In some examples, one or more fasteners may be used to secure the upper support legs to the upper sleeve.

[0040] At operation 620, two lower support legs may be secured to a lower sleeve of the central tree support. Each of the two lower support legs may include a single substantially straight cantilevered beam extending away from the lower sleeve at a second, different oblique angle. Operation 620 may be performed in a variety of ways. For example, as discussed above, the lower support legs may be welded or adhered to the lower sleeve. Additionally or alternatively, a press fit or other form of mechanical interference may be used to secure the lower support legs to the lower sleeve. In some examples, one or more fasteners may be used to secure the lower support legs to the lower sleeve.

[0041] Additionally, in some embodiments end feet may be respectively secured to distal end portions of the upper support legs and of the lower support legs. A central foot may be secured to a lower end portion of the central tree support. The upper sleeve and the lower sleeve may be rotatably coupled to each other. A locking mechanism may be coupled to the upper sleeve and/or the lower sleeve. The locking mechanism may be positioned and configured to lock the upper sleeve and lower sleeve in an open position, in a closed position, or in both the open position and the closed position.

[0042] Accordingly, the present disclosure includes tree stands that may be functional and relatively easy and cheap to manufacture due to their simple construction. For example, tree stands according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a central tree support and four support legs that each include a single substantially straight cantilevered beam connected to the central tree support.

[0043] The following example embodiments are also included in the present disclosure. [0044] Example 1. A tree stand, including: a central tree support configured for supporting a base of a real or artificial tree; and four support legs configured to stabilize the tree stand on a surface, wherein each support leg of the four support legs includes a single substantially straight cantilevered beam connected to the central tree support at a proximal end portion and extending outward from the central tree support to a distal end portion. [0045] Example 2. The tree stand of Example 1, wherein the central tree support includes a receptacle configured to receive the base of the real or artificial tree. [0046] Example 3. The tree stand of Example 1 or Example 2, wherein each of the support legs includes a round body. [0047] Example 4. The tree stand of Example 3, wherein the round body includes a round tubular body. [0048] Example 5. The tree stand of any of Examples 1 through 4, wherein the central tree support includes an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve rotatable relative to the upper sleeve. [0049] Example 6. The tree stand of Example 5, wherein the four support legs include two upper legs coupled to the upper sleeve and two lower legs coupled to the lower sleeve. [0050] Example 7. The tree stand of Example 5 or Example 6, further including a locking mechanism positioned and configured to maintain the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve in an open rotational position relative to each other. [0051] Example 8. The tree stand of any of Examples 1 through 7, wherein the proximal end portions of the four support legs are welded to the central tree support. [0052] Example 9. The tree stand of any of Examples 1 through 8, wherein the four support legs are welded to the central tree support around substantially an entire circumference of each proximal end portion of the four support legs. [0053] Example 10. The tree stand of any of Examples 1 through 9, further including four end feet respectively coupled to the distal end portions of the four support legs. [0054] Example 11. The tree stand of Example 10, wherein each foot of the four end feet includes a rounded polymer foot. [0055] Example 12. The tree stand of Example 11, wherein each rounded polymer foot is positioned at least partially within a respective distal end portion of the support leg [0056] Example 13. The tree stand of any of Examples 1 through 12, wherein each support leg of the four support legs extends away from the central tree support at an oblique angle. [0057] Example 14. The tree stand of Example 13, wherein two upper support legs of the four support legs extend away from the central tree support at a first oblique angle and two lower support legs of the four support legs extend away from the central tree support at a second, different oblique angle. [0058] Example 15. The tree stand of Example 14, wherein the distal end portions of the four support legs are substantially positioned in a common plane with each other. [0059] Example 16. The tree stand of any of Examples 1 through 15, further including a central foot extending downward from the central tree support and positioned to rest on the surface. [0060] Example 17. A tree stand, including: a central tree support configured for supporting a base of a real or artificial tree; four support legs configured to stabilize the tree stand on a surface, wherein each support leg of the four support legs includes a single substantially straight cantilevered beam welded to the central tree support at a proximal end portion and extending outward from the central tree support to a distal end portion at an oblique angle relative to the central tree support; four end feet respectively coupled to the distal end portions of the four support legs; and a central foot extending downward from the central tree support and positioned to rest on the surface. [0061] Example 18. The tree stand of Example 17, wherein each of the support legs includes a round tubular body. [0062] Example 19. The tree stand of Example 17 or Example 18, wherein the four end feet and the central foot are substantially positioned in a common plane with each other. [0063] Example 20. A method of forming a tree stand, the method including: securing two upper support legs to an upper sleeve of a central tree support, wherein each of the two upper support legs includes a single substantially straight cantilevered beam extending away from the upper sleeve at a first oblique angle; and securing two lower support legs to a lower sleeve of the central tree support, wherein each of the two lower support legs includes a single substantially straight cantilevered beam extending away from the lower sleeve at a second, different oblique angle.

[0064] While the foregoing disclosure sets forth various embodiments using specific block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples, each block diagram component, flowchart step, operation, and/or component described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented, individually and/or collectively, using a wide range of hardware, software, or firmware (or any combination thereof) configurations. In addition, any disclosure of components contained within other components should be considered example in nature since many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality.

[0065] The process parameters and sequence of the steps described and/or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various example methods described and/or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0066] The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the example embodiments disclosed herein. This example description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the instant disclosure.

[0067] Unless otherwise noted, the terms connected to and coupled to (and their derivatives and equivalents), as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connection. In addition, the terms a or an, as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning at least one of. Finally, for ease of use, the terms including and having (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word comprising.