GB2208591A

GB2208591A - Christmas tree stand

Info

Publication number: GB2208591A
Application number: GB8719477A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Grenville St George Syms; Robert Hewitt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-08-18
Filing date: 1987-08-18
Publication date: 1989-04-12
Also published as: GB8719477D0; GB2208591B

Abstract

A Christmas tree holder comprises a hollow container 1 having an open mouth with a removable cover 7. The cover defines an aperture 9 to receive the trunk of a Christmas tree. Radially movable clamping members 11 are mounted on the cover 7 and may be moved to a position in which they clampingly engage the trunk of the tree. The clamping member preferably comprises an element movable in a channel defined by the cover with a means, eg a tightenable nut, to secure the clamping element in position. In a further feature an additional holding means may be located in the base of the holder to retain the end of the trunk. This may take the form of an element attached to the lower end of the trunk to engage within a recess formed in the base of the holder. <IMAGE>

Description

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Improvements in or relating to a holder for a Christmas tree THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a holder for a Christmas tree.

It has been proposed previously to provide a Christmas tree holder comprising a hollow container, having a shape similar to that of a flower pot, having an open mouth, therebeing a removable cover for closing the open mouth of the container, the cover defining a central aperture to receive the trunk of a Christmas tree. Wedge means are provided adapted to engage the aperture and the trunk of a tree when located in position. The base of the container is provided with four part circular vertical webs, which are arranged radically, being equi-spaced. The bottom of the trunk of the tree is received in the space between the webs, and the webs engage and partially bite into the trunk to retain it in position. The prior proposed container is provided with detachable stabilizing feet. A Christmas tree holder of this type is disclosed in British Patent No. 2035789.

It has been found that Christmas tree holders of this type, whilst operating satisfactorily with Christmas trees of small or moderate size, cannot really cope with large Christmas trees. The present invention seeks to provide a Christmas tree holder which can be utilised satisfactorily with large Christmas trees.

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a holder for holding a Christmas tree, comprising a hollow container having an open mouth, a removable cover for closing the open mouth of the container and defining an aperture to receive the trunk of a tree, the cover supporting a plurality of radially movable clamping members adapted to be moved to a position in which they clampingly engage the said trunk, there being means to retain each clamping member in said trunk-engaging position.

Preferably each clamping member comprises an element movable radially within a channel defined by the cover, there being means to retain the clamping member at selected positions within said channel.

Conveniently means to retain the clamping member at selected positions is manually operable by rotating a manually operable element.

Advantageously each clamping element is associated with a bolt passing through an elongate aperture in the cover and passing through an aperture in the clamping member, there being manually tightenable nutmeans to secure the clamping element in selected positions.

Preferably the bolt is provided with a head received within a groove formed on one surface of the cover opposed to the surface defining said channel, the arrangement being such that when the head of the bolt is received within the groove the bolt cannot rotate.

Conveniently the base of said channel and the surface of said clamping element in engagement with the base of the channel are both serrated.

Preferably four clamping elements are provided.

Conveniently the base of the container defines a cup-like formation, and a separate element is provided to be secured to the base of said trunk and to be received within said cup-like formation.

Preferably said means to be secured to the base of the trunk comprises a substantially spherical ball having an integral pin adapted to be received in the said trunk.

Conveniently the container is provided with stabilizing feet.

Preferably said stabilizing feet are attachably connected to the container.

The invention relates to a kit of parts for forming a holder for holding a Christmas tree according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least a hollow container having an open mouth, and a cover positionable for closing the open mouth of the container and defining an aperture, and clamping elements adapted to be moved radially into and out of said aperture, there being means to retain the clamping elements in selected positions.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a holder for holding a Christmas tree, comprising at hollow container having an open mouth, means adjacent said open mouth to receive and retain the trunk of a Christmas tree with the lower end of the trunk in the container, the interior of the container defining an open topped recess adjacent the base of the container, one element being provided having means to affix the element to the bottom of the trunk, the element being dimensioned to be received in said recess.

Preferably said recess is an open topped cup like recess formed on the base of the container.

Conveniently the recess is defined within and surrounded by an upstanding circular flange formed on the base of the container.

Advantageously the element is provided with an integrally formed spike comprising said means to affix the element to the trunk.

Preferably the element is substantially spherical.

The invention also provides a kit of parts for forming a holder for holding a christmas tree comprising at least a hollow container having an open mouth, means to be located adjacent said mouth to receive and retain the trunk of a christmas tree, the interior of the container defining an open topped recess adjacent the base of the container, said kit further comprising an element dimensioned to be received in the recess, and means to affix the element to the lower end of the trunk of a christmas tree. Said element may be spherical, and said affixing means may comprise a spike formed integrally with the said element.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is an exploded view of the Christmas tree stand in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of part of the erected Christmas tree stand, showing a tree in position, FIGURE 3 is an enlarged exploded view of part of the cover of the Christmas tree stand, and FIGURE 4 is an enlarged underneath view of part of the cover of the Christmas tree stand.

Referring to the accompanying drawings a Christmas tree stand in accordance with the present invention comprises a container 1 shaped like a flower pot or bucket, the container being formed of an appropriate moulding of a platics material. The container is provided with four protrusions 2 which protrude radially inwardly towards the centre of the container from the side walls. Each protrusion terminates in a substantially triangular radially inwardly directed web 3. The inwardly directed protrusions 2 are hollow and corresponding slots 4 are defined on the exterior surface of the container which communicate with the hollow portion of each protrusion. Thus it will be understood that the slots and protrusions together define "T" sectioned channels, in the exterior of the container 1, the stems of each "T" defining a slot 4. Four stabilizing feet 5 are provided, each stabilizing foot comprising an elongate moulding of a plastics material and having, at one end thereof, a substantially "T" sectioned protrusion or guide member 6 adapted to be inserted within the "T" section channel present in one of the inwardly directed protrusions 2. It will be appreciated that when the four feet 5 have each had their respective guide member 6 inserted into a "T" sectioned channel the container 1 may be placed on the floor or similar horizontal support surface and will have significant stability against toppling over.

A circular cover 7 is provided for the container, the cover being dimensioned to be received within the open mouth of the container 1. The outer diameter of the cover 7 is such that the cover may rest on an inwardly directed step 8 formed adjacent the open mouth of the container 1. The cover 7 may be a friction fit within the open mouth of the container, the external diameter of the cover being slightly greater than the internal diameter of the mouth of the container adjacent the step 1, so that the cover can only be fully inserted in position against a frictional force generated between the cover and the mouth.

The cover is provided with a large circular central aperture 9, and is also provided with four further smaller apertures 10 equi-angularly spaced about the large central aperture 9.

The cover is provided with four radially movable clamping members 11, which will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Each clamping member 11 consists of a substantially rectangular block having a serrated lower surface 12 and having a bore 13 formed therethrough. Each member 11 is received within a recess or channel 14 formed in the top of the cover, the bottom 15 of the recess or channel being serrated. The arrangement is such that the clamping member 11 may slide radially inwardly and outwardly within the channel 14, with virtually no play.

A retaining bolt 16 is provided to cooperate with the clamping member, the bolt having an elongate or oval shaped head 17. The shank of the bolt is adapted to be passed from below the cover member through an elongate slot 18 which opens into the base of the channel 14, the bolt then passing through the bore 13 in a clamping member 11. As can be seen from Figure 4, on the underside of the cover member 7, surrounding the slot 18 is a recess 19 dimensioned to receive the head 17 of the bolt 16. It will thus be understood that the bolt 16 may slide along the slot 18, with the head 17 within the recess 19 thus preventing the bolt from rotating.

The clamping member 11 is adapted to be positioned with the shank of the bolt 16 passing through the aperture 13. A washer 20 is then located on the bolt, and finally a manually operated nut-member 21 consisting of an internally threaded ring having a protruding arm 22 may be threadedly engaged with the top of the bolt.

It will be understood that when the nut member 21 is tightened up, the serrated face 12 on the bottom of the clamping member 11 will engage the serrated face 15 forming the bottom of the channel 14, and the clamping member 11 will be securely retained in position. However, if the nut 21 is released, the engagement between the two serrated faces will also be released, thus permitting the clamping member 11 to be moved radially inwardly or outwardly within its recess 14.

The container is to receive the trunk 23 of a Christmas tree.

To secure the base of the tree in position a metallic substantially spherical member 24, in the form of a brass ball having an integral spike 25 is provided to be secured to the bottom of the tree trunk by driving the spike 25 into the base of the tree. The ball 24 is dimensioned to be received within a cup-like formation 26, on the base of the container, constituted by an upstanding circular flange 27 formed on the base of the container, the flange defining and surrounding an opentopped recess 28 which is dimensioned to receive the ball 24. In alternative embodiments the member 24 and the recess 28 may be of any appropriate co-operating configuration.

In utilising the described Christmas tree stand the feet 5 are initially engaged with the container 1, and the container is placed on a horizontal surface. The cover 7 is then inserted into the mouth of the container, and the clamping members 11 are fully retracted in to their respective channels 14. The ball 24 is then secured to the base of the trunk of a Christmas tree 23, and the Christmas tree is lowered in to the container, so that the trunk passes through the aperture 9 and so that the ball 24 is received within the recess 28 cup-like formation 26. The nuts 21 of the four clamping members are then manually released, and the clamping members are moved radially inwardly until the clamping members engage the trunk of the tree 23 and retain the tree in a vertical position.The nuts 21 are then manually tightened to retain the tree in the desired position.

The Christmas tree should be watered daily whilst it is in the Christmas tree holder by tipping water through the apertures 10 formed in the cover 7.

It is to be appreciated that if the container 1 is substantially filled with water, the tree will have an adequate water supply, and needle drop will be minimised. The water in the container 1 will also increase the overall stability of the tree in the stand.

The level of water in the container 1 should be topped up regularly. It is desirably to saw a short length off the trunk of a tree before the tree is mounted in the stand since, when a tree is cut down a sealing process occurs which will subsequently inhibit the absorption of water by the tree, and thus cause needle drop.

It will be understood that a Christmas tree holder in accordance with the present invention may be readily collapsed and will occupy only a minimum space when the Christmas tree holder is not in use. It is envisaged that all, or at least the great majority of, the components of the Christmas tree holder may be moulded of a plastics material.

Whilst the accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention having only four stabilizing feet, it is to be appreciated that embodiments may be devised having five or more stabilizing feet of a corresponding design.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A holder for holding a Christmas tree, comprising a hollow container having an open mouth, a removable cover for closing the open mouth of the container and defining an aperture to receive the trunk of a tree, the cover supporting a plurality of radially movable clamping members adapted to be moved to a position in which they clampingly engage the said trunk, there being means to retain each clamping member in said trunkengaging position.

2. A holder according to claim 1 wherein each clamping member comprises an element movable radially within a channel defined by the cover, there being means to retain the clamping member at selected positions within said channel.

3. A holder according to claim 2 wherein the means to retain the clamping member at selected positions is manually operable by rotating a manually operable element.

4. A holder according to claim 3 wherein each clamping element is associated with a bolt passing through an elongate aperture in the cover and passing through an aperture in the clamping member, there being manually tightenable nut-means to secure the clamping element in selected positions.

5. A holder according to claim 4 wherein the bolt is provided with a head received within a groove formed on one surface of the cover opposed to the surface defining said channel, the arrangement being such that when the head of the bolt is received within the groove the bolt cannot rotate.

6. A holder according to any one of claims to wherein the base of said channel and the surface of said clamping element in engagement with the base of the channel are both serrated.

7. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein four clamping elements are provided.

8. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base of the container defines a cuplike formation, and a separate element is provided to be secured to the base of said trunk and to be received within said cup-like formation.

9. A holder according to claim 8 wherein said means to be secured to the base of the trunk comprises a substantially spherical ball having an integral pin adapted to be received in the said trunk.

10. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container is provided with stabilizing feet.

11. A holder according to claim 10 wherein said stabilizing feet are attachably connected to the container.

12. A kit of parts for forming a holder for holding a Christmas tree according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least a hollow container having an open mouth, and a cover positionable for closing the open mouth of the container and defining an aperture, and clamping elements adapted to be moved radially into and out of said aperture, there being means to retain the clamping elements in selected positions.

13. A kit of parts for forming a holder according to claim 12 further including stabilizing feet adapted to be connected to the container.

14. A holder for holding a Christmas tree, comprising a hollow container having an open mouth, means adjacent said open mouth to receive and retain the trunk of a Christmas tree with the lower end of the trunk in the container, the interior of the container defining an open topped recess adjacent the base of the container, an element being provided having means to affix the element to the bottom of the trunk, the element being dimensioned to be received in said recess.

15. A holder according to claim 14 wherein said recess is an open topped cup like recess formed on the base of the container.

16. A holder according to claim 15 wherein the recess is defined within and surrounded by an upstanding circular flange formed on the base of the container.

17. A holder according to any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the element is provided with an integrally formed spike comprising said means to affix the element to the trunk.

18. A holder according to any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the element is substantially spherical.

19. A kit of parts for forming a holder for holding a Christmas tree according to any one of claims 14 to 17 comprising at least a hollow container having an open mouth, means to be located adjacent said mouth to receive and retain the trunk of a Christmas tree, the interior of the container defining an open topped recess adjacent the base of the container, said kit further comprising an element dimensioned to be received in the recess, and means to affix the element to the lower end of the trunk of a Christmas tree.

20. A kit of parts for forming a holder according to claim 19 wherein said element is spherical.

21. A kit of parts for forming a holder according to claim 19 or 20 wherein said affixing means comprise a spike formed integrally with the said element.

22. A kit of parts for forming a holder according to claim 19, 20, or 21 further including stabilizing feet adapted to be connected to the container.

23. A Christmas tree holder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

24. A kit of parts for forming a Christmas tree holder comprising a container, a cover and clamping elements substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

25. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.