CA2002235C - Christmas tree holder - Google Patents
Christmas tree holderInfo
- Publication number
- CA2002235C CA2002235C CA 2002235 CA2002235A CA2002235C CA 2002235 C CA2002235 C CA 2002235C CA 2002235 CA2002235 CA 2002235 CA 2002235 A CA2002235 A CA 2002235A CA 2002235 C CA2002235 C CA 2002235C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pot
- leg
- tree
- cylindrical
- cavities
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 241000191291 Abies alba Species 0.000 title abstract description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 101100298225 Caenorhabditis elegans pot-2 gene Proteins 0.000 description 12
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G33/00—Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
- A47G33/04—Christmas trees
- A47G33/12—Christmas tree stands
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G33/00—Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
- A47G33/04—Christmas trees
- A47G33/12—Christmas tree stands
- A47G2033/1286—Christmas tree stands comprising watering means, e.g. a water reservoir
Landscapes
- Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
Abstract
"CHRISTMAS TREE HOLDER"
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The holder comprises a pot having a screw for fixing a tree stump in the pot chamber by clamping it against the opposite wall of the pot. The wall of the pot forms three inwardly and slightly upwardly extending cylindrical cavities at its base. Three legs are provided, one for each cavity. Each leg has a cylindrical spigot at its inner end and a main shank.
The longitudinal axis of the spigot is offset slightly, relative to the axis of the shank. When the spigots are inserted into the cavities so that the legs are assembled with the pot and the assembly is nesting on a support surface, then manual rotation of a single leg will induce tilting of the pot. Thus there is provided a holder having a single screw clamping system and a rotatable leg levelling system.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The holder comprises a pot having a screw for fixing a tree stump in the pot chamber by clamping it against the opposite wall of the pot. The wall of the pot forms three inwardly and slightly upwardly extending cylindrical cavities at its base. Three legs are provided, one for each cavity. Each leg has a cylindrical spigot at its inner end and a main shank.
The longitudinal axis of the spigot is offset slightly, relative to the axis of the shank. When the spigots are inserted into the cavities so that the legs are assembled with the pot and the assembly is nesting on a support surface, then manual rotation of a single leg will induce tilting of the pot. Thus there is provided a holder having a single screw clamping system and a rotatable leg levelling system.
Description
2 ;,, ~ 2 .~ 3 J
1 FIELD OF THE TNVENTTO~
2 This invention relates to a holder or stand for a small
1 FIELD OF THE TNVENTTO~
2 This invention relates to a holder or stand for a small
3 tree, such as a Christmas tree.
4 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Applicants set out to produce an improved Christmas 6 tree holder. In this connection, they surveyed the available 7 commercial products and noted the following:
8 - That typically a leg-supported elevated pot was 9 used to receive and support the stump of the tree.
The pot was stabilized by the outwardly and 11 downwardly projecting legs. Ths pot further 12 carried means for grasping the stump, to unite it 13 with the stable base provided by the legs. 1'he 14 pot served as a reservoir for water, to keep the tree from becoming unduly dry; and 16 - That typically the means for uniting the stump 17 with the pot involved three or more screws 18 extending through the upper end of the pot wall 19 at spaced points around its rim. These screws served a second function - more particularly, they 21 provided a means for adjusting the verticality of 22 the tree. By the process of easing off one screw 23 and further ssrewing in another, the tree could 24 ~e tilted, although the levelling of the pot remained unchanged.
~Q~2"3~
1 In applicants~ view, there were shortcomlngs which 2 charactérized the prior art products seen. More particularly:
3 - The three screw grasping/levelling system seemed 4 to baffle some users. It appeared desirable to develop a simpler system for providing these two 6 functions;
7 - The pot used was typically difficult to keep 8 filled with water, as it was awkward to pour the 9 water into the narrow annular space between the surface of the stump and the inner surface of the 11 pot; and 12 - There was no useful ~eans provided for testing 13 the water level in the pot.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided 16 first means for clamping and supporting the stump of a tree to 17 hold the tree upright, said first means being associated with 18 three removable legs. Preferably the first means comprises a 19 pot. The pot forms three outwardly directed and downwardly angled cylindrical first surfaces. The first surfaces are 21 provided at spaced points about the periphery of the pot base.
22 The first surfaces may be provided by forming the pot wall to 23 create inwardly extendlng cavities or outwardly projecting 24 protuberances or spigots. The inner (or upper) end portion of each leg is formed to provide a cylindrical second surface 26 adapted to longitudinally frictionally engage one of the pot's 27 cylindrical first surfaces, to interlock the leg with the pot.
28 For example, the pot may form cylindrical cavities and the inner 2~223~
1 end portion of each leg may take the form of a cylindrical spigot 2 which closely fits one of the cavities. Or alternatively, the 3 pot may form the spigots and each leg upper end portion may form 4 a cavity.
The inner and outer portions of the leg form a unit so 6 that thP portions will turn together. Prefsrably the legs are 7 identical and each is formed of a single piece of wood so that 8 leg portions are integral.
9 A cylindrical configuration for the first and second surfaces is chosen to enable the leg to be xotated relative to 11 the pot while maintaining the interlocking relationship. The 12 tolerance or fit of the spigot in the cavity is preferably 13 sufficiently close or tight to ensure a friction fit 60 that the 14 leg remains engaged with the pot if they are raised off the support surface and to further ensure that the leg will not 16 counter-rotate when the pot is loaded with the tree; however the 17 fit is loose enough so that one cylindrical surface can be 18 rotated manually relative to the other and, preferably, the leg 19 can be separated from the pot by pulling manually on the leg.
As previously described, each leg comprises an outer 21 end portion (the shank) and an inner end portion (typically the 22 spigot) which ~orms the cylindrical second sur~ace. Each of the 23 leg portions has a longitudinal axis. These axes are generally 24 linearly aligned although they are offset at a small or acute angle (typically 5) relative to each other. As a result of this 26 arrangement, manual rotation of the leg, with the first and 27 second cylindrical surfaces engaged and the assembly held in mid-28 air, will induce the outer end of the leg to follow a circular 29 path. When the assembly is resting on the support surface, 20~2235 1 rotation of a leg will induce tilting of the pot and the tree 2 secured to it.
3 The shank of the leg is several times as long as the 4 spigot. When tree load is applied to the pot, the combination of clos~ fit and leg section ratio will result in high friction 6 or binding taking place between pot and spigot, thereby better 7 resisting counter-rotation.
8 In a preferred feature, a single screw, extending 9 through one side of the pot, is used to clamp the tree stump against the opposite side of the pot. In this embodiment, 11 therefore, the grasping function is enabled by a single screw 12 cooperating with the pot wall to form a vice and the levelling 13 function is enabled by manual rotation of the legs, one at a 14 time.
In another preferred feature, the pot is formed to 16 provide an upper portion of reduced diameter and a base portion 17 of expanded diameter. An outwardly projecting, almost horizontal 18 shoulder portion joins the upper and base portions of the pot 19 side wall. An aperture or fill hole is formed in this shoulder portion. The fill hole i8 large enough to permit insertion of 21 a finger. By this design, there is provided a relatively large 22 water reservoir that is easy to fill and whiah can be tested for 23 water level by insertion of a finger through the fill hole.
24 In another preferred feature, the pot is formed of plastic and the cylindrical first surfaces are provided by having 26 inwardly extending, slightly tapered cavities. The taper of the 27 cavities is necessitated by having to use a ~ie in the 28 manufacture of the pot, which die has tapered parts for forming 29 the cavities. Due to the taper, the pot wall has a tendency to 2~223~
1 expel the leg when the pot is loaded. ~o overaome this problem, 2 while not interfering with the capability for manual rotation and 3 removal of the leg, there is preferably provided means for 4 retaining the leg in the cavity against expulsion by the loaded
Applicants set out to produce an improved Christmas 6 tree holder. In this connection, they surveyed the available 7 commercial products and noted the following:
8 - That typically a leg-supported elevated pot was 9 used to receive and support the stump of the tree.
The pot was stabilized by the outwardly and 11 downwardly projecting legs. Ths pot further 12 carried means for grasping the stump, to unite it 13 with the stable base provided by the legs. 1'he 14 pot served as a reservoir for water, to keep the tree from becoming unduly dry; and 16 - That typically the means for uniting the stump 17 with the pot involved three or more screws 18 extending through the upper end of the pot wall 19 at spaced points around its rim. These screws served a second function - more particularly, they 21 provided a means for adjusting the verticality of 22 the tree. By the process of easing off one screw 23 and further ssrewing in another, the tree could 24 ~e tilted, although the levelling of the pot remained unchanged.
~Q~2"3~
1 In applicants~ view, there were shortcomlngs which 2 charactérized the prior art products seen. More particularly:
3 - The three screw grasping/levelling system seemed 4 to baffle some users. It appeared desirable to develop a simpler system for providing these two 6 functions;
7 - The pot used was typically difficult to keep 8 filled with water, as it was awkward to pour the 9 water into the narrow annular space between the surface of the stump and the inner surface of the 11 pot; and 12 - There was no useful ~eans provided for testing 13 the water level in the pot.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided 16 first means for clamping and supporting the stump of a tree to 17 hold the tree upright, said first means being associated with 18 three removable legs. Preferably the first means comprises a 19 pot. The pot forms three outwardly directed and downwardly angled cylindrical first surfaces. The first surfaces are 21 provided at spaced points about the periphery of the pot base.
22 The first surfaces may be provided by forming the pot wall to 23 create inwardly extendlng cavities or outwardly projecting 24 protuberances or spigots. The inner (or upper) end portion of each leg is formed to provide a cylindrical second surface 26 adapted to longitudinally frictionally engage one of the pot's 27 cylindrical first surfaces, to interlock the leg with the pot.
28 For example, the pot may form cylindrical cavities and the inner 2~223~
1 end portion of each leg may take the form of a cylindrical spigot 2 which closely fits one of the cavities. Or alternatively, the 3 pot may form the spigots and each leg upper end portion may form 4 a cavity.
The inner and outer portions of the leg form a unit so 6 that thP portions will turn together. Prefsrably the legs are 7 identical and each is formed of a single piece of wood so that 8 leg portions are integral.
9 A cylindrical configuration for the first and second surfaces is chosen to enable the leg to be xotated relative to 11 the pot while maintaining the interlocking relationship. The 12 tolerance or fit of the spigot in the cavity is preferably 13 sufficiently close or tight to ensure a friction fit 60 that the 14 leg remains engaged with the pot if they are raised off the support surface and to further ensure that the leg will not 16 counter-rotate when the pot is loaded with the tree; however the 17 fit is loose enough so that one cylindrical surface can be 18 rotated manually relative to the other and, preferably, the leg 19 can be separated from the pot by pulling manually on the leg.
As previously described, each leg comprises an outer 21 end portion (the shank) and an inner end portion (typically the 22 spigot) which ~orms the cylindrical second sur~ace. Each of the 23 leg portions has a longitudinal axis. These axes are generally 24 linearly aligned although they are offset at a small or acute angle (typically 5) relative to each other. As a result of this 26 arrangement, manual rotation of the leg, with the first and 27 second cylindrical surfaces engaged and the assembly held in mid-28 air, will induce the outer end of the leg to follow a circular 29 path. When the assembly is resting on the support surface, 20~2235 1 rotation of a leg will induce tilting of the pot and the tree 2 secured to it.
3 The shank of the leg is several times as long as the 4 spigot. When tree load is applied to the pot, the combination of clos~ fit and leg section ratio will result in high friction 6 or binding taking place between pot and spigot, thereby better 7 resisting counter-rotation.
8 In a preferred feature, a single screw, extending 9 through one side of the pot, is used to clamp the tree stump against the opposite side of the pot. In this embodiment, 11 therefore, the grasping function is enabled by a single screw 12 cooperating with the pot wall to form a vice and the levelling 13 function is enabled by manual rotation of the legs, one at a 14 time.
In another preferred feature, the pot is formed to 16 provide an upper portion of reduced diameter and a base portion 17 of expanded diameter. An outwardly projecting, almost horizontal 18 shoulder portion joins the upper and base portions of the pot 19 side wall. An aperture or fill hole is formed in this shoulder portion. The fill hole i8 large enough to permit insertion of 21 a finger. By this design, there is provided a relatively large 22 water reservoir that is easy to fill and whiah can be tested for 23 water level by insertion of a finger through the fill hole.
24 In another preferred feature, the pot is formed of plastic and the cylindrical first surfaces are provided by having 26 inwardly extending, slightly tapered cavities. The taper of the 27 cavities is necessitated by having to use a ~ie in the 28 manufacture of the pot, which die has tapered parts for forming 29 the cavities. Due to the taper, the pot wall has a tendency to 2~223~
1 expel the leg when the pot is loaded. ~o overaome this problem, 2 while not interfering with the capability for manual rotation and 3 removal of the leg, there is preferably provided means for 4 retaining the leg in the cavity against expulsion by the loaded
5 pot.
6 sroadly stated, the invention is a tree holder
7 comprising: first means for clamping and supporting the stump
8 of a tree to hold the tree upright; said first means comprising
9 a base having a periphery, said first means forming three cylindrical first surfaces that are downwardly angled from 11 horizontal and located at generally equally spaced apart 12 positions around the periphery of the first means base; and three 13 legs for supporting the first means in an elevated position, each 14 ley having inner and outer end portions, said outer portion having a length that is several times the length of the inner 16 portion, which combine to form a unit so that the leg portions 17 will turn together, said inner end portion forming a cylindrical 18 second surface adapted to longitudinally engage one of the 19 cylindrical first surfaces to interlock with the first means with a tolerance that is sufficiently close so that the leg will not 21 counter-rotate when the first means is loaded with a tree but 22 that is sufficiently loose so that the leg may still ~e manually 23 rotated, the outer end portion and cylindrical second ~urface of 24 each leg each having a longitudinal axis, said axes being generally linearly aligned but offset and intersecting each other 26 at a small acute angle relative to each other; whereby, when the 27 legs are interlocked with the first means and the resulting 28 assembly is resting on a support surface, manual rotation of a 29 leg induces tilting of the first means.
20~22~
l In a variant of the invention, an auxiliary cylindrical 2 collar may be used between the cylindrical leg surface and the 3 cylindrical pot surface. The axes of the outer and inner 4 - surfaces of this auxiliary collar are offset to each other (typically 5). In this case, the leg is straight and has only 6 a single axis. Rotation of the collar causes the outer end of 7 the leg to move in the circular path, even though the leg itself 8 is not rotated.
9 DESCRIPTION OF THE D~AWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the holder with the 11 legs each in the maximum elevation position;
12 Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 13 except that one of the legs has been rotated to tilt the pot;
14 . Figure 3 is a top plan view of the holder;
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the holder;
16 Figure 5 is a sectional side view showing the pot, 17 legs, screw and stump;
18 Figure 6 is an expanded sectional side view of the pot 19 alone, showing one of the cavities;
Figure 7 is a side view of one embodiment of the leg;
21 Figure 8 is a side sectional view showing part of the 22 pot, forming a cavity, the pot having keeper means for resisting 23 expulsion of the leg by the pot;
24 Figure 9 is a perspective view of a spacer supplied for use with trees of small diameter;
26 Figure 10 is a side sectional view showing part of a 27 pot, having a spigot extending therefrom, and part of a leg 28 forming a cooperating cavity therefore, 2~0223~
1 Figure 11 is a side sectional view showing part of a 2 pot and spigot having an O-ring on the spigot as the keeper; and 3 Figure 12 is a side sectional view of part of the pot 4 and the leg, showing an alternative form of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
6 The holder 1 comprises a plastic pot 2 having three 7 identical wooden legs 3 and a steel, threaded clamping screw 4.
8 More particularly, the pot 2 is open-topped and flat-9 bottomed. It has a side wall 5 forming a generally cylindrical but upwardly tapered upper portion 6, an outwardly flaring 11 shoulder portion 7, and a generally cylindrical but inwardly 12 tapered lower portion 8. The side wall 5 is inwardly bent at its 13 upper end to provide an inwardly projecting flange 9, forming a 14 V-notch 10 at one side. A transverse bottom wall 11 connects with the side wall 5. The open-topped pot 2 thus forms an 16 interior chamber 12 having a reduced diameter upper portion 13 17 and an expanded diameter lower reservoir portion 14.
18 In opposed relation to the V-notch 10, the side wall 19 upper portion 6 forms a pair of inwardly projecting, ~ertically extending, parallel angle members 15. A steel plate 16 is 21 retained by the angle members 15. ~he plate 16 has a threaded 22 aperture 17 which is aligned with an aperture 18 extending 23 through the side wall upper portion 6. The apertures 17, 18 are 24 opposed to the apex of the V-notch 10. The clamping screw 4 extends through the apertures 17, 18 and threadably engages the 26 plate 16.
2~223~
1 The side wall lower portion 8 and bottom wall 11 2 together form a short, upstanding wall 19 at the base of the 3 chamber 12. The wall 19 forms a V-notch 20. The apex of the V-4 notch 20 i6 vertically aligned with that of the V-notch 10.
In operation, therefore, the flat-bottomed stump 21 of 6 a tree 22 is inserted in chamber 12 and is supported by bottom 7 wall 11. ~he bolt 4 may be screwed inwardly to clamp the stump 8 21 against the V-notch-forming wall 19 and flange 9.
9 The pot 2 and screw 4 thus combine to provide means for clamping and supporting the stump of a tree 22 in an elevated 11 position, to hold the tree upright.
12 The side wall shoulder portion 7 forms a fill hole 23 13 of sufficient diameter to permit of insertion of a finger, to 14 test the water level in the chamber reservoir portion 14.
The side wall lower portion 8 and bottom wall 11 16 further cooperate to form three inwardly extending, cylindrical 17 cavities 2~. More particularly, the bottom wall 11 has an 18 arcuate portion 25 that combines with part 26 of the side wall 19 5 to form each cavity 24.
Each arcuate portion 25 forms an aperture 27 and tang 21 28. The tang 28 is inwardly bent but can be flexed outwardly 22 into the aperture 27. The operation of the tang 28 is described 23 below.
24 The cylindrical side sur~ace 29 of each cavity 24 projects downwardly and outwardly at a slight angle (e.g. 7D) 26 from horizontal.
27 The cavity side surface 29 forms a series of inwardly 28 projecting, short, spaced apart ribs 30 at its inner end. The 2~ purpose of the ribs 30 is described below.
2~022~5 1 Turning now to the wooden legs 3, each has an 2 elongated, straight shank 31 and a short spigot 32 at its inner 3 end. The longitudinal axis of th~ spigot 32 is offset relative 4 to the longit~dinal axis of the shank 31 (typically 5). Stated otherwise, the axes are coplanar and generally linearly aligned, 6 but offset at an acute angle relative to each other.
7 The spigot 32 has a cylindrical second surface 33 which 8 closely conforms to the cylindrical first surface 29 of the 9 cavity 24. The fit of the spigot 32 in the circle of ribs 30 is designed to permit the leg 3 to be rotated manually but there is 11 sufficient frictional resistance to rotation so as to ensure that 12 the leg 3 will not counter-rotate when the tree 22 is loaded onto 13 the pot 2. The tolerance of this fit will be affected by the 14 materials from which each of the leg 3 and pot 2 are made.
lS The spigot 32 is notched to provide a circumferential 16 groove 34 part way along its length. The inner end o~ the groove 17 34 is defined by the shoulder 35. When the spigot 32 is inserted 18 into a cavity 24, the tang 28 locks against the shoulder 35 to 19 provide resistance to expulsion by the pot when the latter is loaded. However, the flexing capability of the tang 28 will 21 enable the spigot 32 to be manually withdrawn from the cavity 24 22 by pulling on the shank 31, or by pulling the tang 28 clear of 23 the spigot 32.
24 A spacer 36 is provided, as shown, to bring the V-notch surfaces closer to the opposite side wall, if required.
26 In operation, the legs 3 are inserted into the cavities 27 24 to suspend the pot 2 in an elevated position. The legs 3 28 provide a stable and wide platform for the pot 2. The screw 4 29 is screwed in to clamp the stump 21 against the wall 19 and 20~223~
1 flange 9, thereby locking the pot 2 and tree together. When a 2 single leg 3 is rotated, the cylindrical surfaces 29, 33 and the 3 offset spigot 32 and shank 31 interact to induce the pot 2 to 4 tilt and vary the verticality of the tree.
Figures 10 and 11 show alternative features that may 6 be used in place of specific features previously described. More 7 particularly, Figure 10 shows the pot 2 formed with spigots 50, 8 instead of cavities. Each leg 3 forms a cooperating cavity 51.
9 Figure 11 shows a rubber O-ring 52 being used instead o~ a tang to resist expulsion of the leg 3 by the pot 2 when the latter is 11 loaded.
12 Figure 12 shows a variant of the invention. A
13 generally cylindrical collar 6, having inner and outer 14 cylindrical surfaces 61, 62~ is interposed between a cylindrical cavity surface of a pot and the cylindrical surface of a leg.
16 The axes of the surfaces 61, 62 are offset to each other. Thus, 17 manual rotation of the collar 60 may be used to cause the outer 18 end of the leg to move in a circular path, even though the leg 19 itself is not rotated.
The scope o~ the invention is defined by the appended 21 claims.
20~22~
l In a variant of the invention, an auxiliary cylindrical 2 collar may be used between the cylindrical leg surface and the 3 cylindrical pot surface. The axes of the outer and inner 4 - surfaces of this auxiliary collar are offset to each other (typically 5). In this case, the leg is straight and has only 6 a single axis. Rotation of the collar causes the outer end of 7 the leg to move in the circular path, even though the leg itself 8 is not rotated.
9 DESCRIPTION OF THE D~AWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the holder with the 11 legs each in the maximum elevation position;
12 Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 13 except that one of the legs has been rotated to tilt the pot;
14 . Figure 3 is a top plan view of the holder;
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the holder;
16 Figure 5 is a sectional side view showing the pot, 17 legs, screw and stump;
18 Figure 6 is an expanded sectional side view of the pot 19 alone, showing one of the cavities;
Figure 7 is a side view of one embodiment of the leg;
21 Figure 8 is a side sectional view showing part of the 22 pot, forming a cavity, the pot having keeper means for resisting 23 expulsion of the leg by the pot;
24 Figure 9 is a perspective view of a spacer supplied for use with trees of small diameter;
26 Figure 10 is a side sectional view showing part of a 27 pot, having a spigot extending therefrom, and part of a leg 28 forming a cooperating cavity therefore, 2~0223~
1 Figure 11 is a side sectional view showing part of a 2 pot and spigot having an O-ring on the spigot as the keeper; and 3 Figure 12 is a side sectional view of part of the pot 4 and the leg, showing an alternative form of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
6 The holder 1 comprises a plastic pot 2 having three 7 identical wooden legs 3 and a steel, threaded clamping screw 4.
8 More particularly, the pot 2 is open-topped and flat-9 bottomed. It has a side wall 5 forming a generally cylindrical but upwardly tapered upper portion 6, an outwardly flaring 11 shoulder portion 7, and a generally cylindrical but inwardly 12 tapered lower portion 8. The side wall 5 is inwardly bent at its 13 upper end to provide an inwardly projecting flange 9, forming a 14 V-notch 10 at one side. A transverse bottom wall 11 connects with the side wall 5. The open-topped pot 2 thus forms an 16 interior chamber 12 having a reduced diameter upper portion 13 17 and an expanded diameter lower reservoir portion 14.
18 In opposed relation to the V-notch 10, the side wall 19 upper portion 6 forms a pair of inwardly projecting, ~ertically extending, parallel angle members 15. A steel plate 16 is 21 retained by the angle members 15. ~he plate 16 has a threaded 22 aperture 17 which is aligned with an aperture 18 extending 23 through the side wall upper portion 6. The apertures 17, 18 are 24 opposed to the apex of the V-notch 10. The clamping screw 4 extends through the apertures 17, 18 and threadably engages the 26 plate 16.
2~223~
1 The side wall lower portion 8 and bottom wall 11 2 together form a short, upstanding wall 19 at the base of the 3 chamber 12. The wall 19 forms a V-notch 20. The apex of the V-4 notch 20 i6 vertically aligned with that of the V-notch 10.
In operation, therefore, the flat-bottomed stump 21 of 6 a tree 22 is inserted in chamber 12 and is supported by bottom 7 wall 11. ~he bolt 4 may be screwed inwardly to clamp the stump 8 21 against the V-notch-forming wall 19 and flange 9.
9 The pot 2 and screw 4 thus combine to provide means for clamping and supporting the stump of a tree 22 in an elevated 11 position, to hold the tree upright.
12 The side wall shoulder portion 7 forms a fill hole 23 13 of sufficient diameter to permit of insertion of a finger, to 14 test the water level in the chamber reservoir portion 14.
The side wall lower portion 8 and bottom wall 11 16 further cooperate to form three inwardly extending, cylindrical 17 cavities 2~. More particularly, the bottom wall 11 has an 18 arcuate portion 25 that combines with part 26 of the side wall 19 5 to form each cavity 24.
Each arcuate portion 25 forms an aperture 27 and tang 21 28. The tang 28 is inwardly bent but can be flexed outwardly 22 into the aperture 27. The operation of the tang 28 is described 23 below.
24 The cylindrical side sur~ace 29 of each cavity 24 projects downwardly and outwardly at a slight angle (e.g. 7D) 26 from horizontal.
27 The cavity side surface 29 forms a series of inwardly 28 projecting, short, spaced apart ribs 30 at its inner end. The 2~ purpose of the ribs 30 is described below.
2~022~5 1 Turning now to the wooden legs 3, each has an 2 elongated, straight shank 31 and a short spigot 32 at its inner 3 end. The longitudinal axis of th~ spigot 32 is offset relative 4 to the longit~dinal axis of the shank 31 (typically 5). Stated otherwise, the axes are coplanar and generally linearly aligned, 6 but offset at an acute angle relative to each other.
7 The spigot 32 has a cylindrical second surface 33 which 8 closely conforms to the cylindrical first surface 29 of the 9 cavity 24. The fit of the spigot 32 in the circle of ribs 30 is designed to permit the leg 3 to be rotated manually but there is 11 sufficient frictional resistance to rotation so as to ensure that 12 the leg 3 will not counter-rotate when the tree 22 is loaded onto 13 the pot 2. The tolerance of this fit will be affected by the 14 materials from which each of the leg 3 and pot 2 are made.
lS The spigot 32 is notched to provide a circumferential 16 groove 34 part way along its length. The inner end o~ the groove 17 34 is defined by the shoulder 35. When the spigot 32 is inserted 18 into a cavity 24, the tang 28 locks against the shoulder 35 to 19 provide resistance to expulsion by the pot when the latter is loaded. However, the flexing capability of the tang 28 will 21 enable the spigot 32 to be manually withdrawn from the cavity 24 22 by pulling on the shank 31, or by pulling the tang 28 clear of 23 the spigot 32.
24 A spacer 36 is provided, as shown, to bring the V-notch surfaces closer to the opposite side wall, if required.
26 In operation, the legs 3 are inserted into the cavities 27 24 to suspend the pot 2 in an elevated position. The legs 3 28 provide a stable and wide platform for the pot 2. The screw 4 29 is screwed in to clamp the stump 21 against the wall 19 and 20~223~
1 flange 9, thereby locking the pot 2 and tree together. When a 2 single leg 3 is rotated, the cylindrical surfaces 29, 33 and the 3 offset spigot 32 and shank 31 interact to induce the pot 2 to 4 tilt and vary the verticality of the tree.
Figures 10 and 11 show alternative features that may 6 be used in place of specific features previously described. More 7 particularly, Figure 10 shows the pot 2 formed with spigots 50, 8 instead of cavities. Each leg 3 forms a cooperating cavity 51.
9 Figure 11 shows a rubber O-ring 52 being used instead o~ a tang to resist expulsion of the leg 3 by the pot 2 when the latter is 11 loaded.
12 Figure 12 shows a variant of the invention. A
13 generally cylindrical collar 6, having inner and outer 14 cylindrical surfaces 61, 62~ is interposed between a cylindrical cavity surface of a pot and the cylindrical surface of a leg.
16 The axes of the surfaces 61, 62 are offset to each other. Thus, 17 manual rotation of the collar 60 may be used to cause the outer 18 end of the leg to move in a circular path, even though the leg 19 itself is not rotated.
The scope o~ the invention is defined by the appended 21 claims.
Claims (10)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A tree holder comprising:
first means for clamping and supporting the stump of a tree to hold the tree upright;
said first means comprising a base having a periphery, said first means forming three cylindrical first surfaces that are downwardly angled from horizontal and located at generally equally spaced apart positions around the periphery of the first means base; and three legs for supporting the first means in an elevated position, each leg having inner and outer end portions, said outer portion having a length that is several times the length of the inner portion, which combine to form a unit so that the leg portions will turn together, said inner end portion forming a cylindrical second surface adapted to longitudinally engage one of the cylindrical first surfaces to interlock with the first means with a tolerance that is sufficiently close so that the leg will not counter-rotate when the first means is loaded with a tree but that is sufficiently loose so that the leg may still be manually rotated, the outer end portion and cylindrical second surface of each leg each having a longitudinal axis, said axes being generally linearly aligned but offset and intersecting each other at a small acute angle relative to each other;
whereby, when the legs are interlocked with the first means and the resulting assembly is resting on a support surface, manual rotation of a leg induces tilting of the first means.
first means for clamping and supporting the stump of a tree to hold the tree upright;
said first means comprising a base having a periphery, said first means forming three cylindrical first surfaces that are downwardly angled from horizontal and located at generally equally spaced apart positions around the periphery of the first means base; and three legs for supporting the first means in an elevated position, each leg having inner and outer end portions, said outer portion having a length that is several times the length of the inner portion, which combine to form a unit so that the leg portions will turn together, said inner end portion forming a cylindrical second surface adapted to longitudinally engage one of the cylindrical first surfaces to interlock with the first means with a tolerance that is sufficiently close so that the leg will not counter-rotate when the first means is loaded with a tree but that is sufficiently loose so that the leg may still be manually rotated, the outer end portion and cylindrical second surface of each leg each having a longitudinal axis, said axes being generally linearly aligned but offset and intersecting each other at a small acute angle relative to each other;
whereby, when the legs are interlocked with the first means and the resulting assembly is resting on a support surface, manual rotation of a leg induces tilting of the first means.
2. The tree holder as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
the first means comprises a pot forming the first surfaces.
the first means comprises a pot forming the first surfaces.
3. A tree holder comprising:
a pot having means for clamping and supporting the stump of a tree to hold the tree upright;
said pot comprising a base having a periphery, said pot forming three cylindrical first surfaces that are downwardly angled from horizontal and located at generally equally spaced apart positions around the periphery of the pot base; and three legs for supporting the pot in an elevated position, each leg having inner and outer end portions, said outer portion having a length that is several times the length of the inner portion, which combine to form a unit so that the leg portions will turn together, said inner end portion forming a cylindrical second surface adapted to longitudinally and frictionally engage one of the cylindrical first surfaces to interlock with the pot with a tolerance that is sufficiently close so that the leg will not counter-rotate when the pot is loaded with a tree but that is sufficiently loose so that the leg may still be manually rotated or withdrawn, the outer end portion and cylindrical second surface of each leg each having a longitudinal axis, said axes being generally linearly aligned but offset and intersecting each other at a small acute angle relative to each other;
whereby, when the legs are interlocked with the pot and the resulting assembly is resting on a support surface, manual rotation of a leg induces tilting of the pot.
a pot having means for clamping and supporting the stump of a tree to hold the tree upright;
said pot comprising a base having a periphery, said pot forming three cylindrical first surfaces that are downwardly angled from horizontal and located at generally equally spaced apart positions around the periphery of the pot base; and three legs for supporting the pot in an elevated position, each leg having inner and outer end portions, said outer portion having a length that is several times the length of the inner portion, which combine to form a unit so that the leg portions will turn together, said inner end portion forming a cylindrical second surface adapted to longitudinally and frictionally engage one of the cylindrical first surfaces to interlock with the pot with a tolerance that is sufficiently close so that the leg will not counter-rotate when the pot is loaded with a tree but that is sufficiently loose so that the leg may still be manually rotated or withdrawn, the outer end portion and cylindrical second surface of each leg each having a longitudinal axis, said axes being generally linearly aligned but offset and intersecting each other at a small acute angle relative to each other;
whereby, when the legs are interlocked with the pot and the resulting assembly is resting on a support surface, manual rotation of a leg induces tilting of the pot.
4. The tree holder as set forth in claim 3 wherein:
the pot has a side wall and is associated with a screw, extending through the side wall, for clamping the stump against the portion of the side wall opposite to the screw.
the pot has a side wall and is associated with a screw, extending through the side wall, for clamping the stump against the portion of the side wall opposite to the screw.
5. The tree holder as set forth in claim 2 or 4 wherein:
the pot forms three inwardly projecting cavities that define the first surfaces and the inner end portion of each leg is an offset spigot which provides the second surface for engaging one of the cavities to interlock with the pot.
the pot forms three inwardly projecting cavities that define the first surfaces and the inner end portion of each leg is an offset spigot which provides the second surface for engaging one of the cavities to interlock with the pot.
6. The tree holder as set forth in claim 3 or 4 wherein:
the pot is formed to provide a base portion of relatively expanded diameter, a top portion of relatively reduced diameter, and an intermediate outwardly projecting shoulder portion connecting the base and top portions, said shoulder portion forming a fill aperture of sufficient size to permit insertion therethrough of a finger.
the pot is formed to provide a base portion of relatively expanded diameter, a top portion of relatively reduced diameter, and an intermediate outwardly projecting shoulder portion connecting the base and top portions, said shoulder portion forming a fill aperture of sufficient size to permit insertion therethrough of a finger.
7. The tree holder as set forth in claim 3 or 4 wherein:
the pot forms three inwardly projecting cavities that define the first surfaces and the inner end portion of each leg is an offset spigot which provides the second surface for engaging one of the cavities to interlock with the pot; and the pot is formed to provide a base portion of relatively expanded diameter, a top portion of relatively reduced diameter, and an intermediate outwardly projecting shoulder portion connecting the base and top portions, said shoulder portion forming a fill aperture of sufficient size to permit insertion therethrough of a finger.
the pot forms three inwardly projecting cavities that define the first surfaces and the inner end portion of each leg is an offset spigot which provides the second surface for engaging one of the cavities to interlock with the pot; and the pot is formed to provide a base portion of relatively expanded diameter, a top portion of relatively reduced diameter, and an intermediate outwardly projecting shoulder portion connecting the base and top portions, said shoulder portion forming a fill aperture of sufficient size to permit insertion therethrough of a finger.
8. The tree holder as set forth in claim 3 or 4 wherein:
the pot is formed of plastic and forms three inwardly projecting cavities that define the first surfaces; and the pot comprises means for releaseably locking the leg inner end portion inserted in the cavity, said means being adapted to permit the leg inner end portion to be manually rotated within or withdrawn from the cavity yet maintaining sufficient purchase on the portion to prevent it being expulsed from the cavity when the pot is loaded with the tree.
the pot is formed of plastic and forms three inwardly projecting cavities that define the first surfaces; and the pot comprises means for releaseably locking the leg inner end portion inserted in the cavity, said means being adapted to permit the leg inner end portion to be manually rotated within or withdrawn from the cavity yet maintaining sufficient purchase on the portion to prevent it being expulsed from the cavity when the pot is loaded with the tree.
9. The tree holder as set forth in claim 5 wherein:
the pot is formed of plastic; and the pot comprises means for releaseably locking the spigots when inserted in the cavities, said means being adapted to permit the leg to be manually rotated within or withdrawn from the cavity yet maintaining sufficient purchase on the spigot to prevent it being expulsed from the cavity when the pot is loaded with the tree.
the pot is formed of plastic; and the pot comprises means for releaseably locking the spigots when inserted in the cavities, said means being adapted to permit the leg to be manually rotated within or withdrawn from the cavity yet maintaining sufficient purchase on the spigot to prevent it being expulsed from the cavity when the pot is loaded with the tree.
10. The tree holder as set forth in claim 3 or 4 wherein:
the pot forms three inwardly projecting cavities that define the first surfaces and the inner end portion each leg is an offset spigot which provides the second surface for engaging one of the cavities to interlock with the pot;
the pot is formed to provide a base portion of relatively expanded diameter, a top portion of relatively reduced diameter, and an intermediate outwardly projecting shoulder portion connecting the base and top portions, said shoulder portion forming a fill aperture of sufficient size to permit insertion of a finger;
the pot is formed of plastic; and the pot comprises means for releaseably locking the leg inner end portion inserted into each cavity, said means being adapted to permit the leg inner end portion to be manually rotated within or withdrawn from the cavity yet maintaining sufficient purchase on the portion to prevent it being expulsed from the cavity when the pot is loaded with the tree.
the pot forms three inwardly projecting cavities that define the first surfaces and the inner end portion each leg is an offset spigot which provides the second surface for engaging one of the cavities to interlock with the pot;
the pot is formed to provide a base portion of relatively expanded diameter, a top portion of relatively reduced diameter, and an intermediate outwardly projecting shoulder portion connecting the base and top portions, said shoulder portion forming a fill aperture of sufficient size to permit insertion of a finger;
the pot is formed of plastic; and the pot comprises means for releaseably locking the leg inner end portion inserted into each cavity, said means being adapted to permit the leg inner end portion to be manually rotated within or withdrawn from the cavity yet maintaining sufficient purchase on the portion to prevent it being expulsed from the cavity when the pot is loaded with the tree.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2002235 CA2002235C (en) | 1989-11-03 | 1989-11-03 | Christmas tree holder |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2002235 CA2002235C (en) | 1989-11-03 | 1989-11-03 | Christmas tree holder |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2002235A1 CA2002235A1 (en) | 1991-05-03 |
| CA2002235C true CA2002235C (en) | 1994-03-29 |
Family
ID=4143467
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2002235 Expired - Fee Related CA2002235C (en) | 1989-11-03 | 1989-11-03 | Christmas tree holder |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2002235C (en) |
-
1989
- 1989-11-03 CA CA 2002235 patent/CA2002235C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2002235A1 (en) | 1991-05-03 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |