US20160186456A1

US20160186456A1 - Adapter for a pole-type member support device and method therefor

Info

Publication number: US20160186456A1
Application number: US14/587,415
Authority: US
Inventors: Raul Mansueto; Josefa Gerona
Original assignee: CLORACKS Corp
Current assignee: CLORACKS Corp
Priority date: 2014-12-31
Filing date: 2014-12-31
Publication date: 2016-06-30

Abstract

An adapter for a pole-type member support device has a conical-shaped base member and a cylindrical-shaped vertical support member. The vertical support member has a top opening through which a portion of a pole-type member may be inserted for securing the pole-type member in an upright position. The base member is tapered so that the top section of the adapter is larger than a bottom section. The adapter is configured to be positioned in a receptacle region of existing pole-type member support devices. When the adapter is positioned in a pole-type member support device, the assembled adapter and pole-type member support device is configured for stable placement on a surface to hold a pole-type member, including an artificial Christmas tree, some other type of artificial tree, an umbrella, a tiki torch, or some other elongated pole-type member upright for an extended period of time.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to pole-type member supporting devices and methods and, more particularly, to an adapter for a pole-type member support device and method for securely supporting artificial trees, umbrellas, and other elongated objects in an upright position for an extended period of time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During the holiday season, many people set up artificial Christmas trees in their homes for both decorative and religious purposes. The Christmas trees often vary in height and size, creating varying degrees of difficulty in supporting the trees in a stable position. Other people purchase or rent other types of trees, umbrellas, tiki torches, or other pole-type items for special events and occasions and/or everyday use or enjoyment. In these cases as well, it is difficult to support these items in a stable manner. Often, the result is that the trees, umbrellas, poles, or other items are either leaned against a wall or propped up in some other unstable way. This lack of a proper support device can lead to a number of unwanted consequences. A tree or umbrella falling from an unstable position can cause not only property damage but can also cause physical harm to a person. Likewise, a falling tiki torch or a pole-type item with a candle or other lit object on top could ignite a fire.
Previous attempts have been made to provide a support device for Christmas trees. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,655 issued to Freeman discloses a Christmas tree resting inside a collar member having a radial extension and a rod between the tree and the radial extension. The Freeman patent requires the attachment of a rod to a portion of the tree with set screws, a time-consuming and difficult process. Additionally, the tree stand base in the Freeman patent is purposed to hold a natural, cut Christmas tree and is not particularly well-suited to readily hold pole-type members typically having diameters substantially smaller than that of natural, cut Christmas trees, such as artificial Christmas trees, other types of artificial trees, umbrellas, tiki torches, and other elongated pole-type members. Further, while natural, cut Christmas trees typically have trunks with flat bottom surfaces due to where they have been cut, the aforementioned pole-type members may lack flat bottom surfaces, particularly in instances where they are adapted to be staked into the ground, and would be prone to slipping in a support device like that of Freeman. Even if the aforementioned pole-type members possess flat bottom surfaces, they may be easily susceptible to slipping in a support device like Freeman, since they typically have substantially smaller diameters as compared to the diameters of natural, cut Christmas trees, and therefore have substantially less bottom surface area compared to natural, cut Christmas trees.
Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,246 issued to Idso. Idso discloses a stand for Christmas trees comprised of a base plate with a pair of spaced-apart upright brackets mounted thereon. The tree holder receptacle is pivotally mounted between the upright brackets so that it can move about a horizontal axis in order to orient the tree trunk to a generally vertical position. A pair of locking levers is associated with the upright brackets so that they can be releasably clamped to orient the tree holder receptacle in any desired position. A set screw is provided to accept the tree into the tree holder receptacle. Adjusting the set screw and the pair of locking levers in order to properly position the tree trunk is a time-consuming and difficult process.
Accordingly, there has been a need for a an adapter for a pole-type member support device which is of simplified construction, inexpensive to manufacture, simple to install, and that can easily adapt existing pole-type member support devices for securely holding pole-type members of smaller diameters compared to natural, cut Christmas trees. Such a device is also needed which holds a pole-type member in a fixed position for an extended period of time. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related advantages.
The features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an adapter for a pole-type member support device is disclosed. The adapter for a pole-type member support device comprises a conical-shaped base member having a circular-shaped top surface, a sidewall, and a circular-shaped bottom surface, the base member tapered so that a top section of the base member is larger than a bottom section; and a cylindrical-shaped vertical support member extending upwardly from the top surface and adapted to receive a portion of a pole-type member for holding the pole-type member in an upright position; wherein the adapter is configured to be positioned in a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an adapter for a pole-type member support device is disclosed. The adapter for a pole-type member support device comprises: a conical-shaped base member having a circular-shaped top surface with a plurality of openings thereon, a sidewall having a plurality of openings thereon, and a circular-shaped bottom surface having a plurality of feet thereon, the base member tapered so that a top section of the base member is larger than a bottom section; and a cylindrical-shaped vertical support member extending upwardly from the top surface and adapted to receive a portion of a pole-type member for holding the pole-type member in an upright position; wherein the adapter is configured to be positioned in a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a pole-type member support assembly is disclosed. The pole-type member support assembly comprises, in combination: a pole-type member support device, wherein the pole-type member support device comprises: a conical-shaped receptacle having an opening formed in a top section thereof, the receptacle tapered so that the top section of the receptacle is larger than a bottom section; a channel formed around an outer perimeter of the top section of the receptacle; and a base member for holding the receptacle; and an adapter configured to be positioned in the receptacle region of the pole-type member support device, wherein the adapter comprises: a conical-shaped base member having a circular-shaped top surface, a sidewall, and a circular-shaped bottom surface, the base member tapered so that a top section of the base member is larger than a bottom section; and a cylindrical-shaped vertical support member extending upwardly from the top surface and adapted to receive a portion of a pole-type member for holding the pole-type member in an upright position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an adapter for a pole-type member support device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter for a pole-type member support device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an adapter for a pole-type member support device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an adapter for a pole-type member support device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front, cross-sectional view of an adapter for a pole-type member support device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective, partially exploded view of a pole-type member support assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, an embodiment of an adapter for a pole-type member support device 100, hereinafter adapter 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The adapter 100 is configured to be positioned in a receptacle region of existing pole-type member support devices, as further described herein. When the adapter 100 is positioned in a pole-type member support device, the assembled adapter 100 and pole-type member support device is configured for stable placement on a surface to hold a pole-type member, including an artificial Christmas tree, some other type of artificial tree, an umbrella, a tiki torch, or some other elongated pole-type member upright for an extended period of time.
The adapter 100 generally comprises a base member 110 and a vertical support member 140. Referring first to the base member 110, the base member 110 is generally conical in shape. The base member 110 includes a top surface 112 (shown in FIG. 1), a sidewall 114, and a bottom surface 116 (shown in FIG. 2). Referring to FIG. 1, the top surface 112 is generally circular in shape. A plurality of openings 122 is provided on the top surface 112 of the adapter 100. The openings 122 may be utilized as hand-holds to permit a user to easily move the adapter 100 to a desired location, such as positioning the adapter 100 in a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device when it is desired for the adapter 100 to be used, or removing the adapter 100 from a pole-type member support device when the adapter 100 is not in use. In this embodiment, the openings 122 are generally kidney-shaped. However, it may be desired to provide openings 122 having various other shapes, or to omit the openings 122 from the top surface 112 altogether, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, while in this embodiment, two openings 122 are provided, it may be desired to provide additional openings 122 in the top surface 112, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The top surface 112 of the base member 110 adjoins the sidewall 114 at the top edge 118. The sidewall 114 is generally tapered from top to bottom, such that a top portion of the sidewall 114 has an outer circumference that is larger than an outer circumference of a bottom portion of the sidewall 114. While in this embodiment the sidewall 114 is generally tapered, it may be desired to provide a sidewall 114 that is not tapered, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the bottom surface 116 of the adapter 100 is generally circular in shape. The bottom surface 116 may include a plurality of feet 124. In this embodiment, four feet 124 are utilized. However, it may be desired to provide more than four or less than four feet 124 on the bottom surface 116, or to omit the feet 124 from the bottom surface 116 altogether, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The feet 124 may provide a gap between the bottom surface 116 of the adapter 100 and an interior surface of a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device when the adapter 100 is positioned in a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device. In this way, the feet 124 may prevent the adapter 100 from becoming suctioned to an interior surface of the receptacle region when the adapter 100 is positioned in a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device, thereby facilitating easy removal of the adapter 100 from the receptacle region. The bottom surface 116 of the base member 110 adjoins the sidewall 114 at the bottom edge 120.
Referring now to the vertical support member 140 (shown in FIG. 1) of the adapter 100, the vertical support member 140 may extend upwardly from the top surface 112 of the base member 110. Alternatively, a top section of the vertical support member 140 may be flush with a top surface 112 of the base member 110. The vertical support member 140 is generally cylindrical in shape, having a top opening 144. The top opening 144 is generally circular in shape. The vertical support member 140 may include a notch 142, which extends upwardly beginning at a point just above the top surface 112 of the base member 110 and terminating at the top opening 144 of the vertical support member 140. The vertical support member 140 is adapted to receive a portion of a pole-type member (not shown), including an artificial Christmas tree, some other type of artificial tree, an umbrella, a tiki torch, or some other elongated pole-type member. When such a pole-type member is positioned in the vertical support member 140, the vertical support member 140 is adapted to hold the pole-type member in an upright position.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the vertical support member 140 may have diameter which incrementally decreases. The diameter may decrease in steps as shown in FIG. 3. This may allow the vertical support member 140 to support and hold pole-type devices of various sizes.
As can be seen from FIG. 1-2, the top surface 112 of the adapter 100 has a diameter that is slightly larger than that of the bottom surface 116, such that the adapter 100 is generally tapered from top to bottom. While tapering is shown in FIGS. 1-2, it may be desired to provide an adapter 100 that is not tapered, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
With respect to materials employed for the adapter 100, the adapter 100 may be comprised of metal or some other suitable durable material. The adapter 100 may be manufactured by a metal casting process or some other suitable type of manufacturing process and may be of a solid piece construction.
Referring now to FIG. 4-5, another embodiment of the adapter for a pole-type member support device 100, hereinafter adapter 100′, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The adapter 100′ is configured to be positioned in a receptacle region of existing pole-type member support devices, as further described herein. When the adapter 100′ is positioned in a pole-type member support device, the assembled adapter 100′ and pole-type member support device is configured for stable placement on a surface to hold a pole-type member, including an artificial Christmas tree, some other type of artificial tree, an umbrella, a tiki torch, or some other elongated pole-type member upright for an extended period of time. The adapter 100′ is substantially the same as the adapter 100, except that a plurality of openings 126 are included in the sidewall 114 of the adapter 100′, as further described herein. Overall, the adapter 100′ generally provides the same features and benefits as the adapter 100.
The adapter 100′ generally comprises a base member 110 and a vertical support member 140. Referring first to the base member 110, the base member 110 is generally conical in shape. The base member 110 includes a top surface 112 like that of the adapter 100 as shown in FIG. 1, a sidewall 114, and a bottom surface 116. The top surface 112 is generally circular in shape. A plurality of openings 122, as shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the adapter 100, may be provided on the top surface 112 of the adapter 100′. The openings 122 may be utilized as hand-holds to permit a user to easily move the adapter 100′ to a desired location, such as positioning the adapter 100′ in a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device when it is desired for the adapter 100′ to be used, or removing the adapter 100′ from a pole-type member support device when the adapter 100′ is not in use. The openings 122 may be generally kidney-shaped, as shown in FIG. 1. However, it may be desired to provide openings 122 having various other shapes, or to omit the openings 122 from the top surface 112 altogether, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Two openings 122 may be provided, as shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the adapter 100. However, it may be desired to provide additional openings 122 in the top surface 112, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The top surface 112 of the base member 110 adjoins the sidewall 114 at the top edge 118. The sidewall 114 is generally tapered from top to bottom, such that a top portion of the sidewall 114 has an outer circumference that is larger than an outer circumference of a bottom portion of the sidewall 114. While in this embodiment the sidewall 114 is generally tapered, it may be desired to provide a sidewall 114 that is not tapered, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The sidewall 114 includes a plurality of openings 126. In this embodiment, the openings 126 are generally rectangular in shape, but may be shaped in other ways as desired, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The openings 126 may be positioned at spaced-apart intervals. In this embodiment, the openings 126 are spaced equidistantly apart from one another. However, it may be desired to space the openings 126 differently, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. With the openings 126, the adapter 100′ is not a solid unit. In this way, the adapter 100′ will be lighter in weight than the adapter 100 while providing the same support.
The bottom surface 116 of the adapter 100′ is generally circular in shape. The bottom surface 116 may include a plurality of feet 124. In this embodiment, four feet 124 are utilized. However, it may be desired to provide more than four or less than four feet 124 on the bottom surface 116, or to omit the feet 124 from the bottom surface 116 altogether, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The feet 124 may provide a gap between the bottom surface 116 of the adapter 100′ and an interior surface of a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device when the adapter 100′ is positioned in the receptacle region of a pole-type member support device. In this way, the feet 124 may prevent the adapter 100′ from becoming suctioned to an interior surface of a receptacle region when the adapter 100′ is positioned in a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device, thereby facilitating easy removal of the adapter 100′ from the receptacle region. The bottom surface 116 of the base member 110 adjoins the sidewall 114 at the bottom edge 120.
Referring now to the vertical support member 140 of the adapter 100′, the vertical support member 140 extends upwardly from the top surface 112 of the base member 110, in the same manner that the vertical 140 extends upwardly from the top surface 112 of the base member 110 of the adapter 100. Alternatively, a top section of the vertical support member 140 may be flush with a top surface 112 of the base member 110. The vertical support member 140 is generally cylindrical in shape, having a top opening 144. The top opening 144 is generally circular in shape. The vertical support member 140 includes a notch 142, which extends upwardly beginning at a point just above the top surface 112 of the base member 110 and terminating at the top opening 144 of the vertical support member 140. The vertical support member 140 may have diameter which incrementally decreases. The diameter may decrease in steps as shown in FIG. 5. This may allow the vertical support member 140 to support and hold pole-type devices of various sizes.
The vertical support member 140 is adapted to receive a portion of a pole-type member (not shown), including an artificial Christmas tree, some other type of artificial tree, an umbrella, a tiki torch, or some other elongated pole-type member. When such a pole-type member is positioned in the vertical support member 140, the vertical support member 140 is adapted to hold the pole-type member in an upright position.
The top surface 112 of the adapter 100′ has a diameter that is slightly larger than that of the bottom surface 116, such that the adapter 100′ is generally tapered from top to bottom. While tapering is included in this embodiment, it may be desired to provide an adapter 100′ that is not tapered, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
With respect to materials employed for the adapter 100′, the adapter 100′ may be comprised of metal or some other suitable durable material. The adapter 100′ may be manufactured by a metal casting process or some other suitable type of manufacturing process.
Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the adapter for a pole-type member support device 100, hereinafter adapter 100″, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The adapter 100″ is configured to be positioned in a receptacle region of existing pole-type member support devices, as further described herein. When the adapter 100″ is positioned in a pole-type member support device, the assembled adapter 100″ and pole-type member support device is configured for stable placement on a surface to hold a pole-type member, including an artificial Christmas tree, some other type of artificial tree, an umbrella, a tiki torch, or some other elongated pole-type member upright for an extended period of time. The adapter 100″ is substantially the same as the adapter 100, except that the adapter 100″ includes an upper reinforcement region 128 and a lower reinforcement region 130 in an interior portion of the base member 110 of the adapter 100″, between which is interposed a hollow region 132, as further described herein. Overall, the adapter 100″ generally provides the same features and benefits as the adapter 100.
The adapter 100″ generally comprises a base member 110 and a vertical support member 140. Referring first to the base member 110, the base member 110 is generally conical in shape. The base member 110 includes a top surface 112, a sidewall 114, and a bottom surface 116. The top surface 112 is generally circular in shape. A plurality of openings 122, as shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the adapter 100, may be provided on the top surface 112 of the adapter 100″. The openings 122 may be utilized as hand-holds to permit a user to easily move the adapter 100″ to a desired location, such as positioning the adapter 100″ in a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device when it is desired for the adapter 100″ to be used, or removing the adapter 100″ from a pole-type member support device when the adapter 100″ is not in use. The openings 122 may be generally kidney-shaped, as shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the adapter 100. However, it may be desired to provide openings 122 having various other shapes, or to omit the openings 122 from the top surface 112 altogether, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Two openings 122 may be provided, as shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the adapter 100. However, it may be desired to provide additional openings 122 in the top surface 112, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The top surface 112 of the base member 110 adjoins the sidewall 114 at the top edge 118. The sidewall 114 is generally tapered from top to bottom, such that a top portion of the sidewall 114 has an outer circumference that is larger than an outer circumference of a bottom portion of the sidewall 114. While in this embodiment the sidewall 114 is generally tapered, it may be desired to provide a sidewall 114 that is not tapered, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The interior of the base member 110 of the adapter 100″ includes an upper reinforcement region 128 and a lower reinforcement region 130. Interposed between the upper reinforcement region 128 and the lower reinforcement region 130 is a hollow region 132. The upper reinforcement region 128 surrounds the vertical support member 140. The upper reinforcement region 128 is generally tapered from top to bottom, such that a top portion of the upper reinforcement region 128 is slightly larger in diameter than a bottom portion thereof. Similarly, the lower reinforcement region 130 surrounds the vertical support member 140. The lower reinforcement region 130 is generally tapered from top to bottom, such that a top portion of the lower reinforcement region 130 is slightly larger in diameter than a bottom portion thereof. The hollow region 132 interposed between the upper reinforcement region 128 and the lower reinforcement region 130 permits the adapter 100″ to be lighter in weight, as compared to a device lacking the hollow region. The upper reinforcement region 128 and the lower reinforcement region 130 provide added support and stability to the adapter 100″, and may assist in preventing the adapter 100″ from toppling over. The upper reinforcement region 128 and the lower reinforcement region 130 may be comprised of metal casting material, metal mesh material, cement material combined with metal reinforcing bar, or some other suitable material.
The bottom surface 116 of the adapter 100″ is generally circular in shape. The bottom surface 116 may include a plurality of feet 124, like those shown in FIGS. 2-3 with respect to the adapter 100 and adapter 100′. The feet 124 may provide a gap between the bottom surface 116 of the adapter 100″ and an interior surface of a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device when the adapter 100″ is positioned in the receptacle region of a pole-type member support device. In this way, the feet 124 may prevent the adapter 100″ from becoming suctioned to an interior surface of the receptacle region when the adapter 100″ is positioned in a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device, thereby facilitating easy removal of the adapter 100″ from the receptacle region. The bottom surface 116 of the base member 110 adjoins the sidewall 114 at the bottom edge 120.
Referring now to the vertical support member 140 of the adapter 100″, the vertical support member 140 extends upwardly from the top surface 112 of the base member 110. In this embodiment, the vertical support member 140 also extends downwardly from the top surface 112 of the base member 110 to the bottom surface 116 of the base member 110. Thus, in this embodiment, the vertical support member 140 extends approximately the height of the base member 110 and above the base member 110. The vertical support member 140 is generally cylindrical in shape, having a top opening 144. The top opening 144 may be generally circular in shape. The vertical support member 140 includes a notch 142, which extends upwardly beginning at a point just above the top surface 112 of the base member 110 and terminating at the top opening 144 of the vertical support member 140. The vertical support member 140 is adapted to receive a portion of a pole-type member (not shown), including an artificial Christmas tree, some other type of artificial tree, an umbrella, a tiki torch, or some other elongated pole-type member. When such a pole-type member is positioned in the vertical support member 140, the vertical support member 140 is adapted to hold the pole-type member in an upright position.
The top surface 112 of the adapter 100″ has a diameter that is slightly larger than that of the bottom surface 116, such that the adapter 100″ is generally tapered from top to bottom. While tapering is shown in this embodiment, it may be desired to provide an adapter 100″ that is not tapered, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
With respect to materials employed for the adapter 100″, the adapter 100″ may be comprised of metal or some other suitable durable material. The adapter 100″ may be manufactured by a metal casting process or some other suitable type of manufacturing process.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a pole-type member support assembly 200, hereinafter assembly 200, illustrating use of an adapter for a pole-type member support device with a pole-type member support device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the assembly 200 generally comprises the adapter 100 and the pole-type member support device 10. While in this embodiment, the adapter 100 is utilized with the pole-type member support device 10, it should be generally understood that the adapter 100′ and or the adapter 100″ may be utilized with the pole-type member support device 10 in the same manner as the adapter 100. Further, while in this embodiment the pole-type member support device 10 is utilized, it should be generally understood that other forms of pole-type member support devices may be utilized, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
In the present embodiment, the pole-type member support device 10 comprises a hollow receptacle body 12. The receptacle body 12 is generally conical in shape. The receptacle body 12 is slightly tapered from a top section of the receptacle body 12 to a bottom section of the receptacle body 12 such that the top section is slightly larger than the bottom section. The receptacle body 12 has a pole receiving opening 14 formed in the top section therein. The opening 14 is generally circular in shape. The bottom section of the receptacle body 12 may be enclosed by a bottom surface member.
A support arm 22 may be coupled to the top section of the receptacle body 12. The support arm 22 may be used to support and hold the pole-type member in position and to keep the pole-type structure in an upright position. The support arm 22 may be adjustable. Thus, the support arm 22 may be positioned anywhere along the top section of the receptacle body 12 in order to support and hold the pole-type member in position and to keep the pole-type structure in an upright position. In accordance with one embodiment, the support arm is formed of a body section 22A. The body section 22A is adjustable and coupled to the top section of the receptacle body 12. A V-shaped cut-out 22B is formed in a distal end of the body section 22A. The V-shaped cut-out 22B may be used to support and hold the pole-type member in position and to keep the pole-type structure in an upright position. In general, the pole-type structure may be positioned within the V-shaped cut-out 22B.
One or more clamping devices 24 may be used to secure the support arm 22 in position. Thus, after locating the proper position for the support arm 22 to support and hold the pole-type member in position and to keep the pole-type structure in an upright position, the clamping devices 22 may be used to secure the support arm 22 to the top section of the receptacle body 12. In accordance with one embodiment, a pair of openings 26 is formed through the body section 22A of the support arm 22. A clamping device 24 is positioned through each of the openings 26 to secure the support arm 22 to the top section of the receptacle body 12.
In accordance with one embodiment, a channel 28 is formed around an outer perimeter of the top section of the receptacle body 12. A proximal end of the body section 22A of the support arm 22 is positioned in the channel 28 and is slideably movable within the channel 28. Thus, the support arm 22 may be rotated anywhere around the channel 28 to a position along the top section of the receptacle body 12 in order to support and hold the pole-type member in position and to keep the pole-type structure in an upright position.
A locking device 16 may be coupled to the top section of the receptacle body 12. The locking device 16 may be used to secure the pole-type member in position and to keep the pole-type structure in an upright position. In accordance with the present embodiment, the locking device 16 has a rod member 30. A handle 38 is formed on one end of the rod member 30. A plurality of threads 32 may be formed on the rod member 30. The threads 32 engage a threaded opening 34 in a base member 36. The base member 36 is attached to the top surface of the receptacle body 12. The threads 32 of the rod member 30 engage the threaded opening 34 in a base member 36 to allow the rod member 30 to be rotated about its own vertical axis to a desired position. Depending on a direction of such rotation, the rod member 30 may be inserted into or withdrawn from an interior of the receptacle body 12.
The receptacle body 12 has a base member 40 coupled thereto. The base member 40 may be used to hold the receptacle body 12 and to provide additional stability to the support device 10 to prevent the support device 10 from tipping over.
The adapter 100, adapter 100′, and adapter 100″ are each configured to be positioned within the receptacle body 12 of the pole-type member support device 10 to form the pole-type member support assembly 200. In order to position the adapter 100, adapter 100′ or adapter 100″ in the receptacle body 12, a user would first remove the support arm 22 from the pole-type member support device 10. A user would then turn the handle 38 of the locking device 16 in a counterclockwise direction in order to move the rod member 30 in a direction away from the pole receiving opening 14 to make room for the adapter 100, adapter 100′ or adapter 100″ to be positioned in the receptacle body 12. The user would then insert the adapter 100, adapter 100′ or adapter 100″ through the pole receiving opening 14 of the pole-type member support device 10 and position the adapter 100, adapter 100′ or adapter 100″ within the receptacle body 12. The user would then position a portion of a desired pole-type member, such as an artificial Christmas tree, some other type of artificial tree, an umbrella, a tiki torch, or some other elongated pole-type member in the adapter 100, 100′ or 100″ by inserting said pole-type member through the top opening 144 and positioning it in the vertical support member 140, allowing the pole-type member to rest on an interior portion of the bottom surface 116 of the adapter 100, the adapter 100′ or the adapter 100″. In this way, the pole-type member support assembly 200 will hold the pole-type member in an upright position. If desired, for added support, a user may then reposition the support arm 22 on the pole-type member support device 10. In this way, with the support arm 22 in position, the support arm 22 may be used to keep the adapter 100, the adapter 100′ or the adapter 100″ in position in the pole-type member support device 10. The user may further turn the handle 38 of the locking device 16 in a clockwise direction, in order to position the rod member 30 such that the rod member 30 abuts the adapter 100, the adapter 100′ or the adapter 100″. In this way, the rod member 30 may further keep the adapter 100 in position in the pole-type member support device 10. With the support arm 22 and rod member 30 in position in this manner, the support arm 22 and rod member 30 may be used to keep the adapter 100, the adapter 100′ or the adapter 100″ from moving while the adapter 100, the adapter 100′ or the adapter 100″ is in position in the receptacle body 12 of the pole-type member support device 10. If desired, the rod member 30 may be rotated so that the rod member 30 passes through the notch 142 on the adapter 100, the adapter 100′ or the adapter 100″ and may then be screwed into the pole-type member by turning the handle 38 to fixedly secure the pole-type member in the assembly 200. However, the assembly 200 may be used without the support arm 22 and the locking device 16, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, it will be recognized and understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adapter for a pole-type member support device comprising:

a conical-shaped base member having a circular-shaped top surface, a sidewall, and a circular-shaped bottom surface, the base member tapered so that a top section of the base member is larger than a bottom section; and

a cylindrical-shaped vertical support member extending upwardly from the top surface, the support member adapted to receive a portion of a pole-type member for holding the pole-type member in an upright position;

wherein the adapter is configured to be positioned in a receptacle region of a pole-type member support device.

2. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of openings positioned on the top surface of the base member.

3. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of feet positioned on the bottom surface of the base member.

4. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of openings positioned on the sidewall of the base member.

5. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising an upper reinforcement region positioned in an interior portion of the base member, a lower reinforcement region positioned in the interior portion of the base member, and a hollow region interposed between the upper reinforcement region and the lower reinforcement region.

6. The adapter of claim 5, wherein the upper reinforcement region and the lower reinforcement region are comprised of metal casting material.

7. The adapter of claim 5, wherein the upper reinforcement region and the lower reinforcement region are comprised of metal mesh material.

8. An adapter for a pole-type member support device comprising:

a conical-shaped base member having a circular-shaped top surface with a plurality of openings thereon, a sidewall having a plurality of openings thereon, and a circular-shaped bottom surface having a plurality of feet thereon, the base member tapered so that a top section of the base member is larger than a bottom section; and

9. The adapter of claim 8, further comprising an upper reinforcement region positioned in an interior portion of the base member, a lower reinforcement region positioned in the interior portion of the base member, and a hollow region interposed between the upper reinforcement region and the lower reinforcement region.

10. The adapter of claim 9, wherein the upper reinforcement region and the lower reinforcement region are comprised of metal casting material.

11. The adapter of claim 9, wherein the upper reinforcement region and the lower reinforcement region are comprised of metal mesh material.

12. A pole-type member support assembly comprising, in combination:

a pole-type member support device, wherein the pole-type member support device comprises:

a conical-shaped receptacle having an opening formed in a top section thereof, the receptacle tapered so that the top section of the receptacle is larger than a bottom section;

a channel formed around an outer perimeter of the top section of the receptacle; and

a base member for holding the receptacle; and

an adapter configured to be positioned in the receptacle region of the pole-type member support device, wherein the adapter comprises:

a cylindrical-shaped vertical support member extending upwardly from the top surface, the support member adapted to receive a portion of a pole-type member for holding the pole-type member in an upright position.

13. The pole-type member support assembly of claim 12, wherein the adapter further comprises a plurality of openings positioned on the top surface of the base member.

14. The pole-type member support assembly of claim 12, wherein the adapter further comprises a plurality of feet positioned on the bottom surface of the base member.

15. The pole-type member support assembly of claim 12, wherein the adapter further comprises a plurality of openings positioned on the sidewall of the base member.

16. The pole-type member support assembly of claim 12, wherein the adapter further comprises an upper reinforcement region positioned in an interior portion of the base member, a lower reinforcement region positioned in the interior portion of the base member, and a hollow region interposed between the upper reinforcement region and the lower reinforcement region.

17. The pole-type member support assembly of claim 16, wherein the upper reinforcement region and the lower reinforcement region in the base member of the adapter are comprised of metal casting material.

18. The pole-type member support assembly of claim 16, wherein the upper reinforcement region and the lower reinforcement region in the base member of the adapter are comprised of metal mesh material.

19. The pole-type member support assembly of claim 12, wherein the pole-type member support device further comprises a support arm slideably coupled within the channel for securing the adapter in the receptacle region of the pole-type member support device.

20. The pole-type member support assembly of claim 19, wherein the pole-type member support device further comprises a locking device adapted to be inserted into and withdrawn from the opening formed in the top section of the receptacle for securing the adapter in the receptacle region of the pole-type member support device.