Patent ID: 8978295
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: A47G

Abstract:
1. A tree stand for receiving a lower portion of a trunk of a tree, the tree stand comprising: a receiving part comprising a truncated cone having an upper and a lower surface, the receiving part for receiving the lower portion of the trunk of the tree coaxially with an axis of the receiving part; a plurality of retaining elements arranged about the axis of the receiving part; a tensioning device connected to the receiving part, the tensioning device comprising a vertically movable platform having a top surface, the top surface attached to the receiving part, wherein a center axis of the cone is coincident with a center axis of the movable platform, the vertically movable platform comprising a side portion, the side portion attached to a plurality of extension arms, the extension arms mounted radially outward from the side portion of the movable platform in a plane substantially parallel to both the upper and lower surfaces of the receiving part; and tensioning line comprising a flexible connector loadable by tension, the tensioning line operatively connecting the tensioning device to the retaining elements to move each of the retaining elements from a release position wherein the trunk of the tree is not retained by the retaining elements, to a locking position wherein the retaining elements fully engage the trunk of the tree and securely clamp the trunk of the tree with force to substantially prevent realignment of the trunk of the tree when the tree is disposed in the receiving part; wherein when a lowermost portion of the trunk of the tree is placed into the cone, an interior portion of the cone centers the lowermost portion of the trunk of the tree within the cone and laterally constrains the lowermost portion of the trunk of the tree; and wherein a weight of the tree pushing downward on the platform moves the extension arms downward, wherein the extension arms pull down on the tensioning line thereby tightening the tension on the tensioning line and drawing the retaining elements toward the trunk of the tree and substantially locking the tree in place.