Abstract:
The present invention relates to an adjustable high water capacity tree stand having a wide base and an increased water carrying capacity. In a preferred embodiment, the stand has a generally inverted conical shape. A plurality of base plates engage the bottom of the tree truck to prevent slipping. A plurality of compression assemblies are also provided. The compression assemblies can move in and out relative the tree trunk under operation of a rod. The rod can be a screw rod that drives a translator, which in turn is pivotally connected to a ram. The ram is pivotally connected to an arm and causes the arm to pivot. The arm is pivotally connected to a head, and operates to selectively move the head in and out. The head, being pivotally connected to the arm, can flushly engage the tree trunk near its bottom.

Description:
This utility patent application claims priority on and the benefit of provisional application 60/934,758 filed Jun. 15, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an adjustable high water capacity tree stand having a wide base and an increased water carrying capacity for increased stability and also having a plurality of adjustable compression members. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     It is customary to display Christmas or holiday Trees. Some people have switched to fake trees in recent years. Yet, for many, there is no substitute for a real freshly cut tree. Of course, the displaying of real trees does come with some associated challenges. For example, a real tree can be non-symmetrical. Accordingly, several stands have been developed over the years to provide stability to the tree. Also, real trees require water to preserve the appearance of the tree. It is customary for a person to display the tree for a month or more. During this time, depending on the tree and other environmental conditions, the user likely needs to supply water to the tree one or more times each and every day. 
     The traditional tree base has an upwardly facing opening. The opening is generally able to accommodate the bottom of the tree and a small amount of water. In order to replenish the water in the base, the person must reach below the bottom branches of the tree. During this task, the user can bump the branches of the tree and potentially cause the tree to fall over, or can knock ornaments from the tree. Further, the user may spill water onto the floor, which can lead to stains, flooring damage and inconvenience. 
     Several patents disclose inventions that have been developed to aid in keeping the tree hydrated, or reducing the burden associated with putting water in a tree base. Some of those patents are briefly discussed below. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,252 to Krause et al. is titled Christmas Tree Waterer. This patent shows an apparatus for supplying water to a conventional tree stand. A monitor is positioned within the reservoir of the tree stand and is electrically connected to a solenoid valve so that water will be supplied from a water reservoir to the tree stand when the water in the tree stands drops to a predetermined level. One drawback with this design is that it requires electricity, and it does nothing to increase the stability of the convention base. Further, the reservoir is shaped such that there is an undesirably large amount of exposed water surface area, which could promote evaporation of the water of the reservoir. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,176 to Spinosa is titled Christmas Tree Stand Watering System. This patent shows an ornamental reservoir from which a water hose and an air hose can extend. The hoses terminate within the container of the stand. The container is filled with water. When the open end of the air hose becomes open to the atmosphere, water flows from the reservoir to the container through the water hose. The container shown in this patent is bowl shaped. A relatively large amount of water can evaporate to the atmosphere. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,271 to Walker is titled Watering Device. This patent shows a flexible plastic bag from which water can trickle from. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,157,868 to Munoz is titled Passive Christmas Tree Waterer and Monitor. This patent shows that a reservoir is equipped with a translucent column through which the fluid level in the system can be monitored on a continuous basis. An aperture is through the lid of the reservoir. A conduit is provided and connects the reservoir to a tree stand. The sidewalls of the illustrated tree stand are generally vertical, and as such do not prevent evaporation of the water to the atmosphere. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,910 to Copenhaver is titled Christmas Tree Stand with Remote Watering System. This patent has a remote watering box that resembles a wrapped gift. Water can run through tubing under a tree skirt. This patent shows a tree stand with generally vertical sidewalls. The stand does nothing to limit exposed water surface area and accordingly reduce evaporation. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,993 to Cullen is titled Watering System for Plants. This patent teaches the use of a tubular device having one end enlarged to have a funnel like receptacle. Water is received within the funnel and delivered to the pot or stand. A band hooked around the base of the tree supports the system. The pot shown in this patent is generally bowl shaped, and a relatively large amount of surface area between the water and the atmosphere is present. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,837 to Skoczylas et al. is titled Water Level Maintenance System. This patent shows a device for maintaining a water level within a reservoir. The inventive device is said to include a pump. A switch responsive to the water level communicates with the pump to effect energization thereof as the water level declines. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,277 to Pierce et al. is titled Device for Monitoring the Water Level of a Container and For Adding Water to the Container. Water can be added to the tree through a funnel side. Red and green LED&#39;s are provided for indicating whether water is needed or not. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,677 to McCurry is titles Remote Fill Receptacle. This patent shows a receptacle body and a receptacle conduit for filling a tree stand. The tree stand is shown to be bowl shaped. 
     The traditional tree stand typically uses screws to engage the base of the trunk to hold the tree in an upright position. The screws have a generally low surface area, and the screws typically penetrate the tree bark. One disadvantage is that the screws need to be tightened one or more times, as the areas of the tree surrounding the penetration can become soft. 
     None of the above-patents show a reservoir that is large enough to contain enough water for many days, up to an entire season. 
     None of the above-patents show a reservoir having a neck smaller than the remainder of the reservoir to reduce evaporation. 
     None of the above-patents show a reservoir having a body that extends water to the perimeter of the base to aid in providing stability to the tree. 
     None of the above-patents show a plurality of high surface area compression members designed to engage a wide variety of tree trunk sizes. 
     None of the above-patents show a plurality of base plates designed to aggressively engage the base of the tree to prevent slippage, as accomplished in the present invention. 
     Thus there exists a need for a tree stand that solves these and other problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an adjustable high water capacity tree stand having a wide base and an increased water carrying capacity for increased stability and also having a plurality of adjustable compression members. In a preferred embodiment, the stand has a generally inverted conical shape. A plurality of base plates can be provided for engaging the bottom of the tree truck to prevent the bottom of the tree trunk from slipping. A plurality of compression assemblies can also be provided. The compression assemblies can move in and out relative the tree trunk under operation of a rod. In the preferred embodiment, the rod can be a screw rod that drives a translator, which in turn is pivotally connected to a ram. The ram is pivotally connected to an arm and causes the arm to pivot. The arm is pivotally connected to a head, and operates to selectively move the head in and out. The head, being pivotally connected to the arm, can flushly engage the tree trunk near its bottom. 
     According to one advantage of the present invention, the reservoir is designed to hold enough water for many days, and even up to an entire display season. In this regard, the reservoir may be designed to accommodate approximately 15 gallons of water. Having enough water for the entire display season eliminates the need to crawl under the tree to refill the reservoir every day. 
     According to another advantage of the present invention, a hole in the top surface of the tree that is designed to receive the tree is relatively small compared to the overall diameter of the water carrying portion of the reservoir. Hence, there is limited surface area of water in contact with the atmosphere when a tree is received within the reservoir. Advantageously, the water has limited availability to evaporate. Therefore, the water that is present in the reservoir remains available to hydrate the tree. 
     According to a further advantage of the present invention, the periphery of the bottom of the reservoir is relatively large. In contrast to having four beams provide support, the present invention provides support and resistance to tipping equally in all directions. The support is enhanced when water is added to the reservoir, as the weight of the water helps maintain the low center of gravity of the stand, and increase the stand&#39;s resistance to tipping. 
     According to a still further advantage of the present invention, a plurality of high surface area compression assemblies is provided. Each of the high surface area compression assemblies has a head that selectively engages the outside of the tree trunk to provide stability to the tree. Further, the compression members have a head that is pivotally connected to the remainder of the respective compression assembly. The pivotal connections allow the head to engage the tree trunk in a flush manner, maximizing surface area contact. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the stand has a plurality of base plates. The base plates can be wedge shaped and can have side walls with teeth to aggressively engage the base of the tree trunk. The side walls can have increasing height moving away from the center of the reservoir, increasing the effectiveness of the teeth. 
     Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a close up view showing the top of an embodiment of a rod of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a top isolated view showing an embodiment of the head of the present invention engaging a two inch tree. 
         FIG. 7  is similar to  FIG. 3 , but shows the stand receiving a six inch trunk. 
         FIG. 8  is similar to  FIG. 4 , but shows the stand receiving a six inch trunk. 
         FIG. 9  is a top isolated view showing the head engaging a six inch trunk. 
         FIG. 10  is an isolated perspective view of an end of the translator extending through a slot of a vertical bracket. 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the invention will be described in connection with one or more preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     The present invention comprises a stand  5  used to hold a tree  1  in an upright orientation and provide water  2  to hydrate the tree  1  during the season of display. 
     Looking now to  FIGS. 1-4 , it is illustrated that the tree stand  5  comprises a reservoir  10  for holding a selected amount of water  2 . The reservoir can be constructed of a plastic, metal or other suitable material. It is appreciated that many materials could be utilized without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The reservoir  10  has an inside  11  and an outside  12 . The reservoir has a bottom  13  with a periphery  14 . The periphery  14  is preferably circular in shape, and has a reservoir center centrally located within the periphery  14 . However other shapes could alternatively be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The periphery can have a diameter of approximately between 10 and 30 inches. It is appreciated that the larger the diameter of the periphery  14 , the more stable the stand  5  may be. 
     The reservoir  10  further has a top  15  with an associated top periphery  16 . The top periphery is preferably circular in shape, and can have a diameter of approximately 3 to 10 inches. An upper surface  17  is provided between the top  15  and the bottom  13 . The upper surface preferably has a hole  18  there through. A bottom surface  19  is provided. The bottom surface is preferably flat and has perimeter dimensions the same as the periphery  14  at the bottom  13 . 
     The reservoir  10  can be described as having an internal volume defined by a shape generally resembling an inverted cone. Yet, it is understood that the internal shape can vary without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Looking now at  FIGS. 1 and 11 , it is seen that a base plate  40  is provided. The base plate  40  can be made of metal, plastic or other suitably rigid and strong material. The base plate  40  is connected to and stationary relative the bottom  13  of the reservoir. In the preferred embodiment, the base plate  40  is in a snap fitting engagement with the reservoir bottom  13 . The base plate  40  has a top  41  and a bottom (not shown). The plate  40  further has a first end  43  near the center of the bottom plate, and a second end  44  remote from the first end  43 . The plate  40  is preferably wedge shaped, having an increasing with between a first edge and a second edge. In this regard, the width of the plate  40  increases as determined by increased distance from the center of the reservoir bottom. A first side wall  45  is provided having teeth  46  on the upper edge of the wall. The side wall  45  has a rising profile as measured in height as determined at increasing distances from the center of the reservoir bottom. A second side wall  47  is further provided having teeth  48  on the upper edge of the wall. The second side wall  47  is identical in profile to the first side wall. The first wall  45  and second wall  47  define divergent lines away from the center of the reservoir bottom. 
     Looking now at  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  11 , it is seen that a base plate  50  is provided. The base plate  50  can be made of metal, plastic or other suitably rigid and strong material. The base plate  50  is connected to and stationary relative the bottom  13  of the reservoir. In the preferred embodiment, the base plate  50  is in a snap fitting engagement with the reservoir bottom  13 . The base plate  50  has a top  51  and a bottom  52 . The plate  50  further has a first end  53  near the center of the bottom plate, and a second end  54  remote from the first end  53 . The plate  50  is preferably wedge shaped, having an increasing with between a first edge and a second edge. In this regard, the width of the plate  50  increases as determined by increased distance from the center of the reservoir bottom. A first side wall  55  is provided having teeth  56  on the upper edge of the wall. The side wall  55  has a rising profile as measured in height as determined at increasing distances from the center of the reservoir bottom. A second side wall  57  is further provided having teeth  58  on the upper edge of the wall. The second side wall  57  is identical in profile to the first side wall. The first wall  55  and second wall  57  define divergent lines away from the center of the reservoir bottom. 
     Looking now at  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4  and  11 , it is seen that a base plate  60  is provided. The base plate  60  can be made of metal, plastic or other suitably rigid and strong material. The base plate  60  is connected to and stationary relative the bottom  13  of the reservoir. In the preferred embodiment, the base plate  60  is in a snap fitting engagement with the reservoir bottom  13 . The base plate  60  has a top  61  and a bottom  62 . The plate  60  further has a first end  63  near the center of the bottom plate, and a second end  64  remote from the first end  63 . The plate  60  is preferably wedge shaped, having an increasing with between a first edge and a second edge. In this regard, the width of the plate  60  increases as determined by increased distance from the center of the reservoir bottom. A first side wall  65  is provided having teeth  66  on the upper edge of the wall. The side wall  65  has a rising profile as measured in height as determined at increasing distances from the center of the reservoir bottom. A second side wall  67  is further provided having teeth  68  on the upper edge of the wall. The second side wall  67  is identical in profile to the first side wall. The first wall  65  and second wall  67  define divergent lines away from the center of the reservoir bottom. 
     Looking now at  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  11 , it is seen that a base plate  70  is provided. The base plate  70  can be made of metal, plastic or other suitably rigid and strong material. The base plate  70  is connected to and stationary relative the bottom  13  of the reservoir. In the preferred embodiment, the base plate  70  is in a snap fitting engagement with the reservoir bottom  13 . The base plate  70  has a top  71  and a bottom  72 . The plate  70  further has a first end  73  near the center of the bottom plate, and a second end  74  remote from the first end  73 . The plate  70  is preferably wedge shaped, having an increasing with between a first edge and a second edge. In this regard, the width of the plate  70  increases as determined by increased distance from the center of the reservoir bottom. A first side wall  75  is provided having teeth  76  on the upper edge of the wall. The side wall  75  has a rising profile as measured in height as determined at increasing distances from the center of the reservoir bottom. A second side wall  77  is further provided having teeth  78  on the upper edge of the wall. The second side wall  77  is identical in profile to the first side wall. The first wall  75  and second wall  77  define divergent lines away from the center of the reservoir bottom. 
     Each of the base plates  40 ,  50 ,  60  and  70  preferably have identical structures, and are equidistantly spaced apart. It is understood that more or less than four plates can be provided without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. In one alternative embodiment (not shown) a single plate can be provided having multiple toothed walls having rising profiles. 
     It is understood that each wall of each plate  40 ,  50 ,  60  and  70 , respectively, converge towards the center of the reservoir bottom, as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 11 . Each of the increasing base plate profiles and the teeth act to securely hold the bottom of a tree in the intended position and prevent slipping of the bottom of the tree. 
     Turning now generally to  FIGS. 3-10 , it is seen that several vies of various compression members are illustrated. In the preferred embodiment, each compression member is an assembly, or compression assembly. Four compression members  100 ,  200 ,  300  and  400  are illustrated. However, it is understood that more or fewer members may be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. Specifically, due the head design (described below) there may be as few as two members and still provide the required amount of stability to the tree. The compression members are illustrated to be manually operated. It is understood that the stand  5  can be outfitted with electronics to electrically manipulate the compression assemblies. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3  in particular, a preferred embodiment of compression member  100  is illustrated. The compression member has a stationary bracket  110 , a cap  120 , a retainer  130 , a rod  140 , an arm  150 , a ram  160 , a translator  170  and a head  180 . Each of these components is described below. 
     The stationary bracket  110  has an end  111  and an opposed end  112 . Further, the bracket  110  has an interior  113  and an exterior  114 . The bracket is preferably square or rectangular. Yet, the bracket could be other shapes without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The inside of the bracket  110  has a slot  115  formed in the upper portion of the bracket  110 . The bracket first end  111  is stationarily positioned at the top  15  of the reservoir. The bracket second end  112  is stationarily positioned at the bottom  13  of the reservoir. The bracket preferably has a near vertical orientation within the reservoir. 
     The cap  120  has a collar  121 . The cap  120  is preferably snap fit into the first end  111  of the bracket  110 . The collar  121  engages an unthreaded portion  144  of a screw rod  140 , as described below. 
     The retainer  130  also has a collar  131 . The retainer  130  is preferably housed within the stationary bracket  110 . Collar  131  engages a second unthreaded portion  146  of the rod  140 , as described below. 
     The rod  140 , or screw rod, has a first end  141  and a second end  142 . Rod  140  has a longitudinal axis. A head  143  provided at the first end  141  of the rod  140 . The head can be a hexagonal shaped head adapted to be manipulated with a standard ratcheting socket. Alternatively, the head can be shaped to receive a screw driver head. An unthreaded portion  144  is located near the head  143 . The unthreaded portion  144  is engaged by the collar  121  of cap  120 . In this engagement, the cap  120  provides lateral stability to the rod  140 , prevents movement of the rod  140  in a direction along its longitudinal axis, yet does not inhibit rotation of the rod  140  (i.e. there is no translation of the rod  140  relative the cap  120 .) A threaded portion  145  is provided preferably along a majority of the length of the rod. The threaded portion can be threaded with any desired size and pitch of threads. A second unthreaded portion  146  is provided at or near the second end  142  of the rod  140 . The second unthreaded portion  146  is engaged by the collar  131  of the retainer  130 . In this engagement, the retainer  130  provides lateral stability to the rod  140 , prevents movement of the rod  140  in a direction along its longitudinal axis, yet does not inhibit rotation of the rod  140  (i.e. there is no translation of the rod  140  relative the retainer  130 .) 
     The arm  150  has a first end  151  with a pivot  152 , and a second end  153  with a pivot  154 . Pivots  152  and  154  can be holes adapted to receive pins, bolts or other objects suitable for pivotal connections. The arm is an angled arm, or boomerang shaped arm, in the preferred embodiment. It is understood that other arm shapes can be utilized without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The first end  151  is pivotally connected to the bottom end of the stationary shaft. In this regard, the location of the pivot  152  is constant during operation of the compression member  100 . 
     The ram  160  has a first end  161  with a pivot  162 , and a second end  163  with a pivot  164 . The first end  161  of the ram  160  is pivotally connected to the arm  150 . It is preferred that the end  161  is pivotally connected to the arm  150  at a distance between the ends  151  and  153 . 
     The translator  170  has an end  171  that is threaded with threads  172 , and a second end  173  that has a pivot  174 . The threaded end is received within the stationary bracket  110 , and in particular is in threadable engagement with the threaded portion  145  of the rod  140 . The threaded end  171  is prevented from rotating within the bracket  110 . One preferred structure to prevent the rotation is the use of fins. However, other structures could alternatively be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. In this regard, the translator  170  translates (moves) in a selected direction (preferably up or down) under selected operation of the screw rod  140 . The second end  173  of the translator  170  protrudes from the bracket  110  by passing through the slot  115 , as seen in  FIG. 10 . The second end  173  of the translator is pivotally connected to the second end  163  of the ram, at pivots  174  and  164 , respectively. 
     The head  180  has a top  181 , a bottom  182 , a pivot  183  and a face  184 . The head has a height, preferably between four and six inches between the top  181  and bottom  182 . The head  180  is pivotally connected to the second end  153  of the arm  150 . The single pivotal connection between the head  180  and arm  150  allows the head to rotate, if necessary, to flushly engage the tree while applying a compressive force. The face  184  is preferably concave, and as such can accommodate tree sizes of at least between two and six inches, as seen in  FIGS. 6 and 9 . 
     Turning now to operation of the compression assembly  100 , it is understood in a broad sense that turning the screw rod  140  in a selected rotational direction from the top  15  of the reservoir will cause the head  180  to selectably move in or out relative the tree in a direction that is non parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod  140 . A more specific understanding can be achieved when comparing  FIGS. 3 and 7 . Specifically, the compression member  100  is most of the way compressed in  FIG. 3  when the translator is turned most all the way towards the lower end of the threaded portion  145  of the rod  140 . In this position, the ram  160  forces the second end  153  of the arm  150  to pivot away from the stationary bracket  110 . As the arm  150  pivots away from the bracket  110 , it moves towards the center of the reservoir  10 . The head  180  moves with the arm  150 , and accordingly is located close to the inner range (able to accommodate the smallest diameter tree). Now in  FIG. 7 , it is seen that the translator  170  is relatively near the top of the bracket, and the arm is retracted towards the bracket to accommodate a tree with a larger trunk diameter. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4  in particular, a preferred embodiment of a second compression member  200  is illustrated. The second compression member has a stationary bracket  210 , a cap  220 , a retainer  230 , a rod  240 , an arm  250 , a ram  260 , a translator  270  and a head  280 . Each of these components is described below. The second compression member  200  preferably identical in structure as the first compression member  100 . 
     The stationary bracket  210  has an end  211  and an opposed end  212 . Further, the bracket  210  has an interior  213  and an exterior  214 . The bracket is preferably square or rectangular. Yet, the bracket could be other shapes without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The inward facing surface of the bracket  210  has a slot  215  formed there through in the upper portion of the bracket  210 . The bracket first end  211  is stationarily positioned at the top  15  of the reservoir. The bracket second end  212  is stationarily positioned at the bottom  13  of the reservoir. The bracket preferably has a near vertical orientation within the reservoir. 
     The cap  220  has a collar  221 . The cap  220  is preferably snap fit into the first end  211  of the bracket  210 . The collar  221  engages an unthreaded portion  244  of a screw rod  240 , as described below. 
     The retainer  230  also has a collar  231 . The retainer  230  is preferably housed within the stationary bracket  210 . Collar  231  engages a second unthreaded portion  246  of the rod  240 , as described below. 
     The rod  240 , or screw rod, has a first end  241  and a second end  242 . Rod  240  has a longitudinal axis. A head  243  provided at the first end  241  of the rod  240 . The head can be a hexagonal shaped head adapted to be manipulated with a standard ratcheting socket. Alternatively, the head can be shaped to receive a screw driver head. An unthreaded portion  244  is located near the head  243 . The unthreaded portion  244  is engaged by the collar  221  of cap  220 . In this engagement, the cap  220  provides lateral stability to the rod  240 , prevents movement of the rod  240  in a direction along its longitudinal axis, yet does not inhibit rotation of the rod  240  (i.e. there is no translation of the rod  240  relative the cap  220 .) A threaded portion  245  is provided preferably along a majority of the length of the rod. The threaded portion can be threaded with any desired size and pitch of threads. A second unthreaded portion  246  is provided at or near the second end  242  of the rod  240 . The second unthreaded portion  246  is engaged by the collar  231  of the retainer  230 . In this engagement, the retainer  230  provides lateral stability to the rod  240 , prevents movement of the rod  240  in a direction along its longitudinal axis, yet does not inhibit rotation of the rod  240  (i.e. there is no translation of the rod  240  relative the retainer  230 .) 
     The arm  250  has a first end  251  with a pivot  252 , and a second end  253  with a pivot  254 . Pivots  252  and  254  can be holes adapted to receive pins, bolts or other objects suitable for pivotal connections. The arm is an angled arm, or boomerang shaped arm, in the preferred embodiment. It is understood that other arm shapes can be utilized without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The first end  251  is pivotally connected to the bottom end of the stationary shaft. In this regard, the location of the pivot  252  is constant during operation of the compression member  200 . 
     The ram  260  has a first end  261  with a pivot  262 , and a second end  263  with a pivot  264 . The first end  261  of the ram  260  is pivotally connected to the arm  250 . It is preferred that the end  261  is pivotally connected to the arm  250  at a distance between the ends  251  and  253 . 
     The translator  270  has an end  271  that is threaded with threads  272 , and a second end  273  that has a pivot  274 . The threaded end is received within the stationary bracket  210 , and in particular is in threadable engagement with the threaded portion  245  of the rod  240 . The threaded end  271  is prevented from rotating within the bracket  210 . One preferred structure to prevent the rotation is the use of fins. However, other structures could alternatively be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. In this regard, the translator  270  translates (moves) in a selected direction (preferably up or down) under selected operation of the screw rod  240 . The second end  273  of the translator  270  protrudes from the bracket  210  by passing through the slot  215 . The second end  273  of the translator is pivotally connected to the second end  263  of the ram, at pivots  274  and  264 , respectively. 
     The head  280  has a top  281 , a bottom  282 , a pivot  283  and a face  284 . The head has a height, preferably between four and six inches between the top  281  and bottom  282 . The head  280  is pivotally connected to the second end  253  of the arm  250 . The single pivotal connection between the head  280  and arm  250  allows the head to rotate, if necessary, to flushly engage the tree while applying a compressive force. The face  284  is preferably concave, and as such can accommodate tree sizes of at least between two and six inches. 
     Turning now to operation of the compression assembly  200 , it is understood in a broad sense that turning the screw rod  240  in a selected rotational direction from the top  15  of the reservoir will cause the head  280  to selectably move in or out relative the tree in a direction that is non parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod  240 . A more specific understanding can be achieved when comparing  FIGS. 4 and 8 . Specifically, the compression member  200  is most of the way compressed in  FIG. 4  when the translator is turned most all the way towards the lower end of the threaded portion  245  of the rod  240 . In this position, the ram  260  forces the second end  253  of the arm  250  to pivot away from the stationary bracket  210 . As the arm  250  pivots away from the bracket  210 , it moves towards the center of the reservoir  10 . The head  280  moves with the arm  250 , and accordingly is located close to the inner range (able to accommodate the smallest diameter tree). Now in  FIG. 8 , it is seen that the translator  270  is relatively near the top of the bracket, and the arm is retracted towards the bracket to accommodate a tree with a larger trunk diameter. 
     Turning now again to  FIG. 3  in particular, a preferred embodiment of a third compression member  300  is illustrated. The third compression member has a stationary bracket  310 , a cap  320 , a retainer  330 , a rod  340 , an arm  350 , a ram  360 , a translator  370  and a head  380 . Each of these components is described below. The third compression member  300  preferably identical in structure as the first compression member  100 . 
     The stationary bracket  310  has an end  311  and an opposed end  312 . Further, the bracket  310  has an interior  313  and an exterior  314 . The bracket is preferably square or rectangular. Yet, the bracket could be other shapes without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The inward facing surface of the bracket  310  has a slot  315  formed there through in the upper portion of the bracket  310 . The bracket first end  311  is stationarily positioned at the top  15  of the reservoir. The bracket second end  312  is stationarily positioned at the bottom  13  of the reservoir. The bracket preferably has a near vertical orientation within the reservoir. 
     The cap  320  has a collar  321 . The cap  320  is preferably snap fit into the first end  311  of the bracket  310 . The collar  321  engages an unthreaded portion  344  of a screw rod  340 , as described below. 
     The retainer  330  also has a collar  331 . The retainer  330  is preferably housed within the stationary bracket  310 . Collar  331  engages a second unthreaded portion  346  of the rod  340 , as described below. 
     The rod  340 , or screw rod, has a first end  341  and a second end  342 . Rod  340  has a longitudinal axis. A head  343  provided at the first end  341  of the rod  340 . The head can be a hexagonal shaped head adapted to be manipulated with a standard ratcheting socket. Alternatively, the head can be shaped to receive a screw driver head. An unthreaded portion  344  is located near the head  343 . The unthreaded portion  344  is engaged by the collar  321  of cap  320 . In this engagement, the cap  320  provides lateral stability to the rod  340 , prevents movement of the rod  340  in a direction along its longitudinal axis, yet does not inhibit rotation of the rod  340  (i.e. there is no translation of the rod  340  relative the cap  320 .) A threaded portion  345  is provided preferably along a majority of the length of the rod. The threaded portion can be threaded with any desired size and pitch of threads. A second unthreaded portion  346  is provided at or near the second end  342  of the rod  340 . The second unthreaded portion  346  is engaged by the collar  331  of the retainer  330 . In this engagement, the retainer  330  provides lateral stability to the rod  340 , prevents movement of the rod  340  in a direction along its longitudinal axis, yet does not inhibit rotation of the rod  340  (i.e. there is no translation of the rod  340  relative the retainer  330 .) 
     The arm  350  has a first end  351  with a pivot  352 , and a second end  353  with a pivot  354 . Pivots  352  and  354  can be holes adapted to receive pins, bolts or other objects suitable for pivotal connections. The arm is an angled arm, or boomerang shaped arm, in the preferred embodiment. It is understood that other arm shapes can be utilized without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The first end  351  is pivotally connected to the bottom end of the stationary shaft. In this regard, the location of the pivot  352  is constant during operation of the compression member  300 . 
     The ram  360  has a first end  361  with a pivot  362 , and a second end  363  with a pivot  364 . The first end  361  of the ram  360  is pivotally connected to the arm  350 . It is preferred that the end  361  is pivotally connected to the arm  350  at a distance between the ends  351  and  353 . 
     The translator  370  has an end  371  that is threaded with threads  372 , and a second end  373  that has a pivot  374 . The threaded end is received within the stationary bracket  310 , and in particular is in threadable engagement with the threaded portion  345  of the rod  340 . The threaded end  371  is prevented from rotating within the bracket  310 . One preferred structure to prevent the rotation is the use of fins. However, other structures could alternatively be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. In this regard, the translator  370  translates (moves) in a selected direction (preferably up or down) under selected operation of the screw rod  340 . The second end  373  of the translator  370  protrudes from the bracket  310  by passing through the slot  315 . The second end  373  of the translator is pivotally connected to the second end  363  of the ram, at pivots  374  and  364 , respectively. 
     The head  380  has a top  381 , a bottom  382 , a pivot  383  and a face  384 . The head has a height, preferably between four and six inches between the top  381  and bottom  382 . The head  380  is pivotally connected to the second end  353  of the arm  350 . The single pivotal connection between the head  380  and arm  350  allows the head to rotate, if necessary, to flushly engage the tree while applying a compressive force. The face  384  is preferably concave, and as such can accommodate tree sizes of at least between two and six inches. 
     Turning now to operation of the compression assembly  300 , it is understood in a broad sense that turning the screw rod  340  in a selected rotational direction from the top  15  of the reservoir will cause the head  380  to selectably move in or out relative the tree in a direction that is non parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod  340 . A more specific understanding can be achieved when comparing  FIGS. 3 and 7 . Specifically, the compression member  300  is most of the way compressed in  FIG. 3  when the translator is turned most all the way towards the lower end of the threaded portion  345  of the rod  340 . In this position, the ram  360  forces the second end  353  of the arm  350  to pivot away from the stationary bracket  310 . As the arm  350  pivots away from the bracket  310 , it moves towards the center of the reservoir  10 . The head  380  moves with the arm  350 , and accordingly is located close to the inner range (able to accommodate the smallest diameter tree). Now in  FIG. 7 , it is seen that the translator  370  is relatively near the top of the bracket, and the arm is retracted towards the bracket to accommodate a tree with a larger trunk diameter. 
     Turning now again to  FIG. 4  in particular, a preferred embodiment of a fourth compression member  400  is illustrated. The fourth compression member has a stationary bracket  410 , a cap  420 , a retainer  430 , a rod  440 , an arm  450 , a ram  460 , a translator  470  and a head  480 . Each of these components is described below. The fourth compression member  400  preferably identical in structure as the first compression member  100 . 
     The stationary bracket  410  has an end  411  and an opposed end  412 . Further, the bracket  410  has an interior  413  and an exterior  414 . The bracket is preferably square or rectangular. Yet, the bracket could be other shapes without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The inward facing surface of the bracket  410  has a slot  415  formed there through in the upper portion of the bracket  410 . The bracket first end  411  is stationarily positioned at the top  15  of the reservoir. The bracket second end  412  is stationarily positioned at the bottom  13  of the reservoir. The bracket preferably has a near vertical orientation within the reservoir. 
     The cap  420  has a collar  421 . The cap  420  is preferably snap fit into the first end  411  of the bracket  410 . The collar  421  engages an unthreaded portion  444  of a screw rod  440 , as described below. 
     The retainer  430  also has a collar  431 . The retainer  430  is preferably housed within the stationary bracket  410 . Collar  431  engages a second unthreaded portion  446  of the rod  440 , as described below. 
     The rod  440 , or screw rod, has a first end  441  and a second end  442 . Rod  440  has a longitudinal axis. A head  443  provided at the first end  441  of the rod  440 . The head can be a hexagonal shaped head adapted to be manipulated with a standard ratcheting socket. Alternatively, the head can be shaped to receive a screw driver head. An unthreaded portion  444  is located near the head  443 . The unthreaded portion  444  is engaged by the collar  421  of cap  420 . In this engagement, the cap  420  provides lateral stability to the rod  440 , prevents movement of the rod  440  in a direction along its longitudinal axis, yet does not inhibit rotation of the rod  440  (i.e. there is no translation of the rod  440  relative the cap  420 .) A threaded portion  445  is provided preferably along a majority of the length of the rod. The threaded portion can be threaded with any desired size and pitch of threads. A second unthreaded portion  446  is provided at or near the second end  442  of the rod  440 . The second unthreaded portion  446  is engaged by the collar  431  of the retainer  430 . In this engagement, the retainer  430  provides lateral stability to the rod  440 , prevents movement of the rod  440  in a direction along its longitudinal axis, yet does not inhibit rotation of the rod  440  (i.e. there is no translation of the rod  440  relative the retainer  430 .) 
     The arm  450  has a first end  451  with a pivot  452 , and a second end  453  with a pivot  454 . Pivots  452  and  454  can be holes adapted to receive pins, bolts or other objects suitable for pivotal connections. The arm is an angled arm, or boomerang shaped arm, in the preferred embodiment. It is understood that other arm shapes can be utilized without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The first end  451  is pivotally connected to the bottom end of the stationary shaft. In this regard, the location of the pivot  452  is constant during operation of the compression member  400 . 
     The ram  460  has a first end  461  with a pivot  462 , and a second end  463  with a pivot  464 . The first end  461  of the ram  460  is pivotally connected to the arm  450 . It is preferred that the end  461  is pivotally connected to the arm  450  at a distance between the ends  451  and  453 . 
     The translator  470  has an end  471  that is threaded with threads  472 , and a second end  473  that has a pivot  474 . The threaded end is received within the stationary bracket  410 , and in particular is in threadable engagement with the threaded portion  445  of the rod  440 . The threaded end  471  is prevented from rotating within the bracket  410 . One preferred structure to prevent the rotation is the use of fins. However, other structures could alternatively be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. In this regard, the translator  470  translates (moves) in a selected direction (preferably up or down) under selected operation of the screw rod  440 . The second end  473  of the translator  470  protrudes from the bracket  410  by passing through the slot  415 . The second end  473  of the translator is pivotally connected to the second end  463  of the ram, at pivots  474  and  464 , respectively. 
     The head  480  has a top  481 , a bottom  482 , a pivot  483  and a face  484 . The head has a height, preferably between four and six inches between the top  481  and bottom  482 . The head  480  is pivotally connected to the second end  453  of the arm  450 . The single pivotal connection between the head  480  and arm  450  allows the head to rotate, if necessary, to flushly engage the tree while applying a compressive force. The face  484  is preferably concave, and as such can accommodate tree sizes of at least between two and six inches. 
     Turning now to operation of the compression assembly  400 , it is understood in a broad sense that turning the screw rod  440  in a selected rotational direction from the top  15  of the reservoir will cause the head  480  to selectably move in or out relative the tree in a direction that is non parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod  440 . A more specific understanding can be achieved when comparing  FIGS. 4 and 8 . Specifically, the compression member  400  is most of the way compressed in  FIG. 4  when the translator is turned most all the way towards the lower end of the threaded portion  445  of the rod  440 . In this position, the ram  460  forces the second end  453  of the arm  450  to pivot away from the stationary bracket  410 . As the arm  450  pivots away from the bracket  410 , it moves towards the center of the reservoir  10 . The head  480  moves with the arm  450 , and accordingly is located close to the inner range (able to accommodate the smallest diameter tree). Now in  FIG. 8 , it is seen that the translator  470  is relatively near the top of the bracket, and the arm is retracted towards the bracket to accommodate a tree with a larger trunk diameter. 
     It is appreciated that the plurality of compression members work together to maintain the tree in the preferred position. 
     Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, an adjustable high water capacity tree stand that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.