Abstract:
An apparatus for securing and irrigating a live tree such as a Christmas tree is herein disclosed. The apparatus incorporates a tree ornament that has an internal water reservoir which is fluidly connected to a tree base stand. Besides holding the tree securely erect, the base stand provides the primary water reservoir for the tree. The ornament is affixed to the tree in a conventional manner with a small diameter hose extending from the ornament to the base stand reservoir. The base reservoir has a float valve that allows water to drain into the base from the ornament while controlling a maximum water level. The apparatus is particularly useful for trees that are difficult to reach, or for people who have difficulty in bending over, kneeling, or crawling under a tree.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/002,525 filed on Nov. 13, 2007, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a safe and effective method and apparatus for obtaining a temperature of an animal without excessive handling, particularly a horse, comprising a temperature obtaining means embedded within a bit and a digital display for displaying the obtained temperature. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Many people bring cut evergreen trees into their home to use as Christmas trees during the holiday season, which require frequent watering. Often, watering is forgotten and the tree will begin to dry out. Watering after this occurs does little or no good. This creates a fire hazard as any ignition source will turn the dry tree into an inferno. Another cause of infrequent watering is that it is somewhat difficult to do, as it requires bending over, kneeling down, crawling and the like, which is an inconvenience for those with physical limitations such as the elderly or physically disabled. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which Christmas trees can be ensured an adequate amount of water that is easily replenished without the difficulties as described above. The development of the system herein described fulfills this need. 
   There have been attempts to provide self-watering systems for live cut trees. U.S. Pat. No. D 483,234 issued to Hansen discloses a tree watering ornament that appears to comprise a hinged open to an ornament that is attached to a limb and a tube component exiting the ornament. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed system nor does it appear to disclose a tree stand with an integral irrigation means control by a ball valve mechanism. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,479 issued to Greenberg et al. discloses a Christmas tree watering apparatus that comprises a funnel, an upspout, two (2) lengths of pipe, and a downspout, all supported by a stand which rests on a floor. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to comprise a decorative ornament assembly that is connected by tubing to a tree stand base assembly and that possesses a ball valve mechanism to regulate the flow of water to the base to prevent overfilling of the base reservoir. 
   U.S. Pat. No. D 436,006 issued to DeMarino discloses an ornamental Christmas tree watering device that appears to take the shape of a cane. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed system, nor does it appear to disclose a tree stand with an integral irrigation system comprising an ornament assembly into which water may be added that is in fluid communication with the tree stand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. D 417,596 issued to Crowder discloses a Christmas tree watering device that comprises a funnel like structure that appears to attach to a tree limb. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar to the disclosed system, nor does it appear to be a tree stand with an integral irrigation means. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,926 issued to Granger discloses a funnel like watering device for a Christmas tree with an indicating mechanism attached at the top of the funnel to indicate the water level in the tree stand. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a decorative ornament assembly that accepts and conducts water through attached tubing to a tree stand water reservoir and that utilizes a ball valve mechanism to regulate the flow of water into the stand reservoir. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,838 issued to Denbigh discloses a Christmas tree watering device that appears to comprise a funnel with a decorative element which attaches to a tree limb. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to comprise a decorative ornament assembly that is connected by tubing to a tree stand base assembly and that possesses a ball valve mechanism to regulate the flow of water to the base to prevent overfilling of the base reservoir. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,839 issued to Granger discloses a Christmas tree watering funnel with a float that activates an indicating light when the water level in the tree stand is depleted. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a tree stand with an integral irrigation system comprising an ornament assembly, tubing, a base stand assembly and a valve to regulate water flow that prevents overfilling of a tree stand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,997 issued to Rial discloses a system for watering a tree comprising an angular funnel attached to tubing that connects to a tree stand base. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to comprise a decorative ornament assembly that is connected by tubing to a tree stand base assembly and that possesses a ball valve mechanism to regulate the flow of water to the base to prevent overfilling of the base reservoir. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In light of the disadvantages as previously described in the prior art, it is apparent that there is a need for a tree stand with integral irrigation means which provides a securing and irrigating means to a live tree. 
   An object of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises a Christmas tree-style ornament-shaped reservoir with a flexible tube extending downwardly to transport a flow of water to a float valve assembly located within a base stand reservoir. 
   Another object of the tree stand with integral irrigation means provides control of a water level in a base stand reservoir, thereby avoiding overflowing. 
   A further object of the tree stand with integral irrigation means provides an irrigation means particularly useful for trees which are difficult to reach, or for people who have difficulty in bending over, kneeling, or crawling under a tree. 
   Still another object of the tree stand with integral irrigation means provides a variety of decorative colors and patterns suitable to holiday themes as well as surrounding décor. 
   Still a further object of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises various indicia similar to conventional ornaments depicting holiday symbols, artwork, and other appropriate decorative designs thereupon outer surfaces. 
   Yet another object of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises a manufacture using durable corrosion resistant metal and plastic materials. 
   Yet a further aspect of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises a valve assembly that is designed to allow water to drain downwardly into the base stand reservoir in a controlled manner without overflowing. 
   Yet still another aspect of the tree stand with integral irrigation means provides an ornament hook to provide an attachment means to secure the ornament assembly to a foliage portion of the tree in a normal manner. 
   An aspect of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises an ornament assembly further comprising an ornament-shaped reservoir, a top located reservoir orifice, an ornament lid, an ornament hook and an ornament hose fitting. 
   A further aspect of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises an ornament reservoir comprising a generally spherical or cylindrical shape that is in fluid communication with a tree base stand assembly via flexible tubing. The reservoir orifice provides a water receiving means being hung upon said tree at a convenient location on a side portion of said tree using an ornament hook. 
   Still another aspect of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises an ornament lid comprising a cylindrical or spherical profile providing an aesthetic top enclosure to said ornament assembly. The ornament lid provides a hinging attachment means to the ornament reservoir by an integrally molded ornament lid hinge. 
   Still a further aspect of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises an ornament hose fitting located along a bottom surface of the ornament reservoir and further comprising a water-tight cylindrical male fitting providing a fluid attachment being inserted into the flexible tubing portion. 
   Yet a further aspect of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises flexible tubing that provides an attachment means to a valve assembly at a lower end, routed internally to the tree, and secured vertically to a trunk portion of said tree via a plurality of common tie-wrap fasteners. The tubing provides a conduit means to a flow of water from said ornament reservoir to the base stand assembly. 
   Still another aspect of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises a base stand assembly comprising expected features and fixtures found on conventional tree and further comprising an enlarged oval or pear-shaped base stand reservoir being large enough to receive both a trunk portion of the tree and the valve assembly. 
   Yet another aspect of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises a valve assembly further comprising a lid, a standpipe, a float, and a valve housing. The lid extends horizontally around the standpipe portion to provide a partial cover and an attachment means to the base stand assembly. The standpipe provides a tubular attachment means to the aforementioned flexible tubing at a top opening portion. The valve housing provides a float-valve function via an internal spherical float. 
   Still yet another aspect of the tree stand with integral irrigation means comprises footpads comprising three (3) outwardly angled leg structures further comprising integral circular horizontal feet designed to establish a secure platform and providing vertical stability to the apparatus. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a tree stand with integral irrigation means  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a tree stand with integral irrigation means  10  showing a cut-away portion of a base stand assembly  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a break-away view of an ornament assembly portion  20  of the tree stand with integral irrigation means  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 4  is a section view taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ) of the tree stand with integral irrigation means  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
   
       
       
         
             10  tree stand with integral irrigation means 
             20  ornament assembly 
             21  ornament reservoir 
             22  ornament orifice 
             23  ornament lid 
             24  ornament lid hinge 
             25  ornament hook 
             26  ornament hose fitting 
             28  indicia 
             30  base stand assembly 
             31  base stand reservoir 
             32  base stand orifice 
             33  footpad 
             34  reservoir lid 
             35  clamp bolt 
             37  spike anchor 
             40  valve assembly 
             41  standpipe 
             42  valve housing 
             43  float 
             46  tubing 
             50  tree 
             55  water level 
             60  tie-wrap. 
         
       
     
  
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
   The present invention describes a tree stand with integral irrigation means (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a securing and irrigating means thereto a live tree  50  such as a Christmas tree. The apparatus  10  comprises a tree ornament-shaped reservoir  21  with a flexible tube  46  extending downwardly therefrom to transport a flow of water thereto a float valve assembly  40  located within a base stand reservoir  31 . The apparatus  10  provides control of a water level  55  therein a base stand reservoir  31 , thereby avoiding overflowing. The apparatus  10  is particularly useful for trees which are difficult to reach, or for people who have difficulty in bending over, kneeling, or crawling under a tree  50 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , environmental and perspective views of the apparatus  10 , respectively, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides a tree irrigation means comprising an ornament assembly  20  further comprising an ornament-shaped reservoir  21  with a top located reservoir orifice  22 . Said reservoir orifice  22  provides a water receiving means being hung thereupon said tree  50  at a convenient location on a side portion of said tree  50  using an ornament hook  25  in similar fashion as a conventional bulb-type tree ornament. The ornament reservoir  21  comprises a generally spherical or cylindrical shape approximately six (6) inches in diameter being in fluid communication therewith a tree base stand assembly  30  via flexible tubing  46 . The tubing  46  is routed internally thereto the tree  50  and secured vertically thereto a trunk portion of said tree  50  via a plurality of common tie-wrap fasteners  60 . The flexible tubing  46  provides an attachment means thereto a valve assembly  40  at a lower end thereof via a tie-wrap  60  (see  FIG. 4 ). The base stand assembly  30  comprises expected features and fixtures found on conventional tree stands such as three (3) triangulated clamp bolts  35 , a plurality of floor-contacting footpads  33 , a water-bearing base stand reservoir  31 , and a center stabilizing spike anchor  37  protrusion to hold the tree  50  securely erect. The base stand assembly  30  further comprises an enlarged oval or pear-shaped base stand reservoir  31  being large enough to receive both a trunk portion of the tree  50  and the valve assembly  40 . The valve assembly  40  is designed to allow water to drain downwardly thereinto the base stand reservoir  31  in a controlled manner without overflowing (see  FIG. 4 ). The footpads  33  comprise preferably three (3) outwardly angled leg structures similar to conventional tree stands comprising integral circular horizontal feet designed to establish a secure platform, thereby providing vertical stability thereto the apparatus  10  when placed upon a flat surface. The various components of the apparatus  10  are envisioned to be made using durable corrosion resistant metal and plastic materials. It is also envisioned that the apparatus  10  may be introduced in a variety of decorative colors and patterns suitable to holiday themes as well as surrounding décor. Furthermore, the ornament assembly  20  is envisioned to comprise various indicia  28  similar thereto conventional ornaments depicting holiday symbols, artwork, and other appropriate decorative designs thereupon outer surfaces. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a break-away view of an ornament assembly portion  20  of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The ornament assembly  20  comprises a decorative plastic assembly using polypropylene, polyethylene, or similar materials being fabricated using a plastic injection molding process being common in the industry. The ornament assembly  20  further comprises an ornament lid  23 , an ornament hook  25 , and an ornament hose fitting  26 . The ornament lid  23  comprises a cylindrical or spherical profile providing an aesthetic top enclosure thereto said ornament assembly  20 . The ornament lid  23  provides a hinging attachment means thereto said ornament reservoir  21  via an integrally molded ornament lid hinge  24  along a rear edge of the aforementioned ornament orifice  22 . Adjacent thereto said ornament lid hinge  24  is an ornament hook  25  comprising a hook-shaped appendage being integral thereto the ornament reservoir  21 . Said ornament hook  25  provides an attachment means to secure the ornament assembly  20  thereto a foliage portion of the tree  50  in a normal manner. The ornament hose fitting  26  is located along a bottom surface of the ornament reservoir  21  and comprises a water-tight cylindrical male fitting providing a fluid attachment being inserted thereinto the flexible tubing portion  46 . The tubing  46  provides a conduit means thereto a flow of water therefrom said ornament reservoir  21  thereto the base stand assembly  30 . The tubing  46  is approximately one-half (½) inch in diameter and approximately three (3) to five (5) feet long and is envisioned to be made using flexible transparent, translucent, or opaque materials such as, but not limited to: polyethylene, urethane, Tygon®, rubber, or the like. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a section view taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ) of the tree stand with integral irrigation means  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The base stand assembly  30  further comprises an enlarged base stand reservoir  31  being large enough to receive both a trunk portion of the tree  50  and the valve assembly  40 . The valve assembly  40  further comprises a lid  34 , a standpipe  41 , a float  43 , and a valve housing  42 . The lid  34  extends horizontally being inserted therearound the standpipe portion  41  to provide a partial cover and an attachment means thereto the base stand assembly  30  via downwardly angled outer edges being formed at a right angle and overlapping an upper perimeter edge of said base stand assembly  30 . The standpipe  41  provides a tubular attachment means thereto the aforementioned flexible tubing  46  via a common tie-wrap  60  thereat a top opening portion thereof (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The standpipe  41  extends downwardly thereinto the base stand reservoir  31  providing a permanent annular attachment thereto the bell-shaped valve housing  42 . The valve housing  42  provides a float-valve function via an internal spherical float  43 . As water drains downwardly thereinto the base stand assembly  30  from the ornament reservoir  21 , said float  42  raises due to a buoyant force, thereby seating said valve housing  42  thereagainst a bottom opening portion of the standpipe  41  to stop the water flow without allowing said water level  55  to overflow the base stand reservoir  31 . 
   It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
   The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: placing the apparatus  10  upon a household floor or other flat surface; adjusting the plurality clamp bolts  35  outwardly by turning in a counter-clockwise direction, thereby maximizing a top open area on a base stand reservoir; inserting a tree  50  such as a Christmas tree thereinto the base stand orifice  31  therebetween the clamp bolts  35  and being secured via the spike anchor  37 ; tightening the clamp bolts  35  in alternating succession until the tree  50  is erect and stationary in a conventional manner; routing the flexible tubing  46  into a foliage portion of the tree  50  starting at an external location where an eventual position for the ornament reservoir  21  is desired; routing said flexible tubing  46  such that a plain end of said flexible tubing  46  is directed inwardly toward the tree trunk  50  thereat a downward slope, thereby assuring proper drainage; attaching said tubing  46  thereto said tree  50  using a plurality of tie-wraps  60  as needed; attaching the tubing  46  thereto a top opening portion of the standpipe  41  utilizing a secure friction-fit thereto; attaching the tubing  46  thereto the ornament hose fitting portion  26  of the ornament assembly  20  utilizing a secure friction-fit thereto; affixing the ornament assembly  20  securely thereto one (1) or more external branches of the tree  50  using the ornament hook  25 ; pouring a volume of water thereinto the apparatus  10  by lifting the ornament lid  23  and pouring water into the ornament orifice  22 ; continuing to add water until the water level  55  therein the base stand reservoir  31  forces the float portion  43  of the valve assembly  40  to seal off the flow of water into said base stand reservoir  31 ; pouring and adding water therein the ornament reservoir  21  periodically as required; removing the apparatus  10  after use therefrom the tree  50  by cutting and removing the tie-wraps  60 ; disconnecting and removing the flexible hose  46 ; storing the apparatus  10  until again needed; discarding the tree  50  in a normal manner; and, benefiting from the convenience and ease of providing a continuous water supply thereto one&#39;s tree  50  using the present invention  10 . 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.