Patent Publication Number: US-11647859-B2

Title: Tube holder and assembly

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/657,838 filed Oct. 18, 2019. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Artificial Christmas trees have increased in popularity due to their ease of use and longevity. Due to their ability to be reused, many users of artificial trees put them up around the holidays and keep them in storage for the remainder of the year. Often, storing artificial trees involves disassembling the tree, either in part or entirely, necessitating reassembly whenever the tree is re-erected. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an example of a tube holder consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is another example of a tube holder consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is another example of a tube holder consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is another example of a tube holder consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is another example of a tube holder consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is an example system including a tube holder and an artificial Christmas tree consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 A  illustrates positioning of the tube holder when the artificial Christmas tree is inserted into the tube holder consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 B  illustrates positioning of the tube holder when the artificial Christmas tree is removed from the tube holder consistent with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Artificial Christmas trees are used in many homes due to their convenience, their ease of use, and the fact that they are able to be reused for multiple years. An artificial Christmas tree is able to be erected and decorated for the holidays and stored for the remainder of the year. With proper care and storage, an artificial Christmas tree can last many years. 
     Many artificial Christmas trees are comprised of several pieces that, when assembled, form a traditional tree shape. The pieces may, for example, comprise a set of central poles with branches extending therefrom; the poles may be coupled to one another in lengthwise fashion to create the tree. In some examples, the tree may further include a stand to hold and support the tree, which may be coupled to the base of the lowermost central pole. When disassembling a tree, the central poles may be decoupled from one another and, in some examples, the stand may be removed. The pieces may then be placed into a storage container. 
     The tube holder of the present disclosure, by contrast, is designed to hold a fully assembled artificial Christmas tree, including an attached stand. The holder may comprise a tube with a uniform diameter for the length of the tube or with a first diameter and a second diameter. Rivets at both an upper portion and a lower portion of the tube may provide additional strength at the points along the tube holder where they are disposed. Preferably, however, the tube and certain of its integral features as will be described herein is molded as a unitary structure by means of rotational plastic molding. 
     Significantly, at least one securement strap is included at the bottom of the tube to fasten and secure the otherwise open bottom of the tube. For additional ease of movement and transportation, wheels are included as part of the tube holder as well. 
     Due to its design and construction, the tube holder of the present disclosure may be able to receive an assembled artificial Christmas tree, including a stand. Said differently, the tube holder of the present disclosure does not require an artificial Christmas tree to be disassembled for storage. This reduces the time and effort to both store the Christmas tree and reassemble it for the next holiday season. Additionally, by removing the step of disassembly, the pieces and other components of the artificial Christmas tree stay together; since pieces are together, the likelihood of pieces getting lost or damaged is reduced and even eliminated. In the system of the preferred embodiment, the artificial Christmas tree has a plurality of upwardly-rotatable tree branches such that the tree branches can be urged upwardly, or collapsed, along the central pole of the tree. This allows the diameter of the tree to be compacted from its normal display diameter such that, when the branches are collapsed, the tree can more easily received by and fit within the tube, as will be described in greater detail herein. 
       FIG.  1    is an example of a tube holder  100  consistent with the present disclosure. Tube holder  100 , which may be referred to alternately as apparatus  100 , comprises a tube  102 . Tube  102  may be open at both ends, i.e., not be a closed tube. 
     Tube  102  may have a first diameter  104  disposed along a first length  106  of the tube  102 . The first diameter  104  may be between 18 inches and 24 inches, although examples are not so limited, and any diameter may be used. A second diameter  108  may be disposed along a second length  110  of the tube  102 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the second diameter  108  may be greater than the first diameter  104 . The second diameter  108  may be between 20 inches and 26 inches, although examples are not so limited. The second length  110  of tube  102  may be disposed above first length  106  of tube  102 , as shown in  FIG.  1   , such that second diameter  108  is above first diameter  104 . In some examples, the second diameter  108  may decrease, or taper, throughout the second length  110  of tube  102 , allowing the second length  110  of tube  102  to smoothly connect with the first length  106  of tube  102 . 
     Tube  102  may further include an integrally formed channel  112 . As used herein, a channel refers to a pathway or conduit through which something is able to be passed. Channel  112  may be formed as part of tube  102  and may be disposed at a lower end, i.e., oppose the second length, of tube  102 . Channel  112  may extend through the diameter  104  of the tube  102  and may be sized to receive an axle, such as axle  113 . 
     A plurality of wheels  114 - 1 ,  114 - 2  may be disposed at the lower portion of the tube  102 . Wheels  114 - 1  and  114 - 2  may be coupled to axle  113 , which may then be disposed through channel  112 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , wheels  114 - 1  and  114 - 2  may be oriented such that they are substantially perpendicular to tube  102 . This may allow tube  102  to be moved via wheels  114 - 1  and  114 - 2 . 
     Apparatus  100  may further include a securement strap  116 . As used herein, a securement strap refers to a strap able to be selectively engaged to close or otherwise secure a location. Securement strap  116  may be located at the lower portion of tube  102 , and may be in a similar location as wheels  114 . The securement strap  116  may further be disposed perpendicular to the second, lower end of the tube  102 . A first end of securement strap  116  may be permanently coupled to tube  102 , while a second end of securement strap  116  may be removably coupled to the tube  102 . Securement strap  116  may be used to secure the second end of the tube  102 . Securement strap  116  may be made of nylon, canvas, or another similar material, and may be removably coupled to the tube  102  via the use of hook and loop fasteners or snaps. However, examples are not so limited and any material and/or fastener may be used. 
       FIG.  2    is another example of a tube holder  200  consistent with the present disclosure. Tube holder  200 , also referred to as apparatus  200 , may include a tube  202 . Tube  202  may be akin to tube  102 , discussed previously with respect to  FIG.  1   . Tube  202  may have a first diameter  204  disposed about a first length  206  thereof, and a second diameter  208  disposed about a second length  210 . A plurality of wheels  214  may be coupled to the tube  202  at an axle  213 . A single wheel  214  is shown in  FIG.  2   ; the other wheel  214  would be disposed opposite. The axle  213  may be coupled to the tube  202  through an integrally formed channel  212 . Further, a securement strap  216  may be located at the lower portion of tube  202  and may be in a similar location as wheels  214 . Securement strap  216  may be akin to securement strap  116 , described previously with respect to  FIG.  1   . 
     A plate  220  may be coupled to tube  202  at an upper portion thereof. Plate  220  may be made of metal, plastic, or another durable and rigid material, and may be coupled to the tube  202  by a plurality of fasteners  222 - 1 ,  222 - 2 ,  222 - 3  . . .  222 -N. Fasteners  222 - 1 ,  222 - 2 ,  222 - 3  . . .  222 -N may be rivets, nails, screws, adhesive strips, or any other type of fastener that would bond plate  220  to tube  202 . Although four fasteners are shown in  FIG.  2   , examples are not so limited and other numbers of fasteners may be used. 
     A peg  224  may extend from plate  220 . As used herein, a peg refers to a short, often cylindrical piece of material that is used to join pieces or to hang a piece off of. Peg  224  may be integrally formed with plate  220  or may be a separate piece that is coupled to plate  220 , and may extend substantially perpendicularly from the face of plate  220 . 
     A support leg  226  may be coupled to the plate  220 . In some examples, support leg  226  may be coupled to the plate  220  at peg  224 . In such examples, support leg  226  may be rotatable with respect to peg  224  and plate  220 . That is, support leg  226  may be rotated into a variety of positions, based on the desire of a user. In some examples, support leg  226  may be coupled to peg  224  by a friction fit; however, in other examples, a nut or other piece may be coupled to the peg  224  upon the coupling of the support leg  226  such that support leg  226  is prevented from inadvertently sliding off the end of peg  224 . 
     A plurality of handles  228 - 1 ,  228 - 2 ,  228 - 3  may be coupled to tube  202 . Although three handles are shown in  FIG.  2   , examples are not so limited and more or fewer handles may be used. In addition, handles  228 - 1 ,  228 - 2 ,  228 - 3  are not limited to the locations shown in  FIG.  2    but may be disposed an any location on tube  202 . Handles  228 - 1 ,  228 - 2 ,  228 - 3  may be made of plastic, metal, or another suitably durable and hard material and may be coupled to tube  202  by rivets, nails, screws, glue, or any other fastening means. In some examples, handles  228 - 1 ,  228 - 2 ,  228 - 3  may be integrally formed as part of tube  202 . Said differently, handles  228 - 1 ,  228 - 2 ,  228 - 3  may be molded as part of tube  202 , rather than as separate pieces. In such examples, handles  228 - 1 ,  228 - 2 ,  228 - 3  may not use an additional fastener to attach to tube  202 . Handles  228 - 1 ,  228 - 2 ,  228 - 3  may be disposed such that a user of apparatus  200  is able to tip or otherwise move apparatus  200 . For example, handle  228 - 3 , as shown in  FIG.  2   , may be used to tip tube  202  back with respect to wheels  214 , allowing easier access to the opening at the top of tube  202 . 
       FIG.  3    is another example of a tube holder  300  consistent with the present disclosure. Tube holder  300  may also be referred to as apparatus  300  and may include a tube  302 . Tube  302  may be akin to tubes  102  and  202 , discussed with respect to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , respectively. Tube  302  may have a first diameter  304  disposed about a first length  306 . A second diameter  308  may be disposed about a second length  310 . A plurality of wheels  314 - 1 ,  314 - 2  may be coupled to the tube  302 . In some examples, wheels  314 - 1 ,  314 - 2  may be coupled to tube  302  by an axle  313 . Axle  313  may be coupled to tube  302  by an integrally formed channel  312 . In addition, a securement strap  316  may be located at the lower portion of tube. Securement strap  316  may be akin to securement straps  116 ,  216 , described previously with respect to  FIGS.  1  and  2   . 
     Apparatus  300  may further include a bar  332 , which may be disposed perpendicular to the length of the tube  302 . The bar  332  may be coupled to the tube by, for example, rivets, screws, nails, glue, or another fastening material. In some examples, the length of the bar  332  may be greater than second diameter  308  of tube  302 , such that a portion of bar  332  extends beyond tube  302  on one or both ends of the tube  302 . 
     A pair of legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2  may be coupled to the bar  332 . In some examples, one leg  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2  may be coupled to each end of bar  332 ; that is, legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2  may be disposed parallel to one another with bar  332  disposed between them. Legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2  may be rotatably coupled to bar  332  by, for example, a hinge, or a ball joint, although examples are not so limited. As a result, legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2  may rotate with respect to bar  332 . In some examples, legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2  may rotate outwardly with respect to bar  332 , and thus with respect to tube  302 . In such examples, legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2  may be rested upon a floor or other surface to support tube  302 . 
     A crosspiece  336  may be disposed between legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2 . Crosspiece  336  may be permanently coupled to legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2  by, for example, glue or a weld joint, or may be removably coupled to legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2  by a screw or similarly removable joiner. As shown in  FIG.  3   , crosspiece  336  may be disposed toward a lower end of legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2 . As a result, crosspiece  336  may serve to provide additional stability and strength to legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2 , particularly when legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2  are rotated away from tube  302  and resting on a floor or similar surface. 
     A securement mechanism  337  may be coupled to the tube  302 . As used herein, a securement mechanism refers to a device or mechanism able to be selectively engaged to secure a movable piece, such as crosspiece  336 . Securement mechanism  337  may be a hook and loop fastener, a fabric fastener secured by snaps, or any other securement mechanism. Securement mechanism  337  may be disposed such that crosspiece  336  is able to be secured to tube  302 . In some examples, the securement mechanism  337  may be engaged to prevent legs  334  from rotating with respect to bar  332  by preventing crosspiece  336  (which is coupled to legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2 ) from moving. 
     A plurality of straps  338 - 1 ,  338 - 2  may be disposed along the sides of the tube  302 . As used herein, a strap refers to a piece or strip of material used to carry or hold something. Straps  338 - 1 ,  338 - 2  may be disposed along the sides of tube  302  such that a user is able to carry tube  302  by straps  338 - 1 ,  338 - 2 . In some examples, the straps  338 - 1 ,  338 - 2  may be manufactured of leather, nylon webbing, canvas, or a similar fabric; however, examples are not so limited and other materials may be used. Straps  338 - 1 ,  338 - 2  may couple to tube  302  by rivets, screws, or another fastening mechanism, and may be removable or may be permanently attached. 
       FIG.  4    is another example of a tube holder  400  consistent with the present disclosure. Tube holder  400  may also be referred to as apparatus  400  and may include a tube  402 . Tube  402  may be akin to tubes  102 ,  202 , and  302 , discussed with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , respectively. Tube  402  may have a first diameter  404  disposed about a first length  406 . Unlike tubes  102 ,  202 ,  302 , discussed with respect to  FIGS.  103   , tube  402  may have a single diameter  404 ; that is, tube  402  may lack an upper portion having a second length and second diameter. A plurality of wheels  414 - 1 ,  414 - 2  may be coupled to the tube  402 . In some examples, wheels  414 - 1 ,  414 - 2  may be coupled to tube  402  by an axle  413 . Axle  413  may be coupled to tube  402  by an integrally formed channel  412 . In addition, a securement strap  416  may be located at the lower portion of tube  402 . Securement strap  416  may be akin to securement straps  116 ,  216 , and  316 , described previously with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 3   . 
     Tube  402  may include a plurality of legs  434 - 1 ,  434 - 2  coupled to a crosspiece  435 . Legs  434 - 1 ,  434 - 2  may be akin to legs  334 - 1 ,  334 - 2 , discussed with respect to  FIG.  3   , and may be disposed such that the legs  434 - 1 ,  434 - 2  are parallel to the tube  402  when not extended. 
     Crosspiece  435  may be disposed between legs  434 - 1 ,  434 - 2 , with legs  434 - 1 ,  434 - 2  being attached thereto. Crosspiece  435  may be curved, or be substantially U-shaped, as shown in  FIG.  4   , or may be straight. In some examples, crosspiece  435  may be coupled to the tube  402  such that crosspiece  435  is rotatable with respect to the tube  402 . That is, crosspiece  435  may be coupled to tube  402  such that the crosspiece  435 , and thus legs  434 - 1 ,  434 - 2 , are able to rotate outwardly, away from the tube  402 , to allow tube  402  to be supported by a floor surface. This may be used, for example, when placing an artificial tree into or removing an artificial tree from tube  402 . 
     Crosspiece  435  may be selectively secured to tube  402  by a securement mechanism  437 . Securement mechanism  437  may be akin to securement mechanism  337 , discussed with respect to  FIG.  3   . As with securement mechanism  337 , securement mechanism  437  may be a hook and loop fastener, a fabric fastener secured by snaps, or any other securement mechanism such that crosspiece  435  is able to be secured to, and thus prevented from rotating with respect to, the tube  402 . 
     A pair of straps  439 - 1 ,  439 - 2  may be coupled to legs  434  and to tube  402 . Straps  439 - 1 ,  439 - 2  may provide additional resistance and stability to legs  434 - 1 ,  434 - 2  when legs  434 - 1 ,  434 - 2  are extended (i.e., rotated away from the tube  402 ), but may be made of a flexible material, such as canvas or nylon, such that straps  439 - 1 ,  439 - 2  are able to “fold” back when legs  434 - 1 ,  434 - 2  are rotated into a rest position (i.e., when legs  434 - 1 ,  434 - 2  are not being used as a stand for tube  402 ). Straps  439 - 1 ,  439 - 2  may be attached at one end to a leg of legs  434 - 1 ,  434 - 2  by, for example, a rivet, glue, or other suitable bonding agent. Similarly, straps  439 - 1 ,  439 - 2  may be attached at the opposite end to the body of tube  402 , again using a rivet, glue, or any other suitable bonding agent. 
     A handle  428  may further be coupled to tube  402 . Handle  428  may be akin to handles  228 , discussed with respect to  FIG.  2   , in that handle  428  may facilitate tipping or moving apparatus  400 . Although only one handle is shown in  FIG.  4   , examples are not so limited, and any number of handles may be used. In addition, the location of handle  428  is not limited to the location shown in  FIG.  4   ; handle  428  may be located at any point on apparatus  400 . Handle  428  may be made of metal, plastic, wood, or any other suitable material, and may be coupled to tube  402  by rivets, nails, screws, integral formation, or any other attachment means. 
       FIG.  5    is another example of a tube holder  500  consistent with the present disclosure. Tube holder  500  may also be referred to as apparatus  500  and may include a tube  502 . Tube  502  may be akin to tubes  102 ,  202 ,  302 , and  402 , discussed with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , respectively, and may have a first diameter  504  disposed about a first length  506 . Like tube  402 , tube  502  may have a single diameter  504  throughout length  506 , with no upper portion having a second length and a second diameter. A securement strap  516  may be located at the lower portion of tube  502 . Securement strap  516  may be akin to securement straps  116 ,  216 ,  316 , and  416 , described previously with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 4   . 
     A plurality of protrusions  553 - 1 ,  553 - 2  may be disposed at a lower end of tube  502 . As used herein, a protrusion refers to a piece or object that protrudes or extends from another object. Protrusions  553 - 1 ,  553 - 2  may extend from tube  502  and may extend so as to be substantially perpendicular with respect to the tube  502 . Protrusions  553 - 1 ,  553 - 2  may be integrally formed as part of tube  502  by, e.g., being molded as part of tube  502 , or may be attached to the tube  502  by, for example, rivets, nails, glue, or any other fastening material. 
     Each protrusion of protrusions  553 - 1 ,  553 - 2  may include a hole disposed therein. The hole may be sized to receive an axle  513 . Axle  513  may be akin to axle  113 ,  213 ,  313 ,  413 , discussed with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 4   ; however, as shown in  FIG.  5   , axle  513  may be received through protrusions  553  and not through an integrally formed channel within tube  502 . In this manner, axle  513  may be disposed external to the body of tube  502 ; that is, axle  513  may be situated outside of tube  502 . 
     A plurality of wheels may be coupled to the axle  513 . The wheels may be circular wheels such as wheels  114 ,  214 ,  314 ,  414 , discussed with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , or may be tri-lobe wheels  554 - 1 ,  554 - 2 . Tri-lobe wheels  554 - 1 ,  554 - 2  is comprised of a set of three circular wheels  556 - 1 ,  556 - 2 ,  556 - 3 . Circular wheels  556 - 1 ,  556 - 2 ,  556 - 3  are coupled to a hub portion  558 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , hub portion  558  is substantially triangular in shape, allowing circular wheels  556 - 1 ,  556 - 2 ,  556 - 3  to be disposed in a triangle. This may assist in moving apparatus  500  over rough or bumpy surfaces, or may allow the apparatus  500  to be moved up and down stairs. Hub portion  558  is coupled to an axle, such as axle  513 . 
       FIG.  6    is an example system  600  including a tube holder assembly  650  consistent with the present disclosure. The system  600  also includes an artificial tree  640 . Artificial tree  640  may be an artificial Christmas tree or another variety of artificial tree. Artificial tree  640  may include a central pole  644  and a stand  646  disposed at the end of the central pole  644 . The central pole  644  may extend upwardly from the stand  646  and may be perpendicular to the stand  646 . 
     Extending outwardly from the central pole  644  may be a plurality of branches  648 - 1 ,  648 - 2 ,  648 - 3  . . .  648 -N. Branches  648 - 1 ,  648 - 2 ,  648 - 3  . . .  648 -N may be comprised of a central rod, which may be metal, plastic, or another rigid or semi-rigid material. Needles, made of plastic or a similar material, may extend outwardly from the central rod, giving branches  648 - 1 ,  648 - 2 ,  648 - 3  . . .  648 -N an appearance similar to that of a natural fir tree. Branches  648 - 1 ,  648 - 2 ,  648 - 3  . . .  648 -N may extend from central pole  644  at an angle or may extend in a substantially perpendicular direction. In some examples, branches  648 - 1 ,  648 - 2 ,  648 - 3  . . .  648 -N may be movable with respect to central pole  644 ; that is, branches  648 - 1 ,  648 - 2 ,  648 - 3  . . .  648 -N may be moved into a variety of positions with respect to the central pole  644 . 
     Stand  646  may be disposed at an end of central pole  644 . Stand  646  may be manufactured of metal, plastic, or a similar rigid material. In some examples, stand  646  may be removable with respect to central pole  644 . That is, stand  646  may be selectively engaged and disengaged with the central pole  644  by, for example, screwing the stand  646  onto or off of the central pole  644 . In other examples, stand  646  may be permanently coupled to the lower end of central pole  644  such that stand  646  is not removable without breaking. Stand  646  can also be a collapsible structure whereby support legs are provided whereby the support legs can be deployed and locked into place for stabilization of the tree  640  when the tree  640  is in use. In the preferred embodiment, the legs of the stand  646  are upwardly collapsible. With this configuration, and when the tree  640  is ready for storage, the legs of the stand  646  can be collapsed upwardly from a central base that is common to each of the legs that extend away from it. This central base is that part of the tree  640  that prevents the tree  640  from slipping through securement straps  616  as described below. 
     Tube holder assembly  650  further includes a tubular body  652 . Body  652  has a diameter  604  that remains substantially the same along the entire length  606  of the body  652 . In general, the body length  606  corresponds with the height of the artificial tree  640 . That is, tubular body  652  may be sized to receive and hold the entire artificial tree  640 . A lower end  653  of the body  652  may be open; that is, body  652  may not have a sealed lower end  653 . Tubular body  652  further comprises an upper end or portion  651 . 
     A securement strap  616  may be coupled to the body  652  at the lower end or portion  653 . As described previously, the lower end  653  of body  652  may be open; thus, securement strap  616  may be provided to aid in preventing an object, such as artificial tree  640  from accidentally falling out of the tubular body  652 . As described with respect to  FIG.  1   , a first end of securement strap  616  may be permanently coupled to body  652 , while a second end of securement strap  616  may be removably coupled to the body  652 . 
     Disposed at the lower end or portion  653  of body  652  may be a plurality of wheels. The wheels may be circular wheels such as wheels  114 ,  214 ,  314 , discussed with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , or may be tri-lobe wheels  654 . Tri-lobe wheels  654  may be akin to tri-lobe wheels  554 , discussed with respect to  FIG.  5   . Although only a single tri-lobe wheel  654  is shown in  FIG.  6   , another tri-lobe wheel would be located opposite tri-lobe wheel  654  shown. The hub portion  658  of tri-lobe wheel  654  may be coupled to body  652  by an axle, such as axle  113 ,  213 ,  313 ,  414 , discussed with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 4    but not shown in  FIGS.  6 ,  6 A and  6 B . The axle may further be engaged with an integrally formed channel  613  such as channel  112 ,  212 ,  213 ,  413 , discussed with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , or may be engaged with a protrusion  665  or a plurality of protrusions such as protrusions  553 , discussed with respect to  FIG.  5   . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , the preferred embodiment of the system  600  is first illustrated where the body  652  is positioned at an acute angle relative to horizontal for tree insertion and that the body  652  is then illustrated to be positioned horizontally for tree removal, respectively. Although the tree  640  is not shown, a first arrow  680  is used in  FIG.  6 A  as an indicator of tree insertion. One major benefit of positioning the tubular body  652  at an angle is that gravity can assist the user during the insertion step. Referring back to  FIG.  6   , the body  652  is shown to be presented at an angle relative to the horizontal, but the structure needed to place the body  652  in that position is not shown. Accordingly, this structure is more clearly shown in  FIG.  6 A . 
     Towards the top end of the body  652  is a first plate  620 , the first plate  620  being secured to the body  652  at a point and providing a pivot point. Rotatably attached to the first plate  620  via the pivot point is a first leg  626 . As shown, the first leg  626  comprises an upper leg portion  624  and a lower leg portion  625 . The upper leg portion  624  is provided for support of the tube body  652 . The lower leg portion  625  is provided to stabilize the upper leg portion  624 . Most typically, the shape of the lower leg portion  625  is such that it provides at least two points of contact with the horizontal surface  699  that it sits on, such as a floor. Normal “collapsed” position of the first leg  626  (such as for storage) is where the leg  626  is parallel to the axis of the tube body  652  and immediately adjacent the outer surface of the tube body  652 . As shown in  FIG.  6 A , the first leg  626  is in its “extended” position whereby the first leg  626  is presented substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the tube body  652 . The first leg  626  can be retained in this extended position via a leg locking mechanism (not shown). 
     Toward the bottom end of the tube body  652 , a second plate  630  is shown, the plate  630  likewise being secured to the tube body  652  at a point. Rotatably attached to the second plate  630  is a second leg  636 . As shown in  FIG.  6 A , the second leg  636  comprises an upper leg portion  634  and a lower leg portion  635 . Normal “storage” position of the second leg  636  is where the leg  636  is parallel to the axis of the tube body  652  and immediately adjacent the outer surface of the tube body  652 . As shown in  FIG.  6 A , the second leg  636  is illustrated to be in that “collapsed” storage position. The bottom end  653  of the tube body  652  is supported by the tri-lobe wheels  654  of the type shown in  FIG.  6   . The bottom end  653  of the tube body  652  also includes the straps  616  for effectively closing off that end  653  of the tube body  652  and for supporting the tree stand once the tree is fully inserted. The straps  616  assume an X-shaped securement structure as previously described. In the position shown in  FIG.  6 A , the tube body  652  is ready for insertion of the tree. 
     The tree is inserted  680  stand-end first (the tree stand being in a collapsed position) and, as the individual branches engage the top end  651  of the tube body  652 , each branch is gently urged upwardly so as to collapse the tree  640  into its storage position. Once the tree  640  is completely inserted, the tube body  652  can be placed upright on its bottom end  653  and the first leg  626  can be collapsed and held in that position via a fastener such as a hook-and-loop fastening structure. A dust cloth can be placed over the top end of the tube  652  and the tube  652 , which is now the entire system  600 , can be rolled to its storage location with the user using the handle  628  for navigating the system  600 . 
       FIG.  6 B  shows the position of the tube body  652  when the has been retrieved by storage. The user would pull the handle  628  of the tube body  652  downwardly to allow the tube  652  to be rolled into a position near where the tree will be pulled from the tube body  652 . To get to that position by pulling the system  600  or by navigating a stairway, the tri-lobe wheels  654  will be used to allow this relocation of the system  600 . Once in position, the user can release the retaining straps holding the legs  626 ,  636  and move the legs  626 ,  636  from their storage or collapsed position to their respective extended positions such that the tube body  652  is now elevated and placed in a horizontal position. The legs  626 ,  636  are retained in their extended positions via a locking mechanism (not shown). Although the tree  640  is not shown, a second arrow  690  is used in  FIG.  6 B  as an indicator of tree extraction by the user. Either during extraction or after full extraction, the foldable legs of the tree stand can be deployed. Once fully removed from the tube body  652 , the user can place the tree in its final destination and its branches may be pulled downwardly by hand or by gravity, or a combination thereof, and depending on the tree. 
     The user can then secure the legs  626 ,  636  to their collapsed or storage position and the tube body  652  can be stowed away until it is time to retrieve it and re-insert the tree. 
     In the foregoing detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration how examples of the disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the examples of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that process and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Elements shown in the various figures herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional examples of the present disclosure. In addition, the proportion and relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the present disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.