Patent Abstract:
The invention as presently conceived discloses a unique system and method that incorporates a self-watering tree stand that is an improvement on a conventional floor-standing holiday tree stand and watering system. The design of this novel tree stand is that it supports the tree from the tree&#39;s midsection that allows gravity to self-level the tree held within the stand. The stand comprises a large circular base for stability as well as adjustable height watering cup that can be brought up to the bottom of the tree and is fed from a water reservoir located on the vertical section of the stand at the outside perimeter of the tree. Also integral to the system and apparatus is a power receptacle fed from a power cord located near the top of the stand in order to power decorative lights or other electric tree decorations.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 595,156 filed on Feb. 16, 2006. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to tree stands and, more particularly, to a combined tree supporting and watering stand for maintaining a tree at a vertical position while supplying a predetermined quantity of water to the tree. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The holiday season is a time of great fun and happiness for everyone. A great deal of the holiday cheer comes from the yearly traditions that are passed from generation to generation. Perhaps the most well known of all traditions is that of the Christmas tree. The act of putting it up and decorating it in one&#39;s home is a process that can be enjoyed by all members of the family. However, the physical size of most Christmas trees causes a number of aggravations. First, it is difficult to get the tree to be straight and plumb in the stand. Second, the tree stand takes an inordinate amount of space that takes away from space for presents and/or other holiday decorations. Third, it is difficult to clean or vacuum around. Finally, one must kneel down or bend over to water the tree, which is difficult to do on a daily basis. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which Christmas trees can be supported in a manner that reduces or eliminates the aggravations as described above. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
   Several attempts have been made in the past to develop a combined tree supporting and watering stand for maintaining a tree at a vertical position while supplying a predetermined quantity of water to the tree. U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,110 in the name of Couture discloses a self-watering tree stand having an external reservoir for holding a supply of water and a tube leading from the reservoir to a compartment in the tree stand. The compartment has a float valve for controlling the amount of water which is allowed to flow from the reservoir to the tree stand, and also, has a screen, the upper portion is made from a solid material and the lower portion is made from a screen type mesh which prevents debris and tree pitch from entering the compartment and interfering with the float valve. Unfortunately, this prior art example does not allow for supporting a tree from the middle section, thereby freeing up a quantity of space below the tree. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,179 in the name of Hollis discloses an automatic water level control system, for use in conjunction with a Christmas tree stand of the type having a watering basin with an outer rim and a tree clamping mechanism for holding the Christmas tree in an upright manner with the base portion of the tree disposed within the watering basin. The water level control system includes a water supply container, a flexible conduit, an attachment mechanism, and a valve mechanism. The water supply container serves as a holding tank for water which is supplied to the watering basin of the Christmas tree stand via the flexible conduit. The water level in the watering basin is regulated by the valve mechanism attached to the Christmas tree stand. The attachment mechanism has a main body and is attachable to the outer rim of the watering basin in a manner to functionally secure the main body to the Christmas tree stand. The valve mechanism includes a watering port, a valve, and a float member. The watering port is in fluid communication with the second end of the flexible conduit member such that water flowing from the water supply container through the flexible conduit ultimately exits the watering port into the watering basin. Unfortunately, this prior art example does not provide a means of suspending a water supply container in conjunction with the tree stand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,083 in the name of Giangrossi describes a device for monitoring and maintaining the water level in the reservoir of a Christmas tree stand having a filler portion communicating with a flexible filler conduit. A water level indicator, includes an indicator float which is slidably engaged within the indicator float housing and which travels freely along a substantially vertical axis within the indicator float housing, a flexible indicator stem is attached to the indicator float and extends up through a flexible conduit for indicating, by means of the relative extension of the flexible indicator stem, the water level in the tree stand reservoir. The indicator float housing is formed having a number of holes through its outer wall for the free passage of water in and out of the indicator float housing from the reservoir for buoyantly raising or lowering the indicator float, consistent with the level of water in the reservoir. Unfortunately, this prior art example requires a separate tree stand be used in conjunction with the device, as opposed to incorporating the watering means with the tree stand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,993 in the name of Cullen discloses a watering system which permits the convenient watering of potted plants and trees, in particular, evergreen trees, i.e. Christmas trees, in tree stands. The watering system is a tubular device having one end enlarged to form a funnel-like receptacle to receive the water or other liquid which is delivered via the tubular device to the pot or stand through an exit port at the opposite end. The base of the watering system is upheld upright by a band hooked about a projection on the watering system which supports the system against the base of a plant or tree. Between the two ends of the watering system, there is a bend which causes the funnel-like receptacle to extend beyond or into the foliage providing easy access for watering. Decorating elements may be added to camouflage or add ornamentation as desired. The watering system may be divided into several segments for convenience of storage and/or manufacturer. Unfortunately, this system does not incorporate a tree stand with the watering means, and also does not provide a water supply container. 
   None of the prior art particularly describes a combined tree supporting and watering stand for maintaining a tree at a vertical position while supplying a predetermined quantity of water to the tree. Accordingly, there is a need for a system which provides such features while overcoming the above-noted shortcomings. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a combined tree supporting and watering stand for maintaining a tree at a vertical position while supplying a predetermined quantity of water to the tree. 
   The system includes a base removably positioned on a ground surface, a vertical member directly coupled to the base, without the use of intervening elements, and extending upwards therefrom, and a support member directly connected to the vertical member, without the use of intervening elements, and extending perpendicularly away therefrom. The support member is telescopically slidable along an extension member of the vertical member, which is important such that the support member is biased along a lateral direction. Of course, such members can be produced in a variety of sizes, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
   The assembly further includes a power strip removably attached to the vertical member, which is essential for providing an electric power source to a plurality of decorative lights positioned on the tree. 
   The system further includes a mechanism for automatically watering a stalk of the tree during an extended period of time. Such an automatic watering mechanism is directly anchored to the support member, without the use of intervening elements. Such an automatic watering mechanism includes a water reservoir attached to the support member and suspended at an elevated height above the ground surface. A water receptacle is removably attached to the stalk of the tree and is in fluid communication with the reservoir. Of course, such a reservoir and receptacle can be produced in a variety of shapes and sizes, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. A flexible tube has opposed ends directly mated to the reservoir and the receptacle, without the use of intervening elements, which is critical such that the tube selectively delivers water from the reservoir to the receptacle, which is advantageously located downstream of the reservoir. Of course, such a tube can be formed from a variety of suitable materials, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
   The reservoir includes an unobstructive lid removably and snuggly fitted directly against an upper surface of the reservoir, without the use of intervening elements, which is essential for allowing necessary pressure equalization. The water receptacle is located subjacent to the water reservoir, which is critical for providing positive water pressure to the reservoir and thereby advantageously preventing the water from flowing upstream from the receptacle towards the reservoir. 
   The automatic watering system further includes a float valve operably attached to a distal end of the tube. Such a float valve has a float operably coupled thereto, which is crucial such that the float rises when a water level increases within the receptacle, and falls when the water level decreases within the receptacle. Such a float cooperates with the float valve in such a manner that the float valve advantageously opens and closes when the water level falls below and rises above a predetermined threshold respectively. Of course, such a float valve can be produced in a variety of shapes and sizes, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
   The system further includes an extended arm that has opposed ends directly coupled to the float valve and the float respectively, without the use of intervening elements. Such an extended arm withholds a weight of the float and thereby advantageously absorbs a force due to buoyancy from the float for causing the extended arm to pitch. Upward movement of the float causes the extended arm to pitch upwardly, which is vital to close the float valve and to stop water, while downward movement of the float causes the extended arm to pitch downwardly, which is important to open the float valve and thereby permit water to flow into the receptacle. 
   The system further includes a mechanism for supporting the tree at an elevated vertical position above the ground surface. Such a tree supporting mechanism is advantageously anchored to the support member. The tree supporting mechanism includes a clamping mechanism monolithically formed with the support member. Such a clamping mechanism is adjustably and perpendicularly mounted to the vertical member via an extension member of the vertical member. Such a clamping mechanism is “U”-shaped and has a plurality of threaded bores formed therein. 
   A plurality of fasteners is threadably affixed with the bores respectively. Of course, such fasteners can be produced in a variety of shapes and sizes, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The clamp mechanism further includes a plurality of arcuate members adjustably coupled to the fasteners and directly abutted against the stalk of the tree, without the use of intervening elements. Each of such arcuate members includes a shaft rotatably connected directly to a corresponding one of the shafts, without the use of intervening elements. The fasteners define a plurality of sleeves, which is crucial for allowing the shafts to advantageously rotate about a lateral axis while the arcuate members remain disposed at a predetermined vertical height from the ground surface respectively. 
   The combination of a watering apparatus and a support mechanism in one system provides the unexpected benefit of allowing a user to both water and support a tree using only one associated group of elements within the one system, thereby overcoming prior art shortcomings. 

   
     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 a side view of a self-watering vertically adjustable tree stand  10  securing a Christmas tree  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a base member  20  with a vertical member  30  embedded thereon having a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) power strip  40  removably attached thereon, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the base member  20  with the vertical member  30  removably attached thereon having the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) power strip  40  removably attached thereon, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the base member  20  and the vertical member  30  with an adjustable clamping mechanism  96  and a pictorial representation of the placement of a water receptacle  120 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the self-watering vertically adjustable tree stand  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the self-watering vertically adjustable tree stand  10  with a transparent view of the water reservoir  130 , channeling tube  136 , and water receptacle  120 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7   a  is a transparent side view of the water receptacle  120  and a float valve  150  having a float  125  with no water  140  residing in said water receptacle  120 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7   b  is a transparent side view of the water receptacle  120  and a float valve  150  having a float  125  with water  140  residing in said water receptacle  120 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a top close-up view of the clamping mechanism  96  securing cross-section of a tree stalk  105  thereof, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of a rubber-coated member  115  and the insertion thereinto a winged screw  110 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
   
     
       
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               10 
               self-watering vertically adjustable tree stand 
             
             
               20 
               base 
             
             
               25 
               rubber feet 
             
             
               30 
               vertical member 
             
             
               40 
               ground fault circuit interrupter power strip 
             
             
               45 
               female adapter 
             
             
               46 
               cord 
             
             
               47 
               plug 
             
             
               48 
               plug prongs 
             
             
               55 
               extension member 
             
             
               56 
               pin aperture 
             
             
               57 
               receiving aperture 
             
             
               90 
               projection pin 
             
             
               95 
               support member 
             
             
               96 
               clamping mechanism 
             
             
               98 
               washer 
             
             
               99 
               shaft 
             
             
               100 
               Christmas tree 
             
             
               103 
               bore 
             
             
               105 
               tree stalk 
             
             
               110 
               winged screw 
             
             
               115 
               rubber-coated member 
             
             
               120 
               water receptacle 
             
             
               125 
               float 
             
             
               126 
               screw 
             
             
               130 
               water reservoir 
             
             
               135 
               lid 
             
             
               136 
               tube 
             
             
               137 
               protrusion 
             
             
               138 
               chain 
             
             
               140 
               water 
             
             
               145 
               extended arm 
             
             
               150 
               float valve 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   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 9 . 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 an apparatus and method that incorporates a self-watering, vertically adjustable tree stand. The self-watering vertically adjustable tree stand (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10  comprises a base  20 , a vertical member  30 , a water receptacle  120 , a clamping mechanism  96 , a water reservoir  130 , a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) power strip  40 , and a means for attachment of said components. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , pictorial representations of the apparatus  10  and a portion of the components according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. A base member  20  of circular design is envisioned to support the apparatus  10  before, during, and after securing a Christmas tree  100 . The base  20  comprises a circular framework having an overall diameter sizable to accommodate the weight of the apparatus  10  and the tree  100 . The base  20  comprises a rectangular cross-section in a coplanar format with a reasonably dense thickness for optimum stability and strength capabilities. The bottom of the base  20  is envisioned to comprise a plurality of removably attachable rubber feet  25  for the minimization of damage done to rugs, hardwood floors, ceramic floors, or other floors. The feet  25  are envisioned to be fabricated of a hard rubber and may be attached thereto the bottom surface of the base  20  to protect the floor from scraping, scratching, rubbing, and the like against the desired floor surface while preventing sliding of the apparatus  10 . 
   The base member  20  comprises a vertical member  30  removably attached thereto, envisioned to comprise a circular cross-sectional tubing, projecting vertically upwards at a designated distance. The vertical member  30  can be welded, bolted, or otherwise permanently fixed transversally thereto the axial plane of the base  20 ; however, it is preferred if the vertical member  30  to be temporally affixed thereto the base  20 . The vertical member  30  comprises an upper end and a lower end thereof such that the lower end is detachably affixed thereto the base  20  thereof. The lower end is centrally positioned thereon the base  20  having the diameter preferably the same as the base  20  thickness for optimal stabilization. The upper end comprises an extension member  55  having a support aperture  57  receiving and accepting a support member  95  having a clamping mechanism  96  described in more detail subsequently. 
   A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) power strip  40  is removably attached thereto the upper portion of the vertical member  30  to provide an electric power source to electrically power decorative lights and/or other ornamentation. The GFCI power strip  40  has a rectangular face comprising two (2) to four (4) openings or female adapters  45  embedded on the face in electrical communication with a power supply. The female adapter  45  is adapted to except and retain prongs  48  of an electric plug  47 , from decorative lights for example, and maintain electrical continuity. The GFCI power strip  40  comprises a cord  46  with a plug  47  electrically connected at the distal end thereof. The GFCI power strip  40  operates from an AC or DC input voltage power source preferably having remote reset capability to provide protection for the power supply and against user injury. The cord  46  extends downwardly and may be affixed to the vertical member  30  via ties, binding, string, or other suitable means such to prevent entanglement of the cord  46 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4 through 6 , pictorial representations of the apparatus  10  and a portion of the components according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. A water receptacle  120  is removably attached thereto a stalk  105  of a desired Christmas tree  100 . The water receptacle  120 , envisioned to be fabricated brass coupling, which is dense, corrosion resistant, inexpensive, and readily available, has a diameter considerably larger than that of a conventional tree  100  such to encircle the stalk  105  of said tree  100  while leaving sufficient space to contain water  140  and to allow a user put in additives such as vitamins, preservatives, and the like. The water receptacle  120  comprises a screw  126  or nail welded thereon the base surface of the receptacle  120 . The receptacle  120  is designed as a one-piece component being leak-proof while keeping the minimum system water level  140  above the tree stalk  105  cut, insuring the tree stalk  105  is always in the water  140 . The water level  140  will typically be approximately one (1) to three (3) inches from the base of the stalk  105  such that it will remain immersed for adequate consumption for a live tree  100 . The removability features of the water receptacle  120  permit the occasional discarding of water  140  which may become dirty and somewhat stagnant. 
   The reservoir  130  is envisioned to be designed in a cylindrical format capable of holding a sufficient amount of water  140  to supply the water receptacle  120  with the necessary water  140 . The reservoir  130  is designed to be leak-proof while being unobstructive having a lid  135  to fit snuggly thereon the upper surface without having a seal, allowing the necessary pressure equalization to occur. The lid  135  protects from outside substances (i.e. pine needles) undesirably from traveling within the reservoir  130  while preventing spillage of water  140  residing therewithin. The lid  135  could be screwed threaded or could be simply a friction fit on the reservoir  130 . 
   The reservoir  130  will have a height sufficient to contain a water level  140  high enough to permit the flow of water  140  to the receptacle  120 . The size of the reservoir  130  will vary depending on the size of the tree  100  to be withheld. The reservoir  130  is capable of containing a sufficient amount of water  140  while still delivering a certain amount of water  140  to the receptacle  120  until the receptacle  120  is containing a sufficient amount of water  140 . The reservoir  130  is at a higher elevation therefrom the receptacle  120  thereby providing positive water  140  pressure thereto said reservoir  130  without the opportunity of the “old” water  140  in the receptacle  120  to flow backwardly and upwardly towards the reservoir  130  thereby providing clean water  140  therewithin. The receptacle  120  and/ reservoir  130  may be of plastic or glass such to contain transparent or translucent qualities so the amount of water  140  left residing therewithin may be easily discernible. 
   The base of the reservoir  130  comprises a fluid dispersing aperture (not pictured) to which the water  140  exits therethrough to a tube  136 . A flexible tube  136  of certain diameter, preferably, but not essentially, one-fourth (¼) of an inch, delivers the water  140  from the reservoir  130  to the receptacle  120 . The tube  136  comprises a fluid dispersing end which is in fluid communication with the receptacle  120  and a fluid receiving end which is in fluid communication with the fluid dispersing aperture of the reservoir  130 . Both ends of the tubing  136 , the fluid receiving end and the fluid dispersing end is connected and sealed to the fluid receiving aperture of the receptacle  120  and the fluid dispersing aperture of the reservoir  130 . The tube  136  allows a continuously inter-connection of the reservoir  130  and receptacle  120  water-sealed thereby preventing leakage. The tube  136  may be transparent or translucent such to permit a user to observe that the reservoir  130  and the receptacle  120  are continuously inter-connected. The tube  136  is long enough to span across the reservoir  130  thereto the receptacle  120  with ample excess remaining should additional tubing  136  be needed. 
   The reservoir  130  is secured thereon a support member  95  via a strapping mechanism preferably a chain  138  having links, as depicted in the figures. The strapping mechanism may be any other device suitable to secure and withstand the weight of the reservoir  130  and the water  140  residing therewithin. Protruding members  137  allow the points of connection of the chain  138 . The chain  138  is attached on two (2) sides of the outer diameter of the reservoir  130  preferably 180° apart thereof. The upward tension on the chain  138 , exerted by the weight of the reservoir  130  and water  140  stabilizes the chain  138  tightly against the support member  95  which allows the chain  138  to support the weight of the reservoir  130  and water  140 . The reservoir  130  may comprise a handle (not pictured) thereupon the surface so it can be easily moved and/or refilled. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , transparent side views of the water receptacle  120  and a float valve  150  having a float  125  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The receptacle  120  comprises a float valve  150  utilized as a mechanical electrical which operates having a float  125  to raise when the water level  140  goes up, as depicted in  FIG. 7   b , and drop when the water level  140  goes down, as depicted in  FIG. 7   a , with respect to a specified level. The float valve  150  is a mechanical feedback mechanism in fluid communication with the fluid receiving aperture of the tube  136  to regulate the water level  140  therewithin the receptacle  120  via a float  125  to drive an inlet valve such that a higher water level  140  will force the valve  150  closed whilst a lower water level  140  will force the valve  150  open. Thus, the float valve  150  will allow a predetermined level of water  140  to enter the receptacle  120 , thereby shutting off the water supply  140 , the water reservoir  130 . The float  125 , fabricated of a buoyant material, is free to move up and down according to the level of water  140  and is mounted thereupon an extended shaft arm  145  at the distant end. 
   The extended arm  145  withholds the weight of the float  125  thereby absorbing the force due to buoyancy from the float  125  and causing the extended arm  145  to pitch. Upward movement of the float  125  causes the extended arm  145  to pitch upwardly to close the float valve  150  and to stop the flow of water  140 , while downward movement of the float  125  causes the extended arm  145  to pitch downwardly to open the float valve  150  and to permit the flow of water  140  therein. 
   It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that other float valve  150  designs may also be used in accordance with the invention to permit the automatic control of water flow  140  without intervening with the scope of the invention. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a top close-up view of the clamping mechanism  96  securing a tree stalk  105  thereof according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. A support member  95  is adjustably and perpendicularly mounted to the vertical member  30  via an extension member  55  permanently and perpendicularly integrated thereon the uppermost portion of said vertical member  30 . The vertical member  30  may bend perpendicularly such to provide the extension member  55  or the extension member  55  may be later installed thereupon the vertical member  30  at the uppermost edge. 
   The support member  95  is provided to provide support for the Christmas tree  100  and help maintain the upright position of the tree  100 . The extension member  55  is envisioned to have an opened end  57  such to slidably receive the support member  95 . The extension member  55  and the support member  95  are envisioned to comprise a circular cross-section, preferably tubular having the extension member  55  with a larger diameter than the support member  95  such that the inner diameter of said extension member  55  is similar or slightly larger than the outer diameter of said support member  95 . 
   The support member  95  has a first and second end comprising a circular cross-section, preferably tubular shaped to correspondingly be inserted therewithin the extension member  55  such that the inside walls of the extension member  55  uniformly abuts against the outside walls of the support member  95 . The support member  95  is sized to slidably move in a lateral direction within the extension member  55 . The extension  55  and support  95  members each have a contact surface having a plurality of apertures  56  equally spaced therethrough said surface. The apertures  56  are drilled therethrough the extension member  55  for selectively receiving a projection pin  90  to secure the relative position of the support member  95 . The apertures  56  are selectively alignable with the projection pen, and then fastenable with said projection pin  90 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a side view of the rubber-coated member  115  and the insertion thereinto a winged screw  110  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The support member  95  comprises a clamping mechanism  96  for the proper secure the placement of the stalk  105  of a tree  100  in an upright position perpendicularly with respect to the ground or other horizontal surface. The clamping mechanism  96  is envisioned to be “U” shaped with a plurality of bores  103  with threads incorporated therewithin each to operably engage and receive a threaded screw  110 . 
   The two (2) threaded winged screws  110  are utilized to secure the stalk  105  of the tree  100  within said clamping mechanism  96 . The threaded screws  110  comprise a rubber-coated member  115  incorporated at the distal end shaped much like a “U”. The rubber-coated member  115  is slightly contoured and rounded to abut thereagainst the stalk  105  of the tree  100 . The rubber-coated member  115  is envisioned to comprise a shaft  99  to be operably received therewithin a bore or the like (not pictured) centered in the winged screws  110  with a washer  98  abutting thereagainst the rubber member  115 . 
   The winged screw  110  acts like a sleeve or the like to allow rotatable motion of the rubber-coated member  115  and/or shaft  99  about the lateral axis I-I, without the longitudinal movement of said rubber-coated member  115  and shaft  99 , as depicted in  FIG. 9 . The rubber-coated members  115  are designed specifically to completely or partially encircle the stalk  105  of the tree  100  above the central point of the base  20  thereby securing the tree  100  with a center of gravity on or in close proximity to the center of the base  20  thereby providing optimum stability. The rubber-coated members  115  have an adjustable opening for receiving and securing the stalk  105  of the tree  100 . Said opening may be expanded by the utilization of the two (2) winged screws  110  mirrored equidistantly therefrom the axis of the support member  95 . The winged screws  110  bring the rubber-coated members  115  closer together for trees  100  whose stalks  105  comprise a relatively small diameter. On the contrary, the opposite applies for those stalks  105  which comprise a relatively large diameter, to which case, the screws  110  may bring the rubber-coated members  115  outwardly further apart thereby providing a wide range of opening space for larger and/or unsymmetrical stalks  105 . 
   The threaded screws  110  are inserted therewithin the clamping mechanism  96  comprising two (2) apertures defining bores for rotatably accepting said screws  110  so that the rubber coated member  115  may be abutting thereagainst the stalk  105  of the tree  100  in order for securely holding said tree  100 . The rubber-coated members  115  are envisioned to conform thereto the outer periphery of the stalk  105  of the tree  100  without puncturing said stalk  105 . The rubber material provides a frictional force against the stalk  105  for optimum holding stability capabilities. Further, the rubber-coated member  115  is envisioned to be rotatable and/or pivotable along the lateral axis, I, of the threaded screws  110 , as depicted in  FIG. 9 , to provide adjustments as needed. The rotatable and/or pivotable rubber-coated member  115  allows said member  115  to adjust accordingly thereby providing a wide range of securing features for trees  100  comprising symmetrical or unsymmetrical stalks  105 . Alternate fastening mechanisms may be used. 
   An alternate embodiment of the present invention  10  may disclose alternate fixing means for the support member  95  to be adjustably slidably received therewithin the extension member  55 . The extension  55  and support  95  members may each have a contact surface having a plurality of matching and transverse apertures  56  equally spaced therethrough two (2) surfaces spaced  180  therefrom each other such to receive a through pin  90 . The transverse apertures of the support member  95  correspondingly match with the matching apertures  56  of the extension member  55  which may be selectively aligned and secured with the through pin to fix the relative position of the support member  95 . The through pin will be inserted therethrough the matching aperture  56  on the upper surface of the extension member  55 , therethrough the transverse aperture on the upper surface of the support member  95 , therethrough the transverse aperture on the lower surface of the support member  95 , and therethrough the matching aperture on the lower surface of the extension member  55 . Yet further, the present invention  10  may disclose a supporting member  95  that comprises a pivot point with a position pin inserted through one of the pivot position holes. Thus the support arm  95  may pivot sideways, downwardly, and/or upwardly. 
   Another alternate embodiment of the present invention  10  may disclose an adjustable vertical member  30  of telescoping construction so that the apparatus  10  may be adjusted in height. The vertical member  30  may be designed in sections such that each section is slightly smaller than the next such that the sections may be slid within one another so that the overall height of the apparatus  10  may be varied. Alternately, the vertical member  30  may contain apertures  56  for receiving a projection pin  90  or a through pin similar to the method used for the adjustable attachment of the extension member  55  and support member assembly  95  aforementioned. 
   Yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention  10  may disclose a decorative design with the colors symbolizing the time of the season with or without decorative motifs thereupon. 
   Still yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention  10  may disclose a support arm or the like integrally connected thereto the water receptacle  120  for further stabilization of the tree  100 . Said support arm may comprise adjustment means such that it may adjustably and slidably move upwardly and downwardly along the vertical member  30  and releasably secured in a desired position thereon said vertical member  30  utilizing a clamping mechanism or the like. 
   Yet still another alternate embodiment of the present invention  10  may utilize a float switch having a float  125  connected to an extended shaft of a determined weight. Once the water level  140  reaches a certain height, the float  125  and the extended shaft closes a circuit which either closes a valve. This may be done with a ball valve with an electromechanical actuator to effect a positive shut-off when the water  140  reaches a certain height; however, other valves or a solenoid may be utilized. The float switch would sense the level of water  140  within the receptacle  120  to activate a valve producing discrete outputs as the water  140  reaches many different levels within the receptacle  120  and actuates a micro-switch designed to be actuated by the physical motion of a mechanical device. 
   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 self-watering, vertically adjustable tree stand  10 , it would be configured as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 9 . 
   The method of utilizing the device may be achieved by performing the following steps: securing the rubber feet  25  thereon the underside surface of the circular base  20  via screws, bolts, nuts, or other fastening means; securing the vertical member  30  perpendicularly thereon the base  20  with an extension member  55  protruding in a parallel arrangement therewith the floor; filling the water reservoir  130  therewith water  140  with or without additives therein; closing the lid  135  thereon the water reservoir  130 ; slidably attaching the support member  95  therein the extension member  55  until a designated position is achieved and locked via a projection pin  90  therethrough an aperture  56 ; attaching the reservoir  130  thereto the support member  95  via a chain  138  or other attachment means; fluidly attaching the float valve  150  and float  125  thereto the fluid receiving end of the receptacle  120 ; rotatably screwing the water receptacle  120  thereon the stalk  105  via a welded screw  126  positioned at the base of said receptacle  120 ; inserting the tree stalk  105  therein the clamping mechanism  96 ; securing said tree stalk  105  via rotatably screwing the screws  110  until the contoured rubber-coated members  115  are abutted thereagainst said tree stalk  105 ; fluidly attaching the tube  136  thereto the water reservoir  130  and/or water receptacle  120 , if needed; and, utilizing the GFCI power strip  40  to power the holiday decor. 
   The apparatus  10  is envisioned to come in a variety of sizes and utilized to securely hold a Christmas tree  100  at various specified distances from the floor later to be determined to allow a storage area for gifts and/or decorations under the tree  100 . The components of the apparatus  10  provide minimum storage space with the support member  95 , vertical member  30 , water receptacle  120 , and the water reservoir  130  being unattachably secured. The apparatus  10  or portions of the apparatus  10  may be decorative to resemble the holidays. The apparatus  10  may further disclose the securement and watering of other trees  100  not prone to the holidays. The apparatus  10  may be used to water other plants and/or animals. Because the water receptacle  120  and water reservoir  130  are envisioned to fabricated of plastic, they can be colorful and decorative being transparent, translucent, or opaque. The water receptacle  120  receives water  140  therefrom a water reservoir  130 . The water level  140  can likewise be checked either by lifting the lid  135  of the reservoir  130 , if not of transparent or translucent qualities, observing the water flow  140  therethrough the tube  136 , and/or observing the water receptacle  120 , if needed. The water level  140  is specifically maintained via a horizontal float valve  150 . 
   The reservoir  130  is located at an easily accessible point away from the tree  100 . The vertical member  30  is positioned at a reasonable distance away from the tree  100  such to prevent obstruction to the tree  100  and/or the decorations laid upon the tree  100 . 
   The water  140  flows from the reservoir  130  into the receptacle  120  via a tube  136 . As the water level  140  in the receptacle  120  rises, the buoyancy causes the float  125  to rise. The buoyancy exerted by the float  125  is reflected upon the extended arm  145  to which closes and seals the float valve  150 . As the water level  140  lowers in the receptacle  120  due to evaporation and absorption, the float  125  lowers accordingly eventually resulting in a buoyancy force no longer acting upon the float  125  and the extended arm  145  respectfully. The valve  150  is then opened to allow water  140  to flow from the reservoir  130  to the receptacle  120 . This cycle is repeated continuously and automatically until the apparatus  10  is not longer of use for the holidays. 
   As a result of evaporation and the absorption of water by the tree  100 , the water level  140  in the water receptacle  120  lowers. Float  125  lowers accordingly. With the force due to buoyancy of float  125  no longer acting upon the extended arm  145 , the float valve  150  opens. Water  140  again flows from the water reservoir  130 , through the tube  130 , and into the water receptacle  120 , and the cycle is repeated. 
   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 and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and 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. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0