Automatic christmas tree watering stand

Abstract

A self-filling Christmas tree stand includes a supporting base with receptacle for vertically mounting a tree, set screws or other securing means for securing the Christmas tree in a vertical position, and an integral reservoir built into the base for keeping the tree watered. A remote reservoir is provided and this includes a watertight box with cover to allow replenishment with water. A hose is connected between the remote reservoir and the integral reservoir in the base of the tree stand to transfer water to the latter. This maintains the reservoir in the base of the tree stand substantially full of water. The remote reservoir is inconspicuous because is adorned to look like a wrapped Christmas present. Moreover, the remote reservoir can be easily detached for convenient filling and cleaning. The assembly may also be provided as a retrofit kit for converting a conventional tree stand into a self-filling tree stand simply by drilling a hole into the integral reservoir in the base of the conventional tree stand for insertion of the second fluid coupling. The assembly can be easily and economically manufactured as a complete assembly or as a retrofit kit for an existing Christmas tree stand.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A self-filling tree stand, comprising: 
 a tree stand including a supporting base with receptacle for vertically mounting a tree, securing means for securing said tree in a vertical position, and an integral reservoir in said base for watering said tree;    a remote reservoir comprising a watertight box with cover to allow replenishment with water;    a first fluid coupling to said remote reservoir;    a second fluid coupling to the integral reservoir in the base of said tree stand;    a hose in fluid communication between the first and second fluid couplings and serving by gravity-induced pressure action to transfer water from said remote reservoir to the integral reservoir in the base of said tree stand to maintain said reservoir in the base of said tree stand substantially full of water.    
     
     
         2 . The self-filling tree stand according to  claim 1 , wherein said remote reservoir is outwardly adorned as a Christmas tree present inclusive of wrapping paper, ribbon and bow design.  
     
     
         3 . The self-filling tree stand according to  claim 1 , wherein both of said first fluid coupling and second fluid coupling comprise panel-mount couplings with pressure-fit stems for connection of said hose there between.  
     
     
         4 . The self-filling tree stand according to  claim 3 , wherein the second fluid coupling is positioned at the bottom of the integral reservoir in the base of said tree stand, and the first fluid coupling is vertically positioned from the bottom of said remote reservoir in accordance with a ratio of the volume of the remote reservoir relative to said tree stand.  
     
     
         5 . The self-filling tree stand according to  claim 1 , wherein said remote reservoir is a watertight box having a watertight hinged cover to allow convenient replenishment with water.  
     
     
         6 . A retrofit kit for converting a conventional tree stand into a self-filling tree stand, said conventional tree stand including a supporting base with receptacle for vertically mounting a tree, securing means for securing said tree in a vertical position, and an integral reservoir in said base for watering said tree, the retrofit kit further comprising: 
 a remote reservoir comprising a watertight box with cover to allow replenishment with water;    a first fluid coupling in said remote reservoir;    a second fluid coupling; and    a hose;    whereby the conventional tree stand may be drilled for insertion of the second fluid coupling into the integral reservoir in said base, and the hose connected between the first and second fluid couplings to provide a self-filling syphon action for transfering water from said remote reservoir to the integral reservoir in the base of said tree stand to maintain said reservoir in the base of said tree stand substantially fill of water.    
     
     
         7 . The retrofit kit for converting a conventional tree stand into a self-filling tree stand according to  claim 6 , wherein said remote reservoir is outwardly adorned as a Christmas tree present inclusive of wrapping paper, ribbon and bow design.