Tree Stands

Abstract

This invention provides a tree stand comprising a tree retaining member ( 16 ) arranged in use to releasably mount a tree, the tree retaining member ( 16 ) comprising tree gripping means ( 14 ) comprising a resilient member moveable between a first position in which the gripping means ( 14 ) are arranged to grip a tree mounted in the tree stand, and a second position in which the gripping means ( 14 ) are arranged to enable release of a mounted tree, wherein the tree stand further comprises a means to releasably lock the gripping means in the first position ( 22 ). The invention further provides a kit comprising a tree stand of any one of claims 1 to 9 and a tree.

1 . A tree stand comprising a tree retaining member arranged in use to releasably mount a tree, the tree retaining member comprising tree gripping means comprising a resilient member moveable between a first position in which the gripping means are arranged to grip a tree mounted in the tree stand, and a second position in which the gripping means are arranged to enable release of a mounted tree, wherein the tree stand further comprises a means to releasably lock the gripping means in the first position. 
   
   
       2 . A tree stand as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the resilient gripping means is biased towards the second position. 
   
   
       3 . A tree stand as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the tree retaining member is mounted in a fluid reservoir. 
   
   
       4 . A tree stand as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the fluid reservoir comprises a receptacle having an opening therein, into which water or other substances may be added. 
   
   
       5 . A tree stand as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the tree retaining member is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. 
   
   
       6 . A tree stand as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the resilient gripping means comprises a portion of the tree retaining member. 
   
   
       7 . A tree stand as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the releasable locking means comprises a means to bias the or each resilient gripping member to the first position until the locking means is moved. 
   
   
       8 . A tree stand as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the releasable locking means comprises a collar which in use is arranged to bias the resilient gripping member to the first position. 
   
   
       9 . A tree stand as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the resilient gripping means comprises a plurality of gripping members arranged at or near to the opening of the receptacle. 
   
   
       10 . A kit comprising a tree stand according to  claims 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8  or  9  and a tree. 
   
   
       11 . A tree stand comprising:
 (a) a tree retaining member arranged in use to releasably mount a tree;   (b) resilient tree gripping means moveable between a first position in which the resilient tree gripping means are arranged to grip a tree mounted in the tree stand and a second position in which the resilient tree gripping means are arranged to enable release of a mounted tree; and   (c) a collar arranged to fit around the resilient tree gripping means and move the resilient tree gripping means into the first position to releasably lock the resilient tree gripping means in the first position, wherein the tree retaining member is a cylindrical receptacle and the resilient tree gripping means are integral with the tree retaining member, extending axially therefrom in a direction substantially parallel with the wall of the tree retaining member and radially slightly outwardly with respect to the opening of the tree retaining member.