Tree stands

Abstract

A tree stand is described including a fluid reservoir of a tree retaining member including tree gripping means. The gripping means comprises projections arranged on an interior surface of the tree retaining member and extending in a radial fashion, inwardly from the interior surface of the tree retaining member. The projections run substantially axially within the tree retaining member and include a sharp or pointed portion to at least partially penetrate the trunk of a tree inserted into the tree retaining member. The tree retaining member is configured to hold a tree inserted therein by resisting lifting of a tree inserted therein relative to the tree stand, without using moveable mechanical means comprising screws or bolts. The tree retaining member is connected to a base. The tree stand also includes strengthening means configured between the fluid reservoir and the tree retaining member. The strengthening means comprises hollow ribs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tree stand, comprising:
 a fluid reservoir of a tree retaining member including tree gripping means,   wherein the gripping means comprises projections arranged on an interior surface of the tree retaining member and extending in a radial fashion, inwardly from the interior surface of the tree retaining member,
 wherein the projections run substantially axially within the tree retaining member and include a sharp or pointed portion to at least partially penetrate the trunk of a tree inserted into the tree retaining member, 
 wherein the tree retaining member is configured to hold a tree inserted therein by resisting lifting of a tree inserted therein relative to the tree stand, without using moveable mechanical means comprising screws or bolts, and 
 wherein the tree retaining member is connected to a base; and 
   strengthening means configured between the fluid reservoir and the tree retaining member, wherein the strengthening means comprises hollow ribs.   
     
     
         2 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least three ribs disposed at substantially even intervals about the tree retaining member.   
     
     
         3 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the ribs comprise open channels. 
     
     
         4 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the open channels comprise a curved end portion. 
     
     
         5 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the ribs are formed from shaped portions of the fluid reservoir. 
     
     
         6 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the ribs are formed from shaped portions of the base of the fluid reservoir. 
     
     
         7 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the ribs comprise hollow, arched channels of sheet material to give strength without adding significantly to the amount of material needed to form the tree stand. 
     
     
         8 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the ribs comprise guiding means arranged to in use assist in the association of a tree with the tree retaining member. 
     
     
         9 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the guiding means comprise at least one guiding surface arranged at an angle to the tree retaining member. 
     
     
         10 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the guiding surface, or each guiding surface comprises a substantially planar surface. 
     
     
         11 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the guiding surface, or each guiding surface projects upward and outward from the tree retaining member. 
     
     
         12 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the guiding surface, or each guiding surface comprises a substantially planar surface that projects upwardly and outwardly from an upper portion of the tree retaining member at an angle of approximately  30  degrees to the vertical. 
     
     
         13 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 9 , wherein a guiding surface is associated with each rib. 
     
     
         14 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the tree retaining member does not substantially protrude from the fluid reservoir. 
     
     
         15 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the tree retaining member comprises spacing means, arranged in use to maintain separation between at least part of the tree retained by the tree retaining member and a base portion of the tree retaining member, the separation means comprising a domed projection arranged to protrude from the base of the tree retaining member. 
     
     
         16 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the tree retaining member comprises spacing means, arranged in use to maintain separation between at least part of the tree retained by the tree retaining member and a base portion of the tree retaining member, the separation means comprising a projection arranged concentrically with the tree retaining member. 
     
     
         17 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir comprises a cylindrical or frustoconical member being closed at one end thereof, and the tree retaining member is connected to the closed end of the cylindrical or frustoconical member. 
     
     
         18 . The tree stand as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir and tree retaining member are in fluid communication. 
     
     
         19 . A tree stand, comprising:
 a fluid reservoir and a tree retaining member, wherein strengthening means are provided between the fluid reservoir and the tree retaining member, the strengthening means comprising hollow ribs.   
     
     
         20 . A tree stand, comprising:
 a fluid reservoir of a tree retaining member including tree gripping means,   wherein the tree gripping means comprises projections arranged on an interior surface of the tree retaining member and extending in a radial fashion, inwardly from the interior surface of the tree retaining member, and   wherein the projections run substantially axially with the tree retaining member and include a sharp or pointed portion to at least partially penetrate the trunk of a tree inserted into the tree retaining member;   strengthening means configured between the fluid reservoir and the tree retaining member, wherein the strengthening means comprises hollow ribs.