Pump tree stand
AssigneeNight Before Christmas, LLC
InventorTim Reese
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tree stand of the present invention includes a base defining a tree area, at least one positioning jaw, and at least one securing jaw. The tree stand also includes a pneumatic actuator assembly that actuates the securing jaw in a first direction into the tree area. When the jaws are against the tree they form a clamp that holds the tree upright in the tree area. The tree stand also includes a pneumatic release valve assembly that actuates the securing jaw in a second direction out of the tree area.
Claims18
A tree stand, comprising:
- (a) a base having a tree area;
- (b) at least one positioning jaw projecting inward to said tree area;
- (c) at least one securing jaw projecting inward to said tree area;
- (d) a pneumatic actuator assembly, said pneumatic actuator assembly actuating said at least one securing jaw and adapted to secure said jaws against a tree.
A tree stand for securing a tree having a trunk width, said tree stand having at least one positioning jaw and at least one securing jaw, said tree stand comprising:
- (a) an open position in which said at least one positioning jaw is at a first distance from said at least one securing jaw, said first distance being greater than said trunk width;
- (b) a tree securing position in which said at least one positioning jaw is at a second distance from said at least one securing jaw, said second distance adopted to be less than said first distance and adopted to be substantially equal to said trunk width;
- and
- (c) a pneumatic actuator assembly for moving said at least one securing jaw between said open position and said tree securing position.
A method of supporting a tree in a tree stand comprising the steps of:
- (a) inserting said tree into a gap defined by at least one positioning jaw and at least one securing jaw;
- and
- (b) moving said at least one securing jaw in a first direction towards said at least one positioning jaw and thereby narrowing said gap by actuating a pneumatic actuator, said at least one securing jaw and said at least one positioning jaw thereby supporting said tree therebetween.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.