Foldable Tree Stand With Locking Legs and Trunk Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Christmas tree stands are difficult to deploy and often damage the tree due to lack of locking mechanisms for the legs, causing instability and requiring penetration of the tree trunk for secure support, which can lead to injuries and premature deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A Christmas tree stand with concentric cylinders and locking mechanisms that allow legs to rotate between retracted and deployed positions, featuring removable inserts with tree retention devices and a locking mechanism to secure the stand in place without penetrating the tree trunk, accommodating trees of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If set screws are used to secure the tree to the stand, then the tree can be supported, but the tree trunk is damaged and penetration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component between the set screw and the tree trunk. The adapter is inserted into the tree trunk cavity and provides a bearing surface for the set screw to press against, distributing the clamping force over a larger area and preventing direct penetration and damage to the tree trunk while maintaining secure support
2Stability of the object's composition
If set screws are extended to lock the stand in deployed position, then the stand is stable, but the tree must be inserted first causing difficulty and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking function from the support function by introducing a separate locking mechanism for the legs. The legs can be locked in the deployed position independently of tree insertion, allowing the stand to be stabilized before the tree is placed, thereby eliminating the difficulty and safety issues associated with inserting an unstable tree into a stand
3Volume of moving object
If legs are disposed in retracted position for storage, then storage space is reduced, but the stand cannot provide support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic leg configuration that can transition between retracted and deployed positions. The legs are designed to fold against the base body when not in use, minimizing the overall volume for storage and transport, while being able to extend outward to provide stable support when the stand is in use
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides stable and secure support for Christmas trees without damaging them, simplifying deployment and reducing the risk of injuries, while allowing for easy storage and adaptation to different tree sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The concentric cylinders can comprise a locking mechanism to prevent the rotation of the cylinders when desired
Implementation Method 2
a removable insert with tree retention devices configured to frictionally engage an outer surface of a Christmas tree
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process.