Decorative support

Nov. 5, 1963

3,109,596

J. CHERNANSKY

DECORATIVE SUPPORT

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Nov. 5, 1963 j. chernansky 3,109,596

DECORATIVE SUPPORT Filed Nov. 9, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2

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ATTORNEYS

3,199,596

Patented Nov. 5, 1963

United States Patent Office

3,109,596

DECORATIVE SUPPORT Joseph Chernansky, 9½ River St., Winton, Pa. Filed Nov. 9,1961, Ser. No. 151,601

Claim. (Cl. 240—2)

This invention relates to decorative supports, and to new and novel improvements in such supports. More specifically, the invention comprises an improved assembly for supporting and decoratively lighting a Christmas tree, or the like.

It has been previously known to provide devices for supporting and illuminating Christmas trees, but such previously known devices have not found general acceptance. The improvements hereinafter described in detail obviate certain of the features of the previously known devices which have been found objectionable, and make a marked contribution to the practicality, functionality, and appearance of such supports.

One object of this invention resides in the provision of a tree support of the character described having water receptacle means located in association with the portion thereof which engages the base of the tree, there being means provided for replenishing the water supply as desired, and said means minimizing the danger of accidental spillage.

Another object of the invention is to provide a support of this class which includes elements defining an enclosed area surrounding the base of the tree.

Another object is to provide illumination means on the support which are adapted, if desired, to receive incandescent bulbs of various colors. In this connection, it will become apparent that the support is specially adapted to utilize a conventional string or series of Christmas lamps.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following specification when read in conjunction with the annexed drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a support constructed and assembled in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view, partly in section, thereof;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the lamp support assemblies of the invention;

FIGURE 4 is a disassembled perspective of the assembly shown in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on the section line 5—5 of FIGURE 3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 6 is a detail bottom plan view further illustrating the manner of connection of the assembly to the support (see line 6—6 of FIGURE 5); and

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged vertical cross section taken substantially on section line 7—7 of FIGURE 6, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring now to the drawings in more detail, it will be noted that the invention is generally designated therein by character of reference 10. In FIGURES 1, 2, and 7, it is illustrated that the device is comprised of a base plate 12 of square or rectangular form having a floor engaging lower surface and an opposite upper surface. A tubular standard 14 having an open upper end 16 and an opposite lower end 18 is secured in upstanding position on the base plate 12 by a plurality of machine screws 20 extending through countersunk openings in said plate into aligned threaded bores in the side walls of the standard. The standard 14 further includes a discoidal floor piece 22 which is secured by welds 24 in the standard so as to form a watertight closure adjacent the lower end 18. A pointed spike 26 constituting a tree base holding means is fixedly secured at a central location on the floor 22. In FIGURE 7, a tree base including trunk portion T is diagrammatically shown in phantom lines, and it is seen that the trunk portion T is forced downwardly 5 over the spike 26, thereby aiding in the prevention of lateral displacement of the trunk portion T within the standard 14.

It is a primary objective of the standard 14 to serve as both a support for the trunk portion T of the tree and as 10 a water supply source for the tree to preserve same for the longest possible period, To this end, an upwardly and outwardly flared skirt 28 is supplied, the skirt 28 having a depending, annular connection flange 30 and rolled or crimped upper end 32. The connection flange 15 30 is secured, as by welds 32, 34, or otherwise, at a location intermediate the ends of the standard 14, this con. nection affording a watertight fit between said elements.

A water supply opening 36 is formed in the standard 14 adjacent to but spaced upwardly from the flange 30. 20 Thus, it is seen that water placed within the skirt 28 will enter the standard 14 through the opening 36 thereby to supply the trunk portion T of the tree base—the outward flaring of the skirt serving to meet the objective of simplifying the task of pouring the water into the standard and reducing the likelihood of spilling.

An annular platform 38 surrounds the standard 14 about its full circumference, the platform 38 including a main body 40 having upper and lower sides 42, 44, a rolled outer portion 46, and a supporting flange 48 substantially parallel to the main body 40. The platform 38 has a central opening 50 therein to receive the standard 14. The platform 38 also has a plurality of sockets 52 therein formed at spaced intervals adjacent the periphery of the main body 40, shown in detail in FIGURE 4. The sockets 52 are of generally circular formation, but include diametrically opposed ears 54. Light support sleeves 56 are secured in sockets 52, the sleeves 56 having upper and lower end portions 58, 60. The lower end portion 60 has a pair of diametrically opposed, L-shaped bayonet slots 62 therein which include vertical portions 64 opening on the end edge of the sleeve and horizontal portions 66. As seen in FIGURES 3 and 4, the sleeves 56 are releasably but securely connected to the platform 38 by means of coaction between the ears 54 and slots 62. The upper end portions 58 of the sleeves 56 also have a pair of vertical slots 68 opening on the end edges thereof and positioned a selected distance apart for a purpose appearing in detail below.

A plurality of generally rectangular panels 70 interconnect the various sleeves 56, with the exception that one pair of sleeves are not so connected, so as to leave a frontal open area on the platform (see FIGURE 1). Thus, a fence-like structure is provided on the platform to serve as an enclosure for gift items, decorations, and the like, and further to prevent access to the tree by children or pets.

The panels 70 each include an upper edge 72, and a lower edge 74 which normally bears against the upper side 42 of the main body 40 of platform 38. As shown, the panels are preferably formed with alternative inwardly and outwardly struck portions which serve to decorate and rigidify the same, and permit the same to be placed in upstanding locations without additional support for ease of assembly and dis-assembly of the apparatus.

The vertical slots 68 on the upper ends of the sleeves are located at a pre-selected angle with respect to one another to receive projecting lug means 76 which extend rectilinearly outward from the upper corner edges of each of the panels 70 (FIGURE 4). Lug means 76 comprise a lateral prolongation 78 of the panel, which is slotted as at 80 in order to be lockingly engaged with the sleeve as

3,109,596 shown in FIGURE 5. Reference numeral 82 is applied to denote a cap secured to the upper end 58 of the sleeve 56 which serves further to secure the panels thereto and to provide a base for electrical socket means 84. The cap 82 is of annular, cupped formation and includes a 5 short inner flange 86 serving as a seat for the socket 84, a horizontal upper rim 88, and an outer flange 90. A first vertical slot 92 is formed in the cap 82 and extends through the full combined widths of the flange 90, the rim 88, and the flange 86 to accommodate the lug means 76 on one 10 panel 70, and the flange 90 has a second slot 94 therein to accommodate lug means on the panel 70 positioned at the opposite side of the cap. The fact that the slot 92 extends completely through one side of the cap 82 is of importance in that this permits electrical wires or the like 15 to be placed within the confines of the cap without requiring disassembly of the said wires from the socket means 84.

Referring again to FIGURES 3 through 5, it will be noted therein that the socket 84 includes an annular shoul- 20 der 96 which seats on the rim 86 of the cap 82. Electrical conduction wires W are connected to the socket 84, and an incandescent bulb B is operatively mounted therein. Interior construction of the socket 84 and further detailed description of the electrical conduction means which are 25 conventional, and hence, are not dealt with in detail. It will be noted that the construction and assembly of the platform and sleeves is such that a string or series of conventional Christmas tree lights may be used therewith, the bulbs being of the same or assorted colors as desired. 30

The base of the tree is mounted in the standard 14 in the maimer hereinbefore suggested. Centering of the trunk portion T within the standard is accomplished through clamping means 98. Means 98 comprise a pair of oppositely mounted plates 100 each having a U-shaped 35 clamping portion adapted to- embrace the trunk portion of the tree, there being a handle 102 extending radially outwardly thereof. Handle 102 has elongated slots 104 therein which are -arranged over apertures 106 formed at diametrically opposite locations in the side wall of the 40 standard 14 and opening on the edge thereof. Screws 108 are extended through the slots and into- the apertures whereby the positions -of the plates 100 are selectively varied in accordance with the -diameter of the tree trunk.

Having , described and -illustrated one embodiment of 45 this invention in detail, it will be understood that said embodiment is -offered merely by way of example, and that this invention is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claim.