US4930252A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Christmas tree waterer
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-02-09
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Granted: 1990-06-05
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Expires: 2009-02-09
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus is provided for supplying water to a conventional tree stand. A water level monitor is selectively positioned within the reservoir of the tree stand and is electrically connected to a solenoid valve so that water will be supplied from a water reservoir to the tree stand when the water level within the tree stand drops to a predetermined level. A float within the monitor drops with the water level, triggering a reed switch and activating the solenoid valve so that water can flow from a reservoir to the tree stand.
Inventors
- 👤 Vernon E. Krause
- 👤 Timothy J. Davis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:45
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47G; A47G33/00; A47G33/04; A47G33/12; A47G2033/122; A47G2033/1286; A47G2033/1293
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
In combination: a tree stand having a water reservoir; an upstanding water supply support means having upper and lower ends; a water container positioned on the upper end of said support means and having a horizontally disposed bottom wall positioned above the lower end of the support means, and an upstanding side wall means, said bottom wall having an opening formed therein; a normally closed electrically operated water valve means positioned below said bottom wall and having an inlet side in operative fluid communication with said opening; a water level monitor positioned within said reservoir; an electrical control means operatively connected between said water level monitor and said water valve means, for opening said water valve means when the water in said reservoir drops to a first predetermined level; said electrical control means adapted to open said water valve means when the water in said reservoir drops to a predetermined level and to close said water valve means when the water in said reservoir raises to a second predetermined level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
In combination: a tree stand having a water reservoir; an upstanding water supply support means having upper and lower ends; a water container positioned on the upper end of said support means and having a horizontally disposed bottom wall positioned above the lower end of the support means, and an upstanding side wall means, said bottom wall having an opening formed therein; a normally closed electrically operated water valve means positioned below said bottom wall and having an inlet side in operative fluid communication with said opening; a water level monitor positioned within said reservoir; an electrical control means operatively connected between said water level monitor and said water valve means, for opening said water valve means when the water in said reservoir drops to a first predetermined level; said electrical control means adapted to open said water valve means when the water in said reservoir drops to a predetermined level and to close said water valve means when the water in said reservoir raises to a second predetermined level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein a flexible water tube means extends from the discharge side of said water valve means to said reservoir, to supply water to said reservoir upon activation of said water valve means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said monitor is selectively vertically positioned within said reservoir.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall of said water container is approximately the same height as the upper end of said tree stand, such that water within said water container will flow by gravity to said tree stand when said water valve is open.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said water level monitor is adapted to sense said first predetermined level and said second predetermined level of water in said reservoir.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
164 words
In combination: a tree stand having a water reservoir; an upstanding water supply support means having upper and lower ends; a water container positioned on the upper end of said support means and having a horizontally disposed bottom wall positioned above the lower end of the support means, and an upstanding side wall means, said bottom wall having an opening formed therein; a normally closed electrically operated water valve means positioned below said bottom wall and having an inlet side in operative fluid communication with said opening; a water level monitor positioned within said reservoir; an electrical control means operatively connected between said water level monitor and said water valve means, for opening said water valve means when the water in said reservoir drops to a first predetermined level; said control means adapted to open said water valve means when the water in said reservoir drops to a predetermined level, and including means for closing said water valve means after a predetermined time period.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
164 words
In combination: a tree stand having a water reservoir; an upstanding water supply support means having upper and lower ends; a water container positioned on the upper end of said support means and having a horizontally disposed bottom wall positioned above the lower end of the support means, and an upstanding side wall means, said bottom wall having an opening formed therein; a normally closed electrically operated water valve means positioned below said bottom wall and having an inlet side in operative fluid communication with said opening; a water level monitor positioned within said reservoir; an electrical control means operatively connected between said water level monitor and said water valve means, for opening said water valve means when the water in said reservoir drops to a first predetermined level; said control means adapted to open said water valve means when the water in said reservoir drops to a predetermined level, and including means for closing said water valve means after a predetermined time period.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination of claim 6, wherein said predetermined time period is about 20 seconds.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-06-04 | 1993-12-04 | 1994-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-06-04 | 1997-12-04 | 1998-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-06-04 | 2001-12-04 | 2002-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |