(under the class definition) Devices in the form of a base or stand for supporting the trunk of a cut tree in a generally upright position and with its severed end in contact with liquid contained by a reservoir which is in, on, or under the base. The reservoir usually is in the form of a receptacle (e.g., container, cup, pan, etc.) and may or may not be an integral component of the base.
(1) Note. This subclass comprises patents for Christmas tree holders with a liquid supply, which patents previously were classified in the staff support area of Class 248, Supports. The presence of a liquid supply for the purpose of keeping a cut tree fresh and moist, in addition to a means to support the tree, is considered to make this subject matter more appropriate for this class than for Class 248.
(2) Note. The claiming of a supporting base with a liquid resevoir is not sufficient for placement herein in the absence of an indication that the liquid is for a purpose beneficial to the tree (e.g., for keeping it fresh or green or moist, etc.). If, on the other hand, the liquid serves only as ballast, for example, classification is in Class 248. In the rare instance when the disclosure is silent as to the purpose of the liquid, then it is presumed to be for the benefit of the tree.
(3) Note. The claiming of (1) means to support a liquid reservoir in an operative relationship to the severed end of the tree, or (2) a spatial relationship of the severed end (as supported) to the underlying surface on which the base rests for the purpose of accommodating a liquid reservoir, are acceptable alternatives to the claiming of the liquid reservoir.
(4) Note. In order to collect as much as possible of the related art, cross- referencing is extended to include the disclosure of a liquid reservoir, provided, of course, that the 'beneficial purpose' qualification is met.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
248, Supports,
519+, for a base or stand type of supporting device having means for receiving a staff, wherein the staff may be a tree trunk. Classification in that area is upon features such as how the staff is gripped, etc.; accordingly, cross-reference copies of the patents of this subclass (40.5) are placed there on that basis.
