EP0371354A3 - Stand, in particular for christmas trees - Google Patents

Abstract

To develop a stand, in particular for Christmas trees, having at least three feet (20), and a tubular holder (10) for the trunk which, in two fastening planes (B1, B2) lying one above the other, has a plurality of radial fastening screws (15, 16) for fastening and aligning the end of the trunk, in such a way that the clamping and aligning can be carried out in a simple manner, in which arrangement the tree stand itself, manufactured economically and so as to be lightweight, has the necessary stability, and furthermore a water supply is possible in a space-saving manner to keep the tree fresh, it is proposed that the feet (20), arranged near the top holder end, have radial parts (21) which point essentially outwards and on whose free ends receptacles are provided for vertically adjustable means for setting up on the locating planes (S), which receptacles are bent over approximately in the axial direction at a distance from the holder (10), a gap between locating plane (S) and bottom holder end enabling the water container (19) to be inserted, and that the fastening screws (15, 16), for clamping and aligning the tree, which fastening screws (15, 16) are arranged in the two fastening planes (B1, B2) lying in each case near one of the ends of the holder (10), be arranged in holes in the holder (10) in such a way that they can be screwed in and out in each case centrally between two feet, the holes being provided with corresponding matching threads. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a stand, particularly for Christmas trees with at least three at the same angular distance from each other essentially Lichen radially outward pointing, can be placed on a level Feet and with a tubular lower end receiving the trunk migen holder, the one with several in two superimposed mounts Stigungsebenen arranged, radial fastening screws for loading consolidation and alignment of the particular in a water tank immersed trunk end is provided.

For setting up trees for decoration, such as Christmas trees or Various types of stands are known to maypoles. After a Proposal (US-PS 1 005 750) is that of a large booth feet provided with stand inserted tree stump with attached and provided with clamped locking rings, one of which above and one below the tubular holder arranged the tree on the stem who fixes; according to another proposal (US-PS 1 680 050) the Tree stump from the side on an underframe with a protruding stand feet attached clamping device with two independent of each other height-adjustable arranged, open clamping rings added, wherein the free end of the trunk is placed in a water container. At a other stand (US-PS 1,694,815) with projecting feet is the Tree stump inserted into the cup-shaped holder here, whereby the The end of the trunk stands up on the bottom of the holder. The inserted trunk The end is then arranged in two superimposed levels Clamping screws stuck. The holder can be rotated on a base put on with removable feet.

There are also known stand in which the lower end of the trunk in egg NEN holder is introduced (e.g. DE-GM 1 778 031), whereby the trunk end in the area of the lower end of the Kalters and with more ren locking screws in the area of the upper end of the tubular Holder is clamped. The holder is on a stand stand provided with feet, the projection of which extends the stand strength determined. In this construction the attempt is made to weight to catch the tree by sitting on it and thus the Set the trunk with the help of the near one end of the holder Arranged locking screws to align and in aligned position fixation. The disadvantage here is that the alignment is only under Difficulties to carry out is because the lower support does not point is shaped and cannot be assumed to be axial, and there Irregularities in the growth of the trunk ensure perfect alignment make it difficult in connection with the detection. So it was already proposed (DE-GM 82 35 405), the holder with several hard to provide set screws, which are in superimposed levels are ordered. The lower end of the trunk is covered with several locking screw provided in the lower level of the log holder ben clamped, while those arranged in the upper tier too next for alignment and then for additional clamping are seen. In addition, it is also known from it, the tree stand to be provided with three feet to ensure that it is particularly secure against tipping a three-point support. It has already been demonstrated beat (DE-GM 72 47 527), the entire stand for a consecration nachstbaum to be placed in a vessel filled with water, so to prevent drying out and to freshly cover the Christmas tree hold.

This is where the invention, on which the object is based, is a To form stand of the aforementioned type so that clamping and alignment can be done in a simple manner, the Tree stand itself lightweight and with reduced material load may be produced economically and have the necessary stability has, and in addition to keeping the tree fresh, a water supply in a space-saving manner is possible, and the total can also be packed in a space-saving way so that additional decoration nen can be provided.

Thanks to the feet attached to the upper edge of the holder, it is quasi suspended so that the tree carried by the holder, be it a Christmas tree, a maypole or some other tree or else another tall, ornamental plant is held securely. This hold is independent of the number the feet, if only their number is greater than three; in which three feet are always placed on one level without tilting can. Does the subsurface deviate from an ideal level, or if the stand has more than three feet, the tilting freedom can by means of a corresponding compensation with the height-adjustable Mit Teln done, whose adjustable height adjustment this compensation allowed to make. For this purpose, the free ends of the essentially outwardly directed radial parts of the feet, which also have a Nei may have downward movement, so ausgebil at their free ends det that they can borrow such funds. The holder for the Trunk and feet are placed on each other so that the distance between the lower edge of the holder and the level reaches a size that the pushing a water container under it leaves.

This water tank is advantageous for making good use of the space liable to be in the basic shape of an equilateral triangle forms, in order to achieve a shapely embodiment Corners are quite rounded and the walls are tiered and with one rounded upper edge, which is also a stiffener, ver see run. Also in three 120 ° bends, their curvature center point in the opposite corner point of the often called "Gleichdick" designated, now spherical triangle is located led side walls allow a shapely design of the water container.

The holder has two mounting levels one above the other several fastening screws, each in the middle between between two of the mounting feet. This means that the screws are always there heads, which are advantageously designed as knobs, accessible. These fastening screws - three with three adjustable feet - are included at the same angular distance from each other. In this arrangement, the "Corners" of a substantially triangular water container below ters the projections, the lower in the area of the water tank the fastening screws.

To hold and align the tree without any major difficulty are some of the mounting screws used to penetrate the Trunk set up, they have knolls or tips. This in the Trunk penetrating fastening screws catch the weight of the tree and introduce them into the holder. An alignment this penetration of the fastening screws into the trunk at least made more difficult. Therefore, some mounting screws are made before in some cases that of the lower fastening, which is close to the placement level level, provided with a support plate, which is against the outside of the tribe.

In order to advantageously screw the fastening screws into the holder arrange, there are axially parallel grooves in the wall of the holder seen in the inserts are inserted, which in turn, the thread have holes for the fastening screws. The these stakes receiving grooves are provided with undercut edges that the Take up inserts such as slot nuts, with a dovetail-like one Training of the undercut edges the insertion of the inserts he eases. The holder himself points accordingly to this gain hole through holes through which the fastening screws be guided. The screw heads on the outside allow the on pulling and loosening the fastening screws. Be after the one put a tree (or the like) tightened the fastening screws, the crests or points penetrate the trunk and transfer the Weight on the holder, with the inserts pressed outwards and lie against the inner wall of the groove with which they one Get frictional. Over the support of the fastening screws the lower inner wall of the through holes and through the resulting existing frictional engagement, the weight force is safe in the holder guided and transferred from this to the feet. A prop of the inserts against a circumferential stop can also be one serve to improve the introduction of force.

Another possibility of introducing the force to be transmitted is possible due to a wedge-shaped design of the grooves; support here the correspondingly trained inserts against the wedge Flanks from what the through holes are relieved themselves, and the power transmission is also independent of frictional engagement. The The wedge shape is placed so that the transferred to the inserts, downward force pulls them into the seat. To a closed To enable this picture of the stand, a ring cover is in front seen, which is integrally formed, or the at of the upper Edge of the holder to be used inserts in the manner of a Rastver conclusion is put on.

The feet are integral with the one embodiment Holder connected. In another embodiment, the holder is analogous to those receiving the inserts for the fastening screws Grooves provided with grooves that open outwards here, however, and the feet point on their sides facing the holder end plates that can be inserted into these grooves. Here are those too Grooves provided with undercut edges, which are advantageous swallow are formed like a tail. In these grooves the Endplat ten of the feet are used in a form-fitting manner. A wedge-shaped groove from education serves the better introduction of force here from the holder into the Feet. The forces to be transmitted also act vertically here from top to bottom, a fixing of the holder with its wedge-shaped The grooves therefore have a wedge shape that extends from bottom to top is constricting. This will hold the holder with its grooves positively pushed onto the end plates.

In order to be able to align the feet, the outer free ends are the radial parts angled approximately axially downward and each with a receptacle for a height-adjustable foot in the form of a single and screw-out adjustable foot. For this purpose, the screw thread be introduced directly into the free end; an inserted thread socket allows a material-saving design of the free end of the Stand. The adjustable foot is advantageously ver see. If the size is sufficient, this adjusting plate moves - before A setting plate diameter that is at least 1/3 of the value is beneficial The load on the stand is - the one that is important for the stability of tilting Connection line between two adjacent adjusting plates considerably to the outside and thus increases stability without increasing the overhang of the stand. Since the packaged stand is regularly not screwed in ten feet, but these are added loosely, acts this also affects the size of the packaging.

The stand is advantageously herge as a pressure or injection molded part represents. For production as a die-cast part, they can be known th die-casting alloys, especially those of light metal printing insert casting. This makes it possible to obtain a metal stand, which can be produced in an economical manufacturing process. Alternatively, there is the option of using the stand as a spray to produce casting, the plastic used for this purpose requirements can be selected accordingly. For the substantial Fiber-reinforced plastics are particularly suitable for stresses and strains.

To the production of the stand in die casting or injection molding process The profile of the Feet designed as an open "U" below. A possible off Stiffening is achieved by transverse walls that are located between the Schen none of the "U" extend. The vertical transverse walls are in front Partially placed at an angle to each other, so that crossing Stützver bonds are formed. The downward bent end of the so out formed feet can in this manufacturing process in simple cher way for receiving a threaded socket receiving the adjustable feet se are set up.

Since the stand is designed for a maximum trunk diameter, prepares the setting of logs with smaller diameters, or but arranging tall plants in the stand Schwie problems. To bypass this, a can be inserted into the holder Insert provided, which is fixed with the fastening screws in the holder is placed. This insert has a cover plate with a min at least one hole is provided. This hole allows adjustment of a trunk with a small diameter, such as a young birch as Maypole. Likewise, tall specimens of other plants can be found zen, e.g. to accommodate a sunflower. Is the cover plate with provided with several holes, can be planted in a simple manner create arrangements with the help of the stand, whereby the plants we of the water container with what is necessary to keep it fresh gen water are supplied, with the water tank in addition also a low ground planting that rounds off the arrangement records.

Fig. 1: Eine Aufsicht auf den Ständer (teilgeschnitten);

Fig. 2: Eine Seitansicht des Ständers (teilgeschnitten);

Fig. 3: Eine Einzelheit Ständer mit eingesetztem Standfuß;

Fig. 4: Eine Seitansicht des Ständers entsprechend Fig. 2 jedoch mit Einsatz für kleiner Pflanzen.

The essence of the invention is illustrated with reference to the performance forms shown in Figures 1 to 4; show

Fig. 1: A plan view of the stand (partially sectioned);

Fig. 2: A side view of the stand (partially sectioned);

3: A detail of a stand with an inserted stand;

Fig. 4: A side view of the stand according to Fig. 2, but with an insert for small plants.

The figure 1 shows in the plan view that the position level S attached stand essentially consists of the trunk receptacle 10 and three aligned at an angle of 120 ° to each other, essentially is formed radially outwardly facing feet 20. Between the feet are the fastening screws 15 of the upper or (in Area of the cut) 16 of the lower mounting level by twisting hung relative to the feet 20 arranged by 60 ° so that their Screw heads 15.2 and 16.2 are between the feet 20 and therefore easy to get to. The fastening screws of the upper Fastening level B1 (Fig. 2) are essentially used for fastening of the tree, they carry its weight and are therefore e.g. in the Trunk penetrating tips 15.1 provided. In contrast, the (outside the section through the upper fastening screws 15 concealed) lower fastening screws 16 essentially for Aligning the tree inserted into the stand determines, she knows sen to better transfer the forces necessary for alignment the end of the trunk arranged at the end plate 16.1, which is a prevent the fastening screws from penetrating the trunk. To the forces that occur when holding the tree are simply transferred to the stand to be able to initiate, the holder 10 is at an angular distance of 120 ° mutually provided grooves 11 are provided in the inserts 17 with to accommodate the thread of the fastening screws 15 (Fig. 2) and 16 specific threaded holes are used. These stakes 17 who held in the grooves 11 of rear engagement edges 11.1. The Hal ter 10 itself is provided with through holes 14 (Figure 2), corres pondierend to the threaded holes of the inserts 17, so that the Befe Stigungszüge 15 or 16 easily carried out and to Be and can be tightened to align the tree. By these fastening screws 15 and 15 are the inserts 17 in the Grooves 11 held. In addition, the inserts 17 by this Fastening screws 15 and 16 in the tightened state against the Outer walls of the grooves 11 pressed; the resulting frictional engagement transfers the weight exerted by the weight of the tree in this way on the holder 10 on the stand. Around the top of the holder 10 An upper cover ring 10.1 is to be kept free of formations seen, which can be integrally formed. This is then possible when the inserts 17 are inserted from the lower side of the holder 10 can be. In the event that this - for example because of a wedge-shaped Training - is not possible, the upper cover ring 10.1 can also e.g. can be retrofitted with a locking connection

The feet 20 point substantially radially outward, they are to at least in their radial parts 21 as downwardly open U-profiles formed and arranged with transverse walls 22 (Fig. 2) reinforced. The free ends of the projecting feet are axial bent downwards and with screwable adjustable feet 27 at their ends (FIG. 2), which in turn have the standing plate 28. These Stand plate 28 with a diameter of about 1/3 of the projection ver relocate the tilt line from position K1, which is important for tilting K2, whereby the distance of the tilt line K2 from the central axis enlarged by about 35% and through the use of this standing plate 28 in addition to an additional option for aligning the (due to its 3 Stand that can always be put on without tilting, also a ver increase of the restoring torque which effectively prevents tilting. The The 3-foot set-up also allows the Un in a simple manner tersetzen a water container 19 to keep the fresh one used Tree, whereby it is advantageous to have the water tank in its bottom shape to match the shape of an equilateral triangle; the Wasserbe Container 19 can thus be rotated by 60 ° in relation to the feet 20. are set without colliding with the stand plates 28 and without free access to the rotary heads 16.2 of the lower of the fastening to hinder supply screws for the purpose of realignment.

FIG. 2 shows a partially sectioned view of the stand according to FIG the section line II-II shown in FIG. Here are the Fastening planes B1 lying on top of one another and parallel to one another and B2 to be seen, which are essentially parallel to the position level S are aligned. In both of these mounting levels B1 and B2 are the fastening screws 15 and 16 arranged, which can be screwed radially are guided through the trunk receptacle 10. There is also the trunk recording 10 is provided with an insert 17 which is spaced apart from the fastening levels B1 and B2 one above the other threaded holes for screwing through the Has fastening screws 15 and 16, the upper fastening supply screws 15 with penetrating into the trunk tips 15.1 and the lower fastening screws 16 with force fit against the trunk attachable plate 16.1 are provided. The rotary heads 15.2 or 16.2 - the latter already in the area of the water tank underneath - ge equip the tightening and loosening of those holding and / or releasing the tree directing fastening screws 15 and 16. The laterally molded Feet 20 are inclined only slightly downwards Radial parts 21 provided in the region of their outer, free end are bent axially downwards. These downward bent free Take ends with the receptacles 25, which are provided with threaded holes 26 or but provided threaded inserts provided with a threaded hole are, the feet 27, which stand at their lower ends with plates 28, with which a good stability of the stand is achieved is provided.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment in which the feet 20 are detachably inserted: Here is the trunk holder 10 in Win spacing of 60 ° with grooves 11 and 12, which alternate open inwards or outwards. In the inwardly opening grooves 11 are -as described above- the inserts 17 for the fastening screws 15 and 16 inserted. The outwardly opening grooves 12 serve to releasably attach the feet 20, the trunk of which took 10 associated ends of the radial parts 21 with an insert plate 23 are provided. These slide-in plates 23 are form-fitting sig of the outwardly open grooves 12 was added. The rear gripping edges 12.1 hold the plate in place. This construction art allows extremely space-saving packaging, which is good for both Storage in the trade as well as in the house at the user's premises is important is. The is both without and with the removable feet Stand, especially in the plastic version, easy to pack and In addition, it offers additional space in its packaging, for example for decorative pad, other jewelry and the like, for which the Packaging can be designed so that the free spaces in specially partitioned recordings corresponding to the packaging exhibit.

Finally, FIG. 4 shows the stand as shown in FIG. An insert 18 is inserted into the holder 10 here. The fastening screws 15 and 16 hold the insert 18 in its position, where e.g. for the fastening provided with peaks or points 15.1 corresponding indentations 18.3 can be provided nen. The upper cover plate 18.1 of the insert 18 has holes - here a central 18.11 and peripheral 18.12 - on, through the or the Trunks of weak sapling or stalks of high awake send plants to be pinned to make a plant arrangement hold. Around taller trunks of weaker trees, such as the May birch or to be able to give long-stemmed plants an upright support, the insert is provided with a lower end plate 18.2, which has at least one central opening. The free annulus around the Insert 18 can be used in the same way: To medium high Hey, to arran opposite the plants held directly by insert 18 yaw, these are in the between the inner wall of the holder 10 and the outer wall of the insert 18 formed annular space inserted. In in the same way, the arrangement can conclude the arrangement with a low plant zen can be used in the water tank 19. Due to the in This water tank 19 available water are at least the fastening supply screws 16 of the lower mounting level B2 in or close to this water, which generally contains salts and other plant nutrients substances are present, and in which there are also plant metabolic products can enrich. Such water can on this attachment screws have a corrosive effect. One such, cannot be ruled out the corrosive attack can be avoided by selecting the appropriate material through the use of stainless steel Stainless steels for the fastening screws. Important with the material selection is that between the fastening screws 18 and the Insert 17 for holding these fastening screws no corrosion can form promotional galvanic element.

Claims (16)

01. Stand, in particular for Christmas trees with at least three at the same angular distance from each other essentially radially outward pointing, on a setting plane (S) on adjustable feet (20) and with a tubular holder (10) that accommodates the lower trunk end and that with several radial fastening screws (15, 16) arranged in two superimposed fastening planes (B1, B2) are provided for fastening and aligning the end of the trunk, which in particular is immersed in a water container (19), characterized in that the feet (20) are close to the Arranged at the upper end of the holder (10) and with essentially outwardly pointing radial parts (21), at the free ends of which at a distance from the holder (10) approximately in the axial direction bent receptacles (25) with height-adjustable means for setting up on the Setting levels (S) are provided, the distance between setting level (S) and the lower end of the holder (10) facing it, the onset of the water container (19) preferably with the basic shape of an equilateral triangle allowed, and that in the two near one of the ends of the holder (10) are the fastening planes (B1, B2) arranged fastening screws (15, 16) for clamping and aligning the Baumes in the holes provided with corresponding mating threads in the holder (10) can be screwed in and out, the fastening screws (15, 16) are each arranged approximately centrally between two feet and have the same angular distances from one another. 02. Stand according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner ends of at least the fastening screws (15; 16) of one of the fastening planes (B1; B2), preferably the lower one, are provided with support plates (16.1). 03. Stand according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the wall of the holder (1o) with preferably dovetail-like undercuts (11.1) versehe ne, essentially axially parallel, inwardly opened grooves (11) in the inserts (17) are set, each provided with the two superposed, the fastening screws (15, 16) receiving Gewindelö chern, wherein in the holder (10) through holes (14) are provided which correspond to these threaded holes. 04. Stand according to claim 3, characterized in that the inserts (17) are supported against a preferably annular circumferential stop arranged in the region of the side of the holder (10) facing the position plane. 05. Stand according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the grooves (11) are narrowed in a wedge shape from the side facing away from the setting plane (S) to the side facing the setting plane (S), the inserts (17) being the wedge shaped accordingly and used so are supported against the holder (10). 06. Stand according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the end of the holder (10) facing away from the setting plane (S) is provided with an annular cover (10.1). 07. Stand according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the feet (20) in the region of the upper end of the holder (10) are integrally connected to this. 08. Stand according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the holder (1o) is provided with axially extending, preferably dovetail-shaped undercuts having, outwardly open grooves (12), and that the feet (20) in these grooves (12) have form-fitting end plates (23) which can be introduced and interact with them. 09. Stand according to claim 8, characterized in that the grooves (12) for the end plates (23) of the feet (20) are designed as preferably wedge-shaped narrowing from top to bottom to fix the corresponding end plates (23). 10. Stand according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the receptacles (25) provided at the free ends of the adjustable feet (20) are provided with a receiving thread, preferably in the form of inserted threaded sockets, and in each of the receptacles as a means a screw-in adjustable foot with adjusting screw (27) and adjusting plate (28) are used to set up the stand. 11. Stand according to claim 10, characterized in that the diameter of the adjusting plate (28) is at least 1/3 of the extension of the adjustable feet (20). 12. Stand according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized by one in the holder (10) insertable and fixable there insert (18) with a cover plate provided with at least one egg, preferably with several holes (18.11; 18.12) (18). 13. Stand according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least the holder (10) is a pressure or injection molded part. 14. Stand according to claim 13, characterized in that the stand with trunk receptacle (10) and feet (20) is injection-molded from preferably fiber-reinforced plastic. 15. Stand according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least the profile of the radial parts (21) of the adjustable feet (20) forms a U which is open to the setting plane (S) and is reinforced with transverse walls (22), preferably the Transverse walls (22) are formed at an angle to one another and crossing one another. 16. Stand according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by a water container (19) with a substantially equilateral triangular basic shape, in which at least the corners are rounded.