EP0419972B1 - Christmastree holder - Google Patents

Christmastree holder Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0419972B1
EP0419972B1 EP90117768A EP90117768A EP0419972B1 EP 0419972 B1 EP0419972 B1 EP 0419972B1 EP 90117768 A EP90117768 A EP 90117768A EP 90117768 A EP90117768 A EP 90117768A EP 0419972 B1 EP0419972 B1 EP 0419972B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
christmas
force
tree
retaining
tree stand
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP90117768A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0419972A1 (en
Inventor
Klaus Krinner
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KRINNER, KLAUS
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Individual
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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G33/00Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
    • A47G33/04Christmas trees 
    • A47G33/12Christmas tree stands
    • A47G33/1213Christmas tree stands comprising a single handle or pedal for releasing, tensioning or locking of clamping members
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G33/00Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
    • A47G33/04Christmas trees 
    • A47G33/12Christmas tree stands
    • A47G2033/122Christmas tree stands involving electricity
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G33/00Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
    • A47G33/04Christmas trees 
    • A47G33/12Christmas tree stands
    • A47G2033/1253Christmas tree stands comprising pneumatic or hydraulic parts
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G33/00Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
    • A47G33/04Christmas trees 
    • A47G33/12Christmas tree stands
    • A47G2033/1286Christmas tree stands comprising watering means, e.g. a water reservoir

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a Christmas tree stand, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Christmas tree stands are known in which a vertically upright sleeve is provided on a plate or on a foot part, which serves to receive the lower end of the Christmas tree trunk.
  • clamping screws are provided all around at regular intervals, which penetrate the sleeve and are used for clamping and thus for fixing the Christmas tree trunk inside the sleeve.
  • the disadvantage here is that only a slight clamping effect can be applied to the trunk via the clamping screws, which can usually only be actuated by finger force, so that the fastening of a Christmas tree with these known Christmas tree stands is not satisfactory.
  • the exact vertical alignment of the Christmas tree trunk which is desirable for aesthetic reasons, is very difficult to achieve.
  • the alignment and clamping requires the help of a second person, since it is practically impossible to hold the tree and tighten the clamping screws at the same time.
  • DE-AS 23 52 892 shows a support stand, in particular for setting up Christmas trees, in which a receiving sleeve is arranged vertically on a base plate in a known manner. Inside this receptacle is one second sleeve slidably guided and is supported with its bottom end on a correspondingly dimensioned compression spring. This inner coaxially movable sleeve is used to hold the trunk of the Christmas tree. Brackets are arranged on the outer sleeve in its upper edge area such that they can be pivoted in the direction of the central axis of the two sleeves.
  • DE-PS 25 47 184 shows a tree stand in which the tree trunk to be fastened is guided in a sleeve provided with slots, a wedge-shaped displacement body being screwed onto the outer circumference of the sleeve in the manner of a union nut and radially arranged pressing jaws due to its wedge-shaped displacement profile pushing towards the tree trunk.
  • the tree trunk guided in the sleeve is finally clamped and fixed in position by the press jaws moving radially inwards. It is also disadvantageous in this known tree stand that if the cross-section of the tree trunk deviates from the circular shape, the pressing jaws are not positioned uniformly and thus are insufficient Fastening on the one hand and a not completely vertical alignment on the other hand.
  • DE-OS 30 03 233 and also US Pat. No. 2,260,932 show a device for the vertical holding of rod-shaped objects, in particular tree trunks, in which the tree trunk to be fastened is clamped and held in a corresponding holder in the manner of a ship's mast by means of a complex tension wire system.
  • these known devices are extremely complex in their construction and, moreover, are difficult to operate.
  • DE-PS 20 42 shows a Christmas tree holder with a cylinder provided with vertical openings, which is placed vertically on a foot part or frame.
  • the slot-shaped recesses are penetrated by brackets which are guided in horizontal axes of rotation such that they can perform a pivoting movement.
  • the upper end of the bracket is sharply tapered, while the lower end is blunt and protrudes into the interior of the cylinder when the bracket is at rest.
  • the disadvantage here is that the holding forces should already be applied in the course of the insertion movement, so that with a continuous insertion of the tree trunk into the holder, progressively increasing forces have to be overcome, which eventually become so high that the tree trunk is no longer inserted into the holder can be used, although the retaining edges or claws on the brackets have not yet provided a sufficiently secure lateral fixation.
  • a Christmas tree stand has become known from DE-OS 23 581 51, which essentially consists of a receiving part for receiving the lower end of the Christmas tree trunk and radially outwardly extending legs.
  • the receiving part has, for example, three clamping claws or holding claws, which can be moved in the direction of the trunk surface and moved away from it via a common clamping device and an intervening toggle joint.
  • the tensioning device which in the exemplary embodiment is a tensioning screw, a horizontal plate is moved up and down, and knee plane connections articulated on the plate act on the individual clamping claws.
  • a generic Christmas tree stand in which the support of the tree trunk against a foot part is carried out by a total of three bow-shaped hinged support struts which are pivotally supported at one end on the foot part and at the other end to the trunk of the Christmas tree can be created. Furthermore, a wire strand or the like is provided, which can be placed and tightened via a screw / nut arrangement around the ends of the support struts resting on the tree trunk, so that the free ends of the support struts are pressed against the trunk of the Christmas tree and hold it in the clamped position should.
  • a disadvantage of the generic Christmas tree stand is first that only relatively low clamping forces can be applied to the wire strand and thus only correspondingly low holding forces can be applied to the Christmas tree trunk by the clamping device designed as a wing nut or the like. Furthermore, with the generic Christmas tree stand, a secure, ie stable, installation of a Christmas tree is only partially or difficult to accomplish, in particular by a single person. The reasons for this are first of all the already mentioned laborious and forceful tensioning of the wire strand by means of the wing nut, whereby this tensioning can only be done with one hand in the case of a single person, since at the same time the Christmas tree still has to be held with the other hand until the clamping process is completed has been.
  • the fully clamped Christmas tree is poorly prevented from lateral tilting movements, since the design of the support struts and their position fixing on the trunk by means of the wire strand to be tensioned allows sliding movements of the tree trunk relative to the contact areas of the support struts. So the tree trunk tilts not reliably prevented by the Christmas tree stand, since the flexible design of the entire support and tensioning device allows a certain amount of yielding. A tree that is heavily loaded on one side can therefore lean towards the load side over time, the contact ends of the support struts yielding on the one hand due to the comparatively low clamping forces to be applied by means of the wing screw and the structurally unfavorable design of the entire holding and clamping device on the other.
  • the object of the invention is to design a Christmas tree stand according to the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that a tree set up with it can be set up in a simple yet stable manner.
  • a Christmas tree stand has, in accordance with FIG. 1, essentially a foot part 4, for example a solid metal plate, a triangular stand or the like, and a receiving part 6 arranged thereon for receiving a trunk (not shown in more detail in the drawing) of the Christmas tree.
  • the receiving part 6 consists essentially of a circular cylinder 8 with side walls perpendicular to the foot part 4 and a receiving cone 10 arranged coaxially therein, the side wall of which is inclined as shown in FIG. 1 such that the receiving cone 10 starts from the foot part 4 upwards extended to the edge region of the cylinder 8.
  • a centering mandrel 12 is arranged standing vertically upwards. As can be seen in particular from FIG.
  • a plurality of holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are provided on the outer circumference of the receiving part 6 or its cylinder 8.
  • the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are here pivotably mounted in bearing supports 22, 24, 26 and 28 provided on or attached to the outer circumference of the cylinder 8 by means of pivot axes 30, 32, 24 and 36.
  • the end regions of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 opposite the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 form contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44, which are used for contact with a Christmas tree trunk 2 to be fastened in the Christmas tree stand 2 according to the invention, as will be explained below becomes.
  • the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are pivotable about the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 between a release position in which the Christmas tree can be freely inserted into and removed from the receiving cone 10 and a holding position in which the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 fix the Christmas tree trunk between them.
  • a tensioning device 46 which acts on the individual holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 via a force transmission element 48.
  • the tensioning device 46 has a commercially available latch mechanism 50, which is supported both on the foot part 4 and on the cylinder 8 by means of suitable webs 52 and 54, and in which one with a latch lock via a movable tensioning lever 56 58 provided winding roller 60 is rotatable.
  • the tensioning lever 56 is biased in the direction of the cylinder 8 or its neutral position by means of a tension spring 62.
  • the force transmission element 48 is a steel cable 66 which, according to FIG. 1, is attached at one end to the roller 60 and can be received by the latter. Starting from the roller 60, the steel cable 66 passes through appropriately dimensioned bores 68, 70, 72 and 74 in the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 2.
  • the remaining free end of the steel cable 66 is fastened in a suitable manner either to the foot part 4 or in the region of the receiving part 6. This can be done by a cable lock 76 or the like.
  • the steel cable 66 serving as the force transmission element 48 thus wraps around 75% of an insertion opening 78 in the region of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 and penetrates the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 in holes 68, 70, 72 and 74.
  • the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are prestressed in the direction of their release position by return springs 80, 82, 84 and 86.
  • the functioning of the Christmas tree stand according to the invention described so far is as follows:
  • the Christmas tree to be fastened in the Christmas tree stand 2 is with the free end of its trunk in the insertion opening 78 between the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 in Fig. 1 down into the receiving cone 10 of the cylinder 8 or the receiving part 6 introduced.
  • a first provisional fixation of the trunk in the horizontal direction then takes place via the centering mandrel 12.
  • the entire Christmas tree is now brought into a vertical position by hand, after which the same person who holds the tree trunk in a vertical position sets the roller 60 in rotation by actuating the tensioning lever 56, so that the steel cable 66 is successively wound onto the roller 60 will and tensions.
  • the actuation of the tensioning lever 56 takes place particularly advantageously by foot actuation by one and the same person, who holds the tree trunk in a vertical position.
  • the steel cable 66 acting as a power transmission element 48 is gradually wound on the roller 60 by actuating the tensioning lever 56 of the tensioning device 46, the other free end of the steel cable 66 being fixed in the cable lock 76, which results in the steel cable 66 building tensile stress and also the decreasing length of the steel cable 66 in general that the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 in Fig. 1 and 2 are moved in the direction of an axis of symmetry, the axis of symmetry being understood as an axial extension of the centering mandrel 12.
  • the successively shortening steel cable 66 pulls the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 inward against the force of the return springs 80, 82, 84 and 86, the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 corresponding pivotal movements about the pivot axes 30, 32, Execute 34 and 36 so that the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 gradually approach the surface of the tree trunk.
  • the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 pivot here in planes which essentially intersect in the axis of symmetry according to FIG. 2.
  • the holding element 14 strikes the surface of the inserted tree trunk first as the tree trunk is in the area of the retaining element 14 may have an irregular bulge.
  • the steel cable 46 is still taken up by the roller 60 and a corresponding tensioning force is transmitted from the steel cable 66.
  • the holding element 14, the contact area 38 of which rests on the surface of the tree trunk does not exert any force on the tree trunk, since the steel cable 66 can pass through the bore 70 practically without force and thus only the remaining holding elements 16, 18 and 20 successively on the peripheral surface of the tree Tree trunk to be moved.
  • the one of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 that has reached the peripheral surface of the tree trunk first comes into contact with this surface essentially without force until the remaining holding elements have likewise reached the trunk surface either then or simultaneously in succession. Only when all the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 with their corresponding contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 bear against the circumferential surface of the tree trunk, does the force exerted by the tensioning device 46 on the steel cable 66 again have an essentially uniform distribution on all holding elements 14 , 16, 18 and 20, so that now the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 are pressed under the force of the clamping device 46 to the circumference of the tree trunk.
  • the points of engagement of the steel cable 66 in the area below the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 can be provided, the points of engagement of the steel cable 66 in the area below the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 to arrange.
  • the steel cable 66 is in the areas between the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20, for example, through bores arranged in brackets or eyelets which have a greater radial distance from the centering pin 12 than the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20.
  • the brackets can either be directly on the foot part 4 or on one with the foot part 4 connected cover to be attached.
  • the steel cable 66 is tightened by actuating the tensioning device 46, the sections of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 lying below the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36, which preferably have a greater length than the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , pivoted outwards so that the sections of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 lying above the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 are pivoted accordingly inwards and the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 with their contact areas 38, Place 40, 42 and 44 in the manner described on the trunk of the Christmas tree.
  • the described alternative guidance of the steel cable 66 serving as the force transmission element 48 in the region lying below the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 makes it advantageously possible to guide the steel cable 66 by means of a central recess for the passage of the Christmas tree trunk, preferably with rotationally symmetrical covering hood, to cover the steel cable 66, the tensioning device 46 and the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 practically completely, with the exception of their sections located in the vicinity of the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44.
  • the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are advantageously provided with pointed claws or claw areas 88, 90, 92 and 94 which, after contact with the peripheral surface of the tree trunk with a further applied force on the steel cable 66 dig into the tree trunk and thus increase the holding forces.
  • contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 are also possible not to design the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 in the form of claws, but rather in the form of flattened and possibly even padded contact pads. Especially if injuries to the clamped tree are to be avoided, this configuration of the plant areas is preferable.
  • FIG 3 shows another design option for the Christmas tree stand.
  • the holding element 14 - like the other holding elements 16, 18 and 20 - is extended at its end opposite the contact area 38 with respect to the pivot axis 30 and there has a lever section 96 which is at an angle of approximately 90 ° with respect to the holding element 14 occupies.
  • a force transmission element in the form of a pressure cylinder 98 is provided, which is supported on the cylinder part on the foot part 4 in a bearing 100.
  • the piston rod of the pressure cylinder 98 is also supported on the lever section 96 on a bearing 102.
  • a pressure medium line 104 is provided, with which the pressure cylinder 98 of the other holding elements 16, 18 and 20 are also connected in series.
  • a pressure medium pump is used to generate pressure, by means of which a pressurized fluid, for example hydraulic oil or the like, or compressed air can be supplied to the individual pressure cylinders via the pressure medium line 104, so that the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 have theirs be able to carry out corresponding swiveling movements from the release position into the holding position and back again.
  • a pressurized fluid for example hydraulic oil or the like, or compressed air
  • the pressure medium pump can be hand or foot operated in the manner of a compressed air pump, but it can also be an electrically driven pump or the like.
  • the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are not designed as separate components pivotally mounted on the receiving part 6, but the individual holding elements and the receiving part are integrally connected to one another. 4 shows this second embodiment of the present invention in a perspective, schematically simplified view.
  • the circular-cylindrical receiving part 6 is fastened on the foot part 4 of the Christmas tree stand.
  • Holding elements - in the example shown four - 14, 16, 18 and 20 are arranged in one piece on the receiving part 4.
  • the necessary mobility of the cold elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 is achieved in that the receiving part and the holding elements are formed from a resilient material, for example spring steel or - possibly reinforced - plastics.
  • the individual holding elements, designed as resilient brackets or tabs, can also be placed under the force of the force transmission element 48 (not shown in FIG. 4) on the Christmas tree to be clamped and return when the force is removed due to their inherent elasticity the release position back.
  • the resilient contact into the holding position and the resilient return of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 can be improved or facilitated if the material in the transition area between the holding elements and the receiving part is weakened by suitable manufacturing steps, for example by forming constrictions 106 and 108 in each transition area.
  • the receiving part 6 and the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 formed thereon can be formed in a particularly advantageous manner from a flat material in one operation, for example by stamping, after which the stamped part is merely bent into a cylinder and connected at its contact edges must in order to form the circular cylindrical receiving part 4 with the holding elements projecting upwards thereon.
  • the connection is adapted to the material used.
  • FIG. 4 shows, for example, a butt weld seam 110 which maintains the cylindrical shape of the receiving part 6 after the round stamping part has been rounded.
  • rivets in overlapping wall areas of the receiving part 6, heat welding, spot welding, gluing or the like are also possible to achieve a connection.
  • the required tensioning means for example in the form of steel cable 66, is preferably guided in eyelets which are placed on the back of the holding elements or molded on them.
  • the Christmas tree stand 2 according to the invention thus has the following essential advantages and properties:
  • the holding element lies down which corresponds to the circumference of the tree trunk to be fastened reached first as long as practically no force on this circumference until the remaining holding elements have also applied to the circumference. Only then is the clamping force applied by the clamping device 46 evenly transmitted to all holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20, so that the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 or the holding claws 88, 90, 92 and 94 on the circumference of the Create a tribe or dig into it.
  • the tree in which a pressure medium pump is provided, the tree can be clamped even more easily, since then an electrically operated pressure medium pump then supplies the individual pressure cylinders 98 with pressurized fluid and the individual holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 in their stop position transferred.
  • a mechanically operated pump is used as the pressure medium pump, it is preferably a pump that can be operated with foot force, so that the tensioning process corresponds to the actuation of the tensioning lever 56 in the embodiment according to FIG. 1.
  • the stem of the Christmas tree is not pushed out of its position into which it was brought before actuation of the tensioning device 46 by the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 which are successively applied. It is therefore also possible to deliberately and securely clamp the trunk in a certain inclined or skewed position. This is advantageous if the base of the Christmas tree stand 2 is not horizontal, for example outdoors, so that a vertically clamped tree would ultimately be crooked.
  • the unlocking bracket 64 is actuated in the embodiment according to FIG. 1, so that the pawl lock 58 no longer acts on the roller 60. Due to its inherent elasticity, the steel cable 66 and the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 relax and are no longer pushed into their holding position by the steel cable 66, but rather return either under the action of the return springs 80, 82, 84 and 86 or by applying a certain finger force back to their release position so that the Christmas tree can be removed from the Christmas tree stand 2.
  • the pressure medium is sucked out of the individual pressure cylinders 98 or escapes automatically after actuation of a corresponding valve, so that the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 also return to their release position.
  • a significant advantage of the Christmas tree stand according to the present invention is also that both in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and in the embodiment according to FIG. 3 and the second embodiment according to FIG. 4, the holding position of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 can be adjusted at any time. This is particularly advantageous when the Christmas tree lingers in the Christmas tree stand 2 for a long time, since the trunk of the Christmas tree begins to dwindle as the wood begins to dry out, so that the clamping of the tree gradually subsides.
  • the steel cable 66 can be easily re-tensioned by actuating the tensioning lever 56 one or more times and thus the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 can be securely held again.
  • the holding force of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 can be adjusted in their holding position by briefly actuating the pressure medium pump.
  • holding elements shown in the exemplary embodiment - here four - is not mandatory. It is also possible to provide only three such holding elements, but more than four holding elements arranged uniformly on the circumference can also be provided.
  • clamping device 46 in the form of the latch mechanism is also to be understood only as an example; other tensioning devices for tensioning the steel cable 66 are also conceivable.
  • electric motors can be provided which, for example, have a corresponding worm gear with self-locking or the like. apply the tension required to actuate the holding elements to the steel cable 66.
  • an insertion sleeve can also be provided on the tensioning device 46 according to FIG. 1, into which a broomstick or the like can then be inserted in order to actuate the tensioning device 46.
  • This can be particularly advantageous if the tree to be fastened in the Christmas tree stand 2 is very expansive in its lower region, so that the tensioning lever 56 is difficult to access.
  • the unlocking bracket 64 can also advantageously have a type of remote control, for example a cable pull or the like. This has the advantage that one does not have to crawl under the Christmas tree to open or loosen the tensioning device 46, which is usually already dry at the time of loosening and needles accordingly.
  • the installation position of the pressure cylinder 98 in the embodiment according to FIG. 3 is also only to be understood as an example. Other installation positions are also conceivable in which the force of the pressure cylinder 98 is transmitted to the holding elements.
  • the steel cable 66 passes through the bores 68, 70, 72 and 74 in the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20. This may mean that through the bores 68, 70, 72 and 74 the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are unnecessarily weakened in their area between the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 and the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36. It can thus be advantageous to guide the steel cable 66 around the outside of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20, in which case the steel cable 66 is then guided in eyelets or the like welded onto the holding elements.
  • the described embodiments are not limited to the mounting of a Christmas tree. Rather, it is possible to hold practically any approximately rod-shaped object with the Christmas tree stand 2 according to the invention. For example, other trees for decoration purposes, parasols, flagpoles, traffic signs or the like can be clamped easily and safely.
  • the interior of the receiving part 6 or the cylinder 8 is preferably watertight so that the receiving cone 10 or the cylinder 8 can be filled with water so that the tree held in the Christmas tree stand 2 stays fresh longer and does not dry out.

Abstract

A Christmas-tree stand (2) features a foot-piece (4) with a connected holder (6) to which fastening components (14, 16, 18 and 20) are attached. In the example case, these components are swinging clamps which are pressed against the outer surface of the tree trunk by a clamping device (46). The pressure of the clamping device (46) is applied to the fastening components (14, 16, 18 and 20) via a steel cable (66), for example, which encircles them and is attached to the clamping device (46). The cable (66) moves the fastening components (14, 16, 18 and 20) toward the trunk with adjustable and evenly distributed force.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Christbaumständer, nach dem Oberbegriff des Ansprüches 1.The invention relates to a Christmas tree stand, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Es sind Christbaumständer bekannt, bei denen auf einer Platte oder auf einem Fußteil eine senkrecht nach oben stehende Hülse vorgesehen ist, welche zur Aufnahme des unteren Endes des Christbaumstammes dient. In der Umfangswand der Hülse sind im gleichmäßigen Abstand umlaufend Klemmschrauben vorgesehen, welche die Hülse durchsetzen und zum Einklemmen und damit zum Festlegen des Christbaumstammes im Inneren der Hülse dienen. Nachteilig hierbei ist, daß über die zumeist nur mit Fingerkraft zu betätigenden Klemmschrauben eine nur geringe Klemmwirkung auf den Stamm aufgebracht werden kann, so daß die Befestigung eines Christbaumes mit diesen bekannten Christbaumständern nicht zufriedenstellend ist. Weiterhin ist das exakt senkrechte Ausrichten des Christbaumstammes, was aus ästhetischen Gründen wünschenswert ist, nur sehr schwer zu bewerkstelligen. Schließlich bedarf das Ausrichten und Klemmen der Hilfe einer zweiten Person, da ein gleichzeitiges Halten des Baumes und Anziehen der Klemmschrauben praktisch nicht möglich ist.Christmas tree stands are known in which a vertically upright sleeve is provided on a plate or on a foot part, which serves to receive the lower end of the Christmas tree trunk. In the circumferential wall of the sleeve, clamping screws are provided all around at regular intervals, which penetrate the sleeve and are used for clamping and thus for fixing the Christmas tree trunk inside the sleeve. The disadvantage here is that only a slight clamping effect can be applied to the trunk via the clamping screws, which can usually only be actuated by finger force, so that the fastening of a Christmas tree with these known Christmas tree stands is not satisfactory. Furthermore, the exact vertical alignment of the Christmas tree trunk, which is desirable for aesthetic reasons, is very difficult to achieve. Finally, the alignment and clamping requires the help of a second person, since it is practically impossible to hold the tree and tighten the clamping screws at the same time.

Es ist auch bekannt, den Stamm des Christbaumes in einer entsprechend überdimensionierten Bohrung eines Fußteiles mittels Holzkeilen festzulegen.It is also known to fix the trunk of the Christmas tree in a correspondingly oversized hole in a foot part by means of wooden wedges.

Die DE-AS 23 52 892 zeigt einen Halteständer, insbesondere zum Aufstellen von Christbäumen, bei dem in bekannter Weise auf einer Bodenplatte eine Aufnahmehülse senkrecht angeordnet ist. Im Inneren dieser Aufnahmehülse ist eine zweite Hülse gleitbeweglich geführt und stützt sich mit ihrem bodenseitigen Ende auf einer entsprechend dimensionierten Druckfeder ab. Diese innere koaxial bewegliche Hülse dient zur Aufnahme des Stammes des Christbaumes. An der äußeren Hülse sind in deren oberem Randbereich Bügel derart angeordnet, daß sie in Richtung auf die Mittelachse der beiden Hülsen schwenkbeweglich sind. Zur Befestigung eines Christbaumstammes in diesem bekannten Halteständer wird das untere Ende des Stammes in die innere koaxial gleitbeweglich geführte Hülse eingeführt und dann zusammen mit der Hülse entgegen der Federkraft in der äußeren Hülse nach unten geführt. Im Zuge der durch Schwerkraft unterstützten Bewegung des Stammes zusammen mit der inneren Hülse können die an der äußeren Hülse vorgesehenen Bügel nach innen schwenken, gelangen dort mit der Umfangsoberfläche des Baumstammes in Anlage und zentrieren diesen. Nachteilig hierbei ist, daß dieser bekannte Christbaumständer nur in einem bestimmten Durchmesserbereich des Christbaumstammes ordnungsgemäß arbeitet, wobei darüberhinaus bei einer wesentlichen Abweichung des Stammquerschnittes von der Kreisform ein einwandfreies senkrechtes Halten und Zentrieren des Stammes nicht mehr möglich ist.DE-AS 23 52 892 shows a support stand, in particular for setting up Christmas trees, in which a receiving sleeve is arranged vertically on a base plate in a known manner. Inside this receptacle is one second sleeve slidably guided and is supported with its bottom end on a correspondingly dimensioned compression spring. This inner coaxially movable sleeve is used to hold the trunk of the Christmas tree. Brackets are arranged on the outer sleeve in its upper edge area such that they can be pivoted in the direction of the central axis of the two sleeves. To fix a Christmas tree trunk in this known support stand, the lower end of the trunk is inserted into the inner coaxially guided sleeve and then together with the sleeve against the spring force in the outer sleeve down. In the course of the movement of the trunk, supported by gravity, together with the inner sleeve, the brackets provided on the outer sleeve can pivot inward, come into contact with the peripheral surface of the tree trunk and center it. The disadvantage here is that this known Christmas tree stand only works properly in a certain diameter range of the Christmas tree trunk, in addition, with a substantial deviation of the trunk cross-section from the circular shape, proper vertical holding and centering of the trunk is no longer possible.

Die DE-PS 25 47 184 zeigt einen Baumständer, bei dem der zu befestigende Baumstamm in einer mit Schlitzen versehenen Hülse geführt ist, wobei ein keilförmiger Verdrängungskörper nach Art einer Überwurfmutter auf den äußeren Umfang der Hülse aufgeschraubt wird und durch sein keilförmiges Verdrängungsprofil radial angeordnete Preßbacken in Richtung auf den Baumstamm drängt. Durch die sich radial nach innen bewegenden Preßbacken wird der in der Hülse geführte Baumstamm schließlich eingeklemmt und lagefixiert. Auch bei diesem bekannten Baumständer ist nachteilig, daß bei einer Abweichung des Baumstammquerschnittes von der Kreisform eine ungleichmäßige Anlage der Preßbacken und somit eine ungenügende Befestigung einerseits und eine nicht völlig senkrechte Ausrichtung andererseits erfolgt.DE-PS 25 47 184 shows a tree stand in which the tree trunk to be fastened is guided in a sleeve provided with slots, a wedge-shaped displacement body being screwed onto the outer circumference of the sleeve in the manner of a union nut and radially arranged pressing jaws due to its wedge-shaped displacement profile pushing towards the tree trunk. The tree trunk guided in the sleeve is finally clamped and fixed in position by the press jaws moving radially inwards. It is also disadvantageous in this known tree stand that if the cross-section of the tree trunk deviates from the circular shape, the pressing jaws are not positioned uniformly and thus are insufficient Fastening on the one hand and a not completely vertical alignment on the other hand.

Die DE-OS 30 03 233 und auch die US-PS 2,260,932 zeigen eine Vorrichtung zur vertikalen Halterung stabförmiger Gegenstände, insbesondere von Baumstämmen, bei der mittels eines aufwendigen Spanndrahtsystems der zu befestigende Baumstamm in einer entsprechenden Halterung nach Art eines Schiffsmastes verspannt und gehalten wird. Abgesehen davon,daß sich die Spanndrähte über einen nicht unerheblichen Teil der Länge des Baumstammes erstrecken, sind diese bekannten Vorrichtungen ausgesprochen aufwendig in ihrer Bauweise und darüberhinaus umständlich zu bedienen.DE-OS 30 03 233 and also US Pat. No. 2,260,932 show a device for the vertical holding of rod-shaped objects, in particular tree trunks, in which the tree trunk to be fastened is clamped and held in a corresponding holder in the manner of a ship's mast by means of a complex tension wire system. In addition to the fact that the tensioning wires extend over a not inconsiderable part of the length of the tree trunk, these known devices are extremely complex in their construction and, moreover, are difficult to operate.

Die DE-PS 20 42 zeigt einen Christbaumhalter mit einem mit vertikal verlaufenden Durchbrüchen versehenen Zylinder, der senkrecht auf ein Fußteil oder Gestell aufgesetzt ist. Die schlitzförmigen Ausnehmungen werden von Bügeln durchsetzt, welche in horizontal verlaufenden Drehachsen derart geführt sind, daß sie eine Schwenkbewegung ausführen können. Das obere Ende der Bügel ist scharfkantig zugespitzt, während das untere Ende stumpf ist und in Ruhestellung des Bügels ins Innere des Zylinders vorragt. Beim Einführen des Christbaumstammes in das Innere des Zylinders gelangt im Zuge der nach unten gerichteten Einführbewegung das untere Ende des Baumstammes in Anlage mit den nach innen vorragenden Enden der Bügel, so daß diese um die horizontalen Achsen schwenken und die mit den scharfkantigen Haltespitzen versehenen Enden der Bügel ins Innere des Zylinders eingedrückt werden, wo sie sich im Holzmaterial des Baumstammes verkrallen und den Baumstamm halten sollen. Nachteilig hierbei ist, daß bereits im Zuge der Einführbewegung die Haltekräfte aufgebracht werden sollen, so daß bei einem fortlaufenden Einführen des Baumstammes in die Halterung progressiv anwachsende Kräfte überwunden werden müssen, welche schließlich so hoch werden, daß der Baumstamm nicht weiter in die Halterung eingeführt werden kann, obwohl die Haltekanten oder -klauen an den Bügeln noch nicht für eine ausreichend sichere seitliche Fixierung gesorgt haben.DE-PS 20 42 shows a Christmas tree holder with a cylinder provided with vertical openings, which is placed vertically on a foot part or frame. The slot-shaped recesses are penetrated by brackets which are guided in horizontal axes of rotation such that they can perform a pivoting movement. The upper end of the bracket is sharply tapered, while the lower end is blunt and protrudes into the interior of the cylinder when the bracket is at rest. When inserting the Christmas tree trunk into the interior of the cylinder, the lower end of the tree trunk comes into contact with the inwardly projecting ends of the brackets in the course of the downward insertion movement, so that these pivot about the horizontal axes and the ends of the sharp-edged holding tips Brackets are pressed into the interior of the cylinder, where they should claw in the wood material of the tree trunk and hold the tree trunk. The disadvantage here is that the holding forces should already be applied in the course of the insertion movement, so that with a continuous insertion of the tree trunk into the holder, progressively increasing forces have to be overcome, which eventually become so high that the tree trunk is no longer inserted into the holder can be used, although the retaining edges or claws on the brackets have not yet provided a sufficiently secure lateral fixation.

Aus der DE-OS 23 581 51 ist ein Christbaumständer bekanntgeworden, der im wesentlichen aus einem Aufnahmeteil zur Aufnahme des unteren Endes des Christbaumstammes und sich hiervon radial nach außen erstreckenden ausziehbaren Beinen besteht. Das Aufnahmeteil weist beispielsweise drei Klemmpratzen oder Halteklauen auf, welche über eine gemeinsame Spanneinrichtung und ein dazwischengeschaltetes Kniehebelgelenk in Richtung auf die Stammoberfläche bewegbar und von dieser wegbewegbar sind. Durch eine Betätigung der Spanneinrichtung, welche im Ausführungsbeispiel eine Spannschraube ist, wird eine horizontale Platte auf- und abbewegt, und an der Platte angelenkte Kniehobelverbindungen wirken auf die einzelnen Klemmpratzen ein. Wie bei den anderen genannten Christbaumständern nach dem Stand der Technik ist es auch beim Christbaumständer gemäß der DE-OS 23 58 151 nachteilig, daß aufgrund der gleichzeitigen, zwangläufig geführten Bewegung der einzelnen Klemmpratzen unrunde Baumstämme nur sehr schwer exakt vertikal eingespannt werden können. Beim Gegenstand der DE-OS 23 58 151 erfolgt daher das abschließende genaue Ausrichten des eingespannten Christbaumstammes in vertikaler Richtung durch Stellschrauben an den radial äußeren Enden der Standbeine, mittels derer entweder Unebenheiten des Bodens ausgeglichen werden können, um den Weihnachtsbaum ins Lot zu bringen, oder aber eine schiefe Einspannung des Christbaumstammes kompensierbar ist, um den Weihnachtsbaum in vertikaler Lage aufstellen zu können.A Christmas tree stand has become known from DE-OS 23 581 51, which essentially consists of a receiving part for receiving the lower end of the Christmas tree trunk and radially outwardly extending legs. The receiving part has, for example, three clamping claws or holding claws, which can be moved in the direction of the trunk surface and moved away from it via a common clamping device and an intervening toggle joint. By actuating the tensioning device, which in the exemplary embodiment is a tensioning screw, a horizontal plate is moved up and down, and knee plane connections articulated on the plate act on the individual clamping claws. As with the other mentioned Christmas tree stands according to the prior art, it is also disadvantageous in the Christmas tree stand according to DE-OS 23 58 151 that, due to the simultaneous, inevitably guided movement of the individual clamping claws, out-of-round tree trunks can only be very difficult to clamp exactly vertically. In the subject of DE-OS 23 58 151, the final precise alignment of the clamped Christmas tree trunk takes place in the vertical direction by means of adjusting screws on the radially outer ends of the legs, by means of which either unevenness in the floor can be compensated to bring the Christmas tree into balance, or but an oblique clamping of the Christmas tree trunk can be compensated in order to be able to set up the Christmas tree in a vertical position.

Aus der US-A-3 231 226 ist ein gattungsgemäßer Christbaumständer bekannt, bei dem die Abstützung des Baumstammes gegenüber einem Fußteil durch insgesamt drei bügelförmige klappbewegliche Stützstreben erfolgt, die mit einem Ende schwenkbar an dem Fußteil gelagert sind und mit ihrem anderen Ende an den Stamm des Christbaums anlegbar sind. Weiterhin vorgesehen ist eine Drahtlitze oder dergleichen, die über eine Schrauben-/Mutteranordnung um die an dem Baumstamm anliegenden Enden der Stützstreben herumlegbar und anziehbar ist, so daß die freien Enden der Stützstreben gegen den Stamm des Christbaums gedrückt werden und diesen in der eingespannten Stellung halten sollen.From US-A-3 231 226 a generic Christmas tree stand is known, in which the support of the tree trunk against a foot part is carried out by a total of three bow-shaped hinged support struts which are pivotally supported at one end on the foot part and at the other end to the trunk of the Christmas tree can be created. Furthermore, a wire strand or the like is provided, which can be placed and tightened via a screw / nut arrangement around the ends of the support struts resting on the tree trunk, so that the free ends of the support struts are pressed against the trunk of the Christmas tree and hold it in the clamped position should.

Nachteilig bei dem gattungsgemäßen Christbaumständer ist zunächst, daß durch die als Flügelmutter oder dergleichen ausgebildete Spanneinrichtung nur vergleichsweise geringe Spannkräfte auf die Drahtlitze und somit auch nur entsprechend geringe Haltekräfte auf den Christbaumstamm aufgebracht werden können. Weiterhin ist bei dem gattungsgemäßen Christbaumständer ein sicheres, d.h. standfestes Aufstellen eines Christbaums nur bedingt oder schwierig zu bewerkstelligen, insbesondere von einer einzelnen Person. Die Gründe hierfür sind zunächst das bereits erwähnte umständliche und kraftaufwendige Spannen der Drahtlitze mittels der Flügelmutter, wobei dieses Spannen im Falle einer einzelnen Person nur mit einer Hand erfolgen kann, da zugleich der Christbaum noch mit der anderen Hand gehalten werden muß, bis der Einspannvorgang abgeschlossen worden ist. Weiterhin ist der fertig eingespannte Christbaum nur mangelhaft an seitlichen Kippbewegungen gehindert, da die Ausgestaltung der Stützstreben und deren Lagefixierung am Stamm mittels der zu spannenden Drahtlitze Gleitbewegungen des Baumstammes gegenüber den Anlagebereichen der Stützstreben ermöglicht. Kippbewegungen des Baumstammes werden also von dem Christbaumständer nicht sicher verhindert, da die flexible Ausgestaltung der gesamten Stütz- und Spannvorrichtung ein gewisses Nachgeben erlaubt. Ein einseitig stark belasteter Baum kann sich daher im Laufe der Zeit in Richtung der Belastungsseite neigen, wobei die Anlageenden der Stützstreben aufgrund der vergleichsweise geringen, mittels der Flügelschraube aufzubringenden Spannkräfte einerseits und der statisch ungünstigen Ausgestaltung der gesamten Halte- und Spanneinrichtung andererseits nachgeben.A disadvantage of the generic Christmas tree stand is first that only relatively low clamping forces can be applied to the wire strand and thus only correspondingly low holding forces can be applied to the Christmas tree trunk by the clamping device designed as a wing nut or the like. Furthermore, with the generic Christmas tree stand, a secure, ie stable, installation of a Christmas tree is only partially or difficult to accomplish, in particular by a single person. The reasons for this are first of all the already mentioned laborious and forceful tensioning of the wire strand by means of the wing nut, whereby this tensioning can only be done with one hand in the case of a single person, since at the same time the Christmas tree still has to be held with the other hand until the clamping process is completed has been. Furthermore, the fully clamped Christmas tree is poorly prevented from lateral tilting movements, since the design of the support struts and their position fixing on the trunk by means of the wire strand to be tensioned allows sliding movements of the tree trunk relative to the contact areas of the support struts. So the tree trunk tilts not reliably prevented by the Christmas tree stand, since the flexible design of the entire support and tensioning device allows a certain amount of yielding. A tree that is heavily loaded on one side can therefore lean towards the load side over time, the contact ends of the support struts yielding on the one hand due to the comparatively low clamping forces to be applied by means of the wing screw and the structurally unfavorable design of the entire holding and clamping device on the other.

Demgegenüber liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Christbaumständer nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 derart auszubilden, daß ein hiermit aufgestellter Baum einfach und trotzdem standfest aufgestellt werden kann.In contrast, the object of the invention is to design a Christmas tree stand according to the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that a tree set up with it can be set up in a simple yet stable manner.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe erfolgt erfindungsgemäß durch die im Anspruch 1 angegebenen Merkmale.This object is achieved according to the invention by the features specified in claim 1.

Dadurch, daß das eine Ende des Kraftübertragungselementes unmittelbar und das andere Ende des Kraftübertragungselementes mittelbar über die Spanneinrichtung mit dem Fußteil verbunden ist, ergibt sich eine statisch einwandfreie und definierte Festlegung des Baumstammes in dem Christbaumständer. Etwaige Kipp- oder Ausweichbewegungen des Baumes im eingepannten Zustand werden von dem als zusätzliche Verspannung wirkenden Kraftübertragungselement mittelbar und/oder unmittelbar über die Spanneinrichtung in das Fußteil eingeleitet und von diesem aufgenommen, so daß der Baumstamm sicher und fest steht.The fact that one end of the force transmission element is directly connected and the other end of the force transmission element is connected indirectly to the foot part via the tensioning device results in a statically correct and defined fixing of the tree trunk in the Christmas tree stand. Any tilting or evasive movements of the tree in the clamped state are initiated and taken up by the force transmission element acting as additional bracing indirectly and / or directly via the tensioning device in the foot part, so that the tree trunk stands securely and firmly.

Die Unteransprüche haben vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung zum Inhalt.The dependent claims contain advantageous developments of the invention.

Durch die Maßnahmen des Anspruches 2, wonach die Schwenkachsen der Halteelemente in einer ihnen gemeinsamen Ebene angeordnet sind, wird vorteilhaft eine gleichmäßige Anlage der Halteelemente an die Umfangsoberfläche des freien Endes des Baumstammes erreicht.The measures of claim 2, according to which the pivot axes of the holding elements are arranged in a plane common to them, advantageously achieve a uniform contact of the holding elements with the peripheral surface of the free end of the tree trunk.

Durch die Maßnahmen der Ansprüche 3 bis 5 wird in baulich einfacher Weise vorteilhaft erreicht, daß erhebliche einstellbare Kräfte auf die Umfangsoberfläche des freien Endes des Christbaumes aufgebracht werden können.The measures of claims 3 to 5 advantageously achieve in a structurally simple manner that considerable adjustable forces can be applied to the peripheral surface of the free end of the Christmas tree.

Durch die Ausgestaltung der freien Endbereiche der Halteelemente in Form von Klauen, die sich mit zunehmender Haltekraft in dem Baumstamm verkrallen, wird gemäß Anspruch 6, in einfacher Weise eine besonders zuverlässige Halterung des Stammes erreicht, insbesondere wenn gemäß Anspruch 7 hierbei eine in Richtung des Fußteils weisende Kraftkomponente erzeugt wird.By designing the free end regions of the holding elements in the form of claws, which claw in the tree trunk with increasing holding force, particularly reliable holding of the trunk is achieved in accordance with claim 6, in particular if one in the direction of the foot part in this case pointing force component is generated.

Durch die Ausgestaltung der Erfindung gemäß den Ansprüchen 8 bis 11 wird ein Christbaumständer geschaffen, der sich einfach und insbesondere preiswert herstellen läßt.By designing the invention according to claims 8 to 11, a Christmas tree stand is created which can be easily and in particular inexpensively manufactured.

Weitere Einzelheiten und Vorteile der vorliegenden Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung einer Ausführungsform anhand der Zeichnung.Further details and advantages of the present invention result from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing.

Es zeigt:

Fig. 1
schematisch stark vereinfacht in einer teilweisen seitlichen Schnittdarstellung eine erste Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
Fig. 2
schematisch stark vereinfacht eine Draufsicht von oben auf die Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 1;
Fig. 3
eine andere Ausgestaltungsmöglichkeit des Christbaumständers; und
Fig. 4
eine zweite Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.
It shows:
Fig. 1
schematically greatly simplified in a partial side sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2
schematically greatly simplified a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
Fig. 3
another design option for the Christmas tree stand; and
Fig. 4
a second embodiment of the present invention.

Ein in der Zeichnung allgemein mit 2 bezeichneter Christbaumständer weist gemäß Fig. 1 im wesentlichen ein Fußteil 4, beispielsweise eine massive Metallplatte, ein Dreiecksständer oder dgl., und ein hierauf angeordnetes Aufnahmeteil 6 auf, welches zur Aufnahme eines in der Zeichnung nicht näher dargestellten Stammes des Christbaumes dient. Das Aufnahmeteil 6 besteht im wesentlichen aus einem Kreiszylinder 8 mit zum Fußteil 4 senkrechten Seitenwänden sowie einem hierin koaxial angeordneten Aufnahmekegel 10, dessen Seitenwand gemäß der Darstellung in Fig. 1 derart geneigt ist, daß sich der Aufnahmekegel 10 ausgehend von dem Fußteil 4 nach oben hin zum Randbereich des Zylinders 8 erweitert. Mittig in dem Aufnahmekegel 10 ist ein Zentrierdorn 12 senkrecht nach oben stehend angeordnet. Wie insbesondere aus Fig. 2 hervorgeht, sind am äußeren Umfang des Aufnahmeteiles 6 bzw. dessen Zylinder 8 mehrere Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 vorgesehen. Die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 sind hierbei schwenkbeweglich in am äußeren Umfang des Zylinders 8 vorgesehenen bzw. hieran befestigten Lagerstützen 22, 24, 26 und 28 mittels Schwenkachsen 30, 32, 24 und 36 schwenkbeweglich gelagert. Die den Schwenkachsen 30, 32, 34 und 36 gegenüberliegenden Endbereiche der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 bilden Anlagebereiche 38, 40, 42 und 44, welche zur Anlage an einen in dem erfindungsgemäßen Christbaumständer 2 zu befestigenden Christbaumstamm dienen, wie noch erläutert werden wird. Die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 sind um die Schwenkachsen 30, 32, 34 und 36 zwischen einer Lösestellung, in der der Christbaum frei in den Aufnahmekegel 10 einführbar bzw. aus diesem entnehmbar ist, und einer Haltestellung schwenkbar, in der die Anlagebereiche 38, 40, 42 und 44 den Christbaumstamm zwischen sich lagefixieren.A Christmas tree stand, generally designated 2 in the drawing, has, in accordance with FIG. 1, essentially a foot part 4, for example a solid metal plate, a triangular stand or the like, and a receiving part 6 arranged thereon for receiving a trunk (not shown in more detail in the drawing) of the Christmas tree. The receiving part 6 consists essentially of a circular cylinder 8 with side walls perpendicular to the foot part 4 and a receiving cone 10 arranged coaxially therein, the side wall of which is inclined as shown in FIG. 1 such that the receiving cone 10 starts from the foot part 4 upwards extended to the edge region of the cylinder 8. In the center of the receiving cone 10, a centering mandrel 12 is arranged standing vertically upwards. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 2, a plurality of holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are provided on the outer circumference of the receiving part 6 or its cylinder 8. The holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are here pivotably mounted in bearing supports 22, 24, 26 and 28 provided on or attached to the outer circumference of the cylinder 8 by means of pivot axes 30, 32, 24 and 36. The end regions of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 opposite the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 form contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44, which are used for contact with a Christmas tree trunk 2 to be fastened in the Christmas tree stand 2 according to the invention, as will be explained below becomes. The holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are pivotable about the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 between a release position in which the Christmas tree can be freely inserted into and removed from the receiving cone 10 and a holding position in which the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 fix the Christmas tree trunk between them.

Zum Überführen der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 aus ihrer Lösestellung in die Haltestellung ist eine Spanneinrichtung 46 vorgesehen, welche über ein Kraftübertragungselement 48 auf die einzelnen Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 einwirkt. In dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 weist die Spanneinrichtung 46 einen handelsüblichen Rastklinkenmechanismus 50 auf, der sich sowohl an dem Fußteil 4 als auch dem Zylinder 8 über geeignete Stege 52 und 54 abstützt und bei dem über einen beweglichen Spannhebel 56 eine mit einer Klinkensperre 58 versehene Wickelwalze 60 in Drehung versetzbar ist. Der Spannhebel 56 ist hierbei mittels einer Zugfeder 62 in Richtung auf den Zylinder 8 bzw. seine Neutralstellung vorgespannt. Die Sperrung der Klinkensperre 58 kann über einen entsprechenden Entriegelungsbügel 64 aufgehoben werden, so daß die Walze 60 frei drehbar ist. Insgesamt ist der Aufbau und die Funktionsweise der Spanneinrichtung 46 in Form des Rastklinkenmechanismus 50 allgemein bekannt. Das Kraftübertragungselement 48 ist im Falle der Ausführungsform von Fig. 1 und 2 ein Stahlseil 66, welches gemäß Fig. 1 mit einem Ende auf der Walze 60 befestigt ist und von dieser aufgenommen werden kann. Ausgehend von der Walze 60 durchläuft das Stahlseil 66 entsprechend dimensionierte Bohrungen 68, 70, 72 und 74 in den Halteelementen 14, 16, 18 und 20, wie insbesondere aus Fig. 2 hervorgeht. Nachdem das Stahlseil 66 die Bohrung 74 in dem Halteelement 18 durchtreten hat, wird das verbleibende freie Ende des Stahlseiles 66 in geeigneter Weise entweder an dem Fußteil 4 oder im Bereich des Aufnahmeteiles 6 befestigt. Dies kann durch ein Seilschloß 76 oder dgl. erfolgen.To transfer the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 from their release position into the holding position, a tensioning device 46 is provided, which acts on the individual holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 via a force transmission element 48. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tensioning device 46 has a commercially available latch mechanism 50, which is supported both on the foot part 4 and on the cylinder 8 by means of suitable webs 52 and 54, and in which one with a latch lock via a movable tensioning lever 56 58 provided winding roller 60 is rotatable. The tensioning lever 56 is biased in the direction of the cylinder 8 or its neutral position by means of a tension spring 62. The locking of the pawl lock 58 can be released via a corresponding unlocking bracket 64, so that the roller 60 is freely rotatable. Overall, the structure and mode of operation of the tensioning device 46 in the form of the latch mechanism 50 is generally known. In the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the force transmission element 48 is a steel cable 66 which, according to FIG. 1, is attached at one end to the roller 60 and can be received by the latter. Starting from the roller 60, the steel cable 66 passes through appropriately dimensioned bores 68, 70, 72 and 74 in the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 2. After the steel cable 66 has passed through the bore 74 in the holding element 18, the remaining free end of the steel cable 66 is fastened in a suitable manner either to the foot part 4 or in the region of the receiving part 6. This can be done by a cable lock 76 or the like.

Wie insbesondere aus der Draufsicht gemäß Fig. 2 hervorgeht, umschlingt somit das als Kraftübertragungselement 48 dienende Stahlseil 66, ausgehend von der Spanneinrichtung 46, eine Einstecköffnung 78 im Bereich der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 zu etwa 75% und durchsetzt hierbei die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 in den Bohrungen 68, 70, 72 und 74.As can be seen in particular from the top view according to FIG. 2, the steel cable 66 serving as the force transmission element 48, starting from the tensioning device 46, thus wraps around 75% of an insertion opening 78 in the region of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 and penetrates the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 in holes 68, 70, 72 and 74.

Solange das Stahlseil 66 schlaff ist, d. h. solange es nicht über die Spanneinrichtung 46 gespannt ist, werden die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 durch Rückstellfedern 80, 82, 84 und 86 in Richtung ihrer Lösestellung vorgespannt.As long as the steel cable 66 is slack, i.e. H. as long as it is not tensioned over the tensioning device 46, the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are prestressed in the direction of their release position by return springs 80, 82, 84 and 86.

Die Funktionsweise des bisher beschriebenen erfindungsgemäßen Christbaumständers ist wie folgt:
Der in dem Christbaumständer 2 zu befestigende Christbaum wird mit dem freien Ende seines Stammes in die Einstecköffnung 78 zwischen den Anlagebereichen 38, 40, 42 und 44 der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 in Fig. 1 nach unten in den Aufnahmekegel 10 des Zylinders 8 bzw. des Aufnahmeteiles 6 eingeführt. Über den Zentrierdorn 12 erfolgt sodann eine erste vorläufige Lagefixierung des Stammes in horizontaler Richtung. Der gesamte Christbaum wird nun von Hand in eine vertikale Stellung gebracht, wonach dann die selbe Person, die den Baumstamm in vertikaler Lage hält, durch Betätigung des Spannhebels 56 die Walze 60 in Drehung versetzt, so daß das Stahlseil 66 sukzessive auf die Walze 60 aufgewickelt wird und sich spannt. Die Betätigung des Spannhebels 56 erfolgt hierbei besonders vorteilhaft durch Fußbetätigung von ein und derselben Person, die den Baumstamm in vertikaler Stellung hält. Dadurch, daß das als Kraftübertragungselement 48 fungierende Stahlseil 66 durch Betätigung des Spannhebels 56 der Spanneinrichtung 46 nach und nach auf der Walze 60 aufgewickelt wird, wobei das andere freie Ende des Stahlseiles 66 in dem Seilschloß 76 festgelegt ist, bewirkt die sich in dem Stahlseil 66 aufbauende Zugspannung sowie weiterhin die sich verringernde Länge des Stahlseiles 66 allgemein, daß die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 in Fig. 1 und 2 in Richtung auf eine Symmetrieachse zubewegt werden, wobei die Symmetrieachse als axiale Verlängerung des Zentrierdornes 12 zu verstehen ist. Das sich sukzessiv verkürzende Stahlseil 66 zieht die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 entgegen der Kraft der Rückstellfedern 80, 82,84 und 86 nach innen, wobei die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 entsprechende Schwenkbewegungen um die Schwenkachsen 30, 32, 34 und 36 ausführen, so daß sich die Anlagebereiche 38, 40, 42 und 44 sukzessive an die Oberfläche des Baumstammes annähern. Die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 schwenken hierbei in Ebenen, die sich gemäß Fig. 2 im wesentlichen in der Symmetrieachse schneiden.
The functioning of the Christmas tree stand according to the invention described so far is as follows:
The Christmas tree to be fastened in the Christmas tree stand 2 is with the free end of its trunk in the insertion opening 78 between the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 in Fig. 1 down into the receiving cone 10 of the cylinder 8 or the receiving part 6 introduced. A first provisional fixation of the trunk in the horizontal direction then takes place via the centering mandrel 12. The entire Christmas tree is now brought into a vertical position by hand, after which the same person who holds the tree trunk in a vertical position sets the roller 60 in rotation by actuating the tensioning lever 56, so that the steel cable 66 is successively wound onto the roller 60 will and tensions. The actuation of the tensioning lever 56 takes place particularly advantageously by foot actuation by one and the same person, who holds the tree trunk in a vertical position. Characterized in that the steel cable 66 acting as a power transmission element 48 is gradually wound on the roller 60 by actuating the tensioning lever 56 of the tensioning device 46, the other free end of the steel cable 66 being fixed in the cable lock 76, which results in the steel cable 66 building tensile stress and also the decreasing length of the steel cable 66 in general that the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 in Fig. 1 and 2 are moved in the direction of an axis of symmetry, the axis of symmetry being understood as an axial extension of the centering mandrel 12. The successively shortening steel cable 66 pulls the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 inward against the force of the return springs 80, 82, 84 and 86, the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 corresponding pivotal movements about the pivot axes 30, 32, Execute 34 and 36 so that the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 gradually approach the surface of the tree trunk. The holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 pivot here in planes which essentially intersect in the axis of symmetry according to FIG. 2.

Dadurch, daß das Stahlseil 66 die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 in den jeweiligen Bohrungen 68, 70, 72 und 74 durchsetzt, wird die von der Spanneinrichtung 46 aufgebrachte Spannkraft gleichzeitig auf sämtliche Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 übertragen und im wesentlichen gleichmäßig auf die einzelnen Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 verteilt, was zu dem folgenden wesentlichen Vorteil führt:Characterized in that the steel cable 66 passes through the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 in the respective bores 68, 70, 72 and 74, the clamping force applied by the tensioning device 46 is simultaneously transmitted to all holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 and in distributed substantially evenly over the individual holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20, which leads to the following essential advantage:

Im folgenden sei angenommen, daß das Halteelement 14 gemäß Fig. 2 mit seinem Anlagebereich 38 im Zuge seiner Schwenkbewegung als erstes an die Oberfläche des eingeführten Baumstammes anschlägt, da der Baumstamm im Bereich des Halteelementes 14 eine unregelmäßige Vorwölbung haben möge. Bei einer weiterführenden Betätigung der Spanneinrichtung 46 wird das Stahlseil 46 weiterhin von der Walze 60 aufgenommen und eine entsprechende Spannkraft von dem Stahlseil 66 übertragen. Das Halteelement 14, dessen Anlagebereich 38 an der Oberfläche des Baumstammes anliegt, übt jedoch keinerlei Krafteinwirkung auf den Baumstamm aus, da das Stahlseil 66 die Bohrung 70 praktisch kraftfrei durchlaufen kann und somit nur die verbleibenden Halteelemente 16, 18 und 20 sukzessive auf die Umfangsoberfläche des Baumstammes zubewegt werden. Dasjenige der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20, das die Umfangsoberfläche des Baumstammes zuerst erreicht hat, legt sich also im wesentlichen kraftfrei an diese Oberfläche solange an, bis die verbleibenden Halteelemente ebenfalls - entweder dann gleichzeitig oder auch zeitlich aufeinanderfolgend die Stammoberfläche erreicht haben. Erst wenn sämtliche Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 mit ihren entsprechenden Anlagebereichen 38, 40, 42 und 44 an der Umfangsoberfläche des Baumstammes anliegen, wirkt die von der Spanneinrichtung 46 auf das Stahlseil 66 aufgebrachte Kraft wieder im wesentlichen gleichmäßig verteilt auf sämtliche Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20, so daß nun die Anlagebereiche 38, 40, 42 und 44 unter der Kraft der Spanneinrichtung 46 an den Umfang des Baumstammes angedrückt werden.In the following it is assumed that the holding element 14 according to FIG. 2 with its contact area 38 strikes the surface of the inserted tree trunk first as the tree trunk is in the area of the retaining element 14 may have an irregular bulge. Upon further actuation of the tensioning device 46, the steel cable 46 is still taken up by the roller 60 and a corresponding tensioning force is transmitted from the steel cable 66. However, the holding element 14, the contact area 38 of which rests on the surface of the tree trunk, does not exert any force on the tree trunk, since the steel cable 66 can pass through the bore 70 practically without force and thus only the remaining holding elements 16, 18 and 20 successively on the peripheral surface of the tree Tree trunk to be moved. The one of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 that has reached the peripheral surface of the tree trunk first comes into contact with this surface essentially without force until the remaining holding elements have likewise reached the trunk surface either then or simultaneously in succession. Only when all the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 with their corresponding contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 bear against the circumferential surface of the tree trunk, does the force exerted by the tensioning device 46 on the steel cable 66 again have an essentially uniform distribution on all holding elements 14 , 16, 18 and 20, so that now the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 are pressed under the force of the clamping device 46 to the circumference of the tree trunk.

Es versteht sich, daß als Alternative zu der aus den Fig. 1 und 2 ersichtlichen Anordnung, wonach sich die als Angriffspunkte des Stahlseils 66 an den Halteelementen 14, 16, 18 und 20 dienenden Bohrungen 68, 70, 72 und 74 oberhalb der Schwenkachsen 30, 32, 34 und 36 der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 befinden, vorgesehen werden kann, die Angriffspunkte des Stahlseils 66 in dem sich unterhalb der Schwenkachsen 30, 32, 34 und 36 der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 befindenden Bereich anzuordnen. In diesem Fall ist das Stahlseil 66 in den Bereichen zwischen den Halteelementen 14, 16, 18 und 20 beispielsweise durch in Halterungen angeordnete Bohrungen oder Ösen hindurchgeführt, die einen größeren radialen Abstand von dem Zentrierdorn 12 besitzen als die Schwenkachsen 30, 32, 34 und 36 der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20. Dabei können die Halterungen entweder unmittelbar an dem Fußteil 4 oder an einer mit dem Fußteil 4 verbundenen Abdeckung befestigt sein. Bei einem Anspannen des Stahlseils 66 durch Betätigung der Spanneinrichtung 46 werden die unterhalb der Schwenkachsen 30, 32, 34 und 36 liegenden Abschnitte der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20, welche gegenüber der in Fig. 1 beispielhaft veranschaulichten Ausführung vorzugsweise eine größere Länge besitzen, nach außen verschwenkt, so daß die oberhalb der Schwenkachsen 30, 32, 34 und 36 liegenden Abschnitte der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 entsprechend nach innen verschwenkt werden und die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 sich mit ihren Anlagebereichen 38, 40, 42 und 44 in der erläuterten Weise an den Stamm des Christbaums anlegen. Durch die beschriebene alternative Führung des als Kraftübertragungselement 48 dienenden Stahlseils 66 in dem unterhalb der Schwenkachsen 30, 32, 34 und 36 der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 liegenden Bereich wird es vorteilhaft möglich, die Führung des Stahlseils 66 mittels einer eine mittige Ausnehmung zum Durchtritt des Christbaumstammes aufweisenden, vorzugsweise rotationssymetrischen Abdeckhaube das Stahlseil 66, die Spanneinrichtung 46 sowie die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 mit Ausnahme ihrer in der Nähe der Anlagebereiche 38, 40, 42 und 44 liegenden Abschnitte praktisch vollständig abzudecken.It is understood that as an alternative to the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to which the holes 68, 70, 72 and 74 serving as points of engagement of the steel cable 66 on the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 above the pivot axes 30th , 32, 34 and 36 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20, can be provided, the points of engagement of the steel cable 66 in the area below the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 to arrange. In this case, the steel cable 66 is in the areas between the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20, for example, through bores arranged in brackets or eyelets which have a greater radial distance from the centering pin 12 than the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20. The brackets can either be directly on the foot part 4 or on one with the foot part 4 connected cover to be attached. When the steel cable 66 is tightened by actuating the tensioning device 46, the sections of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 lying below the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36, which preferably have a greater length than the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , pivoted outwards so that the sections of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 lying above the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 are pivoted accordingly inwards and the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 with their contact areas 38, Place 40, 42 and 44 in the manner described on the trunk of the Christmas tree. The described alternative guidance of the steel cable 66 serving as the force transmission element 48 in the region lying below the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 makes it advantageously possible to guide the steel cable 66 by means of a central recess for the passage of the Christmas tree trunk, preferably with rotationally symmetrical covering hood, to cover the steel cable 66, the tensioning device 46 and the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 practically completely, with the exception of their sections located in the vicinity of the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44.

Wie insbesondere aus Fig. 1 hervorgeht, sind die Anlagebereiche 38, 40, 42 und 44 der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 vorteilhafterweise mit angespitzten Klauen oder Krallenbereichen 88, 90, 92 und 94 versehen, welche sich nach erfolgter Anlage an die Umfangsoberfläche des Baumstammes bei einer weiter aufgebrachten Kraft auf das Stahlseil 66 in den Baumstamm eingraben und somit die Haltekräfte erhöhen. Hierbei ist besonders vorteilhaft, daß durch die klauenförmige Ausbildung der Anlagebereiche 38, 40, 42 und 44 im Zuge des Spannens des Stahlseiles 66 mittels des Spannhebels 56 ein Teil der von dem Stahlseil 66 aufgebrachten Haltekraft in Richtung auf das Fußteil 4 des Christbaumständers 2 in den Baumstamm eingeleitet wird, so daß der Baumstamm durch die Klauen 88, 90, 92 und 94 in das Innere des Aufnahmeteiles 6 hineingedrückt wird und somit eine besonders sichere Halterung erfährt.As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1, the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are advantageously provided with pointed claws or claw areas 88, 90, 92 and 94 which, after contact with the peripheral surface of the tree trunk with a further applied force on the steel cable 66 dig into the tree trunk and thus increase the holding forces. It is particularly advantageous that the claw-shaped Formation of the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 in the course of tensioning the steel cable 66 by means of the tensioning lever 56, part of the holding force applied by the steel cable 66 is introduced into the tree trunk 2 in the direction of the foot part 4 of the Christmas tree stand 2, so that the tree trunk passes through the claws 88, 90, 92 and 94 is pressed into the interior of the receiving part 6 and thus experiences a particularly secure mounting.

Es ist auch möglich, die Anlagebereiche 38, 40, 42 und 44 nicht in Klauenform auszubilden, sondern vielmehr in Form von abgeflachten und gegebenenfalls sogar gepolsterten Anlagekissen. Insbesondere wenn Verletzungen des eingespannten Baumes vermieden werden sollen, ist diese Ausgestaltung der Anlagebereiche vorzuziehen.It is also possible not to design the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 in the form of claws, but rather in the form of flattened and possibly even padded contact pads. Especially if injuries to the clamped tree are to be avoided, this configuration of the plant areas is preferable.

Fig. 3 zeigt eine andere Ausgestaltungsmöglichkeit des Christbaumständers.3 shows another design option for the Christmas tree stand.

Gemäß Fig. 3 ist das Halteelement 14 - wie die übrigen Halteelemente 16, 18 und 20 - an seinem bezüglich der Schwenkachse 30 dem Anlagebereich 38 gegenüberliegenden Ende verlängert und weist dort einen Hebelabschnitt 96 auf, der gegenüber dem Halteelement 14 einen Winkel von ungefähr 90° einnimmt. Zwischen der Oberseite des Fußteiles 4 und dem freien Endabschnitt des Hebelabschnittes 96 ist ein Kraftübertragungselement in Form eines Druckzylinders 98 vorgesehen, der sich zylinderseitig an dem Fußteil 4 in einem Lager 100 abstützt. Die Kolbenstange des Druckzylinders 98 stützt sich an dem Hebelabschnitt 96 ebenfalls an einem Lager 102 ab. Weiterhin ist eine Druckmittelleitung 104 vorgesehen, mit der die Druckzylinder 98 der übrigen Halteelemente 16, 18 und 20 ebenfalls in Serie verbunden sind.According to FIG. 3, the holding element 14 - like the other holding elements 16, 18 and 20 - is extended at its end opposite the contact area 38 with respect to the pivot axis 30 and there has a lever section 96 which is at an angle of approximately 90 ° with respect to the holding element 14 occupies. Between the top of the foot part 4 and the free end section of the lever section 96, a force transmission element in the form of a pressure cylinder 98 is provided, which is supported on the cylinder part on the foot part 4 in a bearing 100. The piston rod of the pressure cylinder 98 is also supported on the lever section 96 on a bearing 102. Furthermore, a pressure medium line 104 is provided, with which the pressure cylinder 98 of the other holding elements 16, 18 and 20 are also connected in series.

Zur Druckerzeugung dient eine in der Zeichnung nicht näher dargestellte Druckmittelpumpe, mittels der ein unter Druck stehendes Fluid, beispielsweise ein Hydrauliköl oder dgl. oder Druckluft über die Druckmittelleitung 104 den einzelnen Druckzylindern zuführbar ist, so daß die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 ihre entsprechenden Schwenkbewegungen aus der Lösestellung in die Haltestellung und wieder zurück ausführen können.A pressure medium pump, not shown in the drawing, is used to generate pressure, by means of which a pressurized fluid, for example hydraulic oil or the like, or compressed air can be supplied to the individual pressure cylinders via the pressure medium line 104, so that the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 have theirs be able to carry out corresponding swiveling movements from the release position into the holding position and back again.

Die Druckmittelpumpe kann hierbei nach Art einer Druckluftpumpe hand- oder fußbetätigt sein, sie kann aber auch eine elektrisch angetriebene Pumpe oder dgl. sein.The pressure medium pump can be hand or foot operated in the manner of a compressed air pump, but it can also be an electrically driven pump or the like.

In einer zweiten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Christbaumständers sind die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 nicht als separate, an dem Aufnahmeteil 6 schwenkbeweglich gelagerte Bauteile ausgebildet, sondern die einzelnen Halteelemente und das Aufnahmeteil sind einstückig miteinander verbunden. Fig. 4 zeigt diese zweite Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in perspektivischer, schematisch vereinfachter Ansicht.In a second embodiment of the Christmas tree stand according to the invention, the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are not designed as separate components pivotally mounted on the receiving part 6, but the individual holding elements and the receiving part are integrally connected to one another. 4 shows this second embodiment of the present invention in a perspective, schematically simplified view.

Gemäß Fig. 4 ist das kreiszylindrische Aufnahmeteil 6 auf dem Fußteil 4 des Christbaumständers befestigt. Halteelemente - im dargestellten Beispiel vier - 14, 16, 18 und 20 sind einstückig an dem Aufnahmeteil 4 angeordnet. Die nötige Beweglichkeit der Kalteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 wird dadurch erreicht, daß das Aufnahmeteil und die Halteelemente aus einem federnden Material geformt sind, beispielsweise Federstahl oder - gegebenenfalls verstärkten - Kunststoffen. Die einzelnen, als federnde Bügel oder Laschen ausgebildeten Halteelemente lassen sich ebenfalls unter der Kraft des - in Fig. 4 nicht dargestellten - Kraftübertragungselementes 48 an den einzuspannenden Christbaum anlegen und kehren bei Wegnahme der Kraft aufgrund ihrer Eigenelastizität wieder in die Lösestellung zurück. Die federnde Anlage in die Haltestellung und das federnde Zurückkehren der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 läßt sich verbessern bzw. erleichtern, wenn das Material im Übergangsbereich zwischen den Halteelementen und dem Aufnahmeteil durch geeignete Fertigungsschritte eine Schwächung erfährt, beispielsweise durch Ausbilden von Einschnürungen 106 und 108 in jedem Übergangsbereich.4, the circular-cylindrical receiving part 6 is fastened on the foot part 4 of the Christmas tree stand. Holding elements - in the example shown four - 14, 16, 18 and 20 are arranged in one piece on the receiving part 4. The necessary mobility of the cold elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 is achieved in that the receiving part and the holding elements are formed from a resilient material, for example spring steel or - possibly reinforced - plastics. The individual holding elements, designed as resilient brackets or tabs, can also be placed under the force of the force transmission element 48 (not shown in FIG. 4) on the Christmas tree to be clamped and return when the force is removed due to their inherent elasticity the release position back. The resilient contact into the holding position and the resilient return of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 can be improved or facilitated if the material in the transition area between the holding elements and the receiving part is weakened by suitable manufacturing steps, for example by forming constrictions 106 and 108 in each transition area.

Das Aufnahmeteil 6 und die hieran ausgebildeten Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 lassen sich bei dieser Ausführungsform in besonders vorteilhafter Weise aus einem Flachmaterial in einem Arbeitsgang beispielsweise durch Stanzen ausformen, wonach das Stanzteil lediglich noch zu einem Zylinder gebogen und an seinen Berührungskanten verbunden werden muß, um das kreiszylindrische Aufnahmeteil 4 mit den daran nach oben vorstehenden Halteelementen zu bilden. Die Verbindung erfolgt hierbei angepaßt an das jeweis verwendete Material. In Fig. 4 ist beispielsweise eine Stumpfschweißnaht 110 dargestellt, welche nach der Rundformung des ebenen Stanzteiles die Zylinderform des Aufnahmeteiles 6 aufrechterhält. Anstelle der Schweißnaht 110 sind auch Nieten in sich überlappenden Wandbereichen des Aufnahmeteiles 6, Wärmeschweißen, Punktschweißen, Kleben oder dergl. zur Erzielung einer Verbindung möglich.In this embodiment, the receiving part 6 and the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 formed thereon can be formed in a particularly advantageous manner from a flat material in one operation, for example by stamping, after which the stamped part is merely bent into a cylinder and connected at its contact edges must in order to form the circular cylindrical receiving part 4 with the holding elements projecting upwards thereon. The connection is adapted to the material used. FIG. 4 shows, for example, a butt weld seam 110 which maintains the cylindrical shape of the receiving part 6 after the round stamping part has been rounded. Instead of the weld seam 110, rivets in overlapping wall areas of the receiving part 6, heat welding, spot welding, gluing or the like are also possible to achieve a connection.

Das erforderliche Spannmittel beispielsweise in Form des Stahlseils 66 wird bei dieser Ausführungsform vorzugsweise in Ösen geführt, die auf den Rücken der Halteelemente aufgesetzt oder an diesen ausgeformt werden.In this embodiment, the required tensioning means, for example in the form of steel cable 66, is preferably guided in eyelets which are placed on the back of the holding elements or molded on them.

Der erfindungsgemäße Christbaumständer 2 weist somit die folgenden wesentlichen Vorteile und Eigenschaften auf:The Christmas tree stand 2 according to the invention thus has the following essential advantages and properties:

Im Zuge der Überführung der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 aus ihrer Löse- in die Haltestellung legt sich dasjenige Halteelement, das den Umfang des zu befestigenden Baumstammes als erstes erreicht, solange praktisch kraftfrei an diesen Umfang an, bis auch die verbleibenden Halteelemente sich an den Umfang angelegt haben. Erst danach wird die von der Spanneinrichtung 46 aufgebrachte Spannkraft gleichmäßig auf alle Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 übertragen, so daß sich die Anlagebereiche 38, 40, 42 und 44 bzw. die Halteklauen 88, 90, 92 und 94 an den Umfang des Stammes anlegen bzw. sich in diesen eingraben. Hierdurch ist sichergestellt, daß im Zuge des Einspannens des Christbaumes in den erfindungsgemäßen Christbaumständer 2 der Baumstamm durch die aufgebrachte Spannkraft auch bei einer zeitlich nacheinander und unregelmäßig erfolgenden Anlage der einzelnen Halteelemente nicht aus seiner Ausrichtung gedrängt wird, da die eigentliche Spann- bzw. Haltekraft erst aufgebracht wird, nachdem sich alle Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 an den Umfang des Baumstammes angelegt haben.In the course of the transfer of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 from their release position into the holding position, the holding element lies down which corresponds to the circumference of the tree trunk to be fastened reached first as long as practically no force on this circumference until the remaining holding elements have also applied to the circumference. Only then is the clamping force applied by the clamping device 46 evenly transmitted to all holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20, so that the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 or the holding claws 88, 90, 92 and 94 on the circumference of the Create a tribe or dig into it. This ensures that in the course of clamping the Christmas tree in the Christmas tree stand 2 according to the invention, the tree trunk is not pushed out of its alignment by the applied tensioning force even when the individual holding elements are successively and irregularly applied, since the actual tensioning or holding force is only present is applied after all the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 have applied to the circumference of the tree trunk.

Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Christbaumständer 2 ist es auch einer Person allein problemlos möglich, einen Christbaum vertikal aufzustellen, da der Baumstamm nur in die Einstecköffnung 78 eingeführt zu werden braucht, anschließend von Hand vertikal ausgerichtet und durch per Fuß erfolgende Betätigung des Spannhebels 56 der Spanneinrichtung 46 lagefixiert und gehalten wird. Dabei wird das Stahlseil 66 angezogen und der Baum in den Christbaumständer 2 eingespannt. Aufwendige Einstell- und Justierarbeiten durch individuelles Anziehen von umfangsseitig verteilten Spannschrauben oder etwa das Verkeilen des Baumes zur Erzielung einer vertikalen Ausrichtung des Stammes sind somit nicht mehr nötig.With the Christmas tree stand 2 according to the invention it is also easily possible for a person alone to set up a Christmas tree vertically, since the tree trunk only has to be inserted into the insertion opening 78, then aligned vertically by hand and fixed in position by actuating the tensioning lever 56 of the tensioning device 46 by foot and is held. The steel cable 66 is tightened and the tree clamped in the Christmas tree stand 2. Elaborate adjustment and adjustment work by individually tightening clamping screws distributed around the circumference or, for example, wedging the tree to achieve a vertical alignment of the trunk are no longer necessary.

Bei der Ausgestaltung gemäß Fig. 3, bei der eine Druckmittelpumpe vorgesehen ist, kann das Einspannen des Baumes noch einfacher erfolgen, da dann gegebenenfalls eine elektrisch betriebene Druckmittelpumpe die einzelnen Druckzylinder 98 mit unter Druck stehendem Fluid versorgt und die einzelnen Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 in ihre Haltestellung überführt. Wird als Druckmittelpumpe eine mechanisch betriebene Pumpe verwendet, so handelt es sich vorzugsweise um eine mit Fußkraft zu betätigende Pumpe, so daß der Spannvorgang dem Betätigen des Spannhebels 56 in der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 1 entspricht.In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, in which a pressure medium pump is provided, the tree can be clamped even more easily, since then an electrically operated pressure medium pump then supplies the individual pressure cylinders 98 with pressurized fluid and the individual holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 in their stop position transferred. If a mechanically operated pump is used as the pressure medium pump, it is preferably a pump that can be operated with foot force, so that the tensioning process corresponds to the actuation of the tensioning lever 56 in the embodiment according to FIG. 1.

In jedem Fall wird der Stamm des Christbaumes durch die sich sukzessive anlegenden Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 nicht aus seiner Lage gedrängt, in die er vor Betätigung der Spanneinrichtung 46 gebracht wurde. Es ist somit auch möglich, den Stamm absichtlich in einer bestimmten Schräg- oder Schieflage fest und sicher einzuspannen. Dies ist dann von Vorteil, wenn die Unterlage des Christbaumständers 2 nicht horizontal ist, beispielsweise im Freien, so daß ein senkrecht eingespannter Baum letztendlich schief stehen würde.In any case, the stem of the Christmas tree is not pushed out of its position into which it was brought before actuation of the tensioning device 46 by the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 which are successively applied. It is therefore also possible to deliberately and securely clamp the trunk in a certain inclined or skewed position. This is advantageous if the base of the Christmas tree stand 2 is not horizontal, for example outdoors, so that a vertically clamped tree would ultimately be crooked.

Zum Überführen der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 aus ihrer Halte- in die Lösestellung wird bei der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 1 der Entriegelungsbügel 64 betätigt, so daß die Klinkensperre 58 nicht mehr auf die Walze 60 wirkt. Durch die ihm eigene Elastizität entspannt sich das Stahlseil 66, und die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 und werden durch das Stahlseil 66 nicht mehr in ihre Haltestellung gedrängt, sondern kehren vielmehr entweder unter der Einwirkung der Rückstellfedern 80, 82, 84 und 86 oder unter Aufbringung einer gewissen Fingerkraft in ihre Lösestellung zurück, so daß der Christbaum aus dem Christbaumständer 2 herausgenommen werden kann.In order to transfer the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 from their holding position into the release position, the unlocking bracket 64 is actuated in the embodiment according to FIG. 1, so that the pawl lock 58 no longer acts on the roller 60. Due to its inherent elasticity, the steel cable 66 and the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 relax and are no longer pushed into their holding position by the steel cable 66, but rather return either under the action of the return springs 80, 82, 84 and 86 or by applying a certain finger force back to their release position so that the Christmas tree can be removed from the Christmas tree stand 2.

Im Falle der Ausgestaltung gemäß Fig. 3 wird das Druckmittel aus den einzelnen Druckzylindern 98 abgesaugt oder entweicht selbständig nach Betätigung eines entsprechenden Ventils, so daß die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 ebenfalls in ihre Lösestellung zurückkehren.In the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the pressure medium is sucked out of the individual pressure cylinders 98 or escapes automatically after actuation of a corresponding valve, so that the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 also return to their release position.

Ein wesentlicher Vorteil des Christbaumständers gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ist außerdem, daß sowohl in der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 als auch in der Ausgestaltung gemäß Fig. 3 und der zweiten Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 4 die Haltestellung der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 jederzeit nachgestellt werden kann. Dies ist insbesondere dann vorteilhaft, wenn der Christbaum längere Zeit in dem Christbaumständer 2 verweilt, da durch das einsetzende Austrocknen des Holzes der Stamm des Christbaumes zu schwinden beginnt, so daß die Klemmung des Baumes allmählich nachläßt. Durch ein- oder mehrmaliges Betätigen des Spannhebels 56 kann in diesem Fall das Stahlseil 66 problemlos nachgespannt und somit eine sichere Haltestellung der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 wieder erreicht werden. Auch im Falle der Ausgestaltung gemäß Fig. 3 kann die Haltekraft der Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 in ihrer Haltestellung durch kurzes Betätigen der Druckmittelpumpe nachgestellt werden.A significant advantage of the Christmas tree stand according to the present invention is also that both in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and in the embodiment according to FIG. 3 and the second embodiment according to FIG. 4, the holding position of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 can be adjusted at any time. This is particularly advantageous when the Christmas tree lingers in the Christmas tree stand 2 for a long time, since the trunk of the Christmas tree begins to dwindle as the wood begins to dry out, so that the clamping of the tree gradually subsides. In this case, the steel cable 66 can be easily re-tensioned by actuating the tensioning lever 56 one or more times and thus the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 can be securely held again. In the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the holding force of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 can be adjusted in their holding position by briefly actuating the pressure medium pump.

Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung sind noch die folgenden Abwandlungen denkbar, auf die hier im folgenden kurz eingegangen werden soll:The following modifications are also conceivable within the scope of the present invention, which will be briefly discussed below:

Es versteht sich, daß die in dem Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellte Anzahl der Halteelemente - hier vier - nicht zwingend ist. Es ist auch möglich, nur drei derartige Halteelemente vorzusehen, es können aber auch mehr als vier umfangsseitig gleichmäßig angeordnete Halteelemente vorgesehen werden.It is understood that the number of holding elements shown in the exemplary embodiment - here four - is not mandatory. It is also possible to provide only three such holding elements, but more than four holding elements arranged uniformly on the circumference can also be provided.

Die Ausbildung der Spanneinrichtung 46 in Form des Rastklinkenmechanismus ist ebenfalls nur beispielhaft zu verstehen; es sind auch andere Spanneinrichtungen zum Spannen des Stahlseiles 66 denkbar. So können beispielsweise Elektromotoren vorgesehen werden, welche beispielsweise über ein entsprechendes Schneckenradgetriebe mit Selbsthemmung oder dgl. die zur Betätigung der Halteelemente nötige Spannkraft auf das Stahlseil 66 aufbringen.The design of the clamping device 46 in the form of the latch mechanism is also to be understood only as an example; other tensioning devices for tensioning the steel cable 66 are also conceivable. For example, electric motors can be provided which, for example, have a corresponding worm gear with self-locking or the like. apply the tension required to actuate the holding elements to the steel cable 66.

Anstelle des Spannhebels 56 oder zusätzlich hierzu kann an der Spanneinrichtung 46 gemäß Fig. 1 auch eine Einsteckhülse vorgesehen werden, in welche dann ein Besenstiel oder dgl. eingeführt werden kann, um die Spanneinrichtung 46 zu betätigen. Dies kann insbesondere dann von Vorteil sein, wenn der in dem Christbaumständer 2 zu befestigende Baum in seinem unteren Bereich sehr ausladend ist, so daß der Spannhebel 56 nur schwer zugänglich ist. Auch der Entriegelungsbügel 64 kann vorteilhafterweise eine Art Fernbedienung aufweisen, beispielsweise einen Seilzug oder dergleichen. Dies hat den Vorteil, daß man zum Öffnen bzw. Lösen der Spanneinrichtung 46 nicht unter den Christbaum kriechen muß, der zum Zeitpunkt des Lösens zumeist schon ausgetrocknet ist und entsprechend nadelt.Instead of the tensioning lever 56 or in addition to this, an insertion sleeve can also be provided on the tensioning device 46 according to FIG. 1, into which a broomstick or the like can then be inserted in order to actuate the tensioning device 46. This can be particularly advantageous if the tree to be fastened in the Christmas tree stand 2 is very expansive in its lower region, so that the tensioning lever 56 is difficult to access. The unlocking bracket 64 can also advantageously have a type of remote control, for example a cable pull or the like. This has the advantage that one does not have to crawl under the Christmas tree to open or loosen the tensioning device 46, which is usually already dry at the time of loosening and needles accordingly.

Die Einbaulage des Druckzylinder 98 in der Ausgestaltung gemäß Fig. 3 ist ebenfalls nur als Beispiel zu verstehen. Es sind auch andere Einbaulagen denkbar, bei denen die Kraft des Druckzylinders 98 auf die Halteelemente übertragen wird.The installation position of the pressure cylinder 98 in the embodiment according to FIG. 3 is also only to be understood as an example. Other installation positions are also conceivable in which the force of the pressure cylinder 98 is transmitted to the holding elements.

In der Darstellung gemäß den Fig. 1 und 2 durchläuft das Stahlseil 66 die Bohrungen 68, 70, 72 und 74 in den Halteelementen 14, 16, 18 und 20. Dies kann unter Umständen bedeuten, daß durch die Bohrungen 68, 70, 72 und 74 die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 in ihrem Bereich zwischen den Anlagebereichen 38, 40, 42 und 44 und den Schwenkachsen 30, 32, 34 und 36 unnötig geschwächt werden. Es kann somit vorteilhaft sein, das Stahlseil 66 außen um die Halteelemente 14, 16, 18 und 20 herumzuführen, wobei dann die Führung des Stahlseils 66 in auf die Halteelemente aufgeschweißten Ösen oder dgl. erfolgt.1 and 2, the steel cable 66 passes through the bores 68, 70, 72 and 74 in the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20. This may mean that through the bores 68, 70, 72 and 74 the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20 are unnecessarily weakened in their area between the contact areas 38, 40, 42 and 44 and the pivot axes 30, 32, 34 and 36. It can thus be advantageous to guide the steel cable 66 around the outside of the holding elements 14, 16, 18 and 20, in which case the steel cable 66 is then guided in eyelets or the like welded onto the holding elements.

Die beschriebenen Ausführungsformen sind nicht auf die Halterung eines Christbaumes beschränkt. Es ist vielmehr möglich, praktisch jeden beliebigen annähernd stabförmigen Gegenstand mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Christbaumständer 2 zu halten. So können beispielsweise auch andere Bäume zu Dekorationszwecken, Sonnenschirme, Fahnenmasten, Verkehrsschilder oder dgl. problemlos und sicher eingespannt werden.The described embodiments are not limited to the mounting of a Christmas tree. Rather, it is possible to hold practically any approximately rod-shaped object with the Christmas tree stand 2 according to the invention. For example, other trees for decoration purposes, parasols, flagpoles, traffic signs or the like can be clamped easily and safely.

Das Innere des Aufnahmeteiles 6 bzw. des Zylinders 8 ist vorzugsweise wasserdicht ausgebildet, so daß der Aufnahmekegel 10 oder der Zylinder 8 mit Wasser gefüllt werden kann, so daß der in dem Christbaumständer 2 gehaltene Baum länger frisch bleibt und nicht austrocknet.The interior of the receiving part 6 or the cylinder 8 is preferably watertight so that the receiving cone 10 or the cylinder 8 can be filled with water so that the tree held in the Christmas tree stand 2 stays fresh longer and does not dry out.

Claims (11)

  1. A Christmas-tree stand comprising
    a base (4);
    a part (6) disposed on the base (4) for receiving the Christmas-tree trunk;
    a number of retaining elements (14, 16, 18, 20) disposed around an axis of symmetry and movable between a release position and a retaining position in planes which intersect at least approximately in the axis of symmetry, the retaining elements (14, 16, 18, 20) having an abutting region (38, 40, 42, 44) which, in the retaining position, can be pressed against the Christmas-tree trunk, and
    a single tightening device (46) which, via a force-transmitting element (48), engages all the retaining elements (14, 16, 18, 20) and moves them into the retaining position with a force having an adjustable final value,
    the retaining elements (14, 16, 18, 20) being movable without being positively connected to one another and
    the force-transmitting element (48) placing all the retaining elements (14, 16, 18, 20) around the Christmas-tree trunk, initially substantially without force, and then pressing all the retaining elements (14, 16, 18, 20) against the Christmas-tree trunk simultaneously and with substantially the same retaining force,
    characterised in that
    one end of the force-transmitting element (48) is directly connected to the base (4) and the other end is indirectly connected thereto via the tightening device (46).
  2. A Christmas-tree stand according to claim 1, characterised in that the retaining elements (14, 16, 18, 20) are pivotable around axes (30, 32, 34, 36) which lie in a common plane at right angles to the axis of symmetry.
  3. A Christmas-tree stand according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the force-transmitting element (48) engages each retaining element (14, 16, 18, 20) in a region lying between the abutment region (38, 40, 42, 44) and the pivot axis (30, 32, 34, 36).
  4. A Christmas-tree stand according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the force-transmitting element (48) is a flexible component, preferably a steel cable, for tensioning.
  5. A Christmas-tree stand according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the tightening device (46) is a releasable pawl device (50).
  6. A Christmas-tree stand according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that each abutment region (38, 40, 42, 44) is in the form of a claw (88, 90, 92, 94) which, on reaching the retaining position, is pressed into the surface of the Christmas-tree trunk by the force applied by the tightening device (46) via the force-transmitting element (48).
  7. A Christmas-tree stand according to claim 6, characterised in that the retaining force is introduced into the Christmas-tree trunk via the claws (88, 90, 92, 94) in such a manner that a part of the retaining force is directed towards the base (4) of the Christmas-tree stand (2).
  8. A Christmas-tree stand according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the retaining elements (14, 16, 18, 20) are integral with the receiving part (6).
  9. A Christmas-tree stand according to claim 8, characterised in that the retaining elements (14, 16, 18, 20) and the receiving part (6) are made of a resiliently deformable material, particularly spring steel.
  10. A Christmas-tree stand according to claim 9, characterised in that a transition region between each retaining element (14, 16, 18, 20) and the receiving part (6) has increased elasticity.
  11. A Christmas-tree stand according to claim 10, characterised in that the increased elasticity is obtained by deliberately weakening the material (106, 108) in the respective area.
EP90117768A 1989-09-28 1990-09-14 Christmastree holder Expired - Lifetime EP0419972B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3932473 1989-09-28
DE3932473A DE3932473A1 (en) 1989-09-28 1989-09-28 CHRISTMAS STAND

Publications (2)

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EP0419972A1 EP0419972A1 (en) 1991-04-03
EP0419972B1 true EP0419972B1 (en) 1995-05-24

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US (1) US5114113A (en)
EP (1) EP0419972B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE122862T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2025783C (en)
CZ (1) CZ284878B6 (en)
DD (1) DD297552A5 (en)
DE (2) DE3932473A1 (en)
DK (1) DK0419972T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2073489T3 (en)
FI (1) FI921382A (en)
NO (1) NO180252C (en)
PL (1) PL164871B1 (en)
SK (1) SK470990A3 (en)
WO (1) WO1991004696A1 (en)
YU (1) YU178090A (en)

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US7597304B1 (en) 2006-06-30 2009-10-06 Daniel Gray Christmas tree stand
US8205851B2 (en) 2006-12-21 2012-06-26 Vincent Hebert Apparatus for holding substantially cylindrically shaped elements
DE102007005853A1 (en) * 2007-02-01 2008-08-07 Braun Gmbh Hair removal device
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DE102007025227B4 (en) * 2007-05-31 2011-05-05 Schommertz, Anna-Maria Stand for mounting mast or trunk-shaped parts, in particular for mounting Christmas trees
US7484704B2 (en) 2007-06-01 2009-02-03 Anna-Maria Schommertz Stand for holding pole-shaped or trunk-shaped articles, in particular for holding Christmas trees
US8037637B2 (en) * 2007-08-23 2011-10-18 Odom Jr Harold A Tree stand
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US8978295B2 (en) * 2010-10-20 2015-03-17 Robert Alan Bard Self-actuating stand and methods thereof
US9675145B2 (en) * 2010-12-22 2017-06-13 Beau O'Donohue Crutch holder
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DE102005050916B3 (en) * 2005-10-24 2007-01-04 Krinner Innovation Gmbh Stand for Christmas tree, comprises ratchet mechanism for tightening of cable acting on clamping elements

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2025783C (en) 1999-01-19
DE59009122D1 (en) 1995-06-29
SK279492B6 (en) 1998-12-02
NO921212L (en) 1992-05-19
WO1991004696A1 (en) 1991-04-18
PL287071A1 (en) 1991-04-08
YU178090A (en) 1994-04-05
FI921382A0 (en) 1992-03-30
ES2073489T3 (en) 1995-08-16
US5114113A (en) 1992-05-19
FI921382A (en) 1992-03-30
ATE122862T1 (en) 1995-06-15
NO180252B (en) 1996-12-09
CZ470990A3 (en) 1994-05-18
EP0419972A1 (en) 1991-04-03
NO180252C (en) 1997-03-19
CZ284878B6 (en) 1999-03-17
PL164871B1 (en) 1994-10-31
DE3932473C2 (en) 1992-04-02
SK470990A3 (en) 1998-12-02
DK0419972T3 (en) 1995-07-24
NO921212D0 (en) 1992-03-27
DE3932473A1 (en) 1991-04-11
CA2025783A1 (en) 1991-03-29
DD297552A5 (en) 1992-01-16

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