EP1992260B1 - Holding element for securing a Christmas tree - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit (1) has a section (5) arranged in a swivelable manner around a rotation axis (X) against another section (4). A pre-tensioning device (8) pre-tensions the section (5) against the section (4) in a predetermined tensioning direction, where the pre-tensioning device is arranged sectionally around the swivelable axis. An area (9) of the section (4) is pressed to a rod-shaped object e.g. Christian tree. The sections (4, 5) include a housing (10) running around the swivelable axis, where the housing completely surrounds the pre-tensioning device in a circumferential direction.

Description

The present invention relates to a holding element for firmly anchoring a rod-shaped object. The invention will be described with reference to a Christmas tree stand, but it will be understood that the invention may be applied to other anchorage systems, such as flag pole anchoring devices.

For some time, Christmas tree stand have prevailed on the market, which have several retaining claws, which are arranged in the circumferential direction around the tree to be fastened or anchored. These retaining claws can be moved with a common pull rope on the Christmas tree and pressed against this. About the tension of this pull rope while the attack power is reached to the Christmas tree. For tightening and loosening usually a ratchet lever is used. If this ratchet lever is released, the individual holding elements pivot back by themselves into a starting position or away from the Christmas tree.

Thus, these holding elements usually have a pivotable portion, which portion is arranged either on a portion of the Christmas tree stand housing or on a further pivotable portion of the support member. As a biasing device, for example, a coil spring or leg spring is used, which pushes away the pivotable portion of the tree.

It is usually from this coil spring or, that portion of Halteeleniets, where the coil spring is arranged, a certain risk of injury. For example, if the user during the tensioning of the holding elements, the finger leads into that region of the holding element in which the leg spring is arranged, it may come during the clamping operation to pinch the fingers. But even the release process is associated with certain dangers, since here, for example, the user's finger can be injured during the return movement of the retaining element.

For example, describes DE 10 2004 023 238 A1 Such a stand for anchoring a tree, wherein the gripping arm of the stand are pivotally mounted in an insert and biased by a leg spring in a vertical position, so that when tensioned pull rope movement to the tree is made possible. The pull rope itself is in operative connection with a tensioning device. Also in this device, the leg spring is touchable, whereby the user is exposed to the risk of injury.

DE 10204 023 238A1 discloses a holding element according to the preamble of claim 1.

Also DE, 200 10 627 U1 discloses a Christmas tree stand with a clamping device and a holding device with a plurality of holding elements and with a power transmission element (steel cable). The steel cable is guided through the openings of all holding elements to a latching mechanism of the clamping device and tensioned by means of a clamping lever, so that the holding elements are moved from a release position to a holding position. The holding element itself has a recess in which a spring is arranged, through which a bolt is guided, which connects the holding element with the bearing supports of the stator and thus the pivot axis about which the Hatteelament is pivoted from a release position to a holding position , However, this device also has one or a plurality of spring elements, which can be reached by the user and thus pose a risk of injury.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a holding element available, which allows a higher reliability. Furthermore, a Christmas tree stand is to be made available, which also offers a higher reliability.

This is inventively achieved by a holding element according to claim 1 and a Christmas tree stand according to claim 14. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The holding element according to the invention for the firm or stable anchoring of a rod-shaped object and in particular a tree, Christmas tree or the like, has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is arranged opposite the second portion pivotable about a first pivot axis. Furthermore, a biasing device is provided, which biases the second portion relative to the first portion in a predetermined biasing direction, wherein the biasing means is at least partially disposed about the pivot axis and at least a portion of the first portion of the rod-shaped object can be pressed.

According to the invention, at least one section of the holding element has a housing which extends around the pivot axis and completely surrounds the pretensioning device in the circumferential direction.

Preferably, the first section is the section that is pressed against a tree trunk or a Christmas tree trunk during operation. A biasing device is understood to mean a device which pretensions one body relative to another or applies a spring force to it in a predetermined direction. In particular, the pretensioning device is a spiral spring or a leg spring.

Also, the biasing device particularly advantageously has a base body which extends in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis. In a further advantageous embodiment, the housing has a substantially circular outer surface. In this way, the risk of entrapment can be minimized. Particularly preferably, the pivot axis extends in the center of both the housing and the pretensioning device.

By the Erfrndungsgemäfen housing the leg spring and thus the area in which the pivot axis is covered so that a user can not accidentally get into the area with the leg spring. The housing preferably completely surrounds a substantial area of the pretensioning device along the pivot axis, and particularly preferably the entire area of the pretensioning device. Further preferably, the first portion is moved away from the Christmas tree under the action of the biasing means. Preferably, the biasing means has a certain extent in its longitudinal direction and the housing completely surrounds the entire spring in the circumferential direction.

In a further preferred embodiment, the housing is completely closed. In this embodiment, it is possible to guide, for example, a damping fluid within the housing. In addition, in this embodiment, a substantial portion of the biasing means or the entire biasing means is usually disposed within the housing and this area is not exposed to the effects of moisture over the life of a corresponding Christmas tree stand away.

In a further preferred embodiment, the biasing means is disposed entirely within the housing. However, it would also be possible that, for example, an end portion or a leg of a leg spring is guided through the housing to the outside. It is nevertheless possible to complete the housing completely. In this embodiment as well, deleterious influences from the pretensioning device, in particular but not exclusively moisture or water vapor are kept away.

In a further preferred embodiment, the biasing means is a spiral spring.

Particularly preferably, a first end portion of the biasing device bears against an inner wall of the housing. For this purpose, the housing is preferably formed cylindrically around the biasing means. In this case, the housing may have steps or shoulders in its interior, against which the relevant end portion of the coil spring rests. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

In a further preferred embodiment, the housing has a wall in its interior and an end portion of the Vorspannelnrlchtung abuts against this wall. In this case, this wall is the inner wall described above. Particularly preferably, this wall is perpendicular to the pivot axis and the wall has engagement elements for the end portion of the spring. In a further advantageous embodiment, this wall is formed integrally with the housing and thus with the first portion and the housing therefore forms a total blind hole. This complete sealing of the housing in one direction makes it easier to achieve a closed interior. The wall is particularly preferably arranged in the direction of the pivot axis in an end region of the housing in order to allow in this way the accommodation of the longest possible spiral spring in the interior of the housing.

In a further preferred embodiment, a damping fluid is provided within the housing. This may be, for example, a silicone-like liquid or oil. The advantage of this embodiment is that the rotational movement of the first portion is attenuated relative to the second portion and thus does not retract the retaining element after loosening the locking lever but slowly and substantially silently returns to its original position. Also, by this embodiment, the risk of injury can be reduced because, as I said, the repositioning to the starting position is slow.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second portion has at least one first laterally abutting the cover body. Especially preferred a second end portion of the biasing means is applied to the cover body and is arranged substantially non-rotatably relative thereto. By substantially rotationally fixed is meant that possibly small changes in angle between the end portion and the cover body are possible, but apart from herebefore, upon movement of the first portion relative to the cover body of the relevant second end portion rotatably relative to the cover body remains. In this way, the pivotability of the holding element is achieved. In this embodiment, the cover body is an element of the second portion of the holding element.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the second section has a second cover body resting laterally against the housing. Thus, the housing is particularly preferably formed integrally with the first portion of the holding element and has a cylindrical shape. At the two end sides of this cylindrical housing, the two cover body forming the second portion are respectively mounted in the form of lid-like structures. The entire first section and preferably also the second section are made of a plastic. Both sections are preferably injection-molded parts,

Preferably, at least one cover body and particularly preferably both cover body on a circumferential collar, which projects into the housing. In this way, a sealing of the cover body relative to the housing can be achieved and at the same time a rotational movement of the housing and thus the first portion relative to the cover body and the second portion can be achieved. In this way, a Gieitiagerfunktion between the cover body and the housing is achieved at the same time, it is also possible to design the cover so that at the same time the closed space formed by the housing and the cover body can be kept liquid-tight. Conversely, it would also be possible for the covering body to have a collar which is arranged at least in sections around the housing.

Particularly preferably, at least one cover body on guide means to be inserted into a housing and in particular a housing of a Christmas tree stand. It should be noted, however, that the covering body or the second section can also be made in one piece with this housing of the Christmas tree stand or is a component of the housing of the Christmas tree stand. The guide means are designed for example in the form of grooves or rails and in this way can the holding element are inserted in a preferred direction in the main body of the Christmas tree stand.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first section has a passage opening for the passage of a pull rope. By means of this passage opening, a plurality of such holding elements can be moved towards the Christmas tree by a tension of the pull rope.

The present invention is further directed to a Christmas tree stand having at least one retaining element of the type described above. Preferably, the Christmas tree stand on a plurality of holding elements, which are arranged uniformly in the circumferential direction.

Fig. 1

eine Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Halteelements,

Flg. 2a

eine perspektivische Darstellung dreier Ausführungsformen einer Vorspan- neinrichtung;

Fig. 2b

eine Draufsicht auf die Vorspanneinrichtungen aus Fig. 2a;

Fig. 3

eine weitere Ansicht eines Halteelements ohne Vorspanneinrichtung,

Flg. 4

das Halteelement aus Figur 3 mit einer eingesetzten Vorspanneinrichtung,

Fig. 5

vier Ansichten eines erfindungsgemäßen Halteelements;

Fig, 6

vier Ansichten eines erfindungsgemäßen Halteelements in einer weiteren Aus- führungsform;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Arisicht eines Halteelements In einer weiteren Ausfüh- rungsform;

Fig. 8

eins Schnittdarstellung des Halteelements aus Fig. 7:

Fig. 9

eine Darstellung zur Veranschaulichung des Einbaus eines erfindungsgemä- ßen Halteelements; und

Fig. 10

eine geschnittene Ansicht von unten auf ein eingebautes Halteelement.

Further advantages and embodiments will become apparent from the accompanying drawings. Show:

Fig. 1

a view of a holding element according to the invention,

Flg. 2a

a perspective view of three embodiments of a Vorspan- neinrichtung;

Fig. 2b

a plan view of the biasing means Fig. 2a ;

Fig. 3

another view of a holding element without biasing device,

Flg. 4

the holding element FIG. 3 with an inserted biasing device,

Fig. 5

four views of a holding element according to the invention;

Fig. 6

four views of a holding element according to the invention in a further embodiment;

Fig. 7

a perspective Arisicht a holding element In a further embodiment;

Fig. 8

one sectional view of the retaining element Fig. 7 :

Fig. 9

a representation to illustrate the installation of a holding element according to the invention; and

Fig. 10

a sectional view from below of a built-in retaining element.

Fig. 1 shows a retaining element 1 according to the invention in a sectional view for better illustration.

This holding element 1 is inserted into a base or a housing of a Christmas tree stand substantially along a groove 16. To anchor a Christmas tree with a traction device or pull rope, which is guided through an opening 7, the holding element shown 1 and corresponding other similar retaining elements clamped to the tree and press with a tip 9 against the trunk. For this purpose, additional holding claws or teeth made of metal or plastic may be provided at the top.

After loosening the (not shown) pull rope swing the individual holding elements 1 back and thus release the tree.

The holding element 1 has a first section 4 on which the tip 9 is also arranged, and this first section is pivoted about a pivot axis X relative to a second section 5. To increase the stability and also to save material, the first section 4 recesses 13 in the prior art, it is sometimes common to use springs that engage in the recesses 13 and the second end are attached to a housing of a Christmas tree stand and on this way, retract the retaining element in a rest position. In the holding element 1 according to the invention a biasing means 8 is provided in the form of a spiral spring. It attacks at the in Fig. 1 shown embodiment, an end portion 8a of these coil springs on lialterrorsprüngen 15 of the second section 5 and another (in Fig. 1 not shown) end portion of the coil spring engages corresponding retaining projections 14 on a wall 12 which is formed in the interior of a housing 10 at.

At the in Fig. 1 As shown, this housing 10 completely surrounds the pretensioning device 8 and, on the one hand, a closed space in which the pretensioning device 8 is arranged is formed by the housing 10 and the wall 12 and on the other hand by the second section 5. However, it would also be possible for the pretensioning device or one end section of the pretensioning device to engage an inner circumferential surface 19 or inner wall of the housing 10.

To install the retaining element 1 in a pedestal of a Christmas tree stand, a correspondingly designed cover element on the opposite side can be arranged next to the second section 5 and then the entire support member 1 along the grooves 16 are inserted into the base. This approach allows on the one hand a stable anchoring of the retaining element in the base of the Christmas tree stand, on the other hand, a replacement of the retaining element 1 by a new retaining element 1 is possible.

Fig. 2a shows different embodiments of a biasing device 8. The left embodiment is for the in Fig. 1 shown holding element suitable. In the middle embodiment, a first end portion 8a of the Varspannelements can engage in a corresponding manner in the second section 5 and a second end portion 8b can bear, for example, on the inner wall 19 of the housing 10. In the case of the right-hand embodiment, the second end section of the pretensioning device can likewise engage the inner wall 19 of the housing 10, whereas the first section 8a can engage, for example, in a longitudinal groove or a longitudinal guide of the second section 5. In addition, the in Fig. 1 embodiment shown also still have a along the pivot axis extending support beam, which prevents bending of the biasing means 8 about the pivot axis.

Fig. 2b shows a plan view of the three embodiments of the biasing means Fig. 2a , It can be seen that, in the left embodiment, the illustrated first end portion 8a and the second end portion 8b are arranged in parallel to each other, so that the second end portion 8b is hidden by the first end portion 8a. In the middle embodiment, the two end portions are also parallel, but the second end portion is outside the turns 8c of the biasing member. In the case of the right embodiment Both end portions 8a and 8b are tangent to the turns 8c of the biasing member. Preferably, all windings 8c of the biasing element within the housing 10 extend about the pivot axis X.

Fig. 3 shows a further illustration of a holding element according to the invention without biasing device. When assembled, the second section 5 can be arranged on the first section 4 or inserted into the housing 10. This ensures that on the one hand, the first portion 4 relative to the second portion 5 is pivotable and on the other hand, however, the interior of the housing 10 is sealed. In this way it is possible to introduce into the interior of the housing 10 a liquid such as a silicone oil, an oil or other suitable viscous liquids. By such liquids it is achieved that when loosening the traction device, the entire retaining element 1 does not snap back abruptly in its rest position but this is slowing down.

The upper part of the picture in Fig. 4 shows the holding element 1 with a built-in biasing element. It can be seen that the two end sections 8a and 8b of the pretensioning device 8 or spring 8 are respectively arranged between the projections 15 and 14 and thus the spring 8 can be tensioned when the first section 4 moves relative to the second section 5. The lower part of the diagram shows an understandable second section 5. The collar 18 of the section is thereby in the in Fig. 3 introduced housing shown and causes in this way also a seal of the interior of this housing. The reference numeral 17 refers to an upper edge of the second section 5, which can engage in a correspondingly adapted groove when inserted into the base of a Chrlstbaumständers. The second section 5 is designed so that it can be inserted into a groove of a base. Preferably, the outer cross section of the section 5 tapers from top to bottom.

Fig. 5 shows four representations of an inventive element 1. In this embodiment, the collar 18 is made longer and can thus penetrate deeper into the housing 10. At the same time a certain support effect of the biasing member 8 can be achieved by this collar.

It can be seen that the housing 10 has a substantially circular cross section or outer circumference. On the one hand, this has the advantage that the pretensioning device, which also has a circular cross-section, can be accommodated in the housing particularly space-saving. However, another Vorteig is justified in the installation in a pedestal of a Christmas tree stand. If the holding element according to the invention is introduced into the base of a Christmas tree stand, it is possible by the circular outer circumference of the housing to keep the space between the housing 10 or an opening slot and the holding element 1 or this housing 10 very small, so that the user not be able to put your fingers in the appropriate spaces and thus minimize the risk of injury. In other words, pinching of fingers can not occur. The housing 10 is integrally connected to the first section. Preferably, at least the region of the housing 10 facing away from the tip 9 has a circular cross section.

It should be noted that the second section 5 not only in the in Fig. 5 shown embodiment may be, but may continue to extend, for example, in the insertion direction L further down.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of a holding element according to the invention in four representations. The main difference here is the design of the wall 12, which is mounted inside the housing. This wall may have one or more grooves 22, 23, 24, each serving to receive the end portion of the biasing member. It would also be possible to provide holes or through openings through which the end portion of the biasing member penetrates. Also, an end portion of the biasing member could be passed through the wall 19 of the housing 10, for example, in the direction of the first portion 4.

In a corresponding shape as the wall 12, the inner surface of the (not shown) second portion may be provided.

Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of a holding element according to the invention. Here too, the second section is inserted into the housing 10 and the biasing element is in turn partially guided within the collar 18 of the second section 4. On the other hand, the collar 18 is guided in a recess 13 of the housing 10 and achieved in this way an improved sealing effect. An end portion 8b of the spring element may be here support against the collar 18 and in this way, the biasing member 18 can be clamped relative to the second section 5.

Furthermore, in the in Fig. 8 shown paragraphs 21 provided on the inner wall 19 of the housing 10, at which the (not shown) first end portion 8a of the spring B can be supported for tension. Instead of paragraphs and stages could be provided.

The FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the installation of a holding element according to the invention in a pedestal of a Christmas tree stand. In this case, the reference numeral 30 refers to a section of a housing or a pedestal of the Christmas tree stand. This cutout 30 has a groove or a receiving opening 32, which receives the second portion 5 of the holding element. Likewise, a correspondingly executed opposite lid can be inserted into a further receiving opening of the housing 30. In this way it is possible to insert the complete holding element along the direction L into the housing 30 of a Christmas tree stand.

Fig. 10 shows a sectional view of a holding element 1, which is installed in a socket. Again, the second section 5 In the already in Fig. 9 shown recess 32 is inserted. The housing 10 lies in a correspondingly shaped receiving space 37 (see. Fig. 9 the base 10). It can be seen that a gap between the base 30 and the holding element can always be kept small by the circular embodiment of the housing 10 of the holding element. The second end portion 8b of the biasing member 8 abuts against an inner wall 19 of the housing 10 and on holding elements 36. In this embodiment, the first end section is arranged directly on the collar 18 or guided therethrough. However, it would also be the top in the Figures 1 - 3 described embodiments conceivable. Reference numeral 33 denotes a boundary wall which bounds the recess 32.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

retaining element

4

first portion of the holding element. 1

5

second portion of the holding element. 1

7

opening

8th

biasing means

8a

End portion of the pretensioner

8b

End portion of the pretensioner

8c

Winding of the pretensioner

9

top

10

casing

12

wall

13

recess

14, 15

support projections

16

groove

17

upper edge of the second section 5

18

Collar of the second section 5

19

Inner wall of the housing 10

22, 23, 24

groove

30

base

32

Receiving opening of the base 30

33

boundary wall

37

accommodation space

X

swivel axis

L

direction

Claims (13)

1. A holding element (1) for the stable anchoring of a rod-shaped article and in particular a tree, Christmas tree or the like, with a first portion (4) and with a second portion (5), wherein the second portion (5) is arranged so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (X) with respect to the first portion (4), and a pre-stressing device (8) which pre-stresses the second portion (5) in a pre-set pre-stressing direction with respect to the first portion (4), wherein the pre-stressing device (8) is arranged at least locally around the pivot axis (X) and at least one region (9) of the first portion (4) is capable of being pressed against the rod-shaped article, wherein at least one portion (4, 5) of the holding element has a casing (10) extending around the pivot axis (X), characterized in that the casing (10) surrounds the pre-stxessing device (8) completely in the peripheral direction.
2. A holding element according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing (10) is completely closed off.
3. A holding element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-stressing device (8) is arranged completely inside the casing (10).
4. A holding element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-stressing device (8) is a spiral spring.
5. A holding element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing has a wall (19) in its interior and the first end portion (8a) of the pre-stressing device (8) rests against this wall.
6. A holding element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a damping fluid is provided inside the casing (10).
7. A holding element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second portion (5) has at least one first covering member (6) resting laterally against the casing (10).
8. A holding element according to claim 5, characterized in that a first end portion (8a) of the pre-stressing device (8) rests against the covering member (6) and is arranged in a substantially rotationally fixed manner with respect to the latter.
9. A holding element according to at least one of the preceding claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the second portion (5) has a second covering member resting laterally against the casing (10).
10. A holding element according to at least one of the preceding claims 5 to 7, characterized in that at least one covering member (6) has a continuous collar (18) which projects into the casing (10).
11. A holding element according to at least one of the preceding claims 5 to 8, characterized in that at least one covering member (6) has guiding devices (16) in order to be inserted into a casing (10) and, in particular, into a base (30) of a Christmas tree stand.
12. A Christmas tree stand (20) with at least one holding element (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.
13. A Christmas tree stand (20) according to claim 12, characterized in that the Christmas tree stand (20) has a plurality of holding elements (1) which are arranged uniformly in the peripheral direction.

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