EP1992261A2 - Christmas tree stand - Google Patents

Abstract

The stand has a set of pivotable retaining units arranged at a housing. The retaining units are pressed at an outer circumference of a rod-shaped object. A clamping unit (1) clamps a traction unit (5) in such a manner that the retaining units are pushed toward the object. The clamping unit is arranged between two pivoting positions and is pivotable around a preset pivoting axis (X). The clamping unit has a clamping lever (6), and a pivoting section (8) with a profile, which is formed circularly concerning to the pivoting axis.

Description

The present invention relates to a stand for anchoring a rod-shaped object and in particular a Christmas tree. Such Christmas tree stands are known from the prior art for a long time. More recently, Christmas tree stands have become known, which have a plurality of retaining claws, which are pivotable relative to the housing or base of the Christmas tree stand and the tips of which can be pressed to the outer periphery of the Christmas tree to its anchoring. These individual retaining claws are held by a common pull rope and also stretched. For tensioning this pull rope usually a tension lever or foot lever is used, which in turn rotates a shaft, which then tensions the pull rope.

Since this clamping lever is pivotally arranged relative to the base or housing of the Christmas tree stand, it represents a certain risk of injury. More specifically, this clamping lever is pivotally mounted in a receiving slot or against a receiving groove. Furthermore, a return spring is usually provided, which pivots the pivot lever in a certain position, for example, to the Christmas tree. Also, this return spring can cause injury, especially if the user handles this clamping lever, and this jumps back into a specific position.

Therefore, from the prior art locking or locking lever have become known, which ensure in a certain position that the clamping lever can not be moved can. However, it may result in accidental operation of this locking lever and thus in turn injury to limbs of the user.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to increase the safety of stands and in particular of Christmas tree stands. This is inventively achieved by a stand for anchoring a rod-shaped object according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

An inventive stand for anchoring a rod-shaped object and in particular a Christmas tree has a housing with a plurality of pivotally mounted on this housing holding elements. In this case, these holding elements can be pressed against an outer circumference of the rod-shaped object. Furthermore, at least one traction means is provided, and a clamping element which biases the traction means in such a way that the holding elements are urged in the direction of the rod-shaped object, wherein the clamping element between two pivot positions is pivotally arranged about a predetermined pivot axis and wherein the clamping element (which in its entirety Also may be referred to as a rope tensioning element) has a clamping lever. According to the invention, the tensioning element has a pivoting section with a profile that is essentially circular in relation to the pivoting axis, or a substantially circular outer contour.

Under a circular profile formed a profile is understood, the outer circumference is circular or circular arc. A substantially circular profile is also understood to mean such a profile which deviates slightly from the ideal circular shape, is elliptical, for example, with the lengths of the two semiaxes differing by less than 20% and preferably by less than 10%.

Inventive tensioning levers with the circular profile of the pivoting section are arranged in a receiving groove or a receiving slot of the housing. Upon actuation of the clamping lever, the circular portion moves relative to this opening of the base. Due to the circular design of the pivoting portion, it can be achieved that the said opening always remains substantially closed, regardless of the exact pivoting position of the tensioning element. In this way, it is possible to prevent the user from placing a finger in the space formed in the prior art the tension lever and the housing leads, and this finger can then be injured.

Preferably, the clamping element is pivotable about a predetermined angle relative to the pivot axis and the pivot portion extends in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis by at least this predetermined angle. In this way it can be achieved that a certain area of this receiving slot remains hidden regardless of the pivoting position of the clamping lever and thus the user can not pass his fingers between the slot and the clamping element.

Preferably, the angle that the pivoting portion extends in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis is greater than the predetermined angle by which the tensioning element is pivotable. Particularly preferably, the angular difference between the angle of the pivot portion in the circumferential direction with respect to the pivot axis and the angle by which the clamping element is pivotable about the pivot axis at least equal to the length or the angle that occupies the slot in the circumferential direction.

In other words, in this embodiment, the clamping element is arranged in a receiving recess of the housing or base and depending on the pivotal position of the clamping element, the recess is always substantially closed by the pivoting portion. In this way, it can be achieved, as stated above, that there are no gaps in which the user's fingers can get.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the clamping element has a spring device which runs at least in sections about the pivot axis. More specifically, this spring device preferably has at least one turn, which runs around the pivot axis. In the prior art coil springs are usually used, which engage on the one hand and on the housing on the other hand. These springs are usually exposed and the user can guide his fingers in the area of this spring. The provision of a spring, which is wound around the pivot axis, has the advantage that this spring can be arranged in the interior of the clamping lever and thus is not inadvertently accessible to the user.

Preferably, therefore, the spring device is arranged substantially in the interior of the clamping element. Preferably, the clamping element has two mutually symmetrical trained side plates, between which, among other things, the spring device is arranged.

A substantial area of the spring device is understood to mean that at least the turns of this spring are located inside the tension element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the clamping element has a shaft rotatable about the pivot axis, on which the traction means is arranged. About the tensioning element, this shaft is rotated and in turn there is, for example, an end of the traction cable, which can be rolled up in this way on this shaft.

In a further preferred embodiment, the clamping element has a ratchet device, which causes the shaft can be rotated at least partially in one direction only. Strictly speaking, during the tensioning operation, the shaft rotates in the direction in which the traction cable is wound onto it. In this way, the retaining elements are pressed against the tree trunk of the Christmas tree. The ratchet prevents the shaft from moving backwards when the lever is moved back.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the clamping element is made in one piece and particularly preferably made of plastic. This approach allows a very cost-effective production of the clamping element.

Preferably, the clamping element is inserted in a holding device and this holding device is arranged in the housing of the stator. This means that in this preferred embodiment, the clamping lever is not disposed directly on the housing, but in turn in a holding device and this then on the housing.

Particularly preferably, this holding device is made of a one-piece and bent metal element. This type of procedure allows a particularly simple and cost-effective production of the holding device. At the same time, the inventive Task of increasing the safety bill be taken into account, since this holding device can be formed particularly favorable to a region of the clamping element.

In addition, a module which is formed from the clamping element and the holding device can be inserted into the stand.

In a further preferred embodiment, a receiving groove for the traction means is provided on the end face of the shaft. Strictly speaking, the traction means particularly preferably has a head with a larger diameter, which is arranged in this groove and thus can not slide out of the shaft.

The present invention is further directed to a tensioning element, in particular for a Christmas tree stand. In this case, the clamping element between two pivotal positions with respect to a pedestal of a Christmas tree stand is arranged pivotably about a predetermined pivot axis and has a clamping lever, and a shaft rotatable about the pivot axis, which can be rotated by a movement of the clamping lever. According to the invention, the tensioning element has a pivoting section with a profile that is essentially circular in relation to the pivoting axis. The pivoting section is preferably in the clamping lever over.

Preferably, the tensioning element is designed in the manner described above. Particularly preferably, the pivoting portion is formed integrally with the tensioning lever.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1

einen Christbaumständer aus dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 2

ein Spannelement nach dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 3

ein weiteres Spannelement nach dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 4

ein erfindungsgemäßes Spannelement;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Spannelements aus Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht des Spannelements aus Fig. 4;

Fig. 7

eine Ansicht von hinten auf das Spannelement aus Fig. 4;

Fig. 8

eine Ansicht eines teilweise geöffneten erfindungsgemäßen Spannelements;

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines geöffneten Spannelements;

Fig. 10

eine Federeinrichtung für ein erfindungsgemäßes Spannelement;

Fig. 11

eine Draufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemäßes Spannelement;

Fig. 12

eine drehbare Welle für ein erfindungsgemäßes Spannelement;

Fig. 13

eine Draufsicht auf die Welle aus Fig. 12; und

Fig. 14

einen Ständer mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Spannelement.

Fig. 15

eine Halteeinrichtung zum Anordnen des Spannelements;

Fig. 16

eine Halteeinrichtung mit einem Spannelement; und

Fig. 17

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Spannelements.

Show:

Fig. 1

a Christmas tree stand from the prior art;

Fig. 2

a tensioning element according to the prior art;

Fig. 3

another tensioning element according to the prior art;

Fig. 4

an inventive clamping element;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of the clamping element Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

another perspective view of the clamping element Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 7

a view from the rear of the clamping element Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 8

a view of a partially opened clamping element according to the invention;

Fig. 9

a perspective view of an open clamping element;

Fig. 10

a spring device for a clamping element according to the invention;

Fig. 11

a plan view of an inventive clamping element;

Fig. 12

a rotatable shaft for a clamping element according to the invention;

Fig. 13

a plan view of the shaft Fig. 12 ; and

Fig. 14

a stand with a clamping element according to the invention.

Fig. 15

a holding device for arranging the clamping element;

Fig. 16

a holding device with a clamping element; and

Fig. 17

a further embodiment of a tensioning element according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a Christmas tree stand 20 according to the prior art. This Christmas tree stand has a housing 22, as well as four holding elements 25, which can be stretched radially inwards in the direction of a (not shown) tree trunk. For this purpose, a pull cable 5 is guided through passage openings 26, which are each arranged in the individual holding elements 25. About a clamping element 40, the pull cable 10 is stretched and thus the holding elements 25 are moved on the trunk. This clamping element 1a is pivotally arranged relative to the housing 22. More specifically, in the housing 22, a slot or gap 23 is provided, within which the tensioning lever 1 a or a tensioning lever 46 of the tensioning element 1 a moves.

It can be seen that, depending on the position of this clamping lever 46, a region of the gap 23 remains open. If the clamping lever 46 is released in order to solve the locking of the Christmas tree, it may happen that this clamping element 1a jerky in Fig. 1 to the top, d. h moves in the direction of its vertical position. For example, if the user has his finger in the area of the gap 23, serious injury to that finger may occur.

Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a clamping element 1a according to the prior art. In addition to the clamping lever 46 and a pivot axis X is located around which the clamping element 1a according to the prior art with respect to the housing 22 is pivotable. In addition, a gear 43 can be seen with Sägezahnausführung, which as a ratchet means for clamping the in Fig. 1 shown pull rope 5 is used. Furthermore, a spring means 50 is provided, the first end portion 50 rests against a holding portion 47 of the clamping lever 46 and the second end portion 50b is fixed to the housing. This spring means serves to pull the cocking lever 46 in the direction of its vertical position.

Fig. 3 shows another clamping element 1a according to the prior art. In this case, the spring device 50 is opposite Fig. 2 arranged on another region of the clamping element 1a, wherein here in Fig. 1 represented risk of injury between the region 46a and the gap 23 of the housing 22 may occur.

Fig. 4 shows a plan view of an inventive clamping element 1. This clamping element 1 has a head 7, and a clamping lever 6. This clamping lever 6 can, for. B. be operated with the foot. Also, this clamping element 1 is pivotable about a pivot axis X which is arranged on the housing. A groove 12 serves to move a locking device, which will be explained in more detail below. By a pivoting movement of the clamping element 1 about the pivot axis X, an end portion of a pull rope can be pulled and thus, as with reference to Fig. 1 explained, the retaining elements 25 pressed to a trunk of a Christmas tree. The reference numeral 10b denotes an end portion of a spring device.

The reference numeral 8 refers to a pivot portion which is formed in a circle around the pivot axis X. More specifically, the outer contour of this pivot portion 8 is circular. However, it should be noted that even slightly different from the circular shape shapes are possible. This pivoting portion 8 conceals the in Fig. 1 shown gap 23 in the housing 22 of the Christmas tree stand. In this way it is achieved that during a pivoting movement of the clamping element 1, the gap 23 is always hidden and thus the user can not inadvertently lead a finger in the space between the pivot portion 8 under the gap 23. In this way, the risk of entrapment is reliably prevented.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a clamping element according to the invention 1. It can be seen that the clamping element 1 has two side plates 11a, 11b, between which, for example, the gear 13, which serves as a ratchet device, is arranged. The two side plates 11a, 11b are connected to one another at their top side in a closed manner, so that a risk of Velet is also minimized here. Reference numeral 4 refers to a shaft which is rotated during a pivoting movement of the clamping lever 1. In this wave, there is an end portion 5b of the hawser 5, with the help of which the above-mentioned holding elements given the trunk of a Christmas tree can be stretched. The reference numeral 10b refers to the end portion of a spring device which is preferably arranged between the two side plates 11a and 11b. In this way, it is achieved that, in contrast to the prior art, this spring device 10 is largely accommodated in the interior of the clamping element 1 and thus no risk of injury emanating from the spring device 10. Preferably, the gear 13 and the spring device 10 are arranged concentrically with respect to the pivot axis X.

Fig. 6 shows a further perspective view of a tensioning element according to the invention 1. It can be seen here an opening 16 through which the shaft 4 is guided. Furthermore, the pivoting portion 8 can be seen with its substantially circular configuration.

The reference numeral 9 refers to an opened area between the two side plates 11a and 11b. It should be noted that the entire clamping lever can be made in one piece, for example as an injection molding element. Preferably, the clamping lever is made in its entirety from a plastic.

Fig. 7 shows a view from the rear of an inventive clamping element 1. It can be seen that in the spring device 10 and the gear 13 is pivotally or rotatable about the pivot axis. However, as mentioned above, these two elements are provided between the two side plates 11a and 11b. On the pivoting portion 8 rounded edges 8a are provided by which the risk of injury is further reduced.

Fig. 8 shows a partial view of an open clamping element 1, that is, here the first side plate 11a has been removed and only the side plate 11b is shown. It can be seen that a first end portion 10a of the spring device 10 is arranged on an inner surface of the clamping element 1 more precisely on the tensioning lever 6. In this way, the clamping element 1 can be biased against the (not shown) housing. In this case, the second end portion 10b of the spring device 10 abuts against a region of the housing, so that the tensioning lever 6 engages in through the action of the spring device Fig. 8 would be pivoted about the pivot axis counterclockwise. In the groove 12, a (not shown) latching element can be moved and thus engage in the event of a pivoting of the clamping lever 6 in a clockwise direction in gear 13 so as to effect a rotation of a non-positively connected to this gear 13 (not shown) shaft.

This latching element can be made of metal. More specifically, it is possible that the clamping lever itself is made of plastic and only the mechanically highly loaded elements of the clamping lever are made of metal. In this way, a cost reduction in the production can be achieved. In the opening 14 may be provided a known from the prior art locking element.

Fig. 9 shows a further perspective view of a clamping element according to the invention 1. The Schenkabschnitt 8 preferably designed such that it corresponds to the in Fig. 1 shown Gap regardless of the pivotal position of the clamping element 1 is always substantially completely hidden.

Fig. 10 shows a spring device 10 for a clamping element 1. In the in Fig. 10 In the embodiment shown, the spring device has only one turn, which runs around the pivot axis X. Depending on the requirements, however, several turns could be provided. Fig. 11 shows a plan view of an inventive clamping element. It can be seen that within the opening 16, a groove 16a is provided, into which, for example, the shaft (not shown) can engage, so that this shaft is rotated during pivoting of the clamping lever. More specifically, the rotation of the shaft is coupled to the rotation of the gear 13.

Fig. 12 shows an embodiment of a shaft 4 according to the invention Here, the end portion 5b of the traction cable 5 is introduced from the outside into the interior of the shaft 4 in contrast to the prior art. For this purpose, shaft 4 has a receiving device 24 for an end section 5b of the traction cable 5. This receiving device 24 has a passage opening 24b with a smaller cross section and an end section 24a with an enlarged cross section. From this end portion 24a, a head 5c of the traction cable 5 is received. Upon rotation of the shaft 4 in a clockwise direction, the pull cable 5 is rolled up and thus tensioned.

Fig. 13 shows a plan view of the in Fig. 12 shown wave. It can be seen that the receiving device further comprises a curved portion 24c, which causes the traction cable is only curved, but not kinked upon rotation of the shaft 4.

Fig. 14 shows a Christmas tree stand according to the invention 22. This Christmas tree stand also has a gap 23 in which the foot lever 1 is pivotally mounted. However, it is achieved by means of the circular pivoting section 8 that regardless of the pivoting position of the tensioning element 1, this gap 23 is always essentially closed and thus the risk of pinching fingers in the gap 23 does not occur. Furthermore, it is preferably also possible to arrange the gap 23 in a curved section 22a of the housing, wherein this curved section particularly preferably has a similar or the same radius of curvature as the pivoting section 8.

Fig. 15 shows a holding device 3 to arrange the clamping element in the Christmas tree stand 22. This holding device 3 is made of metal (eg aluminum) and has two side surfaces 3a, between which the clamping element can be accommodated. Furthermore, fastening portions 15 are provided to secure the holding device 3 in the Christmas tree stand. In the openings 17, the shaft 4 is received. The reference numeral 3b refers to bending lines, along which the holding device can be bent in order to transform a flat workpiece into the holding device 3.

Fig. 16 shows a holding device 3 with a built-clamping element 1. This holding device 3 can be installed in its entirety with the clamping element in the Christmas tree stand or its housing 22. The reference numeral 18 refers to holes to screw the holding device 3 to the housing.

Fig. 17 shows a further embodiment of a clamping lever according to the invention 1. In this embodiment, in addition to the pivot portion 8, a further pivot portion 9 is also provided with a circular outer contour below the pivot axis and the opening 16. By this further pivot portion 9 and pinching of fingers below the clamping lever can be prevented. However, the two pivot portions 8, 9, but can sweep in the circumferential direction and a larger angle, as in FIG. 17 shown. To save material was at the in FIG. 17 shown embodiment between the curved portion of the pivot portion 8,9 and the remaining area thereof a recess 19 is provided. However, this area could also be filled with material.

All disclosed in the application documents features are claimed as essential to the invention, provided they are new individually or in combination over the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Clamping element or foot lever

1a

Clamping element (prior art)

3

holder

3a

Side surfaces of the holding device

3b

Bend lines of the holding device

4

wave

5

rope

5b

end

5c

head

6

clamping lever

7

Head of the clamping element

8th

pivot portion

8a

rounded edges

10

spring means

10a, 10b

end

11a, 11b

side plates

12

groove

13

gear

14, 16

opening

16a

groove

15

Fastening element for holding device 3

17

Opening in the holding device 3

18

drilling

19

recess

20

Christmas tree stand

22

casing

22a

curved portion of the housing

23

gap

24

Receiving device in shaft 4

24a

end

24b

Through opening

24c

curved area

25

retaining element

26

Through opening

43

Gear with sawtooth design

46

Lever (prior art)

46a

Area (prior art)

47

Holding area (prior art)

50

Spring device (prior art)

50a

first end section

50b

second end section

X

swivel axis

Claims (12)

Stand (20) for anchoring a rod-shaped object and in particular a Christmas tree, with a housing (22), with a plurality of pivotally mounted on the housing holding elements (25) which can be pressed to an outer periphery of the rod-shaped object, with at least one traction means ( 5) and with a clamping element (1), which biases the traction means (5) such that the holding elements (25) are urged in the direction of the rod-shaped object, wherein the clamping element (1) between at least two pivot positions pivotable about a predetermined pivot axis (X ) is arranged and wherein the clamping element (1) has a clamping lever (6),
characterized in that
the clamping element (1) has a pivoting section (8) with a relative to the pivot axis (X) formed substantially circular profile. Stand (20) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the tensioning element (1) is pivotable by a predetermined angle relative to the pivoting axis (X) and the pivoting portion (8) extends in the circumferential direction about the pivoting axis (X) by at least this predetermined angle. Stand (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the tensioning element (1) is arranged in a receiving recess (23) of the housing (22) and is always substantially closed by the pivoting section (8), regardless of the pivoting position of the tensioning element (1) relative to the housing (22). Stand (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the tensioning element (1) has a spring device (10), which at least in sections about the pivot axis (X) runs. Stand (20) according to claim 4,
characterized in that
the spring device (10) is arranged substantially inside the tensioning element (1). Stand (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the tensioning element (1) has a shaft (4) which is rotatable about the pivot axis (X) and on which the traction means (5) is arranged. Stand (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the tensioning element (1) has a ratchet device which causes the shaft (4) to be rotated at least temporarily in one direction only. Stand (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the clamping element (1) is made in one piece and preferably made of plastic. Stand (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the clamping element is inserted in a holding device (3) and this holding device (3) is arranged in the housing (22). Stand (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
the holding device is made of a one-piece, bent metal element. Stand according to at least one of the preceding claims
characterized in that
on a front side of the shaft (4) a receiving device (24) for the traction means (5) is provided. Clamping element (1), in particular for a Christmas tree stand, wherein the clamping element (1) between two pivotal positions with respect to a housing (22) of the Christmas tree stand (20) is pivotally arranged about a predetermined pivot axis (X), with a clamping lever (6) and with a about the pivot axis (X) rotatable shaft (4), which can be rotated by a movement of the clamping element (1),
characterized in that
the clamping element (1) has a pivoting section (8) with a relative to the pivot axis (X) formed substantially circular profile.

Images