EP4114234A1

EP4114234A1 - Adjustable flexible joint

Info

Publication number: EP4114234A1
Application number: EP21708254.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Anders B. MØLLER; Flemming MORELL
Original assignee: 2maf Aps
Current assignee: 2maf Aps
Priority date: 2020-03-03
Filing date: 2021-03-03
Publication date: 2023-01-11
Also published as: WO2021175952A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable stand for receiving an object, the stand allowing for righting and turning of the object, the stand comprising; a base for providing stability to the object; an object fastening part for receiving an object; and an adjusting member positioned between the base and the object fastening part, allowing for righting and turning of the object, comprising multiple wires in a metal or a metal alloy material with a Young's modulus below 150 GPa, such as an aluminium alloy, or a copper alloy.

Description

Adjustable flexible joint

The present disclosure relates to an adjusting member that allows for simple and versatile adjustment of an object, for example a Christmas tree, a parasol or a fixture.

Background of invention

An adjustable joint is commonly used in order to adjust the position of an object, such as a Christmas tree, a parasol or a fixture. Common drawbacks of adjustable joints include that they provide a limited degree of adjustment and that the adjustment is cumbersome. Adjustable joints of the prior art typically require multiple people to change the position of an object, due to the considerable amount of force required in order to adjust the joint. Further, adjustable joints of the prior art only offer a limited degree of adjustment. Parasols, for example, are typically limited to a hinge joint, wherein the parasol may be tilted in a single specific direction.

Another example is Christmas tree stands. The stands of prior art are difficult to mount and furthermore that they are cumbersome to adjust, making it challenging to ensure that the Christmas tree is standing vertically upright. A common approach for righting of a Christmas tree comprises the use of multiple adjustment screws, acting on the stem of the Christmas tree. While these may result in a vertically upright Christmas tree, they are demanding to use as they typically rely on multiple screws, that typically are difficult to access, that need to be adjusted while continuously maintaining the tree in the desired position.

Alternative solutions for righting of a Christmas tree exist. However, similar to the conventional solution presented above, they are challenging to use or do not provide sufficient functionality. One example is DK201700055, wherein a Christmas tree is envisioned to be righted by the use of a plastically deforming bending part. While this part could potentially be bent, it is not suitable for most types of Christmas trees, in that for example a significant amount of force is required for the righting of the tree and furthermore, such a solution does not allow for turning of the Christmas tree.

Summary of invention

The present inventors have realized how an adjustable flexible joint can be configured in order to allow for simple adjustment of an object, such as a Christmas tree, a parasol or a fixture. Typically the adjustable flexible joint comprises or consists of an adjustment member, wherein the adjustment member may comprise elastically deforming parts, such as a jacket, and plastically deforming parts, such as one or more wires.

The present disclosure therefore, in a first aspect, relates to an adjustable flexible joint for adjusting the inclination and rotation of an object, the joint comprising:

• an adjusting member comprising a single core comprising multiple wires, or multiple cores each comprising at least one wire; and

• a fastening part, arranged for fixing the object to the adjusting member.

The use of an adjustable flexible joint comprising multiple wires has been shown to significantly improve the adjustments of an object. In addition to allowing for adjusting the inclination of an object attached to said joint by bending of the adjusting member it also allows for rotation of the object. The use of multiple wires ensures that the adjusting member is resistant to metal fatigue, as they act to limit the allowed rotation.

The adjusting member typically has a cylindrical shape, however upon application of sufficient force, the adjusting member will bend into a desired position, and maintain the position until further force is applied in order to alter the position of the adjusting member. It is a strong preference that the force required for deformation of the adjusting member exceeds the force exerted on the adjusting member by an object.

As the flexible joint may be used for adjusting the inclination and rotation of different objects, for example a plant, a weather sheltering object, or a fixture, the strength of the adjusting member depends on the object. Preferably, the adjusting member is selected such that the adjusting member does not bend solely under the force of the object, but rather a threshold force that exceeds that exerted by the object is required to bend the adjusting member, which depends on the material and the total cross section of the wires.

The adjustable flexible joint may be provided with a fastening part. The fastening part is preferably provided at a distal end of the adjusting member and configured for receiving an end of an elongate part of the object. For example the fastening part may be configured for receiving an end of a pole of a parasol or an umbrella. In other examples, the fastening part is configured for receiving a stem of a plant. In a specific example, the fastening part is configured for receiving a cut end of a Christmas tree.

The adjustable flexible joint may be arranged to, following receiving an object, provide easy means for righting of said object, without requiring use of tools. The object may be set in the desired position as deformation occurs in a predetermined part of the flexible adjustable joint, where there are uniform degrees of freedom of deformation in all directions.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable stand for receiving an object, the stand allowing for righting and turning of the object, the stand comprising:

• a base for providing stability to the object;

• an object fastening part for receiving an end of the object; and

• an adjusting member positioned between the base and the object fastening part comprising multiple wires allowing for righting and turning of the object.

The object may for example be a plant, such as a Christmas tree, and in such a case the fastening member may be configured for receiving a cut end of the Christmas tree. However, the object may alternatively be a weather sheltering object, such as a parasol, an umbrella or a wind protection, or a fixture, such as a light fixture or a water fixture.

Preferably the adjusting member provides means for aligning and/or ensuring that the object is straight, i.e. righting of the object. Preferably the adjusting member is located between a base, typically used for providing stability to the object, and an object fastening part, typically used for receiving the object, such as an end of the object. The adjusting member may for example comprise a base fastening part, for fastening the adjusting member to the base, such as in the form of a collar that is put upon a corresponding end pin on the base, or it may be a ball retained by clamping means in the base.

Preferably, the object can be vertically aligned without use of tools, simply by setting the object in the desired position as deformation occurs in a predetermined part of the adjustable stand, namely the adjusting member, preferably providing uniform degrees of freedom of deformation in all directions, such as providing means for setting the object in specific angles, with respect to the ground.

The adjusting member of the adjustable stand preferably consists of or comprises a plastically deforming material, that has a Young’s modulus below 150 GPa, such as below 130 GPa, even more preferable below 100 GPa, most preferable below 90 GPa, such as around 70 GPa. Preferably, the wires are provided in such a plastically deforming material. A low Young’s modulus allows for a large cross sectional area of the plastic deforming parts of the adjusting member, e.g. the wires, and thereby it can act to prevent wear of said parts. Furthermore, a low Young’s modulus of the material of the plastically deforming material of the adjusting member, such as the wires, may allow for a shorter adjusting member, which may be beneficial in certain situations, e.g. by allowing for a more hidden adjustable stand.

Contrary to adjustable stands of prior art, an object positioned in the presently disclosed adjustable stand may be angled without cumbersome iteratively screwing of multiple screws for providing support to the object. Furthermore, the object can preferably be easily turned, such that a more aesthetic pleasing part of the object can be displayed, without having to lift or drag the object and the stand.

The adjusting member may thereby additionally enable at least partial rotation (turning) of the object, i.e. turning of the object in substantially the horizontal plane. The possibility to turn the object may be enabled by the adjusting member comprising two or more wires, such as plastically deforming (metal) wires. Multiple wires that can be displaced and deformed individually can act to allow for turning of the object, by deforming said wires, e.g. twisting. Upon turning of the object, the two or more wires may be twisted, such that they form a spiralling structure. Preferably the wires are configured, in terms of for example lengths, diameters and materials, for allowing the object to be turned a large angle, such as 90 degrees. However, at the same time it is preferred that the wires are configured such that the object cannot be turned more than 180 degrees. By limiting the rotation, the metal fatigue of the adjustable member during use is decreased. Thereby, it is a preference that the position and dimensions of the wires are selected such that the object can be turned between 90 and 180 degrees.

The adjustable stand may be arranged to receive an object, such as a Christmas tree, and to provide easy means for righting of said object, without requiring use of tools. The object may be set in a desired position by deformation of the flexible adjustable joint, where there are uniform degrees of freedom of deformation in all directions, thereby the object may be vertically aligned.

Preferably, the adjusting member comprises multiple wires. However, it should be noted that the adjusting member may comprise either a single core, comprising multiple wires, or multiple cores wherein each core comprise one or more wires. Each core is preferably surrounded by a core isolation, provided in an elastic material, such as an elastomer, preferably acting to decrease friction between the cores. Powdered products, such as talcum powder, may further be used to decrease friction between individual cores and/or wires.

Description of drawings

Figs. 1A-B show an lower and an upper base unit of a base of an adjustable stand respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 shows a fastening member, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figs. 3A-B show a top-down view and a cross sectional side-view respectively of an adjusting member, exemplified as an adjusting member comprising four cores, each with a single wire, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4A-C shows an adjustable stand with a base, comprising a lower base unit and an upper base unit, and a fastening member, in a disassembled (Fig. 4A) and an assembled (Figs. 4B-C) configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 shows a base of a Christmas tree that has been mounted in an adjustable stand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed description of the invention

The present disclosure, in a first aspect, relates to an adjustable flexible joint for adjusting the inclination and rotation of an object. The adjustable flexible joint typically comprises an adjusting member and an object fastening part. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjusting member comprises multiple wires. The adjusting member may for example either be provided with a single core, wherein said single core comprises multiple wires. Alternatively, the adjusting member may be provided with multiple cores, wherein each core comprises one or more wires. In another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjustable flexible joint comprises a fastening part, arranged for fixing the object to the adjusting member.

As noted above, it is a preference that the adjusting member comprises multiple wires. However, it should be noted that the adjusting member may comprise either a single core, comprising multiple wires, or multiple cores wherein each core comprise one or more wires. Further, each core is preferably surrounded by a core isolation, provided in an elastic material, such as an elastomer, preferably acting to decrease friction between the cores. Powdered products, such as talcum powder, may further be used to decrease friction between individual cores and/or wires. The cores, potentially including the core isolation if present, may further be embedded within a jacket. In specific examples the jacket forms the outermost layer of the adjusting member, however in other examples, the jacket is covered in an aesthetically pleasing layer, such as a fabric layer or a polymer layer.

The adjustable flexible joint may be provided as a part of an object, such as a weather sheltering object, e.g. a parasol, an umbrella or a wind protection. In such a case, the adjustable flexible joint may be provided along a pole or shaft of a weather sheltering object. Parasols of prior art are limited to hinge joints, restricting the capabilities of adjusting the weather sheltering object. Instead, the presently disclosed adjustable flexible joint ensures that the weather sheltering object may be adjusted according to needs.

The use of an adjustable flexible joint comprising multiple wires has been shown to significantly improve the possibilities for adjusting, such as adjusting the orientation of an object attached to the flexible joint. In addition to allowing for adjusting of the inclination/o of an object attached to said joint by bending of the adjusting member it also allows for rotation of the object, such as by twisting the adjusting member. Typically, it is desired to turn the object, for example such that it displays a more aesthetically pleasing part, or such that it is capable of shielding from the weather, such as the positioning of a parasol, an umbrella or a wind protection in order to shield from sun, rain and/or wind. In other examples, such as wherein the object is a fixture, such as a light fixture or a water fixture, the adjustable flexible joint may be adjusted such that light or water is supplied in a desired way. It is a preference that at least a part of the fixture is fixed to at least a part along the adjusting member, such as between the axial ends of the adjusting member. For example, a lamp cord or a wire for holding a lamp may be fixed to the adjusting member, wherein the position of said cord or wire may be adjusted by adjusting the adjusting member.

The use of multiple wires ensures that the adjusting member is resistant to metal fatigue, as they act to limit the allowed rotation. The adjusting member typically has a cylindrical shape, however upon application of sufficient force, the adjusting member will bend into a desired position, and maintain the position until further force is applied in order to alter the position of the adjusting member. It is a strong preference that the force required for deformation of the adjusting member exceeds the force exerted on the adjusting member by an object.

The adjustable flexible joint may be arranged to, following receiving an object, provide easy means for adjusting the inclination (e.g. righting) of said object, preferably without requiring use of tools. The object may be set in the desired position as deformation occurs in a predetermined part of the flexible adjustable joint, where there are uniform degrees of freedom of deformation in all directions.

The flexible joint may be used for adjusting the inclination and rotation of several different objects, for example a plant such as a Christmas tree, a weather sheltering object, such as an umbrella, a parasol or a wind protection, a fixture such as a lamp fixture or a water fixture. As the adjusting member is disposed between the object fastening part and the base there are many ways in which these two parts can be designed. The object fastening part can e.g. be a three-jaw chuck which is clamped around an end of the object, such as a cut end of a Christmas tree, i.e. the cut end of the trunk of the Christmas tree, or a holder encircling an end of the object, such as the cut end part of the Christmas tree, and from where screws are screwed into the side of the object, such as the Christmas tree. However, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the object fastening part may be an attachment means for securing the object to the adjusting member. Typically, the object fastening part allows for detachably connection between the object fastening part and the adjusting member. In specific instances the object may be a part of a fixture, such as a lamp cord, an electric cable, or a flexible water conduit such as a tube. In for example these instances, the object fastening part may be configured to attach the object along the adjusting member, between the axial ends of the adjusting member. The object fastening part may comprise or consist of adhesive, strings, zip ties or similar means for attaching the object along at least a part of the adjusting member, between the axial ends of the adjusting member.

Also, the adjusting member may comprise a base fastening part, for fastening the adjusting member to the base, such as in the form of a collar that is put upon a corresponding end pin on the base, or it may be a ball retained by clamping means in the base.

Also the base may be designed in various ways. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base is a plate of round, oval, or e.g. four-edged shape to an embodiment where the base has a number of legs that may be drawn out and adjusted in height. In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the base can be collapsed/dismantled. For example, the base may comprise several members, such as a lower base unit and an upper base unit, which can be folded/rotated/turned in over each other like, e.g. a cross where all ends can be turned so that they lie along the same axis. Yet an alternative embodiment can be a plurality of circle segments that can be turned in over each other, but which, in turned out position, constitute a substantially circular base. It is a preference that the base is collapsible, such as by any of the above mentioned examples, for easy storage of the base when not in use. This results in an adjustable stand where the base and the fastening member are integrated in a single unit, but still providing the possibility of an at least partially collapsible adjustable stand, that thereby takes up less space when not in use.

Even if the adjustable stand is an integrated unit, several options for the material are present, where the base e.g. can be made of wood, metal, composites or polymer whereas the fastening member can be made of metal, such as steel, or of composite material.

Also, the flanges will provide the object with a better bearing face and provide the fastening member with a better bearing face against the adjustable stand, which in both cases will facilitate and ensure deformation of the adjusting member. In this context, a flange is to be regarded as a support that bears on at least part of end of the object, such as the cut end face of the Christmas tree, and such a flange does not necessarily have to be a solid plate part but may possibly be constituted by a number of radial fingers or similar extending from one or the other or both of the fastening parts.

By the term flange is also meant discs, wheels, nuts or anything having the function of a flange.

A flange is essential as it will prevent the wrong parts of the fastening member from bending, and therefore neither the object fastening part nor the base fastening part. A flange will just ensure that a bending moment e.g. applied on the object is transmitted to the adjusting member through the object fastening part and the flange between the object fastening part and the adjusting member.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the adjustable stand is in two parts divided into a base and a fastening member, the base including means for receiving a base fastening part.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the adjustable stand is in three parts divided into a lower base unit and an upper base unit, for forming a base, and a fastening member, the base including means for receiving a base fastening part.

This enables placing the adjustable stand at the desired place, then mounting the fastening member on the object , and finally positioning the fastening member with the object on the adjustable stand. Handling and transporting the whole adjustable stand together with the object are thereby avoided, and instead only the fastening member together with the object have to be handled and transported to the place where the base is positioned, at which place the fastening member and the base are joined.

The receiving means of the base can e.g. be a sleeve or bushing for receiving a pin from the fastening member, or vice versa where the receiving means in the base can be a pin for receiving a sleeve from the fastening member, as well as in alternative embodiments the receiving means may include quick couplings, snap couplings, or squeeze couplings that furthermore can be foot operated and spring-loaded quick locks.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the adjusting member comprises or consists of a material with lower Young’s modulus or with lesser rigidity than the object fastening part and the base fastening part, respectively.

This will further facilitate plastic deformation of the adjusting member. An example is a fastening member of a nickel alloy where the object fastening part and the base fastening part are made of a nickel/chromium/molybdenum alloy with a Young’s modulus of 208 GPa, while the adjusting member comprises or consists of an aluminium alloy with an elasticity modulus of around 70 GPa, or a copper alloy with an elasticity modulus of around 120 GPa, or where the fastening parts are or an acid-proof stainless steel AISI 316 with a Young’s modulus of 195 GPa.

The adjusting member of the adjustable stand may comprise or consist of a cable, wherein the cable preferably comprises multiple wires. The arrangement of the adjusting member may thereby have similarities with an electrical cable. Thereby, in an embodiment of the present disclosure the adjusting member is an electrical cable. The cable may be an electrical cable which typically comprises multiple (electrical) wires of a conductive material.

An (electrical) cable is typically an assembly, which is used to carry electric current, of multiple wires. In some cases the wires of a cable have been grouped together into multiple groups (cores), separated by an electrically insulating material. Consequently, different types of cables are known to a person skilled in the art. For example, one type of cable is a single core cable, wherein the wires have been bundled into a single core (i.e. no material, such as elastic or insulating, have been used for separating the multiple wires). Another type of cable is a multi-core cable wherein the cable comprises multiple cores, each core comprising one or more wires. The cores are separated by a core insulator, provided in an insulating material, such as a polymer. The core and its core insulator typically form an elongated structure with a circular cross-section, however other cross-sectional shapes are known, such as a circular sector. A common shape is a circular sector, wherein the angle of the circular sector is given by 2p divided by the number of cores of the cable. For a cable comprising four cores, the cores, and their core isolations, each forms a circular sector with an angle TT/2, i.e. a quarter circle. The cores thereby together form a complete circle.

Typically, a multi core cable is used in domestic electrical installations, wherein the different cores may be a combination of phase cores (e.g. L1, L2, L3), neutral cores (N), and/or protective earth cores (PE). The cores are typically surrounded by core insulation, the core insulation may be provided in different colours wherein the different colours are typically used for denoting the designated use of the wire, such as phases, neutral and/or ground. The multiple cores, including their core insulation, are typically surrounded or wrapped by a cable jacket, that typically forms the exterior part of the (electrical) cable. In most cables at least one of the cable jacket, the core insulator and a wire insulator is provided in an elastic material, such as an elastomer.

A core may comprise or consist of a single wire. In such a case, the core is said to be a solid core. Alternatively, the adjustment member may comprise a single core that comprises multiple wires. In cases when a core comprises multiple wires, each wire typically has a diameter between about 1-2 mm. A core may comprise a large number of wires, such as more than about 10 wires, or such as more than about 50 wires, or even such as more than about 100 wires, or even further such as more than about 200 wires. The use of multiple wires gives significant benefits in terms of for example the ease of adjustment of the object, its resistance to wear, and decrease of friction between the cores. Powdered products, such as talcum powder, may further be used to decrease friction between the cores and/or wires. Common types of cables comprises a Coaxial cable, Communications cable, Direct- buried cable, Flexible cables, Heliax® cable, Non-metallic sheathed cable (or non- metallic building wire, NM, NM-B), Metallic sheathed cable (or armoured cable, AC, or BX), Multicore cable (consist of more than one wire and is covered by a cable jacket), Paired cable, Portable cord, Ribbon cable, Shielded cable, Single cable, Submersible cable, Twinax cable, Twin-lead (such as a 300 W line) and Twisted pair.

The wire may be provided in any suitable conductive material. Common materials of wires include aluminium and copper. Both materials have a low Young’s modulus (aluminium around 68 GPa and copper around 117 GPa). Plastically deforming parts of the adjusting member, such as the wires, may comprise or consist of any material, such as a metal alloy, that has a sufficiently low Young’s modulus such as aluminium or copper. These include (Young’s modulus in parenthesis), but are not limited to, Aluminium Alloy 1100 (69 GPa), Aluminium Alloy 2024 (72.4 GPa), Aluminium Alloy 6061 (69 GPa), Aluminium Alloy 7075 (71 GPa), Aluminium Alloy 356.0 (72.4), Copper

Alloy C11000 (electrolytic tough pitch) (115 GPa), Copper Alloy C17200 (beryllium - copper) (128 GPa), Copper Alloy C22000 (Commercial bronze, 90%) (115 GPa), Copper Alloy C26000 (cartridge brass) (110 GPa), Copper Alloy C36000 (free - cutting brass) (97 GPa), Copper Alloy C71500 (copper - nickel, 30%) (150 GPa) and Copper Alloy C93200 (bearing bronze) (100 GPa) or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the material of the wires is an aluminium or nickel alloy.

A relatively low Young’s modulus is advantageous as it offers easy adjustment of the object (i.e. adjustment of the inclination, such as righting, and/or adjustment of the rotation, such as by turning, of the object ). A common drawback with materials having higher Young’s modulus for adjustment of objects is that they need to be made longer, to offer the same ease of adjustment of an object. Making them longer may however not be aesthetically pleasing as this results in a large gap between the ground and the tree. Typically, it is a desire that the visual impact of the adjustable stand should be minimized. An alternative of making the adjusting member longer is the use of a narrower wire, however a narrow wire is prone to wear. A common type of failure of a narrow wire being repetitively bent is necking wherein the bent part narrows for each consecutive bending. It should however be noted that a longer distance between the base of an object received by the adjustable stand and the ground may be preferred in certain cases. Increasing said distance would, for example, enable a larger room for placing items around the adjustable stands. Another advantageous aspect of a longer distance is that the object would be at an elevated position, which may enable a better view of the object. This is specifically desired for instances wherein the object is a Christmas tree, where a larger distance allows for the placement of Christmas gifts below the Christmas tree and further an elevated position of the Christmas tree, ensuring an optimal view thereof.

The adjusting member may comprise multiple cores, wherein each core may be surrounded by a core insulator. The core insulator may be provided in an elastic material and configured to facilitate easy adjustment of the object by allowing individual wires to experience less friction of neighbouring wires. Thereby, allowing for easy righting and turning of the object.

The elastic core insulator may be tightly packed against the wire and act to prevent failure of the wires due to repetitive adjustments of the object, such as bending and/or turning. This effect may be further enhanced by surrounding or wrapping the multiple wires with a cable jacket offering additional support to the wires.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure the adjusting member comprises multiple wires, providing easy means for turning of the object. In an initial position the wires may be parallel, such as substantially perpendicular to the ground. However, upon turning of the object the wires form a twisted structure, such as a spiralling structure. The wires may thereby offer the ability to turn the object such that an aesthetically pleasing part of the object can be displayed, without having to drag or lift the object into the desired position.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure the adjusting member comprises two or more cores, such as three or four or even five or more, providing easy means for turning of the object. In an initial position the cores, and the wire(s) of each core, may be substantially parallel, such as substantially perpendicular to the ground. However, upon turning of the object the cores (and/or the wires) may form a twisted structure, such as a spiralling structure. The cores and the wire(s) may thereby offer the ability to turn the object such that an aesthetically pleasing part of the object can be displayed, without having to drag or lift the object into the desired position. Thereby, when turning the object the cores may form a helical structure, wherein the wires of each core are perpendicular. In specific types of cores, the wires may not be parallel within the cores, the wires may for example be provided with a helical structure within the core. Upon turning of an adjusting member comprising such a combination of cores and wires, the wires may form a helical structure, while the wires of each core maintains their helical structure.

It is an advantage to have at least two wires, such that a twisted structure can be formed upon turning of the object. The twisted structure preferably acts to ensure that the object is not turned beyond a predetermined limit. Upon turning of two or more wires (that may initially be parallel), the twisted structure is formed. Upon further turning of the object, the twisted structure becomes more closely packed. Eventually, the predetermined limit is reached, and further turning is hindered by the wires, as they cannot be turned/twisted further around each other. The twisted structure can thereby be said to be in its most close packed state.

The angular interval by which the object can be turned, can be altered by adjustment of for example the number of wires, the number of cores, the diameters of the wires, the length of the wires and by the Young’s modulus and dimensions of the elastic parts of the adjusting member, e.g. the wire insulator and the cable jacket.

Preferably, the object can be turned at least an eighth of a complete rotation in each direction (i.e. 45 degrees), from the initial position, such as wherein the wires are substantially straight. Thereby, the most aesthetically pleasing side of the object can be selected for displaying without having to drag or lift the object.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure the adjusting member comprises or consists of an electrical cable. The electrical cable may be an electrical cable for high voltage installations or for low voltage installation. An example of the latter is a 1 kV electrical cable (e.g. the NKT NOIK®-AL-S 90, preferably the “4 x 95” with an outer dimension of 39 mm) or similar. The electrical wires may be made of aluminium and the core insulator is typically selected from the list including poly(vinyl chloride), polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene/neoprenean elastomer and cross-linked polyethylene, or a combination thereof. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a common elastically deforming material, used for core insulators and cable jackets. Furthermore, it is a preference that the cable comprises a cable jacket that consists of a thermoplastic, UV-stabilized, compound and a wrapping foil. The adjusting member may comprise four electrical wires, each with a cross sectional area of around 95 mm². The outer dimension of the electrical cable may be between around 20 mm and 100 mm, such as between around 25 mm and 60 mm, such as around 35 mm.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of each wire is between 4 and 30 mm, preferably between 5 and 25 mm, yet even more preferably between 6 and 20 mm, yet again more preferably between 10 and 20 mm, most preferably between 10 and 15 mm, such as around 11 mm. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the cross sectional area of each core is between 10 and 300 mm², preferably between 40 and 200 mm², yet even more preferably between 50 and 150 mm², yet again more preferably between 60 and 100 mm², most preferably between 65 and 75 mm², such as around 70 mm².

In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the combined cross sectional area of the wires, perpendicular to the axial length of the adjusting member, is between about 100 mm² and about 1000 mm2, more preferably between about 300 mm² and about 600 mm², most preferably about 400 mm². In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of cores is at least 2, preferably at least 3 more preferably at least 4.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjusting member comprises one or more cores, preferably between 2 and 6 cores, yet even more preferably between 3 and 5 cores, most preferably 4. The number of cores may for example be in the inclusive range from 2 to 10, preferably from 3 to 7, more preferably from 4 to 5, such as wherein the number of cores is 4.

In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of cores is in the inclusive range from 2 to 10, preferably from 3 to 7, more preferably from 4 to 5, such as wherein the number of cores is 4.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the total cross sectional area of the wires, i.e. all wires of the cable, are between 100 and 1000 mm², preferably between 200 and 750 mm², yet even more preferably between 250 and 600 mm², yet again more preferably between 300 and 500 mm², most preferably between 320 and 450 mm², such as around 380 mm². In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each wire has a diameter between about 0.1 mm and about 5 mm, preferably between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm, more preferably between about 1 mm and about 2 mm, most preferably about 1.3 mm.

Preferably, the adjusting member is selected such that it has a smallest bending angle of below around 20 times the electrical cable diameter, such as about ten times the electrical cable diameter. Thereby, the adjusting member may not be bent beyond a threshold angle, which may act to ensure that the momentum acting on the adjustable stand, such as the object fastening part and/or the pin of the object fastening part, does not exceed a predetermined momentum threshold. This may be preferred in cases such as wherein the object is heavier than what the adjustable stand is configured to support. Thereby, the limitation in bending act to prevent the object from falling down completely, in instances wherein the object is heavier than what the adjustable stand is configured for.

Preferably, the fastening member is provided with a first and a second adjusting member fastening parts, comprising tubular structures, for receiving the adjusting member. Preferably the inner diameter of the adjusting member fastening parts is selected for providing a snug fit upon receiving the adjusting member. The adjusting member may be secured to the adjusting member fastening parts by for example gluing, clamping (plastic deformation of the adjusting member fastening parts), soldering or a combination thereof. Preferably the receiving ends of the adjusting member fastening parts comprise a widening for easy insertion of the adjusting member.

When the adjusting member is held in position by the adjusting member fastening parts, the length upon which bending of said adjusting member can take place, typically corresponds to the distance between the first and second adjusting member fastening part, i.e. the part of the adjusting member not held in place by the first and second adjusting member fastening parts. Thereby, longer adjusting member fastening parts, typically result in a shorter distance where bending can take place, and as a consequence, smaller angles can be achieved upon righting of an object position in the adjustable stand, and/or a large force is required for the same bending to take place. Preferably, the adjusting member comprises an elastically deforming material acting to limit the bending of the adjusting member, as larger bending may result in failure or fracture of the wires, such as metal fatigue. The adjusting member fastening parts is preferably attached to the flanges, for example the first adjusting member fastening part may be welded to the first flange, and the second adjusting member fastening part may be welded to the second flange. Typically, the adjusting member fastening parts are provided as tubular structures with a length of approximately 5 cm. At the same time, the adjusting member, typically also a tubular structure, may have a length of approximately 15 cm. Thereby, 5 cm, around the midpoint of the adjusting member can be bent (i.e. the wire[s]), while 5 cm at each end of the adjusting member are held in place by the adjusting member fastening parts.

Preferably the adjusting member is configured for easy adjustment, such as righting and turning, of the object, while simultaneously ensuring that the object is maintained in a desired position. The number of wires, the number of cores, the materials of the wires, the materials between the cores, the presence of a powdered product, the diameters of the wires, the length upon which bending can all act to contribute to how easy the object can be adjusted.

Preferably, a torque of at least 10 Nm is required to bend the adjusting member, more preferably at least 20 Nm most preferably at least 25 Nm. The torque required for bending the adjusting member is preferably within the range of 10 Nm and 150 Nm, more preferably between 20 Nm and 60 Nm, most preferably between 25 Nm and 40 Nm.

It should be noted that it is typically preferred to ensure a tight, and secure, fit between the object fastening part, such as the pin of the object fastening part, and the object. A tight, and secure, fit is typically ensured by screwing the object in place, e.g. by having the object fastening part comprise a screw that is to be screwed into the object. Alternatively, one or more nails can be used to ensure a tight, and secure, fit between the object and the adjustable stand.

Typically a tight, and secure, object does not allow for turning, without having to lift or drag the object and adjustable stand into the desired position. This can be very heavy and dragging the object and adjustable stand may further act to scratch the ground, such as a floor. Thereby, in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the object comprises an adjusting member comprising multiple wires configured for allowing turning of the object. The adjusting member may thereby be configured for turning of the object in addition to being configured for straightening of the object (by bending of specific parts of the adjustable stand).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjustable stand comprises an object fastening part wherein the pin is provided in the form of a screw. Furthermore, the fastening member may comprise one or more screws that are substantially perpendicular to said pin, that is to form contact with the base of the object. These screws may act to ensure that there is a tight, and secure, connection between the adjustable stand and the object.

It should be noted that the Young’s modulus is of course significant to the cross- sectional dimension of the adjusting member, but also to the length of the adjusting member. In general, the longer the adjusting member is, the easier it will be to perform bending/adjustment of the direction of an object, given the same lengths of the adjusting member fastening parts. In an alternative embodiment, the entire fastening member can be of one material with the same Young’s modulus, but where the adjusting member has a somewhat lesser cross-sectional area than the other parts.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure at least the adjusting member is at least covered by a material with better elastic properties than the material of the adjusting member.

This will enable covering, surrounding, enveloping, casting round or embedding the adjusting member in a material with better elastic properties than the material of the adjusting member. If the adjusting member e.g. is a nickel/copper alloy, the material surrounding the adjusting member can e.g. be a rubber or polymer material with better elastic properties than the nickel/copper alloy in question.

Where the object fastening part can be hidden in the object, and the base fastening part can be hidden in the base, the plastically deforming adjusting member can thus be hidden by e.g. a surrounding rubber material e.g. having a shape corresponding to the outer contour of the flanges and extending from the first flange to the second flange. Parts of the flanges may therefore be covered by the said material as well. This will provide the adjusting member with a substantially stronger visual expression and will also make it easier to hold fast around the adjusting member when the object fastening part is to be drawn, turned or removed from the object. In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the object fastening part includes at least one pin. This will enable drilling a hole in an object, inserting the pin of the object fastening part, putting the fastening member on the base and performing the final righting. The pin can e.g. be 08-10 mm, with a length of about 50-70 mm, and it can be made of steel or aluminium, advantageously with a strength e.g. corresponding to EN S235JR or EN AW-1050. Other unalloyed/alloyed steel types or materials with corresponding properties can also be used, and the parts can be made in other dimensions than those mentioned here.

Insertion of the at least one pin can be effected by the hole having greater dimension than the pin, or a corresponding dimension, and so that the pin therefore readily can be inserted in the hole. Alternatively, the hole can have a lesser dimension than the pin whereby the pin is to be driven into the hole by means of e.g. a hammer.

Several pins can also be provided in the object fastening part, where the pins e.g. are placed in pre-drilled holes at the end part of the object, where the holes e.g. are pre drilled with a jig. Alternatively, the pins can subsequently be fixed on the fastening member by means of fastening means such as screws, snap locks or similar, and where the pins e.g. can be fixed in a perforated disc which at the same time constitutes the flange between the object fastening part and the adjusting member.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the at least one pin is pointed.

This will enable knocking the pin into the tree, as e.g. with nails, whereby the drilling of holes in the tree is avoided. In a preferred embodiment, in order to ensure that the pin can be driven into the tree the pin can be made of steel with suitable carbon content, e.g. between 0.3 percent and 1.7 percent, enabling hardening for better strength properties and hardness. The stronger the material, the smaller dimension it may have, and all things considered a smaller piece of material is easier to hammer into the tree than a bigger one.

A pin can be placed in a pre-drilled hole as an alternative, whereas at least a second pin can be knocked into the tree. The pins to be knocked into the tree can e.g. be smaller than the pin to be placed in the pre-drilled hole. In a further alternative, holes can be pre-drilled after which pins are knocked into the holes for better fastening. In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the at least one pin is a stud bolt.

This will enable screwing the fastening member pin into the object, whereby the fastening member will be fixed and not in danger of falling out while handling the object with the fastening member, and thus before placing it in the base. In a preferred embodiment, the stud bolt can be screwed into the end part of the object, possibly in a pre-drilled hole in order to facilitate the screwing action. In a preferred embodiment, a self-tapping screw thread can be used in pre-drilled holes.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the base fastening part includes at least one pin.

This will enable inserting the pin of the base fastening part into the base. The pin can e.g. be 08-10 mm, with a length of about 50-70 mm, and it can be made of steel or aluminium, advantageously with a strength e.g. corresponding to EN S235JR or EN AW-1050. Other unalloyed/alloyed steel types or materials with corresponding properties can also be used, and the parts can be made in other dimensions than those mentioned here.

The at least one pin of the base fastening part can possibly be clamped in a screw gun in order to facilitate screwing in cases where the at least one pin of the object fastening part is a stud bolt to be screwed into the end part of an object.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the adjustable stand further includes a water bowl surrounding the object fastening part.

This will enable extending the time by which the object will dry up and thereby losing its needles, which e.g. for common spruce and omorika occurs earlier than in the case of Norman spruce and nobilis. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the water bowl is an integrated part of the flange between the object fastening part and the adjusting member; alternatively, the bottom of the water bowl can be an integrated part of the flange between the adjusting member and the base fastening part, and finally the bottom of the water bowl can be fastened e.g. by means of welding to one or the other flange. In an alternative embodiment, the water bowl can be made of polymer in one or more pieces that are put onto or assembled around the fastening member, e.g. by gluing or joining with gaskets.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the adjustable stand further includes a fastening member cover.

This will enable hiding or just covering the cut end of the object and the entire transition to the base. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening part cover is a self-tightening spring band known as "slapwrap". In an alternative embodiment, it can also be in the form of a single cylindrical tube piece, possibly with a spring-loaded hinging, or a tube piece divided into two pieces assembled around the cut end of the object and the entire transition to the base by means of a snap coupling, quick lock, magnets, or similar.

In an embodiment, the adjustable stand is with a colour that anonymises the adjustable stand, i.e. it has a colour which is neutral, e.g. greenish, but the adjustable stand can also appear as a more visible element, as ornamented, painted or decorated in other ways.

Definitions

A plastically deforming material, as used herein, is defined as a material that has a substantially low elastic limit, such as substantially no elastic deformation for the relevant force range, typically the material properties of a metal. The material, upon application of a sufficiently large force, as a consequence will experience plastic deformation, i.e. the permanent distortion that occurs when a material is subjected to tensile, compressive, bending, or torsion stresses that exceed its yield strength and cause it to elongate, compress, buckle, bend, or twist. Examples of plastically deforming materials include metals or metal alloys.

An elastically deforming material, as used herein, is defined as a material that has a substantially high elastic limit, such as substantially only elastic deformation for the relevant force range. The material, upon application of the relevant force range, experiences a temporary shape change that is self-reversing after the force is removed, so that the material returns to its original shape. Examples of elastically deforming materials comprise polymers and elastomers, for poly(vinyl chloride), polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene/neoprenean elastomer and cross-linked polyethylene, or a combination thereof.

A wire, as used herein, is defined as a thread or rod of a plastically deforming material, typically a metal or a metal alloy.

A core, as used herein, is defined as one or more wires that is surrounded by an elastically deforming material.

A cable, as used herein, is defined as an assembly of one or more wires running side by side or bundled, which is typically used to carry electric current. A cable may comprise of a single core, with multiple wires, or it may comprise multiple cores, with one or more wires. In the case of a cable with multiple cores, the cores are isolated from each other by a core insulator in an elastically deforming material. The outermost part of a cable is typically a cable jacket, provided in an elastically deforming material. The cable jacket, thereby, surrounds the one or more cores and acts to provide support and flexibility to the cable.

Detailed description of drawings

The invention will in the following be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are exemplary and are intended to illustrate some of the features of the presently disclosed adjustable flexible joint and stand, and are not to be construed as limiting to the presently disclosed invention.

Fig. 1 shows a lower base unit (1) of a stand (Fig. 1A) and an upper base unit (2) of a stand (Fig. 1 B). Preferably the lower base unit and the upper base unit are elongated units that are configured, such as by having pits (19) at the contacting surfaces, for formation of a base with the substantial shape of a cross. Preferably the lower and upper surface of the lower and upper base unit are flush, when engaged, such that the base can form a solid support to the ground. Furthermore, the base units comprise one or more receiving means (10), for receiving a base fastening part of a fastening member.

Fig. 2 shows a fastening member (9), the fastening member including an object fastening part (17), an adjusting member (4), and a base fastening part (12). Fig. 2 also shows that the fastening member (9) further comprises a first flange (7) between the object fastening part (17) and the adjusting member (4) and additionally a second flange (8) between the adjusting member and the base fastening part. Fig. 2 also shows that the object fastening part has a pin (5) and that the base fastening part (12) has a pin (6). A first adjusting member fastening part (21) is attached to the first flange and comprises an open end (23) for receiving the adjusting member. The other end of the adjusting member is held in position by a second adjusting member fastening part (22) attached to the second flange. Similarly, the second adjusting member fastening part has an open end for receiving the adjusting member. The open ends may have a widening (not shown) for easy receival of the adjusting member. The adjusting member fastening parts may be welded to the flanges. The adjusting member can, if desired, be permanently attached to the adjusting member fastening parts by gluing or clamping, preferably of the adjusting member fastening parts.

Fig. 3A-B show a top-down view and a side-view respectively of an adjusting member (4), exemplified as an adjusting member comprising four cores (14). The side-view of Fig. 3B is given along the dashed line of Fig. 3A. The adjusting member is typically, before being adjusted, provided as a cylindrical structure having two axial ends. Fig. 3A shows one of said axial ends of the adjusting member. Although the cores are shown to consist of a single wire (20) with a large diameter (solid core), the one or more cores may, as described elsewhere herein, comprise multiple wires. The adjusting member is shown here in an initial, non-turned, state wherein the cores, and wires, are straight, and parallel. Upon turning of the object the core(s) and/or wires preferably form a twisted structure, wherein the core(s) and/or wires are rotated around each other. The twisted structure acts to limit further turning of the object, and may further act to limit the wear on the core(s) and/or wires, by for example limiting the degree of deformation. The core(s) are surrounded by a core isolation (15) comprising or consisting of an elastic layer. Furthermore, the core(s) and the core isolations are (axially) embedded in a cable jacket (16). Thereby, the outer surface apart from the ends of the adjusting member is formed by the cable jacket.

Fig. 4 shows an adjustable stand (13) with a base, comprising a lower base unit (1) and an upper base unit (2), and a fastening member (9), in a disassembled (Fig. 4A) and assembled (Fig 4B-C) configuration. Preferably, the upper surface of the lower base unit and the lower surface of the upper base unit comprise a pit, configured such that, when being engaged, a base (18) if formed that has the substantial shape of a cross. The longest axis of the upper and lower base is thereby substantially perpendicular. The fastening member further comprising a water bowl (3) wherein one or more screws (11) can be used to fasten the object

Fig. 5 shows an adjustable stand (13) comprising a base, comprises a lower base unit (1) and an upper base unit (2), and a fastening member (9), comprising a water bowl

(3) forming a container for receiving an end of the object and for containing water. In this specific example, the object is an object, and the fastening member has received a cut end of the object.

Items 1. An adjustable stand comprising;

• a base; and

• a fastening member, comprising an object fastening part, a base fastening part and an adjusting member comprising multiple wires. 2. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the adjustable stand is configured for righting and turning of a Christmas tree, a weather sheltering object, such as a parasol, an umbrella or a wind protection, or a fixture, such as a lighting fixture or a water fixture. 3. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the wires comprise or consist of a material with a Young’s modulus below 150 GPa, such as an aluminium alloy, or a copper alloy.

4. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the adjusting member comprises a plastically deforming material and one or more elastically deforming material.

5. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the wires comprise or consist of one or more plastically deforming materials.

6. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the elastically deforming material(s) of the adjusting member is an elastomer. 7. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the adjusting member comprises a cable, comprising one or more cores.

8. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the adjusting member comprises a single core, comprising multiple wires, or multiple cores comprising one or more wires.

9. The adjustable stand according to any of the preceding items, wherein the core(s), are, each, surrounded by a core insulator, consisting of a layer of an elastically deforming material.

10. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the core(s) are embedded in a cable jacket material.

11. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the combined cross sectional area of the plastically deforming material(s) of the adjusting member, such as the wires, in a plane perpendicular to the axial length of the adjusting member, is between about 100 mm² and about 1000 mm², preferably a cross sectional area between 200 mm² and about 800 mm², even more preferably between about 300 mm² and about 600 mm², most preferably about 400 mm².

12. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, comprising a first flange between the object fastening part and the adjusting member and additionally a second flange between the adjusting member and the base fastening part.

13. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the adjustable stand is in two parts divided into a base and a fastening member, the base including means for receiving a base fastening part.

14. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the adjusting member, such as the wires, comprises or consists of a material with lower Young’s modulus than either of the object fastening part and the base fastening part. 15. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the adjusting member is at least covered by a material with better elastic properties than the material of the adjusting member.

16. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the object fastening part includes at least one pin.

17. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least one pin is pointed.

18. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least one pin is a stud bolt.

19. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the base fastening part includes at least one pin.

20. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the adjustable stand further comprises a water bowl, the water bowl surrounding, at least partially, the object fastening part and including at least a container part that extends from the flange in the same direction as the at least one pin.

21. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the adjustable stand further includes a covering for the fastening member.

22. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the length of a section of the adjusting member that can be bent, such as a part of the wires, is between 3-10 cm, such as around 5 cm.

23. The adjustable stand according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the diameter of the wires is between 1-2 mm, such as around 1.4 mm.

Claims

1. An adjustable flexible joint for adjusting the inclination and rotation of an object, the joint comprising: · an adjusting member comprising a single core comprising multiple wires, or multiple cores each comprising at least one wire; and • an object fastening part, arranged for fixing the object to the adjusting member.

2. The adjustable flexible joint according to claim 1 , wherein the object is a Christmas tree, a weather sheltering object such as a parasol or an umbrella, or a fixture, such as a light fixture.

3. The adjustable flexible joint according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening part is configured for receiving an end of the object, such as a cut end of a Christmas tree or an end of a weather sheltering object, or wherein the fastening part is configured for being attached to the object, such as a fixture, along at least a part of the distance between the axial ends of the adjusting member.

4. The adjustable flexible joint according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wires comprise or consist of a material with a Young’s modulus below 150 GPa, such as an aluminium alloy, or a copper alloy.

5. An adjustable stand for receiving an object, the stand allowing for adjusting the inclination and rotation of the object, the stand comprising:

• a base for providing stability to the object;

• an object fastening part for receiving an end of the object; and

6. The adjustable stand according to claim 5, wherein the wires comprise or consist of a material with a Young’s modulus below 150 GPa, such as an aluminium alloy, or a copper alloy.

7. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein the adjusting member comprises a single core comprising multiple wires, or wherein the adjusting member comprises multiple cores and each core comprising one or more wires.

8. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the core(s) are individually wrapped in a core insulator, consisting of a layer in a first elastically deforming material, such as selected from the list including poly(vinyl chloride), polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene/neoprenean elastomer and cross-linked polyethylene, or a combination thereof.

9. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-8, wherein the core(s) are collectively wrapped in a cable jacket in a second elastically deforming material, such as selected from the list including poly(vinyl chloride), polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene/neoprenean elastomer and cross-linked polyethylene, or a combination thereof.

10. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein the material of the wire(s) is selected from the group including aluminium, aluminium alloy, copper and copper alloy.

11. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-10, wherein the combined cross sectional area of the wires, perpendicular to the axial length of the adjusting member, is between about 100 mm² and about 1000 mm², more preferably between about 150 mm² and about 400 mm², most preferably about 200 mm².

12. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-11, wherein the stand comprises a fastening member, comprising i. the object fastening part; ii. a base fastening part for forming contact with a receiving means of the base, and iii. the adjusting member positioned between the object fastening part and the base fastening part.

13. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-12, comprising a first flange between the object fastening part and the adjusting member and a second flange between the adjusting member and the base fastening part.

14. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-13, wherein the adjustable stand is in two parts divided into the base and the fastening member, the base including means for receiving a base fastening part.

15. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-14, wherein the wires are provided in a material with lower Young’s modulus than the material(s) of both the object fastening part and the base fastening part.

16. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-15, wherein the adjusting member is, at least partly, covered by a material with higher elasticity than the material of the adjusting member.

17. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-16, wherein the adjustable stand further comprises a water bowl, the water bowl surrounding, at least partially, the object fastening part and including at least a container part that extends from the flange in the same direction as the at least one pin.

18. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-17, wherein the two axial ends of the adjusting member are held in position by a first and a second adjusting member fastening parts, and wherein the distance between said first and second adjusting member fastening parts, such as the length along which the adjusting member can be bent, is between 3-12 cm, such as around 5 cm.

19. The adjustable stand according to any one of claims 5-19, wherein the number of cores is in the inclusive range from 2 to 10, preferably from 3 to 7, more preferably from 4 to 5, such as wherein the number of cores is 4.