Carrier system for mounting on a trailer hitch for transporting trees

Abstract

Carrier system (1) for arrangement on a trailer coupling for the transport of trees, wherein the carrier system (1) comprises a ball coupling (10) that can be arranged on a ball head of the trailer coupling, with a ball receptacle (100) and a lockable closing mechanism (101) for closing the ball coupling around the ball head (1) of the towing vehicle, and a carrier unit (11) for receiving a tree, wherein the carrier unit (11) comprises a holding element (110) connected to the ball receptacle (100) with a receiving space (1100) for receiving the trunk of a tree, characterized in that the carrier system (1) comprises a tensioning strap (12) and a tensioning device (120), and the tensioning strap (12) is guided from a fastening part (121) through the receiving space (1100) to the tensioning device (120) in such a way that the tensioning strap (12) has at least one receiving area (1100).1) of the receiving space (1100) is enclosed circumferentially and the tensioning strap (12) can be tensioned and untensioned on the tensioning device (120).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrier system for arrangement on a trailer coupling for the transport of trees according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] Carrier systems for mounting on a trailer hitch for transporting trees and other objects are already known from the prior art.

[0003] For example, German patent DE 10 2020 000 713 A1 describes a support system comprising a ball coupling, attachable to the tow ball of a trailer hitch, with a ball receptacle and a lockable locking mechanism for securing the ball coupling around the tow ball of the towing vehicle, as well as a support unit for holding a tree, which is connected to the ball coupling. The support unit further includes a tubular receptacle, connected to the ball receptacle and designed to hold the tree trunk. This support system specifically includes a support bar with a fixing rod, and a ferrule for positioning. When attached, the tree lies at an obtuse angle to the roadway. The support system also includes a strap on the fixing rod, which secures the upper, green part of the tree. Excessive tightening of the strap can damage the branches.The tree's movement is restricted by the holder and pole, but it is not fixed in place. The angled position of the Christmas tree significantly increases the vehicle's maneuvering range. Drivers must take this into account when driving.

[0004] Furthermore, a carrier system is known from US 2003 0 205 599 A1 in which the ball receptacle has a receiving axis that defines the orientation of the ball receptacle to the ball head of the trailer coupling, wherein the carrier axis of the receiving element is aligned to the receiving axis at an angle between 0 and a maximum of -45 or a maximum of +45 degrees.

[0005] Other carrier systems and holders with different technical aspects are also generally known from the publications DE 88 00 557 U1, DE 84 34 526 U1, DE 82 36 748 U1, DE 72 21 818 U, US 2007 / 0187448 A1 and US 2018 / 0134227 A1.

[0006] US patent 2018 / 0134227 A1 discloses a carrier system explicitly designed for transporting golf bags and intended for square trailer hitches, not ball hitches. The load is secured by a tray at the bottom of a vertical tube, at the top of which three arms in the shape of a horizontal "E" are attached parallel to the tray. The open ends of the arms can be connected with a chain for securing the load. There is no tensioning mechanism, so a tree would not be secured against slippage. When fully assembled, this carrier system is bulky due to its vertical design. Disassembly is necessary for space-saving storage. Furthermore, no additional safety layer is provided. Due to the shape of the Christmas tree, this carrier is not suitable for transporting fir trees.The tree's diameter is larger than the diameter of a golf bag in the area of ​​the securing arms. Furthermore, a typical Christmas tree, due to its relative size to the vehicle, offers a larger surface area exposed to the wind, raising the question of whether the golf bag transport device would be suitable.

[0007] US Patent 2007 / 0187448 A1 shows a basket-shaped container with a closed, round bottom, around the rim of which several vertically arranged poles are attached in a circular pattern. These poles are connected at the top by a ring and stabilized at mid-height by a surrounding ring. There is no clamping mechanism. A standard Christmas tree would protrude over the edge and would be neither secured nor fixed, but simply placed loosely in the basket. Loading and unloading a Christmas tree would be very inconvenient. When fully assembled, the vertical design makes it bulky. Disassembly would be necessary for space-saving storage.

[0008] US Patent 2009 / 0261126 A1 explicitly discloses a carrier system designed for transporting a maximum of two surfboards in an upright position on a vehicle's trailer hitch. It is designed for square trailer hitches, not ball hitches. The surfboards are secured by a central bar with two mounting rings at its lower end for attaching the noses of the surfboards. At the top of the bar are either rigid, interlocking arms or a U-shaped bracket whose ends are connected by an elastic band to secure the boards in the middle. The mounting system is specifically designed for surfboards and therefore intended for narrow, flat objects, making it unsuitable for transporting tree-like, round items. No tensioning mechanism is included. When fully assembled, the system is bulky.Disassembly is necessary for space-saving storage. It is not suitable for transporting trees.

[0009] In summary, the disadvantages of the aforementioned carrier systems are that they are either not specifically designed for transporting trees, do not offer sufficient securing of the tree being transported, or that attaching an adequate securing device for the tree proves to be time-consuming. Description of the invention

[0010] The present invention is based on the objective of eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages and creating a carrier system that simplifies the transport of small trees, e.g. Christmas trees, and enables trouble-free and, above all, safe transport.

[0011] According to the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with the characterizing features. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the support system according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] The carrier system according to the invention initially comprises, based on the prior art, a ball coupling which can be arranged on a ball head of the trailer coupling with a ball receptacle and a lockable closing mechanism for closing the ball coupling around the ball head of the towing vehicle, as well as a carrier unit for receiving a tree, wherein the carrier unit comprises a holding element connected to the ball receptacle with a receiving space for receiving the trunk of a tree.

[0013] All common locking mechanisms, such as those described in the listed publications, are suitable for closing the ball coupling. A particularly advantageous design of the locking mechanism involves attaching the carrier system simply and securely to the vehicle's trailer hitch via a quick-release coupling.

[0014] The support system according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a tensioning strap and a tensioning device, and the tensioning strap is guided from a fastening part through the receiving space to the tensioning device in such a way that the tensioning strap circumferentially encircles at least one receiving area of ​​the receiving space and the tensioning strap can be tensioned and untensioned on the tensioning device.

[0015] The term "receiving space" refers to any three-dimensional space formed by the shape and design of the holding organ, as well as any space extending beyond the structure of the holding organ.

[0016] The receiving space can be formed not only by a hollow body completely encompassing the receiving space (for example, a round or polygonal tube), but also by one or more walls adjacent to a connecting part connecting the holding element and the ball receptacle, which do not necessarily completely enclose the receiving space formed thereby. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Further objectives, features, advantages and application possibilities of the carrier system according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing.

[0018] The drawings show Fig. 1 the support system according to the invention in an advantageous embodiment in perspective view; Fig. 2 the support system according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1 in the top view; Fig. 3 the support system according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1 in side view; Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 the support system according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1 with a cage as edge protection. Implementation of the invention

[0019] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the tensioning device 120 in a particularly advantageous embodiment comprises a short or long lever ratchet or a tensioning clamp, on which the tensioning strap 12 can either be wound and unwound or clamped with its loose end for tensioning the tensioning strap 12.

[0020] The tensioning strap 12 is advantageously arranged with its fixed end on the fastening part 121.

[0021] The retaining element 110 is located in the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1-3, the retaining element 110 is preferably formed from a square tube adjoining a connecting part 111 that connects the retaining element 110 and the ball receptacle 100. The square tube is formed from several walls 1101. As already described at the outset, the retaining element 110 can also assume any shape and can even be open at its end opposite the ball receptacle 100, since the clamping device 120 could press a tree towards the at least one wall 1101 and thus, in principle, secure it sufficiently.

[0022] As from the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 1-3, the retaining element 110 preferably comprises at least two walls 1101 oriented at an angle to each other, wherein the at least two walls are each oriented at an angle to the connecting part 111.

[0023] In one of the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1-3, at least one passage opening 11010 for the tensioning strap 12 is formed on at least one wall 1101, through which the tensioning strap 12 is guided. Advantageously, the wall 1101, or here several (angledly adjoining) walls 1101, each has at least one passage opening 11010 to guide the tensioning strap 12 into and out of the receiving space 1100, forming a receiving area 1100.1 that changes by tensioning and relaxing the tensioning strap 12.

[0024] Particularly advantageously, the carrier unit 11 comprises at least one connecting part 111 between the ball receptacle 100 and the associated receiving element 110, wherein the tensioning strap 12 extends on at least one side of the connecting part 111 in the longitudinal direction LR or on the longitudinal axis of the connecting part 111.

[0025] The clamping device 120 and the fastening part 121 are designed according to the Fig. 1-3 are advantageously arranged opposite each other on the connecting part 111.

[0026] The short- or long-lever ratchet or tension clamp preferably comprises an elongated receiving part 1200, which is, for example, a winding shaft, designed to receive the tensioning strap 12, wherein the receiving part 1200 is advantageously aligned parallel to the receiving axis AA of the holding element 110. This parallel arrangement ensures that the tensioning strap 12 is also aligned parallel to the walls 1101 within the receiving space 1100 of the holding element and can thus fully grip a tree trunk on its surface.

[0027] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the support system 1 comprises a rope 13 or an additional strap which is firmly connected to the support system 1 at its fixed end and which includes a loose end (preferably with carabiner 130) for safety-related attachment to a tree in order to additionally secure it against loss, should it, for example, not have been sufficiently fixed to the holding device by the user.

[0028] The advantages of the carrier system according to the invention lie primarily in the possibility of easily and securely attaching a tree to the carrier system. Furthermore, the present invention avoids damage to and soiling of the vehicle, both inside and on the roof, since the tree is transported outside the vehicle and does not touch the vehicle's paintwork or interior. It thus protects both the vehicle and its value.

[0029] The carrier system remains safe with regard to road safety, as proper load securing, preferably in the form of a ratchet / tension clamp and tension strap, is integrated into the product. Furthermore, an additional safety layer is provided which secures the load in the event of improper use.

[0030] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in 1-3, the carrier system 1 according to the invention is to be handled as follows:

[0031] The carrier system 1 is easily and securely attached to the vehicle's trailer hitch, for example, using a quick-release coupling. The sawn-off tree trunk is inserted into the holding device 110 and preferably placed on a through-bolt 14 provided on the holding device 110, such that the tension strap 12 grips the tree trunk. The height of the through-bolt 14 can be adjusted according to the height of the tree trunk.

[0032] The tree is then secured using the ratchet or tension clamp, so that the trunk is pressed against at least one wall 1101 of the holding device 110.

[0033] In this context, the preferably angled (i.e., having several walls 1101 preferably oriented obliquely to the connecting part 111 or the ball receptacle) (see Fig. 1 to 3) The holding element 110 plays a crucial role. Firstly, its tangential contact with the trunk provides a larger contact area and less freedom of movement than, for example, a round profile. Secondly, it centers the tree within the holding element 110. This results in greater stability, for example, when cornering. Securing the tree with a tension strap 12 also offers a larger contact area and a damage-free alternative to screws, which would have a very small contact area on the irregular surface of the tree trunk. Furthermore, secure tightening using a ratchet or tension clamp is easily accomplished manually, whereas fastening with screws, for example, is much more dependent on the strength of the individual and may require additional tools.

[0034] Finally, as an additional safety measure, the (wire) rope 13, anchored in the structure, is preferably secured around the lowest row of branches of the tree, for example with a carabiner. Improper use, e.g., excessive speed or rough driving maneuvers, could cause the tree trunk to break. In this case, the breakaway rope would prevent an uncontrolled loss of the load.

[0035] As from the Fig. 4 and Fig.As can be seen in Figure 5, a cage 112 is preferably formed in the area of ​​the connecting part 111, which at least partially surrounds the connecting part 111 and is arranged at a distance from it. The cage 112 is preferably designed such that it at least partially covers the section of the tensioning strap 12 running in the area of ​​the connecting part 111 in order to comply with the edge protection according to ECE-R26 and to protect it from external influences. The cage 112 advantageously consists of several rod-, U-shaped or grid-shaped elements 1120 which are connected to each other and form a circumferential protective space around the connecting part 111. List of reference numbers 1 Carrier system 10 ball coupling 11 Carrier unit 12 tension straps 13 (wire) rope 14 Puncture protection 100 ball holder 110 Holding element of the carrier unit 111 Connecting part 112 Cage 120 Clamping device (ratchet / clamp) 121 Fastening part of the tensioning strap 130 carabiners 1100 Receiving space formed by the holding organ 1100.1 Recording area within the recording room 1101 Walls of the holding organ 11010 Opening(s) in the walls 1120 rod-, hoop- or grid-shaped elements of the cage 1200 Mounting part of the clamping device AA Reclining axis of the holding element LR Longitudinal direction of the connecting part QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited Patent Literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 000 713 A1

[0003] US 2003 0 205 599 A1

[0004] DE 88 00 557 U1

[0005] DE 84 34 526 U1

[0005] DE 82 36 748 U1

[0005] DE 72 21 818 U

[0005] US 2007 / 0187448 A1 [0005, 0007] US 2018 / 0134227 A1 [0005, 0006] US 2009 / 0261126 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Carrier system (1) for mounting on a trailer coupling for transporting trees, wherein the carrier system (1) comprises a ball coupling (10) attachable to a ball head of the trailer coupling with a ball receptacle (100) and a lockable locking mechanism (101) for closing the ball coupling around the ball head (1) of the towing vehicle, and a carrier unit (11) for receiving a tree, wherein the carrier unit (11) comprises a holding element (110) connected to the ball receptacle (100) with a receiving space (1100) for receiving the trunk of a tree, characterized by, that the support system (1) comprises a tensioning strap (12) and a tensioning device (120), and the tensioning strap (12) is guided from a fastening part (121) through the receiving space (1100) to the tensioning device (120) in such a way that the tensioning strap (12) circumferentially encircles at least one receiving area (1100.1) of the receiving space (1100) and the tensioning strap (12) can be tensioned and untensioned on the tensioning device (120). [2] Carrier system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the tensioning device (120) comprises a short or long lever ratchet or a tensioning clamp, on which the tensioning strap (12) can either be wound and unwound or clamped with its loose end for tensioning the tensioning strap (12). [3] Carrier system (1) according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized by , that the holding element (110) is formed from one or more walls (1101) adjoining the connecting part (111) to form the receiving space (1100). [4] Carrier system (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that at least one opening (11010) for the tensioning strap (12) is formed on at least one wall (1101). [5] Carrier system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the carrier unit (11) comprises at least one connecting part (111) between the ball receptacle (100) and the associated receiving element (110), wherein the tensioning strap (12) extends on at least one side of the connecting part (111) in the longitudinal direction (LR) of the connecting part (111). [6] Carrier system (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the clamping device (120) and the fastening part (121) are arranged opposite each other on the connecting part (111). [7] Carrier system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, characterized by, that the short or long lever ratchet or the tension clamp comprises an elongated receiving part (1200) which is designed to receive the tensioning strap (12), wherein the receiving part (1200) is aligned parallel to the receiving axis (AA) of the holding element (110). [8] Carrier system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it comprises a rope (13) or an additional strap which is firmly connected to the support system (1) at its fixed end and which includes a loose end for safety-related attachment to a tree. [9] Carrier system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the area of ​​the connecting part (111) a cage (112) is formed which surrounds the connecting part (111) at least sectionally and is arranged at a distance from it. [10] Carrier system (1) according to claim 9, characterized by, that the cage (112) is designed in such a way that it at least partially covers the section of the tensioning strap (12) running in the area of ​​the connecting part (111) in order to comply with the edge protection according to ECE-R26 and to protect it from external influences. [11] Carrier system (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by , that the cage (112) consists of several rod-, hoop- or grid-shaped elements (1120) which are connected to each other and form a surrounding protective space around the connecting part (111).

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