Abstract: The invention relates to a single- or multiple- or multifunctional holding device that is designed in such a manner that it can be fastened to a support in different ways and can in turn be used as the support for a second object. Differently shaped receiving sections, produced by the arrangement of the structural units in the form of U-shaped hooks, L-shaped hooks, connecting elements and connecting sections in relation to each other allow for the holding device to be fastened to differently shaped supports in a rotationally fixed manner by jamming, blocking, encompassing, engaging behind or positively resting against them and to be used as a support for other objects.

Abstract: The novel Christmas tree stand has fixing elements (104) mounted in a housing. The fixing elements are moved, by supplying a pressure medium to annular bellows (16), from an opened position into a position to surround the trunk of the Christmas tree (17) from all sides. The fixing elements (104) are designed so as to ensure the automatic centering adjustment of the trunk. The expanding, flexible bellows (16) ensures that all of the fixing elements abut the trunk even if the cross-section is not circular and the bark is rough, thereby safeguarding the stability of the Christmas tree (17) in its upright position. The upper portion together with the base portion (101) forms the housing that is designed as a one-part moulding (103) in which an annular cup (105) supporting the bellows (16) and a receiving sleeve (106) holding the Christmas tree (17) by a centering mandrel (20) are installed and protected by a bottom plate. The receiving sleeve (106) is connected to a water reservoir via the supply line (119).