Abstract: A tree stand for holding and supporting a tree having a trunk, the stand having a casing with an inner wall with spirally-curved surfaces, and a guide piece disposed in the center of the casing having guide curves each with a curvature corresponding with the curvature of the spirally-curved surfaces of the inner wall of said casing. Clamping cylinders are disposed inside of the casing between the guide piece and the spirally-curved surfaces of the casing inner wall. A cover is rotatably mounted over the top of the casing and is coupled to each of the clamping cylinders so that when the cover is rotated, the clamping cylinders move within the spirally-curved surfaces of said guide piece and said inner wall of said casing so that said cylinders spirally close upon the trunk of the tree. The cover is also provided with a lock coupled to the casing so that the cover can be locked in place with respect to the casing after the tree trunk is gripped.

Abstract: A device for carrying skis comprising a T-shaped frame member including a vertical element and a horizontal element. The horizontal element is composed first and second intermediate members each having one end pivotably connected to the vertical element at one end thereof. A pair of pressing flaps are respectively pivotably connected to the intermediate members at the ends thereof remote from the ends which are connected to the vertical element. The pressing flaps are pivotably movable between an extended horizontal position and two vertical collapsed or storage positions. In one vertical position, the intermediate members extend horizontally and in the second more compact collapsed position, the intermediate members extend substantially vertical in adjoining relation to the vertical element. A shackle is provided for engaging the flaps when they are in an orientation parallel to the vertical element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stand for releasably locking a pole-like member in upright position, especially for setting up a Christmas tree. The stand has a tubular holder in which are provided several equally plate-shaped clamping members. These clamping members can be simultaneously radially inwardly moved and also outwardly displaced, thereby adapting the stand for receiving tree trunks of different diameters and clamping the trunks by displacing the clamping members radially inwardly. Setting of the clamping members is effected by a setting device, operation of which acts simultaneously upon all the clamping members.