Abstract:
A retaining device for metered dispensing of a feed element to domestic animals, the retaining device including an elongated base element including an elongated cavity having a longitudinal axis and configured to receive a segment of the feed element; a fixation device including a fastening element configured to fixate the segment of the feed element in the cavity wherein the fastening element extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, wherein the fastening element is configured to penetrate the segment of the food element so that a detachable positive-locking connection is established between the fastening element and the food element, and wherein the fixation device includes an actuation element which is arranged in a fixation position of the fixation device in a recess in a surface of the main element.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of International Application PCT/EP2015/059291 filed on Apr. 29, 2015 claiming priority from German Patent Application DE 10 2014 106 385.6 filed on May 7, 2014, both of which are incorporated by their entirety by this reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a retaining device for controlled dispensing of a feed element to domestic animals including an elongated base element which includes an elongated cavity with a longitudinal axis for receiving a section of the feed element and a fixation device for fixating a section of the feed element in the recess. 
         [0003]    The invention also relates to a feed element for domestic animals which is easily retainable by the retaining device according to the invention. 
         [0004]    Domestic animals like dogs of any type require tough feed elements for cleaning their teeth and in order to satisfy their need for chewing, wherein the feed elements are for example configured as dog bones or rod shaped chewing articles made from various organic pressed and/or dried materials. Since dogs are engorgers by nature they attempt to swallow chewing articles unchewed until the chewing articles have come down to a certain size by the chewing. Due to the hard structure of the chewing articles dogs are often unable to swallow an unchewed residual piece. It can rather happen that the unchewed residual piece is stuck in the esophagus of the dog which compresses a cross section of the wind tube of the dog which can lead to the suffocation of the dog in a worst case scenario. 
         [0005]    On the other hand side large swallowed residual pieces in the stomach and intestines can lead to complications through inflammation and blockage so that a residual piece of a chewing article should be taken away from the dog as a matter of principle. Taking the residual piece away however is often difficult for the dog owner since dogs can run away or defend the food. Additionally it is difficult to remove the residual piece from the jaws since it has become very slippery from the chewing. This is caused by the fact that the food material softens during chewing and releases collagen. This collagen is a sticky protein which contaminates the fur of the dog and the flooring of an apartment and which sticks together after drying. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    These problems have been addressed in the art. U.S. 2006 01 34 278 A1 discloses a retaining device for controlled dispensing of food materials which includes a hollow rod in whose interior space a conveying device and a fixation device for a chewing bar are arranged. The fixation device is configured as a clamping device which reaches around an end of a new chewing bar and which supports it within the support device. When the chewing bar is still new and thus has not been chewed on it is inserted by the conveying device into the retaining device so that it protrudes from the retaining device only by a short distance. Depending on the chewing progress the chewing bar is pushed by the dog owner piece by piece out of the retaining device. It is a disadvantage of this retaining device that it is only suitable for one type or one geometry of feed material wherein the feed material additionally has to include a circumferential groove that corresponds to the clamping device. The dog owner is also unable to determine how long the piece is that still remains in the retaining device so that it can happen that the dog owner moves the food material too far out of the interior space of the retaining device by accident so that the residual piece comes loose from the retaining device when the dog chews on it. Since a dog also chews on the retaining device itself the rather complex mechanism of the conveying device has it problems since it can be damaged by the bite of the dog so that the entire retaining device becomes unusable. Furthermore the actuation element of the conveying device which is configured as a sphere is accessible for the dog which can therefore also manipulate or actuate the actuation element or even bite it apart. 
         [0007]    WO 01197056A1 discloses a similar retaining device as U.S. 2006 0134 278 A1 wherein a threaded rod is arranged in an interior of the retaining device which shall either thread into a soft food material or thread into a corresponding thread of a special food material. Also this known retaining device is only suitable for special chewing bars and the actuation element for adjusting the piece protruding from the retaining device is accessible for the dog and thus also actuatable for the dog. 
         [0008]    Furthermore a retaining device for dispensing a feed element is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,486A1 which does not focus on controlled dispensing but focuses on positioning the feed element so that it becomes easy to chew. Thus, the feed element shall be clamped in the retaining device so that it protrudes from the ground and can be easily gripped by the dog. Accordingly the retaining device is used as a stand for the feed element. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Thus, it is an object of the invention to develop an alternative retaining device for metered dispensing of a feed element which is characterized by a simple and robust configuration and which is suitable for supporting different feed elements. Additionally it shall not be possible for a pet to manipulate the fixation device. With respect to the feed element recited supra it is an object of the invention to provide a feed element which is suitable for a fixation in the retaining device according to the invention. 
         [0010]    Improving upon the retaining device described supra the object is achieved by a fastening element of the fixation device which fastening element extends transversal to a longitudinal axis of the cavity wherein the fastening element is configured to penetrate a segment of the food element so that a detachable positive-locking connection is established between the fastening element and the feed element, and wherein the fixation device includes an actuation element which is arranged in a fixation position of the fixation device in a recess in a surface of the main element. Advantageously the fastening element can also extend in a fixation position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess. The fixation device according to the invention facilitates a particularly simple fixation of the feed element from a technical point of view. Contrary to the known support devices for metered dispensing of feed elements a conveying device is omitted and adjusting a section of the feed element that protrudes from the retaining device is performed manually by a renewed fixation of the feed element at a different location, Thus, it is necessary that the feed element is penetratable by the fastening element over its length which is either obtained in that the feed element is made from a soft material that is penetratable by the fastening element and which has a consistency that is stable enough so that it does not tear or break. These are for example pressed dog snacks. Furthermore holes can also be provided in the feed element wherein the fastening element can be run through the holes. It is also conceivable to provide the feed element with corresponding loops or eyelets through which the fastening element can be run. When the feed element is made from a soft material its support is continuously adjustable in the retaining device. 
         [0011]    In order to dispense the feed element in a metered manner the feed element is positioned in a first position in its original condition where it has not been chewed upon yet wherein the feed element extends into an entire receiver so that only a section of the feed element protrudes from the support device. When the protruding section is chewed off by a pet the feed element initially has to be disengaged from the retaining device for further metering in that the fastening element is removed from the feed element. Subsequently the feed element is pulled from the recess of the retaining device as desired and attached again by the fastening element which penetrates the feed element at another location. 
         [0012]    A fixation device of this type is characterized by mechanical simplicity and thus by a high level of robustness and durability. 
         [0013]    Since the actuation element is arranged in one fixation position of the fixation device in a recess arranged at an outer surface of the base element the actuation element cannot be gripped by a pet and manipulated. Thus, it is already sufficient when the actuation element is arranged in the recess to a large extent, thus for example by 80% or advantageously by more than 90% so that chewing on the protruding portion of the actuation element by the pet cannot lead to an actuation or destruction of the actuation element. Advantageously the actuation element can also be inserted into the recess completely which means that a surface of the actuation element in the fixation position relative to an outer surface, thus a visible surface of the base element is arranged flat, thus in alignment or recessed inward towards a base of the recess so that the actuation element does not protrude beyond the surface of the base element and can thus cannot be gripped or manipulated by a pet at all. The actuation element can be provided so that it is accessible and actuatable by a person without tools wherein it is advantageous when the dimensions of the recess are larger by an amount than the outer dimensions of the actuation element so that one or plural fingers fit into the intermediary space. An actuation element of this type could be configured as a turn button wherein a gap between an outer circumference of the turn button and the recess should be provided around the turn button. Another conceivable configuration of the actuation element can be configuring the actuation element as a wing nut with a washer so that the dimensions of the recess only have to exceed the dimensions of the wing nut so that a frictionless rotation of the wing nut can be performed in the recess. Thus, it is for example sufficient to provide the recess so that it is larger by one or two mm than the wingnut which is namely configured so that it facilitates positioning the fingers. 
         [0014]    Alternatively the actuation element can be configured so that it is accessible without tools but actuatable by a tool like for example an Allen wrench. It is an advantage of the hidden actuation element or of the actuation element recessed into the base element that a dog cannot sufficiently reach it or cannot reach it at all with its teeth so that the dog can neither actuate nor destroy the actuation element. 
         [0015]    With respect to the actuation of the fastening element it is advantageous when the recess has a center axis which extends parallel to a center axis of the fastening element in the fixation position. Thus, a free movement of the fastening element is possible in a longitudinal direction and fixating and disengaging the feed element is particularly simple. 
         [0016]    An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the fastening element includes a first end with a thread and a second end with a head, wherein the first end can be threaded into a corresponding inner thread of the fixation device by rotating the head wherein the fixation device is provided in the base element. The head of the fastening element is thus configured as an actuation element which is arranged in a fixation position within the recess. The interior thread can either be provided as a separate component for example configured as a sleeve with an inner thread or as a wing nut with a washer or in the base element itself. A configuration of the fastening element of this type is characterized by low cost, robustness and simple handling. 
         [0017]    An alternative embodiment of the fixation device is characterized in that the fastening element is formed by a pin which is provided with a support rod extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the recess and transversal to the pin wherein the support rod is elbowed so that a longitudinal axis of the support rod is arranged offset to the longitudinal axis of the recess, wherein the support rod is moveable in an opening at a second end of the base element in a direction of its longitudinal axis and provided with a cap in a fixation position at its end arranged opposite to the pin wherein the cap fixates the support rod at the base element. Also this variant of the fixation device is advantageous with respect to simple operability and engineering. The elbow in the support rod is required so that the support rod extends at an outer edge of the recess and thus leaves sufficient free space in the recess in order to house the feed element therein in particular in its starting condition, Fixating the support rod with the cap can be performed through a clamping connection, wherein the cap includes a section which is provided for insertion into the opening at the second end of the base element and which has a larger outer diameter than the opening. The cap can also include a conical section in the portion to be inserted. The cap can have an inner thread into which an outer thread of the support rod is threaded which outer thread is arranged opposite to the pin. The cap can have a shoulder in this embodiment which prevents a sliding of the cap through the opening in the base element. Advantageously the second end of the base element is configured so that the entire cap is recessed in its fixation position in the base element and thus not accessible for the pet. 
         [0018]    In case the feed element is made from a penetratable material it can be furthermore advantageous when the fastening element is configured with a tip or pointed at a side oriented away from the actuation element so that a penetration through a material can be performed more easily and requires less force. 
         [0019]    A particularly advantageous geometry of the retaining device is obtained when the base element has a longitudinal axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the recess. Also with respect to producing the base element advantages are obtained by the parallel longitudinal axes of recess and the base element. It can be furthermore provided that the longitudinal axes of recess and base element coincide so that a retaining device with a rotation symmetrical cross section can be produced which is particularly well suited as a toy or chewing device for pets. 
         [0020]    In order to facilitate a variable application of the retention device it is provided according to another embodiment of the invention that the recess includes at least two sections with different cross sectional surfaces, wherein a section oriented towards the first end of the base element has a larger cross sectional surface than a section oriented towards the second end of the base element, wherein a transition between the at least two sections can occur incremental or continuously. In particular the retaining device is also suitable in this case for feed elements shaped as a bone or with knotted ends, wherein the knot or the bone end can be arranged in the section with the larger cross sectional surface. 
         [0021]    With respect to a particularly simple production of the retaining device it is advantageous when the cross sectional surface or the different cross sectional surfaces of the recess are circular. Alternatively only the section of the recess oriented towards the second end of the base element can have a circular cross section while the section of the recess oriented towards the first end of the base element can have a rectangular cross section. The rectangular shape is advantageous with respect to bones that are mostly flat and provided with an end that has a rectangular cross section. 
         [0022]    When the base element has a larger outer circumference in a first section than in a second section wherein a transition between the first section and the second section can be incremental or continuous this yields a bell shape which is suitable in particular when the pet owner wants to motivate his pet with the retaining device to play since the second section with its smaller circumference can be gripped and held more easily. Furthermore the bell shaped configuration is advantageous since it prevents that the feed element can be pushed between legs of pieces of furniture by the pet. 
         [0023]    The base element can have an opening at its second end by which a rope shaped material is supported and fixated. This is in turn particularly advantageous when the retaining device is also used for playing with the pet. The opening which can have a diameter between 5 mm and 12 mm can extend to the recess so that a pass through opening is provided along the longitudinal axis of the base element which pass through opening then typically has various diameters since the opening typically has a smaller diameter than the recess. Alternatively the opening can also be configured so that it is supported in a semi-circle through which a thread can be run and knotted so that the opening does not completely extend up to the recess. 
         [0024]    Furthermore the base element can be provided at a first end of the cavity which forms an opening cross section for inserting a feed element with flexible lips which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess and which extend from a circumference of the recess in a direction towards a center of the recess. This makes the opening cross section independent from the fact whether the retaining device is provided with a feed element or not covered by the flexible lips so that the cavity and the fastening element arranged therein is substantially protected against saliva from the pet. In case the retaining device is configured with a feed element the flexible lips bend accordingly, namely into the recess. When the portion of the feed element penetrating from the base element is chewed off completely the lips move back into their starting position and cover the opening cross section so that the pet cannot get to the residual piece which has remained in the base element. Alternatively the lips can also be configured short so that they only reach up to a feed element arranged in the retaining device. Advantageously the base element is made from a flexible material, advantageously natural rubber or another elastomeric material since these materials are well suited for pet toys. Alternatively the base element can be made from a hard tooth saving material, advantageously from hard wood when the retaining device as such shall also be used as a toy. 
         [0025]    With respect to the dimensions of the retaining device it has proven to be particularly advantageous when the base element has a length of between 60 and 150 mm and a maximum extension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between 45 mm and 150 mm. The receiver which is adapted accordingly to the outside dimensions of the base element has a size which can receive a large portion of the commercially available feed elements. Accordingly the receiver can have a total length of 50 mm to 135 mm. The retaining device is particularly practical when the recess has a length which corresponds to approximately 80%, advantageously even 90% or more of the length of the base element. In case the cross section of the cavity is approximately rectangular the cross section at the first end of the base element should have a minimum width of between 15 mm and 45 mm and a maximum width of between 25 mm and 70 mm. The maximum width of the embodiment is advantageous because also flat chewing articles like tendons, ears or parts cut into strips can be inserted into the recess. In case the recess has different cross sectional surfaces in sections the cross section in the portion of the respective section at the first end of the base element should be selected wide accordingly. In particular for flat chewing articles it has proven advantageous when the base element is configured with lips since the chewing articles can be run diagonally through opposite incisions of the lips so that good stability of the chewing article is obtained and the chewing article does not tend to rattle. The diagonal insertion of the feed material yields correspondingly larger insertion width. 
         [0026]    When the recess is divided into two sections over its length the section oriented towards the first end of the base element can have a length between 19 mm and 48 mm and the section oriented towards the second end of the base element can have a length between 33 mm and 85 mm. When the upper section is configured with a circular cross section the diameter can be between 13 mm and 35 mm. 
         [0027]    In order to counteract a chewing at the fixation device it can be made from a material which includes a bitter additive. Alternatively the fixation device can be coated with a bitter substance. 
         [0028]    When the base element is made from a material that is mixed with a phosphorescent substance the retaining device is also visible quite well in the dark or in twilight. 
         [0029]    With respect to a feed element for pets the object recited supra is achieved in that the feed element is provided with at least one, advantageously at least two pass through bore holes wherein the pass through bore holes extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the feed material and at least one pass through bore hole is arranged at one end and/or in a center of the feed element. A feed element of this type can be fixated by the retaining device according to the invention in a particularly simple and quick manner. 
         [0030]    It is also conceivable to use an elongated feed element which is provided in a portion of both ends with a hole, a loop or similar or whose two ends are made from a penetratable material so that a retaining device according to the invention can be attached at both ends and a throwing toy is provided. 
         [0031]    It is appreciated that the different features of the dependent claims can be implemented individually or in groups in any combination in embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    The invention described supra is subsequently described in more detail with reference to embodiments which are illustrated in drawing figures, wherein 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates a view of a first retaining device according to the invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates a vertical sectional view through the retaining device according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 3 and 4  respectively illustrate a vertical sectional view through a second retaining device according to the invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  illustrates a vertical sectional view through a third retaining device according to the invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of the retaining device according to  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  illustrates a rear view of the retaining device according to  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom view of the retaining device according to  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  illustrates a detail of the bottom view according to  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    In  FIG. 1  illustrates a first retaining device  1  for metered dispensing of a feed element to pets in a side view wherein the feed element itself is not illustrated in this figure. The retaining device  1  includes an elongated base element  2  with a longitudinal axis  3  and a first end  4  and a second end  5 . Starting from the first end  4  the cross section of the base element  2  tapers continuously towards a center, then remains constant for a few cm and expands in the view according to  FIG. 1  again a little in a direction towards the second end  5 , wherein the second end  5  is formed like a bone end. Overall the base element  2  is bell shaped. Within the base element  2  an elongated cavity  6  is fabricated wherein the cavity  6  has a longitudinal axis  7  which coincides with the longitudinal axis  3  of the base element  2 . The cavity  6  which is indicated in  FIG. 1  with dashed lines  8  extends from the first end  4  of the base element  2  to the second end  5  of the base element  2 , whereas the cross sectional surface of the cavity  6  decreases in two large increments. At the second end  5  the cavity  6  has a circular cross section with a diameter D 1  of 10 mm, wherein this section of the cavity  6  can also be designated as an opening  9  in the base element  2  through which a non-illustrated rope or thread is run and is fixable by a knot within the actual cavity  6  of the base element  2 . Alternatively providing the opening  9  can be omitted so that the cavity  6  terminates shortly before the second end  5  of the base element  2 . When the opening  9  at the second end  5  is not considered the cavity  6  extends over approximately 90% of a length L of the base element  2 . 
         [0042]    The retaining device  1  includes a fixation device  10  which is not illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  only illustrates a recess  11  in the base element  2  which has a circular cross section. At a base  12  of the recess  11  which is formed by a wall  13  between the recess  11  and the cavity  6  a bore hole  14  is provided through which a fastening element of the fixation device  10  can be run as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 2  illustrates a vertical sectional view through the retaining device  1  according to  FIG. 1  in which the geometry of the cavity  6  within the base element  2  with the incremental change of the cross sectional surface and the geometry of the recess  11  for introducing the fixation device  10  are visible quite well. 
         [0044]    Furthermore the configuration of the fixation device  10  is visible quite well from  FIG. 2  which includes the fastening element  15  which is provided at a first end  16  with a thread  17  and at a second end  18  with an actuation element  19  configured as a wing nut. The fixation device  10  is arranged in the illustrated position in a fixation position  20  where the fastening element  15  is threaded into a corresponding inner thread  21  within the base element  2  so that the wing nut is embedded almost completely in the recess  11 . The actuation element  19  penetrates only in an upper portion for a few millimeters above a surface of the recess  11  that is arranged opposite to a base  12  of the recess. Alternatively the actuation element  19  or the recess can have a corresponding geometry so that the actuation element completely penetrates the recess  11  in the fixation position. 
         [0045]    The inner thread  21  which can be considered an element of the fixation device  10  is formed by a wing nut  22  with an inner thread  21  which includes a shoulder  23  like a washer wherein the wing nut  22  contacts a wall  24  in the base element  2  with the shoulder  23 , wherein the wall  24  includes a corresponding bore hole  25  for passing the fastening element  15  through. Accordingly the inner thread  21  according to  FIG. 2  is not an integral component of the base element  2  but rather a separate component. When fixating a feed element in the feed retaining device  1  is it required to also hold the wing nut  22  when tightening the wing bolt. However, it is also easily conceivable to provide the inner thread directly in the base element so that it is an integral component of the base element. The wing nut  22  in analogy to the actuation element  19  is arranged in a corresponding second recess in the base element  2  wherein the wing nut  22  completely disappears in the recess  26  in the fixation position  20 . 
         [0046]    The bore hole  14  is also provided in the wall  13  between the recess  11  and the cavity  6  which forms the cavity base  12  wherein the bore hole  14  facilitates passing the fastening element  15  through and connects an interior space of the recess  11  with an interior space of the cavity  6 . Thus, inserting and extracting the fastening element  15  is possible in a direction of a longitudinal axis  27  of the fastening element  15  without having to pivot the fastening element  15 . 
         [0047]    In order to attach a feed element that is in the original condition, thus has not been chewed on in the retention device  1  the fastening element  15  has to be disengaged from the inner thread  21  by rotating the actuation element  19  so that it can be pulled back in a direction of the longitudinal axis  27  of the fastening element  15 , thus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  7  of the cavity  6  so that it sufficiently or completely releases the interior of the cavity  6  and the feed element can be brought into its proper position. The arrangement and alignment of the recess  11  and of the fastening element  15  is thus selected so that pulling the fastening element out of the recess  11  can be performed along its longitudinal axis  27 . The pull out is thus performed transversally, advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  7  of the cavity  6 . Typically an elongated feed element is selected which is inserted in a first step as far as possible in to the cavity  6 . In an extreme case the feed element contacts the base  28  of the cavity  6  with an end of the feed element. When the feed element is positioned accordingly the fastening element  15  can be supported by the feed element and threaded into the internal thread  21  so that the feed element is fixated by a form locking connection in the retaining device  1 . Passing the fastening element  15  through can be performed in that it penetrates the feed element made from a corresponding material. Alternatively the feed element can be provided with a bore hole or a loop through which the fastening element  15  is run. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate another retaining device  1 ′ according to the invention respectively in a vertical sectional view, wherein the two vertical sectional views are rotated relative to each other by 90°. The base element  2  and the cavity  6  arranged therein are configured analogous to the elements of the retaining device  1  according to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The fixation device  10  of the retaining device  1  that is arranged in the fixation position  20  includes a fastening element  15 ′ configured as a pin  29  and a support rod  30  attached thereon and extending transversal thereto which protrudes into an opening  31  oriented away into an opening  31  at the second end  5  of the base element  2  at an end oriented away from the pin  29  and which support rod  30  is fixated at this location with a cap  32 . For this purpose the support rod  30  includes an outer thread  33  at its end oriented towards the cap  32 , wherein the outer thread  33  is threadable into a corresponding inner thread  34  within the cap  32 . The fixation of the cap  32  at or in the base element  2  can thus be achieved by plural measures. The illustrated option is that the opening  31  at the second end  5  of the base element  2  is contracted on a side oriented towards the cavity  6  so that the support rod  30  can be passed through, however the cap  32  is arranged in the fixation position  20  on the seat  35  thus formed shaped. Alternatively the cap can be configured conical so that it cannot slide through the opening  31  either. The cap can also be provided with a circumferential shoulder on a side oriented away from the cavity  6  wherein the circumferential shoulder is inserted in the fixation position at the base element or in another recess provided in the base element. 
         [0049]    The support rod  30  is provided with an elbow in a transition portion  36  between the pin  29  and the support rod  30  so that the support rod  30  extends in the vertical sectional view according to  FIG. 3  along the longitudinal axis  7  of the cavity  6  in the vertical sectional view according to  FIG. 4  however extends laterally offset to the longitudinal axis  7  of the cavity  6  so that it contracts the inner cavity of the base element  2  formed by the cavity  6  as little as possible. This way sufficient space is provided to receive a feed element that is not illustrated in the figures. Alternatively the support rod however can also coincide in  FIG. 4  with the longitudinal axis of the recess, wherein the support rod should then be extendable in a telescoping manner for providing a potentially required cargo space and lockable in various telescope positions. 
         [0050]    In order to provide the retaining device with a feed element the cap  32  is disengaged from the support rod  30  so that the cap is movable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity  6 . The support rod  30  is then pushed at least far enough from the cavity  6  until the fastening element  15 ′ is arranged outside of the base element  2  so that the support rod can be passed through a provided opening or eyelet of the feed element. Alternatively the pin  29  can also penetrate a feed element that is made from a suitable material. Thereafter the support rod  30  can be inserted into the opening  31  again and can be fixated with the cap  32  so that the feed element is attached in the retaining device  1 ′. 
         [0051]    A third embodiment of the retaining device  1 ″ according to the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 5-9 , wherein FIG,  5  illustrates a vertical sectional view through the retaining device  1 ″, wherein the retaining device  1 ″ differs from the retaining devices  1 ,  1 ′, described supra in particular by an alternatively configured fixation device  10 ″ which is illustrated again in a fixation position  20 . The fixation device  10 ″ is made from a fastening element  15 ″ extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  7  of the cavity  6 , wherein the fastening element is configured as a screw and a counter piece  37  with a corresponding inner thread  38 , wherein the counter piece  37  is configured as a separate component again. Alternatively the counter piece can be fixated thus positioned non movable in the base element or provided integrally in one piece with the base element. The screw penetrates the base element  2  from one side to another side, wherein the base element  2  includes a corresponding bore hole  39 . On a side of the base element  2  associated with a bolt head  40  the base element  2  includes a recess  11 ° for the bolt head  40  wherein the bolt head  40  is sized so that it completely receives the bolt head  40  in a fixation position  20  of the bolt so that the bolt head  40  does not protrude beyond a surface of the base element  2 . 
         [0052]    The opening  9  in the base element  2  has a diameter D of 10 mm. At the first end  4  of the base element  2  the base element  2  is provided with elastic lips  41  which partially cover the opening cross section of the cavity  6  at the first end  4 . The wall thickness W of the lips  41  is 5 mm, wherein a geometry of the lips  41  is clearly evident from  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         [0053]    A length L of the retaining device  1 ″ is 125 mm and the cavity  6  has a length L 3  of 110 mm wherein the cavity  6  in a first section  42  has a length L 1  of 35 mm and a larger cross sectional surface than in a second section  43  in which the recess has a circular cross section with a diameter of 28 mm. The second section  43  has a length L 2  of 70 mm. 
         [0054]    The base element  2  has a circular cross section with a diameter D 1  of approximately 100 mm at a first end  4 , wherein the cross section besides an initial shoulder up to a medium height of the base  2  continuously tapers to a diameter D 2  of 40 mm so that the base element  2  is bell shaped. 
         [0055]      FIG. 6  illustrates a view of the retaining device  1  showing the screw head  40  with a hexagonal bore hole  44 , whereas the counter piece  37  is provided in the view according to  FIG. 7  with a hexagonal cross section on the surface of the base element  2 . Therefore the fastening element  15 ″ is only operable with an Allen wrench. 
         [0056]      FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom view of the retaining device  1 ″, wherein the portion of the lips  41  is illustrated in  FIG. 9  in detail. In  FIG. 8  the cross sections of the two sections  42 ,  43  of the cavity  6  are indicated by dashed lines  45 ,  46 , wherein a dashed line  47  represents a transition between the two sections  42 ,  43 . It is evident that the cavity  6  in the first section  42  has a substantially rectangular cross section, wherein the long sides are rounded so that an average width of the cross section is greater than the width of the cross section in an edge portion of the long sides. A rectangular, circular or oval embodiment of the first section is also conceivable. 
         [0057]    It is in particular evident from  FIG. 9  that the cavity  6  is covered by four lips  41  at a first end of the base element, wherein the lips are separated from each other by incisions  48 . 
       REFERENCE NUMERALS AND DESIGNATIONS 
       [0058]      1 ,  1 ′ retaining device 
         [0059]      2  base element 
         [0060]      3  longitudinal axis of base element 
         [0061]      4  first end 
         [0062]      5  second end 
         [0063]      6  cavity 
         [0064]      7  longitudinal axis of recess 
         [0065]      8  dashed line 
         [0066]      9  opening 
         [0067]      10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ fixation device 
         [0068]      11 ,  11 ′ recess 
         [0069]      12  base of recess 
         [0070]      13  wall 
         [0071]      14  bore hole 
         [0072]      15 ,  15 ′,  15 ″ fixation element 
         [0073]      16  first end of fastening element 
         [0074]      17  thread 
         [0075]      18  second end of fastening element 
         [0076]      19  actuation element 
         [0077]      20  fixation position 
         [0078]      21  inner thread 
         [0079]      22  wing nut 
         [0080]      23  shoulder 
         [0081]      24  wall 
         [0082]      25  bore hole 
         [0083]      26  second recess 
         [0084]      27  longitudinal axis fastening element 
         [0085]      28  base 
         [0086]      29  pin 
         [0087]      30  support rod 
         [0088]      31  opening 
         [0089]      32  cap 
         [0090]      33  external thread 
         [0091]      34  internal thread 
         [0092]      35  seat 
         [0093]      36  transition portion 
         [0094]      37  counter piece 
         [0095]      38  inner thread 
         [0096]      39  bore hole 
         [0097]      40  bolt head 
         [0098]      41  lip 
         [0099]      42  first section 
         [0100]      43  second section 
         [0101]      44  hexagonal bore hole 
         [0102]      45  line 
         [0103]      46  line 
         [0104]      47  line 
         [0105]      48  incision 
         [0106]    D, D 1 , D 2  diameter 
         [0107]    L 1 , L 2 , L 3  length of base element 
         [0108]    W wall thickness