Device for holding elements in a successive arrangement in a longitudinal direction

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for holding elements ( 1 ) in a successive arrangement in the longitudinal direction in holding units ( 5 ). The holding units ( 5 ) are inseparably connected to edge strips ( 2, 3 ) via connecting webs ( 7 ). The elements ( 1 ) are arranged releasably in the holding elements ( 5 ). Thus the device can be reused and can be again equipped with elements ( 1 ) after removing the elements ( 1 ) from the holding units ( 5 ).

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A device for holding elements in a successive arrangement in a longitudinal direction, comprising:
 at least one edge strip;   a plurality of retaining units each fixedly connected to a said edge strip via at least one lateral connecting web, each said retaining unit including a fixing arrangement for releasably fixing an element to said retaining unit.   
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , further comprising a pair of said edge strips aligned in parallel arrangement to each other, each retaining unit connected to both of said edge strips. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein each retaining unit is connected with said at least one edge strip via a pair of said connecting webs. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said fixing arrangement of each said retaining unit includes a closed retaining ring to which said at least one connecting web is connected. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein said fixing arrangement includes a plurality of locking stands connected to said retaining ring, said locking stands protruding over said retaining ring in a perpendicular direction to a plane of said retaining ring and including a positioning lug disposed radially inwardly of an internal side of said retaining ring. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein said fixing arrangement includes a plurality of inwardly-extending counter flange connectors connected to said internal side of said retaining ring. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein each counter flange connector is disposed circumferentially between a pair of said locking stands. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17 , comprising a reduction recess disposed on each side of each counter flange connector, said reduction recesses extending radially outwardly toward an external side of said retaining ring. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein each counter flange connector is disposed within said plane of said retaining ring. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein each counter flange connector is connected with said retaining ring via a respective web portion extending perpendicularly away from said locking stands and disposed in a planar region which is offset from said plane of said retaining ring. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein each counter flange connector includes a free end having a rounded frontal side protruding into an internal space of said retaining ring.