AU2004101019A4

AU2004101019A4 - Portable Suspension Device

Info

Publication number: AU2004101019A4
Application number: AU2004101019A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Irena Pavan
Original assignee: FINEMOUNT Pty Ltd
Current assignee: FINEMOUNT Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-11-30
Filing date: 2004-11-30
Publication date: 2004-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2012-11-30

Description

O1 0 c PORTABLE SUSPENSION DEVICE Field of the Invention.

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Z The present invention relates to portable suspension devices and in particular to portable suspension devices which may be removably attached to a table, for instance for hanging a ladies handbag therefrom.

7 Background Art.

o Many support hangers have been developed in the past for suspending o weights in general, and bags in particular, from a horizontal surface.

The rationale of such devices is that first, in many instances, there may 0 O 10 not be sufficient space on a table or desk at which the owner sits (perhaps with several others, each also with a purse) to put or set the purse or handbag on the table or desk surface. This may be due to the small size of the table or desk or the fact that the surface thereof is already well covered with materials and articles or both.

Secondly, the owner or user of the purse or handbag does not want to put the receptacle or container on the floor, perhaps for several reasons. One would be not to soil or damage the purse or handbag. Secondly, a purse or handbag on the floor may be displaced under the table or desk or a chair and get lost or be forgotten. Still further, a floorborne purse or handbag is vulnerable to theft.

A holder of this type must generally be small in size so that it is not cumbersome or heavy, this feature also involving the materials of the device is made.

It would be best if such devices were small enough to be received inside a handbag, when desired and, further, have means for attachment to the strap or one of the straps of a purse or handbag when it is desired to be carried externally. The device must also be capable of secure attachment to the table or surface when attached but also quickly and easily attached and removed from the surface.

In general, such hangers fall into two types: In one type (probably the most common) the hanger includes a hook designed to engage or otherwise interact with an object from which the support hanger is suspended to counteract the tendency of the weight to disengage itself from the relatively stationary object to which the support is fixed. Some of this type are especially designed to interact with particular objects, and thus have a hook shape specifically designed for engagement of an object of a design with which it is to interact. Other hook types include a depending lip or the like to engage and butt against a portion of the object to secure the weight to be 2

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suspended relatively stably. The difficulty with this type of hook device is that there are many objects from which it is desired to suspend a weight that do not have a ledge Z or other surface which can interact with the abutment.

o The other general type of hanger is referred to herein as the "pendulum" type. This type relies on the weight which is to be suspended to be directly below the C point of engagement between the hanger and the object from which it is to be o suspended in order to enable the hanger to have a relatively simple engagement 2 portion with the object from which the weight is to be suspended. These hangers may have a portion of grip enhancing material on the engaging surface to prevent slippage 0 O 10 but they still become separated from the table or surface, particularly if the table is unstable or is accidentally bumped.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to a suspension device, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a portable suspension device for suspending items from or beneath a surface, the device having a support portion to engage an upper portion of the surface, a clamping assembly of which the support portion forms a part to releasably clamp the device in position relative to the surface, and a suspension portion located below the support portion to suspend items therefrom.

The items to be suspended from the device will normally be bags or other items normally carried by a person from place to place and may particularly be ladies handbags. The bags will typically be suspended using the straps or handles provided. Other items may be suspended using any available means. A single device may be adapted to suspend one or more than one bag but the weight which can be suspended may typically be limited by the stability of the surface to which the device is removably attached.

3 0 STypically, the device will be adapted to suspend the item(s) beneath the surface so as to be less visible or accessible to a passer-by, or simply to render the Z item(s) less obtrusive.

The support portion is preferably a substantially planar portion having a lower, engaging surface and an upper surface.

The support portion as a whole may be a low profile portion so as to be Ounobtrusive or inconspicuous when the device is attached to the surface by which it is supported. The support portion will typically have corner edges which are arcuate in profile so as to minimise the possibility of the support portion catching on anything and dislodging the support portion.

Further, the support portion may be at least partially arcuate when viewed in plan. This shape may further act to decrease the possibility of the support portion catching on anything and dislodging the support portion. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support portion may be oval-shaped, circular or capsuleshaped when viewed from above.

Suitably, the lower surface of the support portion rests on an upper surface of a piece of furniture, most commonly a table or the like. The lower surface of the support portion may also be provided with a grip enhancing means to minimise or prevent the device from being accidentally dislodged.

The clamping assembly typically includes the lower surface of the support portion and an anvil portion between which is received and secured, a surface to support the weight of the device and any items suspended therefrom. The lower surface of the support portion and the anvil portion are preferably the clamping portions.

The anvil portion is suitably movable relative to the lower surface of the support portion in order to allow the device to be removably attached relative to differently dimensioned surfaces or tables. When at its most open, the maximum distance between the lower surface of the support portion and the anvil portion may be approximately 40mm although larger and smaller devices may be manufactured dependant upon the application of the device. When closed, the separation between the lower surface of the support portion and the anvil portion may be approximately Again however, the distance between the clamping portions may be closed 4

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0completely or closed to a greater distance depending upon the size of the device and the dimension of the surface relative to which the device is to be attached.

Z Suitably, the clamping assembly includes the support portion, a spacing member extending from the support portion and the anvil portion. The spacing member may include an opening therein. Preferably the opening may be internally Cthreaded. The spacing member may be substantially L-shaped, with a portion o extending substantially parallel to the plane of the support portion. The spacing o member and the support portion may then form a substantially U-shaped receiving portion for receiving a table-top or similar therebetween.

o 10 A threaded rod portion terminating in the anvil portion is suitably provided as a part of the clamping assembly. The threaded rod portion may extend through the correspondingly threaded opening in the spacing member. The anvil portion may typically be threadingly attached at an end portion and suitably at one end of the rod portion. A securing aid (such as Loctite) may be used to enhance the attachment between the anvil portion and the end portion of the rod portion.

Generally, the anvil portion may be associated with an omni-directional joint, such as a ball joint, so that the anvil portion may be used to secure the device relative to a surface whose underside is not parallel to the upper surface.

The threaded rod portion preferably has a lower portion which includes the suspension portion. The suspension portion typically includes a hook portion.

The rod portion and the hook portion will generally be integrally formed but they may alternatively be separately formed. The hook portion has a free end and the free end preferably terminates in a rounded end. The rounded end may take the form of an enlarged or bulbous ball-shaped portion. The rod and ball-shaped portion may be integrally formed. They may be threadingly associated with each other to allow disassembly of the rod from the threaded opening for removal.

Preferably, the device is manufactured of a lightweight but strong material such as metal or plastic. The device can be made from or include portions manufactured using precious or semi-precious metals, such as gold or silver. Portions of the device may be guilt with precious or semi-precious metals. Precious, semiprecious or decorative stones may be added to the device for aesthetic purposes and according to the tastes of customers.

Typically, a user may keep the device in their handbag. When the time 0 comes to use the device, such as when the user sits at a table or the like, the device may be located such that the lower surface of the support portion is positioned on an Z upper surface of the table and the anvil portion below the table. The clamping mechanism may then be tightened, securely locating the device on the table in order that the user's bag can then be suspended from the hook. Upon leaving, the clamping Cassembly may be loosened slightly allowing removal of the device from the table.

o Brief Description of the Drawings.

O Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference v to the following drawings, in which: 0 O 10 Figure 1 is a perspective view of the suspension device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a detailed elevation view of the anvil of the suspension device illustrated in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a portable suspension device 10 is provided.

The preferred embodiment of the device 10 is illustrated in Figure 1 and has a support portion 11 to engage an upper portion of a surface (not shown). A clamping assembly, of which the support portion 11 forms a first part and an anvil portion 12 a second part, is provided to releasably clamp the device 10 in position relative to the surface. A suspension portion 13 is located below the support portion 11 to suspend items therefrom.

The support portion 11 is a substantially planar portion having a lower, engaging surface and an upper surface 14. The upper surface 14 will generally bear the logo or trade mark of the device The support portion 11 is a low profile portion so as to be unobtrusive or inconspicuous when the device 10 is attached to the surface by which it is supported. The support portion 11 has rounded corner edges to minimise the possibility of the support portion 11 catching on anything and dislodging the support portion 11.

According to the particularly preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the support portion 11 is oval-shaped when viewed from above.

6 0 0 The lower surface of the support portion 11 rests on an upper surface of a piece of furniture, most commonly a table or the like.

Z The clamping assembly includes the lower surface of the support portion 11 and an anvil portion 12 between which a surface is received and secured, to support the weight of the device 10 and any items suspended therefrom.

The anvil portion 12 is movable relative to the lower surface of the o support portion 11 in order to allow the device to be removably attached relative to O differently dimensioned surfaces or tables. When at its most open, the maximum distance between the lower surface of the support portion 11 and the anvil portion 12 0 O 10 is approximately 40mm although larger and smaller devices may be manufactured dependant upon the application of the device.

When closed, the separation between the lower surface of the support portion 11 and the anvil portion 12 is approximately In order to attain the spacings, the clamping assembly includes the support portion 11, a spacing member 15 extending from the support portion 11 and the anvil portion 12. The spacing member 15 is substantially L-shaped, with a portion extending substantially parallel to the plane of the support portion. The spacing member 15 and the support portion 11 form a substantially U-shaped receiving portion for receiving a table-top or similar therebetween. The portion of the spacing portion 15 extending substantially parallel to the support portion 11 includes an internally threaded opening 16 therein.

A threaded rod portion 17 terminating in the anvil portion 12 is provided as a part of the clamping assembly. The threaded rod portion 17 extends through the correspondingly threaded opening 16 in the spacing member 15. The anvil portion 12 is threadingly attached at an end portion of the rod portion 17.

The threaded rod portion 17 has a lower portion which includes a hook portion 18 to suspend items therefrom. The rod portion 17 and the hook portion 18 of the preferred embodiment are integrally formed.

The hook portion 18 has a free end and the free end terminates in a bulbous ball-shaped portion 19. The rod 17 and ball-shaped portion 19 of the preferred embodiment are integrally formed.

*7 The device is manufactured of a lightweight but strong material such as metal or plastic. The device will typically include portions manufactured using Z precious or semi-precious metals, such as gold or silver.

0A user may keep the device in their handbag. When the time comes to use the device 10, such as when the user sits at a table or the like, the device can be 0located such that the lower surface of the support portion 11 is positioned on an upper o surface of the table and the anvil portion 12 is positioned below the table. The o clamping mechanism can then be tightened using the hook portion 18 for leverage, T securely locating the device 10 on the table in order that the user's bag can then be suspended from the hook. Upon leaving, the clamping assembly can be loosened slightly allowing removal of the device 10 from the table.

In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A portable suspension device for suspending items from or beneath a surface, Z the device having a support portion to engage an upper portion of the surface, a clamping assembly of which the support portion forms a part to releasably clamp the device in position relative to the surface, and a suspension portion located below the 0support portion to suspend items therefrom.

S2. A portable suspension device according to claim 1 wherein the clamping O assembly includes a lower surface of the support portion and an anvil portion between which a surface is received and secured to support the weight of the device and any 0 O 10 items suspended therefrom.

3. A portable suspension device according to claim 2 wherein the clamping assembly includes a spacing member including an internally threaded opening therein extending from the support portion, and a threaded rod portion terminating at an upper end in the anvil portion, the rod portion extending through the threaded opening in the spacing member, the anvil portion located one end of the rod portion and the threaded rod portion having a lower hook portion.

4. A portable suspension device according to claim 3 wherein the spacing member is substantially L-shaped, with a portion extending substantially parallel to the support portion, the spacing member and the support portion forming a substantially U-shaped receiving portion for receiving a table-top or similar therebetween. A portable suspension device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 30 th day of November 2004 Finemount Pty Ltd By its Patent attorneys CULLEN CO