AU2015101056A4

AU2015101056A4 - Wall-mounted laundry rack

Info

Publication number: AU2015101056A4
Application number: AU2015101056A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Chungen Mao; Chao Zhang
Original assignee: BETTER HOME PRODUCTS ZHEJIANG CO Ltd
Current assignee: BETTER HOME PRODUCTS (ZHEJIANG) Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-06
Filing date: 2015-08-05
Publication date: 2015-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 2023-08-05
Also published as: CN204662108U

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wall-mounted laundry rack. The wall-mounted laundry rack comprises two bases and two longitudinal laundry rack arms; one end of each longitudinal laundry rack arm is hinged to the upper end of each base, while the other end is connected with two ends of a horizontal laundry rack arm; a laundry rack rope being fixed between two longitudinal laundry rack arms; one end of a sliding rod is hinged to the lower parts of the longitudinal laundry rack arms; one end of a support rod is hinged with the lower ends of the bases; the other end of the sliding rod is connected with the support rod via a locking unit. In the invention, the foldable locking unit is disposed between the sliding rod and the support rod; through pulling the sliding rod, the lock tongue in the locking unit can move vertically while the sliders and lock-tongue cavity move left and right, thus realizing different use states or unfolded state or folded state. The structure is simple; the load capacity is good; the invention can be folded when not used, reducing the area of space needed; the operation is simple and convenient; the manufacturing cost is low; the assembling operation is convenient and quick; the installation efficiency is high; and the locking is firm and reliable. lbg.A Fig. 1

Description

- 1 WALL-MOUNTED LAUNDRY RACK FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a laundry rack, in particular to a wall-mounted laundry rack. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. [0003] Usually, drying clothes on laundry racks is a common need for families, and mostly, the clothes are aired in the living room for. Upon needs in use, laundry racks are usually installed on a wall or the ceiling in a room or outside the outdoor balcony. At present, existing laundry racks include laundry racks fixed on the ceiling of the barony, fixed or foldable laundry racks suspended outside the balcony, and push-type foldable laundry racks. [0004] For example, utility model 201220637217.X discloses a laundry rack convenient to fold, comprising two brackets fixed on a wall and a cross beam disposed between the two brackets; each bracket consists of a vertical rod, an inclined rod and a support rod; the front end face of the vertical rod is formed with a vertical guide slot; the upper end of the inclined rod is hinged with the upper end of the vertical rod and can swing back and forward; the front end of the support rod is hinged with the lower end of the inclined rod; the rear end of the support rod is inserted in the guide slot; and thus, the whole laundry rack has a folding function. However, to fold the laundry rack with such structure, it is needed to take the cross beam down, which brings inconvenience to folding of the laundry rack, and the cross beam disposed is disposed in the guide slot, so the mutual fastening is not firm. [0005] Utility model 01410722206.5 discloses a foldable laundry rack, comprises a hinge 1, a hinge Ill, a hinge IV and a hinge VI mounted on walls; the hinge 1, the hinge Ill, the hinge IV and the hinge VI form a rectangle or square. In such structure, the connection of the four hinges results in insufficient fixing force of the laundry rack, and the folding operation is inconvenient.

-2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] To overcome the defects in the prior art, the present invention seeks to solve the technical problem of providing a wall-mounted laundry rack, enhancing the bearing capacities of the laundry rack, making the folding and unfolding of the laundry rack convenient and simple. [0007] A wall-mounted laundry rack comprises two bases and two longitudinal laundry rack arms; one end of each longitudinal laundry rack arm is hinged to the upper end of each base, while the other end is connected with two ends of a horizontal laundry rack arm; a laundry rack rope being fixed between two longitudinal laundry rack arms; characterized in that, one end of a sliding rod is hinged to the lower parts of the longitudinal laundry rack arms; one end of a support rod is hinged with the lower ends of the bases; the other end of the sliding rod is connected with the other end of the support rod via a locking unit. [0008] The wall-mounted laundry rack is characterized in that, the locking unit comprises a limiting block fixed at one end of the support rod, a lock tongue cavity fixed at one end of the sliding rod, a slider and a lock tongue; the lock tongue is built in the lock-tongue cavity; a first spring is longitudinally disposed between the lock tongue and the lock tongue cavity; the lock tongue vertically moves relative to the lock-tongue cavity through the first spring; the lock tongue cavity is built in the limiting block; one end of the slider is connected with the lock tongue cavity; a third spring is disposed between the slider and the lock-tongue cavity; the slider horizontally moves relative to the lock-tongue cavity and the limiting block through the third spring; and the lock-tongue cavity has a ring-like projection on the left side. [0009] The wall-mounted laundry rack is characterized in that, the slider consists of an ejector, a second spring and a T-shaped columnar part. [0010] The wall-mounted laundry rack is characterized in that, a part, built in the lock tongue cavity, of the T-shaped columnar part has a round hole on the top; a part, outside the lock-tongue cavity, of the T-shaped columnar part has a protruded plate at the middle part; and the spring is fixed between the protruded plate and the outside wall of the lock-tongue cavity. [0011] The wall-mounted laundry rack is characterized in that, the limiting block has a step hole on one side; the length of the step hole is equal to that of the lock tongue; an apex angle of a right projection on the right of the step hole of the limiting block is an inclined face, and a left projection of the step hole of the limiting block is lower than the right projection.

-3 [0012] The wall-mounted laundry rack is characterized in that, the right side of the top of the lock tongue is an inclined face which is parallel to the inclined-face apex angle of the right projection of the limiting block. [0013] The wall-mounted laundry rack is characterized in that, the lock tongue has a cylindrical projection on the left side, identical with the diameter of the top round hole of a part, built in the lock-tongue cavity, of the T-shaped columnar part . [0014] The wall-mounted laundry rack is characterized in that, the end sock of the other end of each longitudinal laundry rack arm is provided with a corner connector, and the horizontal laundry rack arm is disposed between two corner connectors. [0015] The wall-mounted laundry rack is characterized in that, each corner connector comprises a corner connector main body and a cap; the two ends of each corner connector are provided with connecting mechanisms; characterized in that, each connecting mechanism consists of a pulling block, two inclined sliders and a trapezoid slider; two inclined sliders are symmetrically disposed on the surface of the pulling block; the two inclined sliders form a connecting hole there-between; the trapezoid slider is inserted into the connecting hole; the pulling block, the inclined sliders and the corner connector main body are fixed through screws; and the thickness of the trapezoid slider is greater than the width of the connecting hole between the two inclined sliders. [0016] The wall-mounted laundry rack is characterized in that, the inclined sliders and the pulling block are integrally molded or separately molded; on condition that the inclined sliders and the pulling block are separately molded, each inclined slider is provided with a fastener, and the pulling block is provided with a fastener connecting hole connected with the fastener at a corresponding position; and the trapezoid slider is integrally or separately molded with the corner connectors. [0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention employing the above technology, has the following advantages: In the invention, the longitudinal laundry rack arms and the horizontal laundry rack arm are connected through corner connectors; each corner connector consists of a corner connector main body, a pulling block, inclined sliders and a trapezoid slider; two inclined sliders are symmetrically disposed on the surface of the pulling block; the two inclined sliders form a connecting hole there-between; the trapezoid slider is inserted into the connecting hole; -4 the pulling block, the inclined sliders and the corner connector main body are fixed through screws, further defining the that the thickness of the trapezoid slider is greater than the width of the connecting hole between the two inclined sliders. The structure is simple and compact; the manufacturing cost is low; the assembling operation is convenient and quick; the installation efficiency is high; and the locking is firm and reliable. In the present invention, a foldable locking unit is disposed between the sliding rod and the support rod; through pulling the sliding rod, the lock tongue in the locking unit can move vertically while the sliders and lock-tongue cavity move left and right, thus realizing different use states or unfolded state or folded state. The structure is simple; the load capacity is good; the invention can be folded when not used, reducing the area of space needed; and the operation is simple and convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] One or more preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front structural view of the wall-mounted laundry rack of the present invention. Figure 2 is a top view of the wall-mounted laundry rack of the present invention. Figure 3 is a sectional amplified view of part A in figure 1. Figure 4 is a structural view of the wall-mounted laundry rack of the present invention in different states. Figure 5 is a structural view of the locking unit in state a in figure 4. Figure 6 is a structural view of the locking unit in state b in figure 4. Figure 7 is a structural view of the locking unit in state c in figure 4. Figure 8 is a structural view of the locking unit of the wall-mounted laundry rack of the present invention. Figure 9 is an amplified view of part B in figure 1. Figure 10 is a sectional view of figure 9. Figure 11 is a vertical view of figure 10. Figure 12 is an amplified exploded view of part B in figure 1. Figure 13 is a structural view of the corner connector. Figure 14 is an locally amplified structural view of section A-A in figure 13. Figure 15 is a schematic view of the connection of the pulling block and the inclined sliders.

-5 [0019] As shown in the figure: 1 a, horizontal laundry rack arm; 1 b, longitudinal laundry rack arm; 2, corner connector; 3, laundry rack rope; 4, base; 5, sliding rod; 6, support rod; 7, slider; 8, lock-tongue cavity; 9, limiting block; 10, lock tongue; 1 Oa, spring connecting groove; 11, first spring; 12, ring-like projection; 13, ejector; 14, second spring; 15, T-shaped columnar part; 16, round hole; 17, protruding plate; 18, third spring; 19, step hole; 20, right projection; 21, top angle; 22, left projection; 23, cylindrical projection; 24, pulling block, 24a, fastener connecting hole; 25, inclined slider; 25a, fastener; 26, trapezoid slider; 27, corner connector main body; 28, screw; 29, hole; 30, locking unit; 31, cap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0020] The present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the attached drawings. [0021] As shown in figures 1-3, in the invention, a wall-mounted laundry rack, capable of being horizontally fixed on buildings like a wall, comprises two bases 4, two longitudinal laundry rack arms 1 b and a horizontal laundry rack arm 1 a; one end of each longitudinal laundry rack arm 1b is hinged to the upper ends of the bases 4, while the other end is connected with corner connectors 2; and the horizontal laundry rack arm 1 a is connected between the two corner connectors 2. A plurality of laundry rack ropes 3 are fixed between the two longitudinal laundry rack arms 1b upon the size of the laundry rack and may be made from steel wire, plastic or other materials, steel wire preferred. The laundry rack ropes 3 can be parallel to the horizontal laundry rack arm 1a. [0022] As shown in the figure, one end of a sliding rod 5 is hinged to the lower part of each longitudinal laundry rack arm 1 b. The hinging point can be changed according to the size of the laundry rack to enhance the bearing capability of the laundry rack. One end of a support rod 6 is hinged to the lower ends of the bases 4. The other end of the sliding rod 5 is connected to the other end of the support rod 6 through a fordable locking unit 30. As shown in figure 8, the locking unit 30 comprises a limiting block 9 fixed at one end of the support rod 6, a lock-tongue cavity 8 fixed at one end of the sliding rod 5, a slider 7 and a lock tongue 10; the lock tongue 10 is built in the lock-tongue cavity 8; the lock tongue 10 is longitudinally provided with a spring connecting groove 1 Oa with a downward opening inside; a first spring 11 is disposed between the spring connector groove 1 Oa and the lower end of the lock-tongue cavity 8; the lock tongue 10 can vertically move relative to the lock-tongue cavity 8 through the first spring 11; the lock-tongue cavity 8 is built in the limiting block 9, capable of horizontally moving relative to the limiting block 9; the lock-tongue cavity 8 has a ring-like projection 12, and the -6 lock-tongue cavity 8 can be prevented from leaving the limiting block 9 through the right projection 20 of the limiting block 9. [0023] As shown in figure 8, one end of the slider 7 is disposed in the lock-tongue cavity 8; a third spring 18 is disposed between the slider 7 and the lock-tongue cavity 8; the slider 7 can horizontally move relative to the lock-tongue cavity 8 through the third spring 18, and can be intermittently connected with the lock tongue 10. The slider 7 consists of an ejector 13, a second spring 14 and a T-shaped columnar part; the top of a part 15, built in the lock-tongue cavity 8, of the T-shaped columnar part 15 has a round hole 16; the middle of a part, outside the lock-tongue cavity 8, of the T-shaped columnar part 15 has 3-4 symmetric protruded plates 17; and the third spring 18 is fixed between the protruded plates 17 and the outside wall of the lock-tongue cavity 8. The limiting block 9 comprises a left projection 22 and a right projection 20; a step hole 19 is disposed between the left projection 22 and the right projection 20; and the length of the step hole 19 is equal to that of the lock tongue 10. [0024] The left apex angle 21 of the right projection 20 on the right side of the step hole 19 of the limiting block 9 is set to be an inclined face; the left projection 22 of the step hole 19 of the limiting block 9 is lower than the right projection 20; and to stop the lock-tongue cavity 8 from moving horizontally, the contact with the right projection 20 of the limiting block 9 causes fastening between the lock tongue 10 and the slider 7. The right side of the top of the lock tongue 10 is an inclined face, and is parallel to the inclined-face apex angle 21 of the right projection 20 of the limiting block 9, thus reducing the resistance to the lock tongue in the vertical movement and facilitating horizontal sliding of the lock tongue 10. The lock tongue 10 has a cylindrical projection 23 on the left side, identical with the diameter of the top round hole 16 of a part, built in the lock-tongue cavity 8, of the T-shaped columnar part 15, capable of mutually fastened in a flexible way. [0025] As shown in figures 9-15, in the invention, the longitudinal laundry rack arms 1b and the horizontal longitudinal laundry rack arm 1 a of the wall-mounted laundry rack are connected by the corner connectors 2; each corner connector 2 comprises a corner connector main body 27 and a cap 31; the two ends of the corner connector main body 27 are matched with connecting mechanisms; each connecting mechanism consists of a pulling block 24, two inclined sliders 25 and a trapezoid slider 26; the two inclined sliders 25 are fixedly connected with the pulling block 24; the inclined faces of the inclined sliders 25 are opposite; the two inclined sliders 25 form a hole 29 there-between; the trapezoid slider 26 is inserted into the hole 29; and the pulling block 24, the inclined sliders 25 and the trapezoid slider 26 are fixed -7 with the corner connector main body 27 through screws 28. The thickness of the trapezoid slider 26 is a little greater than the diameter of the hole 29 between the two inclined sliders 25, usually by 0.3-0.8cm, preferably 0.5cm. In the utility mode, the inclined sliders 25 and the pulling block 24 may be integrally molded or separately molded. On condition that the inclined sliders 25 and the pulling block 24 are separately molded, each inclined slider 25 is provided with a fastener 25a, while the pulling block 24 is provided with a fastener connecting hole 24 a in connection with the fastener 25a at a corresponding position; the inclined sliders 25 and the pulling block 24 are connected through fastening the fastness 25a and the fastener connecting holes 24a. The trapezoid sliders 26 and the corner connector main body 27 are integrally molded or separately. [0026] As shown in the figure, in the invention, the corner connectors 2 are assembled in the following way: assemble the inclined sliders 25, the pulling block 24, the trapezoid slider 26 and the corner connector main body 27 as shown in the figure 10; insert the assembled part into the horizontal laundry rack arm 1 a; fasten two screws 28; when fastening the screws 28, the screws 28 stress the pulling block 24 and force the inclined sliders 25 to open towards two sides by the effect of the inclined faces of the trapezoid slider 26 and to be locked with the horizontal laundry rack arm 1a and the longitudinal laundry rack arms 1b tightly and tightly, thus fulfilling the aim that the corner connectors 2 are tightly connected with the horizontal laundry rack arm 1 a and the longitudinal laundry rack arm 1 b at two ends. [0027] Figure 4 is a state diagram of the laundry rack in use; when the laundry rack is not used, the longitudinal laundry rack arms 1 b are located at position c in the figure; in use, when the laundry rack arm is rotated to position b, the sliding rod 5 and the support rod 6 are locked, and the longitudinal laundry rack arms 1 b are blocked when rotating downward, so clothes can be aired normally; when the laundry rack arm is rotated to position a, the sliding rod and the support rod are unlocked, and then the laundry rack arm can be rotated to position 3. [0028] Figures 5-8 show the state of the locking unit when the wall-mounted laundry rack is in use. [0029] Figure 5 shows that the locking unit is in state a when the wall-mounted laundry rack is in normal use. In such circumstances, the lock tongue 10 is located on the step hole 19. The first spring 11 is in normal state; the third spring 18 is in the compressed state; one end of the top of the lock tongue 10 is a vertical face, and the other end is an inclined face, so the sliding rod 5 which is firmly connected with the lock tongue 10 can only slide rightward and cannot -8 slide toward the left end, the sliding rod 5 is fixed with the support rod 6, and the wall-mounted laundry rack can be used normally. [0030] Figure 6 shows that the locking unit is in state b when the wall-mounted laundry rack is in normal use. In such circumstances, the sliding rod 5 can be adjusted while the support rod 6 is motionless; when the sliding rod 5 is pulled to move rightward, by the effect of the pulling force, the lock tongue 10 and the sliding rod 5 are pulled to move rightward together; by the effect of the apex angle 21, the inclined face is forced to slide into the lock-tongue cavity 8 and then locked by the slider 7; when the sliding rod 5 continues to slide rightward by a distance, the ring-like projection 12 moves to the right step of the apex angle 21, then is blocked by the inner wall of the limiting groove and stops sliding rightward; in such state, the lock tongue 10 is locked in the lock-tongue cavity 8, the cylindrical projection 9 is clamped into the round hole 16, so the sliding rod 5 can drive the lock tongue 10, the lock-tongue cavity 8 and attachments thereof to move leftward; the support rod 6 keeps motionless, and the sliding rod 5 drives the lock tongue 10, the lock-tongue cavity 8 and attachments to slide leftward. [0031] Figure 7 shows the folded state c. When the sliding rod 5 drives the lock tongue 10, the lock-tongue cavity 8 and attachments thereof to move to the bottom of the support rod 6, the ejector 13 is reacted by the bottom of the support rod 6 to drive the slider 7 and the lock tongue 10 to separate, and then the lock tongue 10 is sprung out of the lock-tongue cavity 8; the lock-tongue 10 sprung out of the lock-tongue cavity 8, the sliding rod 5 and the attachments thereof moves rightward again, and at the position of the step hole 19 of the limiting lock 9, the lock tongue 10 is sprung into the step hole 19 of the limiting block 9 again, and then the locking unit returns to state b. [0032] Of course, the above description does not limit the invention; the invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All changes, modifications, additions or replacements made by those ordinarily skilled in this field within the spirit of the invention shall also fall within the protective scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A wall-mounted laundry rack, comprising two bases (4) and two longitudinal laundry rack arms (1 b); one end of each longitudinal laundry rack arm (1 b) being hinged to the upper end of each base (4), while the other end being connected with two ends of a horizontal laundry rack arm (1a); a laundry rack rope (3) being fixed between two longitudinal laundry rack arms (1b); characterized in that, one end of a sliding rod (5) is hinged to the lower parts of the longitudinal laundry rack arms (1b); one end of a support rod (6) is hinged with the lower ends of the bases (4); the other end of the sliding rod (5) is connected with the other end of the support rod (6) via a locking unit (30).

2. The wall-mounted laundry rack according to Claim 1, characterized in that, the locking unit (30) comprises a limiting block (9) fixed at one end of the support rod (6), a lock tongue cavity (8) fixed at one end of the sliding rod (5), a slider (7) and a lock tongue (10); the lock tongue (10) is built in the lock-tongue cavity (8); a first spring (11) is longitudinally disposed between the lock tongue (10) and the lock tongue cavity (8); the lock tongue (10) vertically moves relative to the lock-tongue cavity (8) through the first spring (11); the lock tongue cavity (8) is built in the limiting block (9); one end of the slider (7) is connected with the lock-tongue cavity (8); a third spring (18) is disposed between the slider (7) and the lock tongue cavity (8); the slider (7) horizontally moves relative to the lock-tongue cavity (8) and the limiting block (9) through the third spring (18); and the lock-tongue cavity (8) has a ring-like projection (12) on the left side.

3. The wall-mounted laundry rack according to Claim 2, characterized in that, the slider (7) consists of an ejector (13), a second spring (14) and a T-shaped columnar part (15).

4. The wall-mounted laundry rack according to Claim 3, characterized in that, the top of a part, built in the lock-tongue cavity (8), of the T-shaped columnar part (15) has a round hole (16); the middle of a part, outside the lock-tongue cavity (8), of the T-shaped columnar part (15) has a protruded plate (17); and the spring (18) is fixed between the protruded plate (17) and the outside wall of the lock-tongue cavity (8).

5. The wall-mounted laundry rack according to Claim 2, characterized in that, the limiting block (9) has a step hole (19) on one side; the length of the step hole (19) is equal to that of the lock tongue (10); an apex angle (21) of a right projection (20) on the right of the step hole (19) of the limiting block (9) is an inclined face, and a left projection (22) of the step hole (19) of the limiting block (9) is lower than the right projection (20). -10

6. The wall-mounted laundry rack according to Claim 5, characterized in that, the right side of the top of the lock tongue (10) is an inclined face that is parallel to the inclined-face apex angle (21) of the right projection (20) of the limiting block (9).

7. The wall-mounted laundry rack according to Claim 6, characterized in that, the lock tongue (10) has a cylindrical projection (23) on the left side, identical with the diameter of the top round hole (16) of a part, built in the lock-tongue cavity (8), of the T-shaped columnar part (15).

8. The wall-mounted laundry rack according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, the end sock of the other end of each longitudinal laundry rack arm (1b) is provided with a corner connector (2), and the horizontal laundry rack arm (1a) is disposed between two corner connectors (2).

9. The wall-mounted laundry rack according to Claim 8, characterized in that, each corner connector (2) comprises a corner connector main body (27) and a cap (31); the two ends of each corner connector (27) are provided with connecting mechanisms; characterized in that, each connecting mechanism consists of a pulling block (24), two inclined sliders (25) and a trapezoid slider (26); two inclined sliders (25) are symmetrically disposed on the surface of the pulling block (24); the two inclined sliders (25) form a connecting hole (29) there between; the trapezoid slider (26) is inserted into the connecting hole (29); the pulling block (24), the inclined sliders (25) and the corner connector main body (27) are fixed through screws (28); and the thickness of the trapezoid slider (26) is greater than the width of the connecting hole (29) between the two inclined sliders (25).

10. The wall-mounted laundry rack according to Claim 9, characterized in that, the inclined sliders (25) and the pulling block (24) are integrally molded or separately molded; on condition that the inclined sliders (25) and the pulling block (24) are separately molded, each inclined slider (25) is provided with a fastener (25a), and the pulling block (24) is provided with a fastener connecting hole (24a) connected with the fastener (25a) at a corresponding position; and the trapezoid slider (26) is integrally or separately molded with the corner connectors (27).