AU2018100791A4 - A basket support system - Google Patents

Abstract

A BASKET SUPPORT SYSTEM Abstract A basket support system for mounting on a clothesline or other support structure, the basket support comprising: a mast attachable to the clothesline or support structure by releasable fastening means; a boom pivotally mounted to a portion of the mast, wherein the boom is movable relative to the mast between a stored position and an operating position, and wherein the boom includes a mounting portion; a support platform locatable on the mounting portion of the boom for receiving a basket thereon; and a storage means on or in the mast and/or boom for receiving the support platform when the boom is in a storage condition.

Description

A BASKET SUPPORT SYSTEM

[001] Field of the Invention [002] The present invention relates to a basket support system. In particular the present invention relates to a basket support system for supporting a washing basket, which is effective for supporting heavy loads, can be used in diminishing lighting conditions and is aesthetically pleasing.

[003] The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with a washing basket support and system, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

[004] Background of the Invention [005] When a person finishes a load of clothes washing, it is not unusual to subsequently take the wet load, which can weigh 20kg, to a clothesline for hanging and drying. The washed clothes are usually transported to the clothesline in a basket and the basket of washing placed on the ground in the vicinity of the line whereby the person repeatedly bends over to pick up wet washing for hanging on the clothesline. The repetitive nature of hanging out washed clothes is tedious and can result in back strain injury if not aggravating an existing back injury.

[006] Some attempts have been made to address the above however such devices have included multi-component devices which are expensive and labor intensive in manufacturing, or cumbersome to use and not very aesthetic in appearance. Alternatively, devices have been used which are not sufficiently sturdy to withstand the weight of a basket of wet washing and tend to deform or break.

[007] In view of the above, it is desirable to have an improved means that addresses and ameliorates at least one or more of the prior art deficiencies or at least provides a practical variation to avert from one of more of the prior art deficiencies.

[008] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[009] Summary of Invention [0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a basket support system for mounting on a clothesline or other support structure, the basket support comprising: a mast attachable to the clothesline or support structure by releasable fastening means; a boom pivotally mounted to a portion of the mast, wherein the boom is movable relative to the mast between a stored position and an operating position, and wherein the boom includes a mounting portion; a support platform locatable on the mounting portion of the boom for receiving a basket thereon; and a storage means on or in the mast and/or boom for receiving the support platform when the boom is in a storage condition.

[0011] The present invention represents an advance over prior art devices as it allows stable support for a basket, including a washing basket carrying a load of washing, at a height to substantially obviate the need for repeated back bending to select washing for hanging on a line, and provides an aesthetic finish when not in use.

[0012] Throughout the specification and claims the term ‘basket’ means a carrier for articles such as washing articles, clothing and the like and can include a peg holder or bag.

[0013] The mast can include a longitudinal structure having a spine with first and seconds ends, dependent wall portions, and a partially open front, wherein the spine, side walls and open front define a sleeve for receiving the boom in a storage condition.

[0014] The boom preferably comprises an arm member having a complimentary shape to the sleeve to allow movement of the boom relative to the mast between an operating and storage condition.

[0015] Preferably the shape of the arm is square in vertical cross-section. Preferably the boom is pivotally movable relative to the mast by a hinge mount in the mast. In an operating condition, the mast can extend between a storage condition in which the mast is retained in a substantially upright position within the sleeve of the mast and an operating condition in which the arm is substantially perpendicular to the mast.

[0016] The basket support platform can include a plurality of elongate support members releasably mounted on a mounting portion of the arm in spaced apart relation, wherein the support members extend substantially at 90 degrees to the arm to form an effective footprint for stably resting a basket. The support members can be narrow metallic slats or reinforced plastic material whereby a plurality of the slats and the arm form the basket platform.

[0017] In one embodiment the basket support system can include complimentary engagement means on the elongate support members and the mounting portion of the arm to allow releasable attachment of the one or more elongate support members on the arm. The complimentary engagement means can include a c-shape portion on the elongate support members and a plurality of spaced rails on the mounting portion of the arm.

[0018] Preferably the arm is hollow and includes a closure lid for an opening on one end thereof for storing the support members therewithin in a storage condition. In this way the support members are hidden from view in a stored condition. In an alternative embodiment, the mast can include a plurality of spaced apart recess portions in the sleeve to receive the spaced apart support members on the arm when the arm is in a stored condition.

[0019] The releasable fastening means for mounting the mast to a clothesline or other support structure can include a clamping collar or pair of clamping collars. Alternatively, the releasable fastening means can include a u-bolt or expandable bolt for mounting to a flat structure such as a house structure.

[0020] The basket support system can further include a releasable locking means on a portion of the mast for locking the boom within the sleeve of the mast when in a storage position.

[0021] The basket support system can further include a light source. Preferably the light source is an LED light source mounted on a portion of the mast. Preferably the LED source is located above the sleeve on the mast and is powered by solar operated battery supply. Preferably the mast includes an internal housing above the sleeve for receiving battery components and electrics to for powering the LED light source.

[0022] The basket support system has the advantage of being able to provide a light source in dim or dark conditions improving the ability to hang out clothes or remove dry clothes and place in the basket on the basket support.

[0023] The basket support system can further include a chock member adapted to be slidably mountable on the arm wherein the chock stabilizes receipt of the basket on the basket support between the mast and chock. The system can further include a hook or like member mounted on the mast for receiving the chock and/or plurality of slats in a hanging position when stored.

[0024] The boom can further include a handle attachment on an underside portion to allow easy control of movement of the boom between a stored condition and operating condition.

[0025] In a related aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a basket support system comprising: a mast having a longitudinal structure including a spine with first and seconds ends, dependent wall portions, and a partially open front, wherein the spine, wall portions and open front define a sleeve; releasable fastening means on the mast adapted for attaching the mast to a support such as a clothesline or support structure; a boom pivotally mounted to the mast by a hinge mount at one end of the sleeve, wherein the boom is movable relative to the mast between a stored position within the sleeve and an operating position substantially at 90 degrees to the mast; a plurality of support arms releasably mountable on a mounting portion of the mast by mating engagements means on the support arms and the mounting portion, wherein the support arms and the mast provide a support platform for receiving a basket thereon; and a storage means on or in the mast and/or boom for receiving the support platform when the boom is in a storage condition.

[0026] In a related aspect there is further disclosed a linear basket support having a boom arm which extends pivotally between a storage position linearly in alignment with a substantially vertical clothesline or support post and in use at a substantially rectilinear position to receive detachable cross member elements that attach to mounting portions on the boom arm to form a basket supporting platform.

[0027] Preferably the detachable cross member elements are slats which fit within the boom arm in a storage position and can be removed and attached to the mounting portions on the boom arm to form the basket supporting platform.

[0028] The boom arm can be mounted pivotally to a lower portion of a stationary or fixed mast having a receiving cavity, wherein the stationary mast is attachable to the clothesline or support post by a fastening means, and the boom arm is able to move between a storage position in the cavity of the stationary mast in linear alignment with the substantially vertical clothesline or support post and in use at a substantially rectilinear position extending from the lower portion of the receiving cavity of the stationary masts and at which position can receive the detachable cross member elements that attach to mounting portions on the boom arm to form a basket supporting platform.

[0029] Benefits of the system include one or more of: • The boom is supported by the mast effective to allow the mast to readily accommodate heavy loads of washing; • The platform can be removed and stored within the boom or received by the mast - the arrangement of the support system therefore allows for ready storage of the basket support in an aesthetically pleasing manner; • The system can be used in dim lighting conditions so a person can easily perform work in such conditions; • The system is versatile as it can be mounted to a wall or a clothesline; [0030] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed with reference to accompanying drawings and examples.

[0031] Brief Description of the Drawings [0032] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0033] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the basket support system from a partial front view in a storage condition in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0034] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the in figure 1 from a partial front view in an operating condition; [0035] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a partial rear view of the basket support system in figure 1 in an operating condition; [0036] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a side view of the basket support system in figures 1 to 3 in an operating condition; [0037] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a front end view of the basket support system of figures 1 to 4 in an operating condition; [0038] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation from an alternative side view of the basket support system in figure 4 in an operating condition; [0039] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a rear view of the basket support system in figures 1 to 6 in an operating condition; [0040] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a plan view from above of the basket support system in figure 1 to 7 in an operating condition; [0041] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a plan view from beneath of the basket support system in figure 1 to 8 in an operating condition; [0042] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a partial front view of the basket support system in an operating condition in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention showing storage within boom; [0043] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of the boom element in figure 10 in a perspective view; [0044] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of a partial front view of the basket support system in a storage condition in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0045] Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of figure 12 from a front end view in a storage condition in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0046] Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of a partial rear view and part exploded view of the basket support system of figure 12 in a storage condition; [0047] Fig. 15 is a schematic representation of a partial front view and part exploded view of the basket support system of figure 12 in a storage condition; [0048] Fig. 16 is a schematic representation of a partial front view of the basket support system of a further embodiment in an operating condition; [0049] Fig. 17 is a schematic representation of a partial rear view of the basket support system of figure 16 in an operating condition; [0050] Fig. 18 is a schematic representation of a front view of the basket support system of figure 16 in a storage condition [0051] Fig. 19 is a schematic representation of a side view of the basket support system of figure 16 in a storage condition; [0052] Fig. 20 is a schematic representation of a rear view of the basket support system of figure 16 in a storage condition; [0053] Fig. 21 is a schematic representation of an alternative side view of figure 19 in a storage condition; [0054] Fig. 22 is a schematic representation of an overhead plan view of the basket support system of figure 16 in a stored condition; [0055] Fig. 23 is a schematic representation of an underneath plan view of the basket support system of figure 16 in a storage condition; [0056] Fig. 24 is a schematic representation of a front end view of the basket support system of figure 16 in a storage condition; [0057] Fig. 25 is a photographic representation from a front end view of the basket support system in an operating condition in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; [0058] Fig, 26 is a photographic representation from a front end view of the mast and boom elements of the basket support system of the present invention; [0059] Fig. 27 is a photographic representation close-up front end view of the boom element of the basket support system of the present invention; [0060] Fig. 28 is a photographic representation from a side view of the basket support system of the present invention in a stored condition; [0061] Fig. 29 is a schematic representation in plan view from above of the basket support system of the present invention in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; [0062] Description of Preferred Embodiments [0063] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0064] Referring to the drawings there is shown a basket support system 1 for mounting on a support such as a clothesline (see figures 25 to 28) or wall support of a house (see figure 29), the basket support comprising a mast 2 fixable to the clothesline or support by a fastening means 3 to maintain the mast in a fixed condition thereto. A boom 4 is hingedly attached to the mast 2 at a lower end portion of the mast, and wherein the boom is movable relative to the mast between a stored position (refer figure 1) parallel to the support and an operating position (see figure 3) substantially perpendicular to the mast.

[0065] The system 1 further includes a support platform 5, defining a footprint for receiving a washing basket/bag/holder, formed by the boom 4 and a plurality of slats 6, wherein the slats are releasably attached to a mounting portion of the boom by complimentary engagement means on the mounting portion of the boom and slats.

[0066] In one embodiment as shown in figure 11, the complimentary engagement means includes a c-shaped undercarriage 14 on the slats 6, and a rail 21 (see figures 26 and 27) located in spaced apart relation on the mounting portion of the boom.

[0067] As shown in the figures, the mast 2 comprises a longitudinal structure having a spine 8 with first and seconds ends 9 and 9a, dependent wall portions 2a and 2b, and a partially open front, wherein the spine, side walls and open front defining a mast sleeve 10 for receiving the boom 4 in a storage condition therewithin.

[0068] The boom 4 comprises an arm structure having a mounting portion 11 (refer figure 27) and having a complimentary shape to the mast sleeve 10 to allow receipt of the boom in the mast sleeve in a storage condition. The boom 4 is attached to and movable about a hinge mount 12 at end 9a of the mast sleeve. End 9a provides a partial floor portion that extends from the spine to support the boom. In one embodiment (not shown) the boom includes a handle attachment on an underside portion to allow easy control of movement of the boom between a stored condition and operating condition.

[0069] The system also includes a storage means which in one embodiment (see figures 1 to 6) is provided by a series of spaced apart recesses 7 in the wall portions of the mast which receive the slats when the boom 4 is received by the mast sleeve. In an alternative embodiment shown in figure 10 and 12, the boom has a hollow interior and open end closed by a removable closure 13. In this embodiment the slats are stored within the hollow interior of the boom when not in use.

[0070] The fastening means as shown in figures 1 to 24, comprises a pair of clamping members 3 located adjacent ends 9 and 9a of the mast. The each damping member having a first semi-circular bracket 15 fixed to the mast and a second semi-circular collar 16 adapted to be fastened to the first semi-circular bracket about a cylindrical clothesline.

[0071] The system further includes a lock and release member comprising a movable pin 17 on the mast above the sleeve. The pin is pivotally attached to the mast above the sleeve and is rotatably movable between a locked condition in which the pin is in a downward orientation overlapping the boom to maintain the boom within the sleeve. The pin 17 can be pivotally moved away from the sleeve allowing the boom to be displaced from the sleeve to an operating position at 90 degrees to the mast.

[0072] As shown in the figures, the system further includes a solar powered LED light source 18 mounted to the mast above the sleeve. The solar powered LED light includes solar panels on a top portion of the unit to draw energy from the sun, which allows a lighting component to turn on at night. The unit has a wide charging time by sunlight and has multiple lighting modes, including standby lighting at 100 lumens with a motion sensor triggering a light at 180 lumens for at least 30 seconds when people move from a clothesline to indoor and vis versa.

[0073] As shown in figures 16 and 17 the system further includes a chock 19 of wood or plastic material or metal, which comprises a block of the material having an opening therethrough configured for slidably receiving at least a portion of the boom. In use an end portion of the boom 4 is received by the opening in the chock and thereafter the chock is slidably positioned on the boom so as to frictionally retain a washing basket on the support platform between the mast and chock to substantially prevent the basket from tipping over. In one embodiment (not shown) the system can include a hook or like member mounted on the mast for receiving the chock and/or plurality of slats in a hanging position when stored.

[0074] Referring to figures 25 to 28 there is shown a further embodiment of the basket support system comprising: a fixed mast 2 attachable to the clothesline or support post by u-bolts 3 and 3a spaced apart and straddling a clothesline handle and gear housing 20; a boom arm 4 hingedly received by the mast, wherein the boom arm is movable between a stored position (FIG 28) within a sleeve portion of the mast and an operating position (figure 25) substantially perpendicular to the mast; a plurality of slats 4 and mating engagement means 21 on the boom arm 5 and the plurality of slats 6 allowing releasable engagement of the slats on an upper facing surface of the boom arm to form a platform for a washing basket; a storage compartment in the boom arm 3 proximal one end for storing the plurality of slats in a storage condition; a releasable locking means on a portion of the mast for locking the boom arm in a storage position; and a solar powered LED light source 18.

[0075] Referring to figure 29 there is further shown a further embodiment of the present invention in which a basket support system is mounted to a vertical wall 22 for a pull out clothesline system.

[0076] Interpretation [0077] Embodiments: [0078] [0043] 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, appearances 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, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0079] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0080] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0081] Different Instances of Objects [0082] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0083] Specific Details [0084] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0085] Terminology [0086] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0087] Comprising and Including [0088] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0089] Any one of the terms: including orwhich includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

[0090] Scope of Invention [0091] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0092] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

[0093] Industrial Applicability [0094] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to a washing basket support system.

Claims (5)

1. Claims:

   1. A linear basket support having a boom arm which extends pivotally between a storage position linearly in alignment with a substantially vertical clothesline or support and in use at a substantially rectilinear position to receive detachable cross member elements that attach to mounting portions on the boom arm to form a basket supporting platform.
2. 2. A basket support according to claim 1, wherein the detachable cross member elements are slats which fit within the boom arm in a storage position and can be removed and attached to the mounting portions on the boom arm to form the basket supporting platform.
3. 3. A basket support according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the boom arm is mounted pivotally to a lower portion of a stationary or fixed mast having a receiving cavity, wherein the stationary mast is attachable to the clothesline or support post by a fastening means, and the boom arm is able to move between a storage position in the cavity of the stationary mast in linear alignment with the substantially vertical clothesline or support post and in use at a substantially rectilinear position extending from the lower portion of the receiving cavity of the stationary masts and at which position can receive the detachable cross member elements that attach to mounting portions on the boom arm to form a basket supporting platform.
4. 4. A basket support according to claim 2 further including complimentary engagement means on the slats and the mounting portion of the boom arm to allow releasable attachment of the one or more slats on the arm, wherein the slats extend substantially at 90 degrees to the boom arm to form an effective footprint for stably resting a basket.
5. 5. A basket support according to claim 4, wherein the complimentary engagement means includes a c-shape portion on the elongate support members and a plurality of spaced rails on the mounting portion of the arm.