CN112930424A - Clothes hanger - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drying rack which can be moved between an extended and a retracted position on a wall of an apartment and in which the rack can be used to hang clothes on the outside of a building for drying. The hanger comprises securing means to secure the hanger to a structure, preferably an exterior wall of the structure, means for suspending a garment or a suspension cord, and support means for allowing the suspension cord to be slidably moved to a retracted position and also for allowing the suspension means to be moved between an upper position in which the means for suspending a garment corresponds to the window to allow the suspension means to be retracted into the window and a lower position in which the means for suspending a garment is positioned below the window to allow the window to be closed.

Description

Clothes hanger

Technical Field

The invention relates to a clothes hanger, in particular to a clothes hanger suitable for high-rise apartments.

The present invention, which was originally developed for use in/with high-rise apartments, will be described hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background

At present, in high-density living areas such as apartment buildings, the airing of clothes may be problematic. In some areas, such as singapore, many apartments are fitted with tubular support structures on the exterior walls of the apartments and below the windows of the apartments. Washed garments are usually spaced on hanging rods. This hanger bar is then extended out of the window and manually mounted to the tubular support structure. But especially for weaker people it can be dangerous to hold the load hanging bar inclined outwards from the apartment window. It has been reported that people fall out of windows while performing this task.

The present invention aims to provide a laundry rack which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provide an alternative.

It will be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, this 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.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, the invention may be considered to be a laundry rack for hanging laundry from a building comprising windows and an exterior wall beneath the windows, the laundry rack comprising:

a. a mounting means arranged for secure mounting of the laundry rack to a fixed structure;

b. a support means configured to support the elongated horizontal sliding member in a horizontal sliding manner;

c. a garment hanging device for hanging a garment, said hanging device comprising an elongate horizontal sliding member arranged to be slidably supported by said support means.

In one embodiment, the mounting device is configured to securely mount the laundry stand to an exterior wall of a building.

In one embodiment, the mounting device is configured to securely mount the laundry stand to a ceiling within a building.

In one embodiment, the support means is a support frame.

In one embodiment, the mounting device is a wall mount.

In one embodiment, the garment hanger comprises at least one or more clothes lines.

In one embodiment, the mounting device is configured for mounting to at least one or more tubular structures extending from an exterior wall.

In one embodiment, the mounting means comprises a locking or safety mechanism to lock the mounting means to at least one or more of the tubular structures.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a threaded screw that may be tightened or moved to securely engage at least one or more tubular structures.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes one or more U-bolts that are used to join one or more tubular structures.

In one embodiment, the mounting device is configured to be bolted to an exterior wall.

In one embodiment, the support means comprises one or more selected from holes and grooves to receive the elongate horizontal slide member.

In one embodiment, the support means comprises a horizontal support means for supporting the elongate horizontal slide member.

In one embodiment, the horizontal support means comprises a horizontal support member supporting the elongated horizontal sliding member in a sliding manner.

In one embodiment, the horizontal support means comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of grooves and holes for receiving an elongate horizontal sliding member.

In one embodiment, the horizontal support means comprises at least one or more rollers for facilitating sliding of the elongate horizontal sliding member.

In one embodiment, the horizontal support means is a support frame.

In one embodiment, the rollers are bearings.

In one embodiment, the support frame includes one or more bushings to facilitate easy sliding of the elongated horizontal slide member.

In one embodiment, the bushings include low friction sliding surfaces to facilitate easy sliding of the elongated horizontal sliding member.

In one embodiment, the support frame includes a vertical adjustment mechanism for varying the height of at least a portion of the support frame during use.

In one embodiment, the support means comprises a vertical support means for supporting the laundry rack for movement between its upper or lower positions.

In one embodiment, the laundry stand comprises a vertical adjustment means for partially varying the height of the laundry hanging means in use to move the laundry hanging means between an upper position and a lower position.

In one embodiment, the laundry stand comprises a horizontal adjustment device configured to adjust the movement of the clothes hanging device between the retracted position and the extended position in use.

In one embodiment, the support frame is configured to support at least a portion of the horizontal support member in alignment with the window during use.

In one embodiment, the vertical adjustment mechanism includes a collapsible stand.

In one embodiment, the foldable stand is movable between an upper position and a lower position.

In one embodiment, the foldable stand is configured to support a horizontal support structure in a position in which the horizontally elongated slide member remains substantially horizontal when moved between its upper and lower positions.

In one embodiment, the foldable stand is configured to keep the horizontal support member horizontal when the horizontal support member is moved between its upper and lower positions.

In one embodiment, the foldable stand includes an inner mounting frame and an outer mounting frame rotatably connected by at least one pair of pivot struts.

In one embodiment, the internal mounting frame is configured for mounting to an external wall.

In one embodiment, the external mounting frame is configured for mounting to a horizontal support member.

In one embodiment the collapsible stand comprises at least two pairs of rotatable struts.

In one embodiment, the internal mounting frame includes a mounting device.

In one embodiment, the vertical adjustment mechanism includes a damping device.

In one embodiment, the damping device comprises a piston and cylinder arrangement.

In one embodiment, the vertical adjustment mechanism includes a latch mechanism.

In one embodiment, the vertical adjustment mechanism comprises a telescopic device.

In one embodiment, the retractable device comprises a plurality of retractable members.

In one embodiment, the support frame includes a height-adjustment elongated member.

In one embodiment, the vertical adjustment mechanism includes a vertical support device.

In one embodiment, the vertical support means is used to support a vertically adjustable height elongate member.

In one embodiment, the vertical support means comprises one or more apertures and recesses to receive height adjustable elongate members extending from a substantially vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the vertical support means comprises a vertical load bearing frame configured to receive the adjustable height elongated member.

In one embodiment, the vertical support frame includes a plurality of frame members.

In one embodiment, the vertical support frame includes at least one or more threaded shafts for engaging a complementary threaded nut.

In one embodiment, the vertical support frame includes one or more bearings and rollers to facilitate movement of the adjustable height elongated member.

In one embodiment, one or more selected from bearings and rollers engage a plurality of opposing surfaces of the adjustable height elongated member.

In one embodiment, the vertical support frame includes a fastening mechanism configured to fasten the vertical support frame to the adjustable height elongated member to ensure secure engagement with one or more selected from the group consisting of bearings and rollers.

In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes at least one or more threaded shafts configured for engagement with a complementary threaded nut

In one embodiment, the vertically adjustable mechanism includes one vertical support member.

In one embodiment, the vertical support frame includes one or more selected from the group consisting of holes and grooves to receive an adjustable height elongated member extending from a substantially vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the vertically adjustable mechanism includes a locking device for locking the height adjustable elongated member in place.

In one embodiment, the locking device includes a locking bolt receivable in an aperture aligned with the height adjustable elongate member and the vertical support member.

In one embodiment, the vertically adjustable mechanism comprises a gear mechanism:

in one embodiment, the vertical adjustment mechanism comprises a chain arrangement.

In one embodiment, the vertically adjustable mechanism includes a moving mechanism for moving the clothes hanging device between its upper and lower positions.

In one embodiment, the moving mechanism comprises a threaded shaft.

In one embodiment, the displacement mechanism includes a bushing having an internal thread for engaging the threaded shaft.

In one embodiment, the movement mechanism includes a mounting frame for rotatably mounting the threaded shaft to the mounting device.

In one embodiment, a bushing having an internal thread is securely attached to the height adjustable elongated member.

In one embodiment, the movable mechanism includes a worm gear that engages the gear teeth.

In one embodiment, the gear teeth are configured to drive a rack and pinion mechanism.

In one embodiment, the moving mechanism includes a handle.

In one embodiment, the moving mechanism comprises a winch.

In one embodiment, the winch is a brake winch.

In one embodiment, the winch is mounted into the mounting device.

In one embodiment, the winch includes a winch drum and a cable.

In one embodiment, the cable is paired with a height adjustable elongated member.

In one embodiment, the cable is mated to a lower portion of the height adjustable elongated member.

In one embodiment, the winch drum is mounted above a lower portion of the height adjustable elongated member.

In one embodiment, the vertically adjustable mechanism comprises a locking device.

In one embodiment, the garment suspension device includes a plurality of cross-struts extending from an elongated horizontal slide member.

In one embodiment, the garment suspension device comprises a plurality of clothes lines.

In one embodiment the line extends in a direction parallel to the elongate horizontal slide member.

In one embodiment, the moving mechanism comprises a motive force.

In one embodiment, the motive force is used to drive a vertical adjustment mechanism to move the clothes hanger between an upper position and a lower position.

In one embodiment, the prime mover includes at least one or more engines.

In one embodiment, the motive force is an electric motor.

In one embodiment, the moving mechanism is configured to be coupled to a power source.

In one embodiment, the moving mechanism includes a power source.

In one embodiment, the power source is a battery.

In one embodiment, the moving mechanism includes a generator.

In one embodiment, the generator is a solar panel.

In one embodiment, the solar panel is configured to charge a power source.

In one embodiment, the laundry stand includes a controller.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to activate the motor.

In one embodiment, the controller includes a processor.

In one embodiment, the controller includes a receiver.

In one embodiment, the controller includes a converter.

In one embodiment, the controller includes a digital storage medium for storing data and/or digital instructions.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to control the sequence to set the laundry out and/or bring the laundry in.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to manipulate the control signals remotely over a network.

In one embodiment, the control sequence is preprogrammed.

In another aspect, the invention provides a laundry stand for hanging laundry from a building having a window and an exterior wall extending from below the window, the laundry stand comprising:

d. a mounting device configured to securely mount the laundry rack to a stationary structure in use,

e. a support device configured to support an elongated horizontal sliding member in at least a horizontal sliding manner;

f. a garment hanger for hanging a garment, the garment hanger being mounted on a motorized support device, wherein the motorized support device is configured to move the garment hanger between at least an extended position and a retracted position; and are

A controller configured to control operation of the motorized support device.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured for remote manipulation.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured for communication over a network.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to cause a preprogrammed sequence to move the motorized support device between the extended position and the retracted position.

In one aspect, the invention may be said to reside in a clothes drying rack for hanging clothes from a building, the building including a window and an exterior wall extending from below the window, the clothes drying rack comprising:

a mounting device configured to securely mount the laundry rack to a fixed structure in use;

a garment hanger for hanging garments, the garment hanger comprising an elongated horizontal slide member; and are

A support means configured to support said one elongated horizontal slide member in at least a horizontal sliding manner.

In another aspect, the invention may be said to consist in a laundry rack for hanging laundry from a building, the laundry rack comprising:

a mounting device configured to securely mount the laundry rack to a fixed structure in use;

a support device configured to support an elongated horizontal sliding member in at least a horizontal sliding manner;

a garment hanger for hanging garments, the garment hanger comprising an elongated horizontal slide member; the elongated horizontal sliding member is slidably supported by a support means.

In one embodiment, the support means comprises a horizontal support means for supporting the elongate horizontal slide member for movement in a horizontal sliding manner.

In one embodiment, the support means comprises a vertical support means for supporting the garment hanger means for movement between the upper and lower positions.

In one embodiment, the support means comprises at least one or more rollers to facilitate sliding of the elongate horizontal sliding member.

In one embodiment, the vertical support means includes a vertical adjustment mechanism such that the height of the garment suspension device is adjustable during use.

In one embodiment, the vertical adjustment mechanism comprises a telescopic device.

In one embodiment, the retractable device comprises a plurality of retractable members.

In one embodiment, the vertical adjustment mechanism comprises a height adjustable elongated member.

In one embodiment, the vertical support means comprises a vertical support member.

In one embodiment, the height adjustable production member is connected with a laundry hanging device.

In one embodiment, the vertical adjustment mechanism comprises a moth locking device for locking the height adjustable elongate member in position.

In one embodiment, the vertical support means is configured to support the height adjustment elongate member in a vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the vertical support means comprises one or more selected from holes and grooves for receiving a height adjustable elongate member extending in a substantially vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the vertical support means comprises a vertical support frame for receiving the height adjustable elongate member.

In one embodiment, the vertical support frame includes one or more selected from bearings and rollers to facilitate movement of the height adjustable elongated member.

In one embodiment, the one or more selected from bearings and rollers are configured to engage opposing surfaces of a plurality of height adjustable elongated members.

In one embodiment, the vertical support means includes a fastening mechanism for fastening the vertical support frame to the height adjustable elongate member to ensure a secure engagement of one or more of the bearing and the drum.

In one embodiment, the vertical adjustment mechanism includes a movement mechanism that moves the clothes hanging device between the morning position and the down position.

In one embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises a threaded shaft.

In one embodiment, the movement mechanism includes an internally threaded bushing for engaging the threaded shaft.

In one embodiment, the internally threaded bushing is securely coupled to the height adjustable elongated member.

In one embodiment, the movement mechanism includes a handle.

In one embodiment, the moving mechanism includes a motive force.

In one embodiment, the movement mechanism includes a power source.

In one embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises a generator.

In one embodiment, the dryer includes a controller.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to initiate movement of the movement mechanism.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to control a sequence of moving the clothes hanging apparatus between the extended position and the retracted position.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to remotely control the start controller signal over a network.

In another aspect, the invention may be said to consist in a laundry rack for hanging laundry from a building, the laundry rack comprising:

a mounting means arranged to enable the drying rack to be securely mounted to a building during use;

a garment hanging device for hanging a garment, the garment hanging device configured for movement between an extended position and a retracted position;

a powered support means configured to support the garment suspension device for movement between an extended position and a retracted position; and

a controller configured to control the operation of the motorized support device.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts of the elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification, and any or all of any two or more of said parts, elements or components taken alone or in combination. Where in the art to which this invention relates, having known features and specific integers there are mentioned herein known equivalents, then such known equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any sense.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief description of the drawings

Although any other form may fall within the scope of the invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an upper right perspective view of a first embodiment of a laundry stand with the clothes lines in an extended position and the vertical adjustment mechanism in a lowered position;

FIG. 2 shows an upper right perspective view of the laundry stand of FIG. 1 with the clothes lines in a retracted position and the vertically adjustable mechanism in an upper position;

fig. 3 shows a top right perspective view of a second embodiment of the drying rack, with the clothes lines in an extended position;

FIG. 4 shows a top right perspective view of a third embodiment of the laundry stand with the clothes lines in an extended position and the vertical adjustment mechanism in an upper position;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting device connected to a tubular structure;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional front view of a fourth embodiment of a laundry stand comprising a telescoping support device with the support device in an extended position;

FIG. 7 shows a front view of the laundry stand of FIG. 6 with the support means in an extended position;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional front view of the laundry stand of FIG. 6 with the support means in a retracted position;

FIG. 9 shows an upper right perspective cross-sectional view of a horizontal support member containing a roller;

FIG. 10 shows an upper right close-up perspective view of a second embodiment of the mounting device;

FIG. 11 shows an upper right close-up perspective view of the second embodiment of the mounting device shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows an upper right perspective view of the mounting device of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 shows an upper right close-up perspective view of a third embodiment of the mounting device;

figure 14 shows an upper right perspective view of the clothes hanger in the 5 th embodiment with the lines in the extended position and the vertical adjustment mechanism in the lowered position;

FIG. 15 shows a right side view of a sixth embodiment of the laundry stand mounted on an exterior wall of a building with the clothes lines in an extended position and the vertical adjustment mechanism in a lowered position;

fig. 16 shows a right side view of the clothes pole of fig. 15 secured to an exterior wall of a building with the clothes lines in an extended position and the vertical adjustment mechanism in an upper position;

FIG. 17 shows a right side view of a 7 th embodiment of a laundry stand fixed to the ceiling of a building apartment;

FIG. 18 shows an upper left perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the laundry stand mounted on an exterior wall of a building with the clothes lines in an extended position and the vertical adjustment mechanism in an upper position;

FIG. 19 shows an upper left perspective view of the laundry stand of FIG. 18 with the clothes lines in a retracted position and the vertical adjustment mechanism in an upper position;

FIG. 20 shows an upper left perspective view of the laundry stand of FIG. 18 with the clothes lines in the extended position and the vertical adjustment mechanism in the lowered position;

FIG. 21 shows a close-up view of the vertical adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 shows an upper left perspective view of the 9 th embodiment of the laundry stand mounted on an exterior wall of a building with the clothes lines in an extended position and the vertical adjustment mechanism in an upper position;

FIG. 23 shows a front, left, bottom, close-up perspective view of FIG. 20 showing the elongated horizontal slide member moving across the horizontal support means;

FIG. 24 shows a schematic diagram of a controller of the clothes drying apparatus;

fig. 25 shows a flow chart of the control sequence for the controller to move the clothes lines to the deployed position;

fig. 26 shows a schematic flow chart of the control sequence for the controller to move the clothes lines to the retracted position;

FIG. 27 shows a side view of a tenth embodiment of the laundry stand mounted to an exterior wall of a building, including a brake winch as the movement mechanism.

Detailed Description

It should be expressly noted that in the following description, the same reference signs refer to the same or similar features in the different embodiments.

A laundry rack according to the first aspect of the invention is generally designated by the numeral 1000.

In the embodiment described herein, a laundry rack 1000 is provided for hanging clothes from a building, such as an apartment (not shown), which includes a window 2200 and an exterior wall 2000 extending below the window. The laundry stand 1000 includes a wall-mounted mounting device 1100, a support device 1200 in the form of a support frame, and a clothes hanging device 1300.

The garment hanger device 1300 is configured to hang a garment and includes an elongated horizontal slide member 1310 and a pair of cross members or cross struts 1330 extending laterally from each end of the elongated horizontal slide member 1310. Preferably, a plurality of clothes lines 1320 extend between the cross members 1330 parallel to the elongate horizontal slide member 1310.

The garment hanger 1300 is slidable relative to the support 1200 between an extended position, as shown in fig. 1, 3 and 4, wherein the preferred garment hanger 1300 extends outwardly from a surface of an exterior wall of a building, and a retracted position, as shown in fig. 2, wherein the garment hanger 1300 is preferably receivable within an area within the exterior wall of the building, such as preferably within a window into a flat apartment.

The mounting device 1100, or wall mount, is configured to securely mount the laundry stand 1000 to an exterior wall 2000 of an apartment in use, preferably below a window 2200. More preferably, the mounting device 1100 is configured to be mounted to two tubular structures 2100 extending from an exterior wall, which may be common in singapore. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the mounting means is configured for mounting to one, three or more tubular structures.

In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 5, the mounting device 1100 comprises a mounting frame in the form of a U-bolt 1110 configured for mounting on a pair of tubular structures 2100, and a cross-post 1120 extending between the tubular structures, the U-bolt being connected by a nut 1112 above the tubular structures 2100. The support frame 1200 is also mounted to a cross-post 1120.

In another embodiment (not shown), the mounting frame 1110 includes a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the mounting device 1100 to the tubular structure 2100. The locking mechanism comprises one or more screws (not shown) that are threaded into complementary threaded holes in the mounting device 1100 and securely engage the tubular structure 2100, thereby preventing the mounting device 1100 from being removed from the tubular device.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), it is contemplated that the mounting frame may be configured to mount to the tubular frame 2100.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 10-12, the mounting device 1100 includes a mounting plate 1130, the mounting plate 1130 being mounted over the tubular structure 2100 and surrounding the tubular structure 2100. The mounting device 1100 is configured to include a pair of cylindrical sleeves 1136 that slidably sleeve the tubular structure 2100. Each cylindrical sleeve 1136 may be placed over the tubular structure 2100 by tightening the bolts 1139.

A mounting washer is provided that fits over the cylindrical sleeve and rotates relative to the wall. Each cylindrical sleeve 1136 is mounted to a mounting washer 1137 by drive bolts 1138 (shown in close-up in fig. 12). In use, mounting washer 1137 is tightened against mounting plate 1130. The angular variation of the tubular structures extending out of the building at an angle, as well as the distance between the tubular structures, can be taken into account in this way.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the mounting structure is a mounting plate 1130 that is mounted directly to the exterior wall 2000 by bolts 1134, rather than to the tubular structure 2100, which, if present, extend through holes 1132 to the exterior wall. In the embodiment shown in fig. 13, the mounting disc 1130 extends around the tubular structure 2100, although such is not required.

The support frame 1200 is configured to support an elongated horizontal slide member in a substantially horizontal direction to allow substantially horizontal movement thereof in a sliding manner. Preferably, as shown in fig. 1-4, 6, 8 and 9, the support frame 1200 includes a horizontal support device 1240. The horizontal support means comprises a horizontal support member 1244, preferably the horizontal support member 1244 is provided with a hole 1242. The aperture 1242 is used to receive the elongated horizontal sliding member 1310 horizontally therethrough during use. It is contemplated that horizontal support member 1244 may also include a bearing (not shown) or bushing (not shown) to facilitate sliding of the elongated horizontal sliding member 1310 solution through horizontal support member 1240.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the support frame 1200 includes a series of rollers 1215 mounted to rollers 1217, the rollers 1215 serving to retain and guide the movement of the elongated horizontal slide member 1310. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the support frame 1200 need not define an aperture through which the elongated horizontal sliding member extends, but may be replaced with a recess.

The support frame 1200 further comprises a vertical support means 1205, the vertical support means 1205 enabling the laundry hanging device 1300 to move between the upper position and the lower position. The vertical support means includes a vertical adjustment mechanism 1220. The vertical adjustment mechanism 1200 allows for height adjustment to maintain the horizontal support member 1244 at this height. The vertical adjustment mechanism 1220 allows the horizontal support member 1244 to be held at a height aligned with the window 2200, for example, when the window is open, allowing the elongate horizontal slide member 1310 to be retracted inwardly through the window 2200, thereby facilitating loading of items to be dried (not shown) on the washing line. Preferably the vertical adjustment mechanism 1220 also allows the horizontal support member 1244 to move out of alignment with the window 2200, for example to allow the window to be closed.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, 2 and 4, the vertical adjustment mechanism 1220 comprises a hollow vertical support frame 1224. The hollow vertical support frame 1224 defines an aperture (not shown) through which the elongated height adjustable frame 1222 is adjustable. Preferably, the elongated height adjustable frame 1222 includes a hole-type locking device (not shown) that aligns with a complementary hole (not shown) in the vertical support frame 1224, into which a locking pin (not shown) is inserted, thereby locking the position of the elongated height adjustable frame 1222.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the support frame 1200 does not include a vertical adjustment mechanism, but instead is provided with a fixed elongated member 1210 to support the horizontal support frame 1244 at a constant height. However, this embodiment is not preferred as it does not allow opening and/or closing of windows mounted on buildings, in a manner which will be described in more detail below.

In an alternative embodiment shown in fig. 6-8, the vertical adjustment mechanism is a telescoping device or mechanism 1250. The telescoping mechanism 1250 includes a stationary member 1252 that is closely mounted to the mounting device 1100, and a telescoping member 1254 that is movable relative to the stationary member 1252 between a retracted position, as shown in fig. 8, and an extended position, as shown in fig. 6-7.

Preferably, the fixed member 1252 includes an internal roller 1256, similar in configuration to the horizontal support frame 1244 shown in fig. 9, the internal roller 1256 being configured to facilitate smooth telescoping movement of the telescoping member 1254 between the retracted and extended positions.

The telescoping mechanism of fig. 6 and 8 is provided with a gas column 1258, with gas struts 1258 internal to the fixed member 1252 and telescoping member 1254 and extending between the fixed member 1252 and telescoping member 1254. Preferably, the gas strut includes a cylinder (not shown) containing a piston (not shown), a damping circuit (not shown) and an internal spring (not shown) as is well known in the art.

The preferred damping circuit prevents the retractable member 1254 from being unrestrained to descend to the retracted position. Preferably, the internal spring assists the retractable member 1254 to be lifted to the deployed position simultaneously with the clothes hanger 1300. This is particularly useful when the garment hanger 1300 has laundry (not shown) hung from a clothes line 1320 and is very heavy to pull up from the window 2200 above. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 7, a pair of air columns is provided. Shown in fig. 15 and 16 is another embodiment of a vertically adjustable mechanism 1220. In this embodiment, the vertically adjustable mechanism 1220 includes an externally mounted frame in the form of a vertical support frame 1232, similar to the vertical support frame 1224 shown in FIGS. 1-5, where the vertical support frame 1232 is configured to receive a height adjustable elongate member 1222, the height adjustable elongate member 1222 being operable to adjust the height of the horizontal support member 1240 by moving in the direction shown by arrow H in FIG. 15.

However, the vertical support members 1224 are attached to the foldable frame 1230 and form a portion of the foldable frame 1230, and the foldable frame 1230 can be considered as a foldable ladder frame 1230 when viewed from the side as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. In one embodiment, a foldable frame is used as the vertical adjustment mechanism 1220, and the height adjustable elongated member 1222 may better fine tune the height of the garment hanger 1300 when moved more past the vertical support member.

The foldable frame 1230 is composed of a vertical support frame 1232, which is rotatably connected to the rotating column 1234 at the upper or lower end. The swivel post 1234, in turn, is rotatably coupled to the mounting device in the form of a mounting plate 1233, which mounting plate 1233 may be bolted to a wall or attached to a tubular structure in a similar manner as described above.

The pivot post 1234 is pivotally connected at one end to the vertical support member 1232 by a hinge 1236 and at the other end to the mounting plate 1233. In this manner, the vertical adjustment mechanism 1220 is movable between a lower position, as shown in fig. 15, in which the pivot post 1234 is substantially horizontal, and an upper position, as shown in fig. 16, by rotating the pivot post 1234 in the direction indicated by arrow P in fig. 15. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the vertical support member 1232 is maintained in a substantially vertical position (i.e., horizontal alignment) as the vertical adjustment mechanism 1220 is moved between its upper and lower positions. Further, in this embodiment, a bumper structure 1238 is provided to prevent the pivot post 1234 from moving off the horizontal when moving from the upper position to the lower position. An elastic elongated member 1237 in the form of a cord, chain or the like is provided to the user to pull the vertical adjustment mechanism 1222 to raise it to its upper position. A latching arrangement 1239 is also provided for latching the vertical adjustment mechanism in its upper position so that a user can move the garment suspension device between its extended and retracted positions.

It is contemplated that in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the vertical adjustment mechanism may utilize a gear and complementary chain arrangement whereby the gear is rotated by the handle to wind and unwind the chain to raise or lower the vertical support member. This is not preferred due to the complexity of such devices.

In another embodiment shown in fig. 17, the laundry stand 1000 may be mounted inside a building, for example on the ceiling 2300 or some other interior surface of a building wall, preferably by fasteners such as bolts (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting device 1100 includes a mounting plate 1130 that is mounted to a ceiling 2300 inside an apartment. The support device 1200 includes a vertical adjustment mechanism 1220 in the form of a telescoping mechanism 1250 similar to that described above. The telescopic mechanism allows the garment hanger 1300 to be moved downwardly (as indicated by arrow a in figure 17) from a position close to the ceiling 2300 so that a garment can be conveniently hung from the washing line. The approaching suspension 1300 may then be slid to an extended position outside the window, as indicated by arrow B in fig. 17.

In operation, it is contemplated that laundry stand 1000 is mounted on an exterior wall of a building, such as an apartment, with vertical adjustment mechanism 1220 in a lower position and laundry stand 1300 in an extended position. The user will open the window 2200 of the building (shown by arrow O in fig. 15-17) which is possible because the vertical adjustment mechanism allows the laundry stand 1000 to not block the window from opening outward. The user will then operate the vertical adjustment mechanism 1220 to raise the garment hanger 1300 to a level aligned with the window 2200. The clothes hanger 1300 will then be moved to its retracted position in which the clothes hanger 1300 slides inwardly through the window to the interior of the building. In this position, the laundry to be dried can be conveniently hung on the clothesline 1320. Once the garment is hung, the garment hanger 1300 will be manually moved to its extended position, outside of the exterior wall 2000 of the building. If the window is to be closed, the vertical adjustment mechanism 1220 may move the laundry hanging device 1300 to a level below the window 2200 as desired.

In another embodiment shown in fig. 18-21, the vertical adjustment mechanism 1220 is a vertical support device or vertical support frame 1229. The vertical support frame 1229 is configured to support the height adjustable elongate member 1222 in a substantially vertical direction while allowing the height adjustable elongate member 1222 to move between an upper position and a lower position. The height adjustable elongate member 1222 may pass through a passage or hole through the vertical support frame 1229. The vertical support frame 1229 is comprised of four vertical frame members 1226, the four vertical frame members 1226 being coupled together by a threaded shaft 1227 and fastened to opposite ends of the threaded shaft by nuts 1228. The vertical members 1226 are fixedly attached to the mounting device or ledge 1100 by transverse horizontal frame members 1221.

Some of the threaded shafts 1227 are provided with rollers 1225 for better proximity to the four opposing surfaces of the height adjustable elongate member 1222. The rollers 1225 facilitate smooth movement of the height adjustable elongate member 1222 to move the garment suspension device 1300 between the upper and lower positions.

Some of the threaded shafts 1227 are not equipped with rollers. These threaded shafts function as a fastening mechanism with a complementary nut 1228 to secure the rollers 1225 against the opposing faces of the height adjustable elongate member 1222 so that the height adjustable elongate member 1222 (and by extension to the garment suspension device 1300) does not move or swing, such as in strong winds. A preferably threaded nut 1228 is tightened against the outer surface of the vertical frame member 1226 to push them tightly together.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 18-21, the vertical adjustment mechanism 1220 further includes a movement mechanism 1270. The moving mechanism 1270 is used for driving the movement of the laundry hanging device 1300 between its upper and lower positions.

The movement mechanism 1270 includes a threaded shaft 1272 that is engageable with a bushing 1274 having an internal thread formation (not shown) that is complementary to the thread formation of the threaded shaft. The internally threaded bushing 1274 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the height adjustable elongate member 1222 by a cross member 1276 and a plate 1277 so that the height adjustable elongate member 1222 will move with it when the internally threaded bushing 1274 moves up and/or down.

The threaded shaft 1272 is fixedly rotatably mounted on the mounting arrangement 1100 of the horizontal mounting bar 1260. At the top end of the threaded shaft 1272, a handle 1278 is mounted for rotation with the shaft. The threaded shaft 1272 extends through a hole in the horizontal mounting bar 1260. More preferably, the threaded shaft 1272 includes a pair of threaded mounting nuts 1279 that is securely connected to the threaded shaft by a grub screw (not shown) that passes through the mounting nut 1279 and is tightened onto the threaded shaft 1272 so that the threaded mounting nuts 1279 will rotate with the threaded shaft 1272.

The mounting nuts 1279 are spaced apart from each other on the upper surface of the horizontal mounting bar 1260 such that the threaded shaft 1272 is prevented from moving further downward. The threaded shaft 1272 is free to move within the bore of the horizontally mounted rod 1260.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of alternative configurations may be provided for such a mounting nut. For example, each mounting nut may be replaced with a flange. Such a flange may be formed integrally with the threaded shaft or may alternatively be attached to the threaded shaft, for example by welding.

Rotational movement of the handle 1278 will cause rotation of the threaded shaft 1252. The threads of the threaded shaft will engage the internal threads of the threaded bushing 1274. However, because the threaded bushing 1274 is held in place by the cross member 1276 and the plate 1277, rotational movement of the threaded shaft will cause the threaded bushing 1274 to move up or down, depending on the direction of rotation of the threaded shaft.

Upward or downward movement of the threaded bushing 1274 will cause the same upward or downward movement of the height adjustable elongate member 1222 between the upper and lower positions, moving through the vertical support frame 1229. This in turn causes movement of the garment hanger 1300 between the upper and lower positions.

An advantage of this configuration is that a small amount of force is required to rotate the threaded shaft, allowing a relatively weak user to operate the movement mechanism 1270. The position of the handle 1278 remains constant, preferably just below the height of the window 2200 when in use, allowing the user to operate the movement mechanism without having to tilt too far out of the window to be dangerous. Preferably, the threaded shaft 1272 will have a relatively coarse thread, thereby allowing relatively large movements of the garment hanger per revolution of the threaded shaft. The threaded shaft can thus be regarded as a worm gear type of device.

Another advantage of this configuration is that accidental movement of the garment suspension device 1300 is not possible due to the inherent leverage of this configuration.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of alternative movement mechanisms may be provided. For example, the threaded shaft may be replaced with a worm gear on the shaft. The worm gear can be actuated by the handle rotating shaft to drive the gear, and can be converted into linear upward or downward movement through the rack and the gear. However, such a configuration is considered too complex and expensive.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 22, the handle is replaced with a prime mover of the type having an electric motor 1275. Laundry stand 1000 is equipped with its own generator in the form of solar panels 1410 and/or wind turbine generators 1420 (shown in fig. 24) which operate by charging the power source via battery chargers 1415, for example in the form of batteries 1273 and/or capacitors. Solar panels may be configured to charge batteries as is known in the art. In an alternative embodiment, motor 1275 may be configured to connect to and receive power from a primary power source, such as a power source provided from within an apartment.

It is further contemplated that in another embodiment (not shown), a similar device may be provided that includes a movement mechanism that moves the elongated horizontal sliding member 1310 between its extended position and its retracted position. For example, a motor may be provided that operates rotation of a threaded shaft into engagement with a threaded bushing on the garment hanger 1300 to move the elongated horizontal slide member 1310. Any other similar moving mechanism may be selected, such as a worm gear, a drive gear rack, or the like.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 22, the dryer 1000 further comprises a controller 1400, the controller 1400 being configured to control operation of a motor controlling the height adjustable elongated member 1222 and/or the elongated horizontal sliding member 1310 and/or opening of a window or window frame by the electric motor.

Mechanisms for opening and/or closing windows or window frames by means of electric motors are known and the description thereof is considered to be beyond the scope of the present description.

As shown in fig. 24, the controller 1400 preferably has an associated processor 1430 and digital storage medium 1440 configured to control the operation of the processor to control the sequence to be performed. The operation of the controller of the motor is well known and therefore discussion of the operation of the controller is considered beyond the scope of this specification.

Preferably, controller 1400 includes a transceiver 1450, which is preferably a wireless communication chip, such as a Wi-Fi chip, that can communicate using any IEEE802.11 protocol, and an associated antenna 1460. In alternative embodiments, more remote network transceivers are contemplated, such as a cellular network that can run chips on any of the 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE or similar protocols. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the controller may be connected by wire to the internet directly from the router, such as through an ethernet connection.

The preferred controller 1400 includes an input/output interface 1470, which input/output interface 1470 is capable of connecting to external devices such as visual and/or audio outputs, preferably LED lights 1472, a display screen 1474, a speaker 1476, and an emergency stop button 1478. Further, the controller 1400 may be equipped with sensors including any one or more of:

the vibration sensor 1480 is used in conjunction with a vibration sensor 1480,

an accelerometer 1490 that is capable of measuring,

pressure sensor 1500

Humidity sensor 1510

1520 temperature sensor

Ambient light sensor 1530

And/or distance sensor 1560

A wind speed sensor 1540.

Preferably, the controller is connectable to data and/or power through USB-C connector port 1550.

Further, it is contemplated that the controller 1400 may be configured to control the operation of the window 2200 to move between an open position and a closed position. It is further contemplated that the controller may be configured with a control sequence that places the clothing items in an extended position for drying (as shown in fig. 25) 10 after receiving this activation signal, such as opening windows 20, 30 to move elongated horizontal sliding member 1310 to the extended position. 40 is moving the height adjustable elongate member 1222 to its lowered position; 50 then selects to close the window.

Another sequence is for bringing the laundry back (as shown in fig. 26), moving the laundry drying device 1000 to the retracted position after receiving the activation signal 60, for example selecting 65 to open the window; 70 moving the height adjustable elongate member 1222 to its upper position; 75 move the elongated horizontal sliding member 1310 to its retracted position, thereby moving the laundry hanging device 1300 through the open window.

It is envisaged that the controller will send a visual and audible warning alert when such an alignment is initiated. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the emergency stop button can be actuated to stop any such sequence in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, it is contemplated that one or more distance sensors 1560 may be placed to detect whether the movement of the laundry hanging device 1300 between its extended and retracted positions and/or between its upper and lower positions is impeded. Upon detection of such an obstacle, the control sequence may be cancelled to stop all movements.

It is further contemplated that the controller may be configured with a transceiver (not shown) for connection (wireless or wired) to a network, thereby enabling remote actuation of various sequences of the controller. The actuation of the control sequence may then be performed remotely by the user, for example by entering commands on a remote mobile phone via the downloaded application. It is thus envisaged that if a user is not at home, for example, and receives a threat to rain, they may open an application on their mobile phone and initiate a control sequence for bringing back the laundry. This drive will be forwarded to the controller, which in turn will move the laundry into the apartment.

In fig. 18-20 and 22, another embodiment of a horizontal support apparatus 1240 is shown that includes a horizontal support frame 1246, the horizontal support frame 1246 being similar in construction to the vertical support frame 1229 shown in fig. 18-21. The horizontal support frame 1246 includes rollers mounted on threaded rods that may be tightened with nuts to secure the rollers against the horizontal slide member 1310.

Another embodiment of a laundry stand 1000 is shown in FIG. 27. In this embodiment, the movement mechanism 1270 includes a brake winch 1280. The brake winch 1280 includes a winch roller 1282 and a winch mechanism (not shown) enclosed within a housing, as well as a housing, a cable 1284, and a winch handle 1286. One end of a cable 1284 is coupled to a lower portion of the height adjustable elongated member 1222, and the other end of the cable 1284 is coupled to the winch roller 1282. 1282 preferably the winch roller 1282 is mounted at an elevated position on the mounting device 1100 and above the bottom of the height adjustable elongate member 1222, allowing the brake winch 1280 to move the lower position of the height adjustable elongate member 1222 upward when the cable is pulled upward when the winch is in use. When the winch 1280 is reversed, the weight of the garment hanger 1300 and the adjustable height extension 1222 will cause it to move downward through the vertical support.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the winch handle may be replaced with a prime mover (e.g., an electric motor) and controlled by a controller as described above.

Brake winches are well known in the art and preferably do not allow the movement of the winched item without requiring a corresponding movement of the winch handle (or prime mover if present to drive the movement of the winch). Discussion of the internal mechanisms of the brake winch is considered to be beyond the scope of the present invention.

Note

Radical (I)

In addition, while features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush (Markush) groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be described thereby in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Time sequence

When method steps are described as sequential, the order does not necessarily imply that the steps should be performed in that order in time, unless there is no other logical way to interpret the order, for purposes of the present invention.

Examples

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 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 be one embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments in accordance with the disclosure, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above, 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 inventive concepts. 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 content lies in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims, each of which is independently a separate embodiment of the present invention, are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description of specific embodiments.

Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that although some embodiments described herein include some features and other embodiments include other features, combinations of features of different embodiments are also within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

Different embodiments of the article

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.

Details of

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.

Term(s) for

In describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the present 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 that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripheral", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used for convenience to provide reference points and should not be construed as limiting terms.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" should be interpreted as a generic term that refers to a broad synthetic or semi-synthetic polymeric product, and generally consists of hydrocarbon-based polymers.

As used herein, the term "and/or" means "and" or both.

As used herein, "s" following a noun refers to the plural and/or singular form of the noun.

Comprises and includes

In the appended claims and the previous description of the invention, unless the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the use of the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" in the expression is intended in an inclusive sense, i.e. that in various embodiments of the invention, an inclusive sense is taken to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features.

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

Scope of the invention

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 of the formulas given above are merely representative of processes that may be used. Functions may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among the functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

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

Industrial use

From the above, the described device is suitable for use in the household appliance and consumer product industries.

Claims (31)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

a laundry rack for hanging laundry from a building, the laundry rack comprising:

a. a mounting means for securely mounting the laundry rack to a building in use;

b. a support device configured to support an elongated horizontal sliding member in a horizontal sliding manner;

c. a garment hanger for hanging a garment, the garment hanger comprising an elongate horizontal sliding member slidably supported by support means.

2. The stand of claim 1 wherein the support means comprises a horizontal support means for supporting the clothes hanging means for movement in a horizontal sliding manner.

3. The stand of any of claims 1 to 2 wherein the support means comprises a vertical support means for supporting the clothes hanging means for movement between the upper and lower positions.

4. The stand of any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the support means comprises at least one or more rollers to facilitate sliding of the elongate horizontal sliding member.

5. A laundry rack according to any one of claims 3 to 4 in which the vertical support means comprises a vertical adjustment mechanism to enable the height of the clothes hanging means to be adjusted during use.

6. The stand of claim 5 wherein the vertically adjustable mechanism comprises a telescoping device.

7. The stand of claim 6 wherein the telescoping assembly comprises a plurality of telescoping members.

8. The stand of any of claims 5 to 7 wherein the vertical adjustment mechanism comprises a height adjustable elongate member.

9. The stand of any of claims 5 to 8 wherein the vertical support means comprises a vertical support frame.

10. The laundry rack of claims 8 to 9 wherein a height adjustable elongate member is paired with the laundry hanging device.

11. The stand of any of claims 5 to 10 wherein the vertical adjustment mechanism comprises a locking device to lock the height adjustable elongate member in position.

12. The laundry stand of claims 5 to 10 wherein the vertical support means is configured to support the height adjustable elongate member in a vertical orientation.

13. The stand of any of claims 5 to 10 wherein the vertical support means comprises one or more selected from apertures and pockets to receive a height adjustable elongate member extending in a substantially vertical direction.

14. The stand of any of claims 5 to 10 wherein the vertical support means comprises a vertical support frame for receiving the height adjustable elongate member.

15. In a laundry stand according to claim 14 wherein the vertical support frame includes one or more selected from a bearing and a roller to facilitate movement of the height adjustable elongate member.

16. The stand of claim 15 wherein one or more selected from a bearing and a roller are configured to engage a plurality of opposing surfaces of the height adjustable elongated member.

17. In a laundry rack according to claim 16 in which the vertical support means comprises a fastening means configured to hold the vertical support frame against the height adjustable elongate member to ensure a secure fit selected from one or more of a bearing and a roller.

18. The stand of any of claims 5 to 17 wherein the vertical adjustment mechanism comprises a movement mechanism configured to move the clothes hanging apparatus between the upper and lower positions.

19. The stand of claim 18 wherein the movement mechanism comprises a threaded shaft.

20. The stand of claim 19 wherein the movement mechanism comprises an internally threaded bushing for engaging the threaded shaft.

21. The stand of claim 20 wherein the internally threaded bushing is securely mated to a height adjustable elongated member.

22. The stand of any of claims 18 to 21 wherein the movement mechanism comprises a handle.

23. The stand of any of claims 18 to 22 wherein the movement mechanism comprises a motive force.

24. The stand of any of claims 18 to 23 wherein the movement mechanism comprises a power source.

25. The stand of any of claims 18 to 24 wherein the movement mechanism comprises a generator.

26. The laundry stand of claim 26 wherein the laundry dryer comprises a controller configured to initiate movement of the movement mechanism.

27. The stand of claim 26 wherein the controller is configured to control the moving garment hanging device to move between the extended position and the retracted position.

28. The stand of claim 18 wherein the movement mechanism comprises a brake winch comprising a winch wheel, a winch mechanism and a cable.

29. The stand of claim 28 wherein the cable engages a lower portion of the height adjustable elongated member to pull the height adjustable elongated member upward.

30. A laundry rack for hanging garments from a building including windows and an extended exterior wall beneath the windows, the laundry rack comprising:

a. a mounting device configured, in use, to securely mount the laundry rack to a fixed structure;

b. a garment hanger for hanging a garment, said garment hanger comprising an elongate horizontal slide member; and

c. a support device configured to support the elongated horizontal sliding member in a horizontal sliding manner.

31. A laundry rack for hanging clothes from a building, the laundry rack comprising:

a. a mounting device configured, in use, to securely mount the laundry rack to a fixed structure;

b. a garment hanging device configured to hang a garment, the garment hanging device configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position.

c. A motorized support device configured to support the garment suspension device for movement between the extended position and the retracted position.

d. A controller configured to control operation of the motorized support apparatus.

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