GB2460748A

GB2460748A - Support Structure for Door or Radiator Mountable Clothes Airer

Info

Publication number: GB2460748A
Application number: GB0909601A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bernadette Pembroke; David Ryan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-09
Filing date: 2009-06-04
Publication date: 2009-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-04
Also published as: IES20080469A2; CN201598485U; GB2460748B; GB0909601D0

Abstract

A clothes airer comprises a plurality of parallel, spaced apart rods for hanging clothes each connected to a pair of extendable rod support assemblies (15, figure 1), extension or retraction increasing or decreasing the distance between the rods (12, figure 1), mounting bracket (11, figure 1) connecting rod support assemblies to support bracket 5, the support bracket 5 having first and second engaging means for releasably engaging with a separate different sized support structures such as a door or radiator, the first engagement means 75 engaging a ledge (e.g. the top of a door) which thus supports the weight of the airer. Also claimed is a rod support assembly having elongate link members interconnected at their ends and centres to form a collapsible quadrilateral structure, wherein there are two free ends connected to a mounting bracket at the end of the structure, one pivotally connected and one slidable within a slot on the mounting bracket (figure 1a) for extending and retracting the assembly, the slot receiving a bearing member with enough friction to prevent sliding of the link member in the slot unless a force is applied by a user.

Description

"A CLOTHES AIRER" The present invention relates to a clothes airer and a support device therefor.

This invention relates to improvements in clothes driers and airers. Clothes airers have been designed for drying clothes particularly for indoor use but not exclusively so.

Extensible/collapsible airers are known which can be extended for hanging clothes thereon and collapsed when not in use. A typical airier of this type comprises a pair of extensible/collapsible assemblies of links which include interconnected pivoted links of the lazy tong type, held in a spaced parallel relationship by way of a number of transverse rods upon which articles of washing can be hung when the link assemblies are extended.

Such a clothes airer may be secured to a rigid supporting surface such as a wall. For this purpose each link assembly is connected to a mounting bracket which is fixed to a surface of a wall or other external device, typically using screws or bolts. When so mounted, the link assemblies can be extended/collapsed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface. More commonly used are airer types that are vertical in orientation, such as floor standing airers also knows as clothes horses which having regard to available space and safety considerations may be erected in a room or other suitable location.

When screws or bolts are used to fix the mounting brackets to a wall surface, diligence is required to ensure that there are no concealed wires or pipes inside the wall. Moreover, unsightly and damaging holes are created in the surface of the wall. Aires of this type are designed for stationary use and if it is required to move an airer to a different location, new holes are required to be formed in a wall for receiving screws or bolts. Using an adhesive for fixing the mounting bracket to the wall surface leaves an unwanted sticky residue on the surface when the airer is dismounted. Adhesives cannot support an object of significant weight and there is always a risk that the airer can become disengaged from the surface and fall.

Another major problem associated with prior art clothes airers exists for people living in relatively small living spaces such as common apartments, where the presence of a clothes airer causes an inconvenience.

Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a clothes airer that alleviates the problems encountered in the conventional art.

Accordingly, the invention provides a clothes airer assembly comprising a plurality of rods for hanging clothes thereon; a pair of extendable and retractable rod support assemblies, wherein each rod is connected to each of the two rod support assembles such that the rods are supported in a substantially parallel and spaced relationship, wherein upon extension or retraction of the rod support assemblies the distance between the rods is, respectively, increased or reduced; each rod support assembly comprising a mounting bracket; the clothes airer further comprising a pair of support brackets; wherein each of the support brackets has a first fastening means interengageable with a second fastening means formed on a corresponding mounting bracket; wherein each support bracket comprises a first engaging means configured for releasably engaging with a separate first rigid support structure, the first rigid support structure being capable of supporting the weight of the clothes airer and clothes mounted thereon; wherein the first rigid support structure is in the form of a ledge comprising a first surface which in use faces substantially upwardly in relation to the ground (i.e. an upper surface) and a pair of opposing side surfaces, a first opposing surface being a front surface (i.e. a surface which in use faces a user) and a second opposing surface being a rear surface (i.e. a surface which in use faces away from the user); wherein both front and rear surfaces project substantially downwardly in relation to the ground from respective opposing edges of the upper surface; wherein in use, such a ledge projects substantially upwardly in relation to the ground and the first engaging means of the support bracket engages the ledge so that the support bracket is supported by the ledge due to the combination of the weight of the support bracket, the weight of the clothes airer and the abutment of the first engaging means against the ledge upper and side surfaces.

Such an arrangement provides a clothes airer which can be easily mounted and dismounted as and when needed by the user without the requirement for any installation skills. Moreover, the present arrangement allows a user to install the clothes airer in multiple locations in the home, where and when it is convenient to the user.

In a preferred arrangement, the first support structure comprises a door ledge.

In a preferred arrangement, the support bracket comprises a rest member having first and second ends and first (front) and second (rear) opposing surfaces, the first surface in use facing the user, and the second surface in use facing away from the user.

Preferably, the first fastening means is formed on the first surface of the rest member, such that when the first fastening means engage the second fastening means of the corresponding mounting bracket of the rod support assembly, the mounting bracket abuts against the first surface of the rest member.

The support bracket also comprises a flange member connected to the rest member adjacent the first end of the rest member and projecting therefrom in a direction substantially opposite the direction in which the first surface faces. The flange member comprises a free end and first and second opposing surfaces, a first surface facing substantially in the same direction as the first end of the rest member and a second surface facing substantially the same direction as the second end of the rest member.

Ideally, the first engaging means comprises a first lip member connected to the flange about the free end of the flange member and spaced from the location at which the flange member is connected to the first end of the rest member, the lip projecting substantially perpendicular to the second surface of the flange member, i.e. towards the second end of the rest member. Preferably, the first engaging means comprises an abutment member connected to the rest member adjacent the second end of the rest member. In use, when the support bracket is installed at the relevant location, the second surface of the flange member rests upon an upper surface of a first rigid support structure, such as, for example a top surface of a door. Simultaneously, the first lip member engages a rear surface of the first rigid support structure, and the abutment member at the second end of the rest member abuts against the front surface of the first rigid support member. In this manner, the support bracket is held in place due to the combined effect of its own weight (and, when assembled with the clothes airer, the weight of the clothes airer) and the abutments of the first lip member, of the second surface of the flange and of the abutment member against the respective rear, upper and front surfaces of the first rigid structure.

Preferably, the space between the location at which the flange member is connected to the rest member and the first lip member is approximately the same as the distance between the front and the rear surfaces of the first rigid support structure.

In another preferred embodiment, the support bracket comprises a second engaging means configured for releasably engaging with a second rigid support structure, the second rigid support structure being capable of supporting the weight of the clothes airer and clothes mounted thereon. Preferably, the second engaging means is configured for engaging a rigid support structure, which differs dimensionally and/or structurally from the first rigid support structure, such as, for example, but not limited thereto, a ledge of a radiator. Such an arrangement provides a user with a further advantage of being able to select from a wider variety of locations for installing the clothes airer.

Ideally, the second engaging means comprises a second lip member connected to the flange adjacent the location at which the flange member is connected to the first end of the rest member, the second lip member projecting substantially perpendicular to the first surface of the flange member, i.e. the second lip member projects in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the first lip member. The second engaging means further comprises at least one, and more preferably two finger elements connected to the flange member and spaced from the location at which the flange member is connected to the first end of the rest member. Ideally, the or each finger element projects substantially perpendicular to the first surface of the flange member, i.e. substantially in the same direction as the second lip member. The second rigid support structure comprises a second rear surface spaced from the first rear surface and facing the first rear surface, such as for example, but not limited thereto, a wall mountable radiator which has a plurality of fins or a corrugated sheet installed at the rear surface of the radiator. In use, in order to install the support bracket using the second engaging means, the support bracket is oriented such that the second end of the rest member faces upwardly in relation to the ground whereby the front surface of the rest member faces in substantially the same direction as when the support bracket is installed using the first engaging means, i.e. away from the front surface of the second rigid support structure and facing the user.

When the support bracket is installed at the relevant location, the first surface of the flange member rests upon an upper surface of a second rigid support structure, such as, for example a top edge surface of a radiator. Simultaneously, the second lip member engages a front surface of the second rigid support structure, such as the irradiating surface of the radiator. At the same time, the or each finger element enters the space defined between the first and second rear surfaces of the second rigid support member, such as for example, a channel of the rear corrugated sheet of a radiator, and the or each finger element abuts against the second rear surface. In this manner, the support bracket is held in place due to the combined effect of its own weight (and, when assembled with the clothes airer, the weight of the clothes airer) and the abutments of the second lip member, the first surface of the flange and the or each finger element against the front, upper and second rear surfaces, respectively of the second rigid structure.

Ideally, the distance between an inner surface of the second lip member, i.e. the surface that in use abuts the front surface of the second rigid support structure and a rearmost surface of the or each finger element, i.e. the surface that in use abuts the second rear surface of the second rigid support structure is approximately the same as the distance between the front and the second rear surfaces of the second rigid support structure.

In one modification, the rest member comprises first and second portions, a first portion including the first end of the rest member and the second portion including the second end of the rest member, the first and second portions being connected at a location intermediate the first and second ends and extending at an angle relative one another.

Preferably, the second portion comprises the first (front) surface of the rest member which comprises first fastening means engageable with the second fastening means of the corresponding mounting bracket of the rod support assemblies. Such an arrangement results in that in use, when the support bracket is engaged with a first rigid support structure the front surface of the rest member faces downwardly and an angle in relation to the front surface of the first rigid support structure. When the support bracket is engaged with a second rigid support structure the front surface of the rest member faces upwardly and an angle in relation to the front surface of the second rigid support structure.

The above orientations of the support bracket in the above installed modes provided for greater space saving when engaged with the clothes airer. In a preferred arrangement, a reinforcing member connects the first and second portion of the rest member.

Ideally, the support bracket is manufactured from a durable, wear resistant, resilient material, such as metal, and the extensible assembly element is also manufactured from a similar material.

In one modification, the rods are formed integrally with the rod support assemblies. The rods may also be of a substantially U-shaped form connected at its free ends to the respective rod support assembly, the U-shaped configuration facilitating easier hanging of garments on the rods.

In a preferred embodiment, the rod support assembly comprises a plurality of elongate link members having their centres and their ends pivotally interconnected to define an extendable/collapsible "lazy tong" structure of quadrilaterals, the rod assembly having a free end and a mounting bracket engageable end. Free ends of a pair of the last link members at the mounting bracket engageable end are attached to the mounting bracket, a first link being pivotally connected to a fixed location on the mounting bracket, and a portion of the second link member about the free end thereof being received in a guiding slot defined in the mounting bracket. The guiding slot is sized and shaped such that the free end of the second link member can travel therealong between a first position which is closest to the free end of the first link member and a second position, most remote from the free end of the first link member. When the free end of the second link member is in the first position, the rod assembly is extended to its longest mode, and when the free end of the second link member is in the second position, the rod assembly is collapsed, or, in other words, retracted.

In one arrangement, the first and second fastening means comprise, respectively, one or more support elements formed on the support bracket, and one or more orifices formed in the mounting bracket, the or each support element being interengageable with a corresponding orifice. It will be appreciated that the support element may likewise be formed on the mounting bracket and the orifice may be formed in the support bracket. In one modification, the or each support element projects proud from the first surface of the rest member.

In a preferred modification, a bearing means is provided in the guiding slot to facilitate extension and retraction of the rod support assemblies of the clothes airer of the invention.

In the latter aspect, the invention provides a clothes airer comprising: a plurality of rods for hanging clothes thereon; a pair of extendable and retractable rod support assemblies, each rod being connected to each of the two support assembles such that the rods are supported in a substantially parallel and spaced relationship, wherein upon extension or retraction of the support assemblies the distance between the rods is, respectively, increased or reduced; each rod support assembly comprising a mounting bracket engageable with a corresponding support bracket; and wherein the rod support assembly comprises a plurality of elongate link members having their centres and their end pivotally interconnected to define an extendable/collapsible "lazy tong" structure of quadrilaterals, the rod assembly having a free end and a mounting bracket engageable end; wherein free ends of a pair of the last link members at the mounting bracket engageable end are attached to the mounting bracket, a first link being pivotally connected to a fixed location on the mounting bracket, and a portion of the second link member about the free end thereof being received in a guiding slot defined in the mounting bracket; wherein the guiding slot is sized and shaped such that the portion of the second link member received in the guiding slot can travel therealong between a first position which is nearer the free end of the first link member and in which position the rod support assembly is extended; and a second position more remote from the free end of the first link member in which the rod support assembly is retracted; and wherein a bearing member is provided in the guiding slot, the bearing member being engaged with the free end of the second link member and the bearing member being slidably engaged with walls of the mounting bracket defining the guiding slot, the material of the bearing member and the mutual dimensions and shape of the bearing member and the guiding slot being selected such that friction forces between the bearing member and the walls of the mounting bracket defining the guiding slot prevent the free end of the second link member from travelling along the slot in the absence of a user-applied force, but can be overcome upon application of a minimum pre-determined force by a user so as to move the free end of the second link member into a desired position in the guiding slot.

The bearing member is preferably pivotally engaged with the free end of the second link member.

In this manner, a convenient means is provided for a user for extending or retracting the rod support assemblies to a desired extent.

In a preferred embodiment, the material of the bearing is plastics such as for example nylon, which provides for smoother and easier movement of the bearing in the guiding slot on application of the minimum pre-determined force by the user, whilst sufficiently engaging with the material of the mounting bracket in the absence of the user applied force to prevent the rod support assembly from extending and retracting.

In yet a further aspect, he invention provides a support device for a clothes airer; the support device comprising a support bracket substantially as described above; the support bracket having a first fastening means for interengaging with a second fastening means formed on a mounting bracket of a clothes airer; and the support bracket further comprising a first engaging means configured for releasably engaging in a first orientation with a first rigid support structure, the first rigid support structure being capable of supporting the weight of the clothes airer and clothes mounted thereon; and a second engaging means configured for releasably engaging in a second orientation with a second rigid support structure, the second rigid support structure being capable of supporting the weight of the clothes airer and clothes mounted thereon.

The present invention provides a clothes airer that is lightweight, inexpensive and easy to move and install.

The invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only, embodiments of a clothes airer and a supporting device according to the invention. In the drawings: Figures 1, 1A and lB are, respectively, a perspective, a front elevation and a top views of a first modification of a clothes airer according to the invention; Figures 2, 2A, 2B and 20 are, respectively, a first perspective, a top, a front elevation and a second perspective views of a support bracket of the invention; Figures 3, 3A and 3B are, respectively, a perspective, a front elevation and a top views of another modification of a clothes airer according to the invention; Figures 4, 4A and 4B are, respectively, a perspective, a front elevation and a top views of yet another modification of a clothes airer according to the invention; Figure 40 is an enlarged portion of Figure 4 showing a bearing member of the clothes airer of the invention; Figures 5, 5A and SB are, respectively, a front elevation, a cross-sectional elevation and a top views of the bearing member of Figure 40; Figures 6, 6A and 6B are, respectively, a front elevation, a rear elevation and a perspective view of a modified support bracket of the invention; and Figures 7, 7A, 7B and 70 are, respectively, a perspective view, a side elevation, a front elevation, and an end view of a further modification of a support bracket.

Referring to Figures 1, 1A and 1 B the clothes airer of the invention, indicated generally by reference numeral 1, comprises a plurality of rods 12 for hanging clothes thereon. Each rod 12 is connected at its free ends to each of a pair of extendable and retractable rod support assemblies 15. Each rod 12 is connected to each of the two rod support assembles 12 such that the rods 12 are supported in a substantially parallel and spaced relationship. Upon extension or retraction of the rod support assemblies 15 the distance between the rods 12 is, respectively, increased or reduced. Each rod support assembly 15 comprises a mounting bracket 11 having a pair of orifices 11 a. Figures 3, 3A and 3B show a modified clothes airer 10 which differs from the clothes airer 1 in dimension.

Referring to Figures 2, 2A, 2B and 2C, the invention also provides a pair of support brackets 5 for mounting the rod support assemblies 15 thereon. Each support bracket S has a pair of fastening elements in the form of protrusions 51. Each protrusion 51 is engageable with the corresponding orifice ha of the mounting bracket 11 of the rod support assembly 15. Each support bracket S comprises a first means for releasably engaging with a ledge of a door and a second means for releasably engaging with a wall-mounted radiator.

A ledge of a door typically comprises a first surface which in use faces upwardly in relation to the ground, i.e. an upper surface and a pair of opposing side surfaces -a front surface, i.e. a surface which in use faces a user and a rear surface, i.e. a surface which in use faces away from the user. Both front and rear surfaces project substantially downwardly in relation to the ground from respective opposing edges of the upper surface. A typical wall-mounted radiator comprises a plurality of fins or a corrugated sheet installed at the rear surface of the radiator, such that a second rear surface spaced from the first rear surface is provided.

The support bracket 5 comprises a rest member 7 having first and second ends 71, 72 and first (front) and second (rear) opposing surfaces 73, 74. The first surface 73 in use faces a user, and the second surface 74 in use faces the front surface of the door or of the radiator. The protrusions 51 project proud from the first surface 73, such that when the protrusions 51 engage with the orifices ha of the mounting bracket 11 the mounting bracket abuts 11 against the first surface 73.

The support bracket 5 comprises a flange member 75 connected to the rest member 7 adjacent the first end 71 of the rest member 7. The flange member 75 is a two-way flange and projects from the first end 71 in a direction substantially opposite the direction in which the front surface 73 of the rest member 7 faces. The two-way flange member 75 comprises a free end 76 and first and second opposing bearing surfaces 77, 78, respectively. The first bearing surface 77 faces substantially in the same direction as the first end 71 of the rest member 7 and the second bearing surface 78 faces substantially the same direction as the second end 72 of the rest member 7. The two-way flange 75 is a common member for the first and second engaging means of the support bracket 5 as will be described below.

The first engaging means for engaging a door ledge comprises a first lip member 60 connected to the two-way flange 75 about the free end 76 of the two-way flange member 75 and spaced from the location at which the two-way flange 75 member is connected to the first end 71 of the rest member 7. The first lip member 60 projects substantially perpendicular to the second bearing surface 78 of the two-way flange member 75, i.e. towards the second end 72 of the rest member 7. The first engaging means comprises an abutment member 61 connected to the rest member 7 adjacent the second end 72 of the rest member 7. In use, when the support bracket 5 is installed at over the door ledge, the second bearing surface 78 of the two-way flange member 75 rests upon a top surface of the door ledge. Simultaneously, the first lip member 60 engages a rear surface of the door ledge, and the abutment member 61 at the second end 72 of the rest member 7 abuts against the front surface of the door. In this manner, the support bracket 5 is held in place due to the combined effect of its own weight (and, when assembled with the clothes airer 1, the weight of the clothes airer 1) and the abutment of the first lip member 60, the second bearing surface 78 of the two-way flange 75 and the abutment member 61 against the above described surfaces of the door. The distance between the location at which the two-way flange member 75 is connected to the rest member 7 and the first lip member 60 is approximately the same as the distance between the front and the rear surfaces of the door.

The second engaging means for engaging a radiator top ledge comprises a second lip member 80 connected to the two-way flange 75 adjacent the location at which the two-way flange member 75 is connected to the first end 71 of the rest member 7. The second lip member 80 projects substantially perpendicular to the first bearing surface 77 of the two-way flange member 75, i.e. the second lip member 80 projects in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the first lip member 60. The second engaging means also comprises a pair of finger elements 81 connected to the two-way flange member 75 about the free end 76 of the two-way flange member 75 and spaced from the location at which the two-way flange member 75 is connected to the first end 71 of the rest member 7. Each finger element 81 projects substantially perpendicular to the first bearing surface 77 of the two-way flange member 75, i.e. substantially in the same direction as the second lip member 80. In use, in order to install the support bracket 5 over a radiator top ledge, the support bracket 5 is inverted such that the second end 72 of the rest member 7 faces upwardly in relation to the ground. The front surface 73 of the rest member 7 remains facing in the same direction as when the support bracket 5 is installed using the first engaging means, i.e. in the direction facing the user. When the support bracket 5 is installed over the radiator ledge the first bearing surface 77 of the two-way flange member 75 rests upon a top edge surface of a radiator. Simultaneously, the second lip member 80 engages a front surface of the radiator, i.e. the irradiating surface of the radiator. At the same time, the finger elements 81 enter the channels defined by rear fins of a radiator and abut against the second rear surface. In this manner, the bracket 5 is held in place due to the combined effect of its own weight (and, when assembled with the clothes airer 1, the weight of the clothes airer 1) and the abutment of the second lip member 80, the first bearing surface 77 of the two-way flange and the finger elements 81 against the above described surfaces of the radiator. The distance between an inner surface 80a of the second lip member 81, i.e. the surface that abuts the front surface of the radiator and a rearmost surface 81a of each finger element 81, i.e. the surface that abuts the second rear surface of the radiator is approximately the same as the distance between the front and the second rear surfaces of the radiator.

The rest member 7 comprises first and second portions 7a, 7b, respectively. The first portion 7a comprises the first end 71 of the rest member 7 and the second portion 7b comprises the second end 72 of the rest member 7. The first and second portions 7a, 7b are connected at a location intermediate the first and second ends 71, 72 at an angle to each other. The second portion 7b comprises the first (front) surface 73 of the rest member 7 which comprises the protrusions 51. Such an arrangement results in that in use, when the support bracket 5 is engaged with a door, the front surface 73 of the rest member 7 faces downwardly and an angle in relation to the front surface of the door.

When the support bracket 5 is engaged with a radiator the front surface 73 of the rest member 7 faces upwardly and an angle in relation to the front surface of the radiator.

The above orientations of the support bracket 5 in the above installed modes provided for greater space saving when engaged with the clothes airer 1. An optional reinforcing member 79 connects the first and second portions 7a, 7b of the rest member 7.

Protective caps 21 cover, respectively, the first and second lip members 60, 80, the abutment member 61 and the finger elements 81.

The support bracket 5 is manufactured from a durable, wear resistant, resilient material, such as metal, and the extensible assembly element is also manufactured from a similar material.

The rods 12 are formed integrally with links 150 of the rod support assemblies 15. The rods 12 are of a substantially U-shaped form connected at its free ends to the respective links 150. The U-shaped configuration facilitates easier hanging of garments on the rods.

Each rod support assembly 15 comprises a plurality of elongate link members 150 having their centres and their ends pivotally interconnected to define an extendable/collapsible "lazy tong" structure of quadrilaterals. The rod assembly 15 has a free end 150b and a mounting bracket engageable end 1 50a. Free ends of a pair of the last link members 150 at the mounting bracket engageable end 150a are attached to the mounting bracket 11.

A first link 151 is pivotally connected at a fixed location to the mounting bracket 11. An end portion of the second link member 152 is engaged in a guiding slot 110 defined in the mounting bracket. The guiding slot 150 is sized and shaped such that the free end of the second link member 152 can travel therealong between a first position (see also Figure 4) which is closest to the free end of the first link member 151 and a second position, most remote from the free end of the first link member 151. When the free end of the second link member 152 is in the first position, the rod support assemblies 15 are extended, and when the free end of the second link member 152 is in the second position, the rod assemblies 15 are collapsed, or, in other words, retracted.

With reference to Figures 4 to SB, in which a modification of the clothes airer of the invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 100, a bearing means in the form of a roller 50 is provided in the guiding slot 150 to facilitate extension and retraction of the rod support assemblies 15 of the clothes airer of the invention.

The guiding slot 150 is sized and shaped such that the free end of the second link member 152 can travel therealong between a first position which is closer to the free end of the first link member 151 and in which the rod assembly iSis extended, and a second position more remote from the free end of the first link member 15 in which the rod assembly 15 is retracted. The roller 50 is pivotally engaged with the free end of the second link member 152. A groove 55 is formed around the external cylindrical surface of the roller, by means of which the roller 50 is slidably engaged with the walls 11 Oa, 11 Ob of the guiding slot 150. The material of the roller 50 and the mutual dimensions and shape of the roller 50, the groove 55 and the guiding slot 150 are selected such that the friction forces between the roller 50 and the walls llOa, liOb of the guiding slot 150 prevent the free end of the second link member 152 from travelling along the slot 150 in the absence of a user-applied force, but can be overcome upon application of a minimum pre-determined force by a user so as to move the free end of the second link member 152 into a desired position in the guiding slot 150. In this manner, a convenient means is provided for a user for extending or retracting the rod support assemblies 15 to a desired extent.

The material of the roller 50 is plastics such as for example nylon, which provides for smoother and easier movement of the roller 50 in the guiding slot 150 upon application of a force by a user and for sufficient grip to prevent the airer from extending/retracting in the absence of a user-applied force.

Modifications 1, 10 and 100 differ dimensionally and weight support strength, but nevertheless are all in accordance with the invention.

Figures 6, 6A and 6B illustrate an alternative support bracket 500 which differs from the support bracket 5 described above in that it does not include the second engaging means for engaging a radiator top ledge, but includes only the first engaging means for engaging a top ledge of a door. In Figures 6, 6A and 6B, elements of the support bracket 500 common with the support bracket 5 are denoted using common reference numerals.

Clothes airers 1, 10 and, particularly, a clothes airer 100 are suitable for outdoor use for mounting on an exterior surface, such as a wall of a house. For this purpose, as shown in Figures 7 to 7C, a further modification of a support bracket is provided indicated generally by reference numeral 550. Support bracket 550 comprises an elongate panel 555 which has a pair of through apertures 551 spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the panel 555. The support bracket 550 also comprises a pair of protrusions 51 as described above in relation to the clothes airers 1 and 10 for engaging with corresponding orifices formed in the mounting brackets 11, 110 of the clothes airers 1, 10 and 100, respectively. In use, a pair of support brackets 550 is secured to an external surface, such as, for example, a wall surface by threading suitable fasteners through the apertures 551, such as screws or bolts, into the wall. A clothes airer 1, 10, can then be readily mounted on or dismounted from the support brackets 550.

It will be understood that the preferred embodiment or embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed by way of example and that other modifications and alterations may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A clothes airer assembly comprising a plurality of rods for hanging clothes thereon; a pair of extendable and retractable rod support assemblies, wherein each rod is connected to each of the two rod support assembles such that the rods are supported in a substantially parallel and spaced relationship, wherein upon extension or retraction of the rod support assemblies the distance between the rods is, respectively, increased or reduced; each rod support assembly comprising a mounting bracket; the clothes airer further comprising a pair of support brackets; wherein each of the support brackets has a first fastening means interengageable with a second fastening means formed on a corresponding mounting bracket; wherein each support bracket comprises a first engaging means configured for releasably engaging with a separate first rigid support structure, the first rigid support structure being capable of supporting the weight of the clothes airer and clothes mounted thereon; wherein the first rigid support structure is in the form of a ledge comprising a first surface which in use faces substantially upwardly in relation to the ground (i.e. an upper surface) and a pair of opposing side surfaces, a first opposing surface being a front surface (i.e. a surface which in use faces a user) and a second opposing surface being a rear surface (i.e. a surface which in use faces away from the user); wherein both front and rear surfaces project substantially downwardly in relation to the ground from respective opposing edges of the upper surface; and the ledge projects substantially upwardly in relation to the ground; wherein in use the first engaging means of the support bracket engages the ledge so that the support bracket is supported by the ledge due to the combination of the weight of the support bracket, the weight of the clothes airer and the abutment of the first engaging means against the ledge upper and side surfaces.
2. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the support bracket comprises a rest member having first and second ends and first (front) and second (rear) opposing surfaces, the first surface in use facing the user, and the second surface in use facing away from the user.
3. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the first fastening means is formed on the first surface of the rest member.
4. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the support bracket comprises a flange member connected to the rest member adjacent the first end of the rest member and projecting therefrom in a direction substantially opposite the direction in which the first surface faces, the flange member further comprising a free end and first and second opposing surfaces, a first surface facing substantially in the same direction as the first end of the rest member and a second surface facing substantially the same direction as the second end of the rest member.
5. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the first engaging means comprises a first lip member connected to the flange about the free end of the flange member and spaced from the location at which the flange member is connected to the first end of the rest member, the lip projecting substantially perpendicular to the second surface of the flange member, i.e. towards the second end of the rest member; the first engaging means further comprising an abutment member connected to the rest member adjacent the second end of the rest member, so that in use, when the support bracket is installed at the relevant location, the second surface of the flange member rests upon an upper surface of a first rigid support structure, and simultaneously, the first lip member engages a rear surface of the first rigid support structure, and the abutment member at the second end of the rest member abuts against the front surface of the first rigid support member whereby the support bracket is held in place due to the combined effect of its own weight (and, when assembled with the clothes airer, the weight of the clothes airer) and the abutments of the first lip member, of the second surface of the flange and of the abutment member against the respective rear, upper and front surfaces of the first rigid structure.
6. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the space between the location at which the flange member is connected to the rest member and the first lip member is approximately the same as the distance between the front and the rear surfaces of the first rigid support structure.
7. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the support bracket comprises a second engaging means configured for releasably engaging with a second rigid support structure, the second rigid support structure being capable of supporting the weight of the clothes airer and clothes mounted thereon, wherein the second rigid support structure differs dimensionally and/or structurally from the first rigid support structure.
8. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the second engaging means comprises a second lip member connected to the flange adjacent the location at which the flange member is connected to the first end of the rest member, the second lip member projecting in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the first lip member.
9. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the second engaging means comprises at least one finger element connected to the flange member and spaced from the location at which the flange member is connected to the first end of the rest member, wherein the or each finger element projects substantially in the same direction as the second lip member, so that in use when the support bracket is mounted on the second rigid support structure, the first surface of the flange member rests upon an upper surface of a second rigid support structure, the second lip member engages a front surface of the second rigid support structure, and the at least one finger element enters a space defined between first and second rear surfaces, the first and the second rear surfaces facing each other, and the or each finger element abuts against the second rear surface, so that the support bracket is held in place due to the combined effect of its own weight, the weight of the clothes airer and the abutments of the second lip member, the first surface of the flange and the at least one finger element against the front, upper and second rear surfaces, respectively, of the second rigid structure.
10. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the distance between an inner surface of the second lip member, i.e. the surface that in use abuts the front surface of the second rigid support structure and a rearmost surface of the or each finger element, i.e. the surface that in use abuts the second rear surface of the second rigid support structure is approximately the same as the distance between the front and the second rear surfaces of the second rigid support structure.
11. A clothes airer as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 10, wherein the rest member comprises first and second portions, a first portion including the first end of the rest member and the second portion including the second end of the rest member, the first and second portions being connected at a location intermediate the first and second ends and extending at an angle relative one another.
12. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the second portion of the rest member comprises the first surface of the rest member which comprises first fastening means engageable with the second fastening means of the corresponding mounting bracket of the rod support assemblies, so that in use, when the support bracket is engaged with a first rigid support structure the first surface of the rest member faces downwardly and an angle in relation to the front surface of the first rigid support structure; and when the support bracket is engaged with a second rigid support structure the first surface of the rest member faces upwardly and an angle in relation to the front surface of the second rigid support structure.
13. A clothes airer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rods are of a substantially U-shaped form connected at its free ends to the respective rod support assembly.
14. A clothes airer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rod support assembly comprises a plurality of elongate link members having their centres and their ends pivotally interconnected to define an extendable/collapsible structure of quadrilaterals, the rod assembly having a free end and a mounting bracket engageable end; wherein free ends of a pair of the last link members at the mounting bracket engageable end are attached to the mounting bracket, a first link being pivotally connected to a fixed location on the mounting bracket, and a portion of the second link member about the free end thereof being received in a guiding slot defined in the mounting bracket; wherein the guiding slot is sized and shaped such that the free end of the second link member can travel therealong between a first position which is nearer the free end of the first link member and a second position, most remote from the free end of the first link member, so that when the free end of the second link member is in the first position, the rod assembly is extended to its longest mode, and when the free end of the second link member is in the second position, the rod assembly is retracted.
15. A clothes airer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a bearing means is provided in the guiding slot to facilitate extension and retraction of the rod support assemblies of the clothes airer of the invention; the bearing means comprising a bearing member in the guiding slot, the bearing member being pivotally engaged with the free end of the second link member and the bearing member being slidably engaged with walls of the mounting bracket defining the guiding slot, the material of the bearing member and the mutual dimensions and shape of the bearing member and the guiding slot being selected such that the friction forces between the bearing member and the walls of the mounting bracket defining the guiding slot prevent the free end of the second link member from travelling along the slot in the absence of a user-applied force, but can be overcome upon application of a pre-determined force by a user so as to move the free end of the second link member into a desired position in the guiding slot.
16. A clothes airer comprising a plurality of rods for hanging clothes thereon; a pair of extendable and retractable rod support assemblies, each rod being connected to each of the two rod support assembles such that the rods are supported in a substantially parallel and spaced relationship, wherein upon extension or retraction of the rod support assemblies the distance between the rods is, respectively, increased or reduced; each rod support assembly comprising a mounting bracket engageable with a corresponding support bracket; and wherein each rod support assembly comprises a plurality of elongate link members having their centres and their end pivotally interconnected to define an extendable/collapsible structure of quadrilaterals, the rod assembly having a free end and a mounting bracket engageable end; wherein free ends of a pair of the last link members at the mounting bracket engageable end are attached to the mounting bracket, a first link being pivotally connected to a fixed location on the mounting bracket, and a portion of the second link member about the free end thereof being received in a guiding slot defined in the mounting bracket; wherein the guiding slot is sized and shaped such that the portion of the second link member received in the guiding slot can travel therealong between a first position which is nearer the free end of the first link member and in which position the rod support assembly is extended; and a second position more remote from the free end of the first link member in which the rod support assembly is retracted; and wherein a bearing member is provided in the guiding slot, the bearing member being engaged with the walls of the mounting bracket defining the guiding slot, the material of the bearing member and the mutual dimensions and shape of the bearing member and the guiding slot being selected such that the friction forces between the bearing member and the walls of the mounting bracket defining the guiding slot prevent the free end of the second link member from travelling along the slot in the absence of a user-applied force, but can be overcome upon application of a minimum pre-determined force by a user so as to move the free end of the second link member into a desired position in the guiding slot.
17. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the bearing member is pivotally engaged with the free end of the second link member.
18. A clothes airer as claimed in Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein the material of the bearing is nylon.
19. A support device for a clothes airer the support device comprising a support bracket substantially as described above; the support bracket having a first fastening means for interengaging with a second fastening means formed on a mounting bracket of the clothes airer; and the support bracket further comprising a first engaging means configured for releasably engaging in a first orientation with a first rigid support structure, the first rigid support structure being capable of supporting the weight of a clothes airer and clothes mounted thereon; and a second engaging means configured for releasably engaging in a second orientation with a second rigid support structure, the second rigid support structure being capable of supporting the weight of a clothes airer and clothes mounted thereon; wherein the second rigid support structure differs dimensionally and/or structurally from the first rigid support structure.
20. A support device as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the support bracket comprises a rest member having first and second ends and first (front) and second (rear) opposing surfaces, the first surface in use facing the user, and the second surface in use facing away from the user.
21. A support device as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the support bracket comprises a first fastening means interengageable with a second fastening means formed on a corresponding mounting bracket.
22. A support device as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the first fastening means is formed on the first surface of the rest member.
23. A support device as claimed in any one of Claims 20 to 22, wherein the support bracket comprises a flange member connected to the rest member adjacent the first end of the rest member and projecting therefrom in a direction substantially opposite the direction in which the first surface faces, the flange member further comprising a free end and first and second opposing surfaces, a first surface facing substantially in the same direction as the first end of the rest member and a second surface facing substantially the same direction as the second end of the rest member.
24. A support device as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the first engaging means comprises a first lip member connected to the flange about the free end of the flange member and spaced from the location at which the flange member is connected to the first end of the rest member, the lip projecting substantially perpendicular to the second surface of the flange member, i.e. towards the second end of the rest member; the first engaging means further comprising an abutment member connected to the rest member adjacent the second end of the rest member, so that in use, when the support bracket is installed at the relevant location, the second surface of the flange member rests upon an upper surface of a first rigid support structure, and simultaneously, the first lip member engages a rear surface of the first rigid support structure, and the abutment member at the second end of the rest member abuts against a front surface of the first rigid support member whereby the support bracket is held in place due to the combined effect of its own weight and, when assembled with the clothes airer, the weight of the clothes airer, and the abutments of the first lip member, of the second surface of the flange and of the abutment member against the respective rear, upper and front surfaces of the first rigid structure.
25. A support device as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the space between the location at which the flange member is connected to the rest member and the first lip member is approximately the same as the distance between opposing front and rear surfaces of the first rigid support structure.
26. A support device as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the support bracket comprises a second engaging means configured for releasably engaging with a second rigid support structure, the second rigid support structure being capable of supporting the weight of the clothes airer and clothes mounted thereon, wherein the second rigid support structure differs dimensionally and/or structurally from the first rigid support structure.
27. A support device as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the second engaging means comprises a second lip member connected to the flange adjacent the location at which the flange member is connected to the first end of the rest member, the second lip member projecting in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the first lip member.
28. A support device as claimed in Claim 27, wherein the second engaging means comprises at least one finger element connected to the flange member and spaced from the location at which the flange member is connected to the first end of the rest member, wherein the or each finger element projects substantially in the same direction as the second lip member, so that in use when the support bracket is mounted on the second rigid support structure, the first surface of the flange member rests upon an upper surface of a second rigid support structure, the second lip member engages a front surface of the second rigid support structure, and the at least one finger element enters a space defined between first and second rear surfaces, the first and the second rear surfaces facing each other, and the or each finger element abuts against the second rear surface, so that the support bracket is held in place due to the combined effect of its own weight, and, when assembled with the clothes airer, the weight of the clothes airer, and the abutments of the second lip member, the first surface of the flange and the at least one finger element against the front, upper and second rear surfaces, respectively, of the second rigid structure.
29. A support device as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the distance between an inner surface of the second lip member, i.e. the surface that in use abuts the front surface of the second rigid support structure and a rearmost surface of the or each finger element, i.e. the surface that in use abuts the second rear surface of the second rigid support structure is approximately the same as the distance between the front and the second rear surfaces of the second rigid support structure.
30. A support device as claimed in any one of Claims 23 to 29, wherein the rest member comprises first and second portions, a first portion including the first end of the rest member and the second portion including the second end of the rest member, the first and second portions being connected at a location intermediate the first and second ends and extending at an angle relative one another.
31. A support device as claimed in Claim 30, wherein the second portion of the rest member comprises the first surface of the rest member which comprises first fastening means engageable with the second fastening means of the corresponding mounting bracket of the rod support assemblies, so that in use, when the support bracket is engaged with a first rigid support structure the first surface of the rest member faces downwardly and an angle in relation to the front surface of the first rigid support structure; and when the support bracket is engaged with a second rigid support structure the first surface of the rest member faces upwardly and an angle in relation to the front surface of the second rigid support structure.
32. A clothes airer substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments as herein described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
33. A support device substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments as herein described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings