GB2538699A

GB2538699A - A hanging device

Info

Publication number: GB2538699A
Application number: GB1505766.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hawkes Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-02
Filing date: 2015-04-02
Publication date: 2016-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-02
Also published as: GB2538699B; GB201505766D0

Abstract

A laundry hanging device comprises an attachment mechanism disposed at a first end of a longitudinal structure 2 defining an attachment axis C the structure comprising a plurality of lateral hanging portions wherein the portions are configured to allow relative repositioning, and the attachment mechanism permits axial rotation of the portions about the attachment axis. In use, the device is especially suited for use in a window aperture above a radiator.

Description

AN HANGING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an hanging device, in particular a device for hanging laundry or similar; more particularly but not exclusively a device for hanging laundry at a window.

Background

Given increasing urban populations, increasingly many users in many societies are constrained by space, and may have no outdoors space. This outdoors space has historically been of use for drying laundry amongst else.

In event drying laundry outside is dependent on the weather. Rainy days can mean that wet laundry is left with nowhere to dry. Space inside can be limited and hanging properties not as effective.

Ideally drying or hanging laundry, or fabrics, is accomplished in an environment with sufficient airflow, sunlight and/or heat. In many users' homes an extremely convenient environment is therefore a window, where airflow or movement is guaranteed even with closed modem insulative window panes, so often is sunlight, and typically a hot water radiator or convector for heat and further airflow.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Chinese utility model CM 202 751 179 (JIM) relates to a curtain frame, in particular to a clothes drying type curtain frame. The clothes drying type curtain frame comprises support frames fixed above a window, wherein sliding rods are fixed on the support frames. The clothes drying type curtain frame further comprises a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft is installed on the support frames through bearings at two ends, and therefore the rotating shaft can rotate relative to the support frames, a sling chain is installed on the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft can rotate along different directions through stretching of two ends of the sling chain, and the rotating shall is connected with a suspender through a lifting rope. At present, a common curtain frame only can be used for hanging a curtain, but the clothes drying type curtain frame can be used for hanging of a curtain, and can also be used as a clothes drying frame. The clothes drying type curtain frame has the advantages of being simple in structure, little in occupied space, dual in purpose, and convenient to use.

Granted European patent EP 1 256 651 (KOELLNER et al) discloses a hanging device for hanging objects, said device comprising at least one holding device and at least one receiving element for receiving articles to be hung, wherein each holding device comprises at least one base member and one swivel element which is movable between a retracted position in which it is folded adjacent the base member and an extended position in which it is ready for use.

United States patent application US 5 725 111 (CHOI) discloses a window mounted drying rack adapted for use in association with a window frame and a window sill, the apparatus comprises a rack formed in a generally rectangular configuration and including a rear axle, a front bar and two parallel side bars, a plurality of interior rods being coupled between the side bars along the entire length of the side bars; and a clamp assembly including at least two C-shaped mounting members, each mounting member being pivotally coupled to the rear axle of the rack, two knobs each having a gripping end and a threaded upper end, each upper end being threadedly coupled through each C-shaped member, in an operative orientation each C-shaped member of the clamping assembly being positioned around a window sill, the knobs being tightened by a user to secure the clamps upon the window sill, a user then draping clothes over the rack and across the internal rods to affect drying of clothes.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an hanging device suitable for a window, comprising an attachment mechanism disposed at a first end of a longitudinal structure defining an attachment axis, said structure comprising a plurality of lateral hanging portions, wherein the portions are configured to allow relative repositioning, and the attachment mechanism is configured to permit axial rotation of the portions about the attachment axis.

In some embodiments a second attachment means is disposed to other end of the structure.

The attachment mechanism may be arranged for a window space, such that air and light may pass to the drying clothing. In such way the attachment mechanism may advantageously comprise loops or hooks configured for attachment over curtain rails or similar. In some embodiments the attachment mechanism may comprise a bipartite mechanism, for example comprising a loop and a hook, which hook is screwed into the wall near to a window.

The second attachment means may comprise a loop, clip, latch, or magnet.

The second attachment means is ideally a means of stretching the structure out and securing both ends to form a fixed structure in relation to an independent structure 15 such as a window surround or hook or a surface such as a wall.

In preferred embodiments the elongate structure is formed by a plurality of portions running parallel, wherein said portions are joined by at least one orthogonally extending member.

Said member may be rigid or flexible and continuous or spaced apart. Rigid members may allow articulation, wherein the portions may spin in the member and/or the member may change in shape, and/or the members may pivot or hinge in relation to the portions; for example wherein any articulation may be locked in one direction.

In some embodiments the members comprise continuous fabric providing a screen or blind. In yet further embodiments the members comprise two parts, which parts may be slidably drawn across the portions so as to close said blind. In still further embodiments the members may comprise perforations and/or hoops or hooks, such that parallel portions may be hooked to the attachment mechanism for stowage.

In some embodiments these portions have a circular cross-section, such that the device and portions may rotate and form the same function where the structure is arranged away from vertical.

Advantageously in such embodiments the members may comprise lacunae for acceptance of the portions, and/or may allow spinning of the portions in the lacunae.

Advantageously this provides a simple mechanism for rearrangement of the portions so as to aid in reconfiguration of the structure.

In addition or the alternative embodiments with such an arrangement may allow expansion of the hanging space between the members, and displacement of the members to the extremities of the portions., so as to accommodate wider planar items such as towels. In addition or the alternative the user may contract such space so as to provide more hanging or hanging space to eith periperimetric area of the struicture in use.

Preferably two members are situated on the portions near to or adjacent the portion ends. In some embodiments the members are set apart from the ends such that in this way larger items of clothing may be hung between the members, and smaller 15 items on the free ends past the members.

In some embodiments the members may be situate at the ends of the portions, so as to provide maximal hanging lengths between the members.

In some embodiments the members may be moveable on the portions, so as to provide different spatial arrangements. In some embodiments the members may be relocatable on the portions, for example wherein the portions pass through loops or holes in the members, and are free to move therein. In this way the portions may be removed from the members, for transport, storage or other purpose. In other embodiments the portions may be fixed in the member(s) so as to ensure robustness.

Such member is ideally flexible fabric, plastics or similar, such the member is enabled to wrap around the portions in use. In this way the device may be rendered 30 easier to store and transport when not in use, where the device may be rolled.

In preferred embodiments the members are formed in a waterproof or non-absorbing fabric or material, so as to avoid problems with wet clothing.

The portions may be substantially rigid, or arranged so that weight of drying articles is prevented from bowing the portions in use In preferred embodiments the portions are waterproof and configured to prevent build-up or collection or absorption of liquid. In this way wet clothing may be hung on the portions without concern.

The members may be substantially rigid in some embodiments, for example wherein any articulation in the members is locked in one direction. In this way the device may be more effectively used when not vertical, whilst allowing dismantling or minimising for transport and/or storage.

Advantageously in some embodiments the attachment mechanism comprises a mechanism disposed to variation in hanging plane, wherein the section may be stretched out between the attachment mechanisms vertically, diagonally or horizontally. This advantageously allows greater variation in hanging, better use of limitations on space, and utilisation of window drying characteristics, for example wherein an open window may require more horizontal hanging.

The first attachment mechanism therefore defines a hanging hinge axis, which axis is parallel to the portions, and about which the attachment mechanism allows rotation.

In some embodiments this axis may be provided by an existing curtain rail, whereas in others a separate hanging, tube, pin or base may be provided to secure to a structure and define an axis to allow rotation thereabout.

In some embodiments the attachment mechanism may comprise a mechanism for storing the portions and members when not in use. For example in some embodiments the attachment mechanism may comprise a storage mechanism, for when in use or when the section has been rolled up. In this way the device may be left in place and minimised for next usage.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a device comprising a plurality of lateral portions, and at least one longitudinal member to space the portions apart to provide an elongated hanging section, an attachment mechanism, and fixed means of regulating space between the portions to define an internal volume, which volume may be used for hanging smaller items from the portions.

In some embodiments a mechanism may be provided to maintain the portions in a configuration. For example in the embodiments where the members comprise substantially rigid parts, with articulation, the articulation may be locked into a temporary configuration to define an internal volume.

Advantageously such volume provides a hanging option well suited to small items like socks or undergarments, wherein the first attachment mechanism is still in use.

In some embodiments the end of the section distal from the attachment mechanism 10 may comprise a weight, wherein such weight is used to prevent undue movement of the device due to ventilation through the window in use.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device; Figures 2 show sketch views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 show sketch views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in different forms 20 of structure; Figure 4 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 5 show front and rear views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 6 show a side view, top and bottom views respectively of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Figures 7 show views of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1 in a stowed 30 formation; and Figures 8 show sketches of further embodiments of the device according to the 35 present invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the device for hanging comprising six lateral portions 1, and two longitudinal members 2, said members having attachment mechanisms 3. The attachment mechanism defines an attachment axis of C, shown in Figure 7, and allows rotation of the portions thereabout.

The attachment mechanisms in the pictured embodiments comprise a hook 6 for 10 attachment into an independent structure such as a window frame, an S shaped connector 8, which connector may be used to hang over a curtain rail or similar.

The connector includes an enlarged lower end 7 so as to militate against dislodgement of the member during use.

The members comprise fabric webbing, having a waterproof finish or using a water proof synthetic material.

The members include plural tubular interfaces 10, through which the portions are 20 passed in use, and in which the portions may rotate.

The members further include interface with the attachment mechanism, comprising a lacuna 5, and a rivet collar 4, to prevent fraying and damage during rotation of the portions against the lacunae The secondary attachment mechanism comprises hooks, or lanyard attachment point in use, for example wherein the members or the lowermost portion may provide some elasticity or flexibility in use so as to allow the lowermost portion to be attached.

The portions are tubular alloy or steel, having a water resistant coating.

The portions and attachment mechanism may be made of corrosion resistant and rustless stainless steel, therefore, the clothes rack can not only dry clothes but also 35 dry bedding.

In order to prevent ingress of dirt, bacteria or fluid the portions are capped with ends caps 9. Such caps may militate against the portions exiting the members. In some embodiments the caps may be displaced by the user to allow such exit, for example for transport or storage.

The structure A formed when the members are vertical as shown in Figure 2a can be reproduced as shown in Figures 2 b and 2c by stretching the members to a second attachment means 20.

The structure may be reconfigured by jigs, as shown in Figures 3, wherein a circular jig 13 is used to reconfigure the structure into a tubular structure B, which may be of particular use for drying or hanging larger planar items such as towels.

As shown in Figure 3b the structure may be reconfigured into a cylinder of triangular 15 section C, using a triangular jig 11, which may be of particular use for hanging smaller items such as socks or underwear for drying or hanging purposes.

The jigs include lacunae 12, through which the portions are passed.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either 35 common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An hanging device suitable for a window, comprising an attachment mechanism disposed at a first end of a longitudinal structure defining an attachment axis, said structure comprising a plurality of lateral hanging portions, wherein the portions are configured to allow relative repositioning, and the attachment mechanism is configured to permit axial rotation of the portions about the attachment axis.
2. An hanging device according to claim 1 wherein a second attachment means is disposed to other end of the structure.
3. A hanging device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the attachment mechanism is configured for attachment of the structure to an independent structure such as a wall.
4. A hanging device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the attachment mechanism may comprise a bipartite mechanism, for example comprising a loop and a hook, which hook is screwed into the wall near to a window.
5. A hanging device according to claim 1 to 4 wherein a second attachment means located to the distal end of the structure comprises a loop, clip, latch, or magnet, for attachment to a second independent structure.
6. A hanging device according to any of the preceding claim wherein the attachment mechanism comprises an S shaped connector.
7. A hanging device according to claim 6 wherein the connector includes at least one enlarged end piece.
8. A hanging device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the members are formed in fabric.
9. A hanging device according to claim 8 wherein the portions pass through loops in the fabric.
10. A hanging device according to any preceding claim wherein the portions may be altered in orientation with respect to each other, so as to create a structure of a different shape.
11. A hanging device according to claim 10 wherein articulation is provided in the members.
12. A hanging device according to claim 10 wherein articulation is provided between the members and portions.
13. A hanging device according to claim 12 wherein the portions rotate in the members.
14. A hanging device according to any of the preceding claims wherein different structures are consolidated by displaceable jigs.
15. A hanging device according to claim 14 with reference to Figures 3.
16. A hanging device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.