NZ778701A - Height-adjustable clothes airer - Google Patents

Abstract

A height-adjustable clothes airer, comprising an elongate member; a pair of crossed struts having respective opposing ends coupled to the member so as to provide a support stand, wherein at least one of the opposing ends is configured to be slideably moveable along a length portion of the member such that relative movement of the opposing ends along the member effects the height of the stand. h that relative movement of the opposing ends along the member effects the height of the stand.

Description

C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable Clothes Airer\Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L Lscn j/t .\pp[)utu Rommng tMunugc Work Rcccnt 355635V1\Z [lctghtahlmstublc Llothcs .\HCl [)luft Spccdlcutmn (3554"34HK31H423] lulucv: HQ ENE] Height-adjustable Clothes Airer Height-adjustable Clothes Airer Field of the Invention Field of the ion ThisThis invention relatesinvention relates toto a clothesa clothes airer,airer, and,and, inin ular, a portable clothes airer thatparticular, a portable clothes airer that isis height adjustable. height adjustable.

Background Background 10 ConventionalConventional portableportable clothesclothes airersairers areare typicallytypically inin thethe form of a rackform of a rack airer,airer, whichwhich isis providedprovided with a drying rack supported by legs fixedwith a drying rack supported by legs fixed toto each end of the rack.each end of the rack. SuchSuch airersairers can be configured between a deployed state in which the rack is opened in a rigid positioncan be configured n a deployed state in which the rack is opened in a rigid position forfor hanging garments and a retractedhanging garments and a retracted tate in which the rack andin which the rack and itsits legs are folded awaylegs are folded away for storage. for storage. 15 AA ck with such conventional clothes airersdrawback with such conventional clothes airers isis that they typically have only one orthat they typically have only one or twotwo deployable positions anddeployable positions and areare not easily height ablenot easily height adjustable toto suitsuit the nmentthe environment inin which it is deployed or the size of garments to be aired. which it is deployed or the size of ts to be aired. 20 The applicant has determined that it would be advantageous to provide a height adjustableThe applicant has determined that it would be advantageous to provide a height adjustable clothesclothes airerairer which, inin itsits preferred embodiments,preferred embodiments, seeksseeks toto atat leastleast inin partpart atealleviate thethe above-identified problems or to offer the public with a useful choice. identified problems or to offer the public with a useful .

Summary of the Invention Summary of the Invention 25 AccordingAccording toto anan aspectaspect of theof the presentpresent invention,invention, therethere isis providedprovided aa height-adjustableheight-adjustable clothesclothes airer,airer, comprising: an te member;comprising: an elongate ; aa pair of crossedpair of crossed strutsstruts having tivehaving respective opposing ends coupled to the member so as to provide a support stand, wherein at least oneopposing ends coupled to the member so as to provide a support stand, wherein at least one of the opposingof the opposing endsends isis configured to be slideably moveable along a length n of theconfigured to be slideably moveable along a length portion of the 30 membermember such that relative movement of the opposing ends along the member s thesuch that relative movement of the opposing ends along the member effects the height of the stand. height ofthe stand.

C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable Clothes Airer\Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L L>ct> t/t .\]\]\Dutu Roaming iMunugc Work Recent 355635V1\Z [lotglnrudumuldc Llothm .\ncl Dlull Spoctllcunon (3554"34HK31VHESI lulucv: HQ ENE] Preferably, one of the opposing ends is pivotably d to a fixed location along a lengthPreferably, one ofthe opposing ends is pivotably coupled to a fixed on along a length portion of the elongate member. portion ofthe elongate member.

Alternatively, bothAlternatively, both of the opposing ends are configuredof the opposing ends are configured toto be slideably moveable along abe slideably moveable along a length portion of the elongate member. length portion ofthe elongate member. ably,Preferably, thethe oror eacheach slideablyslideably moveablemoveable opposingopposing endend isis providedprovided withWith aa lockinglocking mechanism for selectively engaging corresponding lock receiving formations spaced echanism for selectively engaging corresponding lock receiving ions spaced along 10 the length portion of the elongate member so as to immovably secure the or each slideablythe length portion ofthe elongate member so as to immovably secure the or each slideably moveable opposing end to the member. le opposing end to the .

Preferably,Preferably, thethe locking mechanismlocking mechanism isis aa pin for engaging corresponding openings spacedpin for engaging ponding openings spaced along the length portion of the elongate member. along the length portion ofthe elongate member. 15 ably, the height-adjustable clothes airer further comprises a handle which couples thePreferably, the height-adjustable clothes airer further comprises a handle Which s the slideably moveable opposing end to the length portion of the elongate member, the handleslideably moveable opposing end to the length portion of the elongate member, the handle comprisingcomprising aa triggertrigger actuatableactuatable byby aa useruser forfor engagingengaging oror disengagingdisengaging thethe lockinglocking mechanism relative to the corresponding lock receiving formations. mechanism relative to the corresponding lock receiving formations. 20 Preferably, the elongate member comprises a stop member located proximate the centre erably, the elongate member comprises a stop member located proximate the centre of itsits length so aslength so as toto limitlimit the movement range of the or each slideably le opposingthe movement range of the or each slideably moveable opposing end along the member. end along the member. 25 Preferably, relative movement of the opposing ends along the elongate member causes ferably, relative movement of the opposing ends along the elongate member causes the height of the stand to be varied between a fully ed state, in which the opposing endsheight ofthe stand to be varied between a fully deployed state, in Which the opposing ends areare moved closest to each other, a tedmoved closest to each other, a retracted state,state, inin Which the ng ends are hich the ng ends are moved furthest from each other, and intermediate deployed states, in which the opposing ends arefurthest from each other, and intermediate deployed , in Which the ng ends are positioned in between the fully deployed state and the retracted state. positioned in between the fully deployed state and the retracted state. 30 Preferably, the pair of crossed struts is pivotablyPreferably, the pair of crossed struts is pivotably connected along their lengths so that theconnected along their lengths so that the C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable s Airer\Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L L>ct> j/t .\]\]\Dutu Roaming c Work Recent 355635V1\Z [lotthhlumublc Llothm .\ncl Dlull Spoctllcunon (3554"34HK31VHESI lulucv: HQ ENE] t stand is substantially level. support stand is substantially level.

Preferably, at least one of the struts comprises a pair of splayed legs. Preferably, at least one ofthe struts comprises a pair of splayed legs.

Preferably,Preferably, the strut ses a joint which connects a first length portion of the strut tothe strut comprises a joint which connects a first length portion of the strut to the pair of splayed legs. the pair of splayed legs.

Preferably, the first length portion comprises two connected parallel beams. ably, the first length portion ses two connected parallel beams. 10 Preferably, the joint is a die-cast joint configured in the form of a wishbone. Preferably, the joint is a die-cast joint configured in the form ofa wishbone.

Preferably,Preferably, atat leastleast one of theone of the strutsstruts comprisescomprises aa footfoot portionportion forfor contactingcontacting aa ground surface during use. surface during use. 15 Alternatively, the foot n comprises a caster wheel. Alternatively, the foot portion comprises a caster wheel.

Preferably,Preferably, thethe footfoot portion ses an eyeportion comprises an eye forfor receivingreceiving aa pegpeg forfor securingsecuring thethe footfoot portion to the ground. portion to the ground. 20 Preferably,Preferably, thethe height-adjustableheight-adjustable clothesclothes airerairer rfurther comprises twocomprises two parallelparallel armsarms forfor supporting clotheslines, each arm being d substantially perpendicular to the elongatesupporting clotheslines, each arm being coupled substantially perpendicular to the elongate member at a respective end of the member. member at a respective end ofthe .

Preferably, the elongate member is in the form of a beam. Preferably, the elongate member is in the form ofa beam. 25 According to another aspectAccording to another aspect of the present invention, f the present invention, there is provided a kit of s provided a kit of parts for afor a height-adjustable clothes airer comprising an elongate member and a pair of crossed strutsheight-adjustable s airer comprising an elongate member and a pair of crossed struts as described previously. as described previously. 30 AccordingAccording toto aa furtherfurther aspectaspect of the presentof the present invention,invention, therethere isis providedprovided aa methodmethod ofof adjustingadjusting the height of a clothes airer as described above, the method comprises the stepsthe height of a clothes airer as described above, the method comprises the steps C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable s Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L L>ct> t/t .\]\]\Dutu Roaming iMunugc Work Recent 355635V1\Z [lotglnrudumuldc Llothm .\ncl Dlull Spoctllcunon (3554"34HK31VHESI lulucv: HQ ENE] of: (i) of: (i) actuatingactuating the trigger on the handle to disengage the locking mechanism relative tothe trigger on the handle to disengage the locking mechanism relative to the gthe locking ing formations of the elongate member;receiving formations of the elongate member; (ii) sliding ) sliding the handle along thehandle along the elongateelongate member to adjust the relative distance between the opposing ends of the crossedmember to adjust the relative distance between the opposing ends of the crossed struts, thereby ing the height of the t stand; and (iii) actuating or releasing thestruts, thereby adjusting the height of the t stand; and (iii) actuating or releasing the triggertrigger to engage the locking mechanismto engage the locking mechanism at aat a corresponding lock receiving formationcorresponding lock receiving ion toto secure the t stand at the desired height. secure the support stand at the desired height.

Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects describedFurther aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding aphs will become apparent from the following description.in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description. 10 While components of the -adjustable clothes airer will be described below for use inWhile components ofthe height-adjustable s airer will be described below for use in combination with each other in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is tocombination with each other in the preferred embodiments ofthe t ion, it is to bebe understood by a skilled person that some aspects of the present ion are equallyunderstood by a skilled person that some s of the present invention are equally suitablesuitable toto be usedbe used interchangeablyinterchangeably between onebetween one oror more embodimentsmore embodiments ofof the presentthe present 15 inventioninvention and/orand/or suitablesuitable forfor useuse asas standalonestandalone inventionsinventions thatthat cancan bebe individuallyindividually incorporated into other clothes airers not described herein. incorporated into other clothes airers not described .

Description of the Drawings Description of the gs 20 The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with referenceThe invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the anying drawings, in which: to the accompanying drawings, in which: FigureFigure 1l isis aa perspective view of a height-adjustable clothesperspective view of a height-adjustable clothes airerairer accordingaccording toto aa preferredpreferred embodimentembodiment ofof thethe presentpresent inventioninvention showingshowing thethe clothesclothes airerairer inin aa fullyfully 25 deployed state; deployed state; FigureFigure 22 isis aa perspectiveperspective viewview ofof thethe clothesclothes airerairer ofof FigureFigure 1l inin aa partiallypartially deployed state; deployed state; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the clothes airer of Figure 1 in a retracted state; Figure 3 is a perspective view ofthe clothes airer of Figure l in a retracted state; Figure 4 is a front view of the clothes airer of Figure 1 in a ed state; Figure 4 is a front view ofthe clothes airer of Figure l in a deployed state; 30 Figure 5 is a side view of the clothes airer of Figure 1 in a deployed state; Figure 5 is a side view ofthe clothes airer of Figure l in a deployed state; Figure 6 is a plan view of the clothes airer of Figure 1 in a deployed state; Figure 6 is a plan view ofthe clothes airer of Figure l in a deployed state; C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable Clothes Airer\Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L L>ct> j/t .\]\]\Dutu Roaming tMunugc Work Recent 355635Vl\Z nrudumublc Llothm .\nct Draft Spcctllcunon 341M31V14231 lulocvl M 21121 Figure 7 is a plan view of the s airer of Figure 1 in the retracted state; Figure 7 is a plan view ofthe clothes airer of Figure 1 in the retracted state; Figure 8 is a front view of the clothes airer of Figure 1 in a retracted state; Figure 8 is a front view ofthe clothes airer of Figure 1 in a retracted state; Figure 9 is a side view of the clothes airer of Figure 1 in a retracted state; Figure 9 is a side view of the clothes airer of Figure 1 in a retracted state; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a wishbone joint of a strut of the clothes airer ofFigure 10 is a perspective view of a wishbone joint of a strut of the clothes airer of Figure 1; Figure 1; Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a slideably adjustable handle of the clothesFigure 11 is a perspective view showing a slideably adjustable handle ofthe clothes airer of Figure 1; airer of Figure 1; Figure 12 is a front view of the adjustable handle of the clothes airer of Figure 1; Figure 12 is a front view ofthe adjustable handle ofthe clothes airer of Figure 1; Figure 13 is a sectional view of the adjustable handle of Figure 12; Figure 13 is a sectional view ofthe adjustable handle of Figure 12; 10 FigureFigure 1414 show perspective views of how perspective views of wheel attachmentsattachments of theof the clothesclothes airerairer ofof Figure 1; and Figure 1; and Figure 15 is a perspective view of a foot portion of the clothes airer of Figure 1. Figure 15 is a perspective view ofa foot n ofthe s airer of Figure 1.

Detailed Description Detailed Description 15 Figures 1Figures 1 toto 9 show a height-adjustable clothes9 show a height-adjustable clothes airerairer 100100 inin ance with a preferredaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention being deployed in two different height configurationsembodiment ofthe t invention being deployed in two different height configurations andand aa compact retractedcompact retracted configuration.configuration. TheThe clothesclothes airerairer 100100 comprising an tedcomprising an elongated member 120 and a pair of crossed struts 200 coupled to the member 120 so as to e amember 120 and a pair of crossed struts 200 coupled to the member 120 so as to provide a 20 supportsupport standstand forfor the clothesthe clothes airer.airer. TheThe crossedcrossed strutsstruts 200 may be pivotably connected200 may be pivotably ted withwith each other along their respective lengths 212, 222each other along their respective lengths 212, 222 soso thatthat the elongate member 120the elongate member 120 supported by the t stand is substantially level during use.supported by the support stand is substantially level during use. It is to be tood thatIt is to be understood that eacheach of theof the strutsstruts may comprise one or multiple lengths joined together, with eachmay se one or multiple lengths joined together, with each trut havinghaving aa ot portionportion 214,214, 224224 andand a connectinga connecting endend 210,210, 220220 forfor coupling withcoupling with thethe 25 elongate member 120. elongate member 120.

TheThe pair of dpair of crossed strutsstruts 200 comprises respective opposing ends 210, 220 which200 comprises respective opposing ends 210, 220 which areare coupledcoupled toto thethe elongateelongate membermember 120.120. AtAt leastleast one of the opposing endsone of the opposing ends 210,210, 220220 isis configuredconfigured toto be slideably le along a length n of the elongate member 120be slideably moveable along a length portion of the elongate member 120 30 such that relative movement of the opposingsuch that relative movement of the opposing ends 210, 220 along the member 120 effectsends 210, 220 along the member 120 effects the height of the stand created by the crossed struts.the height of the stand d by the crossed struts. As the opposing ends 210, 220 move As the opposing ends 210, 220 move C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable Clothes Airer\Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L Lac” V1 .\]\]\Dqu Roaming iMunugc Work Recent 355635Vl\Z [leiglitrudumublc Llothm .\|th Draft Spoctllcunon(3554"3411101‘14231 “dour: NV 21121 closercloser toto eacheach other,other, thethe distancedistance betweenbetween thethe feetfeet portionsportions 214,214, 224224 ofof thethe strutsstruts 200200 reducereduce and therefore the height of the stand would be closer to the effective length of theand therefore the height of the stand would be closer to the effective length of the struts 200,struts 200, whereas whenwhereas when thethe opposing ends 210, 220 moveopposing ends 210, 220 move furtherfurther apart,apart, the distancethe distance nbetween the feet portions 214, 224 of thethe feet portions 214, 224 of the strutsstruts 200 would increase, therefore effectively200 would increase, ore effectively lowering the height of the stand. Relative movement of the opposing ends 210, 220 owering the height of the stand. Relative nt of the opposing ends 210, 220 along thethe elongateelongate member 120member 120 causescauses thethe heightheight of theof the standstand toto bebe variedvaried nbetween aa fullyfully deployeddeployed state,state, inin which the opposing endswhich the opposing ends areare movedmoved closestclosest toto eacheach other,other, aa tedretracted state,state, inin whichwhich thethe opposingopposing endsends 210,210, 220220 areare movedmoved furthestfurthest fromfrom eacheach other, andand intermediateintermediate deployeddeployed states,states, inin whichwhich thethe opposingopposing endsends 210,210, 220220 areare positionedpositioned inin 10 between the fully deployed state and the retracted state. between the fully deployed state and the retracted state.

InIn the red ment, one of the opposing ends (210 or 220)the preferred ment, one of the opposing ends (210 or 220) isis pivotably coupledpivotably d to the elongate member 120 at a fixed pivot joint 122 so that one of the opposing ends (210to the elongate member 120 at a fixed pivotjoint 122 so that one ofthe opposing ends (210 or 220) isor 220) is substantiallysubstantially ixed inin positionposition relativerelative toto thethe elongate memberelongate member 120.120. InIn thisthis 15 configuration, the height of the s airer 100 can be adjusted by slideably adjusting theconfiguration, the height ofthe clothes airer 100 can be adjusted by slideably adjusting the freefree moving opposing end (210 or 220) relativemoving opposing end (210 or 220) relative toto the pivotally fixed ng end (210the pivotally fixed opposing end (210 or 220) along the length of the elongate member 120.or 220) along the length ofthe elongate member 120. In an alternative ment, bothIn an alternative embodiment, both ofof the opposing endsthe opposing ends areare configuredconfigured toto bebe blyslideably moveable alongmoveable along thethe lengthlength of theof the elongate member 120 (embodiment not shown). elongate member 120 (embodiment not shown). 20 TheThe (or(or each)each) slideablyslideably moveablemoveable opposingopposing endend 0, 220220 isis providedprovided withwith aa lockinglocking mechanismmechanism 310 for selectively ng and locking onto the elongate member 120 so as310 for selectively engaging and g onto the elongate member 120 so as toto immovablyimmovably securesecure thethe slideablyslideably moveablemoveable opposingopposing endend 210,210, 220220 toto thethe elongateelongate membermember 120120 toto provideprovide aa stablestable basebase structurestructure forfor thethe clothesclothes airerairer 100.100. TheThe lockinglocking 25 mechanismmechanism 310310 isis designeddesigned forfor selectivelyselectively engagingengaging correspondingcorresponding locklock receivingreceiving formations 124 along the length of the elongate member 120, for example.formations 124 along the length ofthe elongate member 120, for example. In the preferredIn the preferred embodiment,embodiment, thethe lockinglocking mechanismmechanism isis inin thethe formform ofof aa pinpin 312312 forfor engagingengaging correspondingly-sizedcorrespondingly-sized openingsopenings 124124 spaced paced along thethe length of the elongate memberlength of the elongate member atat intervalsintervals correspondingcorresponding toto ddesired heightheight configurationsconfigurations ofof thethe clothesclothes airer.airer. 30 Advantageously,Advantageously, thethe clothesclothes airerairer ofof thethe preventprevent inventioninvention may y have multiplemultiple heightheight intervalsintervals byby havinghaving lemultiple receivingreceiving formationsformations 124124 forfor engagingengaging thethe lockinglocking C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable Clothes Airer\Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L Lac” in .\]\]\Dqu g iMunugc Work Recent V1\Z [lotglnrudumuldc Llothm .\ncl Dlull Spoctllcunon (3554"34HK31VHESI lulucv: HQ ENE] mechanism 310.mechanism 310.

ItIt isis to be understood that other locking mechanisms may also be suitable, such as a rackto be understood that other locking mechanisms may also be suitable, such as a rack andand pinion drive, fordrive, for slideablyslideably adjustingadjusting thethe opposing end 210, 220 alongopposing end 210, 220 along thethe elongateelongate member without departing from the spirit of the ion. member Without departing from the spirit ofthe invention.

Referring to Figures 11 to 13, it is preferred to have a handle 320 so ured that it notReferring to Figures 11 to 13, it is preferred to have a handle 320 so configured that it not only connects the elongate member 120 and the opposing end 210, 220 of the strut 200 butonly connects the elongate member 120 and the opposing end 210, 220 ofthe strut 200 but also configured to be actuatable for engaging and disengaging the locking mechanism o configured to be actuatable for engaging and aging the locking mechanism 310 10 relativerelative to the lock receiving formationsto the lock receiving formations 124.124. InIn the preferred embodiment, the airer 100the preferred embodiment, the airer 100 comprises a handle 320 having a handle housing 322 that is dimensioned to securely slidecomprises a handle 320 having a handle housing 322 that is dimensioned to securely slide over the elongate member 120, and a handle-strut coupling portion 324 extending from theover the elongate member 120, and a handle-strut coupling portion 324 extending from the handlehandle housinghousing 322322 forfor couplingcoupling withWith thethe opposingopposing endend 210,210, 220220 byby aa handle-struthandle-strut fastener 326.fastener 326. Movement of the handle 320 along the elongate member 120 is translated toMovement of the handle 320 along the elongate member 120 is translated to 15 movementmovement of theof the strutstrut 200 and200 and effectseffects the height of the supportthe height of the t stand. TheThe handle 320handle 320 furtherfurther houseshouses thethe lockinglocking mechanismmechanism 310310 suchsuch asas aa pinpin 312312 forfor engagingengaging thethe locklock receivingreceiving formationsformations 124124 alongalong thethe elongateelongate membermember 120.120. TheThe lockinglocking mechanismmechanism isis linkedlinked toto aa triggertrigger 330330 hich cancan bebe easilyeasily accessedaccessed byby aa useruser forfor engagingengaging andand disengaging the locking mechanism 310. In one example, the trigger 330 is in the form ofdisengaging the locking mechanism 310. In one example, the trigger 330 is in the form of 20 a sible button linked to a biasing element such as a coil spring for biasing the triggera depressible button linked to a biasing element such as a coil spring for biasing the trigger soso asas toto keep the pin 310 engaged.keep the pin 310 engaged. TheThe buttonbutton isis configured so thatconfigured so that itit raises the pin 310raises the pin 310 onceonce depresseddepressed soso at thethe pin 310pin 310 isis nono longerlonger dengaged withWith anan openingopening 124124 ofof thethe elongateelongate member 120120 soso thatthat the handle 320 becomesthe handle 320 becomes freefree toto movemove slideablyslideably along thealong the length of the te member 120.of the te member 120. OnceOnce the handle 320the handle 320 is movedis moved over another gover another opening 25 124 corresponding to a desired height of the stand, the trigger 330 of the handle 320 can be124 corresponding to a desired height ofthe stand, the trigger 330 ofthe handle 320 can be releasedreleased toto lowerlower thethe pin 310 throughpin 310 through thethe appropriate openingappropriate opening 124124 and preventand prevent furtherfurther translationaltranslational movement of the handle 320 relative to the elongate membermovement of the handle 320 relative to the elongate member 120.120. InIn me configurations, anconfigurations, an end of the pin 310 may be provided With a damping al to reduceend of the pin 310 may be provided with a damping material to reduce wear and damage to the elongate member during use. wear and damage to the elongate member during use. 30 ReturningReturning toto FigureFigure 4,4, inin one embodiment,one ment, thethe elongate member 120elongate member 120 isis ed With aprovided with a C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable Clothes Airer\Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L L>cl> l/l .\pp[)utu Rommng iMunugc Work Rcccnt 355635V1\Z [lcightrudumublc Llothc> .\ncl [)luft Spcctllcunon(3554"34HK31‘HES] lulucv: M ENE] stopstop member 140 d proximate a centre point of the elongate member 120member 140 d proximate a centre point of the elongate member 120 soso asas toto limitlimit thethe movement range of the handle 320movement range of the handle 320 (and(and byby extension,extension, thethe slideablyslideably movablemovable opposingopposing end 210, 220) along the elongate memberend 210, 220) along the elongate member 120.120. ThisThis allows the userallows the user totoeasilyeasily adjust the height of the stand of the clothesthe height of the stand of the clothes airerairer 100100 without worrying about thewithout ng about the tand becoming unstable or reaching a position between the opposing ends 210, 200 that wouldbecoming unstable or reaching a position between the opposing ends 210, 200 that would causecause the clothes airer to topple over.the clothes airer to topple over. ItIt isis to be appreciated that the position of the stopto be appreciated that the position of the stop membermember 140140 doesdoes notnot havehave toto bebe atat aa midway point of themidway point of the elongateelongate membermember 120120 andand appropriateappropriate locationslocations wouldwould alsoalso dependdepend onon thethe relativerelative configurationconfiguration ofof thethe crossedcrossed struts 200.struts 200. TheThe stopstop membermember 140140 alsoalso servesserves asas aa gripgrip forfor handlinghandling thethe clothesclothes airer.airer. 10 Relative movement of the opposing ends 210, 220 along theRelative movement of the opposing ends 210, 220 along the elongate member 120 causeselongate member 120 causes the height of the stand to be varied betweenthe height of the stand to be varied between a fully deployeda fully deployed state, in which the opposingstate, in which the ng endsends are moved closest to each other,are moved closest to each other, aa retractedretracted state,state, inin which the opposing ends 210,which the opposing ends 210, 220220 areare movedmoved furthestfurthest from each other, and intermediate edfrom each other, and intermediate deployed states,states, inin which thewhich the opposing ends 210, 220 are positioned in between the fully ed state and the retractedopposing ends 210, 220 are positioned in between the fully deployed state and the retracted 15 state. state.

Referring to Figure 10, the strut 200 may comprise le lengths connected by way of aReferring to Figure 10, the strut 200 may comprise le lengths connected by way ofa strut joint 232. In the preferred embodiment, one of the crossed struts 200 comprisesstrut joint 232. In the preferred embodiment, one of the crossed struts 200 ses twotwo connected el beams, which make up a first length portion 222 of the strut 200, and aconnected parallel beams, which make up a first length portion 222 of the strut 200, and a 20 pairpair of splayed legs 240 for improvedof splayed legs 240 for improved stabilitystability and weight distribution for supporting theand weight distribution for supporting the clothes airer 100.clothes airer 100. The first length portion 222 and the splayed legs 240 is connected by theThe first length portion 222 and the splayed legs 240 is ted by the strut joint 232 as shown in Figure 10.strut joint 232 as shown in Figure 10. In the preferred embodiment, the strut joint 232 is aIn the preferred embodiment, the strut joint 232 is a st joint configured in the form of a ne for ting the four length portionsdie-cast joint configured in the form of a wishbone for connecting the four length portions ofof thethe strutstrut 200200 ertogether withwith fastenersfasteners 234.234. TheThe wishbonewishbone structurestructure cancan alsoalso bebe 25 eredconsidered a double ne asa double wishbone as itit connects two parallel length ns 222 of theconnects two parallel length portions 222 of the strutstrut withwith two splayedtwo splayed legslegs 240, resulting240, resulting inin a very strong joint when each of the connectiona very strong joint when each of the connection pointspoints are secured with fasteners 234.are secured with ers 234. ThisThis advantageously allow theadvantageously allow the strutstrut lengthslengths toto bebe d in a disassembled manner in a flat pack which leads to significant cost saving fromshipped in a disassembled manner in a flat pack which leads to significant cost saving from improvedimproved logisticlogistic efficiencies.efficiencies. TheThe splayed legs 240 can be provided with a reinforcingsplayed legs 240 can be provided with a reinforcing 30 member 236 for improved structural integrity during use. member 236 for improved structural integrity during use.

C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable Clothes Airer\Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L Lac” j/t Dutu Roaming c Work Recent 355635Vl\Z [leiglnrudumublc Llothm .\ncl Dlull Spoctllcunon (3554"341M31V14231 : NV 21121 AsAs seenseen inin Figures 4 andFigures 4 and 8,8, thethe crosscross strut membersstrut members 200200 areare shownshown toto have an arcuatehave an arcuate profileprofile inin thethe assembledassembled sideside views.views. ItIt isis toto be understoodbe understood thatthat thethe strutsstruts 200 may be200 may be ured with other profiles without ing from the spirit of the invention. configured with other profiles without departing from the spirit ofthe invention.

ReferringReferring to sto Figures 1414 andand 15,15, thethe ground-contacting portions of theground-contacting portions of the struts 200 may be200 may be ured with foot portions 214, 224. In some configurations, the foot portion comprisesconfigured with foot portions 214, 224. In some configurations, the foot portion comprises a wheel ment 250 for housing a caster wheel 252.a wheel attachment 250 for g a caster wheel 252. In the preferred embodiment, oneIn the preferred embodiment, one strut comprises a pair of splayed legsstrut comprises a pair of splayed legs 240 that is provided with foot portions 214, 224 for240 that is provided with foot portions 214, 224 for contactingcontacting the ground surface, while the other strut comprises a pair of splayed legs 240the ground surface, while the other strut comprises a pair of splayed legs 240 10 at isis providedprovided withwith heel attachmentsattachments 250250 withwith castercaster wheelswheels 252252 forfor enhancedenhanced portability and manoeuvrability.portability and manoeuvrability. Additionally, at least one of the foot portions 214, 224 orAdditionally, at least one of the foot portions 214, 224 or wheel attachments 250 is ed with a bridge member 260 which defines an eye 262 forwheel attachments 250 is ed with a bridge member 260 which s an eye 262 for receiving a peg for securing the strut 200 to the ground. receiving a peg for securing the strut 200 to the ground. 15 TheThe elongated elongated member 120120 supportssupports parallel armsparallel arms 150150 forfor pulling clotheslinespulling clotheslines 152,152, andand whilewhile the member 120 has been shown in the Figuresthe member 120 has been shown in the Figures toto be in the form of a beam, otherbe in the form of a beam, other shapes or configuration of the member 120 such as curved beams may also be used withoutshapes or configuration ofthe member 120 such as curved beams may also be used without departingdeparting fromfrom thethe invention.invention. InIn thethe preferredpreferred embodiment,embodiment, thethe elparallel armsarms 150150 areare attachedattached toto respectiverespective endsends 130130 ofof thethe elongateelongate membermember and and securedsecured theretothereto inin aa 20 substantially perpendicular orientation to the elongate member 120 by a T-joint 154.substantially perpendicular orientation to the elongate member 120 by a T-joint 154. TheThe joint 154 can be in the form ofa glass-filled nylon T-joint.joint 154 can be in the form of a glass-filled nylon t.

InIn use, a user may operate the height-adjustable clothes airer of the prevent invention byuse, a user may operate the height-adjustable clothes airer of the prevent invention by performing the following steps: performing the following steps: 25 (i) (i) actuatingactuating thethe triggertrigger onon thethe handlehandle toto disengagedisengage thethe glocking mechanismmechanism relative to the locking receiving ions of the elongate member; relative to the locking receiving formations ofthe elongate member; (ii) (ii) sliding the handle along the elongate member to adjust the relative distancesliding the handle along the elongate member to adjust the relative distance betweenbetween thethe opposingopposing endsends ofof thethe crossedcrossed struts,struts, therebythereby adjustingadjusting thethe height of the support stand; and height ofthe support stand; and 30 (iii) (iii) actuatingactuating oror releasingreleasing thethe triggertrigger toto engageengage thethe lockinglocking mechanismmechanism atat aa correspondingcorresponding lock receiving formationlock receiving formation toto securesecure thethe support standsupport stand atat thethe C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable Clothes Airer\Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L L>ct> V‘ .\]\]\Dutu g iMunugc Work Recent 355(x35‘1\Z[leiglnrudumublc Llothm .\ncl Dlull Spoctllcunon (3.5543411101514231 1 pdocv: NV 21121 desired height. desired height.

InIn the description and drawings of this embodiment, same reference numerals are used asthe description and drawings of this embodiment, same nce numerals are used as havehave been usedbeen used inin respect of therespect of the firstfirst embodiment,embodiment, toto denote and refer to correspondingdenote and refer to ponding 5 features. features.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it While various embodiments of the present ion have been described above, it should bebe understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way ofunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation.limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes inIt will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that s s in 10 formform andand detaildetail can be made therein without departing from thecan be made therein without departing from the spiritspirit and scope of theand scope of the ion.invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above describedThus, the present invention should not be limited by any ofthe above described exemplary ments. exemplary embodiments.

ThroughoutThroughout thisthis specificationspecification andand thethe claims whichclaims which follow,follow, unlessunless thethe contextcontext esrequires 15 otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", willotherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of rs or e understood to imply the inclusion ofa stated integer or step or group ofintegers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group ofintegers or steps.

Reference numerals Reference numerals 20 100 height adjustable clothes airer 100 height adjustable clothes airer 120 elongate member 120 elongate member 122 pivot joint 122 pivot joint 124 lock receiving formations 124 lock receiving formations 25 130 respective ends of the elongate member 130 respective ends ofthe elongate member 140 stop member 140 stop member 150 parallel arm 150 parallel arm 152 clothesline 152 sline 154 T-joint 154 T-joint 30 200 crossed struts 200 crossed struts 210, 220 opposing ends 210, 220 opposing ends C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable Clothes Airer\Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L Lsm m .\ppDutu Roaming tMunugc \mk Recent sssnssxmz [tolglmummuuo umlm .\|lol mm Spcctllcu Mon (3554"34HK31NHESI : HS 2H2] 212, 222 length portion 212, 222 length portion 214, 224 foot potion 214, 224 foot potion 230 pivot joint 230 pivot joint 232 strut joint 232 strutjoint 234 strut joint fastener 234 strut joint er 236 reinforcing member 236 reinforcing member 240 splayed legs 240 splayed legs 250 wheel ment housing 250 Wheel attachment housing 252 caster wheel 252 caster Wheel 10 254 wheel attachment fastener 254 Wheel attachment fastener 260 bridge member 260 bridge member 262 eye 262 eye 310 locking mechanism 310 locking mechanism 312 pin 3 12 pin 15 320 slideably adjustable handle 320 slideably adjustable handle 322 handle housing 322 handle housing 324 handle-strut coupling n 324 handle-strut coupling portion 326 -strut fastener 326 handle-strut fastener 330 trigger 330 trigger C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ -adjustable Clothes Airer\Draft ication (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/08/2021 L L>ct> in .\]\]\Dqu Roaming iMunugc Work Recent 355635S1\Z [lotglnrudumublc Llothm .\nct Draft Spoctllcunon (3554"34HK31S1423] lulucv: M ENE]

Claims (6)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: NG THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. l. A height-adjustable clothes airer, comprising: A height-adjustable clothes airer, comprising: an elongate member; an elongate member; 5 a pair of crossed struts having respective opposing ends coupled to the member soa pair of crossed struts having tive opposing ends coupled to the member so as to provide a support stand, wherein at least one of the ng ends is configured to be as to provide a support stand, n at least one ofthe opposing ends is configured to be slideablyslideably moveable along a length portion of the member such that relative movement able along a length portion of the member such that relative movement of the opposing ends along the member effects the height of the stand. the opposing ends along the member effects the height of the stand. 10 10 2.

2. A -adjustable clothes airer according to claim 1, wherein one of the opposingA height-adjustable clothes airer according to claim I, wherein one ofthe opposing ends isends is pivotablypivotably coupledcoupled toto aa fixedfixed locationlocation alongalong aa lengthlength portionportion ofof thethe teelongate member. member.

3. 3. AA height-adjustableheight-adjustable clothesclothes airerairer accordingaccording toto claimclaim 1,I, whereinwherein bothboth ofof thethe 15 15 ngopposing endsends areare configuredconfigured toto bebe slideablyslideably moveablemoveable alongalong aa lengthlength portionportion ofof thethe elongate . elongate member.

4. 4. AA height-adjustableheight-adjustable clothesclothes airerairer accordingaccording toto any one of the precedingany one of the preceding claims,claims, whereinwherein thethe oror eacheach slideablyslideably moveablemoveable opposingopposing endend isis providedprovided withwith aa lockinglocking 20 20 mechanism for selectively engaging corresponding lock receiving formations spaced alongmechanism for selectively engaging corresponding lock receiving formations spaced along the length portion of the elongate member so as to immovably secure the or each slideablythe length portion ofthe te member so as to immovably secure the or each slideably moveable opposing end to the member. moveable opposing end to the member.

5. 5. AA height-adjustableheight-adjustable clothesclothes airerairer accordingaccording toto claimclaim 4,4, whereinwherein thethe lockinglocking 25 25 mechanismmechanism isis a pin for engaging corresponding openings spaced along the length portiona pin for engaging corresponding openings spaced along the length n of the elongate member. ofthe elongate member.

6. 6. AA height-adjustable clothes airer ing to claims 4 orheight-adjustable clothes airer ing to claims 4 or 5,5, further comprising afurther comprising a handle whichhandle which couplescouples thethe slideablyslideably moveable opposing endmoveable ng end toto the length portionthe length portion of theof the 30 30 teelongate member,member, thethe handle comprisinghandle sing a triggera trigger actuatable byactuatable by aa useruser forfor engagingengaging oror disengagingdisengaging thethe lockinglocking mechanismmechanism relativerelative toto thethe correspondingcorresponding locklock receivingreceiving C:\Users\jzt\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Recent\35563581NZ Height-adjustable Clothes Airer\Draft Specification (35547340)(21814231.1).docx-2/