WO2021171279A1

WO2021171279A1 - A support and a rail comprising the support

Info

Publication number: WO2021171279A1
Application number: PCT/IE2021/000003
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew HOYNE; Ronan Murphy
Original assignee: Merlyn Industries Limited
Priority date: 2020-02-28
Filing date: 2021-02-26
Publication date: 2021-09-02
Also published as: WO2021171279A8

Abstract

A support (2) for a container (3) is slideably and rotatably mounted on a rail (1) to facilitate positioning the support (2) on the rail (1) at a desired height and at a desired angular orientation around the rail (1). The support (2) comprises a support shaft (15) for supporting the container (3) extending radially from a coupling element (16) extending around the rail (1). A rail engaging element (34) non-rotatable on the rail (1) is rotatable within the coupling element (16). An annular groove 48 in the rail engaging element (34) rotatably engages a first circumferential flange (46) extending inwardly from a retaining collar (43), which is secured to the coupling element (16). A first closure element (22) closes a first access opening (20) in the coupling element (16) and a second closure element (40) closes a second access opening (38) in the rail engaging element (34). The first and second access openings (20) and (38) accommodate the rail (1) laterally into first and second bores (18) and (35) defined by the coupling element (16) and the rail engaging element (34). Gear teeth (73) on the rail engaging element (34) are engageable with corresponding teeth (90) at an end (89) of a lever (85), which is pivotally mounted from a release state to an engaged state with the teeth (90) engaging the gear teeth (73) for preventing rotation of the coupling element (16) around the rail engaging element (34).

Description

"A support and a rail comprising the support"

The present invention relates to a support, and in particular, though not limited to a support for supporting an article, for example, a container mounted thereon or a textile article, for example, a facecloth, towel or the like depending therefrom, and the invention also relates to a support configured for coupling to a rail, and preferably, for adjustable coupling to a rail. Additionally, the invention relates to a rail comprising the support.

Rails are commonly used for supporting one or more articles thereon. Typically, a support is provided on the rail, and the article is mounted on or carried on the support. Such supports typically are slideable longitudinally along the rail, and means are provided for maintaining the support at a desired position along the rail. Typically, such means comprise a releasable securing means for releasably securing the support at the desired position along the rail. Additionally, it is desirable that such supports are rotatable at least partly around the rail, in order that the orientation of the article supported by the support on the rail is adjustable about the rail. Such rails are commonly found in shower enclosures, where the rail is mounted on a wall of the shower enclosure with the rail spaced apart from the wall, and generally, extending vertically. One or more supports may be provided on the rail, one of which supports would be provided for releasably holding a shower head, another support may be provided for supporting a tray or container for holding soap, and other supports may be provided for carrying a hook or an arm or an arm with a plurality of spaced apart hooks from which articles may be suspended, for example, a facecloth, a brush or the like.

In some shower enclosures, a number of such rails may be provided, one of which may be provided for releasably carrying a shower head, and another rail which may be mounted on another wall of the shower enclosure may comprise a plurality of supports for supporting various containers, support arms and the like. Typically, as discussed above such rails in general extend vertically, although, it is not uncommon for such rails to be mounted on a wall spaced apart therefrom and extending horizontally or at an angle between the vertical and the horizontal.

Provided the rail is of constant transverse cross-section, in general, there is little or no difficulty in arranging the support to be slideable longitudinally along the rail so that the position of the support along the rail may be adjusted and secured in a desired location, Additionally, in the case of such rails being of circular transverse cross-section, likewise, there is little or no difficulty in providing the support or supports to be at least partly rotatable about the rail for adjusting the orientation of the support around the rail, for example, adjusting the orientation around the rail from which the container, arm or the like extends from the support.

In cases where such rails are of non-circular transverse cross-section, for example, where such rails are of oval transverse cross-section, square, rectangular or other non-circular transverse cross-sections, the position of the support along the rail can be adjusted longitudinally along the rail, provided that the noncircular transverse cross-section of the rail is constant along the length of the rail, However, since adjusting the orientation of the support around the rail is dependent on the support being rotatable at least partly around the rail, and this relies on the rail being of circular transverse cross-section, in rails of noncircular transverse cross-section rotating of such supports around the rail partly or otherwise is not possible. This is undesirable, since in general, it requires that such rails be provided to be of circular transverse cross-section.

In many cases, it may be architecturally desirable to provide such rails of non-circular transverse cross- section, and additionally, for strength and other structural considerations, it may also be desirable to provide such rails of non-circular transverse cross-section. Thus, in such cases where such rails are of non-circular transverse cross-section, it is not possible to alter or adjust the orientation of a support around the rail. This is undesirable.

There is therefore a need for a support for mounting on a rail which addresses this problem.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a support, and the invention is also directed towards provided a rail comprising the support.

According to the invention there is provided a support for supporting an article, the support comprising a support element, a coupling element secured to the support element and configured for coupling the support element to a rail, the coupling element having a first bore extending therethrough for accommodating the rail longitudinally therethrough, and defining a longitudinally extending main central axis, and a first access opening to the first bore for accommodating the rail latterly into the first bore, a rail engaging element having a second bore extending therethrough for accommodating the rail longitudinally therethrough, and a second access opening to the second bore for accommodating the rail laterally into the second bore, the rail engaging element being rotatably located in the first bore of the coupling element about the main central axis, a retaining element for retaining the rail engaging element in the first bore, and a locking element operable between an engaged state for preventing rotation of the rail engaging element in the first bore and a release state permitting rotation of the rail engaging element in the first bore for setting the support element in a desired angular position around the rail.

In one embodiment of the invention the locking element is engageable with the rail engaging element in the engaged state,

Preferably, the locking element is coupled to one of the coupling element and the retaining element.

Advantageously, the locking element is pivotally coupled to the one of the coupling element and the retaining element.

In another embodiment of the invention the locking element is pivotal between the engaged state and the release state.

Preferably, the locking element is coupled to the retaining element.

In another embodiment of the invention the locking element in the engaged state is adapted to urge the rail engaging element into tight abutment engagement with the rail to prevent longitudinal movement of the rail through the second bore of the rail engaging element.

Preferably, the locking element in the engaged state is adapted to clamp the rail engaging element between the rail and the locking element,

In another embodiment of the invention the locking element in the release state is adapted to permit sliding movement of the rail longitudinally through the second bore of the rail engaging element.

Preferably, a first closure element is provided for closing the first access opening.

Advantageously, a first securing means is provided for securing the first closure element to the coupling element.

Preferably, the first bore is of circular transverse cross-section.

In one embodiment of the invention the second bore of the rail engaging element extends parallel to the main central axis defined by the first bore.

Preferably, the second bore of the rail engaging element defines a secondary central axis. Advantageously, the secondary central axis defined by the second bore substantially coincides with the main central axis defined by the first bore.

In one embodiment of the invention the rail engaging element defines an outer circumferential periphery of circular transverse cross-section. Preferably, the second bore of the rail engaging element substantially defines the transverse cross-section of the rail,

In one embodiment of the invention the retaining element is engageable with the rail engaging element. Preferably, the rail engaging element is rotatable in the retaining element. Advantageously, the rail engaging element is rotatably engageable with the retaining element.

In one embodiment of the invention the retaining element is located in the first bore.

In another embodiment of the invention the retaining element is engageable in the first bore.

In a further embodiment of the invention a second securing means is provided for securing the retaining element to the coupling element.

Preferably, the retaining element defines a third bore of circular transverse cross-section within which the rail engaging element is located. Advantageously, the third bore of the retaining element extends substantially parallel to the main central axis. Ideally, the third bore defines a central geometric axis substantially coinciding with the main central axis,

In one embodiment of the invention the third bore of the retaining element substantially defines the outer circumferential periphery of the rail engaging element.

In another embodiment of the invention the retaining element comprises a retaining collar extending around the rail engaging element. In one embodiment of the invention a second closure element is provided for closing the second access opening to the second bore,

Preferably, a third securing means is provided for securing the second closure element to the rail engaging element.

Preferably, the third securing means comprises a releasable securing means.

Advantageously, the third securing means comprises a pair of spaced apart engagement elements on one of the rail engaging element and the second closure element, and a pair of spaced apart complementary receiving elements on the other one of the rail engaging element and the second closure element for engaging the respective engagement elements

Preferably, the second closure element defines a part of the outer circumferential periphery of the rail engaging element.

In one embodiment of the invention a plurality of first engageable formations are located on the rail engaging element at spaced apart intervals engageable with at least one complementary second engageable formation located on the locking element.

Preferably, the first engageable formations are located on the outer circumferential periphery of the rail engaging element.

Advantageously, the first engageable formations on the rail engaging element comprise respective first teeth spaced apart around the outer circumferential periphery of the rail engaging element.

Preferably, the first teeth on the rail engaging element extends substantially parallel to the main central axis.

In another embodiment of the invention the at least one complementary second engageable formation located on the locking element comprises at least one second tooth engageable between an adjacent pair of the first teeth on the rail engaging element.

Preferably, one or more of the first engageable formations are provided on the second closure element for engaging the at least one complementary second engageable formation on the locking element.

In another embodiment of the invention the rail engaging element comprises a friction means defining the second bore thereof for engaging the rail with a friction sliding fit,

In another embodiment of the invention the support element extends from the coupling element in a substantially radial direction relative to the main central axis defined by the coupling element.

Preferably, the support element is configured for supporting an article.

Advantageously, the support element is configured for engaging an article with a snap-fit action.

In one embodiment of the invention the support element is configured for engaging an inverted channel in a base of an article.

In another embodiment of the invention the support element comprises a support shaft.

In one embodiment of the invention the support element is configured for supporting a container.

Additionally, the invention provides a support element according to the invention and an article supported on the support element.

In one embodiment of the invention the article comprises a container having a base and an inverted channel extending into the base from an outer surface thereof,

Additionally, the invention provides a rail comprising the support according to the invention located thereon.

In one embodiment of the invention a container is located on the support element of the support.

In another embodiment of the invention the main central axis defined by the coupling element extends substantially parallel to the rail.

Preferably, the rail extends substantially vertically. In one embodiment of the invention the rail is of non-circular transverse cross-section.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that it provides a support comprising a support element which is moveable longitudinally along the rail and can be set at a desired position along the rail, and the support is also at least partly rotatable about the rail so that the orientation of the support and in turn the support element about the rail is adjustable, irrespective of the transverse cross-section of the rail. This advantage is achieved by virtue of the fact that the coupling element to which the support element is secured is rotatable relative to the rail engaging element about the main central axis defined by the first bore of the coupling element. Additionally, the support according to the invention can be readily urged along the rail and then secured in a desired position along the rail, and furthermore, the orientation of the support element of the support about the rail can be readily easily adjusted, and when adjusted to the desired orientation around the rail can be readily easily secured in that position and orientation by the locking element.

A further and particularly important advantage of the invention is that the support can be readily easily engaged with and disengaged from a rail and new supports may be readily engaged on a rail without the need to disassemble the rail or remove the rail from a wall to which it is secured. The ease with which the support may be engaged with and disengaged from a rail is achieved by virtue of the fact that the coupling element of the support is provided with an access opening to accommodate the rail laterally into the first bore defined by the coupling element, and a second access opening is provided to the second bore defined by the rail engaging element, both of which first and second access openings to the coupling element and to the rail engaging element readily accommodate the rail latterly into the first and second bores of the coupling element and the rail engaging element. The first and second closure elements can then be readily secured to the coupling element and to the rail engaging element, respectively, for retaining the rail engaging element and the coupling element on the rail.

A further advantage of the invention is the provision of the locking element which enables the support to be locked and secured to the rail at the desired orientation of the support, and in turn the support element, around the rail. Additionally, the locking element may also be configured to secure the support to the rail at a desired position longitudinally along the rail. The provision of the friction means for frictionally engaging the rail engaging element with the rail provides the additional advantage that the support may be urged along the rail to a desired position and the frictional grip between the rail engaging element and the rail may be sufficient to retain the support at the desired position along the rail. The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rail according to the invention with a support also according to the invention mounted thereon carrying a container,

Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of a detail of the support of Fig 1 illustrated mounted on the rail of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is an underneath perspective view of the portion of the support of Fig, 1 illustrated on the rail of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the support and the container of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5 is an underneath perspective view of the support and the container of Fig. 1,

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the support and the container of Fig. 1 , Fig. 7 is an underneath plan view of the support and the container of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the support and the container of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 9 is an underneath perspective view of the support and the container of Fig. 1,

Fig. 10 is an underneath perspective view of a part of the support of Fig. 1 illustrating a part of the support in a different state to that of Figs. 1 to 9,

Fig. 11 is a cutaway perspective view of the support and the container of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 12 is a cutaway perspective view of the support and the container of Fig. 1 illustrating a pari of the support in the state of Fig. 10,

Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the support of Fig. 1 , Fig. 14 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a part of the support of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 15 is a cutaway perspective view of a portion of the support of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 16 is a partly cutaway perspective view of the support of Fig. 1 with the container of Fig, 1,

Fig. 17 is a further cutaway perspective view of a portion of the support and the container of Fig. 1, and

Fig. 18 is another cutaway perspective view of a portion of the support and the container of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a rail indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 having a support, in this case three supports, each according to the invention and each indicated generally by the reference numeral 2 slideably and adjustably supported on the rail 1, for in turn supporting a container 3 or hooks 12 thereon. The combination of the rail 1 and the support 2 is also according to the invention, and the combination of the rail 1 , the support 2 and the container 3 is also according to the invention, as is the combination of the support 2 and the container 3. The rail 1 is typically of the type which would be provided in a shower enclosure, and would extend generally vertically. In this embodiment of the invention the rail 1 comprises a vertically extending portion 4 and a horizontally extending portion 5. The vertical portion 4 is secured adjacent its upper and lower ends 6 and 7, respectively, to a wall 8 or other structure, with the rail 1 spaced apart from the wall 8 or other structure. The upper and lower ends 6 and 7 of the vertical portion 4 of the rail 1 are secured to the wall 8 or structure in a permanent manner by upper and lower mounting brackets 9 and 10, respectively, which in turn are secured to the wall 8 or other structure by screws or masonry nails or other suitable fixing elements (not shown). The horizontal portion 5 of the rail 1 is secured to the wall 8 or other structure in a similar manner by the lower mounting bracket 10 and by an end mounting bracket 11. In this embodiment of the invention the rail 1 is of metal of hollow rectangular box section, and three of the supports 2 are located on the vertical portion 4 of the rail 1 , Two of the supports 2 support the respective containers 3, and one of the supports 2 supports the hooks 12 for hanging items thereon

Turning now to the support 2, the support 2 comprises a support element 14, in this embodiment of the invention comprising an elongated support shaft 15 of square shape transverse cross-section for supporting the container 2 as will be described below. Although it will be understood that the support element 14 may be of any suitable or desired shape or construction, instead of the shaft 15, and its shape and construction will be determined by its use and the item or items to be supported thereon. The support element 14 terminates in a coupling element 16 for coupling the support 2 to the rail 1 , so that firstly, the support 2 is slideable longitudinally, namely, upwardly and downwardly along the vertical portion 4 of the rail 1, and secondly, the support 2 is rotatable or at least partly rotatable about the rail 1.

The coupling element 16 is of partly cylindrical shape and defines a first bore 18 of circular transverse cross-section extending longitudinally therethrough, which defines a longitudinally extending main central axis 19, about which the support 2 is rotatable on the rail 1. In this embodiment of the invention the main central axis 19 substantially coincides with a longitudinally extending central geometric axis (not shown) of the vertical portion 4 of the rail 1, although while this is preferable, it is not essential, The main central axis 19 may be offset from the central geometric axis of the vertical portion 4 of the rail 1 , but in general, it would be parallel to the central geometric axis of the vertical portion 4 of the rail 1.

A first access opening 20 extends through the coupling element 16 laterally from the first bore 18, along the length of the first bore 18 for accommodating the rail 1 laterally into the first bore 18 as will be described in more detail below. A first closure element 22, which in this embodiment of the invention is of substantially arcuate shape closes the first access opening 20. A pair of engagement recesses 23 extend into the first closure element 22 from the circumferentially opposite ends 24 thereof for engaging a pair of corresponding engagement lugs 28 which extend from the coupling element 16 into the first access opening 20 for locating the first closure element 22 in the first access opening 20. A first securing means provided by a pair of first screws 29 through bores 30 in the first closure element 22 are engageable with threaded bores 32 in the engagement lugs 28 for securing the first closure element 22 in the first access opening 20, see Figs. 13 and 15.

A rail engaging element 34 having a longitudinally extending second bore 35 for engaging the rail 1 is rotatably located in the first bore 18 of the coupling element 16 The second bore 35 is of a rectangular transverse cross-section, similar to the rectangular transverse cross-section of the rail 1, and defines the outer transverse periphery of the vertical portion 4 of the rail 1. The second bore 35 of the rail engaging element 34 defines a longitudinally extending secondary geometric central axis 36, which when the rail engaging element 34 is located in and secured in the first bore 18 of the coupling element 16 substantially coincides with the main central axis 19 of the first bore 18. Additionally, when the coupling element 16 and the rail engaging element 34 are located on the vertical portion 4 of the rail 1, the secondary central axis 36 of the rail engaging element 34 also substantially coincides with the longitudinally extending central geometric axis (not shown) of the rail 1.

A second access opening 38 to the second bore 35 extends laterally from the second bore 35 the length of the second bore 35 for accommodating the vertical portion 4 of the rail 1 laterally into the second bore 35, A second closure element 40 described in more detail below, closes the second access opening 38 and defines with the rail engaging element 34 the second bore 35, The rail engaging element 34 with the second closure element 40 secured in the second access opening 38 defines an outer circumferential peripheral surface 41 of circular transverse cross-section for facilitating rotation of the rail engaging element 34 within the coupling element 16 as will be described below,

A retaining element 42 for retaining the rail engaging element 34 in the first bore 18 of the coupling element 16 is secured to the coupling element 16 as will be described below, The retaining element 42 comprises a retaining collar 43, The retaining collar 43 defines a third bore 45 of circular transverse cross-section, extending therethrough, and of diameter just greater than the diameter of the outer circumferential peripheral surface 41 of the rail engaging element 34, so that the rail engaging element 34 is rotatable within the retaining collar 43, A first circumferential flange 46 extends circumferentially from one end 44 of the retaining collar 43 and inwardly therefrom into the third bore 45 for engaging a corresponding annular groove 48 extending circumferentially around the rail engaging element 34 and the second closure element 40, for in turn retaining the rail engaging element 34 in the third bore 45, The first circumferential flange 46 rotatably engages the groove 48, so that the rail engaging element 34 is rotatable in the retaining collar 43 within the third bore 45 thereof,

The retaining collar 43 with the rail engaging element 34 retained and rotatable therein is engageable in the first bore 18 of the coupling element 16. A second circumferential flange 49 extending inwardly from the coupling element 16 and from the first closure element 22 into the first bore 18 of the coupling element 16 engages the retaining collar 43 adjacent the end 44 thereof, from which the first circumferential flange 46 extends for locating the retaining collar 43 in the first bore 18, The second circumferential flange 49 extending into the first bore from the coupling element 16 and from the first closure element 22 rotatably engage the rail engaging element 34 for centring the rail engaging element 34 in the first bore 18 of the coupling element 16,

The retaining collar 43 is open at 50 and terminates in respective ends 51 , A second securing means comprising a pair of first fixing tabs 52 and a pair of second fixing tabs 53 extend outwardly and substantially radially from the retaining collar 43 on respective opposite sides thereof for securing the retaining element 42 in the coupling element 16. The first fixing tabs 52 extend radially outwardly from the retaining collar 43 adjacent the respective ends 51 thereof. Screw accommodating bores 55 extend through the first fixing tabs 52 and align with threaded bores 56 extending into the coupling element 16 from corresponding recesses 57 when the first fixing tabs 52 are recessed into the respective recesses 57 A pair of second screws 58 extending through the bores 55 in the first fixing tabs 52 into the threaded bores 56 in the coupling element 16 secure the first fixing tabs 52 in the respective recesses 57 in the coupling element 16. The recesses 57 accommodate the first fixing tabs 52 so that the first fixing tabs 52 lie flush with a radial surface 59 of the coupling element 16.

The second fixing tabs 53 are provided with screw accommodating bores 60 which are engageable with the first screws 29, which secure the first closure element 22 in the first access opening 20 of the coupling element 16. The second fixing tabs 53 abut the engagement lugs 28 of the coupling element 16, and when the first closure element 22 is engaged in the first access opening 20 in the coupling element 16, the engagement lugs 28 and the second fixing tabs 53 are located in the corresponding engagement recesses 23 in the first closure element 22. The first screws 29 which secure the first closure element 22 in the first access opening 20 of the coupling element 16 extend through the bores 30 in the first closure element 22 and then through the bores 60 in the second fixing tabs 53, and in turn into the threaded bores 32 in the engagement lugs 28 for securing the first closure element 22 and the second fixing tabs 53 in the coupling element 16.

Returning now to the rail engaging element 34, the rail engaging element 34 and the second closure element 40 are both of plastics material and are formed by injection moulding. The rail engaging element 34 comprises a first body member 63, and the second closure element 40 comprises a second body member 64. A third securing means for securing the second closure element 40 in the second access opening 38 of the rail engaging element 34 comprises a pair of spaced apart engagement elements, in this case, a pair of spaced apart dovetail engagement elements 65 extending from the second body member 64 engageable with corresponding complementary receiving elements, in this case, dovetail shaped receiving recesses 66 formed in the first body member 63 of the rail engaging element 34, The dovetail engagement elements 65 and the corresponding receiving recesses 66 are configured so that when the dovetail engagement elements 65 are fully engaged in the receiving recesses 66 the second closure element 40 closes the first access opening 38, and the second closure element 40 defines with the rail engaging element 34 the second bore 35. The first body member 63 of the rail engaging element 34 and the second body member 64 of the second closure element 40 together comprise a circumferential flange 69 extending around the first and second body members 63 and 64, The annular groove 48 which is rotatably engageable with the first circumferential flange 46 of the retaining collar 43 is formed in the circumferential flange 69 formed by the first and second body members 63 and 64,

A plurality of first engageable formations, which in this embodiment of the invention comprise a plurality of gear teeth 73, are located circumferentially spaced apart around an outer periphery 74 of the first and second body members 63 and 64 of the rail engaging element 34 and the second closure element 40, respectively, The gear teeth 73 extend parallel to each other and parallel to the second central axis 36 defined by the second bore 35, The gear teeth 73 are provided for a function which will be described below.

Friction pads 75 are located in corresponding recesses 76 formed into inner surfaces 77 of the first and second body members 63 and 64 of the rail engaging element 34 which define the outer peripheral surface 78 of the rail 1 , The friction pads 75 are provided with plug elements 80 and 81 of circular and rectangular cross-section, respectively, which are engageable in correspondingly shaped bores 82 and 83 which extend into the recesses 76 for securing the friction pads 75 to the first and second body members 63 and 64, Each friction pad 75 is provided with a friction surface 84 which is engageable with the rail 1 to provide a friction grip between the rail engaging element 34 and the rail 1, The friction surface 84 is such as to permit longitudinal slideable movement of the rail engaging element 34 along the rail 1 when a sufficient urging force has been applied to the support 1, but in general, the friction grip which is applied between the friction pads 75 and the rail 1 is such as to prevent downward sliding of the support under its normal weight,

A locking element for locking the coupling element 16 to the rail engaging element 34 in a desired angular orientation about the main central axis 19 of the coupling element 16, and in turn for locking the support shaft 15 in a corresponding angular orientation relative to the rail 1 comprises a lever 85, The lever 85 is pivotally carried on a pivot pin 86 extending between and carried on a pair of carrier plates 87 which extend from the respective ends 51 of the retaining collar 43. Bores 88 extending through the carrier plates 87 pivotally carry the pivot pin 86, A bore 79 extending through the lever 85 engages the pivot pin 86, The carrier plates 87 extend outwardly and substantially radially from the ends 51 of the retaining collar 43, The lever 85 is pivotal on the pivot pin 86 between a release state illustrated in Figs. 10 and 12 disengaged from the rail engaging element 34 and an engaged state illustrated in Figs. 5 and 11 with the lever 85 recessed into the support shaft 15 in a recess 91 therein, and with an end 89 of the lever 85 engaging the rail engaging element 34.

The end 89 of the lever 85 terminates in complementary second engageable formations in this case a plurality of spaced apart teeth 90, which are complementary to the gear teeth 73 on the rail engaging element 34 and the second closure element 40. When the lever 85 is in the engaged state, the teeth 90 at the end 89 of the lever 85 engage the gear teeth 73 of the adjacent one of the rail engaging element 34 and the second closure element 40, depending on the angular position of the coupling element 16 and in turn the support shaft 15 relative to the vertical portion 4 of the rail 1 and relative to the rail engaging element 34, for locking the coupling element 16 to the rail engaging element 34. Thereby the lever 85 in the engaged state prevents rotational movement of the coupling element 16 relative to the rail engaging element 34 about the main central axis 19 and in turn relative to the rail 1 about the vertical portion 4 of the rail.

A pair of projections 92 extending into the recess 91 in the support shaft 15 tightly but releasably engage the lever 85 for releasably retaining the lever 85 in the recess 91 in the engaged state. A distal end 93 of the lever 85 is shaped to facilitate gripping the lever 85 when it is recessed into the recess 91 in the support shaft 15 for pivoting the lever 85 from the engaged state to the release state to facilitate rotation of the coupling element 16 relative to the rail engaging element 34.

Additionally, the end 89 of the lever 85 is configured to act on the part of the first and second body members 63 and 64 of the rail engaging element 34 and the second closure element 40, with which the end 89 of the lever 85 is in engagement, to tightly urge that portion of the first or second body member 63 or 64 into tight engagement with the rail 1 , so that that portion of the first or second body member 63 or 64 is effectively clamped between the rail 1 and the end 89 of the lever 85 for preventing longitudinal upward or downward movement of the support 2 on the vertical portion of the rail 1 while the lever 85 is in the engaged state.

Turning now to the container 3, the container 3 comprises an open base frame 94 and a peripheral side wall 95 extending around and upwardly from the base frame 94, An elongated inverted U-shaped slot 96 extends upwardly into a longitudinally extending central member 97 of the base frame 94 along the length of the containers for engaging the support shaft 15 of the support 2. Spaced apart projections 98 extend into the slot 96 from side walls 99 of the central member 97 for engaging corresponding recesses 100 on respective opposite sides of the support shaft 15 with a releasable snap-fit action for releasably retaining the container 3 on the support shaft 15. A perforated tray 101 is supported in the containers on the base frame 94. The perforated tray 101 is provided with a plurality of transversely extending drainage openings 102, so that water can drain from the container 3 through the tray 101, and in turn through the open base frame 94 of the container 3.

In this embodiment of the invention the coupling element 16 and the support shaft 15 are formed integrally in one piece, and may be formed of metal or plastics material. If formed from metal, in general, it is envisaged that they would be formed by die casting, and if from a plastics material, would be formed by injection moulding. The lever 85 may also be formed of plastics material or metai, and typically, the container 3 is formed from a plastics material.

In use, with the rail 1 secured to the wail 8 or other structure, when it is desired to secure one of the supports 2 to the rail 1 , with the friction pads 75 secured in the recess 76 of the rail engaging element 34 and the second closure element 40, and with the second closure element 40 removed from the rail engaging element 34, the rail engaging element 34 is engaged on the rail 1 by urging the rail engaging element 34 onto the rail 1 by passing the rail 1 laterally into the second bore 35 through the second access opening 38, The second closure element 40 is then secured to the rail engaging element 34 by engaging the dovetail engagement elements 65 in the dovetail shaped receiving recesses 66 of the rail engaging element 34 to thereby define the second bore 35, so that the rail engaging element 34 is engaged with and onto the rail 1 with a frictional sliding fit.

The retaining collar 43 is then assembled onto the rail engaging element 34 with the first circumferential flange 46 of the retaining collar 43 engaged in the annular groove 48 extending around the rail engaging element 34 and the second closure element 40. At this stage the lever 85 is assembled to the retaining collar 43 with the pivot pin 86 pivotally supporting the lever 85 between the carrier plates 87.

The coupling element 16, with the first closure element 22 removed, and the coupling element 16 located above the rail engaging element 34, is then urged latterly relative to the rail 1 until the rail 1 is located in the first bore 18 of the coupling element 16, with the rail 1 having passed laterally into the first bore 18 through the first access opening 20. The coupling element 16 is then urged downwardly onto the assembled rail engaging element 34 and the retaining collar 43 until the first fixing tabs 42 of the retaining collar 43 engage in the recesses 57 formed in the coupling element 16, and the engagement lug 28 of the coupling element 16 abut the second fixing tabs 53 of the retaining collar 43. The first fixing tabs 52 are then secured to the coupling element 16 by the second screws 58 which extend through the screw accommodating bores 55 of the first fixing tabs 52 and then engage in the threaded bores 56 in the coupling element 16,

The first closure element 22 is then secured in the first access opening 20 with the engagement recesses 23 of the first closure element 22 engaging the engagement lugs 28 of the coupling element 16 and the second fixing tabs 53 of the retaining collar 43, and with the second fixing tabs 53 sandwiched between the first closure element 22 and the engagement lugs 28. The first screws 29 are then urged through the screw accommodating bores 30 in the first closure element 22 and the screw accommodating bores 60 in the second fixing tabs 53 into threaded bores 32 in the engagement lugs 28 of the coupling element 16 for securing the retaining collar 43 and in turn the rail engaging element 34 in the first bore 18 of the coupling element 16.

With the lever 85 in the release state, the support 2 is urged longitudinally along the vertical portion 4 of the rail 1 until the support 2 is at the desired height on the rail 1 With the lever 85 still in the release state, the coupling element 16 with the support shaft 15 is rotated around the rail engaging element 34 until the coupling element 16 and the support shaft 15 are at a desired angular orientation about the main central axis 19 with the support shaft 15 extending radially outwardly from the coupling element 16 and from the rail 1 at the desired angular orientation around the rail 1. The lever 85 is then urged into the engaged state recessed into the recess 91 in the support shaft 15, thereby securing the support shaft 15 at the desired height and orientation on and around the rail 1.

The container 3 is then engaged on the support shaft 15 by engaging the inverted U-shape slot 96 onto the support shaft 15 with a snap-fit action with the projections 98 of the container 3 engaging the recesses 100 in the support shaft 15. The perforated tray 101 is then placed in the container 3 resting on the open base frame 94.

While the support 2 has been described for supporting a container, the support shaft of the support may be provided as a rail for supporting a facecloth, a towel or the like in a shower enclosure.

Needless to say, while the support according to the invention has been described for securing to a rail in a shower enclosure, the support may be secured to a rail of any type in any location, and the support according to the invention may be used for supporting any type of container or any other article or item. It will of course be appreciated that any suitable shape of container may be provided, and a container may be secured to the support shaft of the support by any other means or action besides a snap-fit action. While the support has been described for mounting on a rail of rectangular transverse cross-section, the rail may be of any desired transverse cross-section, for example, square, circular, oval, hexagonal or any other transverse cross-section, and in general, it is envisaged that the second bore extending through the rail engaging element would be of simitar transverse cross-section to that of the rail, although not necessarily.

While the first access opening to the first bore has been described as being located at the side of the coupling element opposite to the side from which the support element extends, the first access opening to the first bore could be located at any suitable or desired position in the coupling element around the first bore. Indeed, it is envisaged that in some embodiments of the invention the support element may extend from the first closure element.

The second access opening may be provided at any suitable location around the rail engaging element for providing access to the rail to the second bore. While the second closure element has been described as being secured to the rail engaging element by dovetail engagement elements, any other suitable means for securing the second closure element to the rail engaging element may be provided, for example, it is envisaged that the second closure element may be configured to engage the rail engaging element with a snap-fit action.

It is also envisaged that while the coupling element has been described with a support shaft extending therefrom, any other suitable support element may be provided instead of the support shaft. Indeed, in some embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that a container may be connected directly to the coupling element, and may be integrally formed with the coupling element.

While the support and the components thereof have been described as being of specific materials, any other suitable materials may be used.

While the first engageable formations on the rail engaging element and on the second closure element have been described as comprising gear teeth, any other suitable first engageable formations may be provided. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any other suitable complementary second engageable formations besides teeth which are provided on the end of the lever may be provided, so long as the first and second engageable formations are compatible with or complementary to each other. Needless to say, it will be appreciated that one single second engageable formation may be provided on the end of the lever.

While the rail has been described as being secured to a wall with the rail extending vertically, it is envisaged that the rail may be secured to a wall with the rail extending horizontally, or indeed, the rail my extend at any angle to the horizontal from any angle greater than 0° up to 90°. It will also be appreciated that while the rail has been described as being secured to a wall, for example, in a shower enclosure, the rail may be secured to any wall, and indeed, in many applications, it is envisaged that the rail may be essentially free-standing and would extend upwardly from a base. Such, would typically be the case in the event of the rail being provided in a display apparatus, where the rail would extend upwardly from a base, and would carry one or more and typically, a number of supports which may be provided with different types of support elements for supporting different articles and different type of articles.

Claims

1 , A support for supporting an article, the support comprising a support element, a coupling element secured to the support element and configured for coupling the support element to a rail, the coupling element having a first bore extending therethrough for accommodating the rail longitudinally therethrough, and defining a longitudinally extending main central axis, and a first access opening to the first bore for accommodating the rail latterly into the first bore, a rail engaging element having a second bore extending therethrough for accommodating the rail longitudinally therethrough, and a second access opening to the second bore for accommodating the rail laterally into the second bore, the rail engaging element being rotatably located in the first bore of the coupling element about the main central axis, a retaining element for retaining the rail engaging element in the first bore, and a locking element operable between an engaged state for preventing rotation of the rail engaging element in the first bore and a release state permitting rotation of the rail engaging element in the first bore for setting the support element in a desired angular position around the rail.

2. A support as claimed in Claim 2 in which the locking element is engageable with the rail engaging element in the engaged state,

3. A support as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the locking element is coupled to one of the coupling element and the retaining element.

4. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the locking element is pivotally coupled to the one of the coupling element and the retaining element.

5. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the locking element is pivotal between the engaged state and the release state.

6. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the locking element is coupled to the retaining element.

7, A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the locking element in the engaged state is adapted to urge the rail engaging element into tight abutment engagement with the rail to prevent longitudinal movement of the rail through the second bore of the rail engaging element,

8. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the locking element in the engaged state is adapted to clamp the rail engaging element between the rail and the locking element.

9. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the locking element in the release state is adapted to permit sliding movement of the rail longitudinally through the second bore of the rail engaging element.

10. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which a first closure element is provided for closing the first access opening.

11. A support as claimed in Claim 10 in which a first securing means is provided for securing the first closure element to the coupling element.

12. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first bore is of circular transverse cross- section.

13. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second bore of the rail engaging element extends parallel to the main central axis defined by the first bore.

14. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second bore of the rail engaging element defines a secondary central axis.

15. A support as claimed in Claim 14 in which the secondary central axis defined by the second bore substantially coincides with the main central axis defined by the first bore.

16. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the rail engaging element defines an outer circumferential periphery of circular transverse cross-section,

17. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second bore of the rail engaging element substantially defines the transverse cross-section of the rail.

18, A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the retaining element is engageable with the rail engaging element.

19. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the rail engaging element is rotatable in the retaining element.

20. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the rail engaging element is rotatably engageable with the retaining element.

21. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the retaining element is located in the first bore.

22. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the retaining element is engageable in the first bore.

23. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which a second securing means is provided for securing the retaining element to the coupling element.

24. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the retaining element defines a third bore of circular transverse cross-section within which the rail engaging element is located.

25. A support as claimed in Claim 24 in which the third bore of the retaining element extends substantially parallel to the main central axis.

26. A support as claimed in Claim 24 or 25 in which the third bore defines a central geometric axis substantially coinciding with the main central axis.

27. A support as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 26 in which the third bore of the retaining element substantially defines the outer circumferential periphery of the rail engaging element.

28. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the retaining element comprises a retaining collar extending around the rail engaging element.

29, A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which a second closure element is provided for closing the second access opening to the second bore.

30. A support as claimed in Claim 29 in which a third securing means is provided for securing the second closure element to the rail engaging element.

31. A support as claimed in Claim 30 in which the third securing means comprises a releasable securing means,

32. A support as claimed in Claim 30 or 31 in which the third securing means comprises a pair of spaced apart engagement elements on one of the rail engaging element and the second closure element, and a pair of spaced apart complementary receiving elements on the other one of the rail engaging element and the second closure element for engaging the respective engagement elements

33. A support as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 32 in which the second closure element defines a part of the outer circumferential periphery of the rail engaging element.

34, A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which a plurality of first engageable formations are located on the rail engaging element at spaced apart intervals engageable with at least one complementary second engageable formation located on the locking element.

35. A support as claimed in Claim 34 in which the first engageable formations are located on the outer circumferential periphery of the rail engaging element.

36. A support as claimed in Claim 34 or 35 in which the first engageable formations on the rail engaging element comprise respective first teeth spaced apart around the outer circumferential periphery of the rail engaging element.

37. A support as claimed in Claim 36 in which the first teeth on the rail engaging element extends substantially parallel to the main central axis.

38. A support as claimed in Claim 36 or 37 in which the at least one complementary second engageable formation located on the locking element comprises at least one second tooth engageable between an adjacent pair of the first teeth on the rail engaging element.

39. A support as claimed in any of Claims 34 to 38 in which one or more of the first engageable formations are provided on the second closure element for engaging the at least one complementary second engageable formation on the locking element.

40 A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the rail engaging element comprises a friction means defining the second bore thereof for engaging the rail with a friction sliding fit.

41. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the support element extends from the coupling element in a substantially radial direction relative to the main central axis defined by the coupling element.

42. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the support element is configured for supporting an article,

43. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the support element is configured for engaging an article with a snap-fit action.

44. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the support element is configured for engaging an inverted channel in a base of an article,

45. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the support element comprises a support shaft.

46. A support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the support element is configured for supporting a container.

47. A support as claimed in any preceding claim and an article supported on the support element.

48. A support as claimed in Claim 47 in which the article comprises a container having a base and an inverted channel extending into the base from an outer surface thereof,

49. A rail comprising the support as claimed in any preceding claim located thereon.

50. A rail as claimed in Claim 49 in which a container is located on the support element of the support.

51. A rail as claimed in Claim 49 or 50 in which the main central axis defined by the coupling element extends substantially parallel to the rail.

52. A rail as claimed in any of Claims 49 to 51 in which the rail extends substantially vertically.

53. A rail as claimed in any of Claims 49 to 52 in which the rail is of non-circular transverse cross- section