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Patent 2524978 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2524978
(54) English Title: IMPROVED RACK
(54) French Title: ETENDAGE AMELIORE
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • D06F 57/08 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • VAN EIJK, MARINUS (Netherlands (Kingdom of the))
(73) Owners :
  • VAN EIJK, MARINUS (Netherlands (Kingdom of the))
(71) Applicants :
  • VAN EIJK, MARINUS (Netherlands (Kingdom of the))
(74) Agent: MACPHERSON LESLIE & TYERMAN LLP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2004-06-04
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2004-12-16
Examination requested: 2007-06-19
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/EP2004/006154
(87) International Publication Number: WO2004/109007
(85) National Entry: 2005-11-04

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
1023594 Netherlands (Kingdom of the) 2003-06-04

Abstracts

English Abstract




The invention concerns a rack for hanging out clothing to be dried, in
particular laundry or towels, comprising at least one pair of mainly parallel,
elongated, mating clamping elements, one end of each of which is fixed to the
support, the mating clamping elements defining a narrow, slot-shaped space in
between for the clamping of the laundry. The mating clamping elements of each
pair can be styled as springs pre-stressed towards each other. It is also
possible that several pairs of clamping elements are fixed to the support and
the clamping elements of adjoining pairs are interconnected. Moreover the rack
provides mediums for suspension of the support with the fixed clamping
elements, at a certain distance from the ground, for instance in the shape of
a collapsible stand or a number of suspension hooks.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un étendage destiné à accrocher des vêtements à sécher, notamment la blanchisserie ou des serviettes, qui comprend au moins une paire d'éléments d'assemblage par couplage principalement parallèle, oblong, chacune des extrémités étant fixée à un support, les éléments d'assemblage par couplage définissant un espace en forme de rainure, étroit entre les éléments en vue de permettre l'accrochage de la blanchisserie. Les éléments d'assemblage par couplage de chaque paire peuvent être présentés comme des ressorts précontraints l'un par rapport à l'autre. Il est également possible que plusieurs paires d'éléments d'assemblage soient fixées au support et que les éléments d'assemblage des paires de liaison soient interconnectés. En outre, l'étendage comprend des supports permettant de suspendre le support aux éléments d'assemblage fixes, à une certaine distance du sol, par exemple sous forme de support pliable ou d'un certain nombre de crochets de suspension.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.





12

Conclusions

1. Rack for hanging out clothing to be dried,
particularly laundry or towels, characterized by at least
one pair of mainly parallel, elongated, mating clamping
elements, one end of each of which is mounted to a
support, the mating clamping elements in between forming
a narrow, slot-shaped space for the clamping of the
laundry.

2. Rack in accordance with conclusion 1, with the
character, that the free ends of the mating clamping
elements of this or each pair are slightly bent apart in
order to form a widened in-feed part of the slot-shaped
space.

3. Rack in accordance with conclusion 1 or 2, with
the character that the mating clamping elements of each
pair are styled as springs pre-stressed towards each
other.

4. Rack in accordance with one of the above
conclusions, with the character that several pairs of
clamping elements are fixed to the support.

5. Rack in accordance with conclusion 4, with the
character that the pairs of clamping elements are
situated in a common, mainly horizontal plane, and the
clamping elements of adjoining pairs are interconnected.

6. Rack in accordance with conclusion 5, with the
character that the interconnected clamping elements of
the adjoining pairs all mainly form a U-shape, of which
the bottom is turned away from the support.

7. Rack in accordance with conclusion 4, with the
character that the pairs of clamping elements are
situated in a common, mainly horizontal plane and are
movable along the support.

8. Rack in accordance with conclusion 4, with the
character that the pairs of clamping elements are
situated in a common, mainly vertical plane and are
connected swivelling to the support.

9. Rack in accordance with one of the above
conclusions, with the character that the clamping
elements are made of threaded steel.

10. Rack in accordance to one of the conclusions 1
to 8, with the character that the clamping elements are
made of rolled section steel.

11. Rack in accordance with one of the conclusions 1
45to 8, with the character that the clamping elements are
made of plastic.

12. Rack in accordance with one of the above
conclusions, characterized by mediums for suspending the
support at a certain distance from a ground and the
clamping elements fitted to it.

13. Rack in accordance with conclusion 12, with the
character that the suspension mediums are shaped like a




13

collapsible stand, comprising two mainly U-shaped frames,
connected swivelling around an axle with their free ends.

14. Rack in accordance with conclusion 13, with the
character that the support stretches mainly parallel to
the swivel axle, between the legs of the U-shaped frames,
and the clamping elements are mainly directed diagonally
to the swivel axle of the stand.

15. Rack in accordance with conclusion 13, with the
character that the support stretches mainly diagonally on
the swivel axle of the stand, and the clamping elements
are directed mainly parallel to this swivel axle.

16. Rack in accordance with one of the conclusions
13 to 15, characterized by several, supports with
clamping elements, connected with the stand at various
places.

17. Rack in accordance with conclusion 16, with the
character that supports have been fitted to either side
of the swivel axle of the stand.

18. Rack in accordance with conclusion 16 or 17,
with the character that supports have been fitted at
various levels along the U-shaped frames.

19. Rack in accordance with one of the conclusions
13 to 18, with the character that the support(s) are
connected collapsible with the stand.

20. Rack in accordance with conclusion 19,
characterized by mediums for fixing the supports in
unfolded position.

21. Rack in accordance with conclusion 12, with the
character that the suspension mediums comprise a couple
of hook-shaped suspension elements.

22. Rack in accordance with conclusion 21, with the
character that the support stretches between the hook-
shaped suspension elements and the clamping elements
narrow mainly parallel to the hook-shaped suspension
elements.

23. Rack in accordance with conclusion 21, with the
character that the support is connected with one of the
hook-shaped suspension elements, and the other suspension
element is connected with an end of a clamping element.

24. Rack in accordance with one of the conclusions
21 to 23, with the character that the hook-shaped
suspension elements are mainly situated in the same plane
as the clamping elements.

25. Rack in accordance with conclusion 12, with the
character that the suspension mediums comprise at least
one telescopically extending clamping bar.

26. Rack in accordance with conclusion 25, with the
character that the support has been integrated with at
least one clamping bar.

27. Rack in accordance with conclusion 12, with the
character that two supports are connected back to back,
in such a way that the clamping elements fixed to them




14

mainly stretch in opposite directions in one common
plane, and the suspension mediums are formed by at least
two mainly U-shaped frames, each connected with the
clamping elements on one side of the supports.

28. Rack in accordance with conclusion 12, with the
character that the suspension mediums comprise a mounting
plate to be fixed to a wall, defining a mainly vertical
axle around which the or each pair of clamping elements
swivels.

29. Rack in accordance with conclusion 12, with the
character that the suspension mediums comprise a pipe-
shaped support, to which a number of supports have been
fixed, spread circumferentially.

30. Rack in accordance with conclusion 29,
characterized by a cover to be stretched across the
supports and clamping elements.


Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



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xMPROVED RACK
The present invention concerns a rack, a drying rack
in particular. The usual drying rack has the disadvantage
5that the inner clotheslines are difficult to reach. When
hanging out the laundry it must be taken from one hand to
the other at the upper side or bottom side of the rack,
in order to be fixed with clothes pegs. When the laundry
has dried the same actions have to be performed for the
l0second time.
When hanging out laundry one always has to perform a
lot of actions, which costs a lot of time. Moreover one
often is short of clothes pegs, due to which laundry is
hung unfixed. This may cause the laundry to drop on the
l5ground and get dirty. Besides one often leaves the
clothes pegs on the rack, so that the rack is hard to
collapse and the clothes pegs can be damaged.
From JP 2003/010596 we already know of a collapsible
drying rack, made up of a stand consisting of two
20swivelling connected U-shaped frames and a number of
drying arms connected to them. The drying arms stretch
diagonally to the stand, so that laundry can be hung on
them more easily than on conventional drying racks. The
laundry still has to be fixed to the drying arms, for
25example with clothes pegs.
From US 2, 443, 696 we know of another drying rack,
made up of a hanging part that forms a vertical axle. A
number of drying arms are mounted on top of each other,
swivelling around this axle. Each drying arm is
30constructed two-fold, so that in the arm a slot ~is formed
accessible through a narrow opening in the side of the
drying arm. In this slot the laundry can be hung.
The aim of the invention is to provide an improved
drying rack, one on which it is easy to hang laundry
35without the laundry needing to be fixed separately.
According to the invention this is achieved by means of a
drying rack fitted with at least one pair of mainly
parallel, elongated, mating clamping elements, one end of
each of which being fixed to a support, so that the
40mating clamping elements form a narrow, slot-shaped space
in between for the clamping of the laundry. By using one
or more pairs of clamping elements, between which laundry
can be slid from each free end and be clamped at the same
time, an easily constructed drying rack is obtained, on
45which laundry can be hung fast.
In order to be able to slide the laundry simply into
the slot-shaped gap, the free ends of the mating clamping
elements of this or each pair are preferably slightly
bent apart, to form a widened in-feed piece of the slot-
50shaped opening.
In order to fix the laundry optimally it is
preferred that the mating clamping elements of each pair
are constructed as springs pre-stressed towards each


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2
other.
In order to be able to hang a large quantity of
laundry on the drying rack, several pairs of clamping
elements can be fixed to the support.
A construction-wise simple version with only few
components is obtained when the pairs of clamping
elements are positioned in a common, mainly horizontal
plane and the clamping elements of adjoining pairs are
interconnected.
In order to be able to hang relatively thick
laundry, such as for example pillows or duvets between
adjoining pairs of clamping elements, it is preferable
for the pairs of clamping elements to be in a common,
mainly horizontal plane and be movable along the support.
A compact drying rack is obtained when the pairs of
clamping elements are in a common, mainly vertical plane
and are connected swivelling to the support.
In order to keep the laundry free from the ground the
drying rack preferably shows mediums for suspending the
20support and the clamping elements connected to it, at a
certain distance from the ground.
A rack to be put up stably and to be stored easily
is obtained when the suspension mediums are shaped like a
collapsible stand comprising two mainly U-shaped frames
25connected with their free ends swivelling to an axle.
Preferential versions of this variant of the drying rack
are described in the conclusions 14 to 20.
In order to be able to suspend the drying rack to a
balcony for example, the suspension mediums can comprise
30a couple of hook-shaped suspension elements. Preferably
applied variants of this version are the matter of
conclusions 22 to 24.
When the suspension mediums contain at least one
telescopically collapsible or extending clamp pipe, the
35rack can simply be clamped between two walls or something
of the like.
It is also conceivable that two supports are
connected back to back with each other, in such a way
that the clamping elements fixed to them stretch mainly
40in one common plane in opposite directions and the
suspension mediums are made up of at least two mainly U-
shaped frames, each connected on one side of the supports
with the clamping elements. Thus a compact drying rack is
obtained, which, for example, can be placed on a table.
45 When the suspension mediums comprise a pipe-shaped
stand, to which, circumferentially a number of supports
are fixed, the drying rack can be placed as a collapsible
clothesline in for instance a garden. In this case the
rack has the advantage that it can contain a cover to be
50tightened across the supports and clamping elements, so
that it can be used as a sunshade when it is not being
used as a drying rack.
In order to intensify the grip on the laundry the


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3
clamping elements could be fitted with ribs and/or
bendings.
The present invention has the advantage that the
drying rack is better accessible and that the laundry can
5be fixed to the drying rack in one movement. Thus fewer
movements are required, which saves time. Since the
laundry is clamped evenly across the full width, it can
better withstand gusts of wind and is prevented that one
part of a garment stretches more than the other. The
l0separate components make the drying rack better
collapsible and situations risky for children are
avoided, because clothes pegs are no longer needed.
Below the invention will be described on the basis
of a number of examples referring to the added drawing,
l5corresponding components being indicated with identical
figures of reference and in which:
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the first version
of the drying rack in accordance with the invention with
U-shaped clamping elements,
20 Fig. 2 shows a perspective view, in which the drying
rack of fig.1 has been partly collapsed,
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view, in which the drying
rack has been folded completely,
Fig. 4 shows a view of a drying rack similar to fig.
251, in which the clamping elements are used as springy
bars,
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view in which the springy
bars have been fixed parallel to the swivel axle of the
s t and,
30 Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a second version
of the invention, in which the rack has been fitted with
suspension hooks,
Fig. 7 shows a perspective view (in disassembled state)
of the third version, which can be used as a towel rack
35and which has been fitted with springy bars,
Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the version of
fig. 7 in an assembled state,
Fig. 9 shows a view of a drying rack similar to fig.
1, in which the outer U-shaped clamping elements have
40been fitted with a torsion spring,
Fig. 10 is a perspective detail view in an enlarged
scale of the U-shaped clamping elements of fig. 9,
Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a fourth version
of the rack, which can be suspended between two walls by
45means of two telescopic pipes,
Fig. 12 is a perspective detail view in an enlarged
scale of the short pipe and the rubber end cap of fig.
11,
Fig. 13 shows a view of a drying rack similar to
50fig. 1, in which the rack has been produced of rolled
section,
Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a variant in
which the springy bars at the back have been fitted with


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4
a clamping system for detachable connection with a stand,
Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of the version of
fig. 14 in an assembled state,
Fig. 16 shows a fifth version of the invention, in
5which the rack has been produced as a table-top model,
Fig. 17 is a perspective detail view in an enlarged
scale of the two coupling elements of fig. 16,
Fig. 18 is a perspective detail view in an enlarged
scale of the coupling element between the outer U-shaped
l0profiles of fig. 16,
Fig. 19 is a perspective detail view in an enlarged
scale of the clamping balls of fig. 16,
Fig. 20 shows a side view of the coupling element
fitted with a compression spring,
15 Fig. 21 shows a view similar to fig. 20, in which the
coupling element has been shifted,
Fig. 22 shows a perspective view of a variant of the
second version, in which the balcony rack is fitted with
rolled sections,
20 Fig. 23 shows a perspective view, in which the
suspension mediums and the rack are fitted parallel,
Fig. 24 shows a sixth version of the invention, in
which the drying rack is styled as a collapsible
clothesline with oval-shaped profiles,
25 Fig. 25 shows a perspective view, in which the
springy bars at the end have been bent arch-wise.
The improved drying rack in accordance with the
invention comprises a stand or standard 13, made up of
two U-shaped frames 1 (fig. 1, 2 and 3) of which the end
30comprises a flat piece 2, the centre of which has been
fitted with an opening 3. The two U-shaped frames 1 are
linked together at the end of the flat piece 2 by means
of a rivet 4, so that the two components can be swivelled
in relation to each other. Near the free end and near the
35centre of each of the U-shaped frames 1 are two supports
or axles 5, 6, which have been entered rotating at the
inner side 9 of the U-shaped frame 1. Off the lower axle
the standard is fitted with a connecting element 10,
which can swivel around the end of the lower axle 5
40through the opening 11 formed at the outer end. The other
end is fitted with an integrated hook 12, which is in
contact with the opposite axle 5 of the second U-shaped
frame 1. Thus the two U-shaped frames 1 are fixed in a
certain position, due to which together they form the
45standard 13. Moreover the standard 13 is fitted with four
locking instruments 14, which, through the opening 15
formed at the bottom end, can rotate around the pin 16 of
the standard 13. The centre and the end of the locking
instrument 14 are fitted with a nick 17, 18. Pairs of
50clamping elements are fixed to the supports or axles 5,
6, in the example shown the clamping elements of each two
adjoining pairs being linked into U-shaped bars 19, of
which the free ends 20 have been connected diagonally to


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the axle 5, 6. Parallel to the axle 5, 6 the U-shaped
bars 19 are interconnected by means of a second axle,
which reinforces it all. The outer U-shaped bars 21 are
fitted with a position pin 22, which is in contact behind
5the nick 17, 18 of the locking instrument 14, due to
which the drying rack is fixed in a certain position.
The unfolded drying rack 23 can easily and fast be
uncoupled by slightly lifting the rack 23. Thus the
position pins 22 of the U-shaped bars 21 are brought out
l0of contact of nick 17, so that the rack 23 can be
collapsed again. Turning the two locking instruments 14
and pulling them a little apart and release them again as
soon as the opening 24 is opposite the top axle 6,
provides a very simple locking. Because the position pins
1522 of the U-shaped bars 19 are retained by the nick 25,
26 of the locking instrument 14, both the bottom and the
top rack 23 are fixed at once. Thus the standard 13 can
easily be moved without any fingers being jammed in the
rack 23. The long bars 27 of the U-shaped bar 19 are
20constructed with a slight bending at the end. As a
consequence of this the two U-shaped bars 19 will
gradually incluse each other, so that laundry will simply
find a way between the two U-shaped bars.
By pushing the laundry between the two U-shaped bars
219, the laundry is clamped at once to the drying rack 23.
Owing to the improved accessibility and the fact that
clothes pegs are no longer needed, the duration of
hanging out laundry has been reduced considerably.
Moreover the drying rack without clothes pegs can be
30collapsed more easily.
In order to fix the laundry even better to the
drying rack, the drying rack could be fitted with springy
bars (fig. 4) instead of the U-shaped bars. Close to the
cross axle 5, 6 the bar 28 is bent arch-wise until, in
35relation to the cross axle 5, 6, it sticks out
vertically, due to which a spring 29 is created as it
were. This clamps laundry even better, so that even in
gusts of wind the laundry will remain on the drying rack.
The springy bar is preferably produced of material having
40springy qualities, such as for instance spring steel.
In the versions described above the U-shaped bars
and/or springy bars are mounted diagonally on the axle.
These bars could possibly also be fixed parallel to the
axle 5 (fig. 5). In this case, instead of the axle an L-
45shaped brace 30 is used, of which the short bar 31 has
been entered swivelling in the opening 7, 8 of the U-
shaped frame 1.
Parallel to the short bar 31 the standard 13 is fitted
with short springy bars 32, of which the long end 33 is
50connected diagonally to the long part 34 of the L-shaped
brace 30. In this way the standard 13 could be placed in
a corner, without loss of accessibility.
To improve the grip of the laundry the springy bars


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6
could be fitted with ribs or bendings, possibly
constructed in a staggered way, so that the laundry is
clamped even better.
To make the drying rack suitable to be mounted on a
5balcony or wall, the rack could be constructed with two
suspension mediums. In particular the left-hand and
right-hand sides of the rack 23 are fitted with a
swivelling frame 35 (fig.6), which, through openings 36,
37 formed at the end, can swivel around the bar 38 of the
10U-shaped frame 39. The ends 41 of the outer springy bars
40 are connected to the U-shaped frame 39 by means of a
small connecting bar 42, which reinforces it all. The
swivelling frame 35 is fitted at the back wit an
integrated hook 43, so that the rack 23 can be suspended.
l5After use the rack 23 can be collapsed again by folding
in the two swivelling frames 35, so that the rack only
takes up limited space.
Fig. 7 is an alternative version of the invention,
in which a towel rack is fitted with. clamping elements.
20In particular the mounting plate 44 at the top and bottom
is constructed with a short bar 45, which, at the end 46,
is fitted with a pipe-shaped element 47. Through both
pipe-shaped elements 47 a pin 48 is applied, secured at
the bottom by a securing ring 49 entered in a groove 50.
25Moreover at the backside 52 the cover piece 51 is fitted
with four rectangular openings 53, which, at the averse
side of the mounting plate 44 are constructed with a stop
rim 54 sticking out, and the mounting plate 44 is fitted
with four springy lips 55 with snap rims 56 that make
30contact behind the stop rim 54. This has made a
connection between the mounting plate 44 and the cover
piece 51 that can easily and fast be disconnected, i.e.
by pressing the four press lips 57. In this way the snap
rims 56 of the springy lips 55 are brought out of contact
35with the stop rim 54. Now the cover piece 51 can be
removed from the mounting plate 44. Between the top and
bottom short bar 45 the mounting plate 44 is fitted with
three springy bars 32 that can swivel around the pin 48
through the opening 58 formed at the outer end.
40 When, in this version, a towel is not hung parallel
across one of the springy bars, or when one side is
wetter than the other, the clamping effect of the
clamping elements will prevent a towel from falling on
the ground over and over again.
45 It is also possible to combine U-shaped bars andlor
springy bars. In this respect one side of the U-shaped
bar 19 could for instance be bent arch-wise 124 so that,
with a large loop 125, it can be connected parallel to
the long bar 126 with the axle 6 in fig. 9 and 10. In
50order to reinforce the construction of the U-shaped bars
19 the centre and end is constructed with a plastic
connecting piece 127, 134. The connecting piece 127 is
coupled to the threaded rods 128 by means of the slots


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7
129 fitted on either side, that partly show the same
Contour as the threaded rods 128. Instead of just the
outer ones in this version all of the U-shaped bars 19
are fixed in a certain position by the locking arm 14.
50ne side of the locking arm 14 is coupled to the axle 5
and the bent piece 130 is clamped swivelling in the
central connecting piece 127. The outer U-shaped bars 19
are fitted with a torsion spring 29, the short end 132 of
which is coupled to the axle 6 and the long end 133
l0partly sticks out through the front connecting piece 134.
When a thick garment is hung between the two U-shaped
bars close to the axle 6, both ends 135 of the U-shaped
bars 19 will press harder together, so that in this place
a very thin garment Can possibly be hung.
15 Figures 11 and 12 are versions in which the rack 23
can be fixed between two walls by means of telescopic
pipes. In this version the rack 23 is mounted to two long
pipes 136 the ends 137 of which are fitted with an
opening 141.
20Internally of the long pipe 136 a short pipe 138 partly
sticks out at both ends 137. The short pipe 138
preferably has the same girth as the internal diameter of
the long pipe 136. The short pipes 138 are lengthwise
fitted with a number of openings 139 and one end is
25fitted with a tapped hole 140. Through the openings 139,
141, of the long and a short pipe 136, 138, is a locking
pin 142, so that the two parts are fixed. Moreover the
rack 23 is fitted with two rubber end caps 143 the
threaded end 144 of which is tightened in the tapped hole
30140 of the short pipe 138.
To be able to clamp the drying rack between two
walls, the locking pin 142 must be removed first and next
slide in or out the short pipes 138,.after which the
short pipes can be fixed again by the locking pins 142.
35The threaded end 144 of the rubber end cap 143 can
possibly be turned in or out further to obtain the length
desired in a continuously variable way.
Since the drying rack is constructed with telescopic
bars, it can be clamped between any walls without taking
40much space.
Instead of using wire steel for the drying rack, it
could also be constructed of rolled section fig. 13. This
would make the drying rack much faster to assemble
because it takes fewer components. In this case the U-
45shaped profile 145 shows lengthwise ribs 146, fitted in
such a way that, when the profiles are staggered next to
each other, the round raised rim 147 exactly fits the
hollow space 148 of the adjoining U-shaped profile. Owing
to the ribs the garments are clamped even better and the
50bars will be a lot stronger. By means of a created
opening 192 and slot 193 the U-shaped profile 145 can
swivel at the end around the axle 6 of the standard 13.
Between the U-shaped profiles 145, around the axle 6 is a


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8
compression spring 150. The outer U-shaped profiles 151
are fitted with a torsion spring 29, the short end 132 of
which is coupled to the axle 6 and the long end 133 is
placed against the inside of the U-shaped profile. These
5compression springs 150 and torsion springs 29 make the
U-shaped profiles being pressed together.
When a garment is pushed between the two U-shaped
profiles 145, the side of which the end is fitted with a
slot 193 will shift lengthwise along the axle 6. Since
l0behind this slot a compression spring 150 is positioned,
the latter will be compressed. The garments are clamped
over the full length by this compression spring and the
torsion springs.
In order to be able to dry garments of varying
l5thickness the form and/or the size of at least one
clamping element can be adjusted.
The springy bars 32 are preferably made of plastic
and the back 96 shows a fork-shaped element 97, of which
both insides are constructed with two half-round nicks 98
20(fig. 14). The material of the fork-shaped element 97 is
reduced 99 between the two half-round nicks 98, so that
the fork-shaped element 97 needs less bending when the
latter is coupled to the two axles 6 of the standard 13.
Moreover the top of the fork-shaped element 97 is fitted
25with a small opening 100. Through the opening sticks a
knurled screw the threaded end 102 of which is screwed
tight in the tapped hole 103 of the clamping strip 104.
By loosening the knurled screw 101 the springy bar 32 can
be shifted, to be screwed tight again in the position
30required. Since the distance between the two clamping
systems 105 can be adjusted in a continuously variable
way, for instance even pillows or duvets can be clamped
between the springy bars 32.
Figures 16, 17 and 18 show an alternative version of
35the invention, in which the rack 23 is styled as a table-
top model. The table-top model 152 comprises a number of
oval-shaped profiles 153 one side of which is fitted with
nicks 155 on the inside 154 and the two ends 156 are
fixed at an angle of 15 degrees. As the two ends 156
40press against the adjoining oval-shaped profile 153 they
will move back into a position parallel to the piece 157
with the nicks 155. The centre of the drying rack is
fitted with two connecting elements 158 fitted with a
number of horizontal slots 159, one side of which is
45fitted with a raising 160. Off the nicks 155 of the oval-
shaped profile 153 the slot 159 is fitted with two
snapping rims 161, so that the oval-shaped profile will
be fixed extra.
To improve the springy qualities of the profiles, the
50slots 159 could be fitted with an integrated spring 162.
To create the spring 162 in one movement from a mould the
top 163 is fitted with an opening 164. By connecting the
two connecting elements 158 by means of a bolt 165 and


CA 02524978 2005-11-04
WO 2004/109007 PCT/EP2004/006154
9
nut 166 connection, the tops and bottoms 167 of the oval-
shaped profile 153 are fully clamped by the raising 160.
Since the other side of the slot 159 is made a bit wider
here the end 156 of the oval-shaped profile 153 can move
5back and forth. Moreover the drying rack is fitted on
both ends 168 with a U-shaped frame 169, which on both
ends is fitted with a created opening 170 fig. 18.
Through these openings is the axle 171 of the coupling
element 172, with which these U-shaped profiles can fold
l0and unfold. The coupling element 172 is coupled to the
oval-shaped profile 153 by means of the slots 129 fitted
on either side, of which the length is made such that it
is clamped exactly in the front nick 194 of the oval-
shaped profile 153. The inside of the coupling element
15172 is fitted with two vertical and two horizontal slots
173. The slots 173 partly have the same contour as the
one of the pipes of the U-shaped standard 169. To make
the slots somewhat springy there is another straight
narrow slot 195 between the two slots. As soon as the U-
20shaped stand 169 has been folded or unfolded completely
the legs 175 will be fixed by the slots 173 of the
coupling element 172, so that the rack is more stable and
can be transported easily. Instead of the torsion
springs, the legs 175 of the U-shaped frame 169 have been
25fitted at an angle of 5 degrees. When a garment is pushed
between the two oval-shaped profiles 153, the side of
which the end 156 is fitted slanting will spring inwards
and the legs 175 of the U-shaped frame 169 will spring
outwards. Since the legs 175 of the U-shaped frame 169
30press against the outer oval-shaped profiles 153 and the
slanting ends 156 in their turn press against the
adjoining oval-shaped profiles, the laundry is clamped
over the full length.
Owing to the fact that the rack is constructed by
35the oval-shaped profiles and since the connecting pieces,
compression springs and torsion springs have disappeared,
the number of parts is amply halved, so that the cost
price will be considerably lower.
The springy qualities of the U-shaped frame can
40possibly be increased, by constructing the two bent parts
with a larger loop.
Apart from the metal oval-shaped profiles the drying
rack could be combined with plastic bars fig. 19. One end
of the bar 28 is preferably fitted with a clamping system
45176 and the other end is fitted with an integrated ball
177. The clamping system 176 mainly consists of a
vertical slot 178 that partly has the same contour as the
oval-shaped profile 153. By coupling the plastic bars on
either side of the rack, even more garments can be hung
50on the rack.
To somewhat improve the springy qualities of the
rack a compression spring 180 could be fitted between the
leg 175 fig. 20 and 21 of the U-shaped frame 169 and the


CA 02524978 2005-11-04
WO 2004/109007 PCT/EP2004/006154
inner wall 179 of the coupling element 172 around the
axle 171. When, in this version, a garment is pushed
between the oval-shaped profiles 153, the legs 175 of the
U-shaped frame will remain stationary, but the distance
5between two coupling elements 172 will be extended a bit.
Fig. 22 is a version in which the balcony drying
rack is constructed with rolled U-shaped sections. In
this version the two ends 181 of the outer U-shaped
profiles 182 are fixed to the two axles 183. The bar 184
l0of the small suspension medium 185 only sticks through
the first two openings 186 of the front U-shaped profile
187. The large suspension medium 188 can swivel around
the axle 183 of the rack 190 through openings 189 formed
at the end.
In case of the above version one has to bend far
over the balcony since the rack is much lower than the
suspension mediums. The rack 190 can possibly also be
suspended off the suspension mediums 185, 188 fig. 23.
In this version both suspension mediums 185, 188 are
20connected at the bottom by a connecting bar 191. Since
the suspension mediums are mounted to the rack the two
suspension'mediums can be folded within the area of the
rack. Since the suspension mediums and the rack are at
the same level, the laundry can be hung and taken off
25with a straight back.
Instead of threaded steel or rolled section
practically the whole drying rack could be produced of
plastic. But for the two U-shaped frames, the whole rack
consists of a piece of plastic, in which the central part
30and the clamping elements are fitted with holes in the
material. Thus one gets a very light construction that
can be assembled very fast. In order to guarantee the
relief process of the mould and to prevent the oval-
shaped profiles from sliding across each other by the
35springy force of the U-shaped frame, the oval-shaped
profiles are staggered-wise differently styled. Thus one
has a straight contour rim and the adjoining oval-shaped
profile has two slanting sides.
To assemble the drying rack very simply both ends of
40the U-shaped profiles could be fitted with a snap system
designed in such a way that it can be coupled in one
movement to the two connecting elements.
To be able to hang garments of most varying
thickness side by side the hollow space of the profiles
45cou1d be fitted with a soft material. Since the soft
material easily adapts to the shape and thickness of a
garment, for instance a much thinner garment can be hung
without any problems beside a thick garment.
Since most garments are made of soft material, the
50profile could show a more pointed shape rather than a
round raised rim. Thus a thick garment will be more
compressed, due to which the seam between the two
clamping elements remains limited, so that next to the


CA 02524978 2005-11-04
WO 2004/109007 PCT/EP2004/006154
11
thick garment a thin garment can be hung.
Figure 24 is an alternative version of the
invention, in which the rack 23 is styled as a
collapsible clothesline. In this version two connecting
5elements 158 of the rack are connected on one end 196 by
means of a hinge 197. At the bottom of the hinge 197 is a
long pipe 198, which halfway the end is fitted with a
guide piece 199. Moreover the collapsible clothesline 200
is fitted with two locking arms 201, of which the opening
10202 formed at one end can swivel around the axle 203 of
the guide piece 199 and the opening 204 formed at the
other end is mounted rotating around the axle 205 of the
connecting element 158. Thus the two racks 23 are fixed
in a certain position, so that the laundry can be pushed
l5onto the rack via the topside, without having to stand
under the rack. After use the collapsible clothesline
could serve as a sunshade, for this purpose a cover is
tightened around the rack, so that one can sit out of the
sun. Besides the rack remains clean and it can be an
20ornament in the garden.
Instead of threaded steel or rolled section the U-
shaped and oval-shaped clamping elements could also be
made of another type of profile. Thus it is also possible
to produce the clamping elements of pipe, angle section,
25U-profile, square section or rectangular section.
In order to be able to create various styles the end
of the clamping element could be fitted with an end cap,
of which the shade and form can be adjusted. Possibly the
end of the springy bars 32 fig. 25 could also be bent
30arch-wise, which will not only provide an elegant effect,
but also prevents eyes from being damaged.
All versions can be combined and instead of parallel
the U-shaped bars could also be fitted in a radial
direction. In this case the U-shaped bars could be
35mounted to a vertical bar that is possibly mounted
rotating on a base, so that the drying rack will be even
more accessible.
The towel rack could possible be combined with a
hairdryer, so that the latter can easily be stored in the
40holder.
Although the invention was described above in
accordance with a number of version examples, the expert
will understand from the above text that he is not
restricted to this, but adjustments in many ways can be
45made within the dimensions of the added conclusions.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 2004-06-04
(87) PCT Publication Date 2004-12-16
(85) National Entry 2005-11-04
Examination Requested 2007-06-19
Dead Application 2010-12-20

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2009-12-18 R30(2) - Failure to Respond
2010-06-04 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $200.00 2005-11-04
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2006-06-05 $50.00 2006-04-11
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2007-06-04 $50.00 2007-05-04
Request for Examination $400.00 2007-06-19
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2008-06-04 $50.00 2008-05-23
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2009-06-04 $100.00 2009-05-20
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
VAN EIJK, MARINUS
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2005-11-04 2 84
Claims 2005-11-04 3 176
Drawings 2005-11-04 23 1,349
Description 2005-11-04 11 905
Representative Drawing 2005-11-04 1 44
Cover Page 2006-01-17 1 57
PCT 2004-06-04 1 40
PCT 2005-11-04 2 64
Assignment 2005-11-04 4 91
Fees 2006-04-11 3 70
Fees 2007-05-04 4 121
Correspondence 2007-09-24 2 58
Fees 2008-05-23 4 123
Correspondence 2008-05-23 3 75
Prosecution-Amendment 2009-03-02 2 58
Prosecution-Amendment 2007-06-19 4 96
Correspondence 2009-03-19 1 21
Correspondence 2009-05-20 4 115
Fees 2009-05-20 4 115
Prosecution-Amendment 2009-06-18 2 70