Support

Abstract

A support (1) for mounting on a door (7) from which a coat, jacket or the like can be suspended, comprises an anchor member (2) for securing to the door, and a support member (3) which is pivotally carried on a pivot pin (6). The pivot pin (6) is carried in pivot mounting brackets (5) of the anchor member (2), and the support member (3) is pivotal about the pivot pin (6) from an inoperative position parallel to the door to an operative position extending outwardly of the door (7) for facilitating suspending a coat, or jacket therefrom. An upwardly facing abutment surface (15) of the support member (3) engages a downwardly facing abutment surface (16) of the anchor member (2) at for supporting the support member (3) in the operative position. A magnet (17) in the anchor member (2) retains the support member (3) in the inoperative position. Alternatively, a torsion spring wound on the pivot pin (6) and co-operating with the support member (3) and the anchor member (2) urges and retains the support member (3) in the inoperative position.

Description

The present invention relates to a support, and in particular, to a support of the type for securing to a wall, door or other upstanding structure for supporting an article, and in particular, for supporting an article on or suspended from the support. For example, the support may be of the type which comprises a hook or hooks from which a coat, jacket, bag or the like may be suspended, or it may be in the form of a shelf for supporting an article, such as, for example, a television set, an ornament, a vase of flowers, a pot plant or the like, or it may be in the form of an open type shelf for recessing an article to be supported thereon into a recess or opening.

Such supports, for example, hooks, shelves and the like are well known, typically, they are found secured to a wall for facilitating hanging a coat or supporting a television set out of the way, and in the case of hooks, they may be provided on the back of a door for allowing a coat to be hung on the back of the door. However, such hooks, shelves and the like suffer from a number of disadvantages, for example, when not in use they take up unnecessary space, and this is particularly so in the case of shelves, and furthermore, they tend to project from the door or wall to which they are secured. In many cases such shelves and hooks may be at a level corresponding to the head or eyes of a person, and when not in use can become a hazard in that a person can inadvertently bump into the shelf or hook, thus injuring their head, or more seriously one or both eyes. A further disadvantage of such supports, and in particular, hooks for clothing when secured to a door, the hook may damage a wall adjacent the door, in that if the door is located at a position where when opened the door abuts an adjacent wall, damage may be done to the wall when the hook is not in use. Such damage, in general, does not occur when the hook is in use, in that the article of clothing suspended from the hook generally acts as a buffer between the door and the wall. These disadvantages are in general unacceptable, and there is therefore a need for a support which overcomes these problems.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a support.

According to the invention there is provided a support for supporting an article, the support comprising an anchor member for securing the support to an upstanding member, and a support member for supporting the article thereon, the support member being connected to the anchor member, wherein the support member is moveable relative to the anchor member between an inoperative position with the support member lying relatively closely to the upstanding member to which the anchor member is secured, and an operative position whereby the support member projects outwardly from the upstanding member for supporting the article thereon.

In one embodiment of the invention the support member is moveable in a generally downwardly direction from the inoperative position to the operative position.

Preferably, the support member is pivotally connected to the anchor member about a pivot axis, and is pivotal between the respective operative and inoperative positions about the pivot axis. Advantageously, the support member extends transversely from the pivot axis and terminates in a support means for supporting the article.

In one embodiment of the invention a limit means is provided for preventing further movement of the support member when it has moved into the operative position. Preferably, the limit means supports the support member in the operative position. Advantageously, the limit means comprises a pair of engageable abutment means, one of the abutment means being provided on the anchor member and the other abutment means being provided on the support member and being engageable with each other when the support member is in the operative position.

In one embodiment of the invention the abutment means on the anchor member is provided on a downwardly facing surface of the anchor member, and the abutment means on the support member is provided on an upwardly facing surface of the support member so that as the support member is moving from the inoperative position to the operative position, the respective abutment means engage each other when the support member moves into the operative position.

Preferably, the abutment means on the support member is located on the support member relative to the pivot axis on an opposite side of the pivot axis to that on which the support means is located.

Alternatively, the abutment means on the anchor member is provided on an upwardly facing surface of the anchor member, and the abutment means on the support member is provided on a downwardly facing surface of the support member. Advantageously, the abutment means on the support member is located on the support member intermediate the pivot axis and the support means.

In one embodiment of the invention the limit means supports the support member in the operative position with the support member extending outwardly from the upstanding member.

In another embodiment of the invention the limit means supports the support member in the operative position with the support member extending outwardly from the upstanding member at an angle greater than zero to the horizontal, with the support member inclining downwardly towards the upstanding member. Preferably, the support member is supported by the limit means in the operative position inclined at an angle to the horizontal in the range up to 10° from the horizontal. Advantageously, the support member is supported by the limit means in the operative position inclined at an angle to the horizontal in the range up to 5° from the horizontal. Ideally, the support member is supported by the limit means in the operative position inclined at an angle to the horizontal of approximately 1° from the horizontal.

In another embodiment of the invention a retaining means is provided for retaining the support member in the inoperative position.

In one embodiment of the invention the retaining means comprises a resilient urging means for resiliently urging the support member from the operative position into the inoperative position, and for retaining the support member in the inoperative position. Preferably, the urging strength of the resilient urging means is such as to permit the support member to be urged from the inoperative to the operative position and to be retained in the operative position by the weight of the article being supported thereon. Advantageously, the resilient urging means comprises a spring.

In one embodiment of the invention the urging means comprises a torsion spring co-axially located with the pivot axis.

Alternatively, the retaining means comprises a pair of interengageable complementary formations, one of the said formations being formed on the support member, and the other on the anchor member so that when the support member is in the inoperative position the interengageable complementary formations releasably engage each other for retaining the support member in the inoperative position. Preferably, the interengageable complementary formations engage each other with a snap-fit action.

In another embodiment of the invention the retaining means comprises a permanent magnet located on one of the anchor member and the support member for co-operating with the other member for retaining the support member in the inoperative position. Preferably, the permanent magnet is located in the anchor member and co-operates with a magnetic member in the support member. Advantageously, the support member is of a magnetic material for co-operating with the permanent magnet for retaining the support member in the inoperative position.

In one embodiment of the invention the anchor member comprises a base member for securing to the upstanding member. Preferably, at least one pivot mounting bracket is carried on the base member for pivotally carrying the support member. Advantageously, a pivot pin is carried by the pivot mounting bracket for pivotally engaging the support member, the pivot pin defining the pivot axis about which the support member is pivotal. Ideally, a pair of spaced apart pivot mounting brackets are provided for accommodating the support member therebetween.

Preferably, the pivot pin extends between the respective pivot mounting brackets for pivotally engaging the support member.

In another embodiment of the invention the support means comprises at least one hook extending from the support member for supporting clothing or other articles suspended therefrom. Preferably, a plurality of hooks are provided.

In another embodiment of the invention the support means comprises a support ring located at the end of the support member. Preferably, the support ring is adapted for receiving one or more coat hangers with clothing suspended therefrom. Advantageously, the support ring is adapted for receiving a container therein and supporting the container within the support ring.

In another embodiment of the invention the support means comprises a platform for forming a shelf for supporting an article thereon.

In another embodiment of the invention a mounting means is provided for mounting and securing the anchor member to the upstanding member. Preferably, the mounting means comprises a releasable mounting means. Advantageously, the mounting means comprises a mounting bracket. Ideally, the mounting bracket is adapted for engaging over the top of a door or a window.

The invention also provides an upstanding member comprising the support according to the invention secured thereto.

Further, the invention provides a door comprising the support according to the invention secured thereto.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that it provides a support, the anchor member of which can readily easily be secured to a door, wall or other upstanding member, and the support means can readily easily be pivoted from an inoperative to an operative position. Thus, when the support member is not required it can be moved out of the way into the inoperative position where it occupies minimum space, and avoids any danger of a person bumping into it or knocking against it. When required, the support member can readily easily be moved from the inoperative position to the operative position for supporting an article. A particularly important advantage of the invention is its adaptability. The support according to the invention can be provided in many forms, for example, in the form of a coat hook, a support for coat hangers, a shelf, and where provided as a shelf, the shelf may be of any desired size, for example, may be of sufficient size for supporting a television set, a flower vase or flower pot or any other article. Indeed, the uses to which the support according to the invention may be put are effectively limitless. A further advantage of the invention is achieved when the support member is pivotally connected to the anchor member, and a particularly advantageous form of the invention is provided when the support member is pivotal downwardly from the inoperative to the operative position. The advantage of providing the support with the support member pivotal downwardly from the inoperative position to the operative position is that when the support member is pivoted into the operative position, it can readily easily be supported by any suitable limit means, and the limit means as well as supporting the support member in the operative position also limits downward movement of the support member so that the support member cannot pivot downwardly beyond the operative position. The provision of a retaining means provides a further advantageous form of the support, in that the support member is readily easily and releasably secured in the inoperative position.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a support according to the invention in an inoperative position,

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the support of FIG. 1 in the position of FIG. 1 in use,

FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the support of FIG. 1 on the line III-III of FIG. 1 in an operative position, in use,

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the support of FIG. 1 similar to that of FIG. 3, illustrating the support in an intermediate position between the inoperative and the operative positions,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the support of FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another portion of the support of FIG. 1,

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a portion of a support according to another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of the support of FIG. 7 on the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of a portion of a support according to a further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 of the portion of the support of FIG. 9 on the line X-X of FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of a portion of a support according to a still further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the portion of the support of FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of a portion of a support according to a still further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of a portion of a support according to a still further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a support according to a still further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the support of FIG. 15 illustrating portions of the support in a different position,

FIG. 17 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of a support according to another embodiment of the invention, in use,

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 17 of the support of FIG. 17 illustrated with a portion of the support in a different position,

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 17 of the support of FIG. 17 illustrated with a portion of the support in another different position,

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the support of FIG. 17,

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of a support according to another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of another support according to a further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 23 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of the support of FIG. 22,

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional front elevational view of the support of FIG. 23 on the line XXIV-XXIV of FIG. 23,

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a part of the portion of the support of FIG. 22, and

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another part of the portion of the support of FIG. 22.

Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1 to 6, there is illustrated a support according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. In this embodiment of the invention the support is a hook, which is particularly suitable for securing to an upstanding member, for example, to the back of a door 7, wall or the like and from which articles, such as coats, jackets, bags and the like may be suspended therefrom. The hook 1 comprises an anchor member 2 for securing to the door 7, and a support member 3 which is pivotally carried on the anchor member 2, and is pivotal downwardly from an inoperative position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 to an operative position illustrated in FIG. 3 for receiving the article or articles to be suspended therefrom. In the inoperative position the support member 3 lies relatively closely to the door 7 to which the hook 1 is secured, and in this embodiment of the invention lies substantially parallel to the door 7. In the operative position the support member 3 extends outwardly from the door 7.

The anchor member 2 comprises a base member 4 for engaging and securing to the door 7, and a pair of pivot mounting brackets 5 extending from the base member 4 for carrying a pivot pin 6, which in turn pivotally carries the support member 3. The pivot pin 6 is located in bores 8 through the pivot mounting brackets 5, and defines a pivot axis 13 about which the support member 3 is pivotal between the inoperative and the operative positions. A pivot bore 14 extending through the support member 3 pivotally engages the pivot pin 6 so that the support member 3 is pivotal between the operative and the inoperative positions about the pivot axis 13. Screw accommodating bores 9 extending through the pivot mounting brackets 5 accommodate screws or other suitable fasteners for securing the anchor member 2 to the door 7.

The support member 3 comprises an elongated shank 10 which terminates at its distal end 11 in a support means, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises three article engaging members 12 which diverge outwardly from the shank 10 for engaging three articles to be suspended from the hook 1.

A limit means for preventing further downward pivotal movement of the support member 3 when it reaches the operative position and for supporting the support member 3 in the operative position comprises a pair of abutment means, namely, a downwardly facing abutment surface 16 of the base member 4 and an upwardly facing abutment surface 15 of the support member 3. The abutment surface 15 extends from the shank 10 beyond the pivot bore 14 for engaging the abutment surface 16 on the underside of the base member 4 when the support member 3 is in the operative position and for supporting the support member 3 in the operative position. The support member 3 is thus pivotal downwardly from the inoperative position to the operative position, and as the support member 3 is pivoted into the operative position the abutment surface 15 of the support member 3 pivots generally upwardly to engage the abutment surface 16 of the base member 4, thereby, supporting the support member 3 in the operative position.

A retaining means comprising a permanent magnet 17 is located in the base member 4 for co-operating with the shank 10 of the support member 3 for retaining the support member 3 in the inoperative position. The shank 10 may be of a magnetic material, or alternatively, may have a portion of magnetic material located therein for co-operating with the permanent magnet 17 when the support member 3 is in the inoperative position, for retaining the support member 3 in the inoperative position.

The anchor member 2 and the support member 3 are dimensioned and shaped so that when the support member 3 is in the inoperative position the support member 3 is flush with surfaces 18 and 19 of the pivot mounting brackets 5 so that the hook 1 when in the inoperative position occupies the minimum amount of space. When in the operative position the support member 3 lies flush with the surfaces 19 of the pivot mounting brackets 5 for aesthetic purposes. Additionally, the base member 4 is dimensioned so that the abutment surfaces 15 and 16 of the support member 3 and the anchor member 2, respectively, engage each other just before the support member 3 is horizontal. Ideally, the abutment surfaces 15 and 16 co-operate with each other for supporting the support member in the operative position with the portion 16 of the support member 3 inclined downwardly towards the door 7 at an angle of between 1° and 5° to the horizontal, so that the support member 3 is supported in the operative position downwardly inclined towards the door 7 at an angle of between 1° and 5°.

In use, the hook 1 is secured to the door 7 by securing the anchor member 2 to the door 7 by screws (not shown) through the screw accommodating bores 9. When not required the support member 3 is retained in the inoperative position by the permanent magnet 17. When the hook 1 is required the support member 3 is pivoted downwardly from the inoperative to the operative position, and an article or articles to be suspended from the hook 1 are engaged on the respective article engaging members 12. Similarly, when the hook 1 is no longer required the support member 3 is pivoted upwardly into the inoperative position where it is retained by the magnet 17 until next required.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is illustrated a support member, indicated generally by the reference numeral 30, of a support (not shown) according to another embodiment of the invention, which in this case is also in the form of a hook. The support member 30 is substantially similar to the support member 3 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the support member 30 and the support member 3 is in the shape of the support means which extends from the shank 10. In this embodiment of the invention the support means is provided by a plurality of article engaging members 31 which extend radially outwardly from a circular ring member 32 which in turn extends from the shank 10. A pivot bore 14 extends through the shank 10 for pivotally engaging a pivot pin of an anchor member similar to the anchor member 2 of the hook 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6. Otherwise, the support member 30 is substantially similar to the support member 3, and when assembled with an anchor member similar to that of the hook of FIG. 1 its operation is likewise similar.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is illustrated a support member 40 of a support according to another embodiment of the invention. The support member 40 is substantially similar to the support member 3 of the hook 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The support member 40 in this embodiment of the invention comprises a shank 10 which terminates in a support means formed by a circular ring member 41 which is suitable for receiving coat hangers with clothing supported thereon. The coat hangers (not shown) are engaged on the circular ring member 41. Spacer members 42 are formed on the upper side of the circular ring member 41 for separating one hanger from another, or for separating a group of hangers from another group of hangers. A pivot bore 14 extends through the shank 10 for pivotally engaging a pivot pin of an anchor member similar to the anchor member 2 of the hook 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6. Otherwise, the support member 40 is substantially similar to the support member 3, and when assembled with an anchor member similar to that of the hook of FIG. 1 its operation is likewise similar.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is illustrated a support member 50 of a support according to another embodiment of the invention. The support member 50 is substantially similar to the support member 3, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the support member 50 and the support member 3 is in the support means. In this embodiment of the invention instead of the support means being provided by article engaging members, the support means is provided by a platform 51 which is located at the end of the shank 10 to form a shelf in the operative position for supporting any type article thereon, for example, a television set, a vase of flowers, a flower pot, or indeed any other article. A pivot bore 14 extends through the shank 10 for pivotally engaging a pivot pin of an anchor member similar to the anchor member 2 of the hook 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6. Otherwise, the support member 50 is substantially similar to the support member 3, and when assembled with an anchor member similar to that of the hook of FIG. 1 its operation is likewise similar.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a support member 60 of a support according to a still further embodiment of the invention. The support member 60 is substantially similar to the support member 3, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the support member 60 and the support member 3 is that instead of the support means being provided by article engaging members, the support means is provided by a platform 61 located at the end of the shank 10 for forming a shelf when in the operative position. The platform in this embodiment of the invention is a circular platform, and is suitable in particular for supporting an article thereon, such as an ornament, a vase of flowers, a pot plant or the like. A pivot bore 14 extends through the shank 10 for pivotally engaging a pivot pin of an anchor member similar to the anchor member 2 of the hook 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6. Otherwise, the support member 60 is substantially similar to the support member 3, and when assembled with an anchor member similar to that of the hook of FIG. 1 its operation is likewise similar.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is illustrated a support member 70 of a support according to a still further embodiment of the invention. The support member 70 is substantially similar to the support member 60 already described with reference to FIG. 13, with the exception that the support member 70 is provided with a platform 71 which is of diameter considerably smaller than that of the platform 61. However, in this embodiment of the invention the shank 10 is considerably longer than the shank 10 of the support member 60. A pivot bore 14 extends through the shank 10 for pivotally engaging a pivot pin of an anchor member similar to the anchor member 2 of the hook 1 of FIGS. 1 to 6. Otherwise, the support member 70 is substantially similar to the support member 3, and when assembled with an anchor member similar to that of the hook of FIG. 1 its operation is likewise similar.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16 there is illustrated a support according to a still further embodiment of the invention which is indicated generally by the reference numeral 80. The support 80 is substantially similar to the hook 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. However, in this embodiment of the invention the anchor member 2 carries three support members 81, 82 and 83. The support member 81 is substantially similar to the support member 3 of FIGS. 1 to 6, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The support members 82 and 83 are substantially similar to the support member 40 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, and again similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The support members 81, 82 and 83 are independently pivotally connected to the anchor member 2 and are independently pivotal between the inoperative position illustrated in FIG. 16, and the operative position illustrated in FIG. 15, whereby the support members 81, 82 and 83 extend generally outwardly from the upstanding member (not shown) to which the anchor member 2 is secured.

Otherwise, the support 80 is similar to the hook 1, and its operation is likewise similar.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 to 20, there is illustrated a support according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 90. The support 90 is substantially similar to the hook 1 illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the support 90 and the hook 1 is that the support 90 comprises an anchor member 91 which is different to the anchor member 2 of the hook 1. In this embodiment of the invention the anchor member 91 comprises a pair of pivot mounting brackets 92 which extend upwardly from a transversely extending cross-member 93. A mounting means, namely, a door engaging mounting bracket 94 extends rearwardly from the pivot mounting brackets 92 for releasably engaging the top of a door 95, a portion only of which is illustrated in FIG. 17, for securing the anchor member 91 to the door 95. The mounting bracket 94 defines with the pivot mounting brackets 92 and the cross-member 93 an inverted U-shaped bracket for snugly fitting over the top of the door 95.

In this embodiment of the invention the support 90 comprises a support member which is in the form of an elongated shank 96 which is pivotally carried on the pivot pin 6 extending between the pivot mounting brackets 92 and engaged in the bores 8 of the pivot mounting brackets 92. The shank 96 is pivotal downwardly from the inoperative position illustrated in FIG. 18 to the operative position illustrated in FIG. 17 for supporting an article, for example, a coat or other article hooked onto the shank 96. However, in this embodiment of the invention the limit means comprises an upwardly facing abutment surface 97 on the cross-member 93, and a downwardly engaging abutment surface 99 on the shank 96, for engaging the abutment surface 97 of the cross-member 93 when the shank 97 is in the operative position. The abutment surface of the shank 96 lies between the pivot axis 13 and a distal end 98 of the shank 96, and thus when the abutment surfaces 97 and 99 are in engagement with each other the shank 96 is supported in the operative position.

Although not illustrated, a retaining means is provided for retaining the shank 96 in the inoperative position, and in this embodiment of the invention the retaining means is provided by a coiled torsion spring (not shown) on the pivot pin 6 which acts between the shank 96 and the anchor member 91 for urging the shank 96 into the inoperative position.

In use, the support 90 is engaged on the top of a door 95 by engaging the mounting bracket 94 over the top of the door 95 as illustrated in FIG. 17. When not required the shank 96 is retained in the inoperative position by the torsion spring (not shown). When required, the shank 96 is pivoted downwardly from the inoperative position to the operative position for supporting an article thereon, which may, for example, be a coat, an umbrella or the like hooked on and suspended from the shank 96. The torsional force in the coiled torsion spring (not shown) for returning the shank 96 to the inoperative position is chosen to be sufficient for returning the shank when unloaded to the inoperative position, and for retaining the shank 96 in the inoperative position. However, the torsional force is also chosen to be such as to permit the shank 96 to be pivoted from the inoperative position to the operative position manually, and also to be retained in the operative position by the load applied to the shank 96 by the article or articles supported on the shank 96. Thus, when supporting an article, the shank 96 is retained in the operative position, and when the article is removed from the shank 96 the shank is urged into the inoperative position and retained therein by the torsion spring (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 21 there is illustrated a portion of a support according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. The support 100 is substantially similar to the hook 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the support 100 and the hook 1 is that the 30 retaining means for retaining the support member 3 in the inoperative position in this embodiment of the invention is provided by two pairs of interengageable complimentary formations, one formation of each pair of formations being provided by a recess 101 formed in the corresponding pivot mounting bracket 5, and the other formation of each pair of complimentary formations being provided by a detent 102 on a corresponding side 103 of the support member 3. In other words, one detent 102 is provided on each of the respective opposite sides 103 of the support member 3 which engages in the corresponding recess 101 in the adjacent pivot mounting bracket 5. The detents 102 and the recesses 101 are sized to engage each other with a snap-fit action when the support member 3 is in the inoperative position. The support member 3 is pivoted from the inoperative position to the operative position by exerting an initial force on the support member 3 for overcoming the initial retaining force between the detents 102 and the recesses 101 so that the support member 3 can be pivoted downwardly into the operative position. In this embodiment of the invention the support 100 is of a plastics material, and thus has a degree of inherent resilience, which facilitates the interengagement of the detents 102 with the recesses 101 with the snap-fit action, and also facilitates disengagement of the respective detents 102 from the recesses 101.

Otherwise, the support 100 is similar to the hook 1, and its operation is likewise similar.

Referring now to FIGS. 22 to 26 there is illustrated a support 110 according to a further embodiment of the invention which is substantially similar to the hook 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the support 110 and the hook 1 is in the retaining means for retaining the support member 3 in the inoperative position. In this embodiment of the invention the retaining means comprises a pair of coiled torsion springs 112 located on respective opposite sides 113 of the support member 3. The torsion springs 112 are formed from a single piece of wire 114 which extends across the top of the support member 3, and is cranked at 115 to form legs 116 which extend downwardly to the springs 112. A cross piece 117 extending between the legs 116 bears on the top surface of the support member 3, and a pair of terminating legs 118 extending from each spring 116 engage upper surfaces 119 of corresponding recesses 120 in the corresponding adjacent pivot mounting bracket 5. The co-operating action between the cross piece 117 acting on the support member 3 and the terminating legs 118 acting on the upper surfaces 119 of the pivot mounting brackets 5 urge the support member 3 upwardly from the operative position to the inoperative position. The torsional force exerted by the torsion springs 112 on the support member 3 is sufficient for urging the support member 3 when it is unloaded into the inoperative position, and also for retaining the support member 3 in the inoperative position. However, the torsional force in the spring 112 is such that the support member 3 can be readily easily urged downwardly from the inoperative into the operative position, and when in the operative position the weight of an article is sufficient for retaining the support member 3 in the operative position.

In use, while the support 110 is unused, the action of the springs 112 retain the support member 3 in the inoperative position. When it is desired to use the support 110, the support member 3 is pivoted downwardly against the action of the springs 112, and by hanging a coat, or clothes on a coat hanger or any other article on the support member 3 the weight of the article or articles is sufficient for retaining the support member 3 in the operative position. On removal of the articles suspended from the support member 3 the action of the springs 112 returns the support member 3 to the inoperative position.

Otherwise, the support 110 and its operation is similar to that already described with reference to the hook 1 of the FIGS. 1 to 6.

While only the support 90 according to the invention has been described as comprising a mounting means for mounting the support on a door, the supports according to the other embodiments of the invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16 may, if desired, also be provided with such a mounting means. Needless to say, other suitable mounting means besides the mounting bracket described with reference to the support of FIGS. 17 to 20 may be provided for mounting the support onto a door, window or the like. It will of course be appreciated that if desired the anchor member of the support of FIGS. 17 to 20 may be provided with screw accommodating bores for accommodating a screw into the upstanding member to which the support is to be secured.

In general, it is envisaged that when the support members of the supports according to the invention are in their operative position they will extend substantially horizontally outwardly from the upstanding member to which the anchor member is secured. However, in order to change the direction of the stress from the horizontal to the vertical, in practice the abutment surfaces 15 and 16 and 97 and 99 engage each other so that the support member inclines very slightly upwardly outwardly from the upstanding member at an angle between 1° and 5° to the horizontal, and ideally at an angle of approximately 1° to the horizontal.

While the retaining means of some of the supports according to the invention have been described as being provided by a magnet, it is envisaged that any other suitable retaining means may be provided. For example, the retaining means may be provided by a releasable catch, clip, clasp or the like, as, for example, the interengageable formations described in the support of FIG. 21.

It is also envisaged that the support member may be urged into the inoperative position, for example, by any suitable urging means, such as, for example, a spring or the like, such as a torsion spring as has been described with reference to the support of FIGS. 17 to 20, and FIGS. 22 to 26. In all such cases, it is envisaged that the spring force would be sufficient so that the spring or other urging means would act to retain the support member in the inoperative position. However, it is also envisaged that the urging force of the spring or other urging means would be such that the urging force would be overcome by the article or articles which were to be supported on or suspended from the support member so that the weight of the article or articles would be sufficient for retaining the support member in. Needless to say, any other suitable retaining means may be provided.

It is also envisaged that while the support members have been described as having specific numbers of article engaging members, the support member may have any number of article engaging members, for example, one, two, or any other number, although it is envisaged that six may well be the maximum number of article engaging members which could be provided in a practical embodiment of the invention, although it is to be appreciated that the invention is not to be limited to a hook which has a maximum of six article engaging members.

While the support member has been described as comprising article engaging hooks and shelves, it will be readily apparent that the support means of the support member may be adapted for supporting any type of article. For example, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the support means may be provided by a ring, which may be of shape other than circular, for example, square, rectangular, hexagonal, or any other shape, which would be adapted for receiving a flower pot or other article within the opening defined by the ring for supporting the flower pot or flower vase with a floral arrangement therein, and the dimensions of the ring would be such as to engage a flange or other part of the flower pot or flower vase for retaining the flower pot or flower vase supported within the ring. Such an arrangement of support means would be particularly suitable for supporting a floral array on a wall of a house or building adjacent or over a door, window, or the like.

While the supports according to the invention have been described as being suitable for mounting on a door, the supports which may be mounted on any other upstanding member, for example, a wall, a partition, a window or indeed any other such upstanding member.

The support may be manufactured from any suitable material, for example, plastics material, metal, metal alloy, aluminium, steel, brass, copper, wood, or indeed, any other suitable or desired material. In general, it is envisaged that the anchor member and the support member will be manufactured of the same material, although it is not essential that the two should be manufactured from the same material. In the event of the support being manufactured from a non-magnetic material, where the retaining means is provided by a permanent magnet, if the permanent magnet is located in the anchor member, then a corresponding portion of the support member would be provided with a magnetic type material located in the support member to correspond with the permanent magnet, or vice versa should the permanent magnet be located in the support member.

Claims

1-43. (Canceled)

44. A support for supporting an article, the support comprising an anchor member (2,91) for securing the support to an upstanding member (7), and a support member (3,30,40,50,60,70,81,82,83,90) for supporting the article thereon, the support member (3) being connected to the anchor member (2), characterised in that the support member (3) is moveable relative to the anchor member (2) between an inoperative position with the support member (3) lying relatively closely to the upstanding member (7) to which the anchor member (2) is secured, and an operative position whereby the support member (3) projects outwardly from the upstanding member (7) for supporting the article thereon.

45. A support as claimed in claim 44 characterised in that the support member (3) is moveable in a generally downwardly direction from the inoperative position to the operative position.

46. A support as claimed in claim 44 characterised in that the support member (3) is pivotally connected to the anchor member (2) about a pivot axis (13), and is pivotal between the respective operative and inoperative positions about the pivot axis (13), and preferably, the support member (3) extends transversely from the pivot axis (13) and terminates in a support means (3) for supporting the article.

47. A support as claimed in claim 44 characterised in that a limit means (15,16,97,99) is provided for preventing further movement of the support member (3) when it has moved into the operative position, and advantageously, the limit means (15,16,97,99) supports the support member (3) in the operative position.

48. A support as claimed in claim 47 characterised in that the limit means (15,16,97,99) comprises a pair of engageable abutment means, one of the abutment means being provided on the anchor member (2) and the other abutment means being provided on the support member (3) and being engageable with each other when the support member (3) is in the operative position, and preferably, the abutment means on the anchor member (2) is provided on a downwardly facing surface of the anchor member (2), and the abutment means on the support member (3) is provided on an upwardly facing surface of the support member (3) so that as the support member (3) is moving from the inoperative position to the operative position, the respective abutment means engage each other when the support member (3) moves into the operative position.

49. A support as claimed in claim 48 characterised in that the abutment means on the support member (3) is located on the support member (3) relative to the pivot axis (13) on an opposite side of the pivot axis (13) to that on which the support means is located, or alternatively, the abutment means on the anchor member (2) is provided on an upwardly facing surface of the anchor member (2), and the abutment means on the support member (3) is provided on a downwardly facing surface of the support member (3), and preferably, the abutment means on the support member (3) is located on the support member (3) intermediate the pivot axis (13) and the support means.

50. A support as claimed in claim 47 characterised in that the limit means (15,16,97,99) supports the support member (3) in the operative position with the support member (3) extending outwardly from the upstanding member.

51. A support as claimed in claim 47 characterised in that the limit means (15,16,97,99) supports the support member (3) in the operative position with the support member (3) extending outwardly from the upstanding member at an angle greater than zero to the horizontal, with the support member (3) inclining downwardly towards the upstanding member, and preferably, the support member (3) is supported by the limit means (15,16,97,99) in the operative position inclined at an angle to the horizontal in the range up to 10° from the horizontal, and advantageously, the support member (3) is supported by the limit means (15,16,97,99) in the operative position inclined at an angle to the horizontal in the range up to 5° from the horizontal, and preferably, the support member (3) is supported by the limit means (15,16,97,99) in the operative position inclined at an angle to the horizontal of approximately 1° from the horizontal.

52. A support as claimed in claim 44 characterised in that a retaining means (17,101,102,112) is provided for retaining the support member (3) in the inoperative position, and advantageously, the retaining means (17,101,102,112) comprises a resilient urging means (112) for resiliently urging the support member (3) from the operative position into the inoperative position, and for retaining the support member (3) in the inoperative position, and preferably, the urging strength of the resilient urging means is such as to permit the support member (3) to be urged from the inoperative to the operative position and to be retained in the operative position by the weight of the article being supported thereon, and advantageously, the resilient urging means comprises a spring (112).

53. A support as claimed in claim 52 characterised in that the urging means comprises a torsion spring (112) co-axially located with the pivot axis (13).

54. A support as claimed in claim 52 characterised in that the retaining means (17,101,102,112) comprises a pair of interengageable complementary formations (101,102), one (102) of the said formations being formed on the support member (3), and the other (101) on the anchor member (2) so that when the support member (3) is in the inoperative position the interengageable complementary formations releasably engage each other for retaining the support member (3) in the inoperative position, and preferably, the interengageable complementary formations engage each other with a snap-fit action.

55. A support as claimed in claim 52 characterised in that the retaining means comprises a permanent magnet (17) located on one of the anchor member (2) and the support member (3) for co-operating with the other member for retaining the support member (3) in the inoperative position, and preferably, the permanent magnet (17) is located in the anchor member (2) and co-operates with a magnetic member in the support member (3), and advantageously, the support member (3) is of a magnetic material for co-operating with the permanent magnet (17) for retaining the support member (3) in the inoperative position.

56. A support as claimed in claim 44 characterised in that the anchor member (2) comprises a base member (4) for securing to the upstanding member, and preferably, at least one pivot mounting bracket (5,92) is carried on the base member (4) for pivotally carrying the support member (3), and advantageously, a pivot pin (16) is carried by the pivot mounting bracket (5,92) for pivotally engaging the support member (3), the pivot pin (6) defining the pivot axis (13) about which the support member (3) is pivotal.

57. A support as claimed in claim 56 characterised in that a pair of spaced apart pivot mounting brackets (5,92) are provided for accommodating the support member (3) therebetween, and preferably, the pivot pin extends between the respective pivot mounting brackets (5,92) for pivotally engaging the support member (3).

58. A support as claimed in claim 44 characterised in that the support means comprises at least one hook (1,30) extending from the support member (3) for supporting clothing or other articles suspended therefrom, and advantageously, a plurality of hooks (1,30) are provided.

59. A support as claimed in claim 44 characterised in that the support means comprises a support ring (32,41) located at the end of the support member (3), and preferably, the support ring (32,41) is adapted for receiving one or more coat hangers with clothing suspended therefrom, or alternatively, the support ring (32,41) is adapted for receiving a container therein and supporting the container within the support ring (32,41).

60. A support as claimed in claim 44 characterised in that the support means comprises a platform (51,61,71) for forming a shelf for supporting an article thereon.

61. A support as claimed in claim 44 characterised in that a mounting means is provided for mounting and securing the anchor member (2) to the upstanding member, and preferably, the mounting means comprises a releasable mounting means, and advantageously, the mounting means comprises a mounting bracket (5,92), and preferably, the mounting bracket (5,92) is adapted for engaging over the top of a door (7,95) or a window.

62. An upstanding member comprising the support as claimed in claim 44 secured thereto.

63. A door comprising the support as claimed in claim 44 secured thereto.