Mounting assembly

Abstract

A mounting assembly (10) for angularly moving an apparatus between a first position and for supporting the apparatus in a second position, the mounting assembly including a support member (18 ) securable to a single stud of a cavity wall and arranged, in use, to support the mounting assembly (10) and apparatus when so secured; a first link member (32) having a pair of link arms (34) and a body portion (36) therebetween, first ends (38) of the link arms (34) being pivotally mounted to the support member (18) and second ends (54) of the link arms (34) being pivotally mounted to the apparatus distal to an end of the apparatus; and second link member (40) having a pair of link arms (42) and a body portion (44) therebetween, first ends (46) of the link arms (42)being pivotally mounted to the support member (18) and second ends (48) of the link arms (42) being pivotally mounted to the apparatus proximal to said end of the apparatus; wherein, in use, interaction between the first (32) and second (40) link members restricts angular movement of the apparatus beyond the second position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a mounting assembly and to components thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] International Patent Application No. PCT/AU96/00443 discloses a mounting assembly for a member which enables the member to be angularly moved from a storage position to a working position. The mounting assembly has two links (first and second) which are each pivotally mounted to both a support and to a member. A first end of the first link is pivotally mounted to the support and a first end of the second link is pivotally mounted to the support. A second end of the first link is pivotally mounted to the member distal to an end of the member and a second end of the second link is pivotally mounted to the member proximate the end of the member, ie. the second end of the second link is pivotally mounted to the member closer to the end of the member than the second end of the first link. Stop means restrict movement of the member past the working position.

[0004] An embodiment of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU96/00443 discloses that a pair of the above mentioned mounting assemblies may be spaced apart to support an ironing board. The first ends of the links of the two mounting assemblies are pivotally mounted to a support which is secured to a wall. The second ends of the links of the pair of mounting assemblies are pivotally mounted to respective spaced apart members which support the ironing board. The pair of mounting assemblies and the pair of members to which they are mounted are spaced apart from one another by about half the longitudinal extent of the working surface of an ironing board with a about half the working surface of the ironing board being foldable on to the other half of the working surface. In its storage position, the working surface of the ironing board is folded atop itself and positioned substantially vertically adjacent the support secured to the wall. When the ironing board is desired in its working position, the pair of spaced apart members which support the ironing board are supported during angular movement from their substantially vertical storage position to their substantially horizontal working position by the pair of mounting assemblies. The stop means of each mounting assembly prevents its member moving beyond the working position and supports its member (and hence the ironing board) in the working position. On reaching the working position, the working surface of the ironing board is unfolded and the ironing board is available for use.

[0005] The foldaway ironing board embodiment of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU96/00443 referred to above is advantageous in that it provides for compact storage in the storage position and in the working position facilitates use equivalent to a conventional portable ironing board of the kind which is supported from the ground by scissor action legs. It is also advantageous compared with other foldaway ironing boards such as those discussed from page 1 line 19 to page 2 line 18 of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU96/00443 because the mounting assembly of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU96/00443 both facilitates movement between the storage and working positions and supports the ironing board in the working position without any additional supporting struts or legs. However, the foldaway ironing board of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU96/00443 suffers from a significant disadvantage. To enable the pair of mounting assemblies to sufficiently support the ironing board in the working position, they are typically spaced as far apart from one another as possible. In the embodiment referred to above in which the working surface folds atop itself, the mounting assemblies are spaced apart from one another by about half the longitudinal extent of the ironing board. Such spacing apart of the mounting assemblies achieves satisfactory support for the ironing board in the working position but results in two problems. Firstly, the support(s) to which the first ends of the links of the mounting assemblies are pivotally mounted must be secured to a wall or the like. Each mounting assembly could be pivotally mounted to a separate support but for enhanced structural rigidity, they are desirably mounted to a common support. In either case, problems arise in securing the support(s) to a cavity wall. Cavity walls having a series of vertically extending studs clad with sheets of cladding material are frequently employed in residential and travel accommodation. Securing the separate supports to a cavity wall necessitates securing one support to one wall stud and the other support to another wall stud where each mounting assembly is pivotally mounted to a separate support. Where a common support for both mounting assemblies is utilised, the common support could be secured to a single wall stud at about its mid point but such an approach is clearly undesirable due to the potential for failure of the anchorage of the common support to the stud and hence a common support is typically secured to at least two different studs. Secondly, problems can be encountered in movement between the storage position and the working position if the pair of mounting assemblies do not operate in synchronism.

[0006] It would be advantageous to provide an arrangement which avoided, or at least ameliorated, the problems described above.

[0007] The present invention will be described in the context of a foldaway ironing board but it is to be clearly understood that the present invention is not restricted to a foldaway ironing board because the present invention is readily applicable to a variety of other circumstances. For example, the mounting assembly of the present invention may be used to mount a table in an environment where maximising the use of space is desirable, such as on a boat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting assembly for angularly moving an apparatus between a first position and a second position and for supporting the apparatus in the second position, the mounting assembly including:

[0009] a support member securable to a single stud of a cavity wall and arranged, in use, to support the mounting assembly and apparatus when so secured;

[0010] a first link member having a pair of link arms and a body portion therebetween, first ends of the link arms being pivotally mounted to the support member and second ends of the link arms being pivotally mounted to the apparatus distal to an end of the apparatus; and

[0011] a second link member having a pair of link arms and a body portion therebetween, first ends of the link arms being pivotally mounted to the support member and second ends of the link arms being pivotally mounted to the apparatus proximal to said end of the apparatus; wherein, in use, interaction between the first and second link members restricts angular movement of the apparatus beyond the second position and supports the apparatus in the second position.

[0012] The support member is securable to a single stud of a cavity wall but need not be so secured. That is to say that the support member can be secured, in use, to any suitable support element, such as a masonry wall, but must be capable of being secured to a single stud and support the mounting assembly and the apparatus when secured to a single stud. The support member may be secured directly to the support element by any suitable means including fasteners such as screws. Preferably, however, the support member is indirectly secured to the support element through a mounting plate which is arranged to be directly secured to the support element. Preferably, the support member is releasably securable to the mounting plate. Preferably the support member and mounting plate are securable by interaction of a plurality of slots on one of the support member and the the mounting plate with a plurality of lugs on the other of the support member and the mounting plate. More preferably, the support member is formed with a plurality of slots arranged to receive a corresponding plurality of lugs which project upwardly and outwardly from a face of the mounting plate at an acute angle. In use, the slots are aligned with the lugs as the support member approaches the mounting plate (secured to a support element) and pass over the lugs so that the support member is held against the face of the mounting plate by the lugs. The support member can be unsecured from the mounting plate by reversing this procedure. The mounting plate can preferably be formed from a sheet of metal by sheet metal working operations including cutting, stamping, punching and folding.

[0013] Preferably, at least one of the first and second link members is made from a plastic material.

[0014] Preferably, the plastic material is glass reinforced nylon.

[0015] Preferably, said link member is injection moulded.

[0016] The support member preferably has a body portion which, in use, abuts the support element or the face of the mounting plate and a pair of substantially vertically extending limbs which project substantially normally from sides of the body portion. Where the support member is configured for use with the mounting plate, the plurality of slots or lugs may be formed in the body portion of the support member. The support member is securable to a single stud of a cavity wall and preferably, the body portion of the support member has a width (ie. between its limbs) a little larger than the width of a stud of a cavity wall. Cavity wall studs typically have a width in the order of 50-75 mm and the width of the body portion of the support member is preferably in the order of 80-150 mm, more preferably in the order of 100-130 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the limbs of the support member have lower portions which project below the body portion. Upper portions of the limbs preferably project away from the top of the body portion and are spanned by a head portion which also is connected to the top of the body portion. The head portion preferably projects substantially normally from the top of the body portion. The limbs of the support member are preferably formed with upper and lower pairs of aligned apertures sized to receive pivot pins for pivotally mounting the first and second link members to the support member. Preferably, each of the first and second link members is, in use, retained at least partially between the limbs of the support member. The support member can preferably be formed from a sheet of metal by sheet metal working operations including cutting, stamping, punching and folding.

[0018] Preferably the first link member has a lateral width, parallel to an axis about which it is adapted to pivot in use, which is of the same order of magnitude as its other dimensions. Preferably the second link member has a lateral width, parallel to an axis about which it is adapted to pivot in use, which is of the same order of magnitude as its other dimensions. Preferably, said lateral width of at least one of said link members is at least one quarter as great as said other dimensions. Preferably, said lateral width is approximately the same as said other dimensions

[0019] Preferably the body portion of at least one of the link members extends between the link arms along a significant proportion of the length of said link member. Preferably the body portion of at least one of the link members extends along most of the length of said link member. Preferably the body portion of at least one of the link members extends along substantially all of the length of said link member.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a support member for a mounting assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0021] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a mounting plate securable to a single stud of a cavity wall and arranged to releasably secure a support member according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0022] The first link member has a pair of link arms and a body portion therebetween which considerably enhances the strength of the first link member as compared to separate link arms and ensures that the pair of link arms operate in unison. Viewed from the side, the first link member is preferably of a generally open L shape. Preferably, the first link member takes a form which approximates the back support and seat of a chair with an obtuse angle between the back support and chair portions. Preferably, the first and second ends of the link arms correspond to the top of the back support like portion and the front of the chair seat like portion of the first link member respectively and extend towards one another meeting generally where the back support like portion meets the seat like portion in a central region of the first link member. Preferably, the first link member is of a width between the outer extremities of the pair of link arms to just be received between limbs of the support member.

[0023] Each of the first ends of the link arms of the first link member may be formed with a pivot pin arranged to be received in the support member to facilitate pivotal mounting therebetween. However, preferably, the first ends of each of the link arms of the first link member are formed with aligned apertures arranged to be aligned with upper aligned apertures provided on limbs of the support member with a pivot pin passing through the aligned apertures in the limbs and the aligned apertures in the link arms to pivotally mount the first link member to the support member. Preferably, the body portion of the first link member extends sufficiently between the pair of link arms that it too is formed with a bore which aligns with the aligned apertures in the first ends of the link arms whereby a pivot pin can be passed through the aligned apertures in the limbs of the support member, the aligned apertures in the first ends of the link arms of the first link member and the bore formed in the body portion of the first link member with the apertures in the first ends of the link arms and the bore in the body portion forming a continuous bore.

[0024] Each of the second ends of the link arms of the first link member may be formed with a pivot pin arranged to be received in the end of the apparatus to facilitate pivotal mounting therebetween. However, preferably, the second ends of each link arm are formed with aligned apertures arranged to be aligned with aligned apertures in the apparatus to pivotally mount the first link member to the apparatus. (In this context, reference to the apparatus includes an intermediate member or a frame for an apparatus.) Preferably, the body portion of the first link member extends sufficiently between the pair of link arms that it too is formed with a bore which aligns with the aligned apertures in the second ends of the link arms whereby a pivot pin can be passed to the apertures in the apparatus, the aligned apertures in the second ends of the link arms of the first link member and the bore formed in the body portion of the first link member with the apertures in the second ends of the link arms and the bore in the body portion forming a continuous bore.

[0025] The second link member has a pair of link arms and a body portion therebetween which considerably enhances the strength of the second link member as compared to separate link arms and ensures that the pair of link arms operate in unison. Viewed from the side, the second link member is preferably of a form which approximates two spaced apart pullies carrying a belt between them with one of the pullies being of larger diameter than the other. Preferably, the second link member is of a width between the outer extremities of the pair of link arms to just be received between limbs of the support member.

[0026] Each of the first ends of the link arms of the second link member may be formed with a pivot pin arranged to be received in the support member to facilitate pivotal mounting therebetween. However, preferably, the first ends of each link arm are formed with aligned apertures arranged to be aligned with the preferred lower aligned apertures of the preferred limbs of the support member referred to above with a pivot pin passing through the aligned apertures in the limbs and the aligned apertures in the link arms to pivotally mount the second link member to the support member. Preferably, the body portion of the second link member extends sufficiently between the pair of link arms that it too is formed with a bore which aligns with the aligned apertures in the first ends of the link arms whereby a pivot pin can be passed through the aligned apertures in the limbs of the support member, the aligned apertures in the first ends of the link arms of the second link member and the bore formed in the body portion of the second link member. Preferably, the apertures in the first ends of the link arms and the bore in the body portion form a continuous bore. Preferably, the end of the second link member at which the first ends of the link arms are located is of a shape which approximates the larger of the two pullies referred to above and the end of the second link member at which the second ends of the link arms are located is of a shape which approximates the smaller of the two pullies referred to above.

[0027] In use, interaction between the first and second link members restricts angular movement of the apparatus beyond the second position and supports the apparatus in the second position. Preferably, the interaction results from engagement of the first and second link members. Preferably an end portion of one of the first and second link members engages an engagement portion on the other of the first and second link members. Preferably, a convex portion of one of the first and second link members is releasably received within a corresponding concave portion of the other of the first and second link members with this engagement arrangement functioning as a stop which both prevents movement beyond the second position and supports the apparatus in the second position. More preferably, a convex portion of the second link member is releasably received within a corresponding concave portion of the first link member with this mating arrangement functioning as a stop which both prevents movement beyond the second position and supports the apparatus in the second position. The concave portion of the first link member is preferably formed in the central regions of the link arms of the first link member. The convex portion of the second link member is preferably formed at the second ends of the link arms of the second link member.

[0028] Preferably, at least one of the link members has an apparatus engagement portion for engaging a link member engagement portion of the apparatus (or an intermediate portion or frame portion) to help stabilise the apparatus when the apparatus is in the second position and said apparatus engagement portion does not engage the link member engaging portion when the apparatus is in the first position.

[0029] Preferably, the apparatus engagement portion comprises a portion provided on each link arm of the link member.

[0030] Preferably, the engagement of the apparatus engagement portion and the link member engagement portion comprises entry of a laterally elongate male portion into a laterally elongate female portion.

[0031] Preferably, the apparatus engagement portion comprises at least one groove in the second link member adapted to receive an edge of the intermediate member.

[0032] The second ends of the link arms of the first and second link members are pivotally mounted to an end of the apparatus. The first and second link members may be pivotally mounted directly to the apparatus. Preferably, however, the first and second link members are indirectly mounted to the apparatus through pivotal mounting of the first and second link members to a pivoting end of an intermediate member. Preferably, the apparatus is secured, in use, to an attachment portion of the intermediate member.

[0033] The second ends of the first and second link members may be formed with pivot pins arranged to be received in the intermediate member to facilitate pivotal mounting therebetween. However, preferably, the second ends of each link arm of the first and second link members are formed with aligned apertures arranged to be aligned with apertures in the pivoting end of the intermediate member with pivot pins passing through the apertures to pivotally mount the first and second link members to the support member. Preferably, the body portions of the first and second link members extend sufficiently between the respective pair of link arms that the body portions of the first and second link members are also formed with bores which align with the aligned apertures in the second ends of the link arms of the first and second link members whereby pivot pins can be passed through the apertures in the intermediate member, the aligned apertures in the second ends of the link arms of the first and second link members and the bores formed in the body portions of the first and second link members. Preferably, the apertures in the second ends of the link arms of the first and second link members and the bores in the corresponding body portions forming a continuous bore in the first link member and a continuous bore in the second link member.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a first link member for a mounting assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention. Preferably, said link member has a lateral width, parallel to an axis about which it is adapted to pivot in use, which is of the same order of magnitude as its other dimensions (meaning that there is less than a factor of ten difference). Preferably, said lateral width is at least one quarter as great as said other dimensions. Preferably, said lateral width is approximately the same as said other dimensions.

[0035] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a second link member for a mounting assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention. Preferably, said link member has a lateral width, parallel to an axis about which it is adapted to pivot in use, which is of the same order of magnitude as its other dimensions. Preferably, said lateral width is at least one quarter as great as said other dimensions. Preferably, said lateral width is approximately the same as said other dimensions.

[0036] The intermediate member preferably has a pivoting end to which at least one of the first and second link members are pivotally mounted, and an attachment portion to which equipment, and or a frame for supporting equipment may be fixedly attached. The pivoting end of the intermediate member preferably takes the form of a generally rectangular shaped base portion having a pair of upstanding walls extending normally from opposed sides of the rectangular base portion. Preferably, the upstanding walls are separated by a distance arranged to receive the first or second link member therebetween and are formed with two pairs of aligned apertures. One pair of the aligned apertures is preferably located in the upstanding walls proximate the pivoting end of the intermediate member and is arranged to align with the continuous bore in the second end of the second link member with a pivot pin passing through the walls and the second end of the second link member to pivotally mount the second link member to the intermediate member. The second pair of apertures in the upstanding walls is preferably located distally of the pivoting end of the intermediate member and is arranged to align with the continuous bore in the second end of the first link member with a pivot pin passing through the walls and the second end of the first link member to pivotally mount the first link member to the intermediate member.

[0037] The attachment portion of the intermediate member preferably includes a part with the form of a generally rectangular shaped top portion having a downwardly extending wall which extends substantially normally from the side of the top,portion remote from the pivoting end of the intermediate member. Preferably, the downwardly extending wall is somewhat narrower than the side of the top portion from which it extends leaving a small portion at either end of that side of the top portion from which there is no downwardly extending wall. The side of the top portion apposite the side from which the downwardly extending wall extends preferably sits between the upstanding walls of the pivoting end and is connected to the base portion of the pivoting end through a web which extends therebetween. The web imparts significant structural rigidity and preferably meets the base portion of the pivoting end and the top portion at acute angles. Preferably, the acute angles are the same and preferably the acute angle is in the order of 60°. The web is preferably of substantially the same width as the downwardly extending wall of the attachment portion and preferably has ends aligned with the ends of the downwardly extending wall. The intermediate member is preferably arranged to receive a pair of rectangular cross-sectioned tubing (box-section) members of the apparatus or, more preferably, of a frame for the apparatus so that all four sides of the tubing abut at least one edge provided by the connection portion. The box-section members may be secured to the attachment portion of the intermediate member by any convenient means but are preferably welded thereto. Preferably, each box-section member fits below the top portion of the attachment portion of the intermediate member with a forward end of the member resting atop the base portion between the web and one of the upstanding walls of the base portion. The intermediate member can preferably be formed from a sheet of metal by sheet metal working operations including cutting, stamping, punching and folding.

[0038] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides an intermediate member arranged to be pivotally mounted to both a first link member according to a fourth aspect of the present invention and to a second link member according to a fifth aspect of the present invention and arranged to be secured, in use, to the apparatus or a frame therefore.

[0039] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts for a mounting assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0040] In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides an item of equipment comprising:

[0041] an apparatus angularly moveable between a first storage position and a second, working position;

[0042] a mounting assembly for supporting the apparatus in a cantilever configuration in its second position and facilitating angular movement of the apparatus between the first and second positions, said mounting assembly comprising a support member, a first link member pivotally attached at a first end thereof to the support member and at a second end thereof to the apparatus and a second link member pivotally attached at a first end thereof to the support member and at a second end thereof to the apparatus, and wherein interaction between the first and second link members restricts angular movement of the apparatus beyond the second position and supports the apparatus in the second position wherein the width of the apparatus is of the same order of magnitude as the width of the first and second link members.

[0043] Preferably, the mounting assembly is in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. It will be appreciated that even it the mounting assembly is not in accordance with the first aspect, features which are considered preferable in relation to the first aspect may also be incorporated into this aspect.

[0044] Preferably, the item of equipment includes a single mounting assembly located substantially at a lateral centre of the apparatus and having sufficient torsional rigidity to avoid undue lateral twisting of the apparatus.

[0045] Preferably, the first and second links are of approximately the same width.

[0046] Preferably, the first and second links are between one fifth and three quarters of the width of the apparatus. Preferably, the first and second links are about half as wide as the apparatus.

[0047] In a ninth aspect, the present invention provides an assembly comprising an apparatus and a mounting assembly for angularly moving the apparatus between a first, storage position and a second, working position and for supporting the apparatus in the second position, including a cover which may be located on the apparatus when the apparatus is in the storage position so as to substantially conceal the apparatus, which may be fully removed from the apparatus and located onto the mounting assembly in a cover storage position such that the mounting assembly and the apparatus are operable without interference from the cover.

[0048] Preferably, the cover is adapted to clip onto the apparatus when the apparatus is in its working position.

[0049] Preferably, the mounting assembly provides hook portions adapted to receive the cover to support and cover in its storage position. Most preferably, the hook portions depend from the limbs of the support member.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting assembly of the present invention and a frame for a foldaway ironing board;

[0052] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 1 following assembly in a working position with a support plate for the foldaway ironing board mounted on the frame;

[0053] FIG. 3 is a perspective view equivalent to FIG. 2 with the mounting assembly, frame and support plate intermediate the working position of FIG. 2 and a storage position;

[0054] FIG. 4 is a perspective view equivalent to FIG. 2 with the mounting assembly, frame and support plate in the storage position;

[0055] FIG. 5 is a side view of the mounting assembly, frame and support plate of FIG. 1 in progressive movement between the storage position and the working position;

[0056] FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective and schematic side views respectively of an intermediate member of the mounting assembly of FIG. 1;

[0057] FIGS. 8, 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are respectively front, vertical cross-sectional, horizontal cross-sectional, side and perspective views of a support member of the mounting assembly which is a slight variation of that shown in FIG. 1;

[0058] FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B and 9C are respectively front, top, vertical cross-sectional and perspective views of a mounting plate which is a slight variation of that shown in FIG. 1;

[0059] FIGS. 10A and 10B are respectively side and perspective views of a first link member as shown in FIG. 1;

[0060] FIGS. 11A and 11B are respectively side and perspective views of a second link member which is a slight variation of that shown in FIG. 1;

[0061] FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and 12E illustrate the operation of an embodiment including a cover; and

[0062] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment including a cover and an iron stand.

[0063] The mounting assembly 10 is securable to a single stud of a cavity wall via mounting plate 12 which is formed with five apertures 14 for screwing the mounting plate 12 to the stud (not shown). The mounting plate 12 is formed with two lugs 16 which project upwardly and outwardly from a face of the mounting plate 12 at an acute angle to the face. A support member 18 is releasably securable to the mounting plate 12 via two slots 20 which pass over the lugs 16 wedging parts of a body portion 22 of the support member 18 between the lugs 16 and a face 15 of the mounting plate 12. The mounting plate 12 is formed from a sheet of 3 mm mild steel.

[0064] A pair of vertically extending limbs 24 project normally from the sides of body portion 22 and are separated by a distance of about 120 mm. The limbs 24 have lower portions which project below the body portion 22. Upper portions of the limbs 24 project away from the top of the body portion 22 and are spanned by a head portion 26 which projects normally from the top of the body portion 22 has ends 27, respectively welded to each of the limbs 24. The limbs 24 are formed with aligned upper and lower pairs of apertures 25 arranged to receive upper and lower pivot pins 28 and 30 respectively. The support member 18 is formed from a sheet of 2 mm mild steel, and is powder coated.

[0065] A first link member 32 has a pair of link arms 34 and a body portion 36 therebetween. A first end 38 of the first link member 32 has a continuous bore passing therethrough which is arranged to receive the upper pivot pin 28 and thereby to pivotally mount the first link member 32 to the support member 18.

[0066] A second link member 40 has a pair of link arms 42 and a body portion 44 therebetween. A first end 46 of the second link member 40 is formed with a continuous bore through the link arms 42 and body portion 44 which is arranged to pivotally mount second link member 40 to support member 18 via lower pivot pin 30. The first end 46 takes the form of an enlarged boss 47 as compared with the second end 48 of the second link member 40 The boss 47 is enlarged for the purpose of bearing against the insides of limbs 24 when pivotally mounted thereto by lower pivot pin 30. Lower pivot pin 30 is arranged to be tightened and loosened and thereby vary the pressure exerted on the boss 47 by the limbs 24 to enable interaction between the boss 47 and the limbs 24 to function as a breaking type system in movement between a working position as illustrated in FIG. 2 and a storage position as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0067] The second end 48 of the second link member 40 is also formed with a continuous bore through link arms 42 and body portion 44 and is arranged to be pivotally mounted to an intermediate member 50 via end pivot pin 52 which is, in use, located proximal the end of the intermediate member 50. The second end 54 of first link member 32 is also formed with a continuous bore 55 through link arms 34 and body portion 38 with first link member 32 being pivotally mounted to intermediate member 50 via pivot pin 56 which passes through the continuous bore 55. Pivot pins 52 and 56 pass through aligned apertures in walls 58 of a pivoting end of intermediate member 50. A box-section frame 60 for a foldaway ironing board (not shown) is welded to intermediate ember 50 as subsequently described in relation to FIGS. 6 and 7. Intermediate member 50 is formed from a sheet of 2 mm mild steel and given a powder coated finish. Box-section 60 is formed from mild steel having a wall thickness of 0.8 mm or 1.0 mm and is given a powder coated finish. First link member 32 and second link member 40 are injection moulded from glass filled nylon. A support plate 62 for the foldaway ironing board (not shown) is mounted on the box-section frame 60.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a side view of the mounting assembly 10, frame 60 and support plate 62 of FIGS. 2 to 4 in progressive movement between the storage position illustrated at the far left of FIG. 5 and the working position illustrated at the far right of FIG. 5. The first link member 32 and second link member 40 are shown in order to illustrate operation of the mounting assembly, and for clarity the intermediate member (50 in FIG. 1) is only partially shown, although it will be appreciated that in use the first and second link members 32, 40 are pivotally attached to the intermediate member at their respective second ends 48, 54. The four depictions in FIG. 5 show operation of the mounting assembly 10 as the frame 60 moves from a storage position in which it is substantially parallel to a vertical wall 80 (which acts as a support element) to a working position, shown at the far right of FIG. 5, in which it is substantially normal to the wall The lower broken line in FIG. 5 illustrates the vertical position of the of pivot pin 52 in movement between the storage position and the working position and thus also the vertical position of the bore near the second end 48 of the second link member 40 and of the aperture in the intermediate member 50 through which the pivot pin 52 passes. The upper broken line illustrates the vertical position of the distal side 82 of the frame 60, which furthest from the intermediate member 50 and pivot pins 52, 56. While the drawings are spread across the page for clarity, it will be appreciated that, in use, the support member 18 does not move but remains attached to the wall 80 or supporting element via the mounting plate 12.

[0069] In the first stage of movement between a storage position and a working position, shown by the first and second left-most depictions of FIG. 5, the second ends 54, 48 of the first and second link members 32, 40 move away from the wall slightly upwardly keeping the height of the distal side 82 of the frame 60 substantially constant through about the first 10 degrees of its travel. Since the pivot pins 52, 56 and thus the intermediate member 50 both move upwards slightly during this part of the operation of the mounting assembly 10, and the distal end 82 moves neither up nor down, it will be appreciated that the centre of mass of the frame moves slightly upwards during this part of the operation. This arrangement helps prevent the frame falling accidentally from the storage position to the working position. The mounting assembly thus does not require locking means in either the storage or working position.

[0070] It will also be noted that as the frame 60 approaches the working position, a convex engagement portion 102 at the second end 48 of the second link member engages a stop means in the form of a concave engagement portion 101 of the first member 32. This engagement prevents angular rotation beyond the working position. Furthermore, the illustrated arrangement provides a very strong and compact cantilevered support. It will be appreciated that a downwards force applied to the distal end of the frame 60 in the working position would tend to force the first link member 32 downwardly and the second link member 40 upwardly, but the engagement of the first and second link members 32, 40 allows transmission of force between them, resisting the forces applied by the frame 60. It is to be noted that the forces are effectively resisted at least in part because in the working position, the link members 32, 40 are arranged so that the first end of link member 32, attached to the support member 18 is above the second ends of the link members 32, 40 and the first end of the second link member 40 is below the second ends of the first and second link members. Having the second ends of the link members intermediate the first ends (vertically intermediate in the illustrated orientation, but other orientations are possible) is highly advantageous over other arrangements. It will be appreciated that the mounting assembly 10 is very compact. A prototype has been made which, in its storage position, extends only 100 mm away from a vertical support element to which it is mounted (corresponding to distance D in FIG. 5). The described structure enables even such compact link members to robustly support a working surface in cantilevered configuration.

[0071] Elements of a preferred embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13. The elements illustrated in these drawings may have some differences to the corresponding elements in FIGS. 1 to 5, but for convenience, corresponding reference numerals will be used except where stated otherwise.

[0072] FIGS. 6 and 7 are detailed views of intermediate member 50 from which it can be seen that walls 58 upstand from base portion 64 which is connected to top portion 66 of an attachment end or attachment portion of intermediate member 50 via a web 68. The web 68 is inclined relative to the base portion 64 and top portion 66 so that together the base portion 64, top portion 66 and web 68 have a cross-sectional shape, which is generally Z-shaped (with extended top and bottom bars). A wall 70 extends downwardly from the edge 77 of the top portion 66 which is furthest from the web 68. The wall 70 is slightly narrower than the top portion 66 so that the wall 70 does not extend across the entire width of the edge 77, but leaves side portions 79 of edge 77 from which the wall 70 does not depend. The intermediate member 50 is arranged to receive box-section frame 60 and to be secured thereto by spot welds at points 72 and fillet welds at points 74. Thus, (considering the intermediate member 50 in the working position) the box section frame 60 is positioned vertically between parts of the base portion 64 and top 15 portion 66 and laterally between parts of the walls 58 and the wall 70, and may be welded to each of these elements. Furthermore, the box section frame may be fillet welded to the edges of the web 68. Support plate 62 is spot welded to the wall 70 of intermediate member 50 at point 76. The engagement of the frame 60 to the intermediate member 50 is illustrated, to some extent it FIG. 4.

[0073] Detailed views of the support member 18 are shown in FIGS. 8, 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D. FIG. 8 is a front view; FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views on 8A-8A and 8B-8B of FIG. 8, respectively; FIG. 8C is a side view and FIG. 8D is a perspective view. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 8D, as can be best seen in FIGS. 8B and 8D, the body portion 22 includes a central recessed central portion 22A which extends between the bottom edge of the body portion and the head portion 26 of the body portion 18, and an outstanding portion 22B on each lateral side of the recessed portion 22A. The recessed portion is arranged to be slightly wider in width than a mounting plate 18 with which the support member 18 is being used. Thus, the recessed portion 22A engages the mounting plate 18 and is wedged between the lugs 16 and the face of the mounting plate 12, and the outstanding portions 22B rest in contact with, or close to, the wall 80 or other support element to which the mounting plate 12 is attached.

[0074] It should also be noted that, as shown best in FIG. 8D, one of the limbs 24 includes two circular apertures 25A and the other of the limbs includes two square apertures 25B, so that the pivot pins 28, 30 may be rotationally fixed by engagement of a portion with a square cross-section (not shown) with the square apertures 25B.

[0075] In this embodiment, the support member 18 includes an additional aligned pair of apertures 19 which may be used for locating an accessory, such as a stand for an iron.

[0076] The support member 18 includes a pair of hook portions 9 one at each of the front bottom corners of the respective limbs 24, for use in suspending a cover when the mounting assembly 10, and ironing board or other apparatus attached thereto, is in use. The hook portions 9 have rounded extremities for safety. The upper corners of the limbs 24 which are distal from the body 22 are rounded for safety and so that as the mounting assembly 10 is moved from a working to a storage position, the likelihood of trapping objects between the frame 60 and the limbs 24 is reduced.

[0077] Detailed views of the mounting plate 12 are shown in FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B and 9C. FIG. 9 is a front view; FIG. 9A is a view from above; FIG. 9B is a cross-section on 9B-9B of FIG. 9 and FIG. 9C is a perspective view. The apertures 14 are countersunk and upper corners 13 of the mounting plate 12 are rounded, to facilitate fitting of the support member 18. The lugs 16 each include a generally central, vertically extending strengthening ridge 17 and are slightly tapered to facilitate fitting of the support member 18. Since the mounting plate 12 is, in use, substantially covered by the support member 18, powder coating is not required and zinc plating is preferred

[0078] Detailed views of the first link member 32 are shown in FIG. 10A, which is a side view, and FIG. 10B, which is a perspective view.

[0079] As described above, the first link member 32 includes a pair of link arms 34 joined by a body 36. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the two link arms and the body may form a single block with a substantially uniform cross-section, and that the link arms 34 and body 36 may not be distinct or readily distinguishable from each other. It is also possible to have the body portion engage other elements of the mounting assembly as do the link arms, so that in such an embodiment, the link member could be considered as one very wide link arm. Such embodiments are not considered to fall outside the description of two link arms with a body extending therebetween. The important features are that the link member extends a substantial distance laterally and that two (not necessarily distinct) connected portions on opposing lateral sides of the link member each perform the function of a link arm. In the described embodiment, the lateral extent of the link arms is somewhat greater than their other dimensions, although this is not necessary in all embodiments. The first link member 32 of FIGS. 10A and 10B has lateral extent (into the drawing as seen in FIG. 10A) of about 110 mm, a height (vertical dimension as seen in FIG. 10A) of about 90 mm and a length (horizontal dimension as seen in Figure 10A) of about 105 mm. As previously described, the first link member 32 has a shape which might be described as an open L-shape, that is the shape of a letter “L” but in which the angle between the two straight lines of the “L” is rather larger than 90 degrees. In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, this angle is about 125 degrees. At the outside of the corner thus provided, the first link member includes a concave engagement surface for engaging the second end 48 of the second link member 40 when the mounting assembly 10 is in the working position.

[0080] The considerations above relating to the link arms and body portion of the first link member 32 also apply to the second link member 40. The second link member 40 is shown in detail in FIG. 11A, which provides a side elevation and FIG. 11B, which provides a perspective view. As described earlier, the second link member 40 has a first end 46 and a second end 48 and, in this embodiment, includes a distinct pair of link arms 42 with a body portion 44 therebetween. The portions of the link arms 42 at the second end 48 of the second link member 40 form convex engagement portions 102 which, in use, engage with the concave engagement portions 101 of the first link member 32 when the mounting assembly 10 is in its working position. As can be seen in FIG. 11A, in this embodiment the second link member 40 includes on each link arm 42 an additional engagement portion 103 in the form of a groove which, in use, receives and engages a link engagement portion in the form of the rear edge 64A of the bottom portion 64 of the intermediate member 50. When the apparatus is in its working position, the continuous rear edge is securely located in the laterally spaced apart grooves in the two link arms 42 and its vertical movement is restricted by this location, providing resistance to torsional forces. This helps provide a further degree of stability to the mounting assembly 10.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting assembly is for use with a foldable ironing board, and may include a cover for use when the ironing board is in its storage configuration. FIGS. 12A to 12E illustrate the use of such an ironing board including the cover.

[0082] FIG. 12A illustrates the removal of an ironing board cover 110 from a foldable ironing board assembly 120. The ironing board cover 110 is removed from its position on the ironing board assembly 120, where it is retained by engagement of a top edge of the cover 112 on a frame portion 122 of the ironing board assembly 120, which is adapted for the purpose.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 12B, the cover 110 can then be engaged on the hook portions 9 of the support member 18 for convenience storage while the ironing board is in use. The cover 110 includes engagement portions 114 to engage the hook portions 9.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 12C, once the cover 110 is conveniently stored on the hook portions 9, the ironing board assembly 120 may be moved from its storage position to a working position by operation of the mounting assembly 10, and then operation of a generally central hinge of the ironing board. FIG. 12D shows, from below, the ironing board assembly 120 in its unfolded configuration with the cover 110 shown in its storage position. As shown in FIG. 12E, the ironing board assembly 120 preferably allows the ironing board to rotate in a horizontal plane so that it can be placed in a convenient operating position.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a perspective view from above of an ironing board assembly (without fabric cover) in its working position. An iron stand 130 is provided by attachment of ends of the metal frame from which it is formed in the apertures 19 of the support member 18. The stand 130 pivots about these apertures for storage, and is supported in a substantially horizontal working position by engagement of stop members 131 on the upper edges of the limbs of the support member 18.

[0086] It is to be appreciated that the mounting assembly 10 may be used with articles other than folding ironing boards. The provision of an intermediate member 50 to which the first and second link members 32, 40 are pivotally attached allows great flexibility of function, since a box section metal frame may be easily attached thereto, and an appropriate frame may underlie an ironing board, a table, a clothes airier, or one of many other pieces of equipment which might advantageously be moved from a working position to a storage position by use of the mounting assembly 10.

[0087] Use of a cover 110 provides an aesthetically pleasing finish when equipment is in its storage position, and the mounting assembly 10 allows a narrow profile. Furthermore, if desired, the mounting member 18 may be easily removed by lifting it away from the mounting plate 12 and the mounting assembly as a whole may be stored in a different location.

[0088] Using the mounting plate 12, mounting of the assembly 10 to a wall is easy and convenient since the mounting plate 12 need only be screwed to a single stud of the wall or other support element. Many prior art mounting arrangements require a number of members to be mounted to a support element, or require a cabinet or special mounting frame to be attached to the wall. The provision of short but relatively wide link members provides good resistance to unwanted wobble and twist and enables a single mounting assembly to support a working surface rather than requiring two spaced apart mounting assemblies.

[0089] The provision of a support member 18 with limbs 24 effectively houses the link members 32, 40 providing an aesthetic and well supported linkage system.

[0090] Although it is envisaged that the mounting assembly 10 will normally be used in the orientation shown in FIG. 5, that is with the first link member 32 positioned generally above the second link member 40 and operating a member to which the link members 32, 40 are attached from a vertical storage position to a horizontal working position, other orientations are possible as will be appreciated from the disclosure of FIGS. 11 to 13 of PCT/AU96/00443.

[0091] Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0092] Throughout this specification and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise.

[0093] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

Claims

1. A mounting assembly for angularly moving an apparatus between a first position and a second position and for supporting the apparatus in the second position, the mounting assembly including: a support member securable to a single stud of a cavity wall and arranged, in use, to support the mounting assembly and apparatus when so secured; a first link member having a pair of link arms and a body portion therebetween, first ends of the link arms being pivotally mounted to the support member and second ends of the link arms being pivotally mounted to the apparatus distal to an end of the apparatus; and a second link member having a pair of link arms and a body portion therebetween, first ends of the link arms being pivotally mounted to the support member and second ends of the link arms being pivotally mounted to the apparatus proximal to said end of the apparatus; wherein, in use, interaction between the first and second link members restricts angular movement of the apparatus beyond the second position and supports the apparatus in the second position.

2. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member is indirectly secured to the support element through a mounting plate which is arranged to be secured to the support element.

3. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support member is releasably securable to the mounting plate.

4. A mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support member has a body portion which, in use, abuts the support element or the face of a mounting plate and a pair of substantially vertically extending limbs which project substantially normally from sides of the body portion.

5. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the first and second link members is, in use, retained at least partially between the limbs of the support member.

6. A mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first and second link members is made from a plastic material.

7. A mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first and second link members has a lateral width, parallel to an axis about which it is adapted to pivot in use, which is at least of the same order of magnitude as its other dimensions.

8. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein said lateral width of at least one of said link members is at least approximately the same in magnitude as said other dimensions.

9. A mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body portion of at least one of the link members extends between the link arms of said link member along a significant proportion of the length of said link member.

10. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the body portion of at least one of the link members extends along substantially all of the length of said link member.

11. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the first link member is of a width between the outer extremities of the pair of link arms to just be received between limbs of the support member.

12. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the first ends of each of the link arms of the first link member are formed with aligned apertures arranged to be aligned with upper aligned apertures provided on limbs of the support member with a pivot pin passing through the aligned apertures in the limbs and the aligned apertures in the link arms to pivotally mount the first link member to the support member.

13. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the body portion of the first link member extends sufficiently between the pair of link arms that it too is formed with a bore which aligns with the aligned apertures in the first ends of the link arms whereby a pivot pin can be passed through the aligned apertures in the limbs of the support member, the aligned apertures in the first ends of the link arms of the first link member and the bore formed in the body portion of the first link member and wherein the apertures in the first ends of the link arms and the bore in the body portion form a continuous bore.

14. A mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second ends of each link arm of the first link member are formed with aligned apertures arranged to be aligned with aligned apertures in at least one of said apparatus and an intermediate member attachable to said apparatus, to pivotally mount the first link member to said apparatus.

15. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the second link member is of a width between the outer extremities of the pair of link arms to just be received between limbs of the support member.

16. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the first ends of each link arm of the second link member are formed with aligned apertures arranged to be aligned with lower aligned apertures of the limbs of the support member, with a pivot pin passing through the aligned apertures in the limbs and the aligned apertures in the link arms to pivotally mount the second link member to the support member.

17. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the body portion of the second link member extends sufficiently between the pair of link arms that it too is formed with a bore which aligns with the aligned apertures in the first ends of the link arms whereby a pivot pin can be passed through the aligned apertures in the limbs of the support member, the aligned apertures in the first ends of the link arms of the second link member and the bore formed in the body portion of the second link member.

18. A mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the interaction between the first and second link members results from engagement of the first and second link members.

19. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein an end portion of one of the first and second link members engages an engagement portion on the other of the first and second link members.

20. A mounting assembly as claimed in either of claims 18 or 19, wherein a convex portion of one of the first and second link members is releasably received within a corresponding concave portion of the other of the first and second link members with this engagement arrangement functioning as a stop which both prevents movement beyond the second position and supports the apparatus in the second position.

21. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein a convex portion of the second link member is releasably received within a corresponding concave portion of the first link member.

22. A mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one of the link members has an apparatus engagement portion for engaging a link member engagement portion of the apparatus (or an intermediate portion or frame portion) to help stabilise the apparatus when the apparatus is in the second position and said apparatus engagement portion does not engage the link member engaging portion when the apparatus is in the first position.

23. A mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second link members are indirectly mounted to the apparatus through pivotal mounting of the first and second link members to a pivoting end of an intermediate member.

24. A mounting assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein the intermediate member is arranged to receive a pair of rectangular cross-sectioned tubing members of at least one of the apparatus and a frame for the apparatus, so that all four sides of the tubing members abut at least one edge provided by the connection portion.

25. A mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the support member, mounting plate and intermediate member can be formed from a sheet of metal by sheet metal working operations including cutting, stamping, punching and folding.

26. A support member for a mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim.

27. A mounting plate securable to a single stud of a cavity wall and arranged to releasably secure a support member according to claim 25.

28. A first link member for a mounting assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 24.

29. A second link member for a mounting assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 24.

30. A link member as claimed in either of claims 28 or 29 wherein said link member has a lateral width, parallel to an axis about which it is adapted to pivot in use, which is of the same order of magnitude as its other dimensions.

31. An intermediate member arranged to be pivotally mounted to both a first link member according to claim 28 and to a second link member according to claim 29 and adapted to be secured, in use, to at least one of said apparatus and a frame for said apparatus, in order to facilitate pivotal movement of said apparatus between first and second positions.

32. A kit of parts for a mounting assembly according to any of claims 1 to 24.

33. An item of equipment comprising: an apparatus angularly moveable between a first storage position and a second, working position; a mounting assembly for supporting the apparatus in a cantilever configuration in its second position and facilitating angular movement of the apparatus between the first and second positions, said mounting assembly comprising a support member, a first link member pivotally attached at a first end thereof to the support member and at a second end thereof to the apparatus and a second link member pivotally attached at a first end thereof to the support member and at a second end thereof to the apparatus, and wherein interaction between the first and second link members restricts angular movement of the apparatus beyond the second position and supports the apparatus in the second position wherein the width of the apparatus is of the same order of magnitude as the width of the first and second link members.

34. An assembly comprising an apparatus and a mounting assembly for angularly moving the apparatus between a first, storage position and a second, working position and for supporting the apparatus in the second position, including a cover which may be located on the apparatus when the apparatus is in the storage position so as to substantially conceal the apparatus, which may be fully removed from the apparatus and located onto the mounting assembly in a cover storage position such that the mounting assembly and the apparatus are operable without interference from the cover.