Suction support

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a suction support. Some relate to a suction foot for attaching a furniture leg to a floor.

BACKGROUND

Suction pads are used to attach objects, including furniture, to flat surfaces, such as walls, windows or floors. A suction pad is made of an elastic flexible material. When the suction pad is pressed flat against a surface, air is expelled past the edge of the pad. When the centre of the suction pad subsequently pulls away from the surface a cavity is formed between the pad and surface. This cavity has low pressure as there is little air remaining within it. The pressure difference between the cavity and the outside adheres the suction pad to the surface.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a suction support comprising a suction pad, a base and a connector. The base is arranged to couple to the suction pad, and comprises differently orientated first, second and third supporting surfaces. The connector is for retaining a furniture member. The connector is configured to move between a first position in which the connector is supported by at least the first supporting surface and the connector is arranged to retain the furniture member at a first angle, a second position in which the connector is supported by at least the second supporting surface and is arranged to retain the furniture member at a second angle, and a third position in which the connector is supported by at least the third supporting surface and is arranged to retain the furniture member at a third angle.

The connector may be for receiving the furniture member. The base may comprise a plurality of first supporting surfaces, and a plurality of third supporting surfaces. The first, second and third supporting surfaces may be substantially flat. The connector and the base may be arranged such that when the connector is in the first position, the connector is supported by the first supporting surface without being supported by the second or third supporting surfaces; when the connector is in the second position, the connector is supported by the second supporting surface without being supported by the first or third supporting surfaces; and when the connector is in the third position, the connector is supported by the third supporting surface without being supported by the first or second supporting surfaces.

In the first position the connector may rest on the first supporting surface, in the second position the connector may rest on the second supporting surface, and in the third position the connector may rest on the third supporting surface.

The first, second and third supporting surfaces may be located on the base such that, when the suction pad is adhered to a surface, the first, second and third supporting surfaces each face at least partially away from the surface. The first, second and third supporting surfaces may be located on the base such that, when the suction pad is adhered to a ground surface, the first, second and third supporting surfaces each face at least partially upwards.

The first, second and third angles may be, respectively, the angle that the furniture member is retained at relative to the suction pad when the connector is in the first, second and third positions. The first angle may be 30° to 60°, the second angle may be 80° to 90°, and the third angle may be 75° to 85°. The suction pad and base may be arranged such that, when they are coupled, the second supporting surface is substantially parallel with the suction pad.

The first supporting surface may be contiguous with the second supporting surface and the second supporting surface may be contiguous with the third supporting surface. The first and third supporting surfaces may be located on opposite sides of the second supporting surface. The first supporting surface may slope from the second supporting surface towards the suction pad. The third supporting surface may slope from the second supporting surface towards the suction pad. The base may be arranged to be pivotally coupled to the connector at a pivot, and the connector may be configured to move between the first, second and third positions by rotating about the pivot. The connector may be configured to rotate in a first direction to move from the first position to the second position. The connector may be configured to rotate in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to move from the third position to the second position. The pivot may define an axis of rotation of the connector. As the connector rotates in the first direction, the angle the connector is arranged to retain the furniture member at may increase. As the connector rotates in the second direction, the angle the connector is arranged to retain the furniture member at may decrease.

The furniture member may be a furniture leg. The connector may comprise a receptacle for receiving the furniture member. The connector may be for receiving a furniture member, such that it substantially surrounds the furniture member.

The connector may comprise a floor for supporting the furniture member when the furniture member is retained by the connector. The floor may be arranged to abut the first supporting surface when the connector is in the first position, to abut the second supporting surface when the connector is in the second position, and to abut the third supporting surface when the connector is in the third position.

The suction support may further comprise at least one insert shaped to fit the receptacle of the connector, in order to reduce the size of the receptacle. The at least one insert may be shaped to fit at least partially around the interior perimeter of the receptacle.

The suction support may further comprise a support arranged to couple to at least an edge of the suction pad. The base may comprise a rotor which is arranged to couple to substantially the centre of the suction pad. At least one of the support and rotor may comprise a ramp, and the other may comprise a follower for traveling along the ramp.

The rotor, support and suction pad may be configured such that rotation of the rotor relative to the support causes the rotor to move axially relative to the support, which causes the centre of the suction pad to move axially relative to the sides of the suction pad. The rotation of the rotor may be orthogonal to the rotation of the connector. The base may further comprise a stand which comprises the first, second and third supporting surfaces. The stand may be arranged to couple to the rotor.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a suction support comprising a suction pad, a base, a connector and a support. The base is arranged to couple to the suction pad, and comprises differently orientated first, second and third supporting surfaces and a rotor arranged to couple to the centre of the suction pad. The connector is for retaining a furniture member. The connector is configured to move between a first position in which the connector is supported by the first supporting surface and the connector is arranged to retain the furniture member at a first angle, a second position in which the connector is supported by the second supporting surface and is arranged to retain the furniture member at a second angle, and a third position in which the connector is supported by the third supporting surface and is arranged to retain the furniture member at a third angle. The first, second and third angles are, respectively, the angle that the furniture member is retained at relative to the suction pad when the connector is in the first, second and third positions. The first angle is 30° to 60°, the second angle is 80° to 90°, and the third angle is 75° to 85°. The support is arranged to couple to at least an edge of the suction pad, wherein at least one of the support and rotor comprises a ramp, and the other comprises a follower for traveling along the ramp.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a suction support comprising a suction pad, a base, a connector and a support. The base is arranged to couple to the suction pad and comprises differently orientated first and second supporting surfaces. The connector is for retaining a furniture member, and is configured to move between a first position in which the connector is supported by at least the first supporting surface and the connector is arranged to retain the furniture member at a first angle, and a second position in which the connector is supported by at least the second supporting surface and is arranged to retain the furniture member at a second angle.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG.1 illustrates an example of a suction support;

FIGs 2a and 2b illustrate perspective and side views of a suction pad;

FIGs 3a and 3b illustrate upper perspective and lower perspective views of a rotor;

FIGs 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate perspective, front and side views of a stand;

FIGs 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate perspective, front and side views of a connector;

FIGs 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate examples of the suction support in which the connector is in first, second and third positions;

FIGs 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate perspective, top and side views of a first example insert; FIGs 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate perspective, top and side views of a second example insert;

FIGs 9a, 9b and 9c illustrate perspective, top and side views of a third example insert; FIGs 10a and 10b illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views of an example of a suction support;

FIGs 11a and 11 b illustrate perspective and side views of a support;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a suction support;

FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates another enlarged view of FIG. 12;

FIGs 15a and 15b illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views of a second example of a suction support;

FIGs 16a and 16b illustrate perspective views of an example of an inserting portion; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of another example of an inserting portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to a suction support for attaching a piece of furniture to a surface. The suction support is able to retain and support a furniture member, such as a furniture leg, at different angles. It might, for example, be used to support the leg of a commode, and to attach the leg to a floor (for example, a bathroom floor). FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a suction support 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The suction support 100 comprises a base 110, a suction pad 120 and a connector 150.

The illustrated base 110 comprises a rotor 130 and a stand 140. The rotor 130 is arranged to couple to the suction pad 120. The stand 140 comprises differently orientated first 141 , second 142 and third 143 supporting surfaces. As such the base 110 is arranged to couple to the suction pad 120, and comprises differently orientated first 141 , second 142 and third 143 supporting surfaces. In the illustration, the rotor 130 and stand 140 are separate elements. In other examples, however, the rotor 130 and stand 140 may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, such as in FIGs 15a and 15b, the base 110 does not comprise a rotor and instead comprises a lever.

The connector 150 is for retaining a furniture member. The connector 150 is configured to move between first, second and third positions. In the first position, the connector 150 is supported by the first supporting surface 141 and the connector 150 is arranged to retain the furniture member at a first angle. In the second position, the connector 150 is supported by the second supporting surface 142 and is arranged to retain the furniture member at a second angle. In the third position, the connector 150 is supported by the third supporting surface 143 and is arranged to retain the furniture member at a third angle. This is described in further detail below. In some examples, the stand 140 comprises a plurality of first supporting surfaces 141 , a plurality of second supporting surfaces 142 and/or a plurality of third supporting surfaces 143. For example, in the example of FIG. 10b the stand 140 comprises an external first supporting surface 141 , an internal first supporting surface 141b, an external third supporting surface 143 and an internal third supporting surface 143b.

FIGs 2a and 2b illustrate perspective and side views of a suction pad 120 according to embodiments of the invention. The illustrated suction pad 120 comprises a flexible membrane 210, connection means 220 and a frame 230.

The membrane 210 comprises a thin sheet of non-porous material, such as rubber. The illustrated membrane 210 is substantially circular, though in other examples the membrane 210 may be a different shape. The membrane 210 comprises a tab 212 for ease of handling of the suction pad 120. The connection means 220 is for connecting the suction pad 120 to the rotor 130 of the base 110. The illustrated connection means 220 is located in substantially the centre of the suction pad 120 and extends from the membrane 210 in a direction perpendicular to the membrane 210. The connection means 220 comprises a projection 222 for use in coupling the suction pad 120 to the rotor 130. The projection 222 may be annular.

The frame 230 comprises an upstanding wall and is located on the membrane 210 substantially around the edge(s) of the membrane 210. The illustrated frame 230 is located inwardly from the edge(s) of the membrane 210, such that the outer periphery of the membrane 210 extends beyond the frame 230. The frame 230 comprises at least one locator 232 for coupling the suction pad 120 to the base 110 or to another element. The illustrated locators 232 are pins.

FIGs 3a and 3b illustrate upper perspective and lower perspective views of a rotor 130 according to embodiments of the invention. The illustrated rotor 130 comprises a platform 310, an outer wall 320, connection means 330 for connecting the rotor 130 to the suction pad 120, an aperture 340 for connecting the rotor 130 to the stand 140, at least one follower 350 and an inner wall 360. The platform 310 and outer wall 320 define a chamber 325 for receiving the suction pad 120. In some examples, not all elements are present, for example, the rotor 130 might not comprise an aperture 340.

The illustrated platform 310 is circular and has substantially the same size and shape as the membrane 210. The illustrated platform 310 is flat and when the suction pad 120 and rotor 130 are connected the platform 310 is substantially parallel to the membrane 210. In other examples the platform 310 may have a different form, for example, the platform 310 may be curved.

The illustrated outer wall 320 is substantially perpendicular to the platform 310 and comprises a plurality of finger grips 321 to hold when rotating the rotor 130. The illustrated finger grips 321 are recesses.

The connection means 330 of the rotor 130, for connecting the rotor 130 to the suction pad 120, are for connecting to the connection means 220 of the suction pad 120. The illustrated connection means 330 comprises at least one hook 332 for connecting to the projection 222 of the suction pad 120.

FIGs 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate perspective, front and side views of a stand 140 according to embodiments of the invention. The stand 140 comprises first 141 , second 142 and third 143 supporting surfaces for supporting the connector 150. The stand 140 is arranged to couple to the rotor 130.

The illustrated stand 140 also comprises a plurality of side walls 410, first connection means 420 for connecting the stand 140 to the connector 150, an opening 430 for receiving the connector 150, second connection means 440 for connecting the stand 140 to the rotor 130, and at least one ledge 450.

The illustrated stand 140 comprises multiple first supporting surfaces 141 , 141 b, and multiple third supporting surfaces 143, 143b (best seen in FIG. 10b). One first supporting surface 141 is external to the stand 140, and the other first supporting surface 141b is internal to the stand 140. In the first position, the connector 150 is supported by both of the first supporting surfaces 141 , 141 b. The two first supporting surfaces 141 , 141b may together be considered a single contiguous first supporting surface 141. One third supporting surface 143 is external to the stand 140, and the other third supporting surface 143b is internal to the stand 140. In the third position, the connector 150 is supported by both of the third supporting surfaces 143, 143b. The two third supporting surfaces 143, 143b may together be considered a single contiguous third supporting surface 143. In the illustrated stand 140, the two first supporting surfaces 141 , 141b are substantially perpendicular to each other, and the two third supporting surfaces 143, 143b are substantially perpendicular to each other. In other examples their relative angles may be different.

In some examples the stand 140 may comprise different forms of supporting surfaces 141 , 142, 143. For example, the stand 140 may comprises a plurality of second supporting surfaces 142, including an external second supporting surface 142 and an internal second supporting surface 142. In some examples, the stand 140 might not comprise the external first 141 and third 143 supporting surfaces and may instead comprise the internal first 141b and third 143b supporting surfaces and the second supporting surface 142. In some examples, the stand 140 may comprises only two supporting surface 141 , 143.

The illustrated supporting surfaces 141 , 142, 143, 141 b, 143b are each substantially flat and substantially planar. The supporting surfaces 141 , 142, 143, 141 b, 143b may each be continuous or non-continuous. For example, the illustrated second supporting surface 142 is non-continuous and comprises two separate surfaces.

In the example of FIGs 4a, 4b and 4c, the first supporting surface 141 is contiguous with the second supporting surface 142 and the second supporting surface 142 is contiguous with the third supporting surface 143. The first 141 and third 143 supporting surfaces are located on opposite sides of the second supporting surface 142. The first supporting surface 141 slopes from the second supporting surface 142 and the third supporting surface 143 slopes from the second supporting surface 142. In other examples, the supporting surfaces 141 , 142, 143 may have different forms.

The illustrated first connection means 420 comprises two apertures 420 located in the side walls 410 of the stand 140. The apertures 420 are aligned with each other and are located in opposite side walls 410. The apertures 420 are for receiving part of the connector 150 in order to connect the stand 140 to the connector 150. The apertures 420 act a pivot, such that the stand 140 is arranged to be pivotally connected to the connector 150 at the pivot. The illustrated apertures 420 are perpendicular to each of the supporting surfaces 141 , 142, 143. The first connection means 420 may comprise a push fit connector.

The illustrated stand 140 also comprises a guide 421 for each the aperture 420, the guides 421 each comprising a sloping surface. The guides 421 aid in guiding the connector 150 into the respective aperture 420.

In other examples the first connection means 420 may comprise only one aperture 420, or no such aperture 420 may be present and the first connection means 420 may comprise different means for connecting to the connector 150. For example, the first connection means 420 may comprise at least one projection for inserting into a corresponding aperture in the connector 150. In other examples the first connection means 420 may be of a different form, for example, the first connection means 420 may comprise a ball or socket to form a ball and socket connection with the connector 150.

FIGs 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate perspective, front and side views of a connector 150 according to embodiments of the invention. The connector 150 is for retaining a furniture member of an item of furniture. The furniture member may be a furniture leg.

The illustrated connector 150 comprises a receptacle 510, first connection means 520 for connecting the connector 150 to the stand 140 of the base 110, at least one wall 530, a floor 540, and second connection means 550 for connecting the connector 150 to at least one insert. In other examples, the connector 150 might not comprise a receptacle 510. For example, as illustrated in FIGS 15a and 15b, the connector 150 may comprise an inserting portion for inserting into the furniture member.

The receptacle 510 is for receiving the furniture member, and is defined, at least in part, by the at least one wall 530. When received, there may be an interference fit between the furniture member and the receptacle 510. The illustrated receptacle 510 is substantially cylindrical and has a substantially circular cross section. In other examples the receptacle 510 may be a different shape, for example the receptacle 510 may be substantially cuboidal with a substantially rectangular cross section. When the furniture member is received by the connector 150, the wall(s) 530 substantially surround the furniture member, and thus the connector 150 substantially surrounds the furniture member.

The floor 540 is for supporting the furniture member when the furniture member is retained by the connector 150. The illustrated receptacle 510 is at least partially defined by the floor 540. The illustrated floor 540 is substantially flat and planar, and is substantially perpendicular to the at least one wall 530.

The illustrated first connection means 520, for connecting the connector 150 to the stand 140, comprises two fasteners 520 and at least one projection 524 located on each fastener 520. The illustrated fasteners 520 are plates which extend perpendicularly to the floor 540 of the connector 150. The illustrated plates 520, each comprise abutment surfaces 521 , 523 for abutting the internal support surfaces 141 b, 143b, of the stand 140. The illustrated projections 522 are substantially cylindrical and extend outwardly. The first connection means 520 may comprise a push fit connector.

The projections 524 are for being received by the apertures 420 of the stand 140. The projections 524 act as pivot, such that the stand 140 is arranged to be pivotally connected to the connector 150 at the pivot. This pivot defines an axis of rotation of the connector 150 relative to the stand 140. The axis of rotation of the connector 150 is shown in FIG. 5b by the dashed line and in FIG. 5c by the cross. The fasteners 520 provide a separation between the floor 540 and the axis of rotation. In other examples, the connection means 520 may comprise an axle for being received by the apertures 420 of the stand 140. In other examples the connection means 520 may be of a different form, for example, the connection means 520 may comprise a ball or socket to form a ball and socket connection with the stand 140.

FIGs 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate examples of the suction support 100 in which the connector 150 is in first, second and third positions, according to embodiments of the invention. The illustrated suction support 100 comprises the suction pad 120, rotor 130, stand 140 and connector 150 of FIGs 2 to 5.

In the illustrated suction support, the connector 150 has been connected to the stand

140 by inserting the fasteners 520 of the connector 150 into the opening 430 of the stand 140 and then inserting the projections 524 of the connector 150 into the apertures 420 of the stand 140. The fasteners 520 are configured to flex inwardly to assist in the insertion of the projections 524.

In FIG. 6a, the connector 150 is in the first position in which it is supported by the first supporting surface 141 , with the connector 150 resting on the first supporting surface 141. In this example, the connector 150 is supported by the first supporting surface

141 without being supported by the second 142 or third 143 supporting surfaces. In the first position, the connector 150 is supported by both the external first supporting surface 141 and the internal first supporting surface 141b.

In FIG. 6b, the connector 150 is in the second position in which it is supported by the second supporting surface 142, with the connector 150 resting on the second supporting surface 142. In this example, the connector 150 is supported by the second supporting surface 142 without being supported by the first 141 or third 143 supporting surfaces.

In FIG. 6c, the connector 150 is in the third position in which it is supported by the third supporting surface 143, with the connector 150 resting on the third supporting surface 143. In this example, the connector 150 is supported by the third supporting surface 143 without being supported by the first 141 or second 142 supporting surfaces. In the third position, the connector 150 is supported by both the external third supporting surface 143 and the internal third supporting surface 143b.

The floor 540 of the connector 150 is arranged to abut the first supporting surface 141 when the connector 150 is in the first position, to abut the second supporting surface 142 when the connector 150 is in the second position, and to abut the third supporting surface 143 when the connector 150 is in the third position.

The illustrated first abutment surface 521 of the fastener 520 of the connector 150 is arranged to abut the internal first supporting surface 141 b when the connector 150 is in the first position. The illustrated second abutment surface 523 of the fastener 520 of the connector 150 is arranged to abut the internal third supporting surface 143b when the connector 150 is in the third position.

In the illustrated examples, the suction pad 120 and base 110 are arranged such that when they are coupled: the second supporting surface 142 is substantially parallel with the suction pad 120; the external first supporting surface 141 slopes from the second supporting surface 142 towards the suction pad 120, and the external third supporting surface 143 slopes from the second supporting surface 142 towards the suction pad 120.

The first 141 , 141b, second 142 and third 143, 143b supporting surfaces are located on the stand 140 of the base 110 such that, when the suction pad 120 is adhered to a surface, the first 141 , 141b, second 142 and third 143, 143b supporting surfaces each face at least partially away from the surface. As such, when the suction pad 120 is adhered to a ground surface, such as a floor, the first 141 , 141b, second 142 and third 143, 143b supporting surfaces each face at least partially upwards. The second supporting surface 142 is located on the stand 140 such that, when the suction pad 120 is adhered to a surface, the furniture member is retained at an angle substantially normal to the surface. When the suction pad 120 is adhered to a ground surface, the furniture member is retained substantially vertically.

In the first position, the connector 150 is arranged to retain the furniture member at a first angle relative to the suction pad 120; in the second position, the connector 150 is arranged to retain the furniture member at a second angle relative to the suction pad 120, in third position the connector 150 is arranged to retain the furniture member at a third angle relative to the suction pad 120.

The first angle may be 10° to 80°, for example, 30° to 60°, 40° to 50°, or 45°. The second angle may be 60° to 90°, for example, 80° to 90°, 85° to 90° or 90°. The third angle may be 45° to 85°, for example, 75° to 85°, 78° to 82° or 80.5°. The second angle may be greater than the third angle and the third angle may be greater than the first angle.

Wherever the furniture member is retained its angle relative to the suction pad 120 will always be 90° or less. As such, the second angle being 80° to 90° includes the second supporting surface 142 being orientated 0° to 10° clockwise or 0° to 10° anticlockwise relative to its orientation in FIGs 6a, 6b and 6c.

The connector 150 is configured to move between the first, second and third positions by rotating about the pivot provided by the projections 522 of the connector 150 and the apertures 420 of the stand 140.

The connector 150 is configured to rotate in a first direction to move from the first position to the second position, and the connector 150 is configured to rotate in a second direction, opposite to the first direction to move from the third position to the second position. As seen in FIGs 6a, 6b and 6c the first direction is clockwise and the second direction is anti-clockwise.

In the illustrated examples, as the connector 150 rotates in the first direction the angle the connector 150 is arranged to retain the furniture member at increases and as the connector 150 rotates in the second direction the angle the connector 150 is arranged to retain the furniture member at decreases.

A user may rotate the connector 150 relative to the stand 140 to move the connector 150 between the first second and third positions. At each of the positions, abutment of the relevant supporting surfaces 141 , 141b, 142, 143, 143b with the floor 540 of the connector 150 and/or the abutment surfaces 521 , 523 of the fastener 520 of the connector 150, acts to resist further rotation and helps to maintain the relative position of the connector 150 and stand 140.

In the illustrated example, the connector 150 may be rotated between the first, second and third positions whilst the connector 150 is connected to the stand 140. In other examples, however, the connector 150 and stand 140 are disconnected, the connector 150 is moved between the positions, and then the connector 150 and stand 140 are reconnected. In some examples, the connector 150 may be locked in each of the first, second and third positions using a lock, for example a nut and bolt.

The differently orientated supporting surfaces, allows the suction support 100 to support a wide variety of items of furniture, which may have furniture members at different angles. Rotating the connector 150 allows a user to easily move the suction support 100 between the different positions to support the furniture member at different angles, even when the suction support 100 is connected to a furniture member.

FIGs 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate perspective, top and side views of a first example insert 700 according to embodiments of the invention. The insert 700 comprises at least one wall 710, a lip 720, and connection means 730 for connecting the insert 700 to a connector 150.

The insert 700 is shaped to fit the receptacle 510 of the connector 150, in order to reduce the size of the receptacle 510. Thus inserts 700 may be used to allow smaller furniture legs to be received and held by the connector 150. The insert 700 is shaped to fit at least partially around the interior perimeter of the receptacle 510. As such, the wall(s) 710 of the insert 700 are configured to follow at least part of the wall(s) 530 of the connector 150. The illustrated connection means 730 of the insert 700 comprises two projections configured to be inserted into corresponding apertures of the connection means 550 of the connector 150, in order to connect the insert 700 to the connector 150. In some examples, the connection means 730, 550 may have a different form. For example, the connection means 730 of the insert 700 may comprise at least one aperture or recesses and the connection means 550 of the connector 150 may comprise at least one projection for inserting into the aperture or recess.

FIGs 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate perspective, top and side views of a second example insert 800 according to embodiments of the invention. FIGs 9a, 9b and 9c illustrate perspective, top and side views of a third example insert 900 according to embodiments of the invention. The second 800 and third 900 example inserts are similar to the first example insert 700 but differ in that their walls 810, 910 are thicker than the walls 710 of the first example insert 700.

The thickness of the wall 710, 810, 910 affects the size of the receptacle 510. Therefore, different inserts 700, 800, 900 can be used to accommodate differently sized furniture members, allowing the suction support to be used with a wide variety of items of furniture.

FIGs 10a and 10b illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views of an example of a suction support 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The suction support 100 of FIGs 10a and 10b comprises the elements of the suction support 100 of FIG. 1 and also comprises a first insert 700 and a second insert 700’. The inserts 700, 700’ are located inside the receptacle 510 of the connector 150. In FIGs 10a and 10b the connector 150 is in the first position.

The second insert 700’ is substantially identical to the first insert 700 as illustrated in FIGs 7a, 7b and 7c. The illustrated inserts 700, 700’ are each half ring shaped, and so two inserts 700, 700’ are required to fit substantially around the interior perimeter of the receptacle 510. In doing so, the inserts 700, 700’ reduce the size of the receptacle 510 to allow smaller furniture members to be received. The illustrated inserts 700, 700’ reduce the diameter of the receptacle 510 without reducing the depth of the receptacle 510. There may be an interference fit between the inserts 700, 700’ and the connector 150. When received, there may be an interference fit between the furniture member and the inserts 700, 700’.

Each insert 700, 700’ connects to the connector 150 by its respective connection means 730, 730’. Each insert 700, 700’ comprises a lip 720, 720’ which extends over the at least one wall 530 of the connector 150. In some examples, the two inserts 700, 700’ comprise further connection means to connect to each other. For example, the further connection means may comprise corresponding projections and recesses.

In some examples, an insert 700, 800, 900 may have a different shape such that it is shaped to fit substantially around the interior perimeter of the receptacle 510 by itself. For example, the insert 700, 800, 900 may have a hollow cylinder shape. In some examples, when inserted the insert 700, 800, 900 may alter the shape of the receptacle 510, for example from substantially cylindrical to substantially cuboidal.

FIGs 11 a and 11 b illustrate perspective and side views of a support 1100 according to embodiments of the invention. This support 1100 is also visible in FIG 10b. As can be seen in FIG. 10b the support 1100 is arranged to be positioned between the rotor 130 and the suction pad 120, with the support 1100 coupled to both the rotor 130 and the suction pad 120.

The illustrated support 1100 comprises a body 1110, an outer wall 1120, locating holes 1130, an aperture 1140, and at least one ramp 1150. The illustrated body 1110 is sloped to define a cavity 1160 for receiving the suction pad 120. The body 1110 may comprise at least one supporting brace 1112.

The locating holes 1130 are for receiving the locators 232 of the suction pad 120 to aid in coupling the support 1100 to the suction pad 120. The illustrated aperture 1140 is positioned substantially centrally and allows the suction pad 120 to connect to the rotor 130 through the aperture 1140 of the support 1100.

The illustrated support 1100 comprises six ramps 1150, though in other examples it may comprise any number of ramps 1150. Each illustrated ramp 1150 is substantially identical, and comprises a sloping surface. The illustrated at least one ramp 1150 slopes upwardly and comprises a sloping section and a flat section. However, in other examples, the at least one ramp 1150 does not comprise a flat section and may slope continuously along its length. Near to the end of the ramp 1150, the ramp 1150 comprises a recess 1152. At the end of the ramp 1150, after the recess 1152, the ramp 1150 comprises a projection 1154. The illustrated ramps 1150 are located at least partially around the periphery of the support 1100 and curve to follow the periphery of the support 1100

As seen in FIG.3b the rotor 130 comprises at least one follower 350 for traveling along the ramp 1150. The illustrated rotor 130 comprises six followers 350, one for each ramp 1150 of the support 1100. The illustrated followers 350 are located near to the periphery of the rotor 130 and each comprise a projection.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a suction support 100 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view of FIG. 12 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 13 illustrates the region of FIG. 12 labelled A.

When the suction support 100 is assembled, the support 1100 is positioned between the suction pad 120 and the rotor 130 such that the support 1100 is located within the rotor 130, and such that the suction pad 120 and rotor 130 both abut the support 1100.

A user may rotate the rotor 130 relative to the support 1100. The axis of rotation of the rotor 130 is shown by the dashed line in FIG. 12. In the illustrated example, the axis of rotation of the rotor 130 is orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the connector 150.

As can be seen in FIG. 12, when the rotor 130 is coupled to the support 1100, the follower 350 abuts the ramp 1150. When the rotor 130 is rotated relative to the support 1100, the follower 350 travels along the ramp 1150. When the rotor 130 is rotated in a direction, for example clockwise, the follower 350 follows the ramp 1150 in a direction which is partially perpendicular to the direction of rotation, for example, moving up the ramp 1150. This causes the separation between the rotor 130 and support 1100, for example between the platform 310 and body 1110, to increase. When the rotor 130 is rotated in a further direction, for example anti-clockwise, the follower 350 follows the ramp 1150 in a further direction which is partially perpendicular to the direction of rotation, for example, moving down the ramp 1150. This causes the separation between the rotor 130 and support 1100, for example between the platform 310 and body 1110, to decrease. The rotor 130 and support 1100 are configured such that rotation of the rotor 130 relative to the support 1100 causes the rotor 130 to move axially relative to the support 1100.

The rotor 130 is coupled to substantially the centre of the suction pad 120 and the support 1100 is coupled to substantially the edge/sides of the suction pad 120. Therefore, when the rotor 130 moves axially relative to the support 1100, the centre of the suction pad 120 moves axially relative to the sides of the suction pad 120. This can cause a separation in the axial direction between the between the centre of the suction pad 120 and the sides of the suction pad, pulling the centre of the suction pad 120 away from a surface, such as a floor, on which it is positioned. This creates a partial vacuum between the surface and the suction pad 120 which adheres the suction pad 120 to the surface.

Thus, when the rotor 130 is rotated in a direction, the separation between the rotor 130 and support 1100 increases and suction is increased, adhering the suction support 100 to the surface. When the rotor 130 is rotated in a further direction, the separation between the rotor 130 and support 1100 decreases and suction is decreased, such that the suction support 100 is no longer adhered to the surface. This rotation mechanism provides a way for a user to create a strong adhesion between the suction support 100 and a surface, where the adhesion can easily be turned on or off by the user.

The illustrated ramp 1150 comprises a recess 1152 near to the end of the ramp 1150 which is closest to the rotor 130. As the follower 350 travels along the ramp 1150 it is captured by this recess 1152, making it more difficult for a user to rotate the rotor 130 and move the follower 350 along the ramp 1150 in either direction. This locks the follower 350 and rotor 130 in place and so helps to keep the suction constant such that the suction support 100 remains adhered to the surface. The illustrated ramp 1150 also comprises a projection 1154 which prevents further movement of the follower 350 along the ramp 1150, and so preventing the follower 350 from falling off the ramp 1150 which would lead to a rapid loss of suction.

Although in the illustrated example the support 1100 comprises at least one ramp 1150 and the rotor 130 comprises at least one follower 350, in other examples the rotor 130 may comprise at least one ramp 1150 and the support 1100 may comprise at least one follower 350 for travelling along the ramp 1150. That is, at least one of the support 100 and the rotor 130 may comprise a ramp 1150, and the other of the support 100 and the rotor may comprise a follower 350 for traveling along the ramp 1150.

FIG. 14 illustrates an enlarged view of FIG. 12 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 14 illustrates the region of FIG. 12 labelled B.

The illustrated connection means 330 of the rotor 130, for connecting the rotor 130 to the suction pad 120, comprise a plurality of hooks 332 for connecting to the projection 222 of the suction pad 120. The hooks 332 and projection 222 form a snap-fit connection. When the rotor 130 moves relative to the support 1100, the hooks 332 exert a force on the projection 222, pulling the centre of the suction pad 120 away from the edges of the suction pad 120 and so creating suction.

The illustrated second connection means 440 of the stand 140 comprises a threaded fastener 1442 and an aperture 1444 for coupling to an internally threaded aperture 1424 of the suction pad 120. These elements connect the stand 140 to the suction pad 120 and also help to connects the stand 140, suction pad 120 and rotor 130 to each other. The aperture 1444 of the stand 140 may be threaded.

FIGs 15a and 15b illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views of a second example of a suction support 1500 according to embodiments of the invention. The suction support 1500 of FIGs 15a and 15b is similar to the suction support 100 of FIGs 10a and 10b with a number of differences.

The illustrated suction support 1500 does not comprises a rotor 130. Instead, the suction support 1500 comprises a lever 1530. The lever 1530 is coupled to the suction pad 120 such that the lever 1530 is connected to an aperture 1522 of the connection means 220 of the suction pad 120. The illustrated lever 1530 is pivotally connected to the stand 110.

The lever 1530 is arranged to move between a first position and a second position when it is actuated. As the lever 1530 is coupled to the connection means 220 of the suction pad 120, movement of the lever 1530 causes movement of the centre of the suction pad 120. In the first position, the centre of the suction pad 120 is substantially level with the edge(s) of the suction pad 120. In FIGs 15a and 15b the lever 1530 is in the first position.

When the lever 1530 moves from the first position to the second position, the centre of the suction pad 120 moves vertically relative to the sides of the suction pad 120. This can cause a separation in a vertical direction between the between the centre of the suction pad 120 and the sides of the suction pad, pulling the centre of the suction pad 120 away from a surface, such as a floor, on which it is positioned. This creates a partial vacuum between the surface and the suction pad 120 which adheres the suction pad 120 to the surface. To detach the suction pad 120 from the surface this process is reversed.

The illustrated connector 1550 differs from the connector 150 of FIGs 10a and 10b in that it does not comprise a receptacle 510. Instead, the connector 1550 comprises an inserting portion 1552 for connecting to a furniture member by being at least partially inserted into the furniture member. For example, the furniture member may be tubular and comprise a cavity, and the inserting portion 1552 may be configured to be received by the cavity of the furniture member.

The illustrated inserting portion 1552 comprises a number of projections 1554 for being received by the furniture member. The projections 1554 may be configured to flex to aid in the insertion of the inserting portion into the furniture member. The inserting portion 1552 may be considered to have a tree shape.

FIGs 16a and 16b illustrate perspective views of an example of an inserting portion 1600 according to embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 16a the inserting portion 1600 is in an unexpanded condition and in FIG. 16b the inserting portion 1600 is in an expanded condition. The illustrated inserting portion 1600 is expandable and comprises a bolt 1610, a nut 1620 and an expandable portion 1630. The expandable portion 1630 is comprised of an elastic material, such as rubber. The expandable portion 1630 may be substantially barrel shaped and surround the bolt 1610. When the nut 1620 is screwed on the bolt 1610, the separation between the nut 1620 and the head 1612 of the bolt 1610 decreases. This compresses the expandable portion 1630 which, in turn, causes it to expand in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the bolt 1610.

In use, the inserting portion 1600 is inserted into the furniture member in an unexpanded condition so that it can easily be inserted. The inserting portion 1600 is subsequently expanded such that the expandable portion 1630 expands within the furniture member and abuts at least part of the internal surface of the furniture member. As such, the inserting portion 1600 is captured and cannot be easily removed from the furniture member. To remove the inserting 1600 portion this process is reversed.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of another example of an inserting portion 1700 according to embodiments of the invention. The illustrated inserting portion 1700 comprises a tapered portion 1710 and an expandable portion 1730. The illustrated tapered portion 1710 comprise at least one ridge 1712. The illustrated expandable portion 1730 comprises a cavity 1732 and at least one slit 1734.

When the tapered portion 1710 is inserted into the cavity 1732 of the expandable portion 1730, the external surface of the tapered portion 1710 pushes against the internal surface on the expandable portion 1730. This causes the expandable portion 1730 to expand in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the tapered portion 1710. If the expandable portion 1730 were inserted into a furniture member when this expansion occurs the inserting portion 1700 would be captured by the furniture member.

The slit 1732 of the expandable portion 1730 allows for expansion of the expandable portion 1730. The ridge 1712 of the tapered portion 1710 is configured to be received by the slit 1732 to aid in the expansion of the expandable portion 1730. Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one..” or by using “consisting”.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the rotor 130 may comprise both at least one follower 350 and at least one ramp 1150 and the support 1100 may comprise corresponding followers 350 and ramps 1150.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term ‘a’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasize an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. l/we claim: