When hanging out laundry one always has to perform a lot of actions, which costs a lot of time. Moreover one often is short of clothes pegs, due to which laundry is hung unfixed. This may cause the laundry to drop on the ground and get dirty. Besides one often leaves the clothes pegs on the rack, so that the rack is hard to collapse and the clothes pegs can be damaged.

From JP 2003/010596 we already know of a collapsible drying rack, made up of a stand consisting of two swivelling connected U-shaped frames and a number of drying arms connected to them. The drying arms stretch diagonally to the stand, so that laundry can be hung on them more easily than on conventional drying racks. The laundry still has to be fixed to the drying arms, for example with clothes pegs.

From US 2,443, 696 we know of another drying rack, made up of a hanging part that forms a vertical axle. A number of drying arms are mounted on top of each other, swivelling around this axle. Each drying arm is constructed two-fold, so that in the arm a slot is formed accessible through a narrow opening in the side of the drying arm. In this slot the laundry can be hung.

The aim of the invention is to provide an improved drying rack, one on which it is easy to hang laundry without the laundry needing to be fixed separately.

According to the invention this is achieved by means of a drying rack fitted with at least one pair of mainly parallel, elongated, mating clamping elements, one end of each of which being fixed to a support, so that the mating clamping elements form a narrow, slot-shaped space in between for the clamping of the laundry. By using one or more pairs of clamping elements, between which laundry can be slid from each free end and be clamped at the same time, an easily constructed drying rack is obtained, on which laundry can be hung fast.

In order to be able to slide the laundry simply into the slot-shaped gap, the free ends of the mating clamping elements of this or each pair are preferably slightly bent apart, to form a widened in-feed piece of the slot- shaped opening.

In order to fix the laundry optimally it is preferred that the mating clamping elements of each pair are constructed as springs pre-stressed towards each other.

In order to be able to hang a large quantity of laundry on the drying rack, several pairs of clamping elements can be fixed to the support.

5 A construction-wise simple version with only few components is obtained when the pairs of clamping elements are positioned in a common, mainly horizontal plane and the clamping elements of adjoining pairs are interconnected.

10 In order to be able to hang relatively thick laundry, such as for example pillows or duvets between adjoining pairs of clamping elements, it is preferable for the pairs of clamping elements to be in a common, mainly horizontal plane and be movable along the support.

15 A compact drying rack is obtained when the pairs of clamping elements are in a common, mainly vertical plane and are connected swivelling to the support.

In order to keep the laundry free from the ground the drying rack preferably shows mediums for suspending the 20support and the clamping elements connected to it, at a certain distance from the ground.

A rack to be put up stably and to be stored easily is obtained when the suspension mediums are shaped like a collapsible stand comprising two mainly U-shaped frames 25connected with their free ends swivelling to an axle.

Preferential versions of this variant of the drying rack are described in the conclusions 14 to 20.

In order to be able to suspend the drying rack to a balcony for example, the suspension mediums can comprise 30a couple of hook-shaped suspension elements. Preferably applied variants of this version are the matter of conclusions 22 to 24.

When the suspension mediums contain at least one telescopically collapsible or extending clamp pipe, the 35rack can simply be clamped between two walls or something of the like.

It is also conceivable that two supports are connected back to back with each other, in such a way that the clamping elements fixed to them stretch mainly 40in one common plane in opposite directions and the suspension mediums are made up of at least two mainly U- shaped frames, each connected on one side of the supports with the clamping elements. Thus a compact drying rack is obtained, which, for example, can be placed on a table.

45 When the suspension mediums comprise a pipe-shaped stand, to which, circumferentially a number of supports are fixed, the drying rack can be placed as a collapsible clothesline in for instance a garden. In this case the rack has the advantage that it can contain a cover to be 50tightened across the supports and clamping elements, so that it can be used as a sunshade when it is not being used as a drying rack.

In order to intensify the grip on the laundry the clamping elements could be fitted with ribs and/or bendings.

The present invention has the advantage that the drying rack is better accessible and that the laundry can 5be fixed to the drying rack in one movement. Thus fewer movements are required, which saves time. Since the laundry is clamped evenly across the full width, it can better withstand gusts of wind and is prevented that one part of a garment stretches more than the other. The lOseparate components make the drying rack better collapsible and situations risky for children are avoided, because clothes pegs are no longer needed.

Below the invention will be described on the basis of a number of examples referring to the added drawing, 15corresponding components being indicated with identical figures of reference and in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the first version of the drying rack in accordance with the invention with U-shaped clamping elements, 20 Fig. 2 shows a perspective view, in which the drying rack of fig. 1 has been partly collapsed, Fig. 3 shows a perspective view, in which the drying rack has been folded completely, Fig. 4 shows a view of a drying rack similar to fig.

251, in which the clamping elements are used as springy bars, Fig. 5 shows a perspective view in which the springy bars have been fixed parallel to the swivel axle of the stand, 30 Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a second version of the invention, in which the rack has been fitted with suspension hooks, Fig. 7 shows a perspective view (in disassembled state) of the third version, which can be used as a towel rack 35and which has been fitted with springy bars, Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the version of fig. 7 in an assembled state, Fig. 9 shows a view of a drying rack similar to fig.

1, in which the outer U-shaped clamping elements have 40been fitted with a torsion spring, Fig. 10 is a perspective detail view in an enlarged scale of the U-shaped clamping elements of fig. 9, Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a fourth version of the rack, which can be suspended between two walls by 45means of two telescopic pipes, Fig. 12 is a perspective detail view in an enlarged scale of the short pipe and the rubber end cap of fig.

11, Fig. 13 shows a view of a drying rack similar to 50fig. 1, in which the rack has been produced of rolled section, Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a variant in which the springy bars at the back have been fitted with a clamping system for detachable connection with a stand, Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of the version of fig. 14 in an assembled state, Fig. 16 shows a fifth version of the invention, in 5which the rack has been produced as a table-top model, Fig. 17 is a perspective detail view in an enlarged scale of the two coupling elements of fig. 16, Fig. 18 is a perspective detail view in an enlarged scale of the coupling element between the outer U-shaped 10profiles of fig. 16, Fig. 19 is a perspective detail view in an enlarged scale of the clamping balls of fig. 16, Fig. 20 shows a side view of the coupling element fitted with a compression spring, 15Fig. 21 shows a view similar to fig. 20, in which the coupling element has been shifted, Fig. 22 shows a perspective view of a variant of the second version, in which the balcony rack is fitted with rolled sections, 20 Fig. 23 shows a perspective view, in which the suspension mediums and the rack are fitted parallel, Fig. 24 shows a sixth version of the invention, in which the drying rack is styled as a collapsible clothesline with oval-shaped profiles, 25 Fig. 25 shows a perspective view, in which the springy bars at the end have been bent arch-wise.

The improved drying rack in accordance with the invention comprises a stand or standard 13, made up of two U-shaped frames 1 (fig. 1,2 and 3) of which the end 30comprises a flat piece 2, the centre of which has been fitted with an opening 3. The two U-shaped frames 1 are linked together at the end of the flat piece 2 by means of a rivet 4, so that the two components can be swivelled in relation to each other. Near the free end and near the 35centre of each of the U-shaped frames 1 are two supports or axles 5,6, which have been entered rotating at the inner side 9 of the U-shaped frame 1. Off the lower axle 5 the standard is fitted with a connecting element 10, which can swivel around the end of the lower axle 5 40through the opening 11 formed at the outer end. The other end is fitted with an integrated hook 12, which is in contact with the opposite axle 5 of the second U-shaped frame 1. Thus the two U-shaped frames 1 are fixed in a certain position, due to which together they form the 45standard 13. Moreover the standard 13 is fitted with four locking instruments 14, which, through the opening 15 formed at the bottom end, can rotate around the pin 16 of the standard 13. The centre and the end of the locking instrument 14 are fitted with a nick 17,18. Pairs of 50clamping elements are fixed to the supports or axles 5, 6, in the example shown the clamping elements of each two adjoining pairs being linked into U-shaped bars 19, of which the free ends 20 have been connected diagonally to the axle 5,6. Parallel to the axle 5,6 the U-shaped bars 19 are interconnected by means of a second axle, which reinforces it all. The outer U-shaped bars 21 are fitted with a position pin 22, which is in contact behind 5the nick 17,18 of the locking instrument 14, due to which the drying rack is fixed in a certain position.

The unfolded drying rack 23 can easily and fast be uncoupled by slightly lifting the rack 23. Thus the position pins 22 of the U-shaped bars 21 are brought out 10of contact of nick 17, so that the rack 23 can be collapsed again. Turning the two locking instruments 14 and pulling them a little apart and release them again as soon as the opening 24 is opposite the top axle 6, provides a very simple locking. Because the position pins 1522 of the U-shaped bars 19 are retained by the nick 25, 26 of the locking instrument 14, both the bottom and the top rack 23 are fixed at once. Thus the standard 13 can easily be moved without any fingers being jammed in the rack 23. The long bars 27 of the U-shaped bar 19 are 20constructed with a slight bending at the end. As a consequence of this the two U-shaped bars 19 will gradually incluse each other, so that laundry will simply find a way between the two U-shaped bars.

By pushing the laundry between the two U-shaped bars 2519, the laundry is clamped at once to the drying rack 23.

Owing to the improved accessibility and the fact that clothes pegs are no longer needed, the duration of hanging out laundry has been reduced considerably.

Moreover the drying rack without clothes pegs can be 30collapsed more easily.

In order to fix the laundry even better to the drying rack, the drying rack could be fitted with springy bars (fig. 4) instead of the U-shaped bars. Close to the cross axle 5,6 the bar 28 is bent arch-wise until, in 35relation to the cross axle 5,6, it sticks out vertically, due to which a spring 29 is created as it were. This clamps laundry even better, so that even in gusts of wind the laundry will remain on the drying rack.

The springy bar is preferably produced of material having 40springy qualities, such as for instance spring steel.

In the versions described above the U-shaped bars and/or springy bars are mounted diagonally on the axle.

These bars could possibly also be fixed parallel to the axle 5 (fig. 5). In this case, instead of the axle an L- 45shaped brace 30 is used, of which the short bar 31 has been entered swivelling in the opening 7,8 of the U- shaped frame 1.

Parallel to the short bar 31 the standard 13 is fitted with short springy bars 32, of which the long end 33 is 50connected diagonally to the long part 34 of the L-shaped brace 30. In this way the standard 13 could be placed in a corner, without loss of accessibility.

To improve the grip of the laundry the springy bars

could be fitted with ribs or bendings, possibly constructed in a staggered way, so that the laundry is clamped even better.

To make the drying rack suitable to be mounted on a balcony or wall, the rack could be constructed with two suspension mediums. In particular the left-hand and right-hand sides of the rack 23 are fitted with a swivelling frame 35 (fig. 6), which, through openings 36, 37 formed at the end, can swivel around the bar 38 of the U-shaped frame 39. The ends 41 of the outer springy bars 40 are connected to the U-shaped frame 39 by means of a small connecting bar 42, which reinforces it all. The swivelling frame 35 is fitted at the back wit an integrated hook 43, so that the rack 23 can be suspended.

After use the rack 23 can be collapsed again by folding in the two swivelling frames 35, so that the rack only takes up limited space.

Fig. 7 is an alternative version of the invention, in which a towel rack is fitted with clamping elements.

In particular the mounting plate 44 at the top and bottom is constructed with a short bar 45, which, at the end 46, is fitted with a pipe-shaped element 47. Through both pipe-shaped elements 47 a pin 48 is applied, secured at the bottom by a securing ring 49 entered in a groove 50.

Moreover at the backside 52 the cover piece 51 is fitted with four rectangular openings 53, which, at the averse side of the mounting plate 44 are constructed with a stop rim 54 sticking out, and the mounting plate 44 is fitted with four springy lips 55 with snap rims 56 that make contact behind the stop rim 54. This has made a connection between the mounting plate 44 and the cover piece 51 that can easily and fast be disconnected, i. e. by pressing the four press lips 57. In this way the snap rims 56 of the springy lips 55 are brought out of contact with the stop rim 54. Now the cover piece 51 can be removed from the mounting plate 44. Between the top and bottom short bar 45 the mounting plate 44 is fitted with three springy bars 32 that can swivel around the pin 48 through the opening 58 formed at the outer end.

When, in this version, a towel is not hung parallel across one of the springy bars, or when one side is wetter than the other, the clamping effect of the clamping elements will prevent a towel from falling on the ground over and over again.

It is also possible to combine U-shaped bars and/or springy bars. In this respect one side of the U-shaped bar 19 could for instance be bent arch-wise 124 so that, with a large loop 125, it can be connected parallel to the long bar 126 with the axle 6 in fig. 9 and 10. In order to reinforce the construction of the U-shaped bars 19 the centre and end is constructed with a plastic connecting piece 127, 134. The connecting piece 127 is coupled to the threaded rods 128 by means of the slots

129 fitted on either side, that partly show the same contour as the threaded rods 128. Instead of just the outer ones in this version all of the U-shaped bars 19 are fixed in a certain position by the locking arm 14.

One side of the locking arm 14 is coupled to the axle 5 and the bent piece 130 is clamped swivelling in the central connecting piece 127. The outer U-shaped bars 19 are fitted with a torsion spring 29, the short end 132 of which is coupled to the axle 6 and the long end 133 partly sticks out through the front connecting piece 134.

When a thick garment is hung between the two U-shaped bars close to the axle 6, both ends 135 of the U-shaped bars 19 will press harder together, so that in this place a very thin garment can possibly be hung.

Figures 11 and 12 are versions in which the rack 23 can be fixed between two walls by means of telescopic pipes. In this version the rack 23 is mounted to two long pipes 136 the ends 137 of which are fitted with an opening 141.

Internally of the long pipe 136 a short pipe 138 partly sticks out at both ends 137. The short pipe 138 preferably has the same girth as the internal diameter of the long pipe 136. The short pipes 138 are lengthwise fitted with a number of openings 139 and one end is fitted with a tapped hole 140. Through the openings 139, 141, of the long and a short pipe 136,138, is a locking pin 142, so that the two parts are fixed. Moreover the rack 23 is fitted with two rubber end caps 143 the threaded end 144 of which is tightened in the tapped hole 140 of the short pipe 138.

To be able to clamp the drying rack between two walls, the locking pin 142 must be removed first and next slide in or out the short pipes 138, after which the short pipes can be fixed again by the locking pins 142.

The threaded end 144 of the rubber end cap 143 can possibly be turned in or out further to obtain the length desired in a continuously variable way.

Since the drying rack is constructed with telescopic bars, it can be clamped between any walls without taking much space.

Instead of using wire steel for the drying rack, it could also be constructed of rolled section fig. 13. This would make the drying rack much faster to assemble because it takes fewer components. In this case the U- shaped profile 145 shows lengthwise ribs 146, fitted in such a way that, when the profiles are staggered next to each other, the round raised rim 147 exactly fits the hollow space 148 of the adjoining U-shaped profile. Owing to the ribs the garments are clamped even better and the bars will be a lot stronger. By means of a created opening 192 and slot 193 the U-shaped profile 145 can swivel at the end around the axle 6 of the standard 13.

Between the U-shaped profiles 145, around the axle 6 is a compression spring 150. The outer U-shaped profiles 151 are fitted with a torsion spring 29, the short end 132 of which is coupled to the axle 6 and the long end 133 is placed against the inside of the U-shaped profile. These 5compression springs 150 and torsion springs 29 make the U-shaped profiles being pressed together.

When a garment is pushed between the two U-shaped profiles 145, the side of which the end is fitted with a slot 193 will shift lengthwise along the axle 6. Since 10behind this slot a compression spring 150 is positioned, the latter will be compressed. The garments are clamped over the full length by this compression spring and the torsion springs.

In order to be able to dry garments of varying 15thickness the form and/or the size of at least one clamping element can be adjusted.

The springy bars 32 are preferably made of plastic and the back 96 shows a fork-shaped element 97, of which both insides are constructed with two half-round nicks 98 20 (fig. 14). The material of the fork-shaped element 97 is reduced 99 between the two half-round nicks 98, so that the fork-shaped element 97 needs less bending when the latter is coupled to the two axles 6 of the standard 13.

Moreover the top of the fork-shaped element 97 is fitted 25with a small opening 100. Through the opening sticks a knurled screw the threaded end 102 of which is screwed tight in the tapped hole 103 of the clamping strip 104.

By loosening the knurled screw 101 the springy bar 32 can be shifted, to be screwed tight again in the position 30required. Since the distance between the two clamping systems 105 can be adjusted in a continuously variable way, for instance even pillows or duvets can be clamped between the springy bars 32.

Figures 16,17 and 18 show an alternative version of 35the invention, in which the rack 23 is styled as a table- top model. The table-top model 152 comprises a number of oval-shaped profiles 153 one side of which is fitted with nicks 155 on the inside 154 and the two ends 156 are fixed at an angle of 15 degrees. As the two ends 156 40press against the adjoining oval-shaped profile 153 they will move back into a position parallel to the piece 157 with the nicks 155. The centre of the drying rack is fitted with two connecting elements 158 fitted with a number of horizontal slots 159, one side of which is 45fitted with a raising 160. Off the nicks 155 of the oval- shaped profile 153 the slot 159 is fitted with two snapping rims 161, so that the oval-shaped profile will be fixed extra.

To improve the springy qualities of the profiles, the 50slots 159 could be fitted with an integrated spring 162.

To create the spring 162 in one movement from a mould the top 163 is fitted with an opening 164. By connecting the two connecting elements 158 by means of a bolt 165 and

nut 166 connection, the tops and bottoms 167 of the oval- shaped profile 153 are fully clamped by the raising 160.

Since the other side of the slot 159 is made a bit wider here the end 156 of the oval-shaped profile 153 can move back and forth. Moreover the drying rack is fitted on both ends 168 with a U-shaped frame 169, which on both ends is fitted with a created opening 170 fig. 18.

Through these openings is the axle 171 of the coupling element 172, with which these U-shaped profiles can fold and unfold. The coupling element 172 is coupled to the oval-shaped profile 153 by means of the slots 129 fitted on either side, of which the length is made such that it is clamped exactly in the front nick 194 of the oval- shaped profile 153. The inside of the coupling element 172 is fitted with two vertical and two horizontal slots 173. The slots 173 partly have the same contour as the one of the pipes of the U-shaped standard 169. To make the slots somewhat springy there is another straight narrow slot 195 between the two slots. As soon as the U- shaped stand 169 has been folded or unfolded completely the legs 175 will be fixed by the slots 173 of the coupling element 172, so that the rack is more stable and can be transported easily. Instead of the torsion springs, the legs 175 of the U-shaped frame 169 have been fitted at an angle of 5 degrees. When a garment is pushed between the two oval-shaped profiles 153, the side of which the end 156 is fitted slanting will spring inwards and the legs 175 of the U-shaped frame 169 will spring outwards. Since the legs 175 of the U-shaped frame 169 press against the outer oval-shaped profiles 153 and the slanting ends 156 in their turn press against the adjoining oval-shaped profiles, the laundry is clamped over the full length.

Owing to the fact that the rack is constructed by the oval-shaped profiles and since the connecting pieces, compression springs and torsion springs have disappeared, the number of parts is amply halved, so that the cost price will be considerably lower.

The springy qualities of the U-shaped frame can possibly be increased, by constructing the two bent parts with a larger loop.

Apart from the metal oval-shaped profiles the drying rack could be combined with plastic bars fig. 19. One end of the bar 28 is preferably fitted with a clamping system 176 and the other end is fitted with an integrated ball 177. The clamping system 176 mainly consists of a vertical slot 178 that partly has the same contour as the oval-shaped profile 153. By coupling the plastic bars on either side of the rack, even more garments can be hung on the rack.

To somewhat improve the springy qualities of the rack a compression spring 180 could be fitted between the leg 175 fig. 20 and 21 of the U-shaped frame 169 and the inner wall 179 of the coupling element 172 around the axle 171. When, in this version, a garment is pushed between the oval-shaped profiles 153, the legs 175 of the U-shaped frame will remain stationary, but the distance 5between two coupling elements 172 will be extended a bit.

Fig. 22 is a version in which the balcony drying rack is constructed with rolled U-shaped sections. In this version the two ends 181 of the outer U-shaped profiles 182 are fixed to the two axles 183. The bar 184 10of the small suspension medium 185 only sticks through the first two openings 186 of the front U-shaped profile 187. The large suspension medium 188 can swivel around the axle 183 of the rack 190 through openings 189 formed at the end.

15 In case of the above version one has to bend far over the balcony since the rack is much lower than the suspension mediums. The rack 190 can possibly also be suspended off the suspension mediums 185,188 fig. 23.

In this version both suspension mediums 185,188 are 20connected at the bottom by a connecting bar 191. Since the suspension mediums are mounted to the rack the two suspension'mediums can be folded within the area of the rack. Since the suspension mediums and the rack are at the same level, the laundry can be hung and taken off 25with a straight back.

Instead of threaded steel or rolled section practically the whole drying rack could be produced of plastic. But for the two U-shaped frames, the whole rack consists of a piece of plastic, in which the central part 30and the clamping elements are fitted with holes in the material. Thus one gets a very light construction that can be assembled very fast. In order to guarantee the relief process of the mould and to prevent the oval- shaped profiles from sliding across each other by the 35springy force of the U-shaped frame, the oval-shaped profiles are staggered-wise differently styled. Thus one has a straight contour rim and the adjoining oval-shaped profile has two slanting sides.

To assemble the drying rack very simply both ends of 40the U-shaped profiles could be fitted with a snap system designed in such a way that it can be coupled in one movement to the two connecting elements.

To be able to hang garments of most varying thickness side by side the hollow space of the profiles 45could be fitted with a soft material. Since the soft material easily adapts to the shape and thickness of a garment, for instance a much thinner garment can be hung without any problems beside a thick garment.

Since most garments are made of soft material, the 50profile could show a more pointed shape rather than a round raised rim. Thus a thick garment will be more compressed, due to which the seam between the two clamping elements remains limited, so that next to the thick garment a thin garment can be hung.

Figure 24 is an alternative version of the invention, in which the rack 23 is styled as a collapsible clothesline. In this version two connecting 5elements 158 of the rack are connected on one end 196 by means of a hinge 197. At the bottom of the hinge 197 is a long pipe 198, which halfway the end is fitted with a guide piece 199. Moreover the collapsible clothesline 200 is fitted with two locking arms 201, of which the opening 10202 formed at one end can swivel around the axle 203 of the guide piece 199 and the opening 204 formed at the other end is mounted rotating around the axle 205 of the connecting element 158. Thus the two racks 23 are fixed in a certain position, so that the laundry can be pushed 15onto the rack via the topside, without having to stand under the rack. After use the collapsible clothesline could serve as a sunshade, for this purpose a cover is tightened around the rack, so that one can sit out of the sun. Besides the rack remains clean and it can be an 20ornament in the garden.

Instead of threaded steel or rolled section the U- shaped and oval-shaped clamping elements could also be made of another type of profile. Thus it is also possible to produce the clamping elements of pipe, angle section, 25U-profile, square section or rectangular section.

In order to be able to create various styles the end of the clamping element could be fitted with an end cap, of which the shade and form can be adjusted. Possibly the end of the springy bars 32 fig. 25 could also be bent <BR> <BR> 30arch-wise, which will not only provide an elegant effect,<BR> but also prevents eyes from being damaged.

All versions can be combined and instead of parallel the U-shaped bars could also be fitted in a radial direction. In this case the U-shaped bars could be 35mounted to a vertical bar that is possibly mounted rotating on a base, so that the drying rack will be even more accessible.

The towel rack could possible be combined with a hairdryer, so that the latter can easily be stored in the 40holder.

Although the invention was described above in accordance with a number of version examples, the expert will understand from the above text that he is not restricted to this, but adjustments in many ways can be 45made within the dimensions of the added conclusions.