TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to utility articles articulable to poles.

BACKGROUND ART

References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

- US5,586,664

- US2008061195

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

BACKGROUND

US5,586,664 is directed to a stand for exhibiting and holding articles which includes an elongate and substantially vertical shaft which extends upwardly from a base. One or more article receiving containers are rotatably mounted to the shaft. Each article receiving container includes a plurality of article receiving and holding pockets extending substantially radially outwardly from the shaft, such that the user can rotate an article receiving container, bringing a desired object stored in a distant pocket closer to the user.

US2008061195 discloses a detachable pole caddy that is universally positionable by operating in a spherical coordinate system, and method for positionally adjusting the detachable pole caddy within the spherical coordinate frame. According to one aspect of the invention the novel detachable pole caddy is provided by two releasably interlockable rotationally and spherically rotatable ball-and-socket components that are formed between a substantially rigid spacing component and two part-spherical couplers. A pole clamp mechanism is coupled to one of the two part-spherical couplers, and a caddy is coupled to a different one of the two part-spherical couplers. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure concerns several aspects of articulating of a utility device on to a pole.

The term 'utility device' as used herein denotes any utility article that can be articulated via a pole engaging unit to a supporting pole, and having a function at least while articulated to the pole. The following is a non-limiting, exemplary list of such utility devices: trays, dishes, displays, lamps, various containers, support brackets (e.g. for displays, audio/video equipment, digital/telecom equipment, books, toys, etc.), medical equipment (e.g. mayo stands, IV stands), pole caddies (utility caddies), note/instrument stands, and the like.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a utility device pole-mounting system, comprising a pole engaging unit and a utility device articulable to the pole engaging unit; said pole engaging unit comprising a pole bracing portion and a locking mechanism, configurable between a locked position in which the pole bracing portion is tightened so as to embrace a pole receivable within said pole bracing portion, and an unlocked position in which the pole bracing portion is loose so as to facilitate displacing the pole bracing portion over said pole; and wherein the utility device is functional at least when the locking mechanism is at the locked position.

The arrangement is such that, in the locked position, the pole bracing portion is temporarily fixed to the pole and is prevented from at least axial displacement along a longitudinal axis of the pole. Optionally, in the locked position, the pole bracing portion is also prevented from angular displacement along and/or with respect to said longitudinal axis.

A second aspect of the disclosure is directed to a utility device pole-mounting set, comprising a pole and a utility device pole-mounting system, the utility device pole mounting system comprises a pole engaging unit and a utility device articulable to the pole engaging unit; said pole engaging unit comprising a pole bracing portion and a locking mechanism configurable between a locked position in which the pole bracing portion is tightened so as to embrace the pole, and an unlocked position in which the pole bracing portion is loose so as to displace over said pole; and wherein the utility device is functional at least when the locking mechanism is locked position over the pole.

A third aspect of the disclosure is directed to a utility device comprising a utility portion and an articulation portion configured to cooperate with a pole engaging unit; said pole engaging unit comprising a pole bracing portion and a locking mechanism configurable between a locked position in which the pole bracing portion is tightened so as to embrace a pole receivable within said pole bracing portion, and an unlocked position in which the pole bracing portion is loose so as to facilitate displacing the pole bracing portion over said pole; said utility device being displaceable between a non-operative position and an operative position, wherein at the operative position said utility device is functional and interacts to manipulate the locking mechanism into the locked position.

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure there is provided a pole engaging unit, said pole engaging unit being articulable by a utility device, whereby said pole engaging unit comprising a pole bracing portion and a locking mechanism configurable between a locked position in which the pole bracing portion is tightened so as to embrace a pole receivable within said pole bracing portion, and an unlocked position in which the pole bracing portion is loose so as to facilitate displacing the pole bracing portion over said pole.

The pole engaging unit can be articulable by the utility device, whereby manipulating the utility device entails corresponding manipulation of the locking mechanism of the pole engaging unit, between its respective locked position and unlocked position.

According to a configuration of the disclosure, manipulating the locking mechanism of the pole engaging unit into its unlocked position is enabled by displacing the utility device.

The pole bracing portion can be configured in conformity with a shape of a pole, whereby at the locked position the pole bracing portion is substantially in full contact with a surface of the pole.

Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be incorporated in any of the aspects of the present disclosure, independently or in various combinations thereof:

• The pole can be made of any material, such as wood, metal, polymeric material, etc.;

• The pole can have any cross section, such as round, oval, polygonal, etc.;

• The pole can be smooth or roughened; • The pole can be disposed at a normally vertical position, or a horizontal position, or at an inclined position;

• The utility device can be configured for at least partially concealing the pole engaging unit, at least at the locked position;

• The pole engaging unit can be at least partially concealing from below by a cover member;

• At least portions of the pole bracing portion can be configured with a pole grip enhancing arrangement;

• The pole grip enhancing arrangement can be configured with a friction enhancing surface over inside surface portions of the pole bracing portion;

• The locking mechanism of the pole engaging unit can be a quick-release type locking mechanism;

• The pole bracing portion of the pole engaging unit can define a confined embracing space defined by a pole engaging ring, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured for tightening said embracing space over the pole;

• An inside surface of the pole bracing portion can have a closed circular cross section;

• The locking mechanism can be configured for restricting the embracing space by at least one locking lever displaceable between a locked position, at which a portion of the at least one locking lever projects into said embracing space, and an unlocked position at which said at least one lever substantially does not project into the embracing space;

• The utility device can be articulated to the at least one locking lever, and wherein manipulating the utility device entails manipulating the at least one locking lever between the locked position and the unlocked position;

• The at least one locking lever can comprise an eccentric portion and be pivotable about a locking axis extending substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the pole;

• The locking axis can extend outside a perimeter surface of the pole;

• The locking mechanism can be configured for restricting the embracing space by one or more locking bulges displaceable between a locked position, at which a portion of which projects into said embracing space, and an unlocked position at which said at least one locking bulge substantially does not project into the embracing space;

• Displacing the at least one locking bulge into the locked position can be facilitated by an eccentric rotating ring, said ring having a rotary axis disposed parallel with the longitudinal axis of the pole;

• The rotating ring can be part of the utility device, whereby rotating the utility device entails displacing the at least one locking bulge between its respective locked and unlocked position;

• The locking mechanism can be configured as a compression locking mechanism comprising a tapering ring mountable over the pipe and an external pressure locking ring configured for screw tightening over the tapering ring, whereby axial displacement of the external pressure ring entails corresponding tightening or loosening of the tapering ring;

• The tapering ring portion can be part of the utility device, wherein the locking ring is coaxially rotatable over the pole;

• The tapering ring can be axially slotted;

• The tapering ring can be integral or integrated with the utility device;

• The pole bracing portion can coaxially extend with the tapering ring;

• The pole bracing portion can extend, at least partially, through a portion of the utility device;

• The pole bracing portion can extend at a peripheral portion of the utility device;

• At an assembled position the pole can extend through the utility device;

• The locking mechanism of the pole engaging unit can be at the locked position, wherein the utility device bears over the locking mechanism and is prevented from axially displacing along the pole;

• A top portion of the pole engaging unit can be configured with a bearing helical path coaxial with the pole bracing portion, such that at an assembled position it partially circumferences the pole, and the utility device comprises a pole bracing sleeve configured with a bottom facing riding helical path conforming with the a bearing helical path and coaxial therewith, whereby rotation displacement of the riding helical path over the bearing helical path entails axial displacement of the riding helical path and the utility device articulated thereto;

• One or both of the bearing helical path and the riding helical path are configured with one or more axial indentions, and the other one of the bearing helical path and the riding helical path is configured with one or more axial bulges, whereby arresting a bulge within a respective indention entails arresting the utility device at respective one or more distinct axial and rotational positions of the utility device with respect to the pole engaging unit;

• The pole bracing portion of the pole engaging unit can be configured as a looped unit with a slot opening, and two tightening arms laterally outwardly extending respectively from said slot opening, defining a gap therebetween, and wherein tightening the gap entails tightening the embracing space over the pole;

• The utility device can be articulated to the tightening arms of the pole bracing portion by snap-type articulation, wherein the two arms are received within a capturing opening of the utility device, said capturing opening having a narrow cavity so as to press the two arms towards one another;

• The utility device can be a brace coupler configured as a mount, e.g. a wall mount;

• The brace coupler can be configured for snap articulation with respective tightening arms, said snap articulation can be internal or external.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A is a top perspective view of a utility device pole mounting set according to a first example of the disclosure, with a locking mechanism at a locked position;

Fig. IB is a bottom perspective view of the system seen in Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 1C is a top, perspective, exploded view of the system of Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 2A is top perspective view of the system seen in Fig. 1A, the locking mechanism at an unlocked position; Fig. 2B is bottom perspective view of the system seen in Fig. 2A;

Fig. 3A is a longitudinal section taken along line 3A - 3A in Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 3B is a longitudinal section taken along line 3B - 3B in Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 4A is a top perspective view of a utility device pole mounting set according to a second example of the disclosure, with a locking mechanism at a locked position;

Fig. 4B is a top, perspective, exploded view of the system of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 4C is a bottom perspective view of the system of Fig. 4A, with a bottom cover member partially withdrawn;

Figs. 4D and 4E illustrated the locking mechanism separated from other components, at an unlocked and a locked position, respectively;

Fig. 5A is a longitudinal section taken along line 5A - 5A in Fig. 4A, the locking mechanism at a locked position;

Fig. 5B is a longitudinal section taken along line 5A - 5A in Fig. 4A, however with the locking mechanism at an unlocked position;

Fig. 6A is a planar view of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 6B is a planar view of Fig. 5B;

Fig. 7A is a top perspective view of a utility device pole mounting set according to a third example of the disclosure, with the locking mechanism at an unlocked position;

Fig. 7B is a longitudinal section taken along line 7B - 7B in Fig. 7A;

Fig. 7C is a planar view of the portion marked 7C in Fig. 7B, with the pole removed;

Fig. 8A is a top perspective view of the system of Fig. 7A, with the locking mechanism at a locked position;

Fig. 8B is a longitudinal section taken along line 8B - 8B in Fig. 8A;

Fig. 8C is an exploded view of Fig. 8B;

Fig. 8D is a planar view of the portion marked 8D in Fig. 8B, with the pole removed;

Fig. 8E is a top planar view of Fig. 8D;

Fig. 8F is an enlarged planar view of a locking bulge of the locking arrangement;

Fig. 9A is a top perspective view of a utility device pole mounting set according to a fourth example of the disclosure, with a locking mechanism at a locked position;

Fig. 9B is an exploded view of Fig. 9A; Fig. 9C is a planar vertical section of the portion marked 9C in Fig. 9A, along line 9C - 9C, with the pole removed;

Fig. 10A is a top perspective view of the pole engaging unit of Fig. 9B, at a locked position;

Fig. 10B is an exploded view of Fig. 10A;

Fig. IOC is a longitudinal section along line 1 OB - 1 OB in Fig. 10A;

Figs. 10D, 10E and 10F are horizontal sections along planes 10D - 10D, 10E - 10E, and 10F - 10F, respectively, in Fig. 10A;

Fig. 11A is a top perspective view of the pole engaging unit of Fig. 10A, at an unlocked position;

Fig. 11B is a longitudinal section along line 1 IB - 1 IB in Fig. 11 A

Fig. llC and 11D are horizontal sections along planes 11C - 11C and 1 ID - 1 ID, respectively, in Fig. 11 A;

Fig. 12A is a top perspective view of a utility device pole mounting system according to a fifth example of the disclosure, with the locking mechanism at a locked position;

Fig. 12B is perspective exploded views of the system of Fig. 12A;

Fig. 12C is a vertical section along line 12C - 12C in Fig. 12B;

Fig. 12D is a vertical section along line 12D - 12D in Fig. 12B;

Fig. 12E is a vertical section along line 12E - 12E in Fig. 12A;

Fig. 12F is a vertical section along line 12F - 12F in Fig. 12A;

Fig. 12G is a top perspective view of the utility device pole mounting system of Fig. 12A, at an unlocked position;

Figs. 12H and 121 are exploded top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a pole engaging assembly;

Fig. 12J illustrates the pole engaging assembly of Fig. 121 at an assembled, sectioned view along line 12J - 12J in Fig. 121;

Fig. 13A is a top perspective view of a utility device pole mounting set according to a sixth example of the disclosure;

Fig. 13B is a bottom perspective view of the set of Fig. 13A, with the locking mechanism at a locked position;

Fig. 13C is an exploded view of Fig. 13 A; Fig. 13D id is a section along line 13D - 13D in Fig. 13A, with the locking mechanism at a locked position;

Fig. 13E is an enlargement of the portion marked 13E in Fig. 13D;

Fig. 13F is a section along line 13D - 13D in Fig. 13 A, with the locking mechanism at an unlocked position;

Fig. 13G is an enlargement of the portion marked 13G in Fig. 13F;

Fig. 13H is a top perspective view of a utility device pole mounting set according to a seventh example of the disclosure, with the locking mechanism at a locked position;

Fig. 131 is a horizontal section of the portion marked C, along line 13 J - 13 J in Fig 13H;

Fig. 13J is an exploded perspective view of the utility device pole mounting set of Fig. 13H;

Fig. 14A is a top perspective view of a utility device pole mounting set according to a seventh example of the disclosure, with the utility device at a closed position;

Fig. 14B illustrates the utility device pole mounting set of Fig. 14A with the utility device at an open position;

Fig. 14C is an enlargement of the portion marked 14C in Fig. 14A;

Fig. 14D is an enlargement of the portion marked 14D in Fig. 14B;

Fig. 14E is an enlarged view taken in direction of arrow 14E in Figs. 14A and

14C;

Fig. 14F is view taken in direction of arrow 14F in Figs. 14A and 14C;

Fig. 14G is an enlargement of the portion marked 14G in Fig. 14F;

Fig. 14H is a section taken along line 14H - 14H in Fig. 14C;

Fig. 15A is a top perspective view of a utility device pole mounting set according to an eighth example of the disclosure, with the locking mechanism at a locked position;

Fig. 15B is a top perspective view the utility device pole mounting set of Fig. 15 A, with the locking mechanism at an unlocked position;

Fig. 16A is an exploded perspective view of the utility device pole mounting set of Figs. 15A and 15B;

Fig. 16B is a sectioned view along line 16B - 16B in Fig. 15 A;

Fig. 16C is a sectioned view along line 16C - 16C in Fig. 15B; Figs. 17A to 17C are consecutive steps illustrating a mounting and locking process of a utility device pole mounting set according to a ninth example of the disclosure; and

Figs. 18A to 18C are planar end views of Figs. 17A to 17C, respectively, and further illustrating a wall to which the set is fixed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to Figs. 1 A to 3B directed to a first example according to the disclosure illustrating a utility device pole mounting set generally designated 10 and comprising a vertically disposed pole 12, made for example of wood, and having a round cross section. The utility device pole mounting set 10 further comprises a utility device pole mounting system 16 that comprises a pole engaging unit 20 and a utility device 22, which in the illustrated example is a dish.

It is appreciated the utility device 22 is a mere example and it can assume any functional and/or aesthetic shape and features.

The utility device 22 is configured with a boss 26 projecting from a surface of the dish and having a through-going circular aperture 28 corresponding with the diameter of pole 12 and having inside wall surface 29, at least a portion of which extending cylindrically.

The pole engaging unit 20 comprises a bracing arrangement 30 in the form of a pair of bracing arms 34 having a circular pole bracing portion 36 configured for embracing the pole 12, wherein free ends of the bracing arms 34 parallelly face each other, and wherein a locking mechanism 42 is provided, in the present example in the form of a quick-release type screw fastener having a tightening lever 48, the locking mechanism 42 is configurable between a locked position (Figs. 1 A and IB) in which the pole bracing portion 36 is tightened so as to embrace the pole 12, and an unlocked position (Figs. 2A and 2B), in which the pole bracing portion 36 is loose so as to displace over the pole 12. The pole engaging unit 20 is further configured with an upwardly projecting segmented mounting sleeve 50, of which an inside diameter corresponds with that of the pole 12, and an outside surface thereof has a diameter corresponding with that of inside wall surface 29 of boss 26. The mounting sleeve 50 has a top rim 52 which at the assembled position serves as a support for annular rim 54 of boss 26. As can best be seen in Fig. 3B, at an assembled, locked position of the utility device pole mounting set 10, the pole engaging unit 20 is positioned at a desired location over the pole 12 and the locking mechanism 42 is manipulated by lever arm 48 into the locked position, namely nearing the free ends of the bracing arms 34 to one another such that the pole bracing portion 36 tightens against the pole 12 to a motionless position, fixed over the pole 12. Then, the utility device 22 is applied over the pole 12, such that the annular rim 54 of the boss 26 comes to rest over the top rim 52 of mounting sleeve 50 of the pole engaging unit 20, with the inside wall surface 29 of boss 26 bearing flush against the external surface of mounting sleeve 50. A nut 49 can regulate the tightening force of the lever 48, so as to cancel any freedom between the pole 12 and the pole engaging unit 20, to ensure grip-tight securing thereof.

Once articulated over the pole engaging unit 20, the utility device 22 is prevented from descending along the pole 12 and is substantially tolerance-free positioned thereover. According to a configuration (not shown), rotation of the utility device 22 can be prevented as well, upon providing a non-rotation lug disposed between the respective mounting sleeve 50 and the inside wall surface 29.

Turning now to Figs. 4A to 6B there is illustrated a different example of a utility device pole-mounting set, generally designated 70. In this example the utility device pole mounting set 70 comprises a vertically extending pole 74 (by way of example a cylindrical, wooden pole), a utility device pole mounting system generally designated 76, that comprises a utility device 80 and a pole engaging unit generally designated 84.

The utility device 80 in this example is a round dish-like unit with a centrally located boss 88 having a central opening 90 having an inside wall surface 92 with a diameter corresponding with that of the pole 74, such that the utility device 80 is slidably displaceable over the pole 74, however with restricted tolerance. A bottom surface 94 of the utility device 80 is configured with a pair of radially opposed lock slide arms 96, configured at a proximal location with an arresting indention 98 (Figs. 6A and 6B).

The pole engaging unit 84 (seen isolated in Figs. 4D and 4E) comprises a cylindrical tube portion 102 defining a pole bracing portion 103 having an inside wall 104 with a diameter corresponding with that of the pole 74, and two windows 106 disposed opposite one another. A locking mechanism comprises two arms 108 are pivotally secured at 110 at the exterior of the tube portion 102, said arms 108 each formed at a proximal end thereof with a pole engaging portion 112, and at a distal end with a laterally extending lug 114. The arrangement is such that the arms 108 are pivotally displaceable between an unlocked position (Figs. 4D and 5B) where said arms are pivoted towards one another (as in direction of arrow 116 in Fig. 4D) and a locked position, where said arms 108 are pivoted in an opposite direction (as in direction of arrow 118 in Fig. 4E), substantially coplanar disposed and enjoying a geometric locking. At the locked position, the pole engaging portion 112 of each arm 108 slightly projects through the respective window 106 into the pole bracing portion 103, whilst at the unlocked position the pole engaging portion 112 substantially does not project into the space of pole bracing portion 103.

At an assembled position the utility device 80 is articulated with the pole engaging unit 84 by lugs 114 of the two arms 108 slidingly arrested within the respective lock slide arms 96, where at the unlocked position said lugs are captured at the arresting indention 98 and at the locked position the lugs are disposed at opposite end portions of the lock slide arms 96, substantially coplanar, or even slightly below a common plane, so as to be geometrically locked.

The arrangement is such the arresting the utility device pole mounting system 76 over pole 74 takes place by positioning the pole engaging unit 84 at a desired elevation and orientation and then manipulating the locking mechanism of pole engaging unit 84 into the locked position by axially pressing the utility device 80 against the pole engaging unit 84 (in direction of arrow 121 seen in Fig. 6A), while holding the later, whereby the arms 108 pivotally displace from the unlocked position of Fig. 4D into the locked position of Fig. 4E, wherein the pole engaging portion 112 clamp against the pole 74, and whereby the utility device pole mounting system 76 is now affixed on the pole 74, prevented from axial or rotation displacement.

Unlocking the system takes place by pulling the dish (utility device 80) upwards (in direction of arrow 123 seen in Fig. 5A), resulting in manipulating the pole engaging portion 112 into the unlocked position, where the system is now free to slide and rotate over pole 74.

Further seen is a concealing cone-like member 124 that provides for concealing the locking mechanism pole engaging portion 112, the concealing member 124 is configured for articulating to bottom surface 94 of the utility device 80 by a snap type articulation comprising several arresting slots 126 (best seen in Fig. 4C) disposed at the bottom surface 94 and equally spaced engaging lugs 128 disposed at a top rim 130 (best seen in Fig. 4B) of the concealing member 124. Engagement of the concealing member 124 with the utility device 80 is facilitated by placing the engaging lugs 128 opposite the arresting slots 126 and rotating the concealing member 124 into engagement of the engaging lugs 128 within the arresting slots 126. Disengagement takes place by rotating the concealing member 124 in an opposite direction.

Yet another example is illustrated and detailed with reference to Figs. 7A to 8F, directed to a utility device pole mounting set, generally designated 140, comprising a pole 142 (it is appreciated that the cylindrical vertical poles illustrated throughout the drawings are a mere example and other pole cross sections and pole orientations are possible, mutates mutandis ), a utility device pole mounting system generally designated 146 that comprises a utility device 150 and a pole engaging unit generally designated 152.

The utility device 150 is, in this example, a dish-like unit with a locking arm 156 projecting from a top edge and configured with an axle opening 158 extending along a pivot axis X, wherein said locking arm (being part of a locking mechanism) has an asymmetric bulging formation (best seen in Fig. 8F) having a first radii Ri smaller than a second, locking radii R2 with a round external surface.

A pole engaging unit 162 (seen isolated in Fig. 8C) comprises a cylindrical tube portion defining a pole bracing portion 164 having an inside wall surface having a diameter Di (Fig. 7C) corresponding with diameter D _p (Fig. 8A) of the pole 142, and a locking window 166, also being part of the locking mechanism. An external locking bracket 170 is disposed adjacent window 166, and is configured for pivotal arresting locking arm 156 by an axle 172 extending through axis X.

The arrangement is such that the utility device 150 with the rigidly extending locking arm 156 is pivotally displaceable between an unlocked position (Figs. 7A, 7B and 7C) where said dish 150 extends folded upwards, substantially parallel with the pole 142, and a locked position, where the dish 150 is displaced in direction of arrow 174 (Fig. 7A) into the locked position (Figs. 8A, 8B, 8D and 8E). At the unlocked position arm 156 is disposed such that first radii Ri of the bulging formation faces the locking window 166, such that it does not project into the space of the pole bracing portion 164. However, upon displacing the utility device 150 by 90° into the locked position, the locking radii R2 of the bulging formation faces the locking window 166 such that said greater bulging formation slightly projects through the window 166 and into the pole bracing portion 164 (identified in Fig. 8E as PR2). The arrangement is such the arresting the utility device pole mounting system 146 over pole 142 takes place by positioning the pole engaging unit 162 (with the utility device 150 articulated thereto) at a desired elevation and orientation over the pole 142, and then manipulating the locking mechanism into the locked position by pivotal displacing the utility device 150 in direction of arrow 174 (Fig. 7A) by 90°, such that the bulging formation as PR2 projects into the pole bracing portion 164, tightly bearing against the pole 142, preventing axial and rotational displacement of the utility device pole mounting system 146 with respect to the pole 142.

Unlocking the system takes place in a reverse sequence, namely the dish (utility device 150) is pivoted upwards (in direction of arrow 175 seen in Fig. 8A), resulting in manipulating the pole engaging portion 146 into the unlocked position, where the system is now free to slide and rotate over pole 142.

Further attention is directed to Figs. 9A to 1 ID exemplifying another utility device pole mounting set, generally designated 180, comprising a cylindrical pole 182, a utility device pole mounting system generally designated 184 that comprises a utility device 190, and a pole engaging unit generally designated 192.

In the illustrated example, the utility device 190 is a round dish-like tray with a laterally extending ring-shaped pole mount 198 configured with a first inside portion 202 of a diameter Di and a second inside portion 204 of a diameter D2, with a step shoulder 206 therebetween, and wherein Di < D2, and further wherein the diameter Di of the first inside portion 202 substantially corresponds with the diameter D _p of the pole 182.

The pole engaging unit 192 comprises a locking mechanism, consisting of a pole engaging tube 210 and a manipulating ring 212. The pole engaging tube 210 is a generally tubular element, with a smooth, uniform inside surface 214 and defining a pole bracing portion, the diameter of which substantially corresponds with diameter D _p of the pole 182. The pole engaging ring 210 is configured with a top ring portion 216, a top boundary ring portion 218, a locking portion 220 and a bottom ring portion 222, wherein the locking portion 220 has an axially offset portion with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pole engaging tube 210, i.e. an outer wall has altering radii, resulting in non-uniform wall thickness ranging between t _max and t _min. The top ring portion 216, top boundary ring portion 218 and bottom ring portion 222 are coaxial with a longitudinal axis X (coextending at assembly with longitudinal axis Y of the pole 182). A locking groove 228 extends across a portion of the locking portion 220, at least at the region of a portion having a thin wall thickness. It is further seen that the top ring portion 216 has a flat top rim 230 and a shoulder 232 intermediate top boundary ring portion 218. A top, partial shoulder 234 extends between top boundary ring portion 218 and locking portion 220, and a bottom, partial shoulder 236 extends between locking portion 220 and bottom ring portion 222, wherein said partial shoulders 234 and 236 are a result of the offset wall thickness of locking portion 220 with the top neighboring boundary ring portion 218 and the bottom neighboring bottom ring portion 222.

The manipulating ring 212 has a substantially smooth inside wall surface 240, with the exception of an inwardly projecting locking bulge 244 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X and having a non-uniform wall thickness varying between T _ma x and Tmin, and wherein said locking bulge 244 extends at the region of Tmax. The manipulating ring 212 is rotatably mounted on the pole engaging tube 210 with the locking bulge 244 slidingly received within the locking groove 228 of pole engaging tube 210, wherein the manipulating ring 212 is rotatable over the pole engaging tube 210 at an angular span a (Fig. 1 ID) extending between side edges 228A and 228B of the locking groove 228.

The arrangement is such that manually rotating the manipulating ring 212 between the angular extremities thereof results in the locking bulge 244 projecting into the space of pole bracing portion of the pole engaging tube 210 at the locked position (Figs. 10A to 10F), or withdraw from the pole bracing portion at the unlocked position (Figs. 11 A to 1 ID).

Accordingly, when it is required to arrest the utility device 190 over the pole 182, a first step is articulating the pole engaging unit 192 to the pole 182. This is carried out by positioning the pole engaging unit 192 over the pole at a desired elevation and while gripping the pole engaging tube 210 at bottom ring portion 222 with one hand, another hand rotates the manipulating ring 212 into the locked position (Figs. 10A to 10F) whereby the locking bulge 244 projects into the space of pole bracing portion (namely projects through the locking groove 228 and beyond surface 214 of the pole engaging tube 210 so as to grip/clamp against the pole 182), wherein further the manipulating ring 212 is rotated, the firmer and tighter the grip over pole 182 is.

Then, the pole mount 198 of the dish-like tray utility device 190 is mounted over the pole 182, where it is allowed to slide over the pole until the shoulder 206 encounters the top rim 230 of pole engaging tube 210, or until a bottom rim 211 of the pole mount 198 encounters shoulder 232 of the pole engaging tube 210. At this position, the utility device 190 is prevented from axial descending, though it is free to rotate about the pole

182

A different utility device pole mounting system is exemplified in Figs. 12A to 12J, generally designated 250 and comprising a dish-like utility device 252 with a boss portion 254 extending from a top surface 255 of a bottom wall of the dish 252, the boss having an external cylindrical tubular portion 258 with a round top rim 260, concentric respective to a longitudinal axis X (i.e. symmetrical about the longitudinal axis X), and an inner, non-concentric, utility ring 264, i.e. offset with respect to longitudinal axis X (best seen in Figs. 12B, 12C and 12D), having a perimetric wall ranging between a thickest wall portion t _max and a narrowest wall portion t _min , as seen in Figs. 12D and 12E.

A locking bulge 270 extends radially inwards from the utility ring 264, having a longitudinal axis Y extending parallel to central longitudinal axis X, and wherein the locking bulge 270 is disposed at the thickest portion of the utility ring 264.

A pole engaging tube 280 has a uniform inside tubular surface 282 defining a pole bracing portion 283 and substantially corresponding with a diameter of a supporting pole (not shown), with an external gripping surface 284. An upper portion 288 of the pole engaging tube 280 has a thinned wall portion with a depressed portion 289, with a cutout segment extending between a first vertical edge 290 and a second vertical edge 292, and having an upward projecting lug 294 flush with the external surface of upper portion 288 and extending between the first vertical edge 290 and a parallel edge 296. Further noted, the cutout segment has an edge 293, the upper portion 288 has a top edge 289 and an annular shoulder 285 extends between the upper portion 288 and the body portion of the pole engaging tube 280, wherein the upper portion 288 is of uneven thickness, ranging between a thickest wall portion t _max and a narrowest wall portion t _min (best seen in Fig. 12H).

The locking mechanism of this system comprises the utility ring 264, and an end ring 300. The end ring 300 has an annular skirt 304 with a depression 306 shaped and sized in conformity with the projecting lug 294 of the pole engaging tube 280, and a sectorial thin wall portion 308. At an assembled position, the lug 294 is received within the depression 306, the wall portion 308 is received within depressed portion 289 of upper portion 288, and wherein a bottom edge 312 of the end ring 300 bears over respective top edge 293 and 289 of the pole engaging tube 280, thus obtaining rotation free articulation between the pole engaging tube 280 and the end ring 300.

Also noted, end ring 300 comprises a top skirt 315 radially outwardly projecting and configured for bearing over the round top rim 260 of the boss portion 254 of utility device 252.

At an assembled position, when it is required to articulate the utility device over a pole (not shown), the pole engaging tube 280 is first mounted and placed at a desired elevation over the pole, then the dish (utility device 252) is placed over the pole engaging tube 280. After the end ring 300 is mounted and positioned as explained above (namely such that the lug 294 is received within the depression 306), the wall portion 308 is received within depressed portion 289 of upper portion 288, and a bottom edge 312 of the end ring 300 bears over respective top edge 293 and 289 of the pole engaging tube 280. Finally, the external gripping surface 284 of the pole engaging tube 280 is gripped using one hand and with another hand the utility device 252 is angularly displaced, resulting in projection of the bulge 270 into the a pole bracing portion 283, thus tightening against the a pole received therein, wherein the bulge 270 gradually projects, such that the further the utility device 252 is angularly displaced the more the bulge 270 axially inwardly projects into arresting engagement with the pole. Unmounting the utility device 252 from the pole takes place in a reverse sequence, i.e. first the utility device 252 is counter-rotated so as to disengage the bulge 270 from the pole, and only after the assembly can be removed.

Still an example is illustrated in Figs. 13A to 13G directed to a utility device pole mounting set generally designated 330 and comprising a vertically disposed pole 332 having a round cross section, a utility device pole mounting system 333 (Fig. 13C) that comprises a pole engaging unit 334, and a utility device 338 which in the illustrated example is a dish.

The utility device 338 is configured with a conical boss 340, projecting upwards from a base surface 342 and having a through-going circular aperture 344 and a top inwards projecting lip 348 having a diameter corresponding with that of the pole 332 and configured with a flat bottom surface 351 (Fig. 13E).

The pole engaging unit 334 comprises a body configured with a cylindrical pole bracing portion 350 having an inside diameter corresponding with the diameter of the pole 332 and having an outer cross section surface 352 conforming with an inside section surface 335 of the boss 340 of the utility device 338. A top portion of the pole engaging unit 334 terminates with a flat top annular support rim 353.

The pole engaging unit 334 is configured with a locking mechanism comprising a lever 358 pivotally articulated within a cutout 360 of the pole engaging unit 334 over an axle 362. The lever 358 has an asymmetric bulging formation, having a first radii Ri smaller than a second, locking radii R2 with a round external surface, wherein the lever 358 is configurable between an unlocked position and a locked position. At the unlocked position, the lever 358 is pivoted upwardly (Figs. 13B, 13C, 13F and 13G) wherein the first radii Ri faces the pole bracing portion 350 and does not project from inside wall surface of the pole engaging unit 334 (at this position the locking radii R2 faces downward). At locked position (Figs 13D and 13E), the lever 358 is pivoted downward (i.e. clockwise), in direction of arrow 365 (Fig. 13G), whereby the locking radii R2 faces the pole bracing portion 350 and projects into the embracing space so as to tighten against the pole 332.

The arrangement is such that assembling a utility device pole mounting set of the aforementioned type takes place by first positioning the pole engaging unit 334 over the pole at a desired elevation and then affixing it by displacing the lever 358 into the locked position. Then, the utility device 338 is placed over the pole engaging unit 334 such that the bottom surface 351 of lip 348 of the utility device 338 bears over the top annular support rim 353. At this position, the utility device 338 cannot descend over the pole 332, however it can rotate thereabout. Preventing rotation can be facilitated by providing an anti-rotation engagement mechanism (not shown), such as articulation ribs and depressions between the mating surfaces 352 of pole engaging unit 334 and inside surface 335 of the boss 340, and/or between the support rim 353 of pole engaging unit 334 and bottom surface 351 of the boss 340.

Once the utility device 338 is mounted over the pole engaging unit 334 the locking lever 358 cannot be displaced into the unlocked position, unless the utility device 338 is removed or at least elevated from the pole engaging unit 334, so as to facilitate access to the lever 358.

Disconnecting the utility device pole mounting system 250 from the pole 332 takes place by first removing the utility device 338 from the pole 332, then unlocking the pole engaging unit 334 and removing same from the pole. Another example of a utility device pole mounting system according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated in Figs. 13H to 13 J, generally designated 380, and comprising utility device generally designated 382 and a pole engaging unit generally designated 384.

The utility device 382 is a dish-shaped device configured with a peripheral wall 388 extending from a base wall 389 and an articulating portion 390. It should be appreciated that whilst in the illustrated example the articulating portion 390 is configured at a side portion of the peripheral wall 388, it can also be configured at other locations (not shown), e.g. at a bottom face of base wall 389 of the utility device 382.

The articulating portion 390 of the utility device 382 comprises an opening 394 at a side wall portion 388, with two, substantially parallelly disposed bracing walls 396A and 396B, with a confined embracing space 398 between said bracing walls. Each of the bracing walls 396A and 396B is configured with an arresting window 400A and 400B, respectively, said windows disposed opposite one another. The articulating portion 390 is further configured with a bottom wall (a continuation of the bottom wall 389), a top wall 404 and a distal wall 406.

The pole engaging unit 384 comprises is an open-looped element comprising a pole bracing portion 410 having an inside diameter D, with two arms 412A and 412B extending from the open portion of the loop, said arms extending substantially parallel to one another with a gap G therebetween (Fig. 13 J), and are each configured with a locking tooth 416A and 416B, respectively, laterally projecting outwards and each having a slanted insertion surface 418 and an engaging surface 420 disposed at a substantially right angle (or an acute angle). The arms 412A and 412B conform as far as shape and size with the confined embracing space 398 of the articulating portion 390, and further wherein the locking teeth 416A and 416B extend in register with size and position of the respective windows 400A and 400B, once inserted.

The arrangement is such that upon insertion of the arms 412A and 412B of pole engaging unit 384 into the embracing space 398 of the articulating portion 390 of utility device 382, the arms will temporarily displace towards one another so as to facilitate the locking teeth 416A and 416B to bypass the entrance into the embracing space 398, and once opposite the respective windows the locking teeth 416A and 416B will spontaneous snap into arresting engagement within the windows, with engaging surface 420 arrested by an edge of the window, thus preventing spontaneous withdrawal of the arms 412A and 412B from the embracing space 398 of the articulating portion 390. At this, locked position, the gap Gi between the arms 412A and 412B is smaller than the gap G at the unlocked position (G>Gi), resulting in tightening the pole bracing portion 410, namely restricting the diameter of the open-looped element to diameter Di, such that D>Di, thereby arresting a pole (not shown) receivable within the pole bracing portion 410.

Further attention is now directed to the embodiment of Figs. 14A to 14H illustrating a utility device pole mounting set being a three-legged bin generally designated 450 and comprising a bin 452, three support legs (three cylindrical legs, by way of example only) 454A, 454B and 454C, and a lid 458.

The bin 452 (cylindrical, by way of example only) comprises a base 460 elevated from a support surface (not sown) by leg portions 457A, 457B and 457C, respectively, extending below said base portion 460, and has a cylindrical side wall extending upwards and terminating at a circular top edge 464. Support legs 454A and 454B extend substantially to the top edge 464, whilst support leg 454C has a top extension 470 extending beyond the top edge 464 and constitutes a pole of the utility device pole mounting set.

The lid 458 is round and has a diameter similar to the top edge 464 of the bin, with a bottom surface 474 configured for resting over the top edge 464 at a closed position thereof (e.g. Fig. 14A). Extending integral with the lid 458 (or integrated therewith according to a modification) there is a pole mounting sleeve-like member 478, with an inside tubular surface 479, and configured at a top end with an inward extending annular lip 480, having a central pole opening 482 (of diameter corresponding with that of pole extension 470) and having a bottom surface 484. A bottom edge 490 of the pole mounting member 478 has a helical path defining a riding helical path and is further configured with a downward (axial) facing bulge 494.

The third leg, namely pole 457C, comprises at a portion near the top of the bin, a lid support element 500 having a bushing portion 502 with a smooth surface and configured for rotatably supporting the pole mounting member 478 such that inside surface 479 smoothly displaces over the surface of bushing portion 502.

An upward facing edge 510 of the lid support element 500 (though below the bushing portion 502) has a helical path defining a bearing helical path, coaxial with a longitudinal axis X of the pole 470 and the pole mounting member 478, and said path is configured with at least one axial indention (two in the present example; a bottom one 512 _b and a top one 512 _t ), shaped and sized in conformity with downward facing bulge

494

The arrangement is such that, at an assembled position, the riding helical path 490 of the pole mounting member 478 slidingly bears over the bearing helical path 510, whereby rotation displacement of the riding helical path over the bearing helical path (about the longitudinal axis X), entails axial displacement of the riding helical path and the utility device articulated thereto. In use, rotation of the lid 458 from the closed position (Figs. 14A, 14C, and 14H) into the open position (Figs. 14B, 14D, 14E, 14F and 13G) entails corresponding axial displacement of the lid 450 upwards along the pole extension 470 and it can be seen, e.g. in Fig. 14G, that the axial height difference Hi between bottom axial indention 512 _b and top axial indention 512 _t ), corresponds with the extend of elevation ¾ of the lid 458.

The bottom axial indention 512 _b and top axial indention 512 _t serve for arresting the lid 458 at distinct locations, namely when bulge 494 is arrested at the top axial indention 512 _t the lid 458 is at its open, elevated position, and when bulge 494 is arrested at the between bottom axial indention 512 _b the lid 458 is at its closed position, resting over the top edge 464 of the bin 452.

Still an example of a utility device pole mounting set is disclosed in Figs. 15A to 16C illustrating a utility device pole mounting set generally designated 540 and comprising a vertically disposed pole 542 extending along a longitudinal axis X, made for example of wood, and having a round cross section.

The utility device pole mounting set 540 further comprises a utility device pole mounting system that comprises a pole engaging unit 550 and a dish-like utility device 554

The utility device 554 is configured with a boss 558 projecting upwards from a top base surface 560 of the dish and having a through-going circular aperture 562 corresponding with the diameter of pole 542 and having inside wall surface 564 extending cylindrically. Coaxially extending below boss 558 there is a tubular pole bracing portion 570 (downwardly extending) and having a smooth inside surface 571 coextending with inside wall surface 564. The pole bracing portion 570 is configured with an externally threaded portion 572, an intermediate tapering portion 577, and several axial slots 574 rendering the bracing portion 570 radial flexibility. Also noted, a bottom end 578 of the pole bracing portion 570 is chamfered to facilitate easy mounting thereover of a locking member (to be discussed) and a comprises a radially inwardly directed sectorial lip 580 for gripping over an arrested pole 542.

A tubular locking member 584 is configured with an internal threading at 586, corresponding with threading at 572 of pole bracing portion 570, an intermediate inward tapering portion 579, and has an inwardly directed bottom portion terminating at a narrowed opening 588 having a diameter corresponding with that of the pole 542.

Mounting the utility device pole mounting system 542 over the pole 542 takes place by first mounting the locking member 584 over the pole 542 (as in the position of Figs. 15B and 16C), then mounting the utility device 554 (as in the position of Figs. 15B and 16C) and positioning the utility device 554 at the desired position (as far as elevation and orientation). Then, the locking member 584 is progressed towards the bracing portion 570 and is screw fastened thereover, whereby the tapering portions 577 and 579 progressively bear against each other, so as to tighten the embracing space of the pole bracing portion 570 over the pole 542. Depending on how loose the pole bracing portion 570 is with respect to the pole 542 (with the locking member 584 loosely mounted thereover), the utility device pole mounting system 542 can possibly be mounted over the pole 542 without disassembling the locking member 584 from the pole bracing portion 570.

Now turning to Figs. 17A to 18C there is yet an example according to the disclosure illustrating a utility device pole mounting set generally designated 600, comprising a (horizontally) disposed pole 604, made for example of wood, and having a round cross section. The utility device pole mounting set 600 further comprises a utility device pole mounting system 606 comprising a pole engaging unit 608 and a utility device 609 which in the illustrated example is a wall mount.

The pole engaging unit 608 comprises is circular bracing portion 610 having an inside diameter D (at the un-tightened position of Figs. 18A and 18B), having an opening 619, and two arms 620A and 620B extending from the bracing portion. The arms 620A and 620B extend almost parallel to one another with a gap G therebetween (at a distal end), at the un-tensioned position (Figs. 17A and 18 A) the distal end of the two arms 620A and 620B has an external rectangular cross sectioned and a hollow inside rectangle cross section as well. However, as can best be seen in Fig. 17A, facing walls of the two arms 620A and 620B are configured with partial cutouts 624A and 624B, respectively, at a distal portion of the arms. The utility device 640, namely the wall mount, is a plug-type article comprising a wall mounting portion 630 with a flat wall engaging surface (though according to other, non-illustrated examples the wall engaging surface can be other than flat). The wall mounting portion 630 is configured with wall mounting arrangement, in the particular example a pair of apertures 631 (Figs. 17A - 17C) for screw coupling by fasteners 632 (Figs. 18A to 18C).

The wall mount 640 is further configured with a fastener groove 648 at each side, extending along the device and having a width W (Fig. 18 A) substantially similar to the thickness of the wall of the arms 620A and 620B.

The arrangement is such that inserting the wall mount 640 axially into the open- ended side of the arms 620A and 620B, the facing cutout side walls of the arms are forced to arrest within the groove 648, causing the gap G to tighten to G _t (Figs. 17C and 18C), whereby G _t < G, thereby resulting in tightening the diameter of the circular bracing portion 610, which at the tightened position (Figs 17C and 18C) assumes a diameter D _t , wherein D _t < D, so that a pole 604 received within the bracing portion 610 is fixedly clamped therein.

In use of the illustrated example, the wall mount 640 is first secured to a wall 650 by fasteners 632, and thereafter the utility device pole mounting system 606 is advanced towards the wall mount 640 in direction of arrow 655 in Figs. 18B and 18C to thereby tighten the gap G, as discussed hereinabove, resulting in arresting the pole 604.

According to any one or more of the embodiments and example of the disclosure, at least portions of a pole bracing portion can be configured with a pole grip enhancing arrangement. Such grip enhancing arrangements can be configured with a friction enhancing surface over inside surface portions of the pole bracing portion, e.g. roughened surface, adhesive substance, etc.