Towel hanger

Abstract

To provide a towel hanger which can facilitate carrying and storage of the towel hanger.SOLUTION: A folding type towel hanger comprises: a base part; a towel hanger part having one or more arm parts for supporting a towel; and pole parts having leg parts extending between the base part and the towel hanger part. The base part is rotatably and pivotally supported so as to rotate around a first rotary axis which is substantially parallel to an extension direction of the arm parts to the pole parts, on a lower end part of the pole parts, and is movable between a horizontal position which is brought into an installation state of the towel hanger, and a storage position which is brought into a folded state of the towel hanger and is along the leg parts. The towel hanger part is pivotally supported so as to rotate around a second rotary axis which is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the arm parts to the pole parts, and is movable between the horizontal position which is brought into the installation state of the towel hanger and the storage position which is brought into the folded state of the towel hanger and is along the leg parts. The base part and the towel hanger part are held to the pole parts in the storage position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a towel rail. [Background technology]

[0002] Stand-type towel racks have been proposed in the past. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a stand-type towel rack. The towel rack described in Patent Document 1 includes a pillar extending vertically, a leg extending horizontally from the lower end of the pillar, and an arm extending horizontally from the upper end of the pillar. The arm is configured to be able to hang a towel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 2-145195 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The towel rack described in Patent Document 1 is configured to have a fixed shape. For this reason, this towel rack tends to be bulky, and may be difficult to carry or store.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide a towel rack that is easy to carry and store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The towel rack of the present invention is a foldable towel rack comprising a base portion, a towel hanging portion having one or more arm portions for supporting towels, and a support portion having legs extending between the base portion and the towel hanging portion, wherein the base portion is rotatably supported at the lower end of the support portion about a first rotation axis that is approximately parallel to the extension direction of the arm portion relative to the support portion, and is movable between a horizontal position in which the towel rack is installed and a stored position along the legs in which the towel rack is folded, and the towel hanging portion is rotatably supported at the upper end of the support portion about a second rotation axis that is approximately parallel to the extension direction of the arm portion relative to the support portion, and is movable between a horizontal position in which the towel rack is installed and a stored position along the legs in which the towel rack is folded, and the base portion and the towel hanging portion are configured to be held relative to the support portion in the stored position. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a towel rack that is easy to carry and store. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a towel rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the towel rack in an installed state. [Diagram 2] 2 is a front view of the towel rack shown in FIG. 1, viewed in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the arm portion. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the towel rail shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the towel rail shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the towel rail shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the towel rail shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the towel rail shown in FIG. 1 taken along line AA. [Figure 8]2 is a cross-sectional view of the towel rack shown in FIG. 1 taken along line BB. [Figure 9] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the towel rack shown in FIG. 1 taken along line CC. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a towel rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the towel rack in a folded state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a right side view of the towel rail shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the towel rack shown in FIG. 10 taken along line DD. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a towel rack according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example, and the towel rack of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0010] The towel rack T of this embodiment (see FIG. 1) is a foldable towel rack. As shown in FIG. 1, the towel rack T includes a base part 1, a towel rack part 2 with one or more arms 21 for supporting a towel (not shown), and a support part 3 with legs 31 extending between the base part 1 and the towel rack part 2.

[0011] There is no particular limit to the type or size of towels hung on towel rack T (see FIG. 1). Towel rack T is configured to be able to hang and dry bath towels and face towels, for example. There is no particular limit to the place where towel rack T is installed. Towel rack T is installed and used in, for example, guest rooms, verandas, changing rooms, washrooms, etc. of inns and hotels. Towel rack T is configured to be able to be folded up compactly when not in use.

[0012] In this specification and the drawings, the direction D1 represents the height direction (vertical direction) of the towel rack T, the direction D2 represents the width direction (horizontal direction when viewed from the front), and the direction D3 represents the depth direction (depth direction when viewed from the front) of the towel rack T. The directions D1, D2, and D3 are perpendicular to each other. The directions D2 and D3 are directions along a horizontal plane or a substantially horizontal plane (a plane slightly inclined relative to the horizontal plane). In the following, the state in which the towel rack T is unfolded and installed on a floor surface or the like and is ready for use or in use is also referred to as the "installed state of the towel rack T". The state in which the towel rack T is folded is also referred to as the "folded state of the towel rack T". In the following, the "installed state of the towel rack T" shown in Figures 1 to 9 and the "folded state of the towel rack T" shown in Figures 10 to 12 will both be described using the directions D1, D2, and D3.

[0013] The base 1 is a member that is located at the lower end of the towel rack T when the towel rack T is installed (see Figs. 1 to 4 and 7) and supports the support pole 3 and the towel rack 2. The material of the base 1 is not particularly limited as long as it has the strength to support the support pole 3 and the towel rack 2. In this embodiment, the base 1 is made of, for example, wood, synthetic resin, or metal. When the towel rack T is installed, the base 1 is placed on a floor surface or the like (not shown). The base 1 is supported at the lower end of the support pole 3 so as to be rotatable around a first rotation shaft 4 (shown by a broken line in Figs. 2 to 4) that is approximately parallel to the extension direction of the arm 21 relative to the support pole 3 (direction D2 in the example shown in Fig. 1). In this embodiment, the base 1 is supported at the lower end of the support pole 3 by a shaft member that extends along the first rotation shaft 4 so as to be rotatable in the direction D4 shown in Fig. 4. The first rotation shaft 4 extends approximately parallel to the extension direction of the arm portion 21. When the towel rack T is installed, the length of the base portion 1 in the direction D3 is not particularly limited as long as it is a length that can stably support the support portion 3 and the towel rack portion 2 when multiple towels (bath towels and face towels) are hung on the towel rack portion 2. In this embodiment, the length of the base portion 1 in the direction D3 is, for example, 250 mm to 500 mm, preferably 300 mm to 400 mm. In order to increase the stability of the towel rack T, it is preferable that the length of the base portion 1 in the direction D3 is longer than the length of the towel rack portion 2 in the direction D3 described below.

[0014] In this specification, the "lower end of the support pole 3" refers to the lower end of the support pole 3 and a specific area near the lower end when the towel rack T is installed. The first rotation shaft 4 may be provided a certain amount above the lower end of the support pole 3, depending on the shape and size of the base 1. For example, when the towel rack T is installed, the first rotation shaft 4 may be provided a certain amount toward the center in the direction D1 from the lower end of the support pole 3, depending on the thickness and shape of the base 1 in the direction D1.

[0015] In addition, the base 1 is movable between a horizontal position (see Figs. 4 and 7) in which the towel rack T is installed, and a storage position (see Figs. 11 and 12) along the legs 31 in which the towel rack T is folded. In this specification, the "horizontal position" (see Figs. 1, 4, and 7) includes both a position along a horizontal plane and a position along a substantially horizontal plane (a plane slightly inclined relative to the horizontal plane). In this specification, the "storage position along the legs 31 in which the towel rack T is folded" (see Figs. 10 to 12) means that the base 1 is located in a storage position along the legs 31 when the towel rack T is folded.

[0016] In this embodiment, the base 1 includes a first extension 13 (see Figs. 1 to 12) supported rotatably around a first rotation shaft 4, and a posture stabilizing unit 15 supported by the first extension 13. One end of the first extension 13 is connected to the leg 31 rotatably around the first rotation shaft 4. The first extension 13 extends linearly from one end to the other end. The other end of the first extension 13 is a free end in a cantilever support structure (cantilever beam). The first extension 13 is disposed so as to extend along a direction D3 when the towel rack T is installed. The direction D3 is a direction along a horizontal direction or a substantially horizontal direction. When the towel rack T is installed, one surface (the lower surface in the example shown in Figs. 4 and 7) of the first extension 13 in the rotation direction (the direction D4 in the example shown in Figs. 4 and 7) contacts the floor surface or the like. The first extending portion 13 can support the load of the towel rack T by contacting one surface in the rotation direction with the floor surface or the like.

[0017] In this embodiment, the base 1 includes a pair of first extending portions 13 spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the arm portion 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 1). The base 1 further includes a posture stabilizing portion 15 that connects the first extending portions 13 to each other. The posture stabilizing portion 15 extends along a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first extending portions 13 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 1). In the example shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the base 1 includes a plurality of posture stabilizing portions 15 (two in the example shown in FIG. 1). The plurality of posture stabilizing portions 15 are arranged parallel to each other with a predetermined interval between each other in the direction D3. By connecting the pair of first extending portions 13 with the posture stabilizing portion 15, the strength of the base 1 can be increased. In addition, the pair of first extending portions 13 can be rotated at the same rotation angle with respect to the support portion 3. Therefore, the posture of the towel rack T can be more stable than when the pair of first extending portions 13 are not connected to each other.

[0018] Moreover, the first extension portion 13 is disposed so as to extend along the support pole 3 when the towel rack T is in the folded state (see Figs. 10 to 12). Specifically, the first extension portion 13 is disposed so as to extend along the leg portion 31 when the towel rack T is in the folded state.

[0019] The towel hanging section 2 is a member located at the upper end of the towel rack T when the towel rack T is installed, and supports a towel by hanging it thereon. The material of the towel hanging section 2 is not particularly limited as long as it has the strength to support a towel. In this embodiment, the towel hanging section 2 is made of, for example, wood, synthetic resin, or metal. The towel hanging section 2 is supported at the upper end of the support pole 3 so as to be rotatable around a second rotation shaft 5 (shown by a broken line in Figs. 2 to 4 and Figs. 10 to 12) that is approximately parallel to the extension direction of the arm section 21 relative to the support pole 3 (direction D2 in the example shown in Fig. 1). That is, the towel hanging section 2 is supported at the upper end of the support pole 3 so as to be rotatable in the direction D5 shown in Fig. 4 by a shaft member that extends along the second rotation shaft 5. The second rotation shaft 5 extends approximately parallel to the extension direction of the arm section 21.

[0020] In this specification, "the upper end of the support pole 3" means the upper end of the support pole 3 and a predetermined area near the upper end when the towel rack T is installed. In other words, the second rotation shaft 5 may be provided a certain amount below the upper end of the support pole 3 depending on the shape and size of the towel rack 2. For example, when the towel rack T is installed, the second rotation shaft 5 may be provided a certain amount toward the center in the direction D1 from the upper end of the support pole 3 depending on the thickness and shape of the towel rack 2 in the direction D1.

[0021] The towel rack 2 is movable between a horizontal position (see Figs. 4 and 7) in which the towel rack T is installed and a storage position (see Figs. 11 and 12) along the legs 31 in which the towel rack T is folded. In this specification, the "horizontal position" (see Figs. 1, 4, and 7) includes both a position along a horizontal plane and a position along a substantially horizontal plane (a plane slightly inclined relative to the horizontal plane). In this specification, the "storage position along the legs 31 in which the towel rack T is folded" (see Figs. 10 to 12) means that the towel rack 2 is located in a storage position along the legs 31 when the towel rack T is folded.

[0022] In this embodiment, the towel rack 2 includes a second extension 24 rotatably supported on the second rotation shaft 5, and an arm 21 supported by the second extension 24. One end of the second extension 24 is connected to the leg 31 rotatably around the second rotation shaft 5. The second extension 24 extends linearly from one end to the other end. The other end of the second extension 24 is a free end in a cantilever support structure (cantilever beam). The second extension 24 is arranged to extend along the direction D3 when the towel rack T is installed.

[0023] In this embodiment, the towel rack 2 has a plurality of (four in the example shown in FIG. 1) arm portions 21. When the towel rack T is in an installed state, the arm portions 21 are arranged parallel to one another at a predetermined interval in the direction D3. When the towel rack T is in an installed state, the arm portions 21 are arranged on the same plane along a horizontal plane or on the same plane approximately along a horizontal plane. By arranging the arm portions 21 in this manner, a user can easily hang a plurality of towels on each of the arm portions 21.

[0024] In this embodiment, the towel rack 2 includes a pair of second extension portions 24 spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the arm portion 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 1). The second extension portions 24 are arranged to extend along the support pole 3 when the towel rack T is in the folded state. Specifically, the second extension portions 24 are arranged to extend along the leg portions 31 of the support pole 3 when the towel rack T is in the folded state (see FIGS. 10 to 12).

[0025] The base part 1 and the towel hanging part 2 are configured to be held by the support part 3 in the stored position (see Figs. 10 to 12). Therefore, when carrying or storing the towel rack T, the base part 1 and the towel hanging part 2 are prevented from moving away from the stored position (rotating toward the horizontal position) against the user's will, and are kept in a compact folded state. This makes it easy to carry and store the towel rack T.

[0026] In this embodiment, the base 1 and the towel hanging section 2 are configured to be attracted to and held by the support section 3 by magnetic force in the storage position (see Figs. 10 to 12). That is, the base 1 is attracted to and held by the support section 3 by magnetic force in the storage position. The towel hanging section 2 is held to the support section 3 by magnetic force in the storage position. As a result, the base 1 is held in the storage position. That is, the base 1 is held in a state aligned with the support section 3 by the magnetic attraction. The towel hanging section 2 is held in a state aligned with the support section 3 by the magnetic attraction. Therefore, when carrying or storing the towel rack T, the base 1 and the towel hanging section 2 are prevented from departing from the storage position (rotating to the horizontal position) against the user's will by a simple configuration, and the compact folded state is maintained. This makes it easy to carry or store the towel rack T. Furthermore, when returning the towel rack T from its compactly folded state to a usable state (installed state), the magnetic hold (adhesion) can be released by the user applying an external force against the magnetic force to the base unit 1 and the towel rack 2. Specifically, the magnetic hold can be released by grasping the base unit 1 and the towel rack 2 and applying a rotational force to the base unit 1 and the towel rack 2 that rotates the base unit 1 and the towel rack 2 to the horizontal position. Furthermore, by applying a rotational force in the same direction, the base unit 1 and the towel rack 2 can be rotated to the horizontal position, and the towel rack T can be easily returned to the installed state.

[0027] Note that, in the stored position (see Figs. 10 to 12), base part 1 and towel rail part 2 may be configured to be held to support part 3 by a force other than a magnetic force. For example, in the stored position (see Figs. 10 to 12), base part 1 and towel rail part 2 may be configured to be held to support part 3 by an engaging force of a detachable connecting member such as a hook-and-loop fastener (not shown).

[0028] The support pole 3 is a member that supports the towel hanging section 2. There is no particular limitation on the material of the support pole 3, so long as it has the strength to support the towel hanging section 2. In this embodiment, the support pole 3 is made of, for example, wood, synthetic resin, or metal. There is no particular limitation on the height of the support pole 3, so long as it is possible to ensure a height that prevents a towel (bath towel or face towel) from touching the floor or the like when hung on the towel hanging section 2 in the installed state of the towel rack T. In this embodiment, the height of the support pole 3 is, for example, 600 mm to 1000 mm, and preferably 700 mm to 900 mm.

[0029] The support pole 3 is supported by the base 1. In this embodiment, the support pole 3 is disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction when the towel rack T is installed. The direction in which the support pole 3 extends when the towel rack T is installed is not particularly limited as long as the towel rack 2 can be stably supported. In this embodiment, the direction in which the support pole 3 extends when the towel rack T is installed is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. When the towel rack T is installed, the inclination angle of the support pole 3 with respect to the vertical direction is, for example, 5° to 45°, preferably 15° to 35°, and more preferably 20° to 30°. That is, when the towel rack T is installed, the inclination angle of the support pole 3 with respect to the horizontal direction is, for example, 45° to 85°, preferably 55° to 75°, and more preferably 60° to 70°. When the towel rack T is installed, the support pole 3 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, so that the towel rack 2 can be stably supported.

[0030] Specifically, in this embodiment, the towel rack 2 has a structure in which only one end in the direction D3 is supported (cantilever support structure). For this reason, in order to maintain the balance of the towel rack T in the direction D3, it is preferable that the support pole 3 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction when the towel rack T is installed. When the support pole 3 is inclined in this manner, the angle between the base part 1 and the support pole 3 at the connection part between the base part 1 and the support pole 3 is less than 90° (acute angle). Specifically, the angle between the base part 1 in the horizontal position (see Figs. 4 and 7) and the support pole 3 is, for example, 45° to 85°, preferably 55° to 75°, and more preferably 60° to 70°. At the connection between the towel rack part 2 and the support part 3, the angle between the towel rack part 2 in the horizontal position (see Figures 4 and 7) and the support part 3 is approximately the same as the angle between the base part 1 in the horizontal position and the support part 3.

[0031] The number of legs 31 provided on the support pole 3 is not particularly limited as long as the support pole 3 can stably support the towel rack 2. The number of legs 31 provided on the support pole 3 may be one or more. In this embodiment, the support pole 3 has a pair of legs 31 (two legs 31). Specifically, the legs 31 of the support pole 3 are provided as a pair spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the arm portion 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 1). That is, the towel rack T has one leg 31 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) provided to support one side of the arm portion 21 in the direction D2, and the other leg 31 provided to support the other side of the arm portion 21 in the direction D2.

[0032] In this embodiment, the pair of legs 31 are connected by a plurality of beams 32, 33. Specifically, the support 3 (see Figs. 1 to 3) includes a first beam 32 provided at the lower end of the support 3 and connecting the pair of legs 31, and a second beam 33 provided at the upper end of the support 3 and connecting the pair of legs 31. In this embodiment, the support 3 includes two legs 31 extending in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction and two beams (the first beam 32 and the second beam 33) extending along the direction D2 when the towel rack T is installed. The two legs 31 are provided at a predetermined interval (the length of the base 1 and the towel rack 2 in the direction D2) in the installed state of the towel rack T in the direction D2. The first beam 32 and the second beam 33 are provided at a predetermined interval (the height of the legs 31 in the direction D1) in the installed state of the towel rack T. The two legs 31, the first beam 32, and the second beam 33 are connected to each other in a rectangular frame shape. That is, the two legs 31, the first beam 32, and the second beam 33 form a rectangular frame body.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first beam portion 32 (see Figs. 10 to 12) has a function of positioning the base portion 1 in the rotation direction of the base portion 1 (direction D4 in the example shown in Figs. 11 and 12) in addition to the function of connecting the pair of legs 31. Specifically, the base portion 1 and the first beam portion 32 have a first opposing surface 14 and a second opposing surface 321 that face each other in the rotation direction around the first rotation shaft 4 at the storage position of the base portion 1 (see Figs. 11 and 12). That is, at the storage position of the base portion 1, the first opposing surface 14 of the base portion 1 and the second opposing surface 321 of the first beam portion 32 face each other in the rotation direction around the first rotation shaft 4 (direction D4 in the example shown in Figs. 11 and 12). In this embodiment, when the base 1 is in the stored position, the first opposing surface 14 of the base 1 and the second opposing surface 321 of the first beam 32 abut against each other in the rotation direction around the first rotation axis 4. As a result, when the base 1 is in the stored position, the first opposing surface 14 of the base 1 is positioned in the rotation direction around the first rotation axis 4 by the second opposing surface 321 of the first beam 32.

[0034] In this embodiment, the magnet 6 is embedded in the first opposing surface 14. In addition, the magnet 7 that is attracted to the magnet 6 is embedded in the second opposing surface 321. Note that a magnet may be provided on either one of the first opposing surface 14 and the second opposing surface 321, and a magnetic body may be embedded in the other of the first opposing surface 14 and the second opposing surface 321. When using a magnetic body, the magnetic body is not particularly limited as long as it can be attracted to a magnet, and can be, for example, iron. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the magnet 6 embedded in the first opposing surface 14 attracts the magnet 7 embedded in the second opposing surface 321. This maintains the state in which the first opposing surface 14 and the second opposing surface 321 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the base part 1 having the first opposing surface 14 is held in the storage position. The combination of the attracting members embedded in the first opposing surface 14 and the second opposing surface 321 is a magnet and a magnet, a magnet and a magnetic body, or a magnetic body and a magnet. In this embodiment, the attraction member such as a magnet is embedded in the first opposing surface 14 and the second opposing surface 321 so that the attraction surface is exposed. In this embodiment, an impact mitigation member 8 may be provided on the surface (attraction surface) of the attraction member in order to reduce the impact sound generated when the attraction members are attracted to each other (see FIG. 3). The material of the impact mitigation member 8 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that does not hinder the attraction of the attraction members to each other. In this embodiment, the material of the impact mitigation member 8 is, for example, a material that easily allows magnetic lines of force to pass through. The impact mitigation member 8 is, for example, a pad material made of felt or the like.

[0035] Similarly, the towel hanging section 2 and the second beam section 33 have a third opposing surface 25 and a fourth opposing surface 331 that face each other in the rotation direction around the second rotation axis 5 when the towel hanging section 2 is in the storage position (see Figs. 11 and 12). That is, when the towel hanging section 2 is in the storage position, the third opposing surface 25 of the towel hanging section 2 and the fourth opposing surface 331 of the second beam section 33 face each other in the rotation direction around the second rotation axis 5. In this embodiment, when the towel hanging section 2 is in the storage position, the third opposing surface 25 of the towel hanging section 2 and the fourth opposing surface 331 of the second beam section 33 abut each other in the rotation direction around the second rotation axis 5. As a result, when the towel hanging section 2 is in the storage position, the third opposing surface 25 of the towel hanging section 2 is positioned in the rotation direction around the second rotation axis 5 by the fourth opposing surface 331 of the second beam section 33.

[0036] Furthermore, a magnet 6 is embedded in the third opposing surface 25. A magnet 7 that is attracted to the magnet 6 is embedded in the fourth opposing surface 331. A magnet may be provided on either the third opposing surface 25 or the fourth opposing surface 331, and a magnetic body may be embedded in the other of the third opposing surface 25 and the fourth opposing surface 331. When using a magnetic body, the magnetic body is not particularly limited as long as it can be attracted to a magnet, and can be, for example, iron. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the magnet 6 embedded in the third opposing surface 25 attracts the magnet 7 embedded in the fourth opposing surface 331. This maintains the state in which the third opposing surface 25 and the fourth opposing surface 331 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the towel rack 2 having the third opposing surface 25 is held in the storage position. The combination of the attracting members embedded in the third opposing surface 25 and the fourth opposing surface 331 is a magnet and a magnet, a magnet and a magnetic body, or a magnetic body and a magnet. In this embodiment, the attraction members such as magnets are embedded in the first opposing surface 14 and the second opposing surface 321 so that the attraction surfaces are exposed. Also, in this embodiment, an impact mitigation member 8 may be provided on the surface (attraction surface) of the attraction member in order to reduce impact noise when the attraction members are attracted to each other (see FIG. 6).

[0037] In this way, by providing an attraction member such as a magnet on the opposing surface of the rotation direction of the base part 1 and the rotation direction of the towel rack part 2, the attraction member can be brought closer to the rotation direction of the base part 1 and the rotation direction of the towel rack part 2. This allows a larger attraction force to be generated by the magnetic force. This is because the attraction force of the magnet is generated more in a direction perpendicular to the attraction surface of the magnet. The attraction force generated in a direction perpendicular to the attraction surface of the magnet is larger than the attraction force generated in a direction parallel to the attraction surface of the magnet. Therefore, by bringing the attraction members such as magnets closer to each other in the rotation direction of the base part 1 and the rotation direction of the towel rack part 2, an attraction force in a direction perpendicular to the attraction surface is generated between the attraction members. This allows a large attraction force to be generated between the attraction members, and a large holding force can be obtained. Therefore, when the towel rack T is carried or stored, the towel rack T is more reliably held in a compact folded state. This makes it easier to carry and store the towel rack T. The direction in which the attraction members such as magnets are brought closer to each other is not limited to the rotation direction of the base part 1 and the rotation direction of the towel rack part 2. For example, the attracting members may be configured to approach each other in a direction parallel to the attracting surface of the attracting member such as a magnet. Specifically, an attracting member such as a magnet may be embedded in the opposing surfaces of the base part 1 and the first beam part 32 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the base part 1 (for example, direction D2), and in the opposing surfaces of the towel rail part 2 and the second beam part 33 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the towel rail part 2 (for example, direction D2). Even in this case, the base part 1 and the towel rail part 2 can be held by the attracting force of the magnetic force.

[0038] If base part 1 and towel rack part 2 are configured to be held in the stored position (see Figs. 10 to 12) by the engaging force of a detachable connecting member (hereinafter also referred to as a detachable connecting member) such as a hook-and-loop fastener (not shown) relative to support part 3, towel rack T may be configured as follows: That is, towel rack T may be configured such that, instead of magnet 6, one of an engaging member and an engaged member constituting the detachable connecting member is provided, and, instead of magnet 7, the other of the engaging member and the engaged member constituting the detachable connecting member is provided.

[0039] In this embodiment, the base 1 (see FIG. 7) in the horizontal position extends to one side (the right side in the example shown in FIG. 7) in a direction (direction D3 in the example shown in FIG. 7) perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 7) relative to the leg 31. The towel rail 2 (see FIG. 7) in the horizontal position extends to the other side (the left side in the example shown in FIG. 7) in a direction (direction D3 in the example shown in FIG. 7) perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 7) relative to the leg 31. That is, the base 1 in the horizontal position and the towel rail 2 in the horizontal position 22 extend in opposite directions to each other in a direction (direction D3 in the example shown in FIG. 7) perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 7) (see FIG. 7). In the example shown in FIG. 7, when the towel rack T is installed, the towel rack T is configured in a Z shape when viewed from the extending direction of the arm portion 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 7).

[0040] Furthermore, the first beam 32 (see FIG. 7) of the support 3 is fixed to one side (right side in the example shown in FIG. 7) in a direction (direction D3 in the example shown in FIG. 7) perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 7) relative to the leg 31. The second beam 33 (see FIG. 7) of the support 3 is fixed to the other side (left side in the example shown in FIG. 7) in a direction (direction D3 in the example shown in FIG. 7) perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 7). That is, the first beam 32 and the second beam 33 are fixed to opposite sides of the leg 31 (right side and left side in the example shown in FIG. 7) in a direction (direction D3 in the example shown in FIG. 7) perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 7). In the example shown in Figure 7, the first beam portion 32 and the second beam portion 33 are fixed to opposite surfaces 311 (the right-hand surface in the example shown in Figure 7) and 312 (the left-hand surface in the example shown in Figure 7) of the leg portion 31 in a direction perpendicular (direction D3 in the example shown in Figure 7) to the extension direction of the arm portion 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in Figure 7).

[0041] Furthermore, the base 1 (see Figs. 10 to 12) in the storage position is adsorbed to the first beam 32 on the other side (left side in the example shown in Fig. 11) in a direction (direction D3 in the example shown in Fig. 11) perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in Fig. 11) relative to the first beam 32. The towel rail 2 (see Figs. 10 to 12) in the storage position is adsorbed to the second beam 33 on one side (right side in the example shown in Fig. 11) in a direction (direction D3 in the example shown in Fig. 11) perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 21 (direction D2 in the example shown in Fig. 11) relative to the second beam 33. In this configuration, when the towel rail T is lifted so that the support 3 is oriented sideways (for example, along a horizontal plane) with the base 1 in the storage position and the towel rail 2 in the storage position, gravity acts on either the base 1 or the towel rail 2 in a direction that rotates them downward. However, because a magnetic force is acting to hold the base part 1 and the towel rack part 2 in the storage position, both the base part 1 and the towel rack part 2 are prevented from moving from the storage position. Therefore, the towel rack T can be carried or stored in a compact folded state.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the towel rack T is viewed from the outside along the first rotation shaft 4 (see FIG. 11) with the base part 1 in the storage position (see FIGS. 10 to 12), the base part 1 is arranged along the leg part 31 so that the base part 1 is hidden inside the leg part 31. That is, when the towel rack T is viewed from the direction along the first rotation shaft 4 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 11) with the base part 1 in the storage position, the base part 1 is hidden inside the leg part 31 and cannot be seen. In FIG. 11, the base part 1 hidden inside the leg part 31 is shown by a broken line. Also, when the towel rack T is viewed from the outside along the second rotation shaft 5 (see FIG. 11) with the towel rack part 2 in the storage position (see FIGS. 10 to 12), the towel rack part 2 is arranged along the leg part 31 so that the towel rack part 2 is hidden inside the leg part 31. That is, when the towel rack T is viewed from a direction along the second rotation axis 5 (direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 11) with the towel rack 2 in the storage position, the towel rack 2 is hidden inside the leg 31 and cannot be seen. In FIG. 11, the towel rack 2 hidden inside the leg 31 is shown by a broken line. Therefore, when the towel rack T is folded, the towel rack 2 is hidden inside the leg 31, and the base 1 and the towel rack 2 do not protrude from the leg 31. Therefore, by having the base 1 and the towel rack 2 protrude from the leg 31, it is possible to prevent the leg 31 from becoming difficult to hold when carrying the towel rack T, making it easier to carry the towel rack T. In addition, since the base 1 and the towel rack 2 do not protrude from the leg 31, when the towel racks T are stacked and stored, the base 1 and the towel rack 2 do not get in the way of stacking the towel racks T, making it easier to stack the towel racks T.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first beam portion 32 is configured in a plate shape as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and Figs. 10 to 12. In this embodiment, the first beam portion 32 extends along the direction D2. The plate-shaped first beam portion 32 is arranged so that the thickness direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the leg portion 31. That is, the plate-shaped first beam portion 32 is arranged so that the width direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the longitudinal direction is along the extension direction of the leg portion 31 (see Fig. 7). The first beam portion 32 is arranged in such a direction, so that its strength as a beam is increased. Therefore, the strength of the towel rack T can be increased.

[0044] The first beam 32 has a first positioning portion 322 (see FIG. 7) on its lower surface. The "lower surface" here refers to, for example, the lower surface when the towel rack T is in an installed state. The first positioning portion 322 is configured to hold the base 1 in a horizontal position (see FIG. 7). That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the first beam 32 can hold the base 1 in a horizontal position by the first positioning portion 322. Specifically, the first positioning portion 322 (the lower surface of the first beam 32) abuts against the upper surface of the base 1, thereby restricting the rotation of the base 1 relative to the leg 31 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the first positioning portion 322 can determine the angle of the base 1 relative to the leg 31 in the installed state of the towel rack T, and hold the base 1 in a horizontal position. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the angle α of the extension direction of the leg 31 relative to the base 1 is an acute angle. In the first beam portion 32, the angle between the fixing surface fixed to the leg portion 31 and the surface (first positioning portion 322) that abuts against the base portion 1 is set to a value equal to the angle α of the extension direction of the leg portion 31 relative to the base portion 1. This makes it possible to set the angle α of the extension direction of the leg portion 31 relative to the base portion 1 in accordance with the angle between the fixing surface and the first positioning portion 322.

[0045] The first beam 32 has a second positioning portion 323 (see FIG. 11) on one surface in the thickness direction. The "one surface" here is, for example, the surface on the leg 31 side when the towel rack T is in a folded state (see FIG. 11). The second positioning portion 323 is configured to hold the base 1 in the storage position. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the first beam 32 can hold the base 1 in the storage position by the second positioning portion 323. Specifically, one surface in the rotation direction of the base 1 (direction D4 in the example shown in FIG. 11) abuts against the second positioning portion 323 of the first beam 32, thereby restricting the rotation of the base 1 relative to the leg 31 (see FIG. 11). As a result, the second positioning portion 323 can hold the base 1 in the storage position by defining the angle of the base 1 relative to the leg 31 when the towel rack T is in a folded state. 11, the base 1 is disposed along the leg 31. The extending direction of the first extending portion 13 of the base 1 is parallel to the extending direction of the leg 31. In this embodiment, the second positioning portion 323 is provided on the second opposing surface 321 of the first beam portion 32. Note that the second positioning portion 323 may be provided in a portion other than the second opposing surface 321.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and 10 to 12, the second beam portion 33 is configured in a plate shape. In this embodiment, the second beam portion 33 extends along the direction D2. The plate-shaped second beam portion 33 is arranged so that the thickness direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the leg portion 31. That is, the plate-shaped second beam portion 33 is arranged so that the width direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the longitudinal direction is along the extension direction of the leg portion 31 (see Fig. 7). By arranging the second beam portion 33 in such a direction, the strength of the beam is increased. Therefore, the strength of the towel rack T can be increased.

[0047] The second beam 33 has a third positioning portion 332 on its upper surface (see FIG. 7). The "upper surface" here refers to, for example, the upper surface when the towel rack T is in an installed state. The third positioning portion 332 is configured to hold the towel rack 2 in a horizontal position (see FIG. 7). That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the second beam 33 can hold the towel rack 2 in a horizontal position by the third positioning portion 332. Specifically, the lower surface of the towel rack 2 abuts against the third positioning portion 332 (the upper surface of the second beam 32), thereby restricting the rotation of the towel rack 2 relative to the leg 31 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the third positioning portion 332 can determine the angle of the towel rack 2 relative to the leg 31 in the installed state of the towel rack T, thereby holding the towel rack 2 in a horizontal position. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the angle β of the extension direction of the leg 31 relative to the towel rack 2 is an acute angle. In the second beam portion 33, the angle between the fixing surface fixed to the leg portion 31 and the surface (third positioning portion 332) that abuts against the towel hanging portion 2 is set to a value equal to the angle β of the extension direction of the leg portion 31 relative to the towel hanging portion 2. This makes it possible to set the angle β of the extension direction of the leg portion 31 relative to the towel hanging portion 2 in accordance with the angle between the fixing surface 334 and the third positioning portion 332. In this embodiment, the angle β is approximately the same as the above-mentioned angle α.

[0048] The second beam 33 has a fourth positioning portion 333 (see FIG. 11) on one surface in the thickness direction. The "one surface" here is, for example, the surface on the leg 31 side when the towel rack T is in a folded state (see FIG. 11). The fourth positioning portion 333 is configured to hold the towel rack 2 in the storage position. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the second beam 33 can hold the towel rack 2 in the storage position by the fourth positioning portion 333. Specifically, one surface in the rotation direction of the towel rack 2 (direction D5 in the example shown in FIG. 11) abuts against the fourth positioning portion 333 of the second beam 33, thereby restricting the rotation of the towel rack 2 relative to the leg 31 (see FIG. 11). As a result, the fourth positioning portion 333 can determine the angle of the towel rack 2 relative to the leg 31 when the towel rack T is in a folded state, and hold the towel rack 2 in the storage position. 11, the towel rack 2 is disposed along the leg portion 31. The extending direction of the second extending portion 24 of the towel rack 2 and the extending direction of the leg portion 31 are parallel to each other.

[0049] Next, an example of a method of using the towel rack T according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Below, a method of changing the towel rack T from an installed state to a folded state and a case of changing the towel rack T from a folded state to an installed state will be described.

[0050] When changing the towel rack T from the installed state to the folded state, first, the user grasps the towel rack part 2 in the horizontal position and rotates the towel rack part 2 around the second rotation axis 5 (see FIG. 4). The rotation direction is the direction in which the lower surface of the towel rack part 2 moves away from the third positioning part 332 of the second beam part 33. The rotation direction is the direction in which the towel rack part 2 moves closer to the fourth positioning part 333 of the second beam part 33. The towel rack part 2 is rotated until the towel rack part 2 abuts or comes close to the fourth positioning part 333 of the second beam part 33, and the towel rack part 2 is moved to the storage position. Then, the magnet 6 embedded in the towel rack part 2 is attracted to the magnet 7 embedded in the second beam part 33 (see FIG. 11). As a result, the towel rack part 2 is held in the storage position.

[0051] Next, the user grasps the base 1 in the horizontal position and rotates the base 1 around the first rotation axis 4 (see FIG. 4). The rotation direction is the direction in which the top surface of the base 1 moves away from the first positioning portion 322 of the first beam portion 32. The rotation direction is the direction in which the base 1 moves closer to the second positioning portion 323 of the first beam portion 32. The base 1 is rotated until the base 1 abuts or approaches the second positioning portion 323 of the first beam portion 32, and the base 1 is moved to the storage position. Then, the magnet 6 embedded in the base 1 is attracted to the magnet 7 embedded in the first beam portion 32 (see FIG. 11). As a result, the base 1 is held in the storage position. As a result, the towel rack T is changed from the installed state to the folded state.

[0052] When changing the towel rack T from the folded state to the installed state, first, the user grasps the base part 1 in the storage position, and rotates the base part 1 around the first rotation axis 4 (see FIG. 11). The rotation direction is the direction in which the base part 1 moves away from the second positioning part 323 of the first beam part 32. The rotation direction is also the direction in which the base part 1 moves closer to the first positioning part 322 of the first beam part 32. The base part 1 is rotated until it abuts against the first positioning part 322 of the first beam part 32, and the base part 1 is moved to a horizontal position. Then, the base part 1 is installed on the floor surface or the like (see FIG. 4).

[0053] Next, the user grasps the towel rack 2 in the stored position, and rotates it around the second rotation axis 5 (see FIG. 11). The rotation direction is the direction in which the towel rack 2 moves away from the fourth positioning portion 333 of the second beam portion 33. The rotation direction is also the direction in which the towel rack 2 moves closer to the third positioning portion 332 of the second beam portion 33. The towel rack 2 is rotated until it abuts against the third positioning portion 332 of the second beam portion 33, and the towel rack 2 is moved to a horizontal position (see FIG. 4). This changes the towel rack T from the folded state to the installed state.

[0054] As described above, in the towel rack T according to this embodiment, the base part 1 is held in a state aligned with the support part 3 by the magnetic attraction. The towel rack part 2 is held in a state aligned with the support part 3 by the magnetic attraction. Therefore, when carrying or storing the towel rack T, the base part 1 and the towel rack part 2 are prevented from moving away from the storage position (rotating toward the horizontal position) against the user's will, and the compact folded state is maintained. This makes it easy to carry and store the towel rack T. In addition, when returning the towel rack T from the compact folded state to a usable state (installed state), the user can apply an external force against the magnetic force to the base part 1 and the towel rack part 2 to release the holding (attraction) by the magnetic force. Therefore, it is possible to provide a towel rack T that can be easily carried and stored. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 Base 13 1st extension part 14 First opposing surface 15 Connecting part 2 Towel rack 21 Arm section 24 Second extension part 25 Third opposing surface 3 Support section 31 Legs 311 One side 312 Other side 32 1st beam section 321 Second opposing surface 322 First positioning part 323 Second positioning part 33 2nd beam section 331 4th facing surface 332 Third positioning part 333 Fourth Positioning Section 334 Fixed surface 4 First Rotation Axis 5 Second Rotation Axis 6. Magnets 7. Magnets T towel rack

Claims

1. The base and a towel rack having one or more arms for supporting towels; a post portion having legs extending between the base portion and the towel rack portion; A foldable towel rail comprising: the base is supported at a lower end of the support pole so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the arm portion relative to the support pole, and is movable between a horizontal position in which the towel rack is installed and a storage position along the leg portion in which the towel rack is folded; the towel rack is supported at an upper end of the support pole so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the arm portion relative to the support pole, and is movable between a horizontal position in which the towel rack is installed and a storage position along the leg portion in which the towel rack is folded; The towel rack, wherein the base portion and the towel rack portion are configured to be held against the support pole portion in the storage position.

2. The towel rack according to claim 1 , wherein the base portion and the towel rack portion are magnetically attracted to and held by the support pole portion in the stored position.

3. The leg portions of the support portion are provided as a pair spaced apart from each other in an extension direction of the arm portion, The support pillar includes a first beam portion provided at a lower end portion of the support pillar and connecting the pair of legs, and a second beam portion provided at an upper end portion of the support pillar and connecting the pair of legs, the base portion and the first beam portion each have a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface that face each other in a rotation direction around the first rotation axis when the base portion is in a stored position; The towel rack portion and the second beam portion each have a third opposing surface and a fourth opposing surface that face each other in a rotation direction around the second rotation axis when the towel rack portion is in a storage position, a magnet is embedded in one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface, and a magnet or a magnetic material that is attracted to the magnet is embedded in the other of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface; The towel rack of claim 2, wherein a magnet is embedded in one of the third opposing surface and the fourth opposing surface, and a magnet or magnetic material that is attracted to the magnet is embedded in the other of the third opposing surface and the fourth opposing surface.

4. The base portion in the horizontal position extends to one side relative to the leg portion in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm portion, and the towel rack portion in the horizontal position extends to the other side relative to the leg portion in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm portion, the first beam portion is fixed to one side of the leg portion in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the arm portion, the second beam portion is fixed to the other side of the leg portion in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm portion, the base portion in the stored position is attracted to the first beam portion on the other side in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm portion, The towel rack in the storage position is attached to the second beam portion on one side in a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the arm portion. The towel rail of claim 3.

5. the base portion is disposed along the leg portion such that the base portion is hidden inside the leg portion when the towel rack is viewed from the outside along the first rotation axis with the base portion in the stored position; When the towel rack is in the stored position and viewed from the outside along the second rotation axis, the towel rack is disposed along the leg such that the towel rack is hidden inside the leg. The towel rail of claim 4.

Images