WO2008125801A1

WO2008125801A1 - Apparatus for securing items to a surface

Info

Publication number: WO2008125801A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/001075
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael John Loveridge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-04-17
Filing date: 2008-03-28
Publication date: 2008-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 2009-10-17
Also published as: GB2460379A; GB2460379B; GB0917756D0

Abstract

Apparatus (2) for securing items to a surface (4, 6), which apparatus (2) comprises an item-supporting member (10) which is for being releasably fastened to the surface (4, 6), and a tool (12) for releasably fastening the item-supporting member (10) to the surface (4, 6) and for removing the item- supporting member (10) from the surface (4, 6): the tool (12) being such that it is operable from floor level (14); and the item-supporting member (10) being such that it comprises a receiving portion (16) for receiving fastener means (22) for releasably fastening the item-supporting member (10) to the surface (4, 6), and tool-engaging means (18) for releasably engaging with the tool (12) such that the tool (12) is able to fasten and remove the item- supporting member (10); and the apparatus (2) being such that in use the tool (12) extends at an acute angle with respect to the receiving portion (16) whereby the tool (12) is operable from the floor level (14) at a position other than with a longitudinal axis of the tool (12) being at 90° to the surface (4, 6).

Description

APPARATUS FOR SECURING ITEMS TO A SURFACE

This invention relates to apparatus for securing items to a surface. The items may be, for example, decorations, display items, suitable merchandise and materials. The decorations may be, example, Christmas and party decorations.

Items such for example as decorations and display items are traditionally fixed to surfaces such for example as ceilings and walls by drawing pins. In the case of surfaces in the form of ceilings, the height of the ceilings makes the drawings pins difficult to insert and remove. In the case of surfaces in the form of walls, it is often desired to fix the items at a height which is close to ceiling height, and which is therefore too high for easy insertion and removal of drawing pins. Sometimes adhesive means such for example as adhesive tape sold under the trade mark Cellotape or adhesive putty sold under the trade mark Blu-Tack is employed. This adhesive means is also difficult to fix in high positions, and it may be incapable of supporting heavy items.

My United Kingdom Patent No. 2261018 describes apparatus for use in securing decorations to a ceiling. The apparatus may also be used for fixing the items to a ceiling. The apparatus obviates or reduces the above mentioned problems in that it is operable from floor level. However the apparatus is only operable at floor level from a position directly in line with a longitudinal axis of a tool forming part of the apparatus. Furniture in a room may sometimes hinder a person positioning himself or herself directly in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool. Also, the apparatus is not suitable for securing items to surfaces in the form of walls, especially at high positions on the walls.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide apparatus for securing items to a surface, which apparatus is an improvement over the apparatus mentioned in my United Kingdom Patent No. 2261018.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for securing items to a surface, which apparatus comprises an item-supporting member which is for being releasably fastened to the surface, and a tool for releasably fastening the item-supporting member to the surface and for removing the item-supporting member from the surface: the tool being such that it is operable from floor level; and the item- supporting member being such that it comprises a receiving portion for receiving fastener means for releasably fastening the item-supporting member to the surface, and tool-engaging means for releasably engaging with the tool such that the tool is able to fasten and remove the item- supporting member; and the apparatus being such that in use the tool extends at an acute angle with respect to the receiving portion whereby the tool is operable from the floor level at a position other than with a longitudinal axis of the tool at 90° to the surface.

The surface may be a wall, ceiling or any other suitable and appropriate surface. The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that a person is able to fix the item-supporting member in position without having to be in a position directly in line with a longitudinal axis of the tool. This often enables a person to fix the item-supporting member in position without having to clamber over furniture or move the furniture.

The apparatus of the present invention may be used for installing any suitable and appropriate type of items, for example decorations, including Christmas decorations, party decorations, general-purpose decorations commercial displays, educational displays, and art work displays. The items may be installed in homes, offices, factories, shops, private dwellings and public premises.

The tool acts with the item-supporting member to enable an easy and even upward pressure to be applied to the item-supporting member to releasably fasten it to the surface. When it is desired to remove the item- supporting member, the tool can again simply be used to remove the item- supporting member, for example by pulling or twisting, away from the ceiling. The tool is able to be used by persons standing at floor level, and so there is no need for persons to climb on chairs or ladders as has hitherto been the practice. The tool can be used to releasably fix any desired number of the item-supporting members to the surface. When not in use, the tool can easily be stored, for example in a cupboard, or wall-hung to be readily available.

Usually, the apparatus will include support means for supporting at least one decoration. Preferably, the support means is at least one hook. Also preferably, the hook is a flat sided hook. A flat sided hook is able to provide an anti-twist attachment point. Any suitable and appropriate number of hooks may be employed, for example 2, 3 or 4 hooks. Other types of support means may be employed.

Preferably, the receiving portion is a platform portion. The platform portion enables an evenly spread force to be applied to the fastener means. Other shapes for the receiving portion may be employed.

The fastener means may be an adhesive fastener means. The adhesive fastener means is preferably adhesive putty. The adhesive putty is preferably sold under the trade mark Blu-Tack. The fastener means may alternatively be a pin member. The pin member may be a separable pin member or it may alternatively be an integral pin member which is an integrally formed part of the apparatus. The fastener means may alternatively be a magnet. The magnet may be integral with or separable from the item- supporting member. An integral magnet arrangement may have a magnet on each of two facing parts, for example platform parts. A separable magnet arrangement may have a magnetic disc placed in a pin chamber. Alternatively, the fastener means may be a hook and loop system. The hook and loop system may be integral with or separable from the item-supporting member. The hook and loop system may have a first part fixed to a platform face, and a second part fixed to a required surface, for example fixed indefinitely, thereby providing an attachment point for repeated use. Instead of a hook and loop system, matrices of other formations of plastics members of the type that push together and pull apart may be employed. If magnets are used as the fastener means, the faces of the magnets which come into surface contact may have a rubber coating or a self-adhesive backed thin rubber pad to reduce sliding on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, thereby providing a more stable fastening. The first and/or second parts may have adhesive surfaces, for example for sticking the second part to a shop window for display purposes. The fastener means may consist or comprise double- sided adhesive tape.

The tool-engaging means may be a recessed member for receiving the tool. The recessed member may be a bayonet-type fitting. The recessed member may be a tubular member or it may be a formation formed by a pair of side members open at each end. Alternatively, the tool-engaging means may be a male member for being received in a recessed member in the tool.

The tool may be such that it comprises an operating head part which is of a complementary shape to the tool-engaging means.

In order that the tool can be operated from floor level, the tool will usually comprise a pole. The pole may be a custom-made telescopic pole. Alternatively, the pole may be a fixed length pole such for example as a broom pole. When the tool comprises the operating head part, then the operating head part may be integral with or separable from the pole. Thus, for example, the operating head part may be available separately and compatible with a readily available domestic broom handle or decorator's extension pole, etc.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tool is engageable with the tool-engaging means such that the tool is able to extend in either of first and second chosen positions, the first chosen position being such that in use of the apparatus the tool extends at the acute angle with respect to the receiving portion whereby the tool is operable from the floor level at a position other than with the longitudinal axis of the tool being at 90° to the surface, and the second chosen position being such that in use of the apparatus the tool extends at 90° with respect to the surface whereby the tool is operable from the floor level at a position which is directly in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool.

The tool-engaging means may comprise a formation having a pair of opposed slots, and each slot may comprise four slot portions arranged in the shape of a cross, with one of the slot portions being an entrance slot portion, and the other three slot portions being available for receiving one of a pair of opposed male members extending outwardly from a head part of the tool. The male members are preferably pins but other types of male members may be employed.

The head part of the tool may include an abutment member for abutting against the item-supporting member at a position remove from the pin, whereby the item-supporting member is pushed into contact with the surface at two remote positions thereby facilitating firm fixing of the item- supporting member to the surface.

The abutment member is preferably an abutment arm. Other types of abutment members may be employed.

The abutment member preferably extends at 45° to the longitudinal axis of the tool. The abutment may extend at other angles to the longitudinal axis of the tool if desired. In another embodiment of the invention, the tool is engageable with the tool-engaging means such that the tool is only able to extend in use of the apparatus at the acute angle with respect to the receiving portion whereby the tool is operable from the floor level at a position other than directly in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool.

The tool-engaging means may comprise a formation having a pair of opposed slots, and each slot may comprise three slot portions arranged in the shape of a T, with one of the slot portions being an entrance slot portion, and the other two slot portions being available for receiving one of a pair of opposed male members extending outwardly from a head part of the tool.

The male members are preferably pins but other types of male members may be employed.

In another embodiment of the invention, the tool may have an adjustable head part which is adjustable to two or more angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

The adjustable head part may comprise a finger screw for securing the adjustable head part at a desired angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool. The adjustable head part may operate such that it is moveable in fixed increments, for example as may be defined by ratchet teeth. Alternatively, the adjustable head part may be such that it can be adjusted to any desired angle without being in fixed increments. This may be effected, for example, by having a ball joint which is tightened at a desired position by means of the finger screw or other tightening means. Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates different modes of use of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of an operating part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 when the apparatus is fixing an item-supporting member to the top left hand corner of a wall as shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of an operating part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 when it is being used for fixing an item-supporting member to a top left hand corner of a ceiling as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of an operating part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 when it is used for fixing an item-supporting member to a central part of the ceiling as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a view like Figure 4 but shows how the apparatus is used to remove the item-supporting member from a surface;

Figure 6 is a side view of the item-supporting member as shown in Figures 4 and 5, and provided with adhesive fastener means;

Figure 7 is a section through part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 4, and illustrates the use of fastener means in the form of a pin member;

Figure 8 is a section through the apparatus as shown in Figure 2, and shows a chamber for receiving the pin member of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a section like Figure 8 but shows an alternative design for an abutment part of the apparatus shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a tool for releasably fastening the item-supporting member to a surface;

Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14 are side, back, top and part sectional views respectively of an operating head part of the tool shown in Figure 10, with Figure 14 additionally showing a pin member;

Figures 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 are side, top, underneath, end and part sectional views respectively of the item-supporting member shown in previous Figures;

Figure 20 is like Figure 15 but shows the addition of cleaning means;

Figure 21 is a top view of the device shown in Figure 20 and shows in more detail the cleaning means;

Figure 22 shows alternative apparatus to that shown in previous Figures for securing decorations to a surface;

Figure 23 is a side view of part of further alternative apparatus to that shown in previous Figures for securing decorations to a surface;

Figure 24 is an opposite side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 23;

Figure 25 shows part of further apparatus of the invention and shows a way of connecting an item-support member to a tool;

Figure 26 shows a tool-releasing position for the parts like those shown in Figure 25;

Figure 27 shows an engaged position for the parts like those shown in Figure 25; Figure 28 is a front view illustrating the formation of undercut portions for the item-supporting member;

Figure 29, 30, 31 and 32 are top plan views of four different types of receiving portions in the form of platform portions;

Figure 33 is a side view of support means in the form of part of a hook;

Figure 34 is a side view of a hook which utilises the feature shown in Figure 33;

Figure 35 shows how an item-supporting member may be attached to a two-hook display frame device;

Figure 36 shows how an item-supporting member may be attached to a one-hook display frame device;

Figure 37 shows a method of connecting a sheet member to a display frame device;

Figure 38 shows a method of connecting to a single action display frame device;

Figure 39 is a side view of the item-supporting member shown in Figure 35 but turned through 90° so that is able to be secured to a wall and support an item in the form of a display frame device;

Figure 40 is a front view of the display frame device shown in Figure 39;

Figure 41 shows a two-arm display frame device having the square sided hook design shown in Figures 33 and 34;

Figure 42 shows an item-supporting member in a position for being attached to a ceiling, and having a display frame device; Figure 43 is a front view of the display frame device shown in Figure 42, and shows the item-supporting member rotated through 90° for being fixed to a vertical surface such for example as a wall;

Figure 44 is a side view of an item-supporting member being removed from a vertical surface with a tool;

Figure 45 illustrates the slotted arrangement shown in the item- supporting member shown in Figure 44;

Figure 46 is an exploded view of an item-supporting member and a tool for locating the item-supporting member in position and for removing it when desired;

Figure 47 shows the item-supporting member and the tool of Figure 46 but from another angle;

Figure 48 is a plan view of a plate with either hook or loop stuck to it;

Figure 49 is a side view of a metal plate for magnet attachment;

Figure 50 shows an item-supporting member being secured in position by a tool;

Figure 51 shows an item-supporting member being secured in position by a tool;

Figure 52 is a view from another angle of the arrangement shown in Figure 51;

Figure 53 is a side view of an item-supporting member;

Figure 54 is a front view of an item-supporting member shown in Figure 53; Figure 55 is a side view of an item-supporting member about to be positioned where desired, and having a display frame device;

Figure 56 is a front view of the arrangement shown in Figure 55;

Figure 57 is a front view showing two of the arrangements shown in Figure 56 with a tool for securing the item-supporting member in position;

Figure 58 shows a display frame device;

Figures 59, 60 and 61 illustrate the formation of parts of an item- supporting member for receiving a display frame device;

Figure 62 is a side view of an item-supporting member and a display frame device;

Figure 63 is a front view of the arrangement shown in Figure 62;

Figure 64 is a front view like Figure 63 but without the display frame device;

Figure 65 illustrates how a tool may be employed for locating an item- supporting member at a high level;

Figure 66 illustrates how the tool may be employed for securing an item-supporting member at waist level;

Figure 67 is a front view of an item-supporting member similar to Figure 64 but provided with a different display frame device;

Figures 68, 69 and 70 are front, side and plan views respectively of a keep for an item-supporting member;

Figure 71 is a side view of an item-supporting member and the head of a tool, all constructed from wire members; Figure 72 shows the head part of a tool being used to locate an item- supporting member;

Figure 73 is a view like Figure 72 but just shows the item-supporting member;

Figure 74 is a top view of the item-supporting member as shown in Figure 73;

Figure 75 is an end view of the item-supporting member as shown in Figure 74;

Figure 76 is a side view of part of a tool;

Figure 77 is a front view of the part of the tool shown in Figure 76;

Figure 78 is a side view of part of an item-supporting member;

Figure 79 is a plan view of the item-supporting member as shown in Figure 78;

Figure 80 is an end view of the item-supporting member as shown in Figure 79;

Figure 81 shows part of an item-supporting member for use with Figures 78, 79 and 80;

Figure 82 is an end view of the device shown in Figure 81;

Figure 83 is an exploded view of further apparatus of the invention;

Figure 84 is a side view of further apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 85 illustrates how the apparatus of the present invention can be used for storage purposes;

Figure 86 shows how the apparatus of the present invention can be used for storage purposes attached to a ceiling and also to a wall; Figure 87 illustrates use of the apparatus working from floor to ceiling or from a worktop to a ceiling;

Figure 88 is an end view, partially in cross section, of part of an item- supporting member having a groove;

Figure 89 is a cross section of part of an item-supporting member;

Figure 90 is a plan view of an item which may be a decorative item or a graphic display item;

Figure 91 shows part of further apparatus of the invention;

Figure 92 shows apparatus of the invention with 45° and 90° fitting options;

Figure 93 shows part of a single pole tool with a 45° bent head;

Figure 94 shows an intermediate support member for supporting items in the form of sheets;

Figure 95 is a side view of part of the intermediate support member as shown in Figure 94;

Figure 96 is a top plan view of part of the intermediate support member shown in Figure 94;

Figure 97 is a section through another part of the intermediate support member shown in Figure 94;

Figure 98 illustrates how the intermediate support member of Figure 94 may be attached to an item-supporting member in one position;

Figure 99 shows how the intermediate support member shown in Figure 94 may be attached to the item-supporting member shown in Figure 98, but with the item-supporting member being in a different position; Figures 100, 101 and 102 show how the intermediate support member of Figure 94 can be adjusted to hang from three different heights;

Figure 103 is a view like Figure 94 and shows an alternative intermediate support member; and

Figure 104 is a view like Figure 94 and shows another alternative intermediate support member.

Referring to Figures 1 - 20, there is shown apparatus 2 for securing decorations to a surface in the form of a wall 4 and a ceiling 6 in a room 8. The apparatus 2 comprises an item-supporting member 10 which is for being releasably fastened to the surface such as the wall 4 of the ceiling 6. The apparatus 2 further comprises a tool 12 for releasably fastening the item- supporting member 10 to the wall 4 of the ceiling 6 and for removing the item- supporting member 10 from the wall 4 or the ceiling 6. As will be described in more detail herein below, the tool 12 is such that it is operable from floor level 14.

The item-supporting member 10 comprises a receiving portion in the form of a platform portion 16. The platform portion 16 is for receiving fastener means 22 for releasably fastening the item-supporting member 10 in position. The item-supporting member 10 also comprises tool-engaging means 18 for engaging with the tool 12 such that the tool 12 is able to fasten and remove the item-supporting member 10. The item-supporting member 10 still further comprises support means 20 for supporting items (not shown). The fastener means 22 shown in Figure 6 is adhesive material in the form of an adhesive putty known under the trade mark Blu-Tack. The tool-engaging means 18 is a bayonet-type fitting.

In order to ensure that the fastener means 22 in the form of the adhesive putty remains firmly secured to the item-supporting member 10, the item-supporting member 10 has the platform portion 16 provided with serrations 24 as shown. The fastener means 22 in the form of adhesive putty is provided around the edges of the platform portion 16 and over the serrations 24 as shown in Figure 6. Also the serrations 24 and/or recessed pockets (not shown) of the platform portion 16 may have a synthetic or rubber coating finish applied, which bonds well to plastic and when cured adheres particularly well to the now applied adhesive putty, ensuring that the adhesive putty is now firmly secured to the item-support member 10. Alternatively this arrangement may be achieved by moulding a separable rubber profile that is designed to be interlocked with the platform portion.

Christmas, party or other decorations can easily be secured to the support means 20 in the form of the illustrated hooks. When it is desired to remove the item-supporting member 10, then the tool 12 can be reconnected to the item-supporting member 10 and then twisted or pulled as can be appreciated from Figure 5. The fastener means 22 will then pull away from the wall 4 or the ceiling 6 with no damage. Thus the item-supporting member 10 is easily fixed and removed from floor level, and without damage to the chosen surface.

As can be appreciated from Figures 1 - 4, the tool 12 is engageable with the tool-engaging means 18 such that the tool 12 is able to extend in either of first and second chosen positions. The first chosen position is such that in use of the apparatus 2, the tool 12 extends at the acute angle with respect to the platform portion 16 whereby the tool 12 is operable from the floor level 14 at a position other than directly in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool 12. This first chosen position can be one of the two positions shown in the left hand part of Figure 1. In this first chosen position, it will be seen that a person 26 using the apparatus 2 does not have to climb over or move a table 28 and chairs 30.

The second chosen position is such that in use of the apparatus 2, the tool 12 extends at 90° with respect to the platform portion 16 and therefore to the ceiling 6. In this second chosen position, the tool 12 is operable from the floor level 14 at a position which is directly in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool 12. The position is shown in the right hand part of Figure 1.

As can best be appreciated from Figure 2 - 8 and 16 - 19, the tool- engaging means 18 comprises a formation 32 having a pair of opposed slots 34. Each slot 34 comprises four slot portions 36, 38, 40, 42. These four slot portions 36, 38, 40, 42 are arranged in the shape of a cross. One of the slot portions 36 is an entrance slot portion. The other three slot portions, 38, 40, 42 are available for receiving one of a pair of opposed male members in the form of pins which extends outwardly from a head part 46 of the tool 12.

The head part 46 of the tool 12 includes an abutment member 48 for abutting against a part 50 of the item-supporting member 10 at a position remote from the pin 44. Thus the item-supporting member 10 is pushed in to contact with the surface in the form of the wall 4 or the ceiling 6 at two remote positions. This facilitates firm fixing of the item-supporting member 10 to the surface. This is especially advantageous when the platform portion 16 is elongate as can be appreciated from Figure 16. If desired, the platform portion 16 could be of other shapes, for example square or circular.

As shown in the drawings, the abutment member 48 is an abutment arm. The abutment member 48 extends at 45° to the longitudinal axis of the tool 12. The abutment member 48 may extend at other desired angles to the longitudinal axis of the tool 12 if desired.

Figure 7 shows fastener means 52 in the form of a pin. The fastener means 52 will usually be used alternatively to the fastener means 22 but it could be used in addition to the fastener means 22 if desired.

The serrations shown in Figures 15 and 16 may be of an alternative pattern if desired.

Referring to Figure 14, it will be seen that the head part 46 of the tool 12 includes a recessed portion 54 for receiving the pin 52. This recessed portion 54 may be made of a magnetic material in order to retain the pin 52 securely in position. This then helps to avoid dropped and lost pins 52 with consequent danger of somebody stepping on them.

Figure 9 illustrates how the abutment member 48 may alternatively be an abutment member 56 comprising a finger screw 58 having a screw threaded shank 60 and an abutment ball 62 resting on a part 50 of the platform portion 22. Figures 8 and 9 both show how the platform portion 16 has a recessed part 64 for receiving a pin 52. Figures 20 and 21 show how a item-supporting member 66 which is like the item-supporting member 10 can be provided with a cleaning pad 68. The cleaning pad 68 may be employed to remove any fastener means 16 that might remain on a surface. The cleaning pad 68 may be of a cloth or sponge nature for absorbing a cleaning fluid. Alternatively, the cleaning pad 68 may be a coarse faced rubber pad for use as an eraser.

Figure 22 shows an alternative type of apparatus 70 to the apparatus 2. The apparatus 70 is such that a tool 72 is engageable with a tool-engaging means 74 such that the tool 72 is only able to extend in use of the apparatus 70 at the acute angle with respect to the platform portion 16. Similar parts in the apparatus 70 as in the apparatus 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The tool 72 is operable from the floor level 14 at a position other than directly in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool 72. Thus, referring to Figure 1, the apparatus 70 would only be able to be used for the two purposes shown to the left part of Figure 1 , and not for the vertical fixing shown in the right part of Figure 1.

The apparatus 70 is such that the tool-engaging means 74 comprises a formation 76 having a pair of opposed slots 78. Each slot 78 comprises three slot portions 80, 82, 84. The three slot portions 80, 82, 84 are arranged in the shape of a T. One of the slot portions 80 is an entrance slot portion. The other two slot portions 82, 84 are available for receiving one a pair of opposed male members in the form of the pins 44 which extend outwardly from a head part 86 of the tool 72. The head part 86 has a rounded end 88 which is of a complementary shape to the inside of a tubular portion 90 which is used in Figure 22 in place of the parallel plate formation 32 shown in Figure 18 for the tool-engaging means 18.

Referring now to Figures 23 and 24, there is shown a head part 92 of a tool 94. The head part 92 is an adjustable head part which is adjustable to two or more angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool 94. The head part 92 comprises a finger screw 96 having a shank 98 screwing into a nut 100. The head part 92 is thus able to be adjusted with respect to the remainder of the tool 94 to any suitable and appropriate desired angle, simply by loosening and then tightening the finger screw 96. When in use at the desired angle, the head part 92 will be connected to a item-supporting member.

Referring to Figure 25, there is shown part of apparatus 102 of the present invention and comprising an item-supporting member 104 and a tool 106. The item-supporting member 104 has a receiving portion in the form of a platform portion 108, and support means in the form of a pair of hooks 110. The tool 106 has a foot 112 which is able to fit under a chosen one of the hooks 110. This then provides an attachment point by which the tool 106 can pull the item-supporting member 104 away from a surface such for example as a wall or a ceiling.

Figures 26, 27 and 28 show a variation of the design shown in Figure 25. More specifically, in Figures 26, 27 and 28, it will be seen that the item- supporting member 104 of Figure 25 has been modified to be an item- supporting member 114 with formed undercuts 116. A tool 118 occupies the position shown in Figure 26 for effecting a release action of the tool 118 from the item-supporting member 114. The tool 118 occupies the position shown in Figure 27 for effecting a vigorous pull on the item-supporting member 114 in order to remove it from a wall, ceiling or other support surface.

Figure 28 indicates how the undercuts 116 may be produced during moulding using moulding tool parts 120. Figure 26 also indicates the use of moulding tool parts 122 with these moulding tool parts 122 being alternative to the moulding tool parts 120 shown in Figure 28. More specifically, in Figure 28, the moulding tool parts 120 move in a horizontal direction as viewed in Figure 28. In Figure 26, the moulding tool parts 122 move in a vertical direction as viewed in Figure 26.

Figure 29 is a plan view of a platform member 124 which is suitable for receiving adhesive putty on the parts 126, 128 and a drawing pin operating through aperture 130.

Figure 30 is a plan view of a platform member 132 having an aperture 134 for a drawing pin, magnets 136 for effecting a magnetic connection, and a general area 138 for receiving adhesive putty. The adhesive putty can also go over the magnets 136 if desired.

Figure 31 shows a platform member 140 of a type that can have a hook and loop connection system on the area 142, plus a drawing pin operating through aperture 144.

Figure 32 shows an item-supporting member 146 which is provided with an integrally moulded suction cup 148 on a platform portion 150. The suction cup 148 thus forms the fastener means for releasably fastening the item-supporting member 146 to a desired surface. The suction cup may alternatively be in a separable attachment form.

Figure 33 shows support means in the form of part of a hook 152 having flat sides 154, 156.

Figure 34 is a side view of a hook 158 having an upper part 152 of the type shown in Figure 33, and a lower part 160 in the form of a curved hook 160.

Figure 35 shows an item-supporting member 168 having hooks 170. The item-supporting member 168 may be a magnetic device or it may alternatively be a hook and loop device. The two hooks 170 are engaged by two hooks 172 on a display frame device 174.

Figure 36 shows an item-supporting member 176 for receiving a hook 178 of a display frame device 180.

The design shown in Figures 33 and 34 can provide an anti-twist attachment point for a single hook device as shown in Figure 34, or for a display frame device of the type shown as display frame device 180 in Figure 36. The double hooked display frame device 174 shown in Figure 35 will not twist because it has two points of attachment.

The horizontal rail part 182 of the display frame devices 174, 180 can be used as shown in Figure 37 to receive a clip-over binder 184 to support a sheet device 186 such for example as a sale notice. The sheet device 186 can be made of any suitable and appropriate material including paper, cardboard and plastics materials. The binder 184 may alternatively be one or more pegs. The sheet device 186 may alternatively be dust sheets for use in painting and decorating, or any other suitable and appropriate desired sheeting arrangement for any other suitable and appropriate desired purpose.

Figure 38 shows a screw thread connection system comprising a device 188 having a hook 190. The device 188 has a body portion 192 which screws to a screw threaded part 194 of a tool 196.

Figure 39 shows the item-supporting member of Figure 35 turned through 90° and thus in a position for being fixed to a vertical surface such for example as a wall. The lower hook 170 is shown provided with a display frame device 198. As can best be appreciated from Figure 40, the display frame device 198 is triangular in front view. The display frame device 198 has a closed aperture 200 in a top part 202 for allowing the top part 202 to hook over the hook 170. The display frame device 198 has a hook 204 for receiving further devices 206 which can hang from the display frame device 198 as shown in Figure 39.

Figure 41 shows how a display frame device 208 can be provided with two arms 210, with each arm 210 having a hook design 152 of the type shown in Figures 33 and 34.

Figure 42 shows an item-supporting member 212 in a position for fixing to a horizontal surface such for example as a ceiling. The item-supporting member 212 has a display frame device 214. The display frame device 214 terminates in a hook 216. The display frame device 214 is made of wire as can best be appreciated from Figure 43 which shows a front view of the display frame device 214. In Figure 43, the item-supporting member 212 has been rotated through 90° with respect to the display frame device 214 so that the item-supporting member 212 is appropriate for fixing to a vertical surface such for example as a wall. The display frame device 214 may also serve as a suspension/fastening means when rotated and positioned accordingly in relationship to the item-supporting member 212, acting like a conventional S- hook.

Figure 44 is a side view of an item-supporting member 218 ready for being removed by a tool 220. Figure 45 shows in more detail the slotted arrangement 222 employed in the item-supporting member 218 shown in Figure 44. A pin 224 on the tool 220 is able to locate in portions 226 of the slotted arrangement 222. The portions 226 give good pin entrapment and enable easy removal of the item-supporting member 218 by pulling the tool 220 in the direction of arrow 227.

Figure 46 is an exploded side view of the tool 220 shown in Figure 44, and an item-supporting member 228. The item-supporting member 228 has the slotted arrangement 222. The end view shown in Figure 47 illustrates how the tool 220 has the pin 224 extending between a pair of arms 230. The pin then is able to pass into the slotted arrangement 222 and locate in the appropriate portion 226.

Figure 48 shows attachment means 232 in the form of a matrix of hook or loop members which may be those known under the registered trade mark Velcro. The hook or loop members 232 are fixed to a plate 234. The plate 234 may be made of a plastics material, a metal or wood. The plate 236 has holes 238 for receiving screws (not shown) for fixing the plate 236 to a surface (not shown) that is unsuitable for direct-adhesive fixing. Figure 49 is a side view of attachment means in the form of a metal plate 240 having holes (not shown) for screws for fixing the plate 240 to a surface (not shown). An abutment 238 acts as a slide stop for a magnet base such for example as shown in Figure 30, when the plate 240 is fixed vertically. The attachment means 232 of Figure 48 and the attachment means 240 of Figure 49 may alternatively be in strip form.

Figure 50 shows an item-supporting member 242 being located in position by a tool 244. The tool 244 has a pin 246 for locating in a slotted arrangement 248. The tool 244 is provided with a counter-balance groove 250 for receiving one end of a hook 252.

Figures 51 and 52 are front and side views of an item-supporting member 256 being located in position by a tool 258 having a pin 260. The item-supporting member 56 may be used as a small decoration model. As shown, a split abutment arm may be employed, which clears a slim line hook. The item-supporting member 256, along with the use of a separate steel pin to the head enables the production of a small and compact item-supporting member 256.

Figures 53 and 54 are side and front views of an item-supporting member 262 comprising hooks 264 and a slotted arrangement 266 for a tool (not shown). The item-supporting member 262 has a grooved portion with a groove 268 and holes 270. Figure 54 illustrates how two opposed ends 272 of a wire display frame device 274 are able to fit into two of the holes 270.

Figures 55 and 56 are side and front views of an item-supporting member 276 having a slotted arrangement 278. A wire display frame device 280 is shown hooked in holes 270 in a manner that can be appreciated from Figure 54. The wire display frame device 280 has a hook 282. The item- supporting member 276 itself has hooks 284. A further wire device 286 locates in one pair of the holes 270 and forms attachment means 286. The attachment means 286 has a hooked end 288 which hooks into a rebated portion 290 of a support member 292. The support member 292 is located in position by a screw 294. As can be appreciated from Figure 56 there are two of the hooks 288 and they are joined. In Figure 56, the joint 295 is not actually seen but it can be like hook 216 shown in Figure 43, or like the hook 282.

Figure 57 shows two of the item-supporting members 276 releasably attached by the attachment means 286 to the support member 292. Figure 57 also shows a tool 296 having a head 298 for engaging with the item- supporting members 276 and locating them in position. The tool 296 is clipped in position and is readily available as shown.

Figure 58 is a front view of a wire display frame device 300 having a pair of arms 302 terminating in upstanding portions 304. The arms 302 are joined by a member 310. Some wire attachment means such for example as the wire display frame device 300 may slide onto the groove 268 alone and be retained in position by a tight fit and gravity. This type of wire attachment means is best suited for vertical surfaces.

Figure 59 illustrates how the member 310 can be provided with circular cross section members 312 enabling the member 310 to slideably locate in the groove 308. Figure 61 is a plan view showing a part 306 of the item-supporting member 276 shown in Figures 56 and 57. Figure 60 is an end view of the part 306 shown in Figure 61 and it will be seen that the part 306 has a groove 308.

Figures 62, 63 and 64 show an item-supporting member 314 with a slotted arrangement 316 and hooks 318. Wire attachment means 320 enables the item-supporting member 314 to be hooked over a screw 322 or alternatively to be hooked onto a hook 324. As shown in Figures 62 and 63, a wire display frame device 326 having a hooked end 328 can hang from the item-supporting member 314. The wire display frame 326 locates in position in holes in a groove 330 in the manner described above with reference to Figures 55 - 61. Figure 64 shows the item-supporting member 314 but without the wire display frame device 326. The lower hook 318 is then available for receiving items. Alternatively, the top wire 320 could be removed, and hook and loop used as an alternative means of fastening but still using the lower wire display frame device 326. In a further alternative construction, wire attachment means, such for example as the wire attachment means 320, is attached to hole and groove arrangements, such for example as the groove 268 and the holes 270, may be retained in position under their own spring action.

Figure 65 shows a tool 332 in a position for locating an item such as the item-supporting member 314 in an elevated position on the screw 322. Figure 66 shows the tool 332 at an angle as may be required for locating the item-supporting member 314 at a lower level, for example waist level, on a screw 336 located at waist level on a wall 338.

Figure 67 shows a wire display frame device 340 having two arms 342, and being attached to an item-supporting member 314. The two arms 342 are secured to a bar 344. The bar 344 has hooks 346. Paint brushes 348 of different sizes hang from the hooks 346.

Figures 68, 69 and 70 are front, side and plan views of a keep 350 for the item-supporting member 314. As can be seen, the keep 350 has side members 352 and a central upstanding member 354. The keep 350 is for fixing to a vertical surface. The wire attachment means 320 fits over the central upstanding member 354. The side members 352 hold the item- supporting member 314 positively when loading as shown in Figure 67 or when unloading (not shown). The loading and unloading may be effected with a vertical hooking action.

Figure 71 shows a head part 356 of a tool 358. The head part 356 is made of wire as shown. The head part 356 is shown located in part of an item-supporting member 360 which is also made of wire.

Figure 72 shows a head part 362 of a tool 364 connecting to the item- supporting member 360 shown in Figure 71.

Figures 73, 74 and 75 are side, plan and end view of the item- supporting member 360. It will be seen that the item-supporting member 360 has a frame portion 366 from which up stand two hooked members 368. A wire cross member 370 is provided as shown. Figures 76 and 77 are side and front view of a head part 372 of a tool 374. It will be seen that the head part 372 has a pin member 376 extending from either of its sides.

Figures 78, 79 and 80 are side, plan and end views respectively of part of an item-supporting member 378. The item-supporting member has a pair of side plates 380 which are provided with a slotted arrangement 382 as shown. The item-supporting member 378 has a grooved portion 384 with a groove 386.

Figures 81 and 82 are plan and end views of a wire device 388 having circular cross section members 390 which can slidingly locate in the groove 386.

Figure 83 shows apparatus 392 of the present invention. Figure 83 shows a steel support pin 393. Figure 83 also shows a display frame base profile 395 designed to suit a post section, thereby giving good side restraint.

Figure 84 shows apparatus 394 of the present invention. The apparatus 394 has a hooked portion 396 for hooking over an appropriate support as desired. The apparatus 394 also has a slotted arrangement 398 and a groove 400 in which slideably locate arms 402 of a display frame device 404. Figure 84 also shows a steel support pin 405.

Figure 85 shows how the apparatus of the present invention may be used to locate storage container 406. Figure 85 is a top plan view and a tool 407 will be seen. Also shown in Figure 85 is a hanger pole entry 409. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the tool 407 could be a section of parts 408, 412, 416, also shown as part 393 and 405 sections which are in fact support posts.

Figure 86 shows how the apparatus of the invention can be used for mounting a support part 408 on a vertical surface 410, or a support post 412 on a horizontal surface 414. The device 412 has pins 413. Figure 87 shows how apparatus of the present invention may be employed with a support post 416 enabling storage to be effected from floor to ceiling, or from a work top to a ceiling. The support ports 408, 412 and 416 may be for parts 392 and 394, also shown as 393 and 405 sections. The support posts 408, 412 and 416 may be fixed in position manually by conventional means.

Referring to Figures 88, 89 and 90 there is shown part of an item- supporting member 418 having a groove 420. The groove 420 may be equated to the groove 268 shown in Figures 53 and 54. The grooves 420, 268 may accommodate display items such for example as the decorative display item 422 best shown in Figure 90, or other decorative display items or graphic display items. Figure 88 shows a side sectional view of a cut out closed slot aperture 424 in the decorative display item 422. The decorative display item 422 is retained in position by the walls of the groove 420 of the platform member 428 as shown in Figure 88. Alternatively, the display items may have an elasticated-type loop which fits around the groove 420, 268. Other items may have a compatible slot aperture with the groove 420, 268. The slot aperture may have one open end which allows the slot aperture to slide onto the groove 420, 268 in the same manner as the wire display frame device 300. Alternatively, display items may have a closed slot aperture which is cut out to provide a hinge action to two sides of the slot which can be pushed over the platform member and into the groove 420, 268. Figure 89 is a section of the decorative display item 422, which is in sheet form, and shows the cut out closed slot aperture 424 with hinge action side flaps 426. Figure 90 shows the decorative display item 422 in the shape of a star. The decorative display item 422 is in sheet form and it may be of other shapes. The cut out closed slot aperture shape 424 allows the side flaps 426 to have a hinge action movement as shown in Figure 89. The hinge movement allows the side flaps 426 to be pushed into the groove 420 and retained in position as shown in Figure 88.

Figure 91 shows apparatus 428 comprising an item-supporting member 430 and a tool 432 for releasably fastening the item-supporting member 30 in position. The tool 432 comprises an operating head 434 and a pole 436. The operating head 434 has an abutment arm 438 which engages the item-supporting member 430 at three points of contact, namely firstly on the hook 440, and secondly and thirdly on side walls 442. The apparatus 428 may be especially useful in industrial premises such for example as shops. The apparatus 428 may however be used in any desired environment with the abutment arm 438 resting on the two side walls 442 and on the hook 440 rather than on the platform base 444.

Figure 92 shows part of apparatus 446 having an operating head 448. The operating head 448 has a first part 450 for engaging at 90° with an item- supporting member 454 having a hook 452. The operating head 448 also has a second part 456 for engaging at 45° with an item-supporting member 462 having a hook 458 or 460. The item-supporting member 462 is the same as the item-supporting member 454. The first part 450 has a cross pin 464. The second part 456 has a cross pin 466. The cross pin 466 locates in a chamber 465 by being passed through an entrance 467 and rotated 90°. The cross pin 464 locates in the item-supporting member 454 with a similar push and twist movement.

The apparatus 446 gives combined 45° and 90° alternative operational use. The operating head 448 may be moulded of a plastics material. The cross pins 464, 466 and the second part 456 may be arranged to provide the following.

1. Avoid contact/entanglement between an engaged and loaded 90° item-supporting member 454 and the lower second part 456.

2. Present the hook 458, 460 of the 45° item-supporting member 462 in a vertical position when used vertically.

3. Provide streamlined 90° operational use with clear vision from the right hand side of the apparatus 446 as viewed in Figure 92.

4. Provide clearance of the unused first or second part 450, 456 in relation to the surface that is being utilised by the used first or second part 450, 456. 5. Combined 45° and 90° alternative parts on an operating head which is at the end of a single pole. The 45° part may be formed by bending of a metal pole as indicated by 45° part 468 shown in Figure 93. Poles may be drilled and metal cross pins 470 may be inserted. Alternatively, 45° and 90° parts of an operating head may be provided as plastic moulded inserts or attachments.

The item-supporting member used with the 45° and 90° operating facility may be those as described above and also those as described in my above mentioned United Kingdom Patent No. 2261018, with the hook attachment points being designed to effectively retain attached items in both 45° and 90° operational positions. The fastener means employed may be those described above. Alternatively, wire attachments may be attached via side holes as previously described. Hook and loop fastener means may be especially useful, both in the embodiments described above and in the embodiments described in my United Kingdom Patent No. 2261018.

Referring now to Figures 94 - 97, there is shown an intermediate support member 472 comprising an elongate member 474 and a hanging cord 476. The cord 476 may alternatively be a monofilament. The cord 476 passes through apertures 478 in a top wall 480 of the elongate member 474. The elongate member 474 has side walls 482, 484 which extend towards each other as shown in Figure 95 and which are able to hold an item in the form of a sheet 486. The sheet 486 may be any suitable and appropriate sheet including a sheet of paper, a sheet of cardboard, a sheet of cloth or a sheet of a plastics material. The sheet 486 may have any decoration or advertising material on it as may be required.

The cord 476 is prevented from being pulled out of the apertures 478 by balls 488. As shown in Figure 97, the balls 488 are provided with a bore 490 through which the cord 476 passes. An enlarged part of the bore 492 is able to receive a knot 494 at the end of the cord 476.

Figure 98 illustrates how the intermediate support member 472 with its cord 476 is able to secure to hooks 496 on an item-supporting member 498. 1n Figure 98, the item-supporting member 498 is extending horizontally. In Figure 99, the item-supporting member 498 is shown extending vertically and in this case, the cord 476 hangs from the lowermost hook 496.

Referring now to Figures 100, 101 and 102, there are illustrated three different hanging configurations for the cord 476. In Figure 100, the position of the cord 476 provides the longest length from an item-supporting member such for example as the item-supporting member 498 to the elongate member 474. Figure 101 shows the shortest hanging length for the cord 476. Figure 102 shows an intermediate hanging length for the cord 476.

Figure 103 shows an alternative intermediate support member 500 to the intermediate support member 472. Similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In the intermediate support member 500, it will be seen that the top wall 480 has six of the apertures 478. The cord 476 is then able to pass underneath the wall 480 as shown in Figure 103, rather than partially above the wall 480 as shown in the central part of Figure 94. The arrangements shown in Figures 94 and 103 provide convenient hanging arrangements for a wide variety of sheets 486, with the sheets 486 easily being inserted into and pulled from the gap between adjacent ends of the sides 482, 484 of the elongate member 474. Equal adjustment of drop lengths of the cord 476 may be simply achieved by pulling the cord 476 through the appropriate apertures 478 as required.

Figure 104 shows a further alternative intermediate support member 502. The intermediate support member 502 comprises an elongate member 504 and a hanging member 506. The hanging member 506 has a pair of feet 508 which are inclined as shown in the upper part of Figure 104. When the feet 508 are pushed towards each other as indicated by arrow 510, then the feet 508 are able to pass through apertures 512 in an upper wall 514 of the elongate member 504. The hanging member 506 is made of a material with spring resilience such for example as wire or a moulded plastics material. When the feet 508 are pushed through the apertures 512 as indicated by the arrows 516, then the resilience of the material from which the hanging member 506 is made causes the feet 508 to try and return to their wider spaced-apart position as shown in the upper part of Figure 104. This ensures that the hanging member 506 stays securely in the elongate member 504. It also ensures that the feet 508 adopt a horizontal position as shown, and extend in the direction of the arrows 518 and thus parallel to the upper wall 514. The general shape in cross section of the elongate member 504 is as shown in Figure 95. Thus, when a sheet 486 is inserted between the sides 482, 484 of the elongate member 504, the ends of the feet 508 will not adversely interfere with the upper edge of the sheet 486. The hanging member 506 forms an eye with the upper part 520 being curved as shown. The curving of the upper part 520 enables the intermediate support member 502 and especially the elongate member 504 to settle in a horizontal position when the hanging member 506 is hung on an attachment hook (not shown). This can be advantageous if the attachment hook is not quite plumb when fastened to a vertical surface. Figure 104 shows only part of the elongate member 504. At its ends, the elongate member 504 can have a corner of one of the side walls 482, 484 bent outwardly as shown by the bent corner 522 in Figure 95. The bent corners 502 enable the side walls 482, 484 easily to be prised apart to facilitate the insertion of the sheet 486.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the shapes for the receiving portion and/or the tool-engaging means of the item-supporting member 10 may be different from those shown. The item may be any suitable and appropriate item including, for example, decorations, display items and materials. The item may be located in any suitable and appropriate location, for example in public buildings, shops, offices, factories and department stores. The tool 94 may be a fixed length pole or a telescopic pole. The shape of the support means may be varied. Where the attachment means used in the present invention is magnetic, it may be especially useful for attaching to metal grid works of the type used for suspended ceilings. The various design parts shown in the drawings can be interchanged for all aspects of the apparatus of the present invention, and can also form part of non-illustrated designs for all aspects of the apparatus of the present invention.

The apparatus of the present invention may incorporate pressure sensitive dots of adhesive. Hangers may have a factory pre-applied adhesive material that is ready to use after peeling off a protective cover paper. The adhesive may have a permanent bond to the hander surface, whilst the contact application side may be of a semi-permanent bond strength. This arrangement may ensure that the adhesive material does not separate from the hanger during removal from a surface. This adhesive arrangement may be facilitated by the hanger's face being pre-primed with a permanent adhesive material, or double sided tape which then receives the semipermanent adhesive material, or in tape form with one side permanent for the hanger surface and one side semi-permanent for the application side.

Alternative to the magnets, the apparatus of the present invention may comprise an anti-slide rubber coating. This coating may be incorporated on the receiving point of contact. Furthermore, the receiving point may be in the form of a compatibly shaped metal disc with a self-adhesive back which may be permanently positioned and used repeatedly as a fastening point, in the same manner as the hook and loop system described above. Alternatively, the self-adhesive backed metal disc may not have a rubber coating but may instead employ a slide stop such for example as abutment 238 in Figure 49 for vertical application. The metal disc may be housed in plastic. The plastic may also form an outer parameter slide stop. Alternatively, an adhesive backed metal only disc may have a 90° bent over edge which acts as the slide stop. This latter option may be favourable as a simple small disc may be over painted when decorating, thus fitting in with the general decor and being less obtrusive. The adhesive backed metal disc may be used on ceilings and all other suitable surfaces.

Another fastening method that may be employed during the building or renovation stage of some appropriate buildings such as schools and colleges may be to incorporate a narrow metal horizontal strip at a fixed height just below the finished plaster surface. Thus strip would be unseen but still be sufficiently receptive to magnetic attraction. Wall surface markings may be avoided by the rubber coating or similar applied to the support member's magnets.

The platform base of the support member may have a cut out slot resembling the shape of a key hole (invert in application). The larger circular portion may be placed over a suitably shaped screw head that has been pre- fastened to a vertical surface, and then lowered down the narrower portion of the key hole slot, thereby entrapping and fastening the support member behind the screw head. In order to remove the support member, the process is reversed.

The high level engaging and releasing mechanism described above may be used to form integral parts of a wide variety of appropriate items (not shown).

Claims

1. Apparatus for securing items to a surface, which apparatus comprises an item-supporting member which is for being releasably fastened to the surface, and a tool for releasably fastening the item-supporting member to the surface and for removing the item-supporting member from the surface: the tool being such that it is operable from floor level; and the item-supporting member being such that it comprises a receiving portion for receiving fastener means for releasably fastening the item-supporting member to the surface, and tool-engaging means for releasably engaging with the tool such that the tool is able to fasten and remove the item-supporting member; and the apparatus being such that in use the tool extends at an acute angle with respect to the receiving portion whereby the tool is operable from the floor level at a position other than a longitudinal axis of the tool being at 90° to the surface.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 and including support means for supporting at least one item.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the support means is at least one hook.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which the hook is a flat sided hook.

5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the receiving portion is a platform portion.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the fastener means is an adhesive material.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the adhesive material is adhesive putty.

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including fastener means in the form of a pin member.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the pin member is a separable pin member.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the pin member is an integral pin member which is an integrally-formed part of the apparatus.

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 7 in which the fastener means is a magnet.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 in which the magnet is a separable magnet.

13. Apparatus according to claim 11 in which the magnet is an integral magnet which is an integrally-formed part of the apparatus.

14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 7 in which the fastener means is a hook and loop system.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 in which the hook and loop system is a separable hook and loop system.

16. Apparatus according to claim 14 in which the hook and loop system is an integral hook and loop system which is an integrally-formed part of the apparatus.

17. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the tool-engaging means is a recessed member for receiving the tool.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 in which the recessed member is a bayonet-type fitting.

19. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 16 in which the tool- engaging means is a male member for being received in a recess in the tool.

20. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the tool is such that it comprises an operating head part which is of a complementary shape to the tool-engaging means.

21. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the tool comprises a pole.

22. Apparatus according to claims 20 and 21 in which the operating head part is integral with the pole.

23. Apparatus according to claims 21 and 22 in which the operating head part is separable from the pole.

24. Apparatus according to claim 21 or claim 22 in which the pole is a telescopic pole.

25. Apparatus according to claims 21 , 22 or 23 in which the pole is a fixed length pole.

26. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the tool is engageable with the tool-engaging means such that the tool is able to extend in either of first and second chosen positions, the first chosen position being such that in use of the apparatus the tool extends at the acute angle with respect to the receiving portion whereby the tool is operable from the floor level at a position other than with the longitudinal axis of the tool being at 90° to the surface, and the second chosen position being such that in use of the apparatus the tool extends at 90° with respect to the surface whereby the tool is operable from the floor level at a position which is directly in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool.

27. Apparatus according to claim 26 in which the tool-engaging means comprises a formation having a pair of opposed slots, and each slot Comprises four slot portions arranged in the shape of a cross, with one of the slot portions being an entrance slot portion, and the other three slot portions being available for receiving one of a pair of opposed male members extending outwardly from a head part of the tool.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27 in which the male members are pins.

29. Apparatus according to claim 27 or claim 28 in which the head part of the tool includes an abutment member for abutting against the item- supporting member at a position remote from the pin, whereby the item- supporting member is pushed into contact with the surface at two remote positions thereby facilitating firm fixing of the item-supporting member to the surface.

30. Apparatus according to claim 29 in which the abutment member is an abutment arm.

31. Apparatus according to claim 29 or claim 30 in which the abutment member extends at 45° to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

32. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 25 in which the tool is engageable with the tool-engaging means such that the tool is only able to extend in use of the apparatus at the acute angle with respect to the receiving portion whereby the tool is operable from the floor level at a position other than directly in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool.

33. Apparatus according to claim 32 in which the tool-engaging means comprises a formation having a pair of opposed slots, and each slot comprises three slot portions arranged in the shape of a T, with one of the slot portions being an entrance slot portion, and the other two slot portions being available for receiving one of a pair of opposed male members extending outwardly from a head part of the tool.

34. Apparatus according to claim 33 in which the male members are pins.

35. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 25 in which the tool has an adjustable head part which is adjustable to two or more angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

36. Apparatus according to claim 35 in which the adjustable head part comprises a finger screw for securing the adjustable head part at a desired angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool.