US20090200255A1

US20090200255A1 - Clothes Line Assemblies

Info

Publication number: US20090200255A1
Application number: US11/989,943
Authority: US
Inventors: Wayne Leighton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-05
Filing date: 2006-08-04
Publication date: 2009-08-13
Also published as: EP1920101A4; KR20080034495A; EP1920101A1; HK1121504A1; CN101258281B; NZ566138A; JP2009502367A; CN101258281A; CA2625010C; CA2625010A1; WO2007016728A1

Abstract

A clothes line assembly including: a support; a line carrier which is adapted to have attached thereto a plurality of lines to which clothing or other articles can be secured, the line carrier being operatively mounted to the support for movement between an in-use position in which it extends laterally from the support and a non-use position; the support including a support frame which is mountable to a wall or similar structure, the line carrier being pivotally mounted to the support frame for pivotal movement between the in-use and non-use positions; and a cover arranged so that when the line carrier is in the non-use position the cover and line carrier can adopt a stowed position in which the cover can conceal the line carrier from view, and in which the cover substantially abuts the lines and/or the line carrier, wherein the cover includes a panel operatively connected to the line carrier so that in an operative position with the line carrier in the in-use position the cover is disposed above and in spaced relation from the lines on the line carrier.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to clothes line assemblies for supporting clothes and other articles for the purpose of drying and components therefor. The expression “clothes line” is understood not to be limited to an arrangement only for use with clothes but is intended to cover its use with other articles such as, for example, towels, sheets or any other articles which can be secured to it.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are many different types of clothes lines which are currently known. Generally currently known clothes lines suffer from the disadvantage that they take up a considerable amount of space. Although some of these known clothes lines are collapsible, in order to alleviate this problem they still suffer from the disadvantage that they are not very aesthetically appealing. In addition clothes on the line can be subjected to adverse weather conditions, such as rain, and bird excrement and also build-up of dirt on the lines when not in-use since the majority of clothes lines are situated outdoors.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a clothes line assembly which alleviates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantageous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a clothes line assembly including: a support; a line carrier which is adapted to have attached thereto a plurality of lines to which clothing or other articles can be secured, the line carrier being operatively mounted to the support for movement between an in-use position in which it extends laterally from the support and a non-use position; the support including a support frame which is mountable to a wall or similar structure, the line carrier being pivotally mounted to the support frame for pivotal movement between the in-use and non-use positions; and a cover arranged so that when the line carrier is in the non-use position the cover and line carrier can adopt a stowed position in which the cover can conceal the line carrier from view, and in which the cover substantially abuts the lines and/or the line carrier, wherein the cover includes a panel operatively connected to the line carrier so that in an operative position with the line carrier in the in-use position the cover is disposed above and in spaced relation from the lines on the line carrier.
The clothes line assembly may further include an additional line carrier which is operatively connected to the support for movement between in-use and non-use positions. The additional line carrier may be pivotally mounted to the support frame for pivotal movement between the in-use and non-use positions. Preferably, in case where there are two liner carriers when the line carriers are in the in-use position they extend laterally from the support frame in spaced relation from one another, and when in the non-use position the line carriers over lie one another and the support frame.
In one form the line carrier may include a carrier frame which may for example be generally square or rectangular in shape with the lines extending between opposed sides thereof.
The additional line carrier may be similar in structure to that of the first mentioned line carrier as described above. Preferably, the peripheral dimension of the additional carrier is less than that of the first carrier so that when both are in the non-use position they can rest within one another.
The panel may be operatively mounted to the line carrier by connecting links which are pivotable for enabling the panel to move between the operative position and the stowed position in which the panel is adjacent to and over lies the line carrier.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a cover suitable for use with a clothes line assembly the close line assembly including a support, a line carrier which is adapted to have attached thereto a plurality of lines to which clothing or other articles can be secured, the line carrier being operatively mounted to the support frame for movement between an in-use position in which it extends laterally from the support body and a non-use position the cover being arranged so that when the line carrier is in the non-use position the cover and line carrier can adopt a stowed position in which the cover can conceal the line carrier from view.
The cover may include a panel operatively connected to the first mentioned line carrier so that in an operative position with the line carrier in the in-use position the cover is disposed above and in spaced relation from the lines on the line carrier. The panel may be operatively mounted to the line carrier by connecting links which are pivotable for enabling the panel to move between the operative position and the stowed position in which the panel is adjacent to and over lies the line carrier.
In another embodiment the support frame includes two generally upright leg members each including two or more parts connected together in telescopic fashion for movement between extended and retracted positions. In this embodiment the or each line carrier is operatively connected to the leg members so that at least one of the line carriers can be raised and then moved from its stored non-use position to its in-use position. The line carrier or carriers and cover may be of the type described earlier.
In yet another embodiment the support frame includes two generally upright leg members to which the or each line carrier is operatively connected. In this embodiment the cover is in the form of a casing having a storage compartment therein the legs being movable from a position in which they are disposed within the storage compartment to a second position in which they extend from the compartment.
According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a clothes line assembly including: a support; a first line carrier which is adapted to have attached thereto a plurality of lines to which clothing or other articles can be secured, the line carrier being operatively mounted to the support for movement between an in-use position in which it extends laterally from the support and a non-use position; the support including a support frame which is mountable to a wall or similar structure, the line carrier being pivotally mounted to the support frame for pivotal movement between the in-use and non-use positions; and a second line carrier being operatively mounted to the support for movement between an in-use position in which it extends laterally from the support and a non-use position, the second line carrier further being adapted to be spaced from the first line carrier when in the in-use position.
The additional line carrier may be similar in structure to that of the first mentioned line carrier as described above. Preferably, the peripheral dimension of the additional carrier is less than that of the first carrier so that when both are in the non-use position they can rest within one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to enable a clearer understanding of the invention drawings illustrating example embodiments are attached and in those drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic first isometric view of a clothes line assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic second isometric view of the clothes line assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a further embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of yet another embodiment; and

FIGS. 9 to 11 are illustrations of further embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 of the drawings, there is shown a clothes line assembly generally indicated at 10 including a support 12 which is adapted to be mounted to a structure such as a wall, fence and the like. The support body may be in the form of a frame 13 which is generally rectangular in configuration. Any suitable fastenings can be used to attach the support body to the structure.
The assembly further includes a line carrier 16 which is adapted to have attached thereto a plurality of lines 17 to which clothing and the like can be attached. As shown the line carrier 16 includes a carrier frame 18 of generally rectangular shape with a plurality of lines 17 arranged generally parallel to one another and extending between opposed sides of the carrier frame 18. The carrier frame 18 is operatively mounted to the support frame 13 by means of hinges 21 for pivotal movement between an in use position as shown in the drawings in which it extends laterally from the support frame 13 and a non-use position in which the two frames are disposed in adjacent planes. Pivotal movement of the carrier frame 18 as shown by arrow Y in FIG. 5 enables it to adopt either its non-use or in-use positions. As shown the carrier frame 18 is pivotally connected to the support frame 13 at its upper edge.
The assembly 10 may further include an additional line carrier 26 which includes a carrier frame 28 with a plurality of lines 27 thereon. The carrier 26 is similar in structure to line carrier 16 and is connected to a lower edge of the support frame by hinges 31. The carrier frame 28 can also be pivotally moved as indicated by arrow Z in FIG. 5 between in-use and non-use positions as is the case with carrier frame 18. The peripheral dimension in plan of carrier frame 28 is smaller than carrier frame 18 so that when both frames are in the non-use position, carrier frame 28 can nest within carrier frame 18. Each carrier frame is provided with a respective pair of struts 22 and 32 respectively which hold the frames in the in use position. Strut 32 may be in the form of a cable.
The assembly further includes a cover 40 which is operatively connectible to line carrier 16 so that in an operative position, with the line carrier body in the in use position the cover is spaced from the lines 17 on the carrier 16. The cover 40 may be in the form of a panel 41 which is operatively connected to the carrier frame 18 by the connecting links 44 which enable pivotal movement as shown by arrow X in FIG. 5 so that the panel, in a stowed position, is immediately adjacent the carrier 16. The panel 41 may include a peripheral side flange 45 which provides for a cavity into which the carrier frame 18 can be disposed when in the stowed position. A handle 46 is provided for moving the cover between the stowed and operative positions. Stops may be provided, adjacent to or integral with a base of the links 44 to inhibit rotation of the links 44 so that the panel 41 is held at a selected height above the carrier frame 18 when in the in-use position. The stops are disposed so that the links rotate past a perpendicular or vertical point, and then the weight of the panel 41 causes the links to remain held against their respective stops while the clothes line assembly is in the in-use position.
The panel 41 is maintained generally parallel to the carrier frame 18 throughout the extension from the carrier frame to the in-use position, by utilising pairs of spaced-apart links 44.
If desired the cover 40 can be completely removed or mounted so that it can adopt a position in which it is clear of the carrier frame 18. The cover can be made of any suitable material and have any suitable finish. It may be transparent or opaque. It may have a picture on its outer surface or a reflective surface. A frame structure may be disposed around the peripheral edge of the panel to give the impression of a framed picture or the like.
FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment in which the support comprises a pair of telescopically arranged upright members 53 and 54. The upper part of each telescopic member is in the form of an I- beam 55 and 56 part of which is slidably receivable within a slot in the lower end has the line carriers operatively connected thereto and again the assembly can be raised and lowered for movement between in use and storage positions.
FIG. 7 is similar to that shown in FIG. 6 except that the cover 65 is in the form of a panel behind which the line carrier is positioned in the stowed position.
FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of clothes line assembly. In this embodiment the cover is in the form of a casing 70 and the line carrier is adapted to be stored in the casing when in the stowed position. The support body in this case is similar in form to that described with reference to FIG. 6. When in the raised position it functions substantially in the same manner as that described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrates other examples of covers. In FIG. 9 the cover 80 is in the form of a casing which holds the line carrier and has a closure panel 81 pivotally mounted so that it can be opened to enable the line carrier to be accessed.
FIG. 10 is similar in structure to FIG. 9 except that the closure panel is slidable.
FIG. 11 is an embodiment where the closure panel is the upper wall pivotally mounted.
Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims

1. A clothes line assembly including: a support; a first line carrier which is adapted to have attached thereto a plurality of lines to which clothing or other articles can be secured, the first line carrier being operatively mounted to the support for movement between an in-use position in which it extends laterally from the support, and a non-use position; the support including a support frame which is mountable to a wall or similar structure, the first line carrier being pivotally mounted to the support frame for pivotal movement between the in-use and non-use positions; and a cover arranged so that when the first line carrier is in the non-use position the cover and first line carrier can adopt a stowed position in which the cover can conceal the first line carrier from view, and in which stowed position the cover substantially abuts the lines and/or the first line carrier, wherein the cover is detachably or otherwise connected to the first line carrier or support so that in an operative position with the first line carrier in the in-use position, a substantial portion of the cover may be moved to a position distal the line first carrier.

2-14. (canceled)

15. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the first line carrier is pivotally mounted to the support frame for pivotal movement between the in-use and non-use positions.

16. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cover is operatively connected to the first line carrier or support housing so as to be adapted to pivot about a pivoting axis during the movement to the operative position.

17. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cover is operatively connected to the first line carrier or support housing so as to be adapted to slide along a slide axis during the movement to the operative position.

18. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 16 wherein the pivoting axis is a vertical or horizontal axis disposed at one edge of the first line carrier or housing.

19. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cover is operatively connected to the first line carrier or support housing so as to be disposed to one side of the first line carrier or support housing when the first line carrier is in the in-use position.

20. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cover is operatively connected to the first line carrier or support housing so as to be disposed substantially parallel to the wall when the first line carrier is in the in-use position.

21. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cover is operatively connected to the first line carrier or support housing so as to be disposed underneath the first line carrier or support housing when the first line carrier is in the in-use position.

22. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cover is operatively connected to the first line carrier or support housing so as to be disposed above the first line carrier or support housing when the first line carrier is in the in-use position.

23. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim I wherein telescopic links are provided which are operatively connected to the support and/or first line carrier so that the height of the line carriers may be adjusted.

24. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 1 further including an additional line carrier which is operatively connected to the support for movement between the in-use and the non-use positions.

25. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 24 wherein when the first and additional line carriers are in the in-use position they extend laterally from the support frame in spaced relation from one another, and when in the non-use position the first and additional line carriers overlie one another and the support frame.

26. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 24 wherein the first line carrier is disposed above the additional line carrier when in the in-use position.

27. A clothes line assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cover includes a casing within which the first line carrier is adapted to be stored when in the non-use position.

28. A clothes line assembly according to claim 24 wherein the additional line carrier is pivotally mounted to the support frame for pivotal movement between the in-use and the non-use positions.

29. A clothes line assembly according to claim 1 wherein the cover is operatively mounted to the first line carrier by connecting links which are pivotable for enabling the cover to move between the deployed position and the stowed position in which the cover is adjacent to and overlies the first line carrier.

30. A clothes line assembly according to claim 29 wherein the links are mounted in a spaced-apart arrangement so that the cover extends to a selected distance from the first line carrier while remaining substantially parallel to the first line carrier throughout the extension movement and when in the in-use position.

31. A clothesline assembly according to claim 29 wherein stops are provided to inhibit rotation of the links past a selected point, so that in the deployed position, the cover is disposed to a selected, repeatable height above the first line carrier.

32. A clothesline assembly according to claim 31 wherein the selected point of rotation of the links is slightly after they rotate past a vertical or perpendicular position during deployment, so the weight of the cover may lean against the stops when in the in-use position, retaining the cover at the selected height above the first line carrier.

33. A clothesline assembly in accordance with claim 24 wherein additional line carrier has a peripheral dimension smaller than that of the first line carrier so the additional line carrier can rest within the first line carrier when in the non-use position.