Mobile washing line

Abstract

A mobile washing line comprising a frame comprising first and second upright posts, each of said first and second posts having at least one crossbar mounted thereon to which at least one line is coupled such that the at least one line extends between the first and second posts when the washing line is in an unfolded configuration; said frame further comprising a foldable linkage extending between said first and second posts, said foldable linkage being reconfigurable between an unfolded configuration, wherein the first and second posts are spaced from one another and the at least one line is tensioned therebetween, and a folded configuration, wherein the first and second posts are located adjacent one another with the at least one line resting slack between the posts.

Description

[0001] MOBILE WASHING LINE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a mobile washing line and in particular to a mobile washing line that can be folded to a compact configuration for storage.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Drying clothes on an outdoor washing line, using the sun and wind, is a very old yet still an efficient and effective method of drying clothes following washing. In more modern times, many people have switched to tumble dryers and other powered drying devices that can be used indoors and do not rely on fine weather for good drying results. However, increasing energy costs and a desire to reduce our carbon footprint has led to an increased use of traditional outdoor washing lines.

[0006] Most washing lines tend to be strung between fixed posts mounted outside in a garden or yard. In the UK in particular, rotary washing lines are popular where radially outwardly extending arms are mounted on single post located in the ground, with a line threaded through the arms. The arms are pivotally mounted on the post to allow them to be folded against the post to reduce the footprint of the rotary washing line when it is not in use.

[0007] The main problem with drying clothes using a washing line is the changeable weather, in particular in the UK and Ireland. With known fixed styles of washing line, the washing must be removed from the line if rain is expected and placed back on the line once the rain has stopped. This makes their use inconvenient in changeable weather.

[0008] In order to overcome this problem, in rural Ireland in particular, mobile washing lines have become popular, where one or more lines are supported on a galvanised steel frame mounted on wheels so that the entire washing line, with the washing hung thereon, can be wheeled in and out of a shed or garage or other shelter to protect the washing from rain showers. The frame of such a known mobile washing line typically comprises a pair of upright end posts separated by horizontal spacer bars extending therebetween, crossbars being mounted on the end posts perpendicular to the spacer bars, the crossbars having holes formed therein through which one or more lines are threaded to extend between the end posts. However, a problem with such known mobile washing lines is that the frame is quite large and heavy and takes up a lot of space when not in use. This generally limits their use to rural locations with a lot of available space.

[0009] What is required is a washing line that combines the compact folded size of the popular rotary washing line with the practicality of a mobile washing line.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to the present invention there is provided a mobile washing line comprising first and second upright posts, each of said first and second posts having at least one crossbar mounted thereon to which at least one line is coupled such that the at least one line extends between the first and second posts when the washing line is in an unfolded configuration; a foldable linkage extending between said first and second posts, said foldable linkage being reconfigurable between an unfolded configuration, wherein the first and second posts are spaced from one another by said foldable linkage and the at least one line is tensioned therebetween, and a folded configuration, wherein the first and second posts are located adjacent one another with the at least one line resting slack between the posts.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment said foldable linkage comprises first and second spacer bars extending between and pivotably coupled to the first and second posts at vertically spaced locations thereon, wherein each of said first and second spacer bars comprises a first part pivotally coupled to the first post about a respective first pivot axis and a second part pivotally coupled to the second upright post about a second pivot axis, said first and second parts of each spacer bar being coupled together via a pivotal coupling having a third pivot axis parallel to said first and second pivot axes, a linkage member being coupled to the pivotal couplings of the first and second spacer bars to maintain a fixed vertical spacing between said first and second pivotal couplings to ensure the first and second posts remain parallel to one another as said first and second parts of each of the first and second spacer bars are folded with respect to one another about said first to third pivot axes to reconfigure the washing line between its unfolded and folded configurations.

[0013] When in said unfolded configuration, the first and second parts of each spacer bar preferably extend horizontally and are axially aligned with one another with the first and second spacer bars are arranged parallel to one another, and when in said folded configuration, the first and second parts of each spacer bar extend upwardly at an acute angle to one another.

[0014] The pivotal couplings of the first and second spacer bars are preferably lockable when said first and second spacer bars are in each of their folded and unfolded configurations to selectively maintain the washing line in either its folded or unfolded configuration.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of said pivotal couplings of said first and second spacer bars respectively may comprise axially spaced first and second parts having mutually abutting faces, a pivot pin extending through said first and second parts along the respective third pivot axis to couple said first and second parts together and permit pivotal movement therebetween, the first part of each pivotal coupling being provided on the first part of a respective spacer bar and the second part each pivotal coupling being provided on the second part of the respective spacer bar.

[0016] At least one of said pivotal couplings may be lockable to retain the washing line in its folded or unfolded configuration. The mutually abutting faces of said first and second parts of each lockable pivotal coupling may be provided with cooperating inter-engaging formations adapted to engage one another and selectively lock the first and second parts of the respective pivotal coupling together when each of said first and second spacer bars are in each of their folded and unfolded configurations. The cooperating inter-engaging formations may comprise teeth formed on said first and second parts of each lockable pivotal coupling at locations thereon such that respective teeth of the first and second parts engage one another only when each of said first and second spacer bars are in each of their folded and unfolded configurations. Preferably said pivot pin is adapted to selectively clamp the first and second parts of each lockable pivotal coupling together to engage said cooperating inter-engaging formations together and lock the respective pivotal coupling. A biasing means, such as a compression spring, may be provided to urge the first and second parts of each pivotal coupling apart, against the clamping action of said pivot pin.

[0017] In one embodiment the said pivot pin of each lockable pivot coupling comprises a threaded rod extending through the first and second parts and being adapted to be tightenable to clamp said first and second parts together. An operating handle may be provided on one end of said threaded rod to allow the threaded rod to be tightened into a respective thread to selectively clamp the first and second parts of each lockable pivotal coupling together and loosened to allow the washing line to be reconfigured between its unfolded and folded configurations.

[0018] Each of said first and second posts may be provided with a transversely extending leg at a lower end thereof having ground engaging wheels mounted thereon, preferably at either end thereof, to allow the washing line to be moved. The ground engaging wheels may comprise castor wheels, one or more of which may be selectively lockable.

[0019] The at least one crossbar of each of said first and second posts may comprise an upper crossbar at or adjacent an upper end thereof and a lower crossbar at or adjacent a central region thereof, respective lines extending between the upper crossbars of the first and second posts and between the lower crossbars of the first and second posts. The upper and lower crossbars of each of the first and second posts may extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to the spacer bars.

[0020] The at least one line may be coupled to the respective crossbars of the first and second posts via pulleys mounted on each crossbar for rotation about a vertical axis. The use of pulleys prevents wear on the line and allows the line to be evenly tensioned when the washing line is in its unfolded configuration. The at least one line may include a tensioning device, such as a spring, preferably located between one end of said at least one line and a respective crossbar.

[0021] A handle may be provided on said linkage member extending between the first and second spacer bars to facilitate folding and unfolding of the washing line.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] A mobile washing line in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mobile washing line in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded configuration;

[0025] Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 3 is a side view of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 4 is an end view of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 5 is a top view of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 in a folded configuration;

[0030] Figure 7 is a side view of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 in its folded configuration;

[0031] Figure 8 is an end view of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 in its folded configuration;

[0032] Figure 9 is a top view of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 in its folded configuration; Figure 10 is a detailed view of the spacer bars of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 when it is in its folded configuration;

[0033] Figure 11 is a detailed view of the spacer bars of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 when it is in its unfolded configuration;

[0034] Figure 12 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism of the spacer bars of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 13 is a detailed view of the locking mechanism of the spacer bars of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 when in its folded configuration;

[0036] Figure 14 is a detailed view of the locking mechanism of the spacer bars of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 when in its unfolded configuration;

[0037] Figure 15 is a detailed perspective view of the line mounting arrangement of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 16 and 17 are detailed views of the line tension adjustment mechanism; and

[0039] Figure 18 is a detailed perspective view of the line tensioning arrangement of the mobile washing line of Figure 1 .

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] A mobile washing line in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in the drawings, comprises a wheeled frame comprising first and second vertically arranged first and second end posts 2,4, each having a pair of crossbars 6a, 8a, 6b, 8b mounted thereon at an upper end and at an intermediate position on each end post. A transversely extending leg 10,12 is provided at a bottom end of each end post 2,4 having castor wheels 14 mounted on a lower side at either end thereof to allow the frame to be moved around. One or more of the castor wheels 14 may be lockable. The first and second end posts 2,4 are linked together by first and second vertically spaced spacer bars 16,18 extending between the posts. As will be described in more detail below, the spacer bars are foldable to allow the frame of the washing line to be reconfigured between an unfolded configuration, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, and a folded configuration, as shown in Figures 6 to 9.

[0042] Lines 20,22 extend between the respective crossbars of each end post 2,4 for supporting washing thereon.

[0043] The outer ends of the spacer bars 16,18 are pivotably coupled to the end posts 2,4 at respective vertically spaced locations thereon. Each spacer bar 16,18 comprises a first part 16a, 18a pivotally coupled to the first post 2 about a respective first horizontal pivot axis and a second part 16b, 18b pivotally coupled to the second post 4 about a second horizontal pivot axis, said first and second parts 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b of each spacer bar 16,18 being coupled together via a central pivotal coupling 24,26 having a third pivot axis parallel to said first and second pivot axes. At least one of the pivotal couplings 24,26, preferably both, is lockable to lock the washing line it either is folded or unfolded configuration.

[0044] A vertically extending linkage member 28 is coupled to the pivotal couplings 24,26 of the spacer bars 16,18 to maintain a fixed vertical spacing between said first and second pivotal couplings to ensure the end posts 2,4 remain parallel to one another as spacer bars 16,18 are folded to reconfigure the washing line between its unfolded and folded configurations. A handle 25 is provided on the linkage member 28, approximately at its midpoint, to facilitate folding and unfolding of the washing line and to help prevent trapping of the user’s fingers. Further handles 25a, 25b may be provided on outer sides of the end posts 2,4.

[0045] When in the washing line is in its unfolded configuration, the first and second parts 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b of each spacer bar 16,18 extend horizontally and are axially aligned with one another with the first and second spacer bars 16,18 arranged parallel to one another, and when in said folded configuration, the first and second parts 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b of each spacer bar 16,18 extend upwardly, at an acute angle to one another. Inwardly facing and laterally extending stops or abutments 29 may be provided on the end posts 2,4 at locations whereby the outer ends of at least the lowermost spacer bar 16 may rest against the stops or abutments 29 when the washing line is in its unfolded configuration (as best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2). In the case of the uppermost spacer bar 18, the stop or abutment may be defined by an upper face of the adjacent crossbar 6a, 6b.

[0046] Each pivotal coupling 24,26 comprises axially spaced first and second parts 30,32 having mutually abutting faces, a pivot pin 34 extending through said first and second parts 30,32 along the respective third pivot axis to couple said first and second parts together and permit pivotal movement therebetween, the first part 30 of each pivotal coupling 24,26 being provided on the first part 16a, 18a of a respective spacer bar 16,18 and the second part 32 of each pivotal coupling 24,26 being provided on the second part 16b, 18b of the respective spacer bar 16,18.

[0047] As illustrated in Figures 12 to 14, in the case of the or each lockable pivotal coupling, the mutually abutting faces of said first and second parts 30,32 thereof are provided with cooperating inter-engaging formations, such a teeth 36, adapted to engage one another and selectively lock the first and second parts 30,32 of the respective pivotal coupling together when the first and second spacer bars 16,18 are in each of their folded and unfolded configurations. Preferably the teeth 36 are located on the periphery of the abutting faces of the first and second parts 30,32 at locations such that the respective teeth 36 engage one another only when each of said first and second spacer bars 16,18 are in each of their folded and unfolded configurations.

[0048] The pivot pin 34 of each lockable pivotal coupling is preferably adapted to selectively clamp the first and second parts 30,32 of the pivotal coupling together to engage said teeth 36 together and lock the respective lockable pivotal coupling and a biasing means, such as a compression spring 38 located between the two parts and coaxially with the pin 34, is preferably provided to urge the first and second parts 30,32 of each lockable pivotal coupling apart, against the clamping action of said pivot pin 34. The pivot pin 34 of each lockable pivotal coupling may comprise a threaded rod extending through the first and second parts 30,32 and preferably engaging a captive nut 30 in one part 32, such that the pivot pin 34 can be tightened to clamp said first and second parts together. An operating handle 42 is provided on one end of the pivot pin 34 to allow it to be tightened to selectively clamp the first and second parts 30,32 of each lockable pivotal coupling together and loosened to allow the washing line to be reconfigured between its unfolded and folded configurations.

[0049] As illustrated in Figures 15 to 18, lines 20,22 are attached to the crossbars 6a, 6b, 8a, 8b to extend between opposing pairs of crossbars 6a, 6b, 8a, 8b on the end posts 2,4 to allow washing to be hung thereon when the washing line is in its unfolded configuration. The lines 20,22 are preferably coupled to the crossbars via pulleys 44 to prevent damage to the lines, allow easy replacement of the lines and to allow easy adjustment of the tension on the lines, particularly as the washing line is reconfigured between its folded and unfolded configurations. A line clamp 46 may be used to fasten at least one end of each line 20,22 to the respective crossbar and to facilitate adjustment of the tension in the line. Furthermore, a tensioning spring 48 may be provided between one or each end of each line 20,22 and the respective crossbar to maintain tension in the respective line when the washing line is in its unfolded configuration.

[0050] When it its unfolded configuration, with the spacer bars 16,18 unfolded and extending horizontally between the end posts 2,4, with the lines 20,22 tensioned between opposing pairs of crossbars 6a, 6b, 8a, 8b of the end posts 2,4, washing can be fastened to the line and the washing line, along with washing thereon, can be readily moved around via the castor wheels 14 so that the washing line can be wheeled in and out of a shed or garage or other shelter to protect the washing from rain showers.

[0051] However, when the washing line is not in use, it can be folded by releasing the or each lockable pivotal coupling of the spacer bars 16,18 and folding the spacer bars 16,18 to their folded configuration, moving the end posts 2,4 towards one another and thereby reducing the overall size of the washing line and allowing easy storage. The invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mobile washing line comprising first and second upright posts, each of said first and second posts having at least one crossbar mounted thereon to which at least one line is coupled such that the at least one line extends between the first and second posts when the washing line is in an unfolded configuration; a foldable linkage extending between said first and second posts, said foldable linkage being reconfigurable between an unfolded configuration, wherein the first and second posts are spaced from one another by said foldable linkage and the at least one line is tensioned therebetween, and a folded configuration, wherein the first and second posts are located adjacent one another with the at least one line resting slack between the posts.

2. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said foldable linkage comprises first and second spacer bars extending between and pivotably coupled to the first and second posts at vertically spaced locations thereon, wherein each of said first and second spacer bars comprises a first part pivotally coupled to the first post about a respective first pivot axis and a second part pivotally coupled to the second post about a second pivot axis, said first and second parts of each spacer bar being coupled together via a pivotal coupling having a third pivot axis parallel to said first and second pivot axes, a linkage member being coupled to the pivotal couplings of the first and second spacer bars to maintain a fixed vertical spacing between said first and second pivotal couplings to ensure the first and second posts remain parallel to one another as said first and second parts of each of the first and second spacer bars are folded with respect to one another about said first to third pivot axes to reconfigure the washing line between its unfolded and folded configurations.

3. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 2, wherein, when in said unfolded configuration, the first and second parts of each spacer bar extend horizontally and are axially aligned with one another with the first and second spacer bars arranged parallel to one another, and when in said folded configuration, the first and second parts of each spacer bar extend upwardly at an acute angle to one another.

4. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 3, wherein said pivotal couplings of the first and second spacer bars are lockable when said first and second spacer bars are in each of their folded and unfolded configurations to selectively maintain the washing line in either its folded or unfolded configuration.

5. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of said pivotal couplings of said first and second spacer bars respectively comprises axially spaced first and second parts having mutually abutting faces, a pivot pin extending through said first and second parts along the respective third pivot axis to couple said first and second parts together and permit pivotal movement therebetween, the first part of each pivotal coupling being provided on the first part of a respective spacer bar and the second part each pivotal coupling being provided on the second part of the respective spacer bar.

6. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of said pivotal couplings is lockable to retain the washing line in its folded or unfolded configuration.

7. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 6, wherein said mutually abutting faces of said first and second parts of each lockable pivotal coupling are provided with cooperating inter-engaging formations adapted to engage one another and selectively lock the first and second parts of the respective pivotal coupling together when each of said first and second spacer bars are in each of their folded and unfolded configurations.

8. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 7, wherein said cooperating interengaging formations comprise teeth formed on said first and second parts of the or each lockable pivotal coupling at locations thereon such that respective teeth of the first and second parts engage one another only when each of said first and second spacer bars are in each of their folded and unfolded configurations.

9. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said pivot pin of each lockable pivotal coupling is adapted to selectively clamp the first and secondparts of the pivotal coupling together to engage said cooperating inter-engaging formations together and lock the respective lockable pivotal coupling.

10. A mobile washing line as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9, wherein a biasing means is provided to urge the first and second parts of each lockable pivotal coupling apart, against the clamping action of said pivot pin.

11. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 10, wherein said biasing means comprises a compression spring.

12. A mobile washing line as claimed in any of claims 6 to 11 , wherein said pivot pin of each lockable pivotal coupling comprises a threaded rod extending through the first and second parts and being adapted to be tightenable to clamp said first and second parts together.

13. A mobile washing line as claimed in any of claims 6 to 12, wherein an operating handle is provided on one end of said threaded rod to allow the threaded rod to be tightened into a respective thread to selectively clamp the first and second parts of each lockable pivotal coupling together and loosened to allow the washing line to be reconfigured between its unfolded and folded configurations.

14. A mobile washing line as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of said first and second posts is provided with a transversely extending leg at a lower end thereof having ground engaging wheels mounted at either end thereof to allow the washing line to be moved.

15. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 14, wherein said ground engaging wheels comprise castor wheels.

16. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of said castor wheels is lockable.

17. A mobile washing line as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said at least one crossbar of each of said first and second posts comprises an upper crossbar ator adjacent an upper end thereof and a lower crossbar at or adjacent a central region thereof, respective lines extending between the upper crossbars of the first and second posts and between the lower crossbars of the first and second posts.

18. A mobile washing line as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said at least one line is coupled to the respective crossbars of the first and second posts via pulleys mounted on each crossbar for rotation about a vertical axis.

19. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 18, wherein said at least one line includes a tensioning device.

20. A mobile washing line as claimed in claim 19, wherein said tensioning device comprises a spring located between one end of said at least one line and a respective crossbar.21 . A mobile washing line as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent upon claim 2, wherein a handle is provided on said linkage member to facilitate folding and unfolding of the washing line.

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