Rotary clothes line cover

Abstract

An apparatus for providing a cover for a rotary washing line includes a clamp 10 for securing a canopy assembly (30, Figure 2) to the washing line. The canopy has a water-resistant covering 32 supported by an umbrella frame having a central shaft 36 and radial arms 42. The clamp comprises a first part (A, Figure 1) including means for connection 12 to a central pole 2 of the washing line. A second part B includes means for connection 16, 20, to the central shaft of the umbrella frame. The two parts of the clamp are spaced apart and connected by at least one connecting member 22. In use, the two parts of the clamp are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the central shaft of the canopy assembly. At least part of the or each connecting member is offset relative to the longitudinal axis. The connecting member may be a C-shaped arm. A pair of clamping jaws 24, 26, may grip the pole. The covering may include vents and / or a depending skirt portion with a weighted hem (Figure 7). A wind impellor, pockets, and / or sails (Figure 8, Figure 9) may assist rotation of the washing line.

Description

Field of the Invention The invention relates to covers for washing lines, and in particular to a cover assembly for mounting above a conventional rotary washing line. Background of the Invention Rotary washing lines are understood to be a washing line of the type which has a central pole with a plurality" of radially disposed amis, the arms carrying a line onto which laundry can be hung. Washing lines of this type are often referred to as “rotary washing lines” since they are typically free to rotate. The term “rotary washing line” is used herein to describe such washing lines. However, it should be understood that this term includes washing lines which are not free to rotate. The use of such clothes lines for drying laundry outside is well known. There are many benefits to drying laundry outside. These include energy and cost savings, and also clothes dried outside tend to have a fresher, natural scent compared to tumble dried clothes. Line drying is also a more environmentally friendly option compared to using a tumble dryer. However, outdoor drying is heavily dependent on weather conditions. Rain will obviously significantly impede the drying process and requires the laundry to be removed from the line. There are also risks of soiling to hanging laundry from bird droppings or insects. Covers for rotary washing lines are not widely available, but have been described in various patent applications. An example is described in GB2475222 which describes a water-resistant cover which is supported by" a frame which mounts directly onto the central pole of a rotary washing line. Each arm of the frame is connected to an arm of the washing line by a linking strut. WO2007 / 132251 also describes a cover for a rotary clothes line. It comprises a sheet of waterproof material which is dimensioned to extend radially beyond the arms of die clothes line. The cover is draped over the washing line and an extension pole attaches to the top of the clothes line pole to support the middle of the cover away from the washing lines. GB2351438 describes a rotary washing line with an integrated umbrella-style cover. The cover is supported by a plurality of spokes which are pivotally connected at one end to an upper hub on the pole, and at the other end to a plurality of amis. The washing line can be open and closed in the manner of an umbrella. The canopy of this washing line is permanent and cannot be retrofitted to existing washing lines. GB2352168 describes a washing line canopy which is supported by collapsible arms similar to an umbrella. The central stem of the canopy is fixed to the washing line pole by slotting the canopy stem into the washing line pole and securing it there with locking pins passing through designated holes in both the canopy stem and the washing line pole. This washing line cover would therefore need to be used with a bespoke washing line designed specifically for use with this cover. EP3070198 describes a washing line with an integrated protective cover. The cover is not suitable for application to existing washing lines. These examples are all impractical or awkward to use or are unsuitable for retrofitting to existing rotary lines. It would be desirable to provide an improved canopy assembly suitable for retrofitting to existing rotary washing lines. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for providing a cover for a rotary washing line, the apparatus comprising a canopy assembly and a clamp for securing the canopy assembly to the rotary washing line. The canopy assembly comprises a water-resistant covering supported by an umbrella frame, and the umbrella frame comprises a central shaft about which are disposed a plurality of radial arms. The clamp comprises a first part which includes means for connection of the clamp to a central pole of a rotary washing line; and a second part which includes means for connection to the central shaft of the umbrella frame of the canopy assembly, and the first and second parts of the clamp are spaced apart and connected together by at least one connecting member. In use, the first and second parts of the clamp are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the central shaft of the canopy assembly, and at least part of the or each connecting member is offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft of the canopy assembly. In use, a longitudinal axis of the central shaft of the canopy assembly is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the central pole of the rotary washing line. The at least one connecting member may comprise at least one substantially C-shaped arm. The at least one connecting member may comprise more than one C-shaped arm. The at least one connecting member may comprise a pair of substantially C-shaped arms. The or each connecting member may be connected to the second part of the clamp via a hinged connection. The or each connecting member may be welded to the second part of the clamp. The means for connection to a central pole of a rotary washing line may comprise a pair of clamping jaws shaped to grip the pole. The means for connection to the central shaft of the umbrella frame of the canopy assembly may comprise a socket for receipt of a distal end of the central shaft of the umbrella frame. The socket may include manual tightening means for securing the distal end of the central shaft of the umbrella frame within the socket. The manual tightening means may be one or more screws. The apparatus may further comprise means for adjustment of the position of the first part of the clamp relative to the connecting member. At least a part of the means for connection of the clamp to a central pole of a rotary washing line may be mounted on elongate member and the connecting member may include a socket for receiving the elongate member. The elongate member may be telescopically moveable relative to the socket. The elongate member may be a rod or a tube. This adjustment means allows for variations in washing line pole diameters and allows the second part of the clamp to be aligned with the washing line pole. The apparatus preferably includes a plurality of vents in the water-resistant covering. The water-resistant covering may be in two parts and the vents may be formed by overlapping parts of the covering. The water-resistant covering may further comprise a skirt portion depending from the covering, and the skirt portion may include a weighted hem. The apparatus may further include means for assisting rotation of a rotary washing line to which the apparatus is attached. The means for assisting rotation may comprise a wind impeller arranged above the canopy assembly. Alternatively, or additionally, the means for assisting rotation may comprise a plurality of pockets arranged in the water-resistant cover, tire pockets spaced apart around a circumference of the cover and arranged to capture wind. Alternatively, or additionally, the means for assisting rotation may comprise a plurality of sails attached to the canopy assembly, the sails arranged to capture wind. The umbrella frame preferably comprises a central shaft, a notch and a runner, the central shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; wherein the notch is located at or towards the distal end of the central shaft and a plurality of radial arms are pivotally attached to the notch. The runner is slidably connectable to the central shaft and is moveable between a lower position in which the umbrella frame is closed; and an upper position in which the umbrella frame is open and the runner is located in a position between the proximal end of the central shaft and the notch. The runner may be disengaged from the central shaft when the umbrella frame is closed, and engaged with the central shaft when the umbrella frame is open. The central shaft may have a length of not more than 50cm. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises means for releasably locking the runner in the upper position. The apparatus of the invention can be fitted to any rotary washing line and enables a canopy assembly to be mounted onto the central pole such that the canopy is arranged substantially centrally over the washing line, providing protection from the weather to laundry hung on the line. Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the apparatus of the invention; Figure 1 is an isometric view of a clamp forming part of the apparatus of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a canopy assembly forming part of the apparatus of the invention, the canopy in a closed configuration; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a canopy assembly forming part of the apparatus of the invention, the canopy in a open configuration; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a runner forming part of a canopv assembly, the assembly in a closed configuration; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus of the invention installed on a rotary washing line; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the clamp of the invention installed on the pole of a rotary washing line; Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus of the invention installed on a rotary washing line, where the canopy assembly includes a skirt; Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus of the invention installed on a rotary washing line, where the canopy assembly includes a wind impeller; Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus of the invention installed on a rotary' washing line, where the canopy assembly includes a sail; Figure 10a is a schematic illustration of an alternative clamp shown in an open configuration; and Figure 10b is a schematic illustration of the clamp of Figure 10a shown in a closed configuration. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The apparatus of the invention is for providing a canopy for fitting to a typical rotary washing line of the type comprising a plurality of arms which extend radially from a central pole. Clothes lines attached to the arms provide a space for clothes to be hung to dry, usually outside. The apparatus is in two parts and comprises a clamp 10, illustrated in Figure 1 and a canopy assembly shown generally at 30 in Figures 2 and 3. As best illustrated in Figure 1, a preferred clamp 10 comprises a first part A, for connection to a central pole 2 of a conventional rotatory washing fine; a second part B for connection to the canopy assembly 30; and a connecting member in the form of an arm 22 which connects the two parts. The first part A of the clamp 10 comprises a pole clamp, indicated generally by numeral 12. In the illustrated example, the pole clamp 12 comprises two clamping jaws 24, 26 which are shaped to fit around a pole with a substantially tubular shape. The two jaws of the pole clamp are securely fastened together with screws, such as wing screws 14, forming a secure grip around the pole. Other suitable types of clamp suitable for connection to a pole would be well understood to the skilled person, for example a collar clamp, or a spring clamp would also work. The second part B of the clamp 10 comprises a hollow tube 16 with a socket, or open end 18 for receiving the shaft 36 of the canopy assembly. A screw 20 for hand tightening enables the shaft 36 to be secured in place. More than one screw could be used. Other conventional methods of connecting the canopy assembly to the clamp could equally be used, for example the shaft of the canopy assembly could include a socket into which a part of the clamp is insertable, or both parts could be secured together using fasteners. The arm 22 which connects the first part A to the second part B of the clamp 10 enables the first and second parts of the clamp to align, so that in use, both parts of the clamp are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the central shaft 36 of the canopy assembly. This is achieved by shaping the arm so that at least part of the arm is offset from this longitudinal axis, enabling the canopy assembly 30 to be located substantially centrally over the rotary washing line in use. In the illustrated example the arm has a “C” shape, but other shapes could be envisaged, such as “>” shapes, for example. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, both parts of the clamp are joined to the arm via fixed joints. The position of the clamping jaws 24, 26, is preferably adjustable with respect to the clamp arm, for example using a telescopic attachment as illustrated in Figure 1. One of the clamping jaws 26 is mounted on a tube 25 which is insertable into a socket 27 on the clamp ami, and the tube 25 can be moved into and out of the socket to fine tune the position of the clamping jaw. The tube 25 can be secured in position by tightening a grub screw 29, for example. This fine adjustment allows for differences in washing line pole diameters and enables the position of the open end 18 of the second part of the clamp to be adjusted so that it is located directly over the washing line pole. The clamp 10 is suitable for use with all rotary washing lines with a central pole and the pole clamp is adjustable to fit different pole diameters. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the canopy assembly 30 comprises an umbrella frame and a water-resistant cover 32 attached thereto. The cover 32 is preferably fabricated from a transparent plastic, although this is not essential, and preferably includes vents 35 to allow moist air to escape. The cover may be in two parts 32, 32’, with vents 35 located where the two parts overlap as illustrated in Figure 3. The dotted line illustrates the edge of the main cover 32 and the second cover 32’ is positioned over the top, as is common in vented umbrella design. Alternatively, vents 35’ may be separately inserted into the cover 32 as illustrated in Figure 7. The umbrella frame functions in the manner of a typical umbrella mechanism, and comprises a substantially central shaft 36 having an upper end and a lower end. A notch 38 is located towards the upper end of the pole and a plurality of arms 42 extend radially from the notch 38. Each ami 42 has a first end and a second end and the first end of each arm is pivotably coupled to the notch 38. The umbrella frame also comprises a runner 40 which can be coupled to the shaft 36 and is configured to slide along the shaft. The umbrella frame further comprises a plurality of support struts 44 which each have a first end and a second end. The first end of each strut 44 is pivotably connected to the runner 40. The second end of each strut is pivotably connected to one of the arms 42 via a connector piece 46, with each stmt connected to a different arm. The cover 32 may be secured to the arms 42 using connectors such as ties or hook and loop fasteners 48, and preferably also secured at the tips 31 of the arms, for example using pockets or sockets into which the tips are inserted, as is well known in umbrella design. Figure 4 is an enlaiged view of the runner 40, illustrating the axial aperture 50 through the runner 40 into which the end of the shaft 36 of the canopy umbrella frame is inserted in order to open the canopy. Only one support stmt 44 is shown in Figure 4 for simplicity. When the mnner 40 is lowered, or disengaged from the shaft, the canopy is in the closed position, as illustrated in Figure 2. When the mnner 40 is coupled to the shaft and is pushed towards the notch 38, the canopy is opened, as illustrated in Figure 3, with the support stmts 44 helping to stretch out the cover 32 over the arms 42. A locking mechanism is configured to secure the runner in the upper position when the canopy is opened. Disengagement of the locking mechanism allows the runner to slide down, or off the lower end of the pole, closing the umbrella frame. Any suitable locking mechanism may be used, for example a spring based locking system typically used in umbrellas, or, more simply, a locking pin which is insertable through apertures in the shaft underneath the runner in the upper position. The arrangement whereby the runner slides off the end of the shaft when the canopy is closed allows a shorter length of shaft can be used, meaning that in use the canopy is located just above the washing line. Preferably the length of the shaft is not more than around 50cm. Figure 5 illustrates the apparatus in use with a rotary washing line, the rotatory washing line comprising a central pole 2, radially extending arms 4 and washing lines 6 strung between the arms. A clamp 10 is shown attached to the upper end of the washing line pole 2. The clamp may include multiple clamping points. Figure 6 illustrates a close up view of a clamp 10 mounted to a washing line pole 2. As illustrated, the base 17 of the first part A of the clamp may rest on the top part 8 of the washing line. As illustrated in Figure 7, the canopy assembly may include an extended skirt portion 52 which depends vertically downwards from the edge of the cover 32. The skirt may be fabricated from a plastic material, such as the same plastics material as the cover, or a fine mesh netting. The skirt may be permanently attached to the cover, for example by sewing or heat welding, or may be releasably attachable, for example via a fastening mechanism such as a zip, or hook and loop fasteners. The extended skirt portion helps provide lateral protection from rain, but also helps to capture the sun’s rays in a greenhouse effect, warming air trapped underneath the canopy. The provision of an extended skirt, along with vents in the cover, helps to dry the laundry by creating a circulatory air flow. Cooler air is drawn into the space underneath the canopy, where it is then warmed, and warmer, moist air escapes from the top of the cover through the vents. The skirt may be of varied length, for example it may extend only partially or may extend towards ground level. Hie skirt may be weighted to improve stability, for example it may include a weighted hem, or may include pockets for addition of weights. The skirt may include at least one elongate opening 54, for easy access to laundry. The opening 54 may be closed by a fastener such as a zip. Rotary lines are usually able to rotate in the wind and such rotation helps to dry laundry on the line. The canopy assembly of the invention may further include means to assist the rotation of the line, for example, as illustrated in Figure 8, a wind impeller 56 could be positioned at the top of the canopy assembly to capture the wind and assist in the rotation of the line. Alternatively, the cover 32 may include a plurality of pockets 58 which could be sewn or otherwise attached to, or incorporated into the upper surface (see Figure 3), each with one open seam 60 arranged for capturing the wind and causing rotation of the line. In a further example, illustrated in Figure 9, the cover 32 may have a plurality of sails 62 attached, the sails may be attached at one end to the outer edge of the cover 32 and at the other end to the top of the canopy assembly. To use the assembly of the invention, a rotary washing line is assembled in the normal manner, and the clamp 10 is then attached to the top of the washing line pole via the pole clamp 12. This is achieved by unscrewing the wing screws 14, removing part 24 of the pole clamp, and arranging the two parts 24, 26 of the pole clamp around the pole, towards the top end of the pole. The wing screws 14 are then inserted through both parts of the pole clamp and tightened by hand. The final position of the clamp 10 can then be adjusted by unscrewing the grub screw 29 at the lower end of the arm 22, and adjusting the position of the arm 22 relative to the pole clamp. This is achieved by sliding the arm towards or away from the pole clamp 12 so that the socket 18 for receiving the canopy assembly is located in line with the washing line pole. The grub screw 29 can then be tightened, either by hand or with an appropriate tool. Wet laundry is then hung from the washing lines 6. The canopy assembly is then opened by inserting the end of the shaft 36 into the runner 40 and pushing the runner towards the notch 38 of the canopy assembly and locking the runner into place so that the canopy is opened, with the cover 32 stretched over the arms 48. The shaft 36 of the canopy assembly is then inserted into the second end 18 of the clamp 10 and secured in place with the hand screw 20. If required, the skirt 52 can then be attached to the canopy assembly. Figures 10a and 10b illustrate an alternative clamp 10’ comprising a pair of hinged arms 22’, each 5 of which mounts a part of a pole clamp 24’, 26’. The top part of the clamp 10’ is identical to the clamp 10 illustrated in Figure 1, comprising a tubular socket 16’ for receiving the shaft 36 of a canopy assembly 30. In this a pair of hinged C-shaped arms 22’ are connected to the base of the tube 16’, and each arm 22’ mounts a part of a pole clamp 24’, 26’. The pole clamp parts 24’, 26’ come together to clamp around the washing line pole 2 and are secured 10 together by wing screws 14’. The clamp 10’ may include means for adjusting the position of the pole clamp relative to the arms as discussed in relation to the previous embodiment.

Claims

1. Apparatus for providing a cover for a rotary washing line, the apparatus comprising a canopy assembly and a clamp for securing the canopy assembly to a rotary washing line;wherein die canopy assembly comprises a water-resistant covering supported by an umbrella frame, the umbrella frame comprising a central shaft about which are disposed a plurality of radial arms;and wherein the clamp comprises a first part including means for connection of the clamp to a central pole of a rotary washing line; and a second part including means for connection to the central shaft of the umbrella frame of the canopy assembly, and the first and second parts of the clamp are spaced apart and connected together by at least one connecting member;and wherein, in use, the first and second parts of the clamp are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the central shaft of the canopy assembly, and at least part of the or each connecting member is offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft of the canopy assembly.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting member comprises at least one substantially C-shaped arm.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the means for connection to a central pole of a rotary washing line comprises a pair of clamping jaws shaped to grip the pole.

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for connection to the central shaft of the umbrella frame of the canopy assembly comprises a socket for receipt of a distal end of the central shaft of the umbrella frame.

5. Apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the socket includes manual tightening means for securing the distal end of the central shaft of the umbrella frame within the socket.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the manual tightening means includes at least one screw.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for adjustment of the position of die first part of the clamp relative to the connecting member.

8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein at least a part of the means for connection of the clamp to a central pole of a rotary washing line is mounted on an elongate member and die connecting member includes a socket for receiving the elongate member, and wherein the elongate member is telescopically moveable relative to the socket.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of vents in the water resistant covering.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the water-resistant covering further comprises a skirt portion depending from the covering.

11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein the skirt portion comprises a weighted hem.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus includes means for assisting rotation of a rotary washing line to which the apparatus is attached.

13. Apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the means for assisting rotation comprises a wind impeller arranged above the canopy assembly.

14. Apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the means for assisting rotation comprises a plurality of pockets arranged in the water-resistant cover, the pockets spaced apart around a circumference of the cover and arranged to capture wind.

15. Apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the means for assisting rotation comprises a plurality7 of sails attached to the canopy assembly, the sails arranged to capture wind.

16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the umbrella frame comprises a central shaft, a notch and a runner, the central shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; wherein the notch is located at the distal end of the central shaft and a plurality of radial arms are pivotally attachedto the notch; wherein the runner is slidably connectable to the central shaft and is moveable between a lower position in which the umbrella frame is closed and an upper position in which the umbrella frame is open and the runner is engaged with the central shaft and located in a position between between the promixal end of the central shaft and the notch.5 17. Apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein the runner is disengaged from the central shaft whenthe umbrella frame is closed.

18. Apparatus according to Claim 16 or 17, further comprising means for releasably locking the runner in the upper position.

19. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the central shaft has a length of not more10 than 50cm.15

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