AU2015100249A4 - Innovative clothesline system and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is to a clothesline system characterised in that the system includes a clothesline frame which is substantially circular; a protective cover which is configured to open in a rotational fashion to engage with and cover, or at least partially cover, the clothesline frame; and wherein the clothesline frame also supports a network of washing lines extending inwardly from the circular frame and in the same plane as the clothesline frame, and is configured to suspend articles of clothing. James & Wells ref: 701720AU Figure 2 Ardw- dV V12

Description

Innovative clothesline system and method of use TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an innovative clothesline system and its method of use. 5 BACKGROUND ART The process of drying clothes after washing is a regular event in almost very household. With the rare exception of those whom utilise the services of drycleaners, the vast majority of households rely on either tumble driers or washing lines to dry clothes. Tumble driers are convenient for fast reliable drying. Yet, many choose not to purchase and use tumble 0 dryers because of the need to buy the appliance, the requirement for indoor space for the appliance, and/or the potential need to repair the drier when it breaks down. Additionally, the cost of electricity to power the drier can be another major deterrent from using the device on a regular occurrence, let alone occasionally for instance due to bad weather. Also, many people avoid using appliances such as driers in the goal of being more eco-conscious 5 household, and/or to become more sustainable. Washing lines are therefore commonly used in many households to address many of the issues faced with tumble driers. However, these are not without their own issues, as elaborated on below. To take advantage of the wind and sun for effective drying, most conventional outdoor washing lines are fixed in its location, most typically in a backyard setting. Some are configured to extend along a 20 fence-line or external wall and can often be retractable to save on space when not in use. These are somewhat disadvantaged because the fence-line or wall can restrict the amount of sun and/or wind exposure, and therefore lengthen the drying time required. In other cases where space is not so much of a limitation, the washing line is preferably positioned in a more central location to benefit more from the sun/wind. In this approach, the washing line system 25 typically is a pole which supports a square-shaped frame to support washing lines, upon which the washing is hung. Additionally, drying can be improved because the frames are typically configured to rotate freely around the pole. Despite these outdoor washing line systems being available for many years, there are significant disadvantages in using both this pole-based square frame system, as well as the space-saving options -4 discussed previously. As an initial point, the square shape frame rotating in the wind can be a hazard as the user can be unexpectantly hit by the corners of the frame. More generally, however, rain prevents effective outdoor drying. This can be a significant problem in 5 large households with children and/or teenagers, where there is pressure to continually process dirty clothes. Additionally, in countries such as New Zealand, weather can be unpredictable. Therefore, although good weather may suggest a good "drying-day", an unexpected change in the weather can lead to your washing becoming soaking wet even due a short sharp rain shower. 0 This is a general inconvenience as the user often will choose to remove all the clothing quickly to avoid the clothes getting wet, and then re-hang the clothes once the fine weather re-appears. If the clothes do get saturated, there often becomes a need to then re-spin the clothes in the washing machine to remove the excess water before re-hanging the clothes (or the clothes take considerably longer to dry). Additionally, the added weight from any water saturation can damage clothes (stretching or tearing), or 5 can cause the clothes to fall from the washing line to become soiled. Additionally, excess wind may be disadvantageous as it can damage clothes, or cause them to fall from the washing line and become soiled or potentially even lost. Further problems include issues with privacy, where often people feel uncomfortable drying intimate clothing in public view. .0 Additionally, stealing can be a concern especially if clothes are in full view. Also, dirt/pollution from the surrounding environment can land on your clothes whilst being dried. For instance, a lawnmower could lead to grass cuttings on your clothes, or dirt from water-blasting of the house can end up on the clothes. Finally, long term damage of clothes can result from repeatedly drying clothes outside or for long 25 durations at a time as a result of UV radiation from the sun. For these reasons, some households choose to rely more often or solely on tumble driers, or turn instead to indoor drying racks. Of course, indoor drying racks are advantageous in that rain, wind, stealing, privacy, dirt and UV radiation are not a concern. Yet, indoor drying racks take up valuable living space, take much longer to dry clothes, and add moisture to the indoor environment which 30 promotes mould and mildew growth.

For these reasons and many others, many households are dissatisfied with the current options and could significantly benefit from improvements to the drying options, in particular to address the issues faced with outdoor drying washing lines. All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby 5 incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New 0 Zealand or in any other country. Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. 5 It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. .0 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a clothesline frame configured to suspend articles of clothing characterised in that the clothesline frame is substantially circular. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a clothesline system including a 25 clothesline frame configured to suspend articles of clothing and including a supporting means configured to position and support the frame at a distance from a ground surface, characterised in that the frame is substantially circular. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective cover for a 30 substantially circular shaped clothesline frame characterised in that the protective cover connects directly or indirectly at a substantially central position of the clothesline frame, and the protective cover is configured to open in a rotational fashion to cover the circular shaped clothesline frame. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a clothesline system 5 characterised in that the system includes a) a clothesline frame which is substantially circular b) a protective cover which is configured to open in a rotational fashion to cover, or at least partially cover, the clothesline frame. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using the 0 clothesline system as substantially discussed above, characterised by the steps of: a) suspending a plurality of articles of clothing on at least one washing line supported by the clothesline frame; and b) when and if required, opening the protective cover to cover the clothesline frame and the suspended articles of clothing, 5 wherein step b) is able to be performed either manually and/or automatically, and either remotely and/or locally. Brief summary of the invention and its advantages: The clothesline system and its components offer significant advantages over the prior art and in particular outdoor clothesline systems. The concept of having a circular shaped clothesline frame 20 (instead of the conventional square frame) offers the ability to easily cover the frame with a protective cover to be mounted to the clothesline frame and subsequently open or close the cover in a rotational fashion when required. The ability to easily cover the clothesline when desired helps to address many, if not all, of the issues faced with outdoor drying techniques, and especially those which conventionally have utilised a freestanding square shaped clothesline frame. 25 As will be elaborated on in further detail, the protective cover is configured to rotationally open and close to cover and uncover (respectively) the circular frame, when mounted centrally on the clothesline frame. This synergistic provided by the combination of the circular shaped clothesline frame , clothesline cover and rotational movement of the cover is not possible with a square shaped frame for reasons outlined further below. 30 Even without the cover as part of the system, the circular shaped clothesline frame offers advantages over the square shaped frame. For instance, the rotational movement of typical square frames in the

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wind or by manual movement by people can lead to people hitting their heads on the frame as the outer perimeter changes. Yet, with a substantially circular frame, the outer perimeter of the frame will not change as the frame is rotated, and therefore will be less likely to be a hazard to people nearby. Definitions and preferred embodiments 5 Throughout this specification the term clothesline frame should be taken as meaning a supporting structure or framework which is used to support at least one clothesline, which in turn is configured to be used to suspend articles of clothing to be dried. It should first be appreciated that the present invention may be used to retrofit to existing clothesline structures, and particularly those with a square-shaped frame or outer perimeter. As shown in Figure 1 0 (the prior art), the cross-sectional support bars may be used to mount a circular clothesline frame as depicted in Figure 2 (according to the invention). Similarly, the protective cover according to the present invention may be sold separately to be used with either a circular clothesline frame, or a square-shaped clothesline frame which has been retro-fitted or adapted to have a circular clothesline frame. 5 The present invention allows a user to either manually or automatically (or a combination of both) cover the clothesline frame when required for instance due to a change in weather during drying of clothing. Below, we outline embodiments of the present invention when used in a manual setting, or in an automated setting to exemplify the advantages of the invention. Manual operation .0 In a first context of the invention, the cover may be configured to be opened and closed manually or semi-manually when required. This may be advantageous as it may offer a more cost-effective option to customers compared to more sophisticated automated versions, and/or for those who are often located at the site of the clothesline, such as a stay-at-home parent, or retiree. In such an embodiment, the cover and/or clothesline system may be configured such that the user 25 merely needs to manually pull or push a portion of the cover to open it when required. Conversely, when the weather improves, the user may then simply close (i.e. compact) the cover to allow more effective drying with better exposure to the sun and wind. It may be that the user wishes to use the cover for other reasons, such as privacy during the entire drying process, or to protect the clothing from dirt/pollution (e.g. periods of heavy car traffic leading to 30 localised pollution, lawn-mowing or house water-blasting). Alternatively, the user may want to leave the site for an extended period of time such as a few days or longer and therefore choose to open the cover regardless of initial fine weather. Therefore, opening the protective cover avoids issues with unpredictable weather and exposure to UV radiation over a longer term. It should be appreciated that mechanical configurations such as spring-loaded release systems may be 5 utilised to open and/or close the cover without departing from the scope of the invention. Such embodiments may help with manual operation to make the system easier to use manually. Automated operation The inventor considers that the ability to effectively automate the opening and closing process of the cover offers particularly commercial advantages. The ability to automate the invention can rely on 0 known techniques and technology, and therefore it should not be considered necessary to specifically outline in any detail how to achieve the automation process beyond providing theoretical examples. Preferably, the cover is configured to be automatically opened and/or closed as a result of a trigger. The trigger may include: - a remote control (such as a command issued by the user on a mobile phone App) which is linked 5 to a drive system in the clothesline system to drive (and therefore open and/or close the cover along a track in the frame); - communication from a sensor device on or near the clothesline system which senses a pre defined condition such as rain, wind, a period of time since initiation, a change in atmospheric pressure, and so forth. In a similar fashion, a drive system may be used to open/close the cover .0 as is necessary. The advantages of the trigger is that it provides greater ability for a user to pre-emptively avoid articles of clothing becoming wet, damaged, lost etc as a result of a change of condition, or simply through preference from the user. Additionally, one can appreciate this concept has huge advantages as it avoids the user from needing to 25 be on-site to cover the clothesline when desired. Due to the circular nature of the clothesline frame and the cover, the ability to either manually or automatically cover the clothesline system of the present invention makes the process much less complex and achievable. It should be appreciated that the clothesline frame may be made of a variety of different materials which should not be seen as a limitation to the present invention. Most typically, the clothesline frame 30 may be made of stainless steel as it offers relatively cheap, yet strong material to be used.

Preferably, the clothesline frame includes a track configured to engage with a portion of a protective cover. The track may allow the cover to be smoothly guided along the outer perimeter of the clothesline as it rotationally opens or closes. The benefit of having a circular shaped frame means that the track and its 5 engagement with the cover/frame may be kept simplistic due to the unchanging perimeter of the frame. As will be elaborated on below, the track may be used either in the context of a manual or automated opening and closing system. The track system may rely on features such as wheels, ball-bearings or other similar component that allows the cover to move along the frame in a relatively smooth manner. 0 Throughout the specification the term circular should be taken as meaning the shape of the circumference of the clothesline frame. Although the shape does not need to be exactly circular, for instance the circle may be slightly oblong (i.e. oval) and still fall within the scope of the invention. However, most preferably, the circle is essentially a perfect circle. Throughout the specification, the term supporting means should be taken as meaning any support 5 structure used to hold and suspend the clothesline frame from the ground surface. Most often in the context of the present invention, this may be a pole when extends upwards from the ground surface to approximately 2-3 metres in height, upon which the frame is attached. Throughout the specification, the term protective cover should be taken as meaning a covering or shield which is intended to cover (when in the open configuration) articles of clothing suspended from .0 the clothesline frame from environmental factors such as rain, wind, UV and/or dirt/pollution. Preferably, a first portion of the protective cover is slidably engaged to the circular clothesline frame. Therefore, the protective cover may be more easily pulled or pushed in a rotational fashion around the perimeter of the clothesline frame via the slidable engagement. Preferably, the protective cover includes a peripheral skirting portion. 25 The peripheral skirting portion is configured to be suspended from the outer perimeter of the circular clothesline frame, such that when the cover opens, the skirting portion hangs down and extends around the outer portion of the washing line frame. In this way, the articles of clothing may be better protected from external environmental factors such as rain, wind and UV radiation. The present invention should not be limited to the type of material used for the protective cover. 30 However, materials which include features such as being water, wind and/or UV proof/resistance are clearly intended. For example, the inventor considers waterproof canvas (for example that used for boat cover material) to be particularly applicable because of its durability as well as the features above. Alternatively, it may be useful to use a material that is UV resistant, but still allows light to penetrate to allow articles of clothes to be more effectively dried. Similarly, the colour of the material may vary without departing from the scope of the invention. 5 Preferably, the cover is configured to be attached or attachable to a central position on the clothesline frame, either directly or indirectly. For instance, a second portion of the cover may be attached to the supporting means (e.g. pole), as illustrated in Figure 2. In such an embodiment, the cover may be configured to extend downwards on an angle from the pole and attached to or suspended onto the circular shaped clothesline frame positioned horizontally about 50 to 100 cm down from the top of the 0 pole. The exact configuration of attachment of the cover to the central portion of the clothesline frame/system may vary without departing from the scope of the invention. The cover is configured to open and close in a rotational fashion around the circular clothesline frame when required. Throughout the specification the term open in a rotational fashion should be understood to mean to swivel, pivot, turn, spin, and/or revolve around the central position. In doing so, 5 the cover is configured to open from: a) a contracted closed state upon which, in use, the clothesline frame is substantially exposed to the external environment to b) an expanded open state upon which in use, the clothesline frame is substantially protected from external environmental factors such as rain. .0 Of course, the configuration of the cover may vary to allow an effective protective cover. However, the Applicant envisages a configuration similar to a traditional Japanese fan, which opens from a central fulcrum or pivot point, yet is configured to open to provide a full circular shaped cover. It should be appreciated that it is not beyond the scope of the invention to have intermediate, or partially opened positions of the protective cover being possible. This could be useful in cases such as 25 only a part of the clothesline being used, or weather conditions (such as rain or wind) coming from a particular direction. Summary of advantages - the circular clothesline frame avoids likelihood of a user hitting his/her head as the frame freely rotates 30 - the circular clothesline frame improves the ability to effectively and easily cover the clotheslines when required with an innovative protective cover system.

- the clothesline system allows a user to benefit from the outdoor clothesline system whilst avoiding many of the main disadvantages of the convention clothesline such as the potential rain or high wind, as well as many other disadvantages discussed throughout this specification. - avoids the need to re-wash clothes, the need to wait for optimal drying conditions before drying 5 clothes, and/or avoids damage or loss of clothing. - avoids the need to rely on tumble driers and the disadvantages associated with same as already discussed. - reduces electricity consumption as less reliant on tumble driers, or the need to re-wash clothes. - provides the ability to operate the cover system either manually or automatically, owing at least 0 partly due to the circular shaped frame and cover system, opens up huge potential advantages not seen in other conventional clothesline systems. - The system can be retrofitted onto existing clotheslines, such as those with a square shaped frame or perimeter. - The circular outer frame, whilst also providing the framework for the circular cover, also 5 synergistically provides the ability to utilise criss-cross washing lines as depicted in the Figures. This may be advantageous because it: o may improve the strength and durability of the washing lines (effectively like weaving), o may increase the ability to hang heavier items on the washing lines, o may allow greater accurately when fastening articles of clothing to specific locations on 20 the grid system, o provide the user with a much wider array of fastening points, and therefore angles upon which to hang their articles of clothing, and o generally increase the usability of the washing line system beyond which is currently available. 25 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 Illustration of a prior art clothesline with square shaped outer perimeter; Figure 2 Perspective view of the present invention with the cover in the closed position; Figure 3 Top view of the present invention with the cover in the closed position; Figure 4 Side view of the present invention with the cover in the closed position; Figure 5 Top view of the present invention with the cover in the fully open position; Figure 6 Side view of the present invention with the cover in the fully open position; and 5 Figure 7 Perspective view of the present invention with the cover in the fully open position. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a conventional square framed clothesline to provide a comparison to the present invention. It should be appreciated that many of the features of this clothesline and those currently 0 available may be incorporated into the clothesline of the present invention without departing from the scope thereof. Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the clothesline system shown generally as (1). The clothesline system (1) includes a supporting means configured as a pole (2) and a circular 5 clothesline frame (3). The frame (3) is supported on the pole via cross-beams (5) which rotate at the central position (6) of the frame (3). The frame (3) is also supported via diagonal braces (4) which extend from the tip (7) of the pole (2) to the circular frame (3). The frame (3) supports a network of washing lines as depicted as (11) upon which articles of clothing may be hung (not shown). The clothesline system (1) includes a protective cover (8) which is configured to open by rotation via a 20 first portion being connected to the tip (7) of the pole (2) above the central position (6) of the frame (3). The cover (8) is also attached via a track (not shown) which runs along the perimeter of the circular frame (3). As shown in Figure 3, one edge (9) of the cover (8) is fixed relative to the frame (3), whereas a second edge (10) is able to freely move to allow the opening and closing process to occur. 25 The cover includes a peripheral skirting portion (12) which is configured to hang down approximately one meter below the circular frame (3). Figures 5-7 illustrates the cover (8) in the open position whereby the articles of clothing (not shown) may be effectively covered from environmental factors such as rain and wind. The clothesline system is automated using at least one trigger or set parameters to allow the cover to -4 ^~ open and/or close upon a pre-set condition being met, such as detection of rain. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof. -4 4

Claims (5)

1. A clothesline system characterised in that the system includes a clothesline frame which is substantially circular; a protective cover which is configured to open in a rotational fashion to engage with and cover, or at least partially cover, the clothesline frame; and wherein the clothesline frame also supports a network of washing lines extending inwardly from the circular frame and in the same plane as the clothesline frame, and is configured to suspend articles of clothing.

2. The clothesline system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first portion of the protective cover is slidably engaged to the circular clothesline frame.

3. The clothesline system as claimed in either claims 1 or 2 wherein the protective cover includes a peripheral skirting portion.

4. A protective cover for a substantially circular shaped clothesline frame characterised in that the protective cover connects directly or indirectly at a centralised position above a horizontal plane of the clothesline frame, and; wherein the protective cover is configured to open in a rotational fashion to engage with and cover the circular shaped clothesline frame, and wherein the clothesline frame also supports a network of washing lines extending inwardly from the circular frame and in the same plane as the clothesline frame, and is configured to suspend articles of clothing.

5. A clothesline frame configured to suspend articles of clothing characterised in that the clothesline frame is substantially circular, and wherein the clothesline frame also supports a network of washing lines extending inwardly from the circular frame and in the same plane as the clothesline frame, and is configured to suspend articles of clothing.