AU629276B2 - Rotary clothes hoist umbrella - Google Patents

Description

Signature of applicant or Australian attorney (si(Signature) TO: THE COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS This form must be accompanied by either a provisional specification (Form 9 and true copy) or by a complete specification (Form 10 and true copy).

Printed by R. D. RUIlE, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.

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PATENTS ACT 1952 PATENTS ACT 1952 629 27 6 P/oo00/011 Form COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

FOR OFFICE USE Short Title: Int. Cl: Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification-Lodged: Accepted: Lapsed: Published: Priority: orP 00 00 o a 0 4 0e oo A o a sl"^ 19/ 12/8e9 19/12/-9 r nn TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT Name of Applicant: GRAHAME ALEXANDER MURCHIE BERNARD JOSEPH ROWLEY t t t Address of Applicant: 4 4 11 7 Walker Street, BOWRAL. 2576 SA6ttral Inventor: GRAHAME ALEXANDER MURCHIE BERNARD JOSEPH ROWLEY t ,AdIress for Service: 7 Walker Street, Bowral. 2576 Complete Specification for the invention entitled: ROTARY CLOTHES HOIST UMBRELLA.

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:-* SNote: The description is to be typed in double spacing, pica type face, in an area not exceeding 250 mm in depth and 160 mm in width, on tough white paper of good quality and it is to be inserted inside this form.

14599/78-L Printed by C. J. THoMPSON, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra i i;, I:i

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(Signature) atr To: THE COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS Printed by R. D. RUBLE, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra 6 This invention relates to a cover in the form of an umbrella for use with a rotary clothes hoist. When the clothes hoist is otherwise not in use, the umbrella may be used as an outdoor entertainment area and/or a demountable gazebo by providing shade from the sun or protection from the rain in much the same way as a tent provides protection. The umbrella may also be used to protect clothing hung on the rotary clothes hoist from the sun or rain.

Whilst it has been known to provide a temporary tent-like structure by simply draping a tarpaulin or other suitable material (especially a waterproof fabric) over a rotary clothes hoist for parties and barbecues etc., these attempts have generally not met with a great deal of success, since the material is generally not "tailored" to meet such a requirement. Ropes and ties are generally attached as is most convenient, thereby resulting in an overall appearance which is poor and shoddy.

Apart from being generally ill-fitting or possibly requiring more than one tarpaulin or sheet of material, such structures generally suffer from an inability to pull the fabric sufficiently taut, without excessive effort or an excessive amount of ungainly and ill-fitting ties.

Furthermore the end result is often unsatisfactory as the slightest breeze can dislodge the material thereby allowing unwanted rain to penetrate or shade to be lost.

Therefore, the present invention has been conceived out of the need to overcome some or all of the above disadvantages by providing a rotary clothes hoist cover which is designed to fit over the hoist and be easily tensioned. At the very least the invention provides an alternative to previously 2-- 2 42 known methods.

According to the present invention there is provided a cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist comprising a flexible material structure shaped so as to fit over a conventional rotary clothes hoist, or where the hoist is collapsible, to fit over such hoist when it is in its extended mode for normal use, the cover being provided with suitable attachment means for removably attaching it to the hoist and tensioning means to allow the cover to be pulled sufficiently taut to provide a tent-like structure, the shape of the cover being in the form of a four sided pyramid,.each side comprising a panel of fabric or other •suitable flexible material in the shape of an isosceles triangle, wherein the length of the base of each triangular panel corresponds approximately with the outer dimension of the hoist's frame structure, whilst the length of each of the remaining sides of the panels is longer than the corresponding dimension of the hoist's frame, resulting in the apex of the cover being relatively higher than the corresponding apex of the frame when the cover is fitted to the hoist, the resulting space between the apexes accbmodating the tensioning means.

The rotary clothes hoist umbrella. according to the invention is therefore designed'to fit over the top fidme structure of 25: aconventional rotary clbthes hoist. A suitable shape for the cover is therefore provided in -the form of a four sided S(ie square) pyramid, each side comprising a panel of fabric or other suitable flexible material in the shape of an 0 isosceles triangle. The length of the base of each 30 triangular panel will correspond approximately with the °o outer dimension of the hoist's frame structure (ie its 9 a hs3 i overall width), whilst the length of each of the remaining sides of the panels (ie the length of each edge between adjacent sides or panels) is preferably a little longer than the corresponding dimension of the hoist's frame, resulting in the apex of the cover being relatively higher than the corresponding apex of the frame when the cover is fitted to the hoist. The resulting space between the apexes (ie above the apex of the hoist and below the underside of the apex of the cover) is used to accommodate the tensioning means described in more detail below.

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The cover may be conveniently made from a flexible PVC (polyvinyl chloride) sheet material, so that it is lightweight and strong. When using PVC, all edges and joints may therefore be heat welded by either high frequency welding or a heat welding gun resulting in waterproof seams.

Alternatively conventional fabrics such as canvas may be utilised, although it is generally preferred that the fabric be sufficiently heavy-duty so as to be durable and in particular waterproof.

Preferably, the cover or umbrella is attached to the clothes hoist by means of eyelets through which suitable ties may be used or straps which may be attached directly to the material of the cover. The eyelet/tie combinations or straps are suitably located at convenient positions, for example such as the lower corners of the cover (ie corresponding to the corners at the base of the pyramid), for attachment to the respective corners of the clothes hoist. With advantage the ties or straps may be manufactured from elastic material to provide a simple means of further tensioning the cover at each corner.

The apex of the umbrella may be conveniently strengthened by a reinforcing member such as a circular piece of PVC Smaterial (eg where the cover is also of PVC). This circular piece of PVC material may be heat welded for strength and '25 waterproofing. Preferably the apex is also provided with a suitably dimensioned hole through the centre thereof or a S series of holes adjacent thereto to allow the release of warm air whilst the cover is attached to the rotary clothes i hoist.

4 i C I o. i: i 1 i -4, The tensioning means aforementioned is preferably provided as an extendible or telescopic member which fits between the apex of the hoist's frame and the apex of the cover (ie above the apex of the frame and below the underside of the apex of the cover) when the cover is located over the hoist in use. It will thus be capable of extension therebetween so that the material of the cover is pulled sufficiently taut.

The tensioning means is therefore preferably provided in the form of a tensioner comprising a telescopic longitudinal portion, having a first means at one end thereof for removable attachment to the apex of the upper frame portion of the hoist, and a second means at the other end thereof for supporting the underside of the apex of the cover, the telescopic longitudinal member having locking means to provide adjustable length thereto so that in use, in a first unlocked position, the tensioner can be fitted between the apex of the hoist and the apex of the cover, the tensioner then being extended accordingly and secured in a second locked position, so that the material of the cover is pulled sufficiently taut so as to function in a tent-like manner.

Preferably the telescopic portion of the tensioner is constructed of heavy duty rigid PVC (eg UPVC) of tubular cross-section, the telescopic portion comprising an inner i °5 member and outer member, wherein the inner member is free to slide within the outer member in the first unlocked position and is held rigidly in the desired extended position in the 4e second locked position.

icrr S Conveniently, the locking mechanism also serves to secure the inner member in a protracted position to facilitate 4e ii michel j I j transport and storage thereof, when not in use.

Whilst the tubular cross-section may preferably be circular in cross-section, any suitable arrangement such as square or rectangular cross-section may be used. Furthermore, whilst the outer member or sleeve of necessity must be hollow for at least the length which accommodates the inner member in its protracted position, the inner member itself may be either hollow (that is tubular as defined above) or alternatively, solid as required.

It will also be appreciated that the direction of orientation in which the telescopic function is incorporated, is not significant and hence the outer member may be either adjacent to the apex of the hoist or the apex of the cover. Furthermore, one or more telescopic sections may be utilised as required.

Preferably, the locking means is provided by a screw-type clamp arrangement wherein a threaded screw is inserted through a correspondingly threaded hole in the outer telescopic member, and adjacent to the end thereof where the inner member protrudes therefrom, so that upon tightening the screw, it acts as a grub screw, the base thereof biting V into or engaging with the inner member for securement thereof relative to the outer member. Upon release of the S threaded screw by untightening, the inner member is free to 2r 5 move relative to the outer member.

o a Alternatively corresponding holes may be provided on either side of the outer member along a suitable length thereof and S holes may be provided in the inner member as well, so that a bolt may be passed right through the outer and inner members 'a I *6 I at 1 6 i

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and secured by a wing nut or the like. For example five 9 mm diameter holes may be provided along the length of the outer member to allow for appropriate adjustment by means of the insertion of a suitable bolt or screw therein in order to tension the umbrella.

Conveniently, the respective screws, bolts or nuts of either alternative, have suitable facilities for easy tightening and release thereof, for example, utilising wing elements, or a T-bar handle arrangement.

Preferably the first means for removable attachment of the tensioner to the apex of the hoist as well as the second means for supporting the underside of the apex of the cover are simple plate arrangements attached to the respective ends of the telescopic portion of the tensioner. These plates may be made from any suitable material such as rigid PVC material or timber. For example, in an all plastic arrangement, a UPVC socket may be welded to the telescopic sides of the respective plates for receiving UPVC piping of suitable diameter which cooperate to act as the telescopic portion.

The plates themselves may have protective insulation or cushioning on their respective sides opposite to the sides Swhere the telescopic portion is attached, in order to protect the underside of the apex of the umbrella from r r 25 damage by the top plate and to provide suitable non slip contact for the bottom plate with the top cap of the hoist.

i e Thus in use, once the four corners are attached to the rotary clothes hoist and secured, the umbrella tensioner is then placed between the top cap or plate of the rotary 7 4..

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7 clothes hoist and the inner apex of the umbrella. The tensioner may then be adjusted so that sufficient tension is on the material. Once this tension is sufficient, a bolt or screw will be utilised in the appropriate adjustment hole as described above t'o secure the tensioner. The tensioner will thus be positioned securely between the top cap of the rotary clothes hoist and the underside of the apex of the cover and will not be able to be dislodged except by undoing the locking means of the tensioner.

In a second embodiment of the invention a cover or umbrella as described above is provided with flaps around the lower perimeter thereof. These flaps increase the shading capability of the umbrella as well as improving the cosmetic appearance. Optionally incorporated under the flaps around the perimeter of the umbrella are one or more attachment means in the form of nylon or other suitable zippers. These zippers are conveniently heat welded or sewn into the seam around the perimeter underneath the flaps for attaching insect screens or weatherproof wall panels or enclosures, which may be optional accessories.

For example, the insect screen has nylon zippers on both sides and the top, and a reinforced support on the bottom section with eyelets to allow it to be attached to the s ~ground by pegs or to concrete by concrete support clips.

25 The top zipper allows for the attachment of the insect screen to the zipper underneath the appropriate flap. The side zippers in turn allow for attachment of additional J insect screen/nettings along adjacent sides of the hoist (a c' t Stotal of four for each rotary clothes hoist umbrella) or S 30 addition of weatherproof enclosures.

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I i The weatherproof enclosure is preferably of the same material as the cover itself (eg PVC material) and is attached in the same manner to the umbrella as the insect screen/netting with nylon zippers on the top and two sides.

The bottom of the weatherproof enclosure is also provided with a reinforced section with eyelets to allow for attachment to the ground by pegs or to the concrete by concrete support clips. The weatherproof enclosure can be rolled up and secured underneath the respective flap by support straps that are heat welded or sewn as required on both sides of the weatherproof enclosure.

A further optional facility is the provision of a tabie which cooperates with the central pole of the clothes hoist and the abovementioned cover or umbrella to provide a completely shaded garden table arrangement. This table is made of either P.V.C. material or timber. The two halves of the table are positioned together over the hoist winder unit. The table is secured by suitable attachment means such as two bolts. Supports which are provided underneath the table are made of either P.V.C. material or timber.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way V of illustration only with reference to the figures in which: Fig. 1 shows in plan view, an embodiment of a cover attachment fitted to a conventional clothes hoist 25 2 according to the present invention; Lrit' Fig. 2 shows in elevation, the same embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows in elevation, the detail of the tensioner ~of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig.

S 30 2; 64 9 mA A C. Fig. 4a/b shows the details of two alternate eyelet arrangements for use with the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 shows in elevation, a second embodiment to that illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2, namely one having flaps; Fig. 6 shows in elevation, the embodiment of Fig. 5 with an insect screen attached; Fig. 7 shows in elevation, the embodiment of Fig. 6 with the attached insect screen rolled up; Fig. 8 shows in plan, a table for use with any of the above illustrated embodiments; and Fig. 9 shows in elevation, the detail of the table of Fig. 8 attached to the central post of the hoist.

Throughout the drawings, like components are referenced by the same numeral.

Referring generally to Figs. 1 and 2 there is provided a cover attachment 11 for a rotary clothes hoist 12 which comprises a flexible PVC material 13 shaped to fit over the upper frame pcrtion 16 of hoist 12. The cover is provided with suitable attachment means generally referenced 14 at each corner and shown in detail at Figs. 4a and 4b. Joints and edges 17 of the cover 11 are suitably heat welded.

V A tensioner, generally referenced 15 and shown in detail in Fig. 3, is located between x 18 of the frame 16 of hoist 12 and the underside o B apex 19 of cover 11. The tensioner 15 allows the cove" to be pulled sufficiently otaut over the frame 16 of hc 12 to provide an adequate tent-like structure.

::ii Ii I brI! -I Referring to Fig. 3 the tensioner 15 comprises an outer tubular portion 20 into which is inserted a second tubular portion 21 of narrower external diameter than the internal diameter of tube portion 20 within which it is slideable.

Outer tube portion 20 and inner tube portion 21 are each provided with holes 22 at convenient locations through which may be inserted a suitable bolt (not illustrated).

Attached to the upper end of tube portion 21 is a plate 23 provided with suitable insulation or cushioning material 24.

Attached to the bottom end of the tube portion 20 is a plate which has protective insulation 26 attached to the underside to provide a non-slip fit for the tensioner when placed at the apex 18, here shown as a plate, of the frame 16 of the hoist 12.

Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate the use of two differently shaped eyelets 27, 27' at the corners 14 of the cover 11.

In use the four corners 14 are each attached to the respective corners of the upper frame 16 of the rotary clothes hoist 12 and secured by means of suitable ties not illustrated. The umbrella tensioner 15 is inserted between the rotary clothes hoist top cap 18 and the apex 19 of the umbrella 11. The umbrella tensioner 15 can then be adjusted so that sufficient tension is on the PVC material 13. Once this tension is sufficient, a bolt (not shown) is placed through the adjustment hole 22 of the tensioner 15 and S affixed with a suitable wing nut, Referring to Fig. 5, there is illustrated a similar embodiment to that illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, except that a flap 28 is attached at seam 29 to the material 13 11 a, 9 i

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.r comprising the cover 11. Seam 29 incorporates under the flap 28 a nylon zipper (not shown). Each of these zippers about the perimeter can be used for attaching insect screens as shown in Fig. 6 or similar panels such as waterproof sheets. These may be rolled up and secured underneath the respective flap as illustrated in Fig. 7, by support straps (not illustrated) that are heat welded on both sides of the screens 30 or weatherproof enclosure.

A rotary clothes hoist table 31 is shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

The two halves 32 of the table are positioned together over the hoist winder unit 33. The table is secured by two bolts 34'as shown. The supports 35 underneath the table are used to provide strength.

The rotary clothes hoist hmbrella or cover according to the above embodiment has the followihg' features:, it is made from a high quality lightweight P.V.C.

materialit can be made from a.fire retardant P.V.C. material "it is resistant to ultra violet radiatio it is simple to erect it can be available in several colours it is useful for general shading it gives protection from'wet weather ,f 'it wi l protect.against harmful ultra violet rays of 25 the sun it will protect 'clothes from fading and from the rain S it 'can be used as an entertainment area it'can be used with accessories such as insect screens, side flaps, or tables to provide a complete garden c

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I 7; From the foregoing it will be readily apparent that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiment illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.

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Claims (7)

1. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist comprising a flexible material structure shaped so as to fit over a conventional rotary clothes hoist, or where the hoist is collapsible, to fit over such hoist when it is in its extended mode for normal use, the cover being provided with suitable attachment means for removably attaching it to the hoist and tensioning means to allow the cover to be pulled sufficiently taut to provide a tent-like structure, the shape of the cover being in the f.orM.of a four sided pyramid, each side comprising a panel of fabric or other suitable flexible material 'in the shape of an isosceles triangle, wherein the lngth of the base of each triangular panel corresponds approximately with the outer dimension of the hoist's frame structure, whilst the length of each of the remaining sides of the panels is longer than the corresponding dimension of the hoist's frame, resulting in the apex of the cover being relativel- higher than the corresponding apex of the oframe when the cover is fitted to the hoist, the resulting space between the apekbs.accommodating the tensioning means.

12. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to claim 1, wherein the tnsioning means is -an extendible or telescopic member which fits between the- apex of the hoist's frame and the apex of the cover whene the cover is located over the hoist in use and which is capable of extension therebetween so that the material of the cover may be pulled sufficiently taut. 14 1. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist e comprising a flexible material structure shaped so as to fit over a conventional rotary clothes hoist, or where the hoist is collapsible, to fit over such hoist when it is in its extended mnode for normal use, the i removably attaching it to the hoist and tensioning means to' allow the cover to be pulled sufficiently tau.t te provide a tent-like structure, the shape of the ocover being in the form.of a four sided pyramid, each o.* 1 resulting space between the ape-xs, accommodating the tensioning mteans. 2. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist' according to claim 1, wherein the tesioning means is an ,extendible or tel-escopic. member which fits between the *r apex: of the hoist's frame and the apex of the cover I when the cover is located over the hoist in use and *which is capable of extension therebetween so that the material of the cover may be pulled sufficiently taut. I

14.^ 14 4 l^ V i1 9 4. SI NX'I4 3. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to claim 2, wherein the tensioning means is a tensioner which comprises a telescopic longitudinal portion, having a first means at one end thereof for removable attachment to the apex of the upper frame portion of the hoist, and a second means at the other end thereof for supporting the underside of the apex of the cover, the telescopic longitudinal member having locking means to provide adjustable length thereto so that in use, in a first unlocked position, the tensioner can be fitted between the apex of the hoist and the apex of the cover'; the tensioner then being extended accordingly and sedured in a second locked position, so that the material of.the c'oVer is pulled sufficiently taut so as to-function in a tent-like manner. 4. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to claim 3, wherein one or more telescopic sections are utilised as required. .2 A cover attachment for a rotary clo.thes hoist according to either claim 3 or 4,'wherein the telescopic portion of the tensioner is constructed of heavy duty rigid PVC 44 t of tubular cross-section, .each telescopic portion comprising an inner member and .outer member, wherein nd mme, wer S the inner member is free to NSide within the outer memer in the first unlocked'-pdsition and.-is held rigidly in the desired extended positidn"in the second Slocked position. .6 6, A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to claim 5, wherein the tubular cross-section is q circular in cross-section. i-I 4r t tc "a'r i :Jz 1 i i 7. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to either claim 5 or 6, wherein the outer member or sleeve is hollow for at least the length which accommodates the inner member in its protracted position, the inner member itself being either hollow or solid as required. IC ii CC I I 9( E(C CC 9 VL 9 *0 It *r t 8. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the locking mechanism also serves to secure the inner member in a protracted position to facilitate transport and storage thereof, when not in use. 9. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the locking mechanism is provided by corresponding holes on either side of the outer member along a suitable length thereof and holes provided in the inner member as well, so that a bolt may be passed right through the outer and inner members and secured by a wing nut or the like. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to any one of 'claims 3 to 9, wherein the first means for removable attachment of .the tensioner to'the apex of the hoist as well as the second means for supporting the underside of the apex f -the cover are simple plate arrangements attached to the respective ends of the telescopic portion of the tensioner. 11. A cover.attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to claim 10, wherein either one or both plates have 17i portion is attached. 12. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is made from a flexible PVC sheet material, all edges and joints being heat welded by either high frequency welding or a heat welding gun resulting in waterproof seams. 13. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to any one of claims '1 to 11, wherein the cover is made from durable and waterproof fabrics such as canvas. 14. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to either claim 12 or 13, wherein the apex of the umbrella is strengthened by a reinforcing member such as a piece of fabric corresponding to the fabric of the cover, which is heat welded or sewn as required to the cover for strength.and waterproofing. to claim 14 wherein the apex is also provided with a .suitably dimensioned hole through the centre thereofor series of holes adjacent thereto to allow:the release of arm air whilst the cover is attached to the rotary cldthes hoist.

16. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover is S attached to the clothes hoist by means of eyelets Ct through which suitable ties are used or straps which are attached directly to the material of the cover, the eyelet/tie combinations or straps being suitably located at convenient positions, for example such as the lower corners of the cover, for attachment to the respective corners of the clothes hoist.

17. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to claim 16, wherein the ties or straps are manufactured from elastic material to provide a simple means of further tensioning the cover at each corner.

18. A cover attachment for a rotary clothes hoist according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover is provided with flaps around the lower perimeter thereof.

19. A cover attachment for"a rotary clothes hoist according to claim 18 wherein there are incorporated under the flaps around the perimeter thereof, one or more attachment means in the form of nylon or other suitable zippers which are conveniently heat welded or sewn as S, required into the seam around the perimeter underneath S,the flaps for attaching insect screens or weatherproof o wall panels or enclosures. S 20. A cover for a rotary clothes hoist substantially as disclosed herein in conjunction with Figures 1 to 7. o oo Dated this 28th day of July"1992 SSp GRAHAME ALEXANDER MURCHIE and BERNARD JOSEPH ROWLEY byp: Attorneys for the Applicants