GB2342577A

GB2342577A - retractable cover, e.g. for rotary clothes line.

Info

Publication number: GB2342577A
Application number: GB9923731A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Malcolm Edward Williams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-10-07
Filing date: 1999-10-07
Publication date: 2000-04-19
Also published as: GB9923731D0

Abstract

A retractable cover assembly comprises a first track 19 and a cover 18 movable along the track between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein, when the cover is moved, a point on the cover pivots about an upright axis. The first track is preferably in the form of a circular loop supported by a post (4, Fig. 1). A second concentric track 15 may also be provided to support the cover. Means may be provided for moving the cover along the track, the means comprising a cord 17 moved by an electric motor (12, Fig. 1). Control means can also be included to extend or retract the cover depending upon the weather conditions. The cover may, for example, be used to protect drying clothes from rain.

Description

RETRACTABLE COVER The present invention relates to a retractable cover and particularly, but not exclusively, to an automatically operated retractable cover to protect a washing line from rain.

Various types of retractable covers for protecting an area from rain are known, for example umbrellas. Automatic retractable covers to protect a washing line from rain are also known. Arrangements employing umbrellas are disclosed in GB 2080104, DE 3619284 and GB 2310132. A problem with using an umbrella is that it must be spaced above the area to be protected by a sufficient distance to allow it to fold up. The is undesirable because it reduces the protection that can be afforded, particularly in windy conditions where rain may be blown into the region between the umbrella and area to be protected. Another arrangement for automatically protecting a washing line is disclosed in US 5566471. This arrc-gement is intended to be permanently fixed to a building and cannot be moved to different locations. Also, it relies on the building on which it is installed to provide some protection for the washing line.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved retractable cover.

According to the present invention there is provided a retractable cover assembly comprising a track and a cover which may be moved along the track between a retracted position and an extended position to cover an area beneath the track wherein when the cover is moved between the retracted and extended positions a point on the cover pivots about an upright axis.

Since the cover of such an assembly does not need to move vertically when being extended or retracted it may be placed directly above an area to be covered. Such assemblies may also be freestanding.

Preferably, the track is a closed loop and may for example be circula.

A closed loop track is desirable where the assembly is to be freestanding.

The cover is preferably fastened to an additional support other than the track. Particularly, the cover is preferably supported by a support and the track so that when in the extended position it covers an area between the support and track. The support may comprise a second track which may be a closed loop and may be the same shape as the first track. The track and support may be concentric. In one embodiment where the track is circular the support comprises a second circular track of smaller diameter than the first, located concentrically within the first track. The cover extends between the inner and outer tracks and when extended covers an annular area. The support may be displaced from the plane of the track.

For example, in the embodiment comprising two concentric circular tracks the two circles may be displaced so that the cover extending between the two tracks when in the extended position defines a generally frustroconical surface.

The cover may comprise a water resistant sheet material, for example plastic coated cotton fabric. The periphery of the area covered by the cover when in the extended position may be at least partially bounded by the track. Alternatively, and preferably the cover may extend beyond the track.

This would be possible, for example, were the cover made from a rigid material, say a number of slats or if a flexible cover included a number of rigid or semi-rigid members, for example poles or spokes. The cover, whether flexible or rigid, may comprise a number oT separate portions. Each portion or an entire single cover may be formed from a number of separate portions fastened together. For example, a circular cover intended for use with a circular track may be formed from a number of segments.

When retracted the cover could be arranged to fold, or roll up.

Preferably there is provided a means for moving the cover along the track which means may comprise a cord. Further, there is preferably provided a drive means for driving the means for moving, which may comprise an electric motor. The drive means may be controlled by a control means which may be arranged to operate the drive means in dependence upon weather conditions. For example, the control means, which may be an electric or electronic control means, may be arranged to extend the cover when rain is detected and retract the cover when rain is no longer detected.

The drive means may be powered by a rechargeable electric battery.

Part of the cover may depend downwardly so that when in the extended position it forms a sidewall surrounding the covered area, to form an at least partially enclose space.

The assembly may be free standing. For example, the track may be supported by a post. The assembly may also comprise a means for airing clothes disposed so that it is covered by the cover when in the extended pos on. In particular, this means may comprise a rotary clothes airier comprising a post and the track may be supported by that post.

When intended for use with a rotary clothes airier the track is preferably circular and of greater diameter than the airier itself. The cover preferably comprises a circle of sheet material the centre of which is fastened to a support surrounding the post and which extends over the track and depends therefrom so that when extended around the track it forms an enclosure surrounding the airier.

The present invention provides a versatile cover assembly particularly suited for covering a rotary clothes drier. In contrast to known cover assemblies it can be installed closely over the top of the clothes drier and when provided with a cover which forms side walls provides effective protection for the drier from wind driven rain. The cover assembly may be freestanding and does not rely upon any other structure to provide shelter.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood an embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side elevational view of a retractable cover according to the invention mounted on a rotary washing line ; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the cover assembly of Figure 1 with the cover partially extended from the retracted position; Figure 3 shows a perspective cut away view of part of the cover assembly of Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the cover assembly shown in Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a conventional rotary clothes drier comprising a post 1 installed into the ground. A number of folding arms 2 are mounted on the post 1 and a washing line 3 extends between the arms 2. Rotary clothes driers are well known and therefore this will not be described further.

Connected to the top of the post 1 is a ret-4ctable cover assembly.

This assembly is also shown in Figures 2 and 3. Referring to Figures 1 and 2 the cover assembly comprises a post 4 which is connected to the top of the post 1 of the clothes drier 1 by way of a cottar 5. As an alternative the clou'es drier could be provided with a longer than usual post which extends above its arms 2.

Mounted centrally on post 4 by means of radial arms 6 are lower 7 and upper 8 circular tracks. The lower track 7 comprises a ring of plastic material having a channel formed in its outside edge. The radius of the lower track 7 is larger than that of the upper track 8 but less than that of the arms 2 of the clothes drier. The upper track 8 comprises a metal ring.

The diameter of the upper track 8 is less than that of a platform 9 mounted on the top of post 4.

Fastened to the upper ring 8 in a manner which enables is to slide around the ring 8 (at least between the radial arms 6) are two water resistant fabric covers 10. The covers 10 are each made up of eight individual plastic coated cotton segments joined together to form a semicircle and at each join there is provided a rod 10a or spoke (much like the cover of a conventional umbrella). The spokes 10a extend over only part of the radius of the covers 10. The covers extend from the upper ring 8, over the lower ring 7 on which they rest and project therefrom to the point at which the spokes 10a stop, and hang down therefrom about half way to the ground. The spokes are sufficiently rigid to support the covers 10 so that they can extend beyond the lower ring 7. An alternative embodiment could be made using a cover with no spokes. In this case, though, the diameter of the lower ring would need to be of g. cater diameter than the arms 2 of the clothes drier so that the portion of the cover which hung down did not foul the drier. Each cover 10 is shown in a folded state, leaving most of the clothes drier exposed.

A length of cord 11 runs in the channel around the outside edge of the lower ring 7 and through a drive unit 12. The drive unit 12 comprises a geared d. c. electric motor arranged to drive a pulley around which the cord passes. When the motor operates it causes the cord 11 to slide around the lower ring 7.

One edge of each cover 10 is fastened to the cord 11 so that when the drive unit 12 operates the covers are hauled around the outside of the lower ring 7. The opposite edge of each cover is fastened to the lower ring 8. Thus, operating the drive unit 12 will cause the covers to be extended circumferentially around the ring to protect the region below the cover from rain.

To provide complete coverage it is necessary for the moving edge of each cover (i. e. the edge attached to the rope) to move 180 around the lower ring 7, until it reaches the fixed edge of the other cover 10. When the covers 10 are extended the portions which hang down, beyond the spokes 10a serve to form an enclosure. This serves to protect the sides of the clothes drier from wind driven rain.

Because the two rings 7 and 8 are mounted at different heights when the cover is in the extended position it forms a generally frustroconical surface. Water failing on the cover will therefore flow radially outwards to the edges of the cover. Platform 9 helps prevent water from passing through ring 8.

Figure 3 shows in more detail how the cover folds up and is extended. Referring to Figure 3 there is shown part of a cover assembly with a lower ring 15 with a channel 16 in its outer edge in which a cord 17 runs. A cover 18 is secured to an upper ring 19 and extends over the lower ring 15. One edge of the cover is fastened to the cord 17 at 20, the opposite edge is fastened to the lower ring 15 at 21. The cover 18 comprises a number of plastic coated cotton fabric segments fastened together to form a semi-circle. Along each join between adjacent segments there is a spoke 18a which may comprise a metal or plastic rod. The spokes 18a extend from the edge of the cover 18 which is attached to upper ring 19 about half way to its opposite edge. The cover rests on lower ring 15. The spokes 18a are sufficiently rigid so that the cover projects beyond the lower ring, to cover an area outside the lower ring. Beyond the edge of the spokes 18a the cover simply hangs down. The cover 18 is shown partially extended from the retracted position, and partially cut away to reveal that it is folded near its fixed edge.

When fully retracted the cover 18 would be att fotded, when fully extended no folds would be present.

Referring back to Figures 1 and 2 the drive unit 12 is automatically controlled to open and close the cover 10 in dependence on weather cori tions. A water sensor 13 is mounted on the platform 9. The motor of the drive unit is operated under the control of a control unit arranged to retract the cover when the water detector is dry and to close the cover when the water detector detects water.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a circuit for control of the motor 22. A control unit 23 which may comprise a relay is connected to a water sensor 24, a rechargeable battery 25 to provide power for the motor 22, two reed switches 26 and a manually operated switch 27.

The reed switches are disposed on the lower ring 7 of the cover assembly at points where it is desired to stop movement of the covers. The edges of the covers are fitted with magnets operative to switch the reed switches. A typical sequence of operation would be as follows : 1. cover open 2. rain detected by water sensor 3. control unit activates motor to move covers to extended position 4. covers operate reed switches, stopping and reversing the polarity of the motor 5. water detector dries out 6. control unit operates the motor to retract the covers 7. covers operate reed switches to stop the motor The manual switch 27 allows the cover to be retracted or extended on demand and for the system to be switched Other means for controlling the motor could be used, for example time based and/or using microswitches.

The above embodiment is described by way of example only, many var. unions are possible without departing from the invention. For example although illustrated with a rotary clothes drier the assembly could be used simply to cover a space or other equipment.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A retractable cover assembly comprising a track and a cover which may be moved along the track between a retracted position and an extended position to cover an area beneath the track wherein when the cover is moved between the retracted and extended positions a point on the cover pivots about an upright axis.
2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the track is a closed loop.
3. An assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the track is generally circula.
4. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cover is fastened to a support, other than the track.
5. An assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the support comprises a second track.
6. An assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second track is a closed loop.
7. An assembly as claimed in either claim 5 or 6, wherein both tracks are the same shape.
8. An assembly as claimed in either ciaim 6 or 7, wherein both tracks are concentric.
9. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the support is displaced from the plane of the track.
10. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the periphery of the area covered by the cover when in the extended position extends on either side of the track.
11. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises a water resistant sheet material.
12. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises a number of separate portions.
13. An assembly as claimed in either claim 11 or 12, wherein the cover comprises a number or rigid or partially rigir oles or spokes.
14. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a means for moving the cover along the track.
15. An assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the means for moving comprises a cord.
16. An assembly as claimed in either claim 14 or 15 comprising a drive means for driving the means for moving.
17. An assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the drive means comprises an electric motor.
18. An assembly as claimed in either claim 16 or 17 comprising a control means operative to control the drive means in dependence upon whether conditions.
19. An assembly as claimed in claim 17 comprising a rechargeable electric battery.
20. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises a portion that extends generally vertically downwards that when in the extended position forms a side wall surrounding the covered area to form an at least partially enclosed space.
21. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim which is free standing.
22. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the track is supported by a post.
23. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a means for airing clothes disposed so that it is covered by the cover when in the extended position.
24. A retractable cover assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.