US1259648A - Clothes-line support. - Google Patents

Description

Patented Mar. 19, 1918.

ammutoz TAT EN FEQE.

CLOTHES-LINE SUPPORT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 19, 1918.

Application filed August 9, 1917. Serial No. 185,334.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN N. MCGRIFI, a citizen of the United States, residing at Anderson, in the county of Madison and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Clothes-Line Sup ports; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in clothes line props or the like.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a clothes prop which can be quickly folded when not in use, and which can be adjusted so as to support the clothes line at various heights.

Another object of the invention is to provide the upper end of the clothes prop with a means for engaging the clothes line to prevent the latter from becoming disengaged accidentally from the prop.

A further object of the invention is to generally improve upon devices of this class by the provision of an extremely simple, strong, durable and inexpensive construction, one which will be efiicient and reliable in operation and well adapted to the purpose for which it is designed.

With these and numerous other objects in view, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, and the combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the application and in which similar reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clothes line prop constructed in accordance with this invention.

Figs. 2 and 3 are vertical sectional views through the overlapping ends of the two sections of the prop illustrating the different positions of the cam. Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken on the line H of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper end of the upper section of the prop. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the lower section of the prop and Fig. 7 is a plan view of the upper end of the upper section.

As clearly illustrated in the drawings, the clothes prop consists of upper and lower longitudinally adjustable members 1 and 2 respectively, the upper end of the lower member 2 overlapping the lower end of the upper member 1 and having a vertically disposed notch 3 therein. Disposed within the notch 8 and eccentrically pivoted between the side walls thereof is a cam member 4, said cam having its inner portion positioned for engagement with the adjacent side of the upper member 1 to lock the members 1 and 2 in their longitudinally adjusted positions.

Surrounding the upper end of the member 2 and the member 1 is a metallic band 5 said band being formed from a single strip of flat material and being secured in any suitable manner to one'side of the member 2.

Projecting inwardly from the upper edge of one side of the band 5 is a laterally bent wing 6 which is disposed over the upper end or top of the member 2 to provide a cover for the notch 3. Arranged in one side of the band 5 adjacent the outer end of the notch 3 is an opening 7, and through this opening 7, projects a portion of the cam 4, this portion of the cam being adapted to be engaged when it is desired to release the cam from engagement with the member 1.

Surrounding the lower end of the member 1 and the member 2 and secured to member 1 is another band 8. The bands 5 and 8 form guide members for connecting the members 1 and 2 together so that they may be adjusted longitudinally with respect to each other to prevent them from lateral displacement.

To limit the folding or telescoping movement of the members 1 and 2 the member 2 is provided with a stop 9, here shown in the form of an ordinary screw. If desired the lower end of the member 2 may be provided with a suitable cap or plate 10 to pre vent wearing of this end. The upper end of the member 1 is provided with a shallow notch 11 which is designed to receive the clothes line. To prevent the clothes line prop from slipping out of the notch 11 a spring clip is provided. This clip comprises a single length of wire 12 doubled upon itself midway of its ends and disposed over the upper end or top of the member 1. The wire is then bent downwardly along one side of the member 1 and has its ends extended inwardly into the latter. Surrounding the upper end of this member and secured thereto is a metallic band 13. This band 13 is provided with tongues 14 which are bent inwardly into the ends of the notch 11 to protect the same against wear.

Assuming that the clothes prop is folded and it is desired to use the same, it is only necessary to move the members 1 and 2 longitudinally until the desired height or length is obtained. If the prop is held in substantially an upright position while this is done, the cam 4 will automatically engage the adjacent side of the member 1 and lock the two members in their adjusted positions, this automatic action being due to the fact that the cam is eccentrically mounted so that the force of gravity normally holds it in engagement with the member 1. The clothes line is then slipped under the wire 12 until it enters the notch 11, and will be held in place therein by said wire. To fold the device the portion of the cam l which projects through the opening 2 in the band 5 is pressed downwardly by the finger thus rocking the cam and moving it from engagement with the member 1. This member 1 may then be moved downwardly to its lowermost position. The clothes line may then be disengaged from the prop or this may be done before the prop is folded.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings the construction, use and operation of the device will be readily understood without a more extended explanation. 7

As various changes in form, proportion, and the minor details of construction may 80111:: of this patent may be obtained for five cents each. by addressing Washington, D. 0.

be resorted to without departing from the spirit'of this invention, it is to be understood that I do not wish to be limited to the construction herein shown and described other than as claimed.

I claim A clothes line prop or the like comprising upper and lower longitudinally adjustable members, the upper end of the lower 7 member overlapping the lower end of the upper member and having a vertical notch therein, a cam disposed in said notch and eccentrically pivoted between the walls thereof, said cam engagingthe other memher for locking said members against longitudinal closing movement, a band surrounding said members and secured to the upper end of the lower member to form a guide for the upper member, said band having a JOHN N. MCGRIFFQ Witnesses:

N. F. SMITH,- QUINCY McGRIrr.

the "Commissioner of 28mm,

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