US2059093A - Clothesline - Google Patents

Description

Oct, 27, 1936.

c. EDWARDS 4vCLOTHESLINE original Filed April 19, 1.935

Patented Oct. 27, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Charles Edwards, Oakland, Calif.

Application April 19, 1935, Serial No. 17,296

1 Renewed March 30, 1936 This invention, a clothes line prop, provides a convenient and desirable method of, and means `for coincidentlyipropping and tightening clothes lines, and diierentiates from previously used devices of this class in that the propping means forms an integral part of the clothes line, and also in that the propping is conducted at either end o-r both ends of the line, and that it coincidently tightens the line when propping.

The' usual method of pro-pping clothes line consists in using a prop separate from the line and propping the line at some intermediate point or points.

This method has always been found unsatisfactory in that a strong wind will sometimes release the prop, and also in the fact that the prop is usually dropped on the ground when its use is not further required and therefore collects dirt which is transferred to the clothes when the prop is again used and the clothes come in contact therewith.

One of the important features of this invention lies in connection with clothes lines which extend across the approach to private garages, since with this method, the ends of the clothes line is raised, thus assuring amplev clearance for vehicles approaching the garage.

The main Object of this invention is to provide propping means for clothes lines operating at the terminal ends of the lines.

Another object of the invention is to provide a prop which is permanently attached to the respective end terminals of the line.

A further object of the invention is to provide cooperative means for securing the prop in any desired adjusted position of the line.

A still further object of the invention is to provide means causing tightening of the line as the line is raised to a higher elevation.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description is read on the drawing forming a part of this specification, and in which similar reference characters are used to designate similar parts 45 throughout the several views, of which;

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the invention showing the prop in raised position.

Fig. 2 is a view complementary to Fig. l showing the other end of the line in lowered position.

50 Fig. 3 is a plan view of a modied form of the invention shown on an enlarged scale with the post and track shown in section.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the tightener type track.

zolaims. (o1. ca -3') which is provided With suitable mounting means,

such as a portion l2 sunk into the ground or imbedded in concrete i3. The posts may be mounted vertically and provided with vertical tracks, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, or, preferably, as shown in Fig, 5, mounted vertically and provided with inn clined tracks to cause tightening of the line as the line is raised. i

The track consists of a bar or pipe I4 formed to a modified U-shape with the legs passing through the post adjacent the top, the bar being shown as secured by means of the nuts l5.

Obviously, other securing means may be used.

The length of the track from top to bottom is made suicient to permit lowering of the line to easy lreaching height, and for raising the line to the height desired, so that the line may be lowered for hanging clothes, and raised to a height sucient to clear devices, such as vehicles which may have cause to pass under the line, such as over approaches to private garages, or to clear fences and shrubs.

Mountedon the track is a clothes line terminal member, trolley, or connecting means, having a track wheel or sheave I6 which is rotatably mounted between the one end of a pair of links or straps l'l, a suitable bar or pin I8 being provided for attachment of a clothes line I9. This pin or bar I8 may have a sheave (not shown) mounted thereon for the traveling or continuous type of clothes line, so that either type of clothes line may be accommodated thereby.

Pivotally attached by one end, as shown at 20, is a prop 2|, having a head or eye 22 hingedly mounted between the straps I'l and swingable in the plane of the clothes line.

A knee 23 is angularly related to the post and has its upper end aixed thereto. A plurality of spaced apart steps 2:3 are affixed to the top surface of the knee or brace, and these steps are provided each with a guard 25 at each side to prevent the prop from slipping off the knee. v

One of the units described may be provided for each end of the clothes line, or only for one end if desired or found sucient.

When clothes are to be hung on the line, it is only necessary to lower` the line by releasing the prop as shown in Fig. 2, and after the clothes are hung, or when the line is not in use, to raise the prop to the desired height or step 24. Since the prop is attached to the line, it cannot become soiled or lost.

In Figs. 3 and 4, the attachment is shown as made from a single strap 26 passing about the rear of the pulley or wheel I6, and in Fig. 5 an outwardly inclined track 21 is shown, which causes tightening of the line during raising or propping.

In Fig. 6, a modification is shown, in which the sheave I6 is mounted between a pair of L-shaped straps or links 28, the clothes line being secured at the end of one leg to the pin 29, and a cable or rope 30 being secured to the end of the other leg, this rope passing over a sheave or pulley 3l mounted on the top of the post Ill or ll, in a bearing 32.

This rope then passes down to the winch 33 which is operated by the handle 34, a suitable ratchet and pawl or other suitable retaining means for the drum of the winch (not shown) being provided.

The track 35 has its upper end secured in the bracket 36 and the lower end forms securing means for one end of the Winch bearing 31.

With this arrangement, the end of the line is raised and lowered through the medium of the winch, the results being similar to that of the prop. A slant is provided to the track 35 to cause tightening of the line when the line is raised.

It will be understood that variations in construction and arrangement of parts, which variations are consistent with the appended claims, may be resorted to, without detracting from the spirit or scope of the invention, or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof.

I claim:

,1. A clothes line prop comprising a support, a Vertical track on the support, a connector having a sheave at one end operating on the track and having the clothes line attached to its other end, a prop hingedly secured to the connector, and means for retaining said prop in Various adjusted positions.

2. In combination, a support, a clothes line, connective means between the line and the support and adjustable at will to Various heights on the support, said connective means including a prop hingedly connected thereto, and stepped supporting means for the lower end of the prop.

CHARLES EDWARDS.

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