AU2016204545B2

AU2016204545B2 - Multi Position Fold Down Clothes Line

Info

Publication number: AU2016204545B2
Application number: AU2016204545A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Huiji Hui; Daoyuan Wang
Original assignee: Shanghai Aodian Hardware Mechanism Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shanghai Aodian Hardware Mechanism Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-29
Filing date: 2016-06-30
Publication date: 2021-08-26
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-30
Also published as: NZ721791A; AU2016100974A4; AU2016204545A1; AU2016100974B4

Abstract

A multi-position clothes line capable of extending and locking in first and second positions. The line is retractable when extended slightly beyond the stop positions. The lock is spring actuated allowing the line to be easily extended and retracted single handedly by a user without the need to directly manipulate a locking mechanism. 1/7 10 20 40 50 30 Figure 1A 10 20 22 40 54 52 50 Figure 1B

Description

1/7

10

20

50 30

Figure 1A

10

20

22 40 54

52 50 Figure 1B

Multi Position Fold Down Clothes Line

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothes line, in particular a fold down clothes line that can be configured to operate in multiple positions.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Fold down clothes lines are popular for use in small yards as they take up minimal space when not in use. Typically a frame supporting multiple lines is pivotally mounted to a wall and supported by a strut at either end. When the clothes line is erected for use the struts are locked by some means to stop the line from folding down again to the storage position.

[0003] Strut locks may be as simple as a screw to tighten, however such designs are awkward to use and require the user to deal with each strut in turn. More complicated mechanisms including some form of ratchet allow the line to be erected by simply lifting the distal side of the frame. The frame is then lifted again past a locking point to disengage the ratchet so that the frame may be lowered.

[0004] Known locking mechanisms are deficient in only allowing the frame to be erected to a single position. This is a problem where more than one person may use a clothes line and each person desires the line to be at a different height to suit their stature.

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide a fold down clothes line that can be erected in different positions to alleviate the above problem, or at least provides the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a first aspect the invention comprises multi-position clothes line comprising an extendible support strut with at least 1 stop position, wherein the strut is both extendible and retractable when extended to less than and greater than the stop position, but only extendible and not retractable when extended to the stop position.

[0007] Preferably the support strut comprises telescopically engaged inner and outer tubes, the outer tube including the at least 1 stop positions and the inner tube comprising a spring mechanism that can engage the stop positions as the inner tube is extended from the outer tube and cannot engage the stop positions as the inner tube is retracted into the outer tube.

[0008] The spring mechanism may comprise a pivoting element for engaging the stop positions, wherein the pivoting element is free to rotate when the inner tube is being extended and restricted from rotating when the inner tube is being retracted.

[0009] The spring mechanism may further comprise first and second shoulders separated by a void, wherein when the inner tube is being extended the first shoulder engages the pivoting element and the pivoting element is free to rotate within the void, and wherein when the inner tube is being retracted the second shoulder engages the pivoting element preventing it from rotating within the void.

[0010] Preferably the clothes line has two stop positions.

[0011] It should be noted that any one of the aspects mentioned above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects mentioned above and may include any of the features of any of the embodiments described below as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows.

[0013] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a fold down clothes line incorporating the present invention in a fully extended position.

[0014] Figure 1B shows a side view of the clothes line of Figure 1A.

[0015] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the fold down clothes line in a retracted position.

[0016] Figure 2B shows a side view of the clothes line of Figure 2A.

[0017] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of the fold down clothes line in a partially extended position.

[0018] Figure 3B shows a side view of the clothes line of Figure 3A.

[0019] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the locking mechanism of the clothes line strut.

[0020] Figure 5 is a close up sectional view of the locking mechanism.

[0021] Figure 6 shows details of a spring plate of the locking mechanism.

[0022] Figure 7 shows details of a snap gauge of the locking mechanism.

[0023] Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show the three states of the locking mechanism.

[0024] Figures 9A to 9D show a sectional view of the locking mechanism as the clothes line is extended and then retracted.

DRAWING COMPONENTS

[0025] The drawings include the following integers. clothes line frame 22 strut frame pivot lines wall mount strut 52 outer tube 54 innertube guide upper 62 guide lower 64 first stop 66 second stop push rod spring plate 82 spring arm 84 separator void

86 first shoulder 87 second shoulder 88 tail snap gauge 91 rear section 92 front section 93 pivot point 94 hook head 96 first shoulder 97 second shoulder 99 locating pin

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration.

[0027] The invention provides multi-position clothes line capable of extending and locking in first and second positions. The line is retractable when extended slightly beyond the stop positions. The lock is spring actuated allowing the line to be easily extended and retracted single-handedly by a user without the need to directly manipulate a locking mechanism.

[0028] A clothes line 10 incorporating the invention is shown in perspective view in a fully extended position in Figure 1A. Figure 1B shows the clothes line from the side. The clothes line 10 comprises a U-shaped frame 20 supporting lines 30 and pivotally mounted to wall mounts 40 which are in turn attached to a wall (not shown). Struts 50 are also pivotally mounted to the wall mounts and support the frame via pivot mounts 22. The struts 50 comprise an outer tube 52 which telescopically engages an inner tube 54. In Figures 1A and 1B the inner tube is in a fully extended position to place the clothes line in a fully extended position. The inner tube may also be set to a partially extended position or retracted as discussed below.

[0029] In Figures 2A and 2B the clothes line 10 is shown in a retracted position in which the frame 20 is vertically disposed to minimise the use of horizontal space. The inner tube 54 of the strut 50 cannot be seen as it is fully retracted within the outer tube 52.

[0030] Figures 3A and 3B show the clothes line 10 in a partially extended position, suitable for use by people with a shorter stature. The inner tube 54 is likewise in a partially extended position.

[0031] The strut 50 includes a two position locking mechanism to hold the inner tube in either the partially or fully extended position. The locking mechanism is totally disengaged to allow the inner tube to move to the fully retracted position. Moving between the three positions is achieved by simply raising the frame 20 or raising and then lowering the frame. This can be easily managed singlehandedly; no separate manipulation of a locking mechanism is required.

[0032] The locking mechanism that allows the strut to be easily held in either of two discrete extended positions is shown in an exploded view in Figure 4 and a cross sectional view in Figure 5. A push rod 70 is attached to the end of the inner tube 54 and moves within upper guide 60 and lower guide 62 which are fitted within the outer tube 52. The lower guide 62 includes first stop 64 and second stop 66 which engage with snap gauge 90 to position the inner tube in the partially and fully extended positions respectively. The spring plate 80 and snap gauge 90 are held within the push rod 70 which includes a bottom aperture to allow the snap gauge to protrude. The spring plate 80 acts on the snap gauge 90 to push it through the bottom aperture and into either of the stops 64, 66. The spring plate 80 and snap gauge 90 are shown in detail in Figure 6 and Figure 7.

[0033] The spring plate 80, seen in Figure 6, is made from a thin strip of spring steel and is shaped generally to provide a spring arm 82 extending from a first shoulder 86. In use the spring plate is confined such that the spring arm pivots about the first shoulder. In Figure 6 the spring arm 82 is shown in an extended position as it is in Figures 8B. When acted upon the spring arm will retract as seen in Figures 8A and 8C. The spring plate also comprises a locating tail 88 to help keep it in position, and a second shoulder 87 separated from the first shoulder 86 by separator 84. The two shoulders and the separator define a void 85. The use of the various components will be discussed further below.

[0034] The snap gauge 90, shown in Figure 7, comprises an elongate body with a front section 92 and rear section 91 disposed either side of pivot point 93. The rear section includes a hook 94 which engages with stops 64 and 66 of the guide lower 62. Protruding from the front is head 95 which defines first shoulder 96 and second shoulder 97 which interact with the void and shoulders of the spring plate 80. A locating pin 99 protrudes either side of the gauge and serves to restrain the position of the gauge within the push rod 70.

[0035] Figures 8A to 8C show three different actions of the locking mechanism. In Figure 8A the strut is being extended as the locking mechanism is moving to the right. In Figure 8B the snap gauge is engaging a stop as the strut is being extended as the locking mechanism is moving to the right. At this point the locking mechanism and hence strut is prevented from retracting (i.e. moving to the left). In Figure 8C the strut is being retracted as the locking mechanism moves unimpeded to the left. These actions will be described in further detail below. Figures 9A to 9D show a larger view of the strut as it extends and retracts utilising the three different actions.

[0036] In Figure 8A the strut 50 is being extended which entails the inner tube 54 extending from the outer tube 52. Attached to the end of the inner tube is push rod 70 which holds spring plate 80 which in turn retains the head 95 of the snap gauge 90 within its void 85. As the inner tube and push rod extend (i.e. move to the right in the figures), the spring plate 80 moves in unison and its first shoulder 86 comes in contact with first shoulder 96 of the snap gauge 90 which pushes the snap gauge to the right. The spring arm 82 acts to push down the rear section 91 of the snap gauge but is unable to do so as the hook 94 is in contact with the guide lower 62. The strut is free to extend and also retract.

[0037] In Figure 8B the strut has been partially extended with the inner tube 54, push rod 70, spring plate 80 and snap gauge 90 being displaced to the right with respect to the outer tube 52 and guide lower 62. The components have moved such that the hook 94 is aligned with first stop 64. The spring arm 82 can thus act, pushing on rear section 91 to rotate the snap gauge about its pivot point 93 and push the hook 94 into the stop 64. The front section 92 is also positioned such that it can move into the void 85 as the snap gauge rotates. This position acts as a first stop for the strut as it is now not possible for it to retract. Attempting to move the inner tube 54 to the left (to retract the strut) will cause the second shoulder 87 of the spring plate to push against the front section 92 of the snap gauge. The snap gauge will not move as its hook 94 is positioned with the stop 64. The strut is thus prevented from retracting. The strut is however able to extend as moving the inner tube 54 and push rod 70 to the right will cause the first shoulder 86 of the spring plate to push against the first shoulder 96 of the snap gauge tending to pull the hook 94 out of the stop 64. The components will continue moving to the right extending the strut until the hook 94 aligns with the second stop 66. This position acts as a second stop with the hook being pushed into the stop 66. As before, retraction of the strut is not possible, but it can be further extended.

[0038] In Figure 8C the strut is being retracted, with the inner tube 54, push rod 70, spring plate 80 and snap gauge 90 being moved to the left with respect to the outer tube 52 and guide lower 62. The snap gauge is positioned between the first stop 64 (not visible) and second stop 66. The following description also applies to the situation where the snap gauge is to the left of the first stop or to the right of the second stop. It is only possible to start retracting the strut when the snap gauge 90 is clear from a stop position as in Figure 8A. As the inner tube 54, push rod 70 and spring plate 80 move to the left, the second shoulder 87 of the spring plate will come in contact and slide over the front section 92 of the snap gauge until it comes in contact with the second shoulder 97 of the snap gauge. The snap gauge will then be pushed to the left as the strut retracts. Whilst retracting the spring arm 82 will try and act on the snap gauge, however no rotation of the snap gauge is possible as the second shoulder of the snap gauge is engaged with the second shoulder of the spring plate.

[0039] Figures 9A to 9D show a sectional view of the locking mechanism as the clothes line is extended and then retracted.

[0040] In Figure 9A the strut is being extended with the snap gauge 90 to the left of stops 64 and 66. This corresponds to Figure 8A.

[0041] In Figure 9B the strut has been extended until the hook 94 of the snap gauge has engaged the first stop 64. This corresponds to Figure 8B. In this position the strut can be further extended, but not retracted.

[0042] In Figure 9C the strut has been extended until the hook 94 of the snap gauge has engaged the second stop 66. This corresponds to Figure 8B, albeit with the snap gauge at the second stop, not the first stop. In this position the strut can be further extended, but not retracted.

[0043] In Figure 9D the strut has been extended until the hook 94 of the snap gauge has passed the second stop 66 and is being retracted again. This corresponds to Figure 8C, albeit with the snap gauge to the right of the second stop 66, not the first. In this position the strut can continue to be retracted as much as desired.

[0044] Whilst the clothes line has been shown and described with two stop positions, further embodiments having other numbers of stops are within the scope of the invention. Further stops may be added to the guide bottom 62.

[0045] The reader will now appreciate the present invention which provides a clothes line that can be readily extended to various positions and then readily retracted when desired. The internal mechanism of the clothes line allows it to be operated single handedly.

[0046] Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in this field.

[0047] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Claims

1. A multi-position clothes line comprising an extendible support strut with at least 1 stop position; wherein the strut is both extendible and retractable when extended to less than and greater than the stop position, but only extendible and not retractable when extended to the stop position; wherein the support strut comprises telescopically engaged inner and outer tubes, the outer tube including the at least 1 stop positions and the inner tube comprising a spring mechanism that can engage the stop positions as the inner tube is extended from the outer tube and cannot engage the stop positions as the inner tube is retracted into the outer tube; wherein the spring mechanism comprises a pivoting element for engaging the stop positions, wherein the pivoting element is free to rotate when the inner tube is being extended and restricted from rotating when the inner tube is being retracted; and wherein the spring mechanism comprises first and second shoulders separated by a void, wherein when the inner tube is being extended the first shoulder engages the pivoting element and the pivoting element is free to rotate within the void, and wherein when the inner tube is being retracted the second shoulder engages the pivoting element preventing it from rotating within the void.

2. A clothes line as in claim 1, wherein the support strut has two stop positions.