Patent Publication Number: US-2006011675-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for supporting items

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/587,527, filed Jul. 13, 2004, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for supporting items and more particularly concerns a method and apparatus for assembling and adjusting tension in a clothesline.  
      Clotheslines have been used for years to support items such as clothes, sheets, blankets, rugs and the like. Traditionally these lines are suspended between two fixed supports, such as walls or posts, leaving an expanse of line upon which items may be draped to dry.  
      One shortcoming with traditional clotheslines, however, is that the line tends to slack or sag when weighted down with items. Over the years, several attempts have been made to cure this problem. For example, some clotheslines have been supplied with winches for taking up the slack in the line as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,321 issued Aug. 15, 2000 to Clary, U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,823 issued Jun. 6, 2000 to Clary, U.S. Pat. No. 1,469,112 issued Sep. 25, 1923 to Schoonover, U.S. Pat. No. 1,386,918 issued Aug. 9, 1921 to Westrup et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 361,745 issued Apr. 26, 1887 to Boyd. Unfortunately, these items are often bulky and difficult to operate when the line is weighted down with hanging items.  
      Other shortcomings with existing clotheslines is that there are no kits available for readily assembling a sturdy clothesline or anchors for allowing clotheslines to be easily setup and removed.  
      Accordingly, it has been determined that the need exists for an improved method and apparatus for supporting items which overcomes the aforementioned limitations and which further provides capabilities, features and functions, not available in current apparatus, and for an improved method for doing the same. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an apparatus for supporting items in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the supports shown in a parallel configuration;  
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of an end of the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1  showing the fastener, tension adjusting mechanism, line, restraint and pulleys as assembled on the supports;  
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of the other end of the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1  showing the tension adjusting mechanism and line exploded from one another and exploded from the fastener and pulley;  
       FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of the second support of  FIG. 1  with the second member removed for purposes of illustrating one of the mating structures thereof;  
      FIGS.  6 A-B are side elevational and perspective views, respectively, of one of the supports of  FIG. 1  illustrating another mating structure which may be used in addition to or in place of the mating structures of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the mating structure of FIGS.  6 A-B illustrated with fasteners exploded therefrom;  
      FIGS.  8 A-B are perspective and side elevational views, respectively, of an anchor which may be used in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      An apparatus for supporting items is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and referred to generally by reference numeral  20 . The apparatus  20  includes a line, such as clothesline  22 , which is suspended between two supports  24  and  26  to provide an expanse of line from which items may be hung or draped. The line has first and second ends  22   a  and  22   b,  respectively, that are connected to the supports  24  and  26  via tension adjusting mechanisms, such as turnbuckles  28  and  30 , which allow an operator to adjust the tension of the clothesline  22  to remove slack in the line and/or reduce the amount of sag that occurs when items are hung or draped over the line. In one form the clothesline  22  is fed through a plurality of pulleys  32   a - f  provided along the supports  24  and  26  to increase the number of times the clothesline  22  extends between the supports  24  and  26  and increase the surface area of the clothesline from which items may be supported.  
      In the form illustrated, the supports  24  and  26  have first members  24   a  and  26   a  which extend in a generally vertical direction and second members  24   b  and  26   b  which extend in a generally horizontal direction. The first and second members  24   a - b  of support  24  have mating structures, such as notches  24   c - d,  which align the first and second members  24   a - b  with respect to one another and form a joint therebetween. The first and second members  24   a - b  may also be secured to one another at this joint via a fastener, such as bolt  38 . The second support  26  has similar mating structures  26   c - d  and a similar bolt  40 . In the form illustrated the bolts  38  and  40  are galvanized to withstand exposure to the environment and the supports  24  and  26  are made of wood, such as treated pine. In a preferred embodiment, the first members  24   a  and  26   a  are eight foot posts made from 4″×4″ pieces of wood and the second members  24   b  and  26   b  are five foot cross members made from 4″×4″ pieces of wood. In alternate embodiments, the first members  24   a  and  26   a  may be eight foot posts made from 6″×6″ pieces of wood with the second members  24   b  and  26   b  continuing to be made from 4″×4″ pieces of wood. In yet other forms, the supports  24  and  26  may be made of other materials besides wood, such as metal.  
      In yet other embodiments, the first and second members  24   a - b  and  26   a - b  may be connected using a plurality of bolts rather than one center bolt in order to strengthen the joint made therebetween. Alternatively, the joints formed by the first and second members  24   a - b  and  26   a - b  may take the form or shape of other types of mating members such as dovetail or tenon and mortice joints, or the like.  
      In  FIG. 2 , additional fasteners, such as eye bolts  42  and  44  are connected to the distal ends on the first cross member  24  and provide a structure, such as an eyelet, to which the turnbuckles  28  and  30  may be connected. A plurality of pulleys  32   a - f  are situated on the inner side surfaces of the first and second cross members  24  and  26 , with four pulleys,  32   a - b  and  32   e - f,  being connected to the inner side surface of second cross member  26  and two pulleys,  32   c - d,  being connected to the inner side surface of the first cross member  24 . The corners and ends of the first and second members  24   a - b  and  26   a - b  may also be beveled in order to remove sharp edges if desired. In a preferred form, the pulleys  32   a - f  and bolts  38 ,  40 ,  42  and  44  are galvanized to minimize the effect weather has on these components.  
      During assembly of the apparatus  20 , the line  22  is fed through the pulleys  32   a - f  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  and the line ends  22   a - b  are connected to the turnbuckles  28  and  30 . In the embodiment shown, line  22  is a braided stainless steal wire coated with a plastic or rubber coating to protect the wire from ware and environmental exposure. The wire preferably has a ⅛″ diameter and is coated by a ⅛″ thick coating of plastic, thereby giving the line a ¼″ outer diameter. The ends of the line  22   a  and  22   b  are looped for engaging fasteners extending from the turnbuckles  28  and  30 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the loops may be formed by feeding the line ends  22   a - b  through retainers, such as aluminum compression clamps  32  and  34 , bending the line and inserting the ends  22   a - b  back through the retainers  32  and  34 . Alternatively, the retainers  32  and  34  may be collars that are crimped or swedged in order to secure the line ends  22   a - b.  In a preferred form, however, the tension of the clothesline  22  will prevent the ends  22   a - b  from sliding out of the retainers  32  and  34  with or without crimping.  
      In the embodiment illustrated, the line  22  is provided in a twenty foot length which can be adjusted by sliding more or less of the line  22  through the restraints  34  and  36  until the desired line length is reached. In a preferred form, the second members  24   b  and  26   b  are arranged parallel to one another as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . It should be understood, however, that the sizes and dimensions provided herein are merely exemplary of a preferred embodiment and, thus, may be changed or varied to accommodate different applications.  
      As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the first turnbuckle  28  includes a sleeve  28   a  having first and second ends, which define threaded openings through which bolts may be thread. The turnbuckle  28  also has first and second fasteners, such as hook bolts  28   b  and  28   c,  which are each thread into separate openings defined by the sleeve ends. In the form shown, one sleeve opening and fastener are right-hand threaded and the other sleeve opening and fastener are left-hand threaded, (e.g., reverse threaded), so that rotation of the sleeve  28   a  in one direction causes the fasteners  28   b - c  to move toward one another and adds tension in line  22  while rotation of the sleeve  28   a  in the opposite direction causes the fasteners  28   b - c  to move away from one another and reduces the amount of tension in line  22 .  
      In alternate embodiments, at least one of the fasteners  28   b - c  may be fixed to the sleeve  28   a  such that the sleeve can still rotate with respect to the fastener, but the fastener cannot be removed from the sleeve  28   a.  For example, in one form, one of the fasteners may be loosely riveted to the sleeve  28   a  so that it can rotate with respect to the sleeve but not removed from the sleeve. In this configuration, the sleeve opening through which the rivet is disposed does not need to be threaded and allows the turnbuckle to be connected to a fixed object but rotated with respect thereto. In yet other embodiments, at least one of the fasteners  28   b - c  may have other types of structures besides a hook for connecting to either the eyelet of eye bolt  42  or  44  or the loop ends  22   a - b  of clothesline  22 . For example, the fastener may have a ring or loop end, a shackle end, or the like, for fastening the turnbuckle  28  to the apparatus  20 .  
      In  FIGS. 1-2 , the first fastener  28   b  is connected to the eyelet of eye bolt  42  and the second fastener  28   c  is connected to the loop end  22   a  of clothesline  22 . Thus, when an operator rotates the sleeve  28   a  of turnbuckle  28  in one direction, the fasteners  28   b - c  approach one another and increase the tension in line  22 . Conversely, when the operator rotates the sleeve  28   a  in the opposite direction, the fasteners  28   b - c  move apart from one another and reduce the tension in line  22 . By allowing the operator to adjust the tension of the line  22 , the apparatus  20  can prevent the line from sagging or drooping when items are hung or draped from the line  22 .  
      The second turnbuckle  30  has a configuration similar, if not identical, to the first turnbuckle  28 . For example, the second turnbuckle  30  includes a sleeve  30   a  having first and second ends, which define threaded openings through which bolts may be thread. The turnbuckle  30  also has first and second fasteners, such as hook bolts  30   b  and  30   c,  which are each thread into separate openings defined by the sleeve ends. Like the first turnbuckle  28 , one sleeve opening and fastener of the second turnbuckle  30  are right-hand threaded while the other sleeve opening and fastener are left-hand threaded. This allows the rotation of the sleeve  30   a  in one direction to cause the fasteners  30   b - c  to move toward one another and add tension in line  22 , or rotation of the sleeve  30   a  in the opposite direction to cause the fasteners  30   b - c  to move away from one another and reduce the amount of tension in line  22 . The second turnbuckle  30  may also be provided in any of the alternate embodiments discussed above with respect to the first turnbuckle  28 .  
      In  FIGS. 1-2 , the first fastener  30   b  of turnbuckle  30  is connected to the eyelet of eye bolt  44  and the second fastener  30   c  is connected to the loop end  22   b  of clothesline  22 . Thus, when an operator rotates the sleeve  30   a  of turnbuckle  30  in one direction, the fasteners  30   b - c  approach one another and increase the tension in line  22 . Conversely, when the operator rotates the sleeve  30   a  in the opposite direction, the fasteners  30   b - c  move apart from one another and reduce the tension in line  22 . This configuration allows the operator to adjust the tension of the line  22  from either of the turnbuckles  28  or  30  to prevent the line from sagging or drooping when items are hung or draped from the line  22 .  
      In  FIG. 5 , a partial perspective view of the first member  26   a  of second support  26  is shown. In this embodiment, the first member  26   a  of support  26  has a mating structure, such as notch  26   c,  which mates with a corresponding mating structure on the second member  26   b  of support  26 , such as corresponding notch  26   d.  The interlocking mating structures of the of the first and second members  26   a -b allow the members to be aligned and interconnected to strengthen the stability of the support  26 , which also helps prevent sagging or drooping of the clothesline  22 . This configuration also allows the first and second members  26   a - b  to be aligned and assembled more easily and to be connected to one another using a single fastener, such as carriage bolt  40 . As mentioned above, however, in alternate embodiments a plurality of fasteners may be used to fasten the first and second members  26   a - b  together. Although not specifically shown in the drawings, the first and second members  24   a - b  of first support  24  have similar mating structures as that which interconnect the members  26   a - b  so that they may be fastened together via bolt  38 .  
      FIGS.  6 A-B and  7  illustrate other mating structures, such as angle brackets  48 , which may be used in addition to or in place of the notch mating structures discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 . The brackets or supports  48  will preferably be positioned adjacent the first member  24   a  (or  26   a ) and second member  24   b  (or  26   b ), just below the second member  24   b  (or  26   b ) and on opposite sides of the first member  24   a  (or  26   a ). In the form illustrated, the brackets  48  are connected to the first and second members  24   a - b  (or  26   a - b ) via fasteners, such as screws  48   b  or nails, and help support the horizontal second member  24   b  (or  26   b ) to prevent it from wobbling or moving with respect to the vertical first member  24   a  (or  26   a ). This configuration also helps keep the support members  24  and  26  stationary even when large items are hung from or draped over the clothesline  22 .  
      The present invention may also include an anchor to secure the support members  24  and  26  to the ground and to provide for a generally upright and secure apparatus. In one example, the anchoring may be accomplished by inserting the first members  24   a  and  26   a  into a post hole in the ground and filling the post hole with a desired amount of concrete. In a preferred form, the posts will be inserted between 4″-10″ into the ground in order to ensure that the post will not move when items are hung on or draped over line  22 .  
      In yet another embodiment, an anchor, such as a boot or sleeve, will be cemented into the post hole and provide an opening large enough for receiving an end of the support  24  or  26 . Again, the post will preferably be inserted between 4″-10″ into the sleeve in order to securely anchor the post into the ground. With these configurations, the apparatus  20  may be assembled and disassembled by simply inserting and removing, respectively, the supports  24  and  26  from the cement post holes or boots as desired. For example, an operator can erect the apparatus for supporting items by inserting the supports  24  and  26  into the boot in order to drape or hang items over line  22 . Once the operator is through using the apparatus  20 , he or she may simply remove the supports  24  and  26  from the boot and store the apparatus  20  away until a need for the apparatus arises again.  
      In still other embodiments, the apparatus may be provided with a non-permanent anchor, such as stake  18 , which may be installed and removed along with the apparatus  20 . For example, in FIGS.  8 A-B, anchoring stake  18  may be staked into the ground in order to anchor one of the support members  24  or  26  into position. A second anchoring stake may then be used to anchor the other support into position. The operator may then remove the supports  24  and  26  from the anchoring stakes  18  and remove the stakes  18  in order to store away the entire apparatus  20  when desired.  
      In the form illustrated, the anchoring stake  18  includes a sleeve portion  18   a  which defines a receptacle for receiving an end of the first support member  24   a  or  26   a  and a post or stake portion  18   c  for inserting into the ground and anchoring the anchoring stake  18  into position. In a preferred form, the sleeve  18   a  will include an adjustable sleeve having fastening members  18   b,  such as bolts or screws, which allow the sleeve to be tightened to and/or loosened from the supports  24  and  26 . The adjustable sleeve thereby allows the anchoring stake  18  to be securely connected to and more easily removed from the supports  24  and  26  by allowing for the sleeve  18   a  to be tightened to and loosened from the supports  24  and  26 , respectively.  
      Connected to the sleeve  18   a  is a lower portion  18   c  for anchoring the stake  18  into the ground. In the form illustrated, lower portion  18   c  includes a generally pointed base structure, such as a stake or spike, which allows the stake to be easily inserted into and removed from the ground. With this configuration, the apparatus  20  can easily be moved from one location to another and assembled and disassembled as desired. For example, if an operator would like to move the apparatus  20  from one location in his or her yard to another location in his or her yard, the operator may simply loosen the adjustable sleeves  18   a  via fasteners  18   b,  remove the supports  24  and  26  and reposition the anchoring stakes  18 , and then reinsert the supports  24  and  26  into their respective sleeves  18   c.  Alternatively, the operator may leave the anchoring stakes  18  connected to the support members  24  and  26  and simply remove the supports  24  and  26  and connected anchoring sleeves  18  from the ground, reposition the supports and sleeves to the desired location and reinsert the anchoring stakes  18  into the ground to anchor the support members  24  and  26  into position.  
      The removable anchoring stakes  18  also allow the operator to remove the apparatus  20  without leaving any anchors embedded in his or her yard. Thus, the entire apparatus  20  can be removed when desired.  
      The present invention may also be packaged and sold as a kit, either without some of the components required for assembly, or as a complete system with all of the required components for supporting items. For example, in a kit form the apparatus  20  may be supplied without the supports  24  and  26  and include instructions for purchasing and/or making the required supports. The instructions may include information regarding the preferred lumber and size needed to make the supports, include instructions for notching the wood, and include instruction for assembling the apparatus  20  once the necessary items have been obtained. Alternatively, the apparatus  20  may be provided as a complete system with all the supports, clothesline, and parts and fittings and instructions to assemble the apparatus. However, even in this embodiment, the apparatus may be sold without some supplies needed for assembly, such as tools and cement.  
      In addition to an apparatus, the invention disclosed herein provides various methods for supporting items, tensioning a line and providing apparatus for supporting items, such as by way of a kit. For example, a method for adjusting tension in a line disclosed herein may include providing a clothesline  22  having first and second ends  22   a - b,  with the clothesline extending between at least two supports  24  and  26 , and having a sleeve  28   a  connected thereto which is rotatable in a first direction wherein tension is added to the clothesline  22  and a second direction wherein tension is removed from the clothesline  22 . Thus, tension may be adjusted in the clothesline  22  by rotating the sleeve  28   a  in at least one of the first and second directions to adjust tension in the clothesline  22 . The method may also include coaxially connecting the sleeve  28   a  to the first end  22   a  of the clothesline  22  and rotating the sleeve  28   a  in the first direction to increase tension in the clothesline  22  or in the second direction to reduce tension in the clothesline  22 .  
      In a preferred method of tensioning a line, the method will include providing a second sleeve  30   a  which is coaxially connected to the second end  22   b  of the clothesline  22 , the second sleeve  30   a  being rotatable in a first direction wherein tension is added to the clothesline  22  and a second direction wherein tension is removed from the clothesline  22 . Thus, the tension of the clothesline  22  may alternatively be adjusted by rotating the second sleeve  30   a  in the first direction to increase tension in the clothesline  22  or in the second direction to reduce tension in the clothesline  22 .  
      A method of providing an apparatus for supporting items is also disclosed herein. For example, a method in accordance with the invention may include providing a kit comprising supports and a line, and instructions for assembling the supports and line to support items. The method may further include providing a tensioning mechanism for adjusting the tension of the line  22  in order to reduce sagging or drooping of the line when items are suspended therefrom.  
      Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a method and apparatus for supporting items and a method and apparatus for tensioning a clothesline that fully satisfies the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.