Non-symmetrical wire clip for clotheslines

Abstract

An improved wire clip 10 to better keep hung garments 22 separated when suspending onto clotheslines 30. Also useful for hanging banners 22, the clip 10 offers a non-symmetrically centered axis 20 which is perpendicular to the line 30. A friction body 14 provides a pressure means by a fulcrum locus 14-A opposing a counter locus 14-B; a catch tail 16 is provided for suspending the garment 22. The weight of the suspended garment 22 leverages the body 14 at the non-symmetrical axis 20 which disposes the fulcrum 14-A, and opposes the counter 14-B to create increased pressure onto the line 30.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prospective view of the invention, a wire clip suspending a garment onto a clothesline.

FIG. 2 shows the first step of the installation procedure for the clip.

FIG. 3 shows the second step of the installation procedure for the clip.

FIG. 4 shows a clothesline suspending laundry separated by use of numerous clips.

FIG. 5 is a sectional cross-view of the clip mounted onto the line.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment for the inventive clip.

FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment for the inventive clip.

FIG. 8 shows a banner suspended by use of two opposing clips.

FIG. 9 shows a reference list.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the invention, an improved wire clip 10 offering a non-symmetrically centered axis 20 perpendicular to the clothesline 30 and its axis 32. A friction body 14 provides a pressure means by a fulcrum locus 14-A opposing a counter locus 14-B. A catch tail 16 is provided for the suspended garment 22.

The weight of the suspended garment 22 from the catch 16 leverages the friction body 14 at the non-symmetrical axis 20 which disposes the fulcrum locus 14-A, and opposes the counter locus 14-B to create the increased pressure onto the line 30.

The clip 10 now provides a non-symmetrical 20 friction pressure means 14 and catch 16 to better keep the hung laundry separated onto clotheslines. The pressure applied by the loci 14-A and 14-B is increased by additional biasing means 28 such as windy conditions 28-A.

The clip 10 is formed by a one-piece wire or molded configuration having only three main sections: a clutch head 12; a friction body 14; and a catch tail 16. The clip 10 can be made from durable plastic or synthetics, flexible or rigid wire either clad or unclad; or spring steel.

The clutch head 12 is for grasping the clip 10 onto the clothesline 30. The head 12 could be easily adjust to various line 30 types including rigid or flexible; metal, plastic, or rope; clad or unclad; and diametrically thick or thin.

The friction body 14 applies the pressure onto the clothesline 30 by a fulcrum locus 14-A opposing a counter locus 14-B, which form a concentric coiled body 14 twisted in either linear direction away from the non-symmetrical axis 20.

The coil forming the body 14 is substantially greater than a single revolution but less than two revolutions. This permits easy installation of the clip 10 onto the line 30 and universal application for all type of lines 30. It also permits suspend garments 22 to hang from the body 14 when using clips 10 on substantially flexible lines 30. Such lines might over-flex if typically suspending heavier garments 30 from the catch tail 16.

The catch tail 16 is provided for suspending the garment 22 and clothes hanger 24 therefrom. When forming a clip 10 from softer metal such a copper wire clad in a flexible sheath, the catch 16 could be easily bent in any position even to permit suspended garments 22 to hang perpendicular with the clothesline 30 and its axis 32. This could be useful for suspending banners lightweight banners similar to suspended garments 22.

Please note that for this embodiment both the head 12 and catch 16 have trim caps 18 which are not particular to the function of the clip 10. These are provided only for finishing purposes. When the clip 10 is molded from durable plastic or synthetics, or formed from chromed steel, these caps 18 can be fabricated into the finished clip 10. Also note that the clip 10 does not have sharp nor protruding edges.

The clip 10 utilizes both linear directions of the clothesline 30 along its axis 32. Normal biasing means 28 from the weight of the suspended garment 22 will lock the clip 10 onto the line 30. When reversing the bias 28 towards the other direction will easily unlock the clip 10 from the line 30.

Please note that the compact and durable clip 10 doesn't require that it be removed from the clothesline 30, if the user chooses to use clothespins onto the line 30. The clips 10 can be easily slid in either direction, or simply kept in position and not interfere with the clothespins.

FIGS. 2-3 show simple installation for the clip 10 onto the clothesline 30. Using one hand to hold the catch 16, the clip 10 is generally placed against the line 30. Using the other hand to hold the head 12, the body 14 is then simultaneously twisted onto the line 30.

FIG. 4 shows numerous clips 10 separately suspending laundry 22 onto a clothesline 30. The hung garments 22 remaining separated onto the clothesline 30 even during conditions which are windy 28-A. The simple and reliable clip 10 will slash energy costs too, and save time as consumers will not need to as often rely on clothes dryers.

FIG. 5 is a sectional cross-view of the clip 10 mounted onto the line 30. Note that the body 14 coiled onto the line 30 is greater than a single revolution but less than two revolutions. Note that the weight of the suspended garment 22 naturally positions the catch 16 on the Y axis, thus leveraging the fulcrum locus 14-A and the counter locus 14-B slightly off-center.

FIGS. 6-7 show alternative embodiments for the clip 10. FIG. 6 shows that the catch 16 could face the friction body 14 and remain effective as the pressure is still leveraged at the non-symmetrically centered axis 20. FIG. 7 shows that the catch tail 16 could be positioned to permit suspended garments 22 to hang perpendicular to the clothesline axis 32. Note that body 14 comprising the loci 14-A and 14-B is twisted in an opposite direction from FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 8 shows the clip 10 for use suspending a banner 22 onto a line 30. The clip 10 is capable of capturing both linear directions along the line's axis 32. Normal pull bias 28-B from the weight of the suspended banner 22 will lock the clip 10 onto the line 30. For retail stores, a permanent line 30 could be used to easily interchange advertising 22. When suspending a banner 22, only two clips 10 per edge would be required to oppose each other onto the line 30.

FIG. 9 is a reference list.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention comprises the use of an improved wire clip to better keep the hung garments separated onto clotheslines. The simplistic nature of the reliable clip succeeds all prior clips including spring clamps; fabric straps; united brackets; modified hangers; plastic flaps; line spacers; and prior wire clips.

Benefits include savings in time to finish laundry, and money by reducing energy costs. Furthermore, the clip can be used with banners and advertising panels for retail stores. Other usage could include suspending lightweight panels or tarps during remodeling phases, where the need to temporarily divide a space to protect from dust often presents a dilemma.

The particular embodiments of the present invention which have been illustrated and discussed herein are for demonstrative purposes only, and are not considered limited upon the scope of the appended claims. In these claims set forth it is my intent to all the inventions discovered, except as I am limited by the prior art. From this disclosure, various changes or improvements may occur wherein any applicable claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A method for drying laundered garments 22 on garment hangers 24 suspended onto a clothesline 30, said method utilizes a wire clip 10 comprising a concentrically coiled friction body 14 for applying a friction pressure means for locking said clip 10 onto said line 30; and a non-symmetrically centered catch 16 for suspending the hanger 24 therefrom, said method including: applying said clip 10 to the line 30 by locating its non-symmetrical axis 20 thereto;twisting said friction body 14 onto the line 30 linearly away from its non-symmetrical axis 20;suspending said laundry 22 from the catch 16 to leverage the clip 10 by the non-symmetrical axis 20;disposing a fulcrum locus 14-A opposing a counter locus 14-B within said friction body 14;

2. A wire clip 10 intended to keep suspended laundry 22 separately arranged on garments hangers 24 hung onto a clothesline 30, comprising a non-symmetrically centered axis 20 perpendicular to said clothesline 30 and its axis 32;a concentrically coiled friction body 14 providing a fulcrum locus 14-A located upon said non-symmetrical axis 20 opposing a counter locus 14-B;a catch tail 16 for a suspending said garment 22 therefrom;

3. The wire clip 10 of claim 2 further comprising, the concentrically coiled body 14 substantially forms greater than a single revolution but less than two revolutions when applied onto the line 30.

4. The wire clip 10 of claim 2 further comprising, an adjustable clutch head 12 for grasping the clip 10 onto the clothesline 30, including those which are rigid or flexible; metal, plastic, or rope; clad or unclad; and diametrically thick or thin.

5. The wire clip 10 of claim 2 further comprising, composition from molded plastic or synthetics, formed from flexible or rigid wire either clad or unclad; or spring steel.

6. The wire clip 10 of claim 2 further comprising, trim caps 18 on the end of clutch head 12 and catch tail 16.

7. A wire clip 10 intended to keep suspended banners 22 and the like, separately arranged onto a line 30, comprising a non-symmetrically centered axis 20 perpendicular to said clothesline 30 and its axis 32;a concentrically coiled friction body 14 providing a fulcrum locus 14-A located upon said non-symmetrical axis 20 opposing a counter locus 14-B;a catch tail 16 for a suspending said banner 22 therefrom;

8. The wire clip 10 of claim 7 further comprising, the concentrically coiled body 14 substantially forms greater than a single revolution but less than two revolutions when applied onto the line 30.

9. The wire clip 10 of claim 7 further comprising, an adjustable clutch head 12 for grasping the clip 10 onto the clothesline 30, including those which are rigid or flexible; metal, plastic, or rope; clad or unclad; and diametrically thick or thin.

10. The wire clip 10 of claim 7 further comprising, composition from molded plastic or synthetics, formed from flexible or rigid wire either clad or unclad; or spring steel.

11. The wire clip 10 of claim 7 further comprising, trim caps 18 on the end of the clutch head 12 and catch tail 16.