FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The present invention relates a container for use with a clothesline having a support post.

[0002] Embodiments of the invention have been particularly developed for a container for use with a clothesline having a substantially centrally disposed support post and for holding clothes pegs. While some embodiments will be described herein with particular reference to that application, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0004] Clothes peg containers are well-known products in everyday life and there are many different varieties. The vessel portion of the container is generally known to be a simple basket or bucket. These are known to fasten to clotheslines having a substantially centrally disposed support post in one of two ways.

[0005] The first of these is to suspend the basket or bucket from a part of the clothesline itself or from a support arm or a clothesline. This is generally achieved by using a hook that is either incorporated in the clothesline or basket, or is adapted to attach the basket to the clothesline.

[0006] The second method is to fasten the basket or bucket to the central support post of a clothesline. This is done by simply strapping the basket to the post using cords of varying types, or by using a specific bracket that is specifically adapted to attach the basket to the post. In this case the basket will be fixed to a particular side of the post.

[0007] Both of these methods only provide limited access to the clothes pegs in the basket. Specifically the first method requires the clothesline to be maneuvered so that the basket is in reaching distance. The second method requires the person to move around the post if they are located on the opposite side of the post relative to the basket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a container for use with a clothesline having a support post, the container including: an attachment formation for fastening the container to the support post; and at least one sidewall extending from the attachment formation and terminating at a peripheral edge defining a substantially upwardly facing opening, such that the peripheral edge circumferentially surrounds the support post.

[0010] In an embodiment, the sidewall is frusto-conical.

[0011 ] In another embodiment, the sidewall is formed of a single piece of sheet material.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sidewall is formed from a flexible plastics material. In one embodiment, the sidewall is substantially translucent.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sidewall includes two connection portions and a fastener for maintaining the connection portions in a predetermined relative orientation.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connection portions overlap and the fastener extends

through both portions. In another embodiment, the connection portions are adjacent each other and the fastener extends between the portions.

[0015] In one embodiment, the container is movable between an installed position wherein the portions are abutted or overlapping, and an uninstalled position where the portions are spaced apart.

[0016] In one embodiment, the container is resiliently biased into the installed position. In one embodiment, the fastener is a clip including two clamping elements that are resiliently biased into clamping engagement. [0017] In one embodiment, the attachment formation is a fastening collar having an aperture for receiving the post. In one embodiment, the collar at least in part defines adjustment means for allowing the size of the aperture to be changed.

[0018] A In one embodiment the collar includes at least one circumferentially spaced

elongate flexible tab extending partially radially inwardly from an inner edge of the collar.

[0019] In one embodiment, the sidewall includes at least one storage receptacle.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sidewall includes one or more strengthening elements. In one embodiment, the strengthening elements are strengthening ribs. In one

embodiment, the strengthening ribs extend in a radially outwardly direction.

[0021 ] In one embodiment, the sidewall includes a plurality of perforations for allowing drainage of fluid from the container.

[0022] In one embodiment, the container includes a cover for selectively covering the opening, the cover including a cover attachment formation for engaging with the support post and at least one protective element for at least partially covering the opening.

[0023] In one embodiment, the protective element includes a flexible plastics sheet and the cover attachment formation includes an aperture in the sheet for receiving the post.

[0024] In one embodiment, the sheet includes two opposable cover ends releasably

engagable with each other to allow installation of the cover about the post. In one embodiment, the two opposable cover ends are selectively engaged together by a spring clip.

[0025] In one embodiment, an upper surface of the cover defines an inclined plane for at least partially dispersing fluids from the cover.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cover selectively sealingly engages with at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the container.

[0027] In one embodiment, the cover is vertically slidable along the post and supportingly engagable with a holding mechanism to maintain the cover in an elevated position for a predetermined time to allow access to the opening of the container. [0028] In one embodiment, the holding mechanism includes at least one hook engagable with at least one corresponding hanger disposed on the cover.

[0029] In another embodiment, the cover includes two partitions, each partition engaged with a respective hinge for allowing selective hinged rotation of each partition between an open position and a closed position.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover for a

container, the container for use with a clothesline having a support post and having an opening, the cover including an attachment formation for engaging with the support post and at least one protective element for extending from the attachment formation and at least partially covering the opening.

[0031 ] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a container for use with a clothesline having a support post, the container including: an attachment formation for fastening the container relative to the support post; and at least one sidewall extending from the attachment formation and terminating at a peripheral edge defining at least in part a substantially upwardly facing opening, such that the peripheral edge lies along a path that surrounds the support post.

[0032] Reference throughout this specification to the terms "fasten", "fastening" or "fastened" means, in the context of a first object fastened to a second object, that the first object is fixed relative to the second object. That is, the first object may be either directly physically fastened to the second object or indirectly fastened to the second object, say by fastening the first object to a third object adjacent the second object.

[0033] Reference throughout this specification to the terms "surrounds" and "surrounding" are intended to mean, in the context of surrounding an object, to at least partially enclose or encircle that object. That is, "surrounds" may refer surrounding the object on only one side or all sides, depending on the context.

[0034] Reference throughout this specification to the term "circumferential" is intended to mean a complete or partial path around a predefined point or object. It is intended to include paths of different shapes and sizes and is not intended to be limited to circular paths. [0035] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "some embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0036] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0037] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a container in use with a clothesline having a substantially centrally disposed support post according to one embodiment;

Figure 2 is a side schematic representation of the container of Figure 1 ; Figure 2A is an enlarged side schematic representation of the collar of Figure 2; Figure 2B is a top view of the collar of Figure 2;

Figure 2C is a top view of an alternative embodiment collar for the container of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 3 is a top view schematic representation of the container of Figures 1 and 2, shown in an installed configuration;

Figure 4 is a top view schematic representation of the container of Figure 3, shown in an uninstalled configuration;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1, in use;

Figure 6 is perspective view of a container in use with a clothesline having a substantially centrally disposed support post according to another embodiment;

Figure 7 is a top view of a cover according to a first embodiment, the cover being for use with a container illustrated in Figures 1 to 6;

Figure 8 is top view of the cover of Figure 7, showing the ends of the cover separated for installation about a clothesline post;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the cover of Figures 7 and 8;

Figure 10 is a side view of a cover according to a second embodiment, the cover being for use with a container illustrated in Figures 1 to 6;

Figure 11 is a side view of the cover of Figure 10 shown in use together with the container illustrated in Figures 1 to 5;

Figure 12 is a top view of a cover according to a third embodiment, the cover being for use with a container illustrated in Figures 1 to 6;

Figure 13 is a side view of the cover of Figure 12 shown in use together with the container illustrated in Figures 1 to 5;

Figure 14 is a top view of a cover according to a fourth embodiment, the cover being use with a container illustrated in Figures 1 to 6; Figure 15 is a side view of a cover according to a fifth embodiment, the cover being for use with a container illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the cover shown in an open position elevated above the container; and

Figure 16 is a side view of the cover of Figure 15 shown in a closed position engaged with the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Referring initially to Figure 1, described herein is a clothes peg container 1 for use with a clothesline 2 having a substantially centrally disposed generally vertical metal support post 3. Container 1 includes an attachment formation in the form of an adjustable plastics fastening collar 5 for releasably fastening container 1 to post 3. Container 1 also includes at a substantially frusto-conical plastics sidewall 6 that extends upwardly from collar 5 and terminates at a substantially continuous peripheral top edge 7. The edge both defines a substantially upwardly facing generally circular opening 8 and circumferentially surrounds the support post 3.

[0040] Referring to Figures 2, 2A and 2B, sidewall 6 includes a lower edge 4 that extends along a generally circular path and which is substantially concentric with, but of much smaller diameter than, opening 8. Referring specifically to Figures 2A and 2B, collar 5 is formed from a continuous length of plastics material and is integrally formed with and extends downwardly from edge 4. The collar includes a substantially circular mounting aperture 14 (best shown in Figure 3) for receiving post 3, where the diameter of the aperture is slightly less than the diameter of the circular path followed by edge 4. Collar 5 is separable at a predefined separation point 15 to allow it to be positioned about post 3 and be received by aperture 14. Separation point 15 is defined by opposing abutting ends 16 and 17 of collar 5.

[0041 ] In other embodiments collar 5 is not integrally formed with sidewall 6 and is a completely separate component that wraps around a lower portion of sidewall 6 to fasten it to post 3. In further embodiments, collar 5 is formed of other than plastics material. For example, in one embodiment the collar is formed from a metal or metal alloy. In yet other embodiments, collar 5 is formed from a combination of materials.

[0042] Collar 5 includes a fastening means in the form of a nut 21 and bolt 22.

Ends 16 and 17 of collar 5 include respective radially outwardly extending integrally formed portions 24 and 25 having respective generally aligned circular apertures 26 and 27 configured to receive bolt 22. When apertures 26 and 27 receive bolt 22, nut 21 is typically manually threaded with bolt 22 to progress ends 16 and 17 toward each other. In doing so, collar 5 moves into progressively increasing conforming engagement with post 3 and applies a radially inwardly clamping force to the post to fasten container 1 to post 3. In other embodiments, various other fastening means are used.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2 B, collar 5 also includes six circumferentially spaced elongate flexible tabs 23, each attached to edge 4 and partially radially inwardly directed across aperture 14. Upon fastening of container 1 to post 3, tabs 23 engage post 3 and bend in accordance with an inwardly directed tightening force applied by collar 5 on post 3. Tabs 23 more easily facilitate collar 5 in coming into conforming engagement with post 3 and aide in accommodating posts of varying size and shape. Tabs 23 also assist with drainage of fluid through collar 5 as they provide less contact area with post 3.

[0044] Tabs 23 are formed of flexible rubber material. However, in other embodiments, tabs 23 are formed of other materials, including flexible or semi-flexible plastics, metals or metal alloys. In some embodiments, collar 5 includes more or less than six tabs circumferentially spaced tabs 23.

[0045] Referring now to Figure 2C there is illustrated an alternative embodiment collar 28 for container 1. Collar 28 is similar to collar 5 and corresponding features are designated by the same reference numerals. Collar 28 includes a removable substantially C- shaped clamping sleeve 29 that is slidably sleeved over portions 24 and 25 to clamp the portions together and fasten container 1 to post 3. Sleeve 29 includes a pair of opposing arms 32, which are slidably receivable in corresponding guide grooves 33 and 34 in respective portions 24 and 25. In one embodiment, grooves 33 and 34 extend the entire length of portions 24 and 25, allowing sleeve 29 to be sleeved over the respective portions from either side. In another embodiment, grooves 33 and 34 extend from one end of portions 24 and 25 only partially along the portions, restricting sleeve 29 to being sleeved over portions 24 and 25 from one end only. [0046] Sleeve 29 is formed of stainless steel and has a cross-sectional size that is slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of portions 24 and 25. Sleeve 29 has some flexibility to allow it to be stretched around portions 24 and 25 and held in place by friction. In other embodiments, sleeve 29 is formed of a semi-rigid plastics material, metal alloys or metals.

[0047] As best shown in Figure 5, sidewall 6 is formed from a substantially durable and flexible plastics material that is also substantially UV resistant and includes a substantially continuous exterior surface 30 and an opposite substantially continuous interior surface 31. The plastics material, in various embodiments, is either translucent or opaque. In some embodiments use is made of colouring or tinting of the plastics material to provide a desired visual appearance. It will be appreciated that solid colours, or a combination of colours, are used in further embodiments. In still further embodiments, sidewall 6 has indicia and/or a printable design applied or incorporated onto one or more of surfaces 30 and 31.

[0048] It is noted that, in embodiments, the plastics material of sidewall 6 is generally a more flexible plastics material then that of which collar 5 is formed. In contrast, collar 5 is formed from a more rigid and generally thicker plastics material. In embodiments, the colours of collar 5 and sidewall 6 are the same. In other embodiments the colours of collar 5 and sidewall 6 are different. In yet other embodiments, the colours of one or both of collar 5 and sidewall 6 are available to be selected to coordinate with the colour of post 3.

[0049] Referring back to Figures 2 and 3, sidewall 6 also includes a plurality of spaced apart drainage perforations 35 for allowing drainage of fluid from container 1. These perforations take a variety of designs in various embodiments, including radially outwardly extending slots (as shown in the Figures), circumferentially extending slots, small substantially circular apertures, and a grid matrix of substantially square apertures. It is emphasized that the drainage perforations 35 are of a small enough size that a standard clothes peg would not fall through the perforations while still allowing for adequate water drainage. [0050] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, similarly to collar 5, edge 7 includes ends 40 and 41 which are respectively connected to ends 16 and 17 by side edges 42 (intermediate ends 16 and 40) and 43 (intermediate ends 17 and 41).

[0051 ] Edge 7 includes a fastener in the form of a clip 45 that is fixed to end 40.

Clip 45 is a plastics clip having two clamping elements that are resiliently biased into clamping engagement. In some embodiments, clip 45 includes an actuating element to move the clamping elements into and out of clamping engagement with each other.

[0052] Clip 45 is integrally formed with end 40. In other embodiments, clip 45 is fixedly attached to end 40. For example, in one embodiment, clip 45 is fixedly attached by way of an adhesive. In one embodiment (not shown), clip 45 includes a clamping formation projecting from each end 40 and 41, and a clamping sleeve that sleeves over the respective clamping formations, when in abutting engagement, in a similar manner to that of sleeve 29 of collar 28.

[0053] In some embodiments such as that shown in Figure 6, sidewall 6 overlaps with itself, defining a pair of overlapping connection portions 48 and 49. When overlapped, portions 48 and 49 are disposed such that: ends 40 and 41 are substantially spaced apart from each other; and edges 42 and 43 extend beyond each other such that portions 48 and 49 are located between edges 42 and 43. In this embodiment, end 40 is positioned adjacent a portion of edge 7 and clip 45 extends through both portions and clampingly engages edge 7. In other embodiments different arrangements are used. For example, in one specific further embodiment, portions 48 and 49 are adjacent each other, ends 40 and 41 abut one another, and clip 45 extends between the portions 48 and 49.

[0054] In other embodiments clip 45 is fixed to end 41 and functions in substantially the same manner as embodiments where the clip is fixed to end 40.

[0055] In further embodiments (not shown), additional attachment means are included along one or both of edges 42 and 43 such that these edges are fastened together.

[0056] Referring again to Figure 1, post 3 includes a top portion 50 adjacent a plurality of clothesline support arms 51, and a height adjustment mechanism 52 having a crank handle 53. In the illustrated embodiment, container 1 is mounted vertically intermediate portion 50 and mechanism 52, with collar 5 positioned just above the top of mechanism 52. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that container 1 is able to be mounted to post 3 at any one of an infinite number of desired locations along post 3. Moreover, container 1 is easily moved to another location on post 3 to accommodate the requirements of a different user or use.

[0057] Collar 5, nut 21 and bolt 22 collectively define adjustment means for allowing the size of aperture 14 to be changed. This degree of adjustment is essentially governed by the length of bolt 22 as nut 21 threadedly engages bolt 22 to fasten collar 5 to post 3. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in other embodiments, the adjustment means is other than the above configuration.

[0058] In further embodiments that are not illustrated, sidewall 6 includes at least one storage receptacle for temporary storage of personal effects such as mobile telephones, wallets and car keys. In some embodiments, the receptacle is fixedly attached to sidewall 6. In other embodiments, the receptacle is integrally formed with sidewall 6.

[0059] In other embodiments, container 1 includes one or more sidewalls that are other than frusto-conical. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), container 1 includes four sidewalls that collectively form an inverted and truncated square pyramid, with opening 8 being of substantially square in shape. In this embodiment each sidewall is integrally formed. However, in other embodiments, each sidewall is a separate piece fixed together, for example, by an adhesive.

[0060] In another embodiment (not shown), the container 1 includes one or more sidewalls that form a generally cylindrical container. In this embodiment, the container has a base that: extends radially outwardly from collar 5; and which terminates in an outer radial peripheral edge. Sidewall 6 extends substantially upwardly from the outer radial peripheral and terminates in edge 7.

[0061 ] Sidewall 6, in some embodiments, includes strengthening elements. These are in the form of, for example, strengthening ribs extending in a radially outwardly direction from adjacent edge 4 to adjacent edge 7.

[0062] In the preferred embodiments, opening 8 is about 320 mm to 450 mm in diameter, denoted in Figure 2 as length 60. In other embodiments, length 60 is greater than 450 mm. In yet other embodiments, length 60 is less than 320 mm. In a particularly preferable embodiment length 60 is about 380 mm in diameter. This preferable size is such that the opening is desirably large without container 1 extending radially outwardly to interfere with the clothes hanging operation. It is commonplace that with most clotheslines, such as clothesline 2 from Figure 1, arms 51 support a plurality of concentric wire lines (not shown) from which items are hung. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that length 60 is such that the radial distance of edge 7 from post 3 will be less than the radial distance from post 3 to an innermost line. This will reduce the chance of container 1 interfering with the clothes hanging operation.

[0063] Collar 5 is about 58 mm in diameter, denoted in Figure 2 as length 61. It has been discovered by the inventor that the more commonly used centre-stand clotheslines in use in Australia typically include a post diameter of about 58 mm. However, embodiments of the invention are also applicable to less commonly used post diameters and to other than centre-stand clothes lines. In other embodiments, length 61 is about 45 mm to 70 mm in diameter. In yet other embodiments, length 61 is greater than 70 mm. In yet other embodiments, length 61 is less than 45 mm.

[0064] The vertical distance from collar 5 to opening 8, denoted in Figure 2 as height 62, is about is about 200 mm. In other embodiments, height 62 is about 160 mm to 250 mm. In yet other embodiments, height 62 is greater than 250 mm. In yet other embodiments, height 62 is less than 160 mm.

[0065] Container 1 is resiliently biased into an installed configuration with ends 40 and 41 either abutting as shown in Figure 3, or overlapping as shown in Figure 6, and ends 16 and 17 abutting or fixedly connected by nut 21 and bolt 22. In yet other embodiments, container 1 is resiliently biased into an uninstalled configuration, shown in Figure 4.

[0066] In some embodiments, container 1 is configured to be fastened to a support post of a wall-mounted clothesline. In one embodiment, sidewall 6 extends only partially around post 3 and opening 8 is defined, in part, by the wall adjacent the clothesline. In one embodiment, container 1 is releasably fastened to the adjacent wall to be fixed relative to and surrounding post 3.

[0067] In use, container 1 is installed on post 3 by first unwinding nut 21 and bolt 22 and removing bolt 22 from apertures 26 and 27, as well as releasing clip 45 from end 41. This allows the bias to be relatively easily manually overcome to allow container 1 to be moved into an uninstalled configuration with ends 16 and 17 and ends 40 and 41 in a spaced apart configuration, shown in Figure 4. Once in the uninstalled configuration, container 1 is positioned substantially around post 3 at the desired height. Container 1 is then allowed to resiliently progress toward the installed configuration and present collar 5 into substantially continuous circumferential engagement with post 3. Bolt 22 is then inserted through apertures 26 and 27 and nut 21 is manually threaded onto the free end bolt 22 to establish and maintain the clamping engagement between collar 5 and post 3. The clamping elements of clip 45 will clamp to the portion of sidewall 6 adjacent to and including end 41 to further retain container 1 in the installed configuration.

[0068] In other embodiments, the resilient bias of container 1 into the installed configuration is the only means of fastening the container to post 3.

[0069] Referring now to Figures 7 to 10, there is illustrated a cover 54 for covering opening 8 of container 1. Cover 54 is formed of a ring-shaped flexible plastics sheet 56 having a substantially circular peripheral edge 58 and a substantially circular inner edge 60. Sheet 56 is formed from a substantially durable and flexible plastics material that is also substantially UV resistant and includes a substantially continuous planar upper surface 62 and an opposite substantially continuous planar lower surface 64. In some embodiments, cover 54 is not circular and defines other shapes. However, it is preferable that cover 54 conforms to the general shape of container 1, although it may be larger or smaller in diameter.

[0070] The plastics material, in various embodiments, is either translucent or opaque.

In some embodiments use is made of colouring or tinting of the plastics material to provide a desired visual appearance. It will be appreciated that solid colours, or a combination of colours, are used in further embodiments. In still further embodiments, sheet 56 has indicia and/or a printable design applied or incorporated onto one or more of surfaces 62 and 64. In other embodiments, sheet 56 is rigid or semi rigid and formed of other materials, including metals, metal alloys, glass or wood.

[0071 ] Inner edge 60 defines a substantially circular mounting aperture 66 for receiving post 3, where the diameter of the aperture is slightly less than the diameter of the circular path followed by edge 60. In other embodiments, a collar is integral with or engagable with edge 60 for mounting cover 54 to post 3. In one embodiment the diameter of the collar is able to be adjusted for tightening around post 3.

[0072] Sheet 56 includes a predefined separation line 68 along which respective ends 70 and 72 of the flexible plastics sheet 56 are separable for positioning cover 54 about post 3.

[0073] Edge 60 includes a fastening mechanism, which includes a pair of opposing flanges 76 and 78 mounted to and projecting upwardly from surface 62 of sheet 56 on respective sides of line 68. A substantially U-shaped spring clip 74 extends about outer edges of flanges 76 and 78 and extends through sheet 56. Respective ends of clip 74 are releasably mutually engagable to abuttingly engage flanges 76 and 78 together to fasten or clamp ends 70 and 72 together about post 3. In other embodiments, other means for clamping or fastening ends 70 and 72 are used. In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism is disposed on outer edge 58.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, flanges 76 and 78 are held together by a removable sleeve that slides over the flanges to maintain them in abutting engagement and fastening together ends 70 and 72.

[0075] In use, cover 54 is disposed about post 3 above container 1 and is located such that outer edge 58 abuts or is substantially adjacent to outer edge 7 of container 1. Clip 74 is engaged to secure cover 54 in place. In one embodiment, cover 54 abuts container 1 due only to the downward gravitational force. In other embodiments, cover 54 is clamped or secured to edge 7 of container 1. In one particular embodiment, cover 54 and container 1 are sealingly engaged to each other to prevent or substantially reduce water or other fluids from entering opening 8 of container 1.

[0076] Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, there is illustrated a second embodiment cover 80 for covering opening 8 of container 1. Cover 80 is similar to cover 54 and corresponding features are designated by common reference numerals. Sheet 56 of cover 80 includes an upper surface 82 that is tapered in thickness, increasing towards an elevated inner collar 84 adjacent inner edge 60. Surface 82 therefore defines an inclined plane that is capable of dispersing or at least partially dispersing water or other fluids having relatively low viscosity that fall onto cover 80. [0077] Turning to Figures 12 and 13, there is illustrated a third embodiment cover 86 for covering opening 8 of container 1. Corresponding features are designated by the same reference numerals as in cover 54 and cover 80. Like cover 80, cover 86 includes a ring-shaped flexible plastics sheet 56 having a substantially circular peripheral edge 58 and a substantially circular inner edge 60 and collar 84. However, unlike cover 80, sheet 56 of cover 86 includes two partitions 88 and 90 divided by a central separation line 92. Each partition is hingedly connected to outer edge 7 of container 1 by oppositely disposed hinges 94 and 96.

[0078] In a closed position, partitions 88 and 90 are rotated down such that surface 64 abuts edge 7 of container 1, thereby covering opening 8. The diameter of cover 86 is slightly larger than the diameter of opening 8, providing a small overhang for which a user can leverage to open cover 86, as shown in Figure 12. Cover 86 is opened by applying an upward pressure to the underside of each partition 88 and 90 to rotate the partitions upward about respective hinges 94 and 96. In the open position, opening 8 is revealed allowing access to the interior of container 1. Partitions 88 and 90 rotate substantially 270° such that they hang vertically downward adjacent edge 7 of container 1. In another embodiment, partitions 88 and 90 rotate only about 180° and extend horizontally outward in the open position. Cover 86 is closed by rotating partitions 88 and 90 about hinges 94 and 96 to again abut edge 7 of container 1.

[0079] Like cover 54, cover 86 is formed of a flexible plastics material. However, in other embodiments, cover 86 is formed of more rigid materials, including rigid or semi-rigid plastics, metals or woods. In one embodiment, partitions 88 and 90 each include an upwardly projecting handle to allow a user to more easily facilitate rotation of partitions 88 and 90 between the open and closed positions.

[0080] Turning to Figure 14, there is illustrated to a fourth embodiment cover 87.

Cover 87 is similar to cover 86 but hinges 94 and 96 are disposed along line 92. In this embodiment, partitions 88 and 90 rotate upwardly about hinges 94 and 96 to meet vertically in the open position. In one embodiment, one or both partitions include an engagement formation for engaging the other respective partition to maintain the partitions in the open position. In another embodiment, one or both partitions include an engagement formation for engaging post 3 to maintain the partitions in the open position. [0081 ] Referring now to Figures 15 and 16, there is illustrated a fifth embodiment cover 98 for covering opening 8 of container 1. Corresponding features of other embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals. Cover 98 is axially vertically slidable along post 3 between an elevated open position, shown in Figure 15, and a closed position, shown in Figure 16. Cover 98 includes a pair of wire hangers 100 and 102 projecting from collar 104. Hangers 100 and 102 include wire loops (not shown) which are releasably engagable with corresponding hooks 106 and 108 projecting from a spring collar 110 supportingly disposed about post 3 at a position elevated from container 1.

[0082] In another embodiment, cover 98 includes only one hanger and collar 110 includes only one hook. In a further embodiment, cover 98 includes more than two hangers and collar 110 includes more than two hooks. In other embodiments, cover 98 is held in the elevated position by other engagement means. In one embodiment, collar 104 has a selectively adjustable diameter for selectively clamp ingly engaging post 3.

[0083] To place cover 98 in the open position of Figure 15, a user grips cover 98 and slides it vertically up post 3 until it is adjacent collar 110. Hangers 100 and 102 are then engaged with hooks 106 and 108 to support cover 98 in the elevated position. This allows a user access to the interior of container 1 through opening 8. Release of the hangers 100 and 102 from respective hooks 106 and 108 allows cover 98 to slide down post 3, under gravity, to the closed position of Figure 16 wherein cover 98 abuts edge 7 of container 1.

[0084] While not illustrated, it will be appreciated that clip 74 or other clamping means can be used to secure ends 70 and 72 of cover 98, in addition to cover 54. Further, in one embodiment, cover 98 includes an inclined upper surface similar to that of cover 80.

[0085] Container 1 is advantageous over the prior art for at least the following reasons:

• The wrap-around design of the container, that is, the fact that it generally circumferentially surrounds the support post of the clothesline, allows access to the container from all sides. This provides ease of use as clothes pegs will be easily accessible and easy to put away for storage. • Simplistic and attractive design. Container 1 is a single unit that can easily be installed and removed as desired.

• From a manufacturing perspective, the assembly of a single unit is simplistic and therefore cheap. Furthermore, cheaper recycled plastics can be used as material for the container.

• Frusto-conical shape is safe, as there are no sharp corners.

• The large opening provides a big target. This helps the user in that it provides easy access when both retrieving clothes pegs from the container, or returning clothes pegs to the container for storage. The big target also allows clothes pegs to be thrown into the container from greater distances without relatively skilled accuracy.

• The design and materials make the container relatively easy to clean and maintain.

• The fact that the container can generally be placed at a desired height is advantageous as a user can mount the container at a height that negates the need for bending down or reaching up for clothes pegs.

• The inclusion of the clip on the top edge is advantageous as it provides additional structural integrity to the container.

• A cover can optionally be incorporated with the container to enclose the container or seal the container from outside elements, fluids and creatures. The cover/container combination protects pegs stored in the container from exposure to can also prolong the life of pegs stored in the container. 6] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0087] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, FIG., or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0088] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0089] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

[0090] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.

However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0091 ] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[0092] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.