"A Rotary Clothesline Cover"

Introduction

This invention relates to rotary clothesline covers and, in particular, to a cover assembly for mounting above and spaced-apart from a conventional rotary clothesline of the type comprising a central support mast mounting a plurality of rotatable support arms carrying circumferentially arranged and spaced-apart clothes support lines.

Background Art

The use of rotary clotheslines for drying clothes is well known. However, as with all clotheslines which are open to and subjected to the weather, clothes and articles which are hung on the clothesline to dry may become wet and dirty if rainwater falls on them. Consequently, the user of the clothesline must stay in close proximity to the clothesline whilst articles on the clothesline dry. If the weather changes and rain begins to fall, then the user can remove the articles from the clothesline before they become wet and dirty.

Although the articles may not be fully dry, it is preferable to take the clothes indoors and allow them to dry completely inside rather than allow the rainwater to dirty the articles to the extent that the articles would require re-washing.

A solution to this problem is to use clothesline covers. These covers come in various different forms. The common feature throughout is that the covers will act to protect the articles on the clothesline in adverse weather conditions. As the articles are protected, the user no longer needs to stay in close proximity to the clothesline whilst the articles on it dry.

A number of these clothesline covers are permanent covers. Whilst these permanent covers do protect the articles on the clothesline from adverse weather, they also prohibit the articles from being in direct sunlight. As a result, the articles do not receive direct sunlight and take longer to dry. The permanent covers also inhibit the

natural convection of warm air through the articles hanging on the clothesline that is one of the most important aspects to drying the clothes quickly. Articles, and in particular, garments and clothes which do not dry quickly become musty and odorous. It is important that articles drying on clotheslines dry quickly to avoid this unwanted effect, and therefore it is important that the clothesline is free from unnecessary coverings.

It is also known to use an automatically opening covers. These automatically opening covers do not suffer from the problem that the articles are blocked from being in direct sunlight, nor do the covers have to remain permanently open. Thus, the articles may benefit from the warm air convection to dry quickly. Advantageously, these covers will open in rainy weather to protect the articles on the clothesline from becoming wet. The user does not have to stay in close proximity to the clothesline. This will allow the user to perform other tasks which may be remotely located from the clothesline.

The articles on the clothesline can receive the full power of the sun's rays and have increased exposure to air circulation, whilst also being protected from any adverse weather, via the automatically opening cover.

However, these automatic opening covers suffer from a problem. The cover device is susceptible to strong winds, and can cause damage to the rotary clothesline in stormy wind conditions. Due to the fact that the cover may act similar to a sail in windy conditions, the cover will forcibly act on the rotary clothesline. In an effort to avoid causing any damage to the cover device or to the clothesline itself in stormy winds, the cover should ideally have a low profile to the prevailing wind currents.

In the deployed position, it is difficult for the cover to present a low profile and to protect the clothesline from adverse weather at the same time. More can be done when the cover device is in the retracted, undeployed position, as the canopy of the cover can be folded and compacted so that it presents as small as possible a surface area to the wind currents. This reduction in windage is a much sough after effect.

It is known from UK Patent Application GB 2 423 702 (CONRAD CHARLES SALT) to provide a rotary clothesline encompassing an umbrella-shaped cover. The umbrella- shaped cover is housed within the central upright mast of the rotary clothesline in its

retracted state. A rain sensor is attached to the exterior of the bespoke clothesline frame. Upon detecting rain, a signal is sent from the weather detector to a mechanical assembly in the clothesline. The umbrella-shaped cover is mechanically raised from within the central upright mast of the rotary clothesline. The entire umbrella-shaped cover structure must be completely lifted clear of the topmost part of the upright mast of the rotary clothesline before the umbrella-shaped cover can be deployed. The umbrella-shaped cover is opened to its fully deployed state and subsequently, the cover is lowered over the articles and support clotheslines on the rotary clothesline. This solution has the disadvantage that the umbrella-shaped cover structure must be housed in the rotary clothesline. As acknowledged in the patent application, this means that conventional rotary clotheslines would not be able to accommodate the cover. Additionally, the mechanical requirements to lift, open and then lower the umbrella-shaped cover are relatively high.

German Patent Application DE 101 62 098 (ROLAND FRANKE) discloses a similar solution. A cover assembly comprises a canopy and supporting framework. The cover is housed within the central upright mast of the rotary clothesline whilst the cover assembly is in its retracted position. A rain detection unit is mounted on the rotary clothesline cover and the rain sensor controls the deployment of the cover assembly from its housed state. Upon signal from a rain sensor, the canopy is raised from the central upright mast and the supporting framework is fully opened to extend the canopy and to cover any articles hanging on the clothesline.

Similar to GB 2 423 702, DE 101 62 098 has the problem that the clothesline which is used in conjunction with the cover is bespoke. The central mast of the clothesline needs to be considerably larger in cross sectional area than a mast of a conventional rotary clothesline. This is necessary as the cover must fit within the mast when the cover is in the retracted state. This will protect the retracted cover from cross winds.

However, the manufacturing expense of constructing such bespoke clotheslines is greater than construct a conventional clothesline that requires a smaller mast and hence less manufacturing materials. Additionally, the cover is mechanically laborious to raise, open and lower into the deployed position.

The goal of the present invention is to solve at least one of the previously mentioned problems. In particular, it is a goal of the present invention to provide for an

automatically deploying rotary clothesline cover that can be deployed in response to a rain sensor. The clothesline cover should be relatively simple to deploy in a mechanical manner and the clothesline cover should present a relatively low profile to prevailing crosswinds.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention a cover assembly for mounting above and spaced-apart from a conventional rotary clothesline of the type comprising a central support mast mounting a plurality of rotatable support ribs carrying circumferentially arranged and spaced-apart clothes support lines; the cover assembly comprising a canopy having flexible material mounted on a framework, the canopy having an extended clothes line covering state and a retracted state, wherein, the cover assembly further comprises a weather condition sensor for rain detection and an associated mechanism for moving the canopy between the extended and retracted states, and whereby in the retracted state, the canopy lies above a portion of the support ribs of the rotary clothesline and adjacent the central support mast.

This is advantageous because the retracted cover is less susceptible to damage due to stormy winds, as there is a smaller surface area presented to the wind currents. Therefore, the winds are less likely to damage the cover framework, or indeed the rotary clothesline to which the cover is abutted. The cover may be abutted to any conventional rotary clotheslines, as the cover is retracted into a position which is located above the central hub of the rotary clothesline whilst still providing the reduced risk of damage by stormy winds which up to now has only been possible by using non- conventional rotary clotheslines.

In a further embodiment, the framework comprises a central hub carrying a plurality of radially extending articulated arms, each arm having one or more hinges defining an inner section and one or more outer sections, and whereby in the retracted position, each arm is folded so that the one or more outer sections lie on the inner section of the arm.

In another embodiment, the framework comprises a central hub carrying a plurality of radially extending telescopic arms, each arm having an inner section and one or

more outer sections, and whereby in the retracted position, each arm retracts so that the one or more outer sections nest within the inner section.

In yet a further embodiment, a strut is pivotally mounted on the inner section of each arm and the free end of the strut has connection means for releasably engaging one of the ribs of the rotary clothesline.

In still a further embodiment, a strut is pivotally mounted on the inner section of each arm and its free end has connection means for releasably engaging the central support mast of the rotary clothesline.

In yet another embodiment, a central stub shaft carries the central hub of the framework and the central stub shaft has connection means to mount the central stub shaft in-line with and atop the central support mast of the rotary clothesline.

In a further embodiment, a flexible connector is connected between the or one of the outer sections of an arm and an outermost edge of the canopy, intermediate the free ends of adjacent arms.

Preferably, a protective skirt depends from the outermost edge of the canopy.

Advantageously, the skirt is raised towards the outermost edge of the canopy during retraction of the canopy.

In another embodiment, the framework is biased towards the extended state and is retracted by retraction cords.

In still a further embodiment, the framework is retained in the retracted state by a latch and keeper assembly releasable by an actuator controlled by the weather condition sensor.

In yet another embodiment, the framework further comprises a trigger for releasing the latch from the keeper; and, the actuator activates the trigger upon reception of a signal from the weather condition sensor.

Preferably, the retraction cords are connected to a rotary winch.

Advantageously, the rotary winch is motorised.

In another embodiment, the weather condition sensor further comprises a wind detection means to retain the canopy in the retracted state when the wind exceeds a predetermined speed.

A further invention is directed towards a rotary clothesline incorporating a cover assembly.

In a further embodiment, the cover assembly is mounted on the central support mast of the rotary clothesline.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a rotary clothesline cover having an in-use, extended state and a retracted state, whereby the cover is deployed from between the states in response to a signal from a weather sensor, characterised in that, the cover is retracted into a folded state providing minimal wind resistance.

In a further aspect of the invention, the rotary clothesline cover comprises a framework and canopy; the framework comprises an upper portion and a lower portion; the upper portion comprises a central hub abutted to one or more radially protruding three part arms, hinged intermediate their ends; the arms may be extended and retracted in their radial direction to extend and retract the canopy respectively; the lower portion comprises one or more support legs; each support leg having one free end abutted to an arm, and the other free end abutted to the rotary clothesline frame such as to mount the cover atop the conventional rotary clothesline.

In a further aspect of the invention, the canopy is abutted to the upper portion at abutments points; the retraction means comprises at least one retraction cord, having one free end connected to the framework, and the other free end connected to a point on the outmost edge of the canopy, such that, in the retracted state, the outer most edges of the canopy are retracted substantially close to the central hob so that the cover presents a small surface area to wind currents.

In a further aspect of the invention, each arm is extended by opening means abutted to that arm.

In a further aspect of the invention, the opening means is a spring.

In a further aspect of the invention, the opening means is an electric motor.

In a further aspect of the invention, the opening means is a hydraulically-driven opening means.

In a further aspect of the invention, the opening means is a pneumatically-driven opening means.

In a further aspect of the invention, the weather sensor is a rain detector.

In a further aspect of the invention, the weather sensor is an atmospheric pressure sensor.

In a further aspect of the invention, the weather sensor comprises a wind strength detector such that, under predetermined conditions, the wind strength detector prohibits the operation of the opening means.

In a further aspect of the invention, each arm further comprises a latch device; the central hub further comprises a corresponding keeper for each latch device, whereby each latch device in combination with the corresponding keeper retains the arm in the retracted, collapsed position; a trigger for releasing said latches from said keepers; and, an actuator suitable for activating said trigger upon receiving the signal from the weather sensor.

In a further aspect of the invention, each arm comprises a cord having one free end abutted to the arm and the other free end abutted; the cord runs through a friction holding mechanism which is used in conjunction with the cord to retain the arm in the retracted, collapsed position; a trigger for releasing the cord from the friction holding mechanism; and an actuator suitable for activating said trigger upon receiving the

signal from the weather sensor.

In a further aspect of the invention, the cover is suitable to be abutted atop a conventional three sided rotary clothesline.

In a further aspect of the invention, the cover is suitable to be abutted atop a conventional four sided rotary clothesline.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be more clearly understood by the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which many common features which are well known as forming part of rotary clotheslines and automatically deploying covers have been omitted to facilitate the understanding of the present invention. Referring to the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the cover assembly according to the present invention, mounted atop a rotary clothesline with the arms in the extended position;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the framework of the cover assembly according to the present invention, mounted atop a rotary clothesline with the arms in the extended position;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the cover assembly according to the present invention, mounted atop a rotary clothesline with the arms in the retracted position;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the framework of the cover assembly according to the present invention, mounted atop a rotary clothesline with the arms in the retracted position;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the framework of the cover assembly of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view a framework of a further embodiment of the cover assembly;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the framework of the cover assembly of the present invention, mounted atop a rotary clothesline with the arms in the extended position;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the framework of the cover assembly of the present invention, mounted atop a rotary clothesline with the arms in the extended position;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the framework of the cover assembly of the present invention with the arms in the extended position;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the framework of the cover assembly of the present invention, mounted atop a rotary clothesline with the arms in the extended position;

Fig. 11 is a side view of a portion of an arm of Figs. 1-10;

Fig. 12 is a side view of a further embodiment of a portion of an arm of the present invention; and,

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of abutment means used to mount the cover assembly of the present invention on a conventional rotary clothesline.

Details of Embodiments

With reference to Fig. 1, there is provided a cover assembly indicated generally by reference numeral 100. The cover assembly 100 is mounted atop a rotary clothesline indicated generally by reference numeral 102. The rotary clothesline 102 comprises a central support mast 104 and a plurality of rotatable support ribs 106 which carry a plurality of circumferentially arranged and spaced apart clothes support lines 108. The cover assembly 100 comprises a canopy 110 and a framework 112. The canopy 110 further comprises a protective skirt 116 which depends from the outermost edge of the

canopy 110. The protective skirt 116 is shown to extend a small distance from the outermost edge of the canopy 110, however it will be readily appreciated that the protective skirt 116 may be considerably longer than as shown in the accompanying drawings, and a cord (not shown) may be used to raise the protective skirt 116, similar to the manner in which a Venetian blind is raised, in order to compact the canopy 110 as much as possible when the cover assembly 100 is retracted into a retracted folded state. A flexible connector 114 also forms part of the canopy 110. The flexible connector 114 is connected between the framework 112 and the outermost edge of the canopy 110. The flexible connector 114 is used during the retraction of the cover assembly 100 to assist with folding the canopy 110 in an efficient and compact manner. The flexible connector 114 may comprise cord, flexible plastic tubing or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the flexible connector 114 may be connected at one free end to the framework 112. The connector 114 extends to the outermost edge of the canopy 110 where the connector 114 is looped through a hole in the canopy 110. The connector 114 then runs along the outermost edge underneath the canopy 110 before being looped back up through a second hole which is also located at the outermost edge of the canopy 110. The connector 114 then continues along the top of the canopy 110 to be connected back onto the framework 112.

With reference to Fig. 2 wherein like parts have been allocated the same reference numerals, there is provided the framework 112 of the cover assembly 100. The framework 112 comprises a central hub 204 upon which three radially extended articulated arms 206 are mounted. As can be seen in this embodiment, the three radially extended arms 206 are spaced equidistant from one another about the circumference of the central hub 204. In other embodiments (not shown), the arms do not have to be equidistant from each another. The arms 206 are multi-sectioned and the sections are hinged together intermediate the ends of the arms 206 at hinges 208. Turning briefly to Fig. 11 , it is shown that an arm 206 comprises an inner section 1102 which is hinged to two outer sections 1104 at hinges 208. One of the outer sections 1104 may comprise a parallel link mechanism to transposably rotate the outermost outer section 1104 to lie substantially adjacent the inner section 1002 in a folded retracted state of the arm 206. Returning to Fig. 2, a weather condition sensor 200 is shown connected to the framework 112. The weather condition sensor 200 is connected to a mechanism 202 that is used to trigger the deployment of the cover assembly 200 in rainy conditions which are detected by the weather condition sensor

200.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the cover assembly 100 is shown in the retracted folded state. Articles (not shown) are placed on the clothes support lines 208 of the rotary clothesline 102. If the weather condition sensor 200 detects adverse weather such as rain the weather condition sensor 200 sends a signal to deploy the cover assembly 100 into an extended state as is shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

In a further embodiment, the weather condition sensor 200 may in addition to a rain detector also comprise other weather detectors such as atmospheric pressure detectors, wind strength detectors and the like. In a further embodiment, the weather condition sensor 200 may take account of the other prevailing weather before sending a signal to deploy the cover assembly 100 into the extended state. For example, in high winds it may be preferable to retain the cover assembly 100 in a retracted state in which the cover assembly 100 has a lower profile to the prevailing high winds rather than extend the cover assembly 100 and risk damaging the cover assembly 100 and/or the rotary clothesline 102.

With reference to Fig. 5, each arm 206 is retained in the retracted state by latches 502 and corresponding keepers 504. An actuator 506 receives a signal (not shown) from the weather condition sensor 200 to move the cover assembly 100 from the retracted state into the extended state. The actuator 506 acts to raise a trigger 508 that in turn pushes release tabs of each latch 502 and frees each arm 206 from the restraint of the latch 502 and keeper 504 assembly. Each arm 206 is biased towards the extended state by a biasing means that is shown to be a spring 510 in Fig. 5. It will be understood that in other embodiments the biasing means may be replaced by a motorised opening means that acts to extend or retract the arms 206 in response to a signal from the weather condition sensor 200. Alternatively, the biasing means may also comprise a hydraulically-driven opening means or a pneumatically-driven opening means. One or more struts 500 are pivotally connected to each arm 206 and the free end of each strut comprises a connector to mount the cover assembly 100 on a rotary clothesline 102. Turning briefly to Fig. 13, there is provided a U-shaped bolt 1302 which is used to mount a strut 500 on an rib 106 of the rotary clothesline 102. Tightening nuts 1306 secure a mounting plate 1304 to the rib 106. In a further embodiment, retraction cords 512 are used to manually retract the arms 206. For each

arm 206, a retraction cord 512 is connected intermediate the latch 502 on that arm 206 and passes through the central hub 204. The retraction cords 512 from each arm 206 are joined to form a single retraction cord 512 that hangs downwardly from the central hub 204 and is used to retract the arms 206. In a further embodiment not shown, a foot-engaging loop (not shown) may be connected to the lowermost end of the retraction cord 512 to allow a user to pull on the retraction cord 512 by placing one of their feet into the foot engaging loop and using their weight rather than having to pull on the retraction cord 512 by hand.

The operation of the cover assembly 100 will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 - 5.

Beginning with the cover assembly 100 in the extended position, as shown in Fig. 1, each of the arms 206 are in the extended position and the canopy 110 covers the rotary clothesline 102. Each of the arms 206 may be retracted into the folded, collapsed, retracted position as is seen in Fig. 3 by a retraction cord 512 connected to each of the latches 502 and arranged via a pulley system (not shown) carried on the central hub 204. In a further embodiment, the retraction cord 512 connected to each arm 206 is used to maintain each arm 206 in the retracted position using a friction holding means (not shown). This retraction cord 512 may be used in conjunction with the friction holding means in place of the latch 502 and keeper 504 assembly for maintaining each arm 206 in its folded, collapsed, retracted state. Alternatively, in a further embodiment, the cover assembly 100 can be retracted using non-manual means such as an electric motor, or another suitable such device. This non-manual means may be activated remotely via a wired or wireless connection. In a further embodiment, this non-manual means may be activated non-remotely via a switch or button, or suitable such device.

When the cover assembly 100 is retracted, the flexible connectors 114 cause the canopy 110 to be compactly retracted towards the central hub 204. This enforced retraction of the canopy 110 causes as small a surface area as possible to be presented to any wind currents. The compacting of the canopy 110 is further achieved by the folding mechanism of the arms 206.

With particular reference to Fig. 4, it can be seen that the arms 206 fold back onto

themselves along the radial direction in which they extend. The compact manner of this fold further causes the canopy 110 to be forced into a retracted folded state. Referring briefly to Fig. 11 , in this embodiment one of the outer sections 1104 of the arms 206 comprises of two parallel rods that form a parallel link mechanism. As discussed previously, the manner in which these two parallel rods are hinged between the inner section 1102 and the other outer section 1104 of the rib 12 cause the hinged connection between the outer sections 1104 to be extended when the hinged connection between the inner section 1102 and the outer section 1104 is extended by the spring biasing means 510.

Returning to Fig. 5, latches 502 attached to each arm 206 are used in conjunction with the corresponding keeper 504 to retain the arm 206 in the retracted position, even when it is under the tension of the spring 510. In further embodiments, the keepers may be mounted on the arms 206 and the latches 502 may be mounted on the central hub 204.

Upon indication from the weather condition sensor 200, the actuator 506 is activated. The actuator 506 may be a solenoid, a servo-motor, a pneumatic arrangement, or a hydraulic arrangement, or any other well known means of actuation. It is also important to note that the weather condition sensor 200 may be battery powered, or alternatively solar-powered, or may use any other well known means of power generation. In the embodiment of Figs. 1 - 5, the weather condition sensor is a battery powered rain detector, and the actuator 506 is a solenoid.

The use of a solenoid, or other such device, means that only a short burst of energy is needed to project the trigger 508 toward the release tabs of the latches 502. This is a further advantage of this embodiment over the prior art, which has a far more mechanically complicated and energy consuming opening mechanism. The upward movement of the release tabs causes the latches 502 to be released from the keepers 504 and, thus, the spring 510 may extend the hinged connection between the inner section of the arm 206 and the adjacent outer section of the arm 206. This extension of the hinged connection between the inner section of the arm 206 and the outer section of the arm 206 causes the hinged connection between the two outer sections of the arm 206 to be extended also. Each of the arms 206 are then radially extended outward from the central hub 204 and the canopy 110 is unfurled and deployed over

the rotary clothesline 102.

The canopy 110 is connected to the arms 206 continuously or intermittently along the length of the arms 206. The connection may be achieved using releasable means such as hook and eye tape, trademark under the name of Velcro or releasable brackets. The use of a releasable connection is advantageous as, under high winds, the canopy 110 will be ripped from the framework 112 of the rotary clothesline cover 100, and thus will not cause the rotary clothesline framework 112 or the conventional rotary clothesline 102 to become damaged.

Referring to Fig. 6, there is provided a four-armed framework indicated generally by reference numeral 600. This shows a rotary clothesline cover 1 that is suitable for mounting atop a conventional four-sided rotary clothesline. This differs from the embodiment as shown in Figs. 1-5, which was suitable for mounting atop a conventional three-sided rotary clothesline. The components of the four-armed framework 600 and their operation, are the same as has been described for Figs. 1-5 and therefore the description of same will not be repeated.

Referring to Fig. 7, additional struts 500 have been added to increase the stability of the cover assembly 100 in high winds. The additional struts 500 are pivotally mounted on each arm 206 and have connection means to connect to the central support mast 104 of the rotary clothesline 102. The struts 500 may be clamped to the central support mast 104 of the rotary clothesline 102.

Referring to Fig. 8, it is shown that the struts 500 do not connect to the ribs 106 of the rotary clothesline 102 at all. The struts 500 are connected solely to and directly to the central support mast 104 of the rotary clothesline 102. In addition, the retraction cord 512 is wound on to a manually operated winch 800 to retract the arms 206. Naturally, this winch 800 could contain a gearing mechanism to facilitate easier retraction of the arms 206 against the spring bias 510. Alternatively, in a further embodiment not shown, the retraction cord 512 is wound around a motorised winch that may be remotely operated by wired or wireless means (not shown).

With reference to Fig. 9, a central stub shaft 900 extends downwardly from the central hub 204. The central stub shaft 900 may have a stepped lowermost end to facilitate

fitting the central stub shaft 900 onto a central support mast 104 of a rotary clothesline 102. Struts 500 have also been shown in Fig. 9, however it will be appreciated that the central stub shaft 900 may be used in isolation to mount the cover assembly 100 on a rotary clothesline 102. In a further embodiment (not shown), the lowermost end of the central stub shaft 900 may be wedge-shaped to enable a portion of the central stub shaft 900 to be force fit within the central support mast 106 of the rotary clothesline 102. Thus, the cover assembly 100 is retrofitted and mounted atop a conventional rotary clothesline 102. The framework also comprises arms 206 having retraction cords 512 attached thereto to facilitate movement of the cover assembly 100 into the retracted state.

Referring to Fig. 10, an integrated cover assembly and rotary clothesline is indicated generally by reference numeral 1000. The central support mast 104 of the rotary clothesline 102 extends upwardly to abut to the central hub 204 of the cover assembly 100. In this mode of employment, the cover assembly 100 is not retrofit onto an existing clothesline. Rather the cover assembly and rotary clothesline is manufactured as an integrated complete assembly 1000.

Referring to Fig. 12, there is provided a telescopic arm 1200 that comprises an inner section 1102 and outer sections 1104. The telescopic arm 1200 may be used in place of the articulated arm 206. The telescopic arm may be spring loaded to be biased towards the extended state and a retraction cord (not shown) may be fitted within the arm 1200 to allow a user to retract the telescopic arm 1200 by pulling on the retraction cord.

The framework 112 may preferably be fabricated from any suitable metal, such as aluminium or sheet metal or, indeed, any other suitable materials. The canopy 110 may preferably be fabricated from a water resistant plastic, or finely meshed material, or indeed any suitable water resistant material.

In a further embodiment, the cover assembly may be fitted with a wind vane to rotate the cover assembly into the direction of the wind. The cover assembly may form a substantially wedge shaped cross section in the retracted state so that when the cover assembly is rotated into the wind, the wedge shaped retracted form of the cover assembly is also pointing towards the direction of the wind. In this manner, the

potentially damaging effects of a prevailing wind can be mitigated by shaping the retracted form of the cover assembly into a suitable shape, such as a wedge.

In another embodiment (not shown), it is also envisaged that the arms of the cover assembly may be rigid and act as guide rails for a canopy to be extended and retracted by pulling the canopy along the guide rails using cords.

In the above, embodiment, where manual techniques have been described to extended or retract elements of the cover assembly, it will be appreciated that motorised components may be used in place of the manual means.

In the specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" or any variation thereof and the terms "include, includes, included and including" or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widest possible interpretation and vice versa.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described, but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.