GB2498585A - Waterproof cover for outdoor rotary dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

A waterproof cover for drying devices 704, particularly rotary clothes drying devices. The cover comprises at least a top sheet 702 and a plurality of side sheets 726 which may be connected together via fixing means 718. The top sheet is laid over the arms 714 and interlinking members 710, 711 of a conventional rotary dryer. The fixing means 718 simultaneously connect the sheets 702 and 726 to form the cover, and connect the cover to the drying device 704. A central aperture may be provided in the top sheet and may comprise inner side sheets, in order to provide a drainage hole. Further provided is a kit of parts for assembling the cover, and a drying device comprising the cover.

Description

R COVER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cover for an outdoor clothes drying device.

Background to the Invention

When clothes are washed they are often hung outside upon clothes drying devices to dry. The clothes drying devices typically comprise a central support post with radial arms, usually three or four thereof, typically extending from an upper part of the post. Members, which may be lines or bars, for holding the clothes to be dried are strung between the radial arms.

Tt is well known in the art to provide waterproof coverings for such clothes drying devices in order to allow protection of clothes during adverse weather conditions. This has the advantage that the clothes do not have to be brought inside during adverse weather, and may still be dried outside regardless of the weather. It also has the advantage that the user can leave the clothes drying outside without the need to supervise the washing in case the weather changes.

Currently, covers for such clothes drying devices generally consist of a top sheet and a varying number of side sheets of plastic waterproof material connected together to form a shaped cover which is able to fit over the drying device. Once positioned upon the drying device, the cover generally provides a protective canopy with an area underneath where the clothes are affixed to the lines, bars or rails of the drying device.

The side portions generally hang vertically downwards to protect the clothes from substantially inclement weather fronts e.g. rain and wind in combination.

Some covers known in the art further disclose the use of a central hole in the top sheet of the cover; the central hole allows air to circulate through the middle of the cover to aerate the clothing and also allows rain water to drain away.

Although such covers solve the problem of drying clothing outside in adverse weather, the covers are often difficult to assemble and affix to the clothes drying device, reducing their usability in scenarios where a guick response to weather is needed. The fixing means also tends to be inadequate to fix the cover to the drying device securely such that it will not fall off or be removed by the wind. Many of the covers that do provide a fixing means reguire multiple steps to be taken to affix the top sheet to the side sheets and to members of the drying device itself.

Furthermore, although some known covers may comprise a central hole in the top sheet, these are often rudimentary and lack any structure to direct the water, allowing the clothes beneath to become wet.

Tt is therefore an object of the present invention to address the abovementioned problems of the covers of the prior art and provide a cover for a clothes drying device which is much improved.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover for a drying device, the cover comprising sheets connected by fixing means, wherein the fixing means is adapted to connect the sheets together to form the cover, and to fix the cover to the drying device.

Preferably the cover is for a drying device for drying clothes.

Said drying device for drying clothes is preferably of the rotary type, wherein the rotary drying device comprises several arms with a number of members for hanging washing held taught between the arms. The members may be any thin elongate protrusion capable of hanging clothes from, such as bars or lines. More preferably the cover is for a rotary drying device with 3 or 4 arms forming a substantially triangular or square 5haped drying device.

The cover may comprise several sheets connected together by fixing means. Preferably the cover comprises at least a top sheet. Preferably the cover comprises a top sheet and several 5ide sheets, wherein the 3ide sheets are adapted to hang from the top sheet, and wherein the number of side sheets is determined by the shape of the drying device. Preferably the side sheets attach to an edge portion of the top sheet. Most preferably the cover comprises a top sheet and four side sheets for a square shaped drying device, and a top sheet and three side sheets for a triangular shaped drying device.

Alternatively, the cover may comprise a single top sheet and a single outer side sheet.

Preferably the top sheet of the cover is sized such that it at least covers the drying device up to a perimeter of the outermost member of the drying device. More preferably, the top sheet of the cover is sized such that it overlaps the perimeter of the outermost member of the drying device leaving an overhang of material. Still more preferably, the top sheet of the cover is sized such that it overlaps the perimeter of the outermost member of the drying device leaving an overhang of between 5 and 20cm of material. Lost preferably, the top sheet of the cover is sized such that it overlaps the perimeter of the outermost member of the drying device leaving an overhang of approximately 10cm of material.

Preferably, the outer side sheets of the cover are sized such that they have a width which substantially matches that of the length of an outer edge of the top sheet of the cover. rherein, preferably, said length of one outer edge of the top sheet of the cover is substantially equivalent to the distance from an outer end of one arm to an outer end of another arm of the drying device.

Tn an alternative embodiment where the cover comprises only a single outer side sheet, preferably said outer side sheet is sized such that it has a width which substantially corresponds to the distance around an outer perimeter of the top sheet of the cover.

Preferably, the outer side sheets of the cover are sized such that they have a length which is at least half the height of a total height of the drying device. More preferably, the outer side sheets of the cover are sized such that they have a length which substantially overlies any item of clothing which may be hung on the clothes drying device beneath the cover.

Preferably the sheets of the cover are formed from any suitable plastic material, such as, but not limited to; polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, polytetraphalate, polyester, polacrylates, polyamides, etc. Alternatively, the sheets may also be formed of a recycled plastic material. More preferably the top sheet of the cover is formed from polyethylene and the side sheets are formed from polyvinylchloride. Most preferably, the top sheet of the cover is formed from reinforced polyethylene such as produced by the company Monarflex.

Alternatively, both the top and the side sheets may be formed from the same material. Preferably both the top and the side sheets are formed from reinforced polyethylene such produced by the company Monarflex.

Preferably the sheets of the cover are formed from a plastic material of between 150 and 400 microns thick. More preferably, the top sheet of the cover is 250 micron thick and the side sheets are 200 micron thick.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the top sheet of the cover is 250 micron thick polyethylene and the side sheets are micron thick polyvinylchloride.

Preferably the sheets of the cover are substantially waterproof.

The plastic material used for the sheets of the cover may be any colour. In one embodiment the plastic used is transparent to allow viewing of the clothes on the drying device and to prevent any obstruction of view. In another embodiment the plastic used is a dark colour to allow heat to build up inside the enclosure formed by the cover and aid evaporation of water from the drying clothes.

The cover may further comprise a central opening. Preferably said central opening is positioned substantially in the centre of the top sheet of the cover thereby defining an inner perimeter of the top sheet. The central opening may be any shape, but preferably it is substantially the same shape as the outer perimeter of the top sheet of the cover, such that, for example, a square shaped top sheet will have a square shaped central opening. Preferably the central opening is sized such that, at most, it matches the perimeter of the innermost member of the clothes drying device.

Preferably, in an embodiment where the cover comprises a central opening, the top sheet is angled to provide an inclination from the outer perimeter towards the central opening. More preferably, the top sheet is supported by the top surface of the drying device which is inclined towards the central opening. Advantageously, such an inclination of the top sheet allows rainwater to drain more freely from the top sheet into the central opening. Furthermore, such an inclination of the top sheet allows the top sheet to sit substantially in contact with the top surface of the drying device thereby preventing any wind from generating lift beneath the cover.

Preferably, in an embodiment where the cover comprises a central opening, it may also comprises inner side sheets.

Preferably, the inner side sheets are positioned such that they may hang from the central opening, and therefore hang opposite the outer side sheets described above.

Preferably the inner side sheets are sized such that they have a width which substantially corresponds to the length of an inner edge of an inner perimeter of the top sheet of the cover.

Alternatively, the cover may comprise only a single inner side sheet, preferably said inner side sheet is sized such that it has a width which corresponds to the distance around an inner perimeter of the top sheet of the cover.

Preferably the inner side sheets are sized such that they have a length as defined for the outer side sheets above i.e. a length which is at least half the height of a total height of the drying device. Most preferably the inner side sheets and the outer side sheets are of a substantially equal length.

Preferably, in an embodiment where the cover comprises a central opening and inner side sheets, the top sheet of the cover is sized such that it at least covers the drying device up to a perimeter of the outermost and innermost members of the drying device. More preferably, the top sheet of the cover is sized such that it overlaps the perimeter of the outermost and innermost members of the drying device leaving an overhang of material. Still more preferably, the top sheet of the cover is sized such that it overlaps the perimeter of the outermost and innermost members of the drying device leaving an overhang of between 5 and 20cm of material. Most preferably, the top sheet of the cover is sized such that it overlaps the perimeter of the outermost and innermost members of the drying device leaving an overhang of approximately 10cm of material.

It is of course envisaged that the cover may comprise only a central opening without any inner side sheets present.

Advantageously the central opening allows air to distribute more evenly beneath the clothes drier device but also allows the drainage of rainwater which falls on the top of the cover.

Furthermore, the central opening in combination with the inner side sheets act as a funnel channeling the water that falls through the central opening past the clothes hanging on the inner lines of the drier to the ground below. This allows the water to be drained yet protects the clothes beneath from any run off.

The cover comprises fixing means. Preferably said fixing means may be any suitable means of connection, or a mixture of any such means, such as, but not limited to; studs, ties, poppers, loops, hook and pile, clips etc. Preferably the fixing means comprise male and female mating parts. Preferably the fixing means are stackable. More preferably the fixing means are poppers with male and female mating parts. Most preferably the poppers are stackable such that more than one popper may be connected to another popper.

Preferably the fixing means are positioned upon the sheets of the cover. More preferably, the fixing means are positioned upon the sheets of the cover at equal intervals. Still more preferably, the fixing means are positioned at equal intervals upon edge regions of the sheets of the cover, such that the sheets may be connected via the fixing means to form the cover.

Preferably the fixing means are positioned upon the sheets at equal intervals of between 5 and 25cm apart around the edge regions of the sheets of the cover. Preferably the fixing means are positioned upon the sheets between 5 to 10cm away from the edge regions of the sheets of the cover. More preferably, the fixing means are positioned at, preferably, equal intervals around the edge regions of the top sheet, and preferably the top edge region5 and preferably the side edge region5 of any side sheets.

Preferably, the fixing means are arranged such that they are able to interconnect. More preferably, the fixing means are arranged 5uch that corresponding male and female parts of the fixing means are aligned upon the edge regions of the sheets to be connected. For example, the fixing means positioned upon the edge regions of the top sheet may be male parts, in which case, the fixing means present on the corresponding top of the side sheets would be female parts. Accordingly, the top sheets and the side sheets are connected by pressing the male parts such that they engage with the corresponding female parts of the fixing means.

Tn a particularly preferred embodiment, the fixing means are present upon the sheets of the cover as pairs of fixing means.

Preferably the pairs consist of a first fixing means closer to the edge region of the sheets, and a second fixing meaas at a further distance from the edge region of the sheets. Preferably the first fixing means and the second fixing means are disposed such that they are parallel with each other and with the edge regions of the sheets. Preferably the first and second fixing means are between 5 and 15cm away from each other.

Preferably, when the female and male parts of the pairs of fixing means are engaged, the top sheet is connected to the side sheets to form the cover. More preferably, when the female and male part5 of the pair5 of fixing means are engaged the top sheet is connected to the inner and outer side sheets to form the cover.

Preferably, when said cover is positioned upon the drying device, it is done so such that the side sheets sit inside the outermost and optionally the innermost members of the drying device.

Preferably, when said cover is positioned upon the drying device, it is done so such that there is an overhang of material. Preferably, said overhang of material is composed of the top sheet connected to the side sheets. Preferably said overhang of material sits over the outermost and optionally the innermost members of the drying device. Preferably said overhang of material extends such that it overhangs the perimeter of the outermost and optionally the innermost members of the drying device by between 5 and 20cm of material. Most preferably, said overhang of material extends such that it overhangs the perimeter of the outermost and optionally the innermost members of the drying device by approximately 10cm of material.

Preferably, the first fixing means of the pairs of fixing means are positioned upon the overhang of material at the outermost and optionally the innermost members of the drying device.

Preferably, the second fixing means of the pairs of fixing means are positioned upon a non-overhanging portion of the material of the cover at the outermost and optionally the innermost perimeters of the drying device.

Preferably the first fixing means are adapted to be connected to the second fixing means. Preferably the first fixing means are adapted to be connected to the second fixing means by stacking.

Preferably, the first fixing means are adapted to be connected to the second fixing means whilst encasing a member of the drying device. More preferably, the first fixing means are adapted to be connected to the second fixing means whilst encasing the outermost and optionally the innermost members of the drying device. Most preferably, the first fixing means are adapted to be connected to the second fixing means by folding the overhang of material of the cover around the outermost and optionally the innermost members of the drying device; thereby encasing said members.

Optionally, the cover of the present invention may be provided with the top and side sheets already fixed by the male and female engagement of the fixing means and ready to be placed over the drying device. Alternatively, the cover of the present invention may be provided as separate top and side sheets that the user can connect via the male and female fixing means, as described above, before placing over the drying device.

According the abovementioned particularly preferred embodiment, the overhang of material sitting over the outermost and optionally the innermost members of the drying device is folded around the outermost and optionally innermost members in order to encase said members. Preferably the first fixing means is then connected with the second fixing means such that the fixing means are stacked.

In such a position, the material of the top sheet and side sheets is already connected together at two points by engaging the male and female counterparts of the pairs of fixing means.

The cover is then positioned over the drying device to form an overhang of material as described above. Said overhang is then wrapped around members of the drying device and secondarily secured by stacking the same pair of fixing means together.

Advantageously, this allows the same first and second fixing means to connect the top and side sheets of the cover, and also to fix the cover to the drying device. Therefore, in use, the fixing means is simultaneously connecting the top and side sheets of the cover together, whilst also fixing the cover to the drying device. This allows the cover to be erected and fixed to the drying device in a much quicker and easier way than previously encountered. It also saves in cost of manufacture by using the same component fixing means to perform two functions.

Furthermore, the pairs of fixing means allow the cover to be fixed securely to the drying device in a manner such that the cover will not be removed from the drying device by any weather front.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a plurality of sheets with fixing means adapted to be assembled into a cover as defined in a first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably the kit of parts comprises at least a top sheet and a side sheet. More preferably the kit of parts comprises a top sheet and a plurality of side sheets, wherein the number of side sheets provided at least matches the number of peripheral edges of the drying device. Most preferably the kit of parts comprises a top sheet and a plurality of inner and outer side sheets, wherein the number of inner and outer side sheets at least matches the number of the peripheral edges of the drying device.

Preferably the kit of parts comprises sheets with fixing means ready-positioned within the sheets for easy connection.

Optionally, the kit of parts may comprise a further protective cover, which is preferably positioned over the drying device and cover of the present invention when the drying device is not in use. Preferably the protective cover is shaped to cover the drying device when folded. More preferably, the protective cover is an open ended cylindrical like shape for use with folded rotary drying devices described hereinabove. Preferably the protective cover is made of more durable and heavyweight materials than the cover of the present invention in order to provide protection to the cover and drying device beneath.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a drying device comprising a cover as defined in the first aspect of the present invention.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Description of the Figures

Figure la shows a plan view of one embodiment of the top sheet of the cover in a sguare configuration; Figure lb shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the top sheet of the cover in a triangular configuration; Figure 2 shows a face centered view of one embodiment of the side sheet of the cover; Figure 3 shows a cross section across the centre of one embodiment of the cover along 3-3; Figures 4a to 4c show a cross section across the edge of one embodiment of the cover along 4-4 in the process of connection; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the cover before attachment to a drying device; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the cover after attachment to a drying device.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the cover in position upon a drying device.

Figures la and lb show a plan view of the top sheet 102 of the cover of the present invention overlaid upon a drying device 104. Figure la shows a first embodiment of a square shaped top sheet 102 and figure lb shows a second embodiment of a triangular shaped top sheet 102. Figures la and lb show the top sheet 102 with outermost peripheral edges 106 and innermost peripheral edges 108. The innermost peripheral edges 108 corresponding approximately with the innermost member 110 of the drying device 104 beneath the top sheet 102 yet leaving a small overhang of material, and the outermost edges corresponding approximately with the outermost member 111 of the drying device 104 beneath the top sheet 102 yet leaving a small overhang of material. The top sheet 102 at the innermost peripheral edges 108 thereby forming a central hole 112 to allow drainage of water through the middle of the drying device 104 avoiding any of the members of the drying device 104 where clothes are hung to dry. At the corners of the central hole 112, there are slits 113 extending diagonally towards the outer corners of the top sheet 102. The slits 113 are present to allow the top sheet 102 of the cover to sit over the drying device 104 and accommodate the arms 114 of said drying device 104. Said arms 114 of the drying device 104 being enabled to extend through the slits 113 to adjoin to the central pole 116 of the drying device 104. The top sheet 102 further comprises fixing means 118 provided as pairs of fixing means 120 positioned at equal intervals around the innermost and outermost edges (106, 108) of the top sheet 102. The pairs of fixing means 120 each comprising a first fixing means 122 positioned closest to the edge of the top sheet 102, and a second fixing means 124 positioned slightly further away from the edge of the top sheet 102 in parallel with the first fixing means 122. The pairs of fixing means 120 are positioned such that when the top sheet 102 of the cover is in use upon the drying device 104 that the first fixing means 122 is positioned upon a portion of the top sheet 102 overhanging the outermost and innermost members (110,111) of the drying device 104. The second fixing means 124 is positioned upon a portion of the top sheet 102 not overhanging the outermost or innermost members (110,111).

Figure 2 shows a face centered view of a side sheet 226 of the cover of the present invention. The side sheet 226 comprises fixing means 218 positioned at egual intervals down the side edges 228. The fixing means 218 along the side edges 228 are provided for ready connection to other fixing means 218 positioned on the side edges 228 of adjacent side sheets 226.

Fixing means 218 are also present at equal intervals along the top edge 230 of the side sheet 226. The fixing means 218 along the top edge 230 of the side sheet 226 are provided for ready connection to the first and second fixing means (222, 224) of the top sheet 202. The fixing means 218 allow the side sheet 226 to be connected to the top sheet 202 and other side sheets 226 to form the cover of the present invention before placing over the drying device (not shown) Figure 3 shows a cross section across the centre of the cover along line 3-3 indicated in Figures la and lb as it is positioned on the members 332 of the drying device. The cross section shows the top sheet 302 connected to the side sheets 326 wherein the side sheets 326 include the inner side sheets 334 and the outer side sheets 336. The top sheet 302 rests upon the members 332 of the drying device 304 providing an inclination towards the central hole 312 of the cover. The inner side sheets 334 and the outer side sheets 336 are connected by both the first and second fixing means (322, 324) to the top sheet 302. The connected portion of the top sheet 302 and the side sheets 326 rests on the innermost and outermost members (310, 311) of the drying device 304 providing an overhanging portion 338. Upon the overhanging portion 338 is located the first fixing means 322 of the pairs of fixing means 320 and upon the non-overhanging portion is located the second fixing means 324 of the pair of fixing means 320. The inner side sheets 334 hang within the innermost member 310 of the drying device and the outer side sheets 336 hang within the outermost member 311 of the drying device 304 to enable the overhanging portion 338 to rest upon the innermost and outermost members (310, 311) . The inner and outer side sheets (334, 336) are shown with an indefinite length indicated by the dashed lines. The length of the inner and outer side sheets (334, 336) are preferably at least half the total height of the drying device such that the cover will overlie any clothes that may be hung on the drying device beneath it.

Figures 4a to 4c show a progression of how the cover of the present invention should be assembled and connected to the drying device whilst using the same fixing means 418 to simultaneously attach the top sheet 402 to the side sheets 426 and the cover to the drying device. Figure 4a shows the top sheet 402 unconnected to the side sheet 426 which may be an inner or an outer side sheet (434, 436) . The top sheet 402 comprises the male half 440 of both the first and second fixing means (422, 424) and the side sheet 426 comprises the female half 442 of both the first and second fixing means (422,424) In one alternative embodiment the female and the male halves (442, 440) may he reversed. In another alternative embodiment the first and second fixing means may be provided preccnnected or as a single piece, with no male or female connection, extending through both the top sheet and the side sheet at the stage shown in figure 4b. Figure 4b shows the top sheet 402 and the side sheets 426 connected together to form the cover of the present invention. This connection has occurred by the male halves 440 of the first and second fixing means (422, 424) having been pressed into the female half 442 of the first and second fixing means (422, 424) such that the male half 440 sits inside the female half 442 in a friction fit. Once The top sheet 402 and the side sheets 426 are connected, the cover can be positioned as shown with the side sheets 426 hanging within the outermost and optionally the innermost members (411, 410) of the drying devioe leaving an overhanging portion 438 resting on the outermost and optionally the innermost members (411, 410) . The first fixing means 422 of the pair of fixing means 420 is positioned upon the overhanging portion 438 and the second fixing means 424 is positioned upon a non-overhanging portion of the cover. Figure 4c shows the final stage of attachment of the cover to the drying device. The overhanging portion 438 of the cover containing the first fixing means 422 is wrapped around the outermost and optionally the innermost members (411, 410) of the drying device and connected to the second fixing means 424 by stacking. The first fixing means 422 stacks onto the second fixing means 424 by a friction fit. In the embodiment shown, the second fixing means 424 comprises a male section 444 which fits into a female section 446 of the first fixing means 422 to stack the fixing means together. By wrapping the overhanging portion 438 of the cover around the outermost and optionally the innermost members (411, 410) of the drying device the outermost and optionally the innermost members (411, 410) are encased within the cover providing a secure attachment to the drying device.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the same stage of attachment as shown in the cross section of figure 4b. The cover is shown with the top sheet 502 already connected to the side sheets 526 and positioned in place over the drying device.

The side sheet 526 which may be the inner or the outer side sheet (534, 536) is shown hanging within the innermost/outermost member (510, 511) of the drying device. The overhanging portion 538 of the cover is shown overhanging the innermost/outermost member (510, 511) of the drying device. The overhanging portion 538 comprising the first fixing means 522 of the pair of fixing means 520 with the female section 546 ready to receive the male section 544 of the second fixing means 524. The second fixing means 524 is shown positioned upon the non-overhanging portion of the cover with the male section 544 ready to engage with the female section 546 of the first fixing means 522 in a friction fit.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the same stage of attachment as shown in the cross section of figure 4c. The cover is shown with the top sheet 602 already connected to the side sheets 626 and positioned in place over the drying device.

The side sheet 626 which may be the inner or the outer side sheet (634, 636) is shown hanging within the innermost/outermost member (610, 611) of the drying device. The overhanging portion 638 comprising the first fixing means 622 has been wrapped around the innermost/outermost member (610, 611) of the drying device thereby encasing the innermost/outermost member (610, 611) of the drying device. The first fixing means 622 has then been stacked onto the second fixing means 624. Tn the present embodiment shown, the stacking has been achieved by the male section 644 of the second fixing means 624 engaging in a friction fit with the female section 646 of the first fixing means 622.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the cover in position upon a drying device 704, comprising a top sheet 702 and four side sheets 726 in a square configuration, laid over the arms 714 and members (710, 711) of the drying device 704, and connected by the fixing means 718 in a manner as described hereinabove.

In use, the cover of the present invention is secured to the drying device around at least the outermost perimeter and preferably the innermost perimeter of the drying device. This creates a fitted cover which protects clothing from adverse weather whilst drying, and provides an inclined drainage surface towards a central hole to channel precipitation away from the clothes beneath. The cover is secured by the use of the first and second fixing means wherein the same fixing means have dual functionality; allowing primary connection of the top sheet to the side sheets to assemble the cover, and also secondary connection of the cover to the drying device. The primary advantages of such a system are; ease of assembly, speed of assembly, security of the cover upon any drying device and reduction in costs of manufacture.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS: 1. A cover for a drying device, the cover comprising sheets connected by fixing means, wherein the fixing means is adapted to connect the sheets together to form the cover, and to fix the cover to the drying device.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover is for a drying device for drying clothes.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A cover according to claim 2, wherein the drying device for drying clothes is of the rotary type.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A cover according to claim 3, wherein the rotary drying device comprises several arms with a number of members held taught between (yl) the arms.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A cover according to claim 4, wherein the rotary drying device comprises 3 or 4 arms.v" 6. A cover according to claim 5, wherein the cover comprises a top r sheet and several side sheets, and wherein the side sheets are adapted to hang from the top sheet.7. A cover according to claim 6, wherein the side sheets attach to an edge portion of the top sheet.6. A cover according to claims 6 and 7, wherein the cover comprises a top sheet and four side sheets, or a top sheet and three side sheets.9. A cover according to claims 6 to 8, wherein the outer side sheets of the cover are sized such that they have a width which substantially matches that of the length of an outer edge of the top sheet of the cover 10. A cover according to claims 6 to 9, wherein the outer side sheets of the cover are sized such that they have a length which is at least half the height of a total height of the drying devise 11. A cover according to claims 6 to 10, wherein the sheets of the cover are formed from a plastic material.12. A cover according to claim 11, wherein the top sheet the cover is formed from polyethylene and the side sheets are formed from polyvinyichioride.13. A cover according to claim 12, wherein the top sheet is formed from reinforced polyethylene.14. A cover according to claims 12 to 13, wherein sheets of the cover are formed from a plastic material of between 150 and 400 microns thick 15. A cover according to claims 12 to 14, wherein the top sheet of cy) the cover is 250 micron thick polyethylene and the side sheets are micron thick polyvinylchloride 16. A cover according to claims 7 to 15, wherein the sheets of the cover are substantially waterproof r 17. A cover according to any preceding claim, further comprising a central opening.18. A cover according to claim 17, wherein the central opening is positioned substantially in the centre of the top sheet of the cover, thereby defining an inner perimeter of the top sheet.19. A cover according to claim 18, wherein the central opening is substantially the same shape as the outer perimeter of the top sheet of the cover 20. A cover according to claims 17 to 19, wherein the central opening is sized such that, at most, it matches the penmeter of the innermost member of the drying device 21. A cover according to claims 17 to 20, wherein top sheet is angled to provide an inclination from the outer perimeter towards the central opening 22. A cover according to claims 17 to 21, wherein the cover further comprises inner side sheets.23. A cover according to claim 22, wherein the inner side sheets are positioned such that they may hang from the central opening 24. A cover according to claims 22 and 23, wherein inner side sheets are sized such that they have a width which substantially corresponds to the length of an inner edge of an inner perimeter of the top sheet of the cover 25. A cover according to claims 22 to 24, wherein the inner side sheets snd the outer side sheets are of a substantially equal length 26. A cover according to claims 17 to 25, wherein the top sheet of the cover is sized such that it at least covers the drynng device up to a perimeter of the outermost and innermost members of the drying device 27. A cover according to claim 26, wherein the top sheet of the cover is sized such that it overlaps the perimeter of the outermost r and innermost members of the drying device leaving an overhang of material of between 5 and 20cm.28. A cover according to claim 27, wherein the overhang of material is approximately 10cm.29. A cover according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing means are positioned upon the sheets of the cover at equal intervals upon edge regions of the sheets of the cover 30.Acover according to claim 29, wherein the fixing means are positioned upon the sheets at equal intervals of between 5 and 25cm apart, and between 5 to 10cm away from the edge regions of the sheets of the cover 31. A cover according to claims 29 and 30, wherein the fixing means are arranged such that corresponding male and female parts of the fixing means are aligned upon the edge regions of the sheets to be connected 32. A cover according to claims 29 to 32, wherein the fixing means are present upon the sheets of the cover as pairs of fixing means.33. A cover according to claim 32, wherein the pairs of fixing means consist of a first fixing means closer to the edge region of the sheets, and a second fixing means at a further distance from the edge region of the sheets 34. A cover according to claim 33, wherein the first fixing means and the second fixing means are disposed such that they are parallel with each other and with the edge regions of the sheets 35. A cover according to claims 32 to 34, wherein the first and cy) second fixing means are between 5 and 15cm away from eaoh other 36. A cover according to claims 32 to 35, wherein the female and male parts of the pairs of fixing means engage such that the top sheet is connected to the inner and outer side sheets to form the cover. r37. A cover according to claims 32 to 36, wherein the first fixing means are positioned on the overhang of at the outermost and optionally the innermost members of the drying device and the second fixing means of the pairs of fixing means are positioned upon a non-overhanging portion of the material of the cover at the outermost and optionally the innermost perimeters of the drying device 36. A cover according to claims 32 to 37, wherein the first fixing means are adapted to be connected to the second fixing means whilst encasing a member of the drying device 39. A cover according to claim 38 wherein the first fixing means are adapted to be connected to the second fixing means whilst encasing the outermost and optionally the innermost members of the drying device 40. A cover according to claims 38 and 39, wherein the first fixing means is connected with the second fixing means such that the fixing means are stacked 41. A kit of parts comprising a plurality of sheets with fixing means adapted to be assembled into a cover as claimed in any one of claims 1-42.42. A kit of parts according to claim 43, comprising a top sheet and a plurality of side sheets.43. A kit of parts according to claim 44, comprising a top sheet and a plurality of inner and outer side sheets 44. A kit of parts according to claims 44 and 45, wherein the sheets comprise fixing means resdy-positioned within the sheets co 45. A drying device comprising a cover as claimed in any one of claims 1-42.46. A cover substantially as described herein with reference to thedescription and accompanying figures. r47. A kit of parts substantially as described herein with referenceto the description and accompanying figures.</claim-text>