Abstract: A fastener for releasably securing a flexible liner about a peripheral rim of a supporting receptacle has a generally planar body with a first leg and an interconnected second leg defining an inwardly tapered elongated space therebetween. An offset and elongated rotation handle carried at one end portion of the body opposite the first and second legs facilitates rotating the body axially about an axis of rotation to wind a portion of an edge portion of the flexible liner about the first and second legs, and a portion of the rotation handle releasably engages with the tensioned flexible liner to prevent the unwinding of the flexible liner.
Abstract: According to some embodiments, a winch tightening apparatus comprises a mounting plate; a first moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate; and a pawl comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the mounting plate such that the second end pivots to engage a ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a first direction and pivots to disengage the ratchet gear when the mounting plate is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. Some embodiments include a second moment arm coupled to the mounting plate and configured to provide leverage for rotating the mounting plate. Some embodiments include a counterweight coupled to the mounting plate and positioned to rotate the mounting plate in the second direction.
Abstract: A clothesline system comprises at least two separate cables that are independently tensionable through separate cable tensioning devices. The tension devices are attached together to provide for common, parallel movement of the separate cables though the cables are separately passed around separate pulleys at the both ends of the system. The two separate cables add strength to the system. The separate cables are preferably wound in left and right windings to prevent unraveling of the braid of the cable. By providing separate cables, assembly of the system is less complex as the two loops of cable are separate.
Abstract: A clothesline system is provided for automatically applying clothespins to articles to be dried once they are placed on a clothesline. The clothesline system comprises first and second pulleys, which are positioned at a spaced apart distance from each other, as well as a main cable, a secondary cable and a plurality of clothespins. The clothespins are capable of being removably attached to the secondary cable, and are movable between an open and closed position for receiving and gripping articles to be dried to the main cable. The clothesline system further comprises a mechanism for automatically opening and closing the clothespins so that they are able to either selectively grip or release the articles to be dried. Finally, the clothesline system comprises a support system for guiding and supporting the main cable such that the main cable is prevented from sagging beyond an acceptable distance within which the clothespins are capable of being attached to the main cable.