Many people would like to take advantage of the lower energy costs and "fresh scent" from drying their clothes outdoors, but are stopped by frequent rain, the risk of bird droppings, and other environmental hazards. A transparent covering of some type would solve many of these.

A transparent or translucent plastic sheet, between 2 and 4 feet above the clothesline, peaked at the middle would block rain and bird bombs, while allowing sunlight and wind to move through freely. Adding a UV coating could even reduce fading.
-- nick_n_uit, May 02 2004

Universal Canopy http://www.kingcano.../12x20universal.htm
For really big laundry loads. [jurist, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004]

10'x10' Open-Sided Canopy Tent http://www.elitedea...s/caca10x10dit.html
For somewhat smaller loads. [jurist, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004]

Screw-In Ground Anchor http://www.amazon.c...91&s=sporting-goods
For [BrauBeaton] [jurist, Oct 05 2004, last modified Oct 17 2004]

Provided that your community allows both portable structures in the yard and exterior clothes drying (Many communites have covenants and conditions restricting these practices), what would stop you from simply erecting a standard portable carport or temporary exhibit canopy and merely stringing a clothesline diagonally between two of the structure's support poles?
-- jurist, May 03 2004


[Brau] The Universal Canopy (linked in the site provided at left) states: "The best way to anchor your canopy is with screw-in ground anchors and rope attached to each leg. You should tie rope around the slip in the fitting on the top of each leg. Mobile home anchors will work. If you intend to secure your canopy more permanently you may want to use a heavier cable, such as 3/16" aircraft cable...If your canopy rests on concrete, we offer canopy feet. These are made of galvanized steel tubing with a galvanized plate welded on the bottom. There are holes drilled into the plate for easier bolting to the concrete..."
-- jurist, May 03 2004


This is very similar to a design of mine. A fitting canopy for rotary clotheslines. My design was originally some type of canvas with a few air vents for gusts. The idea first came in Melbourne, Australia where often there is no shade in many yards and people would sometimes put sheets over the line to provide shade for kids in paddling pools, babies and such.

There are many uses for the design. Not only could you protect drying clothes from birds and the odd shower, but have some accessories, such as a hinged round table that could clip on to the pole and provide a little bar for people to enjoy a cold beverage in the shade. If you wanted to go further, beer taps could be attached to the table for kegs in a party situation.

There could also be the option of accessories like zip on sides that would close it in for cooler evenings and kids to sleep out, or any other thing of that nature. Kind of a tent with no poles and easy assembly.

It's certainly has potential methinks.
-- Santiago, Nov 01 2010



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