U.S. patent application number 13/029232 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for appliance with a support rack having a plurality of support elements.
This patent application is currently assigned to BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Gerhard Stegerwald, Napat Wanweerakul.
Application Number | 20120211453 13/029232 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45571521 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120211453 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stegerwald; Gerhard ; et
al. |
August 23, 2012 |
APPLIANCE WITH A SUPPORT RACK HAVING A PLURALITY OF SUPPORT
ELEMENTS
Abstract
A support rack for an appliance such as a laundry dryer includes
a plurality of support elements that are designed to hold items at
least partially above a main support surface of the rack. The
support elements may be movably mounted on the rack so that they
can be moved between stowed and deployed positions. The ends of the
support elements may have configurations that are designed to
securely hold items, such as delicate clothing items. Holders on
either the rack or the support elements, or on both, could hold the
support elements in stowed and deployed positions. In some
instances, the support elements may also be removably mounted on
holders on the rack.
Inventors: |
Stegerwald; Gerhard; (New
Bern, NC) ; Wanweerakul; Napat; (Trent Woods,
NC) |
Assignee: |
BSH HOME APPLIANCES
CORPORATION
Huntington Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
45571521 |
Appl. No.: |
13/029232 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/85.3 ;
211/86.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 58/04 20130101;
A47L 15/505 20130101; A47L 15/503 20130101; D06F 55/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/85.3 ;
211/86.01 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/00 20060101
A47B081/00; A47B 46/00 20060101 A47B046/00 |
Claims
1. A rack for supporting items within an appliance, comprising: a
rack that includes a primary support surface and mounting elements
configured to mount the rack on an appliance; and at least one
support element that is movably mounted on the rack so that the at
least one support element can move between a stowed and at least
one deployed position, wherein when the at least one support
element is located in a deployed position, the at least one support
element is configured to support an item at least partially above
the primary support surface.
2. The rack of claim 1, wherein the at least one support element is
rotationally mounted on the rack such that it can rotate between
the stowed position and a deployed position.
3. The rack of claim 1, wherein the at least one support element is
slidably mounted on the rack such that it can slide between the
stowed position and a deployed position.
4. The rack of claim 1, further comprising at least one detent
mechanism, each detent mechanism coupling a support element to the
rack and being configured to hold the support element in a deployed
position.
5. The rack of claim 4, wherein each detent mechanism is configured
to hold a support element in each of a plurality of deployed
positions.
6. The rack of claim 4, wherein each detent mechanism is also
configured to hold a support element in the stowed position.
7. The rack of claim 1, further comprising at least one holder
coupled the rack or a support element, wherein each holder is
configured to releasably hold a support element in a deployed
position.
8. The rack of claim 1, further comprising at least one holder,
each holder being coupled to a support element, and wherein each
holder is configured to hold its support element in both a deployed
position and the stowed position.
9. The rack of claim 1, further comprising a first holder coupled
to a support element and configured to hold the support element in
a deployed position, and a second holder coupled to the support
element and configured to hold the support element in the stowed
position.
10. The rack of claim 1, further comprising a first holder coupled
to the rack and configured to hold a support element in a deployed
position, and a second holder coupled to the rack and configured to
hold a support element in a stowed position.
11. The rack of claim 1, wherein an end of the at least one support
element is configured to hold and support a laundry item.
12. The rack of claim 11, wherein an end of the at least one
support element comprises a closed loop that includes a movable
jaw, and wherein the movable jaw is biased into a closed position
at which the jaw closes the loop.
13. The rack of claim 1, wherein the at least one support element
comprises a plurality of holding elements configured to hold and
support laundry items, and wherein the holding elements are spaced
along a length of the at least one support element.
14. The rack of claim 1, wherein the at least one support element
is a flexible member that slidably mounted inside a hollow member
that forms a portion of the rack, and wherein the flexible member
can be slid out of and inserted into the hollow member.
15. A rack for supporting items within an appliance, comprising: a
rack that includes a primary support surface and mounting elements
configured to mount the rack on an appliance; a plurality of
holders that are mounted on the rack; and a plurality of support
elements, each support element being configured to support an item
at least partially above the primary support surface, wherein each
support element is removably mountable in one of the plurality of
holders.
16. The rack of claim 15, wherein each holder is configured to hold
a plurality of support elements.
17. The rack of claim 15, wherein each holder is configured to hold
a plurality of support elements such that the support elements
extend in different directions away from the holder.
18. A rack for supporting items within an appliance, comprising: a
rack that includes a primary support surface and cross members
having ends that extend upward from the primary support surface; a
plurality of straight members that can be attached to ends of the
cross members in first and second orientations, wherein when a
straight member is in the first orientation, the straight member is
oriented substantially parallel to the primary support surface, and
wherein when a straight member is in the second orientation, the
straight member is oriented substantially parallel to an end of a
cross member.
19. The rack of claim 18, wherein a clip is formed on at least one
end of each straight member, each clip being configured to hold the
straight member in either the first or the second orientation.
20. The rack of claim 18, wherein when a straight member is in the
second orientation, the straight member can support an item at
least partially above the primary support surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Many laundry dryers are now equipped with a removable drying
rack that can be installed in the interior of the dryer. Although
the dryer may include a rotating drum that rotates as the dryer
operates, the drying rack is mounted in the interior of the dryer
so that it does not rotate with the drum. Instead, the rack remains
stationary inside the rotating drum.
[0002] The rack is designed to support delicate clothing items that
might be damaged if they were allowed to tumble inside the dryer as
the dryer operates. Once the laundry items have been placed on the
stationary drying rack, the dryer operates normally, with the drum
rotating and with a flow of heated dry air circulating through the
interior of the dryer. The heated dry air passing over the items on
the drying rack dries the items much more rapidly than if the items
were simply allowed to air dry.
[0003] The rack itself can be made from a wire mesh, or from
synthetic materials that have been molded into a lattice or mesh
shape. Various mounting elements are used to removably mount the
drying rack in the interior of a dryer so that the rack does not
move with the rotating drum.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a drying rack 4 that can be
mounted inside the rotating drum of a dryer. The drying rack is
formed from metal wires. Two main support wires 17 run the length
of the rack at opposite sides. One end of each of the main support
wires is bent to form a structure that is used to removably mount
the rack inside a dryer. The bent sections include a mounting
portion 18 that includes a first portion 21 extending forward from
the rack, a bent portion 19, and an insertion portion 20 that is
configured to be inserted into apertures in the dryer. The bent
sections also include a supporting portion 22 that is configured to
rest on a surface of the dryer to hold the rack in a cantilevered
orientation within the rotating drum of the dryer, and a return
portion 23 that extends upward from the supporting portion to the
underside of the rack.
[0005] As also illustrated in FIG. 1, the drying rack includes a
plurality of center support wires 32 that run the length of the
rack parallel to the main support wires. A plurality of cross-wires
16 are attached to and extend perpendicular to the center support
wires 32 and the main support wires. Ends of the cross-wires 16 are
bent upward to form sidewalls of the drying rack. Upper support
wires 30 that extend the length of the rack and that run parallel
to the main support wires 17 and the center support wires 32 are
attached to the ends of the cross-wires 16.
[0006] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the drying rack 4 can be mounted
inside a dryer by inserting the mounting portions 20 of the rack
into mounting holes 5 on the front panel of the dryer. The
supporting portions 22 of the main support wires rest against a
non-moving surface on the interior of the dryer to support the
drying rack in a cantilevered fashion inside the rotating drum 3 of
the dryer.
[0007] When the dryer is operating, the drum 3 will rotate, and a
flow of heated dry air will flow out of air holes 8 located on a
rear wall 7 of the dryer. The flow of air will pass over any items
placed on the drying rack 4 to dry the items. The flow of air will
then exit through a duct 10 on the front panel, as illustrated by
arrow 9. The flow of air exiting the interior of the drum may pass
through a lint filter 11 mounted in the duct 10.
[0008] Some laundry items include metal or plastic clasps or hooks
that can harm other items when they are all tumbled together in a
rotating drum of a dryer. It would be desirable to immobilize such
items in the dryer to prevent them from harming other items.
However, many such items do not easily remain stationary when
placed on a drying rack.
[0009] Although a drying rack as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is
helpful in drying larger items, smaller items such as lingerie are
in danger of falling through the apertures in the rack. In
addition, if the user wishes to dry multiple delicate items at the
same time, and all of the multiple items are placed on the rack at
the same time, they often end up piled on top of each other, which
makes it more difficult for the flow of drying air to effectively
dry the items. In addition to those problems, some items, such as
shoes, may be difficult to place on the drying rack so that the
flow of air passing through the interior of the drum passes through
the items to effectively and quickly dry the items.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A first aspect of the invention may be embodied in a rack
for supporting items within an appliance that includes a primary
support surface and mounting elements configured to mount the rack
within an appliance. The rack also includes at least one support
element that is movably mounted on the rack so that the at least
one support element can move between a stowed and at least one
deployed position. When the at least one support element is located
in a deployed position, the at least one support element is
configured to support an item at least partially above the primary
support surface.
[0011] A second aspect of the invention may be embodied in a rack
for supporting items within an appliance that includes a primary
support surface and mounting elements configured to mount the rack
within an appliance. The rack also includes a plurality of holders
that are mounted on the rack and a plurality of support elements,
where each support element is configured to support an item at
least partially above the primary support surface. Each support
element is removably mountable in one of the plurality of
holders.
[0012] Racks embodying the invention could be used in a laundry
dryer, or a combination washer/dryer. The racks could also be used
in other appliances, such as dishwashers.
[0013] The invention may also be embodied in laundry machines or
dishwashers that incorporate racks as described above.
[0014] The support elements may be configured to securely hold
items so that the items are supported above the primary support
surface of the rack. The support elements can utilize various end
configurations to securely hold items while the appliance is
operating.
[0015] The support elements may be coupled to the rack via detent
mechanisms which allow the support elements to be positioned in one
or more deployed positions.
[0016] Holders that are attached to either the rack or the support
elements, or both, can be used to hold the support elements in
deployed or stowed positions.
[0017] The support elements may be rotationally mounted on the rack
so that they can move between a stowed and a deployed position.
[0018] The support elements could be slidably mounted on the rack
so that they can move between the stowed and deployed
positions.
[0019] The support elements could also be retractable within a
hollow pipe or structural element so that they can be moved between
stowed and deployed positions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rack;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rack mounted in a laundry
dryer;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rack with support elements
that are rotationally mounted on the rack, where the support
elements are in the stowed position;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rack with support elements
that are rotationally mounted on the rack, where the support
elements are in a deployed position;
[0024] FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate different types of support
elements;
[0025] FIGS. 6A-C are front, side and top views of a support
element with holders;
[0026] FIGS. 7A and 7B are front and side views of a support
element with holders;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rack with rotationally
mounted support elements that have holders, where the support
elements are in a deployed position;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the rack illustrated in FIG.
8 where the support elements are in a stowed position;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rack with support
elements having a single holder that can hold the support elements
in either a deployed or stowed position;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rack with holders mounted
on the support wires, where the holders can hold rotationally
mounted support elements in either deployed or stowed
positions;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a rack with slidably
mounted support elements;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a rack with holders that
can removably hold a plurality of support elements;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a diagram of a typical hook and loop fastening
portion of a brassiere;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a diagram of a pair of support elements that
include hook and loop fasteners which can attach to corresponding
hook and loop fasteners of a brassiere;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a diagram of a portion of a rack having
retractable support elements;
[0036] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an embodiment of an end of a
retractable support element;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a diagram of a portion of a rack having
retractable support elements as illustrated in FIGS. 17A and
17B;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a perspective diagram of an end clip that can be
used to attach a support bar to a rack;
[0039] FIG. 20 is a diagram of a support bar having end clips as
illustrated in FIG. 19 at each end; and
[0040] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a portion of a rack having support
bars as illustrated in FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] A rack 4 having a plurality of support elements 40 is
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Each of the support elements 40 is
rotationally mounted on the rack by a swivel unit 42. The swivel
units 42 allow the support elements 40 to rotate between a stowed
position, as illustrated in FIG. 3, and a deployed position, as
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0042] The end 44 of each support element 40 opposite the swivel
unit 42 is configured to hold and support an item above, or at
least partially above, a primary support surface of the rack, which
is formed by the main support wires 17, the center support wires 32
and the cross-wires 16. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3
and 4, the ends 44 of the support elements 40 have U-shaped
portions that are designed to support laundry items, or possibly
straps or loops of laundry items. Alternatively, the U-shaped ends
44 of the support elements 40 could support the fabric of a laundry
item.
[0043] The U-shaped ends 44 of the support elements could, for
example, support the straps of a brassiere or portions of other
delicate lingerie. This would hold all or portions of the items off
the primary support surface of the rack, to enhance the ability of
a flow of air to dry the items. In addition, if such items are
securely held by the support elements 40, they are prevented from
falling through gaps in the primary support surface. Thus, there is
no danger that the items will be tumbled by the rotating drum of
the dryer, which could damage delicate items. Moreover, this
prevents a metal clasp of such an item from contacting and damaging
other items that might also be present in the dryer.
[0044] The swivel units 42 that couple the support elements 40 to
the rack could be attached to one of the wires that form the rack.
If the rack is instead made of a molded synthetic material, such a
swivel unit could be attached to the material of the rack via any
suitable fastening means, such as screws, pins, rivets, adhesives,
clamps, etc.
[0045] The swivel units 42 could include friction producing
elements that allow the support elements 40 to be rotated into and
held at any orientation with respect to the primary support surface
of the rack. This would allow a user to position the ends 44 of the
support elements at varying heights above the primary support
surface. In addition, this would allow a user to vary the spacing
between the ends 44 of two of the support elements to accommodate
different sized laundry items.
[0046] In some embodiments, each swivel unit may also include a
detent mechanism which allows the attached support element to be
positioned at each of a plurality of predetermined rotational
orientations with respect to the primary support surface. Such a
detent mechanism could be used in addition to friction producing
elements, or in place of friction producing elements.
[0047] FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate various different styles of ends 44
of the support elements 40. FIG. 5A illustrates a U-shaped end 44,
similar to the ones illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Portions of a
laundry item could be hooked over the U-shaped end 44 to hold the
item at least partially above a primary support surface of a
rack.
[0048] FIG. 5B illustrates a spiral shaped end 44 of a support
element 40. A strap of a laundry item could be placed in the center
of the spiral to securely hold the item. Even if the item were to
move around in response to a flow of drying air, the strap would
not likely escape from the center of the spiral. Thus, the spiral
shaped end 44 would also serve to securely hold an item above the
primary support surface of a rack.
[0049] FIG. 5C illustrates a generally Y-shaped end 44, where the
ends of the arms of the Y closely approach one another. Here again,
a strap of a laundry item could be placed into the center of the
end 44, between the arms, to securely hold the item. Even if the
item were to move around in response to a flow of drying air, the
strap would not likely escape from the center.
[0050] FIG. 5D illustrates an end 44 which has a closed loop. The
closed loop includes a bent arm 45, and a pivotable jaw 47. The jaw
may be biased into the position illustrated in FIG. 5D by a spring
or some other type of biasing element. In this instance, a strap or
a loop of material of an item could be inserted into the center of
the loop by temporarily rotating the jaw 47 inward around a pivot
axis 49. The biasing element would then cause the jaw to return to
the position illustrated in FIG. 5D, which would trap the strap or
loop inside the end 44. To remove the strap or loop, the user would
simply depress the jaw to open the end, and then remove the
strap.
[0051] FIG. 5E illustrates a support element with both a spiral
shaped end 44, and a plurality of hooks 43 spaced along a length of
the support element. This would allow each support element to
support multiple different items. The hooks 43 could extend in
multiple different directions away from the shaft of the support
element 40.
[0052] The support elements illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E are only
some of many different configurations that are possible. Each
configuration could have one or multiple different specific uses.
And any one support element could include one or multiple different
supporting devices. All that is required is that the support
element be capable of holding an item at least partially above the
primary support surface of the rack.
[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, each support element 40 may
be pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In
the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the swivel units 42
provided a force which hold the support elements in one or both of
the stowed and deployed positions. In alternate embodiments,
holders positioned on the rack and/or the support elements
themselves could be used to hold the support elements in one or
both of the stowed and deployed positions.
[0054] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a support element 40 with a spiral
shaped end 44. Two holders 80 are mounted on the support element
40. As illustrated in FIG. 6C, each holder 80 has a pair of opposed
elastically deformable jaws 82 that define a holding aperture 84.
The holders are designed to clamp onto and hold a wire of a rack
that is oriented approximately parallel to the support element.
[0055] To fix the support element at a particular position, the
support element is moved adjacent to a wire of the rack so that the
wire is inserted between the jaws 82. The jaws deform outward so
that the wire can pass between the tips of the jaws 82 and into the
holding aperture 84. The jaws then return to their original shape
so that the wire is held within the holding aperture between the
jaws. This prevents the support element from moving with respect to
the wire. To move the support element away from this position, the
user would push the support element away from the wire, which will
cause the jaws 82 to deform outward again, releasing the wire.
[0056] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an alternate embodiment of a
support element having two holders. In this embodiment, the holders
80 have been rotated approximately 90 degrees around the shaft of
the support element 40 so that the jaws 82 of the holders 80 can
clamp onto a wire that is oriented approximately perpendicular to
the shaft of the support element 40.
[0057] FIGS. 8 and 9 show how a support element as illustrated in
FIGS. 7A and 7B could be used on a support rack. As illustrated in
FIG. 8, a user can position the support elements 40 in a deployed
position where the lowermost holders 53 grasp the upper support
wires 30 to hold the support elements in the deployed position.
When the user wishes to stow the support elements, the user would
rotate the support elements 40 around the outside of the rack until
the uppermost holders engage the center support wires 32. Although
in this embodiment, the holders are oriented so that the support
elements rotate around the outside of the rack to move between the
stowed and deployed positions, in alternate embodiments, the
support elements 40 could rotate in the other direction.
[0058] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment where a single
double-sided holder 58 is mounted on each support element. The
single double-sided holder 58 has jaws and holding apertures on
opposite sides so that the holder can clamp onto a wire from either
side of the support element 40. FIG. 10 shows that the holder 58 on
one support element 40 is clamped to the upper support wire to hold
that support element in the deployed position. The holder 58 on the
other support element 40 is clamped onto one of the center support
wires 32 to hold that support element in the stowed position. The
rack is designed so that the upper support wire 30 and the center
support wire 32 are each approximately the same distance from the
main support wire 17. This allows a single double-sided holder to
clamp onto either of the wires. Also, depending on how the rack is
assembled, the support elements could rotate between the deployed
and stowed positions by rotating around the outside of the rack, or
by rotating in the other direction.
[0059] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment where individual holders
are mounted on the wires of the rack itself. In this embodiment,
the jaws of the holders are designed to receive and clamp onto the
shaft of the support elements. As illustrated, holders 60 located
on the upper support wires would hold the support elements 40 in
the deployed position. Holders 62 on the center support wires 32
would hold the support elements in the stowed position. In some
embodiments, the support elements might simply be rotated into the
stowed position, and gravity alone could hold them in this
position. Also, the holders could be configured so that the support
elements could rotate around the outside of the rack, or in the
other direction.
[0060] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment where the support elements
40 are slidable between the stowed and deployed positions. Sliding
holders 66 are attached to the main support wire 17. The support
elements are then slidably held by the sliding holders 66. This
would allow a user to slide each support element to a desired
height above the primary support surface to accommodate different
sized items.
[0061] In addition, the support elements could extend at an angle
with respect to the primary support surface of the rack so that the
higher the ends 44 are positioned above the primary support
surface, the further the ends will extends outward toward the
sides. This arrangement would also aid the user in adjusting the
support elements to accommodate different sized items.
[0062] Moreover, the sliding holders 66 may also allow the support
elements to rotate. This would also allow a user to customize the
configuration of the support elements to accommodate different
sized and shaped items.
[0063] FIG. 13 illustrates a rack that includes holders 70 that are
designed to removably hold the support elements 40. Each holder 70
includes one or more apertures or slots 72 that are configured to
receive the end of a support element. The apertures or slots may
include a biasing or friction fit element that allows the end of a
support element to be securely held. The apertures or slots 72 may
also allow a support element to be rotated to a desired
orientation, and then held at that orientation.
[0064] When the rack is made of wire elements, the holders 70 may
be separate devices that are attached to the wires. When the rack
is molded from a synthetic material, the apertures or slots 72 may
be directed molded into the rack.
[0065] When a rack includes apertures or slots designed to receive
the ends of support elements, the user may be supplied with
multiple different types of support elements. Different support
elements could have different lengths and different ends 44
designed to receive and grasp different types of items. Thus, a
user could select exactly the type of support elements needed to
hold the type of item being supported.
[0066] FIG. 14 illustrates mating ends 102/104 of a typical
brassiere strap. The mating ends 102/104 are held together by hook
elements 110 located on a first end 102 and loop elements 112
located on the second end 104. Some brassieres will include a
single row of hook elements 110, and multiple rows of loop elements
112. This allows the row of hook elements 110 to be hooked onto any
of the multiple rows of loop elements 112 for an adjustable fit.
Some brassieres will also include multiple rows of hook elements
110, as illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0067] FIG. 15 illustrates a pair of support elements 40 which can
be mounted on a rack using any of the devices and methods described
above. One support element 40 includes a row of hook elements 110,
and the other support element includes a row of loop elements 112.
The hook elements 110 and loop elements 112 are designed to
interface with the hook elements 110 and loop elements 112 on a
typical brassiere. Thus, a user could hook the hook elements 110 on
a first end 102 of a brassiere strap to the loop elements 112 on a
first support element 40, and the loop elements 112 on the second
end 104 of the brassiere strap to the hook elements 110 on the
other of the pair of support element 40. This would provide a
relatively secure way to attach a brassiere to a pair of spaced
apart support elements on a drying rack.
[0068] FIG. 16 illustrates another way of mounting support elements
on a drying rack. In this embodiment, the support elements 144 are
retractably mounted inside a hollow cross member 116 of a drying
rack. When a user wishes to use a support element to hold a laundry
item, the support element 144 can be pulled out of the end of the
hollow cross member 116, like the support element 144 on the left
side in FIG. 16. When the user no longer needs to use the support
element 144, it can be pushed down into the interior of the hollow
cross member 116, as shown on the right side in FIG. 16.
[0069] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the support
elements 144 include a spiral shaped end. However, the support
elements 114 could have any number of different configurations, as
described above.
[0070] Support elements 144 as illustrated in FIG. 16 could have a
semi-rigid structure which allows them to flex and bend as they are
pushed down into the hollow cross member 116. However, the
semi-rigid nature of the support elements 144 would allow them to
remain upright once they are pulled out of the end of the hollow
cross member 116 so that they can support laundry items above the
rack.
[0071] A flexible support element 144 as generally illustrated in
FIG. 16 could include a spring-loaded support element that is
designed to deploy as the end of the flexible support element 144
is pulled out of the end of the hollow cross member 116. An example
of such a spring loaded support element is illustrated in FIGS. 17A
and 17B.
[0072] FIG. 17A shows the end of a flexible support element 144,
which includes an end cap 146. The end cap 146 is designed to come
to rest on the end of the hollow cross member 116 when the flexible
support member 144 is pushed down into the hollow cross member 116.
FIG. 18 shows such a flexible support member 144 fully pushed down
into the hollow cross member 116 on the right side.
[0073] The end of the flexible support member 144 also includes a
spring loaded support element 150. A first end of the spring loaded
support element 150 is pivotally mounted inside the flexible
support member around a pivot axis 152. A biasing element 154
pushes a second opposite end of the spring loaded support element
outward to a deployed position, as illustrated in FIG. 17A. FIG. 18
shows such a flexible support member 144 pulled out of the left
side of the hollow cross member 116, such that the spring loaded
support element 150 is deployed. A user could then attach a laundry
item to the flexible support member 144 via the spring loaded
support element 150.
[0074] When a user pushes the flexible support member 144 down into
the end of the hollow cross member, the wall of the hollow cross
member 116 will push the second end of the spring loaded support
element inside of the end of the flexible support member 144
against the force of the biasing member 154, to a position as
illustrated in FIG. 17B.
[0075] FIGS. 19-21 illustrate another embodiment of a drying rack
in which certain sections of the rack can be reconfigured by the
user. The reconfigurable sections include straight members 202 with
clips 200 at each end. The clips, as illustrated in FIG. 19, allow
the straight members 202 to be attached to other portions of the
drying rack in multiple different orientations.
[0076] Each clip 200 includes a first pair of curved surfaces 206
designed to grasp a cylindrical member oriented perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the straight member 202. Each clip also
includes a second set of curved surfaces 204 designed to grasp a
cylindrical member oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the straight member 202. The clips are made of a flexible material
that allows the curved surfaces to surround and grasp a cylindrical
member.
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 21, a straight member 202 can be
attached to ends of two adjacent cross members 16 such that the
straight member 202 bridges the ends of the adjacent cross members
16. Alternatively, a clip 200 at one end of a straight member 202
can be attached to an end of a cross member 16 so that the straight
member 202 projects upward, parallel to the end of the cross member
16. When in this position, the free end of the straight member 202
can support laundry items above the surface of the rack.
[0078] FIGS. 20 and 21 also illustrate that shaped support elements
210 can be located on an end of the clips 200. The shaped support
elements 210 would be used to hold laundry items on the end of the
straight member 202. The shaped support element 210 could have any
of the shapes illustrated above, or other alternate
configurations.
[0079] As noted above, a rack embodying the invention could be used
in a laundry dryer to support items inside a rotating drum of a
dryer. However, a rack as disclosed above could also be used in
other appliances, such as in a dishwasher.
[0080] Although the above embodiments illustrate some of the types
of support elements that could be used with a support rack, many
other configurations are also possible. Thus, the configurations
described above should not be considered in any way limiting.
[0081] Likewise, while the embodiments described above included
various mechanism that allow a support element to be movable
supported on a rack, and to be fixed in predetermined positions on
the rack, the disclosed embodiments should not be considered in any
way limiting. Many other types of holding and fixation devices
could also be used.
[0082] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *