U.S. patent application number 15/670838 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-18 for dielectric exhaust duct.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark E. Goodson. Invention is credited to Mark E. Goodson.
Application Number | 20180016733 15/670838 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60942069 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180016733 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goodson; Mark E. |
January 18, 2018 |
Dielectric Exhaust Duct
Abstract
The improved dryer flexible exhaust ducting of the present
invention is comprised of a flexible exhaust ducting with a
nonconductive, high temperature polymer treated coupling member.
The dielectric dryer coupling member prevents the travelling of
electrical current from an inadvertently energized dryer chassis to
the attached flexible ducting and thus prevents the ducting from
overheating or melting from the electrical current or igniting
flammable materials nearby or contained within the ducting.
Inventors: |
Goodson; Mark E.; (Corinth,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Goodson; Mark E. |
Corinth |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60942069 |
Appl. No.: |
15/670838 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15208317 |
Jul 12, 2016 |
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15670838 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 58/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 58/20 20060101
D06F058/20 |
Claims
1. An exhaust system for a clothes dryer comprising a dryer exhaust
duct connected to a coupling member constructed of a dielectric
material; and a ducting member having a first end connected to said
coupling member and a second end connected to an external exhaust
duct.
2. The exhaust system of claim 1 wherein said dielectric material
is a high temperature polymer.
3. The exhaust system of claim 1 wherein said coupling member
further comprises a first sleeve having an inner diameter greater
than an outer diameter of said dryer exhaust duct; a second sleeve
having an inner diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said
first sleeve and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter
of said ducting member.
4. The exhaust system of claim 3 wherein said dryer exhaust duct
and said first sleeve are tubular.
5. The exhaust system of claim 1 wherein said coupling member
further comprises an internal shoulder and an external shoulder
wherein said dryer exhaust duct abuts said internal shoulder and
said first end of said ducting member abuts said external
shoulder.
6. The exhaust system of claim 3 wherein said first sleeve further
comprises an external shoulder.
7. An exhaust system for a clothes dryer comprising a dryer exhaust
duct having a terminal end and a ducting member having a first
portion constructed of a dielectric material wherein said first
portion is connected to said dryer exhaust duct.
8. The exhaust system of claim 7 wherein said first portion further
comprises an inner surface that is positioned around said dryer
exhaust duct such that said terminal end of said dryer duct is
within said first portion.
9. The exhaust system of claim 8 wherein said ducting member
comprises a second portion constructed of a dielectric material
having ridges positioned along the outside surface of said second
portion.
10. The exhaust system of claim 9 wherein an external shoulder
separates said first portion and said second portion.
11. A coupler for connecting a duct to a dryer exhaust vent
comprising a first portion constructed of a dielectric material
having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of said
dryer exhaust duct, an internal shoulder positioned within said
first portion having a diameter smaller than said outer diameter of
said dryer exhaust duct, and a second portion having an outer
diameter smaller than the inner diameter of said duct.
12. The coupler of claim 11 wherein said second portion is
constructed of a dielectric material.
13. The coupler of claim 11 wherein said first portion further
comprises an external shoulder having an outer diameter greater
than the outer diameter of said duct.
14. The coupler of claim 11 wherein said first portion and said
second portions are tubular.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/208,317 filed Jul. 12, 2016 which claims
the benefit of and priority to a U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/191,899 filed Jul. 13, 2015, the technical
disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. This
application claims the benefit of and priority to a U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/371,717 filed Aug. 6, 2017,
the technical disclosures of which are incorporated by
reference.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to consumer and
commercial appliances, and more particularly to consumer and
commercial clothes dryers. This invention relates to clothes dryers
having an improved output exhaust duct.
2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Clothes dryers are a leading cause of residential fires in
the United States. In 2010, clothes dryers and washing machines
accounted for 4.5% of all reported home structure fires, 1.9% of
associated civilian deaths, 2.8% of associated civilian injuries,
and 3.1% of associated direct property damage. Clothes dryers
accounted for 92% of these fires; washing machines 4%, and washer
and dryer combinations accounted for 4%. The risk of fire is
roughly equal for gas and electric dryers.
[0005] From 2006-2010, the National Fire Protection Association
NFPA reported a yearly average of over 15 thousand dryer fires in
the United States per year, resulting in a yearly average of 29
deaths, 402 injuries, and approximately $192 million in direct
property damage. The leading cause of home clothes dryer and washer
fires was failure to clean 32%, followed by unclassified mechanical
failure or malfunction 22%. Eight percent were caused by some type
of electrical failure or malfunction. Out of these fires, the
leading item first ignited in a clothes dryer fire was dust, fiber,
or lint, causing 29% of the fires and 85% of the deaths.
[0006] Many fires are caused each year by ignition of the flexible
exhaust ducting that carries lint and exhaust air from the clothes
dryer exhaust outlet to a vent system that is part of the
residence. A standard flexible exhaust ducting is comprised of
thin, conductive material such as aluminum or a nonconductive
material such as vinyl. In flexible exhaust ducting made of
nonconductive material, the walls of the ducting typically contain
a conductive steel helical spring, in order to retain the tubular
shape of the ducting and prevent collapse. The present mode of
clothes dryer construction, gas or electric, relies on ridged sheet
metal for the output exhaust duct on the dryer. Typically, the
exhaust duct (which is part of factory construction and constructed
of rigid sheet metal) is conductive. Similarly, the external dryer
vent built into residences is typically constructed of conductive
metal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is a high temperature polymer coupling
member to the flexible exhaust ducting for connecting the flexible
exhaust ducting to the dryer exhaust duct and/or the external
exhaust vent. This dielectric coupling member prevents any
potential electrical current from being conducted through the
flexible exhaust ducting. Additionally, this dielectric coupling
member can prevent arcing between the flexible exhaust ducting and
the dryer chassis, dryer exhaust duct, or the external exhaust duct
in the wall. Ridges and external shoulders encircling the coupling
member create additional barriers to prevent arcing. For purposes
of this patent, a high temperature polymer is defined as one that
in the intended usage does not suffer from chemical or mechanical
changes that would make it unsuitable for its intended use. The
exact temperature characteristics and composition of the polymer
may well vary among different designs of clothes dryers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A more complete understanding of the apparatus of the
present invention may be had by reference to the following detailed
description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the rear of a standard
electric or gas dryer;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of a standard electric or gas
dryer;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the coupling
member.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the dielectric
flexible exhaust ducting;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of a dryer exhaust system with an
embodiment of the dielectric flexible exhaust ducting;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross section view of line 6-6 in FIG. 5 showing
the coupling member of the dielectric flexible exhaust ducting
connected to the exhaust duct.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross section view of another embodiment of a
coupling member of the dielectric flexible exhaust ducting
connected to the exhaust duct.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the back and side views, respectively,
of a standard clothes dryer. The rear chassis 10 of the dryer is
typically made of conventional sheet metal. The dryer exhaust duct
14 protrudes from the rear chassis 10 of the dryer. The dryer
exhaust duct 14 is typically a tubular structure having an outer
surface 16 and. an outlet 18. The dryer exhaust duct 14 is
typically crafted of the same conventional sheet metal as the rear
chassis 10 of the dryer itself.
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the flexible exhaust ducting
30 comprises a coupling member 40 and ducting member 50. The
coupling member 40 further comprises a generally tubular first
sleeve 41 having an inner surface 42 and outer surface 43 connected
to a generally tubular second sleeve 45 having an inner surface 46
and outer surface 47. The inner diameter of the first sleeve 41 is
greater than the outer diameter of the dryer exhaust duct 14 and
the inner diameter of the second sleeve 45. The second sleeve 45 is
positioned within the first sleeve 41 such that a portion of the
second sleeve's 45 outer surface 47 is in contact with a portion of
the first sleeve's 41 inner surface 42. An internal shoulder 44 is
positioned between the first sleeve's 41 inner surface 42 and the
second sleeve's 45 inner surface 46. The outer diameter of the
first sleeve 41 is greater than the outer diameter of the second
sleeve 45 creating an external shoulder 48.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the first sleeve 41 and second
sleeve 45 are integrally constructed as one piece. In another
embodiment, the second sleeve 45 may be attached to the first
sleeve 41 by adhesive or frictional means. The coupling member 40
is constructed of a high temperature polymer. In another
embodiment, the inner surfaces 42, 46 of the coupling member 40 are
coated with a high temperature polymer. In both embodiments, the
coupling member 40 is dielectric.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the ducting member 50 is
generally tubular in shape having an open first end 51, sidewall
52, and an open second end 53. The inner diameter of the ducting
member 50 generally corresponds to the outer diameter of the second
sleeve 45 such that the first end 51 of the ducting member 50 may
slide over the outside surface 47 of the second sleeve 45. The
inner surface 54 of the ducting member 50 may be frictionally
engaged with the outside surface 47 of the second sleeve 45. The
ducting member 50 abuts the external shoulder 48.
[0020] Alternatively, or in addition to, a mechanical device, such
as a clamp, may be used to secure a portion of the second sleeve 45
within ducting member 50. The ducting member 50 may be constructed
of traditional ducting material such as a thin, conductive material
such as aluminum or a nonconductive material such as vinyl, with a
steel helical spring to maintain the tubular shape. In another
embodiment, the coupling member 40 and the ducting member 50 are
integral.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 6, the coupling member 40 is fitted to the
dryer such that the dryer exhaust duct 14 is positioned within the
first sleeve 41 of the coupling member 40. The inner diameter of
the first sleeve 41 generally corresponds to the outer diameter of
the dryer exhaust duct 14 such that friction secures the coupling
member 40 to the dryer exhaust duct 14. The coupling member 40 may
be positioned such that it abuts the rear chassis 10 of the dryer
but it is not required. The dryer exhaust duct 14 is positioned
within the first sleeve 41 such that it abuts the internal shoulder
44. The internal shoulder 44 prevents the dryer exhaust duct 14
from being positioned with the second sleeve 45. The external
shoulder 48 prevents the first end 51 of the ducting member 50 from
contacting the dryer exhaust vent 14 or the rear chassis 10 of the
dryer.
[0022] The inner diameter of the dryer exhaust duct 14 generally
corresponds to the inner diameter of the second sleeve 45 to
prevent any restriction of exhaust flow.
[0023] The outer diameter of the dryer exhaust duct 14 generally
corresponds to the outer diameter of the second sleeve 45. This
permits a traditional ducting member 50 to be positioned around the
second sleeve 45 of the coupling member 40.
[0024] FIG. 4 depicts an overall dryer exhaust system 60. The dryer
exhaust system comprises a dryer exhaust duct 14, flexible exhaust
ducting 30, and an external exhaust duct 26 built into the wall 21
of a residence. Dryer lint 24 is also shown in the interior of the
ducting member 50. The coupling member 40 is positioned in such a
manner that the conductive dryer exhaust duct 14 is not in contact
with the conductive ducting member 50. The construction of the
coupling member 40 further prevents the potential for arcing. A
traditional dryer, with a traditional flexible exhaust duct may be
fitted with the coupling member to prevent current flow and arcing.
Alternatively, an integral coupling member and ducting member may
be utilized.
[0025] Another embodiment is disclosed in FIG. 7. The flexible
exhaust ducting 130 comprises a coupling member 140 and ducting
member 150. The coupling member 140 further comprises a generally
tubular first section 141 connected to a generally tubular ridged
second section 145. The inner diameter of the first section 141 is
greater than the outer diameter of the dryer exhaust duct 14. An
external shoulder 148 encircles the first section 141 approximately
at the junction where the first section 141 and second section 145
join. Multiple ridges 149 may encircle the second section 145. The
ducting member 150 connects to the second section 145. The coupling
member 140 is fitted to the dryer such that the dryer exhaust duct
14 is positioned within the coupling member only and preferably
within the first section 141. The inner diameter of the first
section 141 generally corresponds to the outer diameter of the
dryer exhaust duct 14 such that friction secures the coupling
member 140 to the dryer exhaust duct 14. The coupling member 140 is
constructed of a high temperature polymer. In another embodiment,
the inner surfaces of the coupling member 140 are coated with a
high temperature polymer. In both embodiments, the coupling member
140 is dielectric.
[0026] Although the invention hereof has been described by way of a
preferred embodiment, it will be evident that other adaptations and
modifications can be employed without departing from the spirit and
scope thereof. The terms and expressions employed herein have been
used as terms of description and not of limitation; and thus, there
is no intent of excluding equivalents, but on the contrary it is
intended to cover any and all equivalents that may be employed
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *