U.S. patent number RE38,591 [Application Number 09/574,757] was granted by the patent office on 2004-09-21 for collapsible drying apparatus and method for forming and collapsing said apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Bajer Design & Marketing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael S. Kellogg, Dean B. Krotts.
United States Patent |
RE38,591 |
Kellogg , et al. |
September 21, 2004 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Collapsible drying apparatus and method for forming and collapsing
said apparatus
Abstract
A collapsible drying apparatus and method for forming and
collapsing such apparatus, said apparatus comprising a frame having
an expanded state and a collapsed state, a web substantially
stretched over the frame, at least one support member coupled to
the frame, and a strap having its ends coupled to the web,
including a releasable fastener located a predetermined distance
from one of the ends of the strap, and having adjustable length to
apply a corresponding tension to the frame and the web, biasing the
apparatus into a convexly accurate condition.
Inventors: |
Kellogg; Michael S.
(Oconomowoc, WI), Krotts; Dean B. (Milwaukee, WI) |
Assignee: |
Bajer Design & Marketing,
Inc. (Pewaukee, WI)
|
Family
ID: |
21887854 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/574,757 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
036306 |
Mar 6, 1998 |
05992045 |
Nov 30, 1999 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
34/442;
160/370.21; 34/103; 34/237; 34/239; 34/619 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F
57/00 (20130101); F26B 25/18 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F26B
25/00 (20060101); F26B 025/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;34/442,91,103,619,237,239 ;160/370.21,351,329,370.22
;296/97.7,97.8 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Wilson; Pamela
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Ryan Kromholz & Manion,
S.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A collapsible apparatus comprising: a .Iadd.collapsible
.Iaddend.frame for drying; a web substantially stretched over said
.Iadd.collapsible .Iaddend.frame; .[.at least one support member
coupled to said frame;.]. a strap having a first end and a second
end; each of said first end and said second end being coupled to
said web.Iadd., whereby said collapsible frame and said web are
formed in a convexly arcuate position.Iaddend..
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frame is oval in
shape.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said .Iadd.strap
.Iaddend.further comprises a releasable fastener located a
predetermined distance from said first end of said strap..[.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein a pair of diametrically
opposed support members are coupled to said frame..].
5. The apparatus of claim .[.4.]. .Iadd.3.Iaddend., wherein said
frame may be folded in a collapsed state by disengaging said
fastener and by rotating said .[.support members.]. .Iadd.frame
.Iaddend.in opposite directions.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a pair of circular web
portions is formed from said frame.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said .[.support members.].
.Iadd.circular web portions .Iaddend.are biased toward each other,
thereby folding adjacently said circular web portions.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said strap secures said frame
in said collapsed state by engaging said fastener.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said web comprises a fabric
material.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said strap has an adjustable
length.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said frame is biased by said
strap in to a convexly arcuate condition.
12. A method for folding a collapsible drying apparatus comprising
a web substantially stretched over a frame, said frame having an
expanded state and a collapsed state, .[.two opposing support
members coupled to said frame,.]. a strap having two ends, each end
being coupled to said web, and a releasable fastener coupled to
said strap, said method comprising the steps of: disengaging said
releasable fastener attached to said drying apparatus; rotating
said .[.support members.]. .Iadd.frame .Iaddend.in opposite
directions .Iadd.wherein a pair of circular web portions is formed
from said frame.Iaddend.; biasing said .[.support members.].
.Iadd.circular web portions .Iaddend.toward each other; and
engaging said releasable fastener.
13. The method of claim 12, said method further comprising, before
engaging said releasable fastener, the step of wrapping said strap
around said frame in said collapsed state.
14. A method for forming a drying apparatus, said method comprising
the steps of: securing a web around a frame for drying; coupling
opposed adjustable straps to said web; connecting said adjustable
straps by means of a releasable fastener, whereby said frame and
said web are formed in a convexly arcuate position. .[.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said method further comprises
the step of coupling at least one support member to said
frame..].
16. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.method .[.of claim 14, wherein said
method further comprises a first step of.]. .Iadd.for forming a
drying apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:.Iaddend.
connecting the ends of an elongated wire to form .[.said.]. .Iadd.a
.Iaddend.frame.[...]. .Iadd.; securing a web around said frame for
drying; coupling opposed adjustable straps to said web; and
connecting said adjustable straps by means of a releasable
fastener, whereby said frame and said web are formed in a convexly
arcuate position. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to household products and
specifically to a collapsible drying apparatus for convenient
drying, storage, and transportation. The need for this invention
arises in typical households. It is particularly difficult to dry
certain garments used in the household, especially those made out
of heavy fabrics, such as wool. Such garments must be laid on a
smooth surface and air-dried over a period of time.
Several prior art devises have attempted to provide solutions to
this problem. However, none provide the convenient, economical, and
easy to use features of the present invention. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,213,147 to Zheng discloses a method and apparatus for
folding and collapsing an object incorporating a flexible loop. The
need for a cable having it ends passing through an opening and then
tied to second and third points along the loop restricts the use of
the object in the drying process. Furthermore, the invention does
not allow both sides of the garment to be freely exposed to air
movement. U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,602 to Krill teaches a collapsible
drying rack including a series of horizontal tubular plastic frame
elements connected together by corner elements and a mesh sheet
mounted on the frame. However, taking apart such a device appears
to be a laborious process and storing it is a challenge in
relatively narrow place, such as traveler's bag. Reliability may be
a problem also, because plastic elements tend to break easily.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,357 to Van Vliet discloses a clothes-drying
platform composed of a net stretched between frame members knitted
through the margins of the net. The platform can be supported
alternatively by swingable, retractable legs, by suction cups, or
by a suspension sling. The platform is not foldable and, therefore,
is harder to transport or to store.
It is an object of this invention to provide a collapsible drying
apparatus that is easy to set up, easy to fold into a compact
configuration, and to be conveniently stored and transported. It is
a further object of this invention to provide such an apparatus
that can be sturdily supported in a convexly arcuate position so
that air can freely circulate above and below the object or garment
to be dried. Another object of this invention is to provide a
method for forming and collapsing a drying apparatus that is
effortless and involves a minimal number of steps.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, the
preferred embodiment of the collapsible drying apparatus comprises
a frame having an expanded state and a collapsed state and a web
substantially stretched over the frame. In it preferred embodiment,
two opposing support members are coupled to the frame. A strap
having it ends coupled to the web comprises a releasable fastener
located a predetermined distance from one of the strap's ends. The
ends of the strap may also be coupled to the frame. The strap has
an adjustable length and applies a variable tension to the frame in
it expanded state and also to the web. As a result of the applied
variable tension, the web and the frame take a convexly arcuate
position that allows support of the garment or other article for
drying and air movement.
In order to fold the apparatus into its collapsed state, the user
needs to disengage the fastener, thereby releasing the tension
applied to the web and to the frame. Then, the user rotates the
support members or opposed sides of the frames in opposite
directions in planes perpendicular to a plane defined by the frame
and the web, and then biases the support members or sides toward
each other. These actions force the frame to collapse by creating a
pair of circular web portions folded adjacently. Finally, the user
wraps the strap around the frame and the two web portions and
engages the fastener, thereby securing the frame in its collapsed
state.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top view of the invention, showing the frame in its
expanded state.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed view of the frame, showing the
crimped roll pin connecting the ends of the frame.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the invention, showing the frame in its
collapsed state.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention, showing the frame
and the web in a convexly arcuate position.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention, showing an alternate
convexly arcuate position of the frame and the web.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable
those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical
embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which
may be embodied in other specific structure. While the preferred
embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without
departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention, the collapsible
drying apparatus 10, is illustrated in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 comprises a frame 20 and a web
30. Referring to FIG. 2, the frame 20 is preferably made out of
spring steel wire 22, also known as music wire. However, other
alternative materials may be used in the construction of the frame
20, such as any flexible material or even plastic. The wire 22
dimensions are known in the art and the preferred embodiment uses
spring steel wire with a diameter of 0.0915 inches and 1050-1060
carbon steel composition, although other dimensions and
compositions could be used. The wire 22 is cut to predetermined
lengths and its ends are connected together by a roll pin 24, such
as to form an oval-shaped frame 20. The roll pin 24 is provided
with a crimp 26 to better secure the ends of the wire 22.
As shown in FIG. 1, the web 30 is preferably made out of nylon
mesh, although any cloth material capable of allowing water and air
circulation could be used. An edging 25, made preferably, but not
necessary, out of a stretch resistant material, such as nylon,
envelops entirely the length of the frame 20. In the preferred
embodiment, the web 30 has an oval shape and is sewn to the edging
25. As a result, in its relaxed state, the web 30 is stretched over
the frame 20. FIG. 1 also shows two optional support members 40, 42
positioned diametrically opposed to one another and connected to
the frame 20. The support members 40, 42 are preferably hollow
cylindrical tubes designed to offer stability to the apparatus 10
during the drying process. A strap 50 has its ends 52, 54 coupled
to the web 30 and includes a releasable fastener 60. The fastener
60 is fixedly attached to the strap 50 at a predetermined distance
from the end 52 of the strap 50. The portion of the strap 50
situated toward the end 54 is adjustable to allow application of a
variable tension to the frame 20 and the web 30. As a result, the
frame 20 and the web 30 take variable convexly arcuate positions,
as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The amount of tension needed
depends on the weight of the item to be dried. If the garment or
other item to be dried is heavy, a higher tension should be applied
to the frame 20, therefore increasing the height of the frame 20 in
its arcuate position. The item has then better support during the
drying process. If the item is lighter, a proportionately lower
tension would be necessary.
The fastener 60 can be disengaged at any time, after the drying
process is complete, to allow collapsing of the frame 20 for
storage or transportation purposes. After the releasable fastener
60 is disengaged, the apparatus 10 will take the form illustrated
in FIG. 1. In order to collapse the apparatus 10, the user rotates
the support members 40, 42 in opposite directions, in planes
perpendicular to a plane defined by the frame 20 and the web 30.
The rotation will create two circular web portions 70. Then the
user biases the support members 40, 42 toward each other, thereby
allowing the two web portions 70 to fold adjacently, as shown in
FIG. 3. Further referring to FIG. 3, the final step requires the
user to wrap the strap 50 around the frame 20 and the two adjacent
web portions 70 and to engage the fastener 60, thereby securing the
apparatus 10 in its collapsed state.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles
of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and
changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not
desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and
operation shown and descried. While the preferred embodiment has
been described, the details may be changed without departing from
the invention, which is defined by the claims.
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