DRYING RACK WITH DYNAMIC AIRFLOW

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to drying rack devices and more particularly, to a dish drying rack apparatus with dynamic airflow . . . .

BACKGROUND

The use of dish drying rack devices is well known. Some conventional dish drying racks include vertical supports configured to retain dishes in an upright position. Some conventional drying racks are configured to be located in a sink, or on a countertop, to hold dishes to be dried. Some users of conventional drying racks may use a conventional drying rack to hold dishes before the dishes are dried by hand, or may leave dishes in the conventional drying rack to permit them to air dry. Some conventional drying racks include a catch basin to catch water runoff, or may include a ramp to permit water running off the dishes to travel to a sink.

While these devices may be used to hold dishes and permit the dishes to air dry, neither of these options is capable of completely preventing pooling of water which runs off the dishes. Therefore, the dishes must either be hand dried right after whey are washed, or hand dried after they are left overnight to air dry because the dishes do not dry completely when left to air dry overnight.

Options exist which provide heat drying. For example, one heat drying device comprises a dome configured to contain dishes thereunder and heat the dishes so the dishes may be dried by heat. Such options, however, must be attended to in order to promptly remove the dishes after drying to avoid condensation of water on the dishes as the heat dried dishes cool, which would effectively negate any benefit of heat drying the dishes.

Options exist which provide a drying apparatus including a desiccant. Such devices may include a container having an insert with a plurality of openings, and a perforated tray with a desiccant material positioned thereon. Such options are not well-suited for drying dishes, as it may become problematic if the desiccant material were to get on the dishes, which would necessitate rewashing the dishes to remove the desiccant, as desiccants are not recommended for human consumption.

Conventional dishwashers may be used. Conventional dishwashers may include a dryer component located in the dishwasher interior including a heater and one or more fans to circulate air therein, similar to a clothes dryer. For example, clothes dryers are known which are provided with interior shelves and air exhaust vents that are configured to direct air towards the shelves. Further, the dryer may include an inlet and/or an outlet for outside air like a clothes dryer with an outside air duct in fluid communication with the inlet/outlet. Such configurations require the use of a conventional dishwasher having a closed interior.

Another dishwasher drying option may include a forced air drying dishwasher including an intake and air channel that ensure a smooth and more than adequate air entry, coupled with a narrowed venturi area to accelerate an air flow into a blower. With the air flow heated by a heating element, a distribution manifold coupled to a pair of nozzle manifolds with a plurality of spaced apart, evenly distributing nozzles are all joined via a plurality of laminar bends to ensure the air flow that is further aided. A gradual bend of an exhaust provides proper exit of the air flow. With such a plurality of air flow enhancements, a drying of dishes in the dishwasher may be comparatively more hastened and complete. Such configurations require use of a closed dishwasher system, which is contrary to the object of using a dish rack. Further these dishwasher configurations may exacerbate problems with dishwashers, such as clogging, and may add problems attendant to dryers such as dryer lint. Overall, and significantly, use of a conventional dishwasher would negate the purpose of having a dish rack.

There remains a need for a dish drying rack device which holds dishes in an upright or vertical orientation so the dishes may air dry, offers low noise and vibration with airflow around dishes, and enables the dishes to be completely dried without the user having to re-hand-dry the dishes at a later time.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a dish drying rack apparatus with dynamic airflow. The dish drying apparatus comprises a vented dish drying rack operably connected to at least one fan, and a power source. The apparatus may be used to quickly dry dishes placed therein.

The dish drying apparatus may be operated by a user to dry at least one dish the user has placed in the dish drying apparatus to be dried by the apparatus. The at least one dish may comprise a plurality of dishes.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to receive and dry dishes, pots, pans and flatware.

In a further aspect, the apparatus may be configured to receive and dry any suitable item other than kitchenware, such as, for example without limitation, smaller garments, hats or other headwear.

In a first implementation of the invention, a countertop dish drying apparatus with dynamic airflow comprises a vented dish drying rack, at least one fan, and a power source. The vented dish drying rack has a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a right side and a left side, an outer portion and an inner portion. The vented dish drying rack comprises a hollow dish drying rack frame or housing. The housing may comprise a plurality of dish supports.

In a second implementation, the apparatus comprises a lower apparatus comprising the dish drying rack, and further comprises an upper apparatus comprising at least one exterior fan support to which at least one exterior overhead fan may be mounted.

In an embodiment, the dish drying rack housing comprises a housing exterior surface, a housing interior surface, a housing interior cavity bordered and defined by the housing interior surface, the plurality of dish supports, and a plurality of housing airflow openings or vents in fluid communication with the housing interior cavity. The plurality of dish supports are located at the inner portion of the vented dish drying rack. The housing interior cavity may have any suitable cross-section, such as, for example without limitation, circular, triangular, square, or any other geometric shape. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the housing may be tubular and have a housing interior cavity which has a circular cross-section. The housing may have any suitable dimensions, and may have an interior portion with multiple shapes at different portions thereof.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may further include a flatware holder or cup, which may be removable, or may be integral to the housing.

In an embodiment, the power source may comprise one or more of a battery and an AC power cord. The battery may be rechargeable. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a timer. The apparatus may be used to quickly dry dishes placed therein.

In an embodiment, the apparatus and its components may be made of any suitable material by any suitable fabrication process, and may have any suitable dimensions. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the apparatus may be integrally molded. In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise assembled components.

In an embodiment, the at least one fan is operably connected to a power source. The power source may comprise a battery power source, a power cord connectable to an AC power source, or combinations thereof. The battery may be a removable replaceable battery capable of being removably installed in a battery compartment located at the housing of the dish drying rack, at the lower apparatus. The battery may be a rechargeable battery capable of being connected to and recharged by the AC power source. The lower apparatus may also be provided with a power cord receptacle in which a power cord may be plugged. The power cord may be configured to be plugged into any suitable power cord receptacle, nonlimiting examples of which may include 2-prong, 3-prong, USB, micro USB, or the like.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a power button or switch operably connected to the at least one fan and the power source. The power switch may be actuated by a user to power on the at least one fan.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a timer operably connected to the power switch, so that after a user powers on the apparatus by actuating the switch, the at least one fan may be operated for a predetermined length of time sufficient for the at least one fan to dry dishes placed in the apparatus, and then automatically power off after dishes in the apparatus have been dried. The timer may be capable of being operated to enter or select a specific drying time, or select from plurality of preset drying times.

In an embodiment, the power button or switch, and the timer may be accessible by a control panel provided on the exterior surface of the dish rack housing, or any suitable location of the apparatus.

In an embodiment the at least one fan may comprise at least one interior fan or housing fan located within the dish rack housing. The at least one interior fan may be removably mounted in the housing. The at least one interior fan may be configured to convey air through the housing interior cavity, so that in use, the air will travel through the housing interior cavity and out the plurality of housing airflow openings or vents. The at least one interior fan may comprise a plurality of interior fans. In some embodiments one interior fan may be located in the housing interior cavity. In other embodiments, two or more interior fans may be included. In further embodiments, four or more interior fans may be included.

In another aspect, the at least one fan may comprise at least one exterior fan mounted to an exterior fan support located at the upper apparatus. The at least one exterior fan may have any suitable fan shape, such as, for example without limitation, rectangular, square or circular. Each exterior fan support may have any suitable configuration.

In an embodiment, the at least one fan may comprise at least one interior fan located in the dish rack housing, and at least one exterior fan located at the upper apparatus.

In an embodiment, at least one exterior fan support may be located at the upper apparatus.

In an embodiment, the at least one fan may be permanently or removably attached to the at least one exterior fan support by a fan attachment device.

In an embodiment, the exterior fan support may comprise an arch configured to support one or more exterior fans.

In an embodiment, the arch may have any suitable configuration or shape. In some embodiments, the arch may comprise a semicircular arch. In some embodiments the arch may have a squared C-Shaped configuration, having a first end, a first vertical portion configured to extend upwardly from the front of the housing, a second end, a second vertical portion configured to extend upwardly from the rear of the housing, and a horizontal crossbar or beam supported by and extending between the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion. The at least one fan may be permanently or removably attached to the horizontal crossbar by a fan attachment device.

In an embodiment, the exterior fan support may comprise a fan support first end and a fan support second end configured to be connected to opposite sides of the dish rack housing. In some embodiments, the fan support first end may be connected to the front of the dish rack housing and the fan support second end may be connected to the rear of the dish rack housing. In other embodiments, the fan support first end and the fan support second end may be connected to the right and left sides of the dish rack housing.

In an embodiment, the at least one exterior fan support may comprise at least one vertical exterior fan support. In some embodiments, the at least one vertical exterior fan support may comprise a plurality of vertical exterior fan supports.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a first vertical exterior fan support configured to extend upwardly from the front of the housing, and a second vertical exterior fan support configured to extend upwardly from the rear of the housing.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may comprise multiple vertical exterior fan supports which may be configured to extend upwardly from the dish rack housing at any suitable location, for example without limitation, the dish rack front, the dish rack rear, the dish rack right side and/or the dish rack left side. Further in embodiments wherein the housing has a square or rectangular shape and four corners, at least one vertical exterior fan support may be configured to extend upwardly from at least one dish rack corner.

In an embodiment, the at least one fan may comprise a plurality of fans. The plurality of fans may include at least one interior fan or housing fan located within the housing, at least one exterior fan, and combinations thereof. The interior fan may be configured to convey air through the housing interior cavity and out of the housing airflow openings. The at least one exterior fan may comprise a plurality of exterior fans. The plurality of exterior fans may comprise a first exterior fan secured to an exterior fan support, and a second exterior fan secured to the exterior fan support. Each exterior fan may be removably mounted to the exterior fan support by a fan attachment device.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a dish rack with at least one interior fan located in the dish rack housing.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a lower apparatus including a dish rack, an upper apparatus comprising at least one exterior fan support, and at least one exterior fan mounted to at least one exterior fan support.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a lower apparatus including a dish rack having a vented dish rack housing, and at least one interior fan located in the dish rack housing as described herein. The apparatus further comprises an upper apparatus comprising at least one exterior fan support, and at least one exterior fan mounted to the at least one exterior fan support.

In an embodiment, the dish drying rack with dynamic airflow of the present invention provides an unprecedented dish drying rack device which holds dishes in an upright or vertical orientation so the dishes may air dry, offers low noise and vibration with airflow around dishes, and enables the dishes to be completely dried without the user having to re-hand-dry the dishes at a later time.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

Advantages:

1. Improved sanitation.

2. More efficient dish washing setup.

3. Better organization.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 presents a left perspective view of a dish drying rack with dynamic airflow in accordance with a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1A presents a right perspective view of the dish drying rack as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 presents a side cross sectional view of a housing of a dish drying rack with dynamic airflow in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 presents a side cross sectional view of a housing of a dish drying rack with dynamic airflow in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 presents a side cross sectional view of a housing of a dish drying rack with dynamic airflow in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 presents a schematic view of a control panel of a dish drying rack in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 presents an isometric view of a dish drying rack with dynamic airflow in accordance with a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 presents an isometric view of a dish drying rack with dynamic airflow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 presents an isometric view of a dish drying rack with dynamic airflow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 presents an isometric view of the dish drying rack with multiple exterior fan supports;

FIG. 10 presents an isometric view of the dish drying rack with multiple exterior fan supports;

FIG. 11 presents an isometric view of a representative exterior fan of the dish drying rack of the present invention;

FIG. 12 presents an isometric view of a representative exterior fan of the dish drying rack of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 presents an isometric view of a representative exterior fan of the dish drying rack of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-13, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed a dish drying rack with dynamic airflow. The dish drying apparatus may be used to quickly dry objects such as kitchenware, dishes, pots and pans, flatware, other household accessories, or any suitable item placed therein.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, in a first implementation of the invention, a dish drying apparatus 120 comprises a vented dish drying rack 130 operably connected to at least one fan 160, and a power source 180. The dish drying apparatus 120 may be used to quickly dry objects 100 placed therein. Nonlimiting examples of objects 100 may include dishes 102 and flatware 104 as shown in the figures, and may include other objects such as pots, pans, kitchenware and other household or small apparel items as noted herein. The dish drying apparatus 120 may be used on any suitable planar surface, such as, for example without limitation, a kitchen countertop 106.

The vented dish drying rack 130 has a top 130A, a bottom 130B, a front 130C, a rear 130D, a right side 130E, a left side 130F, an outer portion 132 and an inner portion 134. FIG. 1A shows the vented dish drying rack 130 viewed from the right side 130F.

As shown at FIG. 1, the plurality of dish supports 146 are located at the inner portion 134 of the vented dish drying rack 130. The dish drying apparatus 120 apparatus may further include a flatware holder or cup 158, which may be removable, or may be integral to the housing 140.

Referring to FIG. 2, a side cross sectional view, the vented dish drying rack 130 comprises a hollow dish drying rack frame or housing 140, the housing 140 comprising an upper housing 142 and a lower housing 144. The dish drying rack housing 140 further comprises a housing exterior surface 152, a housing interior surface 154, a housing interior cavity 156 bordered and defined by the housing interior surface, the plurality of dish supports 146, and a plurality of housing airflow openings or vents 150 in fluid communication with the housing interior cavity 156.

The housing interior cavity 156 may have any suitable cross-section, such as, for example without limitation, circular, triangular, square, or any other geometric shape. In some embodiments, as shown at FIG. 2, at least a portion of the housing 140 may be tubular and have a housing interior cavity 156 which has a circular or rounded cross-section. The housing 140 may have any suitable dimensions, and may have an interior cavity 156 having multiple shapes at different portions thereof.

The apparatus 120 may comprise at least one fan 160. The at least one fan 160 may be an interior fan 162 or housing fan 162 located in the housing interior cavity 156 at an interior cavity portion configured to receive and retain the at least one interior fan 162. At least one interior fan 162 may be located at any area of the housing interior cavity. The at least one fan may comprise a plurality of interior fans 162.

The at least one fan 160 is operably connected to the power source 180.

The power source 180 may comprise one or more of a battery 182 and a power cord 184. The power cord 184 may be an AC power cord. The battery 182 may be rechargeable.

The power source may comprise a battery power source 182, a power cord 184 connectable to an AC or solar power source, or combinations thereof. The battery 182 may be a removeable replaceable battery capable of being removably installed in a battery compartment 188 located in the housing interior cavity 156.

As seen at FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, at least one interior fan 162 may be located in the housing interior cavity 156 proximal to or in a battery compartment 188 located near the rack front 130C. As shown at FIG. 3, a side cross sectional view, the at least one interior fan 162 may be located in the housing interior cavity 156 near the rack rear 130D. With reference to FIG. 4, a side cross sectional view, the at least one fan 160 may be located in the housing interior cavity 156 near or between the rack right side 130E (best seen at FIGS. 1 and 1A) and the rack left side 130F (best seen at FIGS. 1 and 1A) and/or close to the rack bottom 130B. The at least one fan 160 may comprise a plurality of fans located at one area or at multiple areas of the housing interior cavity 156. In some embodiments, one or more interior fans 162 may be removably mounted in the housing interior cavity 156, and the housing 140 may further comprise at least one housing door 190, configured to permit access to the housing interior cavity 156. The at least one housing door 190 may comprise one or more of a fan access door 190A and a battery compartment door 190B to permit a user to access an interior fan 162 or a battery 182 for maintenance or replacement.

The battery 182 may be a rechargeable battery capable of being connected to the power cord 184 and recharged by the power source 180 (AC or solar power source). The housing 140 may also be provided with an auxiliary power cord receptacle 192, as shown, for example, at FIG. 5, in which a suitable cord may be plugged. A USB receptacle is shown, though the auxiliary power cord receptacle 192 may be configured to receive 2-prong, 3-prong, USB, Micro USB plugs or the like. Similarly, the power cord 184 of the apparatus 120 may include a plug configured to be plugged into any suitable power cord receptacle, nonlimiting examples of which may include 2-prong, 3-prong, USB, micro USB, or the like.

The apparatus 120 may further comprise a power button or switch 194 operably connected to the at least one fan 160 and the power source 180. The power switch 194 may be actuated by a user to power on the at least one fan 160.

As shown at FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the dish drying apparatus 120 may include a device control 186 which may be a dial timer 186A or a keypad input and display timer 186B which includes a clock, timer and multiple device settings.

The apparatus may comprise a device control 186 including a timer 186A, 186B operably connected to the power switch 194, so that after a user powers on the apparatus 120 by actuating the power switch 194, the at least one fan 160 may be operated for a predetermined length of time sufficient for the at least one fan 160 to dry objects placed in the apparatus 120, and then automatically power off after the objects in the apparatus 120 have been dried. The dial timer 186A and the keypad input and display timer 186B are capable of being operated to enter or select a specific drying time. The keypad input and display timer 186B may also be used to select from a plurality of preset drying times.

As shown at FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the power button or switch 194, and the timer 186A, 186B may be accessible by a control panel 198. The control panel 198 may be provided on the housing 140 of the apparatus 120. For example, the control panel 198 may be located at the rack outer portion 132 at the housing exterior surface 152. As a nonlimiting example, in some embodiments, the control panel 198 may be located at the front 130C of the vented dish drying rack 130. The control panel 198 may include any suitable control element, such as, for example without limitation, dials, press buttons, switches, digital controls, keypad controls, or the like.

Referring next to FIGS. 6-13, in a second implementation of the invention, the dish drying apparatus 220 may include all of the elements heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 1-5. Reference numerals which correspond to like elements of the dish drying apparatus 120 heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 1-10 are designated by the same reference numerals in the 200-299 series in FIGS. 6-13. As shown at FIG. 6, the apparatus 220 comprises a dish drying rack 230 operably connected to at least one fan 260, and a power source 180.

As shown at FIG. 6, the apparatus 220 comprises an upper apparatus 222 and a lower apparatus 224. The upper apparatus 222 may comprise an exterior fan support 248, to which, as described for fully hereinbelow, at least one exterior fan 264 may be mounted.

The at least one exterior fan 264 may be an overhead exterior fan supported by the exterior fan support 248 to provide air circulation and drying to objects 100 in the apparatus 220 from above.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include at least one exterior fan 264 removably attached to any suitable area of the apparatus 220, including the upper housing 242.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 230 may include only exterior fans 264, and may include a lower apparatus 224 which comprises a dish drying rack 230 having no interior fans or housing airflow openings or vents.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include both interior and exterior fans. The apparatus which includes both interior and exterior fans may comprise at least one exterior fan 264 and at least one interior fan 162, with a lower apparatus 224 which comprises a vented dish drying rack 130 as described hereinabove and shown at FIGS. 1-1A and FIGS. 2-4 and including an upper apparatus 224 as described and shown at FIGS. 6-10.

The lower apparatus 224 may include a flatware holder or cup 258, which may be removable, or may be integral to the dish drying rack 230.

The at least one exterior fan 264 is operably connected to a power source 180. The power source may comprise a battery power source 182, a power cord 184 connectable to an AC or solar power source, or combinations thereof. The battery 182 may be a removable replaceable battery capable of being removably installed in a battery compartment 188 located at the lower apparatus 224. The battery 182 may be a rechargeable battery capable of being connected to the power cord 184 and recharged by the AC or solar power source. The lower apparatus 224 may also be provided with an auxiliary power cord receptacle 192 in which a suitable cord may be plugged (a USB receptacle is shown), though the auxiliary power cord receptacle 192 may be configured to receive 2-prong, 3-prong, USB, Micro USB plugs or the like. Similarly, the power cord 184 of the apparatus 220 may include a plug configured to be plugged into any suitable power cord receptacle, nonlimiting examples of which may include 2-prong, 3-prong, USB, micro USB, or the like.

The apparatus 220 may further comprise a power button or switch 194 operably connected to the at least one fan 260 and the power source 180. The power switch 194 may be actuated by a user to power on the at least one fan 160. The apparatus may comprise a timer 186, 186A operably connected to the power switch 194, so that after a user powers on the apparatus 120 by actuating the power switch 194, the at least one fan 260 may be operated for a predetermined length of time sufficient for the at least one fan 260 to dry dishes 102 or other objects placed in the apparatus 220, and then automatically power off after dishes 102 or other objects in the apparatus 220 have been dried. The timer 186, 186A may be capable of being operated to enter or select a specific drying time, or select from plurality of preset drying times.

In some embodiments, the power button or switch 194, and the timer 186, 186A may be accessible by a control panel 198 as shown at FIG. 5, which may be provided on the lower apparatus 224. For example, the control panel 198 may be located at the housing exterior surfa252 of the lower housing 144. In some embodiments, the control panel 198 may be located at the front 230C of the dish drying rack 230. The control panel 198 may include any suitable control element, such as, for example without limitation, dials, press buttons, switches, digital controls, keypad controls, or the like.

The at least one fan 260 may comprise at least one exterior fan 264 mounted to an exterior fan support 248 located at the upper apparatus 222. The exterior fan support 248 may have any suitable configuration. The at least one exterior fan 264 fan may comprise a plurality of exterior fans 264. The plurality of exterior fans 264 may comprise a first exterior fan 264A secured to an exterior fan support 248 located at the upper housing 242 and at the top 230A of the dish drying rack 230, and a second exterior fan 264B secured to the exterior fan support 248. Each exterior fan 264 may be removably mounted to the exterior fan support 248 by a fan attachment device 278.

The exterior fan 264 may be any suitable fan. Nonlimiting examples of exterior fans 264 are shown at FIGS. 10-13. The fan attachment device 278 may be any suitable attachment device, such as, for example without limitation, mechanical clips, clamps, brackets, collars, screws, pins, hook and loop fasteners, or the like. The fan attachment device may also comprise an adhesive or adhesive tape. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, an exemplary exterior fan 264 is shown, which has an integral fan attachment device 278. As shown at FIG. 7, the fan attachment device 278 may have an angled configuration and may further include a pivot. As seen at FIGS. 9-10, the fan attachment device 278 may comprise a collar and an adjustable screw or pin. As seen at FIGS. 11-13, the fan attachment device 278 may comprise a clip or clamp, which may be spring-loaded or biased. Each exterior fan may be operably connected to a power source as described herein. Nonlimiting examples of the power source may include an integral power source such as a battery, a solar panel, or a power cord configured to be connected to the apparatus control panel, an exterior AC or solar power source, or a power charger/adapter.

As shown at FIGS. 6-8, the exterior fan support 248 may comprise an arch 266 configured to support one or more exterior fans 264. As shown at FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, the arch 266 may have a first end 268 connected to the front 230C of the rack 230, and a second end 270 connected to the rear 230D of the rack 230. The at least one exterior fan 264 may be permanently or removably attached to the arch 266 by a fan attachment device 278 (best seen at FIGS. 10-13).

Referring again to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the fan support 248 may comprise a horizontal fan support 248A. The horizontal fan support may comprise an arch 266 having a squared C-Shaped configuration, having a first end 268, a first vertical portion 272 configured to extend upwardly from the front 230C of the rack 230, a second end 270, a second vertical portion 274 configured to extend upwardly from the rear 230D of the rack 230, and a horizontal cross bar 276 supported by and extending between the first vertical portion 272 and the second vertical portion 274. The at least one exterior fan 264 may be permanently or removably attached to the horizontal cross bar 276 by the fan attachment device 278.

With reference to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the fan support 248 may comprise a horizontal fan support 248A. The arch 266 may have a squared C-Shaped configuration, having a first end 268, a first vertical portion 272 configured to extend upwardly from the rack right side 230E, a second end 270, a second vertical portion 274 configured to extend upwardly from the rear rack left side 230F, and a horizontal cross bar 276 supported by and extending between the first vertical portion 272 and the second vertical portion 274. The at least one exterior fan 264 may be permanently or removably attached to the horizontal cross bar 276 by the fan attachment device 278.

As shown at FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the exterior fan support 248 may comprise a curved fan support 248C comprising an arch 266 that is a semicircular arch having a first end 268 and a second end 270. Though the arch 266 is shown extending between the rack front 230C to the rack rear 230D, in some embodiments, the arch 266 may extend between the rack right side 230E and the rack left side 230F, or between rack corners 230G. The at least one exterior fan 264 may be permanently or removably attached to the arch 266 by the fan attachment device 278.

Referring now to FIG. 9, at least one exterior fan support 248 may comprise a vertical fan support 248B. A first vertical support 272 is configured to extend upwardly from the rack front 230C. In some embodiments, a second exterior fan support 274 may be provided which is configured to extend upwardly from the rack rear 230D. A first exterior fan 264A may be permanently or removably attached to the first vertical support 272 by a fan attachment device 278, and a second exterior fan 264B may be permanently or removably attached to the second vertical support 274 by a fan attachment device 278.

As shown at FIG. 10, the exterior fan support 248 may comprise a first vertical support 272 which is configured to extend upwardly from the rack right side 230E. In some embodiments, a second exterior fan support 274 may be provided which is configured to extend upwardly from the rack left side 230F. The first exterior fan 264A may be permanently or removably attached to the first vertical support 272 by a fan attachment device 278, and a second exterior fan 264B may be permanently or removably attached to the second vertical support 274 by a fan attachment device 278. A plurality of exterior fans 264 may be supported by a plurality of vertical supports 248B which may be located at the rack front 230C, rack rear 230D, rack right side 230E, rack left side 230F or a rack corner 230G.

As noted hereinabove, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of fans. An apparatus may be provided which has a lower apparatus configured like the vented dish rack shown in FIGS. 1-4, and an upper apparatus as shown at FIGS. 6-8 or as shown at FIGS. 9-10. The plurality of fans may include at least one interior fan as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1-4, at least one exterior fan as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 6-10, and combinations thereof. The at least one interior fan may be configured to convey air through the housing interior cavity of the vented dish rack and out the plurality of housing airflow openings, ports, or vents. The at least one exterior fan may function to provide drying, and may also enhance the air circulation provided by the at least one interior fan. The combined effect of the at least one interior fan and the at least one exterior fan amplify the unprecedented dynamic airflow of the dish drying apparatus of the present invention.

The dish drying apparatus and its components may be made of any suitable material by any suitable fabrication process, and may have any suitable dimensions. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the dish drying apparatus may be integrally molded. In some embodiments, the dish drying apparatus may comprise assembled components.

In some embodiments, the dish drying rack apparatus with dynamic airflow is constructed and arranged to operate quietly, and may include housing components which minimize noise and vibration while the apparatus is in operation. Such housing components may include materials of which the housing is made, additional shock-absorbing and sound-proofing devices, and combinations thereof.

To use the drying rack apparatus with dynamic airflow of the present invention, the user may simply place at least one object, such as for example without limitation, dishes to be dried in the apparatus, and power on the apparatus. In the embodiments which include a timer, the user may select either a time setting or a provide a desired operation time. The unprecedented dish drying rack apparatus will then function to dry the at least one object, enabling the object to become completely dry, so that the user will not have to re-hand-dry the object at a later time. The configuration of the apparatus offers low noise and vibration.

In summary, the present invention provides a dish drying rack apparatus with dynamic airflow, the apparatus being capable of use to quickly dry objects such as dishes, pots, pans, and flatware, or other household items, such as, for example without limitation small apparel items, headwear, or the like.

The apparatus comprises a dish rack, at least one fan, and a power source operably connected to the fan.

In one embodiment, the dish drying rack apparatus comprises a vented dish drying rack having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a right side, a left side, an outer portion and an inner portion. The vented dish drying rack further comprises a hollow housing having a housing exterior surface, a housing interior surface, a housing interior cavity bordered and defined by the housing interior surface, a plurality of housing airflow vents in fluid communication with the housing interior cavity, a plurality of integral dish supports located at the rack inner portion, and a flatware holder. The apparatus further comprises at least one interior fan located in the housing interior cavity, a power source operably connected to the at least one interior fan, and a power on/off switch operably connected to the power source. The apparatus is configured to be placed on a planar surface to be operated. The power switch may be actuated by a user to power-on the apparatus to operate the at least one interior fan. The user may place at least one item to be dried in the dish drying rack, power-on the apparatus, and permit the operation of the apparatus to quickly dry dishes and flatware.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a dish drying rack apparatus with dynamic airflow capable of use to quickly dry objects. The apparatus comprises a lower apparatus and an upper apparatus. The lower apparatus comprises a dish drying rack having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a right side, a left side, an outer portion and an inner portion. The dish drying rack further comprises a plurality of integral dish supports located at the rack inner portion, and a flatware holder. The upper apparatus comprises at least one fan support and at least one exterior fan removably mounted to the at least one fan support. A power source is operably connected to the at least one exterior fan. A power on/off switch is operably connected to the power source. The apparatus is configured to be placed on a planar surface to be operated. The power switch may be actuated by a user to power-on the apparatus to operate the at least one exterior fan. The user may place at least one item to be dried in the dish drying rack, power-on the apparatus, and permit the operation of the apparatus to quickly dry dishes and flatware. The apparatus may be powered-off after the at least one item has been dried.

In one embodiment, a dish drying apparatus with dynamic airflow comprises a lower apparatus and an upper apparatus. The lower apparatus comprises a vented dish drying rack having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a right side, a left side, an outer portion and an inner portion. The vented dish drying rack further comprises a hollow dish drying rack housing having a housing exterior surface, a housing interior surface, a housing interior cavity bordered and defined by the housing interior surface, a plurality of housing airflow vents in fluid communication with the housing interior cavity, and a plurality of integral dish supports located at the inner portion of the vented dish drying rack, and a flatware holder. At least one interior fan is located in the housing interior cavity. The upper apparatus comprises at least one exterior fan support and at least one exterior fan removably mounted to the at least one exterior fan support. The apparatus includes at least one power source operably connected to the at least one interior fan and the at least one exterior fan and at least one power on/off switch operably connected to the at least one power source.

The apparatus may comprise at least one timer operably connected to the at least one power on/off switch and the at least one power source. The apparatus is configured to be placed on a planar surface to be operated. The at least one power on/off switch may be actuated by a user to power-on the apparatus to operate the at least one interior fan and the at least one exterior fan. The timer may be operated by the user to permit operation of the at least one interior fan and the at least one exterior fan for a predetermined amount of time. The user may place at least one item to be dried in the dish drying rack, power-on the apparatus, and permit the operation of the apparatus to quickly dry the at least one item to be dried, and to automatically power-off after the at least one item has been dried.

It can be seen that an apparatus of the present invention may have one or more interior fans. Multiple interior fans may be located in the housing interior cavity. Further, an apparatus of the present invention may have one or more exterior fans. Multiple exterior fans may be located on the at least one exterior fan support. In some embodiments, an apparatus of the present invention may include both interior fans and exterior fans, and may have one or more interior fans and one or more exterior fans. In other embodiments an apparatus of the present invention may include only interior fans. Further, in some embodiments an apparatus of the present invention may include only exterior fans.

The at least one power source of an apparatus of the present invention may comprise a battery, a rechargeable battery, a power cord that may be connected to an AC or Solar power source, and combinations thereof.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the single claim below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to the one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.

Of course the present invention is not intended to be restricted to any particular form or arrangement, or any specific embodiment, or any specific use, disclosed herein, since the same may be modified in various particulars or relations without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention hereinabove shown and described of which the apparatus or method shown is intended only for illustration and disclosure of an operative embodiment and not to show all of the various forms or modifications in which this invention might be embodied or operated.

The foregoing has described methods and systems for a patient movement monitoring and feedback system that are given for illustration and not for limitation and uses. Thus, the inventions are limited only by the appended claims. Although the inventions have been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present inventions. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the embodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the claims encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the claimed subject matter.

The above detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular fields of usage mentioned above. While specific embodiments and examples are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the embodiments provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

Any patents, applications and other references that may be listed in accompanying or subsequent filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references to provide yet further embodiments.

In light of the above “Detailed Description,” the Inventors may make changes to the disclosure. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, embodiments may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the embodiments as disclosed by the inventors. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the embodiments with which that terminology is associated.

While certain aspects are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects.

The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described systems, articles of manufacture and methods. It is important to note that many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Modifications and Variations

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the innovative concepts described in the present application can be modified and varied over a tremendous range of applications, and accordingly the scope of patented subject matter is not limited by any of the specific exemplary teachings given. It is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

The rack can be formed from light metals, preferably aluminum or stainless steel.

None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: THE SCOPE OF PATENTED SUBJECT MATTER IS DEFINED ONLY BY THE ALLOWED CLAIMS. Moreover, none of these claims are intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC section 112 unless the exact words “means for” are followed by a participle.

The claims as filed are intended to be as comprehensive as possible, and NO subject matter is intentionally relinquished, dedicated, or abandoned.

DRYING RACK WITH DYNAMIC AIRFLOW

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Provisional Applications (1)