BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fixture for drying fabric articles, in particular, a fixture providing air flow to maximize drying of fabric articles.
2. Description of Related Art
Many kinds of towel drying products, such as rods, bars, and towel racks, are used in today's bathrooms and kitchens. However, most of these products do not provide for adequate drying of the fabric articles they support such as towels and washing cloths.
In environments such as these, where fabric articles are constantly subjected to moisture, adequate drying is critical; otherwise, the fabric articles become favorable environments for bacteria to live and breed. This is evidenced by the musty smell many towels have after just a couple of uses.
There have been a number of inventions which have been designed to address these needs and design esthetics.
US 2008/0121598 A1 is directed to a towel rack that has a movable rod that is parallel to a fixed rod. After a towel is threaded over and around the two rods, the movable rod is moved adjacent the fixed rod to effectively clamp the towel in place so that it does not fall off of the rack and onto the floor. US 2010/0078396 A1 is directed to towel holder having a plurality of arms radially extending from a central trunk wherein the arms can be rotated around the central truck. This allows a plurality of towels to be hung on the rack without contacting one another. U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,640 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,314,367 are directed to apparatuses that use heating elements to heat or dry the towel. These inventions use the increased ability of the heated air to hold moisture to improve the drying potential of the air.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a fixture for drying fabric articles that enhances the ventilation potential over and through fabrics, such as towels. More specifically, the present invention provides a passive mechanism to promote air movement around and through the fabric draped over the fixture, thereby providing a better environment for the drying of fabric articles while not in use. This reduces the favorable environment for bacteria growth and the associated musty smells.
The present invention is directed to a fixture suitable for after-market installation on an existing rod provided for hanging fabric articles. The fixture comprises at least one elongated body and a means for attaching the elongated body to the rod. The fixture may be attached to the rod such that the elongated body contacts the rod or it may be attached such that the elongated body is distanced from the rod.
The elongated body may comprise an outer surface, an inner surface, and a plurality of openings extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. In one such embodiment, the elongated body may be a contoured plate that is attached such that the inner surface of the plate contacts the rod. In another such embodiment, the contoured plate may be distanced from the rod by radial arms.
In another embodiment, the inner surface of the elongated body may define at least one sidewall that defines a central passageway and the sidewall may be distanced from the rod by at least one spacer. The elongated body may have at least two portions connected to form the at least one sidewall. The portions may be connected by mating engagements. The fixture may further include a door in the sidewall allowing access to the central passageway and/or an aromatic, deodorant, absorbent, odor neutralizer, or a combination thereof disposed within the central passageway.
In yet another embodiment, two elongated rod-shaped bodies may be provided distanced from the rod by radial arms.
The elongated body may further be attached to a rod and the at least one radial arm may extend from the rod.
The present invention is also directed to a fixture for hanging fabric articles. The fixture comprises an elongated body comprising an outer surface and an inner surface and at least one radial arm extending from the elongated body. A plurality of openings extend from the outer surface to the inner surface. The fixture may further include end caps at a first end and a second end of the elongated body such that the radial arms extend from the end caps. The at least one radial arm may be adapted for attachment to a wall or other vertical surface. The elongated body may be a contoured plate.
Alternatively, the inner surface of the elongated body may define at least one sidewall that defines a central passageway. In addition, the fixture may further include a door in the sidewall allowing access to the central passageway and/or an aromatic, deodorant, absorbent, odor neutralizer, or a combination thereof disposed within the central passageway.
Further details and advantages of the invention will become clear upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like parts are designated with like reference numerals throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a close-up, isolated perspective view of one end of the fixture of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fixture in FIG. 1 installed on a rod having a circular cross-section;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fixture in FIG. 1 installed on a rod having a square cross-section;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an exploded end view of the fixture of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the fixture of FIG. 5 showing its relationship to an existing rod;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fixture of FIG. 5, showing the fixture fixed to an existing rod;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the fixture of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a seventh embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of an eighth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end”, “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. 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 invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. Further, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations except where expressly specified to the contrary.
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of a fabric drying fixture 10 for hanging fabric articles including, but not limited to, towels and washing cloths. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the fixture 10 prior to installation on a rod 22. FIG. 3 shows the fixture 10 as installed on a rod 22. The fixture 10 is adapted for use with an existing rod 22 provided for hanging fabric articles.
Fixture 10 comprises an elongated body 12 with an outer surface 13 and an inner surface 15. The inner surface 15 defines at least one sidewall 14 that defines a central passageway 16. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the elongated body 12 has a cylindrical shape provided by a single sidewall 14 and has a circular cross-section. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the cross-section of the elongated body 12 can take any suitable shape including, but not limited to, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, and a polygon. Of course, the later four shapes will have more than one sidewall 14.
The elongated body 12 has a plurality of openings 18 therethrough extending from the outer surface 13 to the inner surface 15. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the openings 18 are generally circular. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the openings 18 may take any suitable shape and size that allows the passage of air into and out of the central passageway 16 of the elongated body 12. Such shapes may include, but are not limited to, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, and triangular. Alternatively, the sidewall 14 of the elongated body 12 may be made from a perforated sheet, a mesh, or a screen. The openings 18 may be placed over the entirety of the elongated body 12 or may only be placed over portions of the elongated body 12 as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.
At least one spacer 20 is disposed in the central passageway 16 of the elongated body 12. The spacer 20 is adapted to attach the fixture 10 to the rod 22. The spacer 20 is further adapted to engage and position the rod 22 within the central passageway 16 such that the rod 22 does not contact the sidewall 14 of the elongated body 12. The spacer 20 may take any suitable size and shape as long as it serves to distance the rod 22 from the sidewall 14 of the elongated body 12. The spacer 20 may include a central opening 24 for receiving the rod 22. The size and shape of the central opening 24 corresponds to the size and shape of the rod 22 that is to be inserted into the fixture 10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the spacer 20 has a donut-shape. The spacer 20 may be attached to the sidewall 14 using any suitable method including, but not limited to, gluing and a mating engagement such as a slot provided on the inner surface 15 of the elongated body 12 or the spacer 20 may be integral with the sidewall 14.
Preferably, the spacer 20 is formed from an elastomer material. By forming the spacer 20 from an elastomer material, the size and shape of the spacer 20 adjusts to conform to a variety of rods 22 having different sizes and/or shapes. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture 10 fixed to a rod 22 that has a circular cross-section. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture 10 fixed to a rod 22 that has a square cross-section. Said elastomer material also provides incremental friction properties that can hinder or promote the movement of the fixture 10 around the rod 22.
When a fabric article is draped over the outer surface 13 of the fixture 10 for drying, the fixture 10 distances the fabric from the rod 22. The openings 18 in the elongated body 12 of the fixture 10 allow air flow into and out of the central passageway 16 promoting evaporation from the back of fabric that is in contact with the fixture 10. This allows the fabric to dry faster than it would if it was directly draped over the rod 22.
A second embodiment of the inventive fixture 100 is shown in FIGS. 5-8. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the fixture 100 prior to installation on a rod 122. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the fixture 100 as installed on a rod 122.
The fixture 100 comprises an elongated body 112 with an outer surface 113 and an inner surface 115. The inner surface 115 defines at least one sidewall 114 that defines a central passageway 116. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, the elongated body 112 has a cylindrical shape provided by a single sidewall 114 and has a circular cross-section. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the cross-section of the elongated body 112 can take any suitable shape including, but not limited to, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, and a polygon. Of course, the later four shapes will have more than one sidewall 114.
The elongated body 112 has at least two portions 126, 128 that are connected to form the sidewall 114. As can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the elongated body 112 may have any number of portions. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, the elongated body 112 is generally cylindrical and is divided into two portions 126, 128 along its longitudinal axis. The portions 126, 128 may be connected in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, depending on the material used for the elongated body 112, gluing, welding, thermal bonding, mechanical bonding, and the like. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-8, the portions 126, 128 may be connected through a mating engagement. Such mating engagements include, but are not limited to, friction fit, snap-fit, projections with corresponding slots, hinges, detents, and the like. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, the mating engagement comprises corresponding projections 130 and slots 132. Each portion 126, 128 has projections 130 arranged along one mating edge and slots 132 arranged along the other mating edge. Of course, the projections 130 and slots 132 may be arranged in any fashion as long as a projection 130 on one portion of the elongated body 112 aligns with a corresponding slot 132 on another portion of the elongated body 112. The projections 130 are received in the corresponding slot 132 to provide a snap-fit connection of the portions 126, 128 of the elongated body 112.
The elongated body 112 has a plurality of openings 118 therethrough extending from the outer surface 113 to the inner surface 115 of the elongated body 112 as described above with respect to the first described embodiment 10.
At least one spacer 120 is disposed in the central passageway 116 of the elongated body 112. The spacer 120 may be configured as described above with respect to the first described embodiment 10. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-8, the spacer 120 may comprise at least two portions 134, 136. Preferably, each portion 134, 136 of the spacer 120 corresponds to a portion 126, 128 of the elongated body 112 such that when the portions 126, 128 of the elongated body 112 are connected to form the sidewall 114, corresponding portions 134, 136 of the spacer 120 are adjacent to one another to provide the spacing of the rod 122 from the sidewall 114. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, the portions 134, 136 of the spacer 120 are in the shape of a donut divided along its diameter. Each portion 134, 136 of the spacer 120 is associated with a portion 126, 128 of the elongated body 112 such that when the portions 126, 128 of the elongated body 112 are connected, the spacer 120 has a donut shape.
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a third embodiment of the inventive fixture 200 for hanging fabric articles. This third embodiment 200 has all of the same features as the second described embodiment 100 and further comprises a door 238 in the sidewall 214 allowing access to the central passageway 216. In the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the portions 226, 228 of the elongated body 212 are matingly engaged by a hinge 240 along one longitudinal edge of each portion 226, 228 and a locking engagement along the other longitudinal edge of each portion 226, 228. The locking engagement comprises the projections 230 and corresponding slots 232 described above with respect to the second embodiment 100.
At least one of the portions 226, 228 of the elongated body 212 further comprises a door 238 in the sidewall 214 allowing access to the central passageway 216. The door 238 may have any size or shape and is shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 as having a rectangular shape extending for approximately one-third of the length of the elongated body 212. The door 238 may be attached to the elongated body 212 in any suitable fashion including, but not limited to, a locking engagement, a hinge, or both. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the door 238 is attached to the elongated body 212 using a hinge 241 and a locking engagement. The locking engagement comprises a projection 242 on the door 238 and a corresponding slot 244 in the elongated body 212 for receiving the projection 242. The projection 242 is received in the corresponding slot 244 to provide a snap-fit connection between the door 238 and the elongated body 212.
FIG. 11 illustrates a fourth embodiment of an inventive fixture 300 for hanging fabric articles. The elongated body 312 is a plate having an outer surface 313 and an inner surface 315. The plate may be contoured. The contour of the plate may take any suitable shape including, but not limited to, round as shown in FIG. 11. The elongated body 312 has a plurality of openings 318 therethrough extending from the outer surface 313 to the inner surface 315. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the openings 318 are generally circular. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the openings 318 may take any suitable shape and size that allows air to contact the fabric hanging on the outer surface 315 of the fixture 300. Such shapes may include, but are not limited to, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, and triangular. Alternatively, the elongated body 312 may be made from a perforated sheet, a mesh, or a screen. The openings 318 may be placed over the entirety of the elongated body 312 as shown in FIG. 11 or may only be placed over portions of the elongated body 312.
A means is provided for attaching the elongated body 312 to the rod 322. The attachment means may include, but is not limited to, screws, bolts, rivets, clips, brackets, and the like. In the embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, the inner surface 315 of the elongated body 312 contacts the rod 322.
In a fifth embodiment of the inventive fixture 400, shown in FIG. 12, the elongated body 412 is distanced from the rod 422. The elongated body 412 of this embodiment has all the features of the fourth previously described embodiment 300. At least one radial arm 446 adapted for attachment to the rod 422 extends from the elongated body 412. When the fixture is attached to the rod 422, the radial arm 446 distances the rod 422 from the inner surface 415 of the elongated body 412. The radial arm 446 may take any suitable size and shape. The radial arm 446 may be attached to the elongated body 412 using any suitable method including, but not limited to, gluing, welding, thermal bonding, mechanical bonding, bolting, and the like.
The means for attaching the radial 446 to the rod 422 may take any suitable form including, but not limited to, sliding over the rod 422 and clamping to the rod 422. As can be realized by a person skilled in the art, any number of radial arms 446 may be used to distance the rod 422 from the inner surface 415 of the elongated body 412. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, two radial arms 446 extend from a portion 449 having an opening having a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the rod 422. The rod 422 is inserted into this portion 449 and the radial arms 446 distance the rod 422 from the inner surface 415 of the elongated body 412. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, two sets of radial arms 446 are utilized, one at each end of the elongated body 412.
FIG. 13 illustrates a sixth embodiment 500 of an inventive fixture for hanging fabric articles. The fixture 500 comprises two rod-shaped elongated bodies 512. The elongated bodies 512 extend parallel to the rod 522. The means for distancing the elongated bodies 512 from the rod 522 comprises a set of holders, each holder comprising two radial arms 546 extending from a portion 549 having an opening having a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the rod 522. The rod 522 is inserted into this portion 549. One end of each of the elongated bodies 512 is attached to one of the radial arms 546 such that the elongated bodies 512 are spaced apart from and parallel to each other and the rod 522. When the fabric article is draped over the fixture 500, the void created between the elongated bodies 512 and the rod 522 allows air to circulate to the fabric article promoting evaporation from the back of fabric. This allows the fabric to dry faster than it would if it was directly draped over the rod 522.
FIG. 14 illustrates a seventh embodiment 600 of an inventive fixture for hanging fabric articles, such as towels. The fixture 600 comprises an elongated body 612 with an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines at least one sidewall 614 that defines a central passageway 616. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the elongated body 612 has a cylindrical shape provided by a single sidewall 614 and has a circular cross-section. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the cross-section of the elongated body 612 can take any suitable shape including, but not limited to, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, and a polygon. Of course, the later four shapes will have more than one sidewall 614.
The sidewall 614 of the elongated body 612 has a plurality of openings 618 therethrough extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the openings 618 are generally circular. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the openings 618 may take any suitable shape and size that allows the passage of air into and out of the central passageway 616 of the elongated body 612. Such shapes may include, but are not limited to, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, and triangular. Alternatively, the sidewall 614 of the elongated body 612 may be made from a perforated sheet, a mesh, or a screen. The openings 618 may be placed over the entirety of the elongated body 612 as shown in FIG. 14 or may only be placed over portions of the elongated body 612.
At least one radial arm 647 extends from the elongated body 612. Any number of radial arms 647 may be provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, two radial arms 647 are provided, one at each end of the elongated body 612. The radial arms 647 may be used to attach the fixture 600 to a wall in the same manner as a conventional towel bar. Such attachment may include, but is not limited to, screws 645 (as shown in FIG. 14) or bolts.
FIG. 15 shows an eighth embodiment 700 of the inventive fixture. The fixture 700 has all of the same features of the seventh described embodiment 600 except the radial arms 747 do not extend directly from the elongated body 712. The fixture 700 further comprises end caps 748 affixed at each end of the elongated body 712. Radial arms 747 extend from each end cap 748. The end caps 748 may be attached to the elongated body 712 in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the end caps 748 are attached to the elongated body 712 by inserting the end of the elongated body 712 into the end cap 748. Alternatively, the end cap 748 could have a plug portion that extends into the central passageway of the elongated body 712 with the radial arm 747 extending from a second portion of the end cap 748 disposed outside of the central passageway of the elongated body 712.
FIG. 16 shows a ninth embodiment 800 of the inventive fixture. The elongated body 812 is a plate having an outer surface 813 and an inner surface 815. The plate may be contoured. The contour of the plate may take any suitable shape including, but not limited to, round as shown in FIG. 16. The elongated body 812 has a plurality of openings 818 therethrough extending from the outer surface 813 to the inner surface 815. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the openings 818 are generally circular. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the openings 818 may take any suitable shape and size that allows air to contact the fabric hanging on the fixture 800. Such shapes may include, but are not limited to, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, and triangular. Alternatively, the elongated body 812 may be made from a perforated sheet, a mesh, or a screen. The openings 818 may be placed over the entirety of the elongated body 812 as shown in FIG. 16 or may only be placed over portions of the elongated body 812.
At least one radial arm 847 extends from the elongated body 812. Any number of radial arms 847 may be provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, two radial arms 847 are provided, one at each end of the elongated body 812. The radial arms 847 may be used to attach the fixture 800 to a wall in the same manner as a conventional towel bar. Such attachment may include, but is not limited to, screws 845 (as shown in FIG. 16) or bolts.
FIG. 17 shows a tenth embodiment 900 of the inventive fixture. The fixture 900 has all of the same features of the ninth described embodiment 800 except the radial arms 947 do not extend directly from the elongated body 912. The fixture 900 further comprises end caps 948 affixed at each end of the elongated body 912. Radial arms 947 extend from each end cap 948. The end caps 948 may be attached to the elongated body 912 in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the end caps 948 are attached to the elongated body 912 by inserting the end of the elongated body 912 into the end cap 948.
As a person skilled in the art would understand, any of the embodiments of the fixture 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may be attached to a rod in any manner as described above with respect to these embodiments and at least one radial arm may extend from the rod or from an end cap on the rod for attaching the rod to a wall or other vertical surface.
Any of the described embodiments of the inventive fixture may further comprise an aromatic, deodorant, absorbent, odor neutralizer, or a combination thereof disposed within the central passageway to enhance the removal of moisture or to scent the fabric and/or the surrounding air.
Also, any part of or all of the inventive fixture may be coated with or covered by one or more anti-bacterial materials or coatings which are known in the art.
Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the description. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.
Patent Application
20130240462
