Patent Application
20220341661
The present invention relates generally to a device for drying articles, and more generally relates to a portable dryer, that can be modular and included in a kit and easily assembled therefrom, for drying a plurality of articles of clothing and goods, including, but not limited to, boots, gloves, hats, skates, waders, wetsuits, shoes, including shoes used for sports, such as football, soccer, and golf, and the like in a number of configurations, including mounted on a wall, to allow for different spatial requirements and numerous variations of articles for drying.
Various devices have been patented for the purpose of drying boots and other articles of clothing. To reduce the disadvantages of prior art boot drying structures, typically of a bulky, non-portable and limiting construction, the immediate invention attends to the deficiencies thereof not only by providing a compact and efficient structure, but further includes a design facilitating ease of transport, expansion and configuration to meet limited space requirements to accommodate a greater number and greater variety of boot pairs, shoes, gloves and other articles of clothing to be dried. The prior structures can only accommodate one or two pairs of boots or gloves. The design and structure of the immediate invention can accommodate numerous pairs of boots and/or gloves and facilitates packing and transport based upon its portable and modular design, allowing the invention to be easily and efficiently packed into luggage for vacations or transported for another purpose. The invention may also be mounted to a structure, such as a wall. The instant invention further attends to deficiencies of the prior art thereof by providing a design facilitating ease of deconstruction and storage when not in use, wherein the drying air may be ambient air, air with moderate heat containing slightly heated air, or heated air heated by a heating element contained within a fan unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,642 discloses a portable dryer for drying the interior of ski boots, ski gloves, etc. The device includes articulated tubing for insertion into the toe portion of a ski boot. At the other end of the articulated tubing is a distribution connector for connecting a means of forcing air through the tubing and into the interior of the ski boot for drying purposes.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,580 discloses a boot dryer with a housing having an ingress port and an egress port with a motor driven fan therein. A pair of flexible hoses are secured to the ports of the housing and extend downwardly therefrom when the housing is supported by a wire-like hook pivotably secured to the uppermost regions of the housing. The hoses are inserted into a pair of boots and a slow cool flow of air enters one boot and circulates upwardly through one hose and through the housing and then downwardly through the other hose.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,596 discloses a drying rack that fits within a dryer's drum. The rack comprises an open container divided into two mirror imaged halves joined together by an adjustable connector arm that can be a telescopic arm. A strap and holding posts are located in each halve for keeping one or more pairs of shoes in place during drying.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a new and improved boot drying apparatus as set forth by the instant invention which addresses the problems of ease of use, effectiveness in construction, modular, as well as the portable and fixed nature of the device and in this respect, the present invention considerably fills this need and allows for a plurality of gloves and boots to be dried simultaneously and/or a combination of boots and gloves to be dried simultaneously.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portable modular dryer device that may be mounted to a wall or the like includes a fan unit that distributes air and heat through the device, at least one drying manifold having a first end, a second end, and at least one opening between the first end and the second end for distributing the drying air. The device further includes at least one dryer attachment engaged thereto.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a portable modular dryer device includes an end cap selectively secured to the second end of the least one drying manifold.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a portable modular dryer device wherein the dryer attachment is a boot dryer attachment.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a portable modular dryer device wherein the dryer attachment is a glove/shoe dryer attachment.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a kit for drying an article of clothing that includes at least one drying manifold, at least one fan unit, and at least one dryer attachment.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a kit for drying an article of clothing that includes a mounting apparatus for mounting to a wall or the like.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a kit for drying an article of clothing that includes at least one coupler device.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the portable modular dryer device includes a fan unit that distributes air and heat through the device, a distributing manifold, at least one drying manifold having a first end, a second end, and at least one opening between the first end and the second end for distributing the drying air. The device further includes at least one dryer attachment engaged thereto.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for drying an article of clothing that includes providing a fan unit, a coupler device for receiving the fan unit, at least one drying manifold having a first end, a second end, and at least one opening between the first end and second end for distributing the drying air, and at least one dryer attachment selectively secured to the at least one opening of the at least one drying manifold.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for drying an article of clothing that includes providing a dryer attachment engaged to the drying manifold.
The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like method steps and/or system components, respectively, and in which:
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
Referring now specifically to the drawings, a first embodiment of a portable dryer device is illustrated in
The coupler device 12 has an outer housing with a hollow passageway that is generally circular and extends from the first side to a second side of the coupler device 12. The outer housing may have a flat bottom portion that extends outward to a first edge and a second edge to allow the coupler device 12 to be placed flush with a wall, table, floor, or other flat surface. An arcuate shaped top portion extends from the first edge to the second edge with a flat bottom portion. The bottom portion may also contain an mounting member 68, as described in further detail below for mounting to a mounting apparatus 28. A lip 66 is disposed on the first side and the second side of the coupler 12. The lip 66 is preferably circular and surrounds the opening of the passageway on the front side and the second side of the coupler 12. The lip 66 may be composed of any material, such as plastic, rubber, or composites thereof. The lip 66 may assist with mating the coupler 12 to adjacent parts and pieces as further described herein.
As illustrated, the outlet 58 of the fan unit 20 is generally circular for mating with the first end of the coupler device 12 that is also generally circular. The outlet 58 of the fan unit 20 has a first end and a second end, and the second end preferably has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the passageway of the coupler device 12, allowing the second end of the outlet 58 to be received within the opening of the passageway on the first end of the coupler device 12 and selectively secured therein by friction fit. The second end of the outlet has an outside diameter slightly less than the outside diameter of the first end. As the outlet 58 protrudes outward from the front side of the top portion 36, at a predetermined distance, the outside diameter of the outlet 58 is reduced. A skirt is formed at the transition between the larger outside diameter and the reduced outside diameter. The skirt circumscribes the outlet 58 and extends in the axial direction of the outlet 58, forming a smooth and flat contact point. While the outlet of the fan unit 20 is illustrated and described as circular, other shapes may be utilized, such as square, hexagonal and the like. The shape of the opening of the passageway within the coupler device 12 and the outlet of the fan unit 20 should correspond for engaging these components.
The first end of the drying manifold 14 may be generally circular shaped with a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the passageway of the coupler device 12. The first end of the drying manifold 14 is received within the opening of the passageway in the second end of the coupler device 12 and selectively secured therein by friction fit.
The drying manifold 14 is generally hollow and comprises a first end, a second end, at least one outlet disposed between the first end and the second end, and an outer surface and inner surface. As illustrated in
The first end and the second end of the drying manifold 14 has an outside diameter slightly less than the diameter of the opening in a coupler 12. As the first end and the second end protrude outward to the outer edge of the first end and the second end, at a predetermined distance, the outside diameter of the first end and the second end is reduced.
A skirt is formed at the transition between the larger outside diameter and the reduced outside diameter. The skirt circumscribes the first end and the second end and extends in the axial direction of the first end and the second end, forming a smooth and flat contact point. The first end of the drying manifold 14, having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the opening of the passageway in the second end of the coupler device 12, is inserted into the second end of the coupler device 12, allowing the first end to slide into the passageway until the lip 66 of the coupler device 12 is adjacent the skirt on the first end of the drying manifold 14. The first end of the drying manifold 14 is selectively secured within the passageway by friction fit. The lip 66 of the coupler device 12 preferably contacts the skirt on the first end of the drying manifold 14, preventing the drying air or at least a quantity of drying air that is undesirable to a user or prevents the portable dryer device 10 from operating efficiently and/or effectively.
A dryer apparatus may be engaged to the drying manifold 14. The dryer apparatus is an apparatus engaged to an outlet of the drying manifold 14 to dry various items or articles as set forth herein, including, but not limited to, apparel, garments, personal items, accessories, and the like. The dryer apparatus may have many forms adapted to efficiently and effectively dry the apparel, garments, personal items, accessories and the like. The dryer apparatus is designed to receive apparel, such as a glove, boot, shoes, cleats, waders, helmet, goggles shirt, jacket, pants, hats, and the like, for drying these items. The dryer apparatus may also receive items that are not considered apparel, such as bags, sacks, and the like, for drying these items. The dryer apparatus may be a boot dryer attachment 16 and/or a glove/shoe dryer attachment 18 as illustrated in
The boot dryer attachment 16 contains a first end and a second end. The first end contains an adaptor portion 22 engaged to a hose portion 24. The adaptor portion 22 is generally circular and hollow, allowing drying air to proceed through the adaptor portion 22 unencumbered. The adaptor portion 22, while illustrated and described as circular, may be any shape and not limited to a circular shape. The first side of the adaptor portion 22 is selectively secured to the drying manifold 14, and more specifically, the adaptor portion 22 is selectively secured to the second portion or the third portion of the drying manifold 14. The adaptor portion 22 has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the opening within the second portion or the third portion, allowing the opening of the second portion or third portion to be received within the first side of the adaptor portion 22 and selectively secured therein by friction fit. Alternatively, the adaptor portion 22 may be internally threaded for receiving corresponding external threads around the opening of the second portion and third portion for selectively securing the adaptor portion 22 to the drying manifold 14. The second side of the adaptor portion 22 is engaged to a proximal end of the hose portion 24. The distal end of the hose portion 24 is engaged to a boot insertion portion 26.
The hose portion 24 is generally a flexible, elongate, hollow hose or tube that allows air to flow from the drying manifold 14 and adaptor portion 22 through the hose portion 24. The hose portion 24 may be corrugated and contain ridges. In one embodiment, the hose portion 24 may include a structural element, such as a wire or resiliently flexible plastic that is engaged to the exterior of the hose portion 24, engaged to the interior of the hose portion 24, or formed within the hose portion 24 itself to provide additional structure and support to the hose portion 24. The distal end of the hose portion 24 is engaged to the boot insertion portion 26, designed to be inserted into a boot or the like. The boot insertion portion 26 is preferably a rigid tubular structure that has a tapered outlet, allowing the drying air to exit the boot insertion portion 26 and enter a boot. The side walls of the boot insertion portion 26 contain at least one slit, two or more slits, or a plurality of slits extending from the exterior surface to the interior surface, for allowing the drying air to flow through the slits.
The glove/shoe dryer attachment 18 contains an adaptor portion 22 on its proximal end. The adaptor portion 22 may be integral with the glove/shoe dryer attachment 18 or selectively secured to the glove/shoe dryer attachment 18. The adaptor portion 22 is designed to engage the second portion and third portion of the drying manifold 14. The adaptor portion 22 is generally circular and hollow, allowing drying air to proceed through the adaptor portion 22 unencumbered. The adaptor portion 22, while illustrated and described as circular, may be any shape and not limited to a circular shape. The adaptor portion 22 is selectively secured to the drying manifold 14, and more specifically, the adaptor portion 22 is selectively secured to the second portion or the third portion of the drying manifold 14. The adaptor portion 22 has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the outlet within the second portion or the third portion, allowing the outlet of the second portion or third portion to be received within the adaptor portion 22 and selectively secured therein by friction fit. Alternatively, the adaptor portion 22 may be internally threaded for receiving corresponding external threads around the opening of the second portion and third portion for selectively securing the adaptor portion 22 to the drying manifold 14.
The glove/shoe dryer attachment 18 contains a tapered portion that extends outwards from the adaptor portion 22. In other words, the width of the tapered portion increases as it extends from the adaptor portion 22 to an end portion that is generally oval with a constant diameter. The glove/shoe dryer attachment 18 may also be any configuration, such as circular, conical, rectangular, or the like, that can dry a glove or shoe. The glove/shoe dryer attachment 18 contains an opening in the end portion, allowing the drying air to exit the glove/shoe dryer attachment 18. During use, a glove or a variety of shoe styles is placed over the end portion of the glove/shoe dryer attachment 18 and drying air is blown into the glove for drying. The glove/shoe dryer attachment 18 may also contain at least one slit, two or more slits, or a plurality of slits on the sides that extend from the external surface to the internal surface for allowing drying air to proceed through the slits for drying a glove.
The dryer device 10 may also have a mounting apparatus 28 for mounting the dryer device 10 on a wall or the like. The mounting apparatus 28 is an elongated bar that contains a number of ribs 70, as illustrated in
The mounting apparatus 28 is pre-measured for the mounting member 68 and channels contained within each mounting member 68 on the back of the components (coupler device 12, drying manifold 14, end piece 30, or fan unit 20) of the dryer device 10 to allow for easy installation and removal. The mounting apparatus 28 is engaged to a wall or the like by attachment devices, such as a screw, bolt, adhesive, or the like. The mounting apparatus 28 contains at least two bores 72 that proceed from the front surface to the back surface for receiving an attachment device, such as a screw, bolt, or the like. The back surface is placed adjacent a surface, such as a wall, for mounting or engaging the mounting apparatus 28. The attachment device, such as a screw, bolt, or the like, is inserted through the at least two bores 72 and engaged to the adjacent surface, such as a wall, mounting or engaging the mounting apparatus 28 to the surface.
As illustrated, a second drying manifold 14′, third drying manifold 14″, fourth drying manifold 14′″, etc. may be engaged to the first drying manifold 14. The portable dryer device 10 is modular, consisting of two or more coupler devices 12, two or more drying manifolds 14, and/or two or more dryer apparatuses (boot dryer attachment 16 and/or glove/shoe dryer attachment 18). In this arrangement, two or more coupler devices (12, 12′, 12″, 12′″, etc.) are utilized to connect each drying manifold (14, 14′, 14″, 14′″, etc.). As illustrated, the second end of the first drying manifold 14 is inserted into the opening of the passageway in the first end of the second coupler device 12′ and the first end of the second drying manifold 14′ is inserted into the opening of the passageway in the second end of the second coupler device 12′, connecting the first drying manifold 12 to the second drying manifold 14′. The second end of the second drying manifold 14′ is inserted into the opening of the passageway of the first end of the third coupler device 12″ and the first end of the third drying manifold 14″ is inserted into the opening of the passageway of the second end of the third coupler device 12″. The second end of the third drying manifold 14″ is inserted into the opening of the passageway of the first end of the fourth coupler device 12′″, and the first end of the fourth drying manifold 14′″ is inserted into the opening of the passageway of the second end of the fourth coupler device 12′″, connecting the third drying manifold 14″ to the fourth drying manifold 14′″. The second end of the fourth drying manifold 14′″ is enclosed by an end piece 30, preventing the drying air from exiting the device 10.
In operation, the drying air exits the outlet of the fan unit 20 where it proceeds through the hollow interior portions of the drying manifolds (14, 14′, 14″, 14′″, etc.). A portion of the air is diverted to the second portion and third portion of each drying manifold (14, 14″, 14″, 14′″ etc.), wherein the drying air exits the drying manifolds (14, 14″, 14″, 14′″ etc.) through the outlet or the outlets in the second portion and the third portion and proceeds through a dryer attachment, such as either a boot dryer attachment 16 or a glove/shoe dryer attachment 18 for drying a boot, glove, or the like.
The fan unit 20 is illustrated in
A second power switch 52 and a power connector 54 are located on the back side of the top portion 36 of the housing 12. The second power switch 52 controls the power to the fan unit 20, allowing a user to turn the fan unit 20 “on” and “off.” The power connector 54 allows a user to plug a power source into the fan unit 20. The DC power connector can accept a barrel plug from either a 120v/230v wall socket with a transformer, or a battery. The transformer steps the power down to 12v for the wall-powered option. A circuit board may be positioned within the cavity 38 of the housing 32 for engagement with the electrical components (first power switch 50, second power switch 52, fan speed control 48, timer 46, and power connector 54. By way of example only, a RoyPow 30 W portable charger with a 12 V/10 A cigarette lighter charger may be utilized in the present invention as the battery, but other types of batteries, including DC power sources, such as solar cells, fuel cells, and rectifiers that convert from AC to DC power, may be utilized that are able to power the fan unit 20 when not directly engaged to an AC power source.
A handle 64 may be disposed on the top portion 36. The handle 64 contains a first portion engaged to one side of the top portion 36 and a second portion engaged to an opposite side of the top portion 36. The first portion and the second portion extend upwardly from the top portion 36, and at a distance, the first portion and the second portion curve towards each other. A central member, extending overtop the top portion 36, connects the first portion to the second portion, collectively forming the handle 64 that is integral to the fan unit 20. The inner surface of the handle 64 (first portion, second portion, and central member) and exterior surface of the top portion 36 define a void 66, allowing a user to slide her fingers through the void 66, thereby gripping the handle 64 to lift, position, and transport the fan unit 20.
The top portion 36 of the fan unit 20 contains a top side, back side, and front side. The top side is oriented is horizontally oriented with the back side engaged to a back edge of the top portion 36 and the front side engaged to a front edge of the top portion 36. The back side extends downwardly from the back edge, extending at an angle outward from the back edge. The front side extends outwardly from the front edge and angled outwardly away from the top side. The handle 64 is disposed in close proximity to the back edge, and as illustrated, the first portion and the second portion of the handle 64 are engaged to the back side and the top side of the top portion 36 at the location where the intersection of the back side and the top side define the back edge. The transition between the top side and the front side has a curved appearance, wherein the front edge has a smooth appearance, without any edges or points, but a curved appearance as the front side is angled downward and away from the top side. The outlet 58 is disposed within the front side of the top portion 36, and preferably the outlet 58 is disposed on the lower portion of the front side or the portion of the front side opposite the portion engaged to the top side at the front edge. The outlet 58 of the fan unit 20 is generally circular for mating with the first end of the coupler device 12 that is also generally circular. The outlet 58 of the fan unit 20 preferably has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the coupler device 12, allowing the outlet 58 to be received within the first end of the coupler device 12 and selectively secured therein by friction fit. The outlet 58 has a first end and a second end. The first end is engaged to the front side of the top portion 36 and the second end is engaged to the first end of the coupler device 12. The second end of the outlet has an outside diameter slightly less than the outside diameter of the first end. As the outlet 58 protrudes outward from the front side of the top portion 36, at a predetermined distance, the outside diameter of the outlet 58 is reduced. A skirt is formed at the transition between the larger outside diameter and the reduced outside diameter. The skirt circumscribes the outlet 58 and extends in the axial direction of the outlet 58, forming a smooth and flat contact point.
The portable air dryer device 10 and its component parts (coupler devices, 12, 12″, 12′″, etc.; drying manifolds 14,14′, 14″, etc.; dryer attachments (boot dryer attachment(s) 16 and glove/shoe dryer attachment 18); fan unit 20; and end piece 30) may be housed in a bag, such as a drawstring bag, for storage and transportation, or a container, such as a box, bin, carrying case, and the like, for storage and transportation. Alternatively, the portable air dryer device 10, with or without the fan unit 20, may be stored and transported in a first bag and the boot dryer attachment(s) 16 and glove/shoe dryer attachment(s) 18 may be stored and transported in a second bag, wherein the first bag and the second bag may be a drawstring bag. A hair dryer may be substituted for the fan unit 20, which can be especially useful when traveling.
Another exemplary embodiment of the portable dryer device is illustrated in
A coupler device 112, as described more fully above in the first embodiment, is utilized for engaging multiple drying manifolds (114, 114′, 114″, 114′″, etc.). As shown, the second side of the first drying manifold 114 is inserted into an opening in the passageway of the first coupler device 112. The second side of the second drying manifold 114′ is inserted into an opening of the passageway of the second coupler device 112′. The first side of the third drying manifold 114″ is inserted into the opening of a passageway in the first coupler device 112, thus creating a continuous passageway between an outlet in the distributing manifold 150, through the first drying manifold 114, the first coupler device 112, and the second drying manifold 114″. The first side of the fourth drying manifold 114′″ is inserted into the opening of the passageway on the second coupler device 112′, thus creating a continuous passageway between an outlet in the distributing manifold 150, through the second drying manifold 114′, the second coupler device 112′, and the third drying manifold 114′″. Additional coupler devices 112 may be engaged to the second side of the fourth drying manifold 114″ and the second side of the third drying manifold 114′″. As illustrated, a first end piece 130 is engaged to the second side of the fourth drying manifold 114″, and a second end piece 30′ is engaged to the second side of the third drying manifold 114′″.
While this embodiment incorporates a distributing manifold 150, the structure and function of the other component parts, such as the coupler devices 112, drying manifold 114, dryer attachments (boot dryer attachment 116 and glove/shoe dryer attachment 118), fan unit 120, adapter portion 122, hose portion 124, boot insertion portion 126, mounting apparatus 128, and end piece 130 are the same described above for the first embodiment in paragraphs [0049]-[0063], including the method of engaging the components (coupler devices 112, drying manifold 114, dryer attachments (boot dryer attachment 116 and glove/shoe dryer attachment 118), fan unit 120, adapter portion 122, hose portion 124, boot insertion portion 126, mounting apparatus 128, and end piece 130) and incorporated fully into this embodiment. Likewise, the function of the entire device 110 is the same as described above in the first embodiment in paragraphs [0049]-[0063], and incorporated fully into this embodiment, except for the inclusion of the distributing manifold 150, wherein the drying air from the fan unit 120 is forced through the two outlets. The fan unit 120 is also the same as described above in paragraphs [0064]-[0067] and incorporated fully into this embodiment.
The portable air dryer device 110 and its component parts (coupler devices 112, 112″, 112′″, etc.; drying manifolds 114, 114′, 114″, etc.; dryer attachments (boot dryer attachment(s) 116 and glove/shoe dryer attachment 118); fan unit 120; and end piece 130) may be housed in a bag, such as a drawstring bag, for storage and transportation, or a container, such as a box, bin, carrying case and the like, for storage and transportation. Alternatively, the portable air dryer device 110, with or without the fan unit 120, may be stored and transported in a first bag and the boot dryer attachment(s) 116 and glove/shoe dryer attachment(s) 118 may be stored and transported in a second bag, wherein the first bag and the second bag may be a drawstring bag. A hair dryer may be substituted for the fan unit 120, which can be especially useful when traveling.
Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.
The present patent application/patent claims the benefit of priority of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/177,425, filed on Apr. 21, 2021, and entitled “PORTABLE DRYER DEVICE AND FAN UNIT,” the contents of which are incorporated in full by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63177425 | Apr 2021 | US |
