FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to drying systems. More specifically, the present invention is a suitcase-integrated drying system that dries several articles of clothing and is portable with a suitcase.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Travel is a thriving industry that costs consumers plenty of money. From bag fees, to ticket prices to random airport purchases, travel costs can accumulate quickly. It is important to pack the essentials and be well prepared for any needs and emergencies.
The present invention serves to account for one of the most common emergencies and needs during travel, which is wet clothing. Whether clothing gets wet from getting spilled on, rained on, or from being washed, there is quick and easy way to dry clothing. The present invention provides a compact and portable resource to dry clothing by utilizing an existing suitcase. The present invention allows other items to be stored with the suitcase as well and is removable from the suitcase in the event a traveler would like to have more space for storage within the suitcase. The present invention allows clothing to be hung from a frame in order to quickly and evenly dry clothing. The present invention may easily be powered by connecting to the nearest available outlet. The present invention remains lightweight and compact throughout travel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention with a plurality of nesting tubes and a plurality of settings upholding a frame for a rack system.
FIG. 2 is a top side view of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of FIG. 2 along line 3-3 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention with a scissor-lift mechanism.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the electronic connections of the present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a suitcase-integrated drying system that allows a user to dry several garments throughout travel. The present invention is portable and compact. The user may easily dry clothing that may have been washed elsewhere or simply clothing that has been spilled on or gotten wet while traveling in a variety of settings such as an airport or park. The present invention is also a universal travel accessory that may be incorporated into a variety of suitcases. In order for the present invention to be easily transportable while being able to effectively dry garments, the present invention comprises a rack system 6, a dryer system 20, and a drainage system 42, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5. The rack system 6 suspends clothing above the dryer system 20 so that wet clothing dries faster and evenly. The rack system 6 comprises a plurality of support posts 7 and a frame 14 in order to support the clothing above the dryer system 20. Moreover, the plurality of support posts 7 extends and retracts the frame 14 from the receptacle 21, and the clothing hangs from the frame 14. The dryer system 20 directs heat towards the rack system 6, and consequently the wet clothing hanging from the rack system 6. In order to direct heat and provide heat for the clothing, the dryer system 20 comprises a receptacle 21, a cover tray 24, at least one heater 25, at least one inlet 30, and a plurality of first ventilation slots 31. The receptacle 21 contains and positions the at least one heater 25 within the base casing 2. The receptacle 21 also contains the heated air being outputted by the at least one heater 25, which is directed with the plurality of first ventilation slots 31 through the cover tray 24. In order to uphold the cover tray 24 and contain the heated air, the receptacle 21 comprise a base wall 22 and a lateral wall 23. The base wall 22 presses against the base casing 2 and the lateral wall 23 surrounds the base wall 22. The cover tray 24 houses the heated air within the receptacle 21, and the plurality of first ventilation slots 31 direct the heated air towards the clothing hanging from the frame 14. The at least one heater 25 is able to output heated air as the at least one inlet 30 provides the necessary air flow within the environment defined by the receptacle 21 and the cover tray 24. While the clothing hanging from the frame 14 is drying with the dryer system 20, the drainage system 42 collects and directs any drippings that has fallen from the clothing, onto the cover tray 24, and out of both the receptacle 21 and the suitcase 1.
The overall configuration of the aforementioned components allows heated air to be directed towards clothing hanging with the present invention in order to facilitate the drying of wet clothing. In order for the receptacle 21 to house the at least one heater 25 and contain the heated air, the lateral wall 23 is perimetrically attached to the base wall 22, seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. The cover tray 24 is positioned adjacent to the lateral wall 23, positioned opposite to the base wall 22, effectively housing the at least one heater 25 and containing the heated air. More specifically, the cover tray 24 is perimetrically connected with the lateral wall 23. As shown in FIG. 3, the at least one heater 25 is positioned within the receptacle 21 so that the environment defined by the receptacle 21 and the cover tray 24 may output heated air through the plurality of first ventilation slots 31 to the clothing. The heated air is directly applied towards the clothing hanging from the frame 14 with the at least one heater 25 as the at least one inlet 30 and the plurality of first ventilation slots 31 traverse through the cover tray 24. The plurality of first ventilation slots 31 is distributed across the cover tray 24, evenly directing heated air across the frame 14 with the hanging clothing. The at least one inlet 30 is peripherally positioned on the cover tray 24 in order define a continuous flow of air into and out of the environment defined by receptacle 21 and the cover tray 24. The at least one inlet 30 is in fluid communication with the plurality of first ventilation slots 31 through the at least one heater 25, thereby not only heating air within the receptacle 21 and cover tray 24 but effectively directly heated air through the plurality of first ventilation slots 31. In order to collect and direct any drippings that may have fallen off of the clothing hanging from the frame 14, the drainage system 42 is integrated into the cover tray 24, the receptacle 21, and the suitcase 1. The frame 14 is operatively coupled with the receptacle 21 with the plurality of support posts 7, wherein the plurality of support posts 7 is used to extend the frame 14 from the base wall 22 and to retract the frame 14 towards the base wall 22. This arrangement allows the frame 14 to securely uphold several garments while being compact throughout transportation. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame 14 rest on the cover tray 24 while in a retracted configuration. However, the cover tray 24 may also be removed from the receptacle 21 and the frame 14 may be positioned within the receptacle 21 and housed with the cover tray 24 throughout transportation.
In order for the present invention to be easily transportable, the present invention further comprises a suitcase 1, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5. The suitcase 1 contains a variety of items, such as clothing, toiletries, and accessories, that are essential for travel and a destination. The suitcase 1 protects these items as well as the rack system 6, the dryer system 20, and the drainage system 42. In order to uphold the dryer system 20, and consequently the rack system 6 and the drainage system 42, the suitcase 1 comprises a base casing 2 and a cover casing 4 so that the suitcase 1 is able to contain a variety of items and protect a variety of items, along with the rack system 6, the dryer system 20, and the drainage system 42. The present invention further comprises a first elongated fastener 46 and a second elongated fastener 47 so that the cover casing 4 along with the base casing 2 securely houses a variety of transportable items and a user is able to access these items. The first elongated fastener 46 and the second elongated fastener 47 are preferably a couple of corresponding zipper tracks. However, it is understood that a variety of fasteners may be utilized to securely connect the base casing 2 with the cover casing 4. An opening 3 of the base casing 2 is positioned adjacent an opening 5 of the cover casing 4, allowing items to be positioned within the suitcase 1. Moreover, the cover casing 4 is coextensive with the base casing 2. The base wall 22 is connected within the base casing 2 so that the remainder of the suitcase 1 may be utilized for storage of a variety of items and the present invention is portable with the suitcase 1. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base wall 22 is connected to the base wall 22 with a plurality of hook-and-loop strips (e.g. Velcro) that are removably attached to both the base wall 22 and the base casing 2 with adhesive layers. The plurality of hook-and-loop strips allows the base wall 22 to be attached and separated from the base casing 2 so that the receptacle 21 may be interchanged or removed from the suitcase 1. The suitcase 1 securely houses items within the base casing 2 and the cover casing 4 as the first elongated fastener 46 is perimetrically connected about the opening 3 of the base casing 2. Similarly, the second elongated fastener 47 is perimetrically connected about the opening 5 of the cover casing 4. The user may open and close the suitcase 1 as the first elongated fastener 46 is removably attached to the second elongated fastener 47.
In order to facilitate the drying of clothing hanging from the frame 14 of the rack system 6, the dryer system 20 further comprises a plurality of perforated covers 32, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5. The plurality of perforated covers 32 effectively directs heated air towards the clothing without dismounting the clothing from the frame 14 as a result of powerful gusts of heated air escaping through the plurality of first ventilation slots 31. The plurality of perforated covers 32 is mounted onto the cover tray 24, opposite the receptacle 21, and each of the plurality of perforated covers 32 is positioned across a corresponding slot from the plurality of first ventilation slots 31, guiding the heated air through the plurality of first ventilation holes. The at least one heater 25 is positioned adjacent to the at least one inlet 30 and is oriented away from the at least one inlet 30. The at least one heater 25 is able to harness air from outside of the environment of defined by the receptacle 21 and the cover tray 24 in order to provide a continuous flow of heated air through the plurality of first ventilation slots 31.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of perforated covers 32 comprises a first plate 33 and a second plate 34, and the first plate 33 and the second plate 34 each comprise a proximal lengthwise edge 35 and a distal lengthwise edge 36, seen in FIG. 3. The first plate 33 and the second plate 34 maximize the distribution of heated air across the frame 14 and along the clothing hanging from the frame 14. The proximal lengthwise edge 35 is positioned adjacent to the cover tray 24, and the distal lengthwise edge 36 is positioned offset from the cover tray 24. In order to define a pyramid-like configuration with the first plate 33 and the second plate 34, the proximal lengthwise edge 35 of the first plate 33 is fixed along the proximal lengthwise edge 35 of the second plate 34. Moreover, the distal lengthwise edge 36 of the first plate 33 is positioned offset from the distal lengthwise edge 36 of the second plate 34.
In order to effectively collect any drippings from the clothing hanging from the frame 14, the drainage system 42 comprises at least one drainage slot 43, at least one elongated shield 44, and an outlet spout 45, seen in FIG. 3. The at least one drainage slot 43 collects drippings that have fallen from the wet clothing and onto the cover tray 24. The at least one elongated shield 44 directs the drippings away from the flow of heated air outputted from the at least one heater 25. The outlet spout 45 collects and directs the drippings that have fallen through the at least one drainage slot 43, from the at least one elongated shield 44, and into the receptacle 21, out of the receptacle 21 and out of the suitcase 1. The at least one drainage slot 43 traverses through the cover tray 24 and is positioned in between the at least one inlet 30 and the at least one heater 25. The drippings are not blown back up towards the clothing hanging from the frame 14 as the at least one elongated shield 44 is positioned along the at least one drainage slot 43 and is fixed onto the cover tray 24. More specifically, the at least one elongated shield 44 is positioned between the cover tray 24 and the receptacle 21 and is oriented away from the plurality of first ventilation slots 31. This arrangement ensures the clothing remains dry and allows the receptacle 21 to contain any drippings, preserving the integrity of the suitcase 1 as well. The outlet spout 45 is externally mounted to the lateral wall 23 of the receptacle 21 and traverses through the base casing 2 of the suitcase 1. The drippings are properly expelled from both the receptacle 21 and the suitcase 1 and may be collected with a tube and a variety of other attachments. The at least one elongated shield 44 is in fluid communication with the outlet spout 45 through the receptacle 21, allowing the present invention to remain portable and compact throughout use while keeping the suitcase 1 dry throughout the drying process.
The user operates the at least one heater 25 as the dryer system 20 further comprises a microcontroller 37, a power source 38, a power button 39, and a control dial 40, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. The microcontroller 37 controls the power source 38 as well as receives and processes inputs from both the power button 39 and the control dial 40. The power source 38 provides the necessary power for the at least one heater 25, the microcontroller 37, the power button 39, and the control dial 40. The power source 38 is preferably an outlet that is connected with the present invention with a power cord or power cable. The power button 39 turns on and turns off the at least one heater 25. The control dial 40 adjusts the intensity of the at least one heater 25. Alternate embodiments of the present invention may comprise a first control dial 40 and a second control dial 40 that adjusts the strength of the airflow from the at least one heater 25 and the temperature of the at least one heater 25, respectively. In order to for the at least one heater 25, the power source 38, the power button 39, and the control dial 40 to communicate with one another, the microcontroller 37 is electronically connected with the at least one heater 25, the power source 38, the power button 39, and the control dial 40. The power source 38 is electrically connected with the microcontroller 37 and the at least one heater 25, providing the necessary power for both the microcontroller 37 and the at least one heater 25 to operate. The present invention remains portable as microcontroller 37 is integrated within the lateral wall 23 of the receptacle 21. The overall weight of the present invention remains light as the power source 38 is externally positioned with the receptacle 21 and the suitcase 1. This arrangement also allows the present invention to be connected to a power source 38 with a sufficient power supply needed to effectively and continuously provide power for the microcontroller 37 and the at least one heater 25. It is understood that in various embodiments may comprise a portable power source 38 that is able to be stored within the suitcase 1. The user is able to easily operate and adjust the at least one heater 25 as the power button 39 and the control dial 40 are mounted onto a rim 48 of the cover tray 24, positioned opposite to the lateral wall 23.
In order to ensure the safety of the present invention, the dryer system 20 further comprises a temperature sensor 41, seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The temperature sensor 41 monitors the current temperature within the environment defined by the receptacle 21 and the cover tray 24. If the current temperature exceeds a specific temperature that will damage the receptacle 21, the cover tray 24, the suitcase 1, and the clothing hanging from the frame 14, the at least one heater 25 automatically turns off. The temperature sensor 41 is positioned within the receptacle 21 to be able to detect the current temperature. The microcontroller 37 is electronically connected with the temperature sensor 41 so that the microcontroller 37 automatically turns off the at least one heater 25 if the current temperature exceeds a specific high temperature. The power source 38 provides the necessary power for the temperature sensor 41 to operate as the power source 38 is electrically connected with the temperature sensor 41 as well.
The at least one heater 25 is able to both heat the environment within the receptacle 21 and the cover tray 24 and blow air towards the rack system 6 and the clothing hanging from the frame 14 of the rack system 6 as the at least one heater 25 comprises both a blower 26 and a heating element 27, seen in FIG. 3. The blower 26 facilitates air flow from the at least one inlet 30 and through the plurality of first ventilation slots 31. The heating element 27 raises the temperature of the air being outputted from the blower 26. The blower 26 is connected with the base wall 22, and the heating element 27 is connected into an outlet 49 of the blower 26. This arrangement ensures that all the air blown from the blower 26 is hot, forcing the clothing to dry even faster. The outlet of the blower 26 is oriented away from the lateral wall 23 of the receptacle 21, defining a continuous and smooth flow of air out of the receptacle 21 and the cover tray 24, through the plurality of first ventilation slots 31, and towards the clothing hanging from the frame 14. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one heater 25 comprises a first heater 28 and a second heater 29. The first heater 28 and the second heater 29 effectively dry clothing along a larger suitcase 1. The first heater 28 is positioned opposite the second heater 29 across the receptacle 21 and are oriented towards each other.
In first embodiment of the present invention, the rack system 6 further comprises a plurality of settings 15, and each of the plurality of support posts 7 comprises a plurality of nesting tubes 11, seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. The plurality of settings 15 and the plurality of nesting tubes 11 uphold the frame 14 and support the weight of the frame 14 and the clothing hanging from the frame 14. Each of the plurality of nesting tubes 11 comprises a proximal tube 12 and a distal tube 13. The plurality of settings 15 is peripherally distributed around the base wall 22 in order to balance the frame 14 above the receptacle 21 and the cover tray 24. The proximal tube 12 from each of the plurality of support posts 7 is mounted onto the base wall 22 by a corresponding setting from the plurality of settings 15, stabilizing the plurality of nesting tubes 11 with the receptacle 21. The plurality of nesting tubes 11 is telescopically engaged to each other, allowing the plurality of support posts 7 to extend and retract. The distal tube 13 from each of the plurality of support posts 7 is mounted against the frame 14, preserving the structural integrity of the frame 14 and the overall rack system 6.
In a second embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of support posts 7 is arranged into a scissor-lift mechanism 8, seen in FIG. 4. The scissor-lift mechanism 8 supports and upholds larger weights that the plurality of support posts 7 of the first embodiment may not be able to support and uphold. The scissor-lift mechanism 8 comprises a proximal push end 9 and a distal push end 10. The proximal push end 9 uplifts the plurality of support posts 7. The distal push end 10 uplifts the frame 14. The proximal push end 9 is mounted onto the base wall 22, and the distal push end 10 is mounted against the frame 14, structurally supporting the frame 14 the clothing from the frame 14.
In order to dry the clothing hanging from the frame 14 even faster, the rack system 6 further comprises a rack cover 16 and a plurality of second ventilation slots 19, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5. The rack cover 16 contains the heated air around the frame 14 and the plurality of support posts 7, and consequently the wet clothing hanging from the frame 14. The plurality of second ventilation slots 19 relieves the environment defined by the cover tray 24 and the rack cover 16 from overheating. The rack comprises a lateral portion 17 and a base portion 18. The lateral portion 17 surrounds the plurality of support posts 7, and the base portion 18 covers the frame 14. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fastener is integrated along an edge of the lateral portion 17 in order to facilitate the attachment and removal of the rack cover 16 around the plurality of support posts 7 and the frame 14. Furthermore, the rack cover 16 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is preferably transparent so that a user may see the clothing once completely dry. The lateral portion 17 is perimetrically fixed around the base portion 18 and, the plurality of support posts 7 and the frame 14 is positioned within the rack cover 16, defining an enclosure around the frame 14 and the plurality of support posts 7. Moreover, the lateral portion 17 is positioned around the plurality of support posts 7. Similarly, the base portion 18 is positioned adjacent to the frame 14, opposite the plurality of plurality of support posts 7. The continuous air flow is maintained with the rack cover 16 as the plurality of second ventilation slots 19 is distributed across the base portion 18 and traverses through the base portion 18.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Patent Application
20210123182
