WO2017068075A1

WO2017068075A1 - A dryer

Info

Publication number: WO2017068075A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/075286
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tony Williams; Iomar PORTER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-21
Filing date: 2016-10-20
Publication date: 2017-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2018-04-21
Also published as: GB201518621D0

Abstract

A dual-purpose laundry dryer (1) comprising an outer frame (2) fitted with an inner pivotable upper drying panel (3) and an inner pivotable lower drying panel (4) beneath the upper drying panel (3), the outer frame (2) being sized and shaped to surround a heat source in the form of a radiator (5) mounted at a wall (6) so that the pivotable drying panels (3, 4) can be pivoted between an extended laundry receiving and drying position and a collapsed or retracted radiator covering position at the radiator (5) so that the laundry dryer (1) serves as a decorative radiator cover when not in use.

Description

Title

A Dryer

Introduction

This invention relates to a laundry dryer and more particularly to a laundry dryer adapted to dry laundry either with or without convection heat from a heat source.

Background of the Invention

Historically, laundry has been dried outdoors on clothes lines and the like. However, in more recent times, particularly in damp climates or where outdoor space is not available, other drying methods have been employed such as tumble dryers, standalone dryers such as clothes horses or drying rails and drying lines. It is also not uncommon for laundry to be placed on heat sources such as radiators for drying. However, such methods suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, tumble dryers are large, require considerable space, emit water vapour and are expensive to operate while clothes horses/airers and shelf-style dryers are cumbersome and can create an obstruction indoors resulting in accidental trips and falls. Moreover, in the event of a fire, known clothes horses and the like can present serious escape hazards - particularly when positioned at heat sources in exit corridors.

In addition, known clothes horse/airer type dryers are unsightly and inefficient whilst also being cumbersome and awkward to assemble, use, collapse and store. Typically, when placed adjacent a heat source, such dryers simply occupy valuable floor space and block heat emanating from the heat source whilst only achieving poor drying of laundry on the dryer. Alternatively, in an attempt to minimise the floor space occupied by dryers, some dryers are fitted to doors. However, such door mounted dryers can obstruct the opening and closing of doors with the associated fire and escape risks.

Finally, long-term use of the known dryers can cause damp resulting in damage to doors, walls and ceilings and the general deterioration of properties while, in general, having a low capacity incapable of accommodating a "full wash". Multiple washes are therefore required to allow for the poor drying capacity and resulting in increased drying periods. European Patent Publication No. 2 423 606 discloses a convertible radiator cover which has an adjustable panel member which is adapted for drying laundry. However, due to the fact the legs of this cover are directly attached to the wall, the drying of laundry can lead to damp within the structure over time. In addition, the front panel is moveable from its extended position for drying laundry to its retracted position by means of a drawer type mechanism. This mechanism does not enable the panel to be quickly moved into its retracted position, and thus represents a serious escape hazard in the event of a fire.

German Patent Publication No. DE2344871 discloses a heating unit comprising integrated drying racks, where the drying racks are positioned on a wall above a heater when in the drying position.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided, as set out in the appended claims, a laundry dryer for use with and without a heat source comprising:

a frame;

at least one drying panel mounted in the frame, and

rails for receiving laundry in the drying panel wherein the drying panel is pivotable between a laundry drying position in which the rails are oriented in a substantially horizontal plane and a collapsed position in which the rails are oriented in a substantially vertical plane .

Preferably, the frame is positionable to surround a heat source in the collapsed position, and wherein in the laundry drying position air and heat from a heat source can circulate around and through the drying panel.

Preferably, the drying panel is mounted in the frame at pivot points to pivot above a heat source. Advantageously, the drying panel comprises an extension locatable over a heat source in the laundry drying position. Suitably, the drying panel is mounted in the frame at pivot points to pivot to the front of a heat source.

Preferably, the drying panel is pivotable in one motion from the laundry drying position to the collapsed position upon application of a force.

Preferably, the drying panel is pivotable between the laundry drying position and the collapsed position on struts between the drying panel and the frame. More preferably, the struts comprise quick release struts to quickly pivot the drying panel into the collapsed position. Most preferably, the quick release struts comprise pneumatic cylinder struts.

Preferably, the drying panel comprises an upper drying panel and a lower drying panel mounted in the frame beneath the upper drying panel. Advantageously, the frame comprises a first supporting leg, a second supporting leg spaced apart from the first supporting leg and a shelf extending between the first and second supporting legs.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the laundry dryer is adapted for use as a heat source cover. Preferably, the laundry dryer is adapted for use as a radiator cover.

The invention also extends to a radiator cover comprising a laundry dryer as hereinbefore defined.

The invention also extends to the use of a laundry dryer as a heat source cover, the laundry dryer comprising:

a frame, and at least one drying panel in the frame having rails for receiving laundry in which the drying panel is pivotable between a laundry drying position in which the rails are oriented in a substantially horizontal plane and a collapsed position in which the rails are oriented in a substantially vertical plane.

Preferably, the frame is positionable to surround a heat source in the collapsed position, and wherein in the laundry drying position air and heat from a heat source can circulate around and through the drying panel. Preferably, the heat source for use with the dryer comprises a radiator.

Suitably, the drying panel is mounted in the frame at pivot points to pivot above the heat source. Advantageously, the drying panel comprises an extension locatable over the heat source in the laundry drying position.

Suitably, the drying panel is mounted in the frame at pivot points to pivot to the front of a heat source.

Preferably, the drying panel is pivotable between the laundry drying position and the collapsed position on struts between the drying panel and the frame. More preferably, the struts comprise quick release struts to quickly pivot the drying panel into the collapsed position. Most preferably, the quick release struts comprise pneumatic cylinder struts. Advantageously, the drying panel comprises an upper drying panel and a lower drying panel mounted in the frame beneath the upper drying panel. Preferably, the frame comprises a first supporting leg, a second supporting leg spaced apart from the first supporting leg and a shelf extending between the first and second supporting legs. The invention also provides a laundry dryer comprising:

a frame;

a drying panel mounted in the frame, and

rails for receiving laundry in the drying panel wherein the drying panel is pivotable between a laundry drying position in which the rails are orientable perpendicular to a heat source and a collapsed position in which the rails are orientable parallel with the heat source.

The invention also extends to the use of a laundry dryer comprising:

a frame, and

a drying panel in the frame having rails for receiving laundry in which the drying panel is pivotable between a laundry drying position in which the rails are orientable perpendicular to a heat source and a collapsed position in which the rails are orientable parallel with the heat source as a heat source cover. The dryer of the invention employs natural convection processes through the use of laundry rails oriented in a substantially horizontal plane in the laundry drying position. The dryer may be used in conjunction with a heat source. Alternatively, the dryer may be used as a standalone dryer without a heat source. When used without a heat source, the design of the invention enables circulation of room air around and through the drying space, and thus provides drying at room temperature with natural climatic moisture control.

When used with a heat source, drying time may be optimised by placing laundry in close proximity to the heat source without blocking the circulation of heat. Natural climactic moisture control is again achieved, resulting in a reduction in the release of damp air into the drying environment. In addition, the perpendicular arrangement of the laundry rails allows the laundry rails to be spaced closer together than known laundry rails whilst still accelerating drying times. The dual purpose dryer of the invention is adapted to dry laundry in an optimal manner whilst also serving as an aesthetically pleasing furniture item when not in use. Thus, the dryer of the present invention provides a functional piece of furniture. More particularly, the dryer can be used as heat source cover when not in use and can be finished as required to blend with any decor but practically and quickly transforms into a laundry dryer usable either with or without a heat source through simple movement of the drying panels.

The dryer of the invention obviates unsightly arrays of drying areas in homes, is space saving and has a high drying capacity due to the use of upper and lower drying panels.

The dryer of the invention is suitable for use with a variety of wall mounted heat sources such as radiators, storage heaters, convection heaters and the like. The pivotable upper and lower drying panels are pivotably mounted on the frame to rapidly pivot upwards into the laundry drying position and rapidly collapse into a radiator covering position as required. More particularly, the use of quick release struts such as pneumatic cylinder struts allows for the rapid deployment of the upper and lower drying panels into the laundry drying position whilst also facilitating one- touch rapid collapse of the upper and lower drying panels into the collapsed position to remove any obstruction caused by the drying panels. Accordingly, the dryer allows for unobstructed rapid escape past the dryer in the event of an emergency.

The pneumatic cylinder struts can be manually actuatable and releasable or remotely controlled if desired. In addition, the pneumatic cylinders can operate on a single touch to open or close responsively and collapse immediately upon application of a force. The pneumatic cylinder struts also serve to easily support the weight of the laundry on the upper and lower drying panels easily without any sagging of the panels. As a radiator cover, the shelf provided by the outer frame can be used to display ornaments if desired to create an aesthetically pleasing focal point to distract from the practical use of the dryer.

The dryer cum radiator cover also serves as an attractive focal feature furniture item in rooms, corridors or hallways without compromising the functionality of the radiator or the dryer. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :- Figure 1 is a perspective view from above and one side of a dual-purpose laundry dryer of the invention when used with a heat source such as a radiator (not shown) with the pivotable upper and lower drying panels in the extended or laundry drying position perpendicular to the radiator for receiving and drying laundry on the rails of the upper and lower drying panels;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above and one side of the laundry dryer of Figure 1 with the pivotable upper and lower drying panels in the collapsed or retracted position at the radiator to form a decorative radiator cover; Figure 3 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of the dryer along the line Ill-Ill of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of the dryer along the line IV-IV of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an enlarged longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of the upper drying panel and supporting quick-release pneumatic cylinder strut of Figure 3; Figure 6 is an enlarged longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of the upper drying panel and supporting pneumatic cylinder strut of Figure 4; Figure 7 is an enlarged side elevation of the lower drying panel and supporting quick-release pneumatic cylinder strut of Figure 3 with the rails removed for clarity, and

Figure 8 is an enlarged side elevation of the lower drying panel and supporting pneumatic cylinder strut of Figure 4 with the rails removed for clarity.

Detailed Description of the Invention

As shown in the drawings, a dual-purpose laundry dryer of the invention is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1 and is made up of an outer frame 2 fitted with an inner pivotable upper drying panel 3 and an inner pivotable lower drying panel 4 beneath the upper drying panel 3. The dryer 1 is pivotable between a laundry drying position in which the drying panels 3,4 are oriented in a substantially horizontal plane and a collapsed position in which the drying panels 3,4 are oriented in a substantially vertical plane.

The dryer can be used in conjunction with a heat source. Alternatively, the dryer can be used as a standalone dryer. In order that the dryer 1 can be used with a heat source, the outer frame 2 is sized and shaped so that it may surround a heat source in the form of a radiator 5 mounted at a wall 6 so that the pivotable drying panels 3, 4 can be pivoted between the extended laundry receiving and drying position without impeding the convection process of natural climatic moisture control, as shown in Figure 1 , and the collapsed or retracted position which covers the radiator 5. Thus, the laundry dryer 1 can serve as a decorative radiator cover as shown in Figure 2 when not in use.

For ease of understanding, the structure of the dryer of the invention will now be described when being used in conjunction with a radiator 5. The outer frame 2 is made up of a first upright supporting leg 7, a second upright supporting leg 8 spaced apart from the first leg 7 and a transverse top member or shelf 9 extending between the first and second legs 7,8. Each leg 7,8 has a floor end 10, a shelf end 1 1 on which the shelf 9 is supported, a front face 12, a rear face 13, an outside face 14 and an inside face 15 disposed towards the upper and lower panels 3,4 respectively.

The upper drying panel 3 is substantially rectangular in shape and is made up of a front wall 16, a rear wall 17, a first side wall 18 and a second side wall 19 which together define an internal opening 20 across which a series of spaced apart runglike laundry rails 21 extend between the front wall 16 and the rear wall 17 so that when being used with a radiator 5 and in the laundry drying position shown in Figure 1 the laundry rails 21 project perpendicularly outwards from the frame 2 (and the radiator 5) and in the retracted position shown in Figure 2 the laundry rails 21 are disposed substantially parallel with the first and second legs 7,8 of the frame 2 to cover the radiator 5.

The upper drying panel 3 is mounted between the first and second legs 7,8 over the radiator 5 so that, in the laundry drying position shown in Figure 1 , the upper drying panel 3 is located over and extends perpendicularly outwards from the radiator 5. More particularly, the upper drying panel 3 is dimensioned to have a rear extension 22 located directly over the radiator 5 in the laundry drying position. It should however be noted that the first and second legs 7,8 do not make contact with the wall adjacent the radiator 5 in the laundry drying position, thus ensuring that air can circulate around and through the drying space, in order to enable moisture to escape during the drying process.

The upper drying panel 3 is pivotable between the laundry drying position and the retracted position about a first pivot point 23 defined between the first side wall 18 of the upper drying panel 3 and the inside face 15 of the first leg 7 and a second oppositely disposed pivot point 24 defined between the second side wall 19 of the upper drying panel 3 and the inside face 15 of the second leg 8. The pivot points 23, 24 are positioned forwardly of the heat source 5 so that, in the laundry drying position described above, the rear extension 22 is disposed over the radiator 5 and the laundry rails 21 extend perpendicularly outwards from the radiator 5 but, in the retracted position, the upper panel 3 is oriented downwards between and parallel with the first and second legs 7,8 to cover the radiator 5 i.e. is oriented "flat" to the front of the radiator 5.

It has been found that a location of approximately 140mm from the shelf end 1 1 of the legs 7,8 is a suitable location for the pivot points 23,24 to allow pivoting of the upper panel 3 above the radiator 5 to make use of all available drying space. It will be appreciated that other suitable dimensions can be selected depending on the application required.

Pivotable mountings 25,26 are provided between the first and second legs 7,8 and the first and second side walls 18,19 respectively of the upper panel 3 to hang the upper drying panel 3 at the first and second pivot points 23,24.

The upper drying panel 3 is supported in the laundry drying position by a first quick release or collapsible strut 27 between the inside face 15 of the first upright leg 7 and the first side wall 18 of the upper drying panel 3 and a second quick release or collapsible strut 28 between the inside face 15 of the second upright leg 8 and the second side wall 19 of the upper drying panel 3. Each of the struts 27,28 is a pneumatic or gas cylinder strut 27,28 and is mounted between a strut mounting plate 29 on each upright leg 7,8 and a downwardly depending strut bracket 30 on each side wall 18,19 of the upper drying panel 3. More particularly, the pneumatic struts 27, 28 are made up of a barrel 31 attached to the mounting plates 29 and a pistonlike rod 32 attached to the brackets 30.

The lower drying panel 4 is also substantially rectangular in shape and is made up of a front wall 33, a rear wall 34, a first side wall 35 and a second side wall 36 which together define an internal opening 37 across which a series of spaced apart lower panel rung-like laundry rails 38 extend between the front wall 33 and the rear wall 34 so that in the laundry drying position shown in Figure 1 the laundry rails 38 project perpendicularly outwards from the frame 2 (and the radiator 5) and in the retracted position shown in Figure 2 the laundry rails 38 are disposed substantially parallel with the first and second legs 7,8 of the frame 2 to cover the radiator 5.

The lower drying panel 4 is mounted between the first and second legs 7,8 forwardly of the radiator 5 so that, in the laundry drying position shown in Figure 1 , the lower drying panel 4 extends perpendicularly outwards from the radiator 5 beneath and parallel with the upper panel 3.

The lower drying panel 4 is pivotable between the laundry drying position and the retracted position about a first pivot point 39 defined between the first side wall 35 of the lower drying panel 4 and the inside face 15 of the first leg 7 and a second oppositely disposed pivot point 40 defined between the second side wall 36 of the lower drying panel 4 and the inside face 15 of the second leg 8. The pivot points 39,40 are positioned forwardly of the heat source 5 so that, in the laundry drying position described above, the laundry rails 38 extend perpendicularly outwards from the radiator 5 but, in the retracted position, the lower panel 4 (like the upper drying panel 3) is oriented downwards between and parallel with the first and second legs 7,8 to cover the radiator 5 i.e. is oriented "flat" to the front of the radiator 5. Pivotable mountings 41 ,42 are provided between the first and second legs 7,8 and the first and second side walls 35,36 respectively of the lower panel 4 to hang the lower drying panel 4 at the first and second pivot points 39,40.

In an analogous manner to the upper drying panel 3, the lower drying panel 4 is supported in the laundry drying position by a first quick release pneumatic strut 43 between the inside face 15 of the first upright leg 7 and the first side wall 35 of the lower drying panel 4 and a second quick release pneumatic strut 44 between the inside face 15 of the second upright leg 8 and the second side wall 36 of the lower drying panel 4. Like the pneumatic struts 27,28 of the upper drying panel 3, each of the pneumatic struts 43,44 is mounted between a strut mounting plate 45 on each upright leg 7,8 and a downwardly depending strut bracket 46 on each side wall 35,36 of the lower panel 4. The legs 7, 8 of the frame 2 are further provided with oppositely disposed pairs of stoppers 47,48 respectively for holding the upper drying panel 3 and the lower drying panel 4 in the retracted position shown in Figure 2. Each pair of stoppers 47,48 is positioned on the internal faces 15 of the legs 7,8 adjacent the front walls 16,33 of the upper and lower panels 3,4 respectively.

When being used with a heat source in the form of a radiator 5, the dryer 1 of the invention is positioned at the radiator 5 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The frame 2 of the dryer 1 can be secured to a wall 6 via conventional wall mountings (not shown) such as brackets, screws and the like. In order to dry laundry on the dryer 1 , the upper and/or the lower drying panels 3,4 are moved into the laundry drying position shown in Figure 1 by simply lifting the upper and/or lower drying panels 3,4 to actuate the pneumatic cylinder struts 27,28,43,44 as required. The rods 32 therefore extend from the barrels 31 of the pneumatic cylinder struts 27,28,43,44 to pivot the upper and lower drying panels 3, 4 into the drying position about their respective pivot points 23,24 and 39,40. Laundry is then simply placed on the rung-like laundry rails 21 , 38 as required to dry.

Upon completion of drying following removal of the dried laundry, or in an emergency where quick collapse of the dryer 1 is required, a user simply depresses the upper and lower drying panels 3,4 to force and retract the rods 32 into the barrels 31 of the pneumatic cylinder struts 27,28,43,44 and collapse the upper and lower drying panels 3,4 from the laundry drying perpendicular position into the decorative radiator covering position of Figure 2 about the respective pivot points 23,24, and 39,40.

It will be understood that the same principles of operation apply when the dryer 1 of the invention is being used without a heat source. In this case, the dryer 1 may be stored in any suitable location in a room as a functional piece of furniture with the drying panels 3,4 in their collapsed position. When it is desired to dry laundry at room temperature, the drying panels 3,4 can then be simply moved into the laundry drying position. It should be appreciated that the legs 7,8 of the dryer 1 of the present invention do not require contact with a wall when being used either with or without a heat source 5. Thus, when drying laundry without the aid of a heat source 5, the design allows for the circulation of room air around and through the drying space. This results in natural climatic moisture control, as drying happens at room temperature and is not accelerated. Furthermore, when the dryer 1 is positioned in proximity to a heat source 5, the design also allows for the circulation of both air and heat around and through the drying space, and thus reduces the risk of dampness. The dryer 1 of the invention can be manufactured in any suitable sizes as required although it is envisaged that the dryer 1 could be manufactured in a single size suitable for use with most domestic radiators. The dryer 1 can also be manufactured from any suitable materials such as timber, plastics or metal. The number of laundry rails 21 , 38 can be adjusted as required during manufacture and can also be formed from wire, timber, plastics or metal as required. If desired, the laundry rails 21 , 38 can also be slidably mounted in the upper and lower drying panels 3, 4.

In the specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" or any variation thereof and the terms include, includes, included and including" or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widest possible interpretation and vice versa.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments herein described which may be varied in construction and detail without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1 . A laundry dryer for use with and without a heat source comprising:

a frame;

at least one drying panel mounted in the frame, and

rails for receiving laundry in the drying panel wherein the drying panel is pivotable between a laundry drying position in which the rails are oriented in a substantially horizontal plane and a collapsed position in which the rails are oriented in a substantially vertical plane.

2. A laundry dryer as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the frame is positionable to surround a heat source in the collapsed position, and wherein in the laundry drying position air and heat from a heat source can circulate around and through the drying panel.

3. A laundry dryer as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the drying panel is mounted in the frame at pivot points to pivot above a heat source.

4. A laundry dryer as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the drying panel comprises an extension locatable over a heat source in the laundry drying position.

5. A laundry dryer as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the drying panel is mounted in the frame at pivot points to pivot to the front of a heat source.

6. A laundry dryer as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the drying panel is pivotable in one motion from the laundry drying position to the collapsed position upon application of a force.

7. A laundry dryer as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the drying panel is pivotable between the laundry drying position and the collapsed position on struts between the drying panel and the frame.

8. A laundry dryer as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the struts comprise quick release struts to quickly pivot the drying panel into the collapsed position.

9. A laundry dryer as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the quick release struts comprise pneumatic cylinder struts.

10. A laundry dryer as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9 wherein the drying panel comprises an upper drying panel and a lower drying panel mounted in the frame beneath the upper drying panel.

1 1 . A laundry dryer as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10 wherein the frame comprises a first supporting leg, a second supporting leg spaced apart from the first supporting leg and a shelf extending between the first and second supporting legs.

12. A laundry dryer as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 1 1 wherein the laundry dryer is adapted for use as a heat source cover.

13. A laundry dryer as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the laundry dryer is adapted for use as a radiator cover.

14. Use of a laundry dryer as a heat source cover, the laundry dryer comprising:

a frame, and

at least one drying panel in the frame having rails for receiving laundry in which the drying panel is pivotable between a laundry drying position in which the rails are oriented in a substantially horizontal plane and a collapsed position in which the rails are oriented in a substantially vertical plane.

15. Use as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the frame is positionable around a heat source in the collapsed position, and wherein in the laundry drying position air and heat from a heat source can circulate around and through the drying panel.

16. Use as claimed in Claim 14 or Claim 15 wherein the heat source for use with the dryer comprises a radiator.

17. Use as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 16 wherein the drying panel is mounted in the frame at pivot points to pivot above the heat source.

18. Use as claimed in Claim 17 wherein the drying panel comprises an extension locatable over the heat source in the laundry drying position.

19. Use as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 18 wherein the drying panel is mounted in the frame at pivot points to pivot to the front of a heat source.

20. Use as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 19 where in the drying panel is pivotable in one motion from the laundry drying position to the collapsed position upon application of a force.

21 . Use as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 20 wherein the drying panel is pivotable between the laundry drying position and the collapsed position on struts between the drying panel and the frame.

22. Use as claimed in Claim 21 wherein the struts comprise quick release struts to quickly pivot the drying panel into the collapsed position.

23. Use as claimed in Claim 22 wherein the quick release struts comprise pneumatic cylinder struts.

24. Use as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 23 wherein the drying panel comprises an upper drying panel and a lower drying panel mounted in the frame beneath the upper drying panel.

25. Use as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 24 wherein the frame comprises a first supporting leg, a second supporting leg spaced apart from the first supporting leg and a shelf extending between the first and second supporting legs.