Field of the Invention
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This invention relates to a standalone, heatable, multi-position clothes drying rack - dryer, which allows the positioning of the heating element at various heights relative to the horizontal plane.
State of the Art
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Currently, and as a reference to the state of the art, foldable or collapsible leg drying racks are known, which allow clothes to be hung for drying and folded after use, occupying little storage space. However, their drying capacity depends on the weather and the location in which they are placed.
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Large electric appliances, such as dryers, are also known. These allow for rapid drying of clothes but consume a lot of electricity, occupy a lot of space, and are not suitable for all types of garments.
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Portable drying devices that can be placed near hanging clothes to speed up the drying process are also known. However, these portable dryers do not allow height adjustment, making them ineffective when clothes are too far from the device. Additionally, the temperature they reach is sometimes too high to allow safe manual handling or repositioning once they are turned on, due to the risk of burns.
Description of the Invention and Advantages
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In light of the above, the present invention refers to a standalone, heatable, multi-position clothes drying rack - dryer. It consists of foldable legs and clotheslines in the open position, and at least one heatable drying element. This heatable dryer features insulating side panels with at least two clipping ribs that can rest on positioning bars arranged transversely between the opposing foldable legs at different heights.
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The heatable dryer comprises at least two heating tubes joined at both ends by insulating side panels. One of these panels includes the power supply port, which powers the internal resistors inside the heating tubes, raising them to a stable temperature of approximately 50°C and maintaining that temperature during operation. Although this temperature is warm to the touch, it does not cause burns, allowing for unsupervised use and manual repositioning at the user's discretion. Additionally, the elements are sealed against moisture, so prolonged use in humid environments does not affect their lifespan.
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Naturally, the length of the heatable dryer is equal to or greater than the distance between the foldable legs of the drying rack - dryer, and its width is equal to or less than that of the positioning bars. The invention can be implemented in various sizes of drying racks - dryers, as long as these dimensions and proportions are maintained.
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With this configuration, the heatable dryer can be adjusted to different heights, achieving maximum efficiency for both long and short garments. The height can be adjusted according to the length of the hanging clothes by resting the clipping ribs on the insulating side panels over the positioning bars placed transversely between the foldable legs. These positioning bars are located at different heights between the foldable legs, so simply resting the clipping rib on the bars places the heatable dryer in a horizontal position under the hanging clothes easily and without any risk of burns to the user.
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This height adjustment is made by merely resting and clipping the ribs on the positioning bars that are located between the foldable legs of the standalone drying rack - dryer in its open position. This movement is quick and does not require much effort, as it can be done in two steps: first, one insulating side panel is positioned between the foldable legs, applying slight pressure to ensure the rib is clipped in place, while the opposite side panel is firmly supported and bears part of the weight of the heatable dryer; then the other side panel is positioned. Additionally, and alternatively, safety protrusions are envisioned, equipped with an internal compression element that allows them to retract under slight pressure and return to their original position once released. These are inserted into the safety recesses on the foldable legs of the drying rack - dryer, providing multi-position support with double safety, which even allows movement of the rack while the heatable dryer remains positioned at height. Since the movement is manual, it does not require mechanical parts that generate noise or require periodic maintenance.
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Once the heatable dryer is positioned and clipped with its ribs on the positioning bars, the safety protrusions can be inserted into the safety recesses located on the foldable legs for additional security. To do so, the safety protrusion is pressed inward, compressing due to the internal elastic element. The safety protrusion is aligned with the safety recess. Once aligned, the protrusion is released and decompresses, returning to its original position, thereby ensuring the connection between the insulating side panel and the foldable legs. This allows the drying rack - dryer to be moved in its open position, even with clothes hanging on it.
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Additionally, the clipping ribs are shaped to correspond with the geometry of the positioning bars, allowing them to at least partially house the bars. By applying a bit of pressure, the rib is clipped onto the bar, ensuring the connection.
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In this way, the heated dryer will have three different support, vertical adjustment and safety modes: the first is the support of the clipping ribs on the positioning bars; the second is the pinching or clipping of the clipping ribs onto the positioning bars; and the third is the insertion of the safety protrusions of the insulating side panels into the safety recesses present in the folding legs. The support points can be alternated for greater versatility of positions or used simultaneously when necessary, providing stability to the entire unit.
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Thanks to this connection between safety protrusions and notches, the heatable dryer is firmly attached to the drying rack, preventing accidental falls due to bumps or knocks, and ensuring proper positioning even in environments with children or pets. The drying rack - dryer is thus provided with a wide range of height positions along the foldable legs.
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Additionally, the housing wings can accommodate the heatable dryer when the foldable legs of the standalone drying rack - dryer are in the folded position.
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The foldable legs of the standalone heatable drying rack - dryer can be folded inward. In this folded position, thanks to the angular configuration of the housing wings corresponding to the height of the heatable dryer, the dryer can be securely attached, allowing the drying rack - dryer to occupy little storage space. It can even be positioned vertically, enabling storage in a narrow space without requiring a dedicated area, unlike conventional dryers. Furthermore, the heatable dryer remains immobile when lodged between the legs in the folded state.
Drawings and References
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To better understand the nature of the invention, the accompanying drawings illustrate an industrial embodiment meant to be purely illustrative and non-limiting in character.
- Figure 1 shows a perspective view illustrating the standalone, heatable, multi-position drying rack - dryer (1), where the clotheslines (1a) are visible, including their telescopic or foldable wing extensions, foldable legs (1b) paired and at their lower end featuring housing wings (1b3). The foldable legs (1b) are equipped with positioning bars (1b1) arranged transversely at different heights, and the heatable dryer (1c), composed of heating tubes (1c1) joined at both ends by insulating sides (1c2), rests on them due to being shorter in width than the positioning bars and longer than the distance between the foldable legs (1b). An enlarged section of a foldable leg (1b) shows the safety recesses (1b2), and a section of the insulating side (1c2) shows the safety protrusion (1c2.1).
- Figure 2 shows an enlargement of the lateral housing in which the power outlet (1c5) is provided and where a cut in the heating tubes (1c1) is observed in which the resistors (1c4) located inside the heating tubes (1c1) can be seen, the safety protrusions (1c2.1) being seen facing the safety recesses (1b2) prior to their insertion.
- Figure 3 shows an enlargement of the insulating side (1c2) sectioned by the clipping rib (1c3) at the height of the axis of a heating tube (1c1) in which the positioning bar (1b1) partially housed in the clipping recess (1c3.1) of the clipping rib (1c3) located in the lower area of the insulating side (1c2) is observed, and the cut of the heating tube (1c1) in whose interior the resistor (1c4) can be seen.
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In these figures, the following references are indicated:
- 1.- Drying rack - dryer.
- 1a- Clotheslines
- 1b- Foldable legs
- 1b1- Positioning bars
- 1b2- Safety recesses
- 1b3- Housing wings
- 1c- Heatable dryer
- 1c1- Heating tubes
- 1c2- Insulating sides
1c2.1- Safety protrusions - 1c3- Clipping rib
1c3.1- Clipping recess - 1c4- Resistor
- 1c5- Power outlet
Presentation of a preferred Embodiment
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With reference to the above drawings and references, a preferred mode of carrying out the object of the invention is illustrated in the attached diagrams, referring to a standalone heatable, multi-position drying rack - dryer (1) for clothes, which consists of foldable legs (1b) and clotheslines (1a) in its open position and at least one heatable dryer (1c) element in which the heatable dryer (1c) features, on its insulating sides (1c2), at least two clipping ribs (1c3) that can be supported on the positioning bars (1b1) arranged transversely to the foldable legs (1b) facing each other and at different heights.
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The heatable dryer (1c) is composed of at least two heating tubes (1c1) preferably made of anodised aluminium to reduce the weight of the drying rack - dryer (1), parallel to each other and arranged so that the hanging clothes can pass between two consecutive heating tubes (1c1), and may even be hung over them, joined by two insulating sides (1c2) at their ends. In the insulating sides (1c2) that insulate from the temperature of the heating tubes (1c1), the clipping ribs (1c3) are located at their ends. On one of the insulating sides (1c2), the power outlet (1c5) is also located, which supplies the internal resistor (1c4) located inside the heating tubes (1c1) and that transforms electricity into heat for the heating tubes (1c1) to a temperature close to 50°C and maintains the constant temperature during its operation. It is foreseen that the resistor (1c4) has a power of around 400 W and is activated by a single on/off switch. A temperature close to 50°C, although hot to the touch, does not cause burns if touched; moreover, since the resistors (1c4) are located concentrically with the heating tube and surrounded by an air chamber, direct contact with the resistor (1c4) does not occur, so it does not require supervision for its use and allows the manipulation and positioning of the heatable dryer (1c). In addition, the elements that make up the heatable dryer (1c) (heating tubes (1c1), insulating sides (1c2), and resistor (1c4)) are sealed against moisture, so prolonged use in humid environments does not affect their lifespan.
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With this configuration, the multi-positioning of the heatable dryer (1c) at different heights is allowed and the maximum drying efficiency is obtained for both long and short garments, being able to adjust the height according to the length reached by the hanging clothes on the clotheslines (1a), resulting in greater versatility and drying efficiency. Since drying is produced by convection and the surface of the heatable dryer (1c) is similar to that occupied by the clotheslines (1a), the drying of the clothes is carried out uniformly. Although contact with the tubes is not necessary for drying to occur, it is advantageous to limit the distance between the heatable dryer (1c) and the clothes to prevent heat dissipation, improving the drying time, which is reduced from about 24 hours without the action of the heatable dryer (1c) to approximately 9 hours.
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Height regulation in the multiple positions is carried out by the support and/or clipping of the clipping ribs (1c3) located on the insulating sides (1c2), on the positioning bars (1b1) located between the foldable legs (1b) of the drying rack - dryer (1) in its open position and/or alternatively by inserting the safety protrusions (1c2.1) into the safety recesses (1b2) of the foldable legs (1b). It is carried out by the insertion of the insulating side (1c2) between the foldable legs (1b) of the drying rack - dryer (1) in its open position and by supporting the clipping ribs (1c3) on the positioning bars (1b1) located on the foldable legs (1b). This movement is quick to perform and does not require great effort as it can be done in two phases. First, a clipping rib (1c3) located on one insulating side is positioned, while the opposite side is firmly supported and bears part of the weight of the heatable dryer (1c). With one end supported, it is easy to manipulate a single end until it is placed in the desired position. Next, the other clipping rib (1c3) is positioned in the coincident height position, leaving the heatable dryer (1c) in a horizontal position at the desired height. Since the movement can be performed manually, it does not require moving parts that produce noise and require periodic maintenance.
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Additionally, the clipping ribs (1c3) have an angle corresponding to the geometry of the positioning bars (1b1) that allows them to at least partially house the positioning bars (1b1). In this way, by applying a little pressure, the clipping rib (1c3) is pinched or clipped onto the positioning bar (1b1), ensuring the union.
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In this way, the standalone heatable drying rack - dryer (1) will have three alternative support and safety modes for the heatable dryer (1c) that can be used separately or in conjunction, the first being the support provided by the clipping rib (1c3) against the positioning bars (1b1) of the foldable legs (1b); the second being the pinching or clipping performed by the clipping rib (1c3) against the positioning bars (1b1) of the foldable legs (1b); and the third by inserting the safety protrusions (1c2.1) of the insulating sides (1c2) into the safety recesses (1b2) present on the foldable legs (1b). Preferably, both the positioning bars (1b1) and the safety recesses (1b2) will be arranged in groups of two, facing each other on each foldable leg (1b). In this way, the heatable dryer (1c) can be placed in multiple positions and at different heights, granting versatility of use, drying efficiency according to the type of hanging laundry, and allowing the drying process to be accelerated in areas with high relative humidity, little sun exposure, or in which regulations prohibit the installation of drying racks outdoors.
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Additionally, the foldable legs (1b) comprise at least one safety recess (1b2) capable of housing at least one safety protrusion (1c2.1) located on the insulating sides (1c2) of the heatable dryer (1c) when positioned on the positioning bars (1b1).
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Once the heatable dryer (1c) is positioned, the safety protrusions (1c2.1) on the insulating sides (1c2) can be inserted into the safety recess (1b2) arranged on the foldable legs (1b) for increased safety. To achieve this, each insulating side (1c2) is positioned separately. First, the safety protrusion (1c2.1) located on one insulating side (1c2) of the heatable dryer (1c) is pressed toward the centre; it compresses due to the compression of the elastic element it contains. With the safety protrusion (1c2.1) compressed, it is possible to comfortably align the safety protrusion (1c2.1) with the selected safety recess (1b2). Once the safety protrusions (1c2.1) are aligned with the safety recesses (1b2), the safety protrusion (1c2.1) is released and decompresses due to the action of the elastic element it contains, ensuring the connection between the insulating side (1c2) and the foldable leg (1b). Subsequently, the other insulating side (1c2) is positioned at the height-corresponding position, leaving the heatable dryer (1c) in a horizontal position at the desired height.
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The connection between the safety protrusions (1c2.1) and the safety recesses (1b2) is an insertion connection that, thanks to the mushroom shape of the safety protrusion (1c2.1), prevents accidental or undesired removal. Thus, the heatable dryer (1c) is firmly attached to the foldable legs (1b), avoiding accidental falls due to bumps or pushes and ensuring the correct horizontal positioning of the heatable dryer (1c) in one of the multiple horizontal positions, and even allowing its movement once extended and in use.
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Additionally, the housing wings (1b3), located at the ends of the foldable legs (1b), are capable of housing the heatable dryer (1c) in the folded position of the foldable legs (1b) of the standalone heatable drying rack- dryer (1).
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The foldable legs (1b) of the standalone heatable drying rack - dryer (1), with the heatable dryer in its highest position, can be folded inward. In this folded position, thanks to the angular configuration of the housing wings, they allow the heatable dryer to be securely and immovably attached once the legs are folded, thus enabling the standalone heatable drying rack - dryer (1) to occupy little storage space and be stored even in a vertical position, so it can be placed in a narrow space without the need for a dedicated area, unlike traditional dryers.
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The foldable legs (1b) of the heatable drying rack - dryer (1) can be folded inward, allowing the drying rack - dryer (1) to occupy little storage space, without requiring a specific dedicated space. To this end, the incorporation of housing wings (1b3) on the lower part of the foldable legs (1b) is provided, such that, in the folded position, they contain the heatable dryer (1c) between the clotheslines (1a) and the foldable legs (1b) and prevent undesired movement thereof.
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Variations in materials, shape, size, and arrangement of the component elements, described in a non-limiting manner, do not alter the essence of this invention, which is sufficient to be reproduced by an expert.