GB2505425A

GB2505425A - Enclosed outdoor laundry dryer

Info

Publication number: GB2505425A
Application number: GB1215291.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steve Page
Original assignee: PAGE CONSULTING Ltd
Current assignee: PAGE CONSULTING Ltd
Priority date: 2012-08-28
Filing date: 2012-08-28
Publication date: 2014-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 2032-08-28
Also published as: GB2505425B; GB201215291D0

Abstract

A drier 10 comprises an enclosure 11 defining a drying chamber 13 into which wet or damp laundry may be placed. Drier 10 has an air inlet comprising an air flow guide 15 above drying chamber 13 directing air down into drying chamber 13. Drier 10 also has an air flow guide 14 below drying chamber 13, which may either guide air up into drying chamber 13 or vent air out of drying chamber 13. Guides 14, 15 may define constrictions in diameter which may increase the speed of the air flow, which may be horn-shaped. Outlets of guides 14, 15 may be concentric. Enclosure 11 may have an annular wall 12 which may be collapsible and which may comprise a transparent or translucent window. Drier 10 may also comprise a roof 22, an access door 23 and a hanger. Dryer 10 is particularly suitable for drying clothing or linen outdoors.

Description

Apparatus for drying clothing The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in drying laundry, such as items of clothing and the like. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an apparatus for drying clothing and linen outdoors.

It is well known that a desirable method of drying wet clothes is to arrange them outdoors in a position where they will be dried by wind andlor solar radiation. This method is efficient and cost effective, using as it does environmentally friendly, natural, cost-free energy resources. lii addition, clothes dried outdoors tend to be fresher and softer than those dried in tumble driers or hung indoors.,reducing the need for products such as fabric softeners.

However, there are problems associated with arranging clothes outdoors to dry. Clothes hung outside are not protected from the elements, so can fail to dry or become wet if not taken inside at the first sign of rain. Clothes can be blown from lines in strong winds, or be spoiled by airborne debris. The time for which clothes can be left outside is limited, particularly in winter, as they may be exposed to dew and so must be taken inside before dusk. There is also a risk that clothes hung outside may be stolen.

What is required is a means of hanging clothes to dry outside, whilst protecting the clothes from adverse weather conditions.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bundry dryer for use in drying laundry such as clothing and linen outdoors, the dryer comprising: an enclosure which defines a drying chamber into which wet or damp laundry may be arranged, and an air inlet arrangement for permitting air to enter the chamber; whercin the air inlet arrangement comprises at least one air flow guide arranged below the drying chamber and configured to direct air up into the drying chamber, andlor at least one air flow guide arranged above the drying chamber and configured to direct air down into the drying chamber.

I

Other aspects and preferred features of the invention will be readily apparent from the claims and following description of preferred embodiments made, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure I shows a perspective view from one side of a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is similar to Figure I, and shows an access panel/hinged door of the enclosure in an open state; lo Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dryer of Figure 1 showing airflow indication lines; Figure 4 shows a perspective view from the side of a dryer according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is similar to Figure 1, and shows the diyer of Figure 1 in a collapsed compact configuration; and Figure 6 shows a perspective view from the side of a dryer according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

With reference firstly to Figures 1 to 3. an apparatus for drying laundry items is indicated generally at 10. The apparatus 10 provides an enclosure I I, which defines a drying chamber 13 for receiving items of laundry and the 111cc. In general terms, and as will be apparent from the drawings and a more detailed description below, the apparatus 10 has an air inlet arrangement for permitting air to enter the chamber 13, in order to provide a drying effect for wet or damp items placed inside the chamber 13. The enclosure 11 serves to protect the items in the drying chamber 13 from adverse weather conditions.

The primary purpose of the apparatus 10 is for drying wet or damp laundry items, such as items of clothing or linen and the like (not shown). The apparatus 10 therefore provides an alternative to a conventional outdoor clothes line andior rotary dryer. Hence, the apparatus may be referred to as a laundry dryer or a laundry drying enclosure.

In this embodiment, the drying chamber 13 is generally cylindncal and is defined, at least in part, by an annular wall 12 of the enclosure 11. Although illustrated as being generally circular in cross-section, in further embodiments the enclosure 11 may be arranged to exhibit a variety of different shapes and configurations, in particular, but not exclusivdy, a polygonal shape, other symmetric shape(s) andior non-symmetrical/irregular shape(s).

All or part of the annular wall 12 may consist of window, of a kind suitahie to enable the apparatus 10 to take advantage of solar radiation. hi exemplary embodiments, the window (not shown) is of a translucent, tinted and/or light reflective material, to prevent the items to be dried from exposure to too much sunlight, so reducing the risk of fading of laundry placed inside the chamber 13 and/or providing a degree of privacy so that the contents of the drying chamber are less clearly visible. In further embodiments, the window may be transparent to reduce the growth of bacteria during the drying process, and thereby provide the dried clothes with a fresher smell and softer feel.

As can be seen from Figure 2. the enclosure 11 includes an access panel(s) in the form of a hinged door 23 through which clothes and other items to be dried are loaded into and removed from the drying chamber 13. All or part of the door 23 may define a window, to enable the apparatus 10 to take advantage of solar radiation (e.g. as described above).

Multiple access panels/doors may be included for greater access and ease of cleaning the inside of the enclosure 11.

In this embodiment, as can be seen clearly from Figures I and 3. the air inlet arrangement includes air flow guides 14 arranged below the drying chamber 13 and configured to direct air up into the drying chamber 13. The air inlet arrangement further includes air flow guides arranged above the drying chamber 13 and configured to direct air down into the drying chamber 13.

In this embodiment, the air flow guides 14, 15 are defined by curved walls, which are arranged concentrically and cooperate to define a circumferential inlet region for each air flow guide. for capturing wind or breeze blown in the direction of the apparatus 10.

The air flow guides 14 below the drying chamber 13 are configured to define concentric outlet regions (indicated generally at 16) for each of the air flow guides, for directing the captured air up into the drying chamber 13.

The air flow guides 15 above the drying chamber 13 are defined by wails which, at the inlet, curve to direct the captured air upwards initially. However, the air flow guides are configured to then direct the air down into the drying chamber 13 through concentncally arranged outlet regions 16 (visiNe in Figure 3).

Although shown as defining a radius, the walls of the air flow guides 14, 15 may be angled in other embodiments, and may have at least an initial section which defines a surface at least generally orthogonal to a ongitudinal axis of the apparatus, before curving. angfing or otherwise turning upwards.

In exemplary embodiments, each air flow guide may define a constriction or reduction in diameter between the inlet region and outlet region, for increasing the speed of the air flow passing from the inlet region to the outlet region. This is shown for the lowermost guides 14 in Figure 3, for example.

It will be understood that the air flow guides are primarily intended for capturing and directing air into the drying chamber 13, they will also define a flow path for air to exit from the drying chamber 13 in use.

The apparatus 10 defines upper and lower ends, indicated generally at 17 and 18 respectively.

The lower end 18 defines a base 19 which allows the apparatus 10 to be free-standing, e.g. on a lawn, paving or other outdoor surface. In other embodiments (e.g. as indicated in Figure 6), the base 19 may include legs/feet (not shown in Figure 1, but indicated at 25 in Figure 6) to raise the base from the ground. This may be useful for elevating location of the air inlets for improved windlbreeze capture. The legs/feet may be covered by a skirt (not shown) to reduce the flow of air passing beneath the base and/or include wheels and/or casters (not shown) to enable the drying apparatus 10 to readily moved along a ground surface. In further embodiments, the base may include means for attachment to a ground mounted stanchion, pole, post or eyelet, for example, to increase stability and security of the apparatus 10.

The upper end 17 of the apparatus 10 has a closed roof section 20 and includes a roof cover 21. In this embodiment, the roof cover 21 is attached to the roof section 20 and defines an overhang 22 relative to the enclosure wall 12, to provide shelter for the upper air inlets, e.g. from adverse weather conditions and to reduce the opportunity for water, snow and/or airborne debris to enter the air flow guides 15 and the drying chamber 13. In other embodiments, the roof section 20 may be provided without any cover or overhang.

Alternatively, the overhang 22 may be defined by the roof section 20 (e.g. if the roof section has a greater diameter than the enclosure 11, as shown in Figure 3).

lO In this embodiment, the upper and lower ends i7. 18 of the apparatus lO, as defined by the respective arrangement of air flow guides 14, 15. are of generally circular cross-section.

Other embodiments may have a different shape and/or configuration, for exarnpe, polygonal, elliptical, other symmetrical shape(s) andior irregular shape(s).

The air flow guides 14, 15 may include a wide range of shapes, sizes and profiles. For example, the air flow guides may take the form of a plate, sheet, vane, sail, aerofoil, pipe, tube and/or any other shape suitable for assisting a flow of air into the drying chamber 13.

An example embodiment is shown in Figure 4, in which the air flow guides 14 have a generally curved pipe or horn' type configuration. wherein the inlet region (indicated at 24) is of greater diameter than the outlet region 16, and arranged to direct air up into the chamber 13 via a constriction in flow area, in order to increase the speed of the air flowing through the guides 14. As can be seen from Figure 4, the inlets 24 of the air flow guides 14 aie alTanged in rows, one on top of another, whflst the ouflets 16 are arranged on the same plane. Hence.

the lowermost guides 14 have a longer configuration than the upper most guides 14.

The same or similarly configured air flow guides may be provided in the upper end of the apparatus 10, orientated to direct the air flow down into the chamber 13 (e.g. as indicated on one side of Figure 4).

In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3, the air flow guides 14, 15 have a fixed position.

However, in other embodiments, the air flow guides may include movaHe/adjustable elements, e.g. movable between a first position and a second position, such as for increasing/decreasing flow or capture of air in to the drying chamber 13 (e.g. to modify the drying performance of the apparatus 10 to suit the type of clothes andlor linens to be dried for the pertaining weather conditions).

The apparatus 10 may include netting, a meshed screen and/or other breathable material (not shown) over all or part of each ifflet region. to restrict the ingress of rain, snow, leaves and/or other airborne material/debris. In other embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include one or more closable screens for closing access to all/selected air flow guides.

In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 10 is collapsible from an extended position (e.g. as lO indicated in Figure 1) to a retracted position (e.g. as indicated in Figure 5), in which the annular wall 12 is movable to act as a sleeve to surround the base region of the apparatus (as defined by the section of the apparatus housing the lowermost air flow guides 14) in the retracted position. It will be understood that a drive mechanism may be included for automated raising/lowering of the annular wall. One or more locking mechanisms may be iS included for securing the annular wall in the raised (i.e. extended) and/or lowered (i.e. retracted) positions.

In a further embodiment, e.g. as illustrated in Figure 6, the apparatus 10 has a vented roof cover 21. Hence, air passes up into the drying chamber 13 through the air flow guides 14 before being exhausted from the drying chamber 13 through a vent 26 (e.g. in the form of a chimney). The vent 26 may be selectively closable.

In another embodiment, an access panel 23 may include hangers or fasteners for the attachment of items to be dried. Such hangers or fasteners may be connected to the hinged opening door 23 so that opening the door 23 may bring the hangers or fasteners partially and/or fully out of the drying chamber 13 so that the items to be dried may be easily attached and/or removed thereto.

Although described with reference to a hinged access panel, further embodiments may include a sliding door or panel forming part of the enclosure 11 or annular wall 12. This may be suited for use in more windy locations.

The access panel(s) may extend for part or all of the height of the enclosure 11. In particular, but not exclusively, the access panel(s) may include an upper and a lower part corresponding to upper and lower regions of the enclosure, and may be opened independently of one another.

The apparatus 10 described herein provides all of the advantages of outdoor drying whilst overcoming or mitigating the typical disadvantages. Clothes may be exposed to wind and solar radiation whilst being protected from rain, dew and debris. Clothes can be left in the apparatus 10, without the need for supervision in case of precipitation. The apparatus 10 is a deterrent to thieves, as clothes are housed within it.

The drying chamber 13 is preferably of a size suitable for a full load from a household washing machine, whilst the overall apparatus is preferably small enough to be located within a typica' domestic garden space.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for use in drying laundry such as clothing and linen outdoors, the dryer comprising: an enclosure which defines a drying chamber into which wet or damp laundry maybe arranged, and an air inlet alTangement for permitting air to enter the chamber; wherein the air inlet arrangement comprises: at least one air flow guide arranged below the drying chamber and configured to direct air up into the drying chamber, and lO at least one air flow guide arranged above the drying chamber and configured to direct air down into the drying chamber.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each air flow guide has an inlet region arranged for capturing air flow in the direction of the apparatus and an outlet region arranged for directing air into the drying chamber.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein at least one of said air flow guides defines a constriction or reduction in diameter between the inlet region and outlet region, for increasing the speed of the air flow passing from the inlet region to the outlet region.
4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the apparatus defines a lower region having a plurality of said air flow guides configured for directing air up into the drying chamber.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the outlet regions of the plurality of air flow guides are arranged concentric with one another.
6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein each air flow guide comprises a curved or angled wall configured for directing air up into the drying chamber.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein each airflow guide has an inlet wall having at least an initial section which defines a surface at least generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus.
8. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the airflow guides have a generally horn-shaped configuration.
9. Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the apparatus defines an upper region having a plurality of said air flow guides configured for directing air down into the drying chamber.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the outlet regions of the plurality of air flow guides are arranged concentric with one another.
11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein each air flow guide comprises a curved or angled wall configured for directing air down into the diying chamber.
12. Apparatus according to claim Ii wherein each air flow guide has an inlet wall which directs air upwards before directing the air down into the drying chamber.
13. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the airflow guides have a generally horn-shaped configuration.
14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus has a base which allows the apparatus to be free standing.
15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus has a closed roof.
16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the roof defines an overhang.
17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the drying chamber comprises a window portion configured for exposing the diying chamber to solar radiation.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the window portion is at least generally annular.
19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a door or access panel which can be moved from a closed position to an open position for use in loading/unloading the drying chamber.
20. Apparatus according to any preceding daim, further comprising a hanger arrangement for hanging items to be dned in the drying chamber.
21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is collapsible from an extended position to a retracted position. lo
22. Apparatus according to claim 2i wherein the enclosure defines an annular wall and the apparatus includes a base region, and wherein the annu'ar wall is movable to act as a sleeve to surround the base region in the retracted position.iS
23. Apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the annular wall comprises a window portion configured for exposing the drying chamber to solar radiation.
24. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the window portion is at least generally annular.
25. Apparatus for use in drying laundry such as clothing and linen outdoors, the dryer comprising: an enclosure which defines a drying chamber into which wet or damp laundry may be arranged. and an air inlet arrangement for permitting air to enter the chamber; wherein the air inlet arrangement comprises: at least one air flow guide arranged below the drying chamber and configured to direct air up into the drying chamber, and further wherein an upper region of the enclosure includes a vent arranged above the drying chamber for exhausting air from the drying chamber.
26. Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein each air flow guide has an inlet region arranged for capturing air flow in the direction of the apparatus and an outlet region arranged for directing air into the drying chamber.
27. Apparatus according to claim 26 wherein at least one of said air flow guides defines a constriction or reduction in diameter between the inlet region and outlet region, for increasing the speed of the air flow passing from the inlet region to the outlet region.
28. Apparatus according to claim 26 or daim 27 wherein the apparatus defines a lower region having a plurality of said air flow guides configured for directing air up into the drying chamber.
29. Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the outlet regions of the plurality of air flow lO guides are arranged concentric with one another.
30. Apparatus according to claim 28 or daim 29 wherein each air flow guide comprises a curved or angled wall configured for directing air up into the drying chamber.iS
31. Apparatus according to claim 30 wherein each airflow guide has an inlet wall having at least an initial section which defines a surface at least generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus.
32. Apparatus according to claim 28 or claim 29 wherein the airflow guides comprise curved tubes and/or have a generally horn-shaped configuration.
33. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 32 wherein the apparatus has a base which allows the apparatus to be free standing.
34. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 33 wherein the drying chamber comprises a window portion configured for exposing the drying chamber to solar radiation.
35. Apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the window portion is at least generally annular.
36. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 35, further comprising a door or access panel which can be moved from a closed position to an open position for use in loading/unloading the drying chamber.
37. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 36, further comprising a hanger airangement for hanging items to be dried in the drying chamber.