GB2582026A

GB2582026A - Foldable clothes warmer

Info

Publication number: GB2582026A
Application number: GB1903179.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yiu Lam Wing
Original assignee: Sincere International Trading Co Ltd; Sincere Int Trading Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sincere International Trading Co Ltd; Sincere Int Trading Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-08
Filing date: 2019-03-08
Publication date: 2020-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-08
Also published as: GB201903179D0; GB2582026B

Abstract

A frame assembly (10 figure 1) for a heating foldable clothes drying apparatus comprises first and second arm assemblies (30, 40 figure 2c). The first and second arm assemblies (30, 40 figure 2c) each comprise a plurality of spaced apart elongate members 38 extending between a pair of transverse end members 32, 42. The elongate members 32, 42 having heating elements (36 figure 2a). A central portion (50a, 50b figure 2a) pivotally connects the first and second arm assemblies (30, 40 figure 2c) and receives at least two sets of electrical conductors 54, 56. The conductors 54, 56 provide at least one set of electrical conductors to each of the first and second arm assemblies (30, 40 figure 2c). At least one of the transverse end members 32, 42 of each arm assembly includes an end earth plate 34, 44 electrically and mechanically engaged with each of the elongate members 38.

Description

Foldable clothes warmer

FIELD

The disclosure relates to clothes warmer, particularly relates to foldable clothes warmers.

BACKGROUND

In countries having a relatively cold (and potentially damp) winter such as Europe it is relatively common for snow and or precipitation to be retained in clothes once they are worn outside. Additionally in such environments once clothes or towels have been washed many may still retain some moisture for some time afterwards depending on the drying approach used. In such environments, a temperature differential between clothes and the body of a user and/or accumulated moisture can lead to discomfort when a user is dressing in such clothes or using towels.

Some people use heated clothes stands/racks or radiators to preheat/warm clothes or towels before use and for removal of the retained moisture. Such heated stands or racks are preferably connected to main power for airing and heating and due to the relatively close exposure of the heating elements to a user, comply with CE marking and GS marking requirements.

These stands or racks often comprise a number of spaced apart bars arranged in arms at various levels to apply warmth either via convection or conduction.

In view of limited living space available, foldable stands or racks have been are developed which can be packed away so as to occupy a limited amount of space when not in use (see, for example, EP patent EP 1 895 042 A2). However, in making such stands foldable, the overall structural integrity of the stand may be compromised, often flexing under the weight of clothes made heavier by the retained moisture.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a clothes warmer which overcomes or substantially alleviates at least some of the deficiencies exhibited by those of the prior art.

SUM MARY

According to one aspect, there is provided a frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus. The frame assembly may comprises at least first and second arm assemblies each comprising a plurality of spaced apart elongate members extending between a pair of transverse end members, the elongate members enclosing electrical heating elements therein, a central portion pivotably connecting the first and second arm assemblies and for 1.

receiving at least two sets of electrical conductors and providing at least one set of said electrical conductors to each of the first and second arm assemblies for said heating elements, wherein at least one of the transverse end members of each arm assembly includes therein an end earth plate electrically and mechanically engaged with each of the elongate members.

At least one of the transverse end members of each arm assembly may include therein an end earth plate in electrical contact with and retaining each of the elongate members.

A plurality of apertures defined in the end earth plate may retain therein a corresponding elongate member and at least one of the electrical conductors enclosed therein.

The plurality of apertures of the end earth plate may contact the elongate members.

Ends of the elongate members may be deformed to engage with the apertures of the transverse end plate.

The portion of the ends of the elongate members may be retained by the corresponding apertures of the end earth plate, and the apertures of the end earth plate have a circular cross section.

The deformed ends of the elongate members may form an annular collar having a larger outside diameter than the corresponding aperture for engagement therewith.

The cross section of the transverse end member may have a similar cross section to the cross section of the end portion of the elongate member retained by the end earth plate.

The ends of the elongate members may be deformed radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate members.

The portion of the ends of the elongate members retained by the corresponding apertures of the end earth plate and the apertures of the end earth plate may have a cross section selected from the group including ovoid; elliptical, triangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal.

The ends of the elongate members may be deformed outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate members.

The deformed ends of the elongate members may form a collar having a larger outside diameter than the corresponding aperture for engagement therewith.

The set of electrical conductors of each of the first and second arm assemblies may include a plurality of projecting tabs within each transverse end member for loosely retaining the at least one set of said electrical conductors in a predetermined position in each of the first and second arm assemblies throughout a predetermined minimum number of pivoting cycles of said arm assemblies with respect to each other.

The elongate members may extend between the transverse end members in a first plane and the end earth plate extends along the transverse members and in a second plane substantially orthogonal to the first plane.

The first plane may be generally horizontal and the second plane may be vertical.

The end earth plate and elongate members may be formed from one or more metals and the transverse end members may be formed from polymeric material.

According to another aspect, there is provided a foldable frame for heating of articles supported thereon. The frame may comprise at least one frame assembly described above; a stand engaged with the at least one frame assembly by at least the central portion thereof and for supporting the relative movement of the first and second arm assemblies between deployed and folded states; wherein in said deployed state the arm assembly may extend in a generally horizontal plane and wherein in the folded state the arm assembly may extend in a generally vertical plane, wherein the two sets of electrical conductors may be substantially contained within the stand for connection to an external power source.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided a foldable frame for heating of articles supported thereon. The frame may comprise two frame assemblies as described above to substantially overlie each other; a stand engaged with the frame assemblies by the central portion thereof and detachably engaged thereto at a distal end of the frame assembly, the stand configured for supporting the relative movement of the first and second arm assemblies between deployed and folded states; wherein in said deployed state the arm assembly may extend in a generally horizontal plane and wherein in the folded state the arm assembly may extend in a generally vertical plane, wherein the two sets of electrical conductors may be substantially contained within the stand for connection to an external power source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. la depicts an exemplary embodiment of the foldable frame assembly of the present disclosure in a stored state; Fig. 1b depicts the exemplary embodiment of the foldable frame assembly depicted in Fig. la in a partially unfolded state; Fig. lc depicts the exemplary embodiment of the foldable frame assembly depicted in Fig. la in a fully unfolded state; Fig. 2a depicts an end of an exemplary frame assembly of Fig. la in a partially disassembled state; Fig. 2b depicts an enlarged view of the end of the exemplary frame assembly of Fig. 2a; Fig. 2c depicts an enlarged view of a further disassembled exemplary frame assembly of Fig 2b with a cover of the end member removed for clarity; Fig. 2d depicts an end on view of a folded exemplary frame assembly shown in Figs. 2a-2c in a folded state (with the cover of end members attached); Fig. 2e depicts a top view of the folded exemplary frame assembly shown in Figs. 2a-2c with the cover of the end members removed and in a partially unfolded state; Fig. 3a depicts an exemplary arm assembly of the foldable frame assembly of Fig. la with the plastic cover member removed; Fig. 3b depicts the exemplary arm assembly of the foldable frame assembly of Fig. 3a partially disassembled; Fig. 3c depicts an enlarged perspective view of one end of the exemplary arm assembly of Fig. 3a; Fig. 4a depicts an end view of the exemplary arm assembly of Fig. 3a; Fig. 4b depicts an enlarged end view of the exemplary arm assembly of Fig. 4a; Fig. 5a depicts an exemplary cross sectional view when the elongate rod is mounted onto a transverse end member via an earth plate; Fig. 5b-5f depicts variety of shapes of an elongate rod and the corresponding configuration of a transverse end members and an earth plate; Fig. 6 depicts a schematic view of an exemplary joint assembly of the foldable frame depicted in Figs. 1-4.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

The present disclosure depicts a foldable frame of a heated foldable drying apparatus which may be changed from a stored state in which it occupies an small amount of space to an in use state where the maximum amount of heating/drying space is provided. The foldable drying apparatus of the present disclosure can be electrically connected to household power to provide heating, which means that it is relatively inexpensive to run.

However, due to the folding and unfolding operations, and proximity of damp clothes/towels or the like to the electrical wires, in order to meet minimum safety requirements (including the CS and CE designations), appropriate earthing and configuration of the electrical wires within the drying apparatus must be undertaken.

Referring to Figs la-lc there is depicted an exemplary embodiment of the foldable frame 10 as it is unfolded from a stored state (Fig la), through a partially unfolded state (Fig lb) to a fully deployed unfolded operational state (Fig 1c).

It would be appreciated that although the embodiment of the foldable frame assembly 10 depicted in these figures comprises three pairs of arm assemblies 20a,20b, 20c; similar embodiments comprising one, two, three or more arm assembly pairs at various levels could be provided according to the present disclosure.

Referring to Figure 2a there is depicted a partial view of an exemplary frame assembly depicted in Fig la. The frame assembly 20a comprises a pair of arm assemblies 30, 40 which are attached together by two joint arrangements 50a, 50b.

Each arm assembly 30, 40 comprises two transverse end members 32, 42, between which extend a plurality of elongate rods 38. (In the embodiment depicted it would be appreciated that only the first transverse end member of each pair 32, 42 is depicted in Figure 2a.) The end members have a cover 33, 43 which has been removed for clarity.

It can be seen that in each transverse end member 32, 42 there is included an earth plate 34, 44 which is connected to the earth wire of the set of electrical conductors 54, 56 advantageously by a screw 35 or other fastening means The set of electrical conductors are provided through a joint member 50a, 50b (not shown) which join the arm assemblies 30, 40 for foldable movement with respect to each other. Each transverse arm member terminates in a ring portion 51, through which the spigot 53b of the joint 50a extends for pivotable movement as is further discussed.

The joint member 50a, 50b maintains the conductors of each set of electrical conductors generally immobile during the folding and unfolding, to avoid abrading the insulation and potentially causing an electrical fault or short circuit.

Electrical current is therefore passed via the electrical conductors 54, 56 through the joints 50a, 50b into the transverse end members 32, 42 and via apertures 37 in the earth plate 34 into the elongate rods 38. Heating wires 36 such as heating wire with a high resistance increase in temperature as the current passes through it, in turn heating the rods 38 and any clothes, towels or similar articles placed thereon. The inclusion of the earth plate extending along the transverse members and through which the electrical conductors at passed adds stability under load, and at the time avoids providing a potential abrading surface which could remove some of the insulation of the electrical conductors.

Referring to Figs 2b and 2c, the arrangement of the first set of electrical conductors 54 and the second set of electrical conductors 56 and the earth plates 34, 44 can be seen in more detail. The first set of conductors 54 extend as described above. Advantageously, the first set of conductors would be retained within the first transverse end member 32 by passing through projecting tabs 55.

The earth plate 34 is arranged and attached to the sidewall of the transverse end member 32. Advantageously, the ends of the elongate rods 38 pass through corresponding apertures 37 in the earth plate 34. Arranged in this way, the ends of the elongate rods 38 may be deformed (for example, for a stamping or similar machine) in production so as to securely mechanically retain the elongate end rods onto the transverse end members and the arm assembly as a whole in a stable and stronger configuration.

Other means of attaching the elongate rods to the end member may also be utilized, for example, soldering, or mechanical fixtures or the like. However, it would be appreciated that by orienting the earth plate in a substantially orthogonal arrangements to the plane of the elongate rods 38 within the transverse end members 32, 42, the earth plate 34 provides a strong mechanical engagement of the elongate rods 38 in the overall arm assembly 30.

This engagement (both electrical and mechanical) of the earth plate with the elongate rod ensures that the electrical conductors retained within the elongate rods and the transvers end members are safely retained in position, with a minimum of movement. It would be appreciated that movement of the conductors, particularly if there is a sharp surface which could potentially abrade the insulation of the electrical conductors could result in a potential safety hazard if not appropriately mitigated.

Optionally tabs 55 are visible inside the transverse end members to assist in retaining the electrical conductors in substantially the same position notwithstanding the rotation of the arm members with respect to each other in the folding and unfolding operations.

It would be appreciated that in the Figures, it can be seen that the ends of the elongate rods are deformed in such a way that so as to form an angular collar which has a larger outside down diameter than the aperture in which the elongate rod is retained in the earth plate.

Advantageously the deformation of the ends is in a radially outward direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate rod. Preferably the deformed ends of the elongate rod 38 comprise an annular collar which has a larger outside diameter than the corresponding aperture through which the elongate rod is inserted.

Advantageously, it would be appreciated that the plane of the array of elongate rods 38 is substantially horizontal between the first and second transverse arm end members of each arm assembly, whereas the plane of the earth plate 34 is substantially vertical, or orthogonal to the plane of the elongate members.

Furthermore, to avoid creating potentially pinch points in the transverse end members, there may be disposed a plurality of reinforcing ribs, such reinforcing ribs being shaped in such a way so as to prevent a potential sharp edge.

It would be appreciated that in each arm assembly 30, 40, a single end plate may only be provided in one of each pair of transverse end members, with the end plate located on the end of the arm assembly to which the electrical conductors 54,56 are attached.

Referring now to Fig 2c, it can be seen that each of the transverse end members of the first arm assembly and the second arm assembly 40 depicted have a plastic ring 51, for receiving a corresponding spigot portion 53b of a central portion 53a so as to together form a joint assembly 50a.

The joint arrangement 50a can be seen in more detail in Fig 2b. In particular, the central portion 53a which receives the first set of conductors 54, second set of conductors 56 for delivery to each of the first arm assembly 30 and second arm assembly 40.

The end covers 34, 43 are shown in place, in an assembled state.

A corresponding pair of transverse end members is also visible in this Figure.

It would be appreciated that the frame assembly depicted in Fig 2d has the first and second arm assemblies pivoted towards a closed position, in contrast to the open position depicted in Figs 2a to 2c.

Referring now to Fig 2e, the arrangement of the first and second sets of electrical conductors 54, 56 with respective to the corresponding earth plates 34, 44 in the partially folded configuration can be appreciated. In this Figure, the covers of the transverse end members 33, 43 have been removed, and the deformed ends of the elongate rods 38 in mechanical and electrical engagement with the corresponding earth plate 34, 44 relative to the conductors can be easily seen.

Advantageously, the arrangement of the present disclosure for maintain the electrical conductors in a relatively fixed position even during folding and unfolding operations can be seen when comparing the views depicted in Fig 2d and Fig 2e.

Referring now to Figs 3a to 3c, the arrangement of the earth plates with respect to the elongate rods 48 inside the transverse end member 42 can be appreciated.

In particular, it can be seen in Fig 3a, the plane of the end plate 44 is substantially vertical, whereas the plane of the elongate rods 48 extends between the pair of the transverse end members 42 in a substantially horizontal plane.

Referring to Fig 3b, it can be seen that in a disassembled configuration, the diameter and position of corresponding apertures of the pair of transverse end members 42 in the plastic or polymer, the apertures 47 of the earth plate 44 and the elongate rods 48 may all be aligned so as to securely engage and retain the elongate rods 48 in the arm assembly 40.

This can be further appreciated by reference to the components depicted in Fig 3c, including the earth plate 44, transverse end member 42 and elongate rods 48.

Referring now to Figs 4a and 4b, there is depicted an exemplary perspective view of the assembled arm assembly, with the electrical conductors 54, 56 having been removed for clarity.

The projecting tab 55 can be seen for retaining the electrical conductors.

These Figures also show how the ends of the elongate rods may be deformed readily outwardly so as to electrically and mechanically engage with the vertically oriented earth plate.

Fig. 5a illustrates an exemplary cross sectional view when the elongate rod is mounted onto a transverse end member via an earth plate. In this embodiment, the elongate rod is in the form of a hollow cylinder having a circular cross section. The size and shape of the apertures in the transverse end members and the apertures of the earth plate are accommodated to the cross section of the elongate rod so as to securely engage and retain the elongate rods in the arm assembly. In an embodiment, the diameter of the elongate rods is relatively smaller than that of the apertures in the transverse end members to have the deformed ends of the elongate rods with annular collar having a larger outside diameter than the corresponding aperture of the earth plate for engagement therewith.

It would be appreciated that the apertures of the end transverse plate, the apertures of the earth plate and the cross section of the elongate member could be in form of other shapes rather than circles, including ovoid, elliptical, triangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal as shown in figs. 5b to 5f. It would also be appreciated that although the number of elongate rods depicted is 6, any number of elongate rods may still be used and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, although that the transvers end member may be made of plastic, a person skilled in the art would also appreciate that such member may also be made of metal in other embodiments, wherein the transverse end member itself acts as an earth plate. In such embodiments, a separate earth plate is not required.

This arrangement provides electrical conduct and mechanically rigidity to the frame assembly, particularly important when supporting heavy close towels or the like thereon for drying.

It would be appreciated that the arrangement of the frame assembly of the present heated foldable drying apparatus provides a convenient, easily used, and safe drying apparatus. Inclusion of an end plate which mechanically and electrically contacts the elongate rods acts structural rigidity and safety to the overall construction, without requiring unnecessary additional parts or complicated manufacturing process.

Maintaining the set of electrical conductors spaced apart from each other in the joint arrangement means that the conductors are maintained in an orientation which does not significantly increase the potentially for roughing or fraying. Furthermore, the arrangement of the earth plate engaged with the elongate rods minimises potentially sharp edges, which may exist in other arrangements of the earth plate.

Referring now to Fig 6, there is depicted an exemplary central portion 53a of a joint arrangement 50 which may be used in the frame assembly of the heated foldable drying apparatus of the present disclosure.

Advantageously, as would be appreciated, the joint arrangement 50 comprises a central portion 53a which includes thereon a specked portion 53b projecting therefrom, the spigot portion 53b being configured to engage with the ring portions 51 of the first and second arm members.

It would be appreciated that on the other side of the central portion 53a, there is provided a substantially concave surface, for engagement with a corresponding stand or support pole 12a, 12b. Furthermore, there is a web portion 53c in this Figure which maintains the first and second sets of conductors 54, 56, spaced apart from each other so as to avoid potentially contact between such conductors during the folding operation.

The heated foldable frame provides a large drying/heating area when required, with separately powered foldable arms which are moveable with respect to each other. The arrangement of the earth plates in at least one end members of each of the one or more assemblies which form the foldable arms of the frame provide safety and rigidity to the user, without significantly increasing weight, manufacturing cost or components required. Such arrangement provides an elegant solution which minimises the potential for sharp edges inside the transverse end members and provides enhanced structural integrity and rigidity to the overall construction.

It would be appreciated that the present disclosure depicts a heated foldable drying apparatus with end earth plates which provide electrical grounding, however similar arrangements as that described herein could also be applied to other appliances where multiple points are to be grounded, such as electric water boilers.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus, comprising: at least first and second arm assemblies each comprising a plurality of spaced apart elongate members extending between a pair of transverse end members, the elongate members enclosing electrical heating elements therein, a central portion pivotably connecting the first and second arm assemblies and for receiving at least two sets of electrical conductors and providing at least one set of said electrical conductors to each of the first and second arm assemblies for said heating elements, characterised in that at least one of the transverse end members of each arm assembly includes therein an end earth plate electrically and mechanically engaged with each of the elongate members.
2. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the transverse end members of each arm assembly includes therein an end earth plate in electrical contact with and retaining each of the elongate members.
3. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a plurality of apertures defined in the end earth plate retain therein a corresponding elongate member and at least one of the electrical conductors enclosed therein.
4. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of apertures of the end earth plate contact the elongate members.
5. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein ends of the elongate members are deformed to engage with the apertures of the transverse end plate.
6. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the portion of the ends of the elongate members retained by the corresponding apertures of the end earth plate, and the apertures of the end earth plate have a circular cross section.
7. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the deformed ends of the elongate members form an annular collar having a larger outside diameter than the corresponding aperture for engagement therewith.
8. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the cross section of the transverse end member has a similar cross section to the cross section of the end portion of the elongate member retained by the end earth plate.
9. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the ends of the elongate members are deformed radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate members.
10. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the portion of the ends of the elongate members retained by the corresponding apertures of the end earth plate and the apertures of the end earth plate have a cross section selected from the group including ovoid; elliptical, triangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal.
11. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cross section of the transverse end member has a similar cross section to the cross section of the end portion of the elongate member retained by the end earth plate.
12. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the ends of the elongate members are deformed outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate members.
13. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the deformed ends of the elongate members form a collar having a larger outside diameter than the corresponding aperture for engagement therewith.
14. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of electrical conductors of each of the first and second arm assemblies include a plurality of projecting tabs within each transverse end member for loosely retaining the at least one set of said electrical conductors in a predetermined position in each of the first and second arm assemblies throughout a predetermined minimum number of pivoting cycles of said arm assemblies with respect to each other.
15. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate members extend between the transverse end members in a first plane and the end earth plate extends along the transverse members and in a second plane substantially orthogonal to the first plane.
16. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first plane is generally horizontal and the second plane is vertical.
17. The frame assembly for a heated foldable drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end earth plate and elongate members are formed from one or more metals and the transverse end members are formed from polymeric material.
18. A foldable frame for heating of articles supported thereon, the frame comprising: at least one frame assembly, as defined in any one of claims 1-17; a stand engaged with the at least one frame assembly by at least the central portion thereof and for supporting the relative movement of the first and second arm assemblies between deployed and folded states; wherein in said deployed state the arm assembly extends in a generally horizontal plane and wherein in the folded state the arm assembly extends in a generally vertical plane, wherein the two sets of electrical conductors are substantially contained within the stand for connection to an external power source.
19. A foldable frame for heating of articles supported thereon, the frame comprising: two frame assemblies as defined in any one of claims 1-17 arranged to substantially overlie each other; a stand engaged with the frame assemblies by the central portion thereof and detachably engaged thereto at a distal end of the frame assembly, the stand configured for supporting the relative movement of the first and second arm assemblies between deployed and folded states; wherein in said deployed state the arm assembly extends in a generally horizontal plane and wherein in the folded state the arm assembly extends in a generally vertical plane, wherein the two sets of electrical conductors are substantially contained within the stand for connection to an external power source.