US20070051686A1 - Apparatus for drying and storage of diving garment and accessories - Google Patents
Apparatus for drying and storage of diving garment and accessories Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070051686A1 US20070051686A1 US10/558,118 US55811804A US2007051686A1 US 20070051686 A1 US20070051686 A1 US 20070051686A1 US 55811804 A US55811804 A US 55811804A US 2007051686 A1 US2007051686 A1 US 2007051686A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- base
- portable apparatus
- frame
- accessories
- ballast
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 230000009189 diving Effects 0.000 title description 14
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 claims 3
- 230000004224 protection Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000006750 UV protection Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003562 lightweight material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000979 retarding effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F57/00—Supporting means, other than simple clothes-lines, for linen or garments to be dried or aired
- D06F57/06—Supporting means, other than simple clothes-lines, for linen or garments to be dried or aired comprising vertical members connected by horizontal bars
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F57/00—Supporting means, other than simple clothes-lines, for linen or garments to be dried or aired
- D06F57/08—Folding stands
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to an apparatus for hanging and/or airing articles of apparel that are damp or wet, and in particular to a portable apparatus for drying and/or airing scuba diving garments and accessories.
- Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by a large number of participants throughout the world. It is an activity that involves a significant quantity and variety of equipment and accessories. Diving equipment becomes wet in use, and also requires cleaning after use. Once wet, diving equipment often requires a substantial amount of time to dry, and particularly in the case of neoprene garments such as wet suits the required drying period may extend over a number of days.
- Garments may be dried outdoors, however this has the disadvantage of exposing the garments to the weather, including ultraviolet radiation from the sun which may lead to damage of diving equipment. Of course, exposure to rain will prevent the equipment from drying.
- diving equipment may be kept indoors while drying.
- the disadvantage in this case is that a suitable location must be found in which the equipment can dry without wetting or otherwise damaging interior furnishings or fixtures, including floors and floor coverings such as rugs or carpets. It is therefore common to use bathroom and laundry areas for drying garments, in particular shower recesses, baths and/or sinks or basins. However, this may lead to excessive clutter of these spaces and limits their usability for other purposes.
- the problems of clutter and loss of space are particularly acute in temporary accommodation such as hotel and motel rooms in which the available space is usually limited.
- hangers specifically designed for suspending diving gear while drying. While hangers assist in keeping equipment tidy while drying, it is necessary to provide a support from which to suspend the hanger, which restricts the locations in which such hangers can be used. Furthermore, when used outdoors, hangers do not provide protection from the elements for the articles suspended from them.
- hanging frames for diving equipment have been developed.
- such hanging frames have been designed primarily for outdoor use, and in particular to assist in the washing of garments and accessories.
- These hanging frames therefore provide no protection from moisture dripping from the wet articles onto the ground below.
- hanging frames previously developed do not include any protection from the elements for articles suspended on them.
- the requirement for such frames to remain stable even when loaded with wet diving equipment has generally required that they utilise substantially bulky and heavy construction of the base section that supports the frame, which limits their portability and practicality for use in confined spaces.
- One aspect of the present invention provides a portable apparatus for drying and/or storage of garments and/or accessories, the apparatus including a base for supporting a frame, the base including a cavity for receipt of ballast to stabilise the apparatus, the frame being mounted on the base and including projections suitable for supporting garments and/or accessories, wherein the base includes at least one opening for insertion of ballast into the cavity and a tray for collecting liquid, when in use, falling from wet garments and/or accessories that are suspended above the base.
- the cavity is substantially watertight to allow water to be used as the ballast and the base includes a sufficiently dimensioned first opening to insert water as ballast into the cavity.
- the cavity is sufficiently sealed to allow particulate material, such as sand, to be used as the ballast and the base includes a sufficiently dimensioned first opening to insert particulate material as ballast.
- the first opening is sealable.
- the base may also include a second sealable opening which, when unsealed, allows the draining of ballast from the base.
- one or more wheels are included on the base.
- the frame for supporting garments and/or accessories may be collapsible to enable easy transport and storage of the apparatus when not in use.
- the projections may be fittings separable from the garments and/or accessory frame.
- the liquid collecting tray is formed by a substantially planar upper surface in the base with raised edges surrounding said upper surface.
- the mounting support for the garment and/or accessory frame is substantially centrally located on the base, and the liquid collecting tray is an annular concave depression in the upper surface of the base surrounding the central mounting support.
- the mounting supports for the garment and/or accessory frame may be located at substantially opposite ends of the base, and the frame extends across the base between the mounting supports.
- a lid correspondingly shaped with the base is provided such that the base and lid forms a case for transport or storage of the collapsible garment and/or accessory frame.
- Projections from the garment and/or accessory frame may include any one or more of the following:
- a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a canopy for mounting above the garments and/or accessories.
- the canopy may be correspondingly shaped with the base thus forming a lid for transport and storage of the apparatus when not in use.
- the canopy may be formed of a flexible canopy frame covered with flexible material, the material and canopy frame preferably being attachable to the garment and/or accessory frame.
- the canopy is collapsible for storage.
- the liquid collecting tray may include perforations for drainage of liquids from wet items placed thereupon.
- the liquid collecting tray may include alternately raised and depressed regions, whereby an object placed upon the tray is held above any liquid collected in the depressed regions.
- Preferably the raised regions form a series of ridges.
- hangers or hanging rails are attachable to the garment and/or accessory frame.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drying and storage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in disassembled and packed form
- FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of components of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the drying and storage apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is an end view of the drying and storage apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a drying and storage apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable drying and storage apparatus 100 when fully assembled. Many features of the embodiment are visible in more than one of the drawings, and like numerals are used to identify like elements in each figure.
- the drying apparatus 100 includes a base 102 into which two shafts 104 , 105 are fitted.
- the shafts 104 , 105 provide support for a number of projections which are intended to be used for support by hanging or placement of diving garments and accessories for drying and storage.
- these projections include rounded spikes 106 , accessory trays 108 , rounded hooks 110 , and a horizontal support rail 112 from which further hanging rails eg. 114 are suspended.
- the shafts together with the projections thus constitute a garment and/or accessory frame able to provide support for diving garments or accessories.
- an optional ultraviolet protection canopy 118 At the top of the shafts 104 , 105 is shown.
- the base 102 is hollow and is preferably composed of a waterproof and strong but lightweight material such as a rigid plastic.
- the shaft 104 When assembled, the shaft 104 is fitted into an opening 120 in the base unit and the shaft 105 into a recess 121 .
- the opening 120 provides access into the hollow interior of the base unit, that forms a cavity, which enables it to be filled with ballast material such as sand or water, to stabilise the apparatus and prevent it from tipping when used to support heavy wet garments. This is of even greater importance when the apparatus is used outdoors, as wind may catch the supported garments.
- the recess 121 may be replaced by an opening similar to 120 if desired.
- the ballast material may also be emptied from the base unit 102 via the opening 120 (and/or 121 ) when no longer required.
- a first opening 122 with a resealable closure 123 such as a plug, may be used in other embodiments of the invention to provide a means for supply and removal of ballast material.
- a resealable second opening may be provided in a more convenient location as compared with the first opening to allow draining of the ballast from the base.
- the shafts 104 , 105 are constructed of a suitably rigid material, and are preferably hollow in order to minimise the weight of the apparatus.
- the material from which the shafts 104 , 105 and other fittings are fabricated is also preferably resistant to rust and other forms of corrosion, especially when exposed to fresh or salt water. Suitable materials may include steel, aluminium tubing, or plastic.
- the projections 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 may be integrally formed with either of the shafts 104 , 105 , or they may be separate components that are permanently affixed to either of the shafts 104 , 105 such as by welding or other means appropriate to the material.
- the projections are provided as separate components.
- the shafts 104 , 105 are also composed of a number of separate parts that are either slotted or screwed together to affix the projections to the shaft(s).
- the garment and/or accessory frame may be collapsible. This enables the drying apparatus to be collapsed and disassembled for storage or transport when not in use, and improves portability.
- the shafts 104 , 105 may be formed of sections 300 .
- the section 300 has a cross section which forms one or more channels 304 along the length of the shaft.
- Connector pieces 302 may be used to join sections and may provide fixing means, eg holes 306 to which components such as the accessory tray 108 may be fixed.
- fixing means 308 which slidably engage said channel(s) may be provided and components thereby attached.
- the spikes 106 feature a smooth rounded construction so as to enable items such as fins and neoprene boots to be suspended from them without risk of damage.
- the accessory trays 108 may include a perforated flat base which may have a surrounding lip to enable smaller accessories, such as gloves or torches, to be easily placed on the accessory tray. Water can drain through the perforations, and provision of a lip prevents any articles from rolling off the accessory tray.
- the rounded hooks 110 include smooth, rounded surfaces with no sharp comers to prevent damage to any items that are suspended from them. Whilst suitable for hanging items such as masks, regulators or weight belts, they may be used for any article that can be suspended from a small hook of this type.
- a number of hangers 114 may be suspended from the horizontal support rail 112 , and two are shown in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- the round shoulder of the hanger 114 is suitable for hanging garments such as wet suits and buoyancy control devices that are designed to be worn over the upper body including the shoulder portion within a garment. Other garments or accessories may be looped over the lower rail of the hanger.
- An ultraviolet protection canopy 118 may be provided to shade some or all of the garments and/or accessories.
- the canopy 118 may conveniently be fitted to the top of either or both of the support shafts 104 , 105 directly or using one or more brackets 136 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the canopy may be made from any suitable light weight ultraviolet retarding material such as shade cloth to provide protection from exposure to sunlight for the diving apparel and equipment suspended from the drying apparatus.
- the canopy 118 may be rigid or may be formed from flexible materials such as shade cloth.
- a flexible material is stretched over a canopy frame.
- the canopy frame may be folded such that the canopy collapses to a smaller area for storage.
- the canopy 118 may be replaced by suitable water sports equipment such as a surfboard, or alternatively, the canopy 118 may be used to shade a surfboard.
- Suitable attachments for stably positioning a surfboard above the shafts 104 , 105 may be mounted on the shafts 104 , 105 or the horizontal support rail 112 .
- the base 102 is integrally formed with a liquid collecting tray to collect any water that falls from damp equipment supported by the frame.
- the base 102 is moulded to form a concave depression 202 extending across the majority of the base. This concave depression thus provides a drip tray for the garments and accessories supported by the fittings above.
- the liquid collecting tray may be provided with alternating raised 260 and depressed 262 regions, to form ridges 260 upon which objects may be placed.
- a drain and conduit may be provided to remove collected water from the liquid collecting tray.
- the apparatus may be conveniently manufactured in components suitable to be packed into a suitcase or other carry case.
- the apparatus when disassembled, may form its own carry case.
- the base including a liquid collecting tray in its upper surface, may be used as a case into which the disassembled shafts 104 , 105 and projections 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 are packed.
- the raised 260 and depressed 262 regions of the tray may be correspondingly shaped to receive each disassembled item.
- a correspondingly shaped lid as compared with the base may then be provided and secured to the base to form a case.
- the canopy 118 may be used as the lid.
- a handle 130 and one or more wheels 132 may be provided on the base 102 to assist in more convenient transportation of the apparatus.
- the apparatus may include further fittings to those described herein for the drying and storing of additional garments or accessories.
- the base may include a hollow central portion for ballast to provide stability, and a flat outer tray portion with an exterior lip for collection of dripping water. It will be understood that many further variations of the construction of the base are possible. Many further variations of construction of the garment and/or accessory frame are also possible and a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention having a single shaft is shown in FIG. 6 .
- the apparatus may also include additional features such as a protective curtain suspended from the ultraviolet protective canopy extending around the apparatus in order to provide additional protection from the elements to equipment and apparel supported by the frame.
Abstract
A portable apparatus for drying and/or storage of garments and/or accessories including a base for supporting a frame, said base including a cavity for receipt of ballast to stabilise said apparatus said frame being mounted on said base and including projections suitable for supporting garments and/or accessories, wherein said base includes at least one opening for insertion of ballast into said cavity and a tray for collecting liquid, when in use, falling from wet garments and/or accessories that are suspended above said base.
Description
- The invention relates generally to an apparatus for hanging and/or airing articles of apparel that are damp or wet, and in particular to a portable apparatus for drying and/or airing scuba diving garments and accessories.
- Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by a large number of participants throughout the world. It is an activity that involves a significant quantity and variety of equipment and accessories. Diving equipment becomes wet in use, and also requires cleaning after use. Once wet, diving equipment often requires a substantial amount of time to dry, and particularly in the case of neoprene garments such as wet suits the required drying period may extend over a number of days.
- Accordingly, a problem exists for scuba divers in finding sufficient and suitable space for drying wet garments and accessories. Garments may be dried outdoors, however this has the disadvantage of exposing the garments to the weather, including ultraviolet radiation from the sun which may lead to damage of diving equipment. Of course, exposure to rain will prevent the equipment from drying.
- Alternatively diving equipment may be kept indoors while drying. The disadvantage in this case is that a suitable location must be found in which the equipment can dry without wetting or otherwise damaging interior furnishings or fixtures, including floors and floor coverings such as rugs or carpets. It is therefore common to use bathroom and laundry areas for drying garments, in particular shower recesses, baths and/or sinks or basins. However, this may lead to excessive clutter of these spaces and limits their usability for other purposes. The problems of clutter and loss of space are particularly acute in temporary accommodation such as hotel and motel rooms in which the available space is usually limited.
- Previous attempts to solve the problems of clutter and loss of space while drying diving equipment have included the provision of hangers specifically designed for suspending diving gear while drying. While hangers assist in keeping equipment tidy while drying, it is necessary to provide a support from which to suspend the hanger, which restricts the locations in which such hangers can be used. Furthermore, when used outdoors, hangers do not provide protection from the elements for the articles suspended from them.
- To overcome some of the disadvantages of simple hangers, specialised hanging frames for diving equipment have been developed. However, to date such hanging frames have been designed primarily for outdoor use, and in particular to assist in the washing of garments and accessories. These hanging frames therefore provide no protection from moisture dripping from the wet articles onto the ground below. Furthermore, hanging frames previously developed do not include any protection from the elements for articles suspended on them. In addition, the requirement for such frames to remain stable even when loaded with wet diving equipment has generally required that they utilise substantially bulky and heavy construction of the base section that supports the frame, which limits their portability and practicality for use in confined spaces.
- It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a portable apparatus for drying and storage of apparel and accessories that mitigates one or more of the disadvantages in the prior art.
- Any of the above discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material formed part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art on or before the priority date of the invention or claims herein.
- One aspect of the present invention provides a portable apparatus for drying and/or storage of garments and/or accessories, the apparatus including a base for supporting a frame, the base including a cavity for receipt of ballast to stabilise the apparatus, the frame being mounted on the base and including projections suitable for supporting garments and/or accessories, wherein the base includes at least one opening for insertion of ballast into the cavity and a tray for collecting liquid, when in use, falling from wet garments and/or accessories that are suspended above the base.
- In one preferred embodiment, the cavity is substantially watertight to allow water to be used as the ballast and the base includes a sufficiently dimensioned first opening to insert water as ballast into the cavity. In an alternative embodiment, the cavity is sufficiently sealed to allow particulate material, such as sand, to be used as the ballast and the base includes a sufficiently dimensioned first opening to insert particulate material as ballast.
- In a most preferred embodiment, the first opening is sealable. The base may also include a second sealable opening which, when unsealed, allows the draining of ballast from the base.
- Preferably, one or more wheels are included on the base. Also the frame for supporting garments and/or accessories may be collapsible to enable easy transport and storage of the apparatus when not in use. The projections may be fittings separable from the garments and/or accessory frame.
- In a preferred embodiment, the liquid collecting tray is formed by a substantially planar upper surface in the base with raised edges surrounding said upper surface.
- In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support for the garment and/or accessory frame is substantially centrally located on the base, and the liquid collecting tray is an annular concave depression in the upper surface of the base surrounding the central mounting support.
- In yet another embodiment, the mounting supports for the garment and/or accessory frame may be located at substantially opposite ends of the base, and the frame extends across the base between the mounting supports.
- Preferably, a lid correspondingly shaped with the base is provided such that the base and lid forms a case for transport or storage of the collapsible garment and/or accessory frame.
- Projections from the garment and/or accessory frame may include any one or more of the following:
-
- hanging knobs;
- spikes with rounded ends;
- accessory trays;
- perforated accessory trays;
- hooks;
- hangers; or
- support rails.
- A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a canopy for mounting above the garments and/or accessories. The canopy may be correspondingly shaped with the base thus forming a lid for transport and storage of the apparatus when not in use. The canopy may be formed of a flexible canopy frame covered with flexible material, the material and canopy frame preferably being attachable to the garment and/or accessory frame. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the canopy is collapsible for storage.
- The liquid collecting tray may include perforations for drainage of liquids from wet items placed thereupon. The liquid collecting tray may include alternately raised and depressed regions, whereby an object placed upon the tray is held above any liquid collected in the depressed regions. Preferably the raised regions form a series of ridges.
- In one preferred embodiment, hangers or hanging rails are attachable to the garment and/or accessory frame.
- A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, without limiting the overall scope of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drying and storage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 in disassembled and packed form; -
FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of components of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the drying and storage apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is an end view of the drying and storage apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a drying and storage apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable drying andstorage apparatus 100 when fully assembled. Many features of the embodiment are visible in more than one of the drawings, and like numerals are used to identify like elements in each figure. - The drying
apparatus 100 includes a base 102 into which twoshafts shafts rounded spikes 106,accessory trays 108,rounded hooks 110, and ahorizontal support rail 112 from which further hanging rails eg. 114 are suspended. The shafts together with the projections thus constitute a garment and/or accessory frame able to provide support for diving garments or accessories. At the top of theshafts ultraviolet protection canopy 118. - In one preferred embodiment, the
base 102 is hollow and is preferably composed of a waterproof and strong but lightweight material such as a rigid plastic. When assembled, theshaft 104 is fitted into anopening 120 in the base unit and theshaft 105 into arecess 121. However, when the shaft is removed, theopening 120 provides access into the hollow interior of the base unit, that forms a cavity, which enables it to be filled with ballast material such as sand or water, to stabilise the apparatus and prevent it from tipping when used to support heavy wet garments. This is of even greater importance when the apparatus is used outdoors, as wind may catch the supported garments. Therecess 121 may be replaced by an opening similar to 120 if desired. The ballast material may also be emptied from thebase unit 102 via the opening 120 (and/or 121) when no longer required. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 1 , a first opening 122 with a resealable closure 123, such as a plug, may be used in other embodiments of the invention to provide a means for supply and removal of ballast material. A resealable second opening, not shown, may be provided in a more convenient location as compared with the first opening to allow draining of the ballast from the base. - The
shafts shafts - The
projections shafts shafts - However, in the preferred embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the projections are provided as separate components. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, theshafts - In a preferred embodiment, the
shafts sections 300. Thesection 300 has a cross section which forms one ormore channels 304 along the length of the shaft.Connector pieces 302 may be used to join sections and may provide fixing means, eg holes 306 to which components such as theaccessory tray 108 may be fixed. Alternatively, fixing means 308 which slidably engage said channel(s) may be provided and components thereby attached. - The
spikes 106 feature a smooth rounded construction so as to enable items such as fins and neoprene boots to be suspended from them without risk of damage. Theaccessory trays 108 may include a perforated flat base which may have a surrounding lip to enable smaller accessories, such as gloves or torches, to be easily placed on the accessory tray. Water can drain through the perforations, and provision of a lip prevents any articles from rolling off the accessory tray. - The rounded hooks 110 include smooth, rounded surfaces with no sharp comers to prevent damage to any items that are suspended from them. Whilst suitable for hanging items such as masks, regulators or weight belts, they may be used for any article that can be suspended from a small hook of this type.
- A number of
hangers 114 may be suspended from thehorizontal support rail 112, and two are shown in the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1 . The round shoulder of thehanger 114 is suitable for hanging garments such as wet suits and buoyancy control devices that are designed to be worn over the upper body including the shoulder portion within a garment. Other garments or accessories may be looped over the lower rail of the hanger. - An
ultraviolet protection canopy 118 may be provided to shade some or all of the garments and/or accessories. Thecanopy 118 may conveniently be fitted to the top of either or both of thesupport shafts more brackets 136 as shown inFIG. 1 . The canopy may be made from any suitable light weight ultraviolet retarding material such as shade cloth to provide protection from exposure to sunlight for the diving apparel and equipment suspended from the drying apparatus. - The
canopy 118 may be rigid or may be formed from flexible materials such as shade cloth. In a preferred embodiment, a flexible material is stretched over a canopy frame. The canopy frame may be folded such that the canopy collapses to a smaller area for storage. - The
canopy 118 may be replaced by suitable water sports equipment such as a surfboard, or alternatively, thecanopy 118 may be used to shade a surfboard. Suitable attachments for stably positioning a surfboard above theshafts shafts horizontal support rail 112. - It is a particular feature of the preferred embodiment that the
base 102 is integrally formed with a liquid collecting tray to collect any water that falls from damp equipment supported by the frame. As clearly shown inFIG. 2 , thebase 102 is moulded to form aconcave depression 202 extending across the majority of the base. This concave depression thus provides a drip tray for the garments and accessories supported by the fittings above. Thus, when wet equipment is stored on the apparatus, drips are caught by the base, and the floor or ground beneath the drying apparatus is kept dry. In one embodiment the liquid collecting tray may be provided with alternating raised 260 and depressed 262 regions, to formridges 260 upon which objects may be placed. Water collected from damp equipment will be held in the depressed surface areas, thereby enabling objects placed on the ridges to dry. In another embodiment, raised 260 and depressed 262 regions are provided on a separate insert which rests inside thetray 202. In another embodiment, not shown, a drain and conduit may be provided to remove collected water from the liquid collecting tray. - In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus may be conveniently manufactured in components suitable to be packed into a suitcase or other carry case. However, in a most preferred embodiment the apparatus, when disassembled, may form its own carry case. The base, including a liquid collecting tray in its upper surface, may be used as a case into which the disassembled
shafts projections canopy 118 may be used as the lid. Further, ahandle 130 and one ormore wheels 132 may be provided on the base 102 to assist in more convenient transportation of the apparatus. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited in scope to the described embodiment but rather the scope of the present invention is broader so as to encompass other forms of the apparatus.
- For example, the apparatus may include further fittings to those described herein for the drying and storing of additional garments or accessories.
- In alternative embodiments, the base may include a hollow central portion for ballast to provide stability, and a flat outer tray portion with an exterior lip for collection of dripping water. It will be understood that many further variations of the construction of the base are possible. Many further variations of construction of the garment and/or accessory frame are also possible and a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention having a single shaft is shown in
FIG. 6 . - The apparatus may also include additional features such as a protective curtain suspended from the ultraviolet protective canopy extending around the apparatus in order to provide additional protection from the elements to equipment and apparel supported by the frame.
Claims (25)
1. A portable apparatus for drying or storage of garments or accessories, the apparatus comprising:
a base for supporting a frame, said base including an enclosed cavity for receipt of ballast to stabilise the apparatus,
the frame being mounted on said base and including projections suitable for supporting at least one of the garments or accessories,
wherein the base includes at least one sealable opening for insertion of ballast into the enclosed cavity and a tray for collecting liquid, when in use, falling from the garments or accessories that are suspended above the base.
2. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the cavity is substantially watertight to allow water to be used as the ballast.
3. A portable apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the base includes a sufficiently dimensioned first opening to insert water as ballast into the cavity.
4. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the cavity is sufficiently sealed to allow particulate material to be used as the ballast.
5. A portable apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the base includes a sufficiently dimensioned first opening to insert particulate material as ballast.
6. A portable apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the first opening is sealable by a cover.
7. A portable apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the base includes a second sealable opening which, when unsealed, allows the draining of ballast from the base.
8. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein one or more wheels are included on said base.
9. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the frame for supporting the garments or accessories is collapsible to enable easy transport and storage of the apparatus when not in use.
10. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the projections are fittings separable from the frame.
11. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the liquid collecting tray is formed by a substantially planar upper surface in the base with raised edges surrounding said upper surface.
12. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a mounting support for the frame, the mounting support substantially centrally located on the base, and the liquid collecting tray includes an annular concave depression in the upper surface of the base forming a central mounting support.
13. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising mounting supports for the frame located at substantially opposite ends of the base, and the frame extends across the base between said mounting supports.
14. A portable apparatus according to claim 9 further comprising a lid correspondingly shaped with the base such that the base and lid forms a case for transport or storage of the collapsible frame.
15. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein projections from the frame include any one or more of:
hanging knobs;
spikes with rounded ends;
accessory trays;
perforated accessory trays;
hooks;
hangers; or
support rails.
16. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a canopy for mounting above said garments or accessories.
17. A portable apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the canopy is correspondingly shaped with the base thus forming a lid for transport and storage of the apparatus when not in use.
18. A portable apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the canopy is formed of a flexible canopy frame covered with flexible material, said canopy attachable to said frame and collapsible for storage.
19. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the liquid collecting tray defines perforations for drainage of liquids.
20. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the liquid collecting tray includes alternately raised and depressed regions, whereby an object placed upon the liquid collecting tray is held above any liquid collected in said depressed regions.
21. A portable apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the alternately raised and depressed regions include walls defining a void correspondingly shaped with at least one member of the frame for snugly fitting frame member when inserted in the void.
22. A portable apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the alternately raised and depressed regions include walls defining a void correspondingly shaped with at least one projection of the frame to receive the frame projection when inserted therein.
23. A portable apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the raised regions form a series of ridges.
24. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein hangers or hanging rails are attachable to the frame.
25. (canceled)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2003902624 | 2003-05-27 | ||
AU2003902624A AU2003902624A0 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2003-05-27 | Apparatus for drying and storage of diving garments and accessories |
PCT/AU2004/000712 WO2004106618A1 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2004-05-27 | Apparatus for drying and storage of diving garment and accessories |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070051686A1 true US20070051686A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
Family
ID=31953667
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/558,118 Abandoned US20070051686A1 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2004-05-27 | Apparatus for drying and storage of diving garment and accessories |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070051686A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003902624A0 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2420703B8 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004106618A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070181516A1 (en) * | 2006-02-03 | 2007-08-09 | Andre Lussier | Garment display system |
US20100290655A1 (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2010-11-18 | Keiichi Takeda | Hearing aid |
US20110114578A1 (en) * | 2009-11-17 | 2011-05-19 | Pacific Custom Products Inc. | Universal product display |
CN102367630A (en) * | 2011-09-16 | 2012-03-07 | 修世华 | Safety clothes hanger |
US20120145753A1 (en) * | 2010-12-09 | 2012-06-14 | Ntd Apparel Inc. | Multi-direction garment display module |
CN102888742A (en) * | 2012-11-01 | 2013-01-23 | 宁波市镇海西门专利技术开发有限公司 | Airing basket |
US8561819B1 (en) * | 2010-07-16 | 2013-10-22 | Johnny L. Scott | Stand for holding clothing accessories |
EP3282048A1 (en) | 2016-08-08 | 2018-02-14 | Philippe Baudinne | Device for drying scuba elements |
US20180160801A1 (en) * | 2016-12-13 | 2018-06-14 | Whitmor, Inc. | Garment Rack |
US20190178020A1 (en) * | 2016-03-01 | 2019-06-13 | Title Ten Manufacturing | Police and military equipment rack |
US10337136B1 (en) * | 2018-02-28 | 2019-07-02 | Austin S. Fallah | Apparatus for drying clothes |
USD910350S1 (en) * | 2019-08-15 | 2021-02-16 | MyGift Enterprise, LLC | Display stand |
US11484118B2 (en) | 2021-02-19 | 2022-11-01 | Ward Marshall Stetson | Multipurpose storage, maintenance and display cabinet system for scuba gear |
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WO2012156839A2 (en) | 2011-05-19 | 2012-11-22 | Ospedale San Raffaele S.R.L. | New generation of splice-less lentiviral vectors for safer gene therapy applications |
CN102860740A (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2013-01-09 | 邹宇航 | Rain-proof clothes drying device |
CN108677469B (en) * | 2018-06-08 | 2021-04-09 | 江西二度智能科技有限公司 | Intelligence house is with clothing device that dries in air |
CN109056281B (en) * | 2018-08-28 | 2021-06-15 | 建德利晟科技咨询服务有限公司 | Water resource collecting and utilizing method |
CN109097956B (en) * | 2018-08-28 | 2021-06-15 | 张金龙 | Integrative frame of multi-functional domestic sunning |
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US20020144961A1 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2002-10-10 | Mcnab Amanda L. | Utility rack |
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JPS60126197A (en) * | 1983-12-10 | 1985-07-05 | 清水 正三郎 | Drying stand for use with flower pot |
GB2154869A (en) * | 1984-03-03 | 1985-09-18 | Moore Cicely Beatrice Mortimer | Clothes drying device |
GB2222519A (en) * | 1988-09-08 | 1990-03-14 | Catherine Mary Kelly | Clothes horse |
CH688416A5 (en) * | 1996-01-22 | 1997-09-15 | Felix Stucki | Trocknungsstaender for drying Faserreinigungsgegenstaenden. |
DE29812151U1 (en) * | 1998-07-08 | 1998-10-29 | Kahlen Bernd | Rain protection for clothes horse |
JP3748750B2 (en) * | 1999-12-10 | 2006-02-22 | 積水樹脂株式会社 | Support stand |
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- 2003-05-27 AU AU2003902624A patent/AU2003902624A0/en not_active Abandoned
-
2004
- 2004-05-27 WO PCT/AU2004/000712 patent/WO2004106618A1/en active Application Filing
- 2004-05-27 US US10/558,118 patent/US20070051686A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-05-27 GB GB0526345A patent/GB2420703B8/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US3069021A (en) * | 1959-01-29 | 1962-12-18 | Ruth C Gray | Garment drying apparatus |
US3023912A (en) * | 1959-06-11 | 1962-03-06 | Frances H Sebastian | All purpose dryer |
US4592473A (en) * | 1983-09-26 | 1986-06-03 | Harriet Efrom | Clothes drying rack and accompanying receptacle |
US4895261A (en) * | 1989-05-30 | 1990-01-23 | Ara Yacobian | Display rack assembly |
US5819961A (en) * | 1996-01-22 | 1998-10-13 | Hidea Innovative Products, L.C. | Portable valet |
US20020144961A1 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2002-10-10 | Mcnab Amanda L. | Utility rack |
US6749073B2 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2004-06-15 | Mcnab Amanda L. | Utility rack |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070181516A1 (en) * | 2006-02-03 | 2007-08-09 | Andre Lussier | Garment display system |
US20100290655A1 (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2010-11-18 | Keiichi Takeda | Hearing aid |
US20110114578A1 (en) * | 2009-11-17 | 2011-05-19 | Pacific Custom Products Inc. | Universal product display |
US8561819B1 (en) * | 2010-07-16 | 2013-10-22 | Johnny L. Scott | Stand for holding clothing accessories |
US20120145753A1 (en) * | 2010-12-09 | 2012-06-14 | Ntd Apparel Inc. | Multi-direction garment display module |
CN102367630A (en) * | 2011-09-16 | 2012-03-07 | 修世华 | Safety clothes hanger |
CN102888742A (en) * | 2012-11-01 | 2013-01-23 | 宁波市镇海西门专利技术开发有限公司 | Airing basket |
US20190178020A1 (en) * | 2016-03-01 | 2019-06-13 | Title Ten Manufacturing | Police and military equipment rack |
US10494855B2 (en) * | 2016-03-01 | 2019-12-03 | Newco Title Ten LLC | Police and military equipment rack |
EP3282048A1 (en) | 2016-08-08 | 2018-02-14 | Philippe Baudinne | Device for drying scuba elements |
BE1024481B1 (en) * | 2016-08-08 | 2018-03-09 | Philippe Baudinne | Device for drying elements of a scuba |
US20180160801A1 (en) * | 2016-12-13 | 2018-06-14 | Whitmor, Inc. | Garment Rack |
US10337136B1 (en) * | 2018-02-28 | 2019-07-02 | Austin S. Fallah | Apparatus for drying clothes |
USD910350S1 (en) * | 2019-08-15 | 2021-02-16 | MyGift Enterprise, LLC | Display stand |
US11484118B2 (en) | 2021-02-19 | 2022-11-01 | Ward Marshall Stetson | Multipurpose storage, maintenance and display cabinet system for scuba gear |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2420703B8 (en) | 2008-06-17 |
WO2004106618A1 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
GB2420703A (en) | 2006-06-07 |
GB0526345D0 (en) | 2006-02-01 |
AU2003902624A0 (en) | 2003-06-12 |
GB2420703B (en) | 2007-05-02 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |