WO2015128601A1

WO2015128601A1 - Method and apparatus for air drying

Info

Publication number: WO2015128601A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/050292
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Bucknall; David Benson
Original assignee: James Bucknall; David Benson
Priority date: 2014-02-27
Filing date: 2015-02-04
Publication date: 2015-09-03
Also published as: GB201403445D0; GB201412085D0

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for air drying wet or damp items. The apparatus comprises at least one floor standing elongate support, at least one frame element pivotally mounted to an upper end region of the support element and a plurality of extendable elements each pivotably mounted to a respective frame element. The frame element and the extendable elements are selectively locatable in a folded state and an unfolded state in which the extendable elements are spread out to receive and thereby locate a flexible cover member over a drying zone where wet or damp items are locatable for air drying.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AIR DRYING The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for air drying wet or damp items. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to apparatus for air drying wet or damp items of clothing or bed linen or bathroom towels or the like and which can protect the drying items from adverse environmental factors such as rain or falling debris during the drying process.

There is generally a realisation of a global need to reduce carbon emissions produced by artificially drying washed garments or linen or towels. Conventionally rather than using powered dryers, such wet or damp items can be air dried by hanging or pegging such items outside on a conventional static or rotary washing line. However when inclement weather conditions exist or are possible it is the natural inclination of many people to use artificial drying techniques. This is a global problem.

Conventionally air drying often takes place on a washing line in a static format. This involves hanging a line between two fixed points. As a result there is little or no opportunity to decide where the drying is to take place. Some alternative drying frames have been suggested such as rotary washing lines but these tend not to be easy to use and/or durable and/or easily transportable.

Regardless of type, many of the conventional air drying techniques suffer from the problem that if a local weather pattern changes drying items can in fact be rained upon and thus become more wet. This can prolong the drying cycle and is highly inconvenient for people. Likewise undesirable debris such as leaves or bird droppings can occasionally fall on drying items. This can lead to soiling of the items being dried which may necessitate a further wash. Since rain can be contaminated by soot, acid or other contaminants this can often be the case.

It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly mitigate the above-mentioned problems.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus and a method which enables drying of wet or damp items to take place at a desired location in a very convenient manner. It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for air drying wet or damp items in which the apparatus used to dry the items can be very conveniently stored or transported and then erected into a usable state in a very convenient manner.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for air drying wet or damp items which can be carried out under a cover to prevent contaminating factors spoiling a clean state of the items being dried or rain making the items wetter.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for air drying wet or damp items in which drying items are simultaneously exposed to the drying effects of air flow in an outside environment and constantly protected from debris or rain falling on those items from above.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for air drying wet or damp items, comprising:

at least one floor standing elongate support;

at least one frame element pivotably mounted to an upper end region of the support element; and

a plurality of extendable elements each pivotably mounted to a respective frame element; wherein

the frame element and the extendable elements are selectively locatable in a folded state and an unfolded state in which the extendable elements are spread out to receive and thereby locate a flexible cover member over a drying zone where wet or damp items are locatable for air drying.

Aptly each extendable element comprises an arcuate body comprising at least one securing element for a wet or damp item and/or a washing line.

Aptly each arcuate body comprises a rounded nose at an end of the body and a pivoting element that locates the arcuate body in a pivoting relationship with respect to a respective frame element. Aptly the apparatus the at least one frame element comprises two frame elements each pivotably mounted in a faced-apart relationship to said upper end region. Aptly the apparatus further comprises at least one pair of extendable elements mounted to each frame element. Aptly the apparatus further comprises a plurality of pairs of extendable elements mounted to each frame element.

Aptly each frame element comprises a slideable connector that is selectively locatable at a desired position along a length of the frame element and which includes two recessed regions on opposed sides of the connector to carry a respective end of a one extendable element.

Aptly the elongate support comprises at least a first support portion and a further support portion arranged in a telescopic relationship wherein an overall length of the elongate support is selectable.

Aptly the first support portion comprises at least one support connection member for a respective support strut that extends between the support connection member and a frame connection member on a one of the frame elements.

Aptly in the folded state the support strut is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate support and in the unfolded state the support strut extends outwardly at more than about around 30°. Aptly in the unfolded state the support strut extends outwardly at about around 40° to 60°.

Aptly a one of the first support portion and the further support portion comprises a rack element and a remainder one of the first and further support portions comprises a gear wheel element wherein the gear wheel is rotatable to drive the first and further support portions together or apart to thereby select an overall length of the elongate support.

Aptly in the folded state the overall length of the support is at a maximum length and in the unfolded state the overall length of the support is at a minimum length. Aptly in the unfolded state the frame element and extendable elements are spread out into a stretched U-shape to encompass a tunnel region in which wet or damp items can be located to dry. Aptly the cover member is a waterproof sheet.

Aptly the apparatus further comprises at least one mesh sheet securable across a open end region provided by the cover member. Aptly the elongate support comprises a floor mounting element.

Aptly the floor mounting element comprises at least one spike or a stand.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of drying wet or damp items, comprising the steps of:

automatically locating at least one frame element and pairs of extendable elements in an unfolded state by selecting a length of a floor standing elongate support having an upper end region to which the frame element is pivotably mounted;

receiving a flexible cover member over the unfolded frame element and extendable elements to thereby locate the cover member over a drying zone; and

locating at least one wet or damp item in the drying zone under the cover member.

Aptly the method further comprises selecting the length of the floor standing elongate support by driving a gear wheel on a one of a first or further portion of the elongate support against a rack member on a remainder one of the first or further portion of the elongate support.

Aptly the method further comprises shortening an overall length of the elongate support to locate the frame element and extendable elements in the unfolded state and/or increasing the overall length to locate the frame element and extendable elements in a folded state for storage or transportation.

Aptly the method further comprises locating each wet or damp item by hanging a hanger supporting the wet or damp item through an opening on a one of the extendable elements. Aptly the method further comprises locating said wet or damp items by securing at least one washing line between at least two extendable elements and hanging the wet or damp items on the line. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompany drawings.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage that wet or damp items such as clothing, towels or bed linen or the like and any combinations of such items can be air dried in an outside environment using apparatus which can be very conveniently erected at a desired location and/or moved from time to time.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for drying which includes a cover that protects the drying items and yet permits air flow around the items to provide agreeable air drying conditions.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an easily transportable apparatus which has a folded state in which the apparatus is easy to transport and an unfolded state in which the apparatus can be covered in a waterproof sheet or other such covering in a convenient manner. The cover can easily be secured to the underlying support framework and helps protect drying items.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method which can be used to dry wet or damp items whereby one or more such items can be located in a drying zone created under a cover supported by an unfolded framework. The framework itself can be located at a variety of possible locations and can be put into use from a storage/folded state in a very quick and efficient manner.

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an unfolded support and an overlying cover; Figure 2 illustrates a side view showing a support frame network which can be erected prior to being covered by a waterproof sheet; Figure 3 illustrates an end view illustrating a tunnel-like drying zone defined ^"by the unfolded support and cover (not shown);

Figure 4 illustrates a support in a folded configuration; Figure 5 illustrates a different view of the folded configuration shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 illustrates unfolding of a support framework;

Figure 7 illustrates pivoting and sliding of parts of a support framework;

Figure 8 illustrates sliding and pivoting;

Figure 9 illustrates an arcuate rib which can be pivotally mounted to a frame element; and Figure 10 illustrates how an overall length of a central shaft can be shortened or lengthened. In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Figure 1 helps illustrate apparatus for air drying one or more wet or damp items. The apparatus 100 includes a central support post 105 which is an example of a floor standing elongate support. An X-shaped stand 1 10 is located at the bottom of the support post. This stand is an example of a floor mounting element. Alternatively or additionally one or more spikes can be provided on the bottom of the stand or on the bottom of the post to enable the post to be secured at a desired location in the ground. It will be appreciated that whilst one central supporting post 105 is illustrated in Figure 1 certain embodiments of the present invention can utilise two, three or more such posts extending in a row at a desired location.

As illustrated in Figure 1 a flexible cover 1 15 extends over a framework 120 provided by folding framework beams 125, extendable outriggers 130, intermediate extension arms 132 and end extension arms 135. This forms a skeletal network which helps locate and support the cover 1 15 in a desired configuration. The cover 1 15 is a waterproof sheet having a substantially rectangular shape. It will be appreciated that transparent or non-transparent and/or coloured flexible coverings could be used. In the unfolded state illustrated in Figure 1 the skeletal network is stretched into an upside down generally U-shape to encompass a tunnel region 140 which defines a drying zone in use. Within this zone one or more wet or damp items can be located to dry in the air.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view (without cover) of the support post 105 and underlying framework 120 shown in Figure 1. As illustrated in Figure 2 the drying apparatus is supported on a stand 1 10 which includes a spike to secure and support the framework with respect to a ground surface.

The top 210 of a main part of the central post 105 is connected to a first support strut 215 via a connector 220. Likewise the top of the main part of the support post 105 is connected to a further support strut 225 via another connector 230. Each connector is a pivoting connection which enables the respective support strut to be folded upwards into the unfolded state shown in Figure 2 from a folded state (later described). A distal (from the post) end of the first support strut 215 is connected to a first framework beam 125_a. The further support strut 225 is connected to a further framework beam 125_b.

Each framework beam 125 carries two pairs of outriggers 130. Other numbers of outrigger pairs could of course be provided. Each outrigger 130 is an arcuate body which is pivotably mounted at one end to a respective beam. The left hand side beam 125_a shown in Figure 2 carries two spaced apart outrigger pairs. The right hand side beam 125_b shown in Figure 2 likewise carries two pairs of outriggers. An intermediate extension arm 132 and an end extension arm 135 extend from an end of each outrigger. Washing lines 240 can be attached and extend along the length of the framework between adjacent or spaced apart outriggers. Figure 2 helps illustrate how the main post 105 is a telescopic post including a main part 250 of the central post and an inner part 260 of the central post 105. The inner part of the post can be driven along or otherwise made to extend within the larger diameter main part 250 so that an overall length of the central post 105 can be selected. By increasing or decreasing the overall length of the central post the framework can be made to move between the unfolded position shown in Figure 2 and a folded position in which the framework is easier to transport or store. Figure 3 is an end view of the elements shown in Figure 2 from the direction shown by arrow A and helps illustrate how an inverted substantially U-shaped drying zone is defined by opposed outriggers in each pair of outriggers 130 together with respective intermediate and end extension arms 135. Figure 3 helps illustrate how each outrigger is an arcuate body which is substantially horizontal in a central region and which then curves so that an end of each outrigger substantially points towards the ground at the end of the outrigger when in the unfolded state. The intermediate and end extension arms hang off the bottom of each outrigger. An end of each intermediate extension arm 132 is secured to an end of an outrigger and an end of an end extension arm 135 is secured to a remaining end of the intermediate extension arm. It will be appreciated that optionally each outrigger could be a straight body that extends horizontally in the unfolded state with extension arms being attached and hanging down. Aptly extension arms extend from each outrigger although extension arms may optionally not be used at all or may only extend from some of the outriggers (such as, for example, the end outriggers).

Figure 3 helps illustrate how each outrigger 130 includes seven lugs 310 which extend outwardly from the body of the outrigger into an underside region. In this sense the lugs 310 face towards the drying zone 140. Each lug includes one or more apertures for receiving a respective washing line. The lugs on end outriggers or on inner outriggers can be used to tie off an end of a washing line 240. It will be appreciated that each outrigger 130 can include one, two or more lugs or indeed just eyes or other such openings can be made in the body of each outrigger without needing a protruding lug. Figure 4 helps illustrate how the framework illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 can be located in a folded state. In this state the overall length of the central post 105 is maximised by driving the inner part of the telescopic post away from the main body part 250 of the central post. By extending the overall length of the central post the foldably connecting struts 215, 225 pull the framework beams 125_a, 125_b into a downward configuration. The extension arms are shown removed in Figure 4. The arms can easily be removed (or added) via easy action clips or other such securing mechanisms.

Each beam 125 is pivotably mounted about a central point above the post 105. In the unfolded state shown in Figure 2 each beam is shown in its unfolded state in which it is substantially horizontal to a ground surface. In a folded state (explained later) a free end of each beam folds down about a central connection to lie almost vertically and parallel with the central post.

Figure 5 helps illustrate how an end view of the framework shown in Figure 4 is folded. That is to say with a view similar to that illustrated in Figure 3. In the folded state shown in Figure 5 an overall length of the central post is maximised so that the inner part of the telescopic post is extended upwardly away from the main part 250 of the central post. Driving the inner part of the central post away from the main part means that the struts 215, 225 which are of fixed length are pulled closer towards the central post. This has the effect of pulling the beams 125 downwardly into a position in which they lie more parallel with the longitudinal axis defined by the central post. As the beams collapse downwardly the outriggers swing under the force of gravity downwards about corresponding pivot points (shown in more detail in Figure 6) and end up hanging in a nesting state similar to that shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 illustrates the location of the central post 105, one framework beam 125_a and corresponding outriggers 130 in more detail. The full lines shown in Figure 6 illustrate the apparatus in a folded state. The dashed lines illustrate the location of various parts in the unfolded state. Figure 6 helps illustrate how the inner part 260 of the central post 105 is locatable in a telescopic manner away from the main part 250 of the central post to transform the apparatus between the folded and unfolded state.

The top of the inner part 260 of the central post is terminated with a central housing 600. This is a substantially C-shaped box section with an end plate 605 to which an end of the inner part 260 of the central post is secured via a screw 610 or bolt or other such securing mechanism. The central housing 600 thus moves up and down as the overall length of the central post is extended or reduced. The central housing receives an end 615_a, 615_b of a respective framework beam 125_a, 125_b. These ends are received in a pivoting arrangement so that each beam can move from a folded state in which a beam hangs downwards substantially vertically in a way much aligned with a longitudinal axis associated with the central post, or between a substantially horizontal location (shown in dotted line in Figure 6). As the central housing 600 is moved towards or away from the end connectors 220, 230 at the end of the main part 250 of the central post the fixed length of the struts 215, 225 drive the respective framework beams 125_a, 125_b towards or away from the central post to automatically move the various framework pieces between folded and unfolded state. Figure 6 also helps illustrate how a first outrigger 13d and further outrigger 130₂ hang from the framework beam 125_a. It will be appreciated that each outrigger 130i, 130₂ is an outrigger of a respective pair. The remaining outriggers of each pair are not shown in Figure 6 because they are hidden behind those shown. As the framework beam 125_a is moved outwardly into a horizontal position these outriggers move with the beam and fall into the unfolded state (shown more clearly in Figure 3). A person can readily assist this action without difficulty.

Figure 7 helps illustrate how the inner part 260 of the telescopic central post is secured to a central housing 600 at the top of the central post. A framework beam 125_a is illustrated in Figure 7 in the unfolded state which is pivoted about a respective pivot point 710_a into the horizontal state. A pair of outriggers 130^ 130₃ is illustrated in an unfolded state in Figure 7. The outriggers in each pair when in an unfolded state face apart in opposite directions away from the framework beam on which the pair of outriggers is supported. An end region 720, , 720₃ of each outrigger is pivotably mounted within an outrigger housing 730. This outrigger housing 730 is slidable along a length of a respective framework beam. The outrigger housing can slide with an interference fit or can be loosely sliding and can include a securing element (not shown in Figure 7) so that each pair of outriggers can be secured at a desired location along the length of a respective framework beam.

It will be appreciated from looking at Figure 7 that the pivot axis for each framework beam vis-a-vis the central post is in a horizontal plane to enable each framework beam 125_a, 125_b to move between a substantially vertical orientation and the substantially horizontal orientation shown in Figure 7. By contrast the pivot axis for the outriggers vis-a-vis each beam is substantially vertical to enable the outriggers to move from a location shown in Figure 7 in the unfolded state, and in which the outrigger points substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the framework beam, to a folded position in which the outrigger moves towards and lies substantially against a side 740, , 740₂ of a respective framework beam 125_a.

Figure 8 helps illustrate an underside view of the outrigger housing 730 from the direction shown by arrow B in Figure 7. As illustrated in Figure 8 each outrigger 720, , 720₃ pivots about a respective pivot axis 810,, 810₃ so as to be able to move from a folded state in which the outriggers lie substantially parallel with a main axis of the framework beams 125 into a perpendicular position in which each outrigger faces away from the framework beam 125 and a remaining outrigger of a pair. Figure 9 helps illustrate an outrigger 130. Each outrigger is a substantially arcuate body including multiple lugs 310 and includes an end region 720 which can be secured in a respective outrigger housing 730 (not shown). At a remaining end of the outrigger a securing clip 910 is provided to readily attach an extension arm to the outrigger ready for use.

Figure 10 helps illustrate a driving mechanism which can be used within the central post 105 to help drive the inner part 260 of the telescopic central post 105 towards or away from the main part 250 of the central post 105. As illustrated in Figure 10 the inner part 260 of the central post has an outer circumference smaller than an inner circumference of the main part 250 of the central post. At the bottom end 1010 of the inner part of the central post a driving toothed rack 1020 is located. This toothed rack is on an outer surface of a sliding body 1030 which moves up and down within a central recess within the main part 250 of the central post. The toothed rack thus moves with the inner part of the central post. A toothed drive wheel 1040 can be rotated by locating a handle with a suitable drive lug into a shaped recessed 1050 in a housing on the outer surface of the central post. By rotating the drive wheel the inner part of the central post can be driven towards or away from the drive wheel via the co-operating rack element. It will be appreciated that the racking mechanism can be automated if a power supply is supplied to the post. The power supply can be a mains supply or alternatively a battery supply. In such instances a motor is provided to drive the drive wheel rather than receiving a manual handle into a recess such as the recess 1050 illustrated in Figure 10. Certain embodiments of the present invention thus provide a main frame including a linear umbrella-type frame including a plurality of semi-circular radial outriggers which extend on both sides of a horizontal top rail. A vertical centre pole extends downwards to the ground level which may optionally be spiked into the ground below thus giving stability to the device. The joint of the radial outrigger to a top rail enables the device to be folded inwards and downwards by way of a pivoted slotted shoe which hinges from a main top rail.

This feature helps solve the problem of being able to fold down the device during strong winds, for example beyond 40mph, for storage and cost effective distribution of finished product to point of sale. This fall and fold action applies to eight locations (four either side of the top rail). This reduces both length and width by a significant amount. The device has significant strength and rigidity which is assisted by the design feature of the pivoted ends of the eight rail outriggers. According to certain embodiments this comprises three sided housings or shoes, the vertical back face of the shoe acts as a very strong and rigid stop for the pivoted outrigger. During the fall and fold action the centre rail which has an end pivot moves in a radial and downwards motion from the horizontal to near vertical position. During this fall and fold movement the radial outriggers gravitate out of their respective locked working positions and pivot downwards and inwards into their respective folded non-working positions. To further enhance ease of use a hollow centre pole configuration is used with a gear rack and spur gear. This mechanical configuration enables the device to be erected for re-use in a very short period of time and can be used to drive the mechanical action from the folded down position to the ready to use position. Aptly the geared rack has one end fixed to a sliding inner pole which is fitted into the inside of a hollow sectioned static outer pole. At an opposite end of the geared rack is a spur gear. Aptly the spur gear and its spindle is configured in a strong and robust gear housing. Aptly the gear housing is permanently fixed to the outside of the static outer pole. The gear spindle protrudes through the gear housing at one end to which a handle is manually located to raise or lower the device. The handle can be rotated clockwise or anti-clockwise moving the inner pole upwards or downwards as desired. According to certain embodiments of the present invention a waterproof cover can be draped over the outside radial half circle profile giving a tunnel effect which allows any prevailing winds or breezes to pass through the structure and thus assist the natural drying process for hanging clothing or other items within the confines of the length of the cover. Aptly the cover can terminate at ground level or alternatively short of ground level to allow side winds to conjoin with the through air travel.

Aptly the cover is secured by means of elasticated loops (or other such securing devices) sewn (or otherwise secured as appropriate) into the end profiles of the waterproof cover. These loops hook over matching projections that are part of the radial end profiles. These projections are strong and robust as they also help form anchor fixings for internal washing lines. This forms a linear hanging area by means of washing lines firmly secured at each end with hooks and/or grouped lines or the like.

Aptly in order to help minimise the potential ingress of wet weather a fitted mesh can be located across each open end of the tunnel provided by the cover. As a result the threat from off-vertical rain will be greatly reduced. Such a mesh still allows airflow through the hanging items with only a small reduction in air speed. The mesh is fitted to end outriggers by means of a system of hooks or other such securing mechanisms. These hooks are retained within the matching radial profile by way of a stretchable material and are held in place in numerous locations. Aptly the radial outriggers are made from injection moulded glass reinforced UV stabilised nylon. It will be appreciated that other rigid materials could be utilised. Aptly there is an arrangement of cord holes and profiles which are designed to receive standard garment hangars and which enable multiple items to be positioned in line so as to allow the passage of airflow in between hanging items. As a result drying capacity is maximised because each and every item receives a similar amount of airflow and benefits equally.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to" and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of the features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to any details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . Apparatus for air drying wet or damp items, comprising:

at least one floor standing elongate support;

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:

each extendable element comprises an arcuate body comprising at least one securing element for a wet or damp item and/or a washing line.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:

each arcuate body comprises a rounded nose at an end of the body and a pivoting element that locates the arcuate body in a pivoting relationship with respect to a respective frame element.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising:

the at least one frame element comprises two frame elements each pivotably mounted in a faced-apart relationship to said upper end region.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further comprising:

at least one pair of extendable elements mounted to each frame element.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further comprising:

a plurality of pairs of extendable elements mounted to each frame element.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising:

each frame element comprises a slideable connector that is selectively locatable at a desired position along a length of the frame element and which includes two recessed regions on opposed sides of the connector to carry a respective end of a one extendable element.

8. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising:

the elongate support comprises at least a first support portion and a further support portion arranged in a telescopic relationship wherein an overall length of the elongate support is selectable.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising:

the first support portion comprises at least one support connection member for a respective support strut that extends between the support connection member and a frame connection member on a one of the frame elements.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising:

in the folded state the support strut is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate support and in the unfolded state the support strut extends outwardly at more than about around 30°.

1 1 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, further comprising:

in the unfolded state the support strut extends outwardly at about around 40° to 60°.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or any claim dependant therefrom, further comprising:

a one of the first support portion and the further support portion comprises a rack element and a remainder one of the first and further support portions comprises a gear wheel element wherein the gear wheel is rotatable to drive the first and further support portions together or apart to thereby select an overall length of the elongate support.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, further comprising:

in the folded state the overall length of the support is at a maximum length and in the unfolded state the overall length of the support is at a minimum length.

14. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising: in the unfolded state the frame element and extendable elements are spread out into a stretched U-shape to encompass a tunnel region in which wet or damp items can be located to dry.

15. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cover member is a waterproof sheet.

16. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising:

at least one mesh sheet securable across a open end region provided by the cover member.

17. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the elongate support comprises a floor mounting element.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the floor mounting element comprises at least one spike or a stand.

19. A method of drying wet or damp items, comprising the steps of:

automatically locating at least one frame element and pairs of extendable elements in an unfolded state by selecting a length of a floor standing elongate support having an upper end region to which the frame element is pivotably mounted; receiving a flexible cover member over the unfolded frame element and extendable elements to thereby locate the cover member over a drying zone; and locating at least one wet or damp item in the drying zone under the cover member.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising:

selecting the length of the floor standing elongate support by driving a gear wheel on a one of a first or further portion of the elongate support against a rack member on a remainder one of the first or further portion of the elongate support.

21 . The method as claimed in claim 20, further comprising:

shortening an overall length of the elongate support to locate the frame element and extendable elements in the unfolded state and/or increasing the overall length to locate the frame element and extendable elements in a folded state for storage or transportation.

22. The method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 , further comprising:

locating each wet or damp item by hanging a hanger supporting the wet or damp item through an opening on a one of the extendable elements.

23. The method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising:

locating said wet or damp items by securing at least one washing line between at least two extendable elements and hanging the wet or damp items on the line.

24. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

25. Apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompany drawings.