Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
PORTABLE APPAREL DRYING ASSEMBLIES AND
METHODS OF USE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of pending U.S.
Application Serial No. 16/227, 757 filed on December 20, 2018, which is a
continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No.
15/195,250 filed on June 28, 2016, now U.S. Patent 10,197,332.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
[0002] The present invention concerns apparel drying, for example, the drying
of
footwear and hand wear. Specifically, aspects of the invention provide drying
assemblies and methods employing wall-mounted panels and portable
assemblies having pivotally mounted projections adapted to emit a flow of
drying
air to apparel hung on the projections.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Wet clothing, especially, wet footwear, is a common irritation and
inconvenience to most, in particular to mothers and skiers. Waiting for
footwear
or clothing to dry for re-use or storage can hamper outdoors activity or
prevent
timely access to recreational opportunities and commercial enterprises.
Accordingly, many attempts have been made in the art to facilitate the drying
of
apparel. However, prior art attempts have typically included cumbersome
devices and methods that, for example, do not lend themselves to the decor or
environment typically desired in a home, office, or resort.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0004] For example, US Patent 3,793,744 discloses a wall-mounted rack for
drying shoes having conduits and rigidly mounted extensions for distributing
air.
US Patent 4,200,993 discloses a tower for drying ski boots having a vertical
plenum and rigidly mounted tubes projecting from the plenum for distributing
air to the boots. US Patent 5,287,636 discloses a shoe dryer having pivoting
tubes that are inserted into the shoes to distribute hot air. PCT Publication
WO
2006/082487 discloses a wall-mounted boot dryer having projections that rotate
when loaded to contact a switch which activates a heating element in the
projection. German patent DE 20215507 discloses a heating rack having vertical
tubes and horizontal tubes carrying heated water with projecting tubes for
hanging articles.
[0005] In addition, numerous boot-drying devices are presented online, for
example, the "Cyclone" boot dryer and several portable boot dryers, among
others.
[0006] However, these and other devices and methods lack the convenience,
appearance, and utility of aspects of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention, in its many embodiments and aspects, was
inspired
by an existing coat rack. Specifically, the "Piano Coat Rack" designed and
offered
by Patrick Seha, a Belgian furniture designer. Though somewhat similar in
appearance to the Seha coat rack, the present invention includes a wall-
mounted
rack/panel for drying apparel, such as, footwear and gloves. The panel
includes
retractable hooks or pegs upon which apparel can be hung. The pegs are hollow
and perforated and fed by drying air, for example, heated drying air. The
retractable pegs pivotally mount to the panel and engage an air distribution
system, and, when extended, the pegs may engage the source of drying air. When
not in use, the retractable pegs are retracted into the panel to, for example,
provide an aesthetically appealing wall decoration.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0008] One embodiment of the invention is an apparel drying assembly
comprising or including: a panel; a projection, or a "peg," mounted to the
panel,
the projection having an inlet, at least one outlet, an internal passage
communicating the inlet to the at least one outlet, and the projection
oriented in
to at least one position adapted to receive an apparel; and a source of
pressurized
air having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the projection;
wherein the pressurized air passes into the inlet of the projection, through
the
internal passage, and out of the at least one outlet to contact and at least
partially
dry the apparel received by the projection. In one aspect, the projection, or
one
or more projections, can be pivotally mounted to the panel. In one aspect, the
pivotally mounted projection may have at least one first position extending
from
the panel, and a second, retracted position. When the projection is positioned
in
the second, retracted position, a surface of the projection can be
substantially
coplanar with a surface of the panel.
[0009] In another aspect, the drying assembly may further include one or more
projection modules mounted to the panel, where one or more of the projection
modules contain the projections. In one aspect, the projection module
comprises
a plurality of passages, for example, the passages having an inlet in fluid
communication with the outlet of the source of pressurized air.
[0010] In one aspect, the drying assembly may also include a heater adapted to
heat the pressurized air.
[0011] In one aspect, the pivotally mounted projection may further include an
extension or pin from a proximal end of the pivotally mounted projection, the
extension or pin positioned to deflect a valve element when the pivotally
mounted
projection is rotated into the at least one position adapted to receive the
apparel.
The extension from the proximal end of the pivotally mounted projection may be
an extension of the pivotally mounted projection, a projection, a tab, a pin,
a rod,
or a bar. The valve element may be a deflectable baffle or a reed valve
mounted
to the panel.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0012] In one aspect, when the deflectable baffle is not deflected, the baffle
at
least partially obstructs an opening in the panel between the source of
pressurized air and the pivotally mounted projection, and wherein, when the
deflectable baffle is deflected by the extension, at least some pressurized
air is
allowed to pass to the internal passage of the pivotally mounted projection.
[0013] Another embodiment of the invention is a method of drying apparel.
The method of drying apparel comprises or includes: pivotally mounting a
projection to a panel, the projection having an inlet, at least one outlet,
and an
internal passage communicating the inlet to the at least one outlet; providing
a
source of pressurized air having an outlet operatively connected to the inlet;
mounting an apparel on to the projection; passing the pressurized air to the
inlet
of the projection, through the internal passage, and out of the at least one
outlet;
and contacting the air discharged from the at least one outlet upon the
apparel to
at least partially dry the apparel.
[0014] In one aspect, the step of mounting a projection module to the panel,
wherein the projection is pivotally mounted to the projection module, may
comprise the practice of pivotally mounting the projection to the panel.
[0015] In another aspect, the method may further include rotating the
pivotally
mounted projection from a retracted position to an extended position. In
another
aspect, the method may include heating the pressurized air.
[0016] In one aspect, the apparel may be footwear or hand wear.
[0017] In a further aspect, deflecting a valve element to allow the
pressurized air
to flow to the inlet of the projection may practice the step of passing the
pressurized air to the inlet of the projection. For example, deflecting the
valve
element may be practiced by engaging the valve element with an extension or
pin
on a proximal end of the projection while pivoting the projection.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0018] In one aspect, the valve element may a deflectable baffle or reed valve
at
least partially obstructing an opening in the panel between the outlet of the
source of pressurized air and the inlet of the projection, and wherein
engaging the
valve element with the extension on the proximal end of the projection
comprises
contacting and deflecting the deflectable baffle to at least partially reduce
obstructing the opening.
[0019] A further embodiment of the invention is an apparel drying projection
module comprising or including: a housing; and a projection mounted to the
housing, the projection having an inlet, at least one outlet, an internal
passage
communicating the inlet to the at least one outlet, and the projection
oriented in
to at least one position adapted to receive an apparel. In one aspect, the
housing
may include a pair of side elements and an internal element positioned between
the side elements. In another aspect, the housing may include passages in
fluid
communication with the inlet of the projection and in fluid communication with
a source of pressurized air. In one aspect, the module may be substantially
completely made of wood, for example, a decorative hardwood.
100201 In one aspect, the projection further comprises an extension from a
proximal end of the projection, the extension positioned to deflect a valve
element when the projection is rotated into the at least one position adapted
to
receive the apparel. The extension from the proximal end of the projection may
be an extension of the projection, a projection, a tab, a pin, a rod, or a
bar.
[0021] A further embodiment of the invention an apparel drying assembly
comprising or including a vertically oriented panel having an internal
passage; a
plurality of projections, each of the plurality of projections pivotally
mounted to
the vertically oriented panel, and having an inlet in fluid communication with
the
internal passage of the panel, at least one outlet, an internal passage
communicating the inlet to the at least one outlet, and positionable in to at
least
one position adapted to receive an apparel; a source of pressurized air having
an
outlet in fluid communication with the internal passage of the panel; a valve
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
element in the vertically oriented panel, the valve element positioned
adjacent
the inlet of at least one of the plurality of projections, and the valve
element at
least partially obstructing flow of pressurized air to the inlet of the at
least one of
the plurality of projections; wherein the at least one of the plurality of
objections
further comprises an extension positioned to contact and deflect the valve
element when the at least one of the plurality of projections is pivotally
rotated to
at least partially reduce the obstructing of flow of pressurized air to the
inlet of
the at least one of the plurality of projections; and wherein the pressurized
air
from the source of pressurized air passes through the internal passage of the
panel, passed the valve element, into the inlet, through the internal passage,
and
out the at least one outlet of the at least one of the plurality of
projections to
contact and at least partially dry the apparel received by the at least one of
the
plurality of projections.
[0022] In one aspect, the extension may an extension located at a distal end
of
the at least one of the plurality of projections, for example, an extension of
the
pivotally mounted projection, a projection, a tab, a pin, a rod, and a bar.
[0023] In one aspect, the valve element may be bar, a plate, a baffle, and a
flap,
for example, a reed valve.
[0024] In one aspect, the pivotally mounted projections may be pivotally
mounted to the panel with a biasing element, for example, a spring.
[0025] In one aspect, the assembly may further include a retaining device
configured to assist in retaining a positioning of projections, for example, a
touch
latch.
100261 A still further embodiment of the invention is an apparel drying
assembly, for example, a portable assembly, comprising or including: a housing
having an internal passage; a plurality of projections, each of the plurality
of
projections pivotally mounted to the housing, having an inlet in fluid
communication with the internal passage of the housing, at least one outlet,
and
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
an internal passage communicating the inlet to the at least one outlet, and
wherein each of the plurality of projections are pivotally extendable into at
least
one extended position adapted to receive an apparel; and a source of
pressurized
air having an outlet in fluid communication with the internal passage of the
housing, wherein the pressurized air passes through the internal passage of
the
housing, into each inlet, through each internal passage, and out each of the
at
least one outlet to contact and at least partially dry the apparel received by
at
least one of the plurality of projections; wherein, when extended in the at
least
one extended position, at least one of the plurality of projections is
oriented in a
first direction and wherein, when extended in the at least one extended
position,
at least one of another of the plurality of projections is oriented in a
second
direction, different from the first direction; and wherein each of the
plurality of
pivotally mounted projections comprises a retracted position, wherein, in the
retracted position, a surface of each of the plurality of pivotally mounted
projections is substantially coplanar with an external surface of the housing.
In
one aspect, the second direction may be oriented at least 5 degrees
circumferentially from the first direction, or at least 15 degrees
circumferentially
from the first direction, or oriented 90 degrees circumferentially from the
first
direction.
[0027] In one aspect, the pivotally mounted projection may further comprise an
extension from a proximal end of the pivotally mounted projection, the
extension
positioned to deflect a valve element when the pivotally mounted projection is
rotated into the at least one position adapted to receive the apparel. The
valve
element may comprise a deflectable baffle mounted to the panel. In one aspect,
the extension from the proximal end of the pivotally mounted projection may be
an extension of the pivotally mounted projection, a projection, a tab, a pin,
a rod,
and a bar.
[0028] In one aspect, when the deflectable baffle is not deflected, the baffle
may
at least partially obstruct an opening in the panel between the source of
pressurized air and the pivotally mounted projection, and when the deflectable
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
baffle is deflected by the extension, at least some pressurized air may be
allowed
to pass to the internal passage of the pivotally mounted projection.
[0029] In one aspect, the drying assembly may be portable, for example, having
a carrying handle or a carrying strap.
[0030] Another embodiment is a method of drying apparel, the method
comprising or including: pivotally mounting a plurality of projections to a
housing having an internal passage, each of the plurality of projections
pivotally
mounted to the housing, having an inlet in fluid communication with the
internal
passage of the housing, having at least one outlet, having an internal passage
communicating the inlet to the at least one outlet; and pivotally extendable
into
at least one extended position adapted to receive apparel; pivotally extending
at
least one of the plurality of projections in the at least one extended
position in a
first direction from the surface of the housing; pivotally extending at least
one of
the plurality of projections in the at least one extended position in a second
direction, different from the first direction; mounting an apparel on to at
least
one of the extended projections; passing pressurized air to the inlet, through
the
internal passage, and out the at least one outlet of the at least one of the
extended
projections; contacting the air discharged from the at least one outlet upon
the
apparel to at least partially dry the apparel; and after contacting the air
and at
least partially dry the apparel, pivotally retracting the plurality of
projections into
a retracted position wherein a surface of each of the plurality of pivotally
mounted projections is substantially coplanar with an external surface of the
housing.
[0031] In one aspect, the method may further comprise or include, after
pivotally retracting the plurality of projections, transporting the housing
with the
plurality of projections, for example, by means of a handle or a strap.
[0032] A further embodiment of the invention is a portable apparel drying
assembly comprising or including: a vertically-oriented housing having an
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
internal passage; a plurality of projections, each of the plurality of
projections
pivotally mounted to the housing, having an inlet in fluid communication with
the internal passage of the housing, at least one outlet, and an internal
passage
communicating the inlet to the at least one outlet, and wherein each of the
plurality of projections are pivotally extendable into at least one extended
position adapted to receive an apparel; and a source of pressurized air
mounted
in the housing, the source of pressurized air having an outlet in fluid
communication with the internal passage of the housing, wherein the
pressurized
air passes through the internal passage of the housing, into each inlet,
through
each internal passage, and out each of the at least one outlet to contact and
at
least partially dry the apparel received by at least one of the plurality of
projections; wherein, when extended in the at least one extended position, at
least one of the plurality of projections is oriented in a first direction and
wherein, when extended in the at least one extended position, at least one of
another of the plurality of projections is oriented in a second direction, at
least 5
degrees circumferentially from the first direction; and wherein each of the
plurality of pivotally mounted projections comprises a retracted position,
wherein, in the retracted position, a surface of each of the plurality of
pivotally
mounted projections is substantially coplanar with an external surface of the
housing. In one aspect, the second direction may be at least 15 degrees
circumferentially from the first direction, for example, about 90 degrees
circumferentially from the first direction.
[0033] A further embodiment of the invention is an apparel drying assembly
comprising or including: a housing having an internal passage and a plurality
of
outer walls having a plurality of through holes; a plurality of projections,
each of
the plurality of projections mounted in one of the plurality of through holes
in the
housing, and, when mounted, having an inlet in fluid communication with the
internal passage of the housing, at least one outlet, and an internal passage
communicating the inlet to the at least one outlet, and wherein each of the
plurality of projections are adapted to receive an apparel; and a source of
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
pressurized air having an outlet in fluid communication with the internal
passage
of the housing, wherein the pressurized air passes through the internal
passage of
the housing, into each inlet, through each internal passage, and out each of
the at
least one outlet to contact and at least partially dry the apparel received by
at
least one of the plurality of projections; wherein at least one of the
plurality of
projections is oriented in a first direction and wherein at least one of
another of
the plurality of projections is oriented in a second direction, different from
the
first direction; and wherein each of the plurality of the projections is
removably
mounted in one of the plurality of through holes in the housing to facilitate
transportation or storage of the assembly. In one aspect, the second
direction,
different from the first direction, is oriented at least 15 degrees
circumferentially
from the first direction.
100341 In one aspect, at least one of the plurality of projections further
comprises a proximal end positioned to deflect a valve element when the
projection is mounted in one of the plurality of through holes in the housing.
In
one aspect, the valve element may be a deflectable baffle mounted to the
housing.
In one aspect, the proximal end of the pivotally mounted projection may be an
extension, a projection, a tab, a pin, a rod, or a bar positioned to deflect
the valve
element.
[0035] In one aspect, the plurality of through holes in the housing may be a
plurality of fittings mounted to the housing, the plurality of fittings having
a
fitting through hole adapted to receive one of the plurality of projections.
[0036] In one aspect, the housing may include at least one cavity adapted to
receive at least one of the pluralities of projections, for example, the at
least one
cavity may be located in one of the plurality of outer walls of the housing.
In one
aspect, the at least one cavity is adapted to receive a plurality of nested
projections.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0037] Another embodiment of the invention is a method of drying apparel, the
method comprising or including: mounting a plurality of projections in through
holes in a housing having an internal passage, each of the plurality of
projections
having an inlet capable of fluid communication with the internal passage of
the
housing, at least one outlet, an internal passage communicating the inlet to
the at
least one outlet; and adapted to receive apparel; while mounting the plurality
of
projections in the through the holes, deflecting a valve element mounted in
the
housing with the proximal end of one of the plurality of projections to expose
the
internal passage of the one of the plurality of projections to the internal
passage
of the housing; passing pressurized air passed the valve element, into the
inlet,
through the internal passage, and out the at least one outlet of the one of
the
plurality of projections; and contacting the air discharged from the at least
one
outlet upon the apparel to at least partially dry the apparel. In one aspect,
after
contacting the air and at least partially drying the apparel, dismounting the
plurality of projections from the housing. In one aspect, the method may
further
include placing the dismounted plurality of projections in at least one cavity
in
the housing.
[0038] In one aspect, mounting the plurality of projections in the housing
comprises mounting at least one of the plurality of projections in a first
direction
and mounting at least one of the plurality of projections in a second
direction,
different from the first direction. In one aspect, mounting at least one of
the
plurality of projections in the second direction, different from the first
direction,
may comprise mounting the at least one of the plurality of projections in the
second direction 90 degrees circumferentially from the first direction.
[0039] In one aspect, the method may further include, after placing the
dismounted plurality of projections in at least one cavity in the housing,
transporting the housing with the plurality of projections.
11
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0040] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention
will
become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects
of
the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the
specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention
will be readily understood from the following detailed description of aspects
of
the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0042] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an apparel drying assembly according
to
one aspect of the invention.
[0043] FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of the apparel drying assembly shown
in FIGURE 1.
[0044] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a detail of the apparel drying
assembly
shown in FIGURE 1, as identified by Detail 3 in FIGURE 1, with the projection
in
an extended position.
[0045] FIGURE 3A is a perspective view of the distal end of an alternative
projection according an aspect of the invention.
[0046] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view, similar to FIGURE 3, of the detail
shown in FIGURE 3, with the projection in a retracted position.
[0047] FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the projection module shown in
FIGURE 3.
[0048] FIGURE 6 is an exploded perspective view of the projection module
shown in FIGURE 5.
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0049] FIGURE 7i5 a cross sectional view of the apparel drying assembly shown
in FIGURE 2 as identified by Detail 7 shown in FIGURE 2, with the projection
in
an extended position.
[0050] FIGURE 8 is a cross sectional view, similar to FIGURE 7, of the detail
shown in FIGURE 7, with the projection in a retracted position.
[0051] FIGURE 9 is a perspective view, partially in cross section, of one set
of
air passages in the apparel drying assembly shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 according
to one aspect of the invention.
[0052] FIGURE m is a cross sectional view, similar to FIGURES 7 and 8, of a
projection module with a projection in an extended position according to
another
aspect of the invention.
[0053] FIGURE 11 is a cross sectional view of a projection having an
extractable
air distribution tube in a retracted position according to another aspect of
the
invention.
[0054] FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIGURE ii, of the
projection shown in FIGURE ii having the extractable air distribution tube in
an
extracted position according to another aspect of the invention.
[0055] FIGURE 13 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a side
element
and a pin of a projection assembly according to one aspect of the invention.
[0056] FIGURE 14 is a plan view of the portion of the side element shown in
FIGURE 13.
[0057] FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the side element
shown in FIGURE 14 as viewed along section lines 15-15 in FIGURE 1-4.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0058] FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIGURE 15, of the
portion of the side element shown in FIGURE 15 showing the relative movement
of a mounting pin.
[0059] FIGURE 17 is a side elevation view, partially in cross section, of an
apparel drying assembly according to an aspect of the invention, with the
projection in a retracted position.
[0060] FIGURE 18 is a side elevation, partially in cross section, of the
apparel
drying assembly shown in FIGURE 17, with the projection in an extended
position.
[0061] FIGURE 19 is a detailed view of the proximal end of the projection
shown in FIGURE 18 as identified by Detail 19 shown in FIGURE 18.
[0062] FIGURE 20 is a side elevation view of one projection that may be used
for the projection shown in the assembly of FIGURE 17, and any projection
disclosed herein, according to one aspect of the invention.
[0063] FIGURE 21 is a front elevation view of the projection shown in FIGURE
20.
[0064] FIGURE 22 is a top view of the projection shown in FIGURE 20 as
viewed in the direction of Arrow 22 shown in FIGURE 20.
[0065] FIGURE 23 is a detailed view of the proximal end of the projection
shown in FIGURE 20 as identified by Detail 23 shown in FIGURE 20.
[0066] FIGURE 24 is a front elevation view of one projection that may be used
for the projection shown in FIGURE 20.
[0067] FIGURE 25 is a side elevation view of the projection shown in FIGURE
24.
14
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0068] FIGURE 26 is a plan view of a panel, plate, or valve seat plate that
may
be used for plate shown in FIGURES 17-19 according one aspect of the
invention.
[0069] FIGURE 27 is a plan view of the panel, plate, or valve plate that may
be
used for plate shown in FIGURES 17-19 according one aspect of the invention.
[0070] FIGURE 28 is a side elevation view of a spring wire assembly, which may
be used to bias the position of plate shown in FIGURES 17-19 according to one
aspect of the invention.
[0071] FIGURE 29 is a plan view of the spring wire assembly shown in FIGURE
28.
[0072] FIGURE 30 is a side elevation view, partially in cross section, of an
apparel drying assembly module according to another aspect of the invention,
with a projection in an extended position and in a retracted position.
[0073] FIGURE 31 is a front elevation view of the apparel drying assembly
module shown in FIGURE 30, with the projection in the retracted position.
[0074] FIGURE 32 is a cross-sectional view of the of the apparel drying
assembly module shown in FIGURE 31, as indicated by section view lines 32-32
shown in FIGURE 31, as mounted, for example, within a wall, according to one
aspect of the invention.
[0075] FIGURE 33 is a detailed view of the proximal end of the projection of
the
module shown in FIGURE 30 as identified by Detail 33 shown in FIGURE 30,
showing the projection in the extended position.
[0076] FIGURE 34 is a side elevation view of a projection that may be used for
the projection shown in the assembly of FIGURES 31-33, and any projection
disclosed herein, according to one aspect of the invention.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0077] FIGURE 35 is a front elevation view of the projection shown in FIGURE
34.
[0078] FIGURE 36 is a top view of the projection shown in FIGURE 35 as
viewed in the direction of Arrow 36 shown in FIGURE 35.
[0079] FIGURE 37 is a plan view of one projection that may be used for the
projection shown in FIGURES 34-36.
[0080] FIGURE 38 is a side elevation view of the projection shown in FIGURE
37.
[0081] FIGURE 39 is a front elevation view of a housing that may be used for
the housing shown in FIGURES 30-33, according to one aspect of the invention.
[0082] FIGURE 40 is a side elevation view of the housing shown in FIGURE 39.
[0083] FIGURE 41 is cross sectional view of the housing shown in FIGURE 39
as viewed along section lines 41-41 in FIGURE 39.
[0084] FIGURE 42 is a front elevation view of an assembly or panel assembly
having a plurality of pivotally-mounted projections according to one aspect of
the
invention.
[0085] FIGURE 43 is a side elevation view of the assembly shown in FIGURE 42
having projections oriented in an extended position according to an aspect of
the
invention.
[0086] FIGURE 44 is a front elevation view of another assembly or panel
assembly having a plurality of pivotally-mounted projections according to
another aspect of the invention.
100871 FIGURE 45 is a side elevation view of the assembly shown in FIGURE 44
having projections oriented in an extended position according to an aspect of
the
invention.
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0088] FIGURE 46 is a perspective view of another apparel drying assembly
according to another aspect of the invention with projections extended.
[0089] FIGURE 47 is a perspective view of the apparel drying assembly shown
in FIGURE 46 with the projections retracted according to one aspect of the
invention.
[0090] FIGURE 48 is a front elevation view of the apparel drying assembly
shown in FIGURE 46.
[0091] FIGURE 49 is a right-side elevation view of the apparel drying assembly
shown in FIGURE 46.
[0092] FIGURE 50 is a top plan view of the apparel drying assembly shown in
FIGURE 46.
[0093] FIGURE 51 is a front perspective view of a sub-assembly or module that
may be mounted to or comprise a component of the assembly shown in FIGURES
46 through 50 according to one aspect of the invention.
[0094] FIGURE 52 is a rear perspective view of sub-assembly or module shown
in FIGURE 51.
[0095] FIGURES 53, 54, and 55 are a top plan view, a side elevation view, and
a
bottom view, respectively, of the base plate of the apparel drying assembly
shown
in FIGURES 46 through 50.
[0096] FIGURES 56 and 57 are a side elevation view and a top plan view,
respectively, of the support leg of the apparel drying assembly shown in
FIGURES 46 through 50.
[0097] FIGURE 58 is a perspective view, partially exploded, of another apparel
drying assembly according to another aspect of the invention with projections
extended.
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[0098] FIGURE 59 is a side elevation view, partially in cross section, of an
engagement of a projection with the housing shown in FIGURE 58 prior to
engagement according to one aspect of the invention.
[0099] FIGURE 6o is a side elevation view, partially in cross section, of an
engagement of a projection with the housing shown in FIGURE 58 after
engagement according to one aspect of the invention.
[00100] FIGURE 61 is a perspective view, partially exploded, of an engagement
of
a projection with the housing shown in FIGURE 58 having a projection storage
cavity according to one aspect of the invention.
[00101] FIGURE 62 is a perspective view, partially exploded, similar to FIGURE
62 of an engagement of a projection with the housing shown in FIGURE 58
having a projection storage cavity holding a projection according to one
aspect of
the invention.
[00102] FIGURE 63 is a side elevation view of a nested assembly of a plurality
of
projections according to an aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00103] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an apparel drying assembly to
according to one aspect of the invention. FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of
the
apparel drying assembly to shown in FIGURE 1. As shown, assembly to typically
includes a housing, panel, or board 12 having an arrangement of projections
14,
or "pegs," positioned and adapted to receive an article of clothing (not
shown),
for example, a hat, a coat, a jacket, shoes, boots, gloves, and the like. In
addition
to or in lieu of projections 14, assembly to typically includes at least one,
but
typically a plurality, of projections 16 adapted to receive an article of
clothing (not
shown), but also adapted to discharge a flow of air 18, for example, a heated
flow
of air, to at least partially evaporate moisture from, for example, "to dry,"
an
article of clothing while the article is mounted to a projection 16 of
assembly to.
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
As also shown in FIGURE 1, according to one aspect of the invention, panel 12
of
assembly 10 may also include one or more cavities or recesses 20 into which
projections 16 may be adapted to retract into, for example, pivotally rotate
into.
1001041 FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a detail of the apparel drying
assembly
lo shown in FIGURE 1, as identified by Detail 3 in FIGURE 1, with the
projection
or peg 16 in an extended position, for example, pivotally rotated out of
cavity 20.
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the Detail 3 shown in FIGURE 3, with the
projection 16 in a retracted position, for example, pivotally rotated into
cavity 20.
As shown in FIGURES 3 and 4, in one aspect, projection 16 and cavity 20 may be
provided as a subassembly, assembly, or projection module 22 mounted in panel
12, for example, mounted in a hole 24 in panel 12, though other methods of
providing projection 16 and recess 20 in panel 12 are envisioned and will be
apparent to those of skill in the art. In the aspect shown in FIGURES 3 and 4,
hole 24 in panel 12 is a rectangular hole having a substantially vertical long
axis,
the hole 24 is sized and positioned to accept module 22, though it is
envisioned
that module 22 and hole 24 may assume different shapes and/or orientations.
1001051 FIGURE 3A is perspective view of the distal end of an alternative
projection 164A that may be used in projection module 22 shown in FIGURES 3
and 4 according an aspect of the invention. In contrast to projection 16 shown
in
FIGURE 3, the distal end of projection 16A may be devoid of a lip or
projection
(see reference number 39 in FIGURE 6). According to one aspect of the
invention, the lip of projection 16 may be provided to uniquely adapt to
accommodate an extractable drying tube (for example, as shown and described
with respect to FIGURES ii and 12).
1001061 FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the projection module 22 shown in
FIGURES 3 and 4, and FIGURE 6 is an exploded perspective view of the
projection module 22 shown in FIGURE 5. In the aspect shown in FIGURES 5
and 6, module 22 is fabricated from individual components and assembled into
an integral module. The components of module 22 may be fabricated from any
19
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
convenient material, for example, from a metal, from a plastic, or from wood.
In
one aspect, as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, and described herein for the sake of
illustration, the components of module 22 are described and illustrated as
being
predominantly fabricated from wood, for example, a decorative hardwood.
[00107] As most clearly shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, module 22 includes a
housing 23 containing the projection 16. Housing 23 may comprise or include a
pair of opposing side elements 26 and 28 which "sandwich," for example, are
positioned about, an internal element 30. As shown in FIGURE 6, in one aspect,
projection 16 is also "sandwiched," between elements 26 and 28, and may be
pivotally mounted to elements 26, 28, or both, as indicated by doubled-headed
curved arrow 32. For example, in one aspect, projection 16 may be pivotally
mounted at a proximal end 33 and have a distal end 35 having a hole 37
positioned and adapted to emit a flow of gas, such as forced or pressurized
air. In
one aspect, distal end 35 may include a lip or projection 39 adapted to engage
internal element 30 when retracted and/or to conceal an extractable tube (see
FIGURES ii and 12).
[00108] In one aspect, the proximal end 33 of projection 16 may be pivotally
mounted to module 22, for example, to one or both of elements 26 and 28, via
one or more pins, pegs, or dowel pins 34. One or more pins 34 may be mounted
in elements 26 and 28, for example, positioned in blind holes 36 (only one of
which is shown in FIGURE 6) in elements 26 and 28 and pins 34 may be inserted
into and rotate with respect to blind or through hole 38 in projection 16. In
another aspect, one or more pins 34 may be mounted in projection 16, for
example, positioned in blind or through holes 38 (only one of which is shown
in
FIGURE 6) and pins 34 may be inserted into and rotate with respect to blind or
through hole 36 in elements 26 and 28. Other methods of pivotally mounting
projection 16 to elements 26 and 28 are also within the purview of the present
invention and will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
1001091 In one aspect, the pivotal mounting of projection 16 in module 22 may
bias the position of or orientation of projection 16 in module 22. For
exampled,
in one aspect, the pivotal mounting of projection 16 may be biased by one or
more springs or resilient materials, such as, elastomers or rubber materials.
In
the aspect of the invention shown in FIGURE 6, the orientation of projection
16
may be biased by one or more coil springs 40, for example, inserted into hole
38
and appropriately adapted to engage and bias the position of projection 16.
For
instance, spring 40 may include extensions from the coil of the spring, for
example, radially directed extensions that engage one or more recesses in hole
38
and/or in projection 16. In another aspect, one or more springs or elastomeric
materials may bias the axial position of pins 34, for example, a coil spring
40 may
bias pins 34 into axial engagement with holes 36 in elements 26 and 28. This
biased axial engagement may provide for the manual engagement or
disengagement of projection 16 from elements 26 and 28, for example, as
"pushable" pins, for instance, for facilitating assembly, disassembly,
maintenance, and/or repair of module 22.
1001101 In one aspect, module 22 may include one or more "stops" or
restrictions
that limit the rotation of projection 16. For example, as shown in FIGURES 5
and
6, internal element 30 of module 22 may include an upper stop 42 and a lower
stop 44 positioned and sized to limit or impede the travel of projection 16.
Upper
stop 42 and lower stop 44 may be integrally mounted to internal element 30, or
comprise distinct, separate components. Upper stop 42 may provide a surface 46
positioned to contact and limit the travel of projection 16, for example,
surface 46
may be shaped and positioned to contact a surface of projection 16, for
example,
the face 48 of lip 39. In a preferred, but non-limiting, aspect, upper stop 42
and
the distal end 35 of projection 16 may be sized and shaped wherein, when
retracted (see FIGURE 4), the external surface of projection 16 is
substantially
co-planar with the surfaces of elements 26 and 28 and/or the surface of panel
12
(see FIGURE 3 and 4), for instance, the surfaces of projection 16 and elements
26
and 28 maybe substantially "flush" with each other.
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00111] Lower stop 44 may provide a surface 45 positioned to contact and limit
the travel of projection 16, for example, surface 45 mat be shaped and
positioned
to contact a surface of projection 16. In a preferred, but non-limiting,
aspect,
lower stop 44 and the proximal end 33 of projection 16 may be sized and shaped
wherein, when retracted (see FIGURE 4), the external surface of projection 16
is
substantially co-planar with the surfaces of elements 26 and 28 and/or panel
12,
for instance, the surfaces of projection 16 and elements 26 and 28 are
substantially "flush" with each other.
[00112] Upper stop 42 and/or lower stop 44 may be mounted on a common
spine 50 of internal element 30 which may extend between upper stop 42 and
lower stop 44.
[00113] According to aspects of the invention, projection module 22 may
typically include a network of passages adapted to transmit air, for example,
from
a source of pressurized air, to projection 16 to be emitted to an article of
apparel
as indicted by arrow 18 in FIGURE 5. As shown in FIGURE 6, projection 16 may
have one or more openings or orifices 37, for example, at the distal end 35,
which
is in fluid communication with one or more internal passages 17 in projection
16.
Though in one aspect of the invention a single opening 37 and a single
internal
passage 17 may be provided in projection 16, it is envisioned that 2 or more
openings 37 in fluid commination with one or more internal passages 17 may be
provided. The two or more openings 37 may be directed axially and/or
transversely (for example, radially) from projection 16. According to aspects
of
the invention, the internal passage 1701 projection 16 may be in fluid
communication with fluid passages in any one or more of side elements 26
and/or 28, and/or internal element 30. Internal passage 17 may have any
desired
cross-section, though in one aspect a circular passage is preferred. The
internal
diameter of a circular internal passage 17 may range from about 0.125 inches
to
about 2 inches, depending, among other things, upon the size of projection 16.
However, typically, internal passage 17 may have a diameter ranging from about
0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, for example, about 0.5 inches.
22
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
1001141 Though many different sized and located passages may be provided
inside elements 26 and 28 and internal element 30, in the aspect of the
invention
shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, side elements 26 and 28 may have passages defined
by holes 52 and 54, for example, through holes or blind holes. Holes 52 and 54
may typically be plugged as needed by inserting plugs 56, for example, a press
fit
and/or with an adhesive. According to one aspect, holes 52 and 54 in side
elements 26 and 28 may communicate with one or more holes 53 in the proximal
end 33 of projection 16. The one or more holes 53 in projection 16 may
communicate with internal passage 17 to supply an airflow to one or more
openings 37. In one aspect, in order to minimize or prevent air leakage
between
adjacent air passages, some form of sealing elements or devices may be
provided
in or about holes 52 and/or 53 and/or 54. In one aspect, as shown in FIGURE 6,
one or more 0-rings 58 may be provided as needed, for example, inserted into 0-
ring seats 59 (only one of which is shown in FIGURE 6) in side elements 26
and/or 28. Other sealing means may also be used, and, in one aspect, no
sealing
means may be provided. Holes 52, 53, and 54 may have diameters ranging from
about 0.125 inches to about 1 inch, depending, among other things, upon the
size
of elements 26 and 28 and projection 16. However, typically, holes 52, 53, and
54
may have a diameter ranging from about 0.125 inches to about 0.5 inches, for
example, about 0.375 inches.
1001151 In one aspect of the invention, projection module 22 may include one
or
more means to automatedly detecting the positioning of projection 16 to, for
example, initiate the flow of drying air through module 22 (as discussed with
respect to FIGURE 7 and 8, below). For example, in one aspect, one or more
sensors may be provided in or about assembly 22 to detect the positioning of
projection 16. In one aspect, the positioning of projection 16 may be detected
photometrically, for example, by means of the detection of the presence or
absence of light upon a photo detector. In one aspect, as shown in FIGURES 5
and 6, through holes 60 may be provided in side elements 26 and/or 28 through
which a light beam, for example, laser beam, maybe passed (as indicated by
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
dashed line 62 in FIGURE 6). In one aspect, when projection 16 is deflected
into
the extended position, as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, an unobstructed path for
light beam 62 is provided between holes 6o. This light beam 62 may then be
detected by a photodetector (not shown), for example, a photodetector
positioned
in module 22, in an adjacent module 22, or as appropriate anywhere in apparel
drying assembly io. The photodetector may be adapted to emit an electrical
signal when light or lack of light is detected, for example, emit an
electrical signal
via a controller, to initiate activation of the source of drying air flow, for
example,
to a fan assembly. Conversely, when projection 16 is retracted, as shown in
FIGURE 4, the path of light beam 62 may be interrupted and the operation of
the
source of airflow may be terminated or "shut off." Other means of initiating
and
terminating air flow with sensors, detectors, and/or linkages are also within
the
purview of the present invention.
1001161 Side elements 26 and 28 and internal element 30 may be assembled by
any conventional means, for example, with mechanical fasteners, adhesives,
and/or welding or brazing, for instance, when manufactured from metallic
components.
1001171 FIGURE 7 is a detailed cross sectional view of apparel drying assembly
shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 as indicated by Detail 7 in FIGURE 2, with
projection 16 shown in an extended position. FIGURE 8 is a detailed cross
sectional view similar to FIGURE 7, with projection 16 shown in a retracted
position. In addition to illustrating panel 12 and projection module 22 with
projection 16, FIGURES 7 and 8 also schematically illustrate the location in
assembly 10 of fan assembly 64 according to one aspect of the invention.
Though
fan assembly 64 may be located anywhere convenient in assembly 10, in one
aspect, for example, fan assembly 64 may be located in the bottom of panel 12
and direct a flow of air upward into panel 12, though other locations and
directions of airflow for fan assembly 64 may be provided according to aspects
of
the invention. The rotation of fan assembly 64 is represented by arrow 65 in
FIGURE 7. In another aspect, fan assembly 64 may not be located within panel
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
12, but may be located adjacent to or remote from panel 12 and communicate
with panel assembly 12 via one or more conduits or passageways as indicated by
conduit 13 and/or 15 shown in FIGURE 8 in phantom.
1001181 Fan assembly 64 may be any conventional fan assembly having the size
and airflow output required to provide the desired drying function. Fan
assembly
64 may typically have an airflow output of at least about 5 cubic feet per
minute
[ft3/min] and at most about 400 ft3/min, but typically ranges from about 10
ft3/min to about 100 ft3/min. In one aspect, fan assembly 64 may be a BK
Squirrel Cage Blower Fan assembly provided by Smoky Mountain General Store,
or its equivalent, though any appropriate conventional fan assembly may be
used.
Since fan assembly 64 is shown schematically in FIGURES 7 and 8, ancillary
equipment typically provided with a fan assembly 64, such as, a power supply,
a
drive motor, electronic controls, anti-friction bearings, and mounting
structures
and hardware, are not illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 8, but are envisioned, as
needed.
1001101 According to aspects of the invention, apparel-drying assembly 10
typically includes some form of cavity 66 sized, positioned, and appropriately
sealed to retain fan assembly 64. As shown in FIGURE 7, in one aspect, cavity
66
may be in fluid communication with one or more passages 68 within panel 12
adapted to communicate air, for example, ambient air, to cavity 66 and fan
assembly 64. In one aspect, as shown in FIGURE 1, one or more passages 68 may
extend to the upper portion or top of panel 12, for instance, to draw warmer
air
from the top of a room having drying assembly 10 mounted therein. Also, cavity
66 may be in fluid communication with one or more passages 70 within panel 12
adapted to communicate pressurized air from fan assembly 64 to one or more
projection modules 22, and ultimately to one or more projections 16. As also
shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, cavity 66 may include one or more baffles 67
positioned to assist in promoting airflow from cavity 66 to passage 70. As
shown
in FIGURES 7 and 8, panel 12 may typically include at least one distribution
plate
or panel 72 having at least one perforation or hole 74, but typically, a
plurality of
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
perforations or holes 74, adapted to direct air from passage 70 to one or more
projection modules 22. In one aspect, the interface between panel 72 and
module
22 at or around holes 74 may be provided with a sealing device, for example,
one
or more 0-rings (not shown) mounted in an 0-ring seat.
[00120] Aspects of the invention may also provide one or more devices for
heating and/or dehumidifying the airflow introduced to projections 16. For
example, in one aspect, an internal or external heater or heat exchanger may
be
provided in panel 12 and/or adjacent to or remote from panel 12, for example,
associated with conduit 13 or conduit 15. For instance, in one aspect, cavity
66 in
panel 12 may be sized to contain fan assembly 64 and a heater (not shown). The
heater may be a radiant heater (for example, an electric radiant heater or a
hot
water radiant heater), a hydronic heater, or an oil-, gas-, wood-, or pellet-
fired
heater. In one aspect, panel 12 may be in fluid communication with an existing
heat source, for example, a residential forced-air furnace or a stove, such
as, a
wood stove, a pellet-burning stove, a propane heater, or a natural gas heater,
among others. The one or more heat sources disclosed herein may be used to
heat the air flow where the temperature of the air flowing from fan assembly
64 is
at least 5 degrees F above ambient air temperature, in one aspect, at least 10
degrees F above ambient air temperature. For example, in one aspect, the
temperature of the air emitted by projections 16 may range from about 50
degrees F to about 150 degrees F, but is typically between about 90 degrees F
and
about 120 degrees F.
[00121] Panel 12 may include a plurality of mounting bars or mounting elements
76 appropriately positioned and configured to mount assembly 10 to a surface,
for example, to a vertical wall.
[00122] According to aspects of the invention, with the activation of fan
assembly
64, for example, via the detection of the deflection of projection 16 via a
photodetector discussed herein, fan assembled 64 rotates in the direction of
arrow 65 and provides a flow of air to one or more passages 70. Under the
26
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
operation of fan assembly 64, air is drawn into cavity 66 from one or more
intake
passages 68, for example, drawn from one or more inlets in the top or upper
portion of assembly 10. The pressurized air in passage 70 may typically range
from about 0.01 to about 10 pounds per square inch ¨ gauge (psig), but is
typically between about 1 inch of water gauge [iwg] (that is, about 0.04 psig)
and
about 10 iwg (that is, about 0.40 psig). The flow of air within one or more
passages 70 distributes pressurized air to one or more holes 74 in
distribution
panel 72 and to the one or more projection modules 22 and to projections 16.
The flow of air into holes 74 may be enhanced by positioning one or more
baffles
75 (shown in phantom in FIGURE 8) shaped and positioned to direct or
encourage airflow into holes 74.
1001231 As shown in FIGURE 8, when fan assembly 64 is not operating,
projection 16 of projection module 22 may be retracted. When retracted, as
shown in FIGURE 8, projection 16 may be retained in the retracted position by
conventional means, for example, with mechanical fasteners or biasing springs.
In one aspect, projection 16 may be retained in the retracted position by
friction,
for example, friction between opposing surfaces and/or friction between a
sealing
device, such as, an 0-ring, and an opposing surface. However, in one aspect,
no
mechanical device may be required to retain projection 16 in its retracted
position shown in FIGURE 8. In addition, when retracted, the position of
projection 16 may be detected by one or more sensors, as disclosed herein,
where
fan assembly 64 is deactivated.
1001241 FIGURE 9 is a perspective view, partially in cross section, of one set
of
passages in apparel drying assembly 10 shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 according to
one aspect of the invention. FIGURE 9 includes portions of projection module
22, including projection 16, side elements 26 and 28, and internal element 30,
a
portion of panel 12; a portion of distribution panel 72 having at least one
hole 74;
and a portion of passage 70, as disclosed herein. As shown in FIGURE 9, in one
aspect, pressurized air introduced to passage 70 passes through one or more
holes 74 in distribution panel 70 and is introduced to projection module 22,
for
27
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
example, to one of the through holes 54 of side element 28. As shown in FIGURE
9, in one aspect, through holes 54 communicate with one or more holes 53 in
the
distal end 33 of projection 16. In the proximal end 33 of projection 16, holes
53
communicate with internal passage 17 of projection 16. Internal passage 17 may
pass through hole 38 that contains pin 34 and, for example, coil spring 40
(not
shown in FIGURE 9). For example, in one aspect, pressurized air may flow
passed pins 34 and through spring 40 en route through internal passage 70.
According to aspects to the invention, internal passage 17 distributes the
airflow
to one or more holes or orifices in projection 16, for example, to one or more
holes 37 at the distal end 35 of projection 16 (see FIGURES 5 and 6).
[00125] FIGURE 10 is a cross sectional view of a projection module 82 having a
pivotally mounted projection 84 in an extended position according to another
aspect of the invention. In a manner, similar to projection module 22
disclosed
herein, projection module 82 may typically include side elements 86 and 88
(not
shown) and internal element 90. Otherwise module 82 may include all the
features and functions of module 22. In the aspect of the invention shown in
FIGURE 10, projection module 82 may also include a source of pressurized air
94, for example, an electric fan, contained in a housing 96 mounted to, for
example, side elements 86 and 88 and internal element 90. According to the
aspect of the invention shown in FIGURE 10, projection module 82 includes a
dedicated source of pressurized air 94. Though in FIGURE 10 source 94
comprises a squirrel-cage type fan or blower, any source of pressurized air
may
be used with aspects of the invention. Module 82 may also include a heat
source
adapted to heat the air propelled by the source of pressurized air 94.
[00126] As shown in FIGURE 10, housing 96 for fan 94 may typically include one
or more inlets or apertures 98 allowing air, for example, ambient air, to be
drawn
into housing 96, as indicated by arrows loo. The air drawn in by fan 96 is
then
expelled by fan 94 from housing 96 into projection 84, for example, as
disclosed
herein, to dry the piece of apparel (not shown) mounted on projection 84.
28
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
1001271 According to this aspect of the invention, module 82 having fan 94 may
comprise a self-contained device for drying apparel. For example, as
illustrated
in FIGURE 10, projection module 82 may be positioned or mounted in to a wall,
surface, or a panel 102 and the pivotally mounted projection 84 may provide
the
drying function disclosed herein. Projection module 82 may be mounted to wall,
surface, or panel 102 by conventional means, for example, with mechanical
fasteners or an adhesive. For example, in one aspect, a plurality of modules
82
may be mounted into a wall, surface, or panel, such as, into panel 12 shown in
FIGURE 1. In one aspect, two modules 84 may be mounted in a closet or locker
to dry footwear, such as, work boots, skates, sneakers, cleats, and the like;
or
hand wear, such as, gloves, mittens, and the like, as disclosed herein.
1001281 FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view of a projection assembly 104
having
a projection 106 and an extractable air distribution tube or hose 108 in a
retracted position according to another aspect of the invention. As shown, in
this
aspect, projection 106 includes an internal passage 107 into which tube 108
can
be slidably placed. In a manner similar to projection 16 disclosed herein,
projection 106 may typically be pivotally mounted, and internal passage 107 is
typically in fluid communication with a source of pressurized air, for
example, via
one or more holes 110 in the proximal end of projection 106. According to the
aspect of the invention shown in FIGURE ii, tube 108 is also in fluid
communication with the source of pressurized air, and, when extracted (as
shown
in FIGURE 8), tube 108 can be inserted into the apparel mounted on projection
106 to enhance the distribution of drying air into the apparel, for example,
into
the toe of a shoe, boot, or skate that requires drying. In the aspect shown in
FIGURE 10, projection 106 may include a lip or projection in adapted to
conceal
and/or protect an end of tube 108, which may protrude from internal passage
107, for example, to conceal tube 108 when projection 106 is in the pivotally
retracted position. In other aspects, the lip in may be omitted.
1001291 In one aspect, projection 106 may be adapted to retain tube 108 in
internal passage 107. For example, in one aspect, projection 106 may include
an
29
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
obstruction or restriction 112 adapted to engage and/or retain tube 108 in
projection 106. In one aspect, tube 108 may include an annular projection or
ring
114 positioned and sized to translate with tube 108 along internal passage 107
and contact obstruction 112 to prevent complete removal of tube 108 from
projection 106. Other means of retaining tube 108 within projection 106 will
be
apparent to those of skill in the art.
1001301 FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIGURE 11, of the
projection assembly 104 shown in FIGURE ii having the extractable air
distribution tube 108 in an extracted position according to another aspect of
the
invention. As shown in FIGURE 12, with the partial extraction of tube io8,
ring
114 may contact restriction 112 and limit or prevent the total extraction of
tube
108, for example, to prevent removal.
1001311 Tube 1o8 may comprise a hollow conduit, for example, a hollow flexible
conduit, having at least one axial hole 116 at its end, and may have a
plurality of
radially directed holes 118 adapted to direct air radially from tube 1o8. Tube
1o8
may be made from a plastic or elastomeric material. In one aspect, tube 108
may
have an outside diameter ranging from about 0.0625 inches to about 0.50
inches,
but typically has an outside diameter ranging from about 0.125 to about 0.25
inches. Tube io8 may have an inside diameter ranging from about 0.0325 to
about 0.375 inches, but typically has an inside diameter ranging from about
0.1625 to about 0.125 inches. Radial holes 118 may be uniformly distributed
along tube 108 and may have diameters ranging from about 0.0325 inches to
about 0.375 inches, but typically having diameters ranging from about 0.1625
to
about 0.125 inches.
1001321 FIGURE 13 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a side
element
26 of projection assembly 22 and a pin 34 shown in FIGURES 5 and 6 according
to one aspect of the invention. As shown, side element 26 includes a blind
hole
36 sized and positioned to receive pin 34. As illustrated in FIGURE 6, pin 34
may
be biased into position in blind hole 36 by, for example, coil spring 40.
According
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
to this aspect of the invention, the geometry of blind hole 36 may be adapted
whereby projection 16 may be more readily pivotally mounted to side elements
26 and 28, and disengaged from side elements 26 and 28, for example, for
assembly, servicing, or maintenance of projection assembly 22. According to
aspects of the invention, side element 28 (not shown) may comprise a mirror
image of side element 26 shown in FIGURE 13 and include a blind hole 36 having
substantially identical adaptations to enhance mounting and disengagement.
1001331 FIGURE 14 is a plan view of the portion of the side element 26 shown
in
FIGURE 13. As shown, in this aspect, blind hole 36 in side element 26 is
adapted
to engage and disengage pin 34 (not shown in FIGURE 14). Accordingly, in one
aspect, the blind hole 36 includes a ramp or tapered recess 120 adapted to
allow
engagement and/or disengagement of pin 34 with side element 26. The angle of
orientation, a, of ramp 120 is chosen where the projection 16 (not shown in
FIGURE 14) and pin 34 can be removed or disengaged from side element 26 (for
example, when projection 16 is not loaded by an apparel, such as, a boot), but
where side element 26 will retain projection 16 and pin 34 when projection 16
is
loaded, for example, with a boot. In one aspect, the angle of orientation a
may
range from about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees, but is typically between
about
20 degrees and about 40 degrees, for example, about 30 degrees. The width 124
of ramp 120 may typically be about the diameter of blind hole 36, for example,
the width 124 may range from about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches, but is
typically
between about 0.5 inches and 1 inch, for example, about 0.625 inches.
1001341 FIGURE 15 is a cross sectional view of the portion of side element 26
shown in FIGURE 14 as viewed along section lines 15-15 in FIGURE 14. Pin 34 is
shown in phantom in FIGURE 15 for reference. As shown most clearly in
FIGURE 15, ramp 120 tapers at an angle p from the bottom or base of blind hole
36 to the surface 122 of side element 26. In one aspect, as shown in FIGURE
15,
ramp 120 may intersect the surface 122 at an edge of side element 26; however,
in
another aspect, ramp 120 may intersect surface 122 at a location interior of
an
edge. The angle 0 of ramp 120 may range from about 0.5 degrees to about 30
31
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
degrees, but is typically between about 10 degrees and 20 degrees, for
example,
about 17 degrees.
[00135] As shown in FIGURE 15, blind hole 36 may have a depth 126 and a
diameter 128. Depth 126 may range from about 0.03125 inches to about 1 inch,
but is typically between about 0.0625 inches to about 0.25 inches, for
example,
about 0.125 inches. Diameter 128 of blind hole 36 may range from about 0.25
inches to about 2 inches, but is typically between about 0.5 inches and about
1
inch, for example, about 0.625 inches.
[00136] FIGURE 16 is a cross sectional view, similar to FIGURE 15, of the
portion of the side element 26 shown in FIGURE 15 showing the relative
movement of mounting pin 34 according to one aspect. In order to aid in the
disclosure of this aspect, a representative portion of projection 16, pins 34,
and
biasing spring 40 are also shown in phantom in FIGURE 16. In one aspect, as
projection 16 is disengaged from side element 26 (and from side element 28,
not
shown) as indicated by the direction of arrow 130, under the influence of
spring
40, Pin 34 engages blind hole 36 and is displaced from blind hole 36 and
slidably
engages ramp 120. Further movement of projection 16 in the direction of arrow
130 further displaces pin 34 along ramp 120 until pin 34 disengages ramp 120
and projection 16 with pins 34 disengages side element 26 (and side element
28).
In a similar fashion, projection 16 and pins 34 can engage side element 26
(and
side element 28) by reversing the movement indicated by arrow 130 until pins
34
re-engage blind hole 36.
[00137] According to aspects of the invention, the disengagement and
engagement (or re-engagement) of projection 16 from side elements 26 and 28
may allow projection 16 and projection module 22 (and any projection module
disclosed herein) to be serviced, maintained, or replaced. In addition, ready
removal and re-engagement of projection 16 with side elements 26 and 28 can
allow access to other components of the invention, for example, to
distribution
panel 72 (see FIGURE 7), to mounting elements 76 (see FIGURE 7) and fasteners
32
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
associated with mounting elements 76, fan assembly 94 (see FIGURE io), spring
40, and pins 34, among other components.
1001381 FIGURE 17 is a side elevation view, partially in cross section, of an
apparel drying assembly or module 150 according to an aspect of the invention,
with a projection 152 in a retracted position. FIGURE 18 is a side elevation
of the
apparel drying assembly or module 150 shown in FIGURE 17, with the projection
152 in an extended position. Similar to other aspects of the invention
disclosed
herein, projection or "peg" 152 includes an internal passage 154 having an
open
end 153. Open end 153 is operatively connected to a source of pressurized air,
and projection 152 may be pivotally mounted at a proximal end 155 to a housing
156, for pivotally rotating projection 152 in to and out of a cavity or recess
158 in
housing 156. According to this aspect, projection 152 may be pivotally mounted
to housing 156 via a pin or dowel 16o, for example, a pin 16o having a biasing
spring 161 (for example, as shown in FIGURES 28 and 29). As disclosed herein,
pressurized air may be passed through internal passage 154 and directed out of
open end 155 to dry a piece of apparel (not shown) mounted to projection 152.
1001391 Also similar to other aspects disclosed herein, assembly 150 may be
provided as a subassembly, an assembly, or a projection module 150 mounted in
a wall or panel not shown, for example, into the assemblies shown in FIGURES
42-45.
1001401 In the aspect of the invention shown in FIGURES 17 and 18, pivotally
mounted projection 152 includes an extension 162 from proximal end 155, and
the extension 162 is positioned and adapted to deflect a valve element when
the
pivotally mounted projection 152 is at least partially rotated into the extend
position shown in FIGURE 18, for example, a position adapted to receive the
apparel (not shown). In one aspect, the extension of proximal end 155 may
comprise an extension of the pivotally mounted projection 152, or a
projection, a
tab, a pin, a rod, a bar, or a related structure mounted to the proximal end
155 of
33
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
projection 152. In the aspect of the invention shown in FIGURES 17 and 18, the
extension may comprise one or more bars or pins 162.
[00141] According to aspects of the invention the extension, for example, bar
162,
on the proximal end 155 of projection 152 may be positioned and adapted to
engage any form of valve element or valve member, for example, a flap, a seat,
a
stem, a ball, or a plug, where pressurized air provided to housing 156 is
provided
to the internal passage 154 of projection 152. In the aspect of the invention
shown in FIGURES 17 and 18, housing 156 includes one or more deflectable bars,
plates, baffles, flaps, or reed valves 164 positioned over a hole or orifice
166 in
housing 156. A detail of the deflection of one valve element according to one
aspect of the invention is shown in FIGURE 19.
[00142] In one aspect, housing 156 of assembly or module 150 may include one
or more mechanisms or retaining devices configured to assist in retaining the
positioning of projection 152 in housing 156, for example, retaining
projection
152 within cavity 158 in housing 156. For example, as shown in FIGURES 17 and
18, housing 156 may include one or more "touch latches" 176, for example,
magnetic touch latches. In one aspect, when the material of projection 152 is
not
ferromagnetic, a ferromagnetic contact 178 may be provided and positioned to
engage touch latch 176. As known in the art, magnetic touch latch 176 may
magnetically retain projection 152 in the retracted position, as shown in
FIGURE
17, and then when projection 152 is compressed against touch latch 176, touch
latch 176 may resiliently deflect projection 152 to facilitate orienting
projection
152 as desired by the user, for example, in the extended position shown in
FIGURE 18. In one aspect, touch latch 176 may be a touch latch provided by
EPCO Hardware, for example, magnetic touch latch 176, or its equivalent. Other
forms of latches, conventional retainers, and retainer hardware may be used
for
assembly 15o as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
[00143] FIGURE 19 is a detailed view of the proximal end 155 of the projection
152 shown in FIGURE 18 as identified by Detail 19 shown in FIGURE 18. As
34
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
shown in FIGURE 19, housing 156 includes a recess or cavity 168 into which the
proximal end of projection 152 may rotate into, and a panel or plate 170
having a
hole or orifice 166 mounted over and defining one end of recess 168, and
positioned to be in fluid communication with open end 153 of projection 152.
As
also shown in FIGURE 19, valve element or baffle 164 maybe mounted to panel
or plate 170 or to housing 156, and, with the rotation of projection 152, bar
or pin
162 on projection 152 contacts and deflects baffle or reed valve 164 to expose
hole
or orifice 166 and allowing pressurized air, as indicated by arrow 172, to
pass
from passage 174 in housing 156 through hole 166, through open end 153, and
into internal passage 154 of projection 152 and out of open end 155, to dry an
apparel mounted on projection 152, as disclosed herein. In one aspect, as
shown
in FIGURE 19, panel or plate 170 and baffle 164 may be mounted in a recess 176
in housing 156 which may typically be exposed to internal passage 174 of
housing
156.
1001441 FIGURE 20 is a side elevation view of a projection 18o that may be
used
for the projection 152 shown in the assembly of FIGURES 17 and 18, and any
projection disclosed herein, according to one aspect of the invention. FIGURE
21
is a front elevation view of projection 180 shown in FIGURE 20 and FIGURE 22
is a top view of projection 180 shown in FIGURE 20 as viewed in the direction
of
Arrow 22 shown in FIGURE 21. As shown in FIGURES 20-22, projection i8o
may typically be an elongated member 182 having an elongated internal cavity
184 having a proximal opening 186 and a distal opening 188.
1001451 As disclosed herein, the elongated member 182 may be fabricated from
any convenient material, for example, from a metal, from a plastic, or from
wood.
In one aspect, elongated member 182 may be fabricated from wood, for example,
a decorative hardwood, such as, cherry, oak, or maple. In another aspect,
member 182 may be fabricated from aluminum or steel, for example, stainless
steel, such as, 304 or 316 stainless steel. Though generally rectangular in
cross
section, for example, as shown in FIGURE 20, member 182 may be fabricated in
any conventional cross sectional shape, such as, circular, elliptical, and
polygonal,
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
including generally rectangular or square. Also, it is envisioned that, though
elongated internal cavity 184 is shown generally circular in cross section,
for
example, as shown in FIGURE 22, elongated internal cavity 184 may be provided
in any conventional cross sectional shape, such as, circular, elliptical, and
polygonal, including generally rectangular or square.
1001461 Elongated member 182 may have a length ranging from about 3 inches
to about 4 feet, but typically has a length of between about 6 inches and
about 18
inches, for example, about 12.75 inches. Elongated member 182 may have a
width or diameter ranging from about 0.25 inches to about 6 inches, but
typically
has a width or diameter between about 0.75 inches and about 2 inches, for
example, about 1.125 inches in width or diameter. The internal cavity 184 of
elongated member 182 may have an internal width or internal diameter ranging
from about 0.125 inches to about 5 inches, but typically has a width or
diameter
between about 0.50 inches and about 2 inches, for example about 0.75 inches in
width or diameter.
[00147] As shown in FIGURE 20, member 182 may have chamfered ends, for
example, the distal end of member 182 may include a chamfer angle, y (gamma),
and the proximal end of member 182 may include a chamfer angle, 8 (delta). The
chamfer angles, y and 8, may be the same or vary, and may range from 5 degrees
to 90 degrees (that is, substantially no chamfer), but typically range from
about
15 degrees to about 60 degrees, for example, about 45 degrees.
[00148] According to aspects of the invention, member 182 includes at least
one
hole 190, for example, a through hole, positioned and sized to receive a dowel
or
pin, for example, about which member 182 may be rotatably mounted, for
instance, pin 160 shown in FIGURES 17-19. Hole hole 190 may have a diameter
ranging from about 0.125 inches to about 2 inches, but typically has a
diameter of
between about 0.25 inches and about 0.50 inches, for example, about 0.375
inches.
36
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
1001491 As also shown in FIGURES 20 and 21, according to aspects of the
invention, member 182 includes at least one projection 192, for example, a
bar,
tab, or pin, positioned and sized to contact and deflect a valve element as
disclosed herein, for example, pin 162 shown in Figures 17-19. FIGURE 23 is a
detailed view of the proximal end of member 182 shown in FIGURE 20 as
identified by Detail 23 shown in FIGURE 20, and showing projection 192 and a
typical mounting. Projection 192 may be mounted to elongated member 182, for
example, to an internal surface of elongated internal cavity 184 or to an
external
surface of member 182, by any conventional means, for example, via one or more
mechanical fasteners, an adhesive, welded, or formed integrally with member
182. In the aspect of the invention shown in FIGURES 20-23, projection 192 may
be mounted to member 182 by a set of fasteners 194, for example, threaded
fasteners or rivets.
1001501 FIGURE 24 is a front elevation view of one projection 192 that may be
used for the projection shown in FIGURES 20-23. FIGURE 25 is a side elevation
view of the projection 192 shown in FIGURE 24. As shown in FIGURES 24 and
25, projection 192 may comprise a rectangular bar, though in other aspects,
projection 1192 may be non-rectangular, for example, circular or elliptical in
cross section. As shown in FIGURE 24, projection 192 may have one or more
through holes 193, for example, adapted to receive fasteners 194. Holes 193
may
be threaded or non-threaded and may have a diameter ranging from about 0.050
inches to about .250 inches, but typically have a diameter of about 0.112
inches.
1001511 Projection 192 may be fabricated from a metal, a plastic, or wood, but
typically is metallic, for example, made of aluminum or stainless steel.
Projection
192 may typically have a length ranging from about 0.50 inches to about 5
inches,
but typically ranges from about 1 inch to about 2 inches in length, for
example,
about 1.4375 inches in length. Projection 192 may typically have a width or
diameter ranging from about 0.125 inches to about 2 inches, but typically
ranges
from about 0.125 inch to about 0.50 inches in width or diameter, for example,
about 0.25 inches in width or diameter. Projection 192 may typically have a
37
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
thickness ranging from about 0.03125 inches to about 0.50 inches, but
typically
ranges from about 0.3125 inches to about 0.25 inches in thickness, for
example,
about 0.0625 inches in thickness.
[00152] FIGURE 26 is a plan view of a panel, plate, or valve seat plate 200
that
may be used for plate 170 shown in FIGURES 17-19 according one aspect of the
invention. As shown in FIGURE 26, valve seat plate 200 may typically comprise
a plate 202 having an orifice or opening 204 and one or more mounting holes
206. As shown most clearly in FIGURE 19, valve seat plate 200 may typically
mounted in housing 156 and provide opening 172/204 or "valve seat" that can be
obstructed by valve element 164, for example, a deflectable baffle or flap.
[00153] Valve seat plate 200 may be made from a metal, a plastic, or wood. For
example, in one aspect, valve seat plate 200 may be made of aluminum or steel,
for example, stainless steel or spring steel.
[00154] In one aspect, orifice or opening 204 in plate 202 may be circular, as
shown, or non-circular, for example, elliptical or polygonal, for example,
rectangular or square. Orifice or opening 204 may typically have an internal
dimension, width, or diameter, ranging from about 0.50 inches to about 5
inches,
but typically ranges from about 1 inch to about 1.50 inches in internal
dimension,
for example, about 1.125 inches in internal dimension.
[00155] Though shown generally rectangular in FIGURE 26, plate 202 may be
circular, elliptic, or polygonal in shape. Plate 202 may typically have a
length or
diameter ranging from about 0.50 inches to about 8 inches, but typically
ranges
from about 1 inch to about 5 inches in length or diameter, for example, about
3.125 inches in length or diameter. Plate 202 may typically have a width
ranging
from about 0.5 inches to about 6 inches, but typically ranges from about 1
inch to
about 2 inches in width, for example, about 1.625 inches in width. Plate 202
may
have a thickness ranging from about 0.005 inches to about 1 inch, but
typically
38
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
ranges from about .005 inches to about 0.125 inches in length, for example,
about
0.010 inches in thickness.
[00156] FIGURE 27 is a plan view of a valve element 210, for example, a
deflectable baffle, flap, or reed valve, which may be used for plate 164 shown
in
FIGURES 17-19 according one aspect of the invention. As shown in FIGURE 27,
valve element 210 may typically comprise a plate 212 having one or more
mounting holes 214. As shown most clearly in FIGURE 19, valve element
164/210 may typically be mounted in housing 156, for example, mounted onto
valve seat 170, obstruct opening 166, and be deflectable by pin or projection
162
to at least partially remove the obstruction to opening 166.
[00157] Plate 212 of reed valve 210 may be made from a metal, a plastic, or
wood.
For example, in one aspect, plate 212 may be made of aluminum or steel, for
example, stainless steel or spring steel.
[00158] Though shown generally rectangular in FIGURE 27, plate 212 of reed
valve 210 may be circular, elliptic, or polygonal in shape. Plate 210 may
typically
have a length or diameter ranging from about 0.50 inches to about 8 inches,
but
typically ranges from about 1 inch to about 5 inches in length or diameter,
for
example, about 2.25 inches in length or diameter. Plate 212 may typically have
a
width ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 6 inches, but typically ranges
from
about 1 inch to about 2 inches in width, for example, about 1.375 inches in
width.
Plate 212 may typically have a thickness ranging from about 0.005 inches to
about 1 inch, but typically ranges from about .005 inches to about 0.125
inches in
length, for example, about 0.010 inches in thickness.
[00159] FIGURE 28 is a side elevation view of a spring wire assembly 220 which
may be used to bias the position of projection 152 shown in FIGURES 17-19
according one aspect of the invention. FIGURE 29 is a plan view of the spring
wire assembly 220 shown in FIGURE 28.
39
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
1001601 As shown in FIGURES 28 and 29, spring wire assembly 220 includes a
u-shaped wire 222 and a set of pins 224 mounted to wire 222. According to
aspects of the invention, pins 224 are positioned and sized to engage holes in
projection 152, for example, holes 190 in elongated member 182 shown in
FIGURE 20, and bias the position of projection 152, for example, bias the
position of projection 152 into the retracted position, for instance, as shown
in
FIGURE 17. Pins 224 may include through holes 226 sized to receive wire 222.
Wire 222 may be retained in holes 226 by deforming wire 222 and/or welding.
1001611 Wire 222 of spring wire assembly 220 may be made from a metal, for
example, stainless steel or spring steel. Though shown generally rectangular
in
FIGURE 29, wire 222 may be formed to any shape compatible with the shape of
the projection, for example, projection 152, which spring wire assembly 220 is
intended to engage. Wire 222 may be formed into circular, elliptic, or
polygonal
shape as needed. Wire 222 may typically have a diameter ranging from about
0.03125 inches to about .25 inches, but typically ranges from about 0.03125
inches to about 0.125 inches in diameter, for example, about 0.0625 inches in
diameter.
1001621 Pins 224 of spring wire assembly 220 may be made from a metal or a
plastic, but are typically metallic, for example, stainless steel or spring
steel.
Though shown generally circular cylindrical in FIGURE 29, pins 224 may be
formed to any shape compatible with the shape the holes in the projection that
pins 224 are intended to engage. Pins 224 may be formed into circular,
elliptic,
or polygonal shape as needed. Pins 224 may typically have a diameter ranging
from about 0.125 inches to about .75 inches, but typically from about 0.25
inches
to about 00.50 inches in diameter, for example, about 0.375 inches in
diameter.
Pins 224 may typically have a length ranging from about 0.25 inches to about 3
inches, but typically range from about 0.50 inches to about 1.50 inches in
diameter, for example, about .9375 inches in diameter.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00163] FIGURE 30 is a side elevation view, partially in cross section, of an
apparel drying assembly or module 230 according to another aspect of the
invention, with a projection 232 in an extended position and in a retracted
position. FIGURE 31 is a front elevation view of the apparel drying assembly
or
module 230 shown in FIGURE 30, with the projection 232 in the retracted
position. FIGURE 32 is a cross-sectional view of the of the apparel drying
assembly or module 230 shown in FIGURE 31, as indicated by section view lines
32-32 shown in FIGURE 31, as mounted, for example, within a wall, according to
one aspect of the invention.
[00164] Also similar to other aspects disclosed herein, assembly or module 230
may be provided as a subassembly, an assembly, or a projection module 230
mounted in a wall or a panel 241, as shown in FIGURE 32, for example, into the
assemblies shown in FIGURES 42-45-
[00165] Similar to other aspects of the invention disclosed herein, projection
or
"peg" 232 of module 230 shown in FIGURES 30-32 includes an internal passage
234 having an open distal end 237, an open proximal end 239 (see FIGURE 33),
and is operatively connected to a source of pressurized air. In one aspect,
projection 232 may include one or more air flow diffusing element 243, for
example, a device having a plurality of holes or orifices adapted to improve
the
distribution and/or increase the velocity of flow of air from open distal end
237.
Projection 232 may be pivotally mounted at a proximal end 235 to a housing
236,
for pivotally rotating projection 232 into and out of a cavity or recess 238
in
housing 236. According to this aspect, projection 232 may be pivotally mounted
to housing 236 by pin or dowel 240. As disclosed herein, pressurized air may
be
passed through internal passage 234 and directed out of open distal end 237 to
dry a piece of apparel (not shown) mounted to projection 232.
[00166] In the aspect of the invention, shown in FIGURES 30-32, pivotally
mounted projection 232 includes an extension 242 from proximal end 235, and
the extension 242 is positioned and adapted to deflect a valve element 244
when
41
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
the pivotally mounted projection 232 is at least partially rotated into an
extend
position, as shown in FIGURE 30, for example, a position adapted to receive
the
apparel (not shown). In one aspect, the extension 242 of proximal end 235 may
comprise an extension of the pivotally mounted projection 232, or a
projection, a
tab, a pin, a rod, a bar, or a related structure mounted to the proximal end
235 of
projection 232. In the aspect of the invention shown in FIGURES 30 and 31, the
extension 242 may comprise one or more bars or pins.
1001671 According to aspects of the invention the extension 242, for example,
a
bar or pin, on the proximal end 235 of projection 232 may be positioned and
adapted to engage any form of valve element is deflected where pressurized air
provided to housing 236 is provided to the internal passage 234 of projection
232. In the aspect of the invention shown in FIGURES 30 and 31, housing 236
includes one or more deflectable baffles, flaps, or reed valves 244 positioned
over
a hole or orifice 246 in housing 236. A detail of the deflection of one valve
element according to one aspect of the invention is shown in FIGURE 33.
1001681 In one aspect, housing 236 of assembly 230 may include one or more
mechanisms to assist in retaining the positioning of projection 232 in housing
236, for example, retaining projection 236 within cavity 238 in housing 236.
For
example, as shown in FIGURES 30 and 31, housing 236 may include one or more
"touch latches" 248, for example, magnetic touch latches. In one aspect, when
the material of projection 232 is not ferromagnetic, a ferromagnetic contact
249
may be provided and positioned to engage touch latch 248. As known in the art,
magnetic touch latch 248 may magnetically retain projection 232 in the
retracted
position, as shown in FIGURE 31, and then when projection 232 is compressed
against touch latch 248, touch latch 248 may resiliently deflect projection
232 to
facilitate orienting projection 232 as desired by the user, for example, in
the
extended position shown in FIGURE 30. In one aspect, touch latch 248 may be a
touch latch provided by EPCO Hardware, for example, magnetic touch latch 248,
or its equivalent. Other forms of latches, conventional retainers, and
retainer
42
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
hardware may be used for assembly 230 as will be apparent to those of skill in
the
art.
[00169] In one aspect, projection 232 may be pivotally mounted to housing 236
with one or more biasing elements 250, for example, an elastomeric element or
spring element adapted to bias the positioning of projection 232, for example,
biased into the retracted position shown in FIGURES 30 and 31. In one aspect,
the biasing element may be associated with dowel or pin 240 and bias the
positioning of projection 232 into the retracted position. One biasing element
that may be used may be the spring wire assembly 220 shown in and described
with respect to FIGURES 28 and 29, thought other types of biasing elements may
be used.
[00170] FIGURE 33 is a detailed view of the proximal end 235 of the projection
232 of module 230 shown in FIGURE 30 as identified by Detail 33 shown in
FIGURE 30, showing the projection 232 in an extended position. As shown in
FIGURE 33, housing 236 includes a recess or cavity 238 into which the proximal
end 255 of projection 232 may rotate into. Projection 232 may be pivotally
mounted to housing 236 by biasing element 250. As shown in FIGURE 33,
housing 236 includes a hole or orifice 246. In the aspect shown, valve
element,
for example, a baffle or reed valve, 244 maybe mounted to housing 236, and,
with the rotation of projection 232, projection, bar, or pin 242 on projection
232
contacts and deflects valve element 244 to expose hole or orifice 246 and
allow
pressurized air, as indicated by arrow 252, to pass through open proximal end
239 and into internal passage 234 of projection 232, and out of open end 237,
to
dry an apparel mounted on projection 232, as disclosed herein.
[00171] FIGURE 34 is a side elevation view of a projection 280 that may be
used
for the projection 232 of assembly or module 230 shown in FIGURES 31-33, and
any projection disclosed herein, according to one aspect of the invention.
FIGURE 35 is a front elevation view of projection 280 shown in FIGURE 34, and
FIGURE 36 is a top view of projection 280 shown in FIGURE 35 as viewed in the
43
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
direction of Arrow 36 shown in FIGURE 35. As shown in FIGURES 34-36,
projection 280 may typically be an elongated member 282 having an elongated
internal cavity 284 having a proximal opening 286 and a distal opening 288.
1001721 As disclosed herein, the elongated member 282 may be fabricated from
any convenient material, for example, from a metal, from a plastic, or from
wood.
In one aspect, elongated member 282 may be fabricated from a metal, for
example, aluminum or steel, for example, stainless steel, such as, 304 or 316
stainless steel. In one aspect, elongated member 282 may be fabricating from
metal pipe or tubing. Though generally rectangular in cross section, for
example,
as shown in FIGURE 36, member 282 may be fabricated in any conventional
cross sectional shape, including circular, elliptical, and polygonal,
including
generally rectangular or square. Also, it is envisioned that, though elongated
internal cavity 284 is shown generally rectangular in cross section, for
example,
as shown in FIGURE 36, elongated internal cavity 284 may be provided in any
conventional cross sectional shape, including circular, elliptical, and
polygonal,
including generally rectangular or square.
1001731 Elongated member 282 may have a length ranging from about 3 inches
to about 4 feet, but typically has a length of between about 6 inches and
about 18
inches, for example, about 12.625 inches. Elongated member 282 may have a
width or diameter ranging from 0.25 inches to 6 inches, but typically has a
width
or diameter between about 0.75 inches and 2 inches, for example about 1 inch
in
width or diameter. The internal cavity 184 of elongated member 182 may have an
internal width or internal diameter ranging from 0.125 inches to 5 inches, but
typically has a width or diameter between about 0.50 inches and 2 inches, for
example about 0.75 inches in width or diameter. The wall thickness of
elongated
member 282 may range from 0.03125 inches to 0.5 inches, but typically has a
wall thickness between about 0.03125 inches and 0.125 inches, for example
about
0.0625 inches in wall thickness.
44
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00174] As shown in FIGURE 34, member 282 may have chamfered ends, for
example, similar to the chamfered ends of elongated member 182 shown in
FIGURE 20. For example, member 282 may have chamfered ends having
chamfer angles that may range from 5 degrees to 90 degrees (that is,
substantially no chamfer), but typically range from about 15 degrees to about
60
degrees, for example, about 45 degrees.
[00175] According to aspects of the invention, member 282 includes at least
one
hole 290, for example, a through hole, positioned and sized to receive a dowel
or
pin, for example, about which member 282 may be rotatably mounted, for
instance, pin 240 shown in FIGURE 30. Hole 290 may have a diameter ranging
from about 0.125 inches to about 2 inches, but typically has a diameter of
between about 0.25 inches an about 0.50 inches, for example, about 0.375
inches.
[00176] As also shown in FIGURES 34-36, according to aspects of the invention,
member 282 includes at least one projection 292, for example, a bar, tab, or
pin,
positioned and sized to contact and deflect a valve element as disclosed
herein,
for example, projection 242 shown in FIGURE 30. Projection 292 may be
mounted to elongate member 282, for example, to an internal surface of
elongated internal cavity 284 or to an external surface of member 282, by any
conventional means, for example, via one or more mechanical fasteners, an
adhesive, welded, or formed integrally with member 282. In the aspect of the
invention shown in FIGURES 34-36, projection 292 may be mounted to member
282 by a weld, for example, 1/4-inch plug weld.
[00177] FIGURE 37 is a plan view of one projection 292 that may be used for
the
projection shown in FIGURES 34-36. FIGURE 38 is a side elevation view of the
projection 192 shown in FIGURE 37. As shown in FIGURES 37 and 38,
projection 292 may comprise a rectangular bar, though in other aspects,
projection 292 may be non-rectangular, for example, circular or elliptical in
cross
section. As shown in FIGURE 37, projection 292 may have a "jog" or "kink" 294
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
to better conform to the shape of elongated member 282 and/or a desired
positioning of projection 192; however, in other aspects, no kink may be
provided.
[00178] Projection 292 may be fabricated from a metal, a plastic, or wood, but
typically is metallic, for example, made of aluminum or stainless steel.
Projection
292 may typically have a length ranging from about 0.25 inches to about 5
inches,
but typically ranges from about 0.50 inch to about 2 inches in length, for
example, about 0.875 inches in length. Projection 292 may typically have a
width
or diameter ranging from about 0.125 inches to about 2 inches, but typically
ranges from about 0.125 inch to about 0.50 inches in width or diameter, for
example, about 0.25 inches in width or diameter. Projection 292 may typically
have a thickness ranging from about 0.03125 inches to about 0.50 inches, but
typically ranges from about 0.3125 inches to about 0.25 inches in thickness,
for
example, about 0.0625 inches in thickness.
[00179] FIGURE 39 is a front elevation view of a housing 300 that may be used
for housing 236 shown in FIGURES 30-33, according to one aspect of the
invention. FIGURE 40 is a side elevation view of housing 300 shown in FIGURE
39, and FIGURE 41 is cross sectional view of housing 300 shown in FIGURE 39
as viewed along section lines 41-41 in FIGURE 39.
[00180] As shown in FIGURE 39, housing 300 may typically include a main body
302 and a flange 304 mounted to main body 302. According to aspects of the
invention, main body 302 includes a cavity or recess 306 into which a
projection,
for example, projection 232 shown in FIGURES 30-33, may be mounted, for
example, pivotally mounted as disclosed herein. Flange 304 may typically
include a plurality of mounting holes 305, for example, for mounting housing
300 to a wall or panel, as disclosed herein, for instance, for mounting into
the
panels disclosed in FIGURES 42-45. According to aspects of the invention, main
body 302 and flange 304 may be provided by any conventional construction, for
example, piece parts assembled by welding, mechanical fasteners, or an
adhesive,
46
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
or as one or more integral components fabricated by, for example, forging,
extrusion, and/or machining. According to aspects o the invention, housing 300
may be made from a metal, a plastic, or wood. For example, in one aspect,
housing 300 may be fabricated from carbon steel and/or stainless steel
components to yield the desired housing shown in FIGURFS 39-41.
[00181] As shown in FIGURE 39, housing 300 may typically include an orifice or
hole 316 which may function as a valve seat for a valve element, for example,
for
reed valve 244 shown in FIGURE 33. Housing 300 may also include one or more
mounting holes 318, for example, for mounting a valve element to housing 300,
for example, for mounting reed valve 244 to over hole 316. Housing 300 may
also include one or more holes 320, for example, for mounting a retaining
device,
for example, touch latch 248 shown in FIGURE 30 to housing 300. As shown in
FIGURE 40, housing 300 may typically include opposing hole 322 in the
opposing sides of housing 300 positioned and adapted to receive a projection
mounting pin, for example, to receive the pins of spring wire assembly 220
shown in FIGURE 29.
1001821 Again, though many means of fabricating housing 300 are envisioned
according to aspects of the invention, in the embodiment shown in FIGURES 39-
41, as most clearly shown in FIGURE 41, housing 300 may be fabricated by
assembling angles 308 and one or more channels 310. Angles 308 and channels
310 may be stock angles and/or channels and/or formed angles and/or formed
channels, for example, angles and/or channels formed from metal plate or
plastic
sheets. Angles 308 and channels 310 may have a thickness ranging from 0.03125
inches to 0.25 inches, for example, about 0.0625 inches. Angles 304 and
channels 306 may be assembled via welding, an adhesive, or mechanical
fasteners.
[00183] As most clearly shown in FIGURE 40, housing 300 may also be
fabricated with end plates 312 and end flanges 314, for example, assembled to
angles 308 and channels 310 by welding, an adhesive, or mechanical fasteners.
47
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
End flanges 314 may have a thickness ranging from about 0.03125 inches to
about 0.25 inches, for example, about 0.0625 inches. End plates 312 may have a
thickness ranging from about 0.125 inches to about 0.5 inches, for example,
about 0.25 inches.
[00184] Main body 302 of housing 300 may typically have a length ranging from
about 3 inches to about 3 feet, but typically ranges from about 8 inches to
about
16 inches in length, for example, about 13.375 inches in length. Main body 302
may typically have a width ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 6 inches,
but
typically ranges from about 0.50 inches to about 1.50 inches in width, for
example, about 1 inch in width. Main body 302 may typically have a depth
ranging from about 0.50 inches to about 6 inches, but typically ranges from
about
0.50 inches to about 3.0 inches in depth, for example, about 1.75 inches in
depth.
1001851 FIGURE 42 is a front elevation view of an assembly or panel assembly
320 having a plurality of pivotally mounted projections 322 according to one
aspect of the invention. FIGURE 43 is a side elevation view of assembly 320
shown in FIGURE 42 having projections 322 oriented in an extended position
according to an aspect of the invention. According to this aspect of the
invention,
assembly 320 includes a housing or panel 324 adapted to receive the pivotally-
mounted projections 322 or projection modules disclosed herein and provide a
flow of pressurized air, for example, heated drying air, to the plurality of
projections 322, in a fashion disclosed herein. In one aspect of the
invention, at
least one of the projections 322 may not be pivotally mounted, but may be
rigidly
mounted in panel 324.
[00186] Projections 322 may be mounted to panel 324 and may function as
disclosed herein. Projections 322 may be mounted to panel 324 by conventional
means, for example, with appropriate hardware, welded, and/or with an
adhesive. Projections 322 may also preferably be mounted to panel 324 by any
one or more of the mounting means disclosed herein. For example, one or more
of the projections 322 may comprise any projection and its mounting, function,
48
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
and operation disclosed herein. For instance, one or more of the projections
322
may be mounted and have the function, operation, materials, and dimensions of
projection 16 disclosed in and described with respect to FIGURES 3-9; one or
more of the projections 322 may be mounted and have the function, operation,
material, and dimensions of projection 84 disclosed in and described with
respect
to FIGURER); one or more of the projections 322 may be mounted and have the
function, operation, materials, and dimensions of projection 106 disclosed in
and
described with respect to FIGURES ii and 12; one or more of the projections
322
may have the mounting and have the function, operation, materials, and
dimensions of projection 152 disclosed in and described with respect to
FIGURES
17 and 18; and/or one or more of the projections 322 may have the mounting and
have the function, operation, materials, and dimensions of projection 232
disclosed in and described with respect to FIGURE 30-33.
[00187] As shown most clearly in FIGURE 43, one or more of the projections 322
may vary in length.
[00188] According to the aspect shown in FIGURE 42 and 43, panel or housing
324 of assembly 320 may be adapted to deliver a flow of pressurized air to at
least
some, but, typically, most of projections 322. For example, in one aspect,
panel
324 may include one or more internal passages, ducts, or channels adapted to
transmit a flow of pressurized air to the open ends (as disclosed herein) of
at least
some of the projections 322. In one aspect, panel 324 may include an internal
passage or chamber 326, for example, a chamber 326 at least partially defined
by
a back panel 328, that is in fluid communication with the open ends of
projections 322, for example, via a valve mechanism, such as, the reed valves
shown in FIGURES 19 or 33.
[00189] In one aspect, a source of pressurized air, for example, a fan or
blower,
may be mounted in assembly 320, for example, at the top, bottom, front, rear,
or
sides of panel 324, and communicate a flow of pressurized air to one or more
of
49
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
projections 322. In one aspect, the flow of pressurized air may be heated
and/or
dehumidified.
1001901 In the aspects of the invention shown in FIGURES 42 and 43, panel
assembly 320 includes at least one source of pressurized air 330 mounted in a
cavity 332 in the top of panel assembly 320. In one aspect, this source of
pressurized air 330 may be a fan 334 driven by an electric motor 336, and the
fan
332 having an inlet 338 in communication with the ambient air, for example,
room air, and an outlet operatively communicating with the internal passage
326,
for example, via internal cavity 332. Ambient air may be drawn into fan 334
via
an appropriate grating 338, for example, a decorative grating. Motor 336 may
be
provided with appropriate electrical power, for example, a power cord
hardwired
to a source of electrical power or a power cord adapted to be plugged into an
electrical outlet.
1001911 The panel 324 and the projections 322 may be fabricated from a metal,
a
plastic, and/or a wood. In one aspect, panel 324 any projections 322 may be
fabricated from a decorative hardwood, for example, a maple, an oak, or a
cherry,
to provide a more aesthetically appealing appearance.
1001921 In one aspect, assembly 320 may be mounted to a surface of barrier or
wall or may at least partially be imbedded in a barrier or wall, for example,
to
minimize intrusion of the assembly into a living or work space. For example,
in
one aspect, assembly 320 may be mounted in a wall where the front surface of
assembly 320 is flush with the wall or barrier, or may protrude only slightly
from
the surface of the wall. Assembly 320 may be mounted to the barrier or wall by
conventional means, for example, with mechanical fasteners.
[00193] The size of assembly 320 may vary depending upon the desired
installation and, for example, the number of projections 322 desired. In one
aspect, panel assembly 320 may have a height ranging from about 3 feet to
about
20 feet, but is typicality between about 4 feet and about 8 feet in height,
for
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
example, about 5.5 feet in height. In one aspect, panel assembly 320 may have
a
width ranging from about 6 inches to about 10 feet, but is typicality between
about 2 feet and about 5 feet in width, for example, about 2.5 feet in width.
In
one aspect, panel assembly 320 may have a depth ranging from 2 inches to about
2 feet, but typicality is between about 2 inches and about 1 foot in depth,
for
example, about 3.5 inches in depth.
1001941 FIGURE 44 is a front elevation view of another assembly or panel
assembly 420 have a plurality of pivotally-mounted projections 422 according
to
another aspect of the invention. FIGURE 45 is a side elevation view of
assembly
420 shown in FIGURE 44 having projections 422 oriented in an extended
position according to an aspect of the invention. According to this aspect of
the
invention, assembly 420 includes a housing or panel 424 adapted to receive the
pivotally-mounted projections 422 and provide a flow of pressurized air, for
example, heated drying air, to the plurality of projections 422, in a fashion
disclosed herein. In one aspect of the invention, at least one of the
projections
442 may not be pivotally mounted, but may be rigidly mounted in panel 424.
1001951 Projections 422 may be mounted to panel 424 and may function as
disclosed herein. Projections 422 may be mounted to panel 424 by conventional
means, for example, with appropriate hardware and/or an adhesive. Projections
422 may also preferably be mounted to panel 424 by any one or more of the
mounting means disclosed herein. For example, one or more of the projections
422 may comprise any projection and its mounting, function, and operation
disclosed herein. For instance, one or more of the projections 422 may be
mounted and have the function, operation, materials, and dimensions of
projection 16 disclosed in and described with respect to FIGURES 3-9; one or
more of the projections 422 may be mounted and have the function, operation,
material, and dimensions of projection 84 disclosed in and described with
respect
to FIGURE io; one or more of the projections 422 may be mounted and have the
function, operation, materials, and dimensions of projection 106 disclosed in
and
described with respect to FIGURES ii and 12; one or more of the projections
422
51
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
may have the mounting and have the function, operation, materials, and
dimensions of projection 152 disclosed in and described with respect to
FIGURES
17 and 18; and/or one or more of the projections 422 may have the mounting and
have the function, operation, materials, and dimensions of projection 232
disclosed in and described with respect to FIGURE 30-33.
[00196] As shown most clearly in FIGURE 45, one or more of the projections 422
may vary in length.
[00197] According to the aspect shown in FIGURE 44 and 45, panel or housing
424 of assembly 420 may be adapted to deliver a flow of pressurized air to at
least
some, but, typically, most of projections 422. For example, in one aspect,
panel
424 may include one or more internal passages, ducts, or channels adapted to
transmit a flow pressurized air to the open ends (as disclosed herein) of at
least
some of the projections 422. In one aspect, panel 424 may include an internal
passage or chamber 426, for example, a chamber 426 at least partially defined
by
a back panel 428, that is in fluid communication with the open ends of
projections 422, for example, via a valve mechanism, such as, the reed valve
shown in FIGURES 19 or 33.
1001981 In one aspect, a source of pressurized air, for example, a fan or
blower,
may be mounted in assembly 420, for example, at the top, bottom, front, rear,
or
sides of panel 424, and communicate a flow of pressurized air to one or more
of
projections 422. In one aspect, the flow of pressurized air may be heated
and/or
dehumidified.
[00199] In the aspects of the invention shown in FIGURES 44 and 45, panel
assembly 420 includes at least one source of pressurized air 430 mounted to a
cavity 432 in the top of panel assembly 420. In one aspect, this source of
pressurized air 430 may be a fan 434 driven by a motor 436, and the fan 432
having an inlet 438 in communication with the ambient air, for example, room
air, and an outlet operatively communicating with internal passages 426, for
52
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
example, via internal cavity 432. Ambient air may be drawn into fan 434 via an
appropriate grating 438, for example, a decorative grating. Motor 436 may be
provided with appropriate electrical power, for example, a power cord
hardwired
to a source of electrical power or a power cord adapted to be plugged into an
electrical outlet.
[00200] The panel 424 and the projections 422 may be fabricated from a metal,
a
plastic, and/or a wood. In one aspect, panel 424 any projections 422 may be
fabricated from a metal, such as, stainless steel or aluminum.
[00201] In one aspect, assembly 420 may be mounted to a surface of a barrier
or
wall or may at least partially be imbedded in a barrier or wall, for example,
to
minimize intrusion of the assembly into a living or work space. For example,
in
one aspect, assembly 420 may be mounted in a wall where the front surface of
assembly 420 is flush with the wall or barrier, or may protrude only slightly
from
the surface of the wall. Assembly 420 may be mounted to the barrier or wall by
conventional means, for example, with mechanical fasteners.
[00202] The size of assembly 420 may vary depending upon the desired
installation and, for example, the number of projections 422 desired. In one
aspect, panel assembly 420 may have a height ranging from about 3 feet to
about
20 feet, but is typicality between about 4 feet and about 8 feet in height,
for
example, about 5.5 feet in height. In one aspect, panel assembly 420 may have
a
width ranging from about 6 inches to about 10 feet, but is typicality between
about 2 feet and about 5 feet in width, for example, about 13.5 inches in
width. In
one aspect, panel assembly 420 may have a depth ranging from about 2 inches to
about 2 feet, but is typicality between about 2 inches and 1foot in depth, for
example, about 3.25 inches in depth.
[00203] FIGURE 46 is a perspective view of another apparel drying assembly 500
according to another aspect of the invention having a housing 502 with
projections 504 and 505 extended. In a fashion similar to other aspects
disclosed
53
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
herein, projections 504 and 505 may typically be pivotally mounted to housing
502, for example, for retraction and/or concealment of projections 504 and 505
within housing 502. FIGURE 47 is a perspective view of the apparel drying
assembly 500 shown in FIGURE 46 with the projections 504 and 505 retracted
according to one aspect of the invention. FIGURE 48 is a front elevation view
of
the apparel drying assembly 500 shown in FIGURE 46. FIGURE 49 is a right-
side elevation view of the apparel drying assembly 500 shown in FIGURE 46, the
left-side elevation view being a mirror image thereof. FIGURE 50 is a top plan
view of the apparel drying assembly 500 shown in FIGURE 46.
1002041 As shown in FIGURES 46 through 50, assembly 500 typically includes a
housing 502 having an internal cavity (not shown) and having an arrangement of
at least two projections 504, and 505, or "pegs," positioned and adapted to
receive an article of clothing (not shown), for example, a shoe, a boot, a
glove, a
hat, a coat, a jacket, and the like, as disclosed herein. According to aspects
of the
invention, projections 504 and 505 are adapted to receive an article of
clothing,
and are also adapted to discharge a flow of air 506, for example, a heated
flow of
air, from the internal cavity in housing 502 to at least partially evaporate
moisture from, for example, "to dry," an article of clothing while the article
is
mounted to projections 504 and 505 of assembly 500. As disclosed herein,
projections 504 and 505 typically include an inlet (not shown) operatively
connected to the internal cavity of housing 502, one or more outlets 508, an
internal passageway (not shown) providing fluid communication between the
inlet to the one or more outlets 508.
1002051 As also shown in FIGURES 46 through 50, according to one aspect of the
invention, housing 502 of assembly 500 includes one or more cavities or
recesses
510 into which projections 504 and 505 may be adapted to retract into, for
example, pivotally rotate into, in a fashion disclosed herein. Though in
FIGURES
46 through 50 each surface or side of housing 502 includes two projections 504
and 505, it is envisioned that one or more projections 504 and 505 may be
provided to a surface, sidewall, or side of housing 502, for example, three or
more
54
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
projections, four or more projections, five or more projections, or even 10 or
more projections may be provided per surface, sidewall, or side of housing
502.
In one aspect, at least one of projections 504 and 505 may have an extractable
air
distribution tube as shown in FIGURES 11 and 12.
[00206] In one aspect, housing 502 may be mounted to a base plate or footplate
515, see FIGURES 53 through 55 below. In one aspect, housing 502 may be
mounted for rotation on base plate 515, for example, with a mechanical
fastener.
In one aspect housing 502, with projections 504 and 505, may be rotatable
about
a stationary base plate 515.
[00207] As also shown in FIGURES 46 through 50, assembly 500 may include a
plurality of extensions or "legs" 512 adapted to support and/or mount housing
502, for example, to support housing 502 (and thus support assembly 500) in
the
vertically-oriented position shown in FIGURES 46 and 47. In one aspect, legs
512 may be retractable or foldable, for example, as shown in FIGURE 47 where
legs 512 are retracted, for example, against housing 502. In one aspect, the
retraction of projections 504 and 505 and the retraction of legs 512 may
reduce
the envelope of assembly 500 in order to facilitate storage, handling, and/or
transport of assembly 500, for example, during travel or commute. In one
aspect, legs 512 may be mounted to base plate 515, for example, with
mechanical
fasteners.
[00208] Projections 504 and 505, and any projections having a similar function
disclosed herein, may have a length ranging from about 3 inches to about 4
feet,
but typically have a length of between about 6 inches and about 18 inches, for
example, about 12.75 inches. Projections 504 and 505, and any projections
having a similar function disclosed herein, may have a width or diameter
ranging
from about 0.25 inches to about 6 inches, but typically have a width or
diameter
between about 0.75 inches and about 2 inches, for example, about 1.125 inches
in
width or diameter. The internal cavities of projections 504 and 505, and of
any
projections having a similar function disclosed herein, may have an internal
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
width or internal diameter ranging from about 0.125 inches to about 5 inches,
but
typically have a width or diameter between about 0.50 inches and about 2
inches,
for example about 0.75 inches in width or diameter.
[00209] As shown in FIGURES 46 through 50, according to one aspect of the
invention, projections 504 and 505 may be pivotally mounted to housing 502
wherein, when retracted into cavities 510 at least one, but typically all, of
the
projections 504 and 505 are substantially concealed within, or not projecting
from, housing 502. For example, in one aspect, when retracted into cavities
510,
a surface of projections 504 and 505, for example, an exposed surface 503 (see
FIGURE 47) of projections 504 and 505, is substantially coplanar with an
external surface 501 of housing 502. This aspect of the invention is most
clearly
illustrated in FIGURE 47, where substantially only one surface 503, for
example,
a lower surface, of projections 504 and 505 is visible when projections 504
and
505 are pivotally retracted.
[00210] As shown in FIGURES 46 through 50, assembly 500 typically includes a
fan, blower, or other form of air handler 514 for drawing air or discharging
air,
for example, ambient air, into the internal cavity of housing 502 and into and
through projections 504 and 505. In the aspect of the invention shown in
FIGURES 46 through 50, air handler 514 may be positioned in the upper end or
top of housing 502, for example, opposite legs 512; however, air handler 514
may
be positioned as convenient within housing 502. In one aspect, air handler 514
may be positioned in the base or bottom of housing 502. In one aspect, the air
handler 514 may be a fan or blower, for example, a 12-volt DC fan or blower.
In
one aspect, air handler 514 may be a model number 10025 centrifugal fan; a
model number 12032 turbo blower; a model number 9733 turbo blower; or a
model number 7530 blower turbine, for example, available from QTYU through
AliExpress, or their equivalent. In one aspect, one or more air handlers 514
may
be positioned in or in fluid communication with housing 502.
56
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00211] In one aspect, housing 502 may also include a heating device 516
positioned and adapted to heat the air handled by air handler 514. In one
aspect,
heating device 516 may be positioned adjacent air handler 514, as shown in
FIGURES 46 through 50, for example, positioned in the upper end or top of
housing 502, for example, opposite legs 512. However, in other aspects,
heating
device 516 may be positioned as convenient within housing 502. In one aspect,
heating device 516 may be positioned in the base or bottom of housing 502. In
one aspect, the heating device 516 may an AC or a DC heating device, for
example, a Surface Insulated noV, 100W, Ceramic Thermostatic, Positive
Temperature Coefficient (PTC) Heating Element available from Freshie Wind
Store through AliExpress, or its equivalent. In one aspect, one or more
heating
devices 516 may be positioned in or in fluid communication with housing 502.
[00212] In one aspect, air handler 514 and/or heating device 516 may be
powered
by conventional means, including batteries, photovoltaic cells, and power from
the local electric grid. For example, in one aspect, assembly 500 may include
a
power cord 518 adapted to provide power from a local source, for example, a
wall
outlet or generator.
[00213] As shown in FIGURE 50, in one aspect, one or more projections 504 and
505 may be oriented in a first direction 505, and one or more projections 504
and
505 may be oriented in a second direction 507, different from the first
direction
505. As shown in FIGURE 50, the orientation of second direction 507 and the
orientation of first direction 505 may be different by an angle 0 ("theta")
degrees,
for example, an angle 0 of about 90 degrees. In other aspects of the
invention,
one or more projections 504 and 505 may be oriented in a second direction 509
different from the first direction 505 by an angle 0 between o degrees and 180
degrees. In other aspects of the invention, one or more projections 504 and
505
may be oriented in a second direction 509 different from the first direction
505
by an angle 0 of at least 5 degrees, or at least 15 degrees, or at least 30
degrees, or
at least 45 degrees, or at least 6o degrees. In one aspect, the angle 0 may be
directed in a circumferential direction, for example, about a line 511
directed
57
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
along the direction of elongation of housing 502. In another aspect, the angle
0
may be directed in a circumferential direction about vertical line 511 defined
by
the intersection of the first direction 505 of one or more projections 504 and
505
and the second direction 507 or 509 of one or more other projections 504 and
505.
1002141 In one aspect, at least one of the directions 505, 507, and 509 may be
substantially perpendicular to an external surface of housing 502. Though the
perpendicular orientation of directions 505, 507, and 509 may be apparent in
the
aspect of the invention having a housing 502 with planar external surfaces
shown
in FIGURE 50, in other aspects, where the shape of the external surfaces of
housing 502 may be non-planar, for example, circular or elliptical, the
orientations of directions 505, 507, and 509 may also be substantially
perpendicular to the non-planar surface(s) of housing 502.
1002151 In contrast to other aspects of the invention disclosed herein,
apparel
drying assembly 500 shown in FIGURES 46 through 50 comprises a compact
design that, for example, may facilitate handling, transport, and/or storage
of an
apparel drying assembly. For example, in one aspect, assembly 500 may be
portable, for example, transportable with little or no effort. In one aspect
of the
invention, assembly 500 may include a handle or strap 513 (shown in phantom in
FIGURES 48 and 49) which may facilitate carrying, handling, and/or transport.
1002161 FIGURE 51 is a front perspective view of one sub-assembly or module
520 that may be mounted to or comprise a component of housing 502 shown in
FIGURES 46 through 50 to provide one aspect of the invention. FIGURE 52 is a
rear perspective view of sub-assembly 520 shown in FIGURE 51. Sub-assembly
or module 520 may be similar in design and construction to sub-assembly or
module 230 and its components shown in and described with respect to
FIGURES 30 through 40 above.
58
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00217] According to aspects of the invention, sub-assembly 520 includes a
housing 522 and at least one, but typically two, projections 524 and 525
mounted
in housing 502 and adapted to receive and transmit pressurized air. According
to
the aspects of the invention shown in FIGURES 46 through 52, projections 504,
505, 524, and 525, may comprise any elongated member having an inlet, an
internal passage, and an outlet 508, for example, hollow wooden pegs, metal
conduit, or plastic tubing among others, for example, any one of the
projections
disclosed herein. In the aspect of the invention shown in FIGURES 51 and 52,
projections 524 and 525 are shown as hollow metal conduit, for example,
rectangular aluminum conduit similar to projection 232 shown in FIGURES 30
through 33 or projection 280 shown in FIGURES 34 through 36.
1002181 Though in FIGURES 51 and 52 sub-assembly or module 520 includes
two projections 524 and 525, it is envisioned that one or more projections
524,
525 may be provided to sub-assembly or module 520, for example, three or more
projections, four or more projections, five or more projections, or even 10 or
more projections may be provided for sub-assembly or module 520.
[00219] As shown in FIGURES 51 and 52, housing 522 may be similar in design
and construction to housing 300 shown in and described with respect to
FIGURES 39 through 41. As also shown in FIGURES 51 and 52, housing 522
includes a cavity or recess 530 into which projections 524 and 525 may
pivotally
retract, and a rear wall 532 having valve mechanism 534. Valve mechanism 534
may be substantially identical to the valve mechanism shown in FIGURES 19
through 33 above. For example, as shown in FIGURE 51 and 52, the valve
mechanism 534 may include a valve element, or flapper, 536 similar to valve
element 210 and/or seat plate 200 shown in FIGURES 26 and 27, and a biasing
spring 538 similar to spring wire assembly 220 shown in FIGURES 28 and 29
above. Though not shown in FIGURES 51 and 52, projections 524 and 525 may
include the projection, bar, or pin 242 shown in FIGURES 33 through 38 on
projections 524 and 525 to enhance engagement with valve mechanism 534 and
59
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-23
an air flow diffusing element similar to element 243 shown and described with
respect to FIGURE 30 above.
[00220] According to aspects of the invention, one or more sub-assemblies or
modules 520 maybe mounted or arranged to provide the apparel drying
assembly 500 shown in FIGURES 46 through 50. For example, in one aspect,
one or more modules 502 may be mounted to a housing, frame, or support
structure adapted to provide a flow of pressurized air wherein pressurized air
is
emitted from the outlets of projections 524 and 525 to dry, for example, a
pair of
gloves mouthed on projections 524 and 525. The mounting or assembly may be
provided by mechanical fasteners or welding. In another aspect, two or more
modules 520 maybe assembled, for example, with mechanical fasteners or
welding, to provide at least a portion of an apparel draying assembly. In
another
aspect, one or modules 520 maybe mounted to a surface, for example, to a panel
or to a wall, and be provided with a flow of pressurized air wherein
pressurized
air is emitted from the outlets of projections 524 and 525.
[00221] It is envisioned that one or more sub-assemblies or modules 520 shown
in FIGURES 51 and 52 may be implemented in any and all apparel drying
assemblies disclosed therein. For example, one or more sub-assemblies or
modules 520 shown in FIGURES 51 and 52 may be used in the apparel drying
assembly 10 shown in FIGURES 1 and 2; in the apparel drying assembly 320
shown in FIGURES 42 and 43; in the apparel drying assembly 420 shown in
FIGURES 44 and 45; and in apparel drying assembly 500 shown in FIGURES 46
through 50.
[00222] FIGURES 53, 54, and 55 are a top plan view, a side elevation view, and
a
bottom view, respectively, of base plate 515 of apparel drying assembly 500
shown in FIGURES 46 and 47. According to aspects of the invention, base plate
515 is adapted to receive and support housing 502 of assembly 500. In one
aspect, base plate 515 may be adapted to engage support legs 512 of assembly
500. In one aspect, base plate 515 my further be adapted to receive and
support
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
housing 502 while permitting housing 502 to rotate about base plate 515, for
example, to vary the orientation of projections 504 and 505 of assembly 502.
[00223] As shown FIGURES 53, 54, and 55, base plate 515 may comprise a top
plate 542 and a plurality of bottom plates 544. As shown in FIGURES 53 and 55,
top plate 542 may include a central hole or through hole 546 adapted to
receive a
fastener (not shown) adapted to mount housing 502 of assembly 500, for
example, a fastener allowing housing 502 to rotatably mount to top plate 542.
In
one aspect, housing 502 may be mounted to top plate 542 by a threaded fastener
positioned in through hole 546 and in a corresponding hole in the bottom of
housing 502, one or two threaded nuts, and one or more washers, as known in
the art.
1002241 As also shown in FIGURES 53 and 55, in one aspect, top plate 542, may
include an annular recess or groove 548 adapted to engage one or more
projections from housing 502. For example, in one aspect, a projection, for
example, a pin, from the bottom of housing 502 may engage annular recess 548
in top plate 542 and annular recess 548 may guide and/or limit the rotation of
housing 502 about base plate 515. In one aspect, annular recess 548 may
include
ends 550 that limit the movement of the projection in housing 503 and thus
limit
the rotation of housing 502. Base plate 515 of apparel drying assembly 500 may
include a plurality of holes 552, for example, threaded holes, positioned and
adapted to receive fasteners to mount legs 512, for example, rotatably mount
legs
512.
[00225] As shown FIGURES 53, 54, and 55, top plate 544 may be a rectangular,
1-1/4 inch thick, 4-1/2 inch x 4-1/2 inch plate and base plate 515 may include
four
bottom plates 544, for example, rectangular, 1/4-inch plate thick, 1-1/2 inch
x 1-1/4
inch plates. Top plate 542 and bottom plates 544 may be made from any one or
more of the materials disclosed herein, for example, from a metal, such as,
steel
or aluminum, or a plastic, such as, PVC. Bottom plates 544 may be positioned
and sized to support top plate 542 and housing 502.
61
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00226] FIGURES 56 and 57 are a side elevation view and a top plan view,
respectively, of a support leg 512 of apparel drying assembly 500 shown in
FIGURES 46 and 47. As shown in FIGURES 46 and 47, support leg 512 may be
mounted, for example, rotatably mounted, to housing 502 or to base plate 515.
As shown in FIGURE 47, legs 512 may rotate or retract to facilitate handling
and
storage of aspects of the invention.
1002271 As shown in FIGURES 56 and 57, support legs 512 may comprise an
elongated cylindrical member 554 having a first, or proximal end, 556 adapted
to
mount to housing 502 or to base plate 515, and a second, or distal end, 558,
having a footplate 560. Elongated cylindrical member 554 may be rectangular in
cross section, but any shaped cylindrical member may be provided. As shown, in
one aspect, the dimensions of member 554 may vary from first end 556 to second
end 558, for example, having a height that tapers from a larger height near
first
end 556 to a smaller height at second end 558. In one aspect, proximal end 556
of legs 512 may rotatably mount via a hole 552 of legs 512, for example, via a
mechanical fastener, such as, a bold or screw, positioned in a through hole
562 in
first end 556. As shown, footplate 560 may be rectangular in one aspect, buy
may
comprise any appropriate shape, such as, circular or elliptical, and provide
the
desired support and/or stability.
[00228] In one aspect, first end 556 of leg 512 may include an elongated slot
564
and a recess 566 adapted to vary the positioning of legs 512 on housing 502 or
on
base plate 515. For example, as shown in FIGURES 46, 47, and 48, legs 512 may
be rotatably mounted to a pin or pivot in housing 502 to hole 562 in leg 512,
as
shown in the retracted position of FIGURE 47, and, when extended as shown in
FIGURE 46 and 48, legs 512 may be rotatably mounted to the pin or pivot in
housing 502 to recess 566 in leg 512. According to this aspect of the
invention,
legs 512 may be rotatably mounted to holes 562 wherein legs 512 may be
compactly retracted against housing 502 to facilitate handling and storage,
while
legs 512 may also be rotatably mounted to recesses 566 wherein legs 512 may
also
effectively support housing 502, for example, when in use.
62
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00229] The size of housing 502 of dryer assembly 500 shown in FIGURES 46
thought 50 may vary depending upon the desired installation and, for example,
the number of projections 504 and 505 desired. In one aspect, housing 502 or
drying assembly 500 may have a height ranging from about 6 inches to about 20
feet, but is typicality between about 2 feet and about 4 feet in height, for
example,
about 3 feet in height. In one aspect, the width of housing 502 of dryer
assembly
500 may range from about 1 inch to about 3 feet, but is typicality between
about 2
inches and about 6 inches in width, for example, about 3 inches in width.
Housing 502 may be square cylindrical in shape, as shown in FIGURES 46
through 50, but may be any convenient cylindrical shape, including circular
cylindrical, rectangular cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, and elliptical
cylindrical.
[00230] According to aspects of the invention, dryer assembly 500 shown in
FIGURES 46 though 50, and any of the components of assembly 500 disclosed
herein, may be made from any one or more of the materials disclosed wherein,
including a wood, a metal, and/or a plastic.
[00231] FIGURE 58 is a perspective view, partially exploded, of another
apparel
drying assembly 600 according to another aspect of the invention. As shown,
apparel drying assembly 60o includes a housing 602 having projections 604,
6o6, and 608 extending from housing 602. In contrast to other aspects of the
invention disclosed wherein, projections 604, 606, and 608 my typically not be
pivotally mounted to housing 602, but may be received by housing 602 by
appropriately located, oriented, and/or sized recesses, holes, or cavities,
61o, 612,
and 614, respectively, in housing 602.
[00232] Though in one aspect of the invention, recesses, holes, or cavities,
61o,
612, and 614 may be cavities or through holes adapted to receive projections
604,
6o6, and 6o8 in housing 602, for example, a cavity or through hole in a side
wall
603 of housing 602, in the aspect of the invention shown in FIGURE 58,
recesses,
holes, or cavities, 610, 612, and 614 may comprise recesses, holes, or
cavities in a
63
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
reinforcing ring, coupling, or fitting 616, 618, and 620, respectively,
mounted in
housing 602 and adapted to receive projections 604, 6o6, and 608. For example,
in one aspect, reinforcing rings, couplings, or fittings 616, 618, and 620
having
recesses, holes, or cavities, 610, 612, and 614, respectively, may be mounted
in a
sidewall 603 of housing 602. In the following discussion, though recesses,
holes,
or cavities, 61o, 612, and 614 may comprise many shapes and sizes, for the
sake
of brevity, these structures and any related structures will be referred to as
"holes" 61o, 612, and 614; and, though reinforcing rings, couplings, or
fittings
616, 618, and 620 may also comprise many structures, shapes, and sizes, for
the
sake of brevity, these structures and any related structures will be referred
to as
"fittings" 616, 618, and 620.
1002331 As shown in FIGURE 58, assembly 600 typically includes a housing 602
having an internal cavity (not shown) and having an arrangement of at least
two
projections 604, 606, or 608, or "pegs," positioned and adapted to receive an
article of clothing (not shown), for example, a shoe, a boot, a glove, a hat,
a coat, a
jacket, and the like, as disclosed herein. According to aspects of the
invention,
projections 604, 6o6, and 608 are adapted to receive an article of clothing,
and
are also adapted to discharge a flow of air 607, for example, a heated flow of
air
from the internal cavity in housing 602 to at least partially evaporate
moisture
from, for example, "to dry," an article of clothing while the article is
mounted to a
projection 604, 606, or 6o8 of assembly 600. As disclosed herein, projections
604, 606, and 608 typically include an inlet 605 and 607 in fluid
communication
with the internal cavity of housing 602, one or more outlets 609, an internal
passageway (not shown) providing fluid communication between the inlet 605 or
607 to the one or more outlets 609. In one aspect, in addition to outlet 609,
or a
distal outlet, projections 604, 606, and/or 608 may include one or more
lateral
outlets 611, for example, outlets or holes evenly spaced along the length of
projections 604, 6o6, and/or 6o8, and/or evenly spaced about the perimeter or
surface of projections 604, 606, and/or 6o8.
64
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
1002341 Projections 604, 6o6, and 608 may have the dimension of any of the
other projections disclosed herein. For example, projections 604, 606, and 608
may have a length ranging from about 3 inches to about 4 feet, but typically
has a
length of between about 6 inches and about 18 inches; may have a width or
outer
diameter ranging from about 0.25 inches to about 6 inches, but typically has a
width or diameter between about 0.75 inches and about 2 inches; and may have
internal cavities having an internal width or internal diameter ranging from
about 0.125 inches to about 5 inches, but typically has a width or diameter
between about 0.50 inches and about 2 inches.
[00235] Though in FIGURE 58 each surface or side of housing 602 includes four
projections 604, 606, and 608, it is envisioned that one or more projections
604,
606, or 6o8 may be provided to a surface or sidewall 603 of housing 602, for
example, three or more projections, four or more projections, five or more
projections, or even 10 or more projections may be provided per surface or
sidewall 603 of housing 602. In one aspect, projections 604, 6o6, and/or 608
may have an extractable air distribution tube as shown in FIGURES ii and 12.
[00236] As also shown in FIGURE 58, projections 604, 6o6, and 6o8 may vary in
size and shape. For example, as shown, projections 604, 606, and 608 may be
circular cylindrical having a circular cross section, as indicted by
projections 604
and 606 in FIGURE 58. Accordingly, holes 61o, 612, and 614 in fittings 616,
618,
and 620 may be circular in cross section to receive circular cylindrical
projections
604, 6o6, and 608.
[00237] In another aspect, as shown, projections 604, 6o6, and 608 may be
rectangular or square cylindrical having a square or rectangular cross
section, as
indicted by projection 6o8 in FIGURE 58. Accordingly, holes 610, 612, and 614
in fittings 616, 618, and 620 maybe square or rectangular in cross section to
receive square or rectangular cylindrical projections 604, 6o6, and 6o8.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00238] It is also envisioned that projections 604, 606, and 608 may be
elliptical cylindrical having an elliptical cross section or polygonal
cylindrical
having a polygonal cross section. Accordingly, holes 610, 612, and 614 in
fittings
616, 618, and 620 may be elliptical or polygonal in cross section to receive
elliptical or polygonal cylindrical projections 604, 606, and 608.
[00239] Though in one aspect of the invention, projections 604, 606, and 608
may be similar in size and shape, for example, each comprising circular
cylindrical projections or square cylindrical projections, in other aspects of
the
invention, projections 604, 6o6, and 608 may vary in size and shape, for
example, some of projections 604, 6o6, and 608 may be elliptical cylindrical
in
shape while others maybe polygonal cylindrical in shape. In addition,
projections 604, 606, and 608 may vary in size, such as, vary in length and/or
vary in outer dimension, such as, vary in outer diameter.
[00240] Housing 602 and projections 604, 606, and 6o8 may be fabricated from
any one or more of the materials disclosed herein, for example, from a
plastic,
such as, PVC pipe; from a metal, such as, aluminum tubing; or from a wood,
such
as, oak.
[00241] In one aspect, housing 602 may be mounted to a base plate or footplate
615, for example, a base plate 615 similar to base plate 515 shown in FIGURES
53
through 55 above. In it is also envisioned that housing 602 may be mounted for
rotation on base plate 615, for example, with a mechanical fastener. In one
aspect housing 602, with projections 604, 6o6, and 608, may be rotatable about
a stationary base plate 615.
[00242] As also shown in FIGURE 58, assembly 600 may include legs 613
adapted to support and/or mount housing 602, for example, to support housing
602 (and thus support assembly 500) in the vertically-oriented position shown
in
FIGURE 58. Legs 613 may be similar in design and function as legs 512 shown in
FIGURES 46, 47, 56, and 57. For example, legs 613 may be retractable or
66
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
foldable, for example, as shown in FIGURE 47, to reduce the envelope of
assembly 600 in order to facilitate storage, handling, and/or transport of
assembly 600, for example, during travel or commute.
1002431 As shown in FIGURE 58, assembly 600 typically includes one or more
fans, blowers, or other forms of air handler 624 for drawing air or
discharging air,
for example, ambient air, into the internal cavity of housing 602 and into and
through projections 604, 606, and 608 as disclosed herein. In one aspect,
housing 602 may also include a heating device 626 positioned and adapted to
heat the air introduced by air handler 624, as disclosed herein. In one
aspect, air
handler 624 and/or heating device 626 maybe powered by conventional means,
including batteries, photovoltaic cells, and power from the local electric
grid. For
example, in one aspect, assembly 600 may include a power cord 622 adapted to
provide power from a local source, for example, a wall outlet or generator.
1002441 FIGURE 59 is a side elevation view, partially in cross section, of an
engagement of projection 604, 6o6, or 608 with the housing 602 shown in
FIGURE 58 prior to engagement according to one aspect of the invention.
FIGURE 6o is a side elevation view, partially in cross section, of an
engagement
of a projection 604, 6o6, or 608 with the housing 602 shown in FIGURE 58 after
engagement according to one aspect of the invention. In FIGURE 59, a cross
section of a portion of a sidewall 603 of housing 602 is shown having a
fitting
616, 618, or 620 positioned and adapted to receive a projection 604, 606, or
608.
As shown in FIGURES 59 and 6o, fitting 616, 618, or 620 may be a cylindrical
body 628, for example, a circular cylindrical body or polygonal cylindrical
body,
mounted in sidewall 603 of housing 602. According to aspects of the invention
cylindrical body 628 of fitting 616, 618, or 620 may be mounted to sidewall
603
by conventional means, for example, with an adhesive, with mechanical
fasteners, or integrally molded into sidewall 603. As shown, in one aspect,
the
ends of cylindrical body 628 may defined planes substantially parallel to the
surface of sidewall 603, though in other aspects, the ends of cylindrical body
628
may defined planes substantially non-parallel to the surface of sidewall 603
67
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00245] Cylindrical body 628 of fitting 616, 618, or 620 may have an axis of
orientation 630 making an angle a ("alpha") with the direction of the axis of
elongation 632 of housing 602. In one aspect, the direction of the axis of
elongation 632 may be substantially parallel to the surface 603 of housing 602
and/or substantially parallel to a vertical plane defined by a plumb bob.
According to aspects of the invention, the angle a may range from about 10
degrees to about 80 degrees, but is typically, ranges between about 40 degrees
and about 50 degrees, for example, about 45 degrees. It will be understood
that
with the engagement of cylindrical projections 604, 6o6, or 608 with fitting
616,
618, or 620, as shown in FIGURE 61, when mounted to housing 602, the
orientation or direction of projections 604, 6o6, or 608 may be defined by
angle
a.
[00246] In one aspect, the internal surface of cylindrical body 628 may be
adapted to accommodate and/or retain cylindrical projections 604, 606, or 608.
For example, in one aspect, the shape of the internal cross section of
cylindrical
body 628 may be sized and shaped to receive the external cross section of
cylindrical projections 604, 6o6, or 6o8. In one aspect, the shape of the
internal
cross section of cylindrical body 628 may be tapered to receive and engage the
external cross section of cylindrical projections 604, 606, or 6o8. In another
aspect, the internal surface of cylindrical body 628 may be threaded and
receive
and engage an external threaded surface of the cylindrical projections 604,
6o6,
or 608. In another aspect, the internal cross surface of cylindrical body 628
may
include a projection 634 or step reduction in internal dimension (such as, a
reduction in internal width or in internal diameter) to restrict or prevent
the
insertion of the cylindrical projections 604, 6o6, or 6o8 past the stop or
step, as
shown in FIGURE 6o. Other means for engaging cylindrical projections 604,
606, or 608 with fitting 616, 618, or 620 or limiting the insertion of
cylindrical
projections 604, 6o6, or 6o8 in to fitting 616, 618, or 620 will be apparent
to
those of skill in the art.
68
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00247] In one aspect of the invention, housing 602 includes a valve element
636
and the insertion of projections 604, 606, or 608 into fitting 616, 618, or
620 at
least partially deflects the valve element 636, as shown in FIGURE 60, to
expose
the inlet 605 or 607 of projections 604, 606, or 608. As disclosed herein,
valve
element 636 may be a flapper valve element similar or identical to flapper
valve
element 210 shown in FIGURE 27. For example, valve element 636 may a
deflectable baffle, flap, or reed valve mounted by one or more fasteners 638
to
sidewall 603. As disclosed herein, this deflection of valve element 636 may
allow
any pressurized air within housing 602, for example, from air handler 624, to
access and flow through inlet 605 and 607, as indicated by arrow 640, and
through projections 604, 6o6, or 6o8 to dry apparel placed on projections 604,
606, or 6o8.
[00248] As shown in FIGURES 59 and 6o, according to one aspect of the
invention, the insertion of a projection 604, 606, or 608 into a fitting 616,
618, or
620 having a valve element 636 mounted nearby deflects the valve element 636
to allow pressurized air to pass through a projection 604, 606, or 608 to dry,
for
example, glove. However, without the insertion of a projection 604, 6o6, or
608
into a fitting 616, 618, or 620, the valve element 636 is not deflected, and
little or
no pressurized air is allowed to exit the internal cavity of housing 602.
Accordingly, in one aspect, pressurized air is only discharged from housing
602
when a projection 604, 6o6, or 6o8 is inserted into a fitting 616, 618, or 620
mounted to housing 602.
[00249] It is envisioned that the valve element deflection shown in FIGURES 59
and 6o is not limited to assembly 600 shown in FIGURE 58, but may be
implemented in any and all apparel drying assemblies disclosed therein. For
example, the insertion of a projection 604, 606, or 608 into a fitting 616,
618, or
620 to deflect a valve element 636 may be practiced in the apparel drying
assembly 10 shown in FIGURES 1 and 2; in the apparel drying assembly 320
shown in FIGURES 42 and 43; in the apparel drying assembly 420 shown in
69
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
FIGURES 44 and 45; and in apparel drying assembly 500 shown in FIGURES 46
through 50.
[00250] The size of housing 602 of dryer assembly 600 shown in FIGURES 58
through 6o may be similar to the size of housing 502 of dryer assembly 500
shown in FIGURES 46 thought 50. For example, housing 602 or drying assembly
600 may have a height ranging from about 6 inches to about 20 feet, but is
typicality between about 2 feet and about 4 feet in height, for example, about
3
feet in height. Housing 602 may be square cylindrical in shape, as shown in
FIGURES 58 through 60, but may be any convenient cylindrical shape, including
circular cylindrical, rectangular cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, and
elliptical
cylindrical.
[00251] FIGURE 61 is a perspective view, partially exploded, of a mounting
arrangement 65o for a projection 652 with housing 602 shown in FIGURE 58.
As shown, housing 602 includes a projection storage cavity 654 according to
one
aspect of the invention. FIGURE 62 is a perspective view, partially exploded,
similar to FIGURE 61 of mounting arrangement 650 for the projection 652 with
housing 602. In FIGURE 62, the projection 652 is positioned in the projection
storage cavity 654 according to one aspect of the invention.
[00252] As shown in FIGURES 61 and 62, housing 602 includes a fitting 656
positioned and adapted to receive projection 652. According to this aspect,
projection 652 may have one or more of the features of projections 604, 6o6,
or
608 disclosed herein. For example, projection 652 may comprise a circular
cylindrical tube. Fitting 656 may have one or more of the features of fittings
616,
618, or 620 disclosed herein. For example, fitting 656 may have an opening 658
sized to receive projection 652. In this aspect of the invention, housing 602
includes at least one cavity or recess 654 sized to receive one or more
projections
652.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00253] As shown in FIGURES 61 and 62, prior to or after inserting projection
652 into fitting 656, projection 652 may be placed in to cavity 654, for
example,
for storage during transport or handling. Though a single projection 652, a
single
fitting 656 and a single cavity 654 are shown in FIGURES 61 and 62, according
to
aspects of the invention, a plurality of projections 652, a plurality of
fittings 656
and a plurality of cavities may be provided, for example, on or in one or more
sidewalls 603 of housing 602. In addition, though in the aspect of the
invention
shown in FIGURES 61 and 62, cavity 654 is shown positioned above fitting 656,
according to aspects of the invention, cavity 654 may be located in any
location in
housing 602, for example, to one or more sides of fitting 656, below fitting
656,
and/or within housing 602, such as, in a cavity accessed from the top or the
bottom of housing 602, among other positions.
[00254] Though not shown in FIGURES 61 and 62, in one aspect, cavity 654 may
be adapted to not only receive one or more projections 652, but cavity 654 may
be
adapted to retain one or more projections 652, for example, retain one or more
projections 652 to minimize or prevent dislodgement from cavity 654. For
example, in one aspect, cavity 654 may be sized to snugly receive one or more
projections 652, for example, where friction between a wall of cavity 654 and
a
surface of projection 652 to minimize or prevent dislodgement. In another
aspect, cavity 654 may include a retaining device or mechanism, for example,
one
or more retaining clips or retaining straps, such as, a hook and loop type
retaining strap (for example, a strap with a Velcro-type fastener or its
equivalent)
that minimizes or prevents dislodgement. In another aspect, cavity 654 may
include a cover, for example, a removable or hinged cover or door adapted to
retain one or more projections 652 within cavity 654, for example, during
transport or handling.
[00255] It is envisioned that the mounting arrangement 650 shown in FIGURES
61 and 62 is not limited to assembly 600 shown in FIGURE 58, but may be
implemented in any and all apparel drying assemblies disclosed therein. For
example, the mounting arrangement 65o shown in FIGURES 61 and 62 may be
71
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
utilized in the apparel drying assembly 10 shown in FIGURES 1 and 2; in the
apparel drying assembly 320 shown in FIGURFS 42 and 43; in the apparel drying
assembly 420 shown in FIGURES 44 and 45; and in apparel drying assembly 500
shown in FIGURES 46 through 50.
[00256] FIGURE 63 is a side elevation view of a nested assembly 66o of a
plurality of projections 662, 664, 666, and 668 according to an aspect of the
invention. As shown in FIGURE 63, in this aspect, projections 662, 664, 666,
and 668 are progressively larger in size, for example, larger in outer width
or
diameter, wherein the projections may be at least partially received inside a
larger projection. As shown in FIGURE 63, projection 668 may fit into
projection
666, which may fit into projection 664, which may fit into projection 662.
Projections 662, 664, 666, and 668 may have any one or more the properties of
projections 604, 6o6, or 608 disclosed herein. For example, projections 662,
664, 666, and 668 may be metallic or plastic, and may be circular cylindrical
or
polygonal cylindrical. In one aspect, projections 662, 664, 666, and 668 may
about the same length; in other aspects, the lengths of projections 662, 664,
666,
and 668 may vary. Though the nested assembly 660 shown in FIGURE 63
includes four nested projections, according to aspects of the invention,
assembly
660 may have two or more projections.
[00257] In one aspect of the invention, the nested assembly 66o of projections
662, 664, 666, and 668 may be received by cavity 654 as shown in FIGURE 61
and 62. In other words, cavity 654 may be sized and adapted to receive a
nested
assembly 66o. For example, in one aspect, a nested assembly 66o of projections
may be inserted into one or more cavities 654 on a sidewall 603 of housing 602
or within a cavity within housing 602, for instance, to facilitate storage or
handling.
[00258] As disclosed herein, embodiments of the invention, in their many
aspects, provide systems, devices, and methods for introducing a stream of
drying air to articles, for example, articles of clothing, for instance, foot
wear (for
72
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
example, ski boots, snowboard boots, shoes, boots, work boots, sneakers,
skates,
cleats, soccer boots, socks, and the like); hand wear (for example, gloves,
work
gloves, ski gloves, hockey gloves, mittens, and the like); over coats (for
example,
ski wear, parkas, jackets, leg wear (for example, pants, ski pants, trousers,
and
the like); and other clothes or garments to dry the article and, for example,
facilitate further use. Aspects of the invention may be adapted for use in
firehouses, for example, to dry firemen's boots. Aspects of the invention may
also
be adapted for use by athletes, for example, in locker rooms, for instance,
hockey
locker rooms, for drying hockey gloves, hockey skates, and other gear, or in
football locker rooms to dry footwear, helmets, and other gear. Aspects of the
invention may be uniquely adapted to drying winter clothing, in particular,
after
a day on the skiing or sledding, but other aspects of the invention may be
used for
drying any form of clothing, including damp swim wear and beach towels. In
addition to residential or resort use, aspects of the invention may also be
used in
commercial and/or industrial applications where the drying of articles, for
example, fabrics, work gear, or manufactured articles is desired.
1002591 The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used
herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the
plural
forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be
further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations,
elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of
one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,
and/or groups thereof.
1002601 The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all
means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to
include
any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination
with
other claimed elements as specifically claimed.
73
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
[00261] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for
purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive
or
limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without
departing
from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the
practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to
understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications
as
are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[00262] While several aspects of the present invention have been described and
depicted herein, alternative aspects may be affected by those skilled in the
art to
accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended
claims to cover all such alternative aspects as fall within the true spirit
and scope
of the invention.
* * * * *
74
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
