Collapsible drying apparatus and method for forming and collapsing said apparatus

Abstract

A collapsible drying apparatus and method for forming and collapsing such apparatus, said apparatus comprising a frame having an expanded state and a collapsed state, a web substantially stretched over the frame, at least one support member coupled to the frame, and a strap having its ends coupled to the web, including a releasable fastener located a predetermined distance from one of the ends of the strap, and having adjustable length to apply a corresponding tension to the frame and the web, biasing the apparatus into a convexly accurate condition.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to household products and specifically to a collapsible drying apparatus for convenient drying, storage, and transportation. The need for this invention arises in typical households. It is particularly difficult to dry certain garments used in the household, especially those made out of heavy fabrics, such as wool. Such garments must be laid on a smooth surface and air-dried over a period of time.Several prior art devises have attempted to provide solutions to this problem. However, none provide the convenient, economical, and easy to use features of the present invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,147 to Zheng discloses a method and apparatus for folding and collapsing an object incorporating a flexible loop. The need for a cable having it ends passing through an opening and then tied to second and third points along the loop restricts the use of the object in the drying process. Furthermore, the invention do...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a collapsible drying apparatus that includes a frame and a stretched web. It has two support members attached to the frame and a strap with a releasable fastener. The strap applies a variable tension to the frame and the web, which makes them take a convexly arcuate position for supporting garments or other articles for drying and air movement. The apparatus can be folded into its collapsed state by disengaging the fastener, rotating the support members, and securing the frame with the strap. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a convenient and easy-to-use collapsible drying apparatus that can be easily folded for storage when not in use."

Problems solved by technology

It is particularly difficult to dry certain garments used in the household, especially those made out of heavy fabrics, such as wool.

However, none provide the convenient, economical, and easy to use features of the present invention.

Furthermore, the invention does not allow both sides of the garment to be freely exposed to air movement.

However, taking apart such a device appears to be a laborious process and storing it is a challenge in relatively narrow place, such as traveler's bag.

Reliability may be a problem also, because plastic elements tend to break easily.

The platform is not foldable and, therefore, is harder to transport or to store.

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