WO2008039086A2

WO2008039086A2 - A drying rack

Info

Publication number: WO2008039086A2
Application number: PCT/NZ2007/000283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason Matthew Costello; Richard Montague Adams
Original assignee: HEATED CLOTHES RACK Co Ltd
Current assignee: HEATED CLOTHES RACK Co Ltd
Priority date: 2006-09-26
Filing date: 2007-09-26
Publication date: 2008-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2009-03-26
Also published as: WO2008039086A3; AU2007300783A1

Abstract

In one embodiment now described, there is provided a rack (100), comprising a pair of cantilevered support frames (110) and a pair of legs (130) in an A-frame configuration. The cantilevered support frames (110) include a plurality of tubular support members (106), shown in a form of rungs. While the support members (106) are shown as rungs in figure 1, it is envisaged that they could be configured in a multitude of various shapes and sizes. The support frames (110) are moveable relative to the legs (130) between a receiving condition, in which the legs (130) are configured to stably support the support frames (110) to present the support members (106) in a position suitable for recieving items to be dried, and a collapsed condition in which the rack (100) is configured for convenient storage or transport or both. The support members (106) are heated by means of a plurality of electrical heating elements (300) in the form of a multi-stranded double insulated wire element disposed with the hollow tubular support members (106). The heating elements (300) are powered by electrical power which is fed into the rack (100) by means of a plug (200) and an electrical cord (210). The heating elements (300) serve to heat the support members (106), to facilitate drying of items which are supported by the support members (106).

Description

A DRYING RACK TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to collapsible heated racks and in particular, but not exclusively, to collapsible clothes horses having a heating element within support members of a frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known clothes racks typically comprise a plurality of rigid wire members coated with a plastics material and configured as a support frame. The frame may be collapsible about a central pivot from an expanded drying configuration to a collapsed storage configuration. This collapsible characteristic makes clothes horses particularly suitable where there is limited storage space available. These clothes racks are commonly referred to as "clothes horses".

The drying of clothes hung on existing clothes horses depends on ambient conditions such as temperature, sunlight, humidity and ait: flow. For example, high humidity, low sunlight and minimal ak flow give rise to slow drying processes that require clothes to be dried over a long time. Clothes horses are typically used when an outside space is not available, for instance in apartments, or when the conditions outside are not favourable for drying items. Unfortunately these kinds of ambient conditions are common in internal rooms where clothes horses are often used. It is not desirable to have a lengthy drying process as the appearance of clothes draped over clothes horses during drying is unattractive.

Further, in use, the expanded configuration occupies considerable space in an environment where floor space is often minimal. For this reason it is desirable to be able to dry items such as clothes using a drying rack having a compact configuration. However, traditionally, the more compacted the items, the more difficult it is to establish airflow through them, thereby increasing drying time.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a drying rack which overcomes or at least ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a rack for drying and/ or airing items comprising: at least one support frame including one or more support members, at least one of said support members containing a heating element; at least one leg for support said at least one support frame to present the support member in a position for drying items on ; wherein said support frame is moveable relative to the at least one leg between a receiving condition in which the support frame is supportable by the leg for supporting items to be dried in a configuration convenient fro drying of the items, and a collapsed condition in which the leg and support frame are configured for more convenient storage and/ or transport of the rack.

Preferably the at least one frame, the at least one leg or both contain a heating element(s).

Preferably the at least one leg includes one or more support members containing a heating element.

Preferably the at least one frame and the at least one leg are pivotally connected to each other. Preferably the rack includes a engaging mechanism (for example a brace(s)), to lock the rack in the receiving condition. The engaging mechanism is releasable to allow the at least one frame to move relative to the at least one leg between the receiving condition and the collapsed condition.

Typically the items to be dried will be selected from, but are not limited to textiles such as clothes, shoes, towels, curtains and bedding.

Desirably at least one of the frame the support members and the legs is constructed of a hollow tubular material, for example anodised aluminium, stainless steel and/or plastic. A plastic material may be applied as a coating over the metal material or alternatively the tubular material may be constructed of heat resistant plastic material. Preferably the heating element comprises a heating fluid and/or an electric element. More preferably the heating element is an electric wire element, for example a multi- stranded double insulated element.

Alternatively the heating element may comprise an electric element that heats a fluid such as oil or water. The heated fluid is circulated about at least one of the frame, the support members and the legs.

The power requirements of the electric element are adjusted depending on the power levels available. Typical power consumption is between about HOW to about 250W, preferably about 250W. Preferably the surface temperature of the frame, the support members and/or the legs, in use, reaches a temperature between about 30⁰C and about 80⁰C, more preferably between about 50⁰C to about 80°C.

Preferably the rack includes a thermostat to control the temperature of the surface of the frame, the support members and/or the legs. In use the thermostat activates and deactivates the heating element and/ or controls the power WeI applied to the heating element to ensure the surface temperature of the support members reaches a predetermined level.

Preferably the heating element is connected to a cut-off mechanism that deactivates the heating element to prevent the surface temperature of the frame, the support members and/or the legs exceeding a predetermined maximum temperature, for example about 80⁰C.

Preferably the rack includes a safety cut-out mechanism to deactivate the heating element when a fault occurs. Examples of faults include, but are not limited to, the rack falling over, a rung breaking, a rung disconnecting from the frame or power surge. Desirably the rack includes a switch to activate and deactivate the heating element.

Preferably the switch is in communication with an analogue or digital timer to control a heating schedule applied to the rack. The heating schedule may comprise a predetermined length of heating, for example 120 minutes. Alternatively the heating schedule may activate the heating element between predetermined times of the day, for example between 2.00pm and 4.00pm.

The rack may also include integral or separable supplementary holding formations for supporting particular items, for example pegs for holding clothes and tongues for supporting shoes. Optionally the supplementary holding formations are heated. Preferably the rack includes a shoe holder comprising a tongue configured for insertion into the mouth of a shoe, said tongue adapted to hold the mouth of shoe open to allow the passage of air and/or heat into the shoe to facilitate drying and/ or airing.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a drying rack of at least two parts, at least one of said parts including clothes support members, at least one of said support members containing a heating element, and one of said at least two parts can be moved relative the other part(s) between an receiving condition where said first part is presented for supporting clothes and by or in combination with said other part be in a surface supportable (stable) condition and a second more collapsed condition for storage. In a further aspect the present invention provides a use of a rack of the present invention for drying and/or ailing items in an receiving condition and/or storage or transport in a collapsed condition.

In another aspect the preset invention provides a case for holding a rack of the present invention. Preferably the case is a bag for enclosing the rack to assist handling and/ or minimise any damage to the rack. Preferably the case includes at least one inner foam liner and an exterior layer made of nylon, canvas and/or similar material.

In a further aspect, the invention broadly consists in a rack for supporting items to be dried, said rack comprising: a support frame including at least one support member, wherein said the support member includes at least one heating element; and at least one leg connectable to the support frame, the leg being suitable for supporting the support frame in a configuration for presenting the support member for supporting items to be dried ; wherein said support frame is moveable relative to the at least one leg between a receiving condition in which the leg is configured to stably support the support frame to present the support member in a position suitable for receiving items to be dried, and a collapsed condition in which the rack is configured for convenient storage or transport or both of the rack. Preferably, the rack is suitable for drying of items in either the receiving condition or the collapsed condition.

Preferably, the support frame is movable relative to the leg to a drying condition in which the support members are configured for drying of the items. Preferably, the support frame is movable relative to the leg to a drying condition in which operationally, the support members and items to be dried are configurable to provide at least one passage having an upper end and a lower end, and wherein air heated by the heating element rises towards the upper end of the passage, to thereby cause air to be drawn into the lower end of the passage.

Preferably, the drying condition coincides with one of the receiving condition or the collapsed condition.

Preferably, the support frame is pivotably movable relative to the leg.

Preferably, the leg is removably connectable to the support frame. Preferably, the leg includes at least one heating element.

Preferably, at least one support member extends from the leg and the support member includes at least one heating element.

Preferably, the rack includes an engaging mechanism, for engaging with and holding the rack in one of the receiving condition, the collapsed condition, or the drying condition.

Preferably, the engaging mechanism is a brace.

Preferably, the engaging mechanism is manually releasable to allow the frame to move relative to the leg between the receiving condition and the collapsed condition.

Preferably, the rack comprises a plurality of support members. Preferably, the rack comprises a. plurality of legs.

Preferably, the rack comprises a plurality of support frames.

Preferably, at least one or more selected from the frame(s), the support member(s) and the leg(s) is constructed of a hollow tubular material.

Preferably, the hollow tubular material is one or more selected from steel, anodised aluminium, stainless steel, and heat resistant plastics material.

Preferably, a plastics film material is applied as a coating over the hollow tubular- metal material.

Preferably, the heating element is surrounded by heating fluid.

Preferably, the heating element comprises an electrically heated electric element. Preferably, the electrically heated electric element is an electric wire element.

Preferably, the electrically heated electric element is a multi-stranded double insulated element. Preferably, the heating element comprises an electric element that heats a fluid, and the heated fluid is circulated about at least one of the frame, the support members, and the legs.

Preferably, the power requirements of the electric element are adjusted depending on the power levels available.

Preferably, the typical power consumption is between about HOW to about 250W, Preferably, the power consumption is about 250W.

Preferably, the operational surface temperature of one or more selected from the support frame, the support members and the legs, reaches a temperature of between about 3O⁰C and about 80⁰C.

Preferably, the operational surface temperature of one or more selected from the support frame, the support members and the legs, reaches a temperature of between about 5O⁰C to about 80⁰C.

Preferably, the rack includes a controller for controlling the temperature of the surface of one or more selected from the frame, the support members and the legs. Preferably, the controller is a thermostat.

Preferably, the controller is configured operationally to activates and deactivate the heating element(s) to ensure the surface temperature of one or both selected from a support member(s) and leg(s) remains at or about a predetermined level. Preferably, the controller is configured operationally to control the power applied to the heating element(s) to ensure the surface temperature of the support member(s) remains at or about a predetermined level.

Preferably, the heating element is connected to a cut-off mechanism that deactivates the heating element to prevent the surface temperature of one or more selected from the support frame, the support members and the legs exceeding a predetermined maximum temperature.

Preferably, the rack includes a safety cut-out mechanism to deactivate the heating element should a fault occur, and wherein the fault includes, but is not limited to, one or more selected from the rack falling over, a support member breaking, a support member disconnecting from the frame, the rack being moved from the drying condition while being connected to an active power supply; a short circuit across the heating element, and a power surge.

Preferably, the safety cut-out mechanism is a fuse.

Preferably, the rack includes a switch for activating and deactivating the heating element.

Preferably, the controller includes a timer for controlling the heating of one or more selected from the support members, support frame and legs according to a heating schedule.

Preferably, the heating schedule comprises heating one or more selected from the support members, support frame and legs for a predetermined length of time.

Preferably, the heating schedule comprises heating one or more selected from the support members, support frame and legs between predetermined times of the day.

Preferably, the rack includes a supplementary holding formation for supporting particular items. Preferably, the supplementary holding formation comprises one or more selected from pegs for holding clothes, and a tongue formation suitable for supporting shoes.

Preferably, the supplementary holding formation is integrally formed with one selected from the support members, support frame and legs

Preferably, the supplementary holding formation is removably connected to one selected from the support members, support frame and legs

Preferably, the supplementary holding formation is heated.

Preferably, the supplementary holding formation is a shoe holder comprising a tongue configured for insertion into the mouth of a shoe, said tongue adapted to hold the mouth of shoe open to allow the passage of air and/or heat into the shoe to facilitate drying.

Preferably, the rack includes a cover member for surrounding at least part of the rack, thereby creating an at least partially enclosed passage through which air heated operationally by the heating element may be guided.

Preferably, the rack further comprises a power input means for providing power to the heating element.

Preferably, the power input means is a power cable. In a further aspect, the invention may be broadly said to consist in a drying rack for drying items to be dried, said drying rack comprising of at least two parts, at least one of said parts including a plurality of support members, with at least one of said support members containing a heating element, and wherein the at least two parts can be moved relative the other part(s) between a receiving condition where said first part is stably supported to present the support members in a position suitable for receiving items to be dried , and a collapsed condition in which the rack is more conveniently configured for storage or transport or both. Preferably, the two parts are moveable to a drying condition in which operationally, the support members and items to be dried are configurable to provide at least one passage having an upper end and a lower end, and wherein air heated by the heating element rises towards the upper end of the passage, to thereby cause air to be drawn into the lower end of the passage. Preferably, the drying condition coincides with one of the receiving condition or the collapsed condition.

In a further aspect, the invention may be broadly said to consist in a rack for supporting items to be dried, said rack comprising: a plurality of support members; a support frame for supporting the support members, the support ^"frame being configured to be moveable between a receiving condition where said drying rack is stably supported to present the support members in a configuration for conveniently receiving items to be dried, and a collapsed condition in which the rack is more conveniently configured for storage or transport or both; and a heat source configured and adapted to heat at least one support member.

Preferably, the support frame is moveable to a drying condition in which operationally, the support members and items to be dried are configured to provide at least one passage having an upper end and a lower end, and wherein air heated by the heating element rises towards the upper end of the passage, to thereby cause air to be drawn into the lower end of the passage. Preferably, the drying condition coincides with one of the receiving condition or the collapsed condition.

Preferably, the heat source is adapted and configured to heat the support member internally. Preferably, the heat source heats the support member by means of one or more selected from conduction, convection and radiation.

Preferably, the heat source is an electrical element.

Preferably, the heat source is incorporated within one or both of the support members or the support frame. Preferably, the rack further comprises a cover member for surrounding at least part of the rack, thereby creating an at least partially enclosed passage through which air heated operationally by the heating element may be guided.

Preferably, the rack comprises a power input means.

Preferably, the power input means comprises one of an electrical plug socket, or a power cable and electrical plug,

In a further aspect, the invention may be broadly said to consist in a case adapted and configured for holding a rack as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

Preferably, the case is a bag for enclosing the rack to assist handling and/or minimise any damage to the rack. Preferably, the bag includes handles.

Preferably, the case includes at least one inner foam liner and an exterior layer made of nylon, canvas and/or similar material.

In a further aspect, the invention may be broadly said to consist in a method of drying items to be dried comprising the steps of providing a drying rack as claimed in any of the preceding claims; moving the rack to the receiving condition; supporting items to be dried on the support members; and heating the support member(s), thereby to assist in the drying of the items. Preferably, the support members are heated internally. Preferably, the method includes the step of moving the rack to a drying condition in which the support members and items to be dried are configured to provide at least one passage having an upper end and a lower end, and wherein air heated by the heating element rises towards the upper end of the passage, to thereby cause air to be drawn into the lower end of the passage. The term "drying" as used in this specification is defined as a process wherein the moisture content of an item is reduced by evaporation, or a process wherein contaminants such as oils, sweat and moisture are removed from an item by a combination of heat and air flow across and/or through the item, or both.. References to the terms "dried" or "dry" or the like are to be construed accordingly.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both. As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/ or singular forms of the noun.

The terms "comprising" and "including" as used in this specification mean "consisting at least in part of. When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise",

"comprised", and "include" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7).

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is further described "with reference to the accompanying figures. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a rack in a receiving condition; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a rack in a partly collapsed condition showing one cantilevered support frame in a collapsed condition; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a. rack in a partly collapsed condition showing two cantilevered support frames in a collapsed condition; Figure 4 is perspective view of a first embodiment of a rack in a partly folded condition showing two cantilevered support frames in a collapsed condition, with the central support frame moving to a collapsed condition;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a rack in a fully collapsed condition;

Figure 6 is a perspective close up cutaway view of a first embodiment of a rack showing a pair of tongue formations for supporting shoes thereon;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a rack in a receiving condition;

Figure 8 is a perspective view from another angle of a second embodiment of a rack in a receiving condition;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from another angle of a second embodiment of a rack in a receiving condition;

Figure 10 is a perspective assembly view of a third embodiment of a rack in a collapsed condition in which the rack may be transported, or in which items may be dried on the rack;

Figure U is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a rack in a receiving condition in which the support members are presented in a configuration for conveniently receiving items to be dried;

Figure 12 is a cutaway cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a rack in a collapsed condition with clothes items laid on it for drying, showing how the support members and the items together form a passage for the flow of heated air towards the upper end of the passage, as well as a close up view of the support member containing a heating element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) With reference to the above drawings, a rack according to the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 100.

In one embodiment now described, and referring to figures 1-6, figure 1 depicts a rack 100, comprising a pair of cantilevered support frames 110 and a pair of legs 130 in an A-frame configuration. The cantilevered support frames 110 include a plurality of tubular support members 106, shown in the form of rungs. While the support members 106 are shown as rungs in figure 1 , it is envisaged that they could be configured in a multitude of various shapes and sizes. The support frames 110 are moveable relative to the legs 130 between a receiving condition, in which the legs 130 are configured to stably support the support frames 110 to present the support members 106 in a position suitable for receiving items to be dried, and a collapsed condition in which the rack 100 is configured for convenient storage or transport or both.

The legs 130 are connected to the cantilevered support frames 110 in a pivotal manner, by means of upper central hinges 113, and are pivotally moveable to move from a laid flat position against the legs to a position in which they extend from the legs 130 in a cantilevered position in which they are supportable by means of a support formations in the form of braces 115. The braces 115 could be pivotally connected to the legs 130, or be loose pieces which may be separately connected by insertion into receiving formations (not shown) coupled to the legs 130. At least one of the connections between the brace 115 and the leg 130 or support frame 110 is disengageable to allow the rack 100 to be moved to the collapsed condition. Further support members 106 extend between the legs 130.

A central support frame 120, which includes its own support members 106, is provided between the legs 130 when they are in the receiving condition. The central support frame 120 is connected to the legs 130 by means of lower outer hinges 122. The central support frame 120 further includes a lower central binge 124. The lower outer- hinges 122 and lower central hinge 124 facilitates the movement of the rack 100 between the receiving condition and the collapsed condition (as shown in figure 1-5).

In the receiving condition (as shown in rlgurel) , the legs 103 are configured to stably support the cantilevered support frames 120 and central support frame 110 to present the support members 106 in a position suitable for conveniently receiving items to be dried. In the collapsed condition, the rack 100 is configured in a compact formation for convenient storage, transport or both.

The support members 106 are heated by means of a plurality of electrical heating elements 300 in the form of a multi- stranded double insulated wire element (shown in figure 12) disposed within the hollow tubular support members 106. The heating elements

300 are powered by electrical power which is fed into the rack 100 by means of a plug 200 and an electrical cord 210. The heating elements 300 serve to heat the support members

106, to facilitate drying of items which are supported by the support members 106. The heating wire is connected to a power supply (not shown) and can heat the surface of any one or more of the support members 106, legs 103 or frame 101 to between 50⁰C to 80⁰C.

While in a preferred embodiment, any of the support members 106, support frames, 110 and legs 130 will be composed of aluminium tubing, it is envisaged that any of these can be composed of any other suitable material, such as steel coated with a rust resistant coating, stainless steel, or heat resistant plastics material. It is further envisaged that any selected from the support members 106, legs 130 or support frame 110 may be coated with a heat resistant coating to prevent deterioration or rusting of the materials, or to facilitate making any of these components more slip resistant.

While electrical heating elements 300 disposed inside the support members 106 are envisaged as being the most practical and easily manufactured manner of heating the support members 106, it is envisaged that the support members 106 can be heated internally in a wide variety of other ways. As an example, a fluid (not shown) may be heated and pumped around an internal flow path defined through the tubular support members 106. Alternatively, heating elements may be located within the legs 130, and cause internal heating of the support members 106 by means of conduction, convention or radiation. In another embodiment, and having regard to safety considerations, the heating elements may be located inside the support members, and be immersed in a fluid.

Any one or more of the support members 106, legs 130 and support frames 110 can include a supplementary holding formations, such as a tongue formation 104 suitable for supporting shoes 400 (as. shown in figure 6), or peg formations (not shown) to facilitate the hanging of items on the support members 106. The tongue formation 104 are envisaged to be made of a plastics material and are configured and adapted to hold the mouth of a shoe open to assist the drying process. It is further envisaged that the tongue formations 104 may be heated internally in a similar fashion to the support members. Other obvious supplementary holding formations will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Typically a rack of this embodiment in a receiving condition will have a length of 200cm and a width of 75cm. These dimensions provide a surface footprint of 1500cm2. Typically a rack of this embodiment in a collapsed condition has a length of 3cm and a width of 75cm. These dimensions provide a surface footprint of 225cm2. The reduced footprint of the collapsed condition assists storage and transport of the rack. However, the racks of the present invention are not limited to any particular sizes.

With reference to figures 7-9, there is depicted a second embodiment of a drying rack. This is a simplified version of a rack, having a reduced hanging area. The rack 100 includes a support frame 110 having a plurality of support members 106, each having an internal heating element (not shown). Two legs 130 are hinged together in a scissor configuration and are engageable at their upper ends to the support frame 110. At least one of the engagement points between the frame 110 and the legs 130 can be disengaged allowing the rack to transition from an expanded condition in which items may conveniently received on the rack 100 and dried, to a collapsed condition in which the rack 100 can be stored or transported, or both. In the collapsed position, the support frame 110 will lie alongside the collapsed legs 130.

In use, when transitioning from the receiving to the collapsed condition, a first connection 210 between a leg 130 and the support frame 110 is disengaged and a second hinged connection 212 between the leg and the frame is pivoted. In another embodiment the hinged connection 212 is a slideable connection. In yet another embodiment both of the connections 210 and 212 can be disengaged to allow the rack to transition between the collapsed and the receiving conditions. In the embodiment shown in figures 1- the receiving condition is expected to be the ideal condition for drying the items to be dried, however this may not necessarily be the case. In some embodiments, it is envisaged that the receiving condition may not be the condition in which the items are dried the most efficiently. As an example of this, a third embodiment of a rack 100 is shown in figures 10-12. The rack 100 comprises a plurality of support frames 110, each support frame 110 comprising a plurality of support members 106. The support frames 110 are pivotally moveable relative to each other, between a receiving condition in which the rack 100 is stably supported to present the support members in a configuration for conveniently receiving items to be dried, and a collapsed condition in which the rack is more conveniently configured storage or transport or both. In dais embodiment, the support members 106 are individually heated by heating elements 300, in a similar fashion to the other embodiments, although they may be heated in other manners described in this specification. The heating elements 300 are powered by means of an external power supply via a plug 200 and electrical cord 210. Figure 11 shows this embodiment in the receiving condition, and figure 10 shows the rack 100 in the collapsed condition.

Typically with unheated drying racks, the closer the support members and/or support frames are to each other during the drying process, the longer it will take items to dry. This is due to the reduced airflow around the support members. However, a particular advantage of having internally heated support members 106 is that the close configuration of the support members 106 can increase or at least have little effect on the drying rate of items being supported on them. For this reason, the support members 106 may be located close to each other during drying. In the embodiment of the invention shown in figures 10-12, this feature is used to obtain a space advantage and/or an increase in the drying efficiency of the rack 100. This embodiment of a rack 100 is envisaged to be used to dry items, shown by reference numeral 410 in figure 12, in a drying condition while being in the collapsed condition or close to the collapsed condition, and will only be moved to the receiving condition for the convenient receiving of items to be dried. In this embodiment, the support members 106 and support frames 110 are located in close formation while in the drying condition. The items 410 to be dried and the support members are configured in the drying condition to provide a plurality of passages 500 (as shown in figure 12) having an upper end 510 and a lower end 520. Air which is heated by the heated support members 106 rises towards the upper end 510 of the passage 500, to thereby cause air to be drawn into the lower end of the passage , creating a "chimney" or "stack" effect. This creates an enhanced air flow (shown as arrows A in figure 12) through the passage 500, thereby increasing the drying rate of the items 410. The rack 100 is further provided with cover members 350 which are engageable with the rack by means of engaging formations 360, and which surrounds at least part of the periphery of the rack 100 to further enhance the stack effect and enhance air flow through the rack 100. A rack 100 according ,to any one of the embodiments of the invention shown further comprises a power supply means in the form of an electric cord 210 and plug 200 adapted for connection to a wall socket. A switch 208 for activating and deactivating the heating elements is provided. Preferably the switch 208 is in communication with an analogue or digital timer to control a heating schedule applied to the rack 100. The heating schedule may comprise a predetermined length of heating, for example 120 minutes. Alternatively the heating schedule may activate the heating element between predetermined times of the day, for example between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. Alternatively, the heating schedule may comprise heating one or more of the legs 130, the support frames 110 or the support members 106 to varying temperatures for various parts of the rack 100. The rack 100 can include a thermostat (not shown). The thermostat may be a simple mechanical device which operates on the principle of differences in heating effect, or a more complex device which operates on temperature feedback principles.

The power requirements of the wire element 300 can be adjustable depending on the power levels available. Typical power consumption is between about HOW to about 250W, preferably about 250W.

It is envisaged that the temperatures of the surfaces of the legs 130, support members 106 or support frames 110 may be controlled by activating or deactivating the heating element and/or controlling the power level applied to the heating element 300 to ensure the surface temperature of the support members 106 reaches and remains at a predetermined level

Additionally the rack may include a thermostat (not shown). The thermostat allows a user to control the temperature of the surface of the drying tubes. Typical ideal temperatures are expected to be between 50°C to 80⁰C.

Additionally or alternatively the rack 100 includes a cut off mechanism, (not shown) to prevent the surface of the support members 106 exceeding a predetermined temperature, for example 80⁰C It is envisaged that the maximum temperature can be adjustable according to the items being dried, for example a woollen item can cope with a higher maximum temperature than a silk item for which the maximum temperature preferably does not exceed about 40°C.

Preferably the rack 100 includes a safety cut-out mechanism, such as a fuse (not shown), to deactivate the heating element 300 when a fault occurs. Examples of faults include, but are not limited to, the rack falling over, a rung breaking, a rung disconnecting from the frame, the inadvertent movement of the rack, or a power surge.

It is envisaged that the rack 100 can include a controller, shown generally as 250, possibly in the form of a programmable logic controller (PLC) or chip, which can control the functioning of the rack according to pre-determined programmes. The controller may act as a thermostat, cut off mechanism, and the like. For instance the controller 250 can operate as a thermostat to control the temperatures of the support members 106, support frames 110 or legs 130, and can even control these to have different temperatures. Further, the controller 250 can operate as a cut off mechanism.

The controller 250 can make use of temperature sensors (not shown) to be able to control the temperatures. It is envisaged that the controller (not shown) it may further control the operation of the heating elements according to timing schedules, or heating schedules.

Since the rack is intended for se in areas where space is expected to be at a premium, and since the rack is envisaged to include electrical componentry such as the controller 250, according to another aspect of the invention there is provided a case (not shown) for holding the rack 100. Preferably the case is a bag for enclosing the rack to assist handling and/ or minimise any damage to the rack. The case includes at least one inner foam liner and an exterior layer made of nylon, canvas and/or similar material. Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, while the present invention has been primarily described as a rack for drying clothes and shoes, it is not to be limited thereto and includes within its scope a rack for drying textiles such as paper, prints, and carpets and agricultural materials such as plants and grasses, among others.

In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those sldlled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A rack for supporting items to be dried, said rack comprising: a support frame including at least one support member, wherein said the support member includes at least one heating element; and at least one leg connectable to the support frame, the leg being suitable for supporting the support frame in a configuration for presenting the support member for supporting items to be dried ; wherein said support frame is moveable relative to the at least one leg between a receiving condition in which the leg is configured to stably support the support frame to present the support member in a position suitable for receiving items to be dried, and a collapsed condition in which the rack is configured for convenient storage or transport or both of the rack.

2. A rack as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rack is suitable for drying of items in either the receiving condition or the collapsed condition.

3. A rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support frame is movable relative to the leg to a drying condition in which the support members are configured for drying of the items.

4. A rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support frame is movable relative to the leg to a drying condition in which operationally, the support members and items to be dried are configurable to provide at least one passage having an upper end and a lower end, and wherein air heated by the heating element rises towards the. upper end of the passage, to thereby cause air to be drawn into the lower end of the passage.

5. A rack as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the drying condition coincides with one of the receiving condition or the collapsed condition.

6. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-5, wherein the support frame is pivotably movable relative to the leg.

7. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-6, wherein the leg is removably connectable to the support frame.

8. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-7, wherein the leg includes at least one heating element.

9. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-8, wherein at least one support member extends from the leg and the support member includes at least one heating element.

10. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-9, wherein the rack includes an engaging mechanism, for engaging with and holding the rack in one of the receiving condition, the collapsed condition, or the drying condition.

11. A rack as claimed in claim 10, wherein the engaging mechanism is a brace.

12. A rack as claimed in claim 10, wherein the engaging mechanism is manually releasable to allow the frame to move relative to the leg between the receiving condition and the collapsed condition.

13. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-12, wherein the rack comprises a plurality of support members.

14. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-13, wherein the rack comprises a plurality of legs.

15. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-14, wherein the rack comprises a plurality of support frames.

16. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-15, wherein at least one or more selected from the frame(s), the support member(s) and the leg(s) is constructed of a hollow tubular material.

17. A rack as claimed in claim 16, wherein the hollow tubular material is one or more selected from steel, anodised aluminium, stainless steel, and heat resistant plastics material.

18. A rack as claimed in any of claims 16 or 17, wherein a plasties film material is applied as a coating over the hollow tubular metal material.

19. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-18, wherein the heating element is surrounded by heating fluid.

20. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-19, wherein the heating element comprises an electrically heated electric element.

21. A rack as claimed in claim 20, wherein the electrically heated electric element is an electric wire element.

22. A rack as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the electrically heated electric element is a multi-stranded double insulated element.

23. A rack as claimed in any one of claims 1-22, wherein the heating element comprises an electric element that heats a fluid, and the heated fluid is circulated about at least one of the frame, the support members, and the legs.

24. A rack as claimed in any of claims 20-23, wherein the power requirements of the electric element are adjusted depending on the power levels available.

25. A rack as claimed in any of claims 20-24, wherein the typical power consumption is between about 11 OW to about 250W,

26. A rack as claimed in any of claims 20-25, wherein the power consumption is about 250W.

27. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-26, wherein the operational surface temperature of one or more selected from the support frame, the support members and the legs, reaches a temperature of between about 30⁰C and about 80⁰C.

28. A rack as claimed in claim 27, wherein the operational surface temperature of one or more selected from the support frame, the support members and the legs, reaches a temperature of between about 50⁰C to about 80⁰C.

29. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-28, wherein the rack includes a controller for controlling the temperature of the surface of one or more selected from the frame, the support members and the legs.

30. A rack as claimed in claim 25, wherein the controller is a thermostat.

31. A rack as claimed in any of claims 29-30, wherein the controller is configured operationally to activates and deactivate the heating element(s) to ensure the surface temperature of one or both selected from a support member(s) and leg(s) remains at or about a predetermined level.

32. A rack as claimed in any of claims 29-30, wherein the controller is configured operationally to control the power applied to the heating element(s) to ensure the surface temperature of the support member(s) remains at or about a predetermined level.

33. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-32, wherein the heating element is connected to a cut-off mechanism that deactivates the heating element to prevent the surface temperature of one or more selected from the support frame, the support members and the legs exceeding a predetermined maximum temperature.

34. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-33, wherein the rack includes a safety cut-out mechanism to deactivate the heating element should a fault occur, and wherein the fault includes, but is not limited to, one or more selected from the rack falling over, a support member breaking, a support member disconnecting from the frame, the rack being moved from the drying condition while being connected to an active power supply; a short circuit across the heating element, and a power surge.

35. A rack as claimed in claim 34, wherein the safety cut-out mechanism is a fuse.

36. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-35, wherein the rack includes a switch for activating and deactivating the heating element.

37. A rack as claimed in any of claims 29-35, wherein the controller includes a timer for controlling the heating of one or more selected from the support members, support frame and legs according to a heating schedule.

38. A rack as claimed in claim 37, wherein the heating schedule comprises heating one or more selected from the support members, support frame and legs for a predetermined length of time.

39. A rack as claimed in ςlaim 37, wherein the heating schedule comprises heating one or more selected from the support members, support frame and legs between predetermined times of the day.

40. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-39, wherein the rack includes a supplementary holding formation for supporting particular items.

41. A rack as claimed in claim 40, wherein the supplementary holding formation comprises one or more selected from pegs for holding clothes, tongue formations suitable for supporting shoes.

42. A rack as claimed in claim 40 or 41 , wherein the supplementary holding formation is integrally formed with one selected from the support members, support frame and legs

43. A rack as claimed in claim 40 or 41, wherein the supplementary holding formation is removably connected to one selected from the support members, support frame and legs

44. A rack as claimed in any of claims 40-43, wherein the supplementary holding formation is heated.

45. A rack as claimed in any of claims 40-44, wherein supplementary holding formation is a shoe holder comprising a tongue configured for insertion into the mouth of a shoe, said tongue adapted to hold the mouth of shoe open to allow the passage of air and/or heat into the shoe to facilitate drying.

46. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-45, including a cover member for surrounding at least part of the rack, thereby creating an at least partially enclosed passage through which air heated operationally by the heating element may be guided.

47. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-46, comprising a power input means for providing power to the heating element.

48. A rack as claimed in claim 47, wherein the power input means is a power cable.

49. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-46, wherein the support frame(s) extends in a cantilevered manner form the leg(s).

50. A rack as claimed in claim 49, wherein the engaging mechanism is a brace for bracing against movement between the support frame and the legs.

51. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-50, wherein the legs are configured in an A- frame configuration.

52. A rack as claimed in claim 51, wherein the cantilevered support frame(s) extend substantially from the apex of the A-frame configuration.

53. A rack as claimed in any of claims 51-52, wherein a central support frame extends between the legs of the A-frame configuration.

54. A rack as claimed in claim 53, wherein the central support frame is collapsible relative to the legs

55. A rack as claimed in any of claims 1-54, wherein the rack comprises a power input means.

56. A rack as claimed in claim 55, wherein the power input means comprises one of an electrical plug socket, or a power cable and electrical plug.

57. A drying rack for drying items to be dried, said drying rack comprising of at least two parts, at least one of said parts including a plurality of support members, with at least one of said support members containing a heating element, and wherein the at least two parts can be moved relative the other part(s) between a receiving condition where said first part is suitably configured to be stably supported to present the support members in a position suitable for receiving items to be dried , and a collapsed condition in which the rack is more conveniently configured for storage or transport or both.

58. A drying rack of claim 49, wherein the two parts are moveable to a drying condition in which operationally, the support members and items to be dried are configurable to provide at least one passage having an upper end and a lower end, and wherein air heated by the heating element rises towards the upper end of the passage, to thereby cause air to be drawn into the lower end of the passage.

59. A rack as claimed in claim 49 or 50, wherein the drying condition coincides with one of the receiving condition or the collapsed condition.

60. A rack for supporting items to be dried, said rack comprising: a plurality of support members; a support frame for supporting the support members, the support frame being configured to be moveable between a receiving condition where said rack is stably supported to present the support members in a configuration for conveniently receiving items to be dried, and a collapsed condition in which the rack is more conveniently configured for storage or transport or both; and a heat source configured and adapted to heat at least one support member.

61. A rack as claimed in claim 60, wherein the support frame is moveable to a drying condition in which operationally, the support members and items to be dried are configured to provide at least one passage having an upper end and a lower end, and wherein air heated by the heating element rises towards the upper end of the passage, to thereby cause air to be drawn into the lower end of the passage.

62. A rack as claimed in claim 61, wherein the drying condition coincides with one of the receiving condition or the collapsed condition.

63. A rack as claimed in any of claims 60-62, wherein the heat source is adapted and configured to heat the support .member internally.

64. A rack as claimed in any of claims 60-63, wherein the heat source heats the support member by means of one or more selected from conduction, convection and radiation.

65. A rack as claimed in any of claims 60-64, wherein the heat source is an electrical element.

66. A rack as claimed in any of claims 60-65, wherein the heat source is incorporated within one or both of the support members or the support frame.

67. A rack as claimed in any of claims 60-66, wherein the rack further comprises a cover member for surrounding at least part of the rack, thereby creating an at least partially enclosed passage through which air heated operationally by the heating element may be guided.

68. A rack as claimed in any of claims 60-67, wherein the rack comprises a power input means.

69. A rack as claimed in claim 68, wherein the power input means comprises one of an electrical plug socket, or a power cable and electrical plug.

70. A case adapted and configured for holding a rack as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

71. A case as claimed in claim 70, wherein the case is a bag configured and adapted for enclosing the rack to assist handling and/ or reducing damage to the rack.

72. A case as claimed in claim 71, wherein the bag includes handles.

73. A case as claimed in claim 70, wherein the case includes at least one inner foam liner and an exterior layer made of nylon, canvas and/ or similar material.

74. In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of drying items to be dried comprising the steps of providing a drying rack as claimed in any of the preceding claims; moving the rack to the receiving condition; supporting items to be dried on the support members; and heating the support member(s), thereby to assist in the drying of the items.

75. A method as claimed in claim 74, wherein the support members are heated internally.

76. A method as claimed in claim 74 or 75, including the step of moving the rack to a drying condition in which the support members and items to be dried are configured to provide at least one passage having an upper end and a lower end, and wherein air heated by the heating element rises towards the upper end of the passage, to thereby cause air to be drawn into the lower end of the passage.