WO2015132723A1

WO2015132723A1 - A heating and drying device

Info

Publication number: WO2015132723A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/051546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nazbin GODDARD
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-03
Filing date: 2015-03-03
Publication date: 2015-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2016-09-03
Also published as: GB2523745A; GB201403661D0; GB201616750D0; GB2538919A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating device, in particular but not exclusively a heating device for drying or heating items. The heating and drying device comprising: a substantially planar body (1, 11), at least one displaceable hanger (7) arranged on the body (1) by means of at least one hinge (7), the body (1) having a recess (15) to house the at least one displaceable hanger (7) when not in use, an attachment means (10) for securing the heating device to a surface, wherein the body (1, 11) and the at least one hanger (7) are hollow so as to allow flow of a heating medium therethrough.

Description

A HEATING AND DRYING DEVICE

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a heating device, more particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to a heating device for drying or heating items. In particular the present invention relates to a device for combining heaters with air drying of items. Background

There is often a requirement for heating and drying of items, such as clothing, in a household environment. However, in many societies the efficient use of space heating facilities is important due to limited space availability in houses or apartments.

Drying rails are available, however these often rely on surrounding air temperature and circulation in order to effect drying. In some devices a drying/heating rail includes a heat source. However, in such device the drying/heating rail can be bulky and may be expensive to operate.

Other traditional forced air drying machines, such as tumble driers, may not be suitable for some household environments, for example due to expensive purchase costs and/or on-going operating costs and/or their environmental impact.

Prior Art

A number of patent applications have been filed in respect of devices that have been developed in an attempt to resolve these problems. European patent application EP 2 599 419 (GLYNN et al) discloses an airing device comprising: an airing rack arranged to extend from a relatively flat storage state to a deployed state in which the airing rack is extended to provide a surface from which clothes may be hung.

Chinese utility model CN 202 546 934 (BIN) relates to a heating installation, in particular to a heating radiator with clothes hangers. The heating radiator with the clothes hangers comprises heating radiator plates, wherein a rotating shaft is arranged on each of two sides of the heating radiator plates.

Chinese patent application CN 202 350 183 (JUNKAI) discloses a radiator convenient to dry clothes comprises a radiator body. Symmetrical telescopic rods are fixedly connected at the position close to the top of the radiator body on each of two sides. A transverse rod is fixedly connected at the other end of the telescopic rods. A plurality of through holes are arranged on the surface of the transverse rod.

Chinese patent application CN 102410581 (SUN) discloses a heating radiator having multiple hollow strip pieces which are arranged in parallel one to another; the radiator body moves up and down by way of ends of a rotating bracket.

Chinese utility model CN 202284824U (SHUAI) discloses a dryer main body with two vertical ends arranged parallel to each other and connected with two vertical rotating rods.

Chinese utility model CN 202361485U (XUZHOU INST TECHNOLOGY) discloses a radiator with a main body whose upper part is provided with a drying frame.

Chinese utility model CN 202852981 U (QIZHEN) discloses a central heating device with a clothes drying support installed at the top of the central heating device through its hinge. German utility model DE 20215507U (WITTENAUER) discloses a multipurpose dryer connected to a radiator system comprising swivel mounted heated holding elements.

German utility model DE 2020/07009255U (GERMANO) discloses a bathroom laundry drying rack with two sub-frames with heated pipes that intermesh with each other when stowed. In contrast the present invention provides a convenient and flexible means of airing and drying clothes in limited space.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a heating and drying device comprising: a substantially planar body, at least one displaceable hanger arranged on the body by means of at least one hinge, the body having a recess to house the at least one displaceable hanger when not in use, an attachment means for securing the heating device to a surface, wherein the body and the at least one hanger are hollow so as to allow flow of a heating medium therethrough.

Ideally the heating medium is a liquid such as water or oil and flows from the body through at least one displaceable hanger by way of a first rotating joint connecting the hanger to the body. Heating medium is returned to the body, from the at least one hanger, via a second rotating joint connecting the hanger to the body.

Displacement of the at least one hanger, from the body, provides an area for drying items placed on, or hung from, the heating device, so as enable a user to dry multiple items quickly. Flow of heated fluid, such as water or oil, through the heating device enables the body and hangers to be kept warm and at an even temperature across the device. In this way, even when the hangers are displaced from the body, they remain heated by means of flow of heated liquid through the hangers from the body.

Advantageously therefore the hanger is arranged in use to be displaced from the body of the heater in order to provide at least one cantilevered or projecting hanger relative to the body, over which items such as clothes may be hung in use.

The heating and drying device therefore provides a flexible and compact space saving drying system. The hangers and body combine to provide local radiation and convection heating and drying conditions. In some embodiments the body may be shaped to enable convection of heated air towards the hanger.

In preferred embodiments a recess corresponds to the shape of the hanger(s) and is dimensioned to receive each hanger when stowed. In this way when the hangers are not in use, they can be displaced to a position within the recess in a stowed position.

Advantageously the hangers are therefore partially concealed within the recess so that they body appears to have a substantially flush outer face. Optionally as this occurs valves are rotated to switch off the flow of the heating medium through the hangers.

By folding the hangers away hangers are protected when not in use so as to prevent them being knocked and damaged. Furthermore as the hangers are arranged in recesses heat is retained by the device so as to have greater efficiency than if the hangers were proud of the device when stowed. Advantageously each recess also serves as a housing or shroud for each hinge so as to ensure the hinges are protected during use. This is important as the hinges are adapted to permit flow of water therethrough and as such damage to the hinge could be a hazard. However as hinges are housed within the recess they are protected and supported so as to ensure uniform displacement of each hanger.

In some embodiments the recess may be defined by a passage or opening through the body. In this way the hanger is able to be displaced from either side of the body. This enables the heating device to be placed against a surface or to be free-standing in a space wherein the hangers can be displaced from one or both sides.

In an alternative preferred embodiment the heating devices includes an inlet for receiving heated fluid on the body so as to permit flow of heated fluid into the device.

The body also includes at least one outlet for exit of heated fluid from the body. In this way heated liquid is able to flow into and out of the heating device. The heating device can therefore form part of a closed heating system such as a central heating system.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments the inlet and/or the outlet may be closable, for example by means of a cap or valve to as to prevent ingress or egress of liquid to or from the device.

Preferably the device is arranged in use to be operable in a closed heating system such as a central heating system wherein heated fluid is provided by a heating means such as a boiler and is pumped around a circuit of heating devices and pipework. In some further embodiments the device may include an electric heating element or other heat transference medium arranged within the body and/or hangers so as to heat fluid contained by the device. In yet further embodiments the hanger may comprise both electric element and be part of a closed heating system.

In some other embodiments the hanger may comprise an electric heating element and the body may be linked to a closed heating system or vice versa.

Preferably each hanger is a U-shaped section having two open ends that attach to the body so as to permit flow of heating fluid from the body to and through each hanger. In this way a constant flow of liquid is permitted through the device.

The hangers may be formed from a tubular structure so as to permit flow of liquid therethrough. For example the hangers may be formed from pipe.

Ideally each hanger is connected to the body by at least one hinge that permits flow of fluid therethrough. In this way liquid can flow through all parts of the device to ensure all parts are evenly heated.

Preferably each hanger is hinged to the body at least two points so as to be fitted securely and so as to permit flow of liquid through the hanger from one end to another.

In some embodiments the hanger or parts of the hanger may have of three or more points of contact to the body. In some embodiments the hinge may be modified so as to only permit flow of fluid when the hanger is displaced. In this way when the hanger is stowed in the recess there is no flow of liquid. Instead the fluid within the hanger is heated by the body that partially encases the hanger(s) due to the recess. The fluid in the hanger remains warm and once the hanger is displaced, and is therefore separated from the heat source from the body, flow of liquid is enabled thereby maintaining the hangers warm both before and after they have been displaced.

In order to control flow of liquid through the hinge, the hinge may include a valve or flow diverter mechanism that opens and closes in dependence of the position of the hanger relative to the body. Typically the hanger is extendable from the body so to extend substantially perpendicular relative to the body. In this way items can be positioned or hung from the hangers, when deployed, so as to be dried or heated.

In some embodiments each hanger includes a brace so as to provide additional strength, for example so that the hangers can support heavier items. The brace may extend to rest against the eater body or be adapted to rest on the floor.

Typically the hanger may be fixed or secured at full displacement by the brace, wherein the brace may be displaced in order to support the hanger when extended. For example the brace may comprise a folding arm or telescoping strut that is deployed when the hanger is displaced.

Alternatively, for example the brace may be placed below the hanger or at least part of the hanger, or arranged to grip the hanger from above or support the hanger by way of a suspension means.

Other embodiments of braces may comprise displaceable catch members, for example slidable lock fingers, slidable below the extended hanger or hanger parts. Preferably each hinge may have a locking means so as to fix the hanger at a particular orientation when displaced. In this way the hanger is prevented from collapsing to the stowed position during use. The locking means may include for example a twist lock, a bias mechanism, a hole and pin arrangement, resiliently deformable catches or any combination thereof.

In preferred embodiments the hinges include seals such as resiliently deformable O-rings, so as to prevent egress of fluid from the body or hanger at any time.

In preferred embodiments the hinges may also include a locking mechanism, comprising sprung parts that are biased to lock the hinge at particular positions. For example the hinge includes a sprung ball-bearing and one or more apertures for receiving the sprung ball-bearing so that the sprung ballbearing can be locked in each aperture so as to prevent movement of the hanger. In this way the sprung ball-bearing is arranged to spring into place when certain rotational positions of the hanger are accomplished, for example full extension, for bracing a loaded hanger, and full retraction, for neatness.

The locking means is arranged in use to prevent or minimise unauthorised return displacement or replacement of the hanger and/or hinge.

Advantageously it may be envisaged that such locking means is sufficient to prevent movement of the hinge even when the hanger is loaded for example with wet garments for drying purposes.

In some embodiments the hinges may comprise a displaceable locking means, which is displaced from a locked position by movement by exertion by the user and lever mechanism. The hinges may for example lock at full extension, or at any pre-set orientation, advantageously ensuring correct placement in use.

Advantageously it may be possible to lock the hinges at a plurality of positions or orientations so as to alter position of the hanger relative to the body. This feature enables devices to be adapted for different items so as to enhance drying and/or warming. For example the hinge may include a ratchet mechanism that permits incremental adjustment. In some embodiments the hinges may also lock to secure the at least one hanger within the recess, therefore preventing the hanger from accidentally displacing when not required. For example the hinge may include a release mechanism so as to free the hinge and enable the hanger to be displaced. In some embodiments the body may include a catch for receiving and holding the hanger until a force is applied by a user to remove the hanger from the recess. Therefore the hangers remain in their recess until removed by a user.

Preferably each recess includes a cutaway portion for receiving a user's fingers so as to enable a user to grasp and displace the hanger. In this way user can easier located their fingers about the hanger so as to easily displace it from the recess.

Therefore the recess can be sized exactly to the hanger so as to house the hanger snugly and so as to minimise heat loss whilst the cutaway ensures the hanger can still be readily displaced.

Ideally each hanger includes at least one grip. The grip makes to easier for a user to grasp the hanger. Additionally the grip may be heat resistant, such as including a silicon cuff, so that a user is not burned when displacing the hangers. In some embodiments the device may include a second body arranged parallel to, and connected, to the first body, such as in double panel radiators. It is envisaged that only an outer panel is adapted to include hangers and the second inner panel acts as a standard radiator.

Preferably the device may be mounted on a wall or vertical structure in use by the attachment means. The attachment means may comprise a means to resist vertical force generated from the device in use so as to prevent the device being pulled from the surface when under load.

In some embodiments the attachment means may enable the heating device to be secured to the floor.

Preferably the hanger has an elongate distal section that is arranged in use to be spaced apart from the body when the hanger is extended, advantageously so as to provide maximal area for hanging, commensurate to the body width.

Said elongate distal section may typically run parallel to the body and parallel to a surface such as a wall in use. The elongate distal section preferably runs substantially orthogonally to at least two arms extending from the hinges, and is a continuation of such arms.

In some embodiments the hanger includes an intermediate section or part such as a bar running across the U-shaped hanger so as to provide an additional support surface for items. For example a plurality of intermediate sections may be provided to form a grid.

Such intermediate sections may not permit flow of fluid, so as to create different drying areas, for example to provide an area with no direct heat.

In some embodiments such intermediate sections may be moveable or adjustably situated on the hangers. In this way a user can select layout of the intermediate sections depending upon the items to be dried or heated. Preferably the body and hanger are formed from corrosion and heat resistant material such as a metal or synthetic plastic. For example the heating device may be formed from aluminium, stainless steel or cast iron.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show isometric views of an embodiment of the device with hanger retracted and extended respectively;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the device as shown in Figures 1 ;

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show side views of the device as shown in Figures 1 ;

Figures 4 and 4A show rear and front views respectively of the embodiment as shown in Figures 1 ;

Figures 5A and 5B show sketch views of details of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 ;

Figure 5C shows an internal diagrammatic view of the device, as shown in Figures 1 ; and

Figures 6 show detail views of a hinge for an embodiment as shown in Figures 1 . Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to Figures 1 to 6 there is shown a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 A and 1 B show the heating device having a first body 1 and a second body 1 1 . The first body 1 includes a plurality of hangers 2. The second body 1 1 has no hangers.

The bodies 1 , 1 1 are rectangular. The bodies are hollow so as to be able to hold a volume of heating fluid (not shown). The bodies 1 , 1 1 are interconnected by connection points 12 so as to allow flow of fluid through both parts of the body.

The heating device includes 5 hangers 2. Each hanger is U-shaped being formed from a pair of equal length arms 8 and an elongate member 6 that is connected perpendicularly to each both arms and parallel to the body 1 . Each hanger 2 has rounded corners where the arms 8 and elongate member 6 meet so as to ensure there are no sharp edges exposed to a user, in particular to children and pets for which the hangers 2 may be at eye level.

Each hanger 2 is connected to the body 1 by two hinges 7. The hinges permit flow of fluid therethrough. The hinges 7 can permit flow of fluid whilst he hanger 2 is at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees, therefore at whichever stage of displacement the hanger 2 is located.

The body 1 includes a cutaway portion 5 for insertion of a user's fingers about the hanger when the hanger is retracted and stowed within the recess 15.

Heat resistant handgrips 13 allow the fingers to grasp the hanger 2 and avoid discomfort caused by the heated hanger 2. The body 1 , 1 1 includes an inlet 3 and an outlet 4. This permits the flow of heated liquid through the device. It is appreciated that an inlet may serve as an outlet and vice versa. Figures 2 and 4A show a rear view of the heating device wherein the second body 1 1 includes attachment means 10 for securing the device to a surface (not shown). The attachment means 10 comprise brackets. The brackets 10 are shallow so that the heating device can be fitted closely to a surface (see Figures 3A, 3B and 3C).

Figure 5A shows a close up view of a hanger 2 fitted snugly within a recess 15 in the stowed position. A cutaway portion 5 is provided so as to easily grasp the hanger 2 from the stowed position and displace it.

Figure 5B shows a rear section of the body 1 , 1 1 having an opening 14 for accessing the hinge so as to enable it to be easily serviced.

Figure 5C shows an indication of flow through the hangers 2 passing from the body 1 , through the hangers 2 and back to the body 1 .

Figures 6A, 6B and 6C show close up views of a preferred embodiment of a hinge 7. In the pictured embodiment of the hinge 7 the has a ball-bearing 71 on a compression spring 72, which springs into lacunae 73 and 74 when full extension and retraction is achieved of the hanger from the body so as to provide first and second locking positions.

The invention has been described by way of examples only. Therefore, the foregoing are considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1 . A heating and drying device comprising: a substantially planar body, at least one displaceable hanger arranged on the body by means of at least one hinge, the body having a recess to house the at least one displaceable hanger when not in use, an attachment means for securing the heating device to a surface, wherein the body and the at least one hanger are hollow so as to allow flow of a heating medium therethrough.

2. A heating device according to claim 1 wherein the recess corresponds to shape of the hanger(s).

3. A heating device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the body includes at least one inlet for receiving heated fluid.

4. A heating device according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the body includes at least one outlet for exit of heated fluid from the body.

5. A heating device according to any preceding claim wherein each hanger is a U-shaped section having two open ends that attach to the body so as to permit flow of heating fluid from the body and through each hanger.

6. A heating device according to any preceding claim wherein the heating medium passes through the body and through any hanger that is displaced from the body.

7. A heating device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the hanger is extendable from the body so to extend substantially perpendicular relative to the body.

8. A heating device according to any preceding claim wherein the device includes a brace for supporting the hanger(s).

9. A heating device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one hinge includes locking means so as to fix the hanger when displaced.

10. A heating device according to claim 9 wherein the hinge can be locked at more than one position.

1 1. A heating device according to any preceding claim wherein the hinges lock to secure the at least one hanger within the recess.

12. A heating device according to any preceding claim wherein at least one hanger includes intermediate sections.

13. A heating device according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least one heating element is arranged within the device.

14. A heating device according to any preceding claim including wherein each recess includes a cutaway portion for receiving a user's fingers so as to enable a user to grasp and displace the hanger.

15. A heating device according to any preceding claim wherein each hanger includes at least one grip.

16. A heating device according to any preceding claim having a second body arranged parallel to, and connected, to the first body.

17. A heating system having at least one heating device according to any of claims 1 to 16.

18. A heating device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.