Abstract:
A hanger/dryer device causes rapid drying of a wet wetsuit while providing a superior hanging arrangement for the wetsuit, which minimizes stress and lessens deterioration of the wetsuit&#39;s neoprene materials.

Description:
[0001]     Wetsuits, which are close-fitting garments, usually of one-piece rubber or of foam neoprene construction, are typically worn by divers, surfers and water skiers to increase body warmth in cold-water conditions. The foam insulation layer is typically faced with a nylon spandex fabric, which is bonded to inner and outer surfaces. The fabric, while useful in its intended function, promoting warmth and comfort, causes the suit to dry slowly taking as much as 24 hours to fully dry after each use. A diver or surfer that desires to reuse the wetsuit within a short time frame must endure an uncomfortable cold, wet experience and increased difficulty in putting on the still damp wetsuit.  
         [0002]     The inherent configuration of the closed one-piece suit and its waterproof core material, when combined with slow-drying conditions, often promote the growth of mold and objectionable odor. Additionally, hanging the wetsuit in a vertical condition after use assists the suite to drip dry. However, conventional clothes hangers, with their minimal width cross-section, place harmful stress on the neoprene material, seams and bonded panels when its weight is made heavier by the absorbed water. This localized pressure accelerates failing of the suit material&#39;s integrity.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The principal object of this invention is to enhance the frequency of wetsuit utilization by reducing the length of time required to dry the suit after each use, thereby facilitating a more comfortable and less arduous donning of the otherwise still damp suit. This device causes air to be drawn into the body of the suit where it is warmed and subsequently exhausted out of the arm and leg openings, thereby greatly accelerating the drying process.  
         [0004]     It is also an object of this invention to provide a hanger configuration that distributes the hanging weight of the wet wetsuit over a broad surface designed to minimize localized stress or pressure, which can be damaging to the somewhat delicate neoprene foam material. The broad hanger surfaces act to open and separate the suit cavity, which promotes air ventilation and rapid drying by evaporation while maximizing the drip-dry effect of water removal by gravity.  
         [0005]     It is also an object of this invention to prevent the occurrence of souring or the creation of objectionable odors within the suit, which often result from prolonged periods of dampness and lack of fresh air ventilation. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]     Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the wetsuit hanger/dryer unit shown from the front and without the wetsuit.  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  is a cutaway perspective view of the wetsuit hanger/dryer unit, which illustrates the layout of interior components and of airflow pattern when the unit is in operation.  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  is a front ¾ view of the wetsuit hanger dryer shown in its working relationship with a full configuration wetsuit as in the drying process.  
         [0010]      FIG. 4  is a rear ¾ view, which depicts a wetsuit as being installed for use on the hanger/dryer unit. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0011]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate one preferred embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the embodiment provides a hanger/dryer system  1  and  2  for more safely hanging while greatly accelerating the drying of a wet wetsuit  18 .  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the hanger/dryer system showing the body of the unit  1 , which contains the drying components and its integral hanger arms  2 . The arms&#39; broad, contoured surfaces minimize stress on the wetsuit shoulders when hanging on the system. Slots  3  and openings in the underside of the arms  2  allow air to circulate freely into the wetsuits&#39; shoulder region and then out of the hanger armholes  4  and exiting the wetsuit&#39;s sleeves. The domed air grill  5  allows air to be drawn into the body  1  for warming before it is pumped into the wetsuit itself. The timer switch  6  permits selective, safe and pre-timed use of the system. The power cord  7  provides standard 110-volt power to the system. Foot supports  8  provide a stable resting platform for the unit when it is not in use. Hanger hook  9  allows the system and wetsuit to hang from a pole or peg when in use.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a cutaway view of the hanger dryer system, which illustrates its internal components  10 ,  12  and  13  and diagrams the path of airflow when the system is in operation. The fan blade  10  and motor  12  cause outside air  111  to be drawn into the neck opening of the unit. The air is forced down through a heating coil  13  where it is warmed to a moderate temperature before being exhausted  14  into the body of the wetsuit. It then circulates  15  up into the hanger arms where it is vented  16  into the wetsuit sleeves or out and exiting the leg holes  17 . The large volume of arm air circulating through the wetsuit results in a rapid and thorough drying of the wetsuit.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates the system  1  and  2  in use with a typical full wetsuit  18  shown in hanging position as seen from the front ¾ view. Arrows indicate air taken in through the neck area and subsequently being exhausted through the wetsuit&#39;s sleeve and leg openings.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a rear ¾ view of the hanger/dryer system  1  and  2  shown with a typical rear zipper-type wetsuit  18  (shown unzipped), and draped over the hanger arms  2  prior to use, that being zipped up then latched around the neck of the dryer system  1  and  2  by utilizing the wetsuit&#39;s Velcro neck strap  19 .