Patent Publication Number: US-2013240462-A1

Title: Fixture with Voided Surface Features to Maximize Drying of Fabric Articles

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/600,685 entitled “Fixture with Voided Surface Features to Maximize Drying of Fabric Articles” filed Mar. 14, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a fixture for drying fabric articles, in particular, a fixture providing air flow to maximize drying of fabric articles. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Many kinds of towel drying products, such as rods, bars, and towel racks, are used in today&#39;s bathrooms and kitchens. However, most of these products do not provide for adequate drying of the fabric articles they support such as towels and washing cloths. 
     In environments such as these, where fabric articles are constantly subjected to moisture, adequate drying is critical; otherwise, the fabric articles become favorable environments for bacteria to live and breed. This is evidenced by the musty smell many towels have after just a couple of uses. 
     There have been a number of inventions which have been designed to address these needs and design esthetics. 
     US 2008/0121598 A1 is directed to a towel rack that has a movable rod that is parallel to a fixed rod. After a towel is threaded over and around the two rods, the movable rod is moved adjacent the fixed rod to effectively clamp the towel in place so that it does not fall off of the rack and onto the floor. US 2010/0078396 A1 is directed to towel holder having a plurality of arms radially extending from a central trunk wherein the arms can be rotated around the central truck. This allows a plurality of towels to be hung on the rack without contacting one another. U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,640 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,314,367 are directed to apparatuses that use heating elements to heat or dry the towel. These inventions use the increased ability of the heated air to hold moisture to improve the drying potential of the air. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a fixture for drying fabric articles that enhances the ventilation potential over and through fabrics, such as towels. More specifically, the present invention provides a passive mechanism to promote air movement around and through the fabric draped over the fixture, thereby providing a better environment for the drying of fabric articles while not in use. This reduces the favorable environment for bacteria growth and the associated musty smells. 
     The present invention is directed to a fixture suitable for after-market installation on an existing rod provided for hanging fabric articles. The fixture comprises at least one elongated body and a means for attaching the elongated body to the rod. The fixture may be attached to the rod such that the elongated body contacts the rod or it may be attached such that the elongated body is distanced from the rod. 
     The elongated body may comprise an outer surface, an inner surface, and a plurality of openings extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. In one such embodiment, the elongated body may be a contoured plate that is attached such that the inner surface of the plate contacts the rod. In another such embodiment, the contoured plate may be distanced from the rod by radial arms. 
     In another embodiment, the inner surface of the elongated body may define at least one sidewall that defines a central passageway and the sidewall may be distanced from the rod by at least one spacer. The elongated body may have at least two portions connected to form the at least one sidewall. The portions may be connected by mating engagements. The fixture may further include a door in the sidewall allowing access to the central passageway and/or an aromatic, deodorant, absorbent, odor neutralizer, or a combination thereof disposed within the central passageway. 
     In yet another embodiment, two elongated rod-shaped bodies may be provided distanced from the rod by radial arms. 
     The elongated body may further be attached to a rod and the at least one radial arm may extend from the rod. 
     The present invention is also directed to a fixture for hanging fabric articles. The fixture comprises an elongated body comprising an outer surface and an inner surface and at least one radial arm extending from the elongated body. A plurality of openings extend from the outer surface to the inner surface. The fixture may further include end caps at a first end and a second end of the elongated body such that the radial arms extend from the end caps. The at least one radial arm may be adapted for attachment to a wall or other vertical surface. The elongated body may be a contoured plate. 
     Alternatively, the inner surface of the elongated body may define at least one sidewall that defines a central passageway. In addition, the fixture may further include a door in the sidewall allowing access to the central passageway and/or an aromatic, deodorant, absorbent, odor neutralizer, or a combination thereof disposed within the central passageway. 
     Further details and advantages of the invention will become clear upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like parts are designated with like reference numerals throughout. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a close-up, isolated perspective view of one end of the fixture of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the fixture in  FIG. 1  installed on a rod having a circular cross-section; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the fixture in  FIG. 1  installed on a rod having a square cross-section; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded end view of the fixture of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the fixture of  FIG. 5  showing its relationship to an existing rod; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the fixture of  FIG. 5 , showing the fixture fixed to an existing rod; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of the fixture of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of a seventh embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a top plan view of an eighth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a fabric drying fixture in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end”, “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. Further, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations except where expressly specified to the contrary. 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a first embodiment of a fabric drying fixture  10  for hanging fabric articles including, but not limited to, towels and washing cloths.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show the fixture  10  prior to installation on a rod  22 .  FIG. 3  shows the fixture  10  as installed on a rod  22 . The fixture  10  is adapted for use with an existing rod  22  provided for hanging fabric articles. 
     Fixture  10  comprises an elongated body  12  with an outer surface  13  and an inner surface  15 . The inner surface  15  defines at least one sidewall  14  that defines a central passageway  16 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the elongated body  12  has a cylindrical shape provided by a single sidewall  14  and has a circular cross-section. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the cross-section of the elongated body  12  can take any suitable shape including, but not limited to, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, and a polygon. Of course, the later four shapes will have more than one sidewall  14 . 
     The elongated body  12  has a plurality of openings  18  therethrough extending from the outer surface  13  to the inner surface  15 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the openings  18  are generally circular. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the openings  18  may take any suitable shape and size that allows the passage of air into and out of the central passageway  16  of the elongated body  12 . Such shapes may include, but are not limited to, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, and triangular. Alternatively, the sidewall  14  of the elongated body  12  may be made from a perforated sheet, a mesh, or a screen. The openings  18  may be placed over the entirety of the elongated body  12  or may only be placed over portions of the elongated body  12  as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     At least one spacer  20  is disposed in the central passageway  16  of the elongated body  12 . The spacer  20  is adapted to attach the fixture  10  to the rod  22 . The spacer  20  is further adapted to engage and position the rod  22  within the central passageway  16  such that the rod  22  does not contact the sidewall  14  of the elongated body  12 . The spacer  20  may take any suitable size and shape as long as it serves to distance the rod  22  from the sidewall  14  of the elongated body  12 . The spacer  20  may include a central opening  24  for receiving the rod  22 . The size and shape of the central opening  24  corresponds to the size and shape of the rod  22  that is to be inserted into the fixture  10 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the spacer  20  has a donut-shape. The spacer  20  may be attached to the sidewall  14  using any suitable method including, but not limited to, gluing and a mating engagement such as a slot provided on the inner surface  15  of the elongated body  12  or the spacer  20  may be integral with the sidewall  14 . 
     Preferably, the spacer  20  is formed from an elastomer material. By forming the spacer  20  from an elastomer material, the size and shape of the spacer  20  adjusts to conform to a variety of rods  22  having different sizes and/or shapes.  FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture  10  fixed to a rod  22  that has a circular cross-section.  FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture  10  fixed to a rod  22  that has a square cross-section. Said elastomer material also provides incremental friction properties that can hinder or promote the movement of the fixture  10  around the rod  22 . 
     When a fabric article is draped over the outer surface  13  of the fixture  10  for drying, the fixture  10  distances the fabric from the rod  22 . The openings  18  in the elongated body  12  of the fixture  10  allow air flow into and out of the central passageway  16  promoting evaporation from the back of fabric that is in contact with the fixture  10 . This allows the fabric to dry faster than it would if it was directly draped over the rod  22 . 
     A second embodiment of the inventive fixture  100  is shown in  FIGS. 5-8 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  show the fixture  100  prior to installation on a rod  122 .  FIGS. 7 and 8  show the fixture  100  as installed on a rod  122 . 
     The fixture  100  comprises an elongated body  112  with an outer surface  113  and an inner surface  115 . The inner surface  115  defines at least one sidewall  114  that defines a central passageway  116 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , the elongated body  112  has a cylindrical shape provided by a single sidewall  114  and has a circular cross-section. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the cross-section of the elongated body  112  can take any suitable shape including, but not limited to, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, and a polygon. Of course, the later four shapes will have more than one sidewall  114 . 
     The elongated body  112  has at least two portions  126 ,  128  that are connected to form the sidewall  114 . As can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the elongated body  112  may have any number of portions. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , the elongated body  112  is generally cylindrical and is divided into two portions  126 ,  128  along its longitudinal axis. The portions  126 ,  128  may be connected in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, depending on the material used for the elongated body  112 , gluing, welding, thermal bonding, mechanical bonding, and the like. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 5-8 , the portions  126 ,  128  may be connected through a mating engagement. Such mating engagements include, but are not limited to, friction fit, snap-fit, projections with corresponding slots, hinges, detents, and the like. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , the mating engagement comprises corresponding projections  130  and slots  132 . Each portion  126 ,  128  has projections  130  arranged along one mating edge and slots  132  arranged along the other mating edge. Of course, the projections  130  and slots  132  may be arranged in any fashion as long as a projection  130  on one portion of the elongated body  112  aligns with a corresponding slot  132  on another portion of the elongated body  112 . The projections  130  are received in the corresponding slot  132  to provide a snap-fit connection of the portions  126 ,  128  of the elongated body  112 . 
     The elongated body  112  has a plurality of openings  118  therethrough extending from the outer surface  113  to the inner surface  115  of the elongated body  112  as described above with respect to the first described embodiment  10 . 
     At least one spacer  120  is disposed in the central passageway  116  of the elongated body  112 . The spacer  120  may be configured as described above with respect to the first described embodiment  10 . Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 5-8 , the spacer  120  may comprise at least two portions  134 ,  136 . Preferably, each portion  134 ,  136  of the spacer  120  corresponds to a portion  126 ,  128  of the elongated body  112  such that when the portions  126 ,  128  of the elongated body  112  are connected to form the sidewall  114 , corresponding portions  134 ,  136  of the spacer  120  are adjacent to one another to provide the spacing of the rod  122  from the sidewall  114 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , the portions  134 ,  136  of the spacer  120  are in the shape of a donut divided along its diameter. Each portion  134 ,  136  of the spacer  120  is associated with a portion  126 ,  128  of the elongated body  112  such that when the portions  126 ,  128  of the elongated body  112  are connected, the spacer  120  has a donut shape. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate a third embodiment of the inventive fixture  200  for hanging fabric articles. This third embodiment  200  has all of the same features as the second described embodiment  100  and further comprises a door  238  in the sidewall  214  allowing access to the central passageway  216 . In the specific embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the portions  226 ,  228  of the elongated body  212  are matingly engaged by a hinge  240  along one longitudinal edge of each portion  226 ,  228  and a locking engagement along the other longitudinal edge of each portion  226 ,  228 . The locking engagement comprises the projections  230  and corresponding slots  232  described above with respect to the second embodiment  100 . 
     At least one of the portions  226 ,  228  of the elongated body  212  further comprises a door  238  in the sidewall  214  allowing access to the central passageway  216 . The door  238  may have any size or shape and is shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 9 and 10  as having a rectangular shape extending for approximately one-third of the length of the elongated body  212 . The door  238  may be attached to the elongated body  212  in any suitable fashion including, but not limited to, a locking engagement, a hinge, or both. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the door  238  is attached to the elongated body  212  using a hinge  241  and a locking engagement. The locking engagement comprises a projection  242  on the door  238  and a corresponding slot  244  in the elongated body  212  for receiving the projection  242 . The projection  242  is received in the corresponding slot  244  to provide a snap-fit connection between the door  238  and the elongated body  212 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a fourth embodiment of an inventive fixture  300  for hanging fabric articles. The elongated body  312  is a plate having an outer surface  313  and an inner surface  315 . The plate may be contoured. The contour of the plate may take any suitable shape including, but not limited to, round as shown in  FIG. 11 . The elongated body  312  has a plurality of openings  318  therethrough extending from the outer surface  313  to the inner surface  315 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the openings  318  are generally circular. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the openings  318  may take any suitable shape and size that allows air to contact the fabric hanging on the outer surface  315  of the fixture  300 . Such shapes may include, but are not limited to, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, and triangular. Alternatively, the elongated body  312  may be made from a perforated sheet, a mesh, or a screen. The openings  318  may be placed over the entirety of the elongated body  312  as shown in  FIG. 11  or may only be placed over portions of the elongated body  312 . 
     A means is provided for attaching the elongated body  312  to the rod  322 . The attachment means may include, but is not limited to, screws, bolts, rivets, clips, brackets, and the like. In the embodiment, shown in  FIG. 11 , the inner surface  315  of the elongated body  312  contacts the rod  322 . 
     In a fifth embodiment of the inventive fixture  400 , shown in  FIG. 12 , the elongated body  412  is distanced from the rod  422 . The elongated body  412  of this embodiment has all the features of the fourth previously described embodiment  300 . At least one radial arm  446  adapted for attachment to the rod  422  extends from the elongated body  412 . When the fixture is attached to the rod  422 , the radial arm  446  distances the rod  422  from the inner surface  415  of the elongated body  412 . The radial arm  446  may take any suitable size and shape. The radial arm  446  may be attached to the elongated body  412  using any suitable method including, but not limited to, gluing, welding, thermal bonding, mechanical bonding, bolting, and the like. 
     The means for attaching the radial  446  to the rod  422  may take any suitable form including, but not limited to, sliding over the rod  422  and clamping to the rod  422 . As can be realized by a person skilled in the art, any number of radial arms  446  may be used to distance the rod  422  from the inner surface  415  of the elongated body  412 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , two radial arms  446  extend from a portion  449  having an opening having a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the rod  422 . The rod  422  is inserted into this portion  449  and the radial arms  446  distance the rod  422  from the inner surface  415  of the elongated body  412 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , two sets of radial arms  446  are utilized, one at each end of the elongated body  412 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a sixth embodiment  500  of an inventive fixture for hanging fabric articles. The fixture  500  comprises two rod-shaped elongated bodies  512 . The elongated bodies  512  extend parallel to the rod  522 . The means for distancing the elongated bodies  512  from the rod  522  comprises a set of holders, each holder comprising two radial arms  546  extending from a portion  549  having an opening having a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the rod  522 . The rod  522  is inserted into this portion  549 . One end of each of the elongated bodies  512  is attached to one of the radial arms  546  such that the elongated bodies  512  are spaced apart from and parallel to each other and the rod  522 . When the fabric article is draped over the fixture  500 , the void created between the elongated bodies  512  and the rod  522  allows air to circulate to the fabric article promoting evaporation from the back of fabric. This allows the fabric to dry faster than it would if it was directly draped over the rod  522 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a seventh embodiment  600  of an inventive fixture for hanging fabric articles, such as towels. The fixture  600  comprises an elongated body  612  with an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines at least one sidewall  614  that defines a central passageway  616 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , the elongated body  612  has a cylindrical shape provided by a single sidewall  614  and has a circular cross-section. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the cross-section of the elongated body  612  can take any suitable shape including, but not limited to, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, and a polygon. Of course, the later four shapes will have more than one sidewall  614 . 
     The sidewall  614  of the elongated body  612  has a plurality of openings  618  therethrough extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , the openings  618  are generally circular. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the openings  618  may take any suitable shape and size that allows the passage of air into and out of the central passageway  616  of the elongated body  612 . Such shapes may include, but are not limited to, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, and triangular. Alternatively, the sidewall  614  of the elongated body  612  may be made from a perforated sheet, a mesh, or a screen. The openings  618  may be placed over the entirety of the elongated body  612  as shown in  FIG. 14  or may only be placed over portions of the elongated body  612 . 
     At least one radial arm  647  extends from the elongated body  612 . Any number of radial arms  647  may be provided. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , two radial arms  647  are provided, one at each end of the elongated body  612 . The radial arms  647  may be used to attach the fixture  600  to a wall in the same manner as a conventional towel bar. Such attachment may include, but is not limited to, screws  645  (as shown in  FIG. 14 ) or bolts. 
       FIG. 15  shows an eighth embodiment  700  of the inventive fixture. The fixture  700  has all of the same features of the seventh described embodiment  600  except the radial arms  747  do not extend directly from the elongated body  712 . The fixture  700  further comprises end caps  748  affixed at each end of the elongated body  712 . Radial arms  747  extend from each end cap  748 . The end caps  748  may be attached to the elongated body  712  in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 , the end caps  748  are attached to the elongated body  712  by inserting the end of the elongated body  712  into the end cap  748 . Alternatively, the end cap  748  could have a plug portion that extends into the central passageway of the elongated body  712  with the radial arm  747  extending from a second portion of the end cap  748  disposed outside of the central passageway of the elongated body  712 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a ninth embodiment  800  of the inventive fixture. The elongated body  812  is a plate having an outer surface  813  and an inner surface  815 . The plate may be contoured. The contour of the plate may take any suitable shape including, but not limited to, round as shown in  FIG. 16 . The elongated body  812  has a plurality of openings  818  therethrough extending from the outer surface  813  to the inner surface  815 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the openings  818  are generally circular. However, as can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the openings  818  may take any suitable shape and size that allows air to contact the fabric hanging on the fixture  800 . Such shapes may include, but are not limited to, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, and triangular. Alternatively, the elongated body  812  may be made from a perforated sheet, a mesh, or a screen. The openings  818  may be placed over the entirety of the elongated body  812  as shown in  FIG. 16  or may only be placed over portions of the elongated body  812 . 
     At least one radial arm  847  extends from the elongated body  812 . Any number of radial arms  847  may be provided. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , two radial arms  847  are provided, one at each end of the elongated body  812 . The radial arms  847  may be used to attach the fixture  800  to a wall in the same manner as a conventional towel bar. Such attachment may include, but is not limited to, screws  845  (as shown in  FIG. 16 ) or bolts. 
       FIG. 17  shows a tenth embodiment  900  of the inventive fixture. The fixture  900  has all of the same features of the ninth described embodiment  800  except the radial arms  947  do not extend directly from the elongated body  912 . The fixture  900  further comprises end caps  948  affixed at each end of the elongated body  912 . Radial arms  947  extend from each end cap  948 . The end caps  948  may be attached to the elongated body  912  in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , the end caps  948  are attached to the elongated body  912  by inserting the end of the elongated body  912  into the end cap  948 . 
     As a person skilled in the art would understand, any of the embodiments of the fixture  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  may be attached to a rod in any manner as described above with respect to these embodiments and at least one radial arm may extend from the rod or from an end cap on the rod for attaching the rod to a wall or other vertical surface. 
     Any of the described embodiments of the inventive fixture may further comprise an aromatic, deodorant, absorbent, odor neutralizer, or a combination thereof disposed within the central passageway to enhance the removal of moisture or to scent the fabric and/or the surrounding air. 
     Also, any part of or all of the inventive fixture may be coated with or covered by one or more anti-bacterial materials or coatings which are known in the art. 
     Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the description. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.