Patent Abstract:
An adjustable dryer vent transition device. The device provides an adjustable dryer vent adapter with an elongated first duct and an elongated second duct which are rotatably adjustable with respect each to the other. An external inlet is provided at the elongated first duct for receiving hot most air from a clothes dryer. An external exit is provided from the elongated second duct for discharge of hot moist air from a clothes dryer. The adjustable dryer vent adapter provides a three hundred sixty (360) degree freedom of movement for placement of the external inlet and the external outlet along centerlines that may be coincident, or spaced maximally apart according to the distances afforded by the length of elongated first duct and elongated second duct, and at any rotational angle with respect to an outlet stub from a clothes dryer.

Full Description:
RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/567,303, filed on Dec. 6, 2011, entitled ADJUSTABLE VENT ADAPTER FOR CLOTHES DRYER, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety, including the specification, drawing, and claims, by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to clothes dryer vents, and more specifically, to a dryer vent adapter useful for installation of a clothes dryer, in order to compensate for misalignment between a clothes dryer exhaust outlet, and a discharge vent line for receiving hot moist air from a clothes dryer for transport through a wall or the like to an exterior exhaust discharge point. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Clothes dryers are used to remove moisture from clothing and/or other textiles, generally after such materials have been cleaned in a washing machine. Most clothes dryers which are designed for use in homes, apartments, or otherwise, have a hot air exhaust outlet for the discharge of hot air containing the moisture just removed from the clothing and/or other textiles being dried. In anticipation of installation of a clothes dryer, builders will generally install a receptacle to a discharge vent line as indicated in the plans, or as judged on site to be most practical. The receptacle and downstream discharge vent line are configured to receive the hot, moisture laden air for routing to and discharge at a suitable location discharge point, normally outdoors. However, clothes dryers come in various sizes, with varying heights and lateral locations of a hot air exhaust outlet. Thus, in most instances, during installation of a clothes dryer, the hot air exhaust outlet of the clothes dryer is not in alignment with the receptacle of the discharge vent line. Thus, there is a requirement for a dryer vent transition device or assembly for securely and safely routing hot moist exhaust air from the clothes dryer to a receptacle for a line configured for transport and exterior exhaust discharge of such hot moist air. 
     Various attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to provide an apparatus for use in various methods of compensating for misalignment between hot air exhaust outlets on clothes dryers and the receptacles for the discharge vent lines, so as to provide a suitable dryer vent transition device. One of the more useful configurations amongst various prior art vent adapters is described in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,286 B2, which issued Jun. 17, 2003, entitled Clothes Dryer Vent Adapter. In that apparatus, first and second cylindrical portions are provided which are adjustably positionable to a desired configuration for alignment of an inlet on the first cylindrical portion with a dryer hot air exhaust outlet, and for alignment of an outlet on the second cylindrical portion with the receptacle of a discharge vent line. However, offset distance available by use of that device is effectively limited by the diameter of the first and second cylindrical portions. As a practical matter, the offset-reach that may be overcome with that prior art design is limited, and in many embodiments of that design, such off-set reach distance may not exceed about eight (8) inches, or slightly less, when rather expensive adjoining cylindrical tubular segments of about twelve (12) inches in diameter are utilized. If smaller, less expensive adjoining cylindrical tubular segments of about eight (8) inches or less in diameter are utilized in that prior art design, then the misalignment, or offset-reach distance that may be overcome is limited to the maximum range of up to about three and a half (3.5) inches or thereabouts. 
     Thus, in spite of the extensive body of prior art for vent adapters for installation of clothes dryers, there still remains an as yet unmet need for an improved vent adapter that simply and effectively allows for use both when only a slight amount of misalignment needs to be corrected, as well as when relatively large misalignment distances need to be overcome. Availability of such an improved dryer vent adapter would reduce installation time, and be easy to utilize, especially if provided in a configuration that would accommodate an extension length that is as great as, or greater than, the typically encountered proposed center to center distance between a hot air exhaust outlet on a clothes dryer and a receptacle of a discharge vent line in a structure in which the dryer is to be installed. Moreover, it would be advantageous if such an apparatus were available in (or could easily be manufactured using) inexpensive materials, in an easy to use design, and manufacturable in various standard configurations and sizes. 
     OBJECTS, ADVANTAGES, AND NOVEL FEATURES 
     My novel adjustable dryer vent as disclosed herein includes a first duct having an inlet, a second duct having an outlet, and a joint therebetween rotating the second duct with respect to the first duct to a desired installation position, while preserving an effectively leak tight joint between the first duct and the second duct. 
     The adjustable dryer vent described herein is particularly advantageous in that it allows an installation contractor (or a homeowner&#39;s supply store) to maintain stock of a single part, rather than an assortment of parts, in order that the installer be prepared, during installation of a clothes dryer, to securely connect a clothes dryer exhaust outlet with a receptacle in a building structure for a discharge vent line, regardless of the offset distance that may be encountered, at least to a very large range of offset distances, and at any offset angle. 
     Further, it is an advantage that the adjustable dryer vent described herein may also be used when there is no offset distance, or offset angle, i.e., when the clothes dryer exhaust outlet and the receptacle in a building structure for a discharge vent line are perfectly in alignment. 
     It is also an object, in an embodiment of the adjustable dryer vent described herein that, to minimize or prevent leakage of warm moist air between first and second ducts, and such objective may be accomplished by design of the joint between the first and second ducts, and/or by providing a joint seal. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide an easily cleanable dryer vent adapter, and such objective may be accomplished, in an embodiment, by the use of a hinged end panel in the first duct and/or the second duct. 
     It is an advantage that in various embodiments, the first duct and the second duct may each be provided in the shape of hollow parallelepiped structures, and are adjustably arranged in a partially overlapping relationship, so that a joint between the first duct and the second duct may be securely provided in configuration with little or no leakage, so that warm moist and lint laden air does not escape into the area behind a clothes dryer. 
     In an embodiment, it is an advantage that the first duct and the second duct are easily adjusted with respect to each other, by the provision of a lubricated seal at the joint between the first duct and the second duct. 
     It is yet another objective to provide a dryer vent adapter that allows a clothes dryer to fit relatively tightly against a wall, without having to be concerned with restricted airflow as might result from crushed and/or contorted prior art flexible vent ducts. 
     In an embodiment, it is an advantage that the various components of the adjustable vent adapter may be provided using conventional sheet metal, and conventional sheet metal construction techniques, thereby minimizing cost. 
     Another objective is to provide a fire-safe dryer vent adapter. 
     Thus, it is yet a further advantage that the use of rigid materials of construction, such as the above mentioned conventional sheet metal, minimizes or avoids the buildup of lint, thus minimizing the danger of fire, as compared to prior art flexible plastic or metal structures that inherently include ridges, valleys, or crevices for accumulation of lint. 
     It is yet another objective to provide an adjustable vent adapter that reduces the installation labor time. 
     These and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the adjustable dryer vent adapter described herein will become apparent to the reader from the foregoing and from the appended claims, and the ensuing detailed description, as the discussion below proceeds in connection with examination of the accompanying figures of the drawing. 
     SUMMARY 
     I have now developed an improved dryer vent adapter. The device can be easily and quickly manually adjusted to overcome misalignment distance between a clothes dryer exhaust outlet and the receptacle for a discharge vent line that is configured for receiving hot moist air discharged from a clothes dryer. Further, in an embodiment, the device provides for accommodation of a small misalignment distance, and alternately for accommodation of a large misalignment distance. In an embodiment, misalignment distances in excess of about eight (8) inches may be accommodated during dryer installation. In an embodiment, misalignment offset distances of up to as much as about twenty (20) inches may be accommodated during dryer installation. In an embodiment, such an improved dryer vent adapter may be used even when there is no misalignment distance, thus saving labor and the costs of stocking of other devices to accommodate other offset-reach distance configurations. 
     In an embodiment, the dryer vent adapter includes a first duct having an inlet, and a second duct having an outlet, where the first duct and second duct are coupled and adjustably mounted with respect to each other. In an embodiment, the first duct and the second duct are rotatably mounted each with respect to the other, with a passageway therebetween adapted for passage of hot moist air through the passageway therebetween. In an embodiment, the first duct and the second duct are rotatably assembled in back-to-back fashion. In an embodiment, the passageway between the first duct and the second duct is coincident with an adjustable joint therebetween. In an embodiment, the first duct may be provided in the general configuration of a hollow parallelpiped sheet metal structure. In an embodiment, the second duct may be provided in the general configuration of a hollow parallelpiped sheet metal structure. In an embodiment, the first duct may have a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration. In an embodiment, the second duct may have a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the inlet to the first duct may be provided in a female configuration, adapted to receive a clothes dryer exhaust outlet. Tight fitting sizing may be utilized to minimize or eliminate leakage in the joint between the clothes dryer exhaust outlet and the inlet to the first duct. However, conventional duct tape suitable for the service conditions may be utilized to assure leak tight sealing of such first joint, in order to avoid outflow of moisture or lint from the clothes being dried. In an embodiment, the outlet from the second duct may be provided in a male configuration, adapted to connect with a building structure&#39;s receptacle for the dryer discharge vent line. Again, tight fitting sizing may minimize or eliminate leakage in such second joint between the outlet from the second duct and the receptacle for the discharge vent line. However, conventional duct tape suitable for the service conditions may also be utilized to assure sealing of such second joint. In any event, in various embodiments, and after fitting and alignment adjustment, an adjustable dryer vent as described herein may be quickly and easily manually secured for use. 
     The foregoing briefly describes certain aspects and elements of an exemplary adjustable vent adapter for clothes dryer installation, and various components thereof. The various objectives, features and advantages of the invention(s) will be more readily understood upon consideration of the detailed description, taken in conjunction with careful examination of the accompanying figures of the drawing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING 
       In order to enable the reader to attain a more complete appreciation of the invention, and of the novel features and advantages thereof, attention is directed to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  provides a rear perspective view of a typical clothes dryer, showing an adjustable vent adapter as described herein affixed to the clothes dryer exhaust outlet, and configured for operational placement and connection to a receptacle (not shown) for a discharge vent line to a through-wall passageway in a selected building structure. 
         FIG. 2  provides a top perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable vent adapter for clothes dryer, configured for passage of hot moist air from an external inlet to an elongated first duct to an external outlet from an elongated second duct, and configured in a fully extended arrangement for correction of misalignment between a clothes dryer exhaust outlet (not shown) for hot moist air, and a receptacle for a discharge vent line in a building structure (not shown). 
         FIG. 2A  provides another top perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable vent adapter for clothes dryer, configured for passage of hot moist air from an external inlet to an elongated first duct to an external outlet from an elongated second duct, and configured in a fully extended arrangement for correction of misalignment between a clothes dryer exhaust outlet (not shown) for hot moist air, and a receptacle for a discharge vent line in a building structure (not shown), and further depicting the first turning radius R 1  afforded by the first duct, and the second radius R 2  afforded by the second duct, from as measured from centerlines of the inlet and the outlet. 
         FIG. 3  provides a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the adjustable vent adapter for clothes dryer which was depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  2 A above, now showing that the adjustable vent adapter (a) may be adjusted to a desired position around an inlet centerline provided at the inlet to the first duct, with freedom of movement along a line A defined by radius R 1 , which thus locates the centerline of the joint passageway between the first duct and the second duct, that is more precisely, between the inlet centerline and a joint centerline, and (b) may be rotated with freedom of movement along a line B defined by radius R 2 , which extends between the joint centerline and the outlet centerline of the second duct. 
         FIG. 4  provides a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the adjustable vent adapter for clothes dryer which was depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  2 A, and  3  above, now showing that the adjustable vent adapter may be adjusted to a maximum extension position, wherein the second duct is rotated by an angle alpha (α) of one hundred eighty (180) degrees with respect to the first duct, so that, in combination, the first duct and second duct provide an overall maximum extension distance of R 3 , with freedom of movement along line C. 
         FIG. 5  provides a vertical cross-sectional view, showing an external inlet, an elongated first duct, a joint for passage of hot moist air from the elongated first duct to an elongated second duct, and an external outlet from the elongated second duct. 
         FIG. 6  shows an arrangement of the adjustable dryer vent, where there has been no angular displacement provided at the joint, and thus, the inlet and outlet are provided along a common baseline, and, in this embodiment, with their respective centerlines coincident. 
         FIG. 7  provides a partial cross-sectional view to illustrate a first embodiment for construction of a joint between the first duct and a second duct, using a plurality of notched and crimped flange leaf elements. 
         FIG. 8  provides a top perspective view of an embodiment of a second duct, before attachment to a first duct, showing a plurality of notched flange leaf elements that may be configured, after attachment, to provide a joint as set forth in  FIG. 7  above. 
         FIG. 9  provides a bottom perspective of an embodiment for an elongated first duct, before attachment of an elongated second duct, showing a circular sidewall that defines a through passageway in a back portion of the elongated first duct, and which circular sidewall is configured for attachment to the elongated second duct, for example by use of notched and crimped flange leaf elements as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  above. 
         FIG. 10  provides another embodiment for construction of a joint between an elongated first duct and an elongated second duct, using a plurality of notched and crimped flange leaf elements, and further including a joint seal member that may both facilitate movement between the elongated first duct and the elongated second duct, and effectively seal the joint against escape of moisture laden air, during operation of a clothes dryer. 
         FIG. 11  provides the layout for assembly for fabrication of an end piece for an elongated first duct and/or an elongated second duct, showing how a piece of sheet metal may be bent along the indicated broken lines, such as by a sheet metal brake (not shown) to fit into a generally rectangular shaped end opening of a partially completed, rectangular cross-section shaped tubular structure for an elongated first duct or an elongated second duct. 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of an elongated first duct, showing how a hinged end panel may be used in the fabrication of an elongated duct, in order to provide a method and structure for cleaning of either an elongated first duct or an elongated second duct, rather than the simpler alternate method of construction using a fixed, insertable end piece, such as just illustrated in fabrication details noted in  FIG. 11  above. 
     
    
    
     In the various figures of the drawing, like features may be illustrated with the same reference numerals, without further mention thereof. Further, the drawing figures are merely exemplary, and may contain various elements that might be present or omitted from actual implementations of various embodiments depending upon the circumstances. An attempt has been made to draw the figures in a way that illustrates at least those elements that are significant for an understanding of the various embodiments and aspects of the invention. However, the figures of the drawing are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. Notably, other elements or functional components for an adjustable vent adapter for clothes dryer, as well as different embodiments or shapes of particular components such as the shape of certain elements such as the first ducts and second ducts as set forth herein, or an inlet to the first duct, or the outlet from the second duct, may be utilized in order to provide a useful, adjustable, and reliable vent adapter for clothes dryers, while within the literal scope and coverage of the claims set forth herein, or legal equivalents thereof. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Attention is directed to  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a typical clothes dryer  20  having an outlet vent stub  22  in the lower reaches 23 of the reverse side  24 . An adjustable dryer vent adapter  30  is provided attached to the outlet vent stub  22 . The adjustable dryer vent adapter  30  includes an elongated first duct  32  and an elongated second duct  34 , which are arranged in an offset manner with respect to each other at a selected angle alpha (α), which in this embodiment is an obtuse angle, that is, more than ninety (90) degrees but less than one hundred eighty (180) degrees. As further explained below, in various embodiments, angle alpha (α) may be freely adjustable for dryer installation, that is, from no angular adjustment (where elongated first duct and elongated second duct are in overlapping alignment), to any adjustment, that is, having freedom of movement to any selected angle alpha (α) among a full three hundred and sixty (360) degrees. Thus, adjustment can be made in any direction around the dryer outlet vent stub  22 . The elongated second duct  34  is provided with an external outlet  36 , which, in an embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , may be provided a generally cylindrical tubular configuration, with flutes  38 , to make installation and fitting easier, and in a male configuration for insertion into a receptacle (not shown) for a dryer discharge vent line in a selected building structure. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of an embodiment for an adjustable dryer vent adapter  30  is shown. The adjustable dryer vent adapter includes an elongated first duct  32  having an inlet side  40  and a first joint side  42 . Located on the inlet side  40  is an external inlet  44 . The first joint side  42  includes an internal exit  46 , herein defined by broken lines indicating the position of outlet sidewall  48 . The external inlet  44  and the internal exit  46  are spaced apart along a first longitudinal axis L 1  in a non-overlapping configuration. The elongated second duct  34  includes an outlet side  50  and a second joint side  52 . The outlet side  50  further includes an external outlet  36 . The second joint side  52  further includes an internal inlet  54 , defined by inlet sidewalls shown by broken lines  58 . The internal inlet  54  and the external outlet  36  are spaced apart along a second longitudinal axis L 2  in a non-overlapping configuration. 
     As may be better seen in  FIG. 2A , an adjustable dryer vent adapter  30  may be provided in an embodiment where the external inlet  44  is provided in a cylindrical tubular configuration of radius R E  measured from an external inlet centerline. In an embodiment, the external inlet  44  may be provided in female configuration, for accepting the outlet vent stub  22  of the clothes dryer  20 . Also, in an embodiment, the internal exit  46  may be provided with an outlet sidewall  48  in a generally circular configuration having a radius R IE  measured from an internal exit joint centerline. In such instance, the elongated first duct  32  may be said to have a nominal length R 1  as measured from the external inlet centerline (indicated by reference numeral  56 ) to the internal exit joint centerline. In such an embodiment, R 1  may be provided sufficiently large and the radius R E  and radius R IE  may be each configured and spaced apart so that the external inlet  44  and the internal exit  46  do not overlap. In an embodiment, the nominal length R 1  may be provided at about seven and one half (7.5) inches, or less. Alternately, nominal length R 1  may be provided in a length exceeding about seven and one half (7.5) inches. Over time, for various locales, different standard lengths may be found to be useful, depending upon local construction practices, and the prevalent local dryer sizing and outlet vent stub  22  configurations. 
     As also seen in  FIG. 2A , in an embodiment, the external outlet  36  may be provided in a cylindrical tubular configuration of radius R EO  measured from an external outlet centerline. Further, in an embodiment, the internal inlet  54  may be provided in a generally circular configuration having a radius R II  measured from an internal inlet or joint centerline. In an embodiment, the elongated second duct  34  has a nominal length R 2  as measured from the internal inlet  54  joint centerline to the external outlet  36  centerline (indicated by reference numeral  57 ). In such an embodiment, R 2  may be provided sufficiently large and the radius R EO  and radius R 11  may be each configured and spaced apart so that the external outlet  34  and the internal inlet  54  do not overlap. In an embodiment, the nominal length R 2  may be provided at about seven and one half (7.5) inches, or less. Alternately, nominal length R 2  may be provided in a length exceeding about seven and one half (7.5) inches. 
     In various embodiments, an adjustable dryer vent adapter  30  may be provided using sheet metal for construction of each of the elongated first duct  32  and the elongated second duct  34 . In any event, a joint  60  is provided between the elongated first duct  32  and the elongated second duct  34 . In an embodiment, such joint  60  is configured between the first joint side  42  of the elongated first duct  32  and the second joint side  52  of the elongated second duct  34 . The adjustable dryer vent adapter  30  is rotatably adjustable at joint  60 , so that an angle alpha (α) between the first longitudinal axis L 1  and the second longitudinal axis L 2  may be set to a desired value for angle alpha (α). 
     In an embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 8 , the second joint side  52  of the second duct  34  may include a plurality of flange tabs  62 . As further illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 10 , in an embodiment, the flange tabs  62  may be bent over the first joint side  42  of the elongated first duct  32 , to mechanically connect the first joint side  42  with the second joint side  52  and thus form joint  60 . However, embodiments may include use of flange tabs  62  on at least one of the first joint side  42  or the second joint side  52 , adjacent the internal exit  46  or the internal inlet  54 , respectively, in order to provided flange tabs  62  that mechanically connect the first joint side  42  and the second joint side  52  together. In various embodiments, the flange tabs  62  are turned and configured to extend a sufficient distance D J  radially outward, as seen in  FIGS. 7 and 10 , and thence against the surface of the component being placed in compression (e.g., the inner surface  64  of the first joint side  42  as seen in  FIGS. 7 and 10 ), to provide friction between the plurality of flange tabs  62  and the adjacent surface, e.g. the inner surface  64  of the first joint side  42  of the elongated first duct  32 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , in an embodiment, a joint  60 ′ may be further provided with a seal  66 . In various embodiments, seal  66  may be provided in an elastomeric material. In other aspects, joint  60 ′ is similar to joint  60  as described otherwise herein. Alternately, in another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 5 , a dry lube rolled edge, clamped seal  68  may be provided with an internal lube layer seal, or, but with similar appearance to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , an extruded polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) retainer seal may be provided for clamped seal  68 . In such embodiments, a clamped seal  68  may be seated either or both outlet sidewall  48  of internal exit  46 , or the inlet sidewall  58  of internal inlet  54 . In such an embodiment, the clamped seal  68  cooperates with the joint assembly to provide a sealed joint  60 ″. In any event, in embodiments utilizing a seal, whether it be seal  66  as shown in  FIG. 10 , or seal  68  as shown in  FIG. 5 , or otherwise, the internal exit  46  has an outlet sidewall  48 , and the seal  66  or  68  is provided in a sealing relationship adjacent the outlet sidewall  48 . 
     As seen in the vertical cross-sectional view depicted in  FIG. 5 , during operation hot moist air as indicated by reference arrows H 1  and H 2  from a dryer (not shown) enters the external inlet  44  and thence traverses along the elongated first duct  32  as indicated by reference arrow H 3 . Then, the hot moist air passes through joint  60 ″ (or similarly, joint  60  or  60 ′, in other embodiments) as indicated by reference arrows H 4 . The hot moist air then traverses along the elongated second duct  34  as indicated by reference arrow H 5 . Finally the hot moist air exits the external outlet  36  as indicated by reference arrows H 6 . 
     As may be seen in the various figures, for example  FIG. 2A , the external inlet  44  may be provided as a short, substantially cylindrical tubular portion. 
     In an embodiment, the external inlet  44  may be provided with a radius R EI  such that the external inlet  44  has a nominal overall diameter of approximately four (4) inches. 
     As may be seen in the various figures, for example  FIG. 2A , the external outlet  36  may be provided as a short, substantially cylindrical tubular portion. In an embodiment, the external outlet  36  may be provided with a radius R EO  such that the external outlet  36  has a nominal overall diameter of approximately four (4) inches. In an embodiment, the external outlet  36  may be fluted, e.g. having a plurality of flutes  38 . 
     In various embodiments, the primary components of the adjustable vent adapter  30  for clothes dryer may be conventional sheet metal. For example, in an embodiment, a suitable material may be 26 gauge galvanized sheet metal. Of course, thicker or thinner materials may be suitable. As illustrated in various drawing figures, in an embodiment, the elongated first duct  32  and the elongated second duct  34  may be provided in the general shape of hollow parallelepiped structures. As may be best seen in  FIG. 5 , in an embodiment, the elongated first duct  32  may have opposing first  70  and second  72  end panels. The elongated second duct  34  may have opposing third  74  and fourth  76  end panels. 
     The opposing first  70  and second  72  end panels, as well as the opposing third  74  and fourth  76  end panels, may be fabricated from sheet metal cut as a hexagonal shaped blank  78  as depicted in  FIG. 11 . Then, such aforementioned end panels may be bent along the broken lines  80 ,  82 ,  84 , and  86  depicted in  FIG. 11 , normally at about a ninety (90) degree angle, for insertion into ends  90  and  92  of the elongated first duct  32 , and ends  94  and  96  of the elongated second duct  34 . The use of such first  70  and second  72  end panels, or of such opposing third  74  and fourth  76  end panels, enables such end panels to be fabricated from a friction fit sheet metal part. Alternately, or additionally, such end panels may be secured using conventional sheet metal assembly techniques. 
     Alternately, as depicted in  FIG. 12 , either an elongated first duct  32  or an elongated second duct  34  may be provided with a first end panel and/or a second end panel which is configured as end panel  100 , which is hingedly affixed, via hinge  102 , to an elongated first duct  32  as depicted, or similarly, to an elongated second duct  34 . The hinged end panel  100  is closed, or opened, as indicated by the arc of lead line noted with reference letter Z. Opening may provide the owner or operator of the dyer the ability to clean accumulated dust and lint from the adjustable dryer vent adapter  30 , after a period of dryer operation. As also noted in  FIG. 12 , in an embodiment, an elongated first duct  32  may be provided having a thickness T of about one and three quarters (1.75) of an inch, more or less. An elongated second duct  34  may be provided with similar thickness T. In an embodiment, the external inlet  44  may be provided with an inlet length I of about three and one half (3.5) inches, more or less. 
     The flexibility afforded by use of the adjustable dryer vent adapter  30  as described herein may be more fully appreciated by review of the adjustment possibilities as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  FIG. 3  provides a diagrammatic view, showing elongated first duct  32  having a first longitudinal axis L 1  and an elongated second duct  34  having a second longitudinal axis L 2 . The elongated second duct  34  is rotated at joint  60  to provide an angle alpha (α) between the first longitudinal axis L 1  and the second longitudinal axis L 2 , which is  FIG. 3  is an obtuse angle. In  FIG. 4 , the elongated second duct  34  is rotated at joint  60  to provide an angle alpha (α) between the first longitudinal axis L 1  and the second longitudinal axis L 2  of one hundred eighty (180) degrees, which provides maximum length of extension (i.e. maximum length of R 1  plus R 2 ) for the adjustable dryer vent adapter  30 . Note that the adjustable dryer vent adapter  30  may be adjusted to a desired position around an inlet centerline C L  INLET provided at the external inlet  44 , with freedom of movement along a line A defined by radius R 1 , which thus locates the centerline C L JOINT  of the joint  60  passageway between the elongated first duct  32  and the elongated second duct  34 , i.e., between the inlet centerline C L INLET  and a joint centerline C L JOINT . The elongated second duct  34  may also be rotated with freedom of movement along a line B defined by radius R 2 , which extends between the joint centerline C L JOINT  and the outlet centerline C L OUTLET  of the elongated second duct  34 . 
     Note that  FIG. 4  provides a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the adjustable dryer vent adapter  30  where the vent adapter  30  has been adjusted to a maximum extension position, that is, wherein the elongated second duct  34  has been rotated by an angle alpha (α) of one hundred eighty (180) degrees with respect to the elongated first duct  32 , so that, in combination, the elongated first duct  32  and the elongated second duct  34  provide an overall maximum extension distance of R 3 , with freedom of movement along a line C. Moreover, note that for any given extension distance R 3  (i.e. the sum of R 1  and R 2 ) an adjustment distance, and location, may be accommodated from the external inlet centerline C L INLET  to any point located within the area defined by the bounding line C, i.e. any point with a desired extension radius R X  equal to or less than R 3 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the various aspects, features, structures, and embodiments of an adjustable vent adapter for clothes dryer as described herein is a significant improvement in the state of the art. The apparatus described is simple, reliable, and easy to use. Although only a few exemplary aspects and embodiments have been described in detail, various details are sufficiently set forth in the drawing figures and in the specification provided herein to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention(s), which need not be further described by additional writing. 
     Importantly, the aspects, features, structures, and embodiments described and claimed herein may be modified from those shown without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided, and may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the various aspects and embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover the structures described herein and not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent structures. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The scope of the invention, as described herein is thus intended to include variations from the various aspects and embodiments provided which are nevertheless described by the broad meaning and range properly afforded to the language herein, as explained by and in light of the terms included herein, or the legal equivalents thereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3