For Hollow Article Patents (Class 34/104)
  • Patent number: 6880711
    Abstract: A storage rack provides a convenient means to both dry and store often cumbersome athletic clothing and equipment. The storage rack is of an endo-type design in the sense that the stored athletic equipment and clothing is substantially draped over or encapsulated various appendages of a hollow shell of the rack. Internal surfaces of the athletic equipment and clothing are dried by a series of air flow apertures carried by each appendage which communicate inwardly with a common air chamber held at superatmospheric pressure and defined by the shell. Preferably an inlet supply air passage is also carried by the shell for receiving superatmospheric air into the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: The Ultimate Group, LLC
    Inventor: James P. Collier
  • Patent number: 6868621
    Abstract: A clothes drying apparatus is provided. This clothes drying apparatus comprises a cabinet with an interior region to receive clothes. At least one door is operably connected to the cabinet to allow access to the interior region thereof. Attached to the cabinet is a first intake passage for accessing and receiving air from the exterior environment of a building. A vacuum unit is also attached to the cabinet. This vacuum unit draws air from the exterior of the building, through the passage, and into the interior region of the cabinet. A second passage linked to the interior environment and a switching mechanism may also be provided to permit selective operation of the clothes drying apparatus to draw air from outdoors or indoors based on environmental conditions. Also provided is a method of drying clothes with the clothes drying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Grimm Brothers Plastics Corp.
    Inventors: Curt L. Grimm, Kent L. Grimm
  • Patent number: 6862818
    Abstract: An oil removing device for cleaning pipes that are present in the form of coils in a furnace that accommodates and heats the pipes, with or without associated cooling zone, has a gas guiding device for feeding a scavenging gas to or removing it from the pipes. The gas guiding device is provided with connections for detachably and sealingly linking with a gas feed line and a gas discharge line. Ends of every pipe are separately connected to one and the same connecting head that has a gas inlet and a gas outlet opening the axially aligned therewith. The end of the gas feed line and the end of the gas discharge line are opposite each other and can be displaced along with the gas inlet opening and/or the gas outlet opening while sealingly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Otto Junker GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Johnen, Glynn Jones
  • Patent number: 6839982
    Abstract: A combination dryer and atomized medicinal liquid apparatus and shoe or boot drying attachment, wherein the apparatus accommodates the placement of a shoe and/or boot drying attachment on an upper surface thereon. The attachment rests upon the upper surface of the dryer and atomized medicinal apparatus covering the air discharge outlets and channeling the generated air through two vertically disposed tubes. The tubes have a fixed end adjacent the attachment and a free end with an opening for transmitting or transferring the air to a shoe or boot placed thereon. A support ring circumscribes the tubes and supports a shoe(s) or boot(s) placed thereon, thereby promoting efficient drying and/or treatment of the shoe or boot by the apparatus and attachment combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Alford Odell Hoover
  • Patent number: 6829842
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a vessel having a first end an a second end. A first cap is releasably mounted on the first end. A second cap is releasably mounted on the second end. The vessel is configured to prevent crushing and promote ventilating thereof. The first cap and/or second cap may have an aperture for ventilating the vessel. A fan is fixed relative to, for ventilating, the vessel. The fan is mounted on an end cap. The fan energizable with a battery. A switch is provided for selectably supplying energy to the fan. If a fan is provided, a barrier is disposed in the vessel configured to protect an object in the vessel from the fan. The barrier should have an aperture for ventilating the vessel. The invention may include a handle connected thereto, for carrying, the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis J. Zuccaro
  • Patent number: 6802136
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for drying the interior of a flexible beverage container. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and outlet. A blower is disposed intermediate between the inlet and outlet and is operative to draw air through the housing via the inlet and outlet. An exhaust pipe is disposed at the outlet whereby the container may be disposed thereon for drying. The dryer is operative to blow air onto the farmost inner portions of the container to facilitate thorough and hygienic drying between uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Scott T. Merchant
  • Patent number: 6796053
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for drying articles which includes a blower with a main conduit. A distributing manifold is adapted to receive drying air from the main conduit. This distributing manifold defines a plurality of manifold outlets therein. Each manifold outlet includes a similarly configured manifold attachment device. A plurality of drying fixtures are included each having a unique configuration for drying a particular article, such as articles of clothing. Each drying fixture includes a connecting section for receiving air and a hanging section for receiving air from the connecting section. The hanging section defines a plurality of holes for allowing drying air to exit therefrom. Each drying fixture includes a fixture attachment device detachably securable to any one of the manifold attachment devices thereby providing variability in the location and configuration for use of this apparatus. Each drying fixture includes a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Glenn Lurie
  • Publication number: 20040181963
    Abstract: An insert is disposed in a glove to open up the glove and allow the flow of drying air to the inner surfaces of the glove. A cruciform shaped opening is provided in a central portion of the insert. The opening is adapted to interlock with a mating cruciform member on a drying tree for drying in ambient air. Alternatively, the insert with glove mounted thereon can be disposed in a mechanical dryer (electric or gas) if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Sherilyn G. Morris
  • Patent number: 6793881
    Abstract: A container and method for conditioning articles of hunting clothing and related gear so as to camouflage scents associated with humans. The container presents an enclosed space with an easily accessible opening where clothing and other gear may be placed. Within the confines of the container, one or more internal compartments are formed to hold natural, woodsy materials pre-selected as a natural scent source. Each internal compartment is provided passages permitting permeation of scents into the space where the clothing and gear are located, while preventing soiling contact with the scent source materials and the clothing articles. Each compartment includes a hinged portion such that source material may be changed or refreshed. Typically, the container is in the form of a transportable trunk with a lid pivoted on a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Wayne Himes
  • Patent number: 6766591
    Abstract: A garment drying apparatus includes a housing forming a base. A heater is mounted in the base for warming ambient air drawn into the base via a fan through openings formed in the base. A pair of air ducting walls are mounted in the base to direct a portion of the warm air in a first flow path and the remaining portion of the warm air in a second flow path. The flow paths are disposed in substantially diametrically opposed directions within the base. The housing further includes a top wall for covering the base. The top wall includes vent openings aligned with distal ends of the first and second flow paths. Garment support members are mounted on the top surface of the top wall and are pivotable between a first position where support is aligned substantially horizontally in a stowed position on the top wall and a second position where the support is substantially upright relative to the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: HP Intellectual Corp.
    Inventors: Larry Todd McKinney, Keith C. Bernard, Joseph J. Laskowski
  • Patent number: 6766594
    Abstract: A drying apparatus including a body portion including an upwardly extending drying member which has an upper portion for holding an item of apparel, and a platform coupled to the body portion. The platform can be moved into a first, generally horizontal position over the drying member and can be moved into a second, non-horizontal position not over the drying member such that a user has access to the upper portion of the drying member. The drying apparatus can include an air freshener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Scientific Molding Corporation
    Inventor: Rick DuRapau
  • Publication number: 20040134087
    Abstract: A stationary dryer, which may be used for drying clothes, is provided having a housing enclosing a space. A stationary support is located within the space for receiving articles to be dried. An air moving device is provided for generating an air flow through the space from an air inlet to an air outlet. An air distributor mechanism comprising a distribution plenum is positioned between the air inlet and the stationary support, with a plenum wall having a plurality of perforations therein. At least one of the distribution plenum and the perforations are sized, shaped and arranged so as to equalize an air flow distribution over the stationary support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Robert W. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040134088
    Abstract: A stationary dryer, useful as a clothes dryer, is provided comprising a housing enclosing a space and a stationary clothes support located within the space. An air moving device is provided for generating an air flow through the space from an air inlet to an air outlet. An air distributor mechanism comprising a distribution plenum is positioned between the air inlet and the clothes support, with a plenum wall having a plurality of perforations therein. The perforations are sized, shaped and arranged so as to provide jets of air against the clothes support and to equalize an air flow distribution over the clothes support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Robert W. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040088879
    Abstract: A drying apparatus including a body portion including an upwardly extending drying member which has an upper portion for holding an item of apparel, and a platform coupled to the body portion. The platform can be moved into a first, generally horizontal position over the drying member and can be moved into a second, non-horizontal position not over the drying member such that a user has access to the upper portion of the drying member. The drying apparatus can include an air freshener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Rick DuRapau
  • Patent number: 6725568
    Abstract: An ear canal dryer that removes excess fluid or moisture retained in the outer ear canal. The ear canal dryer comprises a bulb and a speculum, each having an air flow controller. By inserting the speculum into the ear canal and squeezing the bulb, an air stream is injected into the ear canal causing evaporation of fluid and carrying the moisture out of the canal. The ear canal dryer of the present invention is easy to carry and use. It can be manufactured at a low cost and may also be adapted for veterinary use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Edward A. Gronka
  • Publication number: 20040064963
    Abstract: A shoe drier has a housing from which paired tubes (10) project as holding elements for the shoes, boots, or the like which are to be dried. In the housing (1) there is a fan (15) which forces air into the tubes (10), the tubes are chosen to be serpentine and project with their free ends out of the housing. The air which has been forced into the tubes emerges from the tubes (10) through openings (20). In order to heat the air (19) emerging from the openings (20), there are heat conductors (30) in the tubes (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Oswald Marolt
  • Patent number: 6698106
    Abstract: A dehydration device and method is provided for the quick and efficient drying of garments wherein said dehydration device may be specifically adapted to receive an individual garment and may direct forced air into the interior volume of the garment to rapidly remove liquid and/or vapor from the garment. An optional heater may also be provided that is configured to accelerate the drying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventors: Fredrick C. Reithel, Henry J. Sobota
  • Patent number: 6691427
    Abstract: A low pressure, low air volume system for heating and drying concrete walls in a damp environment is disclosed. A wall unit consisting of a wall panel having a plurality of vertical grooves and ridges formed in a back surface, the ridges in contact with a concrete wall surface and the grooves forming a plurality of air channels in contact with the surface of the wall, ducts heated air across the concrete surface of the wall, evaporating moisture migrating through the wall. An upper and lower plenum connect the air channels of the wall unit with a remote system consisting of a dehumidifier and discharge pump, heating element and fans for moving air through the system, the dehumidifier removing the moisture from the air before recirculating it through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: John P. Fernandes, David M. Swan
  • Patent number: 6688650
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a dry disconnect coupling. The dry disconnect coupling includes a first coupling member for coupling to a second coupling member. A circuit provides a first signal based on when the first coupling member is disconnected to the second coupling member. Thermally coupled to the first coupling member is a first heater. The first heater generates heat based on the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shlomo Novotny
  • Publication number: 20040010931
    Abstract: Shoe dryer is electronic device which allows drying a shoe (see picture 1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Oleg Naljotov
  • Patent number: 6675493
    Abstract: A holder for drying plastic bags including a base with series of interconnected sockets; and dowels, each dowel having a smooth and rounded end, to accommodate a bag and an opposite end being inserted into the sockets of the base. A bag is placed upside-down over the dowels to dry. The dowels may be positioned in different sockets to accommodate different size bags. Alternatively, the end of the dowel being placed in the base may be hollow thereby accommodating a spring placed between the sockets of the base and the dowels so that the dowels may be easily adjusted. The bag holder may optionally provide a horizontal attachment to permit simultaneous drying of a plastic bag and a dish towel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Rosemary Martin
  • Patent number: 6665949
    Abstract: A drying tool for drying moisture present in cells of a honeycomb core. The tool includes an inflatable bladder compartment having a bendable exterior surface and a plurality of open-ended nozzles protruding from this exterior surface, with each nozzle having a passage in fluid communication with the bladder compartment. A connector element is connectible with a hot air source for delivering hot air into the bladder compartment for subsequent dispatch through the plurality of nozzles. Preferably, the nozzles are situated in a grid formation and are of a generally conical configuration. In use, the bendable exterior surface with the protruding nozzles is bowed or curved to generally configure to the exterior shape of the honeycomb core such that hot air is pinpointed in a grid pattern to drive heated air into the core and thereby cause circulation through the core cells for moisture evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Carl A. Reis, Doris Andren Reis
  • Publication number: 20030226278
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for drying the interior of a flexible beverage container. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and outlet. A blower is disposed intermediate between the inlet and outlet and is operative to draw air through the housing via the inlet and outlet. An exhaust pipe is disposed at the outlet whereby the container may be disposed thereon for drying. The dryer is operative to blow air onto the farmost inner portions of the container to facilitate thorough and hygienic drying between uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Scott T. Merchant
  • Publication number: 20030213144
    Abstract: Sports glove drying devices. In one embodiment, an accessory allows attachment of gloves to a vehicle. The aerodynamic drag of the wind against the vehicle during the vehicle's movement speeds up the drying of the gloves. In a further embodiment, an accessory for adhering to a vehicle, existing tags or so forth, allowing any surface to be utilized for drying the gloves. In further embodiments, the accessory includes a receptacle for interchanging promotional material therein. In a preferred embodiment, the accessories are used with golf gloves and can be attached to a golf cart. In alternate embodiments, the accessories can be used with any other sporting activity using gloves, such as bicycling, baseball, or so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Leon Jacobson
  • Patent number: 6647639
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of drying wet or water damaged structures. Specifically, several improved features of a forced air system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Injectidry Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest J. Storrer
  • Publication number: 20030188448
    Abstract: An breathable rack (10) for storing helmets is provided for use in transportation and storage. The rack (10) includes a frame (18) pivotally mounted on a mounting surface (12) to extend between an open position and an closed position. The rack (10) is secured in the closed position by a snap catch (52). A flexible fabric cover member (16) is secured to the frame (18) to support a helmet (12) therein. A drying subsystem (22) including a fan (60) and heating elements (80) facilitates ventilation during use. The rack (10) is especially adapted for use in trailers or storage sheds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Michael J. Reed
  • Patent number: 6606801
    Abstract: A system and process for drying a shoe, for example a leather shoe comprising a fan operable to produce an air flow, a heating element and at least one duct having at least one outlet, which is adapted to direct a portion of the air flow into a shoe. Additionally, the shoe drying system provides a drying effectiveness of at least 70 g/hr within the first hour of drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Janine Morgens Strang, Ilya Yurievich Ilyin, Viatcheslav Vladimirovitch Karamychev, Valeriy Valentinovich Pavlov, Michael Peter Siklosi
  • Patent number: 6604298
    Abstract: A drying apparatus for use in a drying device, having a surface and a first mechanism to at least partially hold an article relative to the surface. A second mechanism associated with the surface is operable to cooperatively engage with an air exit in the drying device, and is in air communication with an interior of the first mechanism. An airflow channel is formed between a portion of the drying device, the article, the interior of the first mechanism, the second mechanism, and an air exit in the drying device, facilitating more even drying of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Mark Tomasi, James I. Czech, David E. Scott, Brooke Lindsay-Steel Lau
  • Publication number: 20030145483
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for drying and/or scenting sports equipment and the like. A sports bag is designed such that it has two openings which are covered by a mesh fabric or a rigid plastic screen. One opening is used to receive a blower fan engaged onto the mounting at the opening. The other opening is used to allow air to escape. Wet and/or foul smelling sports equipment is placed into the sports bag. An air freshener is inserted into a pocket located in the blower fan housing, or near to the opening of the intake opening of the sports bag. The fan is turned on (with or without a timer). In a relatively short period of time the sports equipment is dry, with little effort required or foul odor released outside the sports bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Randal W. Buhler, Richard D. Doerksen, James Kor, Terry E. Halajko
  • Patent number: 6591517
    Abstract: The present invention is a shoe dryer and deodorizer that can be hung on the back of a door or mounted on a wall. It is comprised of an upper housing support member that is attached to a flat shoe rack with mesh pockets with which to hold shoes. The upper housing support member contains a motorized fan assembly, an air intake screen, a deodorizing filter, and an air discharge duct. The motorized fan assembly is comprised of a fan intake duct, a blower, a baffle, and a fan discharge duct. Air is taken into the unit through the intake screen and passes through the deodorizing filter and the fan intake duct on its way to the fan blower. The fan blower pushes this air through the baffle and the fan discharge duct and out to the air discharge duct where the air is dispersed over the shoes that are placed in the mesh pockets. The unit can have a manual power switch or can be programmed by a timer mechanism to turn on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Burt T. Moore
  • Publication number: 20030106237
    Abstract: A baby bottle dryer and organizer is herein described. Said bottle dryer has hollow posts onto which baby bottles are placed and a blower/fan that blows drying air up into the posts, thus drying the interior of the baby bottles. Said bottle dryer further has a removable tray for drying baby bottle nipples and rings/caps into which are from the blower/fan flows. The bottle dryer also has a lid and a front door to protect the baby bottles, nipples, rings/caps from dust and debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Hope R. Buchweitz
  • Patent number: 6553687
    Abstract: The helmet dryer described includes an electric fan mounted in a base having a stanchion for supporting a helmet. The dryer provides convenience in removing moisture from a helmet worn during strenuous activities. The electric fan delivers air through perforations in the stanchion which circulates along the inside of the helmet for drying purposes. The helmet is separated from the stanchion by spacers affixed to a dome to insure a proper, complete air flow along the inside of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: J. Wayne Leamon, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030056390
    Abstract: A portable air heating system for use in remote areas is disclosed. The portable air heating system provides a stream heated air for use in heating the interior of a structure, such as a tent or camp trailer. The heating system generally comprises an air transfer assembly for providing a flow of air through the system, a fuel burner assembly for providing heat by combustion, and a heat transfer housing for safely transferring the heat produced by the fuel burner assembly to the air flowing through the transfer assembly. The burner assembly and the heat transfer housing are both positioned outside the area being heated. Further, the exhaust gases are completely isolated from the air heated by the system, thereby virtually eliminating the likelihood of asphyxiation by the exhaust gases from the burner. The present heating system is also highly portable and simple to use, thereby providing an efficient mechanism for providing heat where more traditional heating apparatus are not readily available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Trevor Adrian
  • Patent number: 6532684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for cleaning a pressurized container having at least one chemical contained therein. More specifically, the container may store a quantity of a chemical that is reactive with water and forms dangerous reaction products, such as, for example, acids. The pressurized container may be any type of container able to store chemicals under pressure. Preferably, however, the container may be a rail tank car. The system includes the container that may have a plurality of valves for adding or removing gaseous or liquid material to or from the container. The container may be connected with a nitrogen tank or a fan for blowing air that may be heated via a heater. A vacuum pump is utilized for removing the contents of the container. The container may further be connected to a reaction tank for neutralizing the chemical that is be removed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph P. Tunney, Paul Buchan, Thomas J. Davis, Raymond Blaine Vermette
  • Patent number: 6523277
    Abstract: Apparatus for drying and stacking treated workpieces includes a housing defining a drying chamber; a workpiece carrying assembly mounted to the housing for moving the workpieces along a travel path through the drying chamber, including an endless strand trained around a plurality of wheels, and a plurality of pins spaced along and projecting outwardly from the strand for supporting and carrying workpieces; a workpiece removal assembly for removing workpieces from the pins including a ramp formed with an abutment surface and a slot formed therein through which the pins can pass to engage workpieces being carried on the pins wherein each workpiece is forced off its respective pin as the respective pin advances through the slot; a workpiece collection arrangement for receiving workpieces removed from the pins, with the travel path being generally vertically oriented and the pins being generally horizontally oriented wherein workpieces fall into the workpiece collection arrangement; and a workpiece ejector assemb
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Jimmie D. Claggett
  • Patent number: 6516536
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying “dry suits”, HAZ MAT suits, cleanroom suits and the like utilizes a blower and heating elements mounted through a neck, wrist or ankle seal of the suit. The heated and compressed air is discharged into the suit to absorb moisture from the internal suit surfaces, then is discharged through the suit seals, rapidly drying the suit. Inserts for establishing a desired discharge rate from the suit seals are described. The inserts also serve to stretch the neck and arm seals to the proper diameter for maintaining comfortable wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Michael V. Ryden
  • Publication number: 20030009902
    Abstract: This invention is a compact, portable apparel drying apparatus that comprises a base having two ends with a cross-member midway between these ends. An apparel holding frame is pivotally connected to each end of the base. Two support arms are provided, one end of each is removably connected to one of the apparel holding frames. The other ends of the support arms are pivotally connected to the base cross-member. When connected, the support arms securely position the apparel holding frames at an inward angle of approximately 75 degrees with respect to the base. When the support arms are disconnected from the holding frames, they fold compactly to lie flush with the base. The base, the apparel holding frames and the support arms may be formed from any durable material such as stainless steel rod or high temperature plastics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald E. Kirk
  • Patent number: 6499227
    Abstract: Sports glove drying devices. In one embodiment, an accessory allows attachment of gloves to a vehicle. The aerodynamic drag of the wind against the vehicle during the vehicle's movement speeds up the drying of the gloves. In a further embodiment, an accessory for adhering to a vehicle, existing tags or so forth, allowing any surface to be utilized for drying the gloves. In further embodiments, the accessory includes a receptacle for interchanging promotional material therein. In a preferred embodiment, the accessories are used with golf gloves and can be attached to a golf cart. In alternate embodiments, the accessories can be used with any other sporting activity using gloves, such as bicycling, baseball, or so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Leon Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20020148136
    Abstract: A bag for drying sneakers, other casual shoes, or casual wear in a clothes dryer. The bag is padded to minimize noise, and perforated to assist in drying the contents thereof. A viewing window is optionally provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Annie K. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6393724
    Abstract: The present invention has a heater, a blower and connecting hoses to provide hot air to one or more vent boxes. The vent boxes have multiple, directional hoses to direct hot air to the desired parts of the vehicle. A separate vent box rack is provided to allow the floor mats to be dried at the same time as the rest of the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventors: Ori Apple, Ehed Cafri
  • Patent number: 6378224
    Abstract: The present invention provides an odor and moisture removing apparatus and method of manufacturing the same which is suitable for insertion in a shoe or boot. The apparatus includes an outer shell which encloses layers of a woven porous fabric. A porous and absorbent felted material such as “silence cloth” is enclosed between the top/bottom layers and the layers holding the desiccant material. Further, a desiccant material is included between the second and third layers. As embodied, the apparatus is designed to resemble an animal-like creature for added novelty value and customer appeal. Further, an essential oil or fragrance such as vanilla or cinnamon is infused within a portion of the apparatus to mask or further eliminate any remaining odors in the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventors: Carol M. Qualkinbush, Kitty D. Bendixen-park
  • Patent number: 6374509
    Abstract: A shoe holder for attaching a shoe to a dryer for preventing the tennis shoes from banging in the drum of the dryer while being dried. The shoe holder for attaching a shoe to a dryer includes a piece of material being adapted to fasten about a sole of a shoe; and also includes fastening members for fastening the piece of material about the sole of the shoe; and further includes dryer attachment members securely attached to the piece of material and being adapted to detachably attach to a drum of a dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventors: Richard W. Jackson, Sr., Glenda M. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20020040534
    Abstract: A system and process for drying a shoe, for example a leather shoe comprising a fan operable to produce an air flow, a heating element and at least one duct having at least one outlet, which is adapted to direct a portion of the air flow into a shoe. Additionally, the shoe drying system provides a drying effectiveness of at least 70 g/hr within the first hour of drying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Janine Morgens Strang, Ilya Yurievich Ilyin, Viatcheslav Vladimirovitch Karamychev, Valeriy Valentinovich Pavlov, Michael Peter Siklosi
  • Publication number: 20020026728
    Abstract: A processing unit for a substrate has a vertical thermal processing furnace 4 having a bottom and an opening 4a provided at the bottom. A boat 3 holding substrates W in vertical multistairs can be placed on a first lid 17, and the first lid 17 can open and close the opening 4a of the vertical thermal processing furnace 4 with the boat 3 placed thereon. The processing unit also has a boat-placing portion 19 on which the boat 3 and another boat 3 can be placed and a boat conveying mechanism 21 for conveying the two boats 3 alternatively between the boat-placing portion 19 and the first lid 17. A second lid 18 hermetically closes the opening 4a of the vertical thermal processing furnace 4 when the first lid 17 opens the opening 4a but no boat 3 passes through the opening 4a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Katsumi Ishii
  • Publication number: 20010049883
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying “dry suits”, HAZ MAT suits, cleanroom suits and the like utilizes a blower and heating elements mounted through a neck, wrist or ankle seal of the suit. The heated and compressed air is discharged into the suit to absorb moisture from the internal suit surfaces, then is discharged through the suit seals, rapidly drying the suit. Inserts for establishing a desired discharge rate from the suit seals are described. The inserts also serve to stretch the neck and arm seals to the proper diameter for maintaining comfortable wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Michael V. Ryden
  • Patent number: 6327792
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible sports dryer for drying wearing apparel has at least one rigid air supply tube with an open end for being placed within a clothing article for supporting it above the dryer. An electric blower communicates with the tube for circulating air to dry the clothing article, and a removable drip shield is provided between the open end of the tube and the electric blower for deflecting moisture that drips from the clothing article away from the electric blower. A carrying case containing the air blower serves as a supporting base for the dryer when the dryer is placed on the floor or on a table. The air supply tube is adapted to be stored in a storage plenum within the case and is removed and then connected during use to the blower. The tube is positioned while in operation to extend upwardly from the case for forcing a current of air through an article of wearing apparel supported upon an upper free end of the rigid air supply tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Donald L. Hebert
  • Patent number: 6305098
    Abstract: A roller for a rotary printing press drying assembly, comprising, near each printing unit, a drying assembly including a plurality of parallel rollers, each roller being circumferentially provided with a plurality of equispaced slots which are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Officine Meccaniche Giovanni Cerutti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Enrico Guglielmero
  • Patent number: 6176022
    Abstract: With the object of removing moisture from a system of N≳2 elongated hollow guiding members (20) for cable-like elements (27), in the system a gas flow (G) is maintained. The gas flow is supplied to the system by way of a gas-supply opening (29) of a coupling-in number (23) coupled to first ends (21) of a number of K hollow guiding members (20) and discharged from the system by way of a gas-discharge opening (30) of a coupling-out member (23) coupled to first ends (21) of the L=N−K remaining hollow guiding members. A coupling-through member (26) coupled to second ends (24) of the N hollow guiding members (20) provides a gastight coupling-through between the second ends (24) of the K hollow guiding members and the L second ends of the L remaining hollow guiding members. Preferably K=N−1, and the N−1 hollow guiding members are located within the Nth hollow guiding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Koninklijke PTT Nederland N.V.
    Inventor: Griffioen Willem
  • Patent number: 6130991
    Abstract: An electric hair dryer is connected to a portable housing having a plurality of angularly adjustable housing segments. The air passes through the segments and out spaced air outlet openings formed in the housing segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Lilian E. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6125548
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Tor H. Petterson