Drying Rack Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel drying rack device which is designed to quickly and efficiently dry dishes of varying sizes and/or quantities. The device comprises a multipurpose rack for drying dishes. The device is adjustable, modular, and foldable to a relatively compact size when not in use. The device can also include a plurality of air jets to quickly dry any type of dishware placed on the rack to avoid water spots on the dishes.

Claims

1. A drying rack device for easily and efficiently drying varying sizes and quantities of dishes, the drying rack device comprising: a base; a plurality of side walls; a plurality of front walls; a plurality of back walls; a plurality of longitudinal rods; and a plurality of transverse rods; wherein the plurality of front walls and the plurality of back walls are crossed by the plurality of longitudinal rods and the plurality of transverse rods; wherein the base, the plurality of side walls, the plurality of front walls, and the plurality of back walls are formed with large openings through which air may circulate freely to dry dishes with the drying rack device; and wherein the plurality of side walls, front walls, and back walls may be manipulated and adjusted based on a size or a quantity of dishes being dried.

2. The drying rack device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of transverse rods do not extend a complete width of the drying rack device to provide a section for a plurality of dish-supporting elements.

3. The drying rack device of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of upwardly projecting pegs positioned within the base to support a plurality of cups or glasses.

4. The drying rack device of claim 3 further comprising a silverware container for holding a plurality of silverware.

5. The drying rack device of claim 4, wherein the silverware container comprises a high back wall, a high front wall, and a pair of high side walls with a plurality of internal partitions to retain the plurality of silverware.

6. The drying rack device of claim 5 further comprising at least two support legs spaced along the high front wall and the high back wall.

7. The drying rack device of claim 1 further comprising a removable drain board positioned below the base.

8. The drying rack device of claim 1 further comprising transversely spaced, vertically disposed support legs at a front and a rear of the drying rack device.

9. The drying rack device of claim 1, wherein the drying rack device is collapsible.

10. The drying rack device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of air jets.

11. The drying rack device of claim 10 further comprising at least one air inlet vent for drawing air into the drying rack device, and a blower for forcing the air through a plurality of outlet vents to dry the dishes within the drying rack device.

12. The drying rack device of claim 11 further comprising a heater and an electric motor for blowing hot air on the dishes.

13. A drying rack device for easily and efficiently drying varying sizes and quantities of dishes, the drying rack device comprising: a base; a plurality of side walls; a plurality of front walls; a plurality of back walls; a plurality of longitudinal rods and a plurality of transverse rods crossed by the plurality of front walls and the plurality of back walls; and at least one air inlet vent for drawing air into the drying rack device and a blower for forcing the air through a plurality of outlet vents to dry dishes within the drying rack device; and a heater and an electric motor for blowing hot air on the dishes; and control circuitry that includes an on-off light and an on-off switch electrically connected to the heater, the electric motor, and the blower; and wherein the plurality of side walls, front walls, and back walls may be manipulated and adjusted based on size or quantity of dishes being dried.

14. The drying rack device of claim 13 further comprising a safety tip switch that will automatically turn off the drying rack device if it becomes unstable when the blower is active.

15. The drying rack device of claim 13 further comprising a pair of handles.

16. The drying rack device of claim 13 further comprising a compartment for retaining the air inlet vent, the heater, the electric motor, and the blower.

17. The drying rack device of claim 13 further comprising a removable drain board positioned below the base.

18. The drying rack device of claim 13 further comprising a silverware container for holding silverware.

19. The drying rack device of claim 13 further comprising transversely spaced, vertically disposed support legs at a front and a rear of the drying rack device.

20. A method of drying dishes of varying sizes and/or quantities efficiently and easily, the method comprising the steps of: providing a drying rack device that is adjustable and modular; assembling the drying rack device at such a height and position as to house a required size and quantity of dishes needing to be dried by a user; positioning a plurality of dishware within the drying rack device; and turning on air jets and heater to dry the dishes within the drying rack device quickly and efficiently, without water spots.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0029] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the drying rack device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the drying rack device of the present invention in a collapsed position in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the drying rack device of the present invention wherein the drying rack device can be adjusted to stand on the floor in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing how the drying rack device of the present invention can be adjusted to sit on a counter when in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of drying dishes of varying sizes and/or quantities efficiently and easily in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0034] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0035] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a drying rack device that provides users with an easy and efficient way to dry dishes. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a drying rack device that eliminates the need for users to hand dry dishes of varying sizes and/or quantities. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a drying rack device that simplifies the process of drying dishes by providing a rack that supports a large quantity of dishes and other articles for drying. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents water or wet spots from occurring on drying dishes. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a drying rack device that provides air jets to quickly dry any type of dishware placed on the rack. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel and improved drying rack device that is inexpensive to manufacture, durable in construction, and foldable to a relatively compact size when not in use.

[0036] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel drying rack device that comprises an adjustable base defined by a continuous rectangular frame of wire having a plurality of side walls and ends, as well as front and back walls which are crossed by longitudinal rods and transverse rods. The drying rack device can be collapsed and foldable to a relatively compact size when not in use. The present invention also includes a novel method of drying dishes of varying sizes and/or quantities efficiently and easily. The method includes the steps of providing a drying rack device that is adjustable and modular. The method also comprises assembling the drying rack device at such a height and position as to house the required size and quantity of dishes needing to be dried by a user. Further, the method comprises positioning a plurality of dishware within the device. Finally, turning on the air jets and/or heater to dry the dishes within the device quickly and efficiently, without water spots.

[0037] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the drying rack device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the drying rack device 100 is an improved drying rack device that easily and efficiently dries varying sizes and quantities of dishes. The device 100 is especially designed to allow any user, both commercial or personal, etc., or any other suitable user as is known in the art, to easily dry dishes from the sink or dishwasher. More specifically, the device 100 comprises a multipurpose rack for drying dishes. The device is adjustable, modular, and foldable to a relatively compact size when not in use.

[0038] The drying rack device 100 is preferably manufactured from round wire stock, plastic, etc., or other suitable materials as is known in the art. The round wire stock may also have a protective coating of rubber or synthetic resin or rust-resistant metal on it. Further, the round wire stock may also comprise an antimicrobial coating, or other similar coatings as is known in the art. The use of wire is desirable to provide an open network construction in order to allow wet dishes and eating utensils to drain properly, and to provide sufficient circulation of air through the device 100, to rapidly dry off the dishware retained therewithin.

[0039] The drying rack device 100 comprises a base 102 defined by a continuous rectangular frame of wire having a plurality of side walls 104 and ends 106, as well as front 108 and back walls 110 which are crossed by longitudinal rods 112 and transverse rods 114. The base 102, side walls 104, back walls 110 and front walls 108 are formed with large openings 116 through which air may circulate freely to impinge upon dishes 118, glasses 120, and cups 122 while the same are being dried. The transverse rods 114 do not extend the complete width of the rack in order to provide a section of the rack for mounting the dish-supporting elements 124. The dish-supporting elements 124 are preferably shaped with a main arcuate portion. Typically, the plurality of dish-supporting elements 124 are pivotally supported between an adjacent pair of longitudinal rods 112 in any suitable manner. Further, spaced along at least one side are upwardly projecting pegs 126 on which cups 122 and glasses 120 may be supported in an inverted position.

[0040] Extending longitudinally from the base 102, and integral or otherwise made rigid with said base 102, are parallel, transversely spaced, identically formed dish-supporting elements 124. As will be noted, each dish-supporting element 124 includes a plurality of uniformly spaced, upwardly opening recesses 142. Each recess 142 includes a front portion 144 and a back portion 146 separated by a low, upwardly projecting, pointed divider component 148. Each recess 142 is thus of a double formation, so as to hold one or two dishes 118, and support the dishes 118 at a corresponding angle of inclination from the vertical plane.

[0041] The entire drying rack device 100 can be manipulated and adjusted based on the size and/or quantity of the dishware being dried. Any number of side walls 104 and ends 106, as well as longitudinal rods 112 and transverse rods 114, can be utilized to create the drying rack of appropriate size as required by a user. For example, users can assemble the drying rack device 100 for personal use, such that it fits on a kitchen counter (as shown in FIGS. 1A-B). In another embodiment, the drying rack device 100 can be assembled for commercial use, such that it stands on the floor beside a counter in a restaurant, etc. (as shown in FIG. 2).

[0042] In another embodiment, a silverware container 128 is included within the device 100. The silverware container 128 comprises a high back wall 130, high front wall 132, and high side walls 134, wherein when inserted into the device 100, the walls 130, 134 constitute an upward extension of the back wall 110 and side walls 104 of the device 100. Further, the front wall 132, like the back wall 130, is slightly inclined in relation to the plane of the base 102. Typically, the silverware container 128 comprises a plurality of internal partitions, elongated notches, or channels, 136 to retain the individual silverware 138 as well as to provide drain openings through which water draining from the silverware 138 within the silverware container 128 may flow toward the front end of the drying rack device 100.

[0043] Spaced longitudinally along the front 132 and back walls 130 are short support legs 140 for the silverware container 128, which are adapted to support the silverware container 128 when it is removed from the drying rack device 100. When the silverware container 128 is within the drying rack device 100, the legs 140 are spaced a short distance upwardly from the plane of the base 102.

[0044] In another embodiment, the drying rack device 100 comprises a removable drain board 150 below the base 102. The drain board 150 is typically an inclined, rectangular component that moves water drainage away from the drying rack device 100 and into a sink or other area. The drain board 150 is positioned below the base 102 and allows the drying rack device 100 to be placed on a counter 152 or the floor 154 without worry of water being expelled on the counter 152 or the floor 154. Once filled with water drainage, the drain board 150 can be removed, emptied, and replaced without disturbing the dishes 118 within the device 100.

[0045] At the front 158 and rear 160 end of the drying rack device 100, there are provided transversely spaced, vertically disposed support legs 156, the height of which is greater than that of the base 102. Therefore, when the device 100 is disposed upon a supporting surface, such as a kitchen counter 152, said surface being horizontal, the drain board 150 will be inclined slightly from the horizontal surface. Thus, all water draining from the silverware 138, cups 122, and dishes 118 within the device 100 will flow to and through the device openings into the drain board 150 to be disposed of merely by removal of the drain board 150.

[0046] It will be apparent that the drying rack device 100 need not be used in a kitchen sink and may be placed on a kitchen counter 152, floor 154, etc., without danger of any water flowing out of the device 100 and onto the kitchen surfaces.

[0047] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the drying rack device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the drying rack device 100 is collapsible and adjustable. The drying rack device 100 is movable between an upright position, and a flattened position, such that the device 100 can be stored when not in use. Specifically, the drying rack device 100 can be collapsed and foldable to a relatively compact size when not in use. The device 100 is then configured to be hung on a wall adjacent a sink or in any suitable location in a kitchen or other suitable area, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the drying rack device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the drying rack device 100 includes a plurality of air jets 200 to quickly dry any type of dishware 202 placed on the device 100 to avoid water spots on the dishes. Further, the drying rack device 100 comprises at least one air inlet vent 204 for drawing air into the device 100 and a blower 206 for forcing the air through a plurality of outlet vents 208 to dry the dishes within the device 100. In yet another embodiment, the drying rack device 100 comprises at least one air inlet vent 204 for drawing air into the device 100, a heater 210 for heating said air, and an electric motor 212 and blower 206 for forcing the heated air through a plurality of outlet vents 208. The plurality of outlet vents 208 act to expel the heated air toward the dishes within the device 100. Further, the device 100 comprises control circuitry 214 that includes an on-off light 216 and an on-off switch 218 electrically connected to the heater 210, the electric motor 212, and the blower 206. Furthermore, the drying rack device 100 comprises a safety tip switch 220 that will automatically turn off the device 100 if the drying rack device 100 becomes unstable when the blower 206 is active.

[0049] In another embodiment, the drying rack device 100 comprises a pair of handles 222 and a compartment 224. Each of the handles 222 is affixed to an opposite side of the device 100 such that the device 100 can become portable by being carried from place to place. The compartment 224 has a hinged door 226 formed in the top portion 228 of the compartment 224 and houses the air inlet vent 204, the heater 210, the electric motor 212, and the blower 206. The compartment 224 is typically positioned near the base 102 of the device 100, but can be positioned at any suitable place as is known in the art.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the drying rack device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the drying rack device 100 is disclosed for easily and efficiently drying dishes. The device 100 comprises a base 102, defined by a continuous rectangular frame of wire having a plurality of side walls 104 and ends 106, as well as front 108 and back 110 walls which are crossed by longitudinal rods 112 and transverse rods 114. Further, the drying rack device 100 can be collapsed and foldable to a relatively compact size when not in use. The device 100 is then configured to be hung on a wall adjacent a sink or in any suitable location in a kitchen or other area. Further, the device 100 is inexpensive to manufacture, durable in construction, easy to install, and adapted to support a large quantity of dishes and other items for drying.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of the method of drying dishes of varying sizes and/or quantities efficiently and easily. The method includes the steps of at 400, providing a drying rack device that is adjustable and modular, wherein the drying rack device comprises a base defined by a continuous rectangular frame of wire having a plurality of side walls and ends, as well as front and back walls which are crossed by longitudinal rods and transverse rods. The method also comprises at 402, assembling the drying rack device at such a height and position as to house the required size and quantity of dishes needing to be dried by a user. Further, the method comprises at 404, positioning a plurality of dishware within the device. Finally, at 406, turning on the air jets and/or heater to dry the dishes within the device quickly and efficiently, without water spots.

[0052] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “drying rack device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the drying rack device 100 of the present invention.

[0053] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the drying rack device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the drying rack device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the drying rack device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the drying rack device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the drying rack device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user’s needs and/or preferences.

[0054] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0055] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.