Futon drying tool

Abstract

To provide a Futon (Japanese quilt and mattress) drying tool which is capable of efficiently drying Futon and the like, is small in size and is easily housed.SOLUTION: The quilt drying tool includes a pair of support members 2 formed in a rectangular shape by joining an upper plate 10 and a lower plate 11 extending in a horizontal direction and a pair of left and right vertical plates 12 extending in a vertical direction so as to overlap each other, a connection member 3 that rotatably connects upper portions of the pair of support members 2, and an opening stop member 4 that stops opening of lower portions of the pair of support members 2 within a predetermined range. Thus, it can be easily inserted under the spread quilt to dry the quilt or the like, and it can be folded small when it is not used. Thus, the bedclothes can be easily and efficiently dried every day without the trouble of a housing place.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a futon dryer, and more particularly to a small, easily storable futon dryer that can be inserted between a comforter and a mattress pad to dry the futon. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, futon drying racks have been used as futon drying devices for drying futons. A typical futon drying rack in the prior art was large enough to hang a futon on top and support the entire futon.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a futon drying rack formed from hollow pipe material, which has multiple futon placing sections each comprising a support section that serves as a support, an upper member that connects to the support section to form the upper part, and a lower member that connects to the support section to form the lower part, and further has terminal members to which each of the upper members and lower members in the multiple futon placing sections is rotatably connected.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a futon dryer that includes a dryer main body formed from a hollow metal round pipe and with a pair of support poles arranged parallel to each other at a distance from each other, a clothes drying section provided at the top of the dryer main body, and support legs provided at the bottom of the dryer main body using a pair of support rods that are set to the same width as the pair of support poles and bent into an approximately U shape, with the main bodies of the pair of support rods supported in a V-shape when viewed from the side and kept in an assembled state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3227061 [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-172070 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the futon dryers of the above-mentioned conventional technology have the problem that they are large in size and get in the way when not being used to dry futons, making it difficult to find a place to store them. In particular, in condominiums and apartments that do not have a large garden or balcony where futons can be dried, it is difficult to dry futons using a large futon dryer.

[0007] Furthermore, drying futons using a large futon dryer, as in the prior art described above, is not an easy task. The tasks of preparing a large futon drying rack, carrying the heavy futon and placing it on the rack, retrieving the dried futon from the rack, and cleaning up the rack are not easy and require a great deal of time and effort. The burden of drying futons is particularly great for elderly people who are physically weak. Even healthy young people cannot afford the time to hang out and dry their futons every day in the busy mornings before going to work.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a futon dryer that is small and easy to store and can dry futons efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The futon dryer of the present invention is a futon dryer inserted below a comforter, and comprises a pair of support members formed into a square shape by joining together upper and lower horizontally extending plates and a pair of left and right vertically extending plates so that they overlap, a connecting member that rotatably connects the upper parts of the pair of support members, and an opening prevention member that prevents the lower parts of the pair of support members from opening within a predetermined range, and is characterized in that when the lower parts of the pair of support members are opened, they form an inverted V shape when viewed from the side, supporting the comforter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The futon dryer of the present invention is inserted below a comforter and includes a pair of rectangular support members formed by joining horizontally extending upper and lower plates and a pair of vertically extending left and right vertical plates so that they overlap, a connecting member that rotatably connects the upper parts of the pair of support members, and an opening stopper that prevents the lower parts of the pair of support members from opening within a predetermined range. When the lower parts of the pair of support members are opened, they form an inverted V shape in side view and support the comforter. With this configuration, the futon dryer can be inserted below the comforter while it is still laid out, without having to lift the comforter and carry it to a futon drying area, creating an airway through which air can flow between the comforter and the mattress. This allows for good ventilation and efficient dehumidification and drying of the comforter while it is still laid out. Furthermore, the futon dryer of the present invention can be folded compactly by overlapping the pair of rectangular support members, allowing it to be easily stored in a small, unobtrusive space when not in use to dry the futon. Therefore, even in condominiums and apartments that do not have large gardens or balconies, you can easily and efficiently dry your futon every day without having to worry about storage space.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the futon dryer of the present invention, the connecting members may be provided on the left and right sides of the support member and fixed to the vertical plates so as to connect the pair of left and right vertical plates, respectively, and the opening prevention members may be fixed to the center of each lower plate of the pair of support members so as to connect the lower plates of the pair of support members. This allows the futon dryer inserted below the comforter to withstand the weight of the comforter, etc., and safely support the comforter, etc., while having a small and lightweight structure so that it can be folded up into a small size.

[0012] Furthermore, in the futon dryer of the present invention, the length of the upper plate and the lower plate may be shorter than the width of the quilt, thereby forming an air passage for drying the futon below the quilt and making the futon dryer compact and easy to store.

[0013] Furthermore, in the futon dryer of the present invention, an opening whose height dimension is greater than the width dimension of the upper and lower plates is formed between the upper and lower plates of the support member, thereby forming a flow path that allows air to flow widely and effectively below the comforter, allowing for highly efficient futon drying.

[0014] In the futon dryer of the present invention, the pair of support members may be connected to face each other with the upper and lower plates facing outward and the vertical plates facing inward. This configuration makes it easier to insert the futon dryer below the comforter, and the futon dryer inserted below the comforter can safely support the weight of the comforter.

[0015] Furthermore, the futon dryer of the present invention may be provided with a plurality of pairs of the support members connected by the connecting member and the opening stopper member, each pair being arranged so as to overlap, the lower part of each support member being rotatably connected to the lower part of the support member of an adjacent pair by a lower connecting member, and the lower parts of each pair of the support members being opened to form a plurality of inverted V-shapes in side view to support the futon. With this configuration, a futon dryer can be obtained that can be folded up compactly and stored in a narrow space when not in use, and that can form a wide ventilation space below the futon when in use, allowing for highly efficient futon drying. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a futon drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view showing an example of a state in which a futon drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a side view showing another example of the use state of the futon drying device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view showing an outline of a futon drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are side views showing an outline of a futon drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a stored state and in a used state, respectively. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an outline of a futon drying device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an outline of a futon drying device according to still another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] A futon drying device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a futon dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1, the futon dryer 1 is used for drying futons, and is a small and lightweight appliance that can be easily stored in a small space.

[0018] The futon dryer 1 has a pair of support members 2 formed in a roughly rectangular frame shape. Each of the pair of support members 2 has the same shape and is arranged so that they are stacked back to back. A connecting member 3 that rotatably connects the pair of futon dryers 1 is provided at the top of the futon dryer 1. This allows the futon dryer 1 to be deformed into an inverted V-shaped configuration when viewed from the side with the lower part open, i.e., with the lower parts of the pair of support members 2 separated, and it is in this configuration that it is used to dry futons.

[0019] The futon drying device 1 is provided at its lower part with an opening prevention member 4 that prevents the opening of the lower parts of the pair of support members 2 within a predetermined range. In other words, the opening prevention member 4 supports the lower parts of the pair of support members 2 so that a predetermined distance is maintained between the lower parts of the pair of support members 2. As a result, the futon drying device 1, which opens in an inverted V shape when viewed from the side in use, has its opening at the lower parts restricted by the opening prevention member 4, and can support the weight of the comforter 20 and the like in a predetermined shape.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a side view showing an example of how the futon dryer 1 is used. As shown in Fig. 2, the futon dryer 1 is used to dry futons that are laid out. More specifically, the futon dryer 1 is used by inserting it under a comforter 20 that is laid out, for example, between the comforter 20 and the mattress 21.

[0021] There are no particular limitations on the position and direction in which the futon dryer 1 is inserted and positioned. For example, the futon dryer 1 may be positioned so that the support member 2 extends in the width direction of the comforter 20, i.e., so that the upper plate 10 and lower plate 11 of the support member 2 extend in the width direction of the comforter 20. Although not shown in the figures, the futon dryer 1 may also be positioned so that the support member 2 extends in the length direction of the comforter 20, i.e., in the direction of the user's height when in use.

[0022] Furthermore, for example, two futon dryers 1 may be used as a set, with one futon dryer 1 inserted at the head side of the comforter 20 and mattress 21, and the other futon dryer 1 inserted at the foot side of the comforter 20 and mattress 21. Although not shown in the figures, three or more futon dryers 1 may be inserted below the comforter 20 for use.

[0023] Although not shown in the figures, the futon dryer 1 may be inserted, for example, between the mattress 21 and the floor 23, as long as it is below the comforter 20. Furthermore, if there is a blanket or the like (not shown) between the comforter 20 and the mattress 21, the futon dryer 1 may be inserted above the blanket or the like, as long as it is below the comforter 20.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a side view showing another example of how the futon dryer 1 is used. As shown in Fig. 3, when a floor board 22 or the like is placed under a mattress 21, the futon dryer 1 may be inserted under the floor board 22. The floor board 22 may be a slatted bed made of wood such as paulownia wood or cypress wood. The floor board 22 may also be formed so that the center portion or the like is bendable.

[0025] Although not shown in the drawings, the futon dryer 1 may be inserted below the comforter 20, for example, between the mattress 21 and the floor plate 22.

[0026] 2 and 3, by inserting the futon dryer 1 under the comforter 20, an air flow path for drying the comforter is formed under the comforter 20. Therefore, without having to lift or move the comforter that is laid out, ventilation is improved and the air flowing through the air flow path formed under the comforter 20 can evaporate moisture contained in the comforter 20, mattress 21, etc., and the comforter can be dried efficiently while still laid out.

[0027] Drying a futon using the futon dryer 1 is a very simple process; simply insert the futon dryer 1 under the comforter 20. Unlike conventional futon drying devices, there is no need to prepare a large futon drying rack or lift and carry a heavy futon and hang it on the futon drying rack. Therefore, even elderly people with weak strength can easily use it.

[0028] Furthermore, since it is a simple operation of simply inserting the small and lightweight futon dryer 1 under the comforter 20 without lifting the futon, it can be done in a short time even during busy morning hours such as before going to work. Therefore, moisture from futons can be removed with a simple daily operation, and even if futon drying using a conventional large futon dryer is done only once a week, for example, on weekends, the humidity of futons can be maintained at an appropriate level.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a front view showing an outline of the futon drying device 1. Referring to Fig. 4, the support member 2 is composed of an upper plate 10 and a lower plate 11 extending horizontally, and a pair of left and right vertical plates 12 extending vertically.

[0030] The upper board 10, lower board 11, and vertical board 12 are made of wood such as paulownia wood or cypress wood. Paulownia wood is lightweight and suitable for moisture control, making it ideal for drying futons. Cypress wood is also preferred because it is expected to have insect repellent and aromatic properties.

[0031] The upper plate 10 is provided so that the left and right ends thereof overlap the upper ends of the vertical plates 12, and the ends of the upper plate 10 are fixed to the upper ends of the vertical plates 12. The lower plate 11 is provided so that the left and right ends thereof overlap the lower ends of the vertical plates 12, and the ends of the lower plate 11 are fixed to the lower ends of the vertical plates 12. This forms the support member 2 into a substantially rectangular frame.

[0032] An opening 13 surrounded by an upper plate 10, a lower plate 11, and a vertical plate 12 is formed in the center of the support member 2. The opening 13 serves as an air passage through which air flows to dry the bedding when the bedding dryer 1 is used.

[0033] In addition, the four corners of the futon dryer 1 are formed with curved surfaces 14 that have been rounded. The chamfering dimension of the curved surfaces 14 is, for example, R 5 to 20 mm. By forming such curved surfaces 14, it becomes easier to insert and remove the futon dryer 1 below the comforter 20 (see FIG. 2), and it also prevents damage to the futon. In addition, all other sides and corners of the upper plate 10, lower plate 11, and vertical plates 12 are also chamfered to prevent damage to the futon.

[0034] Here, the height dimension L3 of the opening 13 is greater than the width dimension W1 of the upper plate 10 and the width dimension W2 of the lower plate 11. In addition, the width dimension L4 of the opening 13 is greater than the width dimension W3 of the vertical plate 12.

[0035] Specifically, the width W1 of the upper plate 10 and the width W2 of the lower plate 11 are approximately 5 to 8 cm, and the height dimension L3 of the opening 13 is approximately 8 to 30 cm. Furthermore, the width dimension L4 of the opening 13 is preferably approximately 8 cm or more. This allows for the formation of a flow path that allows air to flow widely and effectively below the comforter 20, enabling highly efficient comforter drying.

[0036] Additionally, the width dimension L1 of the support member 2, i.e., the length of the upper plate 10 and the lower plate 11, may be shorter than the width dimension of the comforter 20. Furthermore, the width dimension L1 of the support member 2 may be shorter than the width dimension of the mattress 21 (see FIG. 2).

[0037] Specifically, the width L1 of the support member 2 is approximately 18 to 100 cm, preferably approximately 20 to 90 cm. The height L2 of the support member 2 is approximately 18 to 40 cm, preferably approximately 18 to 28 cm. These dimensions allow a suitable air passage for drying the futon to be formed below the comforter 20, and also make the futon drying device 1 compact for easy storage.

[0038] Figure 5 is a side view showing an outline of the futon dryer 1, where Figure 5(A) shows the futon dryer 1 in a state where it is stored and not being used to dry a futon, and Figure 5(B) shows the futon dryer 1 in a state where it is being used to dry a futon.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5(A), the pair of support members 2 are connected by a connecting member 3 so that the upper plate 10 and the lower plate 11 face outward and the vertical plate 12 faces inward.

[0040] In detail, referring to Figures 4 and 5(A), the support member 2 is abutted and fixed at the inner surface 16 near the end of the upper plate 10 and the outer surface 17 near the upper end of the vertical plate 12, and at the inner surface 19 near the end of the lower plate 11 and the outer surface 17 near the lower end of the vertical plate 12.

[0041] The upper and lower plates 10 and 11 are fastened to the vertical plate 12 using fasteners (not shown), such as staples, screws, or other fasteners such as tackers. Fastening with a tacker provides sufficient fastening strength to support the weight of a quilt 20 (see FIG. 2) placed on top, and has the advantage of being easy to fasten and highly productive.

[0042] The pair of support members 2 face each other with their respective upper and lower plates 10 and 11 facing outward and their respective vertical plates 12 facing inward, and are connected at their tops by a connecting member 3. Specifically, the pair of support members 2 are connected by the connecting member 3 so as to be rotatable, with the connecting member 3 fixed to the inner surfaces 18 near the upper ends of the opposing vertical plates 12.

[0043] The connecting member 3 is, for example, a substantially belt-shaped member made of cloth or the like, and both ends thereof are fixed to the inner surface 18 of the vertical plate 12 using fixing devices (not shown), such as staples such as tackers, screws, or the like. As mentioned above, fixing with a tacker provides sufficient fixing strength to support the weight of the comforter 20, etc., and also simplifies the fixing process, resulting in excellent productivity.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5(B), when the futon dryer 1 is used to dry a futon, the lower part can be opened so that it forms an inverted V shape in a side view. That is, the pair of support members 2 are rotatably connected at the upper part by a connecting member 3, so that the lower part can be opened and closed. As a result, the futon dryer 1, which has been opened at the lower part and deformed into an inverted V shape in a side view, can be inserted under the comforter 20 to support the comforter 20, etc.

[0045] As mentioned above, the pair of support members 2 are connected with the upper plate 10 and the lower plate 11 facing outwards, so the futon dryer 1 can be inserted below the comforter 20 along the longitudinal direction of the upper plate 10 and the lower plate 11 that contact the comforter 20 etc. This makes it easy for the user to insert the futon dryer 1 below the comforter 20.

[0046] 1 and 5(B), connecting members 3 are provided on the left and right sides of the support member 2 so as to connect the pair of left and right vertical plates 12 to each other. That is, the pair of support members 2 are rotatably connected via connecting members 3 fixed near the upper ends of the inner surfaces 18 of the left and right vertical plates 12. This allows the futon drying device 1 inserted below the futon 20 to safely support the weight of the futon 20, etc.

[0047] A stopper member 4 is provided at the bottom of the futon dryer 1 to prevent the bottom of the futon dryer 1 from opening. The stopper member 4 is a generally strip-shaped member made of, for example, cloth, and both ends thereof are fixed to the center of the left and right sides of the inner surface 19 of the lower plate 11 using a fixing device (not shown) such as a stapler, screw, or screw. Fixing with a tacker provides sufficient fixing strength to support the weight of the comforter 20, etc., and is easy to fix, making the fixing work easy and highly productive. Note that multiple stopper members 4 may be provided and fixed to multiple locations on the inner surface 19 of the lower plate 11.

[0048] By providing such an opening prevention member 4, the futon dryer 1 inserted below the comforter 20 has a small and lightweight structure that allows it to be folded up small, yet it can withstand the weight of the comforter 20 etc. and safely support the comforter 20 etc.

[0049] Here, the opening angle θ1 when the lower part of the futon drying device 1 is opened is 50 to 100 degrees, preferably 60 to 90 degrees, which allows the device to safely support the weight of the comforter 20 and the like, and also forms an air flow path suitable for drying the futon.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a side view showing an outline of a futon drying device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a side view showing an outline of a futon drying device 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, multiple pairs of support members 2 connected by a connecting member 3 and an opening-preventing member 4 may be provided.

[0051] Specifically, a pair of support members 2 connected by a connecting member 3 and an opening prevention member 4 are provided in multiple pairs, for example, two or three pairs, so as to overlap, and the lower parts of the support members 2 are connected by a lower connecting member 15 so as to be freely rotatable.

[0052] That is, the lower portions of the support members 2 provided in pairs are rotatably connected to the lower portions of other adjacent pairs of support members 2 by lower connecting members 15. The lower connecting members 15 are, for example, substantially belt-shaped members made of cloth or the like, and the vicinity of both ends thereof are fixed to the inner surfaces 18 near the lower ends of the left and right vertical plates 12, the lower end faces of the vertical plates 12, and the lower end face of the lower plate 11 using fixing devices (not shown) such as fixing needles such as tackers, screws, nails, etc. As mentioned above, fixing with a tacker provides sufficient fixing strength to support the load of the comforter 20 (see FIG. 2) and the like, and also simplifies the fixing operation and provides excellent productivity.

[0053] With this configuration, when the lower parts of each pair of support members 2 are opened, the futon dryer 1 is formed into multiple inverted V shapes when viewed from the side, and can be inserted into the comforter 20 to support the comforter 20, etc.

[0054] Therefore, the futon dryer 1 can be folded up small and stored in a narrow space when not in use, and can form a wide ventilation space below the comforter 20 when in use, thereby enabling highly efficient futon drying.

[0055] The number of pairs of support members 2 that can be deformed into an inverted V shape when viewed from the side and are connected by the opening prevention member 4 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of being able to fold the futon drying device 1 compactly and store it in a narrow space, it is desirable to have 2 to 3 pairs.

[0056] In addition, in a configuration in which two pairs of support members 2 are connected as shown in Fig. 6, the width dimension L1 (see Fig. 4) and height dimension L2 (see Fig. 4) of the support members 2 are preferably about 24 to 28 cm. In addition, in a configuration in which three pairs of support members 2 are connected as shown in Fig. 7, the width dimension L1 and height dimension L2 of the support members 2 are preferably about 18 to 24 cm.

[0057] As explained above, with the futon dryer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the futon dryer 1 can be inserted under the comforter 20 while the bedding is still laid out, without having to lift the bedding and carry it to a place to dry it, and an air passage can be formed for air to flow between the comforter 20 and the mattress 21 (see FIG. 2), etc. This allows for good ventilation and allows the comforter 20, mattress 21, etc., to be dehumidified and dried efficiently while still laid out.

[0058] Furthermore, the futon dryer 1 can be folded up compactly by overlapping the pair of rectangular support members 2, so it can be easily stored in a small space when not in use to dry futons. Therefore, even in condominiums and apartments that do not have a large garden or balcony, there is no need to worry about storage space, and futons can be dried easily and efficiently every day.

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1. Futon dryer 2 Support member 3 Connecting members 4. Opening prevention member 10 Upper Plate 11 Lower plate 12 Vertical board 13 Aperture 14 Curved section 15 Lower connecting member 20 Comforter 21 Futon 22 Floor plate 23 Floor

Claims

1. A futon dryer that is inserted under a comforter, a pair of support members each having a rectangular shape, each of which is formed by joining together upper and lower horizontally extending plates and a pair of vertically extending left and right vertical plates so that they overlap one another; a connecting member that rotatably connects the upper portions of the pair of support members; and a stopper member for stopping the opening of the lower portions of the pair of support members within a predetermined range, A futon drying device characterized in that the lower portions of the pair of support members are opened to form an inverted V shape in a side view, thereby supporting the comforter.

2. the connecting members are provided on the left and right sides of the support member so as to connect the pair of left and right vertical plates, respectively, and are fixed to the vertical plates; The futon drying device according to claim 1, wherein the opening prevention member is fixed to the center of each of the lower plates of the pair of support members so as to connect the lower plates.

3. The futon drying device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the upper plate and the lower plate is shorter than the width of the comforter.

4. The futon drying device according to claim 1, characterized in that an opening having a height dimension greater than the width dimension of the upper plate and the lower plate is formed between the upper plate and the lower plate of the support member.

5. The futon drying device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of support members are connected to each other so that the upper and lower plates face outward and the vertical plates face inward.

6. a plurality of pairs of the support members connected by the connecting member and the opening stopper member are provided so as to overlap each other; a lower portion of the support member is rotatably connected to a lower portion of another adjacent pair of the support members by a lower connecting member; A futon dryer as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lower parts of each pair of support members are opened to form multiple inverted V-shapes in side view, thereby supporting the comforter.

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