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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.