Abstract:
A container for a combination moisture absorber and deodorizer is constructed from an upper half and a lower half that, when joined together, define an enclosed interior. The upper half has a plurality of openings that allow ambient air to pass from outside the container to the enclosed interior. A tray is seated above a collection surface on the lower half and is provided with a plurality of openings that allow moisture absorbed from the air to pass from the tray to the collection surface. A moisture absorbing medium that is preferably dissolvable is preferably provided on the tray for transforming moisture from the air into liquid that passes through the tray and collects on the collection surface. A deodorizing medium is also preferably provided on either the tray or the collection surface (or both) for adding a deodorizing effect.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/551,859, filed Mar. 10, 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a moisture absorber generally, and more particularly to a container for a moisture absorber and a deodorizer.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Atmospheric water vapor is problematic in many situations. This is particularly so in situations combining high humidity with close or closed environments such as crowded rooms or closets. Some of the problems high humidity can cause are caking of dried powder and granular substances, increase growth of mildew and fungi, corrosion of metal surfaces, and water contamination of organic liquids (especially internal combustion engine fuels). A variety of solutions have evolved or been developed in the field to address these problem situations.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,907,908 to Cunanan et al. discloses a disposable dehumidifying and deodorizing pouch having a moisture-absorption section and a moisture collection section. The pouch is a disposable, self-contained unit that is adapted to be hung from a closet rod and disposed of after it becomes saturated with moisture.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,613 to Cullen discloses a closet drier in a bucket conformation, having upper and lower compartments and an open top covered with a gas permeable membrane. The Cullen device is an open container and must be placed on the floor or some other surface.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     A container for a combination moisture absorber and deodorizer comprises an upper half and a lower half that, when joined together, define an enclosed interior. The upper half further comprises a plurality of openings that allow ambient air to pass from outside the container to the enclosed interior. A tray is seated above a collection surface on the lower half of the container and is provided with a plurality of openings that allow moisture absorbed from the air to pass from the tray to the collection surface. A moisture absorbing medium that is preferably dissolvable is preferably provided on the tray for transforming moisture from the air into liquid that passes through the tray and collects on the collection surface. A deodorizing medium is also preferably provided on either the tray or the collection surface (or both) for adding a deodorizing effect. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the combination moisture absorber and deodorizer of the present invention in the closed position.  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  is a front view thereof.  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  is a cross-section view taken through the transverse center of the combination moisture absorber and deodorizer.  
         [0010]      FIG. 4  is a top view thereof.  
         [0011]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the combination moisture absorber and deodorizer in the open position.  
         [0012]      FIG. 6  illustrates a tray used in the combination moisture absorber and deodorizer of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the combination moisture absorber and deodorizer in the open position.  
         [0014]      FIG. 8  is a partial enlarged section view of the latch mechanism of the invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 9  illustrates an inventive hook used with the combination moisture absorber and deodorizer of the invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 10  is a partial view of a top section of the combination moisture absorber and deodorizer of the invention for purposes of illustrating use of the hook of the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]     The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention.  
         [0018]     Depicted at  20  in  FIGS. 1-5  and  7  of the drawing is a moisture absorbing system  20  constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The example moisture absorbing system  20  comprises a container  50  comprising a lower shell  60  and an upper shell  70 . The example lower and upper shells  60  and  70  are connected by a flexible “living hinge”  80 . The example moisture absorbing system  20  further comprises a removable plastic tray  90 . While the tray is described as being made from plastic, it will be understood that other materials could be used as desired.  
         [0019]     The example lower half or shell  60  of the container  50  is preferably comprised of a thin-walled yet sturdy translucent plastic shell with sides tapering downward from a round cornered rectangular opening to a closed, flat, round cornered rectangular bottom. The taper of its rear surface is nearly vertical to allow the container  50  to be positioned against a flat, vertical surface while the other three, tapered sides may incorporate a steeper angle for decorative purposes. The flat surfaces of the lower half  60  may have a sand blasted finish, and its edges  91  and corners  91   a  may have a smooth or “glass-like” finish. This optional glass-like finish on the edges  91  of the container  50  both allows the user to better see the level of water in a collection area  65  and provides a more decorative appearance.  
         [0020]     A raised rim  64  around the opening in the lower half  60  forms a closure line that is overlapped by a rim portion  70   a  ( FIGS. 5 and 8 ) formed in the mating opening of the upper half  70  of the container  50 . A hinge  80  is incorporated along the rear edge of the lower half  60  of the container  50  at the closure line which is also formed in the corresponding position of the mating lip  71  of the upper half  70  of the container  50 . The example hinge  80  is a flexible “living” hinge of the type commonly used in the plastics industry, but other types of hinges may be employed. Centered on this rim portion  70   a , on the frontal surface of the lower half  60  of the container  50 , is the “male” portion  68  of a latching mechanism  52  that, by interlocking with the corresponding “female” portion  78  of the latching mechanism  52  molded into the upper half  70  of the container  50 , allows the container  50  to be securely closed.  
         [0021]     A ledge  93  ( FIG. 8 ) formed into the top edge of the inside wall of the lower half  60  of the container  50  is designed to support a lip  92  which is formed into the top edge of a removable tray  90 . This will allow the tray  90  to be suspended above the bottom or floor  65  of the lower half  60  of the container  50 , resulting in a collection area for liquid below the tray  90 .  
         [0022]     The example lower half  60  of the container  50  comprises a semi-circular bead that projects downward from the outer bottom surface of the lower half  60  to permit the container  50  to sit-stably on flat surfaces. A brand name or logo, in raised characters or designs  66 , may be molded into the exterior front surface of the lower half  60  of the container  50  as desired by the user.  
         [0023]     A portion  62  of the rim  64  at the closure line on both sides of the lower half  60  of the container  50  may be removed to provide “grip points” which will facilitate tray  90  removal. When the container  50  is in the opened position, the user will be able to grasp the lip  92  at both ends of the tray  90  and lift it out of the lower half  60  of the container  50 , avoiding contact with any moisture-absorbing material contained within the tray.  
         [0024]     The “male” portion  68  of the latching mechanism protrudes from the front surface of the lower half  60  of the container  50  and is incorporated into the center of the rim  64 , perpendicular to the closure line. Its shape is preferably rectangular (although other shapes are possible). Optionally, a chamfer added to its upper exterior edge to facilitate the proper engagement of the mating “female” portion  76  of the latching mechanism  52  that is built into the lip  71  at the closure line of the upper half  70  of the container  50 . The example upper half  70  of the container  50  is comprised of a sturdy translucent plastic shell with sides tapering upward from a round cornered rectangular opening to a closed, flat, round cornered, rectangular top. The angle of its rear surface is near vertical to allow the container  50  to be positioned against a flat, vertical surface while the other three tapered sides may use a steeper angle for a decorative appearance. The sides of the example upper half  70  may have a sand blasted finish and its edges and its corners  91  may have a smooth or “glass-like” finish. This glass-like finish on the edges of the upper half  70  of the container  50  decoratively matches those of the lower half  60  of the container  50 .  
         [0025]     The raised lip  71  at the opening of the upper half  70  of the container forms a closure line that overlaps a rim  64  formed into the mating opening of the lower half  60  of the container  50 . The hinge  80  connects the upper  70  and lower  60  halves of the container  50  along the rear closure line. The hinge  80  will facilitate repeated opening and closing of the container  50  while maintaining accurate alignment between the two halves  60 ,  70 , thereby ensuring the proper engagement of the latching mechanism  52 . The “female” portion  76  of the latching mechanism  52  protrudes from the front surface of the upper half  70  of the container  50  and is incorporated into the center of the lip  71  at the closure line. The female portion  52  may be “U” shaped with a rectangular notch that positively captures the “male” portion  68  of the latching mechanism built into the rim  64  of the lower half  60  of the container  50 , allowing the container  50  to be securely closed. This rounded profile provides more comfortable means of disengaging the latch.  
         [0026]     A thin, raised fin  77  ( FIG. 6 ), centered on the inside wall of the upper half of the container  50 , extends from below the lower ends of the vertical slotted vents  72  and tapers to a terminus just below the lip  71  at the closure line. When the container  50  is closed, the lower end of this fin will be positioned immediately inside the rim  64  at the closure line of the lower half  60  of the container  50 . Its purpose is to reinforce the latching mechanism such that, when closed, the container  50  will resist opening by unintended disengagement should the front wall of the lower half  60  of the container  50  be compressed inward.  
         [0027]     Vertical slotted vents  72  are preferably functionally and decoratively positioned on the front and rear surfaces of the upper half  70  of the container to allow proper airflow. Such slots may be positioned in locations on the container  50  other than shown in the drawings. Protruding ridges  73 , in vertical alignment with the longer slotted vents  72  on the front surface of the upper half  70  of the container  50 , are used to both reinforce the wall in the area of the latch mechanism and to add a decorative appearance.  
         [0028]     A keyhole-shaped opening  78  located on the rear of the upper half  70  of the container  50  permits mounting on a wall or other flat, vertical surface. This space-saving feature allows for user location of the container  50  beyond the reach of children and pets. This opening  78  can also be used to secure the end of a stem  104  of the optional hanger attachment  100  ( FIGS. 9-10 ). A horizontal, longitudinally-oriented, slot  74  is positioned in the top surface of the upper half  70  of the container  50  to allow for the stem  104  of the hanger  100  to be inserted and connected into the keyhole-shaped slot  78  in the rear surface of the upper half  70  of the container  50 . In use, the stem  104  of the hanger attachment  100  is designed to pass vertically downward through the slot  74  in the top of the container, flex toward the rear wall and pass through the keyhole-shaped opening  78 . The slot is preferably positioned directly above the approximate center of gravity of the container  50 , allowing for a horizontal (level) position when suspended from the hanger attachment  100 .  
         [0029]     The loose hanger attachment piece  100  supplied with the container  50  is a separate component with the geometric shape preferably shown in the graphic illustration. Its design incorporates an arc-shaped hook  102  and the elongated stem  104  with a “T” shape  108  formed into its end. It may be a molded item or one stamped from flat plastic stock. Other methods of manufacture are contemplated. The stem  104  of the hanger  100  is designed to pass vertically downward through the rectangular slot  74  in the upper half  70  of the container  50 , flex toward the back wall and pass through the keyhole-shaped opening  78 . Pulling the stem  104  upward will cause slots  110  adjacent to the formed “T” shape  108  in the end of the stem  104  to engage the narrow edges at the top of the keyhole opening  78 , forming a snug fit, positively gripping the keyhole opening, securing the end of the hanger stem to the upper half  70  of the container  50 .  
         [0030]     The flexing of the hook attachment stem is preferably facilitated by a living hinge feature  106  formed in the stem at the bend line where the stem  104  passes through the slot  74  in the upper half  70  of the container  50 . When properly installed, the hanger  100  will allow the container  50  to be suspended vertically in a closet or another suitable location. The hook  102  at the end of the hanger is designed to support the weight of the container  50  if filled with both liquid and moisture-absorbing material in the tray. The hanger  100  is preferably provided with the container  50  but its use is optional. The arc-shaped hook  102  incorporated into the top of the hanger  100  is designed to encircle a standard-sized, horizontally-mounted rod found in most household closets. It will also properly engage with other styles of protruding hangers or brackets. The hook provides for a space-saving, right-angle orientation of the container when suspended from a closet rod.  
         [0031]     The tray  90  is comprised of a sturdy plastic shell with sides  94  tapering downward from a round cornered, rectangular opening to a flat, round cornered, rectangular bottom. The tapered side surfaces  94  are designed to provide space between the inner walls of the lower half  60  of the container  50  and the outer wall of the tray so that the tray may be installed and removed without interference. The lip  92  at the upper opening is designed to rest upon the ledge  93  formed into the top of the inside wall of the lower half  60  of the container  50 . This will allow the tray to be suspended above the bottom of the lower half  60  of the container  50 , resulting in the collection area  65  for extracted liquid below the tray.  
         [0032]     A series of narrow slots  98  is formed into the bottom  96  of the tray to allow liquid to pass through the tray into the collection area  65  while preventing granular material contained within the tray from passing through. Such slots  98  may be aligned along the transverse axis of the tray  90  as shown, or along the longitudinal axis (not shown). Such slots  98  may also have a different configuration from that shown in the drawings.  
         [0033]     During use, the upper half  70  of the container  50  is unlatched and opened and the tray  90  is attached to the bottom half  60  of the container  50  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Beads or pellets of a moisture-absorbing medium, such as calcium chloride, are then arranged onto the tray  90  and the upper half  70  is then latched closed to the lower half  60 . Ambient moisture in the atmosphere enters through the vents  72  and is absorbed by the moisture-absorbing medium arranged on the tray  90 . Once the moisture-absorbing medium becomes saturated with moisture, such medium dissolves and excess moisture drips through the slots  98  in the tray  90  and collects on the floor  65  of the bottom half  60  of the container  50 . After all of the moisture-absorbing medium has dissolved and excess moisture has collected in the lower half  60  of the container, the container is opened, the tray is removed and the collected moisture is dumped out or drained from the container. Thereafter, the tray is re-seated onto the lower half  60  of the container  50  and the process is repeated.  
         [0034]     To obtain a deodorizing effect, deodorizing beads or pellets may be mixed in with the moisture-absorbing medium on the tray, which emit a deodorizer and/or deodorizing scent through the vents  72 . Such scent may be a cedar scent, for example, which might be preferred if used in closets for storing clothing and the like. Alternatively, a gelling agent may be provided on the floor  65  of the lower half  60  of the container  50  to soak up the excess moisture that drips through the tray slots  98 . Such gelling agent may initially be in the form of a powder, which then turns into a non-toxic, anti-microbial, odor-counteracting gel upon exposure to a liquid such as water, emitting a deodorizing and/or pleasant smell while moisture is being removed and absorbed from the atmosphere. Thus, if the container  50  is inadvertently knocked over, no water would be spilled therefrom. After all of the moisture-absorbing material has dissolved from the tray, and after all of the excess moisture has transformed the powder or the like into odor-counteracting gel, such gel may merely be discarded and replenished with a fresh gelling agent as desired.  
         [0035]     While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.