Abstract:
The present invention discloses a container for controlling odor and scent incident upon a hunter&#39;s clothing stored prior to hunting to prevent the stored items from contamination with a human scent and as well inhibit human scent on the clothing escaping from the container. The container includes an open-topped housing and a lid removably connectible to the housing to form an enclosed accessible interior chamber. A check valve in communication with the interior chamber is connected to a vacuum pump for withdrawing air and reducing the pressure in said chamber to a value significantly lower than atmospheric pressure. A sheet or liner of activated carbon is disposed within the interior for adsorbing scents. The present container can be used to store household items, bridal accessories and gowns as well as other various and sundry items where odors are to be prevented.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention pertains to a container for storing and protecting clothing from odor and mildew, such as in the home, or when camping, boating or hunting, and more particularly, to a container for preventing odor and scent incident upon a hunter&#39;s clothing stored prior to hunting from contamination with a human scent and as well inhibit human scent on the clothing escaping from the container. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Large mammals, such as deer, have well-developed olfactory senses and can sense human odor. Hunters are aware that the clothing they wear might emit odors that can be sensed by the animal they are hunting. As such, special care is taken to make sure that the clothing they wear is not contaminated. 
   As a first step, special care is taken to rid the clothing from odors normally associated with humans and other sources of odors not typically found in nature. This approach utilizes special scent-free detergents used to wash the clothing, as well as adding a desirable scent to emit a desirable (non-human) odor to cover up the remaining human and unnatural odors. 
   Notwithstanding, the clothes must still be transported in luggage or garment bags to the hunting venue. Unless protected, the washed and scent-prepared clothing may yet become contaminated with human odor. This may happen during the loading of the storage container. If the container is ineffective to form an airtight seal about the storage area, odors may enter and be absorbed by the clothing. Later, scents or odors may then escape from the container. 
   Storage bags, luggage, containers and the like have been provided to protect garments worn by hunters from absorbing undesirable odors. 
   By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,355, issued to Forbes et al., discloses a garment bag having an integrated vapor barrier and serially operated zippers separated by a folded zipper separator. 
   Luggage, storage containers and the like are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,793,881 to Gutierrez et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,591 to LaPorte; U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,253 to Weissman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,391 to Fore; U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,107 to Vickers and U.S. Pat. Publication Nos. 2005/0155891 to Chen and 2003/0152501 to Byrd et al. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,378 to Knight is of interest in disclosing method and apparatus for applying scent to clothing. 
   While each of the above references are believed to have been suitable solutions for the problems desired to be then solved, it is to be appreciated that there is an ongoing need for improvements in containers, enclosures and the like used for controlling odor and scent incident upon a hunter&#39;s clothing stored prior to hunting. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention discloses a container for controlling odor and scent incident upon a hunter&#39;s clothing stored prior to hunting to prevent the stored items from contamination with a human scent and as well inhibit human scent on the clothing escaping from the container. 
   According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, a storage container for storing clothing or equipment used in hunting game and inhibiting odors or scents from passing into the container and contaminating the stored items or escaping from the container and providing game with a human scent warning, comprises
         housing comprising a bottom wall, a sidewall projecting upwardly from said bottom wall, and a lid removably connectible to the upward extension of said sidewall to form an enclosed accessible interior chamber,   first means for connecting and hermetically sealing the connection between the lid and the upward extension of said sidewall to form an airtight seal, said first means operating to prevent scents and odors from enter into and escaping from the interior chamber when the lid is connected to the sidewall,   a check valve in communication with said interior chamber, said check valve connectible to a vacuum pump for withdrawing air and reducing the pressure in said chamber to a value significantly lower than atmospheric pressure,   second means for indicating if the chamber pressure is lower than atmospheric, and   a sheet of activated carbon in said interior chamber for adsorbing scents.       

   Preferably, the storage container is generally rectangular and formed by opposite pairs of sidewall segments, and at least one divider wall subdivides the interior chamber into two or more compartments whereby to separate the items to be stored from one another. For convenience, the divider walls are removably mounted in channels provided on various of the sidewall segments to enable the size, shape and location of separate storage compartments to be changed, depending on the need. 
   Importantly, the first means for connecting and hermetically sealing the connection comprises a continuous annular airlock being formed between the upward extension of the sidewall and the lid when the lid is connected to the sidewall, and a continuous seal element in the airlock. The seal element is adapted to be compressed and form an airtight seal that inhibits air from passing into and from the interior chamber upon compressive closure between the lid and the sidewall. In one preferred embodiment, the seal element comprises an elongated continuous cylinder formed of a flattenable elastomeric material, such as provided by a thin walled tube. 
   Additionally, when the lid is connected to the upward extension of the sidewall, mating end faces and annular grooves of each are juxtaposed with one another, with the annular grooves combining to form the annular airlock, an inner flange of the lid is seated atop a transverse flange or stop of the sidewall, an outer flange of the lid is juxtaposed with the exterior surface of the sidewall, and the seal element is compressed in the airlock to inhibit air passing across the mating faces. 
   In an aspect according to this embodiment, the first means for connecting and hermetically sealing the connection further comprises a pair of latch receivers on the sidewall and a pair of latches on the lid, the latches being pivotably mounted to the lid for movement between a released position and a latched relation with a respective latch receiver, movement into latching relation substantially simultaneously causing the seal element to be compressed and the lid to be brought into clamped engagement against the upper end face of the sidewall. 
   In another aspect, the outer flange of the lid may include an engagement surface that is complementary to and adapted to engage the exterior surface of the sidewall when the lid is fitted thereabout. Such fitment may provide frictional closing engagement between the surfaces to enhance air sealing. 
   Preferably, the storage container includes means for transporting the container, including an axle and wheel assembly provided at one end of the container and a handle assembly provided at the other end portion of the container. The handle assembly includes a shaped recess, and a handle member pivotably mounted for movement between a stored position, held in a compression locked engagement within the shaped recess, and a deployed position, projecting upwardly from the container. 
   In an aspect of this embodiment, a sheet of netting material is attached to the lower surface of the lid, the sheet of netting defining an accessible pocket against the lower surface for storing items of interest such as maps and the like. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the means for indicating if the chamber pressure is lower than atmospheric comprises a circular opening in the container sidewall, and a thin hemispherical membrane mounted in covering relation to the opening, with the material of the membrane normally biasing the membrane outwardly when the interior chamber pressure is atmospheric. A lower than atmospheric pressure in the interior chamber acts to pull the membrane into the chamber, the membrane acting to restore the membrane to project outwardly when the vacuum is lost. 
   In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the sheet of activated carbon in the interior chamber is flexible and comprised of a granular material capable of enabling air circulation for adsorbing human odor and scents. If the interior chamber of the container is subdivided into more than one compartment, a separate sheet of activated carbon may be provided for each compartment. 
   Additionally, the walls and lid of the container may be constructed to include a liner sheet of activated carbon. 
   Further, in yet another embodiment according to the present invention, this invention is directed to a combination including the container just described, and a portable hand held vacuum pump adapted to be detachably attached to the check valve to suction air from the interior chamber while in the field and in response to the said second means indicating that the interior chamber pressure is not a complete vacuum. 
   The present invention will be more clearly understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and to the following Detailed Description, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and where: 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view according to the present invention of a hermetically sealed storage container used in combination with a vacuum pump, the container including a bottom portion for storing clothes and the like and a lid connectible to the bottom portion in a manner to maintain a vacuum in the container. 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view looking downwardly at the bottom portion of the storage container of  FIG. 1  with the lid removed. 
       FIG. 3  is a section view illustrating the lid when connected in sealed relation to the bottom portion of the container and a seal element providing a sealing closure between mating end faces of the lid and the sidewall of the storage container. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are section views illustrating apparatus for indicating that the container is hermetically sealed and the interior chamber of the container is under a vacuum, with  FIG. 4A  indicating that the exterior and interior pressures are substantially at atmospheric, and  FIG. 4B  indicating that the interior pressure is below atmospheric. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a portable hunting equipment container  10  for controlling odor and scent incident upon a hunter&#39;s clothing stored prior to hunting to prevent the stored items from contamination with a human scent and as well inhibit human scent on the clothing escaping from the container. The container  10  is adapted to be hermetically sealed and the interior placed under a vacuum, such as achieved by the connection to the hand held vacuum pump  12 . 
   The container  10  comprises a generally rectangular box or housing  14  having four sides or sidewalls  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and  22  which project vertically upwardly from a bottom wall  24  to form a top opening  26  and a closure member or lid  28  adapted to close about the opening and form a closed accessible interior chamber  30  for storing equipment. The housing elements  16 - 24  and  28  may be of any suitable material and preferably formed of a material that is lightweight, and inexpensive, such as plastic or like polymeric material. Preferably, the bottom wall and sidewalls are integrally molded to one another and form a one-piece container bin. 
   Generally, when used in hunting, a hunter would prefer that the elements be opaque. However, in other applications, such as where the container is used in the home, the container  10  may be of transparent material wherein to permit the user to see the contents of the housing without removing the lid  28 . In either case, the sealing lid closure protects the materials being stored from mildew and, at least as far as the hunter is concerned, prevents expose of the contents to the air and/or possible contamination by exposure to human odors. 
   The interior chamber  30  may be subdivided into a plurality of separate and separated storage areas  30   a ,  30   b , etc. using a set of panels or divider walls  32  and associated divider channels  34 . As shown, the divider channels  34  are disposed on the sidewalls  16  and  20  and extend vertically between the bottom wall  24  and the upper end portion of the respective sidewall. Depending on the application the divider channels  34  are integral with the sidewalls, or separately provided wherein to customize the storage container. The opposite vertically extending lateral edges  32   a  and  32   b  of a divider panel  32  register with a respective pair of opposed channels  34  and then slid vertically downwardly in the channels. 
   The type and number of compartments  30   a ,  30   b , etc. desired in an intended use will determine the size, shape and location of the individual compartments. For example, the hunter may wish to separate boots from certain types of clothing or blankets. In other situations, such as where a hunting bow to be stored might extend between the opposite end walls  18  and  22  of the container, the divider walls  34  might be taken out whereby to form only a single storage area. 
   The container  10  includes a handle  36  and an axle-wheel arrangement  38  to permit ease of movement and transportability. As shown, the handle  36  is hingedly mounted to the end wall  18  for rotation between stored and in use positions. Preferably, the end wall  18  includes a shaped recess  40  that is complementary to the shape of the handle  36  to receive and retain the handle  36  in a snap fit engagement against the end wall  18  when in the stored position and permit the handle to extend outwardly from the end wall when in the in use position. The axle-wheel arrangement  38  is provided proximate to the intersection between the end wall  22  and the bottom wall or base  24  of the housing  14  to provide rolling movement when the handle is gripped and placed in use. 
   As best shown by reference to  FIG. 3 , an airtight seal  42  is formed between the lid  28  and the housing  14  when the lid  28  is placed in closing relation with the housing walls  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and  22 . Although the housing  14  shown is rectangular shaped and formed by four wall segments, a single contoured wall may be used, such as oval or cylindrical in shape, depending on the application. 
   Shown best in  FIG. 2 , the upward end portions of the four housing sidewalls  16 - 22  terminate in a generally planar end face  16   a ,  18   a ,  20   a , and  22   a  and include a transverse flange  16   b ,  18   b ,  20   b , and  22   b . The end faces  16   a - 22   a  cooperate to form a continuous mating face  44  and the planar faces of the flanges  16   b - 22   b  form a continuous stop  44   a . Further, a continuous upwardly open channel or groove  46  is provided in the mating face  44  for receiving a continuous tubular seal element  48  inserted therewithin. 
   The lid  28  has upper and lower surfaces  50  and  52  and an outer periphery  54  that is complementary in shape to the rectangular shape formed by the sidewalls  16 - 22 . Importantly, the outer periphery  54  of the lid  26  is configured to interlock with the upward end portions of the housing sidewalls  16 - 24  and compress the cross-section of the seal element  48  into airtight sealing relation against and with the mating face  44  of the housing  14 . 
   The outer periphery  54  includes inward and outward flanges  56  and  58  that that project downwardly from the lower surface  52  and form a downwardly open channel  60  that receives and seats atop and about the seal element  48 . The inward flange  56  terminates in and forms a continuous mating face  62  that extends 360° and is adapted to be supported atop the stop  44   a  formed by the planar mating faces of the flanges  16   b - 22   b . The outward flange  58  is continuous, extends 360° and is adapted to be juxtaposed with the upper end portions of the housing sidewalls. 
   In some applications, the outer flange  58  may form a close friction fit with the exterior surface of the sidewalls  16 - 22  to increase sealing interengagement between the lid  28  and the housing  14 . 
   The seal element  48  and the annular grooves  46  and  60 , in combination with the mating faces, form a continuous annular airlock or air seal between the sidewalls  16 - 22  and the lid  28  when the lid is closed about and connected to the sidewall. The seal element  48  is adapted to be compressed and form an airtight seal that inhibits air from passing into and from the interior chamber. 
   Preferably, the seal element  48  comprises an elongated continuous cylinder formed of a flattenable elastomeric material. Further, the cylinder comprises a thin walled tube. In some applications, the seal member  48  may be solid, of compressible elastomeric material, and cylindrical in cross-section. 
   Further, each end wall  18  and  22  of the storage container  14  is provided with a latch receiver  64  and the opposite ends of the lid  28  are provided with a latch  66 . The latch  66  is hinged to the lid  28  for pivoting movement between a released position and a latched relation with a respective latch receiver  64 . Movement into latching relation substantially simultaneously causes the seal element  48  to be compressed and the lid  28  to be brought into clamped engagement against the upper end face of the sidewall. 
   A sheet  68  of netting material is attached to the lower surface  52  of the lid  28 . Preferably, the netting sheet  68  is resilient, somewhat yielding, and defines an accessible pocket against the lower surface for storing items of interest such as maps and the like. Generally, the sheet  68  is coextensive with the inner flange  56 . 
   The storage container  10  also includes apparatus  70  for indicating if the pressure in the chamber  30  is lower than atmospheric. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4A  and  4 B, the apparatus  70  includes a circular hole or opening  72  in the sidewall  20  and in communication with the chamber  30 , and a thin walled, hemispherically shaped membrane  74  of elastomeric material mounted in covering relation with the opening  72 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the material of the membrane  74  normally biases the membrane outwardly of the housing  14  when the pressure in the chamber  30  is at or about atmospheric. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , when the pressure in the chamber  30  is lower than atmospheric, the vacuum pulls the membrane into the chamber  30 . 
   Further, the storage container  10  includes a check valve  76  that is in communication with the interior chamber  30  and connectible to the vacuum pump  12  whereby to enable the vacuum pump to withdraw or suck air from the chamber  30  and reduce the pressure in the chamber to a value significantly lower than atmospheric pressure. Although the check valve  76  is shown placed on the sidewall  20  of the container  10 , the valve could be on the lid. 
   A sheet or carbon liner  78  of activated carbon in disposed in the interior chamber for adsorbing human scents. The carbon liner  78  is flexible and comprises a granular material capable of enabling air circulation and adsorbing human odor and scents. 
   Additionally, while not shown, the walls and lid of the container may be constructed to include a liner sheet of activated carbon. 
   Desirably, the hermetic vacuum sealed connection between the seal element  48  with the lid  28  and the sidewalls  16 - 22  will prevent odors from entering or leaving the interior chamber. Should outside air penetrate the chamber  30 , the carbon liner  78  assures that the stored clothing of the hunter is not contaminated. Additionally, the sealed arrangement and carbon liner  78  prevent contaminated air from leaving the chamber  30 , thus assuring that an animal will not receive the scent of a hunter. 
   In use, items to be used in the hunting experience are placed in the housing  14 , the lid  28  placed in covering relation atop the housing, and the latches  66  brought into latched relation with the latch receivers  64 . The vacuum pump  12  is positioned next to the container  10  and a connector plug  80  of the pump is connected to the check valve  76 . During operation of the vacuum pump  12 , the pressure in the chamber  30  is lowered and the membrane  74  sucked into the chamber, indicating that the desired vacuum has been achieved. 
   While the vacuum pump  12  is intended to be temporary, permanent operable connection of a vacuum pump and check valve arrangement may be desirable in some situations.