Patent Publication Number: US-2005127056-A1

Title: System for drying equipment

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
      Often, during many sports activities, the associated gear will become at the very least damp, if not wet. Such activities include skiing, snowboarding, hiking, swimming, and many other activities. Even such activities as running, tennis, basketball, racketball, etc. can lead to sweaty shoes and clothing. It has often been a problem with transporting and storing of this gear while it is still damp or wet.  
      For example, it is very common for ski boots to become damp with body moisture as well as snow and ice during use. The boots are then transported in a bag or vehicle to the skier&#39;s lodging (unless the skier happens to be in a ski in/ski out location) and then either brought inside or left in the vehicle. The lining of the boots, if the skier is conscientious, are then taken out of the shells to dry. Failure to do so can cause discomfort for the skier the next day when the skier puts on boots with wet linings.  
      There have been a number of attempts to solve this particular problem. For instance, a boot warmer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,545. This particular warmer has a deformable, heat retaining, material that is heated in a microwave and then placed in the damp boot. Another technique is to use a blow-dryer to blow hot air into the boot. Another technique is insert heated physical therapy packs into the boot to dry it. There is also a commercially available electric boot dryer by Therm-IC that is placed into the boot. An AC element circulates heat in the boot to dry them. Other types of ski boot and shoe drying systems use room temperature or warmed air blown through tubes that are inserted into the ski boots to dry out the liners.  
      There are a number of problems associated with these prior devices. One problem is the lack of access or availability of commercial units, such as used in commercial ski storage rooms and rental facilities. Also, many people do not desire to purchase home units, plus the necessity of remembering to use them. Additionally, there is often a considerable time factor from when the skier or snowboarder leaves the slope to when they return to their destination. The condensed moisture and/or snow and ice melts and seeps in between the liner and boot structure before arrival. Moisture will often leak or condense within the boot structure between the shell and the lining. Even if the lining is later dried, it is difficult to dry the boot structure itself. That is a critical problem even with the use of the commercially available units. The moisture remaining within the lining or between the parts of the external boot structure will then become cold and uncomfortable once the heat is removed, and the boot structure becomes cold and stiff. Even if the lining is dried satisfactorily, the shell of the boot will remain cold and stiff. This creates inconvenience and discomfort for the user.  
      Other examples of the problems associated with damp or wet equipment is found in many other activities. For example, many recreational athletes transport their sports clothes, shoes, and other gear in an equipment bag. These clothes, shoes and gear are put back in the bag after use, typically damp or wet. These articles do not usually dry out until removed from the bag which may be hours if not longer, particularly shoes and equipment. This causes not only the growth of odor, bacteria, etc. but may also degrade the performance of these articles.  
      Another problem that frequently arises is in the use of wet garments and other items, such as wet suits used in diving, kayaking and other water sports. These suits are uncomfortable to put on when damp and wet. These suits may feel clammy and otherwise are uncomfortable when first put on wet. This often becomes an issue during frequent use of these suits.  
      As outdoor activities and participation increases, these and other associated problems arise from the transport and storage of damp or wet articles. There is presently a need for solutions to these problems.  
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
      The present invention solves these and other problems by providing a heated compartment in a bag, box or other structure. The heated compartment includes a heating element that heats articles in the compartment from the outside inward to dry moisture from the articles in the compartment as well as to sterilize any body moisture in the articles. The heating of the articles from the outside towards the inside of the articles evacuates the moisture from all of the components of boots or other articles and from any inner linings.  
      In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides at least one compartment in a boot or sports bag. A heating element extends along the side walls and bottom surface to evenly distribute heat to boots or other articles in the compartment. The heating element is connectable to a power source that may include an AC power cord for connection to an appropriate electrical outlet, with a DC adaptor for connection to a vehicle power source or a battery source.  
      The heating elements, in one preferred embodiment, includes a thermostat to maintain the compartment temperature within a specified range, such as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Other embodiments may utilize a timer to cycle the heating element on and off for specified times.  
      The present invention, in at least one preferred embodiment, provides insulation on the exterior side walls of the heating element to minimize the loss of heat to the ambient outside temperature. Reflective materials may also be used for this purpose. The inner side walls and bottom surface may also include insulation to assure even heating of the inner compartment.  
      In another preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the compartment may allow direct contact with the heating element. This allows greater heating to the soles of the boots or footwear allowing heat to radiate upwards, naturally and progressively from the soles.  
      The heating element can be laminated with conductive film, such as aluminum film to disperse heat uniformly.  
      Other embodiments of the present invention include bags with separate compartments. These separate compartments may use a common heating element or separate controllable heating elements. The present invention may also be usable in storage boxes that are used in residences, lodging, lockers, commercial storage facilities and other locations.  
      A preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a ventilation system to evaporate moisture during the drying process. This promotes quicker drying and minimizes the collection of moisture in the bag.  
      Another preferred embodiment provides a system for drying wet suits and other garments and large items. The wet suit is folded over a center sleeve containing a heating element. The bag is then hung in a vertical orientation and the heating element is powered. The moisture is either evaporated into the surrounding air or collected by sponges or other retention devices.  
      The present invention also includes embodiments for use of the heated compartments for all types of sports activities, work activities, food service, medical services and any other use where heating and/or drying of articles is useful.  
      These and other features will be evident from the detailed description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a heated travel bag of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is cut-away view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of controls and power sources for the heating element.  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a heated shoe bag of a second embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  is a cut-away view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 6  is another cut-away view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 7  is a cut-away view of a multiple pair heated boot bag of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  is rear cutaway view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 .  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 10  is a cut-away view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 .  
       FIG. 11  is another view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 .  
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 .  
       FIG. 20  is a partial view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 .  
       FIG. 21  is a end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 .  
       FIG. 22  is an open end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 .  
       FIG. 23  is an initial step in using the embodiment of  FIG. 18 .  
       FIG. 24  is an intermediate step in using the embodiment of  FIG. 18 .  
       FIG. 25  is a final step in using the embodiment of  FIG. 18 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The present invention provides a system for heating and drying articles. It is to be expressly understood that the descriptive embodiments set forth herein are intended for explanatory purposes and is not intended to unduly limit the scope of the claimed inventions. Other embodiments and applications not described herein are considered to be within the scope of the invention. It is also to be expressly understood that while specific embodiments for the components of the heating and drying systems are discussed, other equivalents to these embodiments that perform substantially similar functions are within the scope of the claimed inventions.  
      A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 . In this preferred embodiment, described herein for explanatory purposes and not to limit the scope of the present invention, the heating and drying system  10  includes a transportable container  12 . In this embodiment, the transportable container is a boot bag, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . The boot bag of this preferred embodiment is a soft bag with handles  14 , a zippered (or other well known fastening mechanisms) opening  16  and an internal compartment  18  for carrying ski boots, snow boarding boots, or other equipment articles. A ski boot bag is discussed herein only for explanatory purposes and is not meant to limit the claimed inventions to this particular embodiment. The internal compartment  18  includes inner walls  20  and outer walls  22 .  
      Heating element  24  is contained in the bag  12  between the inner walls  20  and outer walls  22 . The heating element  24 , in this preferred embodiment, extends not only along the side walls but the bottom floor as well in order to assure consistent even dispersion of heat within the compartment. In other preferred embodiments, the heating element may only be in the side inner walls or the inner walls  20  may be eliminated and the heating elements radiate directly into the compartment  18 . In this preferred embodiment, the inner walls  20  and outer walls  22  include an insulating material. Examples of this insulating material include EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) or PE (Polyethelene) foam with the inner facing layer laminated with heat reflective material. Other types of insulating material may be used as well. In the preferred embodiment, the outer walls  22  or the outer wall of the heating element  24  are laminated with heat reflective material. This helps to minimize loss of heat from outside ambient temperature, to disperse heating uniformly and to minimize the build up of hot spots due to the manner the bag or boots are stored.  
      In the preferred embodiment, the heating element includes a thermostat to maintain the temperature inside the compartment or on the heating element itself. This prevents overheating or under heating of the contents of the bag. In one preferred embodiment, the temperature inside the compartment is maintained near  120  degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, a timer may be used as well to turn the heating element on at preset times or off after a set time. The heating element is cycled on and off, i.e., two hours on and one hour off. The timer and thermostat, in one preferred embodiment, are adjustable by the user.  
      The heating element  24  includes a power source  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the power source  30  includes a twelve volt battery supply  32  that is connected to a twelve volt DC adaptor that may be plugged into the cigarette or auxiliary power supply in a vehicle. Also, an AC adaptor that may also be used and plugged into a building wall outlet is included as well. In another embodiment, the power source  30  includes only the AC power source. The bag is sufficiently well insulated to maintain the internal temperature of the bag compartments for two hours or more without significant heat loss.  
      Another preferred embodiment of the power source  30  is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The heating element  24  includes two combined heating elements  42 ,  44 . Heating element  42  is connected to a first electrical power source  46  while heating element  44  is connected to a second electrical power source  48 . First electrical power source may be plugged into a common residential United States AC volt use while second electrical power source  48  is intended for use with common European AC volt source. This allows the heated bag to be easily used in either continent without the need for additional power converters. Also, a DC power converter may also be included to allow the heated bag to be powered from a vehicle or other remote source. A thermostat  49  is also included that will maintain the appropriate heat or time to heat the compartment. This preferred embodiment is particularly useful in that it can be used with several different AC electrical power source, such as an indoor outlet or with a DC power source, such as a vehicle auxiliary power output (cigarette lighter plug). This provides greater flexibility and usability of the heated bag.  
      The heating element  24 , in the preferred embodiment, is shown as a single flat element. However, it is to be expressly understood that multiple elements may be used. Also, the shape of the heating element may be varied as well depending on the shape of the bag, the compartment and the article to be heated. A flexible heating element may also be used that can be inserted into spaces in the articles to be heated, such as in a boot cuff, helmet interior space or other areas.  
      In use, the user places the cold and/or wet boots in the compartment  18  of the bag  12  through the opening  16 . The heating element  24  is activated, by either a switch (not shown) or by plugging in the power source in the appropriate power supply. The heating element  24 , if not already operating, then heats the internal compartment  18  to about  120  degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is sufficient to heat the external materials of the boots, other footwear, clothes, equipment or other materials in the compartment. The conduction of the heat through the external materials softens the outer shell plastic or material, and penetrates the lining materials. These lining materials and boot components are dried out as well as sterilized. Since the heat is radiating inwards from the outside, moisture is eliminated efficiently from the boot components unlike the prior devices that heated from the inside and out.  
      The user is then provided with a warm and dry boot or other article for the next use. In the case of ski or snow boots, the warm and soft materials are easy and comfortable to put on and easy to adjust. The otherwise cold, hard and unyielding plastics adapt easily and comfortably to the feet, and the warmth encountered by the user is enjoyed for as long as two hours in normal skiing temperatures. This translates into improved early performance and endurance, and creates a more enjoyable experience, particularly as the day warms and the skiers own energy level is increased.  
      Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.  4   6 . The bag  50  of this embodiment includes a large zippered opening  52  for insertion of articles into an internal compartment  54 . Heating element  56  extends along the inner wall  58  of the internal compartment  56 . A protective fabric sleeve  58 , in this preferred embodiment, protects the heating element  56 . A power supply cord  60  extends through outlet hole  62  and is stored in a side compartment  64 . An elastic cord  66  prevents accidental movement of the power cord from the side compartment.  
      The heating element  56  is not only covered by the protective fabric sleeve  58  but also insulation  70  and a reinforcement sheet  72  under the insulation and heating element. A stitched border tape, in this embodiment, is provided for finishing and protecting the edges of the heating element. An outer insulation element  74  is provided, formed of EVA foam or other materials, and laminated with a reflective material, such as silver heat reflective material. A shoulder strap  76  is also provided for ease of carrying.  
      Another preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIGS.  7   8 . Bag  80  includes two separate compartments  82 ,  84  separated by an inner side wall  86 . Zippered openings  88 ,  90  provide access into the compartments  82 ,  84 , respectively. Heating element  92  extends along the outer side walls  94 ,  96  and lower base  98 . The lower base is sufficiently strong to withstand impact from dropping the bag and also prevents heat leakage when the bag rests on a cold surface. The heating element, in one preferred embodiment, is in direct contact with the soles of the boot or other articles. The heating element  92  includes a power cord  100  extending through outlet hole  102 . The power cord may be carried in a side mesh pocket for storage.  
      In another preferred embodiment, the heating element  92  is split into two separate heating elements, one for each compartment and/or with a central heating element in the central wall between the compartments.  
      Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.  9   11 . The bag  110  includes two side compartments  112 ,  114  separated by a central compartment  116 . The side compartments  112 ,  114  are accessible by front or rear openings  118 ,  120 , respectively and the central compartment by opening  122 . Heating element(s)  124  extend along the outer walls of the side compartments and along the bottom surface of all three compartments. Alternatively, the compartments may be warmed by separate heating elements that may have separate controls. Power cord  128  is connected to the heating element and stored in pocket  130 .  
      Another embodiment is shown in  FIG. 12 . The bag  140  is similar to the above described embodiment with a narrow central compartment for ease of carrying or for carrying more diverse articles. The shape of bag  140  provides a more ergonomic bag for ease of use. Bag  140  includes one or more compartments having heating elements, similar to those discussed above.  
      Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 13 . This embodiment provides bag  150  that is more oval shaped to include a compartment  152  for a helmet or other protective head gear. The compartment  152  includes heating element  154 , similar to the heating elements discussed in the other embodiments. The head gear often becomes soaked internally from body moisture as well as snow and ice melt. The heating element  154  enables the head gear to be dried and/or sterilized for comfort of the user. The bag  150  may also include additional compartments and associated heating elements to carry other articles as well.  
      Another preferred embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 14 . This embodiment provides a backpack  160  having shoulder straps  162 ,  164 . Backpack  160  also includes at least one compartment  166 , and as shown in  FIG. 15 , may also include additional compartments  168 ,  170 . Heating elements  172  are included in each of the compartments, similar in manner as the above described heating elements and controls.  
      Other embodiments of the present invention include box like compartments that may hold one pair of boots, two pairs of boots, or more pairs of boots. These box compartments are usable inside of lodging, locker rooms, storage facilities or other facilities where transporting them is not an issue. In one preferred embodiment, rows of compartment boxes with heating elements as described above may be used as a commercial site for storing and drying of boots, shoes, other footwear and other articles. These compartment boxes may be electrically linked together for ease of operation.  
      An alternative embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . This embodiment is similar to the above described embodiments with additional features. The bag  200  includes zippered compartment  202  with heating elements (not shown) similar to the above described heating elements. Inlet ventilation elements  204 ,  206  and outlet ventilation elements  208 ,  210  allow the humidity to escape from the compartment  202  as the boots or other wet items are heated. This provides more efficient heating and drying of the items in the compartment. Ventilation element  212  may be provided in a compartment that may be opened as needed in addition or in place of the ventilation elements  204   210 .  
      Another feature shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15  is the use of straps in various configurations. Strap  220  includes clasps  222  and  224  on either end of the strap. The strap can engage the bag  200  in a variety of places. For example, The bag  200  as shown in the illustration includes engagement straps  226  and  228  on each end of the upper portion of the bag and engagement straps  230 ,  232 , and  234 ,  236  (not shown) on the lower corners of the bag. The strap  220  can then be secured between the upper straps  226 ,  228  to create a typical over the shoulder carrying position, or between an upper strap  226  and lower corner strap  232  to create a cross-body carrying position or between any two of the engagement straps to provide multiple carrying positions.  
      Another embodiment of the bag is illustrated in  FIG. 16 . The bag  250  includes a rectangular box shape to conserve space. The bag includes a zippered end opening  252  to allow access to the heated compartment  254 . The end  252  includes a mesh compartment  256  that contains the electrical cords  258 ,  260  similar to the above described electrical power cords. A tubular heating element sleeve  262  is easily inserted and removed from the compartment  254 . A hook and loop fastener  264  secures the tubular heating element sleeve  262  to the compartment  254 . The heating element sleeve  262  may also be permanently secured to the compartment as well. This bag  250  is particularly useful in drying shoes and other smaller items.  
      Another embodiment of bag suitable for drying and heating shoes and other smaller items is illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The bag  280  includes an angularly shaped bag that has a zippered top flat  282  to allow access into the heating compartment  284 . The electrical cords  286  may be accessed from the rear, sides or other suitable locations.  
      The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 18 through 25  is yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment has utility for drying large garments, such as wet suits, dry suits, and even ski suits or other relatively large garments that may be wet or damp after use. The bag  300 , as shown in  FIG. 18 , is in this descriptive embodiment about the size of a garment suit bag. The bag  300  includes a shoulder strap  302 , a hanging strap  304  and a zippered top flap  306 . The top flap  306  includes another zipper  308  that allows access into a storage pocket.  
      The top flap  306  is unzipped to allow access into the storage compartment  310 . The storage compartment  310  is formed from a top panel  312  that is secured to the top flap  306 . The top panel includes two large mesh pockets  314 ,  316  for storage. An elastic binding  318  holds the mesh pockets closed. The storage compartment  310  also includes a bottom panel  320 . A center sleeve  330  is inserted between the top panel and the bottom panel and secured there by fasteners, such as hooks  332  or other known fastening mechanisms.  
      The center sleeve  330  includes a heating element  334  that is secured inside the sleeve  330  by hook and loop fasteners or other known fastening mechanisms. The heating element is similar in design to the heating elements discussed above. The heating element  334  is powered by a transformer and power cords  336  as discussed above.  
      The bag  300  also includes top side panel  340  and bottom side panel  350 . Top side panel includes a zipper or other fastening mechanism to allow access into the compartment. The top side panel  340  also includes a pocket that will store the power cords  336  when not in use. The top side panel can be partially unzipped to allow access to the power cords. The bottom side panel also includes a zipper or other fastening mechanism. An elastic mesh pocket  354  is also formed in the inner side of the bottom side panel. Water absorbing sponges  356  are stored in the pocket  354  to collect moisture from the wet item as it dries as discussed in greater detail below. These sponges can be removed to squeeze the water from them periodical ly.  
      In use, as shown in  FIGS. 23 through 25 , the bag  300  is used to store and dry a wet suit such as used in underwater diving, kayaking and other water sports. Other items may be dried as well. The top flap  306  of the bag  300  is opened and the center sleeve  330  is raised. The suit is laid so that half of the suit is on the bottom panel  320  of the bag. The center sleeve  330  is then placed down onto the suit and fastened in place. The remaining half of the suit is then folded over the center sleeve  330 . Preferably, the bag is then hung by the strap  304  in a vertical orientation. The top flap  306  can be left open to allow evaporation of moisture during the drying process, or closed. The appropriate electrical cord  336  is plugged in and the heating elements within the center sleeve begin drying the suit. The bottom side panel  350  can be opened to allow moisture to drain out or the moisture can be collected by the sponges  356 . The wet suit wearer will then have a dry and warm suit to wear.  
      It is to be expressly understood that while the above descriptive embodiments discussed use with boots, these heated compartments may be usable for other articles as well. For example, hiking footwear, sports footwear, sports clothing, sports equipment, fishing gear, work clothes, work equipment, and many other articles where drying is of concern may be used. Also, the compartment bags may also be useful in food service, to transport and/or maintain the temperature of foot items. Another critical use may be in the medical field to maintain the temperature of medical devices or organs. The present invention is considered for use wherever it is desired to maintain the temperature and/or dry articles.  
      The above described embodiments are expressly intended for explanatory purposes and not to limit the scope of the claimed inventions.