Patent Publication Number: US-10330384-B2

Title: Drying device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application incorporates by reference and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/194,643 filed on Jul. 20, 2015. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a device for rapidly drying items in an enclosed container. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for rapidly drying items such as shoes, socks, or other athletic gear by optimizing the efficiency of a desiccant while providing direct airflow between the desiccant and an interior of the item within an enclosed container. 
     Sweaty, damp or wet shoes, socks, stockings, or other athletic gear or clothing often provide an ideal environment for the growth of odor-causing bacteria and/or odor-causing fungus. Dampness may result from daily wear or athletic activity, particularly in shoes made of fabrics having low air permeability and/or shoes worn without socks. Repeated use of damp shoes and socks also causes blisters or other discomfort in addition to odors. 
     A number of inserts and sprays currently on the market are designed to eliminate odors and/or remove moisture from shoes and socks. Some products merely attempt to mask the odor with another scent. Such products do not kill the bacteria or remove the moisture, which often leads to a recurrence of the odor. Other products attempt to kill odor-causing bacteria with alcohol or other chemicals or by introducing another competing bacteria and/or enzymes, but these products do not remove moisture and often fail to eliminate all of the bacteria, which can lead to odor recurrence. Some products attempt to kill bacteria using UV light rays, but such products tend to be expensive. Further, most inserts and sprays require a long period of time to produce noticeable or adequate results. The scents, chemicals, and other bacteria or enzymes may cause allergic reactions or otherwise be unpleasant or uncomfortable for the user. 
     With regard to inserts in particular, there are a number of inserts on the market specifically to remove moisture from the shoe. The insert is filled or coated with or made from a desiccant material and is typically shaped to fit within the shoe. Such inserts are often ineffective for a number of reasons. The insert is exposed to a room or other large area while inside the shoe, and therefore is removing moisture from the large area as well as the shoe, reducing its effectiveness. The efficiency of the desiccant is also limited by the surface area of the desiccant in contact with the moisture in the air. The insert may also trap moist air in the shoe if the desiccant is insufficient or inhibited due to surface area limitations. In addition, it is often not clear when the desiccant has been exhausted or saturated. The desiccant material must also maintain its shape as it adsorbs moisture, in contrast to more efficient desiccant materials that may become softer with adsorption. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a drying method that effectively and efficiently removes moisture from damp shoes, socks, and similar objects, thereby killing odor-causing bacteria and/or preventing the bacteria from growing, in a short period of time. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by providing a device for rapidly drying items such as shoes and athletic gear by optimizing the efficiency of a desiccant while providing direct airflow between the desiccant and an interior of the object within an enclosed container. The device includes an enclosed container that houses a desiccant material disposed atop a perforated tray near the bottom of the container. A perforated insert having one or more upright members thereon is positioned above the tray. In one embodiment, the container includes a gasket to increase the airtightness of seal. In another embodiment, the enclosed container houses a fan. 
     The upright members or shoe forms are shaped to direct airflow into, around or toward the damp item, such as, into the interior of the shoe. The upright member may include four strips of material that extend upwardly from the insert between extending between a proximal base and a distal end. In one embodiment, projections extend from the base of the upright member into the openings of the insert. In other embodiments, the upright member may be formed integrally or permanently adhered to the insert. 
     In a further embodiment, each upright member or shoe form includes an angled opening extending downwardly from an outer end toward an inner end. In an example where the damp item is a shoe, the shoe is turned over such that the sole of the shoe faces upward and the laces face downward. The shoe opening where the foot is inserted into the shoe is positioned about the upright member. Airflow between the desiccant and the interior of the shoe is uninhibited. Other items such as socks and stockings may be similarly positioned over the shoe form for drying. 
     In another embodiment, each shoe form includes two parts, each part having three pins extending from a rod. Each part is secured to the insert by positioning the pins through the openings of the insert. The user may select the locations and spacing of the shoe form parts in order to position the damp item in such a way to optimize airflow into and/or toward the damp item. 
     Additionally, certain features of the device allow for optimal use of the desiccant. By using an enclosed container, the amount of air from which moisture is removed by the desiccant is limited. In some embodiments, the device includes a gasket to provide an airtight container. In other embodiments, the gasket may be integral with the container and formed as part of the mold, rather than a separate component. The use of a fan increases air movement, allowing the moisture to be removed from the air more quickly. Additionally, the spacing of the desiccant away from the shoe allows for the use of an efficient desiccant such as anhydrous calcium chloride, which does not need to retain its shape as it adsorbs moisture. The desiccant may be disposable and/or removable. 
     Further, the perforated tray enables the desiccant to continuously remove moisture from the air while allowing water to drain through the tray to the bottom of the container. The tray can easily be removed from the device in order to clean the bottom of the container and to replace the desiccant as necessary. 
     The desiccant is readily visible in the tray at the bottom of the container when the container is open, thus often making it visually evident if the desiccant has been saturated or exhausted due to the absorption of water. 
     The device can be stored anywhere such as at home, in the garage, at work, or in the car. For example, shoes that are worn daily such as running or climbing shoes can be positioned in the device in the car after practice, and will be ready for wear the following day. 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus for drying an item includes a container including a width and a height, an insert including a planar surface positioned parallel to the width at a first point along the height, wherein the insert surface includes a plurality of openings, a perforated tray positioned parallel to the width at a second point along the height between the insert and a bottom of the container, a desiccant material positioned on the tray. 
     An advantage of the present design is the quick and efficient removal of moisture from an item, thereby also leading to the prevention and elimination of odor-causing bacteria from the damp items. This aspect is enabled as most odor-causing bacteria reproduce more rapidly in a damp or moist environment. 
     Another advantage of the present design is the ability to use efficient desiccants to remove moisture from an item within a limited volume of air. 
     A further advantage of the present design is to provide direct, unobstructed airflow into an interior of a shoe, resulting in the efficient removal of moisture therefrom. 
     A further advantage of the present design is the avoidance of additional fragrances, enzymes, bacteria, or scents. The present design also avoids placing chemicals in direct contact with the item being dried. 
     Another advantage of the present design is the portability and convenience of use at home, in the garage, at the office, in the car, etc. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view from above of the front of a drying device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view from above of the back of the drying device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded, isometric view from above of the drying device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of the drying device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the drying device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are sectional and isometric views of the drying device generally taken along the lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the drying device generally taken along the lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the drying device generally taken along the lines  9 - 9  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of the drying device of  FIG. 1  with the lid removed. 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view from above of a further embodiment of a drying device. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded, isometric view from above of the drying device of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the drying device generally taken along the lines  13 - 13  of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to meet these needs, the present invention discloses a drying device  100  for quickly and efficiently removing moisture from damp items. 
     As illustrated by  FIGS. 1-10 , the drying device  100  includes a container  102  that houses an insert  104  onto which a damp item  106 , such as a shoe or socks, is placed and that is spaced above a desiccant material  108  resting on a tray  110 . Specifically, the insert  104  maintains the damp item  106  in an optimal position for effective removal of moisture. The removal of moisture from an interior  112  of the damp item  106  leads to the prevention and elimination of odor-producing bacteria. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the container  102  includes a lid  114  disposed atop a body  116 . In one embodiment, the lid  114  rotates about one or more fastening devices  118  such as hinges secured to the body  116 . A further fastening device  120  such as a latch on the body  116  opposite the fastening devices  118  maintains the lid  114  in a closed position. Each of the hinges  118  and latch  120  may include connectors such as screws or pins. In another embodiment, a fully detachable lid may be secured to the body  116  using two or more fastening devices  120 . It is preferred but not necessary for the container  102  to be airtight in order to limit the volume of air from which moisture is removed. 
     In one embodiment, a gasket may be positioned between the lid  114  and the body  116  to create an airtight seal when the lid  114  is in the closed position as shown in  FIG. 1 . A handle or other carrying device may be secured to the lid  114 . Although the illustrated embodiment has a rectangular-shaped container  102 , the container  102  may have another shape such as rounded, square, cylindrical or the like. Further embodiments of the container  102  are shown in  FIGS. 13-15 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , the container body  116  includes first, second, third, and fourth container sides  128   a - 128   d  disposed about a bottom surface  138  opposite the lid  114 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the container sides  128   a - 128   d  taper inwardly from a first width W 1  and a first depth D 1  adjacent the lid  114  to a second width W 2  and a second depth D 2  adjacent the bottom  138 . The four corners  140  of the container  102  may be rounded as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , square, or have any other geometry. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , the insert  104  includes insert sides  142   a - 142   d  extending from an insert surface  144  that nest within the container sides  128   a - 128   d . The insert sides  142   a - 142   d  are tapered in order to nest within the tapered container sides  128   a - 128   d , thereby maintaining the positioning of the insert  104  spaced from the bottom  138  of the container  102 . A plug  145  may extend through a hole in one of the container sides  128   c  and one of the insert sides  142   c . The hole in the container side  128   c  allows for (1) installation of a rubber plug  145  that limits the airflow into and out of the container, (2) installation of a strain relief  147 , allowing a cable to pass from inside the container to outside the container while also limiting the airflow into and out of the container (the cable is used to power the fan inside the box) and/or (3) installation of a panel mount USB receptacle while also limiting the airflow into and out of the container. The fan inside the box can be plugged into the mounted USB receptacle. The receptacle is connected to a power supply outside the box, which powers the fan. 
     In some embodiments, the insert surface  144  is approximately about 3 to about 5 cm above the bottom  138  of the container  102 , although the distance between the insert surface  144  and the bottom  138  may vary depending on the size, shape, geometry, and other variables of the container and insert. Openings  152  formed in the insert surface  144  allow air and water to flow through. In some embodiments, the insert  104  may include openings on the side surfaces  142   a - 142   d  as well. Openings for hands  143 , finger cut-outs, or other lifting attachments may be formed within or attached to the insert  104 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the container sides  128   a - 128   d  are planar. In other embodiments, each container side  128   a - 128   d  may have an upper portion and a lower portion joined at an interface thereof. Each upper portion may be vertical, and each lower portion may angle inwardly from the interface towards a perimeter of the bottom surface. In this embodiment, each insert side may include an upper portion and a lower portion joined at an interface. The interface of the insert sides aligns with the interface of the container sides during use, as the lower portions of the insert sides rest on the lower portions of the container sides. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 , an upright member  154  extends upwardly from the insert surface  144  into the damp item  106 , such as the heel  156  of a shoe  157  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) and/or the tongue and laces of the shoe  157  (not shown), in order to direct airflow to the bacteria in the interior of the damp item  106 . In the illustrated embodiment, the upright member  154  includes four strips of material  155  extending between a proximal base  159  and a distal end  158 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , one or more plugs  160  project downwardly from the base  159  into one or more openings  152 , respectively, of the insert surface  144 . The upright member or shoe forms  154  may be formed integral with or removable from the insert  104 . Further, the upright member  154  may be provided in different sizes to accommodate different sized shoes. While the damp item  106  of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9  is a shoe  157 , other damp items such as socks or athletic gear may be dried using the upright member  154 . 
     The upright member  154  may have other shapes and dimensions. In another embodiment, the upright member  154  comprises a shoe form including a height that decreases between an outer end and an inner end to define an angled opening. In other embodiments, the upright member  154  includes two parts, each part having three pins extending from a rod. Each part is secured to the insert  104  by positioning the pins through the openings  152  of the insert  104 . The user may select the locations and spacing of the shoe form parts in order to position the damp item in such a way to optimize airflow into and/or toward the damp item. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 6-9 , the tray  110  is perforated to allow water to drain through while the desiccant  108  continuously adsorbs moisture from the air. The tray  110  includes tray sides  166   a - 166   d  extending upwardly from a tray surface  164 . In some embodiments, the tray sides  166   a - 166   d  are tapered and nest within the tapered container sides  128   a - 128   d  to maintain a positioning of the tray  110  spaced from the bottom  138  of the container  102 . 
     Five spacers  168   a - 168   e  extending from the underside of the tray surface  164  rest on the container bottom  138  to maintain a spacing between the insert  104  and the tray  110  of about 1 to 3 cm and a spacing between the tray  110  and the bottom  138  of the container  102  of about 1 to 3 cm. The tray  110  may be disposable. Finger cut-outs  171  or other lifting attachments may be formed within or attached to the tray  110 . 
     In another embodiment, the drying device may include a first container including a width and a height and a planar surface, wherein the container surface includes a plurality of openings, and a second container including a width and a height whereby the first and second containers are releaseably held together. The first container acts as the insert as described above, in that the item to be dried is positioned within the first container. A perforated tray is positioned parallel to the width of the second container at a point along the height between the top and bottom of the second container, and a desiccant material positioned on the tray. 
     The desiccant  108  may comprise anhydrous calcium chloride, silica gel, activated charcoal, clay, a molecular sieve such as crystalline metal aluminosilicates having a three dimensional interconnecting network of silica and alumina tetrahedral, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material to absorb moisture from the air. 
     A fan  170  such as a computer case cooling fan may also be included to increase air movement within the container  102  and expedite the drying process. The fan  170  may be mounted to the tray surface  164  as shown in  FIG. 8 , to the insert  104 , to the insert  110 , under the lid  114 , and/or to the container sides  128   a - 128   d . The illustrated embodiment shows the fan  170  as a component of the device  100 , although the fan  170  may be provided as a separate accessory to the device  100 . The fan  170  may be powered by a USB battery or a standard battery. Alternatively, the fan  170  may include a power cord extending through an opening  145  in the container  102  for insertion into a standard AC outlet. A timer and/or an automatic shutoff feature for the fan  170  may also be included. 
     The container body  116 , insert  104 , and tray  110  may comprise a plastic material and be formed using injection molding, although other manufacturing processes may be used as desired. The planar surface  164  of the tray  110  may comprise a mesh material. 
     During use, the user opens the container  102  and places the tray  110  having desiccant  108  disposed thereon into the bottom  138  of the container  102 . The user then places the insert  104  within the container  102  and positions the the damp item  106  on the upright member  154  as shown in  FIG. 6 . If included, the fan  170  may be activated. The lid  114  is then closed and latched. In some cases, the use of the device  100  with the fan  170  may effectively dry the damp item  106  within about 1 to 12 hours, whereas other embodiments without the fan  170  may dry the damp item  106  within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the degree of dampness. Periodically, the tray  110  may be removed to replace the desiccant  108  and/or to remove water from the bottom  138  of the container  102 . 
     A further embodiment of a drying device  200  is shown in  FIGS. 11-13 . As shown in the drawings, the drying device  200  includes the components as described above, and differs primarily in shape and size. The device  200  includes an insert  202  and a tray  204  having desiccant  208  ( FIG. 13 ) disposed thereon positioned within a container  206 . Side walls of the container  206  and the insert  202  are planar and vertical. The tray  204  includes first and second planar tray surfaces  210 ,  212  separated by a tray wall  214 . The insert  202  rests atop the tray  204 . A latch  226  may secure a lid  228  to a body  230  of the container  206 . 
     It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.