Abstract:
A portable odor removal apparatus for use in an enclosed space, such as for example a refrigerator and/or a closet. The portable odor removal apparatus includes; a housing, air inlets, air outlets, an ion generator and a controller with energy saving features. The overall form of the housing may suggest the appearance of food such as for example a fruit or vegetable. The device may also include hooks and other mounting apparatus.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/817,461 filed Apr. 30, 2013. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to odor removal apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to odor removal apparatus having improved odor removal and performance characteristics for use within a confined space. 
       BACKGROUND OF RELATED TECHNOLOGY 
       [0003]    Enclosed spaces such as refrigerators, closets, and the like have long been known to develop odors and a general staleness of air. These odors are not desired in these enclosed spaces since they can migrate into items stored within the confined space. 
         [0004]    For example, if the confined space is a refrigerator the items inside can generate odors. Items such as, onions, fish as well as other items undergoing natural decomposition have proven to be a source of unwanted odors. These odors entrapped in the enclosed space cause other items in refrigerator to absorb the odors and tastes. 
         [0005]    Another example is a clothes closet. The majority of the items stored in such an enclosed space are mainly clothing. Also other items apart from clothing might be stored in a closet; such object may carry unwanted odors. The lack of ventilation in a closet increases the development of stale air and entraps any unwanted odors and smells within. 
         [0006]    Several conventional responses have been used to remove unwanted odors in enclosed spaces. Some devices use materials such as baking soda or charcoal that have an ability to absorb odors. A disadvantage of these devices is the need to replace the materials periodically as maximum effectiveness is reduced over time. The necessity to replace the materials is usually not discovered until odors once again begin to be detected in the enclosed space. The presence of odors defeats the initial purpose of these devices and places the items within the enclosed space at risks of odor contamination. 
         [0007]    Other conventional devices have been developed that do not remove odors but add additional fragrances and smells to an enclosed space to essentially cover up and/or mask the unwanted odors. These devices are not useful if the enclosed space is a refrigerator since the added odor would only serve to taint the taste of the other items in the refrigerator. Devices that mask or attempt to cover-up unwanted odors have only limited use if the enclosed space is a closet. Such additional odors over time accumulate in clothing items, causing all of the items within the closet to have a particular odor. Also most individuals do not desire an additional odor but would prefer no additional odor. 
         [0008]    Other disadvantages associated with conventional devices are stability and aesthetic. The vertical aspect ratio of the conventional device is inherently unstable and can easily be over-turned with minimal impact. The vertical aspect ratio of the structure of conventional devices does not offer the opportunity of a design form and a shape that would be more pleasing and applicable in specific applications. 
         [0009]    In short these conventional devices fail to meet the end users&#39; needs in an adequate function and/or fashion. The end user needs to constantly monitor the condition of the device to know when to replenish odor absorption materials. Devices that add “cover-up” odors and smells have a very limited use and appeal. The cost to purchase and maintain some of these devices can be a burden. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In view of the deficiencies of the prior art the following is a description of an odor removal apparatus with improved odor removal and performance characteristics. 
         [0011]    As described herein, an odor removal apparatus according to the present invention utilizes an innovative structure and natural molecular reactions to remove—not cover up—odors in an enclosed space. The ability of the present invention to monitor itself and alert the end user to required maintenance is also an advantage that results in consistent odor removal. 
         [0012]    Another advantage of the present invention includes a minimal use of electric power and a naturally induced air movement through the device. This reduces the cost and frequency of maintenance. Yet another advantage of the present invention is directed toward the construction of the device which is simple. This construction lowers the cost of manufacturing and subsequently to the end user. 
         [0013]    The present invention uses distributed ozone to naturally eliminate odors. Ozone is one of the most effective ways to destroy and eliminate odors in lieu of simply masking or covering the odors. The innovative structure of the current invention produces an effective quantity of ozone while assuring that the production of ozone complies with industrial and statutory requirements. 
         [0014]    In short, the ability of the present invention to use one of the most effective and natural odor removal processes combined with low energy usage and the ability of the apparatus to alert the end user to maintenance needs is both a needed and a desired innovation. 
         [0015]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the present inventive is directed to a portable odor removal apparatus, the portable odor removal apparatus including: a housing wall defining an interior space; an ion generator located in the interior space and including an emitter electrode and an attractor electrode; a voltage source capable of providing voltage to the ion generator; an air inlet in the housing wall; at least one non-conductive diffusion surface located above the ion generator; and an exit passageway at least partially located in the non-conductive surface; wherein, voltage provided to the ion generator from the voltage source induces an electrical bias differential between the emitter electrode and the attractor electrode; the electrical bias differential creating an ion field having a flow of ions from the emitter electrode toward the attractor electrode resulting in the production of ozone; and the flow of ions entraining air molecules to cause air outside the housing wall to enter the interior space through the air inlet and mix with the ozone to produce ozonized air; and wherein the ozonized air exits the interior space through the exit passageway. 
         [0016]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the attractor electrode defines a flow through area. 
         [0017]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the exit passageway includes multiple direct exit passageways defining a total direct exit area which is equal to or less than the flow through area defined by the attractor electrode. 
         [0018]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the exit passageway includes multiple indirect exit passageways defining a total indirect exit area which is equal to or greater than the flow through area defined by the attractor electrode. 
         [0019]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the air inlet includes multiple air inlets defining a total inlet area which is equal to or greater than the flow through area defined by the attractor electrode. 
         [0020]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the portable odor removal apparatus further includes a controller having a timer capable of cycling the electrical bias differential on and off at predetermined time intervals. 
         [0021]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the electrical bias differential results from a negative charge on the emitter electrode and a grounding of the attractor electrode. 
         [0022]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the electrical bias differential results from a first charge having a first polarity on the emitter electrode and a second charge having a second polarity on the attractor electrode, wherein the first and the second polarities are opposite. 
         [0023]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the voltage source includes at least one battery located within the interior space. 
         [0024]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the portable odor removal apparatus further includes a controller having an indicator capable of indicating when the battery requires maintenance. 
         [0025]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the indicator is one or more of a visual indicator and a sonic indicator. 
         [0026]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the battery is oriented horizontally. 
         [0027]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the housing wall suggests the appearance of one or more of a fruit, a vegetable and a foodstuff 
         [0028]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the exit passageway includes multiple exit passageways, at least one of which has a form suggesting the appearance of at least a portion of one or more of a fruit and a vegetable. 
         [0029]    In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the housing wall includes a lower housing wall having a longitudinal surface curvature and an upper housing wall in mating relationship with the lower housing wall; the upper housing wall including a top surface and opposing first and sidewalls oriented generally perpendicular to the top surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following Figures: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an odor removal apparatus having improved odor removal and performance characteristics; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of one of the components of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 3B  is a partial cross section of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a component of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4B  is a partial cross section of the embodiment of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a component of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 5B  is a partial cross section of the embodiment of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view along plane  6 - 6  of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an odor removal apparatus having improved odor removal and performance characteristics; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an odor removal apparatus of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention of an odor removal apparatus  100  having improved odor removal and performance characteristics. Odor removal apparatus  100  includes housing wall  110 , inlets  120 , indirect exit passageways  130 , and direct exit passageways  132 . As shown, housing wall  110  includes upper housing wall  112  and lower housing wall  114 . Also shown is section view  6 - 6  which corresponds to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Housing  110  defines an interior space  113  in which the functional components of odor removal apparatus  100  are located. Ion generator  210  includes emitter electrode  212 , attractor electrode  214  and may include mounting bracket  216 . Mounting bracket  216  is used to maintain the position and location of attractor electrode  114  relative to emitter electrode  112 . Controller  240  includes power control board  242  and user interface  244 . Internal frame  220  is mounted to lower housing wall  114 . Controller  240 , Ion generator  210 , and battery tray  230  are mounted to and/or located within interior space  113  by internal frame  220 . Electrical connections (not shown) between the various components may be built within and or supported by internal frame  220 . Capacitor  250  in the present embodiment is mounted to lower housing wall  114 . 
         [0044]    The power (voltage) source for odor removal apparatus  100  consists of at least one battery  234 . Battery tray  230  may include battery contacts  232  located at opposing ends of multiple batteries  234 . As shown batteries  234  are located within battery tray  230  and make electrical contact with battery contacts  232 . When battery tray  232  and batteries  234  are subsequently inserted through battery access port  116  and inside internal frame  220  electrical contact is achieved between batteries  234  and controller  240 , Ion generator  210  and capacitor  250 . 
         [0045]    Controller  240  may be used to control one or more functions of odor removal apparatus  100 . For example a first function may be the “on” and “off” status of the device. Power control board  242  may include timers or other devices to control the frequency and duration of power supplied to ion generator  210 . It has been found that an intermittent power flow to ion generator  210  maintains an effective quantity of ozone  330  (see  FIG. 3B ) within an enclosed space (i.e. refrigerator) while simultaneously prolonging the useful life of batteries  234 . For example ion generator  210  may be energized for an extended time period when odor removal apparatus  100  is first turned on and placed in the enclosed space. After the initial extended energized period, power flow to ion generator  210  may be interrupted initiating a prolonged non-energized period. After the prolonged non-energized period ion generator  210  may be energized for a brief energized period to renew the ozone  330  concentration level in the enclosed space. The cycle of alternating prolonged non-energized periods and brief energized periods greatly extends the useful life of batteries  234 . For example it has been found that the initial extended energized period may be about 10 minutes followed by alternating prolonged non-energized periods of about 30 minutes and brief energized periods of between 1 to 2 minutes. 
         [0046]    Controller  240  may also serve as an indicator regarding batteries  234  replacement needs. It is contemplated that the indicator may be a visual indicator, such as a light or a sonic device included on control board  242 . For example, user interface  244  may be a lighted push button which illuminates for a fraction of one second every five or ten seconds. If batteries  234  require maintenance the cadence of the illumination of user interface  244  may change to illuminating for a fraction of one second every one or two seconds, thereby alerting the user that batteries  234  require maintenance. 
         [0047]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of ion generator  210  of  FIG. 2 . Ion generator frame  216  locates emitter electrode  212  and attractor electrode  214  in the proper location relative to one another. Also shown are ozone points  312  of emitter electrode  212  and multiple flow through passages  314  of attractor electrode  214 . In the present example the electrical bias differential is created between negatively charged emitter electrode  212  and grounded attractor electrode  214 . The total flow through area of ion generator  210  is defined by the combined area of flow through passages  314 . Also shown is section plane  3 B- 3 B. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3B  is a partial cross section along is section plane  3 B- 3 B of  FIG. 3A . When a voltage differential between emitter electrode  212  and attractor electrode  214  is induced ion field  320  is created as the ions travel from emitter electrode  212  toward attractor electrode  214 . If the voltage differential is sufficient, oxygen in the ambient air will be converted to ozone  330 . 
         [0049]    As shown, emitter electrode  212  is negatively charged and attractor electrode  214  is grounded. As such negative ions are pulled from emitter electrode  212  creating ion field  320 . It has been found that charging emitter electrode  212  with a negative charge increases the production of ozone  330  created by ozone points  312  when compared to charging emitter electrode  212  with a positive charge. It is contemplated that emitter electrode  212  could be positively or negatively charged while attractor electrode  214  could have the opposite charge in lieu of being grounded. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view the another embodiment of ion generator  410 . Ion generator  410  includes ion generator frame  216  which locates emitter electrode  412  and attractor electrode  414  in the proper relative to one another. Also shown are ozone points  418  of emitter electrode  412  and flow through passage  416  of attractor electrode  414 . The total flow through area of ion generator  410  is defined by the rectangular area of flow through passage  416 . Also shown is section plane  4 B- 4 B. 
         [0051]      FIG. 4B  is a partial cross section along is section plane  4 B- 4 B of  FIG. 4A . When a voltage differential between emitter electrode  412  and attractor electrode  414  is produced ion field  320  is created as the ions travel from emitter electrode  412  toward attractor electrode  414 . If the voltage differential is sufficient, oxygen in the ambient air will be converted to ozone  330 . As can be seen the passage edge  416   a  of attractor electrode  414  is located closer to multiple ozone points  418  when compared to the embodiment of  FIG. 3B . This feature causes performance characteristic variations such as for example, the strength of ion field  320 , quantity of ozone  330  created and other factors that can be changed to modify the performance of improved odor removal apparatus  100 . In all other respects the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         [0052]    In the current embodiment emitter electrode  412  is negatively charged and attractor electrode  414  is positively charged. Using an opposite charge between emitter electrode  412  and attractor electrode  414  increases the voltage differential which increases the intensity of ion field  320  and the production of ozone  330 . One disadvantage of using an opposite charge between emitter electrode  412  and attractor electrode  414  is an increased power consumption which may require frequent maintenance of batteries  234 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view the another embodiment of ion generator  510 . Ion generator frame  216  locates emitter electrode  212  and attractor electrode  514  in the proper location relative to one another. As shown attractor electrode  514  is fabricated of electrically conductive mesh or screen, for example wire  516   a  which define flow through passages  516   b  there between. In the present example the electrical bias differential is created between negatively charged emitter electrode  212  and grounded attractor electrode  514 . The total flow through area of ion generator  510  is defined by the combined area of flow through passages  516   b.  Also shown is section plane  5 B- 5 B. 
         [0054]      FIG. 5B  is a partial cross section along is section plane  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 5A . When a voltage differential between emitter electrode  212  and attractor electrode  514  is induced ion field  320  is created as the ions travel from emitter electrode  212  toward attractor electrode  514 . If the voltage differential is sufficient, oxygen in the ambient air will be converted to ozone  330 . In all other respects the embodiment of FIGS. SA and  5 B is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  4 A and  5 A ion generators  210 ,  410  and  510  have a total flow through areas associated with flow multiple through passages  314 ,  416  and  516   b  respectively. Although flow through passage(s)  314 ,  416  and  516   b  are shown as circular and rectangular the invention is not so limited. It is contemplated that other shapes, such as hexagons, triangles and other such polygon shapes might be used. 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view along plane  6 - 6  of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . As shown ion field  320  is created as the ions travel from emitter electrode  212  toward attractor electrode  214 . The movement of the ions in ion field  320  entrains air molecules (not shown) and induces intake air  602  to enter interior space  113  defined by housing  112  through air inlets  120 . Inlet air  602  travels through ion field  320 , wherein inlet air  602  is mixed with ozone  330  (see  FIG. 3B ) as ozonized air  604 . Ozonized air  604  exits odor removal apparatus  100  as direct flow  604   a  and indirect flow  604   b.    
         [0057]    As shown diffusion surface  610  (which may be non-conductive) is located directly above ion generators  210 . Direct exits  132  are substantially in line with flow through passages  314  of attractor electrode  214 . Indirect exits  130  are located to the side of flow through passages  314  of attractor electrode  214 . The use of diffusion surface  610  in conjunction with direct exits  132  and indirect exits  130  disseminates ozone  330  more evenly within the enclosed space at the proper concentration as measured in parts per billion. 
         [0058]    It has been found that to achieve proper dissemination and levels of ozone  330  in an enclosed space the total flow through area of direct exits  132  should be less than the total flow through area associated with flow through passages  314  while the total flow through area of indirect exits  130  should be equal to or greater than the total flow through area associated with flow through passages  314 . The quantity of ozonized air  604  in the area proximate direct exits  132  is high when compared to locations proximate indirect exits  130 . If the flow through area associated with direct exits  132  are too great the dissemination of ozonized air  604  throughout the enclosed space is less homogeneous because of excessive concentrations of ozone  330  in the area proximate direct exits  132 . 
         [0059]    Similarly the total flow through area of air inlets  120  is also central to the proper distribution of ozonized air  604 . It has been found that the total flow through area of all air inlets  120  should be equal to or greater than the total flow through area associated with flow through passages  314 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of odor removal apparatus  700 . Odor removal apparatus  700  includes housing wall  710 , inlets  720 , and exits  730 . Inlet air  602  is drawn into housing wall  710  through inlets  720  and exits via exits  730  as ozonized air  604 . As shown the overall form of odor removal apparatus  700  evokes the shape of a vegetable as opposed to the form of fruit evoked by odor removal apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 . In all other respects odor removal apparatus  700  is similar to the embodiment of odor removal apparatus  100 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of odor removal apparatus  800 . Odor removal apparatus  800  includes housing wall  810 , inlets  820 , exits  830  controller  840 , and hook  850 . As shown odor removal apparatus  800  is designed to be hung in an enclosed space for example a closet. In all other respects odor removal apparatus  800  is similar to the embodiment of odor removal apparatus  100 . 
         [0062]    Once given the above disclosure, many other features, modifications, and improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan. Such features, modifications, and improvements are therefore considered to be part of this invention, without limitation imposed by the example embodiments described herein. Moreover, any word, term, phrase, feature, example, embodiment, or part or combination thereof, as used to describe or exemplify embodiments herein, unless unequivocally set forth as expressly uniquely defined or otherwise unequivocally set forth as limiting, is not intended to impart a narrowing scope to the invention in contravention of the ordinary meaning of the claim terms by which the scope of the patent property rights shall otherwise be determined. All references discussed and disclosed herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.