Patent Application
20190024975
None
The invention described herein relates to systems and methods for the exsiccation of material objects. The system can include a ventilation device. The material object can be attached to the ventilation device. The system can further include a container for the ventilation device and material object. The system can be attached and detached to a vehicle without the need for tools and can be compatible with preexisting vehicle roof racks.
The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:
Gear for water activities such as a wetsuit remaining wet after use presents several problems for the user, the garment, and its surrounding area. This can include: damage to the interior of the vehicle; damage to other materials stored in the vehicle and/or near the wetsuit; damage to one's home by the tracking of sand and/or water over rugs and floors, walls, etc., thereby increasing home repair expenditures and decreasing property value; an increase in potential microbial bacteria buildup in the wetsuit, vehicle interior, and/or home, therefore posing a greater threat to the user of said wetsuit of contracting an illness or disease; and discomfort of returning to a cold, damp and/or drenched wetsuit prior to re-entering the water.
Devices are known for the storage, transportation and drying of surfboards and all related equipment. For example, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/138,878 to Rex filed on Jun. 13, 2008 provides a container for storing, carrying or holding a surfboard and a minimal amount of related equipment on top of a vehicle and even using at least one air inlet aperture and one air exhaust aperture to dry the surfboard and said equipment. However, said container is bulky; more specifically designed for surfboards and does not provide a means to secure a wetsuit from movement for maximum drying efficiency. The device also requires hand tools and lacks a convenient and expedient means for the attachment and or removal of the container from a vehicle.
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/998,182 to Reiber on Oct. 9, 2013 provides another means for carrying and drying cargo, however, it is attached to the roof of the vehicle through a complicated rail system and intended to hold a multiple inventory of cargo. The system does provide a means to secure the material once it is placed inside the container however this system lacks expediency, versatility and adaptability with existing racks and requires hand tools to assemble and mount the container to the vehicle. It also requires the user to either be extremely tall, use a step ladder, or engage in an awkward and dangerous body posture to safely attach and detach the container from the complicated rail system that is now permanently mounted to the vehicle. This system further does not allow for the storage and transportation of surfboards on top of the vehicle due to its bulky and cumbersome shape and size.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,141,268 to Vezina and Lebel filed on Dec. 23, 2009 describes a flexible bag designed for the drying of sports equipment including, but not limited to, wetsuits. However, the ventilation design of this bag utilizes a blower mounted to the frame and sent into a tubular structure. This bag is further limited by its dependency on electricity to function as designed.
E.P. Pat. Publication Application No. EP1759739 A2 to BURTON CORPORATION published on Mar. 7, 2007 describes an adjustable snowboard binding. The ratchet strap system that is used to secure a snowboard boot inside a snowboard binding influenced one of the design mechanisms of compressing, locking and releasing the roof rack watersport garment exsiccation container. However, this is one of many design options available for accomplishing the compression, locking and releasing of the roof rack watersport garment exsiccation container and its stored garments.
There have been cargo carriers that resolve the problem of drying wetsuits, towels and other related material. However, these prior art inventions often require purchasing a large, bulky container that must either be permanently installed on top of a preexisting roof rack; require modification to the roof of the vehicle; are attached and released with hand tools; are expensive; aesthetically unpleasant to the appearance of the vehicle; and or incompatible with other roof racks and their intended use. The bulky nature of the prior art systems further serves as a detriment to the fuel efficiency and aerodynamics of the vehicle. Some of the prior art systems even require the vehicle operator to remove current pre-existing roof racks and replace and mount the system in its place. This requires tools, money, time, and a degree of mechanical aptitude. Once the large, bulky containers are secured to the vehicle and or preexisting roof rack they often times remain a permanent fixture upon the vehicle due to their time and tool restrictive methodology of attachment. Therefore, even if a person were to use the exsiccation systems of the prior art, the majority of individuals would require a ladder to secure and then remove the watersport garments inside of the container. Further, the prior art fails to provide a means for the air flow to travel through the material that is being exsiccated. The majority of the prior art related to cargo containers further limits the use of any preexisting roof rack to only objects that meet size and dimension restraints of that particular container. The incompatibility created by the prior art results in a loss of space and versatility with any preexisting roof rack and or cargo container. The oversized nature of the related prior art creates a great inconvenience and lack of plausibility for home, shed and or garage storage even if an individual were to have the equipment, resources, know-how, and then take the time to remove it from the roof of the vehicle.
The invention described herein relates to a roof rack garment exsiccation device that can provide a convenient, efficient and expedient means for drying water sport garments such as wetsuits by securely and easily attaching and detaching to the roof of a vehicle as to utilize the wind force generated by the motion of said vehicle as a means to exsiccate the material secured inside said container and to the aperture apparatuses. The invention can also be utilized to exsiccate other outdoor and/or snow sports gear, such as snow suits, snow bibs, jackets, boots and gloves used for ski or snowboarding. The roof rack garment exsiccation container can coexist with most preexisting surf and roof racks. The compact design can be convenient for storage of the container in the vehicle or home when not in use.
One embodiment of the invention includes a thin, aerodynamic system for the exsiccation of garments that is compatible with most preexisting vehicle roof racks and convenient and expedient to attach and detach from the roof of the vehicle without the need for hand tools or modification and or damage to the vehicle. The garments are placed flat and in any other appropriate manner inside the container and secured using a ratchet system (25c) once the lid (23) is closed. The container is then secured to the roof of the vehicle with straps (22) and a strap, buckle system (31). The force of the wind (21) generated by the movement of the vehicle exsiccates the material stored inside the container by flowing through the front and back aerated openings (26). The container is lightweight and compact and may be folded and stored inside the vehicle when not in use.
The roof rack garment exsiccation container can satisfy these objects and thus can facilitate the use of the improved method of supporting garments of the instant invention. The user can enjoy the benefits of an increased useful life of their garments given that they will be dry quickly and safely and in a manner that minimizing damage to the garment incurred when using other drying methods. Further there will be no need to place wet garments in the sun for lengthy periods of time to dry, thus reducing potential sun and weather damage to the garment. Sun drying is highly discouraged by sellers and manufacturers of wetsuits and other water and outdoor sports garments. The roof rack garment exsiccation container can reduce potential harmful bacterial colonization and infection to the garment being dried, its surrounding area where left soaking wet, and most importantly to the user.
The roof rack garment exsiccation container offers a novel solution to the major problems surrounding the care and drying of wet garments, such as watersport garments, snow sport garments and other similar garments, both at home and on the go.
Some embodiments of the invention relate to a system for exsiccation of a material object comprising a ventilation device, where the ventilation device comprises a front portion and a back portion. The front portion can include the front of an aerodynamic aperture. The back portion can include the back of the aerodynamic aperture and means to attach the material object. In some embodiments, air can travel through into the front portion, out the back portion and on to the material object when the material object is attached to the back portion and when the system is attached to a body in motion. The ventilation device can be one solid piece including a front and back portion. The device can be 2, 4, or more pieces.
Some embodiments of the invention relate to a system for exsiccation of a material object comprising a ventilation device, where the ventilation device comprises a front side and a back side. The front side can include the front of an aerodynamic aperture. The back side can include the back of the aerodynamic aperture and means to attach the material object. In some embodiments, air can travel through into the front side, out the back side and on to the material object when the material object is attached to the back side and when the system is attached to a body in motion. The ventilation device can be one solid piece including a front and back portion. The device can be 2, 4, or more pieces.
In some embodiments, the material object can be a watersport garment. For example, the material object can be a wetsuit.
In another embodiment, the material object can be other sports gear. For example, the material object can be snow sports gear, such as snow suits, snow bibs, jackets, boots and gloves used for ski or snowboarding.
In some embodiments, the back portion can include one or more additional openings for air to travel through to the material object when the material object is attached to the back portion and when the system is attached to a body in motion.
In some embodiments, the system can also include a container for the ventilation device and the material object. The container can be connected to the ventilation device.
In some embodiments, the back portion can include one or more additional openings for air to travel through and into the container when the container is attached to the ventilation device and when the system is attached to a body in motion. In some embodiments, the back portion can include hanger arms on the sides of the back portion. In some embodiments, the hanger arms can be hollow and can include one or more additional openings for air to travel through the hanger arms and on to the material object. In some embodiments, the back portion can be a hourglass shape. In some embodiments, the back portion can have a neck that is smaller in circumference than the aperture.
In some embodiments, the ventilation device can include a material selected from high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polylactide, any other plastic, nylon, composite, aluminum, or the like, and/or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the container can include one or more materials of mesh, micro fiber terry cloth, nylon ripstop, or the like, and/or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the system can be secured to the roof of a motor vehicle. In some embodiments, the system can be secured to the roof a motor vehicle by an attachment system comprising a strap, a buckle, a harness, or the like, and/or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the harness can be made of nylon webbing, polypropylene webbing, plastic, aluminum, composite, or the like, and/or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the container can have an opening for a strap that tunnels the width of the container. In an alternative embodiment, the opening does not tunnel the distance through the width of the container. For instance, the strap can be inserted and exit two slits on opposite ends of the width at various portions of the container making it adaptable to a two or four door vehicle.
In some embodiments, the opening for a strap includes a strap that can be attached to the roof of a motor vehicle.
In some embodiments, the container can have a container opening for accessing the inside of the container.
In some embodiments, the material object can be a garment with sleeves, wherein the garment can hang from the hanger arms.
In some embodiments, air can flow through the hanger arms and into the sleeves of the garment.
Some embodiments relate to a method of exsiccating a material object including attaching the material object to the system. attaching the system to a roof of a motor vehicle, moving the motor vehicle, where upon moving the motor vehicle, air flows through the ventilation device into the container to exsiccate the material object.
The invention described herein holds several advantages over the prior art. The roof rack garment exsiccation system can be designed to fit sleekly underneath, and between and/or over preexisting roof racks while transporting surfboards and or other sport accessories. It can be quickly and conveniently loaded, attached, secured and removed to and from the vehicle without the need for tools, modification and or fabrication to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention can secure safely and conveniently to most vehicles with adjustable straps and buckles, regardless of whether or not it harbors a preexisting roof rack. This can avoid damage and/or the need for modification to the interior or exterior of the vehicle or any preexisting roof rack. In some embodiments, the invention can be reconfigured easily and without tools to fit vehicles of various sizes and door configurations. In some embodiments, the invention can compress, secure and exsiccate single or multiple garments, such as wetsuits, towels, and/or swimsuits, snow suits, snow bibs, and/or jackets, and the like, utilizing the airflow generated from the movement of the vehicle into and through an aperture of the garment, such as the neck. Thus, the garments can be dry and warm for the next time in use. Apprehension and dread for returning to the water in a cold, drenched garments, such as water sport gear and snow gear, can be avoided. Now having an ability to quickly and effectively exsiccate garments can create greater satisfaction and enthusiasm for continuously participating in water and snow sports. In some embodiments, the invention can be compact and easily placed and secured in the vehicle while not in use. The invention can be sustainable and environmentally friendly utilizing free and readily available air flow generated by the motion of the vehicle to exsiccate the wet material storedand secured by the system. The aerodynamic design can allow the vehicle to operate with maximum fuel efficiency. The expedited exsiccation of the wetsuits, accessories, towels, swimsuits, snow bibs, jackets, and the like, can expand the use and lifespan of the material by preventing the buildup of microbial bacteria which is often harmful to the garmets and or users. This can further protect user health.
In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. It is understood that the figures are for illustration purposes. They are not to scale, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Embodiments of the ventilation device are illustrated in
In one embodiment the ventilation device 55 can include a front ventilation 56 and back ventilation 57 portion that can attach together by screw and bolt through any size, shape, order, and number of openings 40 at the neck of the front portion 56 of the ventilation device 55 (
The back portion 57 of the ventilation device 55 can contain an elevated lip 52 opening the inside of the garment 27 to maximize airflow and the exsiccation of the garment 27. The elevated lip 52 can be between 0.05 and 610 cm in length, between 0.05 and 305 cm in width, and between 0.05 and 244 cm in height. For example, a preferred range for the elevated lip 52 can be between 2 cm and 61 cm in length, between 0.05 cm and 92 cm in width, and between 1 cm and 92 cm in height. The elevated lip 52 can be 5.08 cm in length, 20.32 cm in width, and 12.7 cm in height. The slight concave 53 in the rear neck 41 of the back ventilation device 57 can create a partial reverse of airflow back into the device, through the hangers 42 and out the apertures 43 located in any size, shape, order, and number throughout the hangers 42 traveling into, through, around and further exsiccating, but not limited to, the shoulders and sleeves of the garment 27. The slight concave 53 can be between 0.05 and 610 cm in length, between 0.05 and 305 cm in width, and between 0.05 and 244 cm in height. For example, a preferred range for the slight concave 53 can be between 0.05 cm and 92 cm in length, between 0.05 cm and 92 cm in width, and between 1 cm and 107 cm in height. The slight concave 53 can be 5.08 cm in length, 15.24 cm in width, and 8.89 cm in height. The rear neck can be 7.62 cm in length, 17.78 cm in width, and 8.89 cm in height.
The front and back of the container can include aerated openings 26 (
The strap and buckle system 22 (
In some embodiments the container can be formed in various aerodynamic shapes (For example in
The manner to place garments into the container can be performed by ensuring the container is first unfolded and placed on a semi flat space. Next the opening 47 of the container can be unzipped. With the entire opening 47 engaged the user can now have full access to the storage capacity of the container. The garments can be placed flat and or in any other appropriate manner into the container. An aperture of the water sport garments, such as the neck opening of the garment 27, can be secured to the hangers 42 of the back portion 57 of the ventilation device 55 the opening 47 is returned to the closed position. If the garment 27 neck is secured to the hangers 42, the garment 27 can then be zipped closed to provide extra securement to the front back portion 57 of the ventilation device 55. If multiple garments are desired to be exsiccated simultaneously, the front aperture apparatus attachment 37b can be secured to the front aperture apparatus 37 by interlocking clips, and then the aperture of each garment can be secured to the aperture of the front aperture apparatus attachment 37b and then the opening 47 is closed. Once the opening 47 is closed, the container 23 can be compressed in any manner and/or allow for air to flow through to removing excess water from the garment 27.
In some embodiments, the roof rack garment exsiccation container is secured to the vehicle 51 via opening the driver's side and passenger's side doors, placing the container on the roof of the vehicle 51, sliding it over, underneath and or between any preexisting roof racks if needed. Once placed flat on the roof of the vehicle 51 with the straps 22 hanging over each side towards the front end of the roof, the user can then sit inside the vehicle 51 to gain easy access to both straps 22. The driver's side and passenger's side straps 22 can then be connected by the strap and buckle system 31e at the ceiling of the vehicle from inside the vehicle. Once the strap and buckle system 31e is locked in place, the straps 22 can be tightened securing the container and its contents to the roof of the vehicle. The excess length of the straps 22 can then secured to the bottom of the strap hugging the inside ceiling of the vehicle with hook and fastener, a clamp, button, pin, or by any other appropriate means. The roof rack garment exsiccation container is now secured and safe for its intended use.
The airflow 21 can be generated from the movement of the vehicle 51 flows into, through, and around the ventilations system 55 and then into, through, and around the garment 27 exiting the container 23 through an aerated opening 26. The airflow 21 can travel through an aerated aperture 46 and neck 54 of the front portion 56 of the ventilation device 55. The airflow 21 then can travel into the rear neck 41 and its slight concave 53 of the back portion 57 of the ventilation device 55. The slight concave 53 of the rear neck 41 can force the airflow 21 to return into the back portion 57 of the ventilation device 55 and into, through and around the hanger arms 42 exiting the hanger arms 42 through apertures 43 and into the shoulders, arms, and sleeves of the garment 27. The elevated lip 52 of the back portion 57 of the ventilation device 55 can expand the inside of the garment 27 secured to the hanger arms 42 and the back portion 57 of the ventilation device to maximize airflow 21 into, through and around the garment 27 increasing exsiccation of the garment 27.
When the vehicle 51 has come to a complete stop and is disabled, the user can safely remove the roof rack garment exsiccation container from the roof. In some embodiments this can be performed by the user opening the driver's side and passenger's side doors, loosening any excess length of the straps 22 that was secured, for example, with hook and fastener, a clamp, button, pin, or by any other appropriate means. The user can then release the tension in the straps 22 by unfastening the strap and buckle system 31e. The user can then remove the container from the roof of the vehicle 51 through the same path it was placed on the vehicle 51. Once removed from the roof of the vehicle 51, the container can be placed on a relatively flat surface.
The manner to remove the garment out of the container can be performed by first entering the opening 47 of the container 23 by the reverse of the same means in which it was closed. Once the container 23 is fully opened the user can lift and remove the stored garments from the hangers 42 of the ventilation device 55 and out of the container 23. For storage, the user can return the lid 23 to its closed position.
In some embodiments, to store the garment exsiccation container in the vehicle while not in use, the user can fold or roll the container 23 to the desired shape or size allowable and appropriate to the dimensions and material of the container 23.
In some embodiments, the roof rack garment exsiccation container can be hung in a location of the user's choice when not attached to, or stored in the vehicle; the user can secure the opposite ends of the straps 22 together by connecting the buckle or ratchet system 31 and creating half of a loop. The straps 22 can then be adjusted to create the desired size of the loop.
The container can then be hung perpendicularly to the ground from various objects with the garments still remaining stored inside. This can allow for further exsiccation and drainage of the stored garments if so desired or needed as any excess liquid escapes through the aerated opening 26 closest to and parallel with the ground.
From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my roof rack garment exsiccation container become evident:
The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustrate embodiments of the invention described herein. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples that follow represent approaches discovered by the inventors to function well in the practice of the application, and thus can be considered to constitute examples of modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the instant disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments that are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the application.
At 10 minutes at an average of 35 miles per hour, the ventilation device 55 and container 23 exsiccated a 3.2 mm watersport garment 27. At 20 minutes at an average of 45 miles per hour, the ventilation device 55 and container 23 exsiccated a 5 mm watersport garment 27. As would be understood in the art, exsiccation of the watersport garment will vary depending upon, but not limited to, climate, speed, and traffic and road conditions, and other environmental factors.
Additional embodiments of the invention are shown in
There are various possibilities with regard to the relative design of the container depending upon the selection of material type. The ventilation system 55 may be designed to fold and or unfold in any manner that would further enhance the compactness and or efficiency of the device.
The various methods and techniques described above provide a number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages described can be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods can be performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as taught or suggested herein. A variety of alternatives are mentioned herein. It is to be understood that some preferred embodiments specifically include one, another, or several features, while others specifically exclude one, another, or several features, while still others mitigate a particular feature by inclusion of one, another, or several advantageous features.
Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the applicability of various features from different embodiments. Similarly, the various elements, features and steps discussed above, as well as other known equivalents for each such element, feature or step, can be employed in various combinations by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform methods in accordance with the principles described herein. Among the various elements, features, and steps some will be specifically included and others specifically excluded in diverse embodiments.
Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and modifications and equivalents thereof.
In some embodiments, the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references used in the context of describing a particular embodiment of the invention (especially in the context of certain of the following claims) can be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example, “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations on those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. It is contemplated that skilled artisans can employ such variations as appropriate, and the invention can be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, many embodiments of this invention include all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
All patents, patent applications, publications of patent applications, and other material, such as articles, books, specifications, publications, documents, things, and/or the like, referenced herein are hereby incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety for all purposes, excepting any prosecution file history associated with same, any of same that is inconsistent with or in conflict with the present document, or any of same that may have a limiting affect as to the broadest scope of the claims now or later associated with the present document. By way of example, should there be any inconsistency or conflict between the description, definition, and/or the use of a term associated with any of the incorporated material and that associated with the present document, the description, definition, and/or the use of the term in the present document shall prevail.
In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the embodiments of the invention. Other modifications that can be employed can be within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the embodiments of the invention can be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to that precisely as shown and described.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/281,120, filed Jan. 20, 2016; the entire disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US17/14421 | 1/20/2017 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62281120 | Jan 2016 | US |
