U.S. patent application number 11/685512 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for odor absorbing systems and methods.
Invention is credited to Anthony E. Newman.
Application Number | 20070151877 11/685512 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38223258 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070151877 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Newman; Anthony E. |
July 5, 2007 |
ODOR ABSORBING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
An odor absorbing system for use by a person to reduce odor
emanation from the person into an environment surrounding the
person. The system includes a container having a substantially
airtight interior chamber and an odor absorbing insert stored in
the interior chamber. The insert includes a layer of breathable
material and an odor absorbing agent on the layer of breathable
material. The insert is configured for removable attachment to the
article of clothing adjacent the vent.
Inventors: |
Newman; Anthony E.;
(Shakopee, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTMAN CHAMPLIN & KELLY, P.A.
SUITE 1400
900 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-3319
US
|
Family ID: |
38223258 |
Appl. No.: |
11/685512 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11024510 |
Dec 29, 2004 |
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11685512 |
Mar 13, 2007 |
|
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60861372 |
Nov 28, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/278 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 9/014 20130101;
B65D 85/18 20130101; A61L 9/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/278 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/18 20060101
B65D085/18 |
Claims
1. An odor absorbing system for use with an article of clothing for
hunting that is configured to be worn by a person and includes a
base layer adapted to substantially surround a portion of the
person wearing the article of clothing, the base layer including a
vent, the system comprising: a container having a substantially
airtight interior chamber; and an odor absorbing insert stored in
the interior chamber, the insert comprising a layer of breathable
material and an odor absorbing agent on the layer of breathable
material, wherein the insert is configured for removable attachment
to the article of clothing adjacent the vent.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a
resealable opening to the interior chamber.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the odor absorbing insert is
configured to cover the vent.
4. An odor absorbing hunting system comprising: an article of
clothing for hunting; a container having a substantially airtight
interior chamber; and an odor absorbing material including carbon,
the odor absorbing material stored in the interior chamber of the
container.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein: the article of clothing is
adapted to substantially surround a portion of a person wearing the
article of clothing and comprises the odor absorbing material; and
the article of clothing and the odor absorbing material are stored
in the interior chamber of the container.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a hanger within the
interior chamber and connected to the container.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the article of clothing is
supported on the hanger.
8. The system of claim 4, wherein: the article of clothing includes
a base layer adapted to substantially surround a portion of the
person wearing the article of clothing, the base layer including a
vent; and the system further comprises an odor absorbing insert
stored in the interior chamber of the container and comprising the
odor absorbing material, wherein the insert is configured for
removable attachment to the article of clothing adjacent the
vent.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the odor absorbing insert is
configured to cover the vent.
10. The system of claim 4, wherein the container comprises a
resealable opening to the interior chamber.
11. A method of manufacturing and distributing an odor absorbing
system for hunting, comprising: providing an odor absorbing
material configured for use with an article of clothing adapted to
be worn by a user for hunting; and storing the odor absorbing
material in an interior chamber of a substantially airtight
container.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: transporting the
odor absorbing material in the container and the article of
clothing to a secondary location selected from the group consisting
of a distributor and a retailer.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein storing comprises: opening the
container; placing the odor absorbing material in the interior
chamber of the container; and sealing the container.
14. The method of claim 11 comprising: cutting an odor absorbing
insert from a sheet of odor absorbing material comprising carbon,
wherein the insert is configured for removable attachment to an
article of clothing for hunting; and storing the odor absorbing
insert in a substantially airtight container, wherein cutting and
storing occur at a manufacturing facility.
15. The method of claim 11 comprising: forming an article of
clothing for hunting including an odor absorbing material; and
storing the article of clothing in the interior chamber of the
container.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising hanging the article
of clothing within the interior chamber of the container.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein hanging the article of clothing
comprises placing the article of clothing on a hanger and attaching
the hanger to a portion of the container that is within the
interior chamber.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the container comprises an
elongate bag having a resealable opening.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein providing the odor absorbing
material comprises manufacturing the odor absorbing material in an
odor controlled environment including an air filtration system.
20. A method of reducing odor emanation from a person into an
environment surrounding the person, comprising: providing an odor
absorbing material comprising carbon; storing the odor absorbing
material in an interior chamber of a substantially airtight
container; removing the odor absorbing material from the container;
wearing the odor absorbing material on the person; and hunting wild
game while wearing the article of clothing.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein: providing the odor absorbing
material comprises providing an odor absorbing insert including the
odor absorbing material in the interior chamber of an airtight
container; and removing the odor absorbing material comprises
removing the odor absorbing insert from the container; wherein the
method further comprises removably attaching the insert to a
portion of an article of clothing; and wearing the odor absorbing
material comprises wearing the article of clothing.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein, after wearing the odor
absorbing material, the method further comprises: removing the odor
absorbing insert from the article of clothing; placing the odor
absorbing insert into the container; and sealing the container.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein: providing the odor absorbing
material comprises providing an article of clothing including the
odor absorbing material in the interior chamber of the airtight
container; removing the odor absorbing material comprises removing
the article of clothing from the container; and wearing the odor
absorbing material comprises wearing the article of clothing.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein, after wearing the odor
absorbing material, the method further comprises: placing the
article of clothing in the container; and sealing the container.
Description
[0001] The present application is based on and claims the benefit
of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/861,372, filed
Nov. 28, 2006; and this application is a Continuation-in-Part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/024,510, entitled "ODOR
ABSORBING SYSTEM AND METHOD," filed Dec. 29, 2004. The contents of
the above-identified applications are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an odor absorbing
system configured to reduce odor emanation from a person into an
environment surrounding the person and, more particularly, to an
odor absorbing system that maintains its odor absorbing
capabilities during periods of nonuse.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Outdoorsmen and women, particularly hunters, often take
steps to prevent their detection by wildlife. Such steps include
making themselves less visibly detectable to wildlife by, for
example, hiding in a tree-stand or wearing camouflaging
clothing.
[0004] Such wildlife detection preventing methods also include
reducing the likelihood of being detected by scent. For example,
animals positioned downwind of the person can easily smell bodily
odors including natural body secretions. Other bodily odors that
are detectable by animals include odors resulting from soaps,
perfumes, shampoos, deodorants and other products that are applied
to the body. Other strong animal-detectable odors include those
embedded in our clothes that are acquired from the environment,
such as cigarette smoke, odors from a cleaning detergent or fabric
softener applied to the clothes when washed, and other odors.
[0005] Articles of clothing have been developed to prevent odor
emanation from the person wearing the article of clothing. Examples
of such articles of clothing are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,383,236, 5,539,930, 5,790,987, 6,009,559 and 6,134,718
(hereinafter "Sesselmann patents"). Briefly, the patents describe
articles of clothing that are formed of a base layer on which a
scent absorbing means is "provided" by bonding a scent absorbing
agent to a surface of the base layer through a silk-screen printing
process.
[0006] The rate at which the odor absorbing materials (e.g.,
activated carbon and/or charcoal) absorb odors decreases with
exposure to odors to a point where are no longer useful for scent
absorbing purposes. Further, exposure of the odor absorbing
materials to odors can take place from the moment the odor
absorbing material is formed. As a result, the scent absorbing
capability of the odor absorbing material decreases not only during
use (i.e., while being worn), but also during periods of non-use,
such as during manufacture of the product, transportation of the
product, and while the product is being stored.
[0007] Further, these problems have been exasperated by the
erroneous belief that some odor absorbing materials, such as those
using activated carbon, have odor absorbing properties that can be
renewed by washing and drying the material. For example, the
Sesselmann patents incorrectly claim that when the scent absorbing
means is activated charcoal, it may be reactivated merely by
machine washing and drying the article of clothing. Instead,
reactivation of activated charcoal requires a much more complicated
process that cannot be performed by washing or drying machines. The
one traditional way to "reactivate" activated charcoal is through a
process called pyrolysis in which the activated charcoal is heated
to over 1400.degree. F. (800.degree. C.) in a controlled atmosphere
of low oxygen. Accordingly, the useful scent absorbing lifespan of
the activated charcoal is limited and basically non-renewable to
the average consumer. As a result, the entire scent absorbing
clothing described in the Sesselmann patents must periodically be
replaced in order to maintain the desired scent absorbing
performance.
[0008] One result of this erroneous belief that some odor absorbing
material can be renewed is that odor absorbing materials, and
clothes formed of the odor absorbing materials, have been shipped
from manufacturing plants to distributors/retailers and stored in
packaging that exposes the odor absorbing material to odors.
Additionally, the clothes with the odor absorbing material have
been exposed to odors in retail stores where they are simply hung
on hangers without taking steps to seal the clothes and the odor
absorbing materials in an airtight or substantially airtight
container. Further, once purchased by the consumer, the odor
absorbing materials continue to absorb odors during transport and
during periods of non-use (i.e., storage). The instructions for
clothes containing odor absorbing materials, particularly those
using activated carbon, have indicated that limiting exposure of
the product from odors is unnecessary because the odor absorbing
capability of the odor absorbing material in the clothes can be
renewed or reactivated by washing the clothes and drying them in a
dryer.
[0009] Further, the odor absorbing capabilities and lifespan of the
odor absorbing materials, and clothes comprising the odor absorbing
materials, is often unknown to consumers of the products. For
instance, a prospective purchaser of odor absorbing clothing
products does not know the quantity nor the amount of time that the
product has been exposed to odors since the product was
manufactured. Thus, consumers are forced to make purchasing
decision without knowing the odor absorbing lifespan and properties
of the odor absorbing material and product.
[0010] Unless the odor absorbing material is protected from
exposure to air and odors, its odor absorbing capability will begin
to diminish immediately after it is formed. Therefore, a continuing
need exists for ways to provide and store odor absorbing materials
and clothes comprising odor absorbing materials to prevent
undesired odor absorption during periods of transport, storage, and
other non-use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an odor
absorbing system for use by a person to reduce odor emanation from
the person into an environment surrounding the person and a method
of reducing odor emanation from the person into an environment
surrounding the person. One embodiment of the system includes a
container having a substantially airtight interior chamber and an
odor absorbing insert stored in the interior chamber. The insert
includes a layer of breathable material and an odor absorbing agent
on the layer of breathable material. The insert is configured for
removable attachment to the article of clothing adjacent the
vent.
[0012] In one embodiment of the method, an odor absorbing material
comprising carbon is provided and stored in an interior chamber of
a substantially airtight container. The odor absorbing material is
then removed from the container and worn on the person.
[0013] Other features and benefits that characterize embodiments of
the present invention will be apparent upon reading the following
detailed description and review of the associated drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an odor absorbing
hunting system.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method to reduce odor emanation
from a person into an environment surrounding the person, in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 3A-3C are cross-sectional views of exemplary odor
absorbing materials, in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a container for storing an odor absorbing
material, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a container configured to accommodate an
article of clothing, in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates the container of FIG. 5 with integrated
odor absorbing material, in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a scent absorbing insert, in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0021] FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan and cross-sectional views of an
odor absorbing system utilizing an odor absorbing insert, in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0022] FIGS. 9A and 9B are plan and cross-sectional views of an
odor absorbing system utilizing an odor absorbing insert, in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a scent absorbing system comprising an
article of clothing adapted to utilize at least one scent absorbing
insert, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method of utilizing an odor
absorbing system, in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0025] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a network and method of
manufacturing and distributing odor absorbing materials and
products, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates an odor controlled environment for
manufacturing odor absorbing materials and products, in accordance
with embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Embodiments of the invention are based on a recognition that
odor absorbing materials have a limited useful odor absorbing life
span. As discussed above, exposure of the odor absorbing material
to odors can take place from the moment the odor absorbing material
is formed. Thus, unless the odor absorbing material is protected
from exposure to air and odors, its odor absorbing capability will
begin to diminish immediately after it is formed.
System and Method of Reducing Odor Emanation from a Person
[0028] One embodiment of the invention relates to an odor absorbing
hunting system 100, illustrated in FIG. 1, that comprises an
article of clothing 102 for hunting, a container 104 having a
substantially airtight interior chamber 106, and an odor absorbing
material 108 stored in the interior chamber 106 of the container
104. The odor absorbing material 108, which is also illustrated in
phantom with the article of clothing 102, is configured for use
with the article of clothing 102 to absorb odors emanating from a
person wearing the article of clothing 102. Embodiments of the
article of clothing for hunting (hereinafter "clothing"), the
container and the odor absorbing material will be described below.
Embodiments of the invention include the various possible
combinations of the embodiments of these elements.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a method for reducing
odor emanation from a person into an environment surrounding the
person using the system 100. The method 200 includes a step 202
wherein an odor absorbing material 108 is provided. The odor
absorbing material 108 is stored in an interior chamber 106 of a
substantially airtight container 104 at step 204. Next, at step
206, the odor absorbing material 108 is removed from the container
104. Finally, the odor absorbing material 108 is worn at step 208.
In one embodiment, the odor absorbing material is worn during
hunting of wild game. Embodiments of the method in relation to the
various embodiments of the system will be described below.
Embodiments of the Odor Absorbing Material
[0030] The odor absorbing material 108 of the system 100 is
generally configured for use with the clothing 102, which is worn
by a person, or for placement next to the person. The odor
absorbing material 108 operates to absorb or adsorb odors emanating
from the person wearing the clothing 102 to thereby prevent the
odors from entering the environment surrounding the person. Herein,
the term "absorb" is used to describe both absorbing and adsorbing
functions.
[0031] FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of the odor absorbing
material 108, that includes a base layer of material 301, which
allows an airflow 302 to pass through the material 108. In one
embodiment, the base layer 301 is formed of a breathable (e.g.,
porous) material that allows air to pass through the material 108
without substantial obstruction. Exemplary embodiments of the base
layer 301 include mesh, cotton, polypropylene, wool, polyester, or
other porous or fibrous fabric or material. The odor absorbing
material 108 also includes an odor absorbing agent that is adapted
to absorb at least a portion of the odors in the airflow 302
passing through the material 108.
[0032] In accordance with one embodiment, the odor absorbing agent
304 is bonded to a surface of the base layer 301, as illustrated in
FIG. 3B.
[0033] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3C, the base layer
301 of the odor absorbing material 108 comprises a porous material
such at those described above. Additionally, base layer 301 may be
formed of a fibrous material having a plurality of fibers 306
(shown in the enlarged cross section 305). The fibers may be woven
or non-woven. In one embodiment, the odor absorbing agent 304, as
illustrated, comprises a plurality of particles embedded within or
on the fibers 306.
[0034] One embodiment of the odor absorbing agent 304 includes
activated carbon or charcoal. In alternative embodiments, the odor
absorbing agent can be formed of other known odor absorbing
materials, such as chlorophyll, baking soda, activated alumni,
soda, lime, zeolite, calcium, oxide, potassium, permanganate, and
cyclodextrin.
Embodiments of the Container
[0035] The container 104 of the system 100 is generally configured
to store the odor absorbing material 108 in an interior chamber 106
of the container enabling the odor absorbing material 108 to
maintain its odor absorbing properties over longer periods of time
as compared to prior art articles of clothing that are generally
continuously exposed to environmental odors (even when stored
during periods of nonuse). Thus, embodiments of the container 104
of the system 100 can extend the useful odor absorbing lifespan of
the odor absorbing materials 108.
[0036] Some embodiments of the container 104 include sealed
containers that can be resealed (e.g., containers with lids and
resealable bags) and containers that are not configured to be
resealed (e.g., sealed packaging that is torn to open). Further,
the container 104 can be made of any suitable material such as
plastics, metals, foils, and the like. Additionally, the materials
used to form the container 104 can be rigid or semi-rigid, or
malleable. In one embodiment, the material forming the container
104 includes materials that are significantly non-permeable (i.e.,
do not allow liquid or gases to pass through) and have a low odor
production. In another embodiment, the container 104 can be formed
of a clear material or a sufficiently transparent material as to
allow one to see the contents of the container. In another
embodiment, the material forming the container 104 is opaque to
prevent or reduce the exposure of the odor absorbing material 108
or product formed of the odor absorbing material 108 to light.
[0037] In one embodiment, the container 104 comprises a sealable
bag 400, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The interior chamber 106 of the
container 104 is configured to store an odor absorbing material 108
or product comprising odor absorbing material 108. A seal 406 is
configured to close an opening in the container 104 for accessing
the interior chamber 106. When sealed, the container 104
substantially prevents odors present in an environment exterior to
the container 104 from reaching, and being absorbed by, the odor
absorbing material 108. In one embodiment, the seal 406 is reusable
allowing the user of the system to place the odor absorbing
material 108 in the interior chamber 106 and reseal the container
104 during periods of nonuse. Alternatively, the container 104 can
be configured such that the seal 406 is not reusable (i.e., the
container 104 is torn to open). Further, the container 104 can
include a hanger 408 (for instance, an aperture) for hanging the
container on a hook, clothing hanger, or the like.
[0038] Another embodiment of the container 104 is sized to receive
the article of clothing 102, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The bag 500
is sized to accommodate embodiments of the article of clothing 102.
In one embodiment, the bag 500 includes an integral hanger 506 on
which the article of clothing 102 can be supported within an
interior chamber 106 of the bag 500. The hanger 506 can include a
hook, a loop, or any other means that extends into the interior
chamber 106 of the bag 500. The hanger 506 is adapted to engage a
hanger 504 on which the article of clothing 102 is hung. However,
unlike conventional garment bags in which the hanger supporting the
garment extends outside of the garment bag, this embodiment of a
container 104 allows the garment 102 to be hung from within the
interior chamber 106 of the bag 500 while maintaining the odor
sealing capabilities of the bag 500.
[0039] In one embodiment, the bag 500 includes an integral hook 508
that allows the bag 500 to be attached to an object that is outside
of the interior chamber 106, such as a bar. In one example, the
hook or loop 508 that extends from the exterior of the bag is
adapted to receive a separate hanger to facilitate hanging the bag
on a clothes rack.
[0040] In one embodiment, the bag 500 includes a reinforced portion
510 configured to connect the hook 506 and/or the hanger 508 to the
bag 500. In one example, the reinforced portion 510 has an enlarged
surface area for distributing forces exerted by hangers 506 and 508
to a surface of the bag 500. In another embodiment, the hook 506
and the hanger 508 can be connected through an aperture formed in
the container. In this manner, the reinforced portion 510 operates
to seal the aperture to prevent odors from entering the interior
chamber through the aperture.
[0041] In one embodiment, the bag 500 includes a seal 512 for
accessing the interior chamber 106. The seal 512 can be configured
to be reusable such that the bag 500 can be resealable.
Alternatively, the bag 500 can be configured to be opened by
tearing the bag 500 (i.e., seal 512 is not reusable). Examples of
the seal 512 include conventional methods that facilitate the
sealing and resealing the bag 500. For example, the seal 512 can
comprise hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro.RTM., zippers, or
other suitable fasteners). Alternatively, the seal 512 can
comprises Ziploc.RTM. or other similar fasteners.
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the bag 500 including
additional odor absorbing material 516 positioned within an
interior chamber 106. The odor absorbers 516 comprise an odor
absorbing agent such as those described above. The odor absorbers
516 can be integrated into the bag 500 or can be placed into
pockets formed in the interior chamber 106 of the bag 500. The odor
absorbers 516 are configured to absorb odors within the bag 500
thereby reducing remnant odors that may otherwise be absorbed by
clothing hung within the bag 500.
[0043] Further, in some embodiments of the container 104 an inert
gas is placed into the interior chamber 106 when the odor absorbing
material 108, or products comprising the odor absorbing material
108, is stored therein. The inert gas is a gas having a low odor
content. The inert gas discourages odors from being absorbed by the
odor absorbing material 108 stored within the container 104.
Embodiments of the Article of Clothing
[0044] In one embodiment of the system 100, the article of clothing
102 comprises the odor absorbing material 108. In one embodiment,
the article of clothing 102 comprises one or more different layers
of material and the odor absorbing material 108 forms one of the
layers, a portion of a layer, or a portion of the article of
clothing. In another embodiment, the odor absorbing material 108 is
adhered to a layer of the article of clothing 102. Examples of such
articles of clothing are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,383,236,
5,539,930, 5,790,987, 6,009,559 and 6,134,718. As discussed above,
these patents incorrectly claim that when the odor absorbing means
is activated charcoal, it may be reactivated merely by machine
washing and drying the article of clothing. Embodiments of the
present invention operate to maintain the odor absorbing
capabilities of such articles of clothing. Further, embodiments of
the article of clothing 102 comprise any articles of clothing used
for hunting including hunting clothes, jackets, shirts, long
underwear, pants, mittens, gloves, hats, sweatshirts, shorts, and
other articles of clothing for hunting.
[0045] In one embodiment of the method 200, an article of clothing
102 comprising the odor absorbing material 108, such as the
articles of clothing described above, is stored in the container
104. Further, the article of clothing 102 comprising the odor
absorbing material 108 is removed from the container 104 and worn
by a user. In one embodiment, the article of clothing 102 is worn
hunting. In another embodiment, after use, the article of clothing
102 is removed by the user and placed in the container 104 for
storage during non-use.
[0046] In one embodiment of the system 100, the odor absorbing
material 108 is an odor absorbing insert configured for use with
the article of clothing 102. In some embodiments, the article of
clothing 102 is configured to be worn by a person and comprises a
base layer including a vent. The base layer is adapted to
substantially surround a portion of the person wearing the article
of clothing 102. The insert includes a layer of breathable material
and an odor absorbing agent on the layer of breathable material.
The insert is configured for removable attachment to the article of
clothing 102 adjacent the vent.
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the odor absorbing
material 108 comprising an odor absorbing insert 700 including the
odor absorbing material configured for use with embodiments of the
article of clothing 102 having a base layer including at least one
vent. The insert 700 includes a base layer 702 and an odor
absorbing agent 704. Agent 704 can be bonded to or embedded in
layer 702. Further, it is noted that insert 700 can be any size or
shape to accommodate a specified application. Examples include, but
are not limited to, inserts that are square, rectangular, circular,
oval, triangular, or any other symmetric or asymmetric shape. In
general, the odor absorbing insert 700 is removably attachable to
the article of clothing 102, such as any articles of clothing used
for hunting including hunting clothes, jackets, shirts, long
underwear, pants, mittens, gloves, hats, sweatshirts, shorts, and
other articles of clothing for hunting.
[0048] The insert 700 can be removably attached to the article of
clothing 102 using any suitable means, such as Velcro.RTM.
fasteners, zippers, buttons, etc., or stored within a pouch,
pocket, or other compartment of the article of clothing. The insert
700 can be designed for removable attachment at any desired
location of the article of clothing 102. In one embodiment, the
insert 700 is removably attachable adjacent an opening in the
clothing, such as a cuff, a neck line, a waist line, or other
opening of the article of clothing where air that is exposed to the
wearer can escape from under the article of clothing. In one
embodiment, the insert 700 is removably attachable to the article
of clothing 102 adjacent a vent in a base layer of the article of
clothing.
[0049] FIGS. 8A-9B illustrate embodiments of the article of
clothing 102 adapted to utilize an odor absorbing insert comprising
the odor absorbing material 108.
[0050] In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the
article of clothing 102 is configured to receive at least one odor
absorbing insert 808 comprising the odor absorbing material 108.
The odor absorbing insert 808 is, in one embodiment, similar to
insert 700 illustrated in FIG. 7. However, the insert 808 can be
any other suitable configuration. FIG. 8A is a partial front plan
view of the article of clothing 102 and odor absorbing insert 808.
FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A taken generally along
line 8B-8B.
[0051] The article of clothing 102, an exterior side 804 of which
is shown in FIG. 8A, includes a base layer 806 that is configured
to substantially surround a portion of the person wearing the
article of clothing 102. In other words, the base layer 806 forms
the body covering structure of the article of clothing 102. The at
least one odor absorbing insert 808 is configured to cover at least
one vent 810 in the base layer 806 of the article of clothing 102.
The odor absorbing insert 808 is configured to absorb odors
emanating from the person to prevent them from entering the
environment surrounding the person.
[0052] Preferably, the odor absorbing inserts 808 and vents 810 are
positioned on the article of clothing 102 such that, when the
article of clothing 102 is worn by a person, they are likely to be
positioned adjacent to primary odor-producing areas of the body.
Examples of primary odor-producing areas include the armpits, the
shoulders, the neck, the crotch area, and the mouth of the
person.
[0053] Each vent 810 allows for an airflow 812 (outgoing airflow)
to be directed through a specific location of the base layer 806
where the odor absorbing insert 808 is placed. As a result,
outgoing airflows 812 are directed through the vent 810 and the
odor absorbing insert 808 covering the vent 810 which absorbs odors
in the airflow 812 to thereby reduce odor emanation from the person
wearing the article of clothing 102 into the surrounding
environment.
[0054] It should be understood that the term "vent", as used
herein, is intended to describe an opening through the base layer
806 whose purpose is to allow air to flow from inside the article
of clothing 102 to the outside environment, when the article of
clothing 102 is worn by a person. Thus, for example, when the
article of clothing 102 is in the form of a jacket and is being
worn by a person, the vent 810 within the base layer 806 allows the
airflow 812 to pass between an interior side 814 of the base layer
806 that is closest to the person's body and the environment that
is on the exterior side 804 of the base layer 806 that is opposite
the interior side 814.
[0055] However, the vent 810 is distinguishable from a primary
opening that is configured to accommodate a pass-through for a
portion of the person wearing the article of clothing. For example,
a primary opening at a neckline of an article of clothing in the
form of a jacket is not a "vent" as the term is used herein since
the opening at the neckline accommodates the neck of the person
wearing the jacket. Similarly, a waistline of the jacket that is
configured to accommodate a waist of the person wearing the jacket
is not a "vent" as the term is used herein. Other examples of
non-vent or primary openings in articles of clothing include the
opening at a cuff of a sleeve of a shirt or jacket, a waistline of
pants, and a cuff at the end of a pant leg.
[0056] The shape of the vents 810 of the article of clothing 102
can vary depending on their location. In accordance with one
embodiment, the vents 810 include sides, generally designated as
816, that are displaced from each other when the base layer 806 is
laid flat. In other words, in one embodiment, the vents 810 are
formed by removing a portion of the base layer 806 rather than
simply making a slit in the base layer 806. The vents 810 can be
any desired shape including rectangular, circular, triangular,
irregular, symmetrical, or other shape. In accordance with one
embodiment, a breathable material (not shown), such as a mesh,
spans the vent and is attached to the sides 816 of the base layer
806.
[0057] In general, the odor absorbing insert 808 is configured to
cover the vent 810 in the base layer 806, as illustrated in FIGS.
8A and 8B. Although depicted as covering the interior side 814
(FIG. 8B) of the vent 810, the odor absorbing insert 808 could be
positioned to cover the exterior side 804 of the vent 810 in the
base layer 806.
[0058] The odor absorbing inserts 808 can be formed of any
desirable shape and is sized to preferably cover the entire vent
810. In one embodiment, the odor absorbing insert 808 generally
includes a layer of breathable material on which an odor absorbing
agent is applied. For instance, in some embodiments the odor
absorbing insert 808 comprises odor absorbing materials described
in FIGS. 3A-3C. In one embodiment, the layer of breathable material
includes a substantially porous material through which an airflow
(such as airflow of FIG. 8B) can easily travel. Embodiments of the
layer of breathable material include a mesh, cotton, polypropylene,
wool, polyester, or other breathable fabric or material.
[0059] The odor absorbing agent is preferably bonded to one or more
surfaces of the layer of breathable material in accordance with
known methods. The odor absorbing agent 808 preferably includes
activated carbon or charcoal. Alternatively, the odor absorbing
agent can be formed of other known odor absorbing materials, such
as the odor absorbing materials described above.
[0060] In accordance with one embodiment, the odor absorbing
material 108 is configured for removable attachment to the base
layer 806 of the article of clothing 102 at the vent 810. For
instance, the odor absorbing insert 808 can be attached directly to
the base layer 806 of the article of clothing 102 at the vent 810
as shown in FIG. 8B using one or more conventional fasteners 822.
For example, a plurality of fasteners 822 can be provided each
having one portion 824 attached to the odor absorbing insert 808,
and another portion 826 attached to the base layer 806 of the
article of clothing 102 at the perimeter of the vent 810. Examples
of suitable fasteners include hook and loop fasteners (e.g.,
velcro.RTM., buttons, zippers, or other suitable fasteners), which
allow for the removal of the odor absorbing insert 808 without
damaging the article of clothing 102.
[0061] In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, an odor
absorbing insert 908 comprising the odor absorbing material 108 is
configured for use with the article of clothing 102. At least one
breathable pocket 930 is positioned at one of the vents 910 of the
article of clothing 102, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The
breathable pockets 930 are used to removably attach the odor
absorbing inserts 908 to the article of clothing 102. FIG. 9A is a
front plan view of an interior side 914 of the article of clothing
102 and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9A taken
generally along line 9B-9B.
[0062] Each breathable pocket 930 is preferably attached to a
portion (e.g., an inside surface 914) of the base layer 909 at one
of the vents 910. An odor absorbing insert 908 is contained in an
interior chamber 932 of the breathable pocket. The breathable
pocket 930 generally includes first and second layers of breathable
material 934 and 936, respectively. The breathable material is
preferably highly breathable such that it provides little
resistance to an airflow 912 traveling through the vent 910.
Examples of suitable breathable materials for use in forming the
first and second layers 934 and 936 includes a mesh, a screen, and
other highly breathable materials.
[0063] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the
breathable pocket 930 is permanently mounted to the base layer 906.
For example, the first and second layers 934 and 936 can be
permanently mounted to the base layer 906 by sewing or gluing them
to the base layer 906.
[0064] In accordance with another embodiment, the breathable pocket
930 is removably mounted to the base layer 906. For example, one or
both of the layers 934 or 936 are removably mounted to the base
layer 906 using suitable fasteners at the perimeter of the
breathable pocket 930 such as those described above. Preferably,
the first and second layers 934 and 936 of the breathable pocket
930 are permanently connected to each other and the fasteners are
used to attach only one of the breathable layers to the base layer
906 at the perimeter of the vent 910. In accordance with this
embodiment of the invention, the odor absorbing insert 908 could be
non-removably contained in the breathable pocket 930, which is
removably attached to the base layer 906 of the article of clothing
102.
[0065] Another embodiment of the breathable pocket 930 includes an
opening 938 (FIG. 9A) through which the interior chamber 932
defined by the first and second layers 934 and 936 is accessible.
The opening 938 can preferably be closed using a suitable fastener,
such as those described above.
[0066] Additionally, the odor absorbing insert 908 is preferably
sized to lay flat within the interior chamber 932 and may be
configured to have a shape that substantially conforms to the shape
of the interior chamber 932. As a result, the odor absorbing insert
908 can be designed for specific breathable pockets 930 and can be
provided with different odor absorbing properties that are tailored
to the location of the corresponding breathable pocket 930.
[0067] Additionally, the interior chamber 932 of the breathable
pocket 930 is preferably only slightly larger in area than the odor
absorbing insert 908 when both are laid flat, in order to
accommodate the odor absorbing insert 908. Additionally, the
interior chamber 932 of the breathable pocket 930 is preferably
only slightly larger in volume than the odor absorbing insert 908.
As a result, one embodiment of the breathable pocket 930 provides a
snug fit for the odor absorbing insert 908. Such a snug fit allows
the odor absorbing insert 908 to be held up against the perimeter
of the vent 910 to thereby force most of the airflow 912 traveling
through the vent 910 to travel through the odor absorbing insert
908 rather than around it.
[0068] One embodiment of the article of clothing 102 of the system
100 includes an article of clothing, illustrated in FIG. 10, that
is adapted for use with odor absorbing inserts comprising the odor
absorbing material 108. Some embodiments of the odor absorbing
inserts that can be utilized with the article of clothing 102 are
disclosed with regard to FIGS. 7, 8A-8B, and 9A-9B. The article of
clothing 102 includes an upper body covering article of clothing
1040. The base layer of the article of clothing 1040 generally
includes a torso section 1042 and arm sections 1044 that are
attached to the torso section 1042. The torso and arm sections 1042
and 1044 are respectively configured to substantially cover a torso
and arms of the person wearing the article of clothing 1040. One or
more odor absorbing inserts 1008 can be removably attached to the
upper body article of clothing 1040 using any of the methods
described above and in the exemplary locations described below.
[0069] In accordance with one embodiment of upper body covering
article of clothing 1040, the base layer 1006 includes vents 1010
that are located at armpit sections 1046 that are adjacent the
torso and arm sections 1042 and 1044. Odor absorbing inserts 1008
are positioned to cover the vents 1010 at the armpit sections 1046
of the base layer 1006 such that they will be positioned at the
armpits of the person wearing the article of clothing 1040 to
absorb odors at that primary odor-producing location.
[0070] In accordance with another embodiment of the upper body
covering article of clothing 1040, the vents 1010 are located in
shoulder sections 1048 of the base layer 1006. The shoulder
sections 1048 are adjacent a junction between the torso and arm
sections 1042 and 1044. When the article of clothing 1040 is worn
by a person, the odor absorbing inserts 1008 positioned at the
vents 1010 of the shoulder sections 1048 of the base layer 1006
will be positioned next to the shoulders of the person to absorb
odors at that primary odor-producing location.
[0071] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the upper body
covering article of clothing 1040, a vent 1010 is located below a
neckline 1050 of the torso section 1042 of the base layer 1006.
When the article of clothing 1040 is worn by a person, that vent
1010 is positioned to overlay an upper back portion of the person
when the vent 1010 is located on a back side of the article of
clothing 1040, or an upper chest portion of the person when the
vent 1010 is located on a front side of the article of clothing
1040. When the odor absorbing insert 1008 covers the vent 1010 it
will be positioned at the upper chest and/or upper back of the
person wearing the article of clothing 1040.
[0072] Some embodiments of the steps of the method 200 include
providing an article of clothing 102 configured to utilized an odor
absorbing insert comprising the odor absorbing material 108, such
as the inserts and articles of clothing described with regard to
FIGS. 7-10. In one embodiment of the method of utilizing the system
100, a method 1100, illustrated in FIG. 11, is provided including a
step 1102 of providing an odor absorbing insert, such as the
inserts described above, that includes the odor absorbing material
108. The odor absorbing insert is provided in the interior chamber
106 of the substantially airtight container 104. At step 1104, the
odor absorbing insert is removed from the container 104. At step
1106, the insert is removably attached to the article of clothing
102 and the article of clothing is worn. In one embodiment, the
article of clothing is worn while hunting wild game. At step 1108,
after the wearing step, the odor absorbing insert is removed from
the article of clothing 102 after its use with the article of
clothing. At step 1110, the insert is stored in the interior
chamber 106 of the container 104. In one embodiment, the insert in
stored in the container during periods of non-use. The container is
sealed to prevent odors within the environment surrounding the
container from reaching the odor absorbing insert.
[0073] While the systems and methods described herein have been
described with regard to an upper body covering article, any
configuration is within the scope of the concepts described herein.
For example, embodiments of the system 100 and method 200 can
include any articles of clothing used for hunting including hunting
clothes, jackets, shirts, long underwear, pants, mittens, gloves,
hats, sweatshirts, shorts, and other articles of clothing for
hunting.
[0074] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate embodiments of a method 1200
and system 1208 for manufacturing and distributing odor absorbing
materials and products comprising odor absorbing material.
[0075] The method 1200 includes a step 1202 of creating the odor
absorbing material 108 or products comprising the material 108. For
example, the step 1202 can include creating an odor absorbing
insert comprising the odor absorbing material 108 and/or creating
embodiments of the article of clothing 102, described above.
Embodiments of the step 1202 include manufacturing the odor
absorbing material 108 or receiving the odor absorbing material 108
from a manufacturing facility. In one embodiment, the odor
absorbing material is maintained in a sealed package from the point
of manufacture to a point of receipt of odor absorbing
material.
[0076] In one embodiment of the step 1202, an odor absorbing insert
is created comprising the odor absorbing material. In one
embodiment, the creating step 1202 includes cutting an odor
absorbing insert from a sheet of odor absorbing material. In one
example, the sheet of odor absorbing material is provided in a
sealed packaging wherein the material is removed from the packaging
before being cut or is cut while in the packaging.
[0077] At step 1204, the odor absorbing material 108 is stored in
the container 104, embodiments of which are described above. In one
embodiment, the creating step 1202 and storing step 1204 occur at a
product manufacturing facility 1210 (illustrated in FIG. 12B).
[0078] At step 1206 of the method 1200, the odor absorbing material
is transported to a secondary location while the material 108 is in
the container 104. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, one embodiment
includes transporting the odor absorbing material 108 in the
container 104 through a distribution (i.e., shipping) channel 1214
to a distributor or retailer 1216. In one embodiment, the
retailer/distributor 1216 further processes (i.e., ships,
distributes, displays, sells) the odor absorbing material 108
and/or products containing the odor absorbing material 108 while
the odor absorbing material is in the container 104.
[0079] In one embodiment of the system 1208, the odor absorbing
material 104, or products comprising the odor absorbing material
104, are manufactured in an odor controlled environment. The odor
controlled environment 1300 is an environment containing air having
a reduced level of odor particles. In this manner, the odor
controlled environment can operate to reduce the exposure of the
odor absorbing material 104 to odors during the manufacturing
process. As discussed above, exposure of the odor absorbing
material 104 to odors during the manufacturing process can reduce
the odor absorbing lifespan of the material 104. Thus, the odor
controlled environment can operate to prevent unwanted reduction in
the odor absorbing capabilities of the material 104 during
manufacture.
[0080] One embodiment of an odor controlled environment 1300 is
illustrated in FIG. 13. Odor controlled environment 1300 comprises
a cleanroom 1310 in which the odor absorbing material 104, odor
absorbing inserts comprising the odor absorbing material 104,
and/or clothing comprising the odor absorbing material 104 can be
manufactured. In one embodiment, the cleanroom 1310 can be
constructed within an existing manufacturing facility. One example
of a modular cleanroom is the Series 577 Vertical Flow Softwall
Modular Cleanroom manufactured by Clean Air Products of
Minneapolis, Minn. In another embodiment, the cleanroom 1310 can
comprise a separate, dedicated room within a manufacturing
facility.
[0081] In one embodiment, an airflow 1330 into and/or out of the
cleanroom is provided. Further, in one embodiment, an air
filtration system 1320 is utilized for removing odors from the
airflow 1330. In one embodiment, the air filtration system 1320 can
be exterior to the cleanroom 1320. However, in another embodiment
the air filtration system 1320 is mounted within the cleanroom
environment. One example of a filter unit is the Series 112
Motorized Ceiling Fan Filter Unit manufactured by Clean Air
Products of Minneapolis, Minn. In one embodiment, the filter system
1320 comprises a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) for
removing odor particles from the air flow.
[0082] Cleanroom 1310 also can include a controlled access 1350
that enables access to and from the cleanroom. For instance, in one
embodiment access 1350 includes a sealable door. In another
embodiment, controlled access 1350 comprises a pair of doors that
form a separate room for performing pre-cleanroom procedures such
as gowning. In another embodiment, the controlled access 1350
comprises curtains that are opened to enter the cleanroom. In yet
another embodiment, the curtains or doors can be configured to
automatically reseal after opening.
[0083] In another embodiment, workers within the cleanroom wear
gowns, masks, or other conventional cleanroom apparel during
manufacture of the odor absorbing products to limit exposure of the
odor absorbing material 104 to odors.
[0084] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *