U.S. patent application number 11/714083 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-13 for descenting systems and methods.
Invention is credited to Scott A. Elrod.
Application Number | 20070212253 11/714083 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39816825 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070212253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elrod; Scott A. |
September 13, 2007 |
Descenting systems and methods
Abstract
The present invention, in certain aspects, discloses systems and
methods for treating a human being and/or items with descenting
material, the systems, in certain aspects, including a generator
for producing descenting material, and, in certain aspects at least
one direction apparatus in communication with the generator for
receiving produced descenting material from the generator and for
directing said descenting material in a desired direction.
Inventors: |
Elrod; Scott A.; (Angleton,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Guy McClung
#114
5315-B F.M. 1960 Rd. West
Houston
TX
77069-4410
US
|
Family ID: |
39816825 |
Appl. No.: |
11/714083 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11018620 |
Dec 21, 2004 |
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11714083 |
Mar 5, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
422/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 9/015 20130101;
A61L 9/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/005 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/015 20060101
A61L009/015 |
Claims
1. A method for reducing foreign scent in a space between a human
being and an animal, the method comprising generating descenting
material with a generator, introducing the descenting material into
a space between a human being and an animal, the space containing
foreign scent, and reducing the foreign scent in the space with the
descenting material.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the foreign scent includes human
odor.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the descenting material is
ozone.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the descenting material is any of
ozone, hydroxy radicals, hydroperoxides, and oxidants.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising generating the
descenting material as a gas.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising generating the
descenting material in a mist.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the human being is a hunter and
the animal is an animal hunted by the human being.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the descenting material is ozone
and the method further comprising exposing the human being to a
time-weighted average value of 0.1 ppm ozone in air or less over an
area within a radius of six feet of the human being.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the descenting material is ozone
and the human being is exposed to a time-weighted value of 0.2 ppm
ozone in air or less.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the descenting material is ozone
and the human being over a time period of eight hours or less is
exposed to a time-weighted value of 0.1 ppm ozone in air or
less.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the animal is a human being.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein there is at least one item in the
space, the item having an item foreign scent, the method further
comprising descenting the item foreign scent.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the foreign scent includes human
odor, the method further comprising supporting the generator on the
human being.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein there is at least one direction
apparatus in communication with the generator, the method further
comprising with the at least one direction apparatus, directing
descenting material from the generator in a desired direction.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein the foreign scent includes human
odor, the method further comprising supporting the generator on the
human being, wherein there is at least one direction apparatus in
communication with the generator, the method further comprising
with the at least one direction apparatus, directing descenting
material from the generator in a desired direction at a part of the
human being.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the part of the human being is
any of an armpit, torso, head, mouth, nostrils, groin, and
feet.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein the at least one direction
apparatus is a plurality of direction apparatuses.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein the foreign scent is in a blind
and the descenting material is introduced into the blind.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein the foreign scent is in a tent
and the descenting material is introduced into the tent.
20. The method of claim 1 wherein the foreign scent is any of human
odor, volatile material, and contaminating material.
21. The method of claim 1 wherein a fan apparatus assists in
introducing the descenting material into the space.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the fan apparatus is spaced
apart from the generator.
23. The method of claim 1 wherein the descenting material is ozone
and the human being has on an item of clothing and the item of
clothing receives an amount of ozone produced by the generator, the
amount of ozone sufficient so that ozone is retained on the item of
clothing.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the item of clothing has a color
and the ozone changes the color of at least part of the item of
clothing.
25. A method for descenting foreign scent from an item, the method
comprising placing an item in a flexible bag, the item having a
foreign scent, the flexible bag containing air, the flexible bag
located outdoors, generating descenting material in the flexible
bag with a generator, moving air in the flexible bag with a fan
apparatus, and reducing the foreign scent with the descenting
material.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the fan apparatus is spaced
apart from the generator.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein the descenting material is ozone
and the human being has on an item of clothing and the item of
clothing receives an amount of ozone produced by the generator, the
amount of ozone sufficient so that ozone is retained on the item of
clothing.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the item of clothing has a color
and the ozone changes the color of at least part of the item of
clothing.
29. A system for descenting human odors on an item, the system
comprising a flexible bag, a descenting material generator in the
flexible bag, and a fan apparatus in the flexible bag for moving
air in the flexible bag as descenting material is produced by the
descenting material generator.
30. A system for reducing foreign scent in a space between a human
being and an animal, the system comprising a generator for
producing descenting material, and at least one direction apparatus
in communication with the generator for receiving produced
descenting material from the generator and for directing said
descenting material in a desired direction to reduce the foreign
scent.
31. A method for reducing foreign scent in a space between a human
being and an animal, the method comprising producing descenting
material with a generator, with direction apparatus, directing said
descenting material in a desired direction into the space, the
direction apparatus including at least one director in
communication with the generator for receiving produced descenting
material from the generator and for directing said descenting
material into the space, and reducing the foreign scent in the
space with the descenting material.
32. The method of claim 30 wherein the descenting material is ozone
and the method further comprising exposing the human being to a
time-weighted average value of 0.1 ppm ozone in air or less over an
area within a radius of about six feet of the human being.
33. The method of claim 30 wherein the descenting material is ozone
and the human being is exposed to a time-weighted average value of
0.2 ppm ozone in air or less.
34. The method of claim 30 wherein the descenting material is ozone
and the human being over a time period of eight hours or less is
exposed to an ozone concentration of a time-weighted average value
of 0.1 ppm ozone in air or less.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/018,620 filed Dec. 21, 2004, said
application co-owned with the present invention and incorporated
fully herein for all purposes and from which application the
present invention and application claim priority under the Patent
Laws.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed to descenting systems and
methods; in certain aspects, to such systems and methods for
facilitating human/animal encounters and activities; and in other
aspects to methods and systems for reducing or eliminating human
odors that are detectable by animals. The invention relates to a
method of descenting the clothes and apparatus of sportsmen, both
professional, non professional, military personnel, bikers, campers
and the like. In certain aspects a method is provided for reducing
or removing human scent and any other scent that is not
advantageous in an environment from clothing and equipment of
hunters and fish odors from fishermen utilizing an oxidizing agent
which is ozone and/or a combination of hydroxyl and hydroperoxide
ions. More particularly, there is provided a method of reducing or
removing human scent and any other scent in a space between a human
and an animal that is not advantageous in an environment, including
scents emitting from human breath, human bodies, and from clothing
and equipment, the methods utilizing an oxidizing agent which is,
e.g., ozone and/or a combination of hydroxyl and hydroperoxide
ions.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The prior art discloses a variety of descenting (removal of
scents) apparatus and methods, examples of which (and not by way of
limitation) are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,309,388; 4,867,052;
4,941,270; 5,087,426; 5,433,919; 5,468,454; 5,484,472; 5,514,345;
5,539,930; 5,547,476; 5,667,564; 5,681,355; 5,762,648; 5,766,560;
5,789,368; 5,790,987; 5,911,957; 5,931,014; 6,007,770; 6,009,559;
6,134,806; 6,134,718; 6,149,038; 6,156;268; 6,163,098; 6,284,204;
6,312,507; 6,355,216; 6,379,435; 6,503,547; 6,564,591; 6,565,805;
and 6,576,190, and published U.S. patent application
2003/0044308--all of which are incorporated fully herein for all
purposes.
[0006] Hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers
all have an interest in attracting wildlife, such as, but not
limited to, deer; and/or an interest in not being detected by
animals. Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell to react with
their surrounding environment, including to sense danger, interact
with other deer and find food. Scents that are not a natural part
of the environment will often function as a warning to deer, which
may result in the deer being spooked and running from the unnatural
scent.
[0007] According to Bernier et al in Analytical Chemistry, 2000,
volume 72, issue 4, pages 747-756 and references cited therein
which are incorporated fully herein by reference, as many as 346
discernible compounds were identified in human skin emanations. The
majority of these were carboxylic acids, alcohols and esters, but
aldehydes, aromatics, heterocyclics, ketones, sulfides and thio
compounds were also identified. Work cited in Bernier has
identified over 100 compounds from human breath. Work cited in
Bernier identified foot odor as another source of odor. Some of
these compounds are the result of bacteria reacting with body
emanations, while other compounds directly emanate from humans.
Other compounds emanated from humans can include pheromones,
deodorants and perfumes as well as the detergents, perfumes,
scents, and additives left on human clothes. While it is not known
which specific compound or blends of compounds emanating from
humans are identified by an animal as human, there is currently no
effective way to eliminate or reduce odors from humans and from
clothing and equipment enough to reduce the odors to inhibit
detection by wildlife or effectively attract wildlife.
[0008] Persons interested in preventing detection by deer detecting
human odors or interested in attracting deer often use masks,
attractants, or cover scents to prevent alerting and spooking the
deer. Some commonly used masks are carbon sprays which, in addition
to being dangerous to inhale and which can irritate skin, become
ineffective once dry. Many of the attractants contain deer urine or
estrous, which besides being offensive to the human user, have
limited shelf life and are generally ineffective since especially
the estrous tend to occur naturally only in certain seasons. Cover
scents such as fruit extracts or fragrances last a short time and
are often so over-powering that the deer easily identifies the
smell as unnatural and runs. The use of descenting soaps and
shampoos is messy, time-consuming, often skin irritating, often
ineffective and does not address breath odor. Breath descenting
using herbs are generally distasteful, and face masks containing
carbons or sieves are extremely uncomfortable.
[0009] More recently, the use of clothing containing activated
carbons and/or clothing containing bacteria killing metals such as
silver has gained some popularity. However, activated carbon has a
very low capacity for odorants and requires temperatures preferably
above 400.degree. C., more preferably above 600.degree. C. to
regenerate the carbon. These temperatures are well beyond
temperature (100 C to 120 C) that a conventional gas or electric
clothes dryer is capable of achieving. Placement of clothing in
ovens capable of achieving 400 C plus temperatures needed to
regenerate the carbon can damage the fabric of a garment. Silver or
other metal-containing clothing requires direct contact of the
metal with the bacteria to be effective, which is almost never the
case since the clothing would then be so restricting as to be
uncomfortable. These types of clothing are also expensive and do
not address human odors such as those in human breath, nor do they
address any of the odors emanating from the foot or any exposed
part of the skin like the head and hands.
[0010] It has now been discovered that gaseous ozone effectively
kills bacteria and reduces or eliminates odors emanating from
humans as well as odors contained in clothing worn by hunters. The
advantages of ozone over other known masking and descenting methods
include the facts that: ozone is a gas that eliminates odors
emanating from a person (e.g., a hunter) and from personal
equipment and can eliminate odors in a space between a person and
an animal; and ozone is completely natural to the environment and
leaves behind a very pleasant clean smell that wildlife and humans
readily recognize, e.g. after a lightning rain. Known ozone
generators include electrical discharge, UV light, and combinations
thereof. The generator may be battery operated, operated with a car
adaptor, and/or may be operated with AC current. The AC current may
be supplied directly from an electrical outlet, or may be supplied
using a portable generator.
[0011] Ozone is well known to treat odorous air, microorganisms,
bacteria, mold, smoke, aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic
compounds (see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,961,878; 2,203,188;
3,421,836; 3,750,556; 3,937,967; 3,949,056; 4,045,316; 4,863,687;
4,904,289; 4,990,311; 5,087,426; 5,835,840; 5,983,834; 6,094,549;
6,613,277; 6,632,407; 20020030022; 20060096331; and references
cited therein, which are all of which are incorporated fully herein
for all purposes); and foreign references EP 261987; WO 200151096;
WO 2003089017; WO 2005021135. WO 2005077425 and references cited
therein, which are incorporated fully herein for all purposes,
teaches the use of ozone to descent hunters clothing and other
personal effects to be worn or carried on a hunting trip. In this
case, the hunter, the clothing or personal effects are placed in a
container, a portable enclosure, or a special descenting closet or
room located, e.g., in a lodge or cabin in which the hunter is
staying. As soon as the hunter leaves the building and enters a
vehicle, or passes a moving vehicle, or begins to sweat, any prior
descenting is of little value.
[0012] Animals have an acute sense of smell and are capable of
recognizing a human scent or any other scent that is not
advantageous in that environment at long distances. To avoid such
recognition a hunter will attempt to stay down wind of the animal
being hunted. Certain known methods used by hunters to trick
animals are to mask the human odor utilizing a carbon spray or
cover spray scents or an animal scent. Unfortunately the animal
scents which are utilized, are obnoxious and linger on the clothing
for long periods of time and often do not mask out human scents.
Some of the scents utilized include animal urine. A hunter who is
camping overnight does not desire the animal scents to be carried
over to bedtime, home, car, etc.
[0013] There are other drawbacks in utilizing animal scents or any
other scents. The scent may attract a predator of the game which
the hunter is not hunting for which the hunter may not be prepared
to encounter. Containers containing food, beverages, or any other
substance emit scents readily recognizable to animals that may not
be masked by animal scents or may not be natural to a given
environment. Female hikers, campers, hunters, etc. can emit a
readily recognizable scent to animals from menstruation that may
not be masked by animal scents. Also, the weapon used by the hunter
has an odor recognizable by some animals which cannot be disguised
with a scent.
[0014] Fishermen have the problem of fish odor on their hands and
clothes which is difficult to remove. For fishermen camping
overnight the fish odor is not only undesirable because of the odor
but can also attract animals such as bears which the fishermen is
not prepared to meet.
[0015] Hunters have prepared their clothing before hand by washing
to remove prior scents and/or human odor. The washing materials may
also leave an odor. However, out in the field the hunter can sweat
and permeate the clothing with a human scent. It would be desirable
to deodorize clothing during a hunt or while on a fishing trip.
[0016] Ozone has been used for decontaminating buildings and for
decolorizing denim garments. U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,740 to Brais
discloses an apparatus for sterilizing bottles utilizing ozone. The
reference recognizes that ozone in large quantities can be harmful
or irritating. Consequently, it was necessary to provide means for
decomposing the excess ozone and/or to cause its escape into the
atmosphere.
[0017] Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent. Ozone has 150% of the
oxidizing potential of chlorine and twice the oxidizing potential
of bromine. Ozone has been shown to be much more effective than
chlorine with a reaction time up to 10 times faster. Ozone also
readily self-destructs into simple diatomic oxygen due to its
inherent instability. Ozone oxidizes biological products and kills
bacteria.
[0018] Catalytic ionization of air using ultraviolet light is known
to produce a mixture of ozone-containing hydroxyl and hydroperoxide
ions. Ionization devices which are used to eliminate smoke and
odors are known in the art to produce hydroxyl and hydroperoxide
ions, e.g. those used in automobiles.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention, in certain aspects, is directed to
systems and methods which use gaseous ozone to kill bacteria and
reduce or eliminate odors emanating from humans, e.g. in breath or
from skin, as well as odors in clothing worn by a person that are
volatilized into the air space between the human and the wildlife
to prevent wildlife from detecting the presence of humans and/or to
enhance encounters with and the attraction of wildlife. One
embodiment is directed to wearing or carrying a portable ozone
generator while walking, waiting for, or engaging in attracting
wildlife. Another embodiment is directed to wearing or carrying a
portable ozone generator while engaging in an activity, e.g.
walking, waiting for wildlife, or engaging in preventing wildlife
from detecting the presence of humans. Another embodiment is
directed to clothing incorporating or combined with ozone directing
apparatus or devices. Yet another embodiment is directed to the
treatment of clothing--e.g. directly with ozone, prior to or while
being worn--to enhance the attraction of wildlife. Yet another
embodiment is directed to the use of gaseous ozone in or around a
tent, site, or blind to reduce or eliminate odors to enhance the
attraction of wildlife, e.g. for hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and
wildlife photographers. Yet another embodiment is directed to the
use of gaseous ozone in or around a tent, site, or blind to reduce
or eliminate odors to prevent the detection of humans by wildlife,
e.g., for hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and wildlife
photographers.
[0020] The invention relates to a method for deodorizing the
clothing and apparatus of sportsmen, professional or non
professional. More particularly, there are provided methods for
reducing or eliminating human scent or any other foreign scent from
clothing etc.; and there are provided methods for removing human
scent or any other foreign scent (collectively "foreign scents")
from items and/or clothing, e.g. clothing used by hunters before or
during a hunt--through the use of ozone or hydroxyl and
hydroperoxide ions produced by ionization in a manner that would
not cause irritation or injury to the user or equipment. Also,
there is provided a method for removing fish odor from fishermen
and their clothing and equipment while in the field including
lures, tackle boxes and containers. The principal objective of the
invention is the provision of a method for effectively removing
human scent from clothing used by sportsmen.
[0021] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a
method for military personnel to escape detection by other humans
or by scent animals (e.g., scent dogs). In certain particular
aspects the present invention provides methods for reducing or
eliminating human or any other foreign scent from items, e.g. from
clothing and equipment, used by military personnel desiring to
evade detection or capture--through the use of ozone or ozone with
hydroxyl and hydroperoxide ions produced by ionization in a manner
that would not cause irritation or injury to the user or
equipment.
[0022] It is another object of the invention to deodorize fish odor
on fishermen.
[0023] It is yet another object of the invention to de-scent or
deodorize sportsmen while out in the field by the use of ozone or
hydroxyl and hydroperoxide ions.
[0024] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method
of deodorizing clothing with ozone so that it will not cause
irritation or harm.
[0025] It is a further object of the invention to provide ozone in
a compressed or generated form in a hand held container for
application in the field by sportsmen.
[0026] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the description of the preferred embodiments and the
claims.
[0027] For safety reasons, government regulations have recommended,
and sometimes regulated, the amount of ozone to which a human is to
be exposed. For example, OSHA requires that employee permissible
exposure limit (PEL) as an eight hour time-weighted average value
of 0.1 ppm ozone in air. The OSHA short term exposure limit (STEL)
is 0.3 ppm over a 15 minute period, not to be repeated more than
two times in an eight hour period. Prolonged exposure of humans has
produced no apparent ill effects at 0.2 ppm. In a variety of
embodiments of the present invention, a human being is exposed to
ozone generated by an ozone generator. In any such embodiments the
human being may be limited to exposure to ozone in a concentration
of 0.2 parts per million (or less). In any such embodiment, in
certain aspects, in which the human being is to be exposed to ozone
for a time period of up to about 8 hours (about 8 hours or less),
the ozone concentration is limited to 0.1 parts per million (or
less). In any such embodiment, a desired level of ozone
concentration to which the human being is exposed is maintained in
a space of a desired size around the human being, e.g., in certain
aspects, a desired level of ozone is maintained within about a 6
foot radius of the human being (and, in one aspect, at an ozone
concentration level of 0.2 ppm or less and, in another aspect, at
an ozone concentration of 0.1 ppm or less).
[0028] In certain embodiments according to the present invention,
clothing is treated with ozone so that ozone is retained on the
clothing, e.g. for several hours and, in certain aspects, for up to
24 hours, and in other embodiments for more than 24 hours. Ozone
retained on the clothing continues to descent scents which come in
contact with the ozone. A variety of cloths, including, but not
limited to knits, fleeces, cotton cloth, cotton blended cloth,
fibrous cloth, and rough cloths have retained ozone. In other
embodiments treatment with ozone temporarily changes the color of
colored cloth and then, after some time period, the cloth returns
to its original color. This color change indicates that an item of
clothing has been treated with ozone; that it is retaining some
ozone thereon; and the change back to an original color indicates
ozone is no longer being retained on the clothing. "Color" refers
to any color (e.g., but not limited to, white, red, green, blue,
yellow, orange, violet, black, purple, brown, etc.)
[0029] Accordingly, the present invention includes features and
advantages which are believed to enable it to advance descenting
technology. Characteristics and advantages of the present invention
described above and additional features and benefits will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of
the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and
referring to the accompanying drawings.
[0030] What follows are some of, but not all, the objects of this
invention. In addition to the specific objects stated below for at
least certain preferred embodiments of the invention, there are
other objects and purposes which will be readily apparent to one of
skill in this art who has the benefit of this invention's teachings
and disclosures. It is, therefore, an object of at least certain
preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide:
[0031] New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious methods and
systems for enhancing encounters with or the attraction of
animals;
[0032] Such systems and methods including the treatment of clothing
and other items with ozone;
[0033] Such systems and methods including wearing ozone-directing
apparatuses; and
[0034] New useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious systems and
methods for reducing foreign scent in a space between a human being
and an animal.
[0035] Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any
particular individual feature disclosed here, but include
combinations of them distinguished from the prior art in their
structures, functions, and/or results achieved. Features of the
invention have been broadly described so that the detailed
descriptions that follow may be better understood, and in order
that the contributions of this invention to the arts may be better
appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the
invention described below and which may be included in the subject
matter of the claims to this invention. Those skilled in the art
who have the benefit of this invention, its teachings, and
suggestions will appreciate that the conceptions of this disclosure
may be used as a creative basis for designing other structures,
methods and systems for carrying out and practicing the present
invention. The claims of this invention are to be read to include
any legally equivalent devices or methods which do not depart from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0036] The present invention recognizes and addresses the
previously-mentioned problems and long-felt needs and provides a
solution to those problems and a satisfactory meeting of those
needs in its various possible embodiments and equivalents thereof.
To one of skill in this art who has the benefits of this
invention's realizations, teachings, disclosures, and suggestions,
other purposes and advantages will be appreciated from the
following description of certain preferred embodiments, given for
the purpose of disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. The detail in these descriptions is not
intended to thwart this patent's object to claim this invention no
matter how others may later disguise it by variations in form,
changes, or additions of further improvements.
[0037] The Abstract that is part hereof is to enable the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
scientists, engineers, researchers, and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent terms or legal terms of
phraseology to determine quickly from a cursory inspection or
review the nature and general area of the disclosure of this
invention. The Abstract is neither intended to define the
invention, which is done by the claims, nor is it intended to be
limiting of the scope of the invention in any way.
[0038] It will be understood that the various embodiments of the
present invention may include one, some, or all of the disclosed,
described, and/or enumerated improvements and/or technical
advantages and/or elements in claims to this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0039] A more particular description of embodiments of the
invention briefly summarized above may be had by references to the
embodiments which are shown in the drawings which form a part of
this specification. These drawings illustrate certain preferred
embodiments and are not to be used to improperly limit the scope of
the invention which may have other equally effective or legally
equivalent embodiments.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing use of systems
according to the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a system according to the
present invention.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a system according to the
present invention.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a front view of a system according to the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a front view of a system according to the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a front view of a system according to the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partially cutaway, of a system
useful in methods according to the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a perspective view, partially cutaway, of a system
useful in methods according to the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 9A is a side view of the system according to the
present invention.
[0049] FIG. 9B is an open front view of the system of FIG. 9A.
[0050] FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of a system according
to the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 10B is an unfolded cross-section view of the system of
FIG. 10A.
[0052] Presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown
in the above-identified figures and described in detail below. It
should be understood that the appended drawings and description
herein are of preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit
the invention or the appended claims. On the contrary, the
intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims. In showing and describing the
preferred embodiments, like or identical reference numerals are
used to identify common or similar elements. The figures are not
necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the
figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the
interest of clarity and conciseness.
[0053] As used herein and throughout all the various portions (and
headings) of this patent, the terms "invention", "present
invention" and variations thereof mean one or more embodiment, and
are not intended to mean the claimed invention of any particular
appended claim(s) or all of the appended claims. Accordingly, the
subject or topic of each such reference is not automatically or
necessarily part of, or required by, any particular claim(s) merely
because of such reference.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] "Person" as used herein includes, but is not limited to,
"hunter" and a "hunter" is defined as including hunters of wild
game and other animals and also includes nature enthusiasts,
trappers, military personnel, military personnel seeking to evade
others and/or avoid capture, hikers, fishermen and fisherwomen,
backpackers, and photographers; and "hunt" or "hunting" is defined
as including the hunting of wild game and other animals for the
purposes of encountering, attracting, avoiding, escaping from,
photographing, avoiding detection by, capturing, killing and/or
observing them. "An animal" as used herein includes, but is not
limited to, any small or large game animal including deer, elk,
sheep, pig, moose, caribou, bird, rabbit, elephant, mountain lions,
bear and fish, and combinations thereof and, in certain aspects,
"animal" includes human beings. For example, a human may desire to
prevent the detection of human body odors or odors resulting from
the human consumption of various foods and/or spices (e.g., pepper
or curry) and/or beverages by the human himself or herself or by
another human. A "blind" as used herein includes any natural or
man-made place of observing, hiding and/or protecting a person
including, but not limited to, a tent, shack, tree stand, shrubs,
cut limbs, rocks, place for protection from natural elements, and
combinations thereof.
[0055] "Descenting material generators" include generators that
produce a material as a gas, a fine mist, a spray with solids, or
some combination thereof that is capable of descenting human
scents; the materials including, but not limited to, oxidants,
ozone, hydroxyl radicals, hydroperoxides, and other known
descenting materials; with or without an operating integrated fan.
A "mist" produced by an ozonator or descenting material generator
is a mist of descenting material and a liquid, e.g. water or
organic-solvent material (e.g. alcohols like methanol or ethanol or
isopropanol or glycol ether, e.g. ethylene glycol methyl ether and
ethylene glycol dimethylether) that is capable of solubilizing
descenting material. Ozone generators of all sizes, weights, power
sources and types are widely available from sources such as Sharper
Image (www.sharperimage.com), Biozone Scientific
(www.biozonescientific.com), Ozone Solutions
(www.ozoneapplications.com) and Air Zone (www.aaaozone.com).
Optionally, the ozone generator contains an additional ion
generator source for negative ionization of the air. These type of
units are commercially available, e.g. IONIC BREEZE (Trademark)
products from Sharper Image. Optionally, the ozone generator is of
the type that includes atomized water or hydrogen peroxide to
produce highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. Such generators are
disclosed, e.g., in Japanese patent references JP11-00948A;
JP11-009949A; JP2003001/237A2; JP11-226108A; and JP 11-226106A.
Optionally, the ozone generator can include the simultaneous or
intermittent generation of other known oxidizing agents, bacteria
and odor removing substances such as chlorine, zinc ricinoleate
and/or cyclodextrine, e.g. as contained in FEBREEZE (Trademark)
fabric softener. For hunting purposes it is preferable that the
unit be light weight, portable, and battery and/or solar power
operated and/or with a hand crank generator, e.g., when walking to
a hunt. When hunting from a stationary location, such as blind or
tent, it is preferable to have the same features, but if a portable
generator or source of AC electric power is available, then ozone
generators having this capability are also preferred. When hunting
from a blind or a tent, it is still preferred to use low weight
generators since the generator often needs to be transported, e.g.,
carried from a lodge, cabin or vehicle, e.g. to a watching or
hunting location; but generators weighing up to about 8 lbs. and
more may also be used. In general, light weight ozone generators
produce lower levels of ozone and generate ozone for a shorter
period of time, especially when small batteries such as size A, AA,
AAA, C, D and 9 volt batteries are used. However, many battery
operated portable ozone generators last eight hours and more on one
battery charge. The ozone generation source can be of any type
including a UV lamp, electrical discharge, or combination of both.
Certain portable, battery-operated and solar-operated ozone
generators have UV lamps as the ozone generator source due mainly
to the lower voltage required for UV lamps. Larger ozone generators
capable of operating on AC current can be UV lamp, electrical
discharge or a combination of both. Electrical discharge ozone
generators can be capable of generating larger amounts of ozone in
a smaller size container, but adding blowers, fans and transformers
(which is within the scope of the present invention) can result in
some generators being heavier than ozone generators having UV
lamps. Small, portable battery and solar operated ozone generators
are available which have small fans, though many have no fan at
all. One advantage of including at least a small fan is that the
ozone can be dispersed over a larger area more readily, but it is
not necessary that a fan be included in the ozone generator. For
ozonating a larger area like a tent, especially when two or more
hunters are occupying the tent, an ozone generator having a fan or
fan blower is preferred, but not required. If a fan or fan blower
is used, a fan can be used which makes minimum noise, especially
beyond about a ten foot radius of fan operation so as not to spook
an animal, e.g. a deer.
[0056] Certain ozone generators are capable of producing 1 mg and
up to 5,000 mg/hr of ozone and more. For safety consideration, in
certain embodiments of the present invention a person is exposed to
a constant concentration of 0.1 ppm ozone or less and, in one
aspect, such a concentration over an 8 hour time period or less;
but exposures to larger concentrations up to 0.2 ppm ozone and more
over short periods of time can be tolerated by most humans. One
preferred ozone generator is one which can maintain about 0.1 ppm
or less total ambient concentration of ozone over an area of
approximately a six foot radius of a human. In certain aspects the
present invention provides methods for reducing foreign scent in a
space between a human being and an animal, the methods including
generating descenting material with a generator, introducing the
descenting material into a space between a human being and an
animal, the space containing foreign scent, and reducing the
foreign scent in the space with the descenting material. In certain
embodiments, the descenting material is ozone and the method
further includes: exposing the human being to a time-weighted
average value of 0.1 ppm ozone in air or less over an area within a
radius of six feet of the human being; exposing the human being to
a time-weighted value of 0.2 ppm ozone in air or less; or exposing
the human being over a time period of eight hours or less to a
time-weighted value of 0.1 ppm ozone in air or less. In other
aspects the present invention provides methods for reducing foreign
scent in a space between a human being and an animal, the methods
including producing descenting material with a generator, with
direction apparatus, directing said descenting material in a
desired direction into the space, the direction apparatus including
at least one director in communication with the generator for
receiving produced descenting material from the generator and for
directing said descenting material into the space, and reducing the
foreign scent in the space with the descenting material. In certain
embodiments of such methods the descenting material is ozone and
the method further includes: exposing the human being to a
time-weighted average value of 0.1 ppm ozone in air or less over an
area within a radius of about six feet of the human being; exposing
the human being to a time-weighted average value of 0.2 ppm ozone
in air or less; or exposing the human being over a time period of
eight hours or less to an ozone concentration of a time-weighted
average value of 0.1 ppm ozone in air or less. For humans that are
pursuing an encounter with an animal in a leisure manner, e.g.
those hunting and producing only small amounts of odor via sweat
and lighter breathing, a small battery generated ozone generator
like the BIOZONE Model 50 Personal Air Purifier capable of
operating on four C batteries can be used. For persons engaging in
an animal-encounter activity, e.g. photography or hunting, for an
extended period, e.g. an hour, two hours, three hours, four hours,
or more hours, a larger ozone generator such as the BIOZONE
SCIENTIFIC TRAVELAIRE (Trademark) generator weighing about 8 oz. or
an OMZ-200 (Trademark) generator from Ozone Solutions weighing
about 12 oz. and operating only with larger batteries or AC can be
used. For those engaging in mostly stationary activity, e.g.
hunting outdoors or in a tent or blind, then an ozone generator
such as the OZONE SOLUTIONS Model MZ-450 can be used which is
capable of deodorizing 2,000 sq. ft. with it's 450 mg/hr ozone
generation and 61 cfm (cubic feet per minute) fan, or a 6 lb. OZONE
SOLUTIONS OMZ-3400 having a 3,400 mg ozone output and 34 cfm fan
can be used. The MZ-450 and OMZ-3400 are primarily suited for 110V
operation, but can be operated with larger batteries e.g. batteries
currently weighing about 4 lbs. and capable of operating for four
or more hours on a single battery charge. As battery technology
improves, it may be possible to operate high ozone concentration
generators with batteries that weigh much less.
[0057] The use of ozone can quickly reduce or eliminate odors
(including human odors), volatiles and contaminates (all
collectively referred to as "foreign scents") on a person or his or
her clothing and equipment and in the space between the person and
an animal that may be alerting wildlife to the presence of a human.
The ozone is cleanly reduced to oxygen. The many uses of ozone that
are known to kill bacteria, eliminate smoke and react with
alcohols, esters, saturated organics, acyclics, aromatic,
heterocyclics and more to purify the air for healthier human
consumption are used in certain methods according to this invention
not to purify the air for human breathing, e.g. for a hunter
normally in a very clean outdoor environment, but to react with
odors emitted by humans so that these volatiles are not detected by
an animal, e.g. a deer. Since ozone has a half-life of 20 minutes
or more, airborne unreacted ozone still continues to clean
bacteria, odors or clothing. In addition, any gear that has odor
emanating from the gear is also cleaned. Without being bound by any
theory, it is believed that in one aspect, ozone in the air kills
bacteria in certain body areas, including, but not limited to, in
the underarm and groin areas that is responsible for producing many
of the odor-causing volatiles emitted by humans; and in another
aspect, any volatile odors that are produced and emitted directly
by humans via the skin are oxidized by the ozone into compounds
that are much less volatile and therefore far less detectable to
animals, e.g. deer. In another aspect, it is believed that any
volatile odors that are produced and emitted directly by humans via
the feet and escape through the shoe or socks are oxidized by the
ozone into compounds that are much less volatile and therefore far
less detectable to deer. In yet another aspect, it is believed that
the more powerful (but much shorter life-time) hydroxyl and/or
hydroperoxide radical oxidants that are produced by ozone reacting
with ultraviolet rays of the sun and/or the UV lamp of an ozone
generator and/or moisture in the air contribute to odor
elimination.
[0058] In yet another aspect, it is believed that any pheromone or
combinations of pheromones (which contain a wide variety of
alcohol, ester, and saturated organic functionality) that are
produced and emitted by humans at levels far to small to be
detectable by humans but not by animals, e.g. deer, are oxidized by
the ozone into compounds that are much less volatile and therefore
far less detectable to animals, e.g. deer. In yet another aspect,
it is believed that odorants in breath such as aldehydes, alcohols
and acids are oxidized by the ozone into compounds that are much
less volatile and therefore far less detectable to animals, e.g.
deer. In yet another aspect, it is believed that it is possible
that oxidized volatiles, even if they are still somewhat volatile
and detected by animals, e.g. deer, are changed enough in
composition that the animals, e.g. deer, no longer detects the
oxidized volatiles as human.
[0059] In yet another aspect, it is believed that it is possible
that higher levels of ozone in the environment around animals, e.g.
deer, overpowers any human volatile such that the animals, e.g.
deer, perceive the higher concentration of ozone as the result of
commonly-occurring and natural lightning that may be miles away
from the animals, e.g. deer.
[0060] Prior to descenting of clothes, use of special soaps,
shampoos and carbon and/or metal containing clothing, or
combinations of these is optional, but not necessary, when using
ozone for animal encounters, e.g. hunting. There is no limitation
to the number of ozone generators used except for taking the
precaution of not allowing a person to come into contact with an
unsafe amount of ozone that affects human health. For cost and
convenience, one ozone generator located on or near a person is
sufficient. Multiple generators located on a person, near a person
as the person is walking, inside a blind, outside of a blind, and
combinations thereof, may result in an especially enjoyable
activity, e.g. a hunt.
[0061] The ozone generator or generators are, in one aspect,
located approximately 1-2 feet above a person's head. It is within
the scope of the present invention to locate an ozone generator at
a person's feet or near any part of a person's body. Heights
greater than about five feet above the head may be used, but it is
possible that too much dispersion of the ozone results in less
ozone contacting and then eliminating odors emanating from a person
to effectively prevent an animal from detecting a human or to
attract an animal. In certain aspects, an ozone generator is placed
in a position that is substantially upwind of a person, e.g. a
hunter, and slightly elevated above the person's head such that the
ozone effectively contacts and then reduces or eliminates odors
emanating from the person.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 1, in one embodiment 10 of systems and
methods according to the present invention an ozone generator G is
located on a person P in a blind B, e.g. a hunter, especially when
the person is walking to an activity site, e.g. a hunt site or
engaged in an activity, e.g. hunting. The person P is wearing
clothes C which may be any typical clothing or which may be any
clothing disclosed herein according to the present invention.
[0063] Optionally the blind B has an interior ozone generator N
and/or an exterior ozone generator R. Optionally an ozone generator
T is placed outside the blind B. The person P may be outside the
blind B. The blind may be a fabricated structure or a home-made
blind on the ground or in a tree, e.g. made of conveniently located
brush and foliage. The blind may be a unit such as an enclosure,
hut, or a tent that is brought to the sight or permanently located
at the site.
[0064] According to certain aspects of the present invention, there
is provided a method for the de-scenting of clothing used by
sportsmen by the use of an oxidizing gas, namely, ozone or by
ionization with UV light to produce hydroxyl and hydroperoxide
ions. More particularly, clothing is treated with ozone or the
hydroxyl and hydroperoxide ions either at home or in the field by
the application of a small amount of ozone or the hydroxyl and
hydroperoxide ions in order to remove the human scent or any other
foreign scent. Also, the clothing of fishermen can be treated with
the oxidizing gas while in the field to remove the odor of
fish.
[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the human
scent can be eliminated from clothing by applying a low volume
stream of an oxidizing gas comprising ozone or hydroxyl and
hydroperoxide ions directly on the hunter while he is wearing a
hunting outfit. The gaseous stream is applied by an ozone generator
which is hand held or a catalytic ionizer containing UV light and
easily transported by the hunter. The gaseous stream can be applied
directly to the clothing being worn by the hunter in an open
atmosphere so as to be quickly diluted after it is passed over the
clothing. Moreover, the gun or rifle or any other equipment, i.e.
ammunition, arrows, scope, finders etc., of the hunter or sportsmen
can be similarly treated to remove the gun or rifle or equipment
odor.
[0066] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
human scent of a military person desiring to escape detection by
other humans or scent animals (e.g. dogs) is reduced or eliminated
enough to avoid detection. More particularly, there is provided a
method for reducing or eliminating human or any other foreign scent
from clothing, e.g. clothing and equipment used by military persons
desiring to evade capture--through the use of ozone or hydroxyl and
hydroperoxide ions produced by ionization in a manner that would
not cause irritation or injury to the user or equipment.
[0067] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
clothing of the hunter can be treated before or after the hunt by
placing the clothing in a container i.e. a sack, bag or box while
passing the oxidizing gas into the container in order to remove any
human or other scent foreign to that environment.
[0068] Another embodiment of the invention is that the generator is
carried with a hunter or hung upwind of the body so it descents the
human scent traveling downwind. In another embodiment of the
invention, the generator is carried or placed with or near a hunter
with little or no regard to wind direction, allowing for a full 360
degree hunt.
[0069] Also, some certain clothing is not cleaned after every use
by the hunter or sportsmen such as gloves, hats, jackets, boots,
and need to be deodorized and decontaminated before next use.
[0070] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the odor
of fish can be eliminated from a fisherman's clothing, body or
equipment by the direct application of a stream of ozone gas or
hydroxyl and hydroperoxide ions to the site of the fish odor.
Additionally, a fisherman's hands can be deodorized with ozone so
as to remove the fish odor without causing irritation.
[0071] Each of the methods can be practiced in the open in the
field of sports activity utilizing a low volume gas generator. The
clothing is not decolorized as in applications involved in high
volumes of ozone as found in the garment industry where ozone is
used to both de-size and/or decolorize denim garments. The
oxidizing gas may be used alone or diluted with air as when
packaged in a compressed gas form. Ozone which is produced by
generators in amounts up to 8000 mg/hr or more can be compressed or
diluted with an inert gas and compressed into small containers.
[0072] It is understood that the term "sportsmen" is meant to
include those individuals who may hunt with a camera or who merely
enter an environment to observe animals in their habitat.
[0073] Additionally, the term "fishermen" includes those
individuals who handle the fish caught by others.
[0074] Hydroxyl and hydroperoxides are produced in a process known
as "Radiant Catalytic Ionization" which utilizes ultra violet light
which activates a photocatalytic target.
[0075] Small ozone generators such as those producing 1 to 25 lbs.
of ozone per day can be utilized. Also the ozone can be applied
from compressed ozone-filled containers similar to compressed
air.
[0076] Low volume ozone generators which generate up to 65 mg/hr of
ozone and are portable as well as high volume ozone generators are
currently sold by EcoQuest International of Greeneville, Tenn.
which also sells the generators of hydroxyl and hydroperoxide
ions.
[0077] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention as broadly claimed.
[0078] The present invention discloses methods of reducing or of
eliminating any scent that is foreign to the environment from the
clothing, equipment and body of sportsmen, by generating a volume
of ozone gas or a gaseous stream of hydroxyl and hydroperoxide ions
produced by catalytic ionization and passing the gas over the
clothing, body, or equipment. Such a method may include any of the
following: wherein said scent is human scent or any other scent
that is not natural to the environment; passing said gas over a gun
or rifle of said sportsman; wherein said sportsman is a hunter;
wherein said scent is fish odor; wherein said gas is generated by a
hunter at the field of the hunt; wherein the clothing is treated
with said gas while being worn by the sportsmen; wherein said
clothing and equipment is treated with said gas when in a
container; wherein said gas is ozone; wherein said gaseous stream
is produced by catalytic ionization; and/or wherein said gas is
compressed and delivered from a container. The present invention
discloses a method for removing the human scent and any other scent
that is not advantageous to the environment you are in from
clothing and equipment used by sportsmen by the use of gaseous
ozone or hydroxyl and hydroperoxide ions. The gas is applied
directly or indirectly to the clothing, equipment and body while
the hunter is in the field and/or prior to or after the hunt. The
method can also be used by fishermen to eliminate fish odor. The
method can include delivering a gas in compressed/generated form
from a generator that is a container.
[0079] The following Examples further illustrate the invention, but
are not intended to be limiting thereof. In these examples ozone
concentration monitoring was done with an OS-4HIGH RANGE
(Trademark) ozone sensor from Eco Sensors, Inc. of Santa Fe, N.
Mex.
EXAMPLES
[0080] Example I shows how ozone reduces underarm odor from
humans.
[0081] Examples II-X show how ozone reduces odors associated with
human antiperspirants and perfumes.
[0082] Examples XI-XII show how ozone can eliminate odors in a tent
or blind.
[0083] Examples XIII-XXVII show how ozone can eliminate odors from
cloth, rags, and clothes placed in a container (e.g. garment bag,
luggage, or cooler) and treated with ozone.
[0084] Example XXVII shows how ozone treatment results in an
improved hunting experience.
Example I
[0085] Ozone from a DC PRO 450 HO (Trademark) generator was
directed to the underarm of a human for a period of 30 seconds. The
odor before treating with ozone was a 10 on a personal odor scale
("POS") scale in which bad odor is at worst a "10" and reduced odor
is less than 10, and after treatment the odor was a less than 1 on
the POS scale.
Example II
[0086] Stick deodorant, Right Guard EXTREME (Trademark) deodorant,
was wiped onto the back of a human hand. The odor from the
deodorant before treating with ozone was a 10. After 5 minutes
treatment with ozone using the DC PRO 450 HO ozonator within 12
inches of the hand, the smell was very faint (<1 on the POS
scale).
Example III
[0087] Male cologne, Calvin Klein's OBSESSION FOR MEN.TM. cologne,
was sprayed twice on the back of a human hand. The odor before
treating with ozone was a 10. After four minutes treatment with
ozone using the DC PRO 450 HO (Trademark) ozonator within 12 inches
of the hand the smell was very faint (<1 on the POS scale).
Example IV
[0088] Example III was repeated but the cologne was sprayed only
once on the back of a human hand. The odor before treating with
ozone was a 10. After 5 minutes treatment with ozone using the DC
PRO 450 HO (Trademark) ozonator, the smell was very faint (<1 on
the POS scale).
Example V
[0089] Human hands had smoke and cigarette smell thereon from
campfire and lighting of cigarette. The odor before treating with
ozone was a 10. After 2 minutes treatment with ozone using the DC
PRO 450 HO (Trademark) ozonator the smell was very faint (<1 on
the POS scale).
Example VI
[0090] A human rubbed both hands liberally with a sliced onion and
placed hands in front of a DC PRO 450 HO (Trademark) ozonator. The
odor before treating with ozone was a 10. After two minutes
treatment with ozone, the smell was gone (0 odor).
Example VII
[0091] A human rubbed fresh crushed garlic on both hands and placed
one of the hands in front of DC PRO 450 HO (Trademark) ozonator
(within 12 inches). The odor before treating with ozone was a 10.
After two minutes and 20 seconds treatment with ozone the smell was
faint (less than 1 on the POS scale). After six minutes the smell
negligible, and after eight minutes the smell was gone (0 odor). By
comparison, the hand not treated with ozone remained a 10 (on the
POS scale) after eight minutes.
Example VIII
[0092] A human rubbed MAGIC BAIT (Trademark) bait (chicken liver
and chicken blood combination on both hands and placed one of the
hands in front of the DC PRO 450 HO (Trademark) ozonator (within 12
inches). The odor before treating with ozone was a 10 (on the POS
scale). After ten minutes the hand treated with ozone had about a 2
odor (on the POS scale). By comparison, the hand not treated with
ozone remained a 10 (on the POS scale) after ten minutes.
Example IX
[0093] A human rubbed an ORKA BAY WILD COD (Trademark) fillet on
both hands and placed one of the hands in front of DC PRO 450 HO
(Trademark) ozonator (within 12 inches). The odor before treating
with ozone was a 10. After seven minutes the hand treated with
ozone had a 1 odor (on the POS scale). By comparison, the hand not
treated with ozone remained a 10 (on the POS scale) after ten
minutes.
Example X
[0094] A back of a human hand was sprayed with two sprays of Ralph
Lauren ROMANCE (Trademark) perfume. The odor before treating with
ozone was a 10 (on the POS scale). After five minutes treatment
with ozone using the ozonator the smell was faint (2 odor on the
POS scale).
Example XI
[0095] Placed Glade CINNAMON APPLE PLUG-INS SCENTS (Trademark) in
two tents, each with a volume of about 125 cubic feet. After 2
hours, the smell in both tents was a 10 (on the POS scale). In one
tent a BIOZONE DC PRO 3400 (Trademark) ozonator was turned on. At
the time intervals stated below, the odor level (on the POS scale)
in the tents was as follows: [0096] (Ta=Tent without ozone; Tb=Tent
with ozone) [0097] 10 minutes [0098] Ta--10 [0099] Tb--6 [0100] 20
minutes [0101] Ta--10 [0102] Tb--5 [0103] 30 minutes [0104] Ta--10
[0105] Tb--4 [0106] 45 minutes [0107] Ta--10 [0108] Tb--0
EXAMPLE XII
[0109] Placed Air Wick TROPICAL MIST PLUG INS (Trademark) on
plug-in control set at a setting of MAX ODOR in a tent with a PRO
3400 (Trademark) ozonator with an Eco Sensors sensor; and in a
second "control" tent with no ozonator, placed an Air Wick TROPICAL
MIST PLUG INS (Trademark) on plug-in control set at a setting of
MAX ODOR with all tent doors and flaps closed. After 30 minutes
both tents had 10 odor (on the POS scale). Then the ozonator with
the plug-ins at a control setting of MAX ODOR, was turned on and
ozone levels in the tent with the ozonator rose as follows (with
odor levels in both tents, on POS scale, as indicated):
TABLE-US-00001 0 minutes = 0.00 ppm 1 minute = 0.26 ppm 2 minutes =
0.50 ppm 3 minutes = 0.71 ppm 4 minutes = 0.87 ppm 5 minutes = 1.02
ppm (odor in ozonated tent, 4; in control tent, 10) 15 minutes =
2.43 ppm (odor in ozonated tent, 3; in control tent, 10) 21 minutes
= 2.35 ppm (odor in ozonated tent, 3-4; in control tent, 10)
[0110] At 21 minutes, turned output of both plug-ins to a 0.5
control setting. TABLE-US-00002 31 minutes = 2.42 ppm 36 minutes =
2.34 ppm (odor in ozonated tent, 4; control tent, 10) 41 minutes
(unplugged both plug-ins and removed from tents) 56 minutes = 2.97
ppm (odor in ozonated tent, 1; control tent, 10) 71 minutes (set
both plug-ins on a "low" control setting in each tent 81 minutes =
2.81 ppm (odor in ozonated tent, 1; control tent,
Example XIII
[0111] An ENVIROSORB (Trademark) cellulose solvent pillow
(available from Lab Safety Supply, Inc.) was saturated with butyl
mercaptan vapors by placing an open bottle of butyl mercaptan in a
closed metal paint can containing the pillow. The vapor-saturated
pillow was then placed in a DILLARD'S (Trademark) garment bag along
with a DC PRO 450 HO (Trademark) ozonator. The odor before treating
with ozone was a 10 (on the POS Scale). After 20 minutes with the
ozonator on in the bag, treated imbiber had a smell of 1 on the POS
scale.
Example XIV
[0112] Approximately 0.5 ml of butylmercaptan was added to 10 ml
denatured alcohol in a SEP (Trademark) commercial sprayer. Five
sprays of the mixture were sprayed on a cotton t-shirt. The shirt
was placed in a garment bag along with a DC PRO 450 HO (Trademark)
ozonator. The odor before treating with ozone was a 10 (on the POS
Scale). After 20 minutes treating with ozone in the bag, the
treated shirt had a smell of 2 on the POS scale and a control shirt
(no treatment) had a smell of 10 on the POS scale.
Example XV
[0113] Ralph Lauren ROMANCE (Trademark) fragrance was sprayed twice
on a cotton shirt and placed in the garment bag of Example XIII
along with a DC PRO 450 HO (Trademark) ozonator. The control shirt
was sprayed two times with the fragrance and placed in open air.
The odor on both shirts before treating with ozone was a 10 (on the
POS scale). After 10 minutes of ozone treatment in the bag, the
treated shirt had a smell of 0 and the control shirt had a smell of
10.
Example XVI
[0114] One spray of LEMON FRESH PINESOL (Trademark) liquid was
sprayed on each of two cloths. One cloth was placed in the garment
bag of Example XIII with a DC PRO 450 HO (Trademark) ozonator, and
the other cloth (control) was placed outdoors. The odor on both
cloths before treating with ozone was a 10 (on the POS scale).
After 6 minutes of ozone treatment in the bag the treated cloth had
a smell of 0 on the POS scale and the control cloth had a smell of
2 on the POS scale.
Example XVII
[0115] Smoke from a small fire of had and small twigs was allowed
to permeated 2 cloths. One cloth was placed in the garment bag of
Example XIII with a DC PRO 450 HO (Trademark) ozonator and the
other cloth (control) was placed outdoors. The odor on both cloths
before treating with ozone was a 10 (on the POS scale). After 5
minutes of treating with ozone, the treated cloth had a small of 0
on the POS scale and the control cloth had a smell of 6 on the POS
scale.
Example XVIII
[0116] Smoke from a lit cigarette was blown into two cloths. One
cloth was placed in the garment bag of Example XIII with DC PRO 450
HO (Trademark) ozonator, and the other cloth (control) was placed
outdoors. The odor on both cloths before treating with ozone was a
10 (on the POS scale). After 6 minutes of treating with ozone in
the bag, the treated cloth had a 0 smell on the POS scale and the
control cloth had a smell of 6 on the POS scale.
Example XIX
[0117] Ralph Lauren ROMANCE (Trademark) fragrance was sprayed twice
on the outside of a SCENT-LOK SAVANNAH EXT (Trademark) jacket. At
time=0, the smell of the sprayed jacket was a 10 on the POS scale.
After 5 minutes in the open air the smell was still an 8 on the POS
scale. The jacket was then placed in the garment bag of Example
XIII with a PRO 3400 (Trademark) ozonator. After treating the
jacket for 10 minutes in the bag with ozone the smell was a 2 on
the POS scale. After 15 minutes of ozone treatment in the bag the
odor of the jacket was a 1 on the POS Scale. After 20 minutes of
such treatment the odor was gone.
Example XX
[0118] The inside lining of a jacket as in Example XIX was sprayed
with the ROMANCE (Trademark) fragrance and placed inside the bag of
Example XIII with a PRO 3400 (Trademark) ozonator. At time=0, the
smell was a 10 on the POS scale. After treating the jacket for 5
minutes in the bag with ozone the smell was a 3 on the POS scale.
After 10 minutes of ozone treatment in the bag the odor of the
jacket was a 1-2 on the POS scale. After treating the jacket for 15
minutes in the bag with ozone the smell was a 0-1 on the POS scale.
After 20 minutes the odor was gone.
Example XXI
[0119] ROMANCE (Trademark) fragrance was sprayed onto two cloth
rags with four sprays of the fragrance each. One cloth was placed
in a bag as in Example XIII with a PRO 3400 (Trademark) ozonator
and the other cloth (control) was placed outside. At time=0, the
smell on both rags was a 10 on the POS scale. After 5 minutes the
ozone-treated rag was a 0 on the POS scale and the outside cloth
was a 2 on the POS scale.
Example XXII
[0120] Two rags were each sprayed with two sprays of Calvin Klein
OBSESSION FOR MEN (Trademark) cologne plus four sprays of the Ralph
Lauren ROMANCE (Trademark) fragrance. One rag was placed in a bag
as in Example XIII with a PRO 3400 (Trademark) ozonator and the
other rag was placed outside. At time=0, the smell on both rags was
a 10 on the POS scale. After 5 minutes of treatment, the ozone
cloth in the bag had a smell of 0 on the POS scale and the cloth
outside had a smell of 10 on the POS scale.
Example XXIII
[0121] The OBSESSION (Trademark) cologne was sprayed (2 sprays) on
two SCENT-LOK SAVANNAH EXT coats. One coat was placed in a bag as
in Example XIII with a PRO 3400 (Trademark) ozonator. The other
coat (control) was placed in the open air. The results are below:
[0122] TIME [0123] CONTROL COAT SMELL [0124] COAT TREATED WITH
OZONE [0125] (SMELLS ON POS SCALE) [0126] 0 minutes [0127] 10
[0128] 10 [0129] 5 minutes [0130] 10 [0131] 7 [0132] 7 minutes
[0133] 10 [0134] 4 [0135] 13 minutes [0136] 8 [0137] 3 [0138] 18
minutes [0139] 7 [0140] 2 [0141] (e.g. at 7 minutes the control
coat had a smell of 10 and the treated coat had a smell of 4)
Example XXIV
[0142] The OBSESSION (Trademark) fragrance was sprayed (2 sprays)
each onto one sweat shirt, one camouflage t-shirt (short sleeved),
one camouflaged long-sleeved t-shirt, one pair of denim jeans, one
cotton short pants and one cotton t-shirt. All the clothes were
placed in a bag as in Example XIII in no order along with a PRO
3400 (Trademark) ozone generator. The smell at time=0 in the bag
was a 10 on the POS scale. After 95 minutes treatment with ozone in
the bag, each garment had a less than 1 smell on the POS scale. Ten
hours later, all the clothes placed in the bag still had ozone odor
on them. At this time all the clothes were placed in an unsealed
plastic bag and another 14.5 hours later the clothes still had
ozone odor on them.
Example XXV
[0143] One spray of COON URINE (Trademark) Hunter's Masking Scent
was sprayed onto a t-shirt. The t-shirt was placed into a bag as in
Example XIII along with a BORA IV LIVING AIR (Trademark) ozonator
(fan on max). The results are shown below for the indicated number
of minutes of treatment with ozone in the bag: [0144] 0 minutes=10
odor (odor of shirt on POS scale) [0145] 5 minutes=6 odor [0146] 10
minutes=2 odor [0147] 15 minutes=1 odor
Example XXVI
[0148] One spray of the OBSESSION (Trademark) cologne was sprayed
onto a POLAR TEC (Trademark) fleece jacket and placed into a 150
quart cooler fitted with a clothes rod and hanger. The fleece
jacket was placed on the hanger and a PRO 3400 (Trademark) ozone
generator was placed into the cooler. The smell at time=0 in the
cooler was a 10 on the POS scale. After 15 minutes treatment with
ozone, the garment had about a 1 smell on the POS scale.
Example XXVII
[0149] On spray of the OBSESSION (Trademark) cologne was sprayed on
a green long-sleeved shirt (100% cotton knit) and placed in the
cooler as described in Example XXVI along with a PRO 3400
(Trademark) generator. A small fan was placed in the bottom of the
cooler and turned on max with the fan facing up. The smell at
time=0 in the cooler was a 10 on the POS scale. After 15 minutes of
treatment with ozone in the cooler, the shirt had about a 1 smell
on the POS scale. Then the shirt was re-placed in the cooler and
treated with ozone for an additional 30 minutes. This resulted in
several red streaks on the shirt due to the ozone contacting and
remaining on the shirt. The shirt was then removed from the cooler
and placed on a table open to the ambient air. About eleven hours
later, the shirt still had an ozone smell and almost all the red
streaking had disappeared. Another 12 hours later minimal ozone
smell was noticeable and all red streaking had disappeared.
Example XXVIII
[0150] A sweaty t-shirt that a human jogged in for 3.5 miles over
35 minutes was placed on a hanger in the cooler of Example XXVI
along with a PRO 3400 (Trademark) ozone generator and a small fan
in the cooler was turned on high. The smell at time=0 in the cooler
was a 10 on the POS scale. After 20 minutes treatment with ozone in
the cooler, the garment had about a 2 smell on the POS scale.
Example XXIX
[0151] A hunter placed himself in a cedar bush located in the Fort
Peck Wilderness Area in Montana. A Biozone 50 (Trademark)
battery-operated ozonator was placed on a backpack located between
the hunter's legs and turned on. An elk was observed approaching
within 8 yards of the hunter about 45 minutes after the ozonator
was turned. The elk passed downwind and through the hunter's scent
line without detecting the hunter.
Example XXX
[0152] A hunter placed himself in a home-made blind of native brush
in South Texas along with an OMZ-200 (Trademark) battery operated
ozonator hung from the blind and located about 10 inches behind and
above his head. The hunter did not use any SCENT-LOK (Trademark)
clothing, masks or scents prior to or during the hunt, but was
camouflaged using Cabela's lightweight ghillie pants, jacket and
facemask. Deer corn was placed at the perimeter of the blind going
out to about 30 feet from the blind. Within 10 minutes of turning
on the ozonator to Max Setting, up to 6 white tail deer at a time
and several birds (cardinals and finch) were observed feeding
within 10 yards downwind of the hunter in a 3 hour time span. One
young buck was observed within 5 feet downwind of the blind where
the hunter was laying. None of the deer, cardinals or finch
appeared to have scented the hunter.
[0153] Optionally, a feeder FR is provided to attract an animal
(e.g., but not limited to, a grain feeder for attracting a deer or
a bird feeder for attracting a bird). Any known feeder may be used,
including but not limited to, an automatic powered timed feeder. An
ozone generator X connected to or adjacent the feeder FR produces
ozone to descent the feeder, the feed, and/or the area around the
feeder.
[0154] In all the Examples I-XXX the ozonator or generator included
a fan as part thereof and this fan was operating when the ozonator
or generator was turned on.
[0155] FIG. 2 shows a person S with an over-shoulder removable
harness 22 of a system 20 according to the present invention. An
ozone generator 24 is connected to the harness 22. Optionally
produced ozone is directed to the person's underarms by tubes 26.
Optionally, produced ozone is expelled from the ozone 24 via a port
28.
[0156] FIG. 3 shows a person D with a system 30 according to the
present invention. A shoulder strap 32 supports an ozone generator
34. Optionally produced ozone is expelled through a port 38.
Optionally tubes 33 direct produced ozone to the person's
underarms. Optionally the system 30 includes a free tube 35 which
may be of any desired length and which is movable and/or flexible
for directing ozone to any body part and/or toward any item or
area.
[0157] FIG. 4 shows two systems 40 according to the present
invention used by a person F. Each system 40 has an ozone generator
44 with a nozzle 46 for directing produced ozone in a desired
direction at a desired body part. Each system 40 has thereon an
amount of releasably-cooperating hook-and-loop fastener material
43. A corresponding amount 45 of this material is on a shirt 41 of
the person F; thus, the ozone generators 44 are releasably
connected to the shirt 41. Optionally, such a connection can be
provided for any ozone generator disclosed herein for connection to
any piece of clothing, footwear, blind, or other item. Optionally
each ozone generator 44 has a produced-ozone exit port 48.
[0158] FIG. 5 shows a person G with a system 50 according to the
present invention with an ozone generator 54 worn or a string or
cord 51 around the person's neck. Optionally, the system 50 has two
tubes 53, one directed to each of the person's underarms.
Optionally the system 50 has a tube 55 directed to a body area
beneath the person's chest (e.g. but not limited to, to the groin
area). Optionally, the ozone generator 54 has a produced-ozone exit
port 58a and/or a produced-ozone exit port 58b.
[0159] FIG. 6 shows a person H with a system 60 according to the
present invention having an ozone generator 64 worn around the
waist on a belt 61. It is within the scope of the present invention
for the belt to be around any body part or area (e.g. but not
limited to, head, arm, leg, chest, foot). Tubes 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b,
64, 65a, 65b, and 66 extend to various body parts or areas to
convey ozone to those parts or areas. Optionally, an ozone
generator or generators 67a, 67b, 67c, 67d, and/or 67e may be used
with or instead of the ozone generator 64. The tubes 63a, 63b can,
as shown extend down into boots 69 or they can be terminated above
the boots 69.
[0160] FIG. 7 shows a system 80 according to the present invention
with an ice chest or cooler 71 with an openable lid 71a and body
71b with an interior space 71c. Shown schematically within the
interior space 71c is an ozone generator 72, an optional fan 73, a
piece of cloth 74 and an item 75 (shown schematically, may be any
thing that will fit within the cooler, including, but not limited
to, any item or thing disclosed herein which can be descented with
ozone). With the lid 71a closed or open, the ozone generator is
turned on to produce ozone to descent the cloth 74 and/or the item
75. When the optional fan 73 is present and turned on, it provides
air to circulate the ozone. It is within the scope of the present
invention for the ozone generator 72 and the fan 73 to be powered
via an electrical power source (not shown) using a typical
electrical power cord (not shown); or, as shown, the ozone
generator 72 and the fan 73 are battery-operated. Optionally, or in
addition to the fan 73, a fan 73a may be used outside the cooler 71
with the lid 71a open.
[0161] FIG. 8 shows a system 80 according to the present invention
with a flexible bag 81 with an openable zipper 81a and body 81b
with an interior space 81c. Shown schematically within the interior
space 81c is an ozone generator 82, an optional fan 83, a piece of
cloth 84 and items 85, 86, 87 (shown schematically, may be any
thing that will fit within the cooler, including, but not limited
to, any item or thing disclosed herein which can be descented with
ozone). With the zipper 81a closed or open, the ozone generator is
turned on to produce ozone to descent the cloth 84 and/or the item
85. When the optional fan 83 is present and turned on, it provides
air to circulate the ozone. It is within the scope of the present
invention for the ozone generator 72 and the fan 73 to be powered
via an electrical power source (not shown) using a typical
electrical power cord (not shown); or, as shown, the ozone
generator 72 and the fan 73 are battery-operated. Optionally, or in
addition to the fan 83, a fan 83a may be used outside the flexible
bag 81, with the zipper 81a open or closed.
[0162] FIGS. 9A and 9B show a system 90 according to the present
invention which includes a portable container 92 with a hinged lid
96 connected with hinges 98 to a main body 91. As shown in FIG. 9B
(with the lid 96 open) the interior of the container can contain a
plurality of items, e.g., but not limited to, diving gear F, G, H,
J. An ozone generator 94 is placed within the container 92 and,
with the lid 96 open or closed, the ozone generator 94 produces
ozone to descent the items F-J. It is within the scope of the
present invention for the ozone generator 72 and the fan 73 to be
powered via an electrical power source (not shown) using a typical
electrical power cord (not shown); or, as shown, the ozone
generator 72 and the fan 73 are battery-operated.
[0163] FIGS. 10A and 10B show a system 100 according to the present
invention which includes a garment bag 102 with handles 101a and
101b and an interior space 101c. The garment bag 102 may contain
any thing or item that will fit therein. As shown schematically in
FIG. 10B, the garment bag 102 contains items of clothing 103, 104
hung therein and shoes 105. An ozone generator 106 is placed within
the garment bag 102 to produce ozone to descent the items therein.
Optionally a fan 107 is also used within the garment bag 102. It is
within the scope of the present invention for the ozone generator
72 and the fan 73 to be powered via an electrical power source (not
shown) using a typical electrical power cord (not shown); or, as
shown, the ozone generator 72 and the fan 73 are battery-operated.
Optionally, or in addition to the fan 107, a fan 107a may be used
outside the bag 102 with the bag 102 open or closed.
[0164] It is to be understood for any embodiment disclosed herein
that mentions an "ozone generator" that a descenting material
generator may be used that produces ozone and/or any, each of,
and/or all descenting materials referred to herein and their
equivalents, with or without an integrated fan that is operating.
In the systems of FIG. 2-FIG. 10A any suitable ozonator, ozone
generator, or descenting material generator may be used, with or
without a fan that is operating.
[0165] The present invention, therefore, provides in certain, but
not necessarily all embodiments, a method for reducing foreign
scent in a space between a human being and an animal, the method
including: generating descenting material with a generator,
introducing the descenting material into a space between a human
being and an animal, the space containing foreign scent, and
reducing the foreign scent in the space with the descenting
material. Such a method may include one or some, in any possible
combination, of the following: the foreign scent including human
odor; exposing the human being to about 0.1 ppm ozone, or less,
over an area, e.g. within a radius of six feet or less of the human
being; exposing the human being to 0.2 ppm ozone, or less; exposing
the human being to ozone produced by the generator over a time
period, e.g. over a time period of eight hours or less, and 0.1
ppm, or less (all "ppm" ozone levels are a time-weighted average
value in air); the descenting material being ozone and the human
being has on an item of clothing and the item of clothing receives
an amount of ozone produced by the generator, the amount of ozone
sufficient so that ozone is retained on the item of clothing and,
in one aspect, the item of clothing is colored and the ozone
changes the color of at least part of the item of clothing, and the
clothing is, e.g., made of knit fabric, cotton fabric, cotton
blended fabric, fibrous fabric or fleece; the descenting material
being ozone; the descenting material being any of ozone, hydroxy
radicals, hydroperoxides, and oxidants; generating the descenting
material as a gas; generating the descenting material in a mist;
the human being being a hunter and the animal is an animal hunted
by the human being; at least one item in the space, the item having
an item foreign scent, the method further including descenting the
item foreign scent; the foreign scent including human odor, the
method further including supporting the generator on the human
being; at least one direction apparatus in communication with the
generator, the method further including with the at least one
direction apparatus, directing descenting material from the
generator in a desired direction; the foreign scent including human
odor, the method further including supporting the generator on the
human being, wherein there is at least one direction apparatus in
communication with the generator, the method further including with
the at least one direction apparatus, directing descenting material
from the generator in a desired direction at a part of the human
being; the part of the human being any of an armpit, torso, head,
mouth, nostrils, groin, and feet; the at least one direction
apparatus being a plurality of direction apparatuses; the foreign
scent being in a blind and the descenting material introduced into
the blind; the foreign scent being in a tent and the descenting
material introduced into the tent; the foreign scent being any of
human odor, volatile material, and contaminating material; the fan
apparatus assisting in introducing the descenting material into the
space; and/or the fan apparatus being spaced apart from the
generator or integral therewith.
[0166] The present invention, therefore, provides in certain, but
not necessarily all embodiments, a method for descenting foreign
scent from an item, the method including: placing an item in a
container, the item having a foreign scent, the container
containing air, the container located outdoors; generating
descenting material in the container with a generator; moving air
in the container with a fan apparatus; and reducing the foreign
scent with the descenting material; and, in certain aspects, such a
method wherein: the descenting material being ozone and the human
being has on an item of clothing and the item of clothing receives
an amount of ozone produced by the generator, the amount of ozone
sufficient so that ozone is retained on the item of clothing; the
item of clothing being colored and the ozone changes the color of
at least part of the item of clothing; and the fan apparatus is
spaced apart from the generator or is integral therewith.
[0167] The present invention, therefore, provides in certain, but
not necessarily all embodiments, a system for descenting human
odors on an item, the system including: a container; a descenting
material generator in the container; and a fan apparatus in the
container for moving air in the container as descenting material is
produced by the descenting material generator.
[0168] The present invention, therefore, provides in certain, but
not necessarily all embodiments, a system for reducing foreign
scent in a space between a human being and an animal, the system
including a generator for producing descenting material; and at
least one direction apparatus (or a plurality of them) in
communication with the generator for receiving produced descenting
material from the generator and for directing said descenting
material in a desired direction to reduce the foreign scent.
[0169] The present invention, therefore, provides in certain, but
not necessarily all embodiments, a method for reducing foreign
scent in a space between a human being and an animal, the method
including: producing descenting material with a generator; with
direction apparatus, directing said descenting material in a
desired direction into the space, the direction apparatus including
at least one director in communication with the generator for
receiving produced descenting material from the generator and for
directing said descenting material into the space; and reducing the
foreign scent in the space with the descenting material. Such a
method may include one or some, in any possible combination, of the
following: the descenting material is ozone and the method further
including exposing the human being to about 0.1 ppm ozone, or less,
over an area within a radius of about six feet of the human being;
the descenting material is ozone and the human being is exposed to
a concentration of 0.2 ppm ozone, of less; the descenting material
is ozone and the human being over a time period of eight hours or
less is exposed to an ozone concentration of only 0.1 ppm or
less.
[0170] In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present
invention and the embodiments disclosed herein and those covered by
the appended claims are well adapted to carry out the objectives
and obtain the ends set forth. Certain changes can be made in the
subject matter without departing from the spirit and the scope of
this invention. It is realized that changes are possible within the
scope of this invention and it is further intended that each
element or step recited in any of the following claims is to be
understood as referring to the step literally and/or to all
equivalent elements or steps. The following claims are intended to
cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form
it may be utilized. The invention claimed herein is new and novel
in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.102 and satisfies the conditions
for patentability in .sctn.102. The invention claimed herein is not
obvious in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.103 and satisfies the
conditions for patentability in .sctn.103. This specification and
the claims that follow are in accordance with all of the
requirements of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112. The inventors may rely on the
Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the scope of their
invention and of the claims that follow as they may pertain to
apparatus not materially departing from, but outside of, the
literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following
claims. All patents and applications identified herein are
incorporated fully herein for all purposes.
* * * * *