Devices for Removal of Moisture

Abstract

Devices for removal of moisture are provided. Also provided are wearable apparatuses that include devices for removal of moisture.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 544,348, filed Aug. 11, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to devices for removal of moisture from athletic gear and clothing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Athletic gear, such as gloves, pads, helmets, masks, shoes, skates, and other articles of clothing, must protect an athlete's body from a variety of physical stresses. To provide adequate protection, such gear must fit securely over various parts of the athlete's body, typically either in direct contact with the skin or over an undergarment made of thin material, such as a sock or undershirt. The exertion during sporting activity causes most athletes to sweat, even in sports performed in cold environments, and the proximity of the gear to the user's skin results in inundation of the equipment with sweat. When the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a device for removing moisture from athletic gear and accessories. The device contains a desiccant made of particles that absorb moisture from the gear. The device has a fabric coated with a wicking agent that helps move moisture inward. The desiccant absorbs moisture and is then dried out to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. The device can be used repeatedly without losing its function. Overall, the device promotes the drying of equipment and prevents damage from moisture accumulation.

Problems solved by technology

The exertion during sporting activity causes most athletes to sweat, even in sports performed in cold environments, and the proximity of the gear to the user's skin results in inundation of the equipment with sweat.

When the athlete removes the equipment after completing a day's sporting activity, storage of the sweat-soaked gear allows the proliferation of bacteria and other microorganisms, which produce foul-smelling odors.

Given that many pieces of athletic equipment are shared by multiple users in settings such as rental facilities and children's sports leagues, the offensive smell is particularly problematic; an aversion to noisome communal gear prevents some people from participating in certain sports altogether.

In addition to generating bad odors, microbial growth can damage the equipment.

Existing approaches to combat the effects of odor-causing bacteria in athletic gear are inadequate.

Whereas sweaty clothes can be readily washed in a washing machine, most athletic shoes, skates, pads, and helmets are not machine-washable.

Various insoles can be used to address bad-smelling footwear, but each type has limitations.

For example, some insoles merely provide aromas to mask the smell of microbes without inhibiting their growth, while other types that absorb moisture must be frequently replaced due to their limited absorption capacity.

Odor-fighting solutions for gear that covers other parts of the body, such as pads, helmets, and masks, are largely limited to fragrances and anti-microbial liquids that can be sprayed onto equipment between uses.

Consequently, smelly gear continues to plague dedicated athletes and deter others from engaging in a variety of healthy and enjoyable recreational sports.

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