Dehumidifier device

Abstract

 A dehumidifier device is described, said device comprising a container (4) inside which a moisture-absorption element (6) is housed; the container (4) may be opened/closed for insertion/extraction of the moisture-absorption element (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifier device, in particular to a dehumidifier device for domestic use.

[0002] In order to remove moisture from environments such as rooms, houses, camper vans, caravans, wardrobes, etc., at present dehumidifying products in the form of powder or granules contained in bags or containers are used.

[0003] When the dehumidifying product has performed its function and has therefore soaked up a liquid solution, the container/product assembly soaked with the solution may drip or the container may break with loss of product and consequent soiling of floors, surfaces or the like.

[0004] Another drawback is that the dehumidifying product may come into contact with the user's hands and then possibly with their eyes or even worse may be swallowed by pets or children.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifier device which overcomes the abovementioned drawbacks, is easy to manufacture, is very reliable and has a relatively low cost.

[0006] The present invention achieves the abovementioned objects by means of a dehumidifier device having the characteristic features described specifically in the claims below.

[0007] Further characteristic features and advantages of the present invention will emerge during the course of the following detailed description, provided purely by way of a nonlimiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Fig. 1 shows the dehumidifier device according to the present invention during use;
• Fig. 2 is a partial view of the dehumidifier device in its open condition; and
• Fig. 3 shows the dehumidifier device with inside it the moisture-absorption element.

[0008] With reference to the Figures in which identical or corresponding parts have been indicated by the same reference numbers, 2 denotes the dehumidifier device according to the invention in its entirety.

[0009] The device 2 comprises a container 4 and a moisture-absorption element 6.

[0010] The moisture-absorption element 6 is essentially a tray 8 containing a hygroscopic material; the tray 8 is closed by a membrane 9 pervious to moisture in the direction from the exterior towards the interior of the tray and impervious to the liquid which has formed in the opposite direction.

[0011] Basically, the moisture penetrates into the tray 8 and is absorbed by the hygroscopic material contained inside it, without being able to escape therefrom.

[0012] The moisture-absorption element 6 is described more fully in the European Patent No. EP 1 338 529 in the name of the present Applicant.

[0013] The moisture-absorption element 6, once depleted, is replaced by an identical element, without the need nor the possibility of the user coming into contact with the depleted hygroscopic material.

[0014] The replacement moisture-absorption element 6 will be supplied hermetically packaged so as to prevent activation thereof in advance and/or deterioration thereof before use and will be activated by the user upon removal of its external packaging.

[0015] The container 4 has holes F and channels P designed to allow the ambient air to pass towards the moisture-absorption element 6.

[0016] In the example illustrated, the container 4 is substantially in the form of a shell with two halves 10, 12 hinged with each other.

[0017] The container 4 makes it practically impossible for the moisture-absorption element 6 to be tampered with by children or pets.

[0018] The advantages of the device according to the invention are obvious from the above description: the possibility of the hygroscopic material falling and soiling is eliminated, the moisture-absorption element 6 is easily replaced without the possibility of touching the hygroscopic material.

[0019] Obviously, without modifying the principle of the invention, major variations may be made to that described and illustrated, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0020] For example, the container may have any shape suitable for enclosing the tray, for example a parallelepiped shape, provided with holes or incisions in any arrangement, and must be provided with at least one opening for extraction or removal of the moisture-absorption element 6.

Claims

1. Dehumidifier device, characterized in that it comprises a container (4) inside which a moisture-absorption element (6) is housed.

2. Dehumidifier device according to Claim 1, characterized in that said container (4) may be opened/closed for insertion/extraction of said moisture-absorption element (6).

3. Dehumidifier device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said container (4) has openings (F, P) for circulation of the ambient air.
All of which substantially as described and illustrated and for the objects mentioned.

Drawing