DRYING RECEPTACLE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Abstract

 A drying receptacle is provided that defines an interior cavity therein. At least one dividing member is fixedly attached in the interior cavity for dividing the interior cavity into at least first and second compartments. A closeable opening is defined in the first compartment for allowing selective access to the first compartment in use. Hanging means are provided on or associated with the first compartment for allowing the drying receptacle and/or one or more items locatable in the first compartment to be hung in use. Drainage means are provided on or associated with the second compartment to allow fluid present in the second compartment to be drained and/or removed in use. The dividing member is formed from, consists of or includes a mesh material to allow any fluid present in the first compartment to freely pass into the second compartment when the receptacle and/or one or more items are in a hung position in use.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a drying receptacle for drying one or more items in use, and to a method of using a drying receptacle.

[0002] Although the following description refers almost exclusively to a drying receptacle in the form of a bag for containing a wet suit or wet garment, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the drying receptacle could take any suitable containment form and could be used to store, transport and/or dry any one or more items, such as for example, swimming clothing, towels and/or accessories, sailing clothing, wet weather items, sports kit and/or the like.

[0003] It is known to provide a drying bag for the containment and/or transporting of wet suits. One such example is disclosed in GB2462485, in which a waterproof bag is provided. A semi-permeable membrane is provided in the bag and separates the bag into two compartments. The wet gear is placed in an upper compartment of the bag, formed from a breathable fabric, such as Tyvek (RTM), and water passes from the wet gear into a lower waterproof compartment by passing through the semi-permeable membrane. The semi-permeable membrane can be Gore-Tex (RTM) or similar material which allows water to pass in one direction only. A valve can be provided in the lower compartment to drain water off.

[0004] Other known drying bags include US6386414 which discloses a sports equipment bag having a water resistant outer shell with multiple ventilation assemblies for exposing the bag interior to free air circulation, each ventilation assembly covered by a mesh lining and a flap which can be selectively opened and closed. US2003156767 discloses a ventilated sports bag having a permeable inner layer with a detachable waterproof/impermeable outer cover. Wet things are located in the permeable inner layer and the outer cover is removed to allow drying. US1251404 discloses a hand bag for the containment of wet suits. It includes an open topped outer waterproof receptacle and an inner receptacle located inside the outer receptacle and attached to the outer receptacle. The inner receptacle is located within the outer receptacle a distance above the base of the outer receptacle. A series of perforations are provided in the base of the inner receptacle to allow water to drain from the inner receptacle to the outer receptacle. A screw threaded arrangement can be provided in a side wall of the lower part of the outer receptacle to allow a tube to be fitted to the same to drain water away.

[0005] It is an aim of the present invention to provide an alternative drying receptacle.

[0006] It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using an alternative drying receptacle.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a drying receptacle, said drying receptacle defining an interior cavity therein, at least one dividing member fixedly attached in the interior cavity for dividing the interior cavity into at least first compartment and second compartments, a closeable opening defined in the first compartment for allowing selective access to the first compartment in use, hanging means provided on or associated with the first compartment for allowing the drying receptacle and/or one or more items locateable in the first compartment to be hung or supported in use, and drainage means provided on or associated with the second compartment to allow liquid present in the second compartment to be drained and/or removed in use, and wherein the dividing member is formed of, consists of or includes a mesh material to allow liquid present in the first compartment to flow or freely pass into the second compartment when the receptacle and/or one or more items are in a hung position in use.

[0008] The drying receptacle of the present invention is greatly simplified and uses less materials compared to some of the complex drying receptacle arrangements of the prior art, which require inner bags to be located in outer bags. The present invention is therefore a lighter, less expensive and more versatile product than the prior art devices. The provision of the mesh material as the dividing member, compared to using a semi-permeable membrane, greatly increases the ability, efficiency and speed in which fluid or liquid, such as for example water, can flow from the first compartment to the second compartment in use. This allows one or more wet items located in the first compartment in use to be dried in less time. It also allows relatively small items of solid matter, such as sand, dirt or small items of debris to pass from the first compartment to the second compartment in use. The hanging means being provided on or associated with the first compartment also allows the drying receptacle to be used in a correct orientation in use and/or allows one or more items located in the first compartment to be hung so as to allow liquid from the same to pass from the first compartment into the second compartment.

[0009] Preferably one or more items are locatable in and/or removable from the first compartment in use.

[0010] Preferably one or more items are not manually locatable in the second compartment in use.

[0011] In one embodiment the entire, or substantially the entire, dividing member is formed from or consists of mesh material.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment only part of the dividing member is formed from, includes or consists of mesh material.

[0013] Preferably the mesh material is fully or substantially fully permeable to any or any combination of liquid, water, air and/or the like. The mesh material can also typically allow the passage of solids therethrough, such as for example, sand, small solids, debris and/or the like. This has the advantage of helping to keep the first compartment in which one or more items can be located in use relatively clean.

[0014] Preferably the mesh material is formed such that it allows the flow of liquid or water therethrough without hindrance or obstruction or without significant hindrance or obstruction.

[0015] Preferably the mesh material include one or more apertures, and further preferably a plurality of apertures, that allow liquid or water to flow through the same in use.

[0016] Preferably the plurality of apertures of the mesh material are provided a spaced distance apart in the material.

[0017] Preferably the plurality of apertures of the mesh material are provided in a uniform or substantially uniform arrangement, are provided an equal distance or substantially equal distance apart and/or the like.

[0018] Preferably the mesh material is a sheet like material.

[0019] Preferably the plurality of, or one or more, apertures of the mesh material are equal to, substantially equal to, approximately equal to or are at least 0.5mm in diameter, width or cross section. Further preferably the plurality of, or one or more, aperture of the mesh material are equal to, substantially equal to, approximately equal to or are at least 1mm in diameter, width or cross section. Yet further preferably the plurality of, or one or more, apertures of the mesh material are equal to, substantially equal to or approximately equal to or are at least 2mm in diameter, width or cross section.

[0020] Preferably the drying receptacle is formed from a flexible or substantially flexible material.

[0021] Preferably the at least one dividing member is formed from a flexible or substantially flexible material

[0022] In one embodiment the drying receptacle is in form of a garment carrying bag, is shaped like a suit carrier bag and/or the like.
In one embodiment the drying receptacle and/or the first compartment defined in the drying receptacle is elongate or substantially elongate in form, and preferably particularly so when the receptacle is in an "in use" position.

[0023] The receptacle and/or first compartment preferably has/have a longitudinal axis.

[0024] Preferably the dividing member and/or a longitudinal axis of the second compartment is/are provided transverse, perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drying receptacle and/or first compartment, and preferably particularly when the receptacle is in an "in use" position.

[0025] Preferably, in one example, the dividing member is arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally when the receptacle is in a hung, "in use" and/or in a vertical or substantially vertical position.

[0026] In one embodiment the closeable opening of said first compartment is provided parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and/or first compartment.

[0027] In one embodiment the closeable opening of said first compartment is provided transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and/or first compartment.

[0028] In one embodiment the closeable opening is parallel or substantially parallel to the dividing member.

[0029] Preferably the closeable opening is provided along and/or around an entire or substantially entire wall and/or edge of the first compartment. The provision of a relatively large opening to the first compartment increases the ease with which one or more items can be located in and/or removed from the first compartment in use.

[0030] In one embodiment the closeable opening is provided with any or any combination of the abovementioned orientations.

[0031] Preferably with the drying receptacle in an "in use" or hung position, the first compartment is located above the second compartment, is arranged vertically or substantially vertically, hangs under gravity and/or the like.

[0032] In one embodiment a closure means or mechanism can form, be provided on or be associated with the closeable opening to allow a user to selectively close and/or open the closeable opening in use.

[0033] The closure means or mechanism can include any or any combination of one or more zips, waterproof zips, VELCRO (RTM) (hook and loop fastening), clips, ties, straps, releasable or resealable seals, magnets, inter-engaging members and/or the like.

[0034] Preferably the closure means or mechanism is waterproof or substantially waterproof.

[0035] In one embodiment a flap or flap means are provided on, is associated with, or forms part of the closure means or mechanism and/or the closeable opening to help prevent liquid that may be contained in the first compartment in use from passing out through the same.

[0036] Preferably the first compartment is larger or significantly larger in size and/or in at one or more dimensions than the second compartment.

[0037] In one embodiment one or more or all the walls defining the first compartment consists of, is formed from or includes a mesh material. The mesh material allows free circulation of air through the material in use.

[0038] In one embodiment the entire or substantially the entire first compartment is formed from a mesh material.

[0039] In one embodiment the mesh material provided on the external walls of the first compartment and/or vents can be the same or different to the mesh material of the dividing member, and/or can have one or more same or different properties, such as aperture size and/or the like.

[0040] In one embodiment water or liquid can only pass through the mesh material of the dividing member and cannot pass through the mesh material of the one or more walls of the first compartment and/or vent means. Thus, in one example, the apertures defined in the mesh material of the dividing member are larger in dimensions than the apertures defined in the mesh material of one or more other walls of the first compartment and/or vent means.

[0041] In one embodiment one or more, and preferably a plurality, of vents are provided in or associated with the first compartment. The vents typically allow the free circulation of air and/or gas through, to and/or from the first compartment in use.

[0042] In one example, a vent is in the form of one or more apertures of such a size to allow air and/or gas to flow freely therethrough.

[0043] Preferably the one or more vents are formed from, consist of or include a mesh material.

[0044] In one embodiment the parts of the first compartment walls and/or second compartment walls that are not formed from or include mesh material, include or consist of a waterproof or substantially waterproof material.

[0045] In one embodiment the one or more walls, or all of the wall, of the first compartment and/or second compartment are formed from or include a waterproof material, water impermeable material, substantially waterproof material, substantially water impermeable material (with the exception of the dividing member).

[0046] Preferably one or more, and preferably all, the walls of the second compartment are formed from, include or consist of a waterproof material, water impermeable material, substantially waterproof material or substantially water impermeable material.

[0047] In one embodiment the waterproof material used in the receptacle is a polyurethane (pu) material.

[0048] Preferably the material from which the receptacle and/or at least the first compartment is formed is UV resistant (i.e. resistant to ultra-violet light). This is particularly advantageous for items, such as wet suits for example, that may be stored in the receptacle in use. The one or more items contained within the receptacle and/or first compartment are therefore also typically protected from UV radiation.

[0049] In one embodiment the drainage means can include any or any combination of one or more apertures, valves, closeable openings and/or the like.

[0050] Preferably the one or more valves and/or closeable openings can be moved between a closed position, wherein liquid containable in the second compartment cannot flow through the valve/opening, and an open position, wherein liquid containable in the second compartment can flow through the valve/opening.

[0051] Preferably the drainage means is defined in a wall opposite or substantially opposite the dividing member. For example, the draining means can be provided in a base wall of the second compartment and/or receptacle.

[0052] In one embodiment the second compartment or the walls of the second compartment have a narrowing taper towards the draining means to allow liquid contained in the second compartment to be directed towards the draining means when the receptacle is provided in a hanging position in use.

[0053] In one embodiment the hanging means consists of or can include any or any combination of one or more apertures, one or more lanyards, straps, hooks, hangers, handles, ties, carabiner and/or the like.

[0054] Preferably the hanging means are attached to, detachably attached to or integral with the receptacle and/or first compartment.

[0055] In one embodiment in which the hanging means consists or include one or more apertures, preferably a closure or sealing means or mechanism is provided with or associated with said aperture. This typically prevents any liquid that may be present in the first compartment from seeping out of the same when the receptacle is laid flat or is in a non-hanging or vertical position.

[0056] Preferably the closure or sealing means or mechanism is resilient or is provided or associated with resilient biasing means. Further preferably the resilient biasing means biases the closure or sealing means to a closed or sealed position, or relatively closed or sealed position. In use, in moving the aperture to an open or unsealed position from a closed or sealed position, a user has to overcome the resilient biasing force of the resilient biasing means. A user may do this if they wish to insert a hook, hanger or other hanging means through the aperture in use.

[0057] Preferably the closure or sealing means or mechanism includes or comprises a sealing grommet, such as for example a rubber sealing grommet.

[0058] In one embodiment the drying receptacle and/or one or more items locatable in the first compartment in use are arranged to be hung in a vertical or substantially vertical orientation when in an "in use" or hung position. This allows any liquid contained in the first compartment and/or on the items to flow under gravity into the second compartment. However, the drying receptacle can be laid in a flat, relatively flat, horizontal or substantially horizontal position, or in fact in any required position, and still allow drying of one or more items located in the receptacle.

[0059] Preferably the hanging means is provided on a top wall of the receptacle or on a wall opposite or substantially opposite the dividing member and/or the wall in which the draining means is located.

[0060] Preferably the one or more items locatable in the drying receptacle include any or any combination of a wet suit; swimming clothing, equipment and/or accessories; towel; clothing; waterproof clothing; sports kit accessories and/or equipment; diving clothing, equipment and/or accessories; fireman or other service uniforms, equipment and/or accessories and/or the like.

[0061] In one embodiment the drying receptacle is a wet suit or wet garment drying receptacle.

[0062] Preferably the first compartment is formed as an upper compartment within the receptacle, and the second compartment is formed as a lower compartment within the receptacle, when the receptacle is an "in use", hung and/or vertical or substantially vertical position.

[0063] One or more further compartments can be defined within the receptacle or in the interior of the receptacle and/or on the outer surface of the receptacle if required. The further compartments can be used to store one or more items therein in use, such as for example, money, sports equipment and/or accessories, sun tan cream and/or the like.

[0064] Preferably the mesh material used is woven polyester, wear resistant woven polyester and/or the like. This material significantly improves in the speed by which one or more items located in the receptacle can be dried.

[0065] Preferably one or more edges of the receptacle are joined to one or more other edges of the receptacle via stitching, heat sealing means and/or the like.

[0066] Preferably the receptacle is for drying a wet garment therein in use.

[0067] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a drying receptacle, said drying receptacle defining an interior cavity therein, at least one dividing member fixedly attached in the interior cavity for dividing the interior cavity into at least first and second compartments, said method including the steps of locating one or more items in the first compartment through a closeable opening defined in the first compartment, hanging the receptacle and/or one or more items located in the first compartment via hanging means provided on or associated with the first compartment, and draining any liquid provided on or associated with the one or more items located in the first compartment into the second compartment through the dividing member, draining any liquid in the second compartment through drainage means provided on or associated with the second compartment, and wherein the dividing member is formed from, consists of or includes a mesh material to allow any liquid present in the first compartment to flow or freely pass into the second compartment when the receptacle and/or one or more items are in the hung position in use.

[0068] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figures 1a-1d shows a front view of a wet suit drying receptacle, a perspective view, a side view and a front view with a hanger located in the same respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of a further embodiment of a wet suit drying receptacle.

[0069] Referring firstly to figures 1a-1d, there is illustrated a wet suit drying receptacle 2, which has the shape a conventional suit carrier in this example, for drying, storing and/or transporting a wet suit in use.

[0070] The drying receptacle is flexible and can be moved between an erect condition, as shown in the figures, to a folded or partially folded condition, when not in use if required.

[0071] The receptacle 2 has a hollow interior and is provided with a dividing member 4 formed of mesh material that is fixedly attached to the interior walls of the receptacle, thereby forming a fixed first or upper compartment 6 and a fixed second or lower compartment 8 within the receptacle. The first and second compartments are therefore integrally formed with the receptacle. The mesh material of the dividing member is liquid and gas permeable to allow free flow of liquid, such as water, and air, from the first compartment to the second compartment in use. The size of the apertures of the mesh are such that small solids can pass through the sane, such as sand, dirt, debris and/or the like. This allows the first compartment to be maintained in a relatively clean state.

[0072] The first compartment 6 has a first closeable opening in the form of a zip 10 that is provided down a front surface 12 of the compartment. The zip in this illustration is provided down the entire front surface of the first compartment 6 to allow easy access to the compartment interior.

[0073] The receptacle is elongate in form. The first compartment is the largest of the two compartments. In the present embodiment, the first compartment is sized and shaped so as to receive a wet suit in use. The zip 10 is provided parallel to the longitudinal axis 'L' of the first compartment and the receptacle.

[0074] The first compartment is formed from a plurality of material panels joined together. The main panels 12 are formed from a waterproof polyurethane material that is UV resistant. The side panels 14 and a rear panel (not shown) are formed from a mesh material, thereby allowing air to freely circulate through the first compartment. However, it will be appreciated that any or any combination of panels can be provided in any suitable position and can be formed from other types of material if required.

[0075] Hanging means including an aperture 16 is located centrally of a top edge 18 of the first compartment 6. A sealable grommet 20 can be provided with the aperture 16, as shown in figure 1d, to allow sealing or substantial sealing of the aperture 16 in use, thereby preventing or reducing the likelihood of water passing through aperture 16 from the first compartment to the locality surrounding the receptacle when the same is laid flat with a wet suit inside.

[0076] The grommet 20 can be sized to allow a hangar 22, and/or lanyard for attachment to a hanger or clip/carabiner to pass through the same in use. The wet suit can be hung on the hangar in use inside the interior of the receptacle 2 and the hook 24 of the hanger 22 can be hung on some suitable engagement member to allow the receptacle to be placed in a vertical or substantially vertical orientation. This allows any water contained in the first compartment to flow under gravity from the first compartment 6, through the mesh material of the dividing member 4, and into the second compartment 8.

[0077] The dividing member 4 is typically arranged transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 'L' and/or zip 10 of the first compartment 6.

[0078] The second compartment 8 has drainage means in the form of an aperture with a valve 26 defined in a base wall 28 of the second compartment. The base wall 28 is typically opposite the top edge 18 of the first compartment and the dividing wall 4. The valve can be moved between a closed condition, wherein liquid contained in the second compartment cannot pass through the valve, and an open position, wherein liquid contained in the second compartment can flow through the opening.

[0079] The walls of the second compartment 8 are typically formed from a waterproof material, such as a polyurethane material for example.

[0080] Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a wet suit drying receptacle 102. The same reference numerals are used to refer to the same features as in Figures 1a-1d. In this embodiment, the zip 10 is provided across the width of the receptacle rather than lengthways as with the first embodiment. Thus, the zip 10 is provided parallel to the dividing member 4.

[0081] The first and second compartments 6, 8 are formed from a waterproof material. Drainage means in the form of an aperture 104 are provided in base wall 28 of second compartment 8. Air vents 106 are provided on either side of the first compartment 6 to allow air to flow into, through and/or from the first compartment 6.

[0082] It will be appreciated that any or any combination of the abovementioned features can be present in a drying receptacle according to the present invention.

[0083] In use, a wet item (or a dry item) is located in the drying receptacle via the closeable opening. The receptacle is hung up via the hanging means or aperture 16 to allow the receptacle to take a relatively vertical orientation, such that the first compartment 6 is vertically above the second compartment 8. Water from the wet item flows under gravity from the first compartment 6 through the dividing member 4 into the second compartment 8. The water can then be drained from the second compartment 8 for disposal when required. It will be appreciated that small amounts of debris, such as sand and dirt, can pass with the water from the first compartment to the second compartment and out through the drainage means.

Claims

1. A drying receptacle, said drying receptacle defining an interior cavity therein, at least one dividing member fixedly attached in the interior cavity for dividing the interior cavity into at least first and second compartments, a closeable opening defined in the first compartment for allowing selective access to the first compartment in use, hanging means provided on or associated with the first compartment for allowing the drying receptacle and/or one or more items locateable in the first compartment to be hung or supported in use, and drainage means provided on or associated with the second compartment to allow liquid present in the second compartment to be drained and/or removed in use, and wherein the dividing member is formed from, consists of or includes a mesh material to allow liquid present in the first compartment to flow or freely pass into the second compartment when the receptacle and/or one or more items are in a hung position in use.

2. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein the entire, or substantially entire, dividing member is formed from or consists of mesh material, or only part of the dividing member is formed from, includes or consists of mesh material.

3. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein the drying receptacle and/or the dividing member is formed from a flexible or substantially flexible material.

4. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle is in the form of a garment carrying bag, a wet suit carrying bag and/or is shaped like a suit carrier bag is elongate or substantially elongate in form.

5. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle and/or first compartment has a first longitudinal axis, and the dividing member and/or a longitudinal axis of the second compartment is provided transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis of the first compartment and/or drying receptacle.

6. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein the closeable opening of the first compartment is provided any or any combination of parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drying receptacle and/or first compartment; transverse , perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the drying receptacle and/or first compartment; parallel or substantially parallel to the dividing member; provided along and/or around an entire or substantially entire wall or edge of the first compartment.

7. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein a closure means or mechanism is provided on or associated with the closeable opening to allow a user to selectively close and/or open the closeable opening in use.

8. A drying receptacle according to claim 7 wherein the closure means or mechanism can include any or any combination of one or more zips, waterproof zips, hook and loop fastening, clips, ties, straps, releasable or resealable seals, magnets, inter-engaging members, or one or more flap or flap means are provided on, associated with or form part of the closeable opening and/or closure means associated with the closeable opening.

9. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein one or more walls defining the first compartment consist of, is formed from or includes a mesh material and/or one or more vents.

10. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein the mesh material includes one or more apertures, and said one or more apertures are approximately equal to or at least 0.5mm in diameter or width; are approximately equal to or at least 1mm in diameter or width; or are approximately equal to or at least 2mm in diameter or width.

11. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein one or more walls of the first compartment and/or the second compartment are formed from, include or consist of waterproof or substantially waterproof material, water impermeable material or substantially water impermeable material, polyurethane material and/or is UV resistant.

12. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein the drainage means includes any or any combination of one or more apertures, valves or closeable openings.

13. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein the hanging means includes or consists of any or any combination of one or more apertures, sealable apertures, closeable apertures, resilient biased sealable or closeable apertures, sealing grommet, hooks, lanyards, straps, hangers, handles or ties.

14. A drying receptacle according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle and/or one or more items locatable in the first compartment are arranged to be hung in a vertical or substantially vertical orientation when in an "in use" position, such that the first compartment forms an upper compartment and the second compartment forms a lower compartment.

15. A method of using a drying receptacle, said drying receptacle defining an interior cavity therein, at least one dividing member fixedly attached in the interior cavity for dividing the interior cavity into at least first and second compartments, said method including the steps of locating an item in the first compartment through a closeable opening defined in the first compartment, hanging the receptacle and/or one or more items located in the first compartment via hanging means provided on or associated with the first compartment, and draining any liquid provided on or associated with the item located in the first compartment into the second compartment through the dividing member, draining any liquid in the second compartment through drainage means provided on or associated with the second compartment, and wherein the dividing member is formed from, consists of or includes a mesh material to allow any liquid present in the first compartment to flow or freely pass into the second compartment when the receptacle and/or one or more items are in the hung position in use.

Drawing