Alcohol vapor deodorization system

Abstract

A system that deodorizes gear, padding, or other apparel by killing the bacteria that cause odor. Articles to be deodorized are placed within a re-sealable airtight bag along with highly pure anhydrous ethanol. As the ethanol vaporizes, the gaseous ethanol readily dissolves within the aqueous environment that envelops the bacteria. Ethanol levels within this moisture gradually increase and eventually become bactericidal.

Claims

1. a system for deodorizing articles of padding or apparel wherein such articles are placed within a re-sealable airtight bag and an anhydrous liquid consisting of at least 85% methanol, ethanol or some mixture of the two is added before sealing the bag

2. a system for deodorizing articles of padding or apparel wherein such articles are placed within a re-sealable airtight bag and an anhydrous liquid consisting of at least 85% ethanol is added before sealing the bag

3. a system for deodorizing articles of padding or apparel wherein such articles are placed within a re-sealable airtight bag and an anhydrous liquid consisting of at least 85% methanol is added before sealing the bag

Description

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] Enclosed is a deodorization system for padding and apparel that works by destroying the viability of odor-causing bacteria. This is accomplished by the release of ethanol vapor within the confines of a sealed bag. This vapor gradually dissolves into the aqueous surroundings of the bacteria and eventually reaches levels that stress and then kill the bacteria.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] FIG. 1 provides the key elements of the invention. Articles to be deodorized are placed in a re-sealable airtight bag and an anhydrous alcohol mixture that is at least 85% ethanol is poured on top of the articles prior to sealing the bag.

[0006] The bag must be sealable to prevent ethanol vapors from escaping. Preferably, this would be accomplished through the use of a zippered bag or simply cinching a thick plastic bag using a releasable cable tie.

[0007] As an alternative to pouring the ethanol directly on the articles, the ethanol could be poured into a receptacle resistant to spillage but with sufficient openings to permit the vapor to escape the receptacle and into the bag. However, in the preferred embodiment, the ethanol should be poured directly over the articles. This simple step maximizes the surface area of the liquid ethanol and enables it to reach its equilibrium vapor pressure at a much faster rate than keeping it within a receptacle. This in turn speeds the deodorization process.

[0008] With the passage of time, more and more ethanol vapor dissolves into the aqueous environment that surrounds the bacteria living within the articles. As the ethanol levels rise, the bacteria become increasingly stressed and eventually die. The process of deodorization, affected by temperature, moisture levels, and the quantity of ethanol relative to the load, usually takes 12-24 hours.

[0009] The most important criteria for a practical, no wash, deodorization system include: (1) an active agent that is stored in a solid or liquid form, (2) possessing a high equilibrium vapor pressure, (3) that readily dissolves into an aqueous environment, (4) that is toxic to bacteria, and (5) can be applied safely by humans. 85% or better anhydrous ethanol maximizes this family of variables more than any other substance.

[0010] In general there are many alcohols that readily dissolve in water and can be readily stored in liquid form. However, methanol and ethanol are distinguished in that they both possess equilibrium vapor pressures several times greater than any of the higher molecular weight alcohols. While methanol and ethanol both exhibit considerable anti-microbial properties, ethanol is far less toxic than methanol if ingested. Therefore, ethanol is the preferred active agent for this purpose

[0011] To maximize the rate of evaporation and thereby increase the rate at which ethanol dissolves into the aqueous environment surrounding the odor-causing bacteria, the ethanol should come in an anhydrous form. Furthermore, since anhydrous mixtures of ethanol, such as completely denatured alcohol, contain volatile additives that are themselves hazardous, it is ideal to minimize the additive presence by using highly pure varieties, 85% ethanol or better.