Apparatus and method for deodorizing confined air spaces which utilize baking soda

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for removing malodor from the air, particularly from confined spaces are disclosed. Such devices and methods are useful for example for storing and preserving food in closed compartments such as refrigerators. The apparatus and methods utilize baking soda as the odor removing substance, either alone, or in combination with another odor removing substance, which may include activated carbon. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a detachable cartridge member which contains baking soda. In one version of this embodiment, the detachable cartridge member is used with an air moving member that draws air through the detachable cartridge member. In one embodiment, the method involves using a detachable cartridge member with an air moving member in one confined space, and using another cartridge member without the air moving member in another compartment of the confined space. In another embodiment, may also be used for emitting a scent, or other substance (including, but not limited to insecticides, air fresheners, deodorants, aromacology, aromatherapy, or any other odor that acts to condition, modify, or otherwise charge the atmosphere or to modify the environment) into the air.

1 . An air deodorizing assembly, comprising: 
 a filter member having a filter medium through which air can pass, the filter medium being adapted to remove malodor from the air passing therethrough; and    an air moving member having a body with a filter support portion, an air inlet, an air outlet, an airflow path extending between the air inlet and the air outlet, the filter support portion having the air inlet therein and being configured to removeably support the filter member adjacent to the air inlet, the air moving member having a fan positioned to move air into the air inlet, along the airflow path and out the air outlet, the filter member engaging the filter support portion with the air inlet being intermediate the filter member and the air outlet so the air passes through the filter medium before entering the body through the air inlet.    
   
   
       2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the filter support portion has a curved shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the filter member.  
   
   
       3 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the filter support portion has a geometric shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the filter member.  
   
   
       4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the filter support portion has a curved concave shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the filter member having a curved convex shape.  
   
   
       5 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the filter support portion has a curved configuration that, with the force of gravity, substantially centers the filter member relative to the inlet.  
   
   
       6 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the filter member sits atop the filter support portion, the filter support portion has a curved area that receives the filter member and provides resistance to lateral movement of the filter member relative to the filter support portion.  
   
   
       7 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the air outlet is a first air outlet oriented to direct a first portion of filtered air flow in a first direction away from the air inlet, and the body having a second air outlet oriented to direct a second portion of the filtered air flow in a second direction away from the air inlet.  
   
   
       8 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the fan is battery powered.  
   
   
       9 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the filter member is a replaceable cartridge.  
   
   
       10 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein filter support portion is defines an upper surface of the body that engages the filter member.  
   
   
       11 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the filter member is a passive filter member.  
   
   
       12 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the fan is positioned in the body so movement of the fan is visible through the air outlet.  
   
   
       13 . An air deodorizing device, comprising: 
 a passive filter member having a first air inlet, a first air outlet and a filter medium through which air can pass intermediate the first air inlet and first air outlet, the filter medium being adapted to remove malodor from the air passing therethrough; and;    an air moving member having a body with a filter support portion having a second air inlet and configured to removeably support the filter member adjacent to the second air inlet, the body having a second air outlet and an air flow path between the second air inlet and the second air outlet, a fan coupled to the body and positioned to move air into the second air inlet, along the airflow path and out the second air outlet, the filter member being supportable with the first air outlet immediately adjacent to the second air inlet with the second air inlet being intermediate the first air outlet and the second air outlet so air flow entering the second air inlet is filtered air that has passed through the filter medium.    
   
   
       14 . The air deodorizing device of  claim 13  wherein the filter support portion has a geometric shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the filter member  
   
   
       15 . The air deodorizing device of  claim 13  wherein the filter support portion has a curved concave shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the filter member having a curved convex shape.  
   
   
       16 . The air deodorizing device of  claim 13  wherein the filter support portion has a concave portion that removeably receives at least a portion of the filter member therein.  
   
   
       17 . The air deodorizing device of  claim 13  wherein the fan is battery powered.  
   
   
       18 . The air deodorizing device of  claim 13  wherein the filter member is a replaceable cartridge.  
   
   
       19 . The air deodorizing device of  claim 13  wherein filter support portion defines an upper surface of the body that engages the filter member.  
   
   
       20 . The air deodorizing device of  claim 13  wherein the filter member sits atop the filter support portion, the filter support portion has a curved area that receives the filter member and provides resistance to lateral movement of the filter member relative to the filter support portion.