AU2011253850B2 - Desiccant container - Google Patents

Abstract

[00781 The invention relates to a desiccant container for use in a container of product, including a body means, adapted to receive and contain desiccant material and a supporting means for supporting the body means within the container proximal to an upper surface of the product, the supporting means including a shaped stand including a rim and curved part. In use, desiccant material can be put into the body means, the supporting means being connected to the body means and the desiccant container put in the container of product. The desiccant can then remove moisture from the air in the container and or from the upper surface of the product within the container. The invention also relates to a method of use. specPA206511amend23Jan13

Description

1 PATENTS ACT 1990 Section 29 Standard Patent Applicant: TIMOTHY FRANCIS DOWLING 42 Hatchett Street Cranbrook, Townsville QId 4814 Inventor: TIMOTHY FRANCIS DOWLING 42 Hatchett Street Cranbrook, Townsville QId 4814 Title of Invention: DESICCANT CONTAINER The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification: The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us: specPA206511 2 DESICCANT CONTAINER [0001] The present invention relates to a desiccant container and in particular to desiccant container for use in a container of product. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to use with containers for gym supplements. Clearly there are a wide range of applications for the invention and it is not intended that the invention be limited to use with containers for gym supplements. For example, the invention may be used anywhere where desiccants may be used such as for food stuffs, hair care products, medicines or industrial chemicals, to name just a few examples. Further, the invention may be used alone, not with a container, for example, in a camera bag or cabinet, wherever it is desired to reduce moisture. [0003] Gym supplements are increasingly used to assist people to achieve their body shape and fitness goals. These supplements are often supplied in a plastic canister of product with a wide mouthed, screw-off lid, for ready access to the product. Moisture in the air is captured within the canister once the lid is closed and can react with the product inside. The moisture can cause the product to clump or go solid which makes use more difficult and is undesirable. More seriously, the water can react with the gym supplement and change the chemical composition, in some cases rendering active ingredients inert or worse, harmful. For example, water soluble vitamins such as vitamin C are difficult to maintain in powder products in a moist environment as the vitamin C quickly reacts and degrades. When a person purchases gym supplements or other health products it is more economical to buy a larger container of the product, particularly when the product is sent by mail such as from overseas. The chemical composition and hence the active ingredients and health benefits of the supplements is the value in the product, which may be significantly degraded if the product reacts with moisture. specPA206511 3 [0004] As an attempt to prevent the adverse effects of moisture reacting with gym supplements, one or more silica sachets are generally included in the canister, These silica sachets are generally found lost deep within the product, far away from the surface of the product where the moisture resides and needs to be absorbed. Due to the wide mouth of the plastic canister a considerable proportion of the product is exposed to the air above the upper surface of the product. Use of silica sachets works to a certain extent but the sachets only have a small surface area and so can only expose desiccant over that small surface area, limiting the ability to remove moisture from the air. Further, importantly, if the silica sachet is buried in the product it cannot be working to remove moisture from the air above the surface of the product. [0005] Therefore, it is highly desirable to have an improved means of reducing moisture in a container of product. In particular it is desirable to have an improved means of reducing the moisture that reacts with the upper surface of the product. [0006] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere. [00071 It is an object of the present invention to provide a desiccant container that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, a desiccant container for use in a container of product, the desiccant container including: a body means, adapted to receive and contain desiccant material therein; and a supporting means, connected or connectable to the body means for supporting the body means within the container proximal to the upper specPA2065lamend23jan13 4 surface of the product, the supporting means including a shaped stand including a rim and a curved part, wherein, in use, desiccant material can be put into the body means, the supporting means being connected to the body means and the desiccant container put in the container of product so that the body means is supported proximal to the upper surface of the product whereby the desiccant can remove moisture from the air in the container and or from the upper surface of the product within the container. [0009] The desiccant may be any suitable desiccant material and may take any suitable form. Preferably, the desiccant is silica balls including reusable silica balls, or silica gel. Most preferably, the desiccant is reusable silica balls. The reusable silica balls may be of the form where a colour change occurs when the balls are saturated. The silica balls may be dehydrated in an oven or similar for reuse. The colour change may be incorporated into a design or feature of the desiccant container as a novelty. In one form of the invention, the silica balls may be contained in another container before being placed into the desiccant container. In this form of the invention the silica balls may be in sachets. Preferably, the silica balls are loose balls which can be readily filled into the desiccant container. The balls may be any suitable size. The balls may be a few millimetres in diameter. In larger applications or industrial applications, larger size pieces of desiccant may be used, as is suitable for the particular material or product. In another preferred form of the invention silica gel is be used. Again, preferably, the silica gel is of a form that changes colour when hydrated. The silica gel may be reusable. The silica gel may be dried out for reuse. [0010] The desiccant container may be made of any suitable material or combinations of materials. [0011] The product may be any suitable product. The product may a gym supplement powder. Alternatively, the product may be a foodstuff. The product specPA206511amend23jan13 5 may be bread flour. In another form of the invention the product may be a medicine, herbal or therapeutic preparation for humans or animals. In another form of the invention the product may be a chemical or compound such as for use in industry or manufacturing. The product may be hair care products. The product may be in any form. The product may be a powder, solid, granules, flakes, pellets, capsules, pills or similar. [0012] The body means may take any suitable shape. Preferably, in one form of the invention the body means is substantially cylindrical and includes a top and a base. Alternatively, the body means may be spherical, cuboid, pyramidal or irregular shaped. The body means may take any suitable form. Preferably, in another form of the invention the body means includes a top and or a base. Preferably, the top includes a rim. Preferably, the top includes a curved part. Preferably, the top includes a V-shaped part to substantially resist against burial in the product. Preferably, the top part includes a rim and a curved part joined at a V-shape. Preferably, any or all of the rim, curved part and V-shape of the top substantially act against burial of the desiccant container in product. Preferably, the base includes a rim. Preferably, the base includes a curved part. Preferably, the base includes a V-shaped part to substantially resist against burial in the product. Preferably, the base includes a rim and a curved part joined at a V shape. Preferably, any or all of the rim, curved part and V-shape of the base substantially act against burial of the desiccant container in product. Preferably, a top and a base are included and the top and the base are mirror images of one another. The top and base may be different to one another. In a most preferred form of the invention, a top is included, including a rim, joined to a curved part at a V-shaped junction and a base is included, including a rim, joined to a curved part at a V-shaped junction and a filter sits between the top and the base containing desiccant material. Preferably, the shape of the body substantially acts against burial of the desiccant container in the product. Preferably, the desiccant container can be orientated upright or on its side and the shape of the body substantially acts against burial of the desiccant container in the product. specPA206511amend23jan13 6 Preferably, the body means of the desiccant container can be any orientation and the shape of the body means substantially acts against burial of the desiccant container in the product. [0013] Preferably, the body means includes a mesh or filter and the mesh or filter enables the desiccant material to be held within the body means so as to prevent contact of the desiccant material with the product and the mesh or filter enables the desiccant material to be exposed to the air so as to remove moisture from the surrounding air. Preferably, the mesh or filter is of a suitable size to contain the desiccant material within the body and to allow air to circulate freely. The mesh or filter may take any suitable form. Preferably, in one form of the invention a fine metal mesh is used, or made of paper. plastic, cardboard, paper, cloth, or similar or any combination thereof. Preferably, the filter is made of a paper based material. The mesh or filter may be disposable. In one form of the invention, the mesh or filter may include decoration. The mesh or filter may include advertising material. For example, an advert for a complementary product may be included on the filter of a desiccant container provided in a container of product. Preferably, a removable filter is included in the body that can be removed for cleaning. Preferably, the mesh or filter is resistant to clogging. The mesh of filter may be a cylinder that fits within the body of the desiccant container. The body means may include strips between the top and the bottom to provide support to the body means. The strips may be made of any suitable material. The strips may be made of plastic, metal other suitable material or combination thereof. [0014] Preferably, the body means includes a base. Preferably, the body means includes a removable lid. Preferably, the base and the lid are circular. The base and the lid may be any suitable shape. The base and lid may be the same or different shapes to one another. In one form of the invention, the base may be removable. Any suitable means of attachment of the lid to the body means may be used. Preferably, the lid includes at least one transparent part to enable visual inspection therethrough of the desiccant material contained within the body. Most specPA206511amend 23jan13 7 preferably, the lid is a clear plastic lid. Preferably, the lid can be readily removed to remove or replace the desiccant material. The lid may be closed in any suitable manner. Preferably, the lid is closed and opened by a screw-fit. Alternatively, preferably, the lid is closed by a push fit, and removed by pushing up on the lid. [0015] Preferably, in one form of the invention, the body means includes one or more chamber and the desiccant is contained within the or each chamber. Preferably, two or more chambers are included for containing desiccant. There may be one, two, three or four chambers as is suitable for the particular use of the desiccant container. There may be any number of chambers within the body means. The chambers may take any suitable form or shape. Preferably, a divider is included in the body means to divide the body means into chambers. The divider may take any suitable form. The divider may divide the body means into any number of chambers. Preferably, a divider is included substantially cross shaped in cross-section, and the divider divides the body means into four chambers. Preferably, the divider divides the body means into a plurality of chambers and the wall of the body means forms the outer wall of the chambers. [0016] The or each chamber may be adapted in any suitable way to receive the desiccant material. The or each chamber may be adapted to receive silica balls. The silica balls may be of a particular size. The or each chamber may be adapted to receive silica or other desiccant gel. [0017] Preferably, in one form of the invention the supporting means enables the desiccant container to be attached to a surface the inside of the lid of the container or the side of the container. The surface may be any substantially flat surface. The surface may be the inside of the lid of the container. The surface may be the side of the container. In one alternative form of the invention the surface may be the bottom of the container. The supporting means may attach to a surface in any suitable means. specPA206511amend23jan13 8 [0018] Preferably, in this form of the invention, the supporting means includes one or more suction cup or the like for attaching the desiccant container to a substantially flat surface. Preferably, a single suction cup is used. Preferably, the suction cup suspends the desiccant container. Preferably, in this form of the invention the suction cup enables the desiccant container to be suspended from the inside of the lid of the container whereby the desiccant can act to reduce moisture. In particular, preferably, the desiccant container is suspended above the upper surface of the product so as to reduce the moisture close to the upper surface of the product. Preferably, the suction cup is made of a suitable deformable material. The deformable material may be chosen from the group: rubber; plastic; silicon or the like or any combination thereof. Preferably, the suction cup is attached to the body means in a releasable fashion. Preferably, the suction cup is connected or connectable to the body means by use of a split ring and loop. Any suitable means of connecting the suction cup to the body means may be used. [0019] The suction cup may include a tab for readily releasing the suction cup from the surface. More than one suction cup may be used in an alternative form of the invention. In another form of the invention, a variety of attachment means may be used. In another alternative form of the invention, the supporting means may be permanently or semi-permanently attached to the container. In yet another form of the invention, the container may be omitted and the desiccant container attached to any suitable surface such as a wall or inside a cupboard. [0020] In another preferred form of the invention, the supporting means is a stand means for standing the desiccant container on the product. The stand may include one or more legs. Preferably, a plurality of legs is included. In one preferred form of the invention there are four legs. Preferably, each leg includes a foot. Preferably, the or each foot is adapted to assist the standing of the desiccant container on the product. Preferably, the or each foot is substantially specPA206511maend23jan13 9 broader than the width of the leg to substantially act against the desiccant container pushing into the product. Preferably, the stand is adapted to substantially maintain the desiccant container above the upper surface of the product. In one form of the invention, the stand may fit onto the bottom of the body means. The stand may be permanently or semi-permanently attached to the bottom of the body means. The stand may be readily attachable or detachable to the body means. Preferably, the stand is connectable to the body means by a press fit. Alternatively, the stand may clip or otherwise fasten to the body means. [0021] In one preferred form of the invention, two supporting means are included one for suspending the desiccant container and one to act as a stand for the desiccant container. Preferably, either of the supporting means are detachable. There may, in other forms of the invention, be multiple supporting means. [0022] Preferably, any or all of the rim, curved part and V-shaped join substantially act against burial of the desiccant container in product. Preferably, the shaped stand is substantially circular in cross section. Preferably the rim is substantially circular in cross-section. Preferably the curved part is substantially circular in cross-section. The rim may be any suitable shape. The curved part may be any suitable shape. The rim and or the curved part are preferably adapted to have an increased surface area so as to substantially act against burial in the product. For example, pushing the desiccant container into the product will be resisted by the surface area of the rim and curved part in particular. [0023] Preferably, the supporting means includes two shaped stands, a top stand and a base stand. Preferably, the base stand is a mirror image of the top stand. The top stand and the base stand may be different to one another. Preferably, the configuration of the top stand and the base stand enable the desiccant container to resist burial into product in both an upright and sideways orientation. specPA206511a mend23jan13 10 In another form of the invention four shaped stands may be included instead. Any number of shaped stands may be included. [0024] Preferably, in one form of the invention, the desirable position is on the upper surface of the product material and the configuration of the desiccant container substantially acts against burial of the desiccant container in the product. Preferably, the desirable position is the optimal position for absorption of moisture from the air around the upper surface of the product. Preferably, in one form of the invention, the desirable position is suspended over the surface of the product. [0025] Preferably, the desiccant container is reusable. Preferably, the desiccant is reusable and can be reused in the reusable desiccant container. [0026] Preferably, the desiccant material can remove substantially all the moisture from the air inside the container of product. Preferably, the desiccant container is adapted to remove moisture from the air proximal to the upper surface of product so that moisture does not react with the product. Preferably, the product does not react with water in the air. Preferably, use of the desiccant container substantially prevents degradation of the product through contact with water in the air. [0027] Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a second aspect, a desiccant container for use in a container of product, the desiccant container including: a body means adapted to receive and contain desiccant material therein; a removable filter adapted prevent the desiccant material leaving the body means and allowing air to circulate to the desiccant material; and two or more shaped stand means, connected or connectable to the body means for standing the body means in a desirable position within the container of product, specPA206S11amend23jan13 11 wherein, in use, desiccant material can be put into the body means, the stand means being connected to .the body means and the desiccant container positioned within the container of product so that the body means is supported in a desirable position whereby the desiccant can remove moisture from the air in the container and or from the upper surface of the product within the container and the two or more shaped stand means enable the desiccant container to function in either a horizontal and vertical orientation to remove moisture from the air. [0028] Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a third aspect, a desiccant container for removing moisture from the air, the desiccant container including: a body means, including one or more chamber, adapted to receive and contain desiccant material therein; and a supporting means, connected or connectable to the body means for supporting the body means in a desirable position, wherein, in use, desiccant material can be put into one or more chamber of the body means, the supporting means connected to the body means and the desiccant container positioned so that the body means is supported in a desirable position whereby the desiccant can remove moisture from the air proximal to the desirable position. [0029 In this form of the invention, the desiccant container may be used in a cupboard to remove moisture. The desiccant container may be suspended from a wall or ceiling by the supporting means. The support means may be a stand means to enable the desiccant container to stand on any suitable surface. The desiccant container may stand on a floor or the floor of a cupboard. [0030] Accordingly, the invention also provides a method of use of a desiccant container, the desiccant container including a body means adapted to receive desiccant therein and a supporting means for supporting the desiccant container specPA206511amend23jan13 12 in proximal to the upper surface of product within a container, the method including the steps of: a) filling the body means of the desiccant container with desiccant or similar; b) using the supporting means to support the desiccant container in the proximal to the upper surface of product in the container, c) closing the lid of the container; and d) checking the desiccant material and on noting a colour change replacing with fresh or dehydrated desiccant material. [0031] Preferably, the supporting means suspends the desiccant container from a flat surface. Preferably, the supporting means suspends the desiccant container from the wall, lid or base of the container. Most preferably, the supporting means suspend the desiccant container from the lid of the container. [0032] Preferably, in another form of the invention the supporting means is a stand means for standing the desiccant container on the surface of the product. [0033 Both a suspending means and stand means may be included. [0034 Preferably, the desiccant container of the method is the desiccant container according to the invention in any of its forms or aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0035] The invention will now be described in connection with non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: specPA206511amend23jan13 13 [0036] Figure 1 is a front sectional view of a desiccant container according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the desiccant container being used in a container of product and having desiccant inside the chambers; [0037] Figure 2 is a front detailed view of the desiccant container of Figure 1, removed from the container of product; [0038] Figure 3 is a view from above of the top of the body of the desiccant container of Figure 2, with the suction cup and lid removed; [0039] Figure 4 is a view from above of the top of the body of the desiccant container of Figures 2 and 3 showing the attachment points for the suction cup; [0040] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the desiccant container of Figures 1 to 4 with the desiccant removed from the chambers for ease of illustration; [0041] Figure 6 is a front sectional view of a desiccant container according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the desiccant container being used in a container of product and having desiccant inside the chambers; [0042] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the desiccant container of Figure 6 with the desiccant removed, illustrating the legs; [0043] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a desiccant container according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention; [0044] Figure 9 is a side view of the desiccant container of Figure 8; [0045] Figure 10 is a front sectional view of a container of powder and the desiccant container of Figures 8 and 9, in an upright position; specPA206511 14 [0046] Figure 11 is a front sectional view of the container of powder and the desiccant container of Figure 10, with the desiccant container in a side on position; and [0047] Figure 12 is a top view of the desiccant container of Figures 8 and 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS INCLUDING A BEST METHOD [0048] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a first preferred embodiment of the invention will be described; referring to Figure 1 in particular, desiccant container 1 can be seen positioned inside container 10, container 10 having body 12 and lid 14. Container 10 is illustrated as approximately two thirds full of product 16. Clearly the amount of product 16 within container 10 will vary during use and so the level of product 16 should be taken as being illustrative only. [0049] Container 10 is shown as a generally cylindrical container of a well-known form, including screw on lid 14 to enable access though wide opening 18. Clearly other shapes or forms of container 10 could be used. Container 10 as illustrated is a plastic container and lid, as is well known for containing gym supplements. Product 16 is illustrated as a gym supplement powder but clearly could be any powder, substance, or in fact any product that it may be desired to keep from reacting with moisture in the air through use of desiccant. Container 10 and lid 14 could be replaced by any suitable container and lid and may be made of materials other than plastic such as wood, paper, card, metal or any combination thereof. The container 10 may be of any suitable dimensions such as very small for medicinal powder products or very large for industrial quantity containers of chemicals, for example. It is certainly not intended that the invention be limited to use of screw top plastic containers for gym supplements, there are a great many applications. specPA206511 15 [0050] Referring in particular to Figures 2 to 4 desiccant container 1 can be seen in greater detail, illustrating silica balls 20 within body 22 of desiccant container 1. Silica balls 20 could be replaced with any suitable desiccant, including sachets of desiccant. Silica balls 20 are of a reusable type which change colour to indicate that they are no longer acting as a desiccant and need to be dried out for reuse. Body 22 includes 4 chambers 24, divided by divider 26, into which silica balls 20 can be filled, as can be seen in particular in Figure 3. Body 22 is formed of metal mesh which maintains silica balls 20 inside but enables exposure to the air. Body 22 could alternatively be made of other materials in any suitable form where silica balls 20 are sufficiently exposed to the air as to be able to act as a desiccant. Once chambers 24 are filled with silica balls 20, lid 28 is screwed onto body 22 of desiccant container 1 to prevent silica balls 20 spilling out. [0051] Lid 28 includes loop 30 through which split ring 32 is attached to suction cup 34. Suction cup 34 is of a known form made of a plastic, rubber or silicon material as are used to attach items to a flat surface such as a car windscreen, for example. Suction cup 34 is circular in cross section as illustrated but may take other suitable shapes in cross-section. Suction cup 34 may be made of any suitable material and may take any suitable alternative form. Other forms of attachment of body 22 to a flat surface can also be used, such as clips or fasteners. Use of suction cup 34 is particularly convenient. [0052] Suction cup 34 includes cup 36 attached to base 38 where cup 36 can attach by suction to a flat surface in a known manner and base 38 is attached by split ring 32 to body 22, containing silica balls 20. Tab 40 can be lifted to break the suction to the flat surface of cup 36 to facilitate removal or repositioning. Tab 40 may take any suitable form or shape. Tab 40 as illustrated is a rectangular tab. [0053] As illustrated, the flat surface is the under surface of lid 14 whereby desiccant holder 1 is suspended below lid 14 providing desiccant action to the air specPA206511 16 between lid 14 and product 16, as described in more detail below. Alternatively, suction cup 34 can be attached to any part of container 10 including the side or even the base in some applications of the invention. Use of attachment of suction cup 34 to the side of container 10 may be useful when the level of product 16 is quite low so as to keep desiccant 20 close to the upper surface of product 16. Suction cup 34 is adapted to be effectively attached to any substantially flat surface and hence can be used for applications other than within a container. In a further alternative form of the invention desiccant container 1 may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed to part of container 10 or other surface. For example, desiccant container 1 may be made integrally with a lid of a container. [0054] Referring now to Figure 5, desiccant container 1 can be seen with silica balls 20 removed. The metal mesh of body 22 is not shown in Figure 5 for ease of illustration, refer Figures 1 and 2. Base 42 of body 22 is formed of a circle of plastic to hold silica balls 20 in place and to provide strength and integrity to body 22 and chambers 24. The strength and integrity of body 22 is increased further by divider 26, which is also formed of plastic together with four plastic arms 44 which run down the sides of body 22. The particular shape and form of divider 26 and arms 44 can clearly varied as desired. The number of arms 44 can be increased or decreased or arms 44 may be omitted altogether. Divider 26 may divide body 22 into any number of suitable chambers 24 or there may be one chamber if divider 26 is omitted. [0055] In use, desiccant container 1 may be provided with container 10 of product 16 or may be purchased separately. In either case, in order to try to prevent product 16 deteriorating due to reacting with moisture in the air silica balls 20 are filled into chambers 24 of body 22 until body 22 is substantially filled. Lid 28 is screwed onto top of body 22 to maintain silica balls 20 in place. Suction cup 34 is attached by split ring 32 to loop 30 so as to assemble desiccant container 1. Lid 14 of container 10 is removed and cup 36 of suction cup 34 applied to the inside specPA206511 17 of lid 14. Lid 14 is replaced and screwed back onto body 12 of container 10, whereby silica balls 20 are held in body 22 of desiccant container 1 which is held in the air between the lid and the upper surface of product 16. In this way silica balls 20 are exposed where needed, that is to the air and upper surface of product 16 to take moisture out of the air to minimise reactions by product 16 which may reduce the active ingredient action of product 16 when used. Clearly, there is a significant volume of silica balls 20 used, but these are safely held above the upper surface of product 16 and so do not interfere with product 16 in any way other than to reduce moisture and the reaction therewith of product 16. Access to product 16 is not in any way inhibited by use of desiccant container 1 as it is attached to lid 14 and can be removed and replaced while still attached to lid 14, enabling ready access to the product. [0056] Silica balls 20 used are of a form that change colour to indicate that the balls are saturated with water. When the colour change to silica balls 20 is noted through clear lid 28, lid 28 can be removed from body 22 and silica balls 20 tipped out onto a tray where they can be dehydrated again by use of an oven. Single use silica balls could also be used in this case the balls can be replaced rather than reused. If silica balls 20 are fully hydrated they will not be able to remove any further moisture and will not work. Use of clear lid 28 is most advantageous as it allows the state of silica balls 20 to be checked with every use. [0057] The invention would prove useful not only for gym supplements but also for use with foodstuffs such as sugar, flour or other powdered foods stuffs. It is particularly important with bread flour not to increase the moisture content of the flour as it will adversely affect the quality of the bread. Sweets or other non powdered food stuffs should also be kept from absorbing moisture and can benefit from the use of desiccant. The invention is not limited to products for consumption, powders or other materials such as use in medicines, herbal, therapeutics or animal medicines, for example may also benefit from use of the specPA206511 18 invention. Powdered chemicals or other materials that may need to be kept dry in industry or manufacturing could also benefit from use of the invention to keep the product inside a container dry. In industry large forms of the invention may be used from suitable inert materials. Valuable products such as hair products are difficult to keep dry in the humid atmosphere of a hair salon and would benefit from use of the invention. [0058] There are significant advantages to use of the described invention rather than a silica sachet. There is greater exposure of desiccant to the air and upper surface of product 16 thereby increasing the amount of moisture that can be removed from the air. The invention is reusable in the described form so that it can be used on any suitable container. It is envisaged that container manufacturers may incorporate the invention into the lid of containers they produce, in either a permanently attached or removably form. It is also envisaged that the desiccant container may be sold individually for use in a range of existing containers. [0059] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a second preferred embodiment of the invention will be described with reference numerals similar to the first embodiment. Desiccant container 101 can be seen positioned inside container 110, container 110 having body 112 and lid 114. Container 110 is illustrated as approximately one third full of product 116. Clearly the amount of product 116 within container 110 will vary during use, although this form of the invention is of particular value when the level of product 116 is relatively low within container 110. [0060] As illustrated, container 110 is a generally cylindrical container of a well known form, including screw on lid 114. Container 110 can take any suitable, shape, form or be made of any suitable materials. Product 116 is again illustrated as a gym supplement powder but clearly could be any powder, substance, or in fact any product that it may be desired to keep from reacting with moisture in the specPA206511 19 air through use of desiccant. Silica balls 120 can be seen in Figure 6 residing within body 122 of desiccant container 101. Silica balls 120 could readily be replaced with any suitable desiccant, including sachets of desiccant. Silica balls 120 are of a reusable type which change colour to indicate that they are no longer acting as a desiccant and need to be dried out for reuse. Body 122 includes 4 chambers (not labelled), divided by divider 126, into which silica balls 120 can be filled. Body 122 is formed of metal mesh which maintains silica balls 120 inside but enables exposure to the air. Body 122 could alternatively be made of other materials in any suitable form where silica balls 120 are sufficiently exposed to the air as to be able to act as a desiccant. Once the chambers are filled with silica balls 120, clear lid 128 is screwed onto body 122 of desiccant container 101 to prevent silica balls 120 spilling out. The state of hydration of silica balls 120 can be seen by the colour indication through clear lid 128. [0061] Lid 128 includes knob 129 to help to lift up desiccant container 101 out from container 110, during use. Knob 129 may take any suitable form. [0062] Referring now to Figure 7 desiccant container 101 can be seen with silica balls 120 removed. The metal mesh of body 122 is not shown in Figure 7 for ease of illustration, refer instead to Figure 6. Base 142 of body 122 is formed of a circle of plastic to hold silica balls 120 in place and to provide strength and integrity to body 122 and the chambers. Divider 126, is also formed of plastic together with four plastic arms 144 which run down the sides of body 122, again for strength and support. The particular shape and form of divider 126 and arms 144 can clearly varied as desired. The number of arms 144 can be increased or decreased or arms 144 may be omitted altogether. Divider 126 may divide body 122 into any number of suitable chambers or there may be one chamber if divider 126 is omitted. [0063] Different to the first embodiment, leg pod 145 is included attached or attachable to base 142 of body 122. Base 146 of leg pod 145 is adapted to have specPA206511 20 corresponding dimensions to base 142 of body 122 and fit together accordingly. In another form of the invention, leg pod 145 may be formed integrally with body 122. Leg pod 145 is shown with 4 legs 148 each ending in a foot 150. The number of legs 148 and corresponding feet 150 can be varied as is suitable for the particular application of the invention. Each foot 150 is adapted to substantially stand on an upper surface of product 116 rather than to sink into product 116. As shown feet 150 are large flat semi-circular feet which is particularly suitable for maintaining desiccant container 101 on the surface of product 116. Other shapes or forms of feet 150, and legs 148 may be used and these may allow desiccant container 101 to sink to at least some extent into product 116 if desired. [0064] In use, again, desiccant container 101 may be provided with container 110 of product 116 or may be purchased separately. In either case, in order to try to prevent product 116 deteriorating due to reacting with moisture in the air silica balls 120 are filled into chambers 124 of body 122 until body 122 is substantially filled. Lid 128 is screwed onto top of body 122 to maintain silica balls 120 in place. Desiccant container 101 is then placed inside container 101 so that feet 150 sit on top of product 116 maintaining desiccant container 101 above the upper surface of product 116. In this way desiccant container 101 exposes silica balls 120 to an extensive amount of the air contained within container 110 and effectively reduce the moisture. [0065] Use of the second preferred embodiment of the invention is particular useful when the level of product 116 has reduced. Desiccant container 101 is positioned in use on the upper surface of product 116 and so will reduce the moisture in the air close to the upper surface of product 116, where it is most needed. [0066] Referring to Figures 8 to 12, a third preferred embodiment of the invention will be described with reference numerals similar to the first two embodiments. specPA206511 21 Desiccant container 201 can be seen positioned inside container 210, container 210 having body 212 and lid 214. Container 210 is illustrated as approximately one third full of product 216. Clearly the amount of product 216 within container 210 will vary during use. [0067] As illustrated, container 210 is a generally cylindrical container of a well known form, including screw-on lid 214. Container 210 can take any suitable, shape, form or be made of any suitable materials. Product 216 is again illustrated as a gym supplement powder but clearly could be any powder, substance, or in fact any product that it may be desired to keep from reacting with moisture in the air through use of desiccant. Silica gel 220 residing within body 222 of desiccant container 201. Silica gel 220 could be replaced with any suitable desiccant, including sachets of desiccant. Silica gel 220 are of a reusable type which changes colour to indicate that they are no longer acting as a desiccant due to the amount of moisture already absorbed and need to be dried out for reuse. Body 222 includes a removable filter 223 made of a washable plastic to enable silica gel 220 to be exposed to the air but that body can be removed and cleaned before being replaced. Paper filters could also be used. Filter 223 may become clogged with powder of product 216 after prolonged use, reducing exposure of silica gel 220 with the air. Therefore it is most advantageous to have a removable, washable filter 223 of body 222, so as to maintain the function of desiccant container 201, over time. [0068] During use silica gel 220 absorbs moisture and once hydrated changes colour. The colour change, and hence the state of hydration of silica gel 220 can be seen through clear lid 228. As illustrated clear lid 228 is a top lid but clearly lids could be included at both ends of desiccant container 201 and either lid could be used as is convenient. [0069] Body 222 includes a base 252 and top 254 in which clear lid 228 is fitted, as can be seen in particular in Figures 8 and 9. Base 252 is formed of curved specPA206511 22 part 256 and rim 258 and top 254 is formed of curved part 260 and rim 262. The shaping of curved parts 256 and 260 and rims 258 and 262 is important and found to be surprisingly useful at preventing desiccant container 201 sinking into power 216. Flared rims 258 and 262 increase the surface area of the bottom surface of base 252 and the top surface of 254. The same as snowshoes a greater surface area on a powder surface distributes the weight over a greater surface area reducing the downward pressure. The increased surface area acts against burial of desiccant container 201 in powder 216. If rim 258 or 262 were to be pressed into powder 216 the V-shape created between the junction of rim 258 and curved part 256, and rim 262 and curved part 260, causes powder to catch on curved part 256 or 260. The increased surface area of curved parts 256 and 260 acts against burial of desiccant container 201 so as to maintain silica gel 220 exposed to the air in container 210 and the surface of product 216. Again the position of desiccant container 201 assists to remove moisture from the air and air close to the surface of product 216. [0070] Figure 11 illustrates desiccant container 201 in a side position. In the side position the V-shape formed between the rim and curved parts of base 252 and 254 both are in contact with product 216. The pair of V-shapes act against burial of desiccant container 201 in product 216 so as to maintain desiccant container 201 in the optimum position for absorbing moisture from the air close to the upper surface of product 216. The configuration of desiccant container 201 is very useful as in either orientation exposure of silica gel 220 to the upper surface of product 216 and surrounding air is maximised. When carrying container 210 of product 216, say in a kit bag to the gym, it is likely that container 210 will move around in the bag. Desiccant container 201 may roll around in container 210 on top of product 216 but due to the shaping will remain with optimal function. [0071] The first embodiment and the second and or third embodiments may be used together. There may be one of each form of desiccant container or different specPA206511 23 combinations may be used as is suitable to the type of product and the nature of the container. [0072] More than one desiccant container may be used in a container. For example, one desiccant container may be suspended from the lid of the container while a second stands on the surface. Or three or more of the third embodiments of the invention may be used in a large container of product so as to continuously remove maximum moisture from the upper surface of the product and the surrounding air. [0073] The advantages and application of the invention in its many forms are clearly a significant advance over the prior art, and are likely to prove immensely popular as an effective means of preserving the qualities of gym supplements, and many many other types of products for extended periods of time. [0074] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0075] Desiccant containers of the invention can be manufactured and sold individually or included within containers of powder when sold by retail or wholesalers. specPA206511 24 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST: Embodiment 1 Embodiment 2 Embodiment 3 1 Desiccant container 101 Desiccant container 201 Desiccant container 10 Container 110 Container 210 Container 12 Body of container 112 Body of container 212 Body of container 14 Lid of container 114 Lid of container 214 Lid of container 16 Product 116 Product 216 Product 18 Opening of 120 Silica balls 220 Silica gel container 20 Silica balls 122 Body of 101 222 Body of 201 22 Body of 1 128 Lid to 101 223 Filter of 222 24 Chambers x 4 129 Knob 228 Clear lid of 201 26 Dividers 142 Base 252 Base of 222 28 Lid to 1 144 Plastic arms 254 Top of 222 30 Loop 145 Leg pod 256 Curved part 252 32 Split ring 146 Base of pod 258 Rim of 252 34 Suction cup 148 Legs 260 Curved part of 254 36 Cup 150 Feet 262 Rim of 254 38 Base 40 Tab 42 Base 44 Plastic arms specPA206511

Claims (20)

1. A desiccant container for use in a container of product, the desiccant container including: a body means, adapted to receive and contain desiccant material therein; and a supporting means, connected or connectable to the body means for supporting the body means within the container proximal to the upper surface of the product, the supporting means including a shaped stand including a rim and a curved part, wherein, in use, desiccant material can be put into the body means, the supporting means being connected to the body means and the desiccant container put in the container of product so that the body means is supported proximal to the upper surface of the product whereby the desiccant can remove moisture from the air in the container and or from the upper surface of the product within the container.

2. The desiccant container of claim 1, wherein the desiccant material is silica balls including reusable silica balls, or silica gel.

3. The desiccant container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the product is a gym supplement powder.

4. The desiccant container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body means is substantially cylindrical and includes a top and or a base.

5. The desiccant container according to any one of claims I to 4, wherein the body means includes a mesh or filter and the mesh or filter enables the desiccant material to be held within the body means so as to prevent contact of the desiccant material with the product and the mesh or filter enables the desiccant specPA2C6511amend 23jan13 26 material to be exposed to the air so as to remove moisture from the surrounding air.

6. The desiccant container of claim 5, wherein the mesh or filter is a fine metal mesh or made of paper, plastic, cardboard, cloth, or similar, or any combination thereof.

7. The desiccant container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the body means includes one or more chamber and the desiccant is contained within the or each chamber.

8. The desiccant container of claim 7, wherein a divider is included, substantially cross-shaped in cross-section, and the divider divides the body means into four chambers.

9. The desiccant container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the supporting means enables the desiccant container to be attached to the inside of the lid of the container or the side of the container.

10. The desiccant container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the supporting means includes one or more suction cup or the like for attaching the desiccant container to a substantially flat surface.

11. The desiccant container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the supporting means is a stand means for standing the desiccant container on the product.

12. The desiccant container according to claim 11, wherein the stand is adapted to substantially maintain the desiccant container above the upper surface of the product. specPA206511amend23jan13 27

13. The desiccant container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein two supporting means are included one for suspending the desiccant container and one to act as a stand for the desiccant container.

14. The desiccant container of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the rim and the curved part are joined together by a V-shaped join.

15. The desiccant container according to claim 14, wherein any or all of the rim, curved part and V-shaped join substantially act against burial of the desiccant container in product.

16. The desiccant container according to any one of claims I to 15, wherein the rim and or the curved part are preferably adapted to have increased surface area so as to substantially act against burial in the product.

17. The desiccant container according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the supporting means includes two shaped stands, a top stand and a base stand and the configuration of the top stand and the base stand enable the desiccant container to resist burial into the product in both an upright and sideways orientation.

18. The desiccant container according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the desirable position is one where the desiccant is on or near the upper surface of the product.

19. A method of use of a desiccant container, the desiccant container including a body means adapted to receive desiccant therein and a supporting means for supporting the desiccant container in a proximal to the upper surface of product within a container, the method including the steps of: a) filling the body means of the desiccant container with desiccant or similar; specPA206S11ame nd23jan13 28 b) using the supporting means to support the desiccant container in the proximal to the upper surface of product in the container; c) closing the lid of the container; and d) checking the desiccant material and on noting a colour change replacing with fresh or dehydrated desiccant material.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein, the desiccant container is the desiccant container of any one of claims 1 to 18. Dated this day 24 January 2013 TIMOTHY FRANCIS DOWLING By his Patent Attorney TJ IP Patents, Trade Marks & Designs specPA20 6511amend 23jan13