US20090031747A1

US20090031747A1 - Dehumidifier

Info

Publication number: US20090031747A1
Application number: US12/182,741
Authority: US
Inventors: Heider S. LAZZARINI; Jason A. Morris
Original assignee: Homax Products Inc
Current assignee: Homax Products Inc
Priority date: 2007-07-31
Filing date: 2008-07-30
Publication date: 2009-02-05
Also published as: WO2009018357A2; WO2009018357A3

Abstract

A dehumidifier comprises a base, a top, and a tray removably positioned between the base and the top. The tray is provided to accommodate a moisture-absorbing material thereon and further comprises a floor having at least one drain for passage of absorbed moisture from the tray to the base. The tray further comprises at least one vented sidewall for increased airflow around the moisture-absorbing material. In one embodiment, a hanger is provided for hanging the dehumidifier in a closet or the like. In an alternative embodiment, a movable support is provided on the base for increasing the stability of the base relative to a support surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application 60/953,189, filed Jul. 31, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to dehumidifiers in general, and more specifically to a dehumidifier having a chamber adapted to receive an air freshener and deodorizer and, in at least one embodiment, a base with a support structure for stable placement on a support surface and for preventing spills and accidental contact with moisture-absorbing material.

BACKGROUND

Portable dehumidifiers for use in enclosed areas such as closets, lockers and the like are known, one example being U.S. Pat. No. 5,907,908 to a Dehumidifying Pouch. Such prior art devices are generally limited in use and functionality and are generally suited to a particular environment. Accordingly, there is a need for a dehumidifier that is not limited in use or functionality and that is generally suited to a variety of environments and conditions.

SUMMARY

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dehumidifier of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view thereof;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view and FIG. 4 is a top view of a tray of the dehumidifier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the dehumidifier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the dehumidifier of FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the dehumidifier of FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a dehumidifier of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view thereof;

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a connection between the top and the base of the dehumidifier of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view and FIG. 12 is a top view of a tray of the dehumidifier of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the dehumidifier of FIG. 8;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the dehumidifier of FIG. 8 taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the dehumidifier of FIG. 8;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier of FIG. 8 shown with the bottom support rotated outward;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of FIG. 16 taken from the bottom;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a dehumidifier of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view thereof;

FIG. 20 is a top view of a tray of the dehumidifier of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the dehumidifier of FIG. 18 without the hanger;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken through line 22-22 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier of FIG. 18 shown with the bottom support rotated outward; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of FIG. 23 without the hanger attached and taken from the bottom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure describes the best mode or modes of practicing the invention as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but provides an example of the invention presented solely for illustrative purposes by reference to the accompanying drawings to advise one of ordinary skill in the art of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view and FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a dehumidifier 100 of the present invention. The dehumidifier 100 further comprises a base 120, a top 140, and a tray 160 removably positioned between the base 120 and the top 140. FIG. 3 is an isometric view and FIG. 4 is a top view of the tray 160, which is adapted to receive moisture-absorbing material (not shown) that becomes saturated with environmental humidity and thereby dissolves leaving the absorbed moisture or water in its place. Such moisture collects on a floor 162 of the tray 160 and passes through at least one drain 164 in the floor 162 of the tray into the base 120, which is substantially solid to collect and retain such moisture. The top 140 further comprises at least one vent 142, and more preferably a plurality of vents 142, to promote airflow through the dehumidifier 100 and across the moisture-absorbing material. After all of the moisture-absorbing medium has dissolved and excess moisture has collected in the base 120, the top 140 is separated from the base 120, the tray 160 is removed and the collected moisture is dumped out or drained from the base 120. Thereafter, the tray 160 is re-positioned on the base 120, the top 140 is attached to the base 120 via a snap engagement 146 (FIGS. 6, 7), and the process is repeated.
The moisture-absorbing material can take a variety of forms known in the art. A preferred material comprises a salt selected from the group consisting of alkali metal halides, alkaline earth metal halides, iron halides and aluminum halides, individually or a combination thereof, one example being calcium chloride. Such material can take the form of beads, pellets, or flakes, etc. of a variety of shapes, sizes, structural and aesthetic configurations. Such material can also include a fragrance as desired.
In addition, a deodorizing material, such as, but not limited to activated carbon and/or zeolite, alone or in combination, may be incorporated into the moisture-absorbing material. In addition, or alternatively, separate deodorizing beads or pellets may be mixed in with the moisture-absorbing medium on the tray 160, which emit a deodorizer and/or deodorizing scent through the vents 142 in the top 140. Such scent may be a cedar scent, for example, which might be preferred if used in closets for storing clothing and the like. Of course, other scents may be used as desired for different environments or situations, such as, for example, a baby powder scent for use in a nursery, a pine scent for use during the winter holidays, or maybe even a butter popcorn scent for use in a home theater.
Alternatively, a scented and/or deodorizing material (not shown) may also be introduced into a separate chamber 150 provided on the top 140, which chamber 150 may be controlled and regulated via an adjustable cover 154. The cover 154 has a plurality of vent openings 158 that regulate the amount of scent or deodorizing material emitted from the chamber 150 or exposed to the environment. The cover 154 is slidable from a fully closed position wherein the vent openings 158 are sealed and obstructed by the top 140 and the chamber 150 is effectively closed, to a fully open position wherein the vent openings 158 are unobstructed and the contents of the chamber 150 are open to the environment. The chamber 150 is particularly suited to receiving beads or pellets, although other delivery forms, such as gels, oils, liquids, flakes, powders, etc. are contemplated. The chamber 150 may also be used to deliver functional actives, such as aromatherapy, medication, vitamins, and other sensory and/or healing compositions or compounds.
Alternatively, a gelling agent (not shown) may be provided on the floor 122 of the base 120 to soak up the excess moisture that drips through the drain 164 in the tray 160. Such gelling agent may initially be in the form of a powder, which then turns into a non-toxic, anti-microbial, odor-counteracting gel upon exposure to a liquid such as water, emitting a deodorizing and/or pleasant smell while moisture is being removed and absorbed from the atmosphere. Thus, if the dehumidifier 100 is inadvertently knocked over, no water would be spilled therefrom. After all of the moisture-absorbing material has dissolved from the tray 160, and after all of the excess moisture has transformed the powder or the like into odor-counteracting gel, such gel may merely be discarded and replenished with a fresh gelling agent as desired.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the dehumidifier 100, FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the assembled dehumidifier 100 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the assembled dehumidifier 100 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5. The tray 160 of the present embodiment further comprises an outer sidewall 172 having a circumferential lip 174 for engagement with a circumferential ledge 124 provided on the base 120. An inner sidewall 176 extends upwardly from the floor 162 and further comprises a plurality of vent openings 178 that, in the present embodiment, start at a horizontal plane defined by the circumferential lip 174 of the outer sidewall 172 and extend upwardly toward the top 140 in the assembled position. The drains 164 are situated in low points 163 along the floor 162 to assist in directing the moisture toward the drains 164 and to prevent moisture from collecting and pooling on the tray floor 162. The drains 164 are preferably provided at various locations along the floor 162, such as near the center of the tray 160 within the bounds of the inner sidewall 176 where the majority of the moisture-absorbing material will reside, as well as at locations 175 between the inner sidewall 176 and outer sidewall 172, where additional moisture-absorbing material may be placed and/or where moisture will collect from drippage through the vents 178 toward the outer sidewall 172.
The inner sidewall 176 preferably extends appreciably higher than the outer sidewall 172 relative to the floor 162 of the tray 160 and almost to the inner wall 144 of the top 140, to maximize the amount of moisture-absorbing material capable of being loaded onto tray 160 and capable of being exposed to the environment. The vents 178 in the inner sidewall 176 are elevated relative to the lip 174 of the outer sidewall 172 and are effectively aligned with the vents 142 in the top 140 to maximize the airflow through the top 140 and through the inner sidewall 176, thereby increasing the contact between such airflow and the moisture-absorbing material. Thus, the inner sidewall 176 enables a large surface area of moisture-absorbing material, which absorbs moisture with maximum efficiency through increased material capacity and increased airflow.
Thus, the inner sidewall 176 defines a primary collection chamber for receiving and retaining moisture-absorbing material, while the locations 175 between the inner sidewall 176 and outer sidewall 172 provide a secondary collection chamber for receiving and retaining additional moisture-absorbing material. In addition, the storage chamber 150 may be provided with a scented and/or deodorizing material that functions to freshen the air and eliminate any odors in the air. Accordingly, in addition to removing moisture from the air, the dehumidifier 100 of the present invention can also function as an air freshener and an air deodorizer, and thus provide three distinct benefits in a convenient, portable package.
The base 120 of the dehumidifier embodiment of FIG. 1 is formed with a relatively wide footprint and stable configuration and is particularly suited for placement on a flat support surface, such as a floor or a counter, in a variety of locations. For example, the dehumidifier of the present invention could be used in closets to prevent damage to fabrics from excess moisture while keeping them smelling fresh and clean; in a bathroom or laundry room to freshen the air as it absorbs excess moisture from showers and linens; in vacation homes that are kept closed up for extended periods of time; in basements to protects storage areas from excess moisture and to absorb musty basement odors; in cabinets to protect dry goods and freshen stale air in closed up storage spaces; in office supply cabinets to protect electric equipment, supplies, and paper; in gym lockers to help dry and freshen damp gym clothes and shoes, etc.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view and FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a dehumidifier 200 of the present invention. The dehumidifier 200 further comprises a base 220, a top 240, and a tray 260 removably positioned between the base 220 and the top 240. FIG. 10 illustrates a slidable engagement of the top 240 and base 220, all other elements being removed to better illustrate the connection between the top 240 and base 220. The top 240 further comprises a peripheral rim 241 that slides along a circumferential ledge 224 provided on the base 220 until the rim 241 encounters sidewall 225 extending upwardly from the rim 241. When the tray 260 is inserted into the base 220 as shown below in FIG. 14, the rim 241 would slide on a circumferential lip 274 (FIG. 14) of the tray 260, which lip 274 is seated on the circumferential ledge 224 as also shown in FIG. 14. When the top 240 is fully advanced over the base 220, a plurality of inwardly-extending tabs 221 engage with recessed notches 243 to removably secure or “lock” the base 220 and the top 240 together. While FIG. 10 illustrates one method of attaching the top 250 onto the base 220, it will be appreciated that other methods shown herein or known in the art are contemplated.
The tray 260 is shown alone in FIGS. 11 (perspective) and 12 (top view) and is adapted to receive moisture-absorbing material (not shown) as discussed above in connection with the dehumidifier embodiment 100. Moisture collects on a floor 262 of the tray 260 and passes through at least one drain 264 in the floor 262 of the tray into the base 220, which is substantially solid to collect and retain such moisture. The top 240 further comprises at least one vent 242 (FIG. 8), and more preferably a plurality of vents 242, to promote airflow through the dehumidifier 200 and across the moisture-absorbing material. After all of the moisture-absorbing medium has dissolved and excess moisture has collected in the base 220, the top 240 is separated from the base 220, the tray 260 is removed and the collected moisture is dumped out or drained from the base 220. Thereafter, the tray 260 is re-positioned on the base 220, the top 240 is attached to the base 220, and the process is repeated.
The dehumidifier 200 further comprises a separate chamber 250 provided on the top 240, similar to chamber 150 of dehumidifier 100, which chamber 250 may include scented or deodorizing material or the like (not shown), the evaporation of which may be controlled and regulated via an adjustable cover 254. The cover 254 has a plurality of vent openings 258 that regulate the amount of scent or deodorizing material or the like emitted from the chamber 250 or exposed to the environment. The cover 254 is slidable from a fully closed position wherein the vent openings 258 are sealed and obstructed by the top 240 and the chamber 250 is effectively closed, to a fully open position wherein the vent openings 258 are unobstructed and the contents of the chamber 250 are open to the environment. The chamber 250 is particularly suited to receiving beads or pellets, although other delivery forms, such as gels, oils, liquids, flakes, powders, etc. are contemplated. The chamber 250 may also be used deliver functional actives, such as aromatherapy, medication, vitamins, and other sensory and/or healing compositions or compounds as discussed above.
FIG. 13 is a top view of the dehumidifier 200, FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the assembled dehumidifier 200 taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the assembled dehumidifier 200. The tray 260 of the embodiment of dehumidifier 200 further comprises an outer sidewall 272 having a circumferential lip 274 for engagement with the circumferential ledge 224 provided on the base 220. An inner sidewall 276 extends upwardly from the floor 262 and further comprises a plurality of vent openings 278 that, in the present embodiment, start above a horizontal plane defined by the circumferential lip 274 of the outer sidewall 272 and extend upwardly toward the top 240 in the assembled position. The drains 264 (FIG. 12) are preferably provided at various locations along the floor 262, such as near the center of the tray 260 within the bounds of the inner sidewall 276 where the majority of the moisture-absorbing material will reside, as well as at locations 275 between the inner sidewall 276 and outer sidewall 272, where additional moisture-absorbing material may be placed and/or where moisture will collect from drippage through the vents 278 toward the outer sidewall 272.
The inner sidewall 276 preferably extends appreciably higher than the outer sidewall 272 relative to the floor 262 of the tray 260 and almost to the inner wall 244 of the top 240, to maximize the amount of moisture-absorbing material capable of being loaded onto tray 260 and capable of being exposed to the environment. The vents 278 in the inner sidewall 276 are elevated relative to the lip 274 of the outer sidewall 272 and are effectively aligned with the vents 242 in the top 240 to maximize the airflow through the top 240 and through the inner sidewall 276, thereby increasing the contact between such airflow and the moisture-absorbing material. Thus, the inner sidewall 276 enables a large surface area of moisture-absorbing material, which absorbs moisture with maximum efficiency through increased material capacity and increased airflow.
The dehumidifier 200 further comprises a removable hanger 290 having a hook 292 and a plurality of attachment arms 294 that engage with openings 246 in the top 240. The hanger 290 enables the dehumidifier 200 to be hung from a closet rod (not shown) or the like. The hook 292 and attachment arms 294 are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the top 240, and in the illustrated embodiment the openings 246 are defined on either side of the chamber 250. The ends 296 of the attachment arms 294 are notched to grab the inner wall 244 of the top 240 and are further supported by parallel brackets (not shown) perpendicular to the inner wall 244 to provide greater balance of the hook 292 as it supports the humidifier 200 with the objective to minimize its wobbling when it is hung from a closet rod. The attachment arms 294 are curved relative to the hook 292 so that the attachment arms 294 increase their hold on the top 240 as additional weight is placed on the dehumidifier 200. In other words, as the base 220 of the dehumidifier 200 fills with water, the connection between the hanger 290 and the top 240 becomes tighter.
The dehumidifier 200 further comprises a support 230 attached to the base 220, which support 230 is movable from a storage or hanging position 232 (FIGS. 8, 14, 15) in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the base 220, to a use position 234 (FIGS. 16, 17) that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base, which support 230 enables the dehumidifier 200 to be placed and used on a flat support surface (not shown) such as a floor or a counter with increased confidence that such dehumidifier 200 will not tip or fall over. In particular, the support 230 is rotatably attached to a shaft 236 extending downwardly from the base 220 and is nested in the middle of the bottom wall 226 of the base 220 during the hanging or storage position 232. The base 220 has a relatively narrow width profile as compared with the base 120 of dehumidifier 100, which narrow width profile is convenient and preferred for hanging via hanger 290, but not so effective when placed on a support surface. Accordingly, when the hanger 290 is removed from the top 240 and when it is desired to use the dehumidifier 200 on a flat support surface, the support 230 is rotated into the use position 234 so that the support 230 and opposite ends 222 of the base 220 are in simultaneous contact with the support surface. In the embodiment of dehumidifier 200, the length of the support 230 is approximately 50% to greater than 50% of the distance between the opposite ends 222 of the base 220, which translates into a diamond-shaped footprint when the support 230 is rotated into the use position 234.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view and FIG. 19 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a dehumidifier 300 of the present invention. The dehumidifier 300 further comprises a base 320, a top 340, and a tray 360 removably positioned between the base 320 and the top 340. A separate chamber 350, having an adjustable cover 354 with vents 358, is provided on the top 340 and functions similar to the chambers 150 and 250 of dehumidifier embodiments 100 and 200. Also shown is a removable hanger 390 having a hook 392 and a plurality of attachment arms 394 with notches 396 that engage with openings 321 in the base 320 to secure the dehumidifier assembly 300 during hanging from a closet rod (not shown) or the like. The hook 392 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the top 340, while the arms 394 are oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the top 340. The attachment arms 394 are curved relative to the hook 392 so that the attachment arms 394 increase their hold on the top 340 as additional weight is placed on the dehumidifier 300.
As also shown in FIGS. 18, 19, and 22-24, a support 330 is attached to the base 320 and is movable from a storage or hanging position 332 (FIGS. 18, 19, 22) in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the base 320, to a use position 334 (FIGS. 23, 24) that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base 320, which support 330 enables the dehumidifier 300 to be placed on a flat support surface (not shown) such as a floor or a counter with increased confidence that such dehumidifier 300 will not tip or fall over. In particular, the support 330 is rotatably attached to a shaft 336 extending downwardly from the base 320 and is nested in the middle of the bottom wall 326 of the base 320 during the storage or hanging position 332. The base 320 has a relatively narrow width profile as compared with the base 120 of dehumidifier 100, which narrow width profile is convenient and preferred for hanging via hanger 390, but not so effective when placed on a support surface. Accordingly, when the hanger 390 is removed from the top 340 and when it is desired to use the dehumidifier 300 on a flat support surface, the support 330 is rotated into the use position 334 so that the support 330 and opposite ends 322 of the base 320 are in simultaneous contact with the support surface. In the embodiment of dehumidifier 300, the length of the support 330 is approximately 75% to greater than 75% of the distance between the opposite ends 322 of the base 320, which translates into an approximately square-shaped footprint when the support 330 is rotated into the use position 334.
The tray 360 is shown alone in FIG. 20 (top view) and is adapted to receive moisture-absorbing material (not shown) as discussed above in connection with the dehumidifier embodiments 100 and 200. The tray 360 differs from trays 160 and 260 in that the entire volume of tray 360 can be loaded with moisture-absorbing material as tray 360 is configured primarily as a basket. Moisture collects on a floor 362 of the tray 360 and passes through at least one drain 364 in the floor 362 of the tray 360 into the base 320, the lower portion of which is substantially solid to collect and retain such moisture. The basket-like configuration is reinforced by a continuous outer sidewall 372 (as opposed to an inner and outer sidewall of trays 160 and 260) that substantially comprise vent openings 378 that are substantially aligned with vent openings 328 in the base 320 to promote efficient airflow through the dehumidifier 300 and across the moisture-absorbing material (not shown) stored in the tray 360. The vents 378 in the outer sidewall 372 extend along almost the entire height of the tray 360 to maximize the amount of moisture-absorbing material capable of being loaded onto tray 360 and capable of being exposed to the environment. FIG. 21, which is a top view of the dehumidifier 300 without the hanger 390, and FIG. 22, which is a sectional view taken through line 22-22 of FIG. 21, illustrate the alignment of the vent openings in the base 320 and tray 360.
The dehumidifier embodiments as described herein comprise some unique aesthetic configurations. For example, the dehumidifier 100 comprises convex side profiles along the longitudinal axis and concave side profiles along the transverse axis to assume a pinched configuration. The dehumidifier 200 comprises primarily convex profiles along the top 240 and base 220, while the dehumidifier 300 comprises primarily concave profiles along the top 340 and base 320. Of course, other configurations and profiles are contemplated.
While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A dehumidifier comprising:

a) a base, a top, and a tray removably positioned therebetween;

b) the tray comprising a floor having at least one drain; and

c) the tray further comprising at least one vented sidewall.

2. The dehumidifier of claim 1, the tray further comprising a plurality of vented sidewalls.

3. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein the at least one vented sidewall extends continuously around a center of the tray.

4. The dehumidifier of claim 1, the tray further comprising a continuous outer sidewall extending around an outer periphery of the tray.

5. The dehumidifier of claim 1, the tray further comprising an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, wherein at least one inner sidewall is vented.

6. The dehumidifier of claim 5, wherein the inner sidewall is higher relative to the floor than the outer sidewall.

7. The dehumidifier of claim 6, wherein the at least one vented inner sidewall extends continuously around a center of the tray.

8. The dehumidifier of claim 5, wherein the at least one vented inner sidewall extends continuously around a center of the tray.

9. The dehumidifier of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a support that is movable from a storage position to a use position.

10. The dehumidifier of claim 9, wherein the movable support is rotatable from the storage position in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the base, to the use position that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base.

11. The dehumidifier of claim 9, wherein the base further comprises opposite ends that contact a support surface while the movable support is in the storage and use positions.

12. The dehumidifier of claim 11, wherein the support comprises a length that is greater than 50% of the distance between opposite ends along the longitudinal axis of the base.

13. The dehumidifier of claim 12, wherein the support comprises a length that is greater than 75% of the distance between opposite ends along the longitudinal axis of the base.

14. The dehumidifier of claim 1, further comprising a hanger removably attachable to the top.

15. The dehumidifier of claim 14, the hanger further comprising a hook and a plurality of attachment arms.

16. The dehumidifier of claim 15, wherein the hook and plurality of attachment arms are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the top.

17. The dehumidifier of claim 15, wherein the plurality of attachment arms are aligned with the transverse axis of the top.

18. The dehumidifier of claim 17, wherein in an assembled position, the plurality of attachment arms extends into attachment openings in the base.

19. The dehumidifier of claim 1, further comprising a storage chamber situated in the top.

20. The dehumidifier of claim 19, wherein the storage chamber is covered by an adjustable vent.

21. A dehumidifier comprising a base, a top, and a tray removably positioned between the base and the top, the tray further comprising a drain, the base further comprising a support movable from a storage position to a use position.

22. The dehumidifier of claim 21, wherein the support is rotatable from the storage position in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the base, to the use position that is out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the base.

23. The dehumidifier of claim 22, wherein the use position is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base.

24. The dehumidifier of claim 23, the tray further comprising at least one vented sidewall.