US20120031582A1

US20120031582A1 - Personal Cooling Device

Info

Publication number: US20120031582A1
Application number: US12/850,127
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Sullivan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-04
Filing date: 2010-08-04
Publication date: 2012-02-09

Abstract

A personal cooling device cools the groin area by moving relatively cooler air to this part of the body. The personal cooling device is designed to be placed in close proximity with the user's groin and may be worn under the clothes. The device includes a housing including an air inflow opening, an air outflow opening, an interior chamber, and an air movement component within the interior chamber that moves air flowing into the air inflow opening through the interior chamber and outwardly from the air outflow opening toward the groin area. Preferably, the air movement component includes an electric fan. Preferably, the outer surfaces of the housing are smooth for comfort, and a tapered V-shaped portion is provided to facilitate placement in the user's groin (between the user's legs). Preferably, the air outflow opening includes a plurality of accordion slots that provide wide air dispersal for more effective cooling.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and device for cooling the groin area of a human.

BACKGROUND

For many people, excessive sweating in the groin area is a serious problem. While it is possible to control perspiration to some degree by wearing loose clothes and frequent showering, the only practical solution for many is to actually cool the groin area. But cooling the groin can be awkward when the person is in a public setting, such as an office. Although it is common to see office workers using fans at their desks or cubicles, such fans are typically not directed toward the groin; to do so would cause embarrassment. Furthermore, such fans are not suitable for placement under the clothes.
Additionally, many users of laptop computers experience discomfort from heat emitted from these devices. According to one study, the combination of the heat generated by the laptop and the position of the thighs can lead to higher scrotal temperatures, which can result in decreased sperm production.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A personal cooling device cools the groin area by moving relatively cooler air to this part of the body. The personal cooling device is designed to be placed in close proximity with the user's groin, preferably, worn under the clothes. The device includes a housing including an air inflow opening, an air outflow opening, an interior chamber, and an air movement component within the interior chamber that moves air flowing into the air inflow opening through the interior chamber and outwardly from the air outflow opening toward the groin area. Preferably, the air movement component includes an electric fan. Preferably, the outer surfaces of the housing are smooth for comfort, and a tapered V-shaped portion is provided to facilitate placement in the user's groin (between the user's legs). Preferably, the air outflow opening includes a plurality of accordion slots that provide wide air dispersal for more effective cooling.
These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a personal cooling device in operation, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a close-up perspective view of the personal cooling device;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the personal cooling device;

FIG. 4 shows an electrical diagram of the air movement component of the personal cooling device;

FIG. 5 shows air flow of the personal cooling device;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the personal cooling device; and

FIG. 7 shows the personal cooling device connected to a USB port of a computer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As depicted in FIG. 1, a personal cooling device 100 is placed adjacent to the user's groin, preferably atop or under an undergarment 120. As will be described in greater detail, when the personal cooling device 100 is placed in this manner, relatively cooler air is directed to the user's groin area (as indicated by the air flow arrows), thereby causing the groin area to be perceptively cooled.
FIG. 2 shows a close-up perspective view of the personal cooling device 100. As illustrated, the personal cooling device 100 includes a top housing 160 and a bottom housing 165 which are joined together during assembly, preferably by friction fitting interlocking pieces; a tapered V-shaped portion 120 provided to facilitate placement in the user's groin (between the user's legs); and a switch 125. As shown, the outer surfaces of the housing are smooth for user comfort. In an embodiment of the present invention, the device measures between about 4 to 6 inches in width and about 3 to 5 inches in length. Preferably, the housing is constructed of a durable plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or Proprietary Closed Cell Resin (PCCR) material which is antimicrobial and odor-resistant, and the top housing 160 and the bottom housing 165 are formed separately using an injection molding process.
FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the personal cooling device 100. For illustrative purposes, the top housing 160 and the bottom housing 165 are shown separated, exposing the internal components of the personal cooling device 100. In particular, the internal components include a power source 162, an electric fan 164, and the switch 125, as shown (hereinafter referred to collectively as the air movement component 150). Also shown are an air inflow opening 140 for receiving ambient air and an air outflow opening 145 for blowing the air toward the user's groin area. Preferably, the outflow opening 145 includes a plurality of accordion slots to allow for wide dispersal of the air from the air outflow opening 145, as shown.
FIG. 4 shows an electrical diagram of the air movement component 150 of the personal cooling device 100. As illustrated, the power source 162 is electrically connected to (and powers) the electric fan 164. The switch 125 is disposed on the negative wiring between the power source 162 and the electric fan 164. Preferably, the power source 162 includes a plurality of direct current (DC) batteries (e.g., 1.5 V alkaline or 1.2 V NiCad or NiMH “AA” batteries), as required to adequately power the electric fan 164. Alternatively, or in addition, the power source 162 can include electrical attachment to a universal serial bus (USB) port of a computer system (such as a laptop computer). In this case, the electrical current would be supplied by the computer system using pin 1 (+5V) and pin 4 (ground).
Although the electrical diagram illustrates a simple “on/off” switch 125, it is to be understood that the device could also include a variable speed control device to allow selection of a particular motor speed (e.g., “low”, “medium”, “high”).
FIG. 5 shows the air flow characteristics of the personal cooling device 100. As illustrated, ambient air is drawn into the air inflow opening 140 and the air movement component 150 directs the air outwardly from the air outflow opening 145 toward the groin area. As shown, the air inflow opening 140 is situated on a first side (top) of the device housing and air entering through the air inflow opening 140 is blown by the air movement component 150 through an L-shaped interior chamber and out the air outflow opening 145 formed in a second side (front) of the device housing.
FIG. 6 shows a side view of the personal cooling device 100.
FIG. 7 shows the personal cooling device 100 connected to a computer system 300 using a USB cable 190. Preferably, a USB Type A plug is attached to the computer system 300 and a USB Type B plug is attached to the personal cooling device 100. By providing this means for powering the device, a user needn't worry about running out of batteries. Furthermore, users of laptop computers can use the device to avoid excessive heat generated from their laptops and will find that it is convenient to use the USB power source.
Although the preferred embodiment described above utilizes an electric fan to move relatively cool ambient air to a relatively hotter body region, it is to be appreciated that cooling could be accomplished using other techniques, such as, for example, using a Peltier (thermoelectric) cooler. Additionally, it is to be understood that the particular design shown in the drawings is provided for illustrative purposes.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the various exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A personal cooling device for cooling the groin area of a human, comprising:

a housing;

an air inflow opening in the housing;

an air outflow opening in the housing;

an interior chamber within the housing; and

an air movement component within the interior chamber that moves air flowing into the air inflow opening through the interior chamber and outwardly from the air outflow opening;

wherein the housing includes a tapered V-shaped portion to facilitate placement adjacent to a user's groin.

2. The personal cooling device of claim 1, wherein, in operation, when the personal cooling device is placed adjacent the user's groin, the user's groin area is perceptively cooled.

3. The personal cooling device of claim 1, wherein the air movement component includes an electric fan.

4. The personal cooling device of claim 3, wherein the electric fan is battery-powered.

5. The personal cooling device of claim 3, wherein the electric fan is electrically connected to and powered by a computer.

6. The personal cooling device of claim 1, wherein the air outflow opening includes a plurality of accordion slots.

7. The personal cooling device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slots allow for wide dispersal of the air from the air outflow opening.

8. The personal cooling device of claim 1, wherein outer surfaces of the housing are tapered.

9. The personal cooling device of claim 1, further comprising an air cooling component within the inner chamber that cools the air.

10. A method of cooling the groin area, comprising:

placing the personal cooling device of claim 1 adjacent to the user's groin; and

operating the personal cooling device to move relatively cooler air to the user's groin area.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the personal cooling device is hidden under a garment.