US20180283712A1

US20180283712A1 - Portable air cooling device

Info

Publication number: US20180283712A1
Application number: US15/475,051
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph A. French
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-30
Filing date: 2017-03-30
Publication date: 2018-10-04

Abstract

The present application describes a portable cooling device configured to regulate the temperature of an airflow through the use of one or more saturated pads. The device includes a fan unit configured to generate the airflow. A water storage unit is used to store a volume of water that is pumped into communication with the one or more pads. A power supply is provided to provide electrical power to operate the device. The pads are used to pre-cool the airflow prior to reaching the fan.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates generally to a cooling device, and in particular to a portable cooling device that incorporates evaporative cooling methods to generate a reduced temperature airflow.

2. Description of Related Art

Individuals outside are susceptible to the effects of heat. Many types of methods are used to provide a cooling effect on the body. The body itself sweats which causes an evaporative cooling effect on the skin in an attempt to naturally cool the body. Similar types of efforts are used and generated over time. Manually operated fans are used to generate a manufactured breeze that cools the body. This is especially helpful where the ambient air is stagnant.
Other advancements have been made using electronically controlled devices. These devices often incorporate a motorized fan with a misting device used to spray a portion of liquid into the airflow. The water is used to cool the air. In operation, a user fills a container with water and manually pumps the water through a tube for dispersion as a mist. The spray is placed into the stream resulting on cooling of the air after the air passes through the fan. A motor is used to operate the fan. A disadvantage of these systems is that the airflow contains a large amount of moisture which saturates and collects onto the individual. Additionally, manual operation of the misting unit is needed. Traditionally, these units are basic in nature without much electrical technology.
It is desired that a system be developed that reduces the temperature of the air prior to passing through the fan and reduces the amount of moisture within the air. Although strides have been made, considerable shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable air cooling device according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the portable cooling device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an alternative perspective view of the portable air cooling device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an alternative perspective view of the portable air cooling device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the alternative perspective view of the portable air cooling device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the portable air cooling device of FIG. 1.

While the device and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.
The system in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with existing methods and devices used to generate a cooling effect upon the body. Specifically, the device of the present application is configured to use a humidifying effect to pre cool air prior to passing through a fan unit. Water is used to saturate one or more pads. The device is fully portable and able to be carried by an individual. The device is fully compatible with various charging devices and methods to allow for continuous use. These and other unique features of the system are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
The system will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the assembly are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise described.
The system of the present application includes a fan unit configured to generate an airflow. A pump is used to transport water from a storage container to one or more pads. Air is pulled by the fan unit through the saturated pads to lower the temperature of the air. Air is then fed through the fan unit and through a flexible duct. The duct is flexible to permit the selective directing of the airflow. These and other unique features of the system and method are described herein below.
Referring now to the figures wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views. Referring now to FIG. 1 in the drawings, a block diagram of a portable air cooling device according to an embodiment of the present application is illustrated. Portable air cooling device 101 includes a single portable unit composed of a plurality of sub units. In particular, device 101 includes a power supply 103, a water storage unit 105, an intake unit 107, a fan unit 109, and a duct 111. Each is detachable from the other respective elements. Together, they provide for the selective production of a cooled airflow within a fully transportable single unit.
Referring now also to FIGS. 2-5 in the drawings, various perspective views of device 101 is illustrated. Fan unit 109 is configured to generate an airflow by rotating fan 113. Fan unit 109 includes a shroud to fully surround fan 113. Fan 113 may be operable at a plurality of speed settings as desired by the user.
Intake unit 107 is coupled to fan unit 109 beneath fan 113, and is configured to locate one or more pads 115 adjacent to one or more inlets 117. Inlets 117 are equally spaced around the perimeter of intake unit 107. The particular shape and size of inlets 117 are not limited to that depicted. Pads 115 are located internally within intake unit 107 such that air pulled into intake unit 107 from fan 113 are designed to pass through pads 115 and into fan unit 109. The connection between intake unit 107 and fan unit 109 is sealed to eliminate undesired leakage.
As seen in FIG. 5, a section view of device 101 is illustrated. Airflow is pulled through inlet 117. In order to regulate the temperature of the airflow prior to passing through fan 113, pads 115 are saturated with water. Water storage unit 105 is a container configured to store a volume of water 118. Unit 105 is sealingly coupled to intake unit 107. Unit 105 may be detached to permit the insertion or removal of water 118.
Unit 105 includes a pump 119 in communication with the water and configured to transport the water from unit 105 to intake unit 107. The water is dispersed within intake unit 107 so as to saturate pads 115. Pads 115 are configured to receive the water from pump 119 and absorb a portion of the water. Pump 119 is any type of pump and may be either submerged into water 118 or may be external to the volume of water 118. Pump 119 is configured to regulate the flow rate of water to intake unit 107. The flow rate may be increased or decreased upon the desire of the operator or may be electronically adjusted and regulated by pump 119.
A hose 121 is located between pump 119 and a port 123. Water 118 is pumped through hose 121 and exits port 123 to saturate pads 115. Ports 123 are selectively located adjacent pads 115 to allow water 118 to fall (via gravity) through pads 115. Ports 123 are sized to appropriately regulate the amount of water permitted to pass. It is preferred that ports 123 are designed to permit an equal flow rate. It is understood that the flow rate of water through ports 123 may be varied and adjustable.
It is further understood that pads 115 may reach a maximum saturation point wherein excess water is forced out or escapes pads 115. Such water is collected within intake unit 107. Intake unit 107 and unit 105 are collectively configured to include a drain passage valve 125 configured to allow passage of the water to return back into unit 105. Valve 125 may be a one-way valve configured to permit passage of water uni-directionally into unit 105. This prevents water 118 from escaping unit 105 and spilling into intake unit 107. This also prevents water 118 from exiting out inlet 117. It is understood that valve 125 is optional. Valve 125 may be replaced by a single unobstructed passage.
Airflow is pushed out from fan unit 109 and into duct 111. Duct 111 is configured to enclose the airflow and selectively route it to one or more locations prior to the discharging of the airflow into the ambient air. Duct 111 is coupled to fan unit 109 and in particular to the shroud. Duct 111 is detachable and interchangeable. Duct 111 is configured to be flexible to accept placement by a user. The user being able to manipulate and set the routing of duct 111 and then have duct 111 maintain that positioning when released by the user. Sequential ribbing (i.e. similar to an accordion) may be used. An insulative layer 127 may also be included to diminish heat gain from the ambient air. A nozzle 129 may be located at a distal end of duct 111 to help regulate direction and speed of the airflow from duct 111.
Power supply 103 is in electrical communication with at least pump 119 and fan 113. Power supply 103 is configured to provide electrical power to operate both. Operation of both may be done simultaneously or independently from each other. This allows fan 113 to rotate and pump 119 to be off. This may occur where pads 115 are fully saturated and pump 119 is not needed. Regulating the operation of each independently helps to conserve power. This regulation of operation may be done by the user via a control unit 131 or automatically. For example, pump 119 may be set to operate for set durations of time followed by a subsequent off period. The length of each period of time may be adjusted by the user.
Control unit 131 includes one or more functional user interactive devices 133 configured to regulate the various functions of device 101. Among these functions are at least the following: the speed and operation of fan 113 and the operation and frequency of pump 119. Devices 133 may be manually operated switches or digital display units.
Power supply 103 is composed of one or more electrical storage devices (i.e. batteries) to permit the selective and slow release of electrical power. Power supply 103 is configured to be rechargeable. Power supply 103 may further include a charging port 135 configured to mate with one or more types of electrical connectors used to pass electrical power. Charging port 135 may be a universal serial bus port or other connector. For example, charging port 135 may be configured to receive power via a plugged wall outlet, a car charger through a lighter, any motion driven charging device, or any other type of device configured to generate or transmit a charge.
A particular feature of device 101 is the ability for device 101 to function fully as described while charging. This allows device 101 to operate indefinitely. The portability of device 101 allows it to travel with the user and be operable during most ordinary activities. The size is compact, ideally no bigger than a water bottle. Device 101 includes a base 137 configured to provide a suitable and stable footing on resting surfaces. The size and shape of device 101 is uniquely adapted for application with single occupant apparatuses or embodiments, such as strollers, back packs, bicycle trailers , heavy equipment , mowers both riding and push, and Golf carts for example. Additionally, device 101 may be located and transported within strollers and backpacks. It is important to keep in mind that duct 111 may be any length and can be used by a user to provide temperature regulated air to any part of the body during multiple activities.
It should be understood that the particular embodiment of device 101 is not meant to be herein limiting. It is known that other types of configurations for each unit and element are possible. It is important that the air is pre-cooled through one or more saturated pads 115 prior to reaching fan 113. An infinite number of water delivery methods beyond pump 119 are possible. Additionally, duct 117 is merely represented herein for exemplary purposes. The size and portability are of note to allow device 101 to function in a vast number of activities. The size allows it to be carried in multiple ways, such as in a backpack, shoulder bag, pouch, or even strapped to a portion of the human body.
Referring now also to FIG. 6 in the drawings, an alternative view of device 101 is illustrated. Device 201 is similar in form and function to that of device 101 except as herein noted. A particular distinction with this embodiment is the use of a solid frozen material 218 to provide more extreme cooling effects. Whereas in device 101, liquid water was the sole cooling medium, within device 201 the liquid water is also supplemented by frozen material 218. The frozen material would most likely be frozen water (i.e. ice cubes) but is not herein limited to such. Fan unit 109 may be opened to insert material 218.
It is understood that material 218 may be incorporated into device 101 wherein the material 218 would only reside within intake unit 107. In order to expand the volume of material 218 that can be carried, intake 107 and unit 105 are replaced by body 207 which is configured to be a singular body with a large central chamber. Pads 115 and pump 119 would continue to operate in similar manners to that of device 101. An advantage of body 207 is that more material 218 may be stored.
Use of ice within device 201 and/or device 101 permits a dual stage cooling effect upon the air drawn into the device. Firstly the air is passed through pads 115 which may be saturated, thereby releasing heat through the moisture therein. Secondly the air passes through material 218 to further chill the air. Where ice is at least partially used as material 218, as the ice melts the water would then collect at the bottom of body 207 and may be pumped through pump 119 to saturate pads 115. This water is maintained near freezing temperatures from unthawed material 218. Both water 118 and material 218 may coexist within device 101 and 201.
It is realized that device 101 may also be used with material 101 such that the threaded communication between intake unit 107 and unit 105 may continue to exist, just wherein material 218 would need to be added to each section individually. Furthermore, the dual stage cooling effect upon the air may be realized by both embodiments as well. It is worth mentioning that both device 101 and 201 are also configured wherein the air is pulled by fan 113 to pass through pads 115 and then pushed out through duct 111. The precise location of pads 115 and fan 113 are not crucially important. The locations of such may be swapped wherein fan 113 may pull air into the device and push it through pads 115 and furthermore into duct 111.
The current application has many advantages over the prior art including at least the following: (1) dual stage cooling effect upon the air; (2) reduced water saturated airflow; (3) avoidance of misting systems; (4) compact size and common shape to permit maximum use; and (5) ability to charge and operate with an infinite number of electrical devices.
The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cooling device, comprising:

a fan unit configured to generate an airflow;

a water storage unit configured to store a volume of water;

a pump in communication with the water storage unit and configured to transport the water;

a pad configured to receive the water from the pump, the water configured to saturate the pad; and

a power supply configured to provide electrical power to operate the pump and the fan unit;

wherein the saturated pad pre cools the airflow prior to discharging.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the fan unit includes a fan operable at a plurality of speeds.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the fan unit is fully contained within a shroud.

4. The device of claim 3, further comprising:

an enclosed duct in communication with the shroud and configured to permit the selective directing of airflow.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the duct is detachable from the shroud.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the duct is flexible to selectively allow for the manipulation of its orientation.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein the duct is insulated.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the pump supplies the water through one or more ports to saturate the pad.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein water exiting the pads is passed into the water storage unit.

10. The device of claim 9, further comprising:

a one-way valve configured to regulate the direction of water passage from the water exiting the saturated pad and entering the water storage unit.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the fan unit and the pump are configured to operate independent of each other.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a charging port configured to supply electrical power to the power supply.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the charging port is configured to accept electrical power while the fan unit and pump are operating.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a control unit configured to selectively regulate the distribution of electrical power through the power supply and to each of the fan unit and the pump.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the fan unit and the pump are configured to operate independent of each other.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the water storage unit is detachable from the saturated pads.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the fan unit and the water storage unit are in communication with each other to form a portable and personal cooling device.

18. A cooling device, comprising:

a fan unit configured to generate an airflow;

a main body configured to store a volume of water, the main body in communication with the fan unit, the fan unit closing the main body;

a pump in communication with the main body and configured to transport the water;

wherein the saturated pad pre cools the airflow prior to passing through a duct.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the water is at least one of a solid and a liquid.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the air is subjected to a dual stage cooling process first through the saturated pad and second by being passed adjacent to frozen material.