US20260036307A1

US20260036307A1 - Portable air cooler

Info

Publication number: US20260036307A1
Application number: US18/900,499
Authority: US
Inventors: Sean Thomas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-07-31
Filing date: 2024-09-27
Publication date: 2026-02-05

Abstract

A portable air cooler is provided that includes an openable top that provides access to a chest interior. The chest body also has as air inlet in the chest body through which ambient air can flow into the chest interior, an air outlet in the chest body through which air from the chest interior can flow out of the chest interior, and a fan operable to cause ambient air to flow into the chest interior through the air inlet and to cause air from the chest interior to flow out the air outlet. A chilling member is positionable in the chest interior to define an airflow pathway from the air inlet to the air outlet, wherein when the fan is operated, air is caused to flow from the air inlet through the airflow pathway to the air outlet, and wherein the chilling member comprises a heat exchange facilitating structure that chills air flowing through the airflow pathway so that the air at the air outlet is a lower temperature than the ambient air.

Description

PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit of domestic priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/677,996 filed on Jul. 31, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

There is an ever-increasing need for an individual to stay cool. This is particularly true when the individual is in a hot space, such as when outdoors or when indoors in an environment that is not air conditioned or sufficiently air conditioned.
Portable air conditioners and coolers have long been available, but with poor results in many ways. Portable air conditioners that use traditional air conditioning systems that use a refrigerant's forced circulation and phase change between gas and liquid to transfer heat are expensive, heavy, and require a lot of power to operate. These factors limit their portability and affordability. An alternative to traditional refrigerant-based air conditioners is an evaporative cooler that adds moisture to the air. As water dries on an individual's body, it absorbs heat, thus giving a cooling effect. However, evaporative coolers suffer from being ineffective in extreme heat and/or in high humidity environments. In addition, evaporative coolers need a constant source of water and pumping system that can be cumbersome and can limit the portability of the systems.
Attempts to create spot or portable air coolers that do not rely on refrigerant or evaporation have been attempted with less than ideal results. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,603,875 describes a system where an ice chest is used as a portable air conditioner by blowing air over icy water in the chest. However, this system suffers from several disadvantages. For example, the chilling is inefficient and the resulting air is insufficiently cool to provide a desired cooling effect. In addition, iced water must be maintained in the chest which can be inconvenient, heavy, and can spill. More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 9,091,449 describes a portable chest that includes a radiator, a liquid pump to move chilled water through the radiator to chill airflow provided by a fan. However, the system of 9,091,449 also is disadvantageous for several reasons. For example, the system has a large footprint and weight because of its components and electronics. In addition, sufficient power is required to operate the water circulating pump. Furthermore, cold water is required which limits the operating time and introduces spill risks.
There is therefore a need for an improved air cooler. There is further a need for an air cooler that has increased portability over conventional air coolers. There is further a need for an air cooler that is simple to operate, easy to maintain, easily adaptable, and/or has reduced power requirements.

SUMMARY

The present invention satisfies these needs. In one aspect of the invention, an improved air cooler is provided.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that has improved portability.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that is easy to operate and/or maintain.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that is easily adaptable to various situations in outdoor and/or indoor environments.
In another aspect of the invention, an improved portable air cooler is provided that includes a chilling member, wherein the chilling member is non-electronic and does not contain a refrigerant that undergoes a phase change in order provide a cooling effect.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that comes in a variety of useful forms.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that provides a significant cooling effect with reduced power consumption.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air in an improved manner over one or more chilling members to produce cooled air.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air over one or more removable and/or replaceable chilling members to produce cooled air.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air in an improved manner over one or more removable and/or replaceable chilling members to produce cooled air.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air in a tortuous path over a chilling member to produce cooled air in an improved manner.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air over a chilling member to produce cooled air, wherein the chilling member includes a surface area increasing structure to cool the air in an improved manner.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air over a chilling member to produce cooled air, wherein the chilling member includes a refillable interior.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air over a chilling member to produce cooled air, wherein the chilling member includes a refillable interior, wherein the chilling member is made of metal, and wherein the chilling member includes one or more heat sinks comprising one or more fins.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air over a chilling member to produce cooled air, wherein the chilling member includes a plurality of columns of sheets, each sheet containing one or more compartments containing a chilling medium.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air over a chilling member to produce cooled air, where the cooled air may be directed through a duct system to a desired spot, area, or object.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air over a chilling member to produce cooled air, where the cooled air may be directed through a duct system to blow on or near an individual.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air over a chilling member to produce cooled air, wherein the cooled air may be directed through a duct system to an object such as a seat, chair, mattress, sleeping pad or bag, tent, or the like.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is part of a cooling system, wherein the air cooler passes air over a chilling member to produce cooled air, wherein the cooled air may be directed through a duct system to an object such as a seat, chair, mattress, sleeping pad or bag, tent, or the like, and wherein an adapter is provided to connect the duct system to the object.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler is provided that passes air over a chilling member to produce cooled air, where the air cooler may be used separately or simultaneously as a cooler for keeping one or more items cool with the air cooler.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of using an air cooler includes providing an air cooler including any of the features described herein to provide cool air to a spot or area.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of using an air cooler as a cooler comprises using the air cooler to cool air, the air cooler comprising one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets, covering the one or more air inlets and/or one or more air outlets so that the cooler can be used to store items.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of using an air cooler as a cooler comprises using the air cooler to cool air, the air cooler comprising one or more air inlets, one or more air outlets, and one or more chilling members in an interior of the air cooler, covering the one or more air inlets and/or one or more air outlets and removing the one or more chilling members from the interior, and using the cooler to store items.
In another aspect of the invention, a portable air cooler comprises a chest body having a bottom, sidewalls, and an openable top that together define a chest interior; an air inlet in the chest body through which ambient air can flow into the chest interior; an air outlet in the chest body through which air from the chest interior can flow out of the chest interior; a fan operable to cause ambient air to flow into the chest interior through the air inlet and to cause air from the chest interior to flow out the air outlet; and a chilling member positionable in the chest interior to define an airflow pathway from the air inlet to the air outlet, the chilling member being chillable to a temperature below the ambient temperature prior to operation of the portable air cooler, wherein when the fan is operated, air is caused to flow from the air inlet through the airflow pathway to the air outlet, and wherein the chilling member comprises a heat exchange facilitating structure that chills air flowing through the airflow pathway so that the air at the air outlet is a lower temperature than the ambient air.
In another aspect of the invention, a portable air cooler comprises a chest body having a bottom, sidewalls, and an openable top that together define a chest interior; an air inlet in the chest body through which ambient air can flow into the chest interior; an air outlet in the chest body through which air from the chest interior can flow out of the chest interior; a fan operable to cause ambient air to flow into the chest interior through the air inlet and to cause air from the chest interior to flow out the air outlet; and a chilling member positionable in the chest interior to define an airflow pathway from the air inlet to the air outlet, the chilling member being chillable to a temperature below the ambient temperature prior to operation of the portable air cooler, wherein when the fan is operated, air is caused to flow from the air inlet through the airflow pathway to the air outlet, and wherein the chilling member comprises a heat exchange facilitating structure that chills air flowing through the airflow pathway so that the air at the air outlet is a lower temperature than the ambient air, wherein the heat exchange facilitating structure comprises a structure that defines a tortuous path for the airflow pathway.
In another aspect of the invention, a portable air cooler comprises a chest body having a bottom, sidewalls, and an openable top that together define a chest interior; an air inlet in the chest body through which ambient air can flow into the chest interior; an air outlet in the chest body through which air from the chest interior can flow out of the chest interior; a fan operable to cause ambient air to flow into the chest interior through the air inlet and to cause air from the chest interior to flow out the air outlet; and a chilling member positionable in the chest interior to define an airflow pathway from the air inlet to the air outlet, the chilling member being chillable to a temperature below the ambient temperature prior to operation of the portable air cooler, wherein when the fan is operated, air is caused to flow from the air inlet through the airflow pathway to the air outlet, and wherein the chilling member comprises a heat exchange facilitating structure that chills air flowing through the airflow pathway so that the air at the air outlet is a lower temperature than the ambient air, wherein the heat exchange facilitating structure comprises a structure that defines a tortuous path for the airflow pathway, and wherein the tortuous path comprises one or more of the follow characteristics: the tortuous path (i) causes air to be directed at and caused to bend at a surface of the chilling member, (ii) causes air to flow above and below the chilling member, (iii) causes the air in the airflow pathway to make at least 270 degrees of turns, (iv) causes the air to be redirected away from the air outlet, and/or (v) has a length great than 130 percent of the direct length from the inlet to the outlet.
In another aspect of the invention, a portable air cooler comprises a chest body having a bottom, sidewalls, and an openable top that together define a chest interior; an air inlet in the chest body through which ambient air can flow into the chest interior; an air outlet in the chest body through which air from the chest interior can flow out of the chest interior; a fan operable to cause ambient air to flow into the chest interior through the air inlet and to cause air from the chest interior to flow out the air outlet; and a chilling member positionable in the chest interior to define an airflow pathway from the air inlet to the air outlet, the chilling member being chillable to a temperature below the ambient temperature prior to operation of the portable air cooler, wherein when the fan is operated, air is caused to flow from the air inlet through the airflow pathway to the air outlet, and wherein the chilling member comprises a heat exchange facilitating structure that chills air flowing through the airflow pathway so that the air at the air outlet is a lower temperature than the ambient air, wherein the heat exchange facilitating structure comprises a structure that defines a tortuous path for the airflow pathway, and wherein the tortuous path causes a turbulent air flow and/or increases the residence time of the air in the chest interior.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler comprises a chest body having a bottom, sidewalls, and an openable top that together define a chest interior; an air inlet in the chest body through which ambient air can flow into the chest interior; an air outlet in the chest body through which air from the chest interior can flow out of the chest interior; a fan operable to cause ambient air to flow into the chest interior through the air inlet and to cause air from the chest interior to flow out the air outlet; and a chilling member removeably insertable in the chest interior to define an airflow pathway from the air inlet to the air outlet, the chilling member being chillable to a temperature below the ambient temperature prior to operation of the portable air cooler, wherein when the fan is operated, air is caused to flow from the air inlet through the airflow pathway to the air outlet, and wherein the chilling member comprises a heat exchange facilitating structure that chills air flowing through the airflow pathway so that the air at the air outlet is a lower temperature than the ambient air.
In another aspect of the invention, an air cooler comprises a chest body having a bottom, sidewalls, and an openable top that together define a chest interior; an air inlet in the chest body through which ambient air can flow into the chest interior; an air outlet in the chest body through which air from the chest interior can flow out of the chest interior; a fan operable to cause ambient air to flow into the chest interior through the air inlet and to cause air from the chest interior to flow out the air outlet; and a chilling member positionable in the chest interior to define an airflow pathway from the air inlet to the air outlet, the chilling member being chillable to a temperature below the ambient temperature prior to operation of the portable air cooler, the chilling member comprising a chilling member lid that can be removed to provide access to an interior space into which chilling material can be inserted, wherein when the fan is operated, air is caused to flow from the air inlet through the airflow pathway to the air outlet, and wherein the chilling member comprises a heat exchange facilitating structure that chills air flowing through the airflow pathway so that the air at the air outlet is a lower temperature than the ambient air.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplary features of the invention. However, it is to be understood that each of the features can be used in the invention in general, not merely in the context of the particular drawings, and the invention includes any combination of these features, where:

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective sectional view from the front of a version of an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view of a version of a chilling member for use with the air cooler of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective sectional view from the front of another version of an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of another version of a chilling member for use with the air cooler of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective exploded view from the rear of some internal components of the air cooler of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective assembled view from the front of the air cooler of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view from the front of another version of an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view from the front of another version of an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a version of a cooling system using an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another version of a cooling system using an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of another version of a cooling system using an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view of another version of a cooling system using an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective view of another version of a cooling system using an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view from the front of another version of an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 12A is a schematic perspective exploded view from the rear of some internal components of another version of an air cooler of the invention;

FIG. 12B is a schematic perspective view of components useable with the air cooler of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective sectional view from the front of another version of an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view from the front of another version of an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view from the side and rear of another version of an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective sectional view of another version of an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 17A is a schematic perspective view of another version of an air cooler of the present invention;

FIG. 17B is a schematic perspective view of a version of a chilling member for use with the air cooler of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18A is a schematic perspective view of another version of an air cooler of the present invention; and

FIG. 18B is a schematic perspective view of a version of a chilling member for use with the air cooler of FIG. 18A.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an air cooler. In particular, the invention relates to a portable air cooler that passes air over a chilling member to produce cool air. Although the air cooler and/or system is illustrated and described in the context of being useful for producing cool air portably, the present invention can be useful in other instances. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples and embodiments described herein.
FIG. 1A shows a version of an air cooler 100 of the present invention. The air cooler includes a chest body 105 that houses a cool air producing system 110. In the version of FIG. 1A, the chest body 105 approximates the size and shape of an ice chest or cooler, but the chest body 105 can take on other sizes and shapes, as will be described. In the version of FIG. 1A, the chest body 105 has a bottom 115 and sidewalls 120 that define a chest interior 125. The chest body 105 also has an open top 130 coverable by a removeable lid 135. Within the bottom 115, sidewalls 120 and/or lid 135 insulating material 140 may be provided to help prevent heat transfer through the bottom 115, sidewalls 120, and/or lid 135 of the chest body 105. When the removable lid 135 is removed, access to the chest interior 125 can be gained through the open top 130 of the chest body 105. When attached to the top 130, the removable lid 135 encloses the chest interior 125 to help insulate the chest interior 125. In this regard, the chest body 105 of FIG. 1A can at least partially have the general size, shape, and functional characteristics of a conventional ice chest or cooler, and the bottom 115, sidewalls 120, lid 135, and/or insulating material 140 can be made of materials conventionally used for ice chests or coolers.
The cool air producing system 110 housed by the chest body 105 of the air cooler 100 includes one or more air inlets 145, one or more air outlets 150, an air flow pathway 155 through the chest interior 125 between the one or more air inlets 145 and the one or more air outlets 150, a fan 160 within the air flow pathway 155, and one or more chilling members 165 within the air flow pathway 155. When actuated, the fan 160 causes air to flow through the air flow pathway 155 from the one or more air inlets 145 to the one or more air outlets 150. Cool air is produced by the flow of air over or in proximity to the one or more chilling members 165 to cause heat from the air to be transferred to the one or more chilling member 165. The chilling member 165, which includes an at least partially solid body 170 having an outer surface 175, is cooler than the ambient temperature. By ambient temperature it is meant the temperature of the air surrounding the air cooler 100 when the air cooler 100 is not in operation. Ambient air enters the air flow pathway 155 through the one or more air inlets 145, is cooled by convection and/or conduction as it passes across or near the outer surface 175 of the chilling member 165, and then exits through the one or more air outlets 150 at a temperature lower than the ambient temperature. It should be noted when the air in the air flow pathway 155 is chilled by a chilling member 165, it is actually the case that heat is being transferred from the air to the chilling member 165 which thus provides a chilling effect to the air.
The air flow pathway 155 of the cool air producing system 110 of the air cooler 100 is designed to facilitate the heat exchange between air in the airflow pathway 155 and the one or more chilling members 165 in a way that increases the transfer of heat from the air to the one or more chilling member 165 and thus chills the air in the airflow pathway 155. In one version, the one or more chilling member 165 comprises a heat exchange facilitating structure 180 designed so that the air flow pathway 155 increases the efficiency and/or amount of cooling of the air in the air flow pathway 155. In the version shown, the heat exchange facilitating structure 180 comprises a structural arrangement that caused the airflow pathway 155 to follow a tortuous path for the air flowing through the air flow pathway 155 and/or a surface area increasing system 185 that is designed to increase the air contact with the chilling member 165.
For example, as can be seen in FIG. 1A, the air flow pathway 155 can follow a tortuous path. By tortuous path it is meant that the air flow pathway follows a route other than a direct line between an inlet 145 and an outlet 150 and/or follows a route that includes one or more bends, twists, or turns beyond that which would be the most direct route from an inlet 145 to an outlet 150. In accordance with this version, the air flow pathway 155 that follows a tortuous path can generally follow a single tortuous path, or the air flow pathway 155 can divide into multiple flow components that follow different pathways with at least one of the flow component pathways being a tortuous path.
In one version, the air flow pathway 155 follows a tortuous path that is designed to create or increase turbulence of the air flow. Turbulent flow is more efficient in effecting heat exchange than laminar flow. In one version, the turbulent flow can be created by forcing the air to flow into surfaces, to take sharp angles or turns, to spread into small passageways, and/to flow over surface disruptions. For example, as can be seen in the version of FIG. 1A, air entering the air inlet 145 can be forced into and to immediately contact a surface 175 of a chilling member 165. This can have the effect of creating turbulence and spreading out the flow in various directions. Accordingly, in one version, the air flow pathway 155 is such that air entering an air inlet directly contacts a surface of a chilling element 165 within the first one to five inches of flow into the chest interior 125, and in one particular version within the first two inches of flow into the chest interior 125. In addition, as can be seen in the version shown, after the initial contact, the air can be redirected to flow up, down, and/or around the chilling member 165 and the air winds its way towards the air outlet 150. Turbulent flow can continue by providing additional turns that continue to redirect the flow as the air continues its flow along a tortuous path. For example, in one version, an airflow path 155 will include a series of turns that amount to at least 90 degrees more turns than would be the minimum number of turns required to flow from an inlet 145 to an outlet 150 in the absence of a tortuous path. For example, in the version of FIG. 1 where the inlet 145 is positioned on a sidewall 120 and the outlet 150 is positioned on a top 130, without a chilling member 165 in the way, air would have to make a 90 degree turn as it travels from the air inlet 145 through the air outlet 150. However, with the version of FIG. 1 , the tortuous path created by the chilling member 165 or otherwise created within the chest interior 125, the air flow is forced to make at least 180 degrees of turns. In the particular version shown air flow that contacts the side of the chilling member 165 and then flows upwardly would make at least 270 degrees of turns before exiting through the air outlet 150, and air flow that contacts the side of the chilling member 165 and then flows downwardly would make at least 450 degrees of turns. In another example, for an inlet 145 positioned on the same surface as the outlet 150, such as both being on the top 130, the tortuous path would force at least 270 degrees of turns. In yet another example, for an inlet 145 positioned on an opposite surface from an outlet 150, the tortuous path would force at least 90 degree of turns. These redirectional turns not only help to create turbulence but also can help to increase residence time, as discussed below. While substantially 90 degree turns are shown in the version of FIG. 1A, the turns can be more gentle or arcuate and/or more acute or obtuse than shown.
In one version, the air flow pathway 155 follows a tortuous path that is designed to increase the residence time of air in the chest interior 125 and/or in proximity to a chilling member 165. By increasing the residence time, there is more time for heat exchange between the air and a chilling member 165 to occur. The longer the air stays in the region where it is being cooled, the cooler it will become. This increase in residence time can be achieved by redirection out of the direct path from inlet to outlet as discussed above in connection with the turbulent flow and/or can be achieved in a different manner. Accordingly, the length of the air flow path 155 from an air inlet 145 to an air outlet 150 can be longer than the direct distance from the an inlet 145 to the air outlet 150, and in one version the length of the air flow path 155 from an air inlet 145 to an air outlet 150 can be at least 130 percent of the direct distance from the air inlet 145 to the air outlet 150. In another version the length of the air flow path 155 from an air inlet 145 to an air outlet 150 can be at least 140 percent of the direct distance from the air inlet 145 to the air outlet 150. In another version the length of the air flow path 155 from an air inlet 145 to an air outlet 150 can be at least 200 percent of the direct distance from the air inlet 145 to the air outlet 150. This length increase can be achieved by twists and turns as discussed above, and in one particular version can be achieved by a spiral or swirl flow that is created around the chilling member 165 or elsewhere in the chest interior 125.
In one version, the air flow pathway 155 follows a tortuous path that is designed to cause a thinning of the air in the airflow pathway 155. By thinning the flow, a greater amount of the air is in contact or near contact with a surface 175 of a chilling member 165 which can help facilitate heat exchange between the air and the chilling member 145 and thus better chill the air in the air flow pathway 155. The thinning can be achieved through twists and turns, as discussed above, by direct contact with a surface, and/or by forcing the air through small or restrictive passageways, as will be further described below.
In addition to or as an alternative to the tortuous path, the heat exchange facilitating structure 180 can comprise a surface area increasing system 185 that is designed to increase the surface area of the chilling member 165 that the air contacts while flowing through the airflow pathway 155. For example, the chilling member 165 can include a surface area increasing system 185 that comprises one or more surface features such as recesses or projections, that serve to increase the surface area of the surface 175 of the chilling member 165 in comparison to the chilling member having a smooth outer envelope. The one or more surface features serve to increase the amount of surface area air flowing through the air flow pathway 155 is exposed to and chilled by.
The version of FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a cool air producing system 110 that includes a heat exchange facilitating structure 180 that comprises both an air flow pathway 155 that follows a tortuous path and a chilling member 165 that includes a surface area increasing system 185. In this version, the surface features of the surface area increasing system 185 include one or more recesses that define one or more channels 190. The channels 190 have a plurality of channel walls or surfaces, thereby increasing the surface area of that portion of the chilling member 165 when compared to there being no channel. As can be seen in the particular version of FIG. 1A, the one or more air inlets 145 is located in a sidewall 120 of the chest body 105 at a position where when the fan 160 is activated, ambient air enters through the one of more inlets 145 and contacts the outer surface 175 of the chilling member 165, such as at approximately a 90 degree angle, or the like. The air must then wind its way up, down, and/or around the chilling member 165 as it finds its way to the one or more air flow outlets 150, being cooled by the chilling member 165 along the way. At least some of the air in the air flow pathway 155 will flow through the one or more channels 190 in a manner where the channel walls or surfaces will facilitate heat transfer between the flowing air and the chilling member 165. In another version, the one or more air inlets 145 can be positioned elsewhere on the chest body 105, such as on the bottom 115 or in the removeable lid 135. In either case, the air flow pathway 155 can be designed so that the ambient air that enters the one or more air inlets 145 is directed against the surface 175 of the chilling member 165 and/or through a tortuous path, as described above, and that passes over a surface area increasing system 185, such as the one or more channels 190.
In the version of FIG. 1A, the fan 160 is shown as being positioned in the removable lid 135 at or near the one or more air outlets 150. In this position, the fan 160 draws air through the air flow pathway 155 and propels it out the one or more air outlets 150. Alternatively, the fan 160 can be positioned at or near the one or more air inlets 145 where it will draw in ambient air and push the air through the air flow pathway 155 and out through the one or more air outlets 150. In another version, the fan 160 can be positioned at an intermediate position along the air flow pathway 155. As can also be seen in FIG. 1A, cool air directing system 195 can optionally be provided to direct the cool air exiting the one or more air outlets 150 in a desired direction, as will be described in further detail. The chest body 105 or other part of the air cooler 100 can optionally be provided with a handle and/or wheels or the like to facilitate transport.
The chilling member 165, such as the one shown in FIG. 1B, can be sized and shaped to be removably insertable into the chest interior 125 when the lid 135 of the chest body 105 is removed to expose the chest interior 125. When not in use in the air cooler 100 and/or when being prepared for use in the air cooler 100, the chilling member 165 can be placed in a cold environment, such as a freezer or ice bath, to lower its temperature a desired amount. In one version, the chilling member 165 can be solid throughout. In another version, the chilling member 165 can have an interior that contains a freezable or an at least partially freezable material and/or into which a freezable or at least partially frozen material can be inserted into, as will be described. Whatever the configuration, when the chilling member 165 is in a chilling state, such as by being at a desire temperature below the ambient temperature, it may be inserted into the chest interior 125 so that it is ready to cool air passing through the air flow pathway 155. During use, the temperature of the chilling member 155 will gradually increase to the point where it is no longer adequately cooling the air in the air flow pathway 155. At that point, the fan 160 can be deactivated and the warm chilling member 165 can be removed so that it can be rechilled and/or replaced by a different chilling member 165 that has been chilled.
The chest body 105 and other components can be made of any suitable material and can take on any suitable shape. For example, in one particular version, the chest body 105 can be made of hard or soft plastic made in a thermoforming process. Alternatively, the chest body 105 can be made of metal or fabric. The insulating material can be an insulating foam which can be an injected two part expanding foam, expanded polystyrene, or the like. The shape can be any shape conventionally used for coolers or can be any other shape, as further exemplified below.
FIG. 2A illustrates another version of an air cooler 100 of the present invention. In this version, the chest body 105 includes a chest interior 125 sized and shaped to house two or more chilling members 165. Also in the version of FIG. 2A, a plurality of air inlets 145 are provided, such as by being provided on opposing sidewalls 120. FIGS. 2A and 2B show another version of the design the chilling member 165. In this version, the chilling member 165 is a refillable chilling member 205 in which the at least partially solid body 170 includes an outer wall 210 that defines a hollow interior space 215. The outer wall 210 can be made of molded plastic or the like. A chilling member lid 220 provides access to the hollow interior space 215 when removed. Chilling material can be placed in the hollow interior space 215, and the chilling material can cool the outer wall 210 so that the outer surface 175 can be sufficiently cold to cool the air passing through the air flow pathway 155 during use of the air cooler 100. The chilling material can be any cold or frozen material that can serve to lower the temperature of the chilling member 165. For example, the chilling material can be one or more of ice, frozen salt water, ice water, ice salt water, freezer packs or gels, and the material in freezer packs or gels, such as polypropylene glycol, and the like. As can also be seen in the version of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the heat exchange facilitating structure 180 of this version includes a plurality of channels 190 on a plurality of sides of the chilling member 165.
FIG. 3 illustrates the components of the cool air producing system 110 of the air cooler 100 of the version of FIGS. 2A and 2B with the chest body 105 removed for clarity. As can be seen, in the particular version shown, the channels 190 of one chilling member 165 align with the channels 190 of the other chilling member 165 to form a mostly enclosed channel 305 where flowing air is enclosed or nearly enclosed by cold outer surfaces 175 of the cooling members 165. Alternatively, the channels 190 of opposing chilling member 165 can be offset from one another to create smaller enclosed channels. These one or more enclosed channels 305 can be designed in furtherance of the heat exchange facilitating structure 180 in that they can cause thinning of the air flow and/or can provided added surface area of the chilling member 165 for contact by the air flowing in the airflow pathway 155. As also seen in FIG. 3 , the cool air directing system 195 can include one or more outflow vents 310 to help direct the cool air as desired. In the particular version of FIG. 3 , the cool air directing system 195 comprises a first outflow vent 315 and a second outflow vent 320 that each produce a mixture of cooled air from the air flow pathway 155. In another version, the chest interior 125 can be divided and separate fans 160 can be provided for each of the multiple outflow vents 310. FIG. 4 shows the air cooler 100 of the version of FIG. 3 in its assembled form with the chest body 105 housing the cool air producing system 110.
The portable air cooler 100 of the invention is thus able to perform improved spot cooling without the problems of traditional air conditioning systems that use a refrigerant's forced circulation and phase change between gas and liquid to transfer heat. In particular, the chilling member 165 of the portable air cooler 100 does not have any electronic components and does not include refrigerant that undergoes a phase change to produce a cooling effect. The portable air cooler 100 of the invention is thus less expensive, heavy, and requires significantly less power to operate than a traditional air conditioner. These factors make the portable air cooler portable, affordable, and/or convenient.
FIG. 5 shows a particular version of the air cooler 100 of the invention. The version of FIG. 5 is similar to the version of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3, and 4 , but in this version, the cool air directing system includes a duct system 505. The duct system 505 has one or more ducts or flexible tubes that can direct the flow of cool air in a particular direction and/or to a desired area away from the chest body 105. In the particular version shown, the duct system 505 includes a first duct 510 having a first end 515 attachable to and in flow communication with the first outflow vent 315 and second end 520 at the opposite end of the first duct 510 and with the second end 520 including an opening 525 through which the cool air can flow. In similar manner, optionally, a second duct 530 can include a first end 535 attachable to and in flow communication with the second outflow vent 320 and with a second end 540 having an opening 545. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6 , the first duct 510 and/or the second duct 530 can be equipped with a directional attachment adapter 605 at the second end 520 of the first duct 510 and/or the second end 540 of the second duct 530 to shape or contour the outflow of air for a particular purpose. For example, in the particular version of FIG. 6 , the directional attachment adapter 605 includes a plurality of openings 610 designed to create multiple small streams of cool air that can be waved across an object or part of an individual's body.
The air cooler 100 of one or more of the versions described is capable of producing cooled air the exits the air outlet 150 that can be used to provide a cooling effect to an individual and/or to an area. For example, using the air cooler 100 with a chilling medium that is at or near 32 degrees F., such as ice water, in the one or more chilling members 165, ambient air entering the one or more air inlets 145 at from about 60 degrees F. to about 110 degrees F. can be reduced by at least about 10 degrees F., or at least about 15 degrees F., or at least about 20 degrees F., or from about 10 degrees F. to about 40 degrees F., or from about 15 degrees F. to about 35 degrees F., or from about 10 degrees F. to about 30 degrees F. Using the air cooler 100 with a chilling medium that is below 32 degrees F., such as at least partially frozen saturated salt water, in the one or more chilling members 165, ambient air entering the one or more air inlets 145 at from about 60 degrees F. to about 110 degrees F. can be reduced by at least about 20 degrees F., or at least about 25 degrees F., or at least about 30 degrees F., or from about 20 degrees F. to about 50 degrees F., or from about 25 degrees F. to about 45 degrees F., or from about 30 degrees F. to about 40 degrees F. The air cooler 100 can produce cool air for a period of from about 1 hour to about 5 hours, depending on the ambient temperature, the amount of insulation provided, and the fan flow rate.
FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 show versions of a cooling system 700 that includes an air cooler 100 as described herein in combination with an object 705 onto or into which cool air from the air cooler 100 is to be directed. For example, in FIG. 7 , the object 705 is a seat cushion 710. A directional attachment adapter 605 is provided in the form of an object attachment adapter 715 that is designed to attach a first duct 510 to a corresponding object connection member 720 associated with the seat cushion 710 in a manner that cool air from the first duct 510 fills the seat cushion 710 and provides cool surface for an individual to sit on. Optionally one or more small openings can be provided in the seat cushion 710 to provide an additional cooling effect for the individual. In the version of FIG. 8 , the object 705 comprises a sleeping pad 805 which can be used on a mattress 810, as shown, or under a sleeping bag or the like. Optional small openings can also be provided in the sleeping pad 805. In this version, the object attachment adapter 715 is designed to attach the first duct 510 to an object connection member 720 in flow communication with the sleeping pad 805. In the version of FIG. 9 , the object 705 comprises a tent 905. An adapter opening 910 can be provided in a wall 915 of the tent 905 that is configured to receive the directional attachment adapter 605 of the first duct 510. The adapter opening 910 can house or receive object connection member 720. Alternatively, the first duct 510 can extend through the adapter opening 910. This version allows the cool air for the air cooler 100 to cool the interior of the tent 905 while the bulk of the air cooler 100 and the noise from the fan 160 remain outside the tent 905. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 show the air cooler 100 with the second duct attached 530 so that additional cool air can be directed as desired. Alternatively, the second duct 530 or the opening for the second duct 530 can be sealed or covered or not provided so that all of the cool air is directed towards the object 705.
FIGS. 10A and 10B show a version where the object 705 comprises a seat 1005 built into or onto the air cooler 100. The seat 1005 includes a seat cushion 1010 that sits atop and/or forms a portion of the removeable lid 130. In the version of FIG. 10A, the cool air directing system 195 includes a seat cushion chilling system 1015 where the cool air from the air cooler 100 is directed into the interior of the seat cushion 1010 to chill the seat cushion 1010. Optionally, openings or the like can be provided in the seat cushion 1010 to allow the cool air to provide an additional cooling effect. In the version of FIG. 10B, the cool air direction system 195 comprises a first duct 510 that extends out of the seat cushion 1010 and that is positionable to blow cool air on an individual seated on the seat cushion 1010.
FIG. 11 shows a version on an air cooler 100 of the invention in which the air cooler 100 is convertible into a more traditional cooler. In this version, an inlet cover member 1105 and an outlet cover member 1110 are provided to allow the inlet 145 and/or the outlet 150 to be covered when the cool air producing system 110 is not being operated and/or when one or more components are removed from the chest interior 125. The inlet cover member 1105 and the outlet cover member 1110 can be insulated to help maintain the temperature of the chest interior 125. This version offers an individual the option of using the air cooler 100 in its air cooling capacity and/or as a traditional cooler for keeping items cool. In another version, the one or more chilling members 165 can be designed so that when the one or more chilling members 165 is contained within the chest interior 125, sufficient space is provided to allow items to also be stored in the chest interior 125. In this version, the one or more chilling member 165 can operate to keep the items cool and/or to cool the air in the cool air producing system 110. In another version, instead of an outlet cover 1110, a second lid can be provided that does not include an outlet 150. The second lid can replace the lid 135 when the air cooler 100 is to be used as a traditional chest.
FIG. 12A shows another version of an air cooler 100 according to the invention. In the version of FIG. 12A, the chilling member 165 is in the form of one or more sheets 1205 that contain a chilling medium. The sheets 1205 may be arranged in columns, as shown in FIG. 12A, or the like. A particular version of the sheets 1205 is shown in FIG. 12B where each sheet 1205 contains a plurality of compartments 1210 that contain a chilling medium 1215. The sheets 1205 are frozen or chilled to chill the chilling medium 1215. The passage of air between and through the sheets 1205 and/or around the compartments 1210 forms the tortuous air flow pathway 155 that cools the air. The channels 190 of the surface area increasing system 185 of the heat exchange facilitating structure 180 can be provided between compartments 1210 and/or between sheets 1205. A structure can optionally be provided for supporting the sheets 1205 within the chest interior 125.
FIG. 13 shows another version of an air cooler 100 according to the invention. In the version of FIG. 13 , the air inlet 145 is located in, on, or near the removeable lid 135 of the chest body 105 instead or on in addition to being in a sidewall 120. In the particular version of FIG. 13 , the air inlet 145 is provided by a gap 1305 located between the removable lid 135 and the sidewall 120. Optionally, a wall 1310 or other object can be provided in the version of FIG. 13 to direct the air downward to the bottom of the chest body 105 so that it is drawn back up and around the chilling member 165. As also can be seen in FIG. 13 , a layer of insulating foam 1315 can optionally be provided above the chilling member 165 and/or to direct the air flow.
FIG. 14 shows another version of an air cooler 100 according to the invention. FIG. 14 shows a particular version of the one or more chilling members 165 that are in the form of refillable chilling members 205, shown removed from the chest interior 125. In this particular version, the heat exchange facilitating structure 180 is in the form of one or more heat sinks 1405 that are in the form of a series of longitudinally extending fins 1410. The fins 1410 are made of heat conducting material, such as metal, and may be made of the same material as the outer wall 210. As the outer wall 210 is cooled by the cool material placed in the hollow interior space 215, the fins 1410 are cooled. The cool fins 1410 then chill the air in the air flow pathway 155.
FIG. 15 shows another version of an air cooler 100 according to the invention. The chest body 105 and the cool air producing system 110 of the version of FIG. 15 can be the same or similar to any of the versions disclosed herein. The version of FIG. 15 further shows a power supplying system 1505 that provides power to run the fan 160 of the cool air producing system 110. The power supplying system 1505 can include a cord that can be plugged into an AC or DC power supply in conventional manner. Alternatively or additionally, a rechargeable battery pack 1510 or the like can be provided so that the air cooler 100 is operational when no power source is readily available. In another version, a solar power generator can additionally or alternatively be provided to charge the battery pack 1510 and/or to directly power the fan 160. Optionally, a speed controller can be provided to control the operating speed of the fan 160.
FIG. 16 shows another version of an air cooler 100 according to the invention. In the version of FIG. 16 , the chest body 105 of the air cooler 100 is in the form of a table or platform cooler 1600 that one or more individuals can gather around and/or use. The chest body 105 of this version includes table sidewalls 1605 that support a platform tabletop 1610 that also operates at the removeable lid 135 of the chest body 105. In the version shown, the inlet 145 is on the platform tabletop 1610 and the fan 160 is positioned near the inlet 145 to draw in ambient air and push it through the chest interior 125, through the air flow pathway 155 and out the one or more air outlets 150, which in the version of FIG. 16 are directed outwardly from the tabletop 1610 toward a user positioned next to the table cooler 1600. The one or more air outlets 150 are provided at the outer edge of the platform tabletop 1610 or can be provided lower on the table sidewalls 1605. Alternatively, the one or more inlets 145 can be in the table sidewalls 1605 and/or the fan 160 can be positioned at any position in the air flow pathway 155. In the particular version shown, the table sidewalls are cylindrically shaped, but they may take on any other cross-sectional shape, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, oval, ovoid, ovate, and the like. The chilling member 165 can be shaped, as shown in FIG. 16 , to match the contour of the table sidewall 1605 or can be a different shape, such as the shape of FIG. 1B, 2B, 12B, or 14, with an internal structure being provided in the chest body 105 to support and/or position the chilling member 165.
FIG. 17A shows another version of an air cooler 100 according to the invention. In the version of FIG. 17A, the chest body 105 of the air cooler 100 is in the form of a backpack shaped cooler 1700. The chest body 105 of this version includes table backpack sidewalls 1705 and a backpack top 1710 that is openable at an opening 1715, such as a zipper opening or the like to allow access to the chest interior 125. In the version shown, an inlet 145 is provided in the backpack sidewalls 1705, and an air outlet 150 with fan 160 is provide in the backpack top 1710. The air outlet 150 can be shaped to direct cool air towards or away from a wearer or can be adjustable. Alternatively, the one or more inlets 145 and/or one or more air outlets 150 can be provided in a different location. Straps 1720 can be provided, such as conventional backpack straps, to make the backpack shaped cooler 1700 more easily transportable. Optionally, one or more pockets 1725 or other conventional backpack component can be provided. FIG. 17B shows an example of a chilling member 165 that can be used with the portable air cooler 100 of FIG. 17A. The chilling member 165 of FIG. 17B can be sized and shaped to fit within the chest interior 125 of the backpack shaped air cooler 1700 to create the air flow pathway 155, as discussed above, therethrough. In the version shown, the chilling member 165 is similar to the chilling member 165 of FIG. 2B. Alternatively, it can be similar to any of the other chilling members 165 shown and/or described herein.
FIG. 18A shows another version of an air cooler 100 according to the invention. In the version of FIG. 18A, the chest body 105 of the air cooler 100 is in the form of a belt bag cooler 1800. A belt bag is also commonly called a waist pack or a fanny pack. The chest body 105 of this version includes belt bag sidewalls 1805 and a beltbag top 1810 that is openable at an opening 1815, such as a zipper opening or the like to allow access to the chest interior 125. In the version shown, an inlet 145 is provided in the belt bag sidewalls 1805, and an air outlet 150 with fan 160 is provide in the belt bag top 1810. The air outlet 150 can be shaped to direct cool air towards or away from a wearer or can be adjustable. Alternatively, the one or more inlets 145 and/or one or more air outlets 150 can be provided in a different location. A belt 1820 or strap that fits around a user's waist can be provided, such as conventional belt bag belts. Optionally, one or more pockets 1825 or other conventional belt bag component can be provided. The chest body 105 can be made of flexible or rigid material and can include an internal layer of insulation. FIG. 18B shows an example of a chilling member 165 that can be used with the portable air cooler 100 of FIG. 18A. The chilling member 165 of FIG. 18B can be sized and shaped to fit within the chest interior 125 of the belt bag shaped air cooler 1800 at to create the air flow pathway 155, as discussed above, therethrough. In the version shown, the chilling member 165 is similar to the chilling member 165 of FIG. 2B. Alternatively, it can be similar to any of the other chilling members 165 shown and/or described herein.
In the FIGS. 17A and 18A versions, the chest body 105 can be made of flexible or rigid material, such as plastic, fabric, or metal. In one particular version, the chest body 150 in these versions comprises nylon or the like. An internal layer of insulation can be provided. In one version, the insulation can comprise a layer of foam insulation between inner and outer layers of fabric or the like.
The portable air cooler 100 of one or more of the versions described herein offers numerous advantages over conventional air cooling systems. For example, the air cooler 100 of the present invention has improved portability. Due to the relative lack of equipment, such as pumps, compressors, evaporators, water misting reservoirs, and the like, the air cooler 100 of the present invention is significantly lighter than conventional systems. In addition, since a simple fan is the only component that requires power, the power requirements and weight thereof is significantly reduced. The replaceability and/or refillability of the chilling member 165 provides for a longer and/or more continuous operational life of the air cooler 100, and because the chilling material is contained within the chilling member 165 there is reduced likelihood of unwanted spills of the chilling material.
Alterations and variations of the described invention will be apparent to those of skilled in the art. For example, the chest body 105 can take on any other desirable shape, such as one or more of a suitcase, carry-on bag, handbag, diaper bag, computer bag, insulated jug, chest bag, and the like. Also, the air cooler 100 of the invention can also be in a non-portable configuration where the chest body 105 is permanently fixed in location. For example, a fixed chest body 105 could be provided at a location so that a user who visits the location can have the opportunity to insert a chilling member 165 and start the operation of the air cooler 100 to receive refreshing cool air. This fixed version can be available at any location where a user might need to be cooled, such as one or more of sports stadium seating, park picnic tables, playgrounds, a restaurant patio, market or produce stands, festivals, remote security booths, and the like. In addition, the air cooler 100 of the invention can be provided in a semi-portable configuration where it is fixed in an object that is moveable, such as on one or more of a golf cart, a golf bag push cart, construction equipment, a boat, aircraft, other vehicle, and the like.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with regard to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible, and alterations, permutations and equivalents of the versions shown will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of the drawings. For example, the cooperating components may be reversed or provided in additional or fewer number, and all directional limitations, such as up and down and the like, can be switched, reversed, or changed as long as doing so is not prohibited by the language herein with regard to a particular version of the invention. Like numerals represent like parts from figure to figure. When the same reference number has been used in multiple figures, the discussion associated with that reference number in one figure is intended to be applicable to the additional figure(s) in which it is used, so long as doing so is not prohibited by explicit language with reference to one of the figures. Also, the various features of the versions herein can be combined in various ways to provide additional versions of the present invention. Furthermore, certain terminology has been used for the purposes of descriptive clarity, and not to limit the present invention. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the term “comprise” and its variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step but not the exclusion of any other elements, limitations, or steps. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the term “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step and the exclusion of any other elements, limitations, or steps or the exclusion of any other essential elements, limitations, or steps, respectively. Throughout the specification, any discussion of a combination of elements, limitations, or steps should be understood to include (i) each element, limitation, or step of the combination alone, (ii) each element, limitation, or step of the combination with any one or more other element, limitation, or step of the combination, (iii) an inclusion of additional elements, limitations, or steps (i.e. the combination may comprise one or more additional elements, limitations, or steps), and/or (iv) an exclusion of additional elements, limitations, or steps or an exclusion of essential additional elements, limitations, or steps (i.e. the combination may consist of or consist essentially of the disclosed combination or parts of the combination). All numerical values, unless otherwise made clear in the disclosure or prosecution, include either the exact value or approximations in the vicinity of the stated numerical values, such as for example about +/−ten percent or as would be recognized by a person or ordinary skill in the art in the disclosed context. The same is true for the use of the terms such as about, substantially, and the like. Also, for any numerical ranges given, unless otherwise made clear in the disclosure, during prosecution, or by being explicitly set forth in a claim, the ranges include either the exact range or approximations in the vicinity of the values at one or both of the ends of the range. When multiple ranges are provided, the disclosed ranges are intended to include any combinations of ends of the ranges with one another and including zero and infinity as possible ends of the ranges. Therefore, any appended or later filed claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein and should include all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A portable air cooler comprising:

a chest body having a bottom, sidewalls, and an openable top that together define a chest interior;

an air inlet in the chest body through which ambient air can flow into the chest interior;

an air outlet in the chest body through which air from the chest interior can flow out of the chest interior;

a fan operable to cause ambient air to flow into the chest interior through the air inlet and to cause air from the chest interior to flow out the air outlet; and

a chilling member positionable in the chest interior to define an airflow pathway from the air inlet to the air outlet, the chilling member being chillable to a temperature below the ambient temperature prior to operation of the portable air cooler,

wherein when the fan is operated, air is caused to flow from the air inlet through the airflow pathway to the air outlet, and wherein the chilling member comprises a heat exchange facilitating structure that chills air flowing through the airflow pathway so that the air at the air outlet is a lower temperature than the ambient air.

2. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 wherein the heat exchange facilitating structure comprises a structure that defines a tortuous path for the airflow pathway.

3. A portable air cooler according to claim 2 wherein the tortuous path comprises one or more of the follow characteristics: the tortuous path (i) causes air to be directed at and caused to bend at a surface of the chilling member, (ii) causes air to flow above and below the chilling member, (iii) causes the air in the airflow pathway to make at least 270 degrees of turns, (iv) causes the air to be redirected away from the air outlet, and/or (v) has a length great than 130 percent of the direct length from the inlet to the outlet.

4. A portable air cooler according to claim 2 wherein the tortuous path causes a turbulent air flow and/or increases the residence time of the air in the chest interior.

5. A portable air cooler according to claim 2 wherein the heat exchange facilitating structure further comprises a surface area increasing system.

6. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 wherein the heat exchange facilitation structure comprises a surface area increasing system.

7. A portable air cooler according to claim 6 wherein the surface area increasing system comprises one or more channels that extend into a surface of the chilling member.

8. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 wherein the chilling member is removeably insertable into the chest interior.

9. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 wherein the chilling member has an interior that can contain an at least partially freezable material.

10. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 wherein the chilling member comprises two chilling members that cooperate with one another to form a channel for the airflow pathway.

11. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 further comprising a duct having a first end connectable with the air outlet and a second end having an opening adapted to direct cool air in a desired area.

12. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 further comprising a duct having a first end connectable with the air outlet and a second end having an opening adapted to direct cool towards or into an object.

13. A portable air cooler according to claim 12 wherein the object comprises one or more of a chair, seat cushion, sleeping pad, and a tent.

14. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 wherein the air inlet is provided in a sidewall of the chest body and the air outlet is in the openable top.

15. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 further comprising a cover for the air inlet and a cover for the air outlet so the chest body can be used as a cooler to keep one or more items cool within the chest interior.

16. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 wherein the air inlet is provided by a gap between a sidewall and the openable top and the air outlet is in the openable top.

17. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 wherein the openable top comprises a platform, wherein the air inlet is provided in the platform, and wherein the air outlet is provide at an outer edge of the platform or on a sidewall.

18. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 wherein the chest body is in the form of a backpack or belt bag.

19. A portable air cooler according to claim 1 wherein the chilling member is non-electronic and does not contain a refrigerant that undergoes a phase change in order provide a cooling effect.

20. An air cooler comprising:

a chilling member removeably insertable in the chest interior to define an airflow pathway from the air inlet to the air outlet, the chilling member being chillable to a temperature below the ambient temperature prior to operation of the portable air cooler,

21. An air cooler according to claim 20 wherein the chest body is portable.

22. An air cooler comprising:

a chilling member positionable in the chest interior to define an airflow pathway from the air inlet to the air outlet, the chilling member being chillable to a temperature below the ambient temperature prior to operation of the portable air cooler, the chilling member comprising a chilling member lid that can be removed to provide access to an interior space into which chilling material can be inserted,

23. An air cooler according to claim 22 wherein the chest body is portable.