Gas and liquid contact apparatus – With external supply or removal of heat – Heat producer
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-05
2003-07-15
Bushey, C. Scott (Department: 1724)
Gas and liquid contact apparatus
With external supply or removal of heat
Heat producer
C261S084000, C261S107000, C261S120000, C392S404000, C392S406000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06592107
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to appliances known as humidifiers and more particularly to a floating portable humidifier.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a humidifier is a device for dispersing water vapor into the air for the purpose of raising the humidity in a given space. A wide variety of humidifiers are available for both commercial and residential use. Most humidifiers incorporate one of several known humidifying technologies, including evaporation, ultrasonic, heating, wicking, electrolysis or fine-mist dispersion. All of these technologies require a reliable source of water, which is typically provided by means of a water tank. Some larger scale home and industrial humidifiers are connected to the water supply of the facility, but this type of connection may be impractical for home use.
The water tank presents several potential drawbacks. First, the water tank is typically the largest component of the humidifier. The large size of the water tank tends to make the humidifier too large and bulky to be considered truly portable. Second, standing water in the water tank may become contaminated with algae, bacteria, or fungi. These growths present a potential health hazard and present the prospect of a foul smell from the humidifier. The water tanks are generally closed and may be difficult to fully clean and disinfect. Further, the procedures required for filling the water tank and/or cleaning the water tank are frequently awkward and complex. Filling the water tank may require lifting of the filled tank, which may be difficult for the elderly or infirm. Additionally, the manufacture of the sealed water tank and the tank/humidifier interface tend to be expensive, increasing the overall cost of the humidifier.
Individuals with respiratory ailments, skin disorders and other medical conditions may require moist air to treat or alleviate their condition. Others may simply find it desirable to have an elevated moisture content in the air they breathe. When traveling, such individuals have had difficulty transporting the necessary humidifying equipment because of the size and generally bulky configuration of prior art humidifiers. In sum, there is a need in the art for a compact, lightweight, fully portable humidifier that, for example, may be packed conveniently in carry-on size luggage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One preferred embodiment of the floating portable humidifier comprises a compact floating body surrounding a cavity that contains humidifying components. The floating body includes openings permitting the entry of air and water and the exit of humidified air. The body is configured to float partially submerged in water. Since the weight and size of the humidifying components are known, the configuration of the floating body can be selected such that a known portion of the body is submerged (assuming the water is of sufficient depth).
Water enters the floating body through apertures below the waterline while air enters the floating body via apertures above the waterline. Regardless of the level of water in the tray, the floating portable humidifier will remain suspended in the water and retain a particular level of water inside the body (again, assuming sufficient depth). Water inside the floating body is accessible to humidifying apparati which may include, but are not limited to, a wick or other such evaporative element, a heating chamber to generate steam or an ultrasonic device to generate cool mist as is generally known in the art. The floating portable humidifier may also be provided with a motor-driven fan to assist in circulating the humidified air.
Buoyancy may be provided by constructing the floating body of a buoyant material, i.e., lightweight plastic, foam, closed-cell or hollow synthetic materials. Alternatively, buoyancy may be provided by sealed gas-filled chambers molded into or affixed to the inside or outside of the floating body. It is important that the floating body have a stable configuration, i.e., when placed in water will float upright with the water apertures below the waterline. The humidifying and air circulating components are preferably arranged within the cavity in such way as to improve the stability of the floating portable humidifier.
The floating portable humidifier can have a compact and relatively lightweight configuration because it does not include a water tank. The floating portable humidifier may be packed and taken on a trip, for example and, upon reaching a destination, the humidifier may be set up in a sink, an ice bucket or any convenient water-holding receptacle. The portable humidifier is preferably provided with a power cord for supplying power to components such as a fan, ultrasonic humidifying apparatus or heating elements as necessary. For some configurations of the portable humidifier, battery power may be sufficient. Preferably, a transformer is provided to supply the floating portable humidifier with low voltage direct current. The floating portable humidifier may be expediently provided with safety devices such as fuses, circuit breakers, switches or sensors to ensure that if powered portions of the unit become submerged, power is removed. More expediently, the power cord may be provided with a ground-fault sensor as is known in the art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved floating portable humidifier of compact and efficient design.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved floating portable humidifier that eliminates the water tank component typically incorporated into prior art humidifiers.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved floating portable humidifier that may be used in any convenient body of water.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1836868 (1931-12-01), Page
patent: 2840682 (1958-06-01), Rubenstein et al.
patent: 2875314 (1959-05-01), Schreyer
patent: 3301998 (1967-01-01), Trickey
patent: 3584192 (1971-06-01), Maag
patent: 3864437 (1975-02-01), Blaszkowski
patent: 4217315 (1980-08-01), Keeler, II
patent: 4699737 (1987-10-01), Engstrand
patent: 4734561 (1988-03-01), Miller
patent: 5673360 (1997-09-01), Scripps
patent: 5940578 (1999-08-01), Goddard
Alix Yale & Ristas, LLP
Bushey C. Scott
Raymond Electric (China) Ltd.
LandOfFree
Floating portable humidifier does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Floating portable humidifier, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Floating portable humidifier will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3027012