Gas and liquid contact apparatus – Fluid distribution – Pumping
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-24
2001-11-06
Bushey, C. Scott (Department: 1724)
Gas and liquid contact apparatus
Fluid distribution
Pumping
C261S084000, C261S104000, C261S107000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311958
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to humidifiers and, more specifically, to a humidifier with a detachable fan assembly.
2. Description of the Related Art
Stand-alone electric fans are commonly used in homes for air circulation and are a popular appliance for alleviating heat in hot weather. They are commercially sold in many varieties, including table-top, window-mount and floor models. Humidifiers are commonly used in homes to add moisture to the air, particularly during the winter months, when the moisture content in air may be uncomfortably low. A humidifier typically includes a moisture source, such as a wick in partial contact with water in a reservoir, for supplying moisture to dry air. A humidifier may further include one or more fans as an integral component for moving dry air through the water source and supplying moist air into the home. In many areas, during the course of a year, there are both periods during which the use of a humidifier is desirable and those during which the use of a stand-alone fan is desirable. As a result, consumers in those areas often need to purchase both appliances but use each only part of the year. Such seasonal use of multiple appliance is less economical than using a single appliance and creates extra need for storage space.
The present invention addresses these and other shortcomings associated with prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a humidifier which includes a fan assembly that is detachable from the other components of the humidifier and is operable as a stand-alone fan.
In one embodiment, the humidifier includes a frame such as a humidifier housing, a moisture source and a detachable fan assembly. The humidifier housing defines an opening above which fan assembly may be positioned when functioning as a component of the humidifier. The detachable fan assembly of the humidifier has protective grilles both in front of and behind the fan blades, making the fan assembly safe to use as a stand-alone fan. The fan assembly also includes a base portion functioning as a stand, which allows the fan assembly to be in an upright position when operating as a stand-alone fan. Three slots are defined on the humidifier housing for accommodating the power cord for the fan assembly so that the user can choose the location of the power cord exit so as to position the humidifier in a way that is the most space saving, convenient and/or aesthetically pleasing.
In another embodiment, the detachable fan assembly unit has a pivotally attached elongated base plate that may be rotated about the pivot axis to be aligned with the direction of air flow through the fan assembly to increase the stability of the fan assembly when the fan assembly is used as a stand-alone fan.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1784907 (1930-12-01), Patrick
patent: 1786200 (1930-12-01), Ferguson
patent: 1805059 (1931-05-01), Wagenhals
patent: 1965255 (1934-07-01), Peabody
patent: 2095451 (1937-10-01), Reynolds
patent: 2653017 (1953-09-01), Frost
patent: 2710717 (1955-06-01), Palmer
patent: 522420-A (1931-04-01), None
patent: 403273-A (1909-10-01), None
patent: 292656-A (1928-06-01), None
patent: 431357-A (1933-01-01), None
patent: 38609-A (1936-07-01), None
Bushey C. Scott
Emerson Electric Co.
Howrey Simon Arnold & White , LLP
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