Refrigeration – Gas controller or director – Cooled gas directed relative to cooled enclosure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-02
2001-05-08
Doerrler, William (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Gas controller or director
Cooled gas directed relative to cooled enclosure
C062S423000, C062S457300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227004
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable air conditioner/beverage container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device that utilizes a fan to pull ambient air through a container that contains a cold substance and blows the cooled air out onto the user of the present invention.
2. Problem in the Art
A portable air-conditioning device is generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,281. While this device aims to function as an air conditioner, it does not have any means to ensure that air passes through a cooling substance, such as ice, before being expelled onto the operator. A lot of the hot air that enters into this device is also expelled as hot air. Air is not sufficiently cooled before exiting onto a user of the device. A need in the art exists for a portable air conditioner that controls air flow so as to ensure efficient operation of the air conditioner. A portable air conditioner that controls the flow of air to ensure efficient cooling is disclosed by the present invention.
In addition, there is a need in the art for a device which can function as both a portable air conditioner and a beverage container. A device of this type would allow a spectator at a sporting event to enjoy a cool beverage while also being cooled. A device of this type is disclosed by the present invention.
FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A general feature of the present invention is the provision of a portable air conditioner/beverage container which solves problems and deficiencies in the art.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a portable air conditioner which can also function as a beverage container.
A third feature of the present invention is the provision of a portable air conditioner/beverage container which pulls a stream of air through ice and then blows the cooled air out.
Another feature of the present invention is a portable air conditioner that allows for efficient cooling of the air.
Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a portable air conditioner that controls air flow within the air conditioner.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a portable air conditioner/beverage container that keeps the ice separate from the beverage.
Yet another feature of the present invention is the provision of a portable air conditioner which has a hinged lid to allow for easy refill of the ice within the container.
Another feature of the present invention is a portable air conditioner which has an air entry vent to control the flow of air through the portable air conditioner.
Another feature of the present invention is a removable insert that allows for easy cleaning of the device.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a portable air conditioner/beverage container that is economical, easy to use, and efficient in operation.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first embodiment, a portable air conditioner/beverage container includes a container that has a side wall, a closed bottom, a top, an air intake opening and a cool air outlet. Within the container there is a separation wall. A first space between the separation wall and the side wall defines an air intake region. A second space between the separation wall and the side wall defines a cold substance chamber. A blower is connected to a power supply. Air enters through the air intake opening and down through the air intake region. The air then flows around the separation wall and up through the cold substance chamber. Finally, the air is forced out by the blower, exiting the container through the cool air outlet.
In a second embodiment, a portable air conditioner/beverage container is comprised of a container having top and bottom ends and a side wall. The container also has a beverage opening, an air intake opening, and a cool air outlet. Within the container, there is a barrier wall. The space between the barrier wall and the side wall defines a beverage compartment. The barrier wall prevents melted ice from infiltrating a beverage. There is also a separation wall in the container to control air flow. The air intake opening is in fluid communication with an air intake region. A cold substance chamber in the container is in fluid communication with the cool air outlet. Air enters through the air intake opening, passes through the air intake region, and around the separation wall. From there, air passes through the cold substance chamber and up through the cool air outlet. A blower expels the cooled air onto a user.
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Cool Guyz Inc.
Doerrler William
Shulman Mark
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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