Patent Application
20240133563
Misting devices or systems are well known. Often they are provided on the patios or decks of bars and eating establishments to help cool patrons on hot days. Versions are also available for residential use. These system utilize a plurality of misting nozzles attached by tubing to a water source that create micro droplets of the pressurized sometimes chilled water passing out of them. The micro droplets act to cool the patrons both through lowering the surrounding air temperature through evaporation and by landing on the patrons' skin.
Typically, the prior art misting systems are permanently or semi-permanently installed at a location. The plurality of misting nozzles and the tubing are affixed to one or both of walls, awning framework, and verandas adjacent to or overlying the associated patio or deck. They are mechanically fastened in place by any suitable means. The systems are typically attached to a spigot associated with a building's water supply, and there is an AC powered pump coupled to the tubing to pressurize the water and force it through the nozzles and maximize micro-droplet production. While these systems can be removed for winter storage, they are not designed or practical to be moved regularly as a matter of course from location to location during the warm weather season. Furthermore, they tend to be cumbersome and require the availability of an AC outlet to operate foreclosing their use at locations remote from power, such as in a park or on the beach.
One of the potential problems with a portable misting devices designed and configured for remote use is finding a suitable water supply. Accordingly, there is a need to carry a container of water, which can be cumbersome and heavy. When one considers all the other items, such as a cooler, food, and an umbrella, that might need to be carried to a beach or park picnic site, the additional requirement to provide water for the ostensibly portable misting device can be burdensome.
Embodiments of the present invention as illustrated comprise a personal and portable misting device having at least a pump unit operatively coupled to an inlet tube and an outlet tube with a misting nozzle being attached to the outlet tube. The inlet tube includes a distal end that is to be coupled to a water source. In at least some embodiments, the distal end has a plug attached to it that is designed to be received in the end of a drain spout of a hard-sided cooler to utilize the melted ice-water typically contained in the cooler as the water source. Advantageously, the use of the ice water eliminates the need to carry a separate water source, but rather uses water that is often available at a picnic or beach gathering. Further, while the misting device is in operation, it acts to drain the water from the cooler, which can act to increase the longevity of the remaining ice and the cooling effectiveness of the ice in the cooler.
In at least some embodiments, the drain spout plug, which can be made from an elastomer or a rigid plastic, typically includes two bores that extend from an outside surface of the plug to an inside surface of the plug. One bore is sized to receive the inlet tube and permit the flow of ice water from the cooler to the pump unit. The other bore is typically much smaller in diameter and is sized to receive a small diameter rigid or semi-rigid pressure equalization tube that is configured to extend upwardly within the interior of the hard sided cooler such that the distal end of the tube is positioned above the water level within the cooler.
Many if not most hard-sided coolers provide an air-tight or near air-tight seal when closed and latched to maximize the ability of the cooler to maintain a low temperature within the cooler's interior. As water is pumped out of the cooler by the misting device, the volume of air space within the cooler increases, but because the cooler is air-tight, it is unable to fill the newly created portion of the volume with atmospheric air. Accordingly, the overall pressure within the interior decreases as the air within the interior disperses to fill the additional volume. This creates a vacuum situation wherein the lower interior pressure acts against the pump trying to prevent additional water from being removed from the interior. If the pressure within the interior gets low enough relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure outside the cooler, the pump will be unable to effectively overcome it and the performance of the misting device will be significantly degraded if it can operate at all. By providing a pressure equalization tube, outside air can be drawn into the interior to replace the volume of water pumped therefrom with outside air, and accordingly, maintain ambient atmospheric pressure.
In order for the pump unit to facilitate a completely portable misting device, it is imperative that it can operate off of battery power. In some embodiments, removable or rechargeable batteries can be contained within the pumps housing; however, to provide additional power other embodiments include a USB port to which an external power source, such as a battery pack or even an AC adapter can be attached to one or both power the pump or recharge an internal battery if so equipped. Advantageously, an external power source will also be available to the device's user if need be to recharge a phone or provide power to other devices at a picnic, beach or other site should the need arise.
To further facilitate portable use, the misting nozzle of at least some embodiments is provided with a clip so that it can be attached to a fan, a chair, and umbrella or other article to facilitate directing the mist towards and on a user or in a desired direction. Additionally, a strip of hook and loop material is attached to the surface of the pump unit housing in some embodiments to interface with a corresponding piece of hook and loop material that has been attached to the cooler or another desired surface to neatly and conveniently arrange and position the device.
While on/off switches and pump volume controls can be provided on the pump unit, other embodiments include a wireless receiver, such as a blue tooth receiver, that permit a user from controlling the misting device remotely from a phone or other device using a suitable app running thereon.
The terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document including the claims unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.
The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive, rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.
References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.
The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.
Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.
One embodiment of the portable personal misting device 100 is illustrated primarily in
The pump unit 105 and its internal components are illustrated in block diagram form in
Typically, one or more switches 145 are provided on the housing 107 that are configured to control the operation of the pump 140. For instance, an on/off switch is typically provided. An on/off switch can comprise a variable switch that additionally permits the adjustment of the pump volume or a separate variable switch can be provided for controlling pump volume. As can be appreciated the switch(es) can be operationally coupled to voltage regulator/controller 155 to effect changes to the pump's operation. A display 157 or display lights, such as one or more LEDs, can be provided to provide the user with information concerning the unit's operation. Although not specifically shown, the pump or the associated components may include a failsafe switch that senses whether the pump is pumping water and shuts the pump off if it is not to prevent pump overheating and failure.
As mentioned an outlet tube 125 is connected with and extends from a pump outlet. The outlet tube 125 (and the inlet tube as well) typically comprise a suitable length of flexible tubing that is sized based on the capabilities of the associated pump 140. A misting nozzle 130 is provided on the distal end of the outlet tube. The size and specific configuration of the nozzle can vary based on the capabilities of the pump 140, such as the water pressure and flow volume provided at the nozzle. As shown, the nozzle may also include an integral clip, or a separate clip 135 can be provided that is coupled to the outlet tube generally proximate the nozzle. As shown in
The inlet tube 115 extends from the pump inlet to a drain spout plug 120, 120a in most variations of the present embodiment. The tube is generally similar to the outlet tube except in some variations it includes a backflow valve 170 that prevents water contained in the tube from flowing back into the cooler if the pump 140 is turned off.
Two different drain spout plugs 120 & 120a are shown in
For the pressure equalization tube 180 to properly perform its function, it is imperative that the tube's distal end be located above the water line within the cooler 300 such that the tube provides a free path for air to pass from outside the cooler to its interior. Accordingly as illustrated, the typically rigid or semi-rigid tube extends radially outwardly of the plug 120 and ideally generally orthogonally relative to the axis of the plug. The pressure equalization tube elastically bends when the plug is inserted within the spout but springs back as necessary once the plug is seated. The user rotationally positions the plug so the pressure equalization tube extends upwardly within the interior and so the distal end is sufficiently above the water line. In some embodiments, the outwardly extending portion of the pressure equalization tube is canted back towards the plug so when it is inserted within the cooler it is biased against the adjacent interior wall of the cooler as best shown in
As can be appreciated the design of the connector operatively joining the inlet tube 115 to the drain spout 305 of a cooler 300 can vary significantly from the specific plugs illustrated herein. For instance, a connector can comprise an elastomeric tube that can be received over a spout that extends from the side of the cooler. Further, other types of connectors or end fittings can be provided to permit a user to couple the misting devices to other water sources. For instance, the connector can be dispensed with entirely and replaced by a filter element designed to be lowered into any suitable container of water, such as a pail. In yet another variation the connector can comprise a cap designed to be threadably received on top of a water bottle container with a tube that extends into the water bottle to suck the water therefrom and an pressure equalization bore through the cap to prevent the creation of a vacuum. Another connector can comprise a piece that fits over the end of a household faucet or a threaded connector that is received on a typical outdoor spigot.
As mentioned
As shown, the pump unit 105 is often removably attached to the cooler using corresponding hook and loop strips 110. Typically, a first strip is adhered to cooler and a second corresponding strip is adhered to the pump unit housing 107. Often the attachment location is on the same side of the cooler that includes the cooler's drain spout 305.
The inlet tube 115 is coupled on one end to the pump unit 105 and on the other end to the drain spout 305 by way of an associated plug 120, 120a or other suitable connecter. Where the hard sided cooler 300 forms a substantially airtight seal when closed, a pressure equalizing tube 180 can be provided as part of the plug or connector. The plug or connector is positioned in the spout so that the pressure equalizing tube faces upwardly to ensure its distal end remains above any water line that forms in the cooler as the resident ice melts.
The outlet tube 125 is coupled on one end to the pump unit and on the other end to the misting nozzle 130. The nozzle typically includes or is located proximate a clip 135 that can be used to attach the nozzle or tube proximate the nozzle to any suitable article, such as but not limited to the portable fan 200 as shown. Other types of connectors can be provided other than clips in variations. For instance, one type of alterative connector can comprise a malleable wire that can be wrapped around a pole or post. Another suitable connector could comprise a magnet. Yet another could comprise hook and loop material. Further in some variations, a clip or connector may not be specified at all wherein the user holds the outlet tube and directs the misting nozzle toward the portion of his/her body he desires to cool.
As described above, some variations of the misting device include an internal battery 160 contained in the pump unit 105 although in other variations no internal battery is provided. Rather, the pump unit in these variations are configured to receive power through a provided USB port 165. The port can receive any suitable USB power source by way of a USB cord including AC adapters and, more typically, a rechargeable battery pack 400 as our often used to recharge phones. The battery pack can also be coupled to the side of the cooler 300 in much the same manner that the pump unit is attached to the cooler using hook and loop strips. As can be appreciated, in variations of the pump unit including an internal battery the USB connector can still be provided as a means to recharge the internal battery and as a means to provide supplementary power. As can be appreciated, other types of electrical connectors can be specified as well in other variations.
To use the cooler and misting device combination, the user verifies that there is water pooled in the bottom of the cooler 300. He/she then turns the pump unit 105 on and adjusts the pumps pumping rate to a desired level. Depending on the variation, this can be done by activating switches 145 on the pump unit 105 or in some variations this may be accomplished wirelessly by way of an app running on a phone or tablet. The user than positions the misting nozzle 130 in a desired position to provide cooling.
The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.
For instance, the drain spout plug 120 can be used individually from the mister as a means for equalizing pressure in coolers that have lids that essentially form an air-tight seal. As can be appreciated with these types of cooler, when the ice melts and drains from the drain spout, a vacuum is created in the air space that could make opening the lid difficult. By using the present plug installed in the cooler, as water is drained pressure equalizing air is drawn into the cooler's air space by way of the pressure equalizing tube 180. In some variations of the stand alone plug, a cap or valve may be provided to selectively seal the drain spout plug.
