BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base member and portion of a vertical support member of the portable misting system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a vertical support member of the portable misting system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a vertical support member of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an upper corner portion of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper corner portion of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an upper corner portion of a portable misting system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an upper corner portion of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base member and portion of the vertical support member (shown in phantom) of FIG. 2, in a configuration consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the base member and portion of the vertical support member of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the base member and portion of the vertical support member of FIG. 2, in a configuration consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a base member and vertical support members of a portable misting system, in a configuration consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a base member and vertical support members of a portable misting system, in a configuration consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of tubing and an unassembled nozzle of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the tubing and nozzle of FIG. 14, in an assembled position.
FIG. 16 is a top view of a vertical support member and horizontal frame members of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the vertical support member and horizontal frame members of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 is a top view of vertical support members and horizontal frame members of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a top view of vertical support members and horizontal frame members of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a side view of a base member of a portable misting system, with a portion of a vertical support member thereof being shown in phantom, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a side, cutaway view of the base member and vertical support member of FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 is a side view of a portion of a vertical support member of a portable misting system, with a base member thereof being shown in phantom, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a base member coupled to a vertical support member of a portable misting system, in a configuration consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of a swivable connecting ring assembly of a portable misting system, illustrating the connecting ring in an upright position.
FIG. 27 is another side perspective view of the connecting ring assembly of FIG. 26 with the connecting ring oriented in a different position.
FIG. 28 is another side perspective view of the connecting ring assembly of FIGS. 26-27 with the connecting ring oriented in another position.
FIG. 29 is another side perspective view of the connecting ring assembly of FIGS. 26-28 with the connecting ring oriented in yet another position.
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a portable misting system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a portable misting system 10 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The structure for the portable misting system 10 can be divided into the following principle components: a plurality of base members 12, each adapted to receive and be coupled to a plurality of horizontally spaced elongated vertical support members 22, each of which is, in turn, adapted to receive and be coupled to a plurality of horizontal frame members 30 and a plurality of light fixtures 40. The portable misting system 10 further comprises a tubing apparatus, including a length of connector tubing 50 running through at least one base member 12 and at least one vertical support member 22, a length of tubing 52 running through each of the horizontal frame members 30, and corner connector tubing 54, connecting the tubing 52 of adjacently situated horizontal frame members 30. Preferably, the base members 12, vertical support members 22, horizontal frame members 30, and tubing 52 of the portable misting system 10 are composed of a sturdy material, such as brass, copper, steel, stainless steel or aluminum, but could also be composed of plastic, rubber or some other desired material.
With respect to the base members 12, in this embodiment, the base members 12 each comprise a substantially flat platform 14 and an elongated vertical socket 16 coupled thereto. (A representative example of a base member 12 is best seen in detail in FIG. 2.) In this embodiment, the platforms 14 have a substantially circular shape. However, it may be desired for the platforms 14 to have a different shape, such as a square, rectangle, triangle, etc. In another embodiment, show in FIGS. 22-24, instead of a platform 14, the base members 12 include a bucket-like covered receptacle 14a or barrel 14b (FIGS. 25 and 30), to which the vertical sockets 16 are coupled. The receptacles 14a may be filled (weighted) with a substance such as sand, cement, or the like, in order to help prevent shifting of the vertical sockets 16 and to prevent the portable misting system 10 from toppling over.
Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, in one embodiment, the vertical sockets 16 of the base members 12 are hollow, in order to be able to receive the vertical support members 22. A diameter of the vertical sockets 16 should be slightly greater than a diameter of the vertical support members 22, in order that the vertical support members 22 may be inserted in the vertical sockets 16 and coupled thereto. It is preferred to provide on the vertical sockets 16 a plurality of openings 18 that correspond to a plurality of openings (not shown) in the vertical support members 22, through which coupling members 20 may be inserted to secure the vertical support members 22 to the vertical sockets 16. While in this embodiment a total of four openings 18 are provided in each vertical socket 16, additional openings could be used, if desired. The coupling members 20 may consist of bolts, screws, pins, or the like. It is further preferred to provide on at least one vertical socket 16 an opening proximate the platform 14 through which connector tubing 50 may be inserted (as discussed below).
The vertical support members 22 preferably consist of hollow, elongated poles, each having a first end 24 (seen in FIGS. 9 and 11-13) and a second end 26 (seen in FIGS. 1, 3-8, and 17). The first end 24 of each vertical support member 22 is preferably adapted to be inserted into one of the vertical sockets 16 (as discussed above), while the second end 26 of each vertical support member 22 is preferably adapted to receive at least one horizontal frame member 30 (to be discussed below). In this embodiment, a support sleeve 28 is coupled to each vertical support member 22, in order to support and provide a resting point for the horizontal frame members 30 that will be slidably attached to each vertical support member 22. While a support sleeve 28 is included in a preferred embodiment, it may be desired to provide a resting point for the horizontal frame members 30 in some other manner, such as by inserting a plurality of screws, bolts, or the like through the vertical support members 22. It is preferred for the vertical support members 22 to be of a sufficient length, such that when the portable misting system 10 is fully assembled, an overall height of the portable misting system 10 is greater than a height of outdoor furniture which may be positioned thereunder, such as an umbrella stand 70 and chars 72 (as shown in FIG. 20). The overall height of the portable misting system 10 should also be greater than the heights of individuals who may walk underneath it. The portable misting system 10 may be adjusted to an overall greater height by aligning only one set of openings 18 (as opposed to two sets of openings 18) on the vertical sockets 16 with one set of openings (not shown) on the vertical support members 22, as demonstrated in FIG. 11.
While in a preferred embodiment the base members 12 and vertical support members 22 are separate components, it may be desired to configure a portable misting system 10 in which the base members 12 and vertical support members 22 comprise a one-piece assembly.
Referring now to FIGS. 12-13, in another embodiment, a second vertical support member 22a may be coupled to each of the vertical support members 22, in order to provide for a greater overall height for the portable misting system 10 when fully assembled. A diameter of the second vertical support members 22a should be slightly less than a diameter of the vertical support members 22, in order that the second vertical support members 22a may be inserted in the vertical support members 22. When second vertical support members 22a are used, it is preferred to provide on the vertical support members 22 a second plurality of openings 18a that correspond to a plurality of openings (not shown) in the second vertical support members 22a, through which a second set of coupling members 20a may be inserted to secure the second vertical support members 22a to the vertical support members 22. As with the coupling members 20, the second coupling members 20a may consist of bolts, screws, pins, or the like. Again, the portable misting system 10 may be adjusted to an overall greater height by aligning only one set of openings 18 on the vertical sockets 16 with one set of openings (not shown) on the vertical support members 22, as demonstrated in FIG. 13.
Turning now to the horizontal frame members 30 of the portable misting system 10, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 20, each horizontal frame member 30 consists of a three-sided elongated bar having two ends 32. When viewed from either of the ends 32, it can be seen that the horizontal frame member 30 in this embodiment forms substantially a C shape, as best demonstrated in FIGS. 5-8. The horizontal frame member 30 is preferably adapted to house a length of tubing 52, which may be secured within the horizontal frame member 30 with fasteners 34, as best seen in FIGS. 5-6. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal frame member 30 further comprises two connecting rings 36. Each end 32 of the horizontal frame member 30 further comprises two connecting rings 36. Each end 32 of the horizontal frame member 30 has one connecting ring 36 coupled thereto. The connecting rings 36 preferably have a width that is substantially the same as a width of the sides of the horizontal frame members 30. Preferably, an outer surface of each connecting ring 36 is coupled to an outer surface of each horizontal frame member 30, such that an opening in each connecting ring 36 will be in an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to a ground below when the horizontal frame members 30 are in position on the vertical support members 22. The connecting rings 36 are adapted to be slidably attached to the vertical support members 22, as demonstrated in FIG. 8. Accordingly, a diameter of each connecting ring 36 should be slightly greater than a diameter of each vertical support member 22. As FIG. 8 demonstrates, each connecting ring 36 is adapted to rest on one of the support sleeves 28 or on a connecting ring 36 of another horizontal frame member 30.
In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-30, the horizontal frame member 30 may comprise two rotatable connecting rings 136. Each end 32 of the horizontal frame member 30 may have one rotatable connecting ring 136 coupled therethrough as hereinafter described. The rotatable connecting rings 136 preferably have a width substantially double the width of the connecting rings 36. Preferably, a rotatable connecting ring assembly 138 comprises a threaded bolt 100 coupled by welding or the like to an outer surface of each rotatable connecting ring 136 and extending through a drilled opening (not shown) (FIG. 26) in the horizontal frame member 30 and rotatable therein by a locking nut 102. Rotation of the locking nut permits rotation of the connecting ring 136. This arrangement permits the connecting ring to be rotated or swiveled to orient the opening in each connecting ring 136 to the desired position when the horizontal frame members 30 are in position on the vertical support members 22. The opening in each connecting ring 136 is adapted to be slidably attached over the second ends of the vertical support members 22, as shown in FIG. 30. Accordingly, a diameter of each connecting ring 136 should be slightly greater than a diameter of each vertical support member 22. The rotatable connecting rings 136 substantially allow placement of the portable misting system on an uneven surface (such as shown in FIG. 30) and still be able to stand substantially vertically.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 20, when the portable misting system 10 is fully assembled, the horizontal frame members 30 form substantially a rectangular shape. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 16-19, the horizontal frame members 30 form other shapes. It should be recognized that the horizontal frame members 30 may be configured into many different shapes imaginable, as desired. In this way, the portable misting system 10 may be configured to accommodate various spaces in which it may be installed. In addition, the portable misting system 10 may be configured to provide a decorative effect, such as a sun or star configuration, such as what is shown in FIG. 16.
Turning now to the tubing apparatus of the portable misting system 10, as seen in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the tubing apparatus comprises the following components: a length of connector tubing 50 running through at least one base member 12 and at least one vertical support member 22, a length of tubing 52 running through and secured within each of the horizontal frame members 30, corner connector tubing 54, which is used to connect the tubing 52 of adjacently situated horizontal frame members 30, and a plug 56 inserted in a closed end 32 of the tubing apparatus (as best seen in FIG. 7). With respect to the tubing 52 running through the horizontal frame members 30, preferably each end of the tubing 52 is equipped with an attachment mechanism 58, whereby corner connector tubing 54 may be attached to the tubing 52 of adjacently situated horizontal frame members 30, as seen in FIG. 6. With respect to the connector tubing 50, preferably it is of a sufficient length such it may attach to the tubing 52 of a horizontal frame member 30 and be threaded through at least one vertical support member 22 and at least one base member 12. Preferably, at least on base member 12 includes an opening 51 through which the connector tubing 50 may be inserted. (FIGS. 2 and 3 demonstrate a preferred embodiment in which the connector tubing 50 is threaded through a base member 12 and a vertical support member 22, respectively.) The connector tubing 50 and corner connector tubing 54 are preferably composed of a flexible material such as nylon, rubber, plastic, or some other desired material. The tubing 52 running through each of the horizontal frame members 30 is preferably comprised of stainless steel, although it should be clear that rubber, nylon, plastic or some other desired material may be used. In a preferred embodiment, the tubing 52 includes a plurality of attachment points 60 to which a plurality of mist nozzles 62 may be attached. FIGS. 14 and 15 demonstrate a preferred embodiment of the attachment points 60 and mist nozzles 62. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-15, a sleeve 64 is coupled to the tubing 52, surrounding the attachment point 60, in order to provide structural support. However, the sleeve 64 may be omitted, if desired. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the attachment points 60 and mist nozzles 62 are spaced at even intervals throughout the length of the tubing 52, although it would be possible to space the attachment points 60 and mist nozzles 62 at uneven intervals, if desired.
A preferred embodiment of the portable misting system 10 also includes a plurality of light fixtures 40, which are adapted to be coupled to a plurality of the vertical support members 22, as seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 7, and 21. In the embodiment show in FIGS. 1, 3, 7, and 21, the light fixture 40 is coupled to a pole 42, which, in turn, is inserted through an opening in the second end 26 of the vertical support member 22. However, it may be desired to attach the light fixture 40 to the portable misting system 10 in some other manner. It may also be desired to construct a portable misting system 10 in which the light fixtures 40 are omitted.
Referring now to FIG. 21, in a preferred embodiment, the connector tubing 50 of the tubing apparatus of the portable misting system 10 is connected to a water pump 80, which, in turn, is connected indirectly to a water supply by a garden hose 82. When the portable misting system 10 is fully assembled and the water pump 80 and water supply are engaged, water should flow through the tubing apparatus of the portable misting system 10 in a direction shown by the arrows in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6. As shown in FIG. 20, as water reaches each mist nozzle 62, mist should flow from the mist nozzles 62, providing the cooling benefit to the area in which the portable misting system 10 is installed.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20080011878
