PORTABLE STEAM HUMIDIFIER

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved portable steam humidifier. According to a preferred embodiment, the improved humidifier of the present invention preferably includes a vapor blower assembly having a steam tower assembly, a control surface, an outlet grill, a fan, a duct, and a trough assembly including a water trough inlet, a water trough channel, and a trough reservoir. According to a further preferred embodiment, the air humidifying system of the present invention preferably further includes a water heating assembly having a boiler pod, a boiler pod cover, a bonnet and a boiler pod gasket. According to a further preferred embodiment, the boiler pod of the present invention is preferably secured above the trough reservoir. According to a further preferred embodiment, the air humidifying system of the present invention preferably further includes a vapor cup assembly having a vapor cup, a vapor cap and one or more vapor cup vents. According to a further preferred embodiment, the water vapor created by the boiler pod is preferably directed upwards towards the bottom of the vapor cup and through the outlet grill. In this way, the water vapor preferably travels past the vapor cup vents, drawing vapors from the vent cup into the steam/air stream.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is related in general to an improved humidifier design, and in particular, to an improved portable steam humidifier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A humidifier is a device that increases humidity (moisture) in a given space by circulating air with high moisture content. In the home, point-of-use humidifiers are commonly used to humidify a single room, while whole-house or furnace humidifiers, which connect to a home's HVAC system, provide humidity to the entire house. A “portable” humidifier may range in size from a small tabletop appliance to a large floor-mounted unit. The water is usually supplied by manually filling the unit on a periodic basis.

Vaporizers (also known as steam humidifiers or warm mist humidifiers) are a type of humidifier which heats or boils water, releasing steam and moisture into the air. A medicated inhalant can also be added to the steam vapor to help reduce coughs. Vaporizers may be more healthful than cool mist types of humidifiers because steam is less likely to convey mineral impurities or microorganisms from the standing water in the reservoir. However, boiling water requires significantly more energy than other techniques. Still further, the boiling of water often leaves behind mineral deposits which can cause inefficiencies and breakdowns in the water/heating systems of the vaporizer. Accordingly, common vaporizer designs are prone to excessive maintenance issues. Additionally, the vaporizers of the prior art are often loud and obtrusive during water heating. The resulting noise of these vaporizers causes them to be very inconvenient for use next to beds or other situations where quiet operation is preferred.

Accordingly, what is needed is an improved vaporizer/steam humidifier design which overcomes the limitations of the prior art. In particular, what is needed is a clean, efficient, safe and quiet vaporizer to use in a variety of settings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

To minimize the limitations found in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon the reading of the specifications, the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an improved portable steam humidifier.

According to a preferred embodiment, the improved humidifier of the present invention preferably includes a vapor blower assembly having a steam tower assembly, a control surface, an outlet grill, a fan, a duct, and a trough assembly including a water trough inlet, a water trough channel, and a trough reservoir.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the air humidifying system of the present invention preferably further includes a water heating assembly having a boiler pod, a boiler pod cover, a bonnet and a boiler pod gasket. According to a further preferred embodiment, the boiler pod of the present invention is preferably secured above the trough reservoir.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the air humidifying system of the present invention preferably further includes a vapor cup assembly having a vapor cup, a vapor cap and one or more vapor cup vents.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the air humidifying system of the present invention preferably further includes a water tank assembly having a tank handle, a tank top, a valve gasket, a spring, and a plunger. According to a further embodiment, the water tank assembly of the present invention preferably provides water for the humidifier and is configured to release water into the trough inlet which is then directed to the trough reservoir via the water trough channel.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the air humidifying system of the present invention preferably further includes a base assembly which supports the water tank and the vapor blower assembly of the present invention. According to a further preferred embodiment, the base assembly may preferably further include a tank support rod for supporting the water tank and a base cover positioned to fill the gap between the water tank and the vapor blower assembly.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the boiler pod of the present invention is preferably positioned above the trough reservoir. According to a further preferred embodiment, the water vapor created by the boiler pod is preferably directed upwards towards the bottom of the vapor cup and through the outlet grill. In this way, the water vapor preferably travels past the vapor cup vents, drawing vapors from the vapor cup into the steam/air stream.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described with specificity in the descriptions below so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention, thus the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. It should be understood that the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a humidifier in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary humidifier shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a base cover in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a steam tower assembly in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a silicon bonnet in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a vapor cup assembly in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of exemplary trough in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a humidifier 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifier 10 preferably includes a tank 12 and a vapor blower assembly 15 which are independently attached to a supporting base 18. As shown, the tank 12 preferably includes a handle 14. As further shown, the tank 12 is preferably seated on top of the supporting base 18 and supported with a tank support rod 16 or the like. According to an alternative preferred embodiment, multiple water tanks may alternatively be used as desired. Preferably, the supporting base 18 includes attached feet 17 (shown in FIG. 2). Still further, the base 18 may preferably further include a base cover 49 (shown in FIGS. 2-3) as discussed further below.

With further reference to FIG. 1, the vapor blower assembly 15 may preferably further include an internal steam tower 20, a control surface 22, and an outlet grill 24. According to a preferred embodiment, the control surface 22 may preferably include a touch panel, control panel or the like attached to a PC board to allow a user to control operation of the humidifier 10. Preferably, the control panel/control surface 22 may be printed with appropriate graphics and may be attached to the vapor blower assembly 15 via heat stakes. Preferably, the control surface 22 may further include a lens which assists in indicating the power mode of the humidifier via color changing LEDs or the like.

With reference now to FIG. 2, further aspects of the present invention shall now be further discussed. In FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the exemplary humidifier show n in FIG. 1 is provided. As shown, the tank 12 preferably includes a tank handle 14, a tank top 29, a valve gasket 26, a spring 30, and a plunger 28. As further shown, the tank 12 is preferably supported by a tank support rod 16. According to preferred embodiment, the tank 12 preferably provides water for the humidifier. Preferably, the tank 12 is removable and refillable.

In operation, the tank 12 of the present invention preferably is filled with water (or other liquid) and then place onto the base so that the plunger 28 and spring 30 of the tank 12 are depressed thus opening the valve gasket 26 and allowing water to enter the water trough inlet 65 as discussed further below. Preferably, as water is consumed, the water level will lower thus allowing air into the tank 12 until the water level has been raised to a point where the air can no longer get into the tank 12.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the vapor blower assembly 15 of the present invention may preferably further include a vapor cup 32, an outlet grill 24, a fan 33 (only fan location shown), internal ducts 35, a steam tower assembly 37, a boiler pod 44, a boiler pod gasket 41, a boiler pod cover 39, a bonnet 45, a trough 43, and a trough reservoir 71.

With reference now to FIG. 7, details of the trough 43 and trough reservoir 71 shall be further discussed. According to a preferred embodiment, the trough 43 of the present invention is preferably removable. According to a further preferred embodiment, the trough 43 is preferably made of silicon or a similar water proof material. As shown in FIG. 7, the trough 43 preferably includes a water trough inlet 65 (including a plunger contact 67), a water trough channel 69, and a trough reservoir 71. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the trough 43 of the present invention is preferably easily removed, flexible and inherently non-stick, to allow for the easy cleaning of calcium and other deposits. According to a further preferred embodiment, the trough 43 is preferably also heat resistant so that it may provide a heat barrier between the boiler pod 44 and the surrounding surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 7, the trough 43 is designed with a narrow water trough channel 69 so that only a small amount of water can pass through the trough 43 and thus minimize heat transfer through the water from the boiler pod 44 to the tank 12 end. According to a further preferred embodiment, the trough 43 preferably further includes a full perimeter lip and a return lip that locks the trough 43 into the base 18, thus keeping the trough 43 in the proper position.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-3, a preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably further includes removable base cover 49 which preferably enables quick and easy access to the trough 43 and other areas within the base 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the removable base cover 49 may preferably be secured to the base 18 using a magnet 51 and/or mounting clips 53. Preferably, the magnet 51 actuates a magnetic switch (not shown) so the unit cannot be operated without the base cover 49 in place. The base cover 49 preferably functions to fill the gap between the tank(s) 12 and the vapor blower assembly 15. According to alternative preferred embodiments, the mounting clips 53 may further fit down into the trough 43 to function as thermal breaks to keep the hot water more separated from the cold water. According to a further preferred embodiment, the magnet 51 of the base cover 49 may preferably further interact with a magnetic safety switch (not shown) within the base 18 so that the base cover 49 must be in place before power can be supplied to the vapor blower unit 15. According to further preferred embodiment, the humidifier 10 of the present invention may function without the removable base cover 49.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 7, in operation, when that the tank 12 is placed on the base 18, the plunger 28 is preferably depressed by the plunger contact 67 allowing water to flow from the tank 12 through the valve gasket 26 and into the water trough inlet 65. From the water trough inlet 65, the water is preferably directed through the water trough channel 69 and into the water trough reservoir 71 where the water is heated by the boiler pod 44.

According to a preferred embodiment, the boiler pod 44 may preferably be an aluminum or zinc cast part, cast around a cowl rod heating element, with the two ends of the cowl rod extending out the top for electrical connections. Further, the boiler pod 44 may preferably be coated with a non-stick surface, such as Teflon or similar coating. As shown in FIG. 2, the boiler pod 44 of the present invention may preferably be mounted/suspended above the trough reservoir 71.

A preferred and unique feature of the shape of the boiler pod 44 is the spherical design of its bottom surface. According to a preferred embodiment, with the boiler pod 44 suspended from above the water, the water is heated to boiling temperatures and the rounded bottom of the boiler pod 44 preferably removes the potential for water to become super-heated. Further, the boiler pod 44 preferably further reduced the audible popping sound made during heating which is not desirable.

Once heated by the boiler pod 44, the water is preferably turned into steam/water vapor which then travels up into the steam tower assembly 37. The boiler pod gasket 41 is preferably located between the boiler pod 44 and the boiler pod cover 39 to thermally isolate the two parts thus reducing heat transfer. The boiler pod cover 39 preferably supports the boiler pod 44 and preferably creates an area for electrical connections and thermal protection. Preferably, the boiler pod cover 39 keeps the electrical components (not shown) out of the path of the steam and humidity.

With reference to FIG. 4, the steam tower assembly 37 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention may preferably include a steam tower base 57 and a steam tower 55 extending out from the steam tower base 57. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the steam tower assembly 37 preferably functions to secure the vapor blower unit 15 to the base 18 and to support additional internal components. According to a further preferred embodiment, the steam tower assembly 57 preferably incorporates a bayonet mounting mechanism to attach the vapor blower unit 15 to the base 18. Still further, the steam tower assembly 57 preferably further supports the boiler pod cover 39 in the correct position, which in-turn supports the boiler pod 44. Additionally, the steam tower assembly 57 preferably supports the bonnet 45 in its proper position.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a silicon bonnet 45 in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the bonnet 45 preferably includes one or more perforations 59 which allow water from the trough reservoir 71 to pass and gain contact with the boiler pod 44 area. As shown in FIG. 2, the bonnet 45 may preferably be positioned between the trough reservoir 71 and the boiler pod 44. According to a preferred embodiment, the bonnet 45 preferably may function as a heat shield to the boiler pod 44. In this role, the bonnet 45 preferably keeps the hottest water in close proximity to the boiler pod 44, and reduces the heat transfer to the surrounding water in the trough 43. Preferably, the bonnet 45 is made of silicon or similar material which is flexible and inherently non-stick to allow for easy removal of calcium and the like.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the steam tower 55 primarily acts as a steam duct which directs steam from around the top of the boiler pod 44 and pod cover 39 to just under the vapor cup assembly 32. As shown, the steam tower 55 preferably includes slots 56 near the top to allow steam to escape to the sides as well as out the top. Once within the steam tower assembly 57, the water vapor created by the boiler pod 44 is preferably directed upwards towards the bottom of the vapor cup 32 and through the outlet grill 24. In this way, the water vapor preferably travels past the vapor cup vents 68, drawing vapors from the vapor cup 32 into the steam/air stream.

As shown, the vapor cup assembly 32 preferably includes vapor cup vents 68 around its perimeter to allow the contents of the vapor cup 32 to aerosolize out into the air stream created by a fan (not shown) located in the fan opening 33 which preferably directs a flow of air through the internal duct 35. Preferably, the duct 35 has molded-in deflectors to direct the air upward in an evenly distributed fashion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the air stream directed through duct 35 preferably picks up the steam vapors emanating from the vapor cup 32 and directs the steam vapors through the outlet grill 24. Preferably, the outlet grill 24 may be a spiral grill which preferably imparts a spiral pattern to the air/steam mixture due to the angle of the outlet veins.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the center of the outlet grill 24 preferably includes a recess that can receive the vapor cup assembly 32. As shown in FIG. 6, the vapor cup assembly 32 is preferably a two-piece construction which includes a vapor cup 61 with vapor cup vents 68 and a removable vapor cap 63. Preferably, the vapor cup 61 and the vapor cap 63 are removable for easy filling and cleaning.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the present invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto. The above described embodiments, while including the preferred embodiment and the best mode of the invention known to the inventor at the time of filing, are given as illustrative examples only. It will be readily appreciated that many deviations may be made from the specific embodiments disclosed in this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the claims below rather than being limited to the specifically described embodiments above.

Claims

1. An air humidifying system, wherein the air humidifying system comprises: a vapor blower assembly, wherein the vapor blower assembly comprises: a steam tower assembly, wherein the steam tower assembly comprises a steam tower;a control surface, wherein the control surface comprises a control panel to allow a user to control the operation of the humidifier;an outlet grill;a fan;a duct;a trough assembly, wherein the trough assembly comprises: a water trough inlet, a water trough channel, and a trough reservoir;a water heating assembly, wherein the water heating assembly is comprised of a boiler pod, a boiler pod cover, a bonnet and a boiler pod gasket; wherein the boiler pod is secured above the trough reservoir;a vapor cup assembly, wherein the vapor cup assembly comprises a vapor cup, a vapor cap and a vapor cup vent;a water tank assembly, wherein the water tank assembly comprises a tank handle, a tank top, a valve gasket, a spring, and a plunger; anda base assembly, wherein the base assembly supports the water tank assembly and the vapor blower assembly.

2. The air humidifying system of claim 1, wherein the base assembly is comprised of a tank support rod for supporting the water tank assembly.

3. The air humidifying system of claim 2, wherein the base assembly further comprises a base cover.

4. The air humidifying system of claim 3, wherein the base cover is comprised of a magnet and mounting clips.

5. The air humidifying system of claim 4, wherein the base cover is in contact with the water tank assembly and the vapor blower assembly.

6. The air humidifying system of claim 5, wherein the boiler pod is configured to heat water supplied to the trough reservoir to create water vapor.

7. The air humidifying system of claim 6, wherein the fan is configured to direct an air stream though the duct so that the air stream and the water vapor are carried through the outlet grill.

8. The air humidifying system of claim 7, wherein the water tank assembly is configured to release water into the trough inlet.

9. The air humidifying system of claim 8, wherein the trough inlet is configured to direct the released water to the trough reservoir via the water trough channel.

10. The air humidifying system of claim 9, wherein the boiler pod is comprised of a rounded outer surface.