U.S. patent application number 11/097700 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-10 for cooling apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Space Breeze, LLC. Invention is credited to Ellicott, Richard.
Application Number | 20050247074 11/097700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34915955 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050247074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ellicott, Richard |
November 10, 2005 |
Cooling apparatus
Abstract
A cooling apparatus (1) comprises a base (3) for supporting the
apparatus on the ground, a column (5) extending upwardly from the
base to a height greater than the average height of a sitting
person, cooling means (27) located at the top of the column (5) and
supported thereby for cooling the adjacent air and fan means (29)
for directing the cooled air laterally and preferably downwards
into the area surrounding the column. The apparatus is both
freestanding and self contained. Preferably, the compressor of a
standard refrigeration system is located in the base, and the
evaporator and condenser units are located in an upper section of
the apparatus, with the plumbing and electrical wiring connections
located in the column.
Inventors: |
Ellicott, Richard; (Poole,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACK OISHER
200 HIGH POINT DRIVE
SUITE PH2
HARTSDALE
NY
10530
US
|
Assignee: |
Space Breeze, LLC
|
Family ID: |
34915955 |
Appl. No.: |
11/097700 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/261 ;
62/419 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 1/04 20130101; F25D
19/00 20130101; A45B 3/00 20130101; F24F 1/022 20130101; A45B
2200/1045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/261 ;
062/419 |
International
Class: |
F25D 023/12; F25D
017/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 8, 2004 |
GB |
GB0417454.6 |
Dec 22, 2004 |
GB |
GB0427790.1 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cooling apparatus comprising: a) support means, b) cooling
means located at the top of the support means and supported thereby
for cooling the adjacent air, the cooling means extending upwardly
to a height greater than the average height of a seated person, c)
fan means located at the top of the support means and supported
thereby for directing the cooled air laterally into the area
surrounding the support means.
2. A cooling apparatus comprising: a) a base for supporting the
apparatus on the ground, b) a column extending upwardly from the
base to a height greater than the average height of a seated
person, c) cooling means located at the top of the column and
supported thereby for cooling the adjacent air, d) fan means
located at the top of the column and supported thereby for
directing the cooled air downwards into the area surrounding the
column, e) the apparatus being freestanding and self contained.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the column extends to
a height greater than 40 inches.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the column extends
to a height greater than the average height of a standing
person.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the column extends
to a height greater than 69 inches.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a housing
provided at the top of the column for receiving the cooling means
and fan means.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the housing forms a
canopy.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the housing
comprises an upper conical section and a lower coaxial
frusto-conical section in which the maximum diameter of the upper
section is larger than the minimum diameter of the lower section
and the maximum diameter of the lower section is greater than the
maximum diameter of the upper section.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, further comprising within
the housing refrigeration means comprising an evaporator and
associated evaporator fan.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein refrigeration means
comprises a condenser and an associated condenser fan.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising
refrigeration means comprising an evaporator and associated
evaporator fan and a condenser and an associated condenser fan,
wherein the evaporator and its associated fan are located in the
lower section of the housing and the condenser and associated fan
are located in the upper section of the housing.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further comprising in the
lower section of the housing a first set of grilles or louvers
arranged in its periphery for the passage of air into or out of the
housing and a second set of grilles or louvers in its lower surface
for the passage of air out of or into the housing.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first set of
grilles or louvers comprise an air inlet for ambient air while the
second set of grilles or louvers comprise an air outlet for cooled
air.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second set of
grilles or louvers comprise an air inlet for ambient air while the
first set of grilles or louvers comprise an air outlet for cooled
air.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, further comprising in the
upper section of the housing a third set of grilles or louvers
arranged in its periphery for the passage of air into the housing
and a fourth set of grilles or louvers in its upper surface for the
passage of heated air out of the housing.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the column is
hollow, and further comprising a compressor in the base, and in the
hollow column piping and electrical wiring between the compressor
and the evaporator and associated evaporator fan and condenser and
associated condenser fan.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising in the
base storage for a cooling fluid for supply to the cooling
means.
18. A cooling apparatus comprising: a) a base for supporting the
apparatus on the ground, b) support means extending upwardly from
the base to a height greater than the average height of a seated
person, c) cooling means located at the top of the support means
and supported thereby for cooling the adjacent air, d) fan means
located at the top of the support means and supported thereby for
directing the cooled air laterally and downwards into the area
surrounding the column, e) the apparatus being configured such that
the cooled air is distributed substantially 360.degree. in all
directions.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the apparatus is
freestanding and self contained.
20. A cooling apparatus comprising: a) a base for supporting the
apparatus on the ground, b) a column extending upwardly from the
base to a height greater than about 40 inches, c) a housing
provided at the top of the column, d) refrigeration means
comprising: i) an evaporator and associated evaporator fan, ii) a
condenser and associated condenser fan, iii) a compressor, iv) the
evaporator and associated evaporator fan and the condenser and
associated condenser fan being positioned in the housing at the top
of the column, the compressor being positioned in the base, v) the
column being hollow, vi) piping and electrical wiring running
through the hollow column and interconnecting the compressor in the
base and the evaporator and associated evaporator fan and condenser
and associated condenser fan in the housing at the top of the
column.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, further comprising: e)
louvers or grilles in the housing for the passage of ambient air
into the housing and cooled air out of the housing, f) the fan
means being positioned for directing the cooled air laterally and
downwards into the area surrounding the column.
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, g) the apparatus being
freestanding and self contained.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22, further comprising means
for switching the functions of the evaporator and condenser such
that the apparatus provides heated air instead of cold air.
24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the switching
means is controlled by a thermostat so that its operation depends
on the ambient temperature.
25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, further comprising: e)
infra-red heating elements distributed around the housing at the
top of the column, and f) means for activating the infra-red
heating elements to heat the surrounding air.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a cooling apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] There are many occasions in which it is desirable to provide
a cooled area either in outdoor or indoor situations so that people
within a specific area can remain cool despite a somewhat higher
than desirable ambient temperature.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0003] An object of the invention is to provide a cooling apparatus
which can provide a cooled area suitable for the purposes indicated
above.
[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a cooling
apparatus comprises support means extending upwardly to a height
for cooling a surrounding area, means supported by the support
means for cooling the adjacent air, and air-moving means such as a
fan including means for directing the cooled air laterally and
preferably downwards into the area surrounding the support
means.
[0005] According to a further aspect of the invention, the cooled
air is distributed in all lateral directions, preferably over
substantially 360.degree..
[0006] According to another aspect of the invention, a cooling
apparatus comprises a base for supporting the apparatus on the
ground, a support preferably in the form of a column extending
upwardly from the base to an upper region at a height greater than
the average height of a seated person, cooling means located at the
aforesaid region and supported by the support for cooling the
adjacent air, and air-moving means such as a fan including means
for directing the cooled air downwards into the area surrounding
the support, the apparatus being freestanding and self contained
except for requiring a source of electricity such as an electrical
wire connection to a direct or preferably an alternating source of
current. By "free-standing" is meant that the apparatus does not
require duct connections to an adjacent structure such as a
building or building wall. However, while it can be fixed to the
ground, preferably it is not, and more preferably is mobile.
[0007] Preferably the support column extends to a height greater
than the average height of a standing person.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
cooling apparatus is an air-conditioner including a compressor, a
condenser heat-exchanger and an evaporator heat-exchanger with the
usual associated fans connected by suitable piping and plumbing to
function as a conventional closed cycle compression refrigerator.
The compressor is located in the base, and the condenser and the
evaporator are located in the upper region of the support, the
connecting piping being located in the support. Preferably, a
housing is provided at the top of the column for receiving the
cooling means, and preferably the housing forms a canopy.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
housing at the top comprises an upper conical section and a lower
coaxial frustoconical section in which the maximum diameter of the
upper section is larger than the minimum diameter of the lower
section and the maximum diameter of the lower section is greater
than the maximum diameter of the upper section. Preferably, the
evaporator and its associated fan may be located in the lower
section of the housing and the refrigeration condenser and
associated fan may be located in the upper section of the
housing.
[0010] The lower section of the housing preferably comprises a
first set of grilles or louvers arranged in its periphery for the
passage of air into or out of the housing and may have a second set
of grilles or louvers in its lower surface for the passage of air
into or out of the housing. The first set of grilles or louvers may
comprise an air inlet for ambient air while the second set of
grilles or louvers may comprise an air outlet for cooled air or
vice versa. The upper section of the housing may also have a third
set of grilles or louvers arranged in its periphery for the passage
of air into the housing and may have a fourth set of grilles or
louvers in its upper surface for the passage of heated air out of
the housing.
[0011] The column preferably is hollow and contains the piping and
electrical feed to the cooling means and the fan(s) at the top.
[0012] The base may further comprise storage for a cooling fluid
for supply to the cooling means and may be provided with connection
means for connection to an electricity supply.
[0013] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention,
the apparatus may be constructed alternatively to provide heated
air instead of cold air and may include switching means for
selectively reversing the operation of the condenser and evaporator
so as to provide heated air instead of cooled air.
[0014] Any switching means for the apparatus may be controlled by a
thermostat so that its operation depends on the ambient temperature
and the thermostat may be settable manually by the operator.
SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention will now be described in greater detail, by
way of example, with reference to the drawings, like reference
numerals designating the same or similar elements, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a simplified front view of one form of cooling
apparatus in accordance with the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic but more detailed cross-sectional view
of a variation of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a view from below of the upper part the apparatus
of FIG. 2 with a lower cover removed;
[0019] FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial views, similar to the upper
portion of FIG. 2, but showing a second embodiment of the cooling
apparatus in accordance with the invention in which provision is
made for switching between a cooling operation and a heating
operation, FIG. 4 showing the set up for cooling and FIG. 5 showing
the set up when switched over to heating;
[0020] FIG. 6 is schematic view of another embodiment of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment that
incorporates a heating unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Referring firstly to FIG. 1, there is shown a cooling
apparatus 1 comprising a base 3 for supporting the apparatus on the
ground or floor of a structure such as a patio, a column 5
extending upwardly from the base 3 and an upper housing 7 generally
carrying some refrigeration and air distribution equipment, to be
described later in connection with FIG. 2. The column 5 is of a
height at least greater than the average height of a sitting person
but preferably of a height greater than the average height of a
standing person. This means that the column 5 is of a height such
that the lower surface of the upper housing 7 is positioned above
the ground a distance greater than the average height of a sitting
person but preferably of a height greater than the average height
of a standing person. Typically, this means that the height above
ground of the lower surface of the upper housing 7 is greater than
about 40 inches, and preferably greater than about 69 inches. In
this way the apparatus can be readily used, with the smaller height
column, to cool air in an area where people are sitting and with
the larger height column, the cooling area will be extended to cool
also standing people in this area.
[0023] The upper housing 7 is, as shown, of generally circular
construction having a pagoda like shaped canopy and is composed of
an upper section 9 of conical shape and a lower section 11 of
frusto-conical shape which latter is of a larger external diameter
than that of the upper section 9. As can be seen, the upper section
9 extends slightly beyond the inner edge of the lower section 11 to
provide a recessed joining section 13 which contains louvers or
grille 15 which enable air to enter the upper arrangement 7.
[0024] The upper section 9 contains adjustable louvers or grilles
17 which allow the exhaust of heated air produced by the
refrigeration equipment. The base 3, in addition to its supporting
function, preferably contains the compressor and condensate tanks
and may provide a location or connection point for a remote
packaged chilled water supply. These items in the base, having the
greatest weight, afford more stability to the free-standing
structure. In view of the weight of the base 3, to make the
apparatus more mobile, it may be mounted on castors (not
shown).
[0025] Connection between the base 3 and upper arrangement 7 is
carried out within the column 5 to which end, the column 5 may
contain pipes, electrical feeds, etc.
[0026] A remote controller may be provided to control the various
operations of the apparatus so as to enable sophisticated
environmental control. The remote sensor is conveniently located in
the column.
[0027] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a more detailed version of the
cooling apparatus of the invention will be described. The
construction is basically similar to that shown in FIG. 1. The
upper housing 7 houses the refrigeration condenser(s) 21 and its
associated fan(s) 23 and the evaporator(s) 25 and its associated
fan(s) 27. More than one condenser and its associated fan and
evaporator and its associated fan can be included. As can be seen,
the condenser 21 and fan 23 are housed in the upper section 9 of
the upper arrangement 7 while the evaporator 25 and its fan 27 are
located in the lower section 11 . As shown, these units and their
fans are each integral components of coaxial construction with the
units being on the outside and surrounding the fans. Alternatively,
these components can be arranged such that the fan for the
condenser coils sits on top of the latter, and the fan for the
evaporator coils sits below the latter.
[0028] For a fuller understanding of the construction of the
housing/canopy 7, it comprises an upper conical section 9 and a
lower coaxial frusto-conical section 11 in which the maximum
diameter of the upper section 9 is larger than the minimum diameter
of the lower section 11 and the maximum diameter of the lower
section 11 is greater than the maximum diameter of the upper
section 9.
[0029] In use, air is drawn in through the perimeter louvers or
grills 15 (indicated by the ingoing arrows at the perimeter of unit
9) by the condenser fan 23 which is speed controlled and over the
coil of the condenser 21 in one embodiment. Thereafter, the air is
expelled through the louvers or grilles 17 (indicated by the
outgoing arrows above unit 9). Air is also expelled by means of
louvers or grilles 29 situated around the lower part 31 by means of
the fan 27 (indicated by the outgoing arrows at the perimeter of
unit 11), which is also speed-controlled, across the coil of the
evaporator 25. Thereafter, the cooled air is distributed outwardly
around the perimeter of the lower section 11 by way of louvers or
grilles 29 (indicated by the outgoing). Incoming air enters from
the bottom of unit 31 (as indicated by the ingoing arrows below
unit 31). Alternative arrangements of the ingoing and outgoing air
are also possible within the invention.
[0030] The upper housing 7 can be suitably insulated to avoid the
formation of condensation in some environmental conditions.
[0031] The base 3 provides a stable base for the apparatus and also
houses the refrigeration compressor together with its attendant
conventional ancillaries, such as suitable valves and strainers,
and a condensate drain reservoir. For this reason, the base may be
provided with some sound insulation. Condensate tanks 33 are also
located in the base and these will either be emptied manually or by
means of automatic condensate pumps discharging through a suitably
sized drain 35. Suitably sized connection points 37 may be fitted
to the base 3 for use with either a remotely sited water chiller or
condensing unit. Connection means for a supply of electricity are
also provided. Preferably an appropriately shaped cover or
removable housing (not shown) may be provided to cover the base and
its components. FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the bottom of the
pagoda-like structure 7, with the small circles in the item labeled
5 representing piping and electrical cabling connections between
the upper structure 7 and the base 3.
[0032] It will be appreciated that while the above described
embodiment shows one form of cooling apparatus in accordance with
the invention, the apparatus is suited to a large number of
variations within the basic concept of the invention.
[0033] For example, the grilles or louvers 29 and 31 or other forms
of openings for allowing the passage of air may be reversed so as
to provide cooling air from the bottom of the upper structure as
well as from the periphery of the lower section 11 of the housing
7.
[0034] Where an external source of chilled water is used, only the
evaporator 25 with its fan 27 is needed. While the remainder of the
refrigeration apparatus has been indicated as preferably being
situated in the base 3, it will be understood that, with a suitable
construction, some or all of this apparatus could be carried in the
housing/canopy 7. Any or all of the grilles or louvers may be
variably controlled in respect of direction of airflow and/or size
of aperture. A remote control arrangement may be used for
controlling any of the functions of the apparatus. Although a
circular construction of the housing/canopy 7 has been shown, other
shapes, such as square or polygonal, could be used. Furthermore,
while a preferred pagoda shape of the housing has been shown, any
suitable shape of housing could be used. If the apparatus is used
internally or beneath an existing canopy, the canopy shape of the
apparatus may not be needed.
[0035] There are occasions when, while the original state of the
ambient air is sufficiently hot to require the provision of cold
air, the temperature of the ambient air can drop to the point where
heated air rather than cold air is needed. Such a situation can
occur on a hot summer day which cools substantially in the evening.
The second embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is
designed to cope with such a situation. Thus, the arrangement of
FIG. 4 is set up to provide cooling air. To this end, and similarly
to the arrangement shown in FIG. 2, the upper housing 7 houses a
refrigeration condenser 121 and its associated fan 123 and an
evaporator 125 and its associated fan 127. As can be seen, the
condenser 121 and fan 123 are housed in an upper section 109 of the
upper arrangement 7 while the evaporator 125 and its fan 127 are
located in a lower section 111. As shown, these units and their
fans are of coaxial construction with the units being on the
outside and surrounding the fans. Preferably the FIG. 4 embodiment
comprises a top conical section 107 forming a "roof" structure, the
upper section 109 in the form of a coaxial frusto-conical section
and a lower coaxial frusto-conical section 111 in which the maximum
diameter of top section 107 is larger than the minimum diameter of
the middle section 109, the maximum diameter of the middle section
109 is larger than the minimum diameter of the lower section 111
and the maximum diameter of the lower section 111 is greater than
the maximum diameter of the middle section 109. In this way, the
housing 7 expands conically downward in three tiers.
[0036] In a cooling operation, air is drawn in through the
perimeter louvers or grills 115 by the fan 123 which is speed
controlled and over the coil of the condenser 121; thereafter, the
warm air, warmed by the operation of the condenser 121, is expelled
upward through louvers or grilles 117. Air to be cooled is drawn in
through louvers or grilles 129 situated beneath the lower part 111
by means of the fan 127, which is also speed controlled, and passes
the air across the coil of the evaporator 125. Thereafter, the air,
cooled by the evaporator 125, is distributed downwardly from the
lower section 111 by way of louvers or grilles 131.
[0037] When the ambient air ceases to be hot, the operation of the
condenser 121 and evaporator 125 are reversed so that the condenser
121 becomes an evaporator and the evaporator 125 becomes a
condenser as shown in FIG. 5. This is carried out by means of a
well known switching mechanism (not shown) which causes the flow of
refrigerant gas to be reversed. Thus, in the arrangement shown in
FIG. 5, ambient air is still drawn in through the louvers or
grilles 115 and 129, but the air emerging from the louvers or
grilles 131 will now be heated by the now condenser 125. The air
emerging from the louvers or grilles 117 will, with this
arrangement, also be warm. The switching arrangement may be
operated manually by the user when he or she feels that the ambient
temperature warrants it or it may be automatically controlled by
means of an ambient air-sensing thermostat. This thermostat can
suitably be manually controlled to set the changeover temperature
while a particular temperature for changeover can be set so that
there can be an overlap. Thus the changeover from cool to warm may
take place at one temperature, changeover from warm to cool may
take place at another, different temperature. It will of course be
understood that modifications may be made to this latterly
described embodiment, in particular, where applicable, these
modifications may be as described for the first embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view with some interior parts
visible of still another embodiment of the invention. This
embodiment, similarly to the FIG. 2 embodiment, places the
condenser/fan 21, 23 in the upper section 209 of the housing 207,
the evaporator/fan 25, 27 in the lower housing section 211, ambient
air intakes at the grills 215, the warmed air outtakes at the
grills 217, the ambient air intake 229 for the evaporator and the
cooled air outlet at 231. The upper section 209 differs from that
of FIG. 2 in that the maximum diameter of the upper section 209 is
not larger than the minimum diameter of the lower section 211
whereas the maximum diameter of the lower section 211 is still
greater than the maximum diameter of the upper section 209. Thus,
the large area canopy is formed by the maximum diameter of the
lower section. While not visible in FIG. 6, the overall
configuration viewed from the top is octagonal rather than
circular. In the closed base 203, an outline of the compressor 200
is visible. In this case, the condensate tanks are 233 are built
into the wall of the base 203. Numeral 240 is an access door for
the base components, and the structure 242 depicted in the column 5
can be a manual switch for the system or a sensor for a remote
control (not shown). The internal piping and wiring has been
omitted for clarity. The height indicated by reference numeral 244
is at least greater than the average height of a seated person to
ensure that the distributed air, which is distributed over a full
360.degree., will cover persons seated around the cooler.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which an electric heater
has been added to the assembly to provide heating instead of
cooling where circumstances require.
[0040] The basic cooling apparatus can be fitted with an electric
infra-red heating system. The configuration of this system will be
such so as to allow it to be fitted either at time of manufacture
or later by the end user.
[0041] In the embodiment schematically illustrated in FIG. 7, which
shows only a lower part 250 of the pagoda-shaped assembly 207 with
the grills 231, several infra-red elements or emitters or lamps 252
are mounted at the lower part 250 so that the emitters 256, inside
a reflector 258, in turn housed in an enclosure 260, face downward
and outward. They can be supported on the lower part 250 by means
of a suitable adjustable bracket 262. Preferably, these heater
assemblies 252 will be fitted to the assembly around its perimeter
at a point below the first or lower tier where the evaporator, air
inlet filter shrouds may be located. The control for the heating
can be by the remote controller or by its own dedicated
controller/switch; the power supply being fitted into the assembly
base.
[0042] The operation of the heating can be automatic in that when
the ambient temperature falls below the controller set point, the
cooling function will cease and the heating function will start. As
the ambient temperature rises the opposite cycle will prevail.
[0043] It is also possible that the end user will be able to
choose, via an inbuilt, load partialization device; the percentage
of heating elements in use at any one time.
[0044] It is also possible to mount a condensate tray inside the
tapered side wall for capturing condensate in the lower part of the
housing, and mount the heaters on the underside of the condensate
tray.
[0045] When the assembly is octagonal with straight side edges, the
heaters can be rectangular fitted to the straight sides. When the
assembly is circular, curved heaters can be used.
[0046] Alternatively or additionally, if desired, a misting unit
can also be added to the assembly to supply misting in addition to
or instead of cooled or heated air.
[0047] It will be seen that the above described embodiments will
provide an arrangement which will cool areas where people are
sitting or standing and will additionally provide shade by virtue
of the formation of the upper part of the apparatus in the form of
a solid canopy. Another embodiment provides additionally the
possibility of heating the same area as was cooled when the ambient
temperature cools to a degree where such is required.
[0048] While the invention has been described in connection with
preferred embodiments, it will be understood that modifications
thereof within the principles outlined above will be evident to
those skilled in the art and thus the invention is not limited to
the preferred embodiments but is intended to encompass such
modifications.
* * * * *