U.S. patent application number 13/136068 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-20 for portable misting device.
Invention is credited to Yung Chen, Eric F. Junkel.
Application Number | 20120319308 13/136068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39617138 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120319308 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Yung ; et al. |
December 20, 2012 |
Portable misting device
Abstract
An improved portable misting fan device of the type formed by a
body carrying fan means for creating and moving a stream of air,
the body further provided with a reservoir and having a power
source for driving the fan means and electrical means for driving
the power source which further includes a powered mist generator
having driving means and an actuator for actuating the mist
generator, the mist generator being in fluid communication with the
reservoir and a mist nozzle adapted to receive a fluid mist from
the mist generator and deliver the same into the air stream created
by the fan means.
Inventors: |
Chen; Yung; (Clarendon
Hills, IL) ; Junkel; Eric F.; (Mount Prospect,
IL) |
Family ID: |
39617138 |
Appl. No.: |
13/136068 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11653133 |
Jan 16, 2007 |
8016270 |
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13136068 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
261/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 261/43 20130101;
Y02B 30/545 20130101; Y02B 30/54 20130101; F24F 5/0035 20130101;
F24F 6/14 20130101; F24F 7/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
261/28 |
International
Class: |
B01F 3/04 20060101
B01F003/04 |
Claims
1. An improved portable misting fan device of the type formed by a
body carrying fan means for creating and moving a stream of air,
the body further accommodating a reservoir for providing a fluid
source, and the body further accommodating a power source for
driving the fan means and electrical means for driving the power
source, the improvement comprising in combination, a powered mist
generator carried within said body, driving means associated with
said mist generator for driving said mist generator, actuator means
in communication with said driving means for actuating said driving
means and in turn, actuating said mist generator, said mist
generator being in fluid communication with the reservoir to be
provided with a fluid source, and a mist nozzle to receive a fluid
mist from the mist generator and direct the mist into the air
stream created by the fan means when said fan means is activated,
whereby actuation of said powered mist generator provides a
continuous stream of fluid mist into the air stream created by said
fan means.
2. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 1 above
wherein said mist generator comprises a pump, a fluid tube
interconnecting the fluid reservoir with said pump, motor means for
driving said pump, a misting nozzle carried on the body and having
a nozzle fluid tube interconnecting said nozzle with said pump, and
a motor actuator for actuating said motor to initiate fluid
misting.
3. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 2 above
wherein said portable misting fan device further includes an air
pump for pressurizing air, motor means for driving said air pump,
interconnection means for interconnecting said air pump with said
mist nozzle, and said mist nozzle comprising an aspirator nozzle
for receiving pressurized air from said air pump and fluid from
said reservoir and introducing the resulting mist into the air
stream created by said fan means.
4. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 2 above,
wherein said misting nozzle is carried on the body of the misting
fan and positioned such that the misting fluid is expelled into the
air stream path forward of the fan means.
5. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 2 above,
wherein said misting nozzle is carried on the body of the misting
fan and positioned such that the misting fluid is expelled to the
rear of the fan means thereby to allow said misting fluid to be
drawn into the air stream created by the fan means.
6. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 2 above,
wherein said misting nozzle is carried on the body of the misting
fan and positioned such that the misting fluid is expelled
peripherally relative to the fan means thereby to allow said
misting fluid to be drawn into the air stream created by the fan
means.
7. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 1 above,
wherein said mist generator comprises a pump, a fluid tube
interconnecting the fluid reservoir with said pump, and said pump
formed by a pump cylinder which accommodates a pump piston therein,
a check valve carried in said pump cylinder, whereby manual
actuation of said pump piston relative to said pump cylinder forces
air into the reservoir in order to pressurize the fluid source
therein and provide a source of pressurized fluid to said mist
nozzle.
8. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 1 above,
wherein said mist generator comprises the reservoir being provided
with pressurization means for pressurizing the fluid within the
reservoir, an atomizing nozzle positioned to expel misting fluid
into the air stream created by the fan means, fluid path means
interconnecting said pressurized reservoir and said nozzle, and
flow control means to alternately open and close the fluid path
means thereby to alternately start and stop said mist
generator.
9. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 2 above,
wherein said motor means for driving said pump is comprised of the
power source for driving the fan means whereby the same power
source drives both said pump and the fan means.
10. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 3 above,
wherein said motor means for driving said air pump is comprised of
the power source for driving said fan means whereby the same power
source drives both said air pump and said fan means.
11. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 10 above,
wherein said pump is provided with means to regulate the pump speed
in accordance with the speed of the fan means.
12. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 1 above,
wherein the electrical means for driving the power source comprises
at least one battery carried by the body of said fan device.
13. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 1 above,
wherein the body has an upper end formed by a yoke assembly
supporting the fan means, said nozzle of the mist generator, and
the power source for driving the fan means.
14. The portable misting fan as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein
the body includes a lower end which accommodates the fluid
reservoir and an intermediate narrower section which forms a grasp
portion to facilitate the user's ability to grasp and hold the
device.
15. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 1 above,
wherein the body has a lower end accommodating a removable
reservoir, the reservoir provided with a fill port for filling said
reservoir with a fluid and a removable fill cap for occluding said
fill port, the fluid communication between said mist generator and
the reservoir formed by a fluid tube connected to said mist
generator at one end and having a connector fitting at the opposed
end, the reservoir provided with a connector fitting port
positioned to accept said connector fitting, whereby the reservoir
is constructed to be removable from the body to accommodate
refilling with a fluid while being easily reassembled to the body
in a manner to easily accommodate reconnection of said fluid tube
to the reservoir.
16. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 1 above,
wherein the electrical means for driving the power source comprises
a plurality of batteries carried by the body of said fan
device.
17. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 12 above,
wherein said battery comprises a rechargeable battery and said body
includes a port positioned in electrical communication with said
rechargeable battery, said port accommodating a battery charger
plug therein, whereby the rechargeable battery may be recharged
without removal from the body.
18. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 1 above,
wherein said actuator means comprises a three position switch
having a first off position, a second position which activates only
the fan means, and a third position which activates the fan means
and said pump, whereby the misting fan device may be used as a fan
device and as a misting device.
19. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 18 above,
wherein said three position switch includes spring means that
operates to maintain said switch in a normally off position.
20. An improved portable misting fan device of the type formed by a
body carrying fan means for creating and moving a stream of air,
the body further accommodating a reservoir for providing a fluid
source, and the body further accommodating a power source for
driving the fan means and electrical means for driving the power
source, and the body having a nozzle to direct misted fluid into
the stream of air created by the fan means, the improvement
comprising, a mist generator carried within said body, said mist
generator being formed by a first low pressure reservoir and a
second high pressure reservoir, a fluid connection interconnecting
said first and second reservoirs, a pump carried within the body
and adapted to pump fluid from the first low pressure reservoir to
said second high pressure reservoir, actuator means for actuating
said pump, a fluid supply tube interconnecting said second high
pressure reservoir to said nozzle, valve means associated with said
fluid supply tube to alternatively open and close the fluid path to
said nozzle, and actuator means for actuating said valve means,
whereby a user may actuate said actuator means causing said valve
means to open which in turn releases misted fluid through said
nozzle into the air stream created by the fan means.
21. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 20 above,
wherein said body includes a pressure regulator interposed between
said high pressure reservoir and said nozzle thereby to maintain a
constant water pressure as the device is used.
22. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 20 above,
wherein said actuator means comprises a switch operable by a user
to operate said mist generator.
23. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 22 above,
wherein said switch is further in electrical contact with the power
source for driving the fan means, said switch including multiple
switch positions for operating each of the fan means and mist
generator separately and the two in combination.
24. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 20 above,
wherein said high pressure reservoir is provided with a sealed air
filled bladder to store pressure therein.
25. An improved portable misting fan device of the type formed by a
body carrying fan means for creating and moving a stream of air,
the body further accommodating a power source for driving the fan
means and electrical means for driving the power source, a
reservoir for providing a source of fluid, the improvement
comprising in combination, a powered mist generator carried within
said body, driving means associated with said mist generator for
driving said mist generator; actuator means in communication with
said driving means and, in turn, actuating said mist generator,
said mist generator being in fluid communication with the reservoir
to be provided with a fluid source, and a mist nozzle to receive a
fluid mist from the mist generator and introduce the mist into the
air stream created by the fan means when said fan means is
activated, whereby actuation of said powered mist generator
provides a continuous stream of fluid mist into the air stream
created by the fan means.
26. The portable misting fan device as set forth in claim 24 above,
wherein said reservoir is positioned external to the body thereby
to accommodate an enlarged reservoir and, in turn, a greater volume
of fluid.
27. An improved portable misting device of the type formed by a
body having an upper end and a lower end, a reservoir carried in
the lower end and provided with a fluid therein, pump means carried
in the body for pumping fluid from the reservoir, drive means for
driving the pump means and electrical means for driving the drive
means, the improvement comprising in combination, the body further
provided with an air pump carried therein, drive means for driving
said air pump, said drive means being in communication with the
electrical means for driving said drive means and, in turn, said
air pump, an aspirator nozzle carried on said body, said aspirator
nozzle being in fluid communication with said reservoir and being
in further communication with said air pump, whereby actuation of
said pump means and said air pump delivers a mist fluid to said
aspirator nozzle which expels the misted fluid therefrom.
28. An improved portable misting device of the type formed by a
body having an upper end and a lower end, a fluid reservoir formed
in the lower end thereof and carrying a fluid source therein, and
the upper end provided with a mist nozzle carried thereon, the
improvement comprising in combination, an air pump carried by said
body for receiving and pressurizing air therein, drive means
carried by said body for driving said air pump and electrical means
carried by the body for driving said drive means, said air pump
being in fluid communication with the mist nozzle and the mist
nozzle being in further communication with the reservoir, the mist
nozzle comprising an aspirator nozzle adapted to receive
pressurized air from said air pump and fluid from the reservoir,
whereby upon actuation of said drive means, pressurized air is
delivered to said aspirator nozzle which, in turn, will draw fluid
from the reservoir thereby to deliver a misted fluid for expulsion
through said aspirator nozzle.
29. The improved portable misting device as set forth in claim 28
above, wherein said aspirator nozzle includes at last one fluid
port formed therein, said fluid port being in communication with
the reservoir, said aspirator nozzle having an air path formed
therein substantially transverse to said fluid port, whereby
pressurized air passing through said air path causes a negative
pressure at said fluid port thereby to draw fluid from the
reservoir and deliver the fluid into the air path in the form of a
misted fluid.
Description
REFERENCE TO CROSS RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional application based upon
pending application Ser. No. 11/653,133 filed on Jan. 16, 2007,
entitled PORTABLE MISTING DEVICE naming Yung Chen and Erik F.
Junkel as co-inventors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to the art field relating
to portable misting fans. Typically, such devices are provided with
a fan that is in communication with a fluid sprayer to provide a
source of atomized fluid. The device typically employs a trigger
which operates a manual pump, the manual pump pumping fluid from
the fluid reservoir up to a nozzle which is located adjacent to the
fan such that the pumping of fluid up to the nozzle and ejecting
fluid from the nozzle into the air stream created by the fan will
cause the water droplets to break up, and as the fluid droplets
enter into the air stream, create a cooling effect for the
user.
[0003] Such devices have found a widespread use in connection with
the public. It has been observed that these devices are basically
employed as a personal air conditioning device and have particular
application in any environment that is hot and/or hot and dry.
These devices are typically employed by sunbathers, sports
enthusiasts, and in work environments wherein a worker finds
himself in a very closed in, hot and/or dry situation. Hence, such
devices have developed widespread use in connection with a number
of activities.
[0004] Hence, water misting fans generally are devices providing
personal and environmental cooling by spraying atomized water
droplets into an air stream. The droplets evaporate thereby drawing
heat out of the surrounding area. Unevaporated droplets impinge on
the user and further evaporation draws heat out of clothing and the
skin of the user or surrounding surfaces. As is well known in the
past, such devices when employed on static structures have been
referred to as swamp coolers which basically operate by passing air
through a wick wetted with water and, by the use of fans, propel
the chilled air into the area to be cooled. The drawback of swamp
coolers is that they work poorly in confined or humid environments
and are more suited to a hot but low humidity environment.
Furthermore, a swamp cooler generally increases humidity, which can
decrease the user's comfort.
[0005] It has now been observed that the utility of the device can
be greatly improved by decreasing the size of the water droplets
and/or increasing the air flow so that the greater cooling effect
is realized. The difficulty with the existing devices is that a
manually actuated piston pump such as the type having a trigger
manually actuated by the user requires a significant effort by the
user in order to generate the high pressures needed for atomization
of the water. This is a drawback in connection with a user who must
employ both hands in connection with whatever activity the user is
involved in at the time. Furthermore, elderly people with
conditions such as arthritis and the like, find it virtually
impossible to manipulate the trigger in order to cause atomization
of the fluid. The same is true with small children who have small
hands and are not able to actuate the trigger with sufficient force
in order to cause a piston pump to operate effectively to draw
fluid from the reservoir and eject it from the nozzle into the air
stream created by the fan.
[0006] Further problems have been noted in connection with the
existing devices. These include having parts vulnerable to breakage
such as the triggers, attachment collars, and the couplings between
the various parts of the device. For example, typically, a water
misting fan includes a spray head portion having the fan mounted
thereon, and the fan head portion is attached to a fluid reservoir.
Such attachment can be by a screw thread, other means, but does
require the uncoupling of the device for purposes of filling the
reservoir, changing the batteries, or removing the fan for separate
use where such fan portions are detachable. Such vulnerable parts
lead to breakage problems, which detracts from the desirability of
purchasing and using such a device. Even more importantly, the fact
that the pump must be operated by a manual trigger for actuating a
pump often results in the fact that the user cannot pull the
trigger far enough or fast enough to create the pressure necessary
to bring a stream of fluid into the air stream created by the fan.
This detracts from the device's ability to properly mist.
[0007] In terms of the prior art, there are many prior art devices
that relate to this art field. Some of the older prior art patents
include the patent to Hayes U.S. Pat. No. 2,079,117 where water is
discharged out of the surface of the fan blades from which it is
ejected in order to create a vapor. Water is pumped out of the
reservoir with the fan blades acting as a centrifugal pump. Any
excess water that is flung off the tips of the blades are collected
by the shroud around the fan blades and re-circulated to the
reservoir. A rotary union connects the feeder tubes on each blade
to a water supply and a squeeze bulb primes the pump system. Hence,
the device shown in the aforesaid Hayes patent is not really a
misting fan and it does not teach a misting function.
[0008] The advent of the current portable misting fans is described
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,106 which shows a portable misting fan which
is in a self contained unit and has an elongated configuration in
order to accommodate the provision therein of a fluid reservoir.
The device has an extended neck portion with a fan positioned at
the top end along with an atomizing head. As described therein,
fluid is pumped from the fluid reservoir upwardly to the atomizing
end that is located below the fan and as fluid is extracted from
the atomizing head, the fan, which is located behind a baffle,
blows the fluid onto the body of the operator.
[0009] An improvement over the aforesaid device is shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,338,495. In this patent, there is disclosed what the
inventor describes as an integral portable fan and atomizing head
unit forming a cooling unit adapted for direct attachment to a
fluid reservoir which is a bottle. The upper chamber is provided
with an electric motor and electrical means to activate and
de-activate the motor, the fan means including flexible fan blades
mounted externally on the upper chamber connected to the motor to
turn in response from the activation of the motor. The lower
chamber is provided with pump activation means in the form of a
trigger that requires manipulation by the user in order to pump
water from the reservoir up into the path of the air stream created
by the fan. The upper head unit is intended to disengagably engage
to the fluid reservoir that may consist of a bottle and the
connection being a threaded cap which seats onto a threaded neck.
As was indicated previously, such devices require the physical
manipulation from the user in order to pull the trigger in order to
activate the pump and to pump fluid from the reservoir into the air
stream created by the fan.
[0010] The present invention is intended to provide an improvement
over such devices by providing a portable misting fan having a
powered misting device incorporated into the unit. A powered
misting device thereby eliminates the requirement that the user
manually actuate or manipulate a trigger or any other type of
device for causing the pump to operate in order to bring fluid from
the reservoir into the air stream. Portability is maintained by
providing typical batteries whether the same are dry cell or
rechargeable, for powering not only the fan, but the misting device
as well. It is therefore contemplated that the invention as
described herein, once activated by the user, results in a hands
free operation that can provide fan only cooling, or fan plus
misting as a cooling effect. In either event, appropriate controls
are provided so that the user may operate the appropriate controls
and allow the unit to operate virtually automatically.
[0011] It will therefore be appreciated that the present invention
has greater usability by the public for the device, whether it is
used in a work environment, by a sports enthusiast, or by the
elderly, or by children, the requirement that the user employ hand
manipulation to operate the device is eliminated. The user
therefore has the use of both hands to engage in the activity with
which he is involved, and the device will continue to operate as a
portable misting/cooling device.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0012] It is therefore the principal object of the present
invention to provide an improved portable misting fan device of the
type generally formed by a body having fan means for creating and
moving an air stream, the body accommodating a reservoir for
providing a fluid source, and a power source for driving the fan
means and electrical means for driving the power source, wherein
the device further includes a powered mist generator carried within
the body, driving means associated with the mist generator for
driving the mist generator, actuator means for actuating the
driving means and in turn actuating the mist generator, and a
nozzle to receive a fluid mist from the mist generator and direct
the mist into the air stream created by the fan.
[0013] In connection with the preceding object, it is a further
object of the present invention to provide an improved portable
misting fan wherein the mist generator is formed by a pump, the
pump having motor means associated therewith, a misting nozzle
carried on the body and having a fluid tube interconnecting the
nozzle with the pump, and a motor actuator for actuating the motor
to initiate fluid misting.
[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
improved portable misting fan of the type set forth above wherein
the motor means for driving the pump is comprised of the power
source that also drives the fan means whereby the same power source
drives both the pump and the fan means in response to an actuating
device.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved portable misting fan of the type described wherein the
fluid nozzle from which the mist emanates may be positioned either
forwardly of the fan means such that misting fluid is expelled into
the air stream path forward of the fan, or the misting nozzle may
be carried on the body positioned such that the misting fluid is
expelled to the rear of the fan means thereby to allow misting
fluid to be drawn into the air stream created by the fan means, or
the mist may be introduced peripherally into the air stream.
[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
portable misting fan of the type described wherein the body has a
lower end accommodating a removable reservoir in order to
accommodate the filling of the reservoir, and the reinsertion of
the reservoir at the backend of the device and having a fluid
connection such that once the reservoir is reinstalled in the
device, fluid communication is reestablished with a fluid tube
supplying the mist generator.
[0017] In conjunction with the preceding objects, it is a further
object of the present invention to provide an improved portable
misting fan of the type described which may include the actuator
means formed by a three position switch having a first off
position, a second position which activates only the fan means, and
a third position which activates the fan means and the pump whereby
the misting device may be used as a fan device alone, or as a
misting device.
[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
improved portable misting device which includes a powered mist
generator consisting of an aspirator nozzle which draws water from
an on-board fluid reservoir and wherein the device includes a motor
driven air pump thereby to provide atomized water and air through
the aspirator nozzle.
[0019] In conjunction with the foregoing object, a further object
is to provide an improved portable misting device of the type
described above, wherein fan means are provided and the aspirator
nozzle delivers the created mist into the air stream created by the
fan means.
[0020] Further objects and advantages of the present invention, as
well as the various modifications and variations therein, will be
better understood by reference of the following specification taken
in conjunction with the drawings set forth herein below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In summary, the present invention provides an improved
portable misting fan unit of the type typically formed by a body
having fan means at one end, and a reservoir at the other end,
which further includes a powered misting generator therein, the
mist generator being in fluid communication with the fluid
reservoir and having an opposed end for providing fluid
communication to a nozzle positioned to expel misted fluid in the
air stream created by the fan means. The mist generator includes a
motor for operating the mist generator that in turn is driven by
electrical means. The motor that drives the mist generator may
either be the same as that which drives the fan device, or may be a
separate motor for driving the mist generator independently of the
fan. The mist generator may take various formats, and following
below, the specification will detail the various formats that the
mist generator may assume.
[0022] The powered mister of the present invention may operate via
an aspirator type nozzle or a conventional spray nozzle. The
aspirator type nozzle will draw water from a low or medium pressure
reservoir and require a motor driven air pump to drive the
aspirator and charge the reservoir accordingly. The conventional
spray nozzle is driven by the output of a high pressure water pump
which pressurizes the water drawn from the reservoir. The thrust of
the present invention is, therefore, to provide a powered misting
device that will mist the fluid and direct the same into the air
stream which usually includes a fan device for directing the air
stream with the misted fluid therein toward the user.
[0023] An alternative embodiment would include a powered misting
device which eliminates the fan but directs the misted fluid toward
the user for providing a cooling effect.
[0024] The various embodiments forming the basis of the present
invention will be described more fully in the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, in cross section,
showing one embodiment of a continuous misting water misting fan
having an onboard reservoir, and interconnections between the
reservoir and the fan means for imparting a powered misting fluid
into the air stream created by the fan means;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, in cross section, showing
the misting fan of FIG. 1 and illustrating the orientation of the
components thereof;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, in cross section, of the
misting fan as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the reservoir
compartment opened, and the electrical power source removed and
reservoir removed;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view, in cross section,
showing an altered form of the powered misting fan of the present
invention, wherein the pump body for pumping the fluid from the
reservoir is at least partially submersed in the reservoir;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view, in cross section, wherein
the reservoir is formed into one half of the enclosure and is
provided with a fill cap for filling the reservoir;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view, in cross section,
showing still a further embodiment of the present invention wherein
pressurization means is provided for pressurizing the fluid in the
reservoir that in turn will deliver pressurized misted fluid to the
discharge nozzle;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view, in cross section, showing
the water misting fan of FIG. 6;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view, in cross section, which
shows a variation of the power misting fan of the present
invention, wherein the fan module may be mounted in a pivoted
fashion to facilitate the direction of the air stream, and wherein
the battery compartment is readily accessible to remove the battery
for replacement;
[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates still a further embodiment of the powered
misting fan of the present invention which include a manually
operated piston for pressurizing water from the fluid reservoir in
preparation for delivery to a discharge nozzle for discharging the
misted fluid into the air stream created by a fan or impeller;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view, in cross section, of the
misting fan as shown in FIG. 9;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded view showing the device of
FIGS. 9 and 10, wherein a manually actuated pump is employed for
pressurizing the fluid for misting purposes, with the pump piston
withdrawn for illustration purposes;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view, in cross section,
showing a variation of the misting fan as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2
and the pump is operated from the same motor as the fan and
illustrates the arrangement of the parts in order to accomplish the
aforesaid purpose;
[0037] FIG. 13 is still another variation of the powered misting
fan of the present invention wherein the motor drives a belt and
pulley system for driving the pump within the enclosure;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view, in cross section,
illustrating the arrangement of the parts of the pressurized
misting fan as shown in FIG. 13;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a front elevational view, in cross section,
showing another variation of the misting fan of the present
invention wherein the reservoir is removed from the enclosure and
incorporated in a separate location and is provided with a low
pressure supply line connecting the bladder or reservoir to the
device;
[0040] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view, in cross section,
illustrating the device of FIG. 15 with the bladder in the unfilled
status;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view, in cross section,
showing the hand held portable water misting fan of the present
invention that incorporates an aspirator type nozzle for directing
water droplets into the air stream created by the fan;
[0042] FIG. 18 is a side elevational view, in cross section,
showing a water misting device of the type described herein wherein
the misting is accomplished by means of an aspirator type nozzle,
and eliminates the fan such that the fine mist of water droplets is
directed directly to the user.
[0043] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view, in cross section showing
a further variation of a portable misting fan device that assumes a
box configuration but nevertheless employs a power misting fan
device for providing a cooled misted fluid to the user.
[0044] The above drawings are described in conjunction with the
following specification herein below in order to illustrate the
advantageous features of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0045] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a first
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The device is
formed by main body 10 which is formed by a lower body position 12
and upper body 14. In this embodiment, the upper body portion 14
includes shroud 16 that, in this embodiment, assumes a circular
configuration and encompasses the impeller or fan 18. The lower
body portion 12 contains a reservoir 20 that, as illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawing is removable from the lower body
portion 12. In this variation, the lower body portion 12 is shown
to have rear lid 21 that is pivotally secured to the lower body
portion 12 by means of a pivot pin 22. As shown, the reservoir
contains a fluid source 24 that in the usual instance will consist
of water. The electrical means for powering the devices consists of
a plurality of batteries 25 that are positioned immediately above
the reservoir 20, and are removable when the reservoir 20 is
removed by pivotally moving the rear lid 21 in the upright position
as shown in FIG. 3.
[0046] It will be observed from FIG. 1 that the batteries may be of
the rechargeable type and in such event, body 10 may be provided
with a port 15 to accommodate the plug of an adapter for recharging
the batteries. As shown in FIG. 1, the adapter 19 may be inserted
into the port 15 to recharge the rechargeable batteries 25 located
in the device 10.
[0047] The reservoir is provided with a tube fitting aperture 26
which is designed to accept therein a tube fitting 28 in a fluid
tight engagement. A dip tube 30 extends from the tube fitting 28 in
order to feed fluid from the fluid source 24 to a pump 32. Dip tube
30 has, at its upper end, an appropriate fitting 31 which seats
within the pump 32 such that upon activation as will be more fully
described hereinafter, will feed fluid from the reservoir 20 to the
pump 32. The pump is operated by means of a motor 34 that in turn
is activated by an actuator button 35.
[0048] It will be observed from FIG. 1 of the drawings, that the
lower body portion 12 includes battery contacts 36 positioned
internally of the lower body section 12, which are, in turn, wired
or electrically connected to the motor 34, and to the actuator
button 35. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that upon
depressing of the actuator button 35, electrical contact is
established with the batteries thereby to actuate the motor 34,
resulting in the pump 32 pumping fluid from the reservoir 20
upwardly therefrom.
[0049] The pump is further provided with a discharge tube 38 and
terminates in a discharge nozzle 40.
[0050] The upper body portion 14, as previously indicated, supports
the impeller or fan 18, which is powered by a fan motor 42, the fan
motor being supported by means of a pair of support struts 43 and
44 respectively. In this variation, the fan motor 42 is powered by
the batteries 25 by means of appropriate electrical conductors 46
which may be in the form of wires, or metallic strips. The
electrical conductors 46 are concealed by positioning of same
internally of the support struts as illustrated in FIG. 1 of the
drawings. The actuator button 35 is similarly provided with a
switch position for the fan motor 42 which may be the same position
for actuating the pump motor 34 or may be a first position for
operating the fan motor 42 independently of the pump motor 34. In
this instance, the actuator button 35 may be a three position
switch including an off position, a second position for actuating
the fan motor 32 and third position for actuating the pump motor
34. Indeed, it is contemplated that it could be a four position
switch including an off position, a fan motor on position, a pump
on motor position, and a fourth position which would activate both
the fan motor and the pump motor simultaneously. In such an
instance, it is contemplated that the fan motor could be operated
independently of the misting function of the device, or
alternatively, the misting function could be operated independently
of the fan function, and a final position would be the activation
of both the pump motor as well as the fan motor to have misting fan
device.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the reservoir 20
is removable from the lower body portion 12, by lifting the rear
lid 21 and pivoting the same upwardly, which removes the reservoir
and also allows the operator to replace batteries when needed. As
shown, the reservoir 20 includes a rear fill port 23 that is
enclosed by a fill cap 29. The fill cap 29 is constructed so that
it will sealingly engage the fill port 23 in a fluid scaling
engagement. Hence, the operator may easily remove the reservoir 20
for refilling the fluid and inserting the same back into the lower
body portion 12 of the device 10 for semi-continuous operation.
[0052] It will be appreciated that this embodiment, the impeller or
fan blades are formed of a soft material to avoid injury to the
user. The soft materials would include EVA foam rubber or other
similar soft plastics, or other semi rigid soft materials that
would avoid any injury to the user thereof.
[0053] It will also be appreciated from a view of FIGS. 1-3, as
well as most of the other embodiments, the upper body portion 14
which supports the fan blades, fan motor, all surrounded by the
shroud, and the lower body portion 12 which accommodates the
reservoir, are in large sections of the device. The intermediate
section has a narrower configuration and in most instances,
provides a convenient grasping surface for the user to grasp and
hold the device.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the discharge
nozzle 40 is positioned in order to emit a misting spray into the
air stream created by the impellers 18. It will be appreciated that
the nozzle may be located at the lower portion of the shroud 16, or
may be carried to the upper portion thereof by extending the
discharge tube 38 through the shroud to the upper portion thereof
and having the nozzle 40 spray the mist downwardly into the air
stream created by the impeller 18. It has been determined that the
device will operate quite well as a misting device regardless of
whether the discharge nozzle 40 is positioned toward the bottom
portion of the impeller 18, or positioned upwardly by extending the
discharge tube 38 to upper portion of the shroud 16 and positioning
the same above the impeller 18. Further, it has been determined
that the discharge nozzle may be located either forward of the
impeller 18, or rearward of the impeller 18, or peripherally of the
impeller 18, so long as the misting can be effectively transported
into the air stream created by the impeller 18. It is further
contemplated that one could design a device without the impeller
18, and simply have a powered misting device that would simply
impart a misted fluid to the user. It is believed, however, that by
providing an impeller, and supplying a misted fluid to the air
stream created by the impeller, regardless of whether the mist is
provided below, above, forward of, behind, or peripherally of the
impeller, a more efficient device is provided
[0055] It will be further noted from FIG. 3 of the drawings, that
the reservoir has an enlarged rear fill port, for the purpose of
permitting the user to insert a mixture of ice and water into the
reservoir 20. In this manner, the fluid is kept to a cool
temperature, and further enhances the cooling and misting effect
achieved by the device. The fill port cap 29 designed to sealingly
engage the fill port 23 either by press fit, or a screw
arrangement, or any other desired locking means. It is contemplated
that the seal between the cap 29 and fill port 23 would be a fluid
tight engagement in order to prevent leaking of fluid when the
reservoir 20 is reinstalled into the device. It will further be
noted that the tube fitting 28 is designed to seat within the tube
fitting aperture 26 in a fluid tight arrangement, thereby allowing
the reservoir to be totally removable from the device 10 for
refilling purposes. The tube fitting aperture 26 would be
appropriately gasketed such that upon removal, and for filling
purposes, the tube fitting aperture 26 is sealed and will only
accept the tube fitting 28 when the reservoir 20 is reinstalled
into the device 10. Finally, it will be noted that the reservoir 20
is provided with a vent 47 that is covered by a flapper type seal
or valve in order to allow air to back fill the reservoir as water
is drawn out. This equalizes the pressure and will ensure that the
device will continue to operate as fluid is withdrawn from the
reservoir 20.
[0056] The description with respect to the remaining embodiments
will, for ease of description, incorporate the same numbers for
similar parts.
[0057] With respect to FIG. 4, the device 10 is shown to be
similarly constructed as with respect to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings,
with the exception that the parts are somewhat relocated in order
to maximize the size of the reservoir to increase the fluid supply.
As illustrated, the pump 32 is partially submersed in the reservoir
20, and hence, a portion of the narrower lower body 12 of the
device 10 is utilized for the reservoir. The batteries 25 are
relocated to the bottom portion of the device, and in this
variation, access to the reservoir and the batteries would be by
providing a rear lid pivotally secured to the device in order to
remove the battery 25 and the reservoir 20 from the device.
[0058] FIG. 5 shows a variation of the water misting fan wherein
the reservoir is integrally formed to one half of the enclosure or
lower body portion 12 of the device 10. The reservoir 20 is
self-contained within the rear portion of the lower body of the
device 10, and simply includes a fill cap 29 along the rear portion
of the lower body section 12 in order to accommodate the filling of
the device. In all other respects, the device would be the same as
the variation shown in FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, with the
exception that the device could be molded as a unitary unit
minimizing the number of welds or sections which would necessarily
be glued or welded in order to form a water tight reservoir.
[0059] FIGS. 6 and 7 shows still another variation or embodiment of
the present invention. The device 10 is similarly configured with
respect to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, but represents a more
elaborate version thereof. With specific reference to FIGS. 7 and 8
of the drawings, we observe that there are two separate reservoirs
including a low pressure reservoir 20 and high pressure reservoir
50. The high pressure reservoir 50 includes bladder 52 which is
filled with air. The pump 32 includes a pump inlet tube 54 and
permits the pump 32 to draw fluid from the low pressure reservoir
20 and pump it into the high pressure reservoir 50 through the pump
discharge tube 56. The high pressure reservoir 50 includes a high
pressure supply tube 57 which conveys the water to a pressure
regulator 58 which, in turn, is connected to a valve 60 via supply
tube 59. The pressure regulator 58 operates to maintain a constant
water pressure as the device 10 is operated. This would be
necessary in view of the fact that the high pressure reservoir will
drop in pressure as the high pressure reservoir drains through the
use of the device. Hence, the pressure regulator 58 will maintain a
constant pressure or output pressure as the fluid is being drawn
from the high pressure reservoir 50. A valve 60 may take the form
of a spool valve and is in turn, connected to the discharge nozzle
40 by means of the discharge tube 38.
[0060] It will be observed in this variation that the discharge
nozzle 40 is situated forwardly of the impeller 18 hence supplying
the misted fluid forwardly of the impeller. It will further be
observed from a view of FIG. 6 of the drawings that the impellers
in this case are rigid impellers, in order to achieve a higher
speed. The impellers are protected from the user by means of the
grille 17 carried by the casing 68 both forward and rearward of the
impeller blades 18. This will prevent injury to the user thereof
since a rigid high speed impeller blades 18 are employed. The
advantage that the rigid blades 18 provide is that they can achieve
a higher RPMs, and therefore enhance the misting effects of the
device. In this variation, it is contemplated that pressure
switches may be employed to monitor and to control the pump
depending upon the pressure. With specific reference to FIG. 7 of
the drawing, a high pressure switch 61 monitors the state of the
high pressure reservoir and will turn off the pump when the
pressure reaches a certain high set point. A low pressure switch 63
is positioned to monitor pressures so that the switch will turn on
the pump when the pressure drops below a certain set point. It will
therefore be appreciated that the pressure may be regulated by
means of the switches that control pump 32 that supplies the fluid
to the pressure regulator 58 in order to maintain a constant
pressure with a certain range.
[0061] The reservoir 20 also includes a fill cap 29 that seals a
rear fill port 23 in order to permit the user to fill the reservoir
20 with fluid. As previously indicated, the fill port 23 is
sufficiently large to allow both water and ice to be inserted
within the reservoir 20. It will be appreciated from FIG. 7 that
the pump 32 again is provided with a pump inlet tube 54 which
receives water from the low pressure reservoir 20, and a pump
discharge tube 56 which supplies the high pressure reservoir 50 to
supply tube 57 supplying the pressure regulator 58.
[0062] A further improvement may consist of having the impeller 18
and the fan motor 42 contained within a casing 68 that is pivotally
secured to the shroud 16 by means of pivots 69. As shown in FIG. 8
of the drawings, the casing may be pivoted to change the direction
of the air stream created by the impeller 18 and the discharge
nozzle 40. FIG. 8 further illustrates the positioning of the
batteries 25 relative to the device 10, and it illustrates that the
batteries are removable by means of battery lid 27 pivotally
secured to the lower body portion 12 by an appropriate pivot 31. It
will be appreciated from a view of FIGS. 7 and 8 that the reservoir
20 is not removable from the device 10, but rather, includes a fill
port and fill cap 29 for filling purposes. The batteries 25,
however, are easily replaceable via the battery lid 27 to gain
access to the battery compartment.
[0063] FIGS. 9,10 and 11 illustrate a further embodiment of the
present invention which provides continuous misting for the fan
operation without providing a pump motor or electrical means
therefore. This variation illustrates that the device may be
provided with a manual pump consisting of a pump cylinder 70 that
accommodates a pump piston 71 therein. The operator will manipulate
the pump piston by grasping the piston handle 72 to retract the
pump piston 71 from the pump cylinder 70. A check valve 74 is
employed in the pump cylinder such when the pump piston 71 is
inserted into the pump cylinder, air is forced into the reservoir
20 to pressurize the fluid source 24 therein. When the pump piston
is withdrawn from the pump cylinder, the check valve prevents air
from escaping back into the cylinder. As illustrated, the dip tube
30 supplies fluid from the reservoir 20 to the pressure regulator
58 that in turn supplies the valve 60 via the supply tube 59.
[0064] The user depresses the actuator button 35 to turn the fan on
which is operated by means of the fan motor 42, which again, is
supplied by electrical power via the batteries 25 and appropriate
contacts interconnecting the fan motor 42 with the batteries 25 via
the actuator button 35. The actuator button 35 would actually be a
three position switch including an off position, a second position
which turns on the fan motor 42, and third position which opens the
valve 60 in order to provide a misted fluid to the discharge nozzle
40 supplied via the discharge tube 38. In this embodiment, once
again the device shows the fan blades as being of a rigid material,
in order to obtain a high speed situation. The fan blades 18 are
therefore encased between the grilles 17 that are both forward and
rearward of the casing 68 in order to protect the user from any
injury. The fan or impeller 18 is mounted within a casing 68 that
pivots on pivots 69 in order to direct the airflow as indicated
previously with respect to embodiments 7 and 8 of the drawings. It
will be observed that the pump cylinder 70 includes a pump cap 79
which is screw threaded to a threading 76 so that the pump cylinder
70 and cap 79 may be unscrewed from the lower body portion 12 and
thereby allow access. The advantage of the embodiment as depicted
in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings is the fact that the device 10
may be quieter, have longer battery life and be more economically
manufactured by eliminating a motorized pump and a pump motor with
the accompanying contacts and electrical interconnections with the
batteries and actuator button.
[0065] FIG. 11 illustrates the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 showing
the removal of the pump piston 71 and the piston handle 72 unit
wherein access to the pump cap 79 and thereby access to the
reservoir 20 may be gained.
[0066] FIG. 12 illustrates a further embodiment and variation of
device as illustrated previously in FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings. This
embodiment illustrates the ability to use the same motor for both
the fan 18 as well as the pump 32. It will be observed that the
pump 32 is moved to a position immediately rearward of the fan
motor 42 and is attached to the motor shaft 41 toward the rearward
end of the motor 42. The impeller 18 is attached to the forward end
of the motor 42 as previously described. The actuator button 35 is
in electrical contact with the batteries 25 and with both the pump
32 and fan motor 42. It will be observed that in this variation,
the discharge tube 38 emanating from the pump 32 may be easily
positioned with the discharge nozzle 40 located immediately
rearward of the impeller 18, such that the misting fluid is
provided into the air stream created by the impeller 18 rearward
thereof. It is further contemplated that the pump may be provided
with a gear assembly so that upon actuation of the pump 32 and fan
motor 42 by the actuator button 35, the pump operating speed will
compliment the fan speed. The advantage of the embodiment as
illustrated in FIG. 12 is the fact that one may still have a
pressurized fluid source operated electrically via a pump and a
motor, as well as a fan operated by a motor, with the efficiency
being that the same motor is used for both the fan and the pump.
This eliminates duplication of a motor, with the result that the
cost of parts is reduced while achieving the same result.
[0067] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrates still a further possible
embodiment of the present invention wherein pressurized fluid is
supplied to a fan device in order to provide a portable misting fan
device. The import of FIGS. 13 and 14 is to show another variation
of operating the pump with a single motor, however, in this
instance, the motor drives a belt and pulley arrangement for
operating the pump to supply fluid from the reservoir to the
discharge nozzle 40. The motor 42 is shown to have a motor shaft 41
that has the impeller 18 mounted at the forward end, and also has
an upper pulley 78 mounted thereon. A lower pulley 79 is mounted to
the pump body 32, and a drive belt 80, respectively, drives the
pulleys 78 and 79. It will be appreciated that once the motor 42 is
activated by the actuator button 35, the motor shaft 41 will drive
the two pulleys 78 and 79 as well as the impeller 18. The pulleys
78 and 79 driven by the drive belt 80 thereby activate the pump 32
to pump fluid from the reservoir 20 via the dip tube 30 into the
pump, and from the pump to the discharge tube 38 and to the
discharge nozzle 40. The discharge nozzle 40 is shown to be located
rearward of the fan blades to the bottom portion thereof, but
nevertheless provides a misted fluid to the air stream created by
the impeller 18. This variation shows the motor 42 being supported
by a pair of opposed motor support struts 43 and 44 respectively,
which may take the form of a hollow configuration in order to
accommodate the drive belt 80 within the confines thereof. This
conceals the drive belt 80 from view, and protects the user from
any contact with the drive belt 80.
[0068] With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a still further variation
of the present invention is illustrated. It will be observed in
this variation, the main body 10 of the misting device can be
reduced in size such that the lower body 12 accommodates the
batteries 25, and the pump motor 34 and pump 32. The upper body 14
accommodates the shroud 16 which encircles the impeller or fan 18.
A pair of opposed struts 43 and 44 supports the fan motor 42,
wherein the electrical contacts 46 are located. In this variation,
the reservoir now takes the form of a bladder 41 that is removed
from the main body 10. It is contemplated that this variation is
intended to encompass a device wherein the user would have a
backpack into which the bladder 81 is fitted, such that the volume
of water carried in the bladder 81 may be greatly enhanced. It will
be observed that the pump 32 is interconnected to the bladder 81 by
means of supply tube 83 that interconnects with the bladder 81 by
means of a bladder fitting 85. The bladder fitting 85 is provided
with a check valve that prevents any back flow liquid into the
reservoir. The bladder 81 is filled by means of a fill port 86 that
is enclosed by means of a fill cap 87 that engages the fill port 86
in any appropriate manner. As shown in FIG. 15, the fill port 86
may be surrounded by a fill collar fitting 88 that may be provided
with internal threads for screwing the fill cap 87 into the fill
port 86. The bladder handle 89 is provided which facilitates in
removing and reinserting the bladder 81 into a backpack. A hanger
91 may be provided to permit the user to hang the bladder 81
incident to the filling operation for ease and convenience. In all
other respects, the misting fan device as demonstrated in FIGS. 15
and 16 operates in the same manner as previously described with the
exception of the reservoir in the form of a bladder 81 being
removed from the main body portion of the device in order to
greatly enhance the volume of water which may be carried by the
user.
[0069] With reference to FIG. 17, still a further variation of the
portable misting device of the present invention as illustrated. A
variation as illustrated in FIG. 17 is similar to the embodiment as
illustrated in FIG. 12, with the exception that the device of FIG.
17 is provided with an aspirator type nozzle. For ease of
description, numerals indicating the parts that are in common will
be maintained.
[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 17, the main body 10 is provided with
a lower body portion 12 and an upper body portion 14. The upper
body 14 includes the shroud 16 that envelops the impeller 18. The
impeller is mounted on a motor shaft which extends out from the fan
motor 42, while the motor shaft extends through the backside of the
fan motor 42 in order to operate the air pump 32. The output from
the air pump 32 is directed into an air supply tube 93 which
connects to both the aspiration nozzle 95, and to the reservoir 20
in order to provide the reservoir 20 with a charge of pressure as
needed. A separate water supply tube 96 extends from the reservoir
20 and connects with the aspirator nozzle 95. The operation of an
aspirator nozzle is known in the art and basically operates by
providing a stream of air driven into a narrow orifice. Ports are
located at the sides of the orifice substantially transverse to the
air path that connect to the water reservoir via the water supply
tube 96, such that when air goes past the ports, the pressure is
lowered at the orifice and the lower pressure draws water out from
the reservoir by vacuum. Water gets atomized as it mixes with the
turbulent air jet. The aspirator nozzle 95 disburses mist in the
form of very fine droplets. Aspirator nozzle 95 may be operated by
means of actuator 98 which would take the form of a switch as
previously defined. It will also be observed in this variation that
the same motor 42 will operate the impeller 18, as well as the air
pump 32. This is conservative of space and expense by eliminating
the need for a second motor to operate the pump.
[0071] FIG. 18 illustrates still a further variation of a portable
misting device in accordance with the present invention, the main
difference between the embodiment of FIG. 18 and prior embodiments
is elimination of the impeller. The device of FIG. 18 is shown to
include a main body 10 having a lower body 12 and an upper body 14
the lower body 12 accommodating the reservoir 20 containing the
fluid source 24 with an appropriate battery compartment
accommodating the batteries 25. A water supply tube 96 extends from
the reservoir 20 up to the aspirator nozzle 95. The upper body 14
encloses and houses the air pump 32 that is driven by motor 42. The
air pump 32 provides pressurized air to pressurize the reservoir 20
via air supply tube 93 and also provides pressurized air to the
aspirator nozzle 95 via supply tube 97. The water supply tube, as
previously indicated, extends from the reservoir 20 upwardly and
connects to an appropriate fitting in the aspirator nozzle 95. An
actuator switch button (not shown) operates the device as
previously indicated by establishing electrical contact between the
batteries and the motor 42. Once actuated, the motor will operate
the air pump 32 to provide a source of air to the aspirator nozzle
95, which includes a series of ports in fluid communication with
the water supply tube 96. Once again, as air passes over the
appropriate ports, the vacuum pressure created draws fluid into the
aspirator nozzle that then delivers a stream of misted air toward
the user to achieve the cooling effect. It will therefore be
appreciated from this description that the device can eliminate the
fan and simply be an air driven aspirator nozzle type device in
order to provide the misting effect.
[0072] The variation as shown in FIG. 19 of the drawings shows a
still further possible variation for a portable misting fan device.
In this embodiment, the body is in a form of casing 101 which
carries therein a reservoir 103 that is provided with a fluid
source such as water. A fill port (not shown) may be provided for
introducing the fluid into or out of the reservoir 103. It will be
observed that in this embodiment, the reservoir 103 is separated
from an upper compartment 105 that is sized to be sufficiently
large enough to accommodate ice 106 therein. The upper compartment
105 is separated from the reservoir 103 by a wall 107 that includes
a drain 108 formed therein. Casing 101 has a rear wall 102 and a
front wall 104. The rear wall 102 is provided with an air inlet
vent 109. The upper compartment 105 is bounded by a forward wall
111 that is also provided with an air outlet vent 113 therein. The
casing 101 includes forward compartment 115 in which is mounted the
impeller 18 which is operated by means of a fan motor 42 as
previously described. The front wall 104 is provided with an
aspirator nozzle 95 that, in this embodiment, is positioned just
forwardly of the impeller 18. The forward compartment 115 is also
provided with an air pump 117, which in turn is operated by means
of the air pump motor 118. The electrical power source includes a
plurality of batteries 25 in the same manner as previously
indicated with respect to the other embodiments. Appropriate
electrical contacts are installed such that the batteries 25 are in
contact with the air pump motor 118 and the fan motor 42. It will
be observed that the aspirator nozzle 95 is in fluid communication
with the reservoir 103 by means of the dip tube 119 and is in
communication with the air pump 117 by means of a supply tube
121.
[0073] It will be clear that the device will operate as a portable
misting fan device since once the impeller is actuated by actuating
the motor 42, air will be drawn through the air inlet vent 109 and
passes through the upper compartment 105 exiting therefrom via the
air outlet vent 113. The front wall is provided with a vent 123
through which the air drawn through the upper compartment and the
forward compartment will exit. It will also be clear that the air
is cooled as a result of the ice 106 contained in the upper
compartment 105. The aspirator nozzle 95 will operate once the air
pump 117 has been activated via the air pump motor 118 via
appropriate switches and controls. The aspirator nozzle 95 will
draw liquid from the reservoir 103 as well as compressed air from
the air pump 117, and provide a cooled mist exiting from the
aspirator nozzle 95. The impeller 18 enhances the cooling
effect.
[0074] It will further be observed that as the ice 106 melts in the
upper compartment 105, the melting ice will drain into reservoir
103 via the wall drain 108 and hence, the fluids supplied to the
aspirator nozzle 95 will similarly be cooled water.
[0075] The import of the embodiment as demonstrated in FIG. 19 is
to show that the portable misting fan device of the present
invention may be adjusted from a size consideration to accommodate
a cooling effect for more than a single person. It is contemplated
that the device as exemplified in FIG. 19 is suitable for outdoor
functions such as a patio, deck, beach environment, or other
outdoor venues where there may be more than one person present. The
device may be suitably accommodated with a handle positioned on the
top of the device for carrying purposes. As such, the device
comprises a portable misting fan device suitable for cooling one or
even more than one person.
[0076] The above description is intended to demonstrate that a
power misting device is created in various formats, which has the
end result of providing a misted fluid to an air stream on a
pressurized basis. The pressure may be created by means of a pump
operated with a motor, or a manual pump and piston arrangement, or
a drive and pulley arrangement. It is contemplated that other
variations are possible, so long as pressure is generated in order
to pressurize the fluid emanating from the reservoir. The present
invention further demonstrates the ability to provide a portable
misting fan wherein, as one variation, separate motors may be
provided for the fan and the mist generator, and provide an
actuator button that will operate the fan motor and the mist
generator separately, or in combination. This provides a device
that can operate as a fan alone, or as a misting device alone, or a
combination fan and misting device.
[0077] The device further contemplates that the discharge nozzle
may take various forms. For example, an aspirator nozzle may be
used, or a conventional spray nozzle. The nozzle may be designed to
operate from an high pressure, or low pressure reservoir, as
indicated previously. The ultimate purpose is to provide a misted
fluid to a discharged outlet that can be introduced into the air
stream created by the fan. As was previously indicated, however,
the device may be designed without fan means or an impeller such
that one is simply discharging a water mist into the air to achieve
a cooling effect for the user. In such variations, the aspirator
type nozzle will entrain the droplets in an air jet created by the
nozzle, propelling the mist forward.
[0078] It will be appreciated from the above description taken in
conjunction with the drawings that the preferred embodiments of the
invention are disclosed. However, it is also clear that various
modifications and variation may be created without departing from
the scope and spirit of the invention. Hence, while there has been
described what is at present considered to be the preferred
embodiments of the invention, the obvious variations and
modifications are intended to be covered by the appended
claims.
* * * * *