U.S. patent application number 13/968134 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-29 for transportable air circulating and cooling assembly for use with a head covering.
The applicant listed for this patent is Peter Grzybowski. Invention is credited to Peter Grzybowski.
Application Number | 20140143934 13/968134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50771981 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140143934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grzybowski; Peter |
May 29, 2014 |
TRANSPORTABLE AIR CIRCULATING AND COOLING ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A
HEAD COVERING
Abstract
The present invention describes an air circulating and cooling
assembly comprising a housing unit, adapted to quickly and easily
secure onto a head covering, such as a hat, and an airflow
distributor removably attached to the housing unit. The airflow
distributor secures to the housing unit and has at least one
vertically disposed aperture fluidly communicating air received
from an air generator to the top of the user's head and at least
one lateral disposed aperture fluidly communicating air received
from the air generator along at least one side of said head
covering. The airflow distributor is constructed and arranged to
provide directional current flow of the air around the side and top
of the head of the individual wearing the head covering wherein the
current flow is expelled opposite from the head cover along the
opposite side surface from where the airflow distributor is secured
to the unit.
Inventors: |
Grzybowski; Peter; (Jupiter,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Grzybowski; Peter |
Jupiter |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50771981 |
Appl. No.: |
13/968134 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29438163 |
Nov 27, 2012 |
D694383 |
|
|
13968134 |
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29438165 |
Nov 27, 2012 |
D694384 |
|
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29438163 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/171.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/286 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/171.3 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04 |
Claims
1. A portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a head covering comprising: a housing unit for
removable attachment to a head covering, said housing unit having
an external section pensionable along an outer surface of said head
covering and an internal section positionable along an internal
section of said head covering, said external section and said
internal section having a hollow bridge therebetween; an airflow
generator placed within said external section, said airflow
generator having a battery operated air blower for drawing
unconditional air into said external section, said unconditional
air directed through said bridge; an airflow distributor removably
secured to said internal section, said airflow distributor having
at least one vertically disposed aperture fluidly communicating air
received through said bridge along an upper internal surface of
said head covering and at least one laterally disposed aperture
fluidly communicating air received through said bridge along at
least one side of said head covering, said airflow distributor
constructed and arranged to provide directional current flow of the
air around the side and top of the head of the individual wearing
said head cover wherein the current flow is expelled opposite from
said head cover along opposite side surface from said airflow
distributor securement.
2. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a head covering according to claim 1 wherein said
bridge forms a U-shaped structure.
3. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a head covering according to claim 1 wherein said
housing unit includes a lip formed in said bridge for positioning
said housing unit to an edge of said head covering.
4. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a head covering according to claim 1 wherein said
housing unit further includes at least one strap holder secured to
said external section, said strap holder receptive to an adjustable
strap that wraps around the external surface of the head covering
to maintain positioning.
5. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a head covering according to claim 1 wherein said
airflow distributor further includes a releasable fastener for
securement to said internal section.
6. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a head covering according to claim 1 wherein said
airflow distributor contains a plurality of lateral disposed
apertures for direction control of said airflow.
7. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a head covering according to claim 6 wherein each
said lateral aperture is staged along a vertical length
thereof.
8. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a head covering according to claim 1 wherein said
airflow distributor further contains aperture chambers sized to
provide directional airflow along a predetermined path.
9. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a head covering according to claim 1 further
including a charging port.
10. A portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a hard hat comprising: a housing unit for
removable attachment to a head covering, said housing unit having
an external section pensionable along an outer surface of said hard
hat and an internal section positionable along an internal section
of said hard hat, said external section and said internal section
having a hollow U-shaped bridge therebetween; an airflow generator
placed within said external section, said airflow generator having
a battery operated air blower for drawing unconditional air into
said external section, said unconditional air directed through said
bridge; an airflow distributor removably secured to said internal
section, said airflow distributor having at least one vertically
disposed aperture fluidly communicating air received through said
bridge along an upper internal surface of said head covering and at
least one laterally disposed aperture fluidly communicating air
received through said bridge along at least one side of said head
covering, said airflow distributor constructed and arranged to
provide directional current flow of the air around the side and top
of the head of the individual wearing said head covering wherein
the current flow is expelled opposite from said head cover along
opposite side surface from said airflow distributor securement.
11. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a hard hat according to claim 10 wherein said
housing unit includes a lip formed in said bridge for positioning
said housing unit to an edge of a brim of said hard hat.
12. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a hard hat according to claim 10 wherein said
housing unit further includes at least one strap holder secured to
said external section, said strap holder receptive to an adjustable
strap that wraps around the external surface of said hard hat to
maintain positioning.
13. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a hard hat according to claim 10 wherein said
airflow distributor further includes a releasable fastener for
securement to said internal section.
14. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a hard hat according to claim 10 wherein said
airflow distributor contains a plurality of laterally disposed
apertures for directional control of said airflow.
15. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a hard hat according to claim 10 wherein each said
lateral aperture is staged along a vertical length thereof.
16. The portable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a hard hat according to claim 10 wherein said
airflow distributor further contains aperture chambers sized to
provide directional airflow along a predetermined path.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an air circuiting
and/or cooling assembly for use in combination with a head
covering; more particularly, to a portable air circulating and
cooling assembly for use in combination with a hard hat, the
assembly designed for directing a supply of air to multiple
sections of the hard hat, thereby evenly distributing and
circulating air therein and cooling down the internal hard hat
environment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Numerous jobs require the use of a safety hard hat, such as
construction work. In fact, given improved safety standard and
regulatory laws, hard hats are required tools of many trades.
Safety hats are typically made of polyethylene plastic, making it
lightweight, durable, easy to mold and non-conductive to
electricity. Despite being lightweight, users are often required to
wear hard hats for extended time periods. For jobs performed under
high heat and/or excessive sunlight, continuous wearing of hard
hats can be extremely uncomfortable for the wearer. Standard
complaints about hard hats are that they are too hot. Removal of
the hard hat can provide comfort. However, such relief is temporary
as extended breaks are not usually tolerated. Modifications to the
hard hat have been made to reduce excessive heat. For example, the
S62 yellow hard hat made by Bullard.RTM. was designed with heat
releasing vents for keeping workers cool. The vented shell was
designed to allow air to flow inside the hard hat, keeping the user
cool and comfortable while providing quality protection.
[0003] Cooling mechanisms using fans to cool the internal area of a
hat is known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,356
describes a cooling fan for a hard hat mounted on the surface of
the hard hat. U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,451 is directed to a hat which is
described as having an enclosed fan unit. The fan is described as
being attached to the back of the hat and providing air flow over
the head of the user. Because the cooling unit is encased within
the hat, it is not portable. Lack of portability is disadvantageous
because, once the fan is broken, a new hat is required. Moreover,
lack of portability results in increased cost associated with use
of cooling features as the user is prevented from using a single
cooling unit for different hats.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,194 is directed to a rear mounted plenum
assembly described as having a fan mounted therein. The fan may be
located around the back of a hard hat to direct air around the top
of the head enclosed in the webbing. The assembly is built into the
hard hat, and therefore suffers from the same lack of portability
issues as described above.
[0005] U.S. Patent Application 2007/0061946 is directed to a
cooling unit for a hard hat that is described as being removable.
The device contains a housing unit that contains a fan, a power
source, and a single tubular structure that is coupled to the hard
hat. The device is designed to provide air flow using the single
tubular structure so that air flow is directed in a single
direction. The '946 application fails to describe directed air flow
in multiple directions.
[0006] Therefore, what is needed in the art is an air circulating
and cooling assembly for use in combination with a head covering
that minimizes air flow dissipation by directing the air flow to
multiple locations within the head covering, thereby providing a
circulating effect and enhanced cooling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to an air circulating and
cooling assembly comprising a housing unit and an airflow
distributor removably attached to the housing unit. The housing
unit is adapted to easily and quickly install onto a head covering,
such as a hat. The airflow distributor secures to the housing unit
and has at least one vertically disposed aperture fluidly
communicating air received from an air generator to the top of the
users head, and at least one lateral disposed aperture fluidly
communicating air received from the air generator along at least
one side of the head covering. The airflow distributor is
constructed and arranged to provide directional current flow of the
air around the side and top of the individual's head wearing the
head cover wherein the current flow is expelled opposite from the
head cover along the opposite side surface from where the airflow
distributor is secured to the unit.
[0008] An objective of the present invention is to provide an air
circulating and cooling assembly for use in combination with a head
covering.
[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an
air circulating and cooling assembly for use in combination with a
head covering that does not require modifying the head
covering.
[0010] Still another objective of the present invention is to
provide a removable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a head covering.
[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
removable air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a hard hat.
[0012] Yet still another objective of the present invention is to
provide an air circulating and cooling assembly for use in
combination with a head covering which contains a removable airflow
distributor.
[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an
air circulating and cooling assembly for use in combination with a
head covering which contains a removable airflow distributor having
at least one vertically disposed aperture and at least one lateral
aperture.
[0014] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
an air circulating and cooling assembly for use in combination with
a head covering which is adapted to provide multi-directional
airflow within a head covering.
[0015] Still another objective of the present invention is to
provide a circulating and cooling assembly for use in combination
with a head covering which is adapted to provide multi-directional
airflow within a head covering thereby providing a pattern of
airflow circulation for enhanced cooling effect.
[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an
air circulating and cooling assembly for use in combination with a
head covering which is adapted to provide multi-directional airflow
within a head covering, thereby providing a pattern of airflow
circulation resulting in evenly distributed air within the head
covering, thereby providing for enhanced cooling effect.
[0017] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
a circulating and cooling assembly for use in combination with a
hard hat which is adapted to provide multi-directional airflow
within a hard hat, thereby providing a pattern of airflow
circulation for enhanced cooling effect.
[0018] Still another objective of the present invention is to
provide a circulating and cooling assembly for use in combination
with a hard hat which is adapted to provide multi-directional
airflow within the hard hat, thereby providing a pattern of airflow
circulation for enhanced cooling effect.
[0019] Other objectives and advantages of this invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this
specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1A is a left side perspective view of a portable air
circulating and cooling assembly in accordance with the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 1B is a right side perspective view of the portable air
circulating and cooling assembly in accordance with the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the portable air
circulating and cooling assembly in accordance with the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the portable air
circulating and cooling assembly in accordance with the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top view of the portable air circulating and
cooling assembly in accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the portable air circulating and
cooling assembly in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the portable air
circulating and cooling assembly in accordance with the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a left side perspective view of the portable air
circulating and cooling assembly in accordance with the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the external surface of the
first portion of the external section of the housing unit;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the internal surface of the
first portion of the external section of the housing unit;
[0030] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the airflow generator
inserted within the external section of the housing unit;
[0031] FIG. 10B is a front perspective view perspective view of the
airflow generator removed from the housing unit;
[0032] FIG. 11A is a rear perspective view of the internal surface
of a second portion of the external section of the housing
unit;
[0033] FIG. 11B is a rear perspective view of the second portion of
the external section of the housing unit with a battery pack
inserted therein;
[0034] FIG. 11C is a top view of the internal section of the
housing unit; illustrating the terminal end and corresponding
opening;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an airflow distributor
illustrating the connecting side;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an airflow
distributor illustrating the air distributing side;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the internal surface of a
typical hard hat;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a plane view of the portable air circulating and
cooling assembly in accordance with the present invention secured
to a hard hat;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a typical hard hat
with the portable air circulating and cooling assembly in
accordance with the present invention secured thereto;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the interior of a typical
hard hat with the portable air circulating and cooling assembly in
accordance with the present invention secured thereto;
[0041] FIG. 18 illustrates the air flow pattern generated by the
portable air circulating and cooling assembly in accordance with
the present invention secured to a hard hat;
[0042] FIG. 19 illustrates the air flow pattern as it travels from
the back of the hard hat to the front.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0043] Now referring to the figures in general, and specifically in
FIGS. 1-7, set forth is an illustrative embodiment of a removable
air circulating and cooling assembly for use in combination with a
head covering. The air circulating and cooling assembly 10
comprises a housing unit 12 and an airflow distributor 14 removably
attached to the housing unit. The housing unit is adapted to easily
and quickly install onto a head covering, such as a hat. While the
embodiment of the hat as described herein is a safety hard hat
typically used in the construction industry, any hat worn by an
individual that is subject to excessive buildup of heat could
benefit from the present invention. Both the housing unit 12 and an
airflow distributor 14 may be made of the same material, such as a
hard plastic. Alternatively, the unit 12 and an airflow distributor
14 may be made of different materials such that the housing unit is
made of a hard, inflexible material, such as a plastic material,
and the airflow distributor 14 flexible material, such as a rubber
material. In another alternative embodiment, housing unit 12 may be
made of a combination of materials such that at least one portion
is made from a hard inflexible plastic material (i.e. the internal
section 18, see next paragraph for description) and at least one
other portion, i.e. the portion that extends into a hat such as the
external section 16, see next paragraph for a description), is made
of a flexible rubber material.
[0044] The housing unit 12 has an external section 16 for
positioning along the outer surface of the hard hat and an internal
section 18 for positioning along the internal surface of the hard
hat. The external section 16 and the internal section 18 have a
bridge 20 therebetween. The bridge 20 preferably forms a U-shaped
structure, but such shape is not intended to be limiting. The
housing unit 12 is constructed and arranged to hold therein
necessary components to provide a functional device designed to
provide air circulation by evenly distributing air to the multiple
sections of the hard hat simultaneously, thereby reducing the
overall temperature of the hard hat environment.
[0045] As an illustrative embodiment, the housing unit 12 comprises
a front cover 22, see FIGS. 8, 9, 10A and 10B, and a back cover 24,
see FIGS. 11A and 11B. The external surface 26 of the front cover
22 contains a grid-like cut out region 28 which allows for ambient
air to be drawn into the housing unit 12. Additional cut outs 30
and 32, positioned along the top 33 of the housing unit 12 are
sized and shaped to receive functional control units such as power
buttons or charging unit, as described later. Along the left side
34 and right side 36 are first portions 39 of a securing member,
illustrated herein as a strap holder 38. Although the strap holder
is illustrated as being made of two portions secured together to
form the working unit, the strap holder 38 can be made of a single
unit attached thereto or integrally formed to the housing unit 12.
The strap holder 38 contains two L-shaped arms 40 and 42 attached
or integrally formed to the left side 34 or the right side 36 of
the housing unit 12. The L-shaped arms 40 and 42 extend therefrom
to form a first space 44 sized and shaped for receiving and holding
a strap. The terminal ends 46 and 48 of the L-shaped arms 40 and 42
are separated by a gap 50 which also functions to allow easy
insertion and removal of a strap.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 9, the internal surface 52 of the front
cover 22 is illustrated. A plurality of recessed areas 54 with
openings 56 are arranged to provide a means for securing functional
components to the internal surface 52. To provide a supply of
airflow within the housing unit 12, an airflow generator 58 is
secured to compartment 60, see FIG. 10A, using a securing mechanism
such as a screw 62 inserted into opening 56. The airflow generator
58 may be a fan unit, such as a brushless fan or a blower.
Preferably, the airflow generator 58 is a centrifugal fan 64, see
FIG. 10B, which is designed to move air into the unit 12 with an
increase in pressure to create an airflow supply through the use of
impellers. While the centrifugal fan 64 is illustrated, other known
airflow generators or fan units known to one of skill in the art
may be used. The centrifugal fan 64 contains a fan housing unit 66
having a fan wheel 68 composed of a plurality of fan blades 70 or
ribs mounted about a hub which is rotated by a driveshaft (not
illustrated). Rotation of the fan blades draws air into the
centrifugal fan 64 to the side, see arrows 72, turns 90 degrees and
exits through an opening 74, see arrows 76. As illustrated in FIG.
10A, the airflow generator 58 (shown in a housing unit 77) is
arranged within compartment 60 so as to direct airflow generated
into compartment 78. An opening 80 of the housing unit 77 rests
flush with dividing wall 82 as to prevent airflow generated from
being dissipated or directed to intended areas of the housing unit
12. To generate a higher pressure ratio, i.e. the ratio of the
discharge pressure over suction pressure, greater than 1.1, the fan
may be replaced by a blower.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the internal surface 84 of
the back cover 24 is illustrated. The back cover 24 is constructed
and arranged to secure to the front cover 22 to form the housing
unit 12. Positioned along the left side 86 and the right side 88 is
the second half 90 of the securing member 38, comprising of two
generally L-shaped arms 92 and 94 attached or integrally formed to
the left side 86 or the right side 88 of the housing unit 12. The
L-shaped arms 92 and 94 extending therefrom to form a first space
96 sized and shaped for receiving and holding a strap. The terminal
ends 98 and 100 of the L-shaped arms 92 and 94 are separated by a
gap 102 which also functions to allow easy insertion and removal of
a strap or band. Securing of the front cover 22 to the back cover
24 is accomplished by aligning the two sections together so that
posts 104 frictionally fit into recesses 104 located on the
generally L-shaped arms 40 and 42 of the front cover 22. Use of
screws (not illustrated) inserted into and secured within openings
106 (back cover 24) and openings 108 (front cover 22) may provide
further means of fastening. Additionally, the back cover contains a
flange 110 circumscribed about the perimeter which can be inserted
within a recessed channel 112 located about the front cover 22 to
provide air tight securing, thereby preventing airflow from
escaping the housing unit 10 as well as preventing outside moisture
from entering therein.
[0048] The internal surface 84 of the back cover 24 may be divided
into several compartments, each holding functional components of
the air circulating and cooling assembly 10. For example,
compartment 114 is sized and shaped to contain a removable battery
116, such as a 5V lithium battery. The removable battery 116 is
electrically coupled to airflow generator 58 to provide a source of
electrical power to generate a continuous supply of airflow. The
internal surface 84 of the back cover 24 also supports a circuit
board, such as a printed circuit board 118 via support structures
118 and 120. The printed circuit board 118 may include, for
example, a microcontroller (not illustrated) and associated
circuitry (not illustrated). The microcontroller may be designed to
interface to switching circuitry that selectively closes and opens
one or more paths that allow the battery 116 to power on and off
the airflow generator 58. The microcontroller also interfaces with
one or more user operated switches 124. The user operated switch
124 allows the user to control the operation of the device, through
on/off functionality (i.e. turning the airflow generator fan or
blower on or off, or intermittent such that the fan or blower is
automatically cycled on/off for predetermined time periods) or
airflow generator speed such as slow/normal/fast modes
corresponding to the speed of the fan or blower.
[0049] To recharge the battery 116, the internal surface 84 of the
back cover 24 also supports a charge connector port, illustrated as
a micro USB port 126. The printed circuit board 118 includes
charging circuitry, operably coupled between the micro USB
connector port 126 and the battery 116 that operates to charge the
battery using electrical power signals supplied thereto by external
power sources. Other charge connectors may be used as well,
including a standard electrical outlet plug. Additionally, the
housing unit 12 may be adapted, i.e. to include a solar power panel
and associated circuitry, to store and use solar power. Preferably,
the battery generates power for at least 8 hours and has a charging
capacity of over 1800 A. At the top 130 of the back cover 24 are
indicating lights 132 and 134. The lights 132 and 134 may be
different colors, i.e. one green light for indicating full battery
charge, one red for indicating low battery level. Additionally, one
or both may be designed to blink.
[0050] When sealed with the front cover 22, compartment 136 aligns
with compartment 76, allowing airflow to move from opening 80 of
the airflow generator 58 thereto. A support panel 138 functions to
support the battery 116 and to provide sealing of compartment 136,
thereby preventing fluid escaping into the housing unit 12. The
front surface 140 is designed to have an inset region so that once
the front cover and back cover seal together a seal is formed
around the opening 80. Compartment 136 contains airflow passageway
142, see FIG. 11A, which terminates in opening 144 at the terminal
end 146 of the internal section 18, which may be divided into two
channels 148 and 150, see FIG. 11C. The airflow generated by the
airflow generator 58 is directed to the airflow passageway 142. The
airflow generated is directionally guided to opening 144 through
the use of the bridge 20. The bridge 20 is preferably a generally
tubular, hollow structure constructed and arranged to help secure
the removable air circulating and cooling assembly 10 to the hard
hat, as described later.
[0051] Attached to the internal section 18 of the housing unit 12
is the removable airflow distributor 14, see for example FIG. 1.
The airflow distributor 14 contains a front end 152, a back end
154, and a main body 156 therebetween. The airflow distributor 14
is adapted to provide directional air flow in a plurality of
directions, thereby creating circulating air flow about the users
head inserted within the hard hat. Since the airflow distributor 14
attaches to the housing unit 12, the air distributor provides an
additional mechanism of securing the removable air circulating and
cooling assembly 10 to the hard hat.
[0052] The back end 154 is adapted to quickly and easily be
attachable to and removable (released) from the housing unit 12.
Openings 158 and 160 are sized and shaped to receive tabs 162 and
164, see FIG. 11B and FIG. 7, thereby locking the two structures
together so that the terminal end 146 is positioned within the
slotted opening 166, see FIG. 13. As described above, one of the
main functions of the airflow distributor 14 is to directionally
distribute airflow generated to one or more locations. To that
effect, the airflow distributor 14 may be hollow or partially
hollow to allow for passage of air within. The airflow distributor
14 contains at least one aperture chamber, and preferably a
plurality of aperture chambers 168, 170, 172, 174, and 176 for
providing directed airflow delivery.
[0053] In contrast to prior art cooling systems, the present
invention minimizes air flow dissipation by directing the air flow
to one or more locations of the hard hat, thereby providing a
circulating effect and enhanced cooling. Each of the aperture
chambers 168, 170, 172, 174, and 176 terminate in a vent or
aperture. Preferably, the airflow distributor 14 has at least one
vertically disposed aperture and at least one laterally disposed
aperture. For example, at least one vertically disposed aperture is
formed by the aperture chamber 172 terminating in aperture 178. The
at least one vertically disposed aperture is formed by chambers 168
and 170 terminating apertures 180 and 182 respectively.
[0054] Additionally, vertically disposed apertures are formed by
chambers 174 and 176 terminating in apertures 184 and 186
respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 14, air flow, illustrated as
arrows 190-198, is directed through aperture chambers 168, 170,
172, 174, and 176 and out to the hard hat environment through
apertures 178, 180, 182, 184 and 186, thereby providing directional
current flow of the air around the side and top of the head of the
individual wearing the hard hat, wherein the current flow is
expelled opposite from hard hat along opposite side surface from
the airflow distributor securement. The laterally disposed
apertures may be staged or arranged in a plurality of arrangements.
For example, the laterally disposed apertures may be placed on the
left side, right side, top side, bottom side, or combinations
thereof. The laterally disposed apertures may be staged in a
parallel manner so that one aperture is directly above or below
another aperture. Alternatively, the vertically disposed apertures
may be arranged in a staggered arrangement. Each aperture may
include a curved surface to direct the airflow in an angled
direction relative to the aperture. Alternatively, one or more
aperture may contain a flap for directing the air flow at a
directional angle relative to the aperture.
[0055] As described previously, the circulating and cooling
assembly 10 is designed for use in combination with a head
covering. FIGS. 15-19 illustrate the circulating and cooling
assembly 10 in use with a standard hard hat typically used in the
construction industry for safety purposes. While the hard hat is
illustrated as an exemplary head covering, the air circulating
assembly 10 may be secured to or otherwise used with other hats,
including but not limited to a football helmet. While attachment to
certain hats, like the football helmet, can create dangerous
conditions when secured to the helmet in use, the advantage of the
air circulating assembly 10 in accordance with the present
invention is that it is easily transportable and easily securable
to any hat. As such, in cases like a football helmet where any
additional piece connected to the helmet may be dangerous while
playing, the present invention could be utilized when individuals
are not directly involved in live action. Rather, the air
circulating assembly 10 may be attached to a player's helmet during
timeouts, while not playing on the field, or for a quick cool
down.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 15, the circulating and cooling assembly
10 is shown coupled to the back end 200 of a standard hard hat 202
using a strap 203 secured to the strap holder 38. When activated,
the circulating and cooling assembly 10 provides for airflow, see
arrow 206, above the user's head 204 as well as airflow, see arrows
208 and 210, to the side of the user's head 204. As shown, the
external section 16 is positioned along the outer surface 212 of
the hard hat, and the internal section 18 is positioned along the
internal surface 214, see FIG. 17. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17,
the standard hard hat 202 contains a rim 216 along the back end
200. The housing unit 12 is coupled to the hard hat 202 so that the
rim 216 is inserted within and rests at a lipped portion 218, see
FIG. 6, of the housing unit 12. The terminal end 146 may include a
beveled edge to provide ease of fit. Once in position, the airflow
distributor 14 is inserted so that openings 158 and 160 receive
tabs 162 and 164. The airflow distributor 14 extends up into the
hard hat 202. Once activated, the airflow generator 58 provides a
continuous stream of airflow that is directed to the at least one
vertically disposed aperture and the at least one laterally
disposed aperture. Using at least one vertical aperture and at
least one lateral aperture provides a unique air flow pattern that
delivers airflow to the top and sides of the back portion of the
hard hat 202, see FIG. 18. As air moves from the back of the hard
hat along the upper surface and the side surfaces, airflow is
directed toward the front 220 of the hard hat 202 along the top and
sides of the user's head, see FIG. 19. Such pattern creates a
system in which air flow travels above the user's head as well as
the sides as it is directed towards the front section 220 of the
hard hat 202. The airflow thus creates a circulating effect and
minimizes patches of cool spots created by devices that do not
utilize lateral and vertical directed airflow.
[0057] The circulating and cooling assembly 10 is further designed
to be securable to a hard hat without interfering with additional
structural features, such as head fastening straps 222 attached to
the interior surface 214, see FIG. 17.
[0058] While detailed embodiments of the instant invention are
disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be
embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and
structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as
limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
[0059] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
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