Portable air cooling device

Abstract

A portable air cooling device includes an insulating base for containing a coolant and a cover formed to cover the insulating base. The cover includes a heat exchange assembly for cooling the airflow and one or more openings for discharging the airflow cooled in the heat exchange assembly. A flexible, rotatable conduit is connected to each of the one or more openings of the cover and is positionable by a user to direct the cooled airflow.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 381,273, filed on October 27, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 512,597, filed on July 7, 2023, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to air cooling devices and, more particularly, to portable air cooling devices that cool air by exposure to a heat exchanger. Background Art

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 9,091,449 to Donaldson et al. discloses a battery-powered portable ice cooler having a lid, wherein an air duct path for cooling air is defined by a radiator in the lid, a fan moves air through the air duct and out of the lid, and a pump moves water from the cabinet through the radiator and back to the cabinet. In addition, an optional air shaft for directing the airflow into the environment is disclosed. U.S. Patent No. 8,776,789 to McCabe discloses a battery-powered portable sports air cooler having a storage chamber for holding ice cubes, a fan for blowing air over the ice cubes, and two outlet ducts with face adapters to provide cool air to the user. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0325093 discloses a portable air cooler having a baffle for forcing incoming air through the cooled items and two vents with electric fans that exhaust the cooled air from the air cooler.

[0005] There is a need for a portable air cooling device that includes a power source in a convenient, efficient, and portable form to provide power to components of the air cooling device or to batteries that power components of the air cooling device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce selected concepts in a simplified form, which are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] A portable air cooling device includes an insulated container for holding a coolant, such as ice or water, and a lid or cover for the insulated container. The lid or cover includes a heat exchanger fluidly connected to a pump, one or more fans for directing airflow through the device and across the heat exchanger, and one or more flexible nozzles for directing the cooling airflow as it exits the device. In a preferred embodiment, the portable air cooling device includes a rechargeable power source and a control panel for independently controlling the device, including the pump and fan.

[0008] The lid of this portable air cooler includes a top shell with an air intake grille for drawing in ambient air. Ambient air is directed into an airflow channel, which channels the ambient air into the interior of the air cooler and through a heat exchanger. The top shell includes one or more centrally located openings extending through the top shell for exhausting the cooled airflow. The openings are connected to a user-positionable flexible nozzle rotatably mounted on the lid to direct the cooled airflow away from the air cooler.

[0009] The portable air cooler's power source is connected to the control panel, fans, and pump. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a rechargeable battery connected to at least one solar panel. The control panel is capable of independently controlling each fan and pump. In one embodiment, the portable air cooler can be connected to a wireless controller, such as a remote control, smartphone, smart device, or other electronic device, for controlling the portable air cooler.

[0010] The top and bottom shells of the lid enclose components for cooling the ambient air entering the air cooling device. These components include a heat exchanger and one or more fans. A pump may also be enclosed within the lid. In one embodiment, the pump may be a submersible pump housed in an insulated container. The pump moves a coolant (typically water) from the insulated container to and through the heat exchanger. After circulating through the heat exchanger, the coolant then returns to the insulated container. Specifically, the heat exchanger includes an inlet port, an outlet port, one or more circuitous heat exchange conduits extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, and a plurality of heat exchange fins protruding from the heat exchange conduits. The coolant flows from the inlet port of the heat exchanger through the heat exchange conduits and then flows through the outlet port to a coolant return line leading to the insulated container. As the airflow is drawn through and past the heat exchange conduits, the heat exchange fins absorb heat from the airflow.

[0011] A fan draws ambient air through an airflow channel that flows through the portable air cooling device. In one embodiment, the airflow of ambient air is first cooled in the main compartment of the air cooling device through direct cooling as the airflow moves through and contacts the coolant. The airflow is then drawn through a heat exchanger, where it is further cooled through indirect cooling as the fins of the heat exchanger absorb heat from the airflow. In one embodiment, a plenum chamber directs the ambient airflow through the channel and to the heat exchanger to be cooled, eliminating the need for direct cooling. The cooled airflow is pushed or exhausted from the air cooling device, through the fan, and into a flexible nozzle to the exterior of the air cooling device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a portable air cooling device comprising an insulated container having a carrying strap, an electronic speaker located within an enclosed compartment on one side of the insulated container, and a lid having two flexible nozzles rotatably attached thereto;

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the underside of a lid of a portable air cooling device is shown, including an air intake grille on one side of the lid for drawing in a stream or airflow; a lower housing grille in overlying relation to a heat exchanger through which the airflow is drawn for cooling; and a flexible nozzle through which the cooled airflow is discharged;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the top of the lid of the portable air cooling device shown, including the flexible nozzle, removable battery, control panel, and power port;

[0016] Figure 4 Is a portable air cooling device along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1 , showing an airflow path extending through the air intake grille in the cover, through the coolant in the insulated container, and through the heat exchange assembly;

[0017] Figure 5 Portable air cooling device cover along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 5 , showing the heat exchanger, two fans, and the flexible nozzle through which the cooling airflow exits the device;

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hard, durable liner that may be incorporated into Figure 1The portable air cooling device of the invention is provided in an insulated container, comprising a coolant portion and a pump bracket for securing a submersible pump located in a main compartment of the insulated container;

[0019] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the heat exchange assembly housing, which encloses the Figure 1 a heat exchanger and fan in the illustrated cover, including coolant circulation lines extending therefrom;

[0020] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable air cooling device having a lid and an insulated container with wheels, including a solar panel mounted on top of the lid and a solar panel hingedly mounted to a side wall of the insulated container;

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 a view of a portable air cooling unit with solar panels mounted on the side walls in an open position;

[0022] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A top view of an insulated container of the portable air cooling device, including a secondary fluid reservoir and a pump bracket located within the insulated container;

[0023] Figure 11 Is a portable air cooling device along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 1 , showing the heat exchanger in the cover; and

[0024] Figure 12A 、 Figure 12B and Figure 12C is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of a cover including a plenum formed by a plenum housing that directs airflow through the cover. Figure 12A An opening is shown through which the air flow is directed through the cover. Figure 12B The openable plenum housing is shown in the closed position. Figure 12C The openable plenum housing is shown in an open position.

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 12A 、 Figure 12B and Figure 12C A partial view of the cover is shown, illustrating the airflow through the cover and plenum.

[0026] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 and Figure 13 A plan view of the cover is shown, illustrating airflow through channels in the cover that direct airflow around a housing formed around a fan and heat exchanger. The fan and heat exchanger have been removed.

[0027] The drawings do not limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in various ways in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, illustrating various objects and features thereof.

[0029] References in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" mean that the referenced feature or features are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and are not mutually exclusive unless so stated and / or unless readily understood by a person skilled in the art from the specification. For example, features, structures, actions, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but are not required to be included. Therefore, the technology can include various combinations and / or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , reference numeral 10 generally designates a portable air cooling device and reference numeral 14 generally designates a lid having a heat exchange assembly 15 mounted in or to the lid 14. The air cooling device 10 includes an insulated base or container 12 for containing a coolant or heat transfer fluid and a lid 14 having a heat exchange assembly 15 operable to draw a flow of ambient air into the insulated container 12 through one or more intake ducts or passages 16 formed in the lid 14 and through the coolant to cool the ambient air by direct heat transfer between the coolant and the ambient air. The cooled air flow is then directed through the heat exchange assembly 15 mounted in or to the lid 14 and through an opening to one or more air discharge passages 19 in the lid 14 to further cool the air flow. The cooled air flow is then exhausted or directed out of the air cooling device 10 through the air discharge passages 19 to cool an individual or space. As Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5As best shown, the heat exchange assembly 15 contained within the lid 14 includes a heat exchanger 22 and at least one fan 24, and in the illustrated embodiment, two fans. The heat exchange assembly 15 may also include auxiliary components, such as a pump 26, a power supply 28, and a control panel 30. In an alternative embodiment described herein, the pump 26 is a submersible pump that extends into the insulated container 12 and is immersed in the coolant.

[0031] A flexible nozzle or discharge duct 40 is rotatably attached to the cover 14 and spans an air discharge opening 41 in the cover 14, allowing the user to direct the flow of cooling air discharged through the air discharge passage 19 as desired. The discharge duct 40 includes an elbow fitting 43 connected to the cover 14 and surrounding the corresponding opening 41, a compressible and expandable flexible hose 44, and an end cap 46. The elbow fitting 43 is connected to the cover 14 and surrounds the corresponding opening 41. The elbow fitting 43 is rotatable relative to the opening 41. The end cap 46, such as a louvered end cap, a tapered end cap, or other foreseeable end cap, is used to direct the flow of cooling air.

[0032] The insulated container 12 (e.g., a cooler) is a container or housing for containing a coolant within the main compartment 48 of the insulated container 12. The preferred coolant is refrigerated liquid water, wherein the liquid water is mixed with ice as part of the ice and liquid water mixture contained in the main compartment 48, but other contemplated coolants or heat transfer fluids may also be used. In addition, the insulated container 12 can be used to keep food and / or beverages cool. The lid 14 is sized and shaped to sealingly cover the main compartment 48 of the insulated container 12.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the insulated container 12 includes a rectangular bottom panel 49 and four side walls 50 extending from and formed on the bottom panel 49 to form a main compartment 48 in the insulated container 12. The lid 14 forms the top surface of the air cooling device 10 and, when in covering relation with the insulated container 12, extends in a plane generally parallel to the bottom panel 49 of the insulated container 12. The insulated container 12 may also include an alternative lid (not shown) that does not include features for cooling air.

[0034] The insulated container 12 is formed of a durable material and is at least partially or completely rigid. In one embodiment, the insulated container 12 includes an inner shell 52 connected to or formed with the outer shell 53. The inner shell 52 is formed of a waterproof material, such as molded plastic, polyester, nylon, a blend, or other foreseeable waterproof material, and can be a different material from the outer shell 53, which can also be waterproof. The molded plastic can form one or both of the inner shell 52 and the outer shell 53. The insulated container 12 also includes insulating material forming a rigid or semi-rigid frame to which the waterproof material is connected. Such insulating material is known in the art and can be included between all or part of the inner shell 52 and the outer shell 53.

[0035] The air cooling device 10 may include molded handles, wheels, hand straps, backpack straps and / or tools to enhance portability, open or closed compartments for storage, and / or means integrated into the insulated container 12 for wired or wireless connection to other electronic devices.

[0036] exist Figure 6 A liner 54 is shown in FIG. It is contemplated that the liner 54 may be incorporated into the insulated container 12 . The liner 54 may be formed of a hard, durable material in place of the inner shell 52 or may be used in conjunction with the inner shell 52 . It is contemplated that the liner 54 may include a distinct and separate coolant portion or reservoir 56 for storing coolant or a secondary coolant, such as dry ice, therein. The separate coolant portion may be referred to as a secondary coolant reservoir or reservoir 56 and may be integrally formed within the liner 54 . A coolant cap 57 may be provided to cover the reservoir 56 . The coolant cap 57 may include a vent (not shown) to allow sublimated carbon dioxide to escape if dry ice is contained within the reservoir 56 . As shown, if the pump 26 is a submersible pump located in the main compartment 48 of the insulated container 12 rather than in the lid 14 , a pump bracket 59 may also be formed in or connected to the liner 54 to retain the pump 26 .

[0037] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The cover 14 includes an upper shell 60 that mates with or is connected to a lower shell 62 using fasteners. The upper shell 60 and the lower shell 62 enclose the heat exchanger 22, the fan 24, and the pump 26 therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the upper shell 60 and the lower shell 62 are preferably formed of molded plastic to protect the components and insulate the interior of the air cooling device 10.

[0038] The upper shell 60 of the cover 14 includes discharge openings 41 through which the cooled air flow is discharged or forced out from the interior of the air cooling device 10. The openings 41 are sized so that each opening 41 is approximately the same diameter as each fan 24 associated with the corresponding opening 41. In a preferred embodiment, two openings 41 are formed in and through the upper shell 60 of the cover 14 and are aligned with the two fans 24 in the air discharge passage 19. A flexible and extendable air discharge duct 40 is rotatably connected to the upper shell 60 above or across the openings 41. Each discharge duct 40 includes an elbow fitting 43 that is rotatably connected to the upper shell 60 about the opening 41 via a rotatable joint or rotatable coupling 63, which allows the discharge duct 40 to rotate approximately 360 degrees about the radial center of each opening 41. In a preferred embodiment, the elbow fitting 43 directs the airflow at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the airflow exiting the lid 14, but the elbow fitting 43 can be formed to direct the airflow at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the airflow exiting the lid 14, so that the cooled airflow is directed upward relative to the air cooling device 10. The elbow fitting 43 is connected to an extendable and compressible hose 44 formed of a flexible and durable material. The hose 44 is extendable, compressible, and can be bent at least 90 degrees to further direct the airflow as desired by the user. The hose 44 can be reinforced with coiled wire. An end cap or nozzle 46 is connected to the hose 44 at its distal end. In one embodiment, a plurality of louvers 66 on the end of the end cap 46 can pivot between an open position, a closed position, and positions between the open and closed positions to adjust the direction of the airflow as desired.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a rechargeable battery 28 that is insertable into a battery compartment 67 formed in the upper surface of the upper housing 60. The battery compartment 67 has electrical contacts 68 for contacting the battery 28 when the battery 28 is inserted into the battery compartment 67. Alternatively, an adapter (not shown) can be used to power the air cooling device 10 from, for example, an electrical outlet or a car auxiliary power outlet. It is contemplated that other power sources known to those skilled in the art, including solar panels as further described herein, can also be used to power the air cooling device 10 or charge the battery 28. A covered power port 69 is located on the top surface of the upper housing 60 with various power outlets and can include, for example, a power output port, such as a USB port, for powering an electronic device, and a power input port, such as a female power jack or a charging port, for powering the air cooling device 10 or charging the battery 28.

[0040] The battery 28 is removable from the air cooling device 10 and includes a release button 70 located on the top surface of the battery 28. When inserted into the battery compartment 67, a catch connected to the release button 70 engages with a notch in the battery compartment 67, locking or securing the battery 28 within the battery compartment 67. To remove the battery 28, the user presses the release button 70, which releases the notch, releasing the battery 28 from the battery compartment 67 and partially ejecting it.

[0041] The control panel 30 is housed within a portion of the upper housing 60 and is accessible to the user from the upper surface of the air cooling device 10. The control panel 30 is a relay or switch between the battery 28 and the fans 24 and / or pumps 26. The control panel 30 can be used to independently activate the power to each fan 24 and independently control or adjust the speed of each fan 24. The pump 26 can be independently activated by enabling or activating the cooling function of the control panel 30. In a preferred embodiment, the control panel 30 is a touch panel having a tactile sensor that is sensitive to touch, force, or pressure. It is foreseeable that the air cooling device can be operated wirelessly by interconnecting with an electronic device such as a smartphone or a remote control.

[0042] The air intake passage 16 is formed in the upper shell 60 and extends between an air intake grille 71 formed in the outer wall of the upper shell 60 and a discharge opening 72 that connects the air intake passage 16 to the interior of the insulated container 12. The fan 24 draws ambient air through the opening of the air intake grille 71, through the air intake passage 16, and out of the discharge opening 72 of the air intake passage 16. The air intake passage 16 is configured to direct a flow of ambient air or air downwardly into the interior of the insulated container 12 of the air cooling device 10, and toward and through the coolant contained therein. Figure 4 As shown, the ambient air can be cooled by two stages of cooling, including first stage cooling or direct cooling and second stage cooling or indirect cooling. Direct cooling includes cooling by directing an ambient air flow through a coolant in an insulated container 12. As used herein, direct cooling includes cooling by direct contact or direct heat transfer between the coolant and the air flow. Direct cooling may also be referred to as ambient cooling or pre-cooling. In the main compartment 48, the air flow passes through the coolant where the first stage cooling occurs. As described below, the air flow is then drawn through the heat exchanger 22 into the second stage cooling or indirect cooling, as used herein, which includes cooling by drawing or directing the air flow through a heat exchanger. The cooled air flow is discharged from the interior of the air cooling device 10 to the outside of the air cooling device 10 through the fan 24, the opening 41 in the cover 14 and the exhaust duct 40.

[0043] like Figure 7As shown, the heat exchange assembly housing 73 encloses the fan 24 and the heat exchanger 22 within the upper shell 60 and the lower shell 62 of the cover 14. The heat exchange assembly housing 73 includes an upper shell 74 that encloses the fan 24 and a lower shell 75 that encloses the heat exchanger 22. The upper shell 74 includes two circular openings 76 formed therein, each opening 76 being axially aligned with and extending above a corresponding fan 24. The housing openings 76 are each surrounded and defined by a circular edge or track 77 that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper shell 74. Each circular track 77 is aligned with and extends through the aligned opening 41 in the upper shell 60. The rotatable coupling 63 of each discharge duct 40 is rotatably connected to a corresponding one of the circular tracks 77.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, two variable-speed fans 24, each including an associated housing 78, are mounted within the upper housing 74, with each fan 24 aligned with both openings 41 and 76. The fans 24 are mounted to the upper housing 74 between the heat exchanger 22 and the openings 41 and 76, such that the fans 24 draw air through the heat exchanger 22 and each fan 24, and then push the cooled air out through the aligned openings 41 and 76. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 22 extends horizontally through the intake side or intake area of both fans 24. A vertically extending partition wall 79 is formed on and within the upper housing 74, separating the fans 24 from the airflow passing through each fan 24. It is contemplated that the heat exchanger 22 may extend through the intake area of only one of the fans 24, such that after the airflow is directly cooled, one of the fans 24 draws air through the heat exchanger 22 for indirect cooling, and / or the other of the fans 24 draws air from the interior of the insulated container 12 without being cooled by the heat exchanger 22.

[0045] Upper shell 74 and lower shell 75 are joined to form heat exchange assembly housing 73. Upper shell 74 includes an outwardly extending lower flange 84 that is integral with or fastened to an outwardly extending upper flange 86 of lower shell 75. Flange 88 formed on lower shell 62 also fastens or attaches lower shell 62 to heat exchange assembly housing 73. Heat exchange assembly housing 73 and lower shell 62 are connected by fasteners that thread into bosses 89 extending downwardly from the inner surface of upper shell 60, thereby connecting shells 60 and 62 to heat exchange assembly housing 73 and enclosing the components of air cooling device 10. Upper shell 74 and lower shell 75 have a coextensive interior region that generally defines air discharge passage 19, allowing airflow to extend and flow through lower shell 75 to upper shell 74.

[0046] An elongated opening or passage 82 extends through a lower flange 84 of the upper shell 74 and an upper flange 86 of the lower shell 75 in general alignment with the intake passage 16 such that the intake passage 16 extends through the flange 84 and the flange 86 .

[0047] Heat exchanger 22, connected to pump 26, is mounted within the portion of air discharge passage 19 extending through lower housing 75. The heat exchanger includes a coolant inlet port 90, a coolant outlet port 92, one or more circuitous heat exchange conduits 93 connected to and extending between inlet port 90 and outlet port 92, and a plurality of heat-absorbing fins 94 projecting from each heat exchange conduit 93. In the illustrated embodiment, pump 26 is secured between upper housing 74 of heat exchange assembly housing 73 and upper shell 60 of lid 14. A coolant conduit or plurality of coolant circulation lines 101 circulates coolant in and out of heat exchanger 22 and includes a pump suction line 100, a pump discharge line 102, and a coolant return line 106. Pump suction line 100 extends from pump 26 to just above the bottom inner surface of main compartment 48 of insulated container 12, and an inlet fitting 95 is connected to the end of pump suction line 100. Inlet fitting 95 is formed in a bell or inverted cup shape. Eight external ribs or flanges 96 extend from the outer surface of the inlet fitting 95, and eight internal ribs or flanges 97 extend toward the center from the inner surface of the inlet fitting 95. The flanges 96 and 97 form a filter or screen that prevents solid objects, such as ice or debris, from passing through the pump suction line 100 to the pump 26 as the pump draws coolant from the insulated container 12 to the pump 26. The pump 26 pressurizes the coolant and pushes it through the pump discharge line 102 to the inlet port 90 of the heat exchanger 22. The coolant flows through the heat exchanger 22 and exits the heat exchanger through the outlet port 92 connected to the return line 106, which discharges the coolant into the insulated container 12. The coolant exiting the heat exchanger 22 is discharged into the main compartment 48, which is spaced a distance from the pump suction line 100. In the illustrated embodiment, a line bracket 110 connects the return line 106 to the pump suction line 100, preventing movement and providing support for both the line 100 and the line 106. A line elbow 111 is connected to the end of the return line 106 and directs the coolant exiting the return line 106 away from the coolant in the area of the pump suction line 100. The airflow or stream is simultaneously drawn through the heat exchanger 22 by the fan 24, with heat from the airflow being absorbed by the coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 22. As the airflow is drawn through the heat exchanger 22, the heat exchanger fins 94 and the coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 22 absorb heat from the airflow, cooling the airflow into a final, cooled airflow.

[0048] The heat exchanger 22 is positioned horizontally across an inlet opening 112 formed in the bottom surface of the lower housing 75 for the heat exchanger assembly 15 and generally parallel to the bottom of the insulated container 12. The opening 112 formed in the bottom surface of the lower housing 75 is aligned with an opening 113 formed in the bottom surface of the lower shell 62 of the lid 14 and has a size that is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the size of the bottom surface of the heat exchanger 22 so that airflow from the interior of the insulated container 12 flows through the heat exchanger 22. The openings 112 and 113 are adjacent to the discharge opening 72 of the air inlet passage 16. The discharge opening 72 of the air inlet passage 16 and the opening 113 in the lower shell 62 of the lid 14 can be covered by a filter, mesh, or lower shell grille 114 to prevent debris from entering the insulated container 12 and / or entering the airflow through the heat exchanger 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the coolant circulation line cover 120 covers a portion of the coolant circulation line 101 and the inlet port 90 and the outlet port 92 of the heat exchanger 22 .

[0049] exist Figures 8 to 10 In the illustrated alternative embodiment, air cooling device 200 includes a base or container 202 and a lid 204 containing a heat exchange assembly. The lid 204 and heat exchange assembly are constructed similarly to the heat exchange assembly 15 incorporated into air cooling device 10 described herein. Container 202 is formed similarly to insulated coolers known to those skilled in the art, such as hard plastic coolers, injection molded coolers, rotationally molded coolers, or metal coolers, for keeping food and beverages cool, and includes an inner shell and an outer shell defining a cavity therebetween that is filled with a rigid foam insulation material, such as extruded polystyrene, polyurethane, or other insulating foam. Container 202 is configured to hold or contain a coolant or heat transfer fluid and includes a drain assembly 206 extending through a sidewall of the container. Drain assembly 206 provides a conduit through which coolant can be discharged and includes a sealable lid 208 that can be positioned within drain assembly 206 to contain the coolant within device 200.

[0050] The cooling device 200 may include a molded handle, at least one pivotable pull handle and / or carry handle 209, wheels 210, and / or other features that enhance portability and usability. The molded handle, if used, may include integrated handle protrusions and / or depressions, such as protrusions and depressions on the side or front surface of the lid 204 or on the surface of the container 202, to facilitate opening the lid 204 or carrying the device 200. The at least one pivotable pull handle may be deployable for rolling the device 200 to a desired location. In a preferred embodiment, the wheels 210 include traction features and are sized to lift the device 200 off a surface and facilitate rolling the device 200 on uneven ground.

[0051] The lid 204 is formed to sealingly cover the container 202. The lid 204 includes one or more latches 211, such as pull latches, T-latches, or other known mechanical fasteners, to secure the lid 204 in a sealed position on the container 202. In an embodiment, a door stop is coupled to the lid 204 and the container 202 to limit the opening of the lid 204 by 90° or more, thereby preventing the lid from being accidentally closed or opened beyond a vertical position, which could cause the device 200 to tip over.

[0052] like Figure 11 As shown, the cover 204 includes an upper shell 212 and a lower shell 213 coupled together to enclose a heat exchanger 218 and at least one fan 221 therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, rather than utilizing a heat exchange assembly housing 73 to house the at least one fan 221 and heat exchanger 218 as in the previous embodiment, the upper shell 212 and the lower shell 213 include various walls extending therefrom to enclose the at least one fan 221 and the heat exchanger 218. In the illustrated embodiment, two fans 221 are positioned between the upper shell 212 and the lower shell 213, with vertically extending partition walls 222 extending from the upper shell 212 to separate the fans 221 and the airflow through each fan 221. In a preferred embodiment, the upper shell 212 and the lower shell 213 are formed from molded plastic to protect the components and insulate the interior of the air cooling device 200. The pump may be enclosed in the cover 204 as previously described, or the pump may be a submersible pump located in the coolant in the container 202 such that the coolant is pumped through a plurality of coolant circulation lines 101 including a heat exchanger inlet line from the submersible pump to the heat exchanger and a heat exchanger outlet line from the heat exchanger 218 to the container 202.

[0053] Apertures 214 formed in the air intake grille 215 of the cover 204 allow a flow of ambient air to be drawn into the device 200 and cooled by at least the heat exchanger 218. Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, an air intake or inlet passage 216 is formed in the lid 204 for directing ambient air flow into the container 202. Ambient air drawn through the passage 216 is directed around the housing housing the heat exchanger 218 and the fan 221, and downward through an inlet passage opening 229 in the lid 204 toward the coolant, then back through an exhaust passage opening 230 in the lid 204 and past the heat exchanger 218. The cooled air flow is discharged from the device 200 to cool an individual or space. In the illustrated embodiment, a filter or mesh or grille 223 extends across the inlet passage opening 229 and the exhaust passage opening 230 and is used to prevent debris or other contaminants from entering the heat exchanger 218 and circulating through the heat exchanger 218 along with the cooled air flow.

[0054] exist Figure 12BIn the illustrated alternative embodiment, a plenum 217 formed by a plenum housing 219 in covering relation to an opening in the lower housing 213 extends across the intake passage 216 and the heat exchanger 218 to direct ambient air or airflow from the passage 216 directly to the heat exchanger 218 for cooling. The plenum housing 219 may be coupled to the lid 204 by a hook, latch, or other attachment means to secure the plenum housing 219 to the lower housing 213. The airflow path through the plenum 217 is as follows: Figure 13 and 14 In this embodiment, the pressurized housing 219 prevents ambient air from being drawn into the interior of the container 202 and passing through the coolant, which prevents the airflow from increasing the temperature of the coolant in the device 200 .

[0055] exist Figure 12A In the figure, the plenum housing 219 is removed, and an intake passage opening 229 from the intake passage 216 and an exhaust passage opening 230 aligned with the heat exchanger 218 are shown. Airflow drawn into the intake passage 216 by the fan 221 is drawn through the intake passage opening 229, the plenum chamber 217, the exhaust passage opening 230, and through the heat exchanger 218. In the illustrated figure, a mesh or grille 223 extends across the intake passage opening 229 and the exhaust passage opening 230, but it should be understood that the mesh 223 is optional. Alternatively, a filter can be placed near the intake grille 215 or elsewhere so that the airflow is filtered before being drawn through the heat exchanger 218.

[0056] The plenum housing 219 may be formed from a single, non-openable component as described above, or may be formed with openings or be openable to allow airflow to circulate from the inlet passage 216 to the interior of the container 202 and from the interior of the container 202 through the exhaust passage 19. It is contemplated that airflow adjustment devices including louvers, louvered doors, or slidable coverings may be used to adjust or control the airflow into and out of the container 202. Figure 12B and Figure 12CAn embodiment of a plenum housing 219 is shown, comprising a stationary cover 220a and a slidable cover 220b that is slidable relative to the stationary cover 220a and selectively positionable in an open position to open the plenum chamber 217 to the interior of the container 202, or in a closed position. When the slidable cover 220b is in the closed position, airflow is drawn through the device 200, similar to the description above regarding the non-openable, non-opening plenum housing 219. When the slidable cover 220b is in the open position, airflow from the inlet passage 216 is circulated to the interior of the container 202, increasing airflow through the container 202 and out of the device 200. Cooled airflow from the interior of the container 202 can be exhausted through the exhaust passage 19, with or without subsequent cooling of the airflow in the heat exchanger 218. This means that cooling airflow from the device 200 can be achieved without using a pump to circulate coolant through the heat exchanger 218. Additionally, in the event that condensation forms in the heat exchanger 218, by opening the slidable cover 220b, the condensation can be drained into the container 202. Allowing airflow to circulate through the container 202 when the plenum housing 219 is in the open position does have the disadvantage of heating the coolant in the container 202 more quickly than when the slidable cover 220b is in the closed position.

[0057] Figures 8 to 10 The illustrated embodiment of the lid 204 includes two rechargeable batteries 224 for powering the components of the device 200, a control panel 225, and two flexible nozzles 226 extending from the lid 204 to allow the user to direct the exiting cooling airflow as desired. The lid 204 may also include various other components, including, for example, a speaker 228 contained within the lid 204, a power port 232 connected to the batteries 224 for charging the device, a cup holder 234, and / or other foreseeable components. In embodiments, a remote control (not shown) may be connected to the device 200 for individually controlling the heat exchanger assembly, including the pump and each fan. The remote control may also control a connection to the speakers 228, such as a wireless connection for transmitting calls or music. The lid 204 may include a holder for the remote control, and the lid 204 and the remote control may include one or more mechanisms for removably securing the remote control, including magnets, slots / tabs, and other mechanisms for retaining the remote control as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0058] The rechargeable battery 224 is electrically connected to one or more first solar panels 240 and / or one or more second solar panels 242, with the first solar panels 240 coupled to the lid 204 and the second solar panels 242 hingedly mounted to the sidewall of the container 202. The first solar panels 240 and the second solar panels 242 are configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy and provide power to charge the rechargeable battery 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the first solar panel 240 is mounted to the top of the lid 204. In one embodiment, the first solar panel 240 is secured within a recess or depression 243 formed in the lid 204. The recess or depression has a shape and depth that securely matches the first solar panel 240, such that the first solar panel 240 is substantially flush with the top surface of the lid 204. In one embodiment, the first solar panel 240 can be hingedly coupled to the lid 204, enabling it to pivot toward the sun.

[0059] At least one second solar panel 242 is secured to a foldable support panel 244 having a first edge 246 that is pivotable or rotatable about a hinge or joint 248 having a horizontal axis located near the bottom of the container 202. A recess 250 is formed in the sidewall of the container 202 or between raised members 254 extending from the side of the container 202 and is sized to accommodate the second solar panel 242 and the support panel 244 when the support panel 244 is rotated upward and into a vertical position to store the second solar panel 242. In a preferred embodiment, the stored support panel 244 and second solar panel 242 are substantially flush with the sidewall or raised members 254 of the container 202. The second edge 256, which is opposite the first edge 246 of the support panel 244, secures the vertically rotated or stored support panel 244 within the container 202 in the closed or stored position via a fastening mechanism 260. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening mechanism 260 includes a receiver including slots 264 extending into the raised member 254. The slots 264 are positioned so that pins or tabs 266 extending from each end of the second edge 256 of the support panel 244 can be secured in the slots 264 in an interference fit to secure the support panel 244 and the second solar panel 242 in the stored position. It is contemplated that alternative fastening mechanisms may be used to secure the support panel 244 in the stored position. When the support panel 244 is rotated or folded downward to a substantially horizontal position, the second edge 256 of the second solar panel 242 can be placed on a surface, such as the ground or a table, and the second solar panel 242 can absorb energy from the sun to generate electricity.

[0060] In one embodiment, first solar panel 240 and second solar panel 242 are connected to battery 224 through a charge controller (not shown) that regulates the current and voltage delivered to battery 224. Rechargeable battery 224 is capable of providing power to components of device 200, including heat exchange assembly 15 (including fan 24, pump 26, and control panel 225), power port 232, and speaker 228.

[0061] Compared with the previous Figure 6 The embodiment described is similar to that in Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the inner shell 282 includes a pump bracket 289 formed in or connected to the inner shell 282, and the pump bracket 289 is configured to retain the submersible pump in the container 202. It is contemplated that a protective cover for the submersible pump can be used to filter, protect, and secure the submersible pump to the container 202. The container 202 may also include a secondary coolant container or reservoir 296 for containing coolant. Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 296 is formed by a wall or divider 300 that extends through a portion of the container 202. Additional divider supports can be coupled to the inner shell 282 for partitioning of the container 202.

[0062] It is foreseeable that the components described herein can be formed from various materials and using various methods. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, many different arrangements of the various components described and components not shown are possible. The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, and their intention is to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For those skilled in the art, alternative embodiments that do not depart from the scope thereof will become apparent. The skilled person can develop alternative means to achieve the above-mentioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are useful and can be used without reference to other features and sub-combinations and are considered within the scope of the claims.

[0063] It should be understood that although certain forms of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, the invention is not limited to the specific form or arrangement of the parts described and shown. As used in the claims, an element identified with the indefinite article "a" or "an" or the phrase "at least one" is intended to cover any device assembly that includes one or more of the elements in question. Similarly, reference to a first and a second element is not intended to limit the claim to an assembly that includes only two elements, but is intended to cover two or more of the elements in question. Only in the case of restrictive language about an element (such as "single" or "only one") is the language intended to be limited to a specified element, or any other similar limited number of elements.

Claims

1. A portable air cooling device comprising: an insulating base having an interior compartment for containing a liquid coolant; a cover formed to cover the thermally insulating base, wherein the cover comprises: a heat exchanger extending across an air discharge passage extending through the cover, the heat exchanger including a coolant conduit having a plurality of heat transfer fins projecting therefrom; a pump fluidly connected to the coolant conduit for pumping the liquid coolant from the interior compartment of the insulated base, through the coolant conduit, and back to the interior compartment of the insulated base; and one or more air discharge openings formed in the cover and communicating with the air discharge passage; one or more exhaust conduits, each of the one or more exhaust conduits being rotatably coupled to the lid about one of the one or more air exhaust openings of the lid, wherein the one or more exhaust conduits are flexible and extendable by a user; and and at least one fan extending across the air discharge passage for drawing an air flow through an intake passage in the lid, through the heat exchanger, out the one or more air discharge openings, and through the one or more discharge ducts, the one or more discharge ducts being positionable by a user to direct the air flow.

2. The portable air cooling device of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable power source.

3. The portable air cooling device of claim 2, further comprising at least one solar panel electrically coupled to the rechargeable power source.

4. The portable air cooling device according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one solar panel includes a solar panel mounted on the cover.

5. The portable air cooling device according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one solar panel includes a solar panel hingedly mounted to a side wall of the insulating base.

6. The portable air cooling device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one fan and the pump are each independently controllable via a control panel.

7. The portable air cooling device according to claim 1, wherein: The lid includes a plenum that directs air flow from an air inlet passage in the lid to the heat exchanger, wherein the air flow is not directed to an interior compartment of the insulating base.

8. The portable air cooling device of claim 1 , further comprising a plenum chamber, the plenum chamber comprising a cover structure, the cover structure selectively positionable in an open position or a closed position, wherein In the closed position, air flow from the air inlet channel in the lid is directed to the heat exchanger without passing through the interior compartment of the insulating base, and in the open position, at least a portion of the air flow from the air inlet channel in the lid is directed to the interior compartment of the insulating base.

9. The portable air cooling device according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating base includes a secondary coolant portion for a secondary coolant.

10. A portable air cooling device comprising: a thermally insulating base for containing a liquid coolant; a pump operable to pump the liquid coolant; a cover connected to the insulating base and selectively positionable in covering relation to an interior compartment formed in the insulating base; an air inlet channel formed in the cover, through which a flow of air can be drawn through the cover, a heat exchanger for cooling the air flow, the heat exchanger being fluidly connected to the pump, one or more fans for drawing the air flow through the air intake passage and heat exchanger; one or more openings in the cover for exhausting air flow through the heat exchanger; one or more flexible and extendable discharge conduits rotatably coupled to the one or more openings formed in the cover; as well as A solar panel is mounted on the portable air cooling device and is connected to a rechargeable battery operably connected to the pump and one or more fans, the solar panel being operable to charge the rechargeable battery.

11. The portable air cooling device of claim 10, further comprising a control panel configured to independently control each of the one or more fans and the pump.

12. The portable air cooler of claim 10, further comprising a plenum that directs air flow from the air intake passage to the heat exchanger so that the air flow is not directed to an interior compartment in the insulated base of the portable air cooler.

13. The portable air cooling device of claim 10, further comprising a plenum chamber, the plenum chamber comprising a cover structure, the cover structure selectively positionable in an open position or a closed position, wherein In the closed position, air flow from the air inlet channel in the lid is directed to the heat exchanger without passing through the interior compartment of the insulating base, and in the open position, at least a portion of the air flow from the air inlet channel in the lid is directed to the interior compartment of the insulating base.

14. The portable air cooling device of claim 10, wherein: The insulating base includes a secondary coolant portion.

15. An air-cooled cover configured to be mounted on an insulating base having an interior compartment configured to contain a liquid coolant, the air-cooled cover comprising: an air intake passage and an air exhaust passage formed in the air cooling cover; a heat exchanger extending across an air discharge passage in the air cooling cover and coupled to a pump operable to pump the liquid coolant through the heat exchanger; a plenum housing forming a plenum chamber, the plenum housing being configured and positioned to direct air flow from an air inlet passage in the air cooling cover to the heat exchanger; a fan positioned to advance the air flow through the heat exchanger; an opening for exhausting air flow through the heat exchanger; a flexible and extendable conduit coupled to the opening in the air-cooled cover; as well as A power supply is configured to supply power to each of the fan and the pump.

16. The air cooled cover of claim 15, further comprising a solar panel electrically connected to the power source.

17. The air-cooled cover of claim 15, further comprising a control panel operably connected to the fan and the pump, wherein: The control panel independently controls the pump and the fan. 18 . The air cooling cover according to claim 15 , further comprising a top case and a bottom case, the air intake passage being formed in the air cooling cover, and the heat exchanger and the fan being located between the top case and the bottom case.

19. The air cooling cover according to claim 15, wherein The pump is located in the insulating base.

20. The air cooling cover according to claim 15, wherein The plenum housing includes a cover structure that is selectively positionable in an open position or a closed position, wherein in the closed position, air flow from the air inlet passage in the air cooling cover is directed to the heat exchanger without passing through the interior compartment of the insulating base, and in the open position, at least a portion of the air flow from the air inlet passage of the air cooling cover is directed to the interior compartment of the insulating base.

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