Portable Air Cooler

Abstract

The portable air cooler includes an insulated base for holding a coolant and a lid configured to cover the insulated base. The lid includes a heat exchanger assembly for cooling an airflow and one or more openings for exhausting the cooled airflow within the heat exchanger assembly. Flexible and rotatable ducts are joined to each of the one or more openings in the lid and can be user-positioned to direct the cooled airflow.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 381,273, filed October 27, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 512,597, filed July 7, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to air cooling devices, and more particularly to portable air cooling devices that cool air by exposing it to a heat exchanger. [Background technology]

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 9,091,449 to Donaldson et al. discloses a battery-powered portable cooler box with a lid, defining an air passage through a radiator in the lid to cool the air. A fan drives the air through the air passage and out the lid, and a pump drives water from the interior through the radiator and back into the interior. It also discloses a separate air shaft for directing airflow to the outside. U.S. Patent No. 8,776,789 to McCabe discloses a battery-powered portable exercise air cooler having a reservoir for holding ice, a fan for blowing air onto the ice, and two exhaust ducts with face adapters for directing the cool air toward the user. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0325093 discloses a portable air cooler having a baffle for forcing intake air through an object to be cooled and two vents with powered fans for exhausting the cooled air from the air cooler. Summary of the Invention

[0004] There is a need for a portable air cooling device that provides power to power the components of the air cooling device or to power a battery that powers the components of the air cooling device in a convenient, efficient, and portable manner.

[0005] This Summary introduces in a simplified form some concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description of the Invention. This Summary is not intended to identify key or important features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended 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.

[0006] The portable air cooler includes an insulated container for holding a coolant such as ice or water, a lid or cover for the insulated container containing a heat exchanger flow connected to a pump, one or more fans for directing airflow through the device and across the heat exchanger, and one or more bendable nozzles for directing the cooled airflow as it exits the device. In a preferred embodiment, the portable air cooler includes a rechargeable power source and a control panel for independently controlling the device, including the pump and fan.

[0007] The lid of the portable air cooler includes an upper shell having an intake grille for drawing in outside air. The outside air is directed into an airflow passageway, which directs the outside air into the interior of the air cooler and through a heat exchanger. The upper shell includes one or more centrally located openings extending therethrough for exhausting the cooled airflow. The openings are joined to user-positionable, bendable nozzles that are rotatably mounted on the lid to direct the cooled airflow exiting the air cooler.

[0008] The portable air cooler's power source is coupled to the control panel, the fan, and the pump. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a rechargeable battery connected to at least one solar panel. The control panel can independently control each fan and pump. In some embodiments, the portable air cooler can be coupled to a wireless controller, such as a remote control, smartphone, smart device, or other electronic device, for controlling the portable air cooler.

[0009] The upper and lower 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 by the lid. In some embodiments, the pump may be a submerged pump housed in an insulated container. The pump moves a coolant (usually water) from the insulated container to and through the heat exchanger. After circulating through the heat exchanger, the coolant is returned to the insulated container. Specifically, the heat exchanger includes an air inlet, an outlet, one or more serpentine heat exchange conduits extending between the air inlet and outlet, and a plurality of heat exchange fins protruding from the heat exchange conduits. The coolant flows from the heat exchanger's inlet through the heat exchange conduits and then through an outlet to a coolant return line that opens into the insulated container. The heat exchange fins absorb heat from the airflow as it passes across the heat exchange conduits.

[0010] A fan draws outside air through an airflow passageway through the portable air cooler. In some embodiments, the outside airflow is first cooled by direct cooling within the main compartment of the air cooler by passing through and contacting a coolant. The airflow is then drawn through a heat exchanger where it is further cooled by indirect cooling as the heat exchanger's fins absorb heat from the airflow. In some embodiments, a plenum cools the outside airflow without direct cooling by directing it through channels to the heat exchanger. The cooled airflow is forced or exhausted from the air cooler through the fan, into a bendable nozzle, and out the air cooler. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a portable air cooling device that includes an insulated container with a carrying strap, an electronic speaker located in an enclosed compartment on the side of the insulated container, and a lid with two bendable nozzles rotatably coupled thereto.

[0013] [Figure 2] 2 is a bottom perspective view of the lid of the portable air cooler shown in FIG. 1, including an intake grill on the side of the lid for taking in airflow or airflow, a lower shell grill covering the heat exchanger for drawing in and cooling the airflow, and a bendable nozzle for discharging the cooled airflow.

[0014] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the lid of the portable air cooler shown in FIG. 1, including the bendable nozzle, removable battery, control panel, and power port.

[0015] [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portable air cooler taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing the airflow path from the intake grille in the lid, through the coolant in the insulated container, and through the heat exchanger assembly.

[0016] [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of the portable air cooler taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, showing the heat exchanger, two fans, and a bendable nozzle through which cooled airflow exits the device.

[0017] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hard, durable liner that can be incorporated into the insulated container of the portable air cooler of FIG. 1, the liner including a coolant portion and a pump holder for securing a submersible pump positioned in the main compartment of the insulated container.

[0018] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly housing that encloses the heat exchanger and fan in the lid shown in FIG. 1, including coolant circulation lines extending from the heat exchanger assembly housing.

[0019] [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable air cooling device having a lid and a wheeled insulated container, including a solar panel attached to the top of the lid and a solar panel hinged to the side wall of the insulated container.

[0020] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view of the portable air cooling device of FIG. 8 with the solar panel mounted on the side wall in an open position.

[0021] [Figure 10] 10 is a top view of the insulated container of the portable air cooler of FIG. 8, including the secondary reservoir and pump holder disposed within the insulated container.

[0022] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the portable air cooler taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 8, showing the heat exchanger in the lid.

[0023] [Figure 12A] 12A, 12B, and 12C are exploded views of another embodiment of a lid including a plenum chamber formed by a plenum housing that directs airflow through the lid. Figure 12A shows the opening through which airflow is directed through the lid. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B shows the openable plenum enclosure in the closed position. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C shows the openable plenum housing in the open position.

[0024] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the lid shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, illustrating the airflow through the lid and plenum chamber.

[0025] [Figure 14]Figure 14 is a plan view of the lid shown in Figures 11 and 13, showing airflow through channels in the lid that direct airflow around the housing formed around the fan and heat exchanger, with the fan and heat exchanger removed.

[0026] The drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments shown and described herein. Emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] To meet the requirements, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, and that the present invention can be embodied in various forms. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any reasonably embodied configuration. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

[0028] Reference herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" means that the referenced feature is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Reference herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" separately (unless expressly stated otherwise and / or obvious to one skilled in the art from this specification) does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or are mutually exclusive. For example, a feature, structure, operation, etc. described in one embodiment may, but is not necessarily, included in other embodiments. Thus, the present technology may include various combinations and / or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

[0029] 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 generally refers to the portable air cooling device, and reference numeral 14 generally refers to the lid having a heat exchanger assembly 15 disposed in or attached to the lid. The air cooling device 10 includes an insulated base or container 12 containing a coolant or heat transfer fluid, and the lid 14 having the heat exchanger assembly 15 operable to draw ambient air into the insulated container 12 through one or more intake ducts or passages 16 formed in the lid 14, across the coolant, and 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 exchanger assembly 15 disposed in or attached to the lid 14 and across openings leading to one or more exhaust passages 19 in the lid 14, further cooling the air flow. The cooled air flow is then exhausted or directed out of the air cooling device 10 through the exhaust passages 19, thereby cooling a person or space. 3, 4, and 5, the heat exchanger assembly 15 housed within the lid 14 includes a heat exchanger 22 and at least one fan 24 (the illustrated embodiment includes two fans 24). The heat exchanger assembly 15 may further include auxiliary elements such as a pump 26, a power supply 28, and a control panel 30. In another embodiment described herein, the pump 26 is a submersible pump that extends into the insulated vessel 12 and is submerged in the coolant.

[0030] A bendable nozzle or exhaust conduit 40 traverses exhaust openings 41 in the lid 14 and is rotatably attached to the lid 14, allowing a user to redirect the cooled airflow exiting the exhaust passageway 19. To direct the cooled airflow, the exhaust conduit 40 includes an elbow fitting 43 connected to the lid 14 around each opening 41 and rotatable relative to the opening 41, a flexible and bendable hose 44, and an end cap 46, such as a louvered end cap, a conical end cap, or other conceivable end cap.

[0031] The insulated container 12 (e.g., a cooler) is a receptacle or enclosure for containing a coolant within the main compartment 48 of the insulated container 12. The preferred coolant is chilled liquid water contained within the main compartment 48, mixed with ice to form an ice / liquid water mixture, although other conceivable coolants or heat transfer fluids may be used. The insulated container 12 may also be used to keep food and / or beverages chilled. The lid 14 is sized and shaped to seal the main compartment 48 of the insulated container 12.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the insulated enclosure 12 includes a rectangular floor 49 and four side walls 50 formed on and extending from the floor 49, thereby defining a main compartment 48 of the insulated enclosure 12 therein. The lid 14 forms the top surface of the air cooling device 10 and, when in a position covering the insulated enclosure 12, extends in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the floor 49 of the insulated enclosure 12. The insulated enclosure 12 may also include a separate lid (not shown) that does not include components for cooling the air.

[0033] The insulated container 12 is formed from a durable material and is at least partially or completely rigid. In some embodiments, the insulated container 12 includes an inner shell 52 connected to or formed with an outer shell 53. The inner shell 52 is formed from molded plastic, polyester, nylon, a blend, or other conceivable waterproof material. The inner shell 52 may be a different material from the outer shell 53, which may also be waterproof. One or both of the inner shell 52 and the outer shell 53 may be formed from molded plastic. The insulated container 12 also includes insulation that forms a rigid or semi-rigid frame to which the waterproof material is bonded. Such insulation is known and may be included between all or a portion of the inner shell 52 and the outer shell 53.

[0034] The air cooling device 10 may include molded handles, wheels, carrying straps, backpack straps, and / or other features for increased portability, an openable compartment for storage, and / or devices integrated into the insulated enclosure 12 for wired or wireless connectivity to other electronic devices.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a liner 54. It is contemplated that the liner 54 may be incorporated within the insulated vessel 12. The liner 54 may be formed from a hard, durable material to replace or be used in addition to the inner shell 52. It is contemplated that a separate, independent coolant section or container 56 for the coolant or a secondary coolant, such as dry ice, may be incorporated within the liner 54. The separate coolant section, also referred to as a secondary coolant container or reservoir 56, may be integrally formed within the liner 54. A coolant lid 57 may be provided to cover the reservoir 56. The coolant lid 57 may include a vent (not shown) for allowing sublimated carbon dioxide to escape if the reservoir 56 contains dry ice. If the pump 26 is a submersible pump positioned within the main compartment 48 of the insulated vessel 12 rather than within the lid 14, a pump holder 59 may be formed or connected to the liner 54 to hold the pump 26, as shown.

[0036] 2-5, the lid 14 includes an upper shell 60 joined by a snap or fasteners to a lower shell 62. The upper and lower shells 60, 62 enclose the heat exchanger 22, the fan 24, and the pump 26 therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower shells 60, 62 are preferably formed from molded plastic to protect the components and insulate the interior of the air cooling device 10.

[0037] The upper shell 60 of the lid 14 includes exhaust openings 41 through which cooled airflow exits or is forced out of the air cooling device 10. The openings 41 are sized to be approximately the same diameter as each fan 24 associated with each opening 41. In a preferred embodiment, two openings 41 are formed through the upper shell 60 of the lid 14 and are aligned with the two fans 24 in the exhaust passage 19. Flexible and extendable exhaust conduits 40 are rotatably connected to the upper shell 60 over or across the openings 41. Each exhaust conduit 40 includes an elbow fitting 43 rotatably joined to the upper shell 60 around the opening 41 by a rotatable joint or coupler 63, allowing the exhaust conduits 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; however, the elbow fitting 43 may be configured 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 toward the air cooler 10. The elbow fitting 43 is coupled to a retractable hose 44 formed from a flexible, durable material. The hose 44 is retractable, allowing it to bend at least 90 degrees to further direct the airflow as desired by the user. The hose 44 may be reinforced with coiled wire. An end cap or nozzle 46 is coupled to the hose 44 at its distal end. In one embodiment, a plurality of louvers 66 at the end of the end cap 46 are rotatable between an open position, a closed position, and various positions between the open and closed positions, allowing the airflow direction to be adjusted as needed.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a rechargeable battery 28 insertable into a battery chamber 67 formed on the top surface of the upper shell 60 and having electrical contacts 68 that make contact with the inserted battery 28 . Alternatively, an adapter (not shown) can be used to power the air cooling device 10 from an electrical outlet, an auxiliary outlet in a vehicle, or the like. It is contemplated that other power sources known to those skilled in the art, such as a solar panel as described further 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 shell 60 and includes a variety of electrical receptacles. For example, it may include 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 charging port, for powering the air cooling device 10 or charging the battery 28.

[0039] The battery 28 is removable from the air cooler 10 and has a release button 70 on the top surface of the battery 28. When the battery 28 is inserted into the battery chamber 67, a catch connected to the release button 70 engages with a notch in the battery chamber 67, locking or securing the battery 28 in the battery chamber 67. To remove the battery 28, a user presses the release button 70, causing the catch to disengage the notch, releasing the battery 28 from the battery chamber 67 and partially ejecting it.

[0040] The control panel 30 is housed within a portion of the upper shell 60 and is user-accessible from the top 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 pump 26. The control panel 30 can be used to independently activate the power supply 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 on the control panel 30. In a preferred embodiment, the control panel 30 is a touch panel equipped with tactile sensors that can sense touch, force, or pressure. It is envisioned that the air cooling device can be wirelessly operated by interconnecting with electronic devices such as smartphones or remote controls.

[0041] The intake passage 16 is formed in the upper shell 60 and extends between an intake grille 71 formed in the outer wall of the upper shell 60 and an exhaust opening 72 connecting the intake passage 16 to the interior of the insulated container 12. The fan 24 draws outside air from the opening in the intake grille 71, through the intake passage 16, and out the exhaust opening 72 of the intake passage 16. The intake passage 16 is configured to direct an outside air flow or stream downward toward the interior of the insulated container 12 of the air cooling device 10 and across and toward the coolant contained therein. As shown in FIG. 4, the outside air may be cooled by two-stage cooling, including first-stage or direct cooling and second-stage or indirect cooling. Direct cooling includes cooling by directing an external air flow over the coolant in the insulated container 12. Direct cooling here includes cooling by direct contact or direct heat transfer between the coolant and the air flow. Direct cooling is also referred to as external cooling or pre-cooling. In the main compartment 48, the airflow passes through the coolant where first-stage cooling occurs. As described below, the airflow is drawn through the heat exchanger 22 where it enters second-stage or indirect cooling. As used herein, indirect cooling includes cooling by drawing or directing the airflow through a heat exchanger. The cooled airflow is exhausted from the interior of the air cooling device 10 through the fan 24, the opening 41 in the lid 14, and the exhaust conduit 40 to the exterior of the air cooling device 10.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows a heat exchanger assembly housing 73 enclosing the fan 24 and heat exchanger 22 within the upper and lower shells 60, 62 of the lid 14. The heat exchanger assembly housing 73 includes an upper housing 74 enclosing the fan 24 and a lower housing 75 enclosing the heat exchanger 22. Two circular openings 76 are formed in the upper housing 74, each extending in axial alignment over a respective fan 24. Each housing opening 76 is surrounded and defined by a circular rim or track 77 projecting upward from the top surface of the upper housing 74. Each circular track 77 aligns with and extends through a corresponding opening 41 in the upper shell 60. The rotatable coupler 63 of each exhaust conduit 40 is rotatably connected to each circular track 77.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, two variable speed fans 24, including a case 78 associated with each fan 24, are mounted within the upper housing 74, with the fans 24 aligned with the openings 41 and 76, respectively. The fans 24 are mounted in the upper housing 74 between the heat exchanger 22 and the openings 41 and 76, such that the fans 24 draw airflow through the heat exchanger 22 and each fan 24 and then push the cooled airflow out the aligned openings 41 and 76. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 22 extends horizontally across the intake side or area of ​​both fans 24. A vertical divider wall 79 is formed on and in the upper housing 74 to separate the fans 24 from the airflow passing through each fan 24. It is envisioned that the heat exchanger 22 may extend only into the intake area of ​​one of the fans 24 so that after the airflow has been directly cooled, one of the fans 24 may draw air through the heat exchanger 22 for indirect cooling, and / or the other fan 24 may draw air from the interior of the insulated enclosure 12 without being cooled by the heat exchanger 22.

[0044] The upper and lower housings 74, 75 are joined to form the heat exchanger assembly housing 73. The upper housing 74 includes an outwardly extending lower flange 84 that is integrally formed with or secured to an outwardly extending upper flange 86 of the lower housing 75. A flange 88 formed on the lower shell 62 also secures or attaches the lower shell 62 to the heat exchanger assembly housing 73. The heat exchanger assembly housing 73 and the lower shell 62 are joined by fasteners that thread into bosses 89 that extend downwardly from the interior surface of the upper shell 60, thereby joining the shells 60 and 62 to the heat exchanger assembly housing 73 and enclosing the components of the air cooling device 10. The upper and lower housings 74, 75 have coextensive interior areas that generally define the exhaust passageway 19, allowing airflow through the lower housing 75 and into the upper housing 74.

[0045] An elongated opening or channel 82 extends through a lower flange 84 of upper housing 74 and an upper flange 86 of lower housing 75 and is generally aligned with intake passage 16 such that intake passage 16 extends through flanges 84 and 86.

[0046] The heat exchanger 22, connected to the pump 26, is mounted within a portion of the exhaust passage 19 extending through the lower housing 75. The heat exchanger includes a coolant inlet 90, a coolant outlet 92, one or more serpentine heat exchange conduits 93 connected to and extending between the inlet 90 and the outlet 92, and a plurality of heat absorbing fins 94 protruding from each heat exchange conduit 93. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 26 is secured between the upper housing 74 of the heat exchanger assembly housing 73 and the upper shell 60 of the lid 14. A coolant conduit or plurality of coolant circulation lines 101 circulate coolant to and from the heat exchanger 22 and include a pump inlet line 100, a pump exhaust line 102, and a coolant return line 106. A pump inlet line 100 extends from the pump 26 to just above the bottom interior surface of the main compartment 48 of the insulated vessel 12 and terminates in an inlet fitting 95. The inlet fitting 95 is bell-shaped or inverted cup-shaped. Eight external ribs or flanges 96 extend from the outer surface of the inlet fitting 95, and eight internal ribs or flanges 97 extend from the inner surface of the inlet fitting 95 toward the center. The ribs 96 and 97 form a filter or screen that prevents solids, such as ice and debris, from entering the pump 26 through the pump inlet line 100 as the pump draws coolant from the insulated vessel 12 into the pump 26. The pump 26 pressurizes the coolant and forces it through a pump exhaust line 102 to the inlet 90 of the heat exchanger 22. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger 22 and exits the heat exchanger through outlet 92, which is connected to a return line 106, where it is discharged into the insulated vessel 12. The refrigerant exiting the heat exchanger 22 is discharged into the main compartment 48, a fixed distance from the pump inlet line 100. In the illustrated embodiment, a pipe holder 110 connects the return line 106 to the pump inlet line 100 and supports the lines 100 and 106 to prevent movement. A pipe elbow 111 is joined to the end of the return line 106 to direct the refrigerant exiting the return line 106 away from the refrigerant in the area of ​​the pump inlet line 100. An airflow or stream is simultaneously drawn through the heat exchanger 22 by the fan 24, and heat in the airflow is absorbed by the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 22.The coolant flowing through the heat exchanger fins 94 and the heat exchanger 22 absorbs heat from the airflow as it is drawn through the heat exchanger 22, cooling the airflow until it becomes the final cooled airflow.

[0047] The heat exchanger 22 is positioned horizontally across an air inlet opening 112 formed in the bottom surface of the lower housing 75 of 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 is sized approximately the same size as or slightly larger than the bottom surface of the heat exchanger 22, allowing airflow from inside the insulated container 12 to flow through the heat exchanger 22. The openings 112 and 113 are adjacent to the exhaust opening 72 of the air inlet passage 16. The exhaust opening 72 of the air inlet passage 16 and the opening 113 in the lower shell 62 of the lid 14 may be covered with a filter, mesh, or lower shell grille 114 to prevent debris from entering the insulated container 12 and / or the airflow through the heat exchanger 22. In the illustrated embodiment, a coolant circulation line cover 120 covers the coolant circulation line 101 and a portion of the inlet 90 and outlet 92 of the heat exchanger 22 .

[0048] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 8-10 , an air cooling device 200 includes a base or container 202 and a lid 204 housing a heat exchanger assembly therein. The lid 204 and heat exchanger assembly are configured similarly to the heat exchanger assembly 15 incorporated into the air cooling device 10 described herein. The container 202 is formed similarly to insulated coolers for keeping food and beverages chilled, such as rigid plastic coolers, injection-molded coolers, rotationally molded coolers, or metal coolers, known to those skilled in the art, and includes an inner shell and an outer shell, with a cavity formed therebetween filled with a rigid foam insulation material, such as extruded polystyrene, polyurethane, or other insulating foam. The 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. The drain assembly 206 provides a conduit for draining the coolant and includes a sealing cap 208 that can be positioned within the drain assembly 206 when the coolant is contained within the device 200.

[0049] The cooling device 200 may include a molded-in handle, at least one rotatable pull handle and / or carry handle 209, wheels 210, and / or other components to enhance portability and ease of use. If a molded-in handle is used, it may include an integral handle ridge and / or recess, such as a ridge or recess on the side or front of the lid 204 or on the surface of the container 202, to facilitate opening and closing the lid 204 and carrying the device 200. The at least one rotatable pull handle may be retractable to wheel the device 200 to a desired location. In a preferred embodiment, the wheels 210 are sized to provide traction and elevate the device 200 above the floor to facilitate wheeling the device 200 over uneven ground.

[0050] The lid 204 is configured to seal the container 202. The lid 204 includes one or more latches 211, such as, for example, a draw latch, a T-latch, or other known mechanical fasteners, that secure the lid 204 in a sealed position on the container 202. In one embodiment, a door limiter strap is coupled to the lid 204 and the container 202 and limits the lid 204 from opening more than 90 degrees, thereby preventing the lid from accidentally closing or the lid from accidentally opening beyond the upright position and tipping the device 200.

[0051] 11 , the lid 204 includes an upper shell 212 and a lower shell 213 that are coupled to enclose a heat exchanger 218 and at least one fan 221 therebetween. The illustrated embodiment does not use a heat exchanger assembly housing 73 to house the at least one fan 221 and the heat exchanger 218 as shown in the previous embodiment. Instead, the upper shell 212 and the lower shell 213 include various walls that extend from the upper shell 212 and the lower shell 213 to enclose the at least one fan 221 and the heat exchanger 218. In this embodiment, two fans 221 are positioned between the upper shell 212 and the lower shell 213, with a vertical divider wall 222 extending from the upper shell 212 to separate each fan 221 and the airflow therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, upper shell 212 and lower shell 213 are formed from molded plastic to protect the components and insulate the interior of air cooling device 200. The pump may be enclosed within lid 204 as previously described, or alternatively, the pump may be a submerged pump positioned in the coolant within vessel 202, in which case the coolant is pumped through multiple coolant circulation lines 101 (including a heat exchanger inlet line from the submerged pump to the heat exchanger and a heat exchanger outlet line from heat exchanger 218 to vessel 202).

[0052] Perforations 214 in an intake grille 215 in the lid 204 allow ambient airflow to be drawn into the device 200 and cooled by at least the heat exchanger 218. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , an intake passage or channel 216 is formed in the lid 204 to direct the ambient airflow into the container 202. The ambient airflow drawn through the channel 216 flows around the housing housing the heat exchanger 218 and fan 221, flows downward toward the coolant through an air intake opening 229 in the lid 204, and then returns through the heat exchanger 218 through an exhaust passage opening 230 in the lid 204. The cooled airflow is exhausted from the device 200, thereby cooling personnel or the space. In the illustrated embodiment, a filter, mesh, or grille 223 extends across the intake passage opening 229 and the exhaust passage opening 230 to prevent dust and other foreign matter from entering or circulating through the heat exchanger 218 along with the cooled airflow.

[0053] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 12B , a plenum chamber 217 formed by a plenum housing 219 covering an opening in the lower shell 213 extends across the intake channel 216 and heat exchanger 218, directing outside air or airflow from the channel 216 directly to the heat exchanger 218 for cooling. The plenum housing 219 can be coupled to the lid 204 by hooks, latches, or other attachment means, thereby securing the plenum housing 219 to the lower shell 213. The airflow path through the plenum chamber 217 is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 . In this embodiment, the plenum housing 219 can prevent outside air from being drawn into the interior of the vessel 202 and flowing across the coolant, which can increase the temperature of the coolant within the apparatus 200.

[0054] 12A, the plenum housing 219 has been removed to show the intake passage opening 229 from the intake channel 216 and the exhaust passage opening 230 aligned with the heat exchanger 218. Airflow drawn into the intake channel 216 by the fan 221 flows through the intake passage opening 229, the plenum chamber 217, the exhaust passage opening 230, and across the heat exchanger 218. In the drawing, a mesh or grate 223 is shown extending across the intake passage opening 229 and the exhaust passage opening 230, although it will be appreciated that the mesh 223 could be omitted. Alternatively, a filter could be positioned next to the intake grate 215 or in another location such that the airflow is filtered before flowing through the heat exchanger 218.

[0055] The plenum housing 219 may be formed from a single, non-openable piece, as described above, or may have openings or be openable to allow airflow to enter the interior of the vessel 202 from the intake channel 216 and circulate from the interior of the vessel 202 through the exhaust passage 19. It is contemplated that airflow adjustment means, such as louvers, shutters, or a sliding cover, may be used to adjust or control the airflow to and from the vessel 202. FIGS. 12B and 12C show an embodiment of the plenum housing 219 including a fixed cover 220a and a sliding cover 220b that is slidable relative to the fixed cover 220a and selectively positionable between an open position that opens the plenum chamber 217 to the interior of the vessel 202 and a closed position. When the sliding cover 220b is in the closed position, airflow is drawn through the apparatus 200 in the same manner as described above for the non-openable plenum housing 219 without openings. When the sliding cover 220b is in the open position, airflow from the intake channel 216 circulates inside the container 202, increasing the airflow through the container 202 and away from the device 200. The cooled airflow from within the container 202 can then be exhausted through the exhaust passage 19, with or without cooling the airflow in the heat exchanger 218 (i.e., a cooled airflow can be obtained from the device 200 without using a pump to circulate coolant through the heat exchanger 218). Furthermore, if condensation forms within the heat exchanger 218, the sliding cover 220b can be opened to allow the condensation to drain into the container 202. A disadvantage of circulating airflow through the container 202 when the plenum housing 219 is in the open position is that the coolant within the container 202 will warm up more quickly compared to when the sliding cover 220b is in the closed position.

[0056] The embodiment of the lid 204 shown in FIGS. 8-10 includes two rechargeable batteries 224 that power the components of the device 200, a control panel 225, and two bendable nozzles 226 extending from the lid 204, allowing the user to direct the exiting cooled airflow in any direction. The lid 204 may also include various other components, such as a speaker 228 housed in the lid 204, a power port 232 connected to the battery 224 for charging the device, a cup holder 234, and / or other conceivable components. In one embodiment, a remote control (not shown) can be connected to the device 200 to individually control the heat exchanger assembly, including the pump and each fan. The remote control may also control connections to the speaker 228, such as a wireless connection for transferring calls and music. The lid 204 has a holder for the remote control, and the lid 204 and remote control may have one or more mechanisms for removably securing the remote control, including magnets, slots / tabs, and other mechanisms understood by those skilled in the art to hold a remote control.

[0057] The rechargeable battery 224 is electrically connected to one or more first solar panels 240 coupled to the lid 204 and / or one or more second solar panels 242 hinged to the sidewall of the container 202. The first and second solar panels 240 and 242 are configured to convert solar energy into electricity and provide power to charge the rechargeable battery 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the first solar panel 240 is attached to the top of the lid 204. In some embodiments, the first solar panel 240 is secured in a recess or depression 243 formed in the lid 204 having a shape and depth that securely fits the first solar panel 240 so that the first solar panel 240 is substantially flush with the top surface of the lid 204. In some embodiments, the first solar panel 240 may be hinged to the lid 204 so that the first solar panel 240 can be rotated to face the sun.

[0058] At least one second solar panel 242 is secured to a collapsible support panel 244 having a first edge 246 that is pivotable or rotatable about a hinge or joint 248 having a horizontal axis positioned near the bottom of the container 202. A recess 250 formed in the sidewall of the container 202 or between raised members 254 extending from the sidewall of the container 202 is sized to accommodate the second solar panel 242 and the support panel 244 when the support panel 244 is rotated upward to a vertical position that accommodates the second solar panel 242. In a preferred embodiment, the stowed support panel 244 and second solar panel 242 are substantially flush with the sidewall of the container 202 or the raised members 254. A second edge 256 opposite the first edge 246 of the support panel 244 secures the vertically rotated or stowed support panel 244 to the container 202 in a closed or stowed position via a securing mechanism 260. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing mechanism 260 includes a receiver with a slot 264 that extends into the raised member 254 and is positioned so that pins or tabs 266 extending from opposite ends of the second edge 256 of the support panel 244 are secured in the slot 264 via an interference fit to secure the support panel 244 and the second solar panel 242 in the stowed position. It is contemplated that alternative securing mechanisms may be used to secure the support panel 244 in the stowed position. When the support panel 244 is rotated or deployed downward to a generally horizontal position, the second edge 256 of the second solar panel 242 rests on a surface, such as the ground or a table, allowing the second solar panel 242 to absorb energy from the sun and generate electrical energy.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first solar panel 240 and the second solar panel 242 are connected to the battery 224 via a charge controller (not shown) that regulates the current and voltage supplied to the battery 224. The charged battery 224 can power the components of the device 200 having the heat exchanger assembly 15, including the fan 24, the pump 26, and the control panel 225, the power port 232, and the speaker 228.

[0060] Similar to the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 6, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, inner shell 282 includes a pump holder 289 formed therein or connected thereto and configured to hold the submersible pump within vessel 202. It is contemplated that a protective cover for the submersible pump may be utilized for filtering, protecting, and securing the submersible pump to vessel 202. Vessel 202 may include a secondary coolant vessel or reservoir 296 for containing coolant. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, reservoir 296 is formed by a wall or divider 300 extending across a portion of vessel 202. Additional divider supports may be coupled to inner shell 282 to compartmentalize vessel 202.

[0061] It is contemplated that the components described herein may be formed using a variety of materials and methods. Various other arrangements of the various components shown and not shown are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrative and not limiting. Alternative embodiments that do not depart from its scope will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art may develop alternative means of implementing the improvements described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood that some features and subcombinations are useful and can be employed without reciting other features and subcombinations and are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0062] Although particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. When the indefinite articles "a" or "an" or "at least one" are used in the claims to identify an element, they are intended to encompass any device assembly including one or more of that element. Similarly, reference to a first and a second element does not limit the claim to an assembly including only two of those elements, but is intended to encompass two or more of those elements. To the extent that a limiting expression such as "single" or "only" is used in connection with an element, that expression shall be limited to one of that identified element or some other similarly limited number. Having thus described the invention, we seek patent protection for the following subject matter as novel:

Claims

1. 1. A portable air cooling device comprising: an insulating base having an interior compartment for holding a liquid coolant; a lid formed to cover the insulating base, the lid comprising: a heat exchanger extending across the exhaust passage extending through the lid, the heat exchanger including a coolant conduit and a plurality of heat transfer fins projecting from the coolant conduit; a pump 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; one or more exhaust openings formed in the lid in communication with the exhaust passage; one or more exhaust conduits rotatably coupled to the lid around one of the one or more exhaust openings in the lid, the one or more exhaust conduits being bendable and extendable by a user; at least one fan extending across the exhaust passageway to draw airflow through an intake passageway in the lid, through the heat exchanger, and out the one or more exhaust openings and through the one or more exhaust conduits that are user-positionable to direct the airflow; A portable air cooling device.

2. 10. 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 connected to the rechargeable power source.

4. The portable air cooling device of claim 3 , wherein the at least one solar panel comprises a solar panel mounted on the lid.

5. The portable air cooling device of claim 3 , wherein the at least one solar panel comprises a solar panel hingedly attached to a sidewall of the insulated base.

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

7. 2. The portable air cooling device of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a plenum chamber that directs the airflow from the intake passage in the lid to the heat exchanger but does not direct the airflow into the interior compartment of the insulated base.

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

9. The portable air cooling device of claim 1 , wherein the insulating base comprises a secondary coolant section for a secondary coolant.

10. 1. A portable air cooling device comprising: an insulating base for holding a liquid coolant; a pump operable to pump the liquid coolant; a lid connected to the insulating base, the lid being selectively positionable to cover an interior compartment formed within the insulating base; an air intake passage formed in the lid to allow airflow through the lid; a heat exchanger for cooling air in the air flow, the heat exchanger being connected to the pump; and one or more fans that draw the airflow through the intake passage and the heat exchanger; one or more openings in the lid for exhausting the airflow through the heat exchanger; one or more flexible and extendable exhaust conduits rotatably coupled to the one or more openings formed in the lid; a solar panel attached to the portable air cooler and connected to a rechargeable battery operably connected to the pump and the one or more fans, the solar panel operable to charge the rechargeable battery; A portable air cooling device.

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. 11. The portable air cooling device of claim 10, further comprising a plenum chamber that directs the airflow from the intake passage to the heat exchanger, whereby the airflow is not directed into the internal compartment within the insulated base of the portable air cooling device.

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

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

15. 1. An air-cooled lid configured to be mounted on an insulating base having an interior compartment configured to contain a liquid coolant, an intake passage and an exhaust passage formed in the air-cooled lid; a heat exchanger extending across the exhaust passage in the air-cooled lid, the heat exchanger coupled to a pump operable to pump the liquid coolant through the heat exchanger; a plenum housing defining a plenum chamber configured and positioned to direct airflow from the intake passage in the air-cooled lid to the heat exchanger; a fan positioned to drive the airflow through the heat exchanger; an opening for exhausting the airflow passing through the heat exchanger; a flexible and expandable conduit coupled to an opening in the air-cooled lid; a power source configured to power each of the fan and the pump; Equipped with an air-cooled lid.

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

17. 16. The air-cooled lid of claim 15, further comprising a control panel operatively connected to the fan and the pump for controlling the pump and the fan.

18. 16. The air-cooled lid of claim 15, further comprising an upper shell and a lower shell, wherein the intake passage formed in the air-cooled lid, the heat exchanger, and the fan are located between the upper shell and the lower shell.

19. The air-cooled lid of claim 15 , wherein the pump is located within the insulating base.

20. 16. The air-cooled lid of claim 15, wherein the plenum housing includes a cover structure selectively positionable in an open position or a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the airflow from the intake passage in the air-cooled lid is directed to the heat exchanger without passing through the internal compartment of the insulating base, and wherein in the open position, at least a portion of the airflow from the intake passage in the air-cooled lid is directed to the internal compartment of the insulating base.

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