Multi purpose heating and cooling safety device

A heating and cooling device is disclosed. The device has an outer covering, and a plurality of heating and cooling coils within the covering. A plurality of flexible air flow chambers inside the covering provide air flow over the heating and cooling coils, and a plurality of vents exit the outer covering from the plurality of air conduits.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to automobiles in general and, more specifically, to improving visibility through automotive glass.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snow and ice accumulation during drive presents a hazard faced by many motorists. It is frequently reported by motorists in accidents that the other driver was not seen approaching or that vision was somehow obscured by weather conditions, including snow or ice build-up on the vehicle windows. Modern vehicles are equipped with defrosters and climate control systems but these are based only on blowers near the lower half of the windshield. These may not keep ice off the upper half of the windshield—the area most critical for a driver to have a clear view—particularly under heavy ice or snow conditions.

What is needed is a system for addressing the above, and related, concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect thereof comprises a heating and cooling device. The device has an outer covering, and a plurality of heating and cooling coils within the covering. A plurality of flexible air flow chambers inside the covering provide air flow over the heating and cooling coils, and a plurality of vents exit the outer covering from the plurality of air conduits.

In one embodiment, the heating and cooling coils contain resistive heating elements. In other embodiments a first side of the covering provides a solid state heat transfer device to move heat out of the cooling coils to a heat sinking surface. The heating and cooling coils may be adapted to receive heating and cooling from an outside source.

The outer covering may define a rollable blanket. The heating and cooling device may also comprise a control and airflow box providing operating controls and air pressure into the air flow chamber. An air filtration system may be provided within the flexible air flow chambers.

In addition to other structures, the heating and cooling device may provide a plurality of resistive heating wires providing conductive heating through the surface of the covering

The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof, comprises a method of heating and cooling. The method includes providing a covering blanket containing at least one flexible air path therein and at least one air vent for the air path exiting the covering blanket, providing heating and cooling coils in fluid communication with the flexible air path, and providing air under positive pressure into the flexible air path and selectively operating the heating and cooling vents to produce heated and cooled air, respectively, from the air vent.

The method may also include placing the covering blanket on the interior roof of a vehicle to climate control the vehicle and provide window defrosting, and/or connecting the covering blanket to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of an automobile for providing air pressure into the flexible air path. Coolant may be provided into the cooling coils from an automobile mounted compressor.

In some embodiments the method includes providing the covering blanket as a part of a bedding surface, or providing the covering blanket as part of a seating surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The system of the present disclosure is designed to assist in lowering traffic deaths and wrecks due to ice and snow build-up on vehicles windows, particularly while driving. The system of the present disclosure will assist in providing clear vision for the driver via heating and cooling from the top of the windshield (nearer to the driver's eye level). A stand-alone version is disclosed to adapt to older vehicles. An integrated version may be built into new vehicles. In one embodiment, the device is a blanket that may be built into or between the headliner and roof and connected to the heating and cooling system. The device may be adapted to or built into a new vehicle using the vehicle power supply. In some embodiments, the device may be partially or fully solar or battery powered.

In alternative embodiments, the device is multi-purpose and transformative in that the combined components and different shapes can be adapted to implements such as hospital bed, wheelchair, camping stadium seat, and other devices. Uses of the device may include safety considerations, such as keeping ice off vehicle windows and treating or preventing hypothermia, but may also include comfort uses such as warming and cooling stadium seats, or the wheelchair bound. In one embodiment, the device may be utilized as a heating and cooling blanket or pad on the ground while camping. The device may also be useful in veterinary medicine.

The automotive embodiments of the device of the present disclosure can be adapted to start by remote, or a timer, to heat or cool the vehicle and/or defrost windows before a person gets into the vehicle. The device may be powered via an auxiliary battery, may be solar powered, or powered from the vehicle electrical system. In one embodiment, the device is self-contained and provides all controls, such as heating and cooling controls, fan speed, thermostat, safety shut off, and on/off switches. Controls may also be built into the vehicle's dashboard or similar location, and/or use a remote control system—particularly where the device is integrated into the vehicle.

The apparatus of the present disclosure has multiple embodiments that may provide thermostats, shut-offs, solar battery storage, heat/cooling shields, heating and cooling thermal wiring, conversion embodiments, monitor controls, timer safety components, and more. The apparatus blanket is multipurpose (being self contained) and can work in a vehicle or as a heating and cooling ventilation system to assist people in staying warm or cool in remote areas.

Referring now toFIG. 1A, a top view of a heating and cooling device100of the present disclosure is shown. The device100(shown in broken line) is situated between a new vehicle roof top and the inside headliner. In the present embodiment, the device100has a housing10, which lies under the vehicle rooftop33, and is surrounded by the vehicle body27. The body27is part of the vehicle frame tube73. A vehicle windshield28is attached to the body27and/or frame73. A vehicle dashboard31and vehicle steering wheel32are illustrated as well.

Flexible air flow chambers11are shown attached to a female control box housing21. The control box houses multi-operational and functional components assisting in operating and controlling the apparatus. The housing10also contains heating and cooling blanket wires15, which serve to heat or cool the blanket surface. Thus, in some embodiments, the blanket may provide conductive heating or cooling by conduction against another surface or to a user.

The flexible air flow chamber11houses a fiber filter system14. This allows for filtration of the air from the control box21. It is understood that each air flow chamber11may have its own filtration system. The filtration systems may guard against bacterial and/or particulate contamination. In another embodiment, the control box21will provide filtration for the entire system. Heating and cooling sensors16may provide temperature readings to the control box21. The air flow chamber11provides air flow outlet tubes12embraced by heating and cooling coils13. Heating and cooling coils13serve to either heat or cool the air flowing from the outlet tubes12.

In some embodiments, a solar panel34(shown implanted to the vehicle roof top33,FIGS. 1A,4) may provide some or all the power to run the device10.

It will be appreciated that heating may be done resistively within the device of the present disclosure (e.g., by coils13and/or wires15). However, providing cooling in addition to that based solely on increased convection from moving air presents unique challenges. In some embodiments, the device10will rely on refrigerated air from the air condition system of the host vehicle. In other embodiments, a separate compressor and cooling system may be provided (where enough power can safely be provided to do so). Finally, a solid state solution such as a peltier cooler101could be provided (seeFIG. 1B). These could be arranged with the cold side102on the air ducts11and the hot side104toward the roof of the automobile; thus using the roof of the car33as a heat sink that can be cooled by the outside air, possibly leading to increased efficiency.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a top perspective view of the blanket10is shown. Here, two portions of the control box are shown: a female control box housing21combined with a male control box housing22. These provide a housing for the fan, as well as various relays, switches, and other control components. Various control devices may also be provided away from the housing22. For example, a control valve23may activate or deactivate various vents12and/or airflow chambers11. Additionally, supplemental air intakes24may be provided to allow the device10to work in conjunction with the system built into the automobile. In some embodiments, one or more booster fans20may be provided within chambers11, supplied with power by supplemental wiring25.

The chambers11may be provided with insulation17over all or a portion thereof. The air flow chambers11are provided with the filtration system14, and the heating and cooling coils13. At the ends of chambers11are directional detachable air flow outlet tubes12. Supplemental insulation19may also be provided where needed.

The outer layer of the device10may be an insulated blanket-like cover18. The material comprising the cover may vary according to its intended use. In some embodiments, materials will be selected to match the interior of a vehicle. In other embodiments, materials may be selected with user comfort in mind. Finally, aesthetics may be considered and the covering18could be decorated with various designs, such as those of a sports team.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a perspective view of a heating and cooling device10of the present disclosure partially rolled up is shown. Here the flexibility of the device10can be seen. The directional detachable air flow outlet tube12and insulated cover18can also be seen. The power supply wiring25is connected to a standard plug26. A manually controlled housing35contains blowers, switch gear, and the like. An access door panel36may also be provided. The device10may also be connected another external air supplies device700, such as shown inFIG. 7below.

Referring toFIG. 4, a perspective cutaway view of the front of a vehicle integrated with a heating and cooling device10of the present disclosure is shown. The device10is installed to provide heating and cooling, as well as defrosting for windshield28. Control panel housing37is affixed to vehicle fire wall panel30. Female control box housing21houses the male control box housing22when assembled, and further attaches to the fire wall30. Shown in front of the vehicle firewall panel30is the power supply wiring25. Attached to housing21is flexible air flow chamber11. Above and behind windshield28are the directional detachable air flow tubes12. Chamber11houses heating and cooling coils13, and filter system14. A temperature sensor16is also provided.FIG. 4also shows the vehicle roof top33with a solar panel34attached to or embedded in roof33.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a rear perspective view of another vehicle with integrated heating and cooling device10is shown. A vehicle body27supports the female control box housing21and male control box housing22, shown here locked together. Flexible air flow chamber11connects to housings21,22and to existing heat and air conditioner units in a vehicle. The solar power conversion housing37can be seen here, as can heat and cool (thermal) shield17and filter system14. Heating and cooling coils13are shown as part of chamber11, and heating and cooling blanket wiring15is also provided. A standalone air supply device700such as shown inFIG. 7could also be provided and attached to the device10shown inFIG. 5.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a perspective view of a control box according to the present disclosure is shown. A housing37houses a separate monitor and control unit40. This may be based on a solid state microcontroller in combination with various switchgear, relays, and the like. Battery power storage39is provided, along with a solar converter38, which provides for voltage regulation from the solar panel34. A thermostat monitor control unit55, a fuse box housing57, and a thermostat56are provided in the present embodiment. An override control unit41may be provided for manual operation of the entire system. In the present embodiment, an antenna54and a remote control master unit52allow for remote operation of the device from the remote control53.

Referring now toFIG. 7, another perspective view of another control box according to the present disclosure is shown. This box700provides on example of a standalone unit capable of providing air flow and/or heating and cooling. The female control box housing21is shown above the male control box housing22. An attachment locking system72is provided for securing the halves together. This may comprise clamps or other captive fasteners. In the present embodiment, housing59houses a motor housing61, which secures a drive motor62. Drive motor62operates a fan63to pull in air through safety vent screens60and58. Air is moved through the flexible air flow chamber11, through filter system14and the heating and cooling coils13. Safety shield17may be provided as well as the temperature sensor16. Power may be supplied through the power supply wiring25, which may be connected to the vehicle electrical supply, a solar power supply, or other power source.

Referring now toFIG. 8, a top view of another control box to be retrofitted to an older vehicle is shown.FIG. 8may be considered a top down view ofFIG. 7. This version may be secured to a vehicle or other fixture. Attachment clamp system69is provided to secure the housing64. Clamps69may be attached by rivets or bolts68to the housing64. In other embodiments, other securement means may be provided including a suction cup system71, Velcro® strips70, or other temporary or permanent fasteners. A penetrating locking device receptacle67may be provided as a secure attachment point for the housing64.

Referring now toFIG. 9, a perspective view of a control box to be retrofitted to an older vehicle according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.FIG. 9illustrates the device ofFIGS. 7-8with greater internal detail. Here, an auxiliary on/off switch45, air inlet vent and screens58are illustrated. A penetrating locking device comprising a long bolt68is shown within the receptacle67. This will secure the apparatus10to a fixed structure. Upper housing64is shown attached to lower housing65.

Placed inside housing components64,65are various multipurpose functional and mechanical implements. These may include, but are not limited to, the air intake/exit housing59, having an inlet which has a safety vent screen60allowing air to be sucked through by the motor62which is inside the motor housing61. The motor62may be attached to the fan system63. Fan system63circulates into and out of housing59, into the flexible air flow chamber11, and exiting out the directional database air flow outlet tubes12. Inside and around chamber11are the heating and cooling coils13, the heat and cool shields17, the fiber filter system14, and the heat and cool air insulated wrap19.

In some embodiments, a thermostat56may be provided. Control housing42is shown connected to automatic shut off control43. A battery pack39is integrated with the power supply wiring25for recharging.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a view of a control box integrated with a vehicle dashboard, and a front view of the apparatus is shown. Attached to the apparatus10is a control panel44which may contain various switch gear and controls. In the present example, these include an auxiliary on/off switch45, an on light48, an off light47, an auxiliary solar power switch50, a fan speed control51, an automatic/manual timer46, and a heat and cool control49. These may be variously powered by power supply wiring25.

The lower illustration inFIG. 10shows that the apparatus can be installed across multiple places. Here, the control panel is placed a vehicle dashboard31. The control panel44may be a part of the factory installed controls of the vehicle, or may be added when the apparatus10is installed.

Referring now toFIG. 11, a perspective view of a heating and cooling device1100according to the present disclosure having been integrated into a hospital bed is shown. A headboard74, footboard75, and wheels76are shown on bed77. As before, cooled air could be provided by a building-installed HVAC system or a smaller dedicated system. An adapter79allows the device10to be connected to a stand-alone unit700, or connected to the hospital HVAC system. Standalone unit700may be used instead of an integrated one to control noise. Female control box housing21attaches to the male control box housing22, forming a complete housing for components including, but not limited to, those shown and discussed previously.FIG. 11also shows the flexible air flow chambers11housing the heat and cool sensors16, switch control valve door23, and booster air flow fan21. Other inlets and connections may also be provided to the device100including a filtered air inlet and/or an oxygen inlet (not shown). Such connections may be capped off when not in use.

Referring toFIG. 12, a perspective view of a heating and cooling device according to the present disclosure having been integrated into a wheel chair is shown. In the present embodiment, the device10houses a blanket access door80providing access to the upper housing64. A battery pack39is provided for power. In some cases, an on board compressor may be needed to provide cool air to the blanket. In some cases, peltier cooling/heating may be employed. Heating may also be accomplished resistively.

Referring now toFIG. 13, a perspective view of a heating and cooling device according to the present disclosure having been integrated into a stadium seat is shown. Here, the device10is similar to that shown inFIG. 12and may be placed on a bleacher seat83.

Referring now toFIG. 14, a perspective view of a heating and cooling device according to the present disclosure having been integrated into a sleeping mat is shown. The device10may be used for camping to enhance comfort on hot or cold nights. It may also be used for treatment of hypothermia. Medical uses may also include cooling of the body when hypothermia is induced.

Referring now toFIG. 15, a block diagram illustrating a heating and cooling device attached to an outside heating and cooling source is shown. Here, cooling device1501provides refrigeration of a coolant. The coolant could be Freon, R134A, chlorine, water, or another suitable liquid of gas. It could be chilled by a compressor, condenser, and evaporator arrangement or by other means known in the art. The cooling device1501could be an automobile air conditioner system, a part of a commercial or residential building cooling system or a separate dedicated system. As shown, the refrigerated liquid may be provided to coils13. The coils13are a part of the device10previously described. The coils13exchange heat (e.g., into an automobile, or with a user) and the now heated refrigerant is returned to the cooling device1501to be exchanged for more and colder coolant. Some, but not all, of the other components of the device10that may be included with various embodiments are shown for illustration. These include the blower62and control panel44.

A heating device1502may also connect to the coils13. The heating device1502could be an automotive heater core, a standalone water heater, or another device. Heated fluids are provided to the coils13, which will be cooled by heat exchange with the automobile or user. The cooled fluid is then returned in exchange for more heated fluid. The heating fluid does not have to be water, nor even a liquid. For example, it could be heated oil. In another embodiment, the cooling device1501and the heating device1502are the same device and operate as a heat pump. In this way, the same fluid is used for both heating and cooling depending upon the state in which it is provided by the device.

While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in the details of construction, components, and the arrangements of components without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims.