Humidifier for use with heated air source

A humidifier utilizes a plurality of disposable filters and air from a source of heated air flow emanating from a floor, wall, or ceiling. The humidifier provides an energy efficient device comprising a container having a water reservoir formed from an inner support portion, a plurality of tunnels for transporting heated air throughout the container, and a plurality of evaporation filters. The evaporation filters extend into the water reservoir so that water is absorbed onto the filters by way of capillary action. The humidifier is appointed to be placed proximate to a source of heated air so that water absorbed by the evaporation filters evaporates into the heated air and is diffused into a room.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a humidifier and method of using same that utilizes a plurality of disposable filters and air from a source of heated air flow near a floor, wall, or ceiling; and more particularly, to an energy efficient humidifier appointed for placement proximate to a hot air source, and having a water reservoir and a plurality of filters extending into the water reservoir so that water is absorbed by the filters due to capillary action.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Many enclosed buildings experience low humidity levels, especially during the heating season. Low humidity environments are associated with respiratory problems. Room air should be humidified within a relatively narrow humidity range to achieve an acceptable human comfort level at a particular temperature and atmospheric pressure. Humidifier units are conventionally utilized for delivering moisture to homes and offices to achieve the desired humidity ranges.

The majority of humidifiers have an internal source of heat and a motorized fan that blows air over the hear source and through or against a moistened filter or wick. However, the use of an internal heat source and fan requires these devices to be powered by electricity, and many have irritating humming or other noises the user must bear through. Many of these devices further require replacement of the filters, which tend to be costly. In addition, the internal heat source and fan add substantially to the cost, size, and weight of the humidifier.

Other humidifiers currently available involve energy efficient devices that do not have an internal heat source or fan and do not require electricity; instead these energy efficient humidifiers generally involve a container having a water reservoir appointed to be placed in proximate association with heater units. Delivery of moisture to the air is achieved though evaporation of the water reservoir. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,895 to Ghorayeb discloses a humidifier appointed for attachment to a base-board heater unit. The humidifier includes a container for storing water and an opening for evaporation. As hot air from the heater unit passes over the water and evaporates same, the moistened air is forced into the room. The device cannot be utilized with both wall and floor heater units. It utilizes direct evaporation of the water reservoir into the room, causing frequent refilling of the water reservoir.

While other energy efficient humidifiers do not involve evaporation directly form a water reservoir, but instead involve evaporation of water from a material wick wetted through capillary migration. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,225,539 to Grants discloses a room humidifier unit operable in conjunction with the natural circulation of the room's air, comprising a portable, self-contained and angularly adjustable evaporator having water absorbent evaporative strips disposed therein to obtain maximum evaporation of moisture into the room's circulating air. The device is a stand-alone unit, and evaporation is achieved from the room's air circulation.

In addition, capillary migration is utilized for various humidifiers appointed to be placed in close proximity to a heating source. Many of these humidifiers include a single material surface for absorbing water, and utilize placement of the wetted material over the heating source vent. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,850,698 to Goh discloses a free-standing humidifier appointed for placement above a floor heating source. The humidifier has a main reservoir for holding water and receiving an end of a paper towel while the other end is received by a rod appointed so that water wicks the paper-towel through capillary migration and hot air passes over the moist towel. U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,230 to Hist discloses a portable wall register mount humidifier having a water reservoir with a wicking material vertically suspended therein so that the water is absorbed on the material by way of capillary action and forced are traverses the material. These humidifiers only include a single material surface and a small reservoir area. As a result, water is absorbed at a fast rate from the single towel or material so that it frequently become dry; while at the same time, the reservoir needs frequent refilling.

Even where humidifiers utilize a plurality of material wicks arranged in relation to one another, these units fail to provide optimum moisture delivery, while at the same time providing a unit that does not have to be filled frequently. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,174 to Vesper discloses a humidifier appointed for attachment to a wall hot air register via hooks, and is comprised of a substantially rectilinear container having a water reservoir in the base thereof and parallel spaced grooves for removably supporting a plurality of evaporator plates of absorbent material in parallel spaced apart relation to each other. Refilling of the reservoir can be cumbersome as refilling of the unit appears to take place from the back thereof, so that the unit must be removed from the wall for re-filling. In addition, changing or replacement of the evaporator plates can be quite cumbersome, as the plate have a generally L-shape and insertion into the container is achieved though a back opening that can only accommodate a portion of the plate at one time, so that the plate must be awkwardly angled into the container. Disadvantageously, air is delivered over the plates and over the water reservoir area simultaneously, so that evaporation takes place both from the plates and from the reservoir itself. As a result, the reservoir itself would tend to evaporate quickly and need frequent refilling.

Notwithstanding the efforts of prior art workers to construct an energy efficient humidifier for residential and/commercial use there remains a need in the art for a humidifier for use with a source of heated air and method of using same that is non-complex and space and energy efficient, and which houses a plurality of evaporation filters in parallel arrangement, so that air from an air source in a floor or wall heating source passes thereover. In addition, there is a need in the art for a humidifier that provides a plurality of tunnels between each evaporation filter, so that the tunnels facilitate flow of hot air from the heating source over each of the evaporation filters. Further, there is an art-recognized need for a humidifier wherein indirect air flow over the water reservoir is provided so as to mitigation direct evaporation therefrom and decrease the need and frequency of refilling the reservoir.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an energy efficient humidifier for residential and/commercial use and method of using same, that is non-complex and space and energy efficient, and which houses a plurality of evaporation filters in parallel arrangement, so that air from an air source in a floor or wall heating source passes thereover. The humidifier offers an energy efficient construction that does not require a power source. A plurality of tunnels provided between each evaporation filter facilitate flow of hot air from the heating source over each of the evaporation filters. These tunnels afford indirect air flow over the water reservoir so that direct evaporation from the water reservoir is mitigated, and the need and frequency of refilling the reservoir is decreased.

In one embodiment the humidifier comprises a container having a front wall, back wall, bottom, top, and side walls, arranged to form an interior compartment. The container is appointed to be placed in close association with a source of heated air appointed to expel heated air into a room. An inner support portion is fixedly attached to the bottom of the container. The inner support portion is arranged to form a plurality of tunnels and support chambers. The plurality of tunnels extend from the bottom into the interior compartment of container so that heated air from the source enters the tunnels and traverses into the interior compartment of the container. The inner support portion is arranged within the container to form a water reservoir appointed to receive and house water. A plurality of grooves are arranged in a parallel arrangement located on each of the front and back walls of the container. Each of the grooves is arranged in association with each of the support chambers of the inner support portion.

A plurality of evaporation filters are provided. Each of the evaporation filters is adapted to be received by each of the grooves and each of the support chambers of the inner support portion. The plurality of evaporation filters is arranged in a parallel arrangement. Each of the evaporation filters is in intimate contact with the water in the water reservoir so that each of the evaporation filters absorbs moister and becomes wetted through capillary migration. Wherein the bottom of the container, appointed with the tunnels of the inner support portion, is placed in close proximity to the source of heated air so that the heated air flows into the tunnels and traverses the body of each of the evaporation filters that has been wetted and receives moisture therefrom. The moistened air is expelled into the room causing diffusion of moisture therewithin.

In another embodiment, the humidifier comprises a container having a front wall, back wall, bottom, top, and side walls, arranged to form an interior compartment. The container is placed in close association with a source of heated air adapted to expel heated air into a room. An inner support portion is fixedly attached to the bottom of the container and is arranged to form a plurality of support chambers extending from the bottom into the interior compartment of the container. A plurality of tunnels extend from the interior compartment of the container into the room. The inner support portion is arranged within the container to form a water reservoir adapted to receive and house water. A plurality of grooves is arranged in a parallel arrangement located on at least one of each of the front and/or back walls. Each of the grooves is in association with each of the support chambers of the inner support portion. A plurality of evaporation filters is provided. Each of the evaporation filters is received by each of the grooves and each of the support chambers. The plurality of evaporation filters is arranged in a parallel arrangement. Each of the evaporation filters are in intimate contact with the water in the water reservoir so that each of the evaporation filters absorbs moister and becomes wetted. The container is placed in close proximity to the source of heated air so that the heated air flows into the tunnels and traverses the body of each of the evaporation filters that has been wetted and receives moisture therefrom, which is expelled into the room causing diffusion of moisture therewithin.

A method of using a humidifier is provided, including the step of placing a plurality of evaporation filters having an absorbing surface within one of a plurality of grooves arranged in a parallel arrangement located on the front and back walls of a container. Contemporaneously, the evaporation filters are placed within one of a plurality of support chambers located in an inner support portion fixedly attached within the container and being arranged within the container to form a water reservoir. The next steps involve filling the water reservoir with water and allowing the container to sit until the evaporation filters absorb the water, whereby the water travels along the surface of the evaporation filters and the evaporation filters become wetted. The last step involves placing the container in close proximity to a source of heated air.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a humidifier and method of using same that is uncomplicated, having a minimal number of moving parts, and space and energy efficient. The diffusion humidifier of the present invention houses a plurality of evaporation filters in parallel alignment, facilitating the passage thereover of air from an air source in a floor or wall heating source. The humidifier affords an energy efficient construction that does not require a power source. A plurality of tunnels is provided between each evaporation filter in order to direct hot air flow from the heating source over each of the evaporation filters. These tunnels afford indirect air flow over the water reservoir so that direct evaporation from the water reservoir is mitigated, thereby decreasing the need and frequency of refilling of the reservoir.

Advantageously, the humidifier and method of using same does not require any moving parts necessitating the use of electricity, and is therefore extremely energy efficient. At the same time, the lack of moving parts provides further advantages, including silent operation, as there is no fan required, and very little maintenance. In addition, the need for humidity control sensors has been negated, as the humidifier automatically equilibrates the humidity of the room with that of the evaporation filters. As equilibrium is reached, evaporation of the moisture decreases; while at the same time, when the room air is drier, evaporation increases until equilibrium is achieved.

FIGS. 1aand1billustrate a front view of an embodiment of the humidifier for use with a source of heated air wherein the device is placed on a floor register, and a view of the evaporation filter. Specifically,FIG. 1ashows a front view of an embodiment of the humidifier for use with source of heated air wherein the device is placed on a floor register, shown generally at10; andFIG. 1bshows the evaporation filter, shown generally at30. The humidifier10comprises a container11having a front wall12, back wall13, bottom14, top15, and side walls16, arranged to form an interior compartment17. Container11is appointed to be placed in close association with a source of heated air, herein shown as a floor register70appointed to expel heated air71into a room. An inner support portion20is fixedly attached to bottom14of container11. In this embodiment, inner support portion20is arranged to form a plurality of tunnels21and support chambers22. The plurality of tunnels21extend from bottom14into interior compartment17of container11so that heated air from the source, herein floor register70, enters tunnels21and traverses into the interior compartment17of container11. Inner support portion20is arranged within container11to form a water reservoir19appointed to receive and house water. A plurality of grooves18are arranged in a parallel arrangement located on each of said front12and back13walls of container11. Each of the grooves18is arranged in association with each of the support chambers22of inner support portion20.

Continuing withFIG. 1, a plurality of evaporation filters31having lateral edges35and a body32with an upper portion33and a lower portion34are arranged in a parallel alignment within support chambers22of inner support portion20and vis-à-vie within container11. At least two of the lateral edges35are received in at least two of the grooves18with one being on the front wall12and the other being on the back wall13of container11. At least one of lateral edge35and lower portion34of body32of each evaporation filter31is substantially received in each support chamber22of inner support portion20. Each lateral edge35and lower portion34of body32of each evaporation filter31is substantially in intimate contact with the water in water reservoir19so that each evaporation filter31absorbs moister and becomes wetted through capillary migration.

In operation, bottom14of container11appointed with tunnels21of inner support portion20is placed in close proximity to the source of heated air, floor register70, so that heated air71flows into tunnels21and traverses body32of each of evaporation filter31, which have been wetted through capillary migration so that moisture is absorbed onto each of the evaporation filters31. Moisture from the evaporation filters31is evaporated into the heated air71as the heated air71passes over the wetted evaporation filters31. As such, heated air71becomes humidified and humidified air72is expelled and diffused into the room. Optionally, the container11may further comprise a lid (not shown) removably attached and appointed to be received by top17of container11. Preferably, the lid is hingedly attached to top17of container11. In addition, the lid may comprise a plurality of apertures integrally constructed therein in order to diffuse moistened heated air72therefrom.

Container11generally has a rectangular shape, having a size that is appointed to substantially cover typical registers utilized by sources of heated air to traverse heated air into rooms. However, the humidifier can take on a vast array of shapes. Preferably, the humidifier10includes at least four support legs23attached to bottom14of container11. Support legs23are spaced apart from one another and act to provide a clearance (vertical) between floor register70and bottom14of container11, thereby channeling air efficiently into the tunnels21. In addition, these support legs provide stability to the humidifier11. Preferably, humidifier11comprises six support legs23to further enhance the durability and stability of the humidifier11as it is placed over the source of heated air.

When using the humidifier, a plurality of evaporation filters31having an absorbing surface are respectively placed within grooves18, which are arranged in a parallel alignment located on front and back walls12,13of container11. In conjunction, each evaporation filter31is placed within each respective or associated support chamber22located in inner support portion20fixedly attached within container11. Water is added to the water reservoir19. The humidifier is allowed to sit until the evaporation filters31absorb the water and the water travels, via capillary migration, along the surface of the evaporation filters31, thereby wetting same. More water is added to replenish the water reservoir19as needed, to top same off. The container is then placed in close proximity to a source of heated air so that the heated air traverses the evaporation filters31and moist air is diffused into the room.

FIG. 2illustrates a cut-away front view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, wherein the container is severed to further show the inner support portion and evaporation filters, shown generally at40. Container11is shown with front wall12and a portion of one of side walls16cut away (and two evaporation filters31have been removed) in order to further illustrate inner support portion20. Inner support portion20is fixedly attached to bottom14of container11, and is arranged to form a plurality of tunnels21and support chambers22appointed for housing evaporation filters31. In this embodiment, the plurality of tunnels21extend from bottom14into interior compartment17of container11so that heated air from the source, herein floor register70, enters tunnels21and traverses into the interior compartment17of container11. Inner support portion20is arranged within container11to form a water reservoir19appointed to receive and house water. A plurality of grooves18are arranged in a parallel arrangement located on each of the front12and back13walls of container11. Each of the grooves18on front and back walls,12and13, respectively, of container11are arranged in association with each of the support chambers22of inner support portion20.

Continuing withFIG. 2, preferably each support chamber22has a u-shaped configuration (as is illustrated inFIGS. 1-5). As such, each support chamber22comprises a pair of brackets each having a center portion41and two vertical arms42. Center portion41has a height less than the two vertical arms42. Preferably, center portion41of each of the pair of brackets has a height ranging between 5 cm (1.97 inches) to 9 cm (3.54 inches). Most preferably, center portion41of each of the pair of brackets has a height of 7 cm (2.76 inches). The height of the center portion41is directly relevant to the level of the water or depth of water that can be held in the water reservoir19. The greater the height of the center portion41, the greater the depth the water retained in water reservoir19, and vis-à-vis, the more water the reservoir19can hold and the less frequently same will need refilling by the user.

FIGS. 3aand3billustrate a top view and bottom view, respectively, of the humidifier embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1. In particular,FIG. 3aillustrates a top view of the humidifier embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, shown generally at100; andFIG. 3billustrates a bottom view of the humidifier embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, shown generally at110. The humidifier10includes support legs23. Support legs23may further include bid portions101to further support each of the support legs23. The plurality of tunnels21are illustrated via shaded regions. Water reservoir19surrounds the outer edges of container11and travels into support chamber22of the inner support portion20. Preferably, tunnels21have a width ranging from 0.5 cm (0.20 inches) to 1.5 cm (0.59 inches), as is indicated by V. More preferably, substantially all of the tunnels21have a width of 1 cm (0.39 inches) in width. The width of the tunnel plays a role in delivering maximum amount of heated air from the source of heated air, so that a substantial amount of the heated air enters the tunnels, and vis-à-vis the humidifier10.

Continuing withFIGS. 3aand3b, each support chamber22preferably has a thickness ranging from 0.17 cm (0.07 inches) to 0.6 cm (0.24 inches). In turn, each evaporation filter31(not shown in the figure) has a thickness ranging from 0.15 cm (0.59 inches) to 0.4 cm (0.16 inches). The thickness of the evaporation filter31and that of the support chamber22are closely related, so that the evaporation filters31are readily received and housed with each of the support chambers22in a manner is convenient for filter31replacement, yet at the same time offers snug stability so that the filters31do not jostle around or become freed from each of their respective support chambers22. Alternatively, each support chamber22further comprises chamber tracks105,106appointed for further stabilizing the evaporation filters31. Preferably, each groove18is arranged in a parallel arrangement located on front and back walls,12and13, respectively, of container11. Each groove18comprises a groove pair,102and103, wherein the distance between each groove pair,102and103, ranges from 0.15 cm (0.59 inches) to 0.4 cm (0.16 inches). Each groove18is appointed to snuggly receive and house a lateral edge35of the evaporation filter31and work in conjunction with each relative support chamber22so that the filter31does not jostle or move around and become freed.

FIG. 4illustrates a front view of the humidifier embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, wherein the front and back walls of the container include a plurality of apertures therein, shown generally at50; Front and back walls,12and13, of container11may further include a plurality of apertures51located therein. These apertures51are located above water reservoir19, and vis-à-vis above the water level of the water reservoir19so as to prevent leakage of the water from the humidifier10. These apertures facilitate enhanced diffusion of the moistened air as it exits the humidifier10. In addition (although not illustrated in the figure) each of the side walls16of container11may further include a plurality of side wall apertures therein located above said water reservoir19.

FIGS. 5aand5billustrate an embodiment of the humidifier for use with source of heated air wherein the device is placed on a wall or base board register. In particular,FIG. 5aillustrates a front view of an embodiment of the humidifier placed on a wall register, shown generally at200; andFIG. 5billustrates a side view of an embodiment of the humidifier placed on a wall register illustrating the attachment to the register, shown generally at250. The humidifier may be appointed to be placed on various sources of heated air, including floor registers (as shown inFIG. 1), ceiling registers, base board registers, and/or wall registers (as shown inFIGS. 5aand5b).

Humidifier200,250further comprises attachment means appointed to attach humidifier200,250to a source of heated air, herein shown as a wall register220. The attachment means, more clearly illustrated inFIG. 5b, may comprise at least two fixed latches201and at least two coil spring latches203. The coil spring latches203include a foot251and a lever252. Lever252is pivotally attached to pivot253which is in turn integrally connected to push knob254so that, when push knob254is pressed downward, lever252and foot251pivot or rotate 180 degrees back so that same are flush with side wall207of container205(as is shown via phantom lever252and foot251). Fixed latches201are preferably located on the lower portion of the side walls207of container205. In turn, coil spring latches203are preferably located on the top portion of the side walls207of container205. Fixed latches201include a latch foot255and latch lever256. The latches201and203are appointed to attach humidifier200,250to the source of heated air, herein wall register220. The latches201and203fit between grates within the register220and catch themselves either thereon or on the wall support of the register220. Alternatively, the attachment means comprises at least two fixed mounts located on the top206of container205, extending vertically upward (not shown in figure) and are appointed to attach the humidifier to a source of heated air, wherein the source of heated air comprises a ceiling register or ceiling vent.

Continuing withFIGS. 5aand5b, humidifier200,250further comprises a plurality of wall tunnels208. These wall tunnels208allow heated air from the wall register220to flow into the wall tunnels208and traverse each evaporation filter31, which have been wetted through capillary migration so that moisture is absorbed onto each of the evaporation filters31. Moisture from the evaporation filters31is evaporated into the heated air as the heated air passes over the wetted evaporation filters31. As such, the heated air becomes humidified and humidified air is expelled and diffused into the room. In another embodiment, there are no tunnels in the bottom of the container, but there are these wall tunnels208instead. This embodiment has particular applications when the humidifier is to be utilized for wall or base board mounting.

The humidifier may be composed of a polymeric or plastic material. As constructed, the humidifier preferably has a light-weight construction and is durable for extended use and can tolerate high levels of heat. Preferably, the polymeric material composing the humidifier includes a sterilizing chemical added within the polymeric material, thereby mitigating and preventing the growth of bacteria or collection of germs within the humidifier as it is being used for prolonged periods of time. Alternatively, each of the evaporation filters may be composed of a filter material containing an antibacterial agent in order to mitigate the growth of bacteria on the evaporation filters. Preferably, the filters are disposable, and can be readily replaced by the user.