Abstract:
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.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    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. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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&#39;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&#39;s circulating air. The device is a stand-alone unit, and evaporation is achieved from the room&#39;s air circulation. 
         [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    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. 
         [0010]    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 
       [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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. 
         [0013]    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. 
         [0014]    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. 
         [0015]    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. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0016]    The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0017]      FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  illustrate a front view of an embodiment of the humidifier for use with a source of heated air, the device being placed on a floor register, and an evaporation filter, respectively; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cut-away front view of the humidifier embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , wherein the container is severed to further show the inner support portion and evaporation filters; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  illustrate a top view and bottom view, respectively, of the humidifier embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the humidifier embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , wherein the front and back walls of the container include a plurality of apertures therein; and 
           [0021]      FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  illustrate an embodiment of the humidifier for use with a source of heated air wherein the device is placed on a wall or base board register. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    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. 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  illustrate 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. 1   a  shows 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 at  10 ; and  FIG. 1   b  shows the evaporation filter, shown generally at  30 . The humidifier  10  comprises a container  11  having a front wall  12 , back wall  13 , bottom  14 , top  15 , and side walls  16 , arranged to form an interior compartment  17 . Container  11  is appointed to be placed in close association with a source of heated air, herein shown as a floor register  70  appointed to expel heated air  71  into a room. An inner support portion  20  is fixedly attached to bottom  14  of container  11 . In this embodiment, inner support portion  20  is arranged to form a plurality of tunnels  21  and support chambers  22 . The plurality of tunnels  21  extend from bottom  14  into interior compartment  17  of container  11  so that heated air from the source, herein floor register  70 , enters tunnels  21  and traverses into the interior compartment  17  of container  11 . Inner support portion  20  is arranged within container  11  to form a water reservoir  19  appointed to receive and house water. A plurality of grooves  18  are arranged in a parallel arrangement located on each of said front  12  and back  13  walls of container  11 . Each of the grooves  18  is arranged in association with each of the support chambers  22  of inner support portion  20 . 
         [0025]    Continuing with  FIG. 1 , a plurality of evaporation filters  31  having lateral edges  35  and a body  32  with an upper portion  33  and a lower portion  34  are arranged in a parallel alignment within support chambers  22  of inner support portion  20  and vis-à-vie within container  11 . At least two of the lateral edges  35  are received in at least two of the grooves  18  with one being on the front wall  12  and the other being on the back wall  13  of container  11 . At least one of lateral edge  35  and lower portion  34  of body  32  of each evaporation filter  31  is substantially received in each support chamber  22  of inner support portion  20 . Each lateral edge  35  and lower portion  34  of body  32  of each evaporation filter  31  is substantially in intimate contact with the water in water reservoir  19  so that each evaporation filter  31  absorbs moister and becomes wetted through capillary migration. 
         [0026]    In operation, bottom  14  of container  11  appointed with tunnels  21  of inner support portion  20  is placed in close proximity to the source of heated air, floor register  70 , so that heated air  71  flows into tunnels  21  and traverses body  32  of each of evaporation filter  31 , which have been wetted through capillary migration so that moisture is absorbed onto each of the evaporation filters  31 . Moisture from the evaporation filters  31  is evaporated into the heated air  71  as the heated air  71  passes over the wetted evaporation filters  31 . As such, heated air  71  becomes humidified and humidified air  72  is expelled and diffused into the room. Optionally, the container  11  may further comprise a lid (not shown) removably attached and appointed to be received by top  17  of container  11 . Preferably, the lid is hingedly attached to top  17  of container  11 . In addition, the lid may comprise a plurality of apertures integrally constructed therein in order to diffuse moistened heated air  72  therefrom. 
         [0027]    Container  11  generally 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 humidifier  10  includes at least four support legs  23  attached to bottom  14  of container  11 . Support legs  23  are spaced apart from one another and act to provide a clearance (vertical) between floor register  70  and bottom  14  of container  11 , thereby channeling air efficiently into the tunnels  21 . In addition, these support legs provide stability to the humidifier  11 . Preferably, humidifier  11  comprises six support legs  23  to further enhance the durability and stability of the humidifier  11  as it is placed over the source of heated air. 
         [0028]    When using the humidifier, a plurality of evaporation filters  31  having an absorbing surface are respectively placed within grooves  18 , which are arranged in a parallel alignment located on front and back walls  12 ,  13  of container  11 . In conjunction, each evaporation filter  31  is placed within each respective or associated support chamber  22  located in inner support portion  20  fixedly attached within container  11 . Water is added to the water reservoir  19 . The humidifier is allowed to sit until the evaporation filters  31  absorb the water and the water travels, via capillary migration, along the surface of the evaporation filters  31 , thereby wetting same. More water is added to replenish the water reservoir  19  as 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 filters  31  and moist air is diffused into the room. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cut-away front view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , wherein the container is severed to further show the inner support portion and evaporation filters, shown generally at  40 . Container  11  is shown with front wall  12  and a portion of one of side walls  16  cut away (and two evaporation filters  31  have been removed) in order to further illustrate inner support portion  20 . Inner support portion  20  is fixedly attached to bottom  14  of container  11 , and is arranged to form a plurality of tunnels  21  and support chambers  22  appointed for housing evaporation filters  31 . In this embodiment, the plurality of tunnels  21  extend from bottom  14  into interior compartment  17  of container  11  so that heated air from the source, herein floor register  70 , enters tunnels  21  and traverses into the interior compartment  17  of container  11 . Inner support portion  20  is arranged within container  11  to form a water reservoir  19  appointed to receive and house water. A plurality of grooves  18  are arranged in a parallel arrangement located on each of the front  12  and back  13  walls of container  11 . Each of the grooves  18  on front and back walls,  12  and  13 , respectively, of container  11  are arranged in association with each of the support chambers  22  of inner support portion  20 . 
         [0030]    Continuing with  FIG. 2 , preferably each support chamber  22  has a u-shaped configuration (as is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 ). As such, each support chamber  22  comprises a pair of brackets each having a center portion  41  and two vertical arms  42 . Center portion  41  has a height less than the two vertical arms  42 . Preferably, center portion  41  of 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 portion  41  of each of the pair of brackets has a height of 7 cm (2.76 inches). The height of the center portion  41  is directly relevant to the level of the water or depth of water that can be held in the water reservoir  19 . The greater the height of the center portion  41 , the greater the depth the water retained in water reservoir  19 , and vis-à-vis, the more water the reservoir  19  can hold and the less frequently same will need refilling by the user. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  illustrate a top view and bottom view, respectively, of the humidifier embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In particular,  FIG. 3   a  illustrates a top view of the humidifier embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , shown generally at  100 ; and  FIG. 3   b  illustrates a bottom view of the humidifier embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , shown generally at  110 . The humidifier  10  includes support legs  23 . Support legs  23  may further include bid portions  101  to further support each of the support legs  23 . The plurality of tunnels  21  are illustrated via shaded regions. Water reservoir  19  surrounds the outer edges of container  11  and travels into support chamber  22  of the inner support portion  20 . Preferably, tunnels  21  have 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 tunnels  21  have 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 humidifier  10 . 
         [0032]    Continuing with  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , each support chamber  22  preferably has a thickness ranging from 0.17 cm (0.07 inches) to 0.6 cm (0.24 inches). In turn, each evaporation filter  31  (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 filter  31  and that of the support chamber  22  are closely related, so that the evaporation filters  31  are readily received and housed with each of the support chambers  22  in a manner is convenient for filter  31  replacement, yet at the same time offers snug stability so that the filters  31  do not jostle around or become freed from each of their respective support chambers  22 . Alternatively, each support chamber  22  further comprises chamber tracks  105 ,  106  appointed for further stabilizing the evaporation filters  31 . Preferably, each groove  18  is arranged in a parallel arrangement located on front and back walls,  12  and  13 , respectively, of container  11 . Each groove  18  comprises a groove pair,  102  and  103 , wherein the distance between each groove pair,  102  and  103 , ranges from 0.15 cm (0.59 inches) to 0.4 cm (0.16 inches). Each groove  18  is appointed to snuggly receive and house a lateral edge  35  of the evaporation filter  31  and work in conjunction with each relative support chamber  22  so that the filter  31  does not jostle or move around and become freed. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the humidifier embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , wherein the front and back walls of the container include a plurality of apertures therein, shown generally at  50 ; Front and back walls,  12  and  13 , of container  11  may further include a plurality of apertures  51  located therein. These apertures  51  are located above water reservoir  19 , and vis-à-vis above the water level of the water reservoir  19  so as to prevent leakage of the water from the humidifier  10 . These apertures facilitate enhanced diffusion of the moistened air as it exits the humidifier  10 . In addition (although not illustrated in the figure) each of the side walls  16  of container  11  may further include a plurality of side wall apertures therein located above said water reservoir  19 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  illustrate 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. 5   a  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the humidifier placed on a wall register, shown generally at  200 ; and  FIG. 5   b  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the humidifier placed on a wall register illustrating the attachment to the register, shown generally at  250 . The humidifier may be appointed to be placed on various sources of heated air, including floor registers (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), ceiling registers, base board registers, and/or wall registers (as shown in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b ). 
         [0035]    Humidifier  200 ,  250  further comprises attachment means appointed to attach humidifier  200 ,  250  to a source of heated air, herein shown as a wall register  220 . The attachment means, more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 5   b , may comprise at least two fixed latches  201  and at least two coil spring latches  203 . The coil spring latches  203  include a foot  251  and a lever  252 . Lever  252  is pivotally attached to pivot  253  which is in turn integrally connected to push knob  254  so that, when push knob  254  is pressed downward, lever  252  and foot  251  pivot or rotate 180 degrees back so that same are flush with side wall  207  of container  205  (as is shown via phantom lever  252  and foot  251 ). Fixed latches  201  are preferably located on the lower portion of the side walls  207  of container  205 . In turn, coil spring latches  203  are preferably located on the top portion of the side walls  207  of container  205 . Fixed latches  201  include a latch foot  255  and latch lever  256 . The latches  201  and  203  are appointed to attach humidifier  200 ,  250  to the source of heated air, herein wall register  220 . The latches  201  and  203  fit between grates within the register  220  and catch themselves either thereon or on the wall support of the register  220 . Alternatively, the attachment means comprises at least two fixed mounts located on the top  206  of container  205 , 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. 
         [0036]    Continuing with  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , humidifier  200 ,  250  further comprises a plurality of wall tunnels  208 . These wall tunnels  208  allow heated air from the wall register  220  to flow into the wall tunnels  208  and traverse each evaporation filter  31 , which have been wetted through capillary migration so that moisture is absorbed onto each of the evaporation filters  31 . Moisture from the evaporation filters  31  is evaporated into the heated air as the heated air passes over the wetted evaporation filters  31 ; 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 tunnels  208  instead. This embodiment has particular applications when the humidifier is to be utilized for wall or base board mounting. 
         [0037]    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. 
         [0038]    Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.