Abstract:
A portable cooling system for use in conjunction with child carriages incorporating a reservoir of ice and a water pump that directs chilled water through a dehumidifying radiator located in an air handler assembly is herein disclosed. The water continues to circulate through two (2) cooling radiators and returns to the ice and water reservoir by gravity. An electric fan blows air through the radiators where it is dehumidified by the first radiator and cooled by the next two (2) radiators. The air then continues through the air handler wherefrom it is directed toward the child through a flexible duct. A rechargeable battery system is used to power the operation of both the pump and the fan through separate switches. Such an arrangement allows the user to run just the fan for ventilation if cooling is not needed. The cooling system is carried upon the rear of a baby carriage in a stable manner.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Sep. 15, 2008, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to portable cooling systems, and in particular, to a portable cooling device for regulating air temperature in infant strollers and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Strollers are one of the most common methods of transportation for infants and other young children. Many parents rely on strollers to enable them to walk long distances or enjoy the outdoors without having to leave their children behind. However, it is well known that very young children are comparatively delicate and sensitive to their environment. Extreme weather and temperature conditions can aggravate a child, leading to discomfort, complaining, and crying. This in turn affects the quality of the adult&#39;s experience as well. Furthermore, such conditions can actually pose physical hazards to children of that age. Young children are far more susceptible to sickness and disease as a result of drastic weather conditions, especially if unprotected. While cold weather conditions can be accounted for by means of blankets and extra clothing, it can be very difficult to counteract the effects of extreme heat. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide for a means of portable cooling. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 2,724,951, issued in the name of Arce, describes a liquid cooling device. The Arce device utilizes insulated compartments and cooled water to lower the internal temperature of its compartments. U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,301, issued in the name of Holcomb, describes a portable device with an integral fan designed to propel cooled air in the vicinity of the device. The Holcomb device houses an internal compartment for containing frozen material, which in turn cools the air internally before it is expelled by the fan. U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,489, issued in the name of Martello, describes a portable air conditioning device with a low-output power source. The power source runs a fan which expels internally cooled air. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one or more disadvantages. Such devices are only able to cool quantities enclosed within the device. Also, such devices which are capable of external cooling are not suited for the cooling of a particular targeted external area. Also, such devices are bulky in construction and inconvenient to rearrange or move upon assembly at a desired location. Also, such devices use cooling methods that are difficult or inconvenient to sustain for long periods, and require continued energy or replacement of the cooling substance. Furthermore, such devices are not suited to adapt or attach to mobile devices such as strollers. Accordingly, there exists a need for a portable cooling system without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need to provide portable cooling in a manner which is simple, effective, easy to maintain and operate, and which provides sufficient adaptability, attachability, and mobility. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container comprising a cold compartment having chilled water stored within. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an air handler comprising a plenum and a duct connected to the plenum. The air handler also includes an affixed bracket and clamp which are designed to be removably mated to a child carriage. The duct includes an integral duct collar on the end apart from the plenum. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a plenum connected to the container. The plenum contains a dehumidifier and a plurality of cooling radiators located with the plenum. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a fan which is positioned between the dehumidifier and cooling radiators. It is the purpose of this fan to direct air into the duct for external expulsion. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a pump and supply line, which extend from the cold compartment of the container to the plenum. This is for the purpose of circulating chilled water from the cold compartment to the dehumidifier and radiators in order to remove moisture from hot ambient air which is drawn in the plenum by the fan. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a return line which extends from the plenum to the cold compartment. The return line is intended to return chilled water to the cold compartment by means of gravity. The dehumidified and cooled air is directed into the duct by means of the integral fan. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a cooled blanket comprised of a cushion and an inlet and outlet combination. The cushion is adapted to be removably positioned on a child carriage. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an integral cooling coil in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet of the cooled blanket. The purpose of this is to circulate chilled water from the supply line through the cooling coil of the blanket prior to entering the dehumidifying radiator. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the system which provides portable cooling in a unique manner which is simple, effective, easy to maintain and operate, and which provides the user with sufficient adaptability, attachability, and mobility. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an integrated portable air cooling system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of the integrated portable air cooling system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a container for the integrated portable air cooling system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a perspective partially cut-away view of an air handler  40  as part of the portable air cooling system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a perspective cut away view of an air handler universal bracket  31  as a part of the portable air cooling system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the portable air cooling system  10  in the installed state within a child carriage  94 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   a  is a perspective view of a water-cooled blanket embodiment  60  which is an accessory for the portable air cooling system  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   b  is a perspective view of the water-cooled blanket embodiment  60  in the state of being connected in series within the water supply line  23 , according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the water-cooled blanket embodiment  60  in the installed state within the child carriage  94 , according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a portable modular cooling assembly  70  according to another alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                   10  
                   portable cooling system 
                 
                 
                   11 
                   container 
                 
                 
                   12 
                   strap 
                 
                 
                   13 
                   lid 
                 
                 
                   14 
                   battery pack 
                 
                 
                   15 
                   battery access flap 
                 
                 
                   16 
                   fan switch 
                 
                 
                   17 
                   pump switch 
                 
                 
                   18 
                   charging port 
                 
                 
                   21 
                   fan plug 
                 
                 
                   22 
                   storage bin 
                 
                 
                   23 
                   water supply line 
                 
                 
                   24 
                   water return line 
                 
                 
                   25 
                   pump 
                 
                 
                   27 
                   cold compartment 
                 
                 
                   28 
                   fan power line 
                 
                 
                   29 
                   pump power lead 
                 
                 
                   31 
                   universal bracket 
                 
                 
                   33 
                   drain 
                 
                 
                   34 
                   strap attachment 
                 
                 
                   35 
                   cooler 
                 
                 
                   36 
                   pump plug 
                 
                 
                   37 
                   male disconnect 
                 
                 
                   38 
                   female disconnect 
                 
                 
                   40 
                   air handler 
                 
                 
                   41 
                   plenum 
                 
                 
                   42 
                   dehumidifying radiator 
                 
                 
                   43 
                   fan 
                 
                 
                   44 
                   cooling radiator 
                 
                 
                   45 
                   fan receptacle 
                 
                 
                   46 
                   flexible duct 
                 
                 
                   47 
                   fastener 
                 
                 
                   48 
                   wing nut 
                 
                 
                   49 
                   flexible duct collar 
                 
                 
                   60 
                   water-cooled blanket embodiment 
                 
                 
                   61 
                   cushion 
                 
                 
                   62 
                   inlet 
                 
                 
                   63 
                   outlet 
                 
                 
                   64 
                   cooling coil 
                 
                 
                   70 
                   alternate embodiment 
                 
                 
                   71 
                   enclosure 
                 
                 
                   72 
                   bracket 
                 
                 
                   73 
                   power receptacle 
                 
                 
                   75 
                   cold chest 
                 
                 
                   81 
                   ice 
                 
                 
                   82 
                   water 
                 
                 
                   84 
                   clamp 
                 
                 
                   85 
                   handle 
                 
                 
                   88 
                   tray 
                 
                 
                   89 
                   mounting aperture 
                 
                 
                   90 
                   slotted aperture 
                 
                 
                   91 
                   clamping aperture 
                 
                 
                   94 
                   child carriage 
                 
                 
                   95 
                   foldable top 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5  and in terms of an alternate embodiment herein depicted within  FIGS. 6   a  through  8 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an integrated portable air cooling system (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a means for providing dehumidified and cooled air to the inside space of a child carriage  94  or to the interior of other such confined personal spaces, such as wheelchairs, mopeds, and golf carts. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the integrated air cooling system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a container  11  made of materials such as, but not limited to: rigid or semi rigid plastic, heavy duty canvas over a metal frame, fiberglass or aluminum. Said container  11  is covered by a lid  13  made of similar material as the container  11 , which encloses a cold compartment  27  comprising a double wall with a water and abrasion resistant inner wall and a foam or fibrous insulating material filling the space between the two (2) walls. The container  11  also houses a battery pack  14  covered by a flap  15  which is closed by means such as, but not restricted to: a zipper, a hook-and-loop closure, snaps, quarter turn fasteners, a latch, or a ZIPLOCK® closure. Additionally, the container  11  also comprises an accessory storage bin  22 . A strap  12  allows the system to be carried easily and is attached thereonto external opposing side walls of the container  11 . The integrated system  10  also includes an air handler  40  which comprises a plenum  41  made of rigid plastic material with a smooth outside surface and rounded corners, a surface-mounted two-pin fan power receptacle  45 , a flexible duct  46 , a wing nut  48 , a duct collar  49  bonded to the end said flexible duct  46  and comprising a fastener  47  envisioned to be, but not limited to: a snap or a hook-and-loop strip. The flexible duct  46  is envisioned to be manufactured materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, rubber, or canvass. A “U”-shaped universal bracket  31 , made of either metal or plastic and comprising a clamp  84  allows the air handler  40  to be affixed and fastened to any part of a frame structure of a child carriage  94  or other member of a personal space enclosure by the integrally fixed clamp  84  or by any other suitable members of firm attachment such as, but not limited to: straps, snaps, hook-and-loop or individual spring clips, which members are bonded, riveted, bolted or screwed directly to the back face of said “U”-shaped universal bracket  31 . The fastener  47  is intended for securing the position of the flexible duct  46  by providing a means of attaching the flexible duct collar  49  directly onto a desirable location within the child carriage  94 , or indirectly by means of a member such as, but not restricted to: a strap, a clip, a bracket or a brace. Said fastener  47  can be made in any configuration such as, but not restricted to: a snap, a patch of hook-and-loop material, a button, a clip, or a safety pin. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a schematic view of the system  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The insulated cold compartment  27  designed as a receptacle for ice  81  and a holder of chilled water  82  underneath the ice  81 , comprises a pump  25  which circulates said chilled water  82  from the bottom portion of the cold compartment  27  to a dehumidifying radiator  42  and to a pair of cooling radiators  44  which are comprised within the air handler  40 . The pump  25  conveys the chilled water  82  by means of a supply line  23  to the dehumidifying radiator  42 , designed to remove moisture from the hot ambient air drawn into the plenum  41  by the action of a fan  43 . From the dehumidifying radiator  42 , the water proceeds through a pair of cooling radiators  44  connected in series. The dehumidified air is cooled by being moved through said radiators  44  by the action of the fan  43 , whereby the heat from the air is transferred to the circulating chilled water  82 . After exiting the second cooling radiator  44  the water  82  returns to the cold compartment  27  by gravity through a return line  24 , and the dehumidified and cooled air is directed into the child carriage  94  or other type of confined personal space through the flexible duct  46 . The water supply line  23  and the water return line  24  are envisioned to be made of a soft flexible tubing material such as, but not limited to: state-of-the-art surgical tubing, TYGON®, polyethylene, polypropylene, or rubber. One (1) disconnectable end of any water  82  circulation line  23 ,  24 ,  62  and  63  comprises a male disconnect  37 , while the corresponding disconnectable end of said water  82  circulation lines  23 ,  24 ,  62  and  63  comprises a female disconnect  38 . These disconnects are envisioned as, but not limited to: matching pairs of quick-disconnects, compression fittings, or quarter-turn bayonet type connectors. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective top view of the cooling portion of the system  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. This figure illustrates an arrangement of the various components comprised within the container  11  which comprises the cold compartment  27 , the pump  25  comprised within said cold compartment  27 , and the lid  13  shown in an open position, wherein said lid  13  is designed to keep an interior of the container  11  isolated from an outside environment to prevent contamination. The pump  25  is envisioned to be, but not restricted to, a positive type displacement model. The container  11  further comprises a battery pack  14 , the battery access flap  15  shown in the open state, the pump on-off switch  16 , the fan on-off switch  17 , the charging port  18 , a storage bin  22 , a cold water supply line  23 , a water return line  24 , and the fan power supply line  28 . The battery pack  14  provides the motive electric power for the water circulating pump  25  and for the air moving fan  43  (see  FIG. 2 ). A charging port  18  provides a receptacle means for a plug portion of a battery charging device, whereby a battery charging current is provided by a source such as, but not limited to: a solar array, a state-of-the-art 110 Volt AC/12 Volt DC converter, a 12 Volt automotive adapter, or an appropriate battery recharger. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   a , a perspective view of an air handler portion  40  of the system  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The view is shown as partially cut away in order to reveal the internal components of said air handler  40  which comprises a plenum  41 , a dehumidifying radiator  42 , and an air moving fan  43  similar in design to the small cooling fans used in keeping electronic components and electrical controls from overheating. The plenum  41  also comprises a pair of cooling radiators  44  operating in a series configuration and shown mounted in tandem. The exterior elements of the air handler  40  comprise a surface-mounted two-pin low voltage receptacle  45  intended to conduct the electric power to the fan  43 , the flexible duct  46  to adjustably direct the dehumidified and cooled air into the child carriage  94  or other confined personal space, the flexible duct collar  49 , and the fastener  47 . The inlet of the dehumidifying radiator  42  is provided with a tubing male disconnect  37 , intended to provide an easy connection with the water supply line  23  tubing by means of the female disconnect  38  (see  FIG. 1 ). Likewise, the water return line  24  from the radiator  44  is provided with a male disconnect  37  to provide an easy connection to the water return line  24  tubing. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   b , a perspective view of a “U”-shaped universal bracket portion  31  of the system  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The back surface of said universal bracket  31  comprises a clamp  84  made of metal, plastic, or plastic with a spring steel core; the clamp  84  is either bonded or removably fastened to said back surface and provided with two (2) or more apertures  91 , each intended to receive a commercially available bolt made of metal or plastic, the function of which being, in conjunction with a corresponding wing nut  48 , to tighten the clamp  84  against a suitable member of the child carriage  94 . One (1) leg of the “U”-shape of the universal bracket  31  contains a circular mounting aperture  89 , while a corresponding slotted aperture  90  is provided within the opposite leg. The mounting aperture  89  and the slotted aperture  90  are designed to engage threaded pins welded onto corresponding locations onto the exterior of opposite faces of the plenum  41 , thereby allowing the plenum  41  to be securely fastened to the universal bracket  31  by engaging a wing nut  48  onto each threaded pin and by tightening said wing nut  48 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of the integrated system  10  shown in a state of having been installed on a child carriage  94  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The container portion  11  of the system  10  is shown as securely installed on a tray  88  which is a member that is affixed onto a lower portion of a structure of the child carriage  94 , while the air handler portion  40  of the system  10  is shown as securely fastened onto the handle  85  of said child carriage  94  by means of the clamp portion  84  of the universal bracket  31 . The flexible duct collar  49  is shown as fastened to the inside of a foldable top  95  of the child carriage  94  by means of the fastener portion  47 . It is understood that other suitable locations and orientations of the air handler portion  40  may be found within the confines of the child carriage  94  to be as or more effective, and that only one (1) particular configuration is shown and described herein for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6   a , a perspective view of a water-cooled blanket embodiment  60  is shown as an accessory to the for the portable integral air cooling system  10 . The water-cooled blanket  60  comprises a cushion  61 , an inlet  62 , an outlet  63 , and an internal cooling coil  64 . It is envisioned that both the water inlet  62  and the water outlet  63  comprise an appropriate length of tubing to permit the water-cooled blanket  60  to be installed into the system  10  of the preferred embodiment whenever additional cooling comfort is needed by the occupant of the conditioned space. Under such conditions, the water-cooled blanket  60  is to be installed in a series configuration either between the end water supply tubing  23  at the female disconnect  38  and the dehumidifying radiator  42  at the male disconnect  37 , or in like manner into the return line, by means of the appropriate disconnects  37  or  38 , envisioned to be attached at the ends of the water-cooled blanket  60  inlet  62  and outlet  63  tubing respectively (see  FIG. 1 ). After completing the connections and establishing the circulation of the cold water  82 , the water-cooled blanket  60  may be placed either on the seat of the child carriage  94 , or behind the back of the occupant of the personal space, or in any other location where additional cooling may be needed either by radiation or by direct contact. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6   b , a perspective view of the water-cooled blanket  60  accessory to the preferred embodiment  10  is disclosed. Said water-cooled blanket  60  is shown as installed in a series configuration between the chilled water  82  supply line  23  and the inlet of the dehumidifying radiator  42 . The chilled water  82  is supplied through the supply line  23  by the action of the pump  25  and passes through the cooling coil  64  before entering the dehumidifying radiator  42 , from where the chilled water  82  proceeds therethrough the regular circuit comprising the cooling radiators  44  and the return line  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of the water-cooled blanket  60  shown in a state of having been installed within a child carriage  94  as an accessory to the preferred embodiment  10  of the present invention, is disclosed. As shown in greater detail  FIG. 6   b , the water-cooled blanket  60  is installed within the circuit of the chilled water  82 , in series between the supply line  23  and the inlet of the dehumidifying radiator  42 , thereby being cooled by the circulation of chilled water  82  through the cooling coil  64 . It should be noted that the position of the water-cooled blanket  60  within the child carriage  94  as shown in  FIG. 7  is intended as an illustration only and does not in any way limit the location of said water-cooled blanket  60  to any specific area. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention  70  is disclosed and shown as a modular system whereby the battery pack  14  is housed within a separate enclosure  71 , which is removably attached to a state-of-the-art commercially available cooler  35  by means of “J”-shaped brackets  72 , which brackets are permanently fastened by either being bonded, welded, rived or integrally molded onto the exterior rear surface portion of the enclosure  71  in an upside-down orientation as shown within  FIG. 5 . Within this alternate embodiment  70 , the fan switch  16 , the pump switch  17  and the charging port  18  are located within an upper portion of the enclosure  71 . The modular configuration of this alternate embodiment  70  and the removable attachment of the enclosure  71  onto a separate commercially available cooler  75 , necessitate the close proximity of a power receptacle  73  to supply the motive power from the battery pack  14  to the water circulating pump  25  and to the air moving fan  43  by way of the fan plug  21  and the pump plug  36 . The water supply line  23  and the water return line  34  each comprise one (1) female disconnect  38 , also installed in close proximity to the removable enclosure  71 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be assembled as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of assembling and utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: charging the battery pack  14  through the charging port  18 , if necessary; affixing the universal bracket  31  to the air handler  40  and fastening the wing nuts  48 ; installing the air handler  40  onto a child carriage  94  by affixing the universal bracket  31  by means of the clamp  84  onto an appropriate member of a structure of a child carriage  94  or of a personal space; opening the lid  13  of the container  11 ; priming the system  10  by pouring water  82  into the bottom of the cold compartment  27  to a level above the pump inlet sufficient to initiate the flow of the water  82 ; filling the balance of said compartment  27  with ice  81 ; closing the lid  13 ; connecting the return line  24  tubing to the water return line of the air handler  40  by pushing the female disconnect  38  of said line  24  onto the male disconnect  37  until secure; connecting the water supply line  23  tubing likewise to the inlet of the dehumidifying radiator  42  by pushing the female disconnect  38  of said line  23  onto the male disconnect  37  of the inlet of said radiator  42  until secure; connecting the plug  21  at the end of the fan power line  28  to the fan receptacle  45 ; moving the pump switch  17  to an “ON” position; ascertaining the flow of the chilled water  82  by feeling the tubing of supply line  23 ; moving the fan switch  16  to an “ON” position; ascertaining the presence of air flow at the end of the flexible duct  46 ; directing the air flow to the required area by adjusting and fixing the position of said flexible duct  46  by attaching the fastener portion  47  of the duct collar  49  onto the top inside surface of the foldable top  95  of the child carriage  94  or onto another suitable member of the child carriage  94  or of the personal space; moving the switches  16  and  17  to an “OFF” position when shutting down the system  10 ; opening the lid  13 ; draining any remaining water  82  from the cold compartment  27  by means of the drain plug  32 ; removing the remnants of the ice  81  from the cold compartment  27 ; disassembling the system  10  in the reverse order of assembly; draining, cleaning and storing various parts within the cold compartment  27  and the storage bin  22 ; and, closing and securing the lid  13 . 
     The method of assembling and utilizing the water-cooled blanket embodiment  60  as an accessory of the preferred embodiment  10  is achieved by performing the following steps in addition to the steps described herein for the method of assembling and utilizing the system  10 : connecting a male disconnect  37  which is fastened at an outer end an inlet  62  tubing of a cushion  61  onto a female disconnect  38  which is fastened onto the outer end of the water  82  supply line  23  tubing; connecting the female disconnect  38  which is fastened onto the outer end of the outlet  63  tubing of the cushion  61  onto the male disconnect  37  of the inlet of the dehumidifying radiator  42 , thereby locating the water-cooled blanket  60  in series between the water  82  supply line  23  and the dehumidifying radiator  42 . 
     An alternate embodiment of the present invention  10  is the modular unit  70  as illustrated in  FIG. 8  and comprising the separate enclosure  71  which houses the battery pack  14 , the on-off switches  17  and  16  which control the operation of the water circulating pump  25  and of the air moving fan  43  respectively. Said enclosure also features the battery charging port  18 . This modular embodiment  70  uses the same air handler portion  40  as the preferred embodiment  10 , shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4   a . A commercially available double receptacle provides the electrical connection from the battery pack  14  to the air handler portion  40  and to the pump portion  25 , whereby one half (½) portion of said double receptacle  73  supplies the electric power to the air handler fan  43  by means of a commercially available two-pin electric fan plug  21  through the power line  28  and the fan receptacle  45  which is face-mounted on the outside of the plenum  41  of the air handler  40 . The pump  25  comprises an integral portion of a modular unit within this embodiment  70 , and further is supplied by way of the other half of the dual receptacle  73  and the corresponding two-pin pump plug  36  through the pump power lead  29 . The chilled water  82  is supplied from the bottom of the cooler  35  through the supply line  23  to the dehumidifying radiator  42  and thence to the cooling radiators  44  and returned to the bottom of the cooler  35  from the cooling radiator  44  by gravity through the return line  24  tubing. It will be noted that the alternate embodiment  70  uses many of the same components as the preferred embodiment  10  of the present invention, and therefore said components are designated by like numbers. The enclosure  71  of this alternate embodiment  70  is envisioned to be made of a suitable rigid material such as, but not limited to: plastic, fiberglass or aluminum. 
     Such embodiments and modifications would include, but not be limited to: a low profile wider or dual dehumidifying radiator  42 , along with a side by side or “V” disposition of the cooling radiators  44  and a dual side-by-side arrangement of a pair of fans within the air handler  40 ; a dual air handler  40  where additional cooling capacity is needed, for applications such as but not limited to: a child carriage  94  designed to accommodate twins; a closed cooling loop circuit whereby a coil or a radiator type of heat exchanger would be added within the cold compartment  27  and whereby the cooling action would be achieved indirectly by the crushed ice  81  cooling the water  82  contained within a closed re-circulating loop, while in the preferred embodiment  10  the cooling action is achieved directly by circulating the water produced from the melting ice. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.