Patent Publication Number: US-9403043-B2

Title: Air warming apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an air warming apparatus, more specifically but not by way of limitation an air warming apparatus operable to increase the temperature of the air inhaled by a user when a user is disposed in an environment that is cooler than that of the average human body temperature. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Whether for work or for recreation, individuals routinely find themselves exposed to an environment having unfavorable conditions such as cold temperatures. Whether it is an athlete that is jogging or biking in forty-degree temperatures or a rescue or construction worker that must execute a particular task outdoors regardless of the conditions, people often find themselves disposed in uncomfortable temperatures. While individuals that find themselves outdoors in cold environments have numerous options for protective clothing such as but not limited to jackets and gloves, it is often overlooked to provide a more comfortable breathing experience. 
     Breathing of cold air during physical activity such as but not limited to running has been shown to increase the chance of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. It is thought that cold temperatures of air cause slight and temporary narrowing of the airways of the individual engaged in physical activity. This temporary condition makes it more difficult to breath and is uncomfortable for the individual exposed to the colder temperatures. Furthermore, it is known that colder air has a typically lower humidity level, which is further believed to provoke exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. 
     While engaged in physical activity most people tend to breathe through their mouth instead of their nasal passage. Breathing air through the nose helps warm and moisturize the air prior to entering the lungs. As a user begins to breathe more heavily during physical activity the breathing switches to utilizing the mouth for inhalation. This results in drier and colder air being inhaled and thus increases the discomfort level for the individual. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an air warming apparatus that can be worn by a user that provides warm air having a higher humidity level than the surrounding environment wherein the air warming apparatus facilitates the introduction of warm air to the user via a mouthpiece to accommodate the user during physical activity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide an air warming apparatus that facilitates the introduction of air into the respiratory system of a user that is warmer than that of its surroundings. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an air warming apparatus that facilitates the breathing of air warmer than that of the user&#39;s surrounding environment wherein the air inhaled by the user further has a higher humidity level than that of the air of the surrounding environment. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an air warming apparatus that is operable to provide air to a user having a higher temperature and humidity than that of the surrounding air that is substantially mounted to the user&#39;s torso. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an air warming apparatus that includes an intake manifold wherein the air entering the intake manifold initially passes through an air filter. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an air warming apparatus that is operable to provide air to a user having a higher temperature than that of the surrounding environment having a tube assembly that is surroundably mounted to the user. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an air warming apparatus that is operable to provide warm and humidified air to a user having a air return manifold wherein the air return manifold further has a moisture adding device disposed therein. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an air warming apparatus that is operable to provide air that is of a greater temperature and humidity than that of the user&#39;s surroundings that further includes an inhalation tube operably coupled to the tube assembly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an air warming apparatus that is operable to provide warm air to a user that further includes a mouthpiece assembly that is operably coupled to the inhalation tube. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air warming apparatus that includes keepers and a belt so as to be easily secured to a user. 
     Yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide an air warming apparatus operable to provide air to a user that is warmer and more humid than the air surrounding a user that includes a valve within the mouthpiece assembly that functions to control the airflow within the air warming apparatus. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an air warming apparatus that is lightweight and easy to use. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the tubing assembly of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the intake manifold of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the return manifold of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed view of the mouthpiece and breathing valve of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6A  is a side diagrammatic view of the piston of the breathing valve of the present invention with the butterfly valve in an open position; and 
         FIG. 6B  is a top view of the piston of the breathing valve of the present invention with the butterfly valves in the closed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a air warming apparatus  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 1 , the air warming apparatus  100  further includes an air intake  5  having a filter  7  that is operably coupled to an intake tube  10 . The intake tube  10  is operably coupled to the intake manifold  15 . Operably coupled to the intake manifold  15  are a plurality of lower air transport members  20 . The lower air transport members  20  operably coupled the intake manifold  15  and the return manifold  25 . The return manifold  25  is adjacent to the intake manifold  15  when the air warming apparatus is being worn by a user. The intake manifold  15  and return manifold  25  are releasably secured utilizing suitable techniques. A plurality of upper air transport members  30  extend intermediate the return manifold  25  and the intake manifold  15 . Extending upward from the upper end  16  of the return manifold  15  is a riser tube  35 . Operably coupled to the riser tube  35  is the breathing assembly  40  and the mouthpiece  45 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the air intake  5  is generally cylindrical in shape having a first end  4  and second end  3  and is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The air intake  5  functions to provide a means for air to be introduced into the air warming apparatus  100 . Intermediate the first end  4  and second end  3  is an air filter  7 . The air filter  7  is operable to reduce the contaminant concentration in the air being introduced into the air warming apparatus  100 . It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the air filter  7  could be manufactured from numerous different material such as but not limited to a HEPA filter material. This type of material would not only substantially remove airborne contaminants but additionally allergens. The first end  4  of the air intake  5  is configured to be removable to facilitate the changing of the air filter  7 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the first end  4  could be releasably secured using numerous suitable techniques. While the air intake  5  has been disclosed herein as being generally cylindrical in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the air intake  5  could be formed in numerous different shapes and still achieve the desired function as described herein. While not particularly illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the air intake  5  will further include a retaining mechanism such as but not limited to a clip that will allow a user to releasably secure the air intake  5  to an article of clothing or a belt. Sealably coupled to the second end  3  of the air intake  5  is the intake tube  10 . The intake tube  10  includes a first end  11  and second end  12  and operably couples the air intake  5  to the intake manifold  15 . The intake tube  10  is operable to transport air from the air intake  5  to the lower portion  14  of the intake manifold  15 . The intake tube  10  is manufactured from a suitable durable and flexible material such as but not limited to medical grade silicon or rubber. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  the intake tube  10  is sealably secured to the lower portion  14  of the intake manifold  15 . The intake manifold  15  is generally rectangular in shape being manufactured from a suitable durable rigid material such as but not limited to plastic. The intake manifold  15  includes a plurality of walls  17  integrally formed to create an interior volume  18 . A dividing partition  19  is present within the interior volume  18  and is operable to separate the intake manifold  15  into a lower portion  14  and an upper portion  13 . The lower portion  14  and the upper portion  13  of the intake manifold are operably isolated such that air present in either the lower portion  14  or upper portion  13  is isolated from each of the opposing portions. Air flows into the lower portion  14  of the intake manifold  15  from the intake tube  10  and exits the lower portion  14  via the lower air transport members  20 . The lower air transport members  20  are operably and sealably coupled with the intake manifold  15 . The lower air transport members  20  are manufactured from a suitable durable and flexible material such as but not limited to medical grade silicon or rubber tubing. While no particular diameter of tubing is required, good results have been achieved utilizing a tubing that is approximately one inch in diameter for the lower air transport members  20 . The lower air transport members  20  have a first ends  21  and a second ends  22 . The first ends  21  are sealably secured to the intake manifold  15  using suitable techniques. The lower air transport members  20  are operable to provide the first stage warming of the air that is passing therethrough. The air warming apparatus is operable to be surroundably mounted to a user&#39;s torso. The lower air transport members  20  are adjacent a user&#39;s abdomen subsequent the air warming apparatus  100  being secured to a user. The temperature of the user&#39;s torso operable to warm the air present in the lower air transport members  20  via conduction. As air is introduced into the lower air transport members  20  the air flows in a direction from the first end  21  towards the second end  22 . As the air flows within the lower air transport members  20  any air present that is lower than that of the average human body temperature will be warmed as it passes through the lower air transport members  20 . The lower air transport members  20  provide the first phase of increasing the temperature of the air flowing through the air warming apparatus  100 . The air warming apparatus  100  includes three lower air transport members  20  as this quantity has shown to be desirable in delivering the appropriate volume of air through the air warming apparatus  100  while in use. While three lower air transport members  20  are disclosed herein in the preferred embodiment, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the air warming apparatus  100  could have more or less than three lower air transport members  20 . 
     As the air flows through the lower air transport members  20  and is simultaneously warmed by the body heat of the user of the air warming apparatus  100 , the air will exit the lower air transport members  20  proximate ends  22  and is deposited into the return manifold  25 . The return manifold  25  is generally rectangular in shape having a plurality of integrally formed walls  26  creating an interior volume  27 . The interior volume  27  is a single space and is operable to receive and store therein the humidifier  50 . The return manifold  25  functions to receive air therein and increase the relative humidity thereof prior to the air flow passing into the upper air transport members  30 . The return manifold  25  is adjacent to the intake manifold  15  when the air warming apparatus  100  is being worn by a user. The return manifold  25  and the intake manifold  15  are configured to be releasably secured to each other utilizing suitable techniques such as but not limited to mechanical fasteners. The humidifier  50  includes a wall  51  that is generally cylindrical in shape and a bottom  52  integrally formed therewith to create an interior volume  53 . A cap  55  is releasably secured to the humidifier  50  opposite the bottom  52 . Operably secured by cap  55  is wick  60 . The wick  60  is manufactured from an absorbent material and is operable to draw the fluid disposed within the interior volume  53  into the wick  60  via capillary action. The wick  60  is saturated with the fluid, preferably water, and is operable to increase the relative humidity of the air passing through the return manifold as it transitions between the lower air transport members  20  and the upper air transport members  30 . While no particular relative humidity is required for the air exiting the return manifold  25 , it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the humidifier  50  is operable to change the relative humidity of the air exiting the return manifold to a relative humidity level within the range of thirty-five to fifty percent relative humidity. This range of relative humidity provides a more comfortable breathing experience for the user of the air warming apparatus  100 . The humidifier  50  is placed within the interior volume  27  of the return manifold  25  in an inverted position. The inverted position is critical as it reduces the probability that moisture will egress from the end  61  of the wick  60  and collect within the interior volume  27  of the return manifold  25 . The return manifold  25  includes a removable portion  29  configured to provide access to the interior volume  27  so as to facilitate the removal of the humidifier  50  and replacement thereof as the humidifier  50  routinely requires the addition of fluid. A screen  101  is intermediate the wick  60  and wall  103 . The screen  101  function to inhibit the wick  60  from blocking the openings of the upper air transport members  30  and the lower air transport members  20  so as to avoid disrupting the air flow. The screen  101  is manufactured from a suitable durable material and is constructed similar to conventional screens having a plurality of apertures to ensure proper airflow therethrough. 
     As the air exits the return manifold  25  and flows into the upper air transport members  30  the air disposed within the upper air transport members  30  undergoes the second phase of warming provided by the air warming apparatus  100 . As the air flows through the upper air transport members  30  from the first ends  31  to the second ends  32  the temperature thereof is further increased as the body heat of the user. This second phase of heating is operable to provide a much warmer air temperature delivered to the user. More specifically but not by way of limitation, utilizing the configuration of the present invention air entering the air intake  5  that is approximately six degrees Fahrenheit will be warmed to approximately eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit when delivered at the mouthpiece  45 . An exemplary table of air temperature increases provided by the air warming apparatus  100  has been included herein. The upper air transport members  30  are manufactured from a similar material as the lower air transport members  20  and are tubular in shape having a passage therethrough. The air flowing through the upper air transport members  30  is deposited into the upper portion  18  of the intake manifold  15 . 
     The air continues to flow from the upper portion  18  of the intake manifold  15  into the riser tube  35 . The riser tube  35  includes a first end  36  and a second end  37 . The riser tube  35  is operably and sealably coupled to the upper portion  18  of the intake manifold  15 . The riser tube  35  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to medical grade silicon and is substantially hollow having a passage therethrough. The riser tube  35  is operable to transport the air flowing through the air warming apparatus  100  from the intake manifold  15  to the breathing assembly  40 . While no particular length of the riser tube is required, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the length of the riser tube is at least the length of the user&#39;s torso so as to assist in the proper positioning of the mouthpiece  40 . While not particularly illustrated herein it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the riser tube  35  is substantially covered with an insulative material so as to minimize the heat loss of the air flowing therethrough. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous types of insulative material could be utilized to cover the riser tube  35 . 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 5 , the breathing assembly  40  is illustrated therein in an exploded view. The breathing assembly  40  includes a housing  41  that is generally cylindrical in shape and manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The housing  41  further includes an exhalation port  42 . The exhalation port  42  is an aperture generally oval in shape that functions to allow the air exhaled from the user to egress the housing  41  therefrom. This keeps the exhalation air from a user from reentering the riser tube  35  and promotes the proper flow path of the air through the air warming apparatus  100 . While only one exhalation port  42  is shown it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that three exhalation ports  42  are present located circumferentially around the housing  41  wherein the center of each exhalation port  42  is approximately one hundred and twenty degrees apart from the adjacent exhalation port  42 . This configuration promotes complete evacuation of the exhalation air of the user from the housing  41 . While the exhalation port  42  is illustrated herein as being generally oval in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the exhalation port  42  could be formed in numerous different shapes. Movably mounted within the housing  41  is the piston  43 . The piston  43  is generally annular in shape and is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The piston  43  as shown in particular in  FIG. 6 a   , has a first aperture  44  and a second aperture  46  that are of approximately equal size and generally crescent-shaped.  FIG. 6 a    illustrates the piston  43  with the butterfly valve  80  in an open position so as to allow air to flow through the piston  43 . In this position the user has inhaled causing the butterfly valve  80  to move to its open position so as to allow air to flow towards the mouthpiece  45 . In its open position the butterfly valve  80  hinges along it center seam  81 . The center seam  81  is constructed of a rigid material such as but not limited to metal. Illustrated in  FIG. 6 b   , the butterfly valve  80  is manufactured of a thin flexible material such as but not limited to silicon. The butterfly valve  80  consists of two generally equal halves  88 ,  89  and is superposed the top of the piston  43  being secured in place with the center seam  81 . The flexibility of the butterfly valve  80  is such that the butterfly valve  80  will open during inhalation of the user and then moves to a closed position during exhalation of the user so as to substantially block the first aperture  44  and second aperture  46 . The air pressure on the butterfly valve  80  during the exhalation of the user develops sufficient pressure to move the piston  43  in a downward position so as to allow the exhalation air to escape the exhalation ports  42 . The butterfly valve  80  is generally annular in shape and is of similar diameter as the piston  43 . In its first position the piston  43  blocks the exhalation ports and is biased against the stops  49 . The stops  49  are manufactured from a suitable durable material and function to inhibit the upward travel of the piston  43  therepast. In this position, warmed air from the riser tube  35  is delivered to the user during inhalation. As the user exhales, the butterfly valve  80  closes and the air pressure exerted thereon during the exhalation process moves the piston  43  to its second position. In its second position the piston  43  has moved away from the mouthpiece  45  so as to be positioned beneath the exhalation ports  42 . This allows the exhaled air of the user to escape the exhalation ports  42 . The piston  43  is movably mounted on the spring  48 . The spring  48  is a conventional spring that biases against the piston  43  so as to place the piston  43  against the stops  49  when the spring is at least partially extended. The retaining ring  47  functions to provide a fixed element for the spring  48  to bias thereagainst in order to provide the movement of the piston  43  as described herein. 
     The mouthpiece  45  is a conventional mouthpiece having an opening  99  operable to allow air to flow to the user. It is desirable within the scope of the present invention that a mouthpiece is the desired interface for the user. Utilizing a mouthpiece  45  as the present invention provides several advantages. More specifically but not by way of limitation, utilization of a mask would create fogging of glasses or similar articles and user&#39;s naturally breath through their mouth during heavy exercise. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 2 , a cross-section of the upper air transport members  30  and lower air transport members  20  are illustrated therein. The upper air transport members  30  and lower air transport members  20  are mounted in a stacked configuration and retained in this configuration by a plurality of retaining rings  95 . The stacked configuration allows each of the lower air transport member  20  and upper air transport member  30  to be positioned close to the torso of the user so as to promote the maximum amount of heating. The retaining rings  95  surroundably mount the upper air transport members  30  and lower air transport members  20 . The retaining rings  95  are manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The retaining ring  95  further include an upper bracket  97  and lower bracket  96  that are integrally formed with the retaining ring  95 . The upper bracket  97  and lower bracket  96  are operable to engage an item such as but not limited to a belt so as to assist in securing the air transport assembly  110  to the torso of a user. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the air transport assembly  110  could have mounted thereto numerous different quantities of retaining rings  95 . 
     A description of the general operation and flow path during use is as follows. In use, subsequent the user mounting the air warming apparatus  100  to their torso, a user will inhale through the mouthpiece  45  moving the butterfly valve  80  to its open position. During inhalation, air is drawn into the air intake  5  and flows through the intake tube  10  into the intake manifold  15 . The air will then exit the intake manifold  15  and enter all three lower air transport members  20  and travel therethrough. This is the first warming phase of the inhaled air. The air will exit the three lower air transport members  20  and be deposited into the return manifold  25 . While the air is disposed within the return manifold  25  the relative humidity of the air is increased from the humidifier  50 . Next, the air will then enter all three of the upper air transport members  30  and travel therethrough wherein the second phase of air warming occurs. As the air exits the upper air transport members  30 , it is deposited into the upper portion  13  of the intake manifold  15 . Subsequently the air will flow into the riser tube  35 , through the breathing assembly  40  and lastly the mouthpiece  45  to be delivered to the user. During exhalation the piston  43  is moved as previously discussed herein such that the exhalation ports  42  are substantially unrestricted so as to allow the exhaled air to egress therefrom. 
     While the air transport assembly  110  has been disclosed herein as having three upper air transport members  30  and three lower air transport members  20  it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the air transport assembly  110  could have as few as one upper air transport assembly  30  and lower air transport assembly  20 . 
     An exemplary table, Table 1, provides a matrix of the temperature of air delivered to the user wherein the table lists the environmental air temperature and the air temperature at the mouthpiece  45  when delivered to the user. The first phase and second phase of the air transport assembly is required to achieve the exemplary temperatures listed herein. 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Air Temperature at 
                 Relative Humidity at 
               
               
                 External Air Temperature 
                 Mouth Piece 
                 Mouth Piece 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                  6 degrees Fahrenheit 
                 88 degrees Fahrenheit 
                 39% 
               
               
                 14 degrees Fahrenheit 
                 88 degrees Fahrenheit 
                 40% 
               
               
                 20 degrees Fahrenheit 
                 89 degrees Fahrenheit 
                 41% 
               
               
                 30 degrees Fahrenheit 
                 90 degrees Fahrenheit 
                 43%