Cool breeze

Abstract

The present invention provides a misting canopy for assistive mobility devices such as scooters for mobility a simple means of enjoying cool comfort when spending time in extreme temperatures. An ample, protective canopy, the Cool Breeze protects the user from overexposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Eliminating the discomfort and painful sunburns associated with spending time in the direct sunlight, the Cool Breeze affords users cool shade on bright, sunny days. In addition, on extremely hot afternoons when temperatures rise to unbearable levels, users utilize the integrated mister as a means of cooling the body with a refreshing mist of water. As such, use of the Cool Breeze enables consumers to spend long hours in the sun in supreme comfort.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/339,900 filed Mar. 10, 2010, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Cool Breeze.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of water misting systems, and more specifically to the field of canopy based water misting systems for personal assistive mobility devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for canopy based water misting systems. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,151,907 to Roger G. Hale describes a misting system having a reservoir for containing water. Misting nozzles are in communication with the reservoir. Water is forced out of the reservoir and through the nozzles by compressed gas.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,000 to Phillip C. Apple describes an umbrella fan which includes a pole, an upper hub, main umbrella support members, a lower hub, lower umbrella support arms and main umbrella fabric cover attached to the main umbrella support members. At least one misting element is attached to the main umbrella support members to direct a misting spray downwardly to an area under the fabric cover of the umbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,759 to Andrew Okronick and Jeffrey Lewis describes a personal misting umbrella which consists of a water distribution tubing network that exists within the umbrella canopy.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,077,338 to Richard C. Williamson describes a boat misting system for cooling occupants of a boat or houseboat with a very fine aerosolized water spray.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated canopy and spray mister for motorized scooters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front angled perspective view of the device of the present invention mounted on a motorized scooter.

FIG. 2 is a rear angled perspective view of the device of the present invention mounted on a motorized scooter.

FIG. 3 is a rear angled perspective view of the device of the present invention mounted on a motorized scooter with the canopy retracted.

FIG. 4 is a close-up rear angled perspective view of the device of the present invention mounted on a motorized scooter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Over 54 million people suffer from some form of limited mobility. In fact, according to statistics compiled by the Center for Disease Control, these numbers are ever increasing. Limited mobility results from a variety of causes such as arthritis, muscle deterioration and inactivity. In addition, over eleven thousand people suffer an injury to the spinal cord. Often resulting in paraplegia, paralysis from the legs down, or quadriplegia, paralysis from the neck down, the severity of one's condition depends upon the location on the spinal cord which was injured. According to statistics compiled by the National Spinal Cord Injury Association and the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, there are approximately two hundred fifty thousand people living with this debilitating injury today. Regardless of whether one suffers limited mobility brought on by disease or by injury to the legs, back or spinal cord, many of these infirmities result in the sufferer becoming temporarily or permanently dependent upon a motorized scooter or wheelchair. Motorized scooters and wheelchairs are extremely practical devices which enable those with limited mobility to get from one place to another in a simple and comfortable manner. While those who suffer paraplegia, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy or similar ailments most often utilize a wheelchair, scooters are also widely used by seniors, those with heart or lung conditions, suffer obesity, as well as other consumers who do posses the ability to walk, but simply lack the strength or dexterity to do so for extended periods.

For most who depend on motorized scooters and other assistive mobility devices, these accessories are necessary regardless of whether spending time indoors or out. In fact, many who suffer limited mobility lead very active lives and enjoy participating in various outdoor sports or recreational activities. Unfortunately, on hot, sunny days, staying cool and comfortable when seated in a scooter can be challenging. Whether traveling to the local grocery store or simply enjoying an afternoon outing with friends, time spent in the direct sunlight can render a scooter user hot, burned and irritable.

The present invention, hereinafter referred as the Cool Fan is a specially designed protective canopy for use on scooters and similar assistive mobility devices comprising an integrated water reservoir and spray mister, through which a light, refreshing spray of water is conveniently dispensed. Featuring a lightweight, collapsible aluminum or plastic framework, the Cool Fan comprises an ample, water resistant canopy manufactured of nylon and in other embodiments, canvas and similar synthetic material. Generally rectangular in shape, the Cool Fan canopy is sized appropriately to encompass the area directly over top of the chair, extending down over the back rest and thus protecting the head, legs and arms of the user. The canopy can be flipped over as seen in FIG. 3 to expose a bar, which can be used as a carry handle.

Positioned on each end of the base of the framework are heavy duty clamp fasteners for use in securing the canopy to the scooter. The sides of the canopy can extend downward from the top by about eight inches. The canopy comprises one-piece construction that is continuous from the back of the chair to the top.

As mentioned, incorporated into the design of the Cool Fan is an ample water reservoir. Manufactured of lightweight plastic material, this reservoir is positioned near the base of the canopy, with a simple cap or valve included and positioned on the side or bottom of the reservoir for use in easily filling the unit with cooling water. This reservoir is clamped to the base of the canopy, or when not in use, stored in a handy basket receptacle attached to the scooter's back rest. Notably, this reservoir is internally connected via a simple pump mechanism and integrated tubing through the Cool Fan's framework, with a series of small mister nozzles peppered about the top of the framework, directing the light, misty spray on the user. The pump can be an electric rechargeable pump or alternatively, a hand operated pump can be used. This mister is operated manually via a simple hand pump, or by way of battery power. Although designed expressly for use with scooters, other embodiments of the Cool Fan are designed for wheelchairs, beach chairs and other types of seating.

In an embodiment, the device also incorporates a seat cover which is adjustably attached to the seat by means of hook and loop fasteners.

Use of the Cool Fan is very simple and straight forward. First, according to easily followed package instructions, the user, alone or with the assistance of a friend, attaches the Cool Fan canopy to the scooter. The user then fills the water reservoir with icy cold water, readying the unit for use. When spending time outdoors on hot afternoons, the user simply activates the Cool Fan's integrated mister mechanism, lightly misting their body with a cool and invigorating spray. After use, the user drains the Cool Fan reservoir of any remaining water, at which point they simply collapse the canopy to be utilized when again needed.

The Cool Fan is an innovative product invention which offers consumers many significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, this cleverly designed canopy provides those who depend on scooters for mobility a simple means of enjoying cool comfort when spending time in extreme temperatures. An ample, protective canopy, the Cool Fan protects the user from overexposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Eliminating the discomfort and painful sunburns associated with spending time in the direct sunlight, the Cool Fan affords users cool shade on bright, sunny days. In addition, on extremely hot afternoons when temperatures rise to unbearable levels, users utilize the Cool Fan's integrated mister as a means of cooling the body with a refreshing mist of water. As such, use of the Cool Fan enables consumers to spend long hours in the sun in supreme comfort. Although designed expressly for use with scooters, the universal design of this canopy makes this product ideal for use with wheelchairs, beach chairs and virtually any type of outdoor seating. The Cool Fan provides consumers a practical means of enjoying an oasis from the sun. Durably constructed of quality materials, the Cool Fan withstands years of repeated use.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective canopy device for use on scooters and similar assistive mobility devices comprising an integrated water reservoir and spray mister, through which a spray of water is dispensed, wherein the frame of the canopy comprises lightweight, collapsible aluminum or plastic framework, and the canopy fits over the framework and comprises water resistant nylon™, canvas or other synthetic material.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the canopy is generally rectangular in shape and is sized appropriately to encompass the area directly over top of the chair, extending down over the back rest and thus protecting the head, legs and arms of the user, further wherein heavy duty clamp fasteners for use in securing the canopy to the scooter are positioned on each end of the base of the framework, and wherein the sides of the canopy extend downward from the top by about eight inches.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the canopy comprises one-piece construction that is continuous from the back of the chair to the top, and wherein the canopy can be flipped over to expose the bar of the framework which can be used as a carry handle.

4. The device of claim 2 further comprising a seat cover which is adjustably attached to the seat by means of hook and loop fasteners.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the water reservoir comprises lightweight plastic material, and wherein the reservoir is positioned near the base of the canopy, and including a simple cap or valve positioned on the side or bottom of the reservoir for use in easily filling the unit with cooling water and wherein the reservoir is clamped to the base of the canopy, or when not in use, stored in a handy basket receptacle attached to the scooter's back rest and wherein the reservoir is internally connected by means of a pump and integrated tubing through the framework, with a series of small mister nozzles spaced apart along the top of the framework, directing the spray on the user.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the pump is an electric rechargeable pump.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein the pump is a manually operated hand pump.

8. The device of claim 5 wherein the pump is battery powered.