Liquid Medium Patents (Class 297/180.15)
  • Patent number: 11173818
    Abstract: A seat assembly may include a seat including a seat base and a seat back, a sensor, a vent unit disposed at least partially within the seat back, and/or an electronic control unit (ECU) connected with the sensor and the vent unit. The ECU may be configured to determine, via the sensor, if a user of the seat exhibits symptoms of fatigue. The ECU may be configured to operate the vent unit in a first mode and a second mode. When the vent unit is in the first mode, the vent unit may provide cool air to said user of the seat. When the vent unit is in the second mode, the vent unit may provide warmer and/or less air to said user of the seat. The ECU may automatically switch the vent unit between first and second modes to reduce symptoms of fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Francesco Migneco, David Gallagher
  • Patent number: 10933806
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for indicating a status of a vehicle or a seat in a vehicle are disclosed herein. A system includes a plurality of seats in a vehicle, a light-diffusing fiber optic light source attached to at least one of the seats, a receiver configured to receive a status of at least one of the seats, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine an illumination scheme based on the status of at least one of the seats and illuminate the light-diffusing fiber optic light source according to the illumination scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary David Nelson, Hyung Min Baek, Daniel Boccuccia
  • Patent number: 10603984
    Abstract: A vehicle misting device and method that is operable is dry and humid environments are provided. The device may also include a payment system and fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: GOLF CART MISTERS, INC.
    Inventor: Ari Petersen
  • Patent number: 10555372
    Abstract: An armrest according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a case including a passage which guides a flow of air while the air is introduced and discharged and a through-hole which is formed via the passage to allow the air to be discharged outward, a fan located inside the case and by which the air is introduced and discharged through the passage, a heating element configured to supply heat to the air discharged by the fan and an outer surface of the case, and a supporter configured to support an external force applied to the case in at least two directions to keep a shape of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: DAECHANG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Dong Ji, Won Young Chae, Won Woo Choi, Myeong Ji O
  • Patent number: 10443865
    Abstract: The portable air conditioner system is an electrically operated and portable device that is used for cooling a small, but not necessarily enclosed, space. The portable air conditioner system is adapted to cool one or more objects. The portable air conditioner system is further adapted to be attached to an object selected from the one or more objects. In multiple potential embodiments the portable air conditioner system connects to a circulatory network that provides for more efficiently targeted cooling. The portable air conditioner system comprises a cooling unit, a housing, a control system, and an optional circulatory network. The cooling unit and the control are contained within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Sandro Karniol
  • Patent number: 9919579
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for a driver's seat may include an eva-core and a blower; ducts extended to supply cold air blown by the blower to respective parts of a driver's seat; a thermoelectric element cooperatively controlled with an air conditioner of a vehicle, in which coolant water passes through a heat absorbing surface, so that the coolant water cooled by heat exchange is supplied to the driver's seat through a duct after air supplied by the blower is cooled in a heat exchange unit, and a heat emitting surface is in contact with a radiator to emit heat and generate cold air; and a distributor configured to selectively supply the cold air generated by the thermoelectric element to the respective parts of the driver's seat through the ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 8979191
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a pad of a seat cushion and/or of a backrest, a massage device having a plurality of pressurizable elements integrated into the pad in order to influence the contour of the seat and each of which can be controlled separately, and a control device for controlling the massage device, wherein, in addition to the massage device, a seat climate control system can also be controlled by the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Sven Friderich, Gerhard Hauser, Werner Schiele, Gudrun Weiser, Ulrich Woerner
  • Publication number: 20140217786
    Abstract: A seat cooling system for a vehicle seat comprising: a cooling fluid container; a mechanism to transfer cooling fluid from the cooling fluid container into a bottom portion of the seat; and a mechanism to transfer cooling fluid from the cooling fluid container into a lumbar portion of the seat. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism to transfer cooling fluid from the cooling fluid container into a bottom portion of the seat may include a plurality of coils. Furthermore, the mechanism to transfer cooling fluid from the cooling fluid container into a lumbar portion of the seat may also include a plurality of coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Brant Stremmel
  • Patent number: 8678492
    Abstract: A DC powered refrigeration package supplies refrigerant to an evaporator coil that is incorporated into the driver's seat of a race car. The DC-powered compressor, condenser and condenser fan are contained within an enclosure that can be situated behind the driver's seat. The refrigeration circuit chills the seat to below freezing, favorably to about 20° F. or below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: David Benton
  • Publication number: 20140035331
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing mist to a user, where the apparatus has multiple misting nozzles grouped into zones of one or more misting nozzles. The misting nozzles are supplied water from a supply line, and valves controlling the flow of water through the supply line and to the misting nozzles of each zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: John C. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8539787
    Abstract: An aircraft air-conditioning system is disclosed, which includes at least one heat exchanger to which coolant circulating in a cooling circuit of a cooling system and air are fed. The coolant cools the fed air in the heat exchanger, and the air leaving the heat exchanger enters the aircraft cabin. The coolant of the cooling system is always in the liquid state in the cooling circuit. The liquid coolant can also cool an aircraft seat or a sitting area of the aircraft seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ebigt, Stefan Repp, Andreas Frey
  • Publication number: 20130049413
    Abstract: Hydration devices are disclosed, which overcome the drawbacks inherent to conventionally sunbathing in the absence of a nearby body of water. A hydration device includes a seat or lounger, two side panels, and a water port. The seat and the side panels are configured to retain water, at least up to a water level. The water port may be adapted to accept water to fill the hydration device, and may be disposed on the seat. Another hydration device includes a seat, a water port, a support structure, and a water impervious layer. The support structure includes two lateral bars disposed substantially parallel to each other and joined by two horizontal bars. The seat is disposed on the water impervious layer, which is disposed over the support structure. The water port is disposed on the seat and is configured to accept water to fill a fillable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jennifer E. DEVANEY
  • Patent number: 8297695
    Abstract: A cooling system which having a body section which includes a flexible material; at least two mist dispensing fans connected to the body section; and control circuitry having at least a first switch controlling fan speed and a second switch controlling mist dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Breezzangel, LLC
    Inventors: Tonia Dandry Aiken, Charles W. Lanusse, Tina Dandry Mayes, Shirley Jumonville Dandry, Alexes Elizabeth Aiken, Brett Johnanthony Aiken
  • Publication number: 20120223549
    Abstract: A sunbather misting apparatus is described having a lounge chair having inverted U-shaped arms. The apparatus also comprises misting nozzles each attached to the lounger. Misting nozzles will be attached to the mid section of the lounger, right and left side, while the others will be attached at the foot of the lounger, right and left side, which together provide complete mist coverage over the lounge chair. On/off valves are provided on the right side of the lounger with pressurized water source to allow for controlled, intermittent flow of water misting substantially over the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Tony R. Broyles
  • Patent number: 8185982
    Abstract: A bathing chair which has a water-spraying function for simultaneously effecting a shower discharge from each of a plurality of shower discharge ends and thus assist a person with severe disabilities while cleansing him or herself or while being assisted by a third person. The bathing chair including strategically located nozzles to wash critical body parts, a main control system with manual and electro-mechanical operated valves, two main flow paths with independent control systems, means for combining a soap product and water, a water temperature sensor, and a pump/reservoir system for water pressure adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: University of Puerto Rico
    Inventors: Mauricio A Lizama, Gustavo E Frank-Ayala, Nestor M Martinez, Jose J Mayi, David Serrano
  • Publication number: 20120080911
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a climate controlled seat assembly (e.g., a vehicle seat, a bed assembly, etc.) comprises a cushion or other support member positioned along a seat bottom portion or a seat back portion of the seat assembly, wherein the cushion includes a first surface configured to contact an occupant and a second surface generally opposite of the first surface. The cushion includes a cushion depth that generally extends between the first surface and the second surface of the cushion. The seat assembly further comprises at least one fluid passage positioned and routed at least partially through the cushion depth, wherein the fluid passage generally extends to the second surface of the cushion. Further, the seat assembly comprises at least one fluid module configured to selectively thermally and/or environmentally condition air and to transfer said thermally conditioned air through the fluid passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Brykalski, Raymund Manuel, Scott Wolas
  • Patent number: 8136874
    Abstract: A fluid-based or fluidic climate control system for a seat includes first and second portions positionable adjacent to first and second surfaces of the seat and a fluid control module (FCM) for circulating fluid in a closed-loop within the portions. The FCM delivers fluid to the portions at independently-controllable temperatures. An interface may be used to control the temperatures. The FCM may include a heat exchanger module (HEM) having a fan connected to an energy storage device (ESD). The FCM may include a miniature vapor compressor for circulating the fluid. A method of cooling a seat includes positioning first and second portions of the system adjacent to different surfaces of the seat, and using the FCM to circulate fluid within a closed-loop passage of the portions while independently controlling the temperature of the fluid, and thus the portions, using a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Milton Jose Negrini, Gregory A. Major, William R. Hill, Pega Hrnjak
  • Patent number: 8123290
    Abstract: A cooling system which having a body section which includes a flexible material; at least two mist dispensing fans connected to the body section; and control circuitry having at least a first switch controlling fan speed and a second switch controlling mist dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: BreezzAngel, LLC
    Inventors: Tonia Dandry Aiken, Charles W. Lanusse, Tina Dandry Mayes, Shirley Jumonville Dandry, Alexes Elizabeth Aiken, Brett Johnanthony Aiken
  • Patent number: 8123291
    Abstract: A chair with misting apparatus including a liquid dispenser assembly which provides a plurality of 360-degree adjustable nozzles disposed within the seat and backrest portions of the chair, each nozzle having a flow control switch connected to a tank mounted underneath the chair, the tank supplying liquid to the nozzles via conduit disposed within a channel in both the seat and backrest portions of the chair. Alternative embodiments of the apparatus include either an electric pump or a manual pump, and a non-foldable or foldable chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: John Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7950735
    Abstract: A seat temperature control system having a temperature controlled seat for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The temperature controlled seat may comprise a seat bottom, a seat back and an air conditioning system. The seat bottom includes a bottom heat exchanger fluid coil configured to direct a cooling fluid therethrough from a bottom inlet end to a bottom outlet end. The seat back includes a back heat exchanger fluid coil configured to direct the cooling fluid therethrough from a back inlet end to a back outlet end. The air conditioning system includes a coils inlet line in fluid communication with the bottom inlet end and the back inlet end, and a coils outlet line in fluid communication with the bottom outlet end and the back outlet end. The air conditioning system provides cooling fluid to the coils and receives cooling fluid from the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Major, William R. Hill
  • Publication number: 20110115635
    Abstract: A climate-conditioned bed includes an upper portion having at least a first climate zone and at least one fluid module associated with such a first climate zone. The fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device for selectively moving a fluid and a thermoelectric device for selectively heating or cooling a fluid. The bed additionally includes one or more control modules configured to regulate the operation of the fluid module, at least one input device configured to allow an occupant to select a setting or mode associated with the first climate zone and at least a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with the first climate zone of the thermally-conditioned bed. In some embodiments, the fluid module is operatively connected to the control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Dusko Petrovski, Barry Steele, Michael Brykalski, John Terech, David Marquette
  • Patent number: 7866747
    Abstract: A theater seat providing a multi-dimensional sense is provided which allows the audience to directly or indirectly sense various special effects to be absorbed in a movie by stimulating the audience's five senses and presenting environmental conditions substantially similar to the movie. The theater seat providing a multi-dimensional sense includes: a seat having a seat section, a backrest, and a headrest; a motion unit allowing the seat to move vertically, horizontally, and anteroposteriorly; a vibration unit applying local vibrations to a user's hips, femoral region, and back and waist; a speaker transmitting sounds to the user; an actuator stimulating the user's back and waist; an ejection device ejecting a predetermined special effect material to the user; and a controller controlling operations of the motion unit, the vibration unit, the speaker, the actuator, and the ejection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sigongmedia Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Seok Park
  • Publication number: 20100301642
    Abstract: A fluid-based or fluidic climate control system for a seat includes first and second portions positionable adjacent to first and second surfaces of the seat and a fluid control module (FCM) for circulating fluid in a closed-loop within the portions. The FCM delivers fluid to the portions at independently-controllable temperatures. An interface may be used to control the temperatures. The FCM may include a heat exchanger module (HEM) having a fan connected to an energy storage device (ESD). The FCM may include a miniature vapor compressor for circulating the fluid. A method of cooling a seat includes positioning first and second portions of the system adjacent to different surfaces of the seat, and using the FCM to circulate fluid within a closed-loop passage of the portions while independently controlling the temperature of the fluid, and thus the portions, using a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS , INC.
    Inventors: Milton Jose Negrini, Gregory A. Major, William R. Hill, Pega Hrnjak
  • Patent number: 7744153
    Abstract: A thermal pack as utilized with an insert to direct at least one of heat and cooling through an open mesh back chair. Additional features may include pillow with a pocket, or a bracket configured to place the thermal pack at least in an effective thermal transfer range at a reverse side of the back portion of an open mesh chair. The insert may consist in providing at least some lumbar support in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: The Gentry Collection
    Inventors: Bryan K. Gentry, Lewis Dorsey Cox
  • Patent number: 7708338
    Abstract: A climate controlled seat assembly comprises a chamber defined by a substantially fluid impermeable layer, the fluid impermeable layer having a first side and second side, the first side comprising a plurality of openings, a support structure positioned within the chamber, the support structure being configured to substantially maintain the shape of the chamber, a fluid transfer device configured to provide a volume of fluid to the chamber, a fluid inlet in fluid communication with both the chamber and the fluid transfer device, a fluid distribution layer positioned adjacent to the first side of the fluid impermeable layer and a seat covering positioned along the fluid distribution layer. In some embodiments, the fluid distribution layer is configured to generally distribute fluid from the openings toward the seat covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventor: Scott R. Wolas
  • Publication number: 20100038938
    Abstract: An article either in the form of a chair or lounge or in the form of a mat that is placed on a chair or other suitable object similar in shape to a chair or lounge. The article contains water and is equipped with a recirculation pump to cascade water over the person sitting on it to keep a person cool with a small amount of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Jonathan Jay Feinstein
  • Patent number: 7644983
    Abstract: An evaporatively pre-cooled seat assembly comprising a seat cushion, an auxiliary cooler, and an evaporative cooler. The evaporative cooler includes a plurality of parallel tubular dry channels and a plurality of tubular wet channels. The dry channels and wet channels are arranged such that they alternate from dry channel to wet channel from channel to channel. Each of the channels is defined by two parallel side walls, a top, and a bottom. A first plurality of dry channels defines a plurality of apertures in the side walls thereof for conveying air out of the respective dry channel and into an adjacent wet channel. A second plurality of dry channels alternates with the first plurality and is disposed between two wet channels and defines a plurality of cooler apertures in the tops thereof for conveying cooled air out of the second plurality of alternating dry channels and to the auxiliary cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Wolfe, IV, Prasad Shripad Kadle, Ilya Reyzin, Mohinder Singh Bhatti
  • Patent number: 7600812
    Abstract: A transportable shelter providing convective heat and a heated seat for the user's comfort, and providing heat to prevent the formation of ice in an enclosed fish hole when ice-fishing. Generally a box-like design, where the front of the box has no bottom or top, and is placed over a fish hole when ice-fishing. The rear of the box has a seat mounted thereon over a partial bottom, overlooking the front opening. A heat source is placed on the partial bottom, under a heat deflector, creating a heating chamber which provides heat for the seat, directs escaping heat to the user, and which will keep a fish hole from freezing over. A canopy frame attaches, over which a tarp can be draped containing heat and providing additional shelter from extreme weather. A sled or wagon assembly is provided for pulling the unit out to a spot for ice-fishing or hunting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Emil E. Godbout
  • Publication number: 20090250980
    Abstract: A seat temperature control system having a temperature controlled seat for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The temperature controlled seat may comprise a seat bottom, a seat back and an air conditioning system. The seat bottom includes a bottom heat exchanger fluid coil configured to direct a cooling fluid therethrough from a bottom inlet end to a bottom outlet end. The seat back includes a back heat exchanger fluid coil configured to direct the cooling fluid therethrough from a back inlet end to a back outlet end. The air conditioning system includes a coils inlet line in fluid communication with the bottom inlet end and the back inlet end, and a coils outlet line in fluid communication with the bottom outlet end and the back outlet end. The air conditioning system provides cooling fluid to the coils and receives cooling fluid from the coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Major, William R. Hill
  • Publication number: 20090102250
    Abstract: An evaporatively pre-cooled seat assembly comprising a seat cushion, an auxiliary cooler, and an evaporative cooler. The evaporative cooler includes a plurality of parallel tubular dry channels and a plurality of tubular wet channels. The dry channels and wet channels are arranged such that they alternate from dry channel to wet channel from channel to channel. Each of the channels is defined by two parallel side walls, a top, and a bottom. A first plurality of dry channels defines a plurality of apertures in the side walls thereof for conveying air out of the respective dry channel and into an adjacent wet channel. A second plurality of dry channels alternates with the first plurality and is disposed between two wet channels and defines a plurality of cooler apertures in the tops thereof for conveying cooled air out of the second plurality of alternating dry channels and to the auxiliary cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Edward Wolfe, IV, Prasad Shripad Kadle, Ilya Reyzin, Mohinder Singh Bhatti
  • Patent number: 7510239
    Abstract: A device (3) for climate control of a motor vehicle seat (20) with a cushion core (22) for the support of a passenger, having an upper air distribution device (25) at the front side (27) of the cushion core (22) facing the passenger to distribute air along the front side (27) of the cushion core (22), and having a lower air distribution device (32) at its rear side (30) facing away from the passenger to distribute air along the rear side (27) of the cushion core (22), having a connecting device (35) to transfer air between the first and second air distribution devices (25, 32). Each of the three devices (25, 32, 35) has an elongated hollow space (37), and at least one support element (14) in the form of a spiral spring is provided in the air-conducting cross-section of at least one such hollow space (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventor: Stefan Stöwe
  • Publication number: 20090033130
    Abstract: A seat portion or a backrest portion of seating assembly comprises a recessed area or wide groove along its exterior surface. The recessed area can be configured to receive a spacer (e.g., spacer fabric, member, module, etc.) that helps maintains the spatial and structural integrity of the recessed area. The spacer can be generally air and fluid permeable. In addition, a scrim layer can be positioned over the spacer fabric to help direct and/or distribute air or other fluid to an exterior surface of the seating assembly. The recessed area can also be configured to receive one or more films, occupant sensory devices, comfort layers, scrims, temperature sensors, heating devices and/or the like. Thus, air or other fluid can be delivered into the recessed area of a seat or backrest portion of a seating assembly, and subsequently delivered through the spacer fabric and scrim layer towards or away from an occupant. In some embodiments, the air or fluid is conditioned (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: David Marquette, John Terech
  • Publication number: 20090026813
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a heat exchange device includes a housing, having at least one inlet, at least one first outlet and at least one second outlet. The device further includes an impeller positioned within the housing and configured to receive fluid from the at least one inlet and transfer it to at least one of the first outlet and the second outlet. In addition, the device comprises one or more heat exchange modules configured to receive a volume of fluid and selectively thermally condition it before said fluid exits through the first outlet or the second outlet. In one embodiment, the heat exchange module is partially or completely positioned within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: JOHN LOFY
  • Publication number: 20070200398
    Abstract: A climate controlled seat assembly comprising a back structure within at least one forwardly extending side member, a seat cushion disposed on the front side of the back member, a fluid distribution system, and a climate control device. The climate control device is mounted on the rear side of the side member. A plenum duct places the fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the climate control device. The fluid distribution system is comprised of a plurality of channels. A plurality of inserts is disposed within each of a plurality of grooves in the seat cushion. The fluid provided by the climate control device through the plenum duct into the fluid distribution system adjusts the climate of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Scott Richard Wolas, Steven Craig Giffin
  • Patent number: 7252329
    Abstract: A lounge chair assembly includes a lounge chair including a hollow tubular frame for supporting a user's body thereon. The frame includes hollow shafts and hollow couplings in fluid communication therewith such that water flows through the shafts and couplings. The couplings are coextensively shaped for being interchangeably detachable to alternate portions of the frame. Selected shafts include a water port monolithically formed therewith, which are coextensively shaped for receiving multiple ones of the flexible hose. A flexible hose has opposed ends conjoined to one water port and to an external water supply source respectively for introducing water into the frame. A mechanism is included for discharging the water outwardly and away from the frame such that the water is dispensed in a fine mist over the user body while the user is lying on the lounge chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Judith A. O'Meally
  • Patent number: 7077465
    Abstract: A chair for providing comfort to a user in inclement weather conditions includes seat and back sections with isolated first and second cavities. The first cavity contains a volume of water. A power mechanism includes a pump and conduits for retrieving water from the first cavity and directing same along the second cavity towards misting heads on the top of the back section. The power mechanism includes an internal power supply source and a switch. An elongated drain tube allows a user to release the water housed within the first cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Michael D. Calderon
  • Patent number: 7059671
    Abstract: The Modified Chair with Cooling Air Jets can be used to fulfill the need to provide a cooling mechanism for a person using a beach or lounge chair for relaxation purposes. Cool air is blown using fans into the framework of this modified chair and is dispensed through a series of jet spouts in the framework, thus cooling the person lying or sitting on the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Frank C. Coggins
  • Patent number: 6942289
    Abstract: A chair with water basins for heat strain reduction purpose is disclosed. The chair is provided with built-in or attachable water basins at the armrest level for the user to immerse his forearms and hands in the basins while seating on the chair. Another embodiment of the chair provides foot basin module detachably coupled to the chair with or without the hand basins, thereby enabling the user to immerse his feet in the water to enjoy the cooling effect. In the event where the user is standing up, the invention also teaches a hand and/or foot pool system so that an individual user or multiple users can immerse their extremities in water to cool off the body core temperature while standing up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Peter McBride
  • Patent number: 6842919
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chair device for assisting handicapped or non-ambulatory persons to bathe or shower in a conventional setting. The chair device of the present invention has side flap portions provided with water dispensing holes wherein the side flap portions are pivotally attached to a seat portion to aid in reaching hard to reach areas of the body when bathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventors: Gwendolyn Frances Wilson, Tina N. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040239156
    Abstract: A chair or chaise capable of emitting a misting spray over a user of the chair is disclosed. The hollow, tubular frame of the chair acts as a conduit for water, while a plurality of apertures along the frame emits a spray. A quick connect fitting facilitates easy connection to a standard garden hose, for portability. A flow diverter diverts water from the tubular frame to a flexible hose connected to a hand held spray head for selective spraying of the user. A seat cushion provides a comfortable, continuous seating surface over the frame. The chair may be pre-assembled or in a user assembled/disassembled kit form with error free construction assembly means incorporated into the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Maury Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 6808457
    Abstract: A sitting toy includes a base and a platform mounted to the base for rotation about a generally vertical axis. The platform includes an outer periphery and a central aperture. A handle is mounted to the base and extends upwardly through the aperture in the platform. A conduit is formed in the base, with the conduit including a plurality of nozzles spaced at intervals about the outer periphery of the platform, the conduit arranged for attachment to a water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Paukert, Douglas A. Schultheis
  • Publication number: 20040070237
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chair device for assisting handicapped or non-ambulatory persons to bathe or shower in a conventional setting. The chair device of the present invention has side flap portions provided with water dispensing holes wherein the side flap portions are pivotally attached to a seat portion to aid in reaching hard to reach areas of the body when bathing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Gwendolyn Frances Wilson, Tina N. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020011071
    Abstract: A self contained air conditioned seat to control the temperature climate in an air bubble generated around the seat occupant is described. It includes an air bubble at a controlled temperature for the upper body and seat of the occupant, a separate air bubble for the legs of the occupant and a controller which allows the occupant to have personal control of the temperature in the two zones. Temperature sensors are located in one or more of the tips of the am rests, the heat rest, beneath the seat bottom and in the return air ducts, to help maintain the air bubble temperature in the two zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Frederick Johnston Needham
  • Patent number: 6302094
    Abstract: A heat exchanging coil is immersed in water in a heating pod heated over a fire or other heat source. Flexible tubing connected to the coil transmits heated water or other fluid under pressure from a water pump in a reservoir connected to the tubing. Loops of the tubing pass through various items used in outdoor activity including sleeping bags, tents, heaters, bowls, chairs, and even a shower. The heated water is pumped intermittently in a continuously recirculating flow through the system from the heating coil through the item(s) and back again through the heating coil. A timer connected to the pump allows flow of the heated water bolus at any desired timed interval. Alternately, cold water may be circulated through the system for cooling in conditions of extreme heat. Ice or snow or cold water may be used in the heating pod and the pump activated to circulate the chilled water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: John D. Wehrly, Agnes A. Wehrly
  • Patent number: 6254179
    Abstract: A climate controlled vehicle seat for interior climate comfort in motor vehicles, more specifically, the ease of climate control via a motor vehicle seat, is increased based upon a fluid for transport of heat or cool to a corresponding heating or cooling element, or a combined heating/cooling element which is installed in the motor vehicle seat and which is connected to a heat or cold source which is present in the vehicle for other heating or cooling purposes. This heating or cooling of the motor vehicle seat is favorable in terms of energy and is also, with respect to health, safe to use. The corresponding heating and cooling fluid is taken from the secondary circuit of a heat exchanger which is preferably filled with pure water, i.e. with water which does not contain any harmful additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Webasto Thermosysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Kortüm, Michael Kempter, Günther Hammerschmid