Personal Cooling Device
A personal cooling device cools the groin area by moving relatively cooler air to this part of the body. The personal cooling device is designed to be placed in close proximity with the user's groin and may be worn under the clothes. The device includes a housing including an air inflow opening, an air outflow opening, an interior chamber, and an air movement component within the interior chamber that moves air flowing into the air inflow opening through the interior chamber and outwardly from the air outflow opening toward the groin area. Preferably, the air movement component includes an electric fan. Preferably, the outer surfaces of the housing are smooth for comfort, and a tapered V-shaped portion is provided to facilitate placement in the user's groin (between the user's legs). Preferably, the air outflow opening includes a plurality of accordion slots that provide wide air dispersal for more effective cooling.
The present invention relates to a method and device for cooling the groin area of a human.
BACKGROUNDFor many people, excessive sweating in the groin area is a serious problem. While it is possible to control perspiration to some degree by wearing loose clothes and frequent showering, the only practical solution for many is to actually cool the groin area. But cooling the groin can be awkward when the person is in a public setting, such as an office. Although it is common to see office workers using fans at their desks or cubicles, such fans are typically not directed toward the groin; to do so would cause embarrassment. Furthermore, such fans are not suitable for placement under the clothes.
Additionally, many users of laptop computers experience discomfort from heat emitted from these devices. According to one study, the combination of the heat generated by the laptop and the position of the thighs can lead to higher scrotal temperatures, which can result in decreased sperm production.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA personal cooling device cools the groin area by moving relatively cooler air to this part of the body. The personal cooling device is designed to be placed in close proximity with the user's groin, preferably, worn under the clothes. The device includes a housing including an air inflow opening, an air outflow opening, an interior chamber, and an air movement component within the interior chamber that moves air flowing into the air inflow opening through the interior chamber and outwardly from the air outflow opening toward the groin area. Preferably, the air movement component includes an electric fan. Preferably, the outer surfaces of the housing are smooth for comfort, and a tapered V-shaped portion is provided to facilitate placement in the user's groin (between the user's legs). Preferably, the air outflow opening includes a plurality of accordion slots that provide wide air dispersal for more effective cooling.
These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
As depicted in
Although the electrical diagram illustrates a simple “on/off” switch 125, it is to be understood that the device could also include a variable speed control device to allow selection of a particular motor speed (e.g., “low”, “medium”, “high”).
Although the preferred embodiment described above utilizes an electric fan to move relatively cool ambient air to a relatively hotter body region, it is to be appreciated that cooling could be accomplished using other techniques, such as, for example, using a Peltier (thermoelectric) cooler. Additionally, it is to be understood that the particular design shown in the drawings is provided for illustrative purposes.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the various exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A personal cooling device for cooling the groin area of a human, comprising:
- a housing;
- an air inflow opening in the housing;
- an air outflow opening in the housing;
- an interior chamber within the housing; and
- an air movement component within the interior chamber that moves air flowing into the air inflow opening through the interior chamber and outwardly from the air outflow opening;
- wherein the housing includes a tapered V-shaped portion to facilitate placement adjacent to a user's groin.
2. The personal cooling device of claim 1, wherein, in operation, when the personal cooling device is placed adjacent the user's groin, the user's groin area is perceptively cooled.
3. The personal cooling device of claim 1, wherein the air movement component includes an electric fan.
4. The personal cooling device of claim 3, wherein the electric fan is battery-powered.
5. The personal cooling device of claim 3, wherein the electric fan is electrically connected to and powered by a computer.
6. The personal cooling device of claim 1, wherein the air outflow opening includes a plurality of accordion slots.
7. The personal cooling device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slots allow for wide dispersal of the air from the air outflow opening.
8. The personal cooling device of claim 1, wherein outer surfaces of the housing are tapered.
9. The personal cooling device of claim 1, further comprising an air cooling component within the inner chamber that cools the air.
10. A method of cooling the groin area, comprising:
- placing the personal cooling device of claim 1 adjacent to the user's groin; and
- operating the personal cooling device to move relatively cooler air to the user's groin area.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the personal cooling device is hidden under a garment.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 4, 2010
Publication Date: Feb 9, 2012
Inventor: Robert Sullivan (Gilbert, AZ)
Application Number: 12/850,127
International Classification: F24H 3/00 (20060101); F28D 15/00 (20060101);