CA2422361A1

CA2422361A1 - Heat evaporator device

Info

Publication number: CA2422361A1
Application number: CA 2422361
Authority: CA
Inventors: Pierre Audet
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-03-17
Filing date: 2003-03-17
Publication date: 2004-09-17

Description

HEAT EVAP~RAT~JR DEVI(:E
The present invention relates to the field of air treatment and more particularly, relates to a heat evaporator device.
The use of aromatizing devices is well known in the art and such devices have been used in many different settings including residences, c~~mpanies, factories, etc. in order to modify the atmosphere in the building.
Many different approaches have been taken including the use of a compressed air device which is used in conjunction with a container having the aromatic and a nozzle. It will be understood that the use of the term 'aromatic" is intE;nded to include any compound which can be evaporated and placed in the air.
It is also known in the art to have ceiling fans which incorporate an aromatic dispensing device. Various of these proposals have included the use of electrical heaters disposed in the fan.
While such devices have been accepted in the art, they generally suffer from the disadvantage of being relatively complex, expensive to build, and somewhat dangerous in that when heat is supplied, there is inherently a problem of safety. Thus, if overheating occurs, fire can result. Many such devices do not provide adequate temperature control.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a heat evaporator device which is relatively inexpensive to construct and which is highly effective.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a heat evaporator device which provides an efficient distrihution of aroma in a relatively large area.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a heat evaporator device which utilizes a filter and a low voltage heat source which may be provided about the mouth of a container having the fragrance or aromatic therein.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device which can be utilized in many different locales. One such device could, for example, be utilized in public rooms such as meeting rooms and/or hotel rooms for the purpose of removing disagreeable odors therefrom. Such odors could, for example, result from smoking or the like.
An examplary embodiment of the present invention i s illustrated in the accompanying drawings which will now be referred to and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially in cut away and with several components removed, of a portable device which may be used when deodorizing an area;
Figure 2 is a front elevational view thereof, again with some of the components removed;
Figure 3 is an end elevational view thereof;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a device which may be used as a heat evaporator; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a portable device which may be used when deodorizing an area.
Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated an air movement apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention and which apparatus is generally designated by reference numeral 10.
Air movement apparatus 10 includes an outside housing 12 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is of a generally rectangular configuration and having a base and top. Mounted in a wall is a filter 14 which is preferably of the electronic type and

-2-includes a charcoal insert. Such filters are known in the art and reference may be had, for example, to U.S. Patent 5,108,470 disclosing such an arrangement.
Mounted within the housing 12 is a fragrance dispenser which is generally designated by reference numeral 16. On the other side of fragrance dispenser 16, there is provided a conventional fan which is not shown for purposes of clarity.
Thus, the air flow will go from the inlet to filter 14, past fragrance dispenser 16, and out the other side of the housing 12.
Fragrance dispenser 16 includes a bottle 18 for containing the aromatic or other liquid to be evaporated and dispensed. A heat evaporator insert 20 is designed to fit on bottle neck 22.
heat evaporator insert 20 comprises a circuit board 2~4 having a desired resistance mounted thereon. Circuit board 24 will also contain all the necessary controls and sensors such that an even temperature may be maintained. Preferably, a temperature in the area of 60°C-65°C would be maintained.
A wick 26 extends into bottle 18 and out through heat evaporator insert 20.
Thus, the wick 26 will pick up the aromatic within bottle 18 and as it works upwardly, the operation of heat evaporator insert 22 will cause the aromatic; to be dispensed.
The housing 12 may contain suitable controls including, for example, an On/Off switch 28, a visual indicator 30, a screen 32, and a reset button 34.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a simpler device is shown. In this device, housing 50 is of a somewhat oval shaped configuration having a flat base and into which fragrance dispenser 16 is placed. There are provided vents 52 within the walls of housing 50. A cover member 54 has a threaded opening which may receive a screw

-3-threaded member 56 such that the device may be suspended. In this instance, screw threaded member 56 may comprise a portion of a conventional ceiling fan or the like.
Alternatively, the device of Figure 4 may be placed within an air duct. In such an instance, an air flow or sensor could be utilized such that when the air flow within the duct falls below a certain value (for example 3 cfm), then the circuit board 24 ceases to heat.
Naturally, the fragrance dispenser could also be utilized with other arrangements.
It will also be noted that, as previously stated, the words "fragrance" or "aromatic" can include any liquid suitable for vaporization.
Turning to Figure 5, there is illustrated a similar type of apparatus which may be utilized for imparting a fragrance to an area. In this respect, there is provided a housing 66 and which is mounted on wheels 68 ( only one shown). A heat evaporator device similar to that previously described is generally designated by reference numeral 70. A fan 72 is utilized to impart air flow over the heat evaporator device 70.
As in the previously described embodiments, there is provided a control panel having suitable controls and displays as previously discussed. A device may be easily moved from one location to another and to this end, there is provided a handle 76 and a power cord 78.
In conjunction with the heat evaporator device, there is also provided an electronic filter 80 which is situated at the rear of the apparatus and as previously discussed, may be similar to those such as disclosed in U.s. Patent 5,108,470.
It will be understood that the above described embodiments are for purposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
_q._