Air delivery system

• US 7,238,106 B2
• Filed: 11/18/2004
• Issued: 07/03/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/25/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James L. Scott
• Original Assignee: James L. Scott
• Inventors: Scott, James L.
• Primary Examiner(s): BOLES, DEREK
• Application Number:
  US10/991,588
• Publication Number:
  US 20050121534A1
• Time in Patent Office: 957 Days
• Field of Search: 454/333, 454/903, 454/306, 237/11, 237/46
• US Class Current: 454/306
• CPC Class Codes: F24D 5/04 with return of the air or the air-heater
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 454/903 Flexible ducts used for carrying air

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for delivering temperature and flow rate controlled warmed air to outlets for use in various apparatus. The system is typically in residential structures, such as homes, but could easily be adapted for apartment buildings as well as commercial buildings.

Claims

1. A system for delivering warmed air in a structure comprising:

a unit for producing and driving warmed air from the unit;

at least one outlet for receiving the warmed air, the at least one outlet comprising a port configured to communicate with an apparatus via a flexible hose located in an interior space of a structure, wherein the flexible hose has a first end and a second end, the first end configured for being attachable and detachable with the port and the second end configured for being attachable and detachable with the apparatus that receives the warmed air;

the at least one outlet further comprises a cover, which closes and covers the port when the flexible hose is removed from the port; and

at least one conduit in communication with the warmed air producing unit and the at least one outlet, the at least one conduit configured for transporting the warmed air to the at least one outlet.

2. The system of claim 1, additionally comprising:

an apparatus for communication with the second end of the flexible hose.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the apparatus is selected from the group consisting of a food warmer, a pet bed warmer, a shoe dryer/warmer, a hair dryer, and a towel warmer.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the unit for producing the warmed air is configured for producing warmed air at temperatures of approximately 80°

F. to approximately 180°

F.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the unit for producing warmed air is configured to allow for the control of the temperature of the warmed air.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the unit for producing warmed air is configured to allow for the control of the flow rate of the warmed air.

7. A system for delivering warmed air in a structure comprising:

a unit for blowing and tempering air at adjustable flow rates and temperatures;

at least one outlet for receiving the blown and tempered air, the at least one outlet comprising a port configured to communicate with an apparatus via a flexible hose located in an interior space of a structure, wherein the flexible hose has a first end and a second end, the first end configured for being attachable and detachable with the port and the second end configured for being attachable and detachable with the apparatus that receives the blown and tempered air;

the at least one outlet further comprises a cover, which closes and covers the port when the flexible hose is removed from the port;

at least one conduit in communication with the air blowing and tempering unit and the at least one outlet, the at least one conduit configured for transporting the blown and tempered air from the air blowing and tempering unit to the at least one outlet; and

a controller for controlling the air tempering and driving unit, the controller configured for being electronically linked to at least one control device for signaling the controller to control the air tempering and driving unit such that air is delivered to the at least one outlet at a temperature and a flow rate corresponding approximately to the air temperature and flow rate designated at the at least one control device.

8. The system of claim 7, additionally comprising:

an apparatus for communication with the second end of the flexible hose.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the apparatus is selected from the group consisting of a food warmer, a pet bed warmer, a shoe dryer/warmer, a hair dryer, and a towel warmer.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the unit for producing the blown and tempered air includes a heater for warming the air.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the heater for warming the air is configured for producing warmed air at temperatures of approximately 80°

F. to approximately 180°

F.

12. A method for delivering air to a remote location, comprising:

heating air to at least a predetermined temperature; and

driving the heated air to at least one outlet at a predetermined flow rate, the at least one outlet comprising a port configured for communication with an apparatus via a flexible hose located in an interior space of a structure, wherein the flexible hose has a first end and a second end, the first end configured for being attachable and detachable with the port and the second end configured for being attachable and detachable with to apparatus that receives the heated air at least at approximately the predetermined flow rate and approximately the predetermined temperature;

the at least one outlet further comprises a cover, which closes and covers the port when the flexible hose is removed from the port.

13. The method of claim 12, additionally comprising:

placing an apparatus for receiving the heated air at least at approximately the predetermined flow rate and approximately the predetermined temperature into communication with the port.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein driving the heated air to at least one outlet at a predetermined flow rate includes controlling the flow rate of the heated air to at least approximately maintain the predetermined flow rate.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein heating the to at least a predetermined temperature includes controlling the heating such that the predetermined temperature is from approximately 80°

F. to approximately 180°

F.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein the at least one outlet includes a plurality of outlets.

17. The method of claim 12, performed in a single structure.

18. An air delivery system comprising:

a unit for producing tempered air and driving the tempered air out of the unit;

at least one outlet, wherein the outlet comprises a port configured to communicate with an apparatus via a flexible hose located in an interior space of a structure, wherein the flexible hose has a first end and a second end, the first end configured for being attachable and detachable with the port and the second end configured for being attachable and detachable with the apparatus;

the at least one outlet further comprises a cover, which closes and covers the port when the flexible hose is removed from the port;

at least one conduit in communication with the air tempering and driving unit and the at least one outlet; and

a wireless controller for controlling the air tempering and driving unit, the controller configured for being electronically linked to at least one control device for signaling the controller to control the air tempering and driving unit such that air is delivered to the at least one outlet at a temperature and a flow rate corresponding approximately to the air temperature and flow rate designated at the at least one control device.

19. The system of claim 18, additionally comprising:

at least one control device, the at least one control device configured for controlling the air temperature and airflow rate to the at least one outlet.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one control device includes a remote control device.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one control device includes a control panel configured for being mounted to a structure.

22. The system of claim 18, additionally comprising:

an apparatus for communication with the second end or the flexible hose.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the apparatus is selected from the group consisting of a food warmer, a pet bed warmer, a shoe dryer/warmer, a hair dryer, and a towel warmer.

24. The system of claim 18, wherein the air tempering and driving unit includes a heater for warming the air.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the heater for warming the air is configured for producing warmed air at temperatures of approximately 80°

F. to approximately 180°

F.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the air tempering and driving unit includes a fan for driving the warmed air out of the unit and to the at least one outlet.

27. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one outlet includes a plurality of outlets.

28. The system of claim 27, additionally comprising:

at least one control device, the at least one control device configured for controlling the air temperature and airflow rate to at least one outlet of the plurality of outlets.