Apparatus and method for directing air flow to a target surface or substantially enclosed volume

Abstract

An apparatus and method for directing airflow to a target surface or substantially enclosed volume is described. The apparatus comprises of one or more air channels with one or more directed air flow ducts to the surface. Each of the air ducts may feature numerous outlets that disperse unheated or hot air onto a target surface or within a substantially enclosed volume. The one or more air channels may be made of vinyl, rip-stop, or materials that are temerature-appropriate. The apparatus is held in place by it's effective air-weight or secured to prevent slippage during operation. Several such apparatuses may be incorporated into a vehicle to transfer air or gas to individual surfaces. The unit contains a substantially circular air duct and an electrical feed or other power source. The apparatus unit attaches to a hose vent or other external air flow apparatus and extends along the target surface or within the substantially enclosed volume. Air flow may be controlled from a switch or other control mechanism associated with the apparatus or the external air flow apparatus. When the control mechanism is actuated to activate the external air flow apparatus and the apparatus, air flow from the external air flow apparatus. Air pressure resulting from the flow of air substantially inflates the apparatus. The flow of air is discharged through apertures positioned along a surface of an air channel and diffuses the air flow along the target surface. In one embodiment, the air flow is comprised of heated air. Heating the target surface substantially removes condensed water, ice, frost, and the like from the target surface, and prevents further condensation from appearing on the target surface while the apparatus is activated. In addition, heating the air flow to a substantially enclosed volume assists in increasing the temperature of the substantially enclosed volume. In another embodiment, air that has been cooled or lowered in temperature, or air with no temperature adjustment may also be used.

1 . An apparatus for directing air flow, defogging, and deicing windshields and other a heat-resistant material having an interior or exterior surface.  
   
   
       2 . The apparatus shall may be made appropriate materials to transport and direct headed or unheated air or gas.  
   
   
       3 . Where applicable, the apparatus may be made of UV protected materials.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus in  claim 1  shall have one or more external sources which shall provide: 
 A blower and;    A air or gas source with appropriate heat or cooling source downstream from said blower and;    Temperature control or thermostat and;    Air flow regulation.    
   
   
       2 . The basic apparatus (as stated in  claim 1)  comprises of a single trunk which attaches to an external duct with an external single source.  
   
   
       3 . However, several apparatuses (as stated in  claim 1)  may daisy chain together from multiple sources.  
   
   
       4 . The trunk (as stated in  claim 5)  may be made of plastic molded plastic, air duct, of vinyl, rip-stop, or other environmentally resistant material  
   
   
       5 . The basic apparatus (as stated in  claim 1)  comprises of air one or more channels which attach to the trunk.  
   
   
       6 . The air channel (as stated in  claim 8)  length is appropriate to accommodate the surface wall, glass area, or enclosed area.  
   
   
       7 . The air channels (as stated in  claim 8)  may be made of molded plastic, plastic air duct of vinyl, rip-stop, or other environmentally resistant material.  
   
   
       8 . Each of the channels (as stated in  claim 8)  may feature numerous outlets that disperse unheated or hot air the surface.  
   
   
       9 . Optionally one or more air channels may include an air flow director to block or limit air flow to a particular area of the surface.  
   
   
       10 . Alternately a wire mesh, or punch hole or other design may be used as apertures for air or gas discharge (as stated in  claim 9) .  
   
   
       11 . Additionally, one or more warm air discharges (as stated in  claim 9)  may be added to control air flow.  
   
   
       12 . Each of the air channels (as stated in  claim 8)  may feature numerous outlets that disperse unheated or hot air onto the glass surface.  
   
   
       13 . Several such apparatuses (as stated in  claim 1)  may be incorporated into a vehicle to direct flowage.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus (as stated in  claim 1)  may be held in place by it's affective air-weight or secured by other means to prevent slippage during vehicle operations.  
   
   
       15 . Several such apparatuses (as stated in  claim 1)  may be incorporated into a vehicle to heat each glass surface individually.  
   
   
       16 . Optionally, more than one source (as stated in  claim 4)  and subsequent air ducts may be added to accommodate the environment.