Floating humidifier unit that floats in an open-top water tank
A floating humidifier assembly that sits and floats on water inside an open-top water tank. The assembly includes a floating body with a water inflow hole, a detachable humidifier case that contains the nebulizer or vapor generator, and a floating cover that fits into the tank top and limits abrupt spills if the floating assembly tips or falls. Target users are household and institutional buyers seeking a humidifier with reduced spill risk and blocked access to tank water.
(57) What the patent covered
This write-up was generated by AI from the patent's text and may contain mistakes, so check it against the original patent before relying on it.
The main independent claim required: (1) an open-top water tank; (2) a floating body with a water inflow hole and an internal space that floats in the tank; (3) a humidifier case that is detachably coupled to that floating body; and (4) a floating cover that covers the tank top, has a through-hole into which the humidifier case top is inserted and exposed, and is inserted into the tank to float on the water. These features must be present together.
Distinguishing feature: A floating cover inserted into the tank top that both supports the humidifier case and limits sudden tank water discharge if the floating unit tips or falls.
Novelty 3/5. Floating humidifiers and ultrasonic nebulizers were common; the patent added a particular combination of a detachable humidifier case plus a floating top cover designed to reduce spill and block foreign inputs.
Manufacturing
Likely injection-molded plastic parts for tank, floating body and cover; ultrasonic transducer and small blower assembled into a molded humidifier case; seals fitted, then snap-fit or screw assembly of cover and floating body.
Materials: ABS or polypropylene injection-molded plastics (tank, cover, floating body), Silicone gaskets or seals for through-hole interfaces, Stainless steel or plated connectors for electrical contacts (if wired), EPDM or silicone float material or foam inserts (possible).
Manufacturability 4/5. Parts are mainly injection-molded thermoplastics with standard stamp/assembly for the transducer and small fan; several parts and user-removable interfaces but no precision optics or custom electronics beyond a small ultrasonic module.
Market demand
Comparable products are on sale; this exact design was not found. Typical retail price: $15–$70. Two US-listed options exist: a novelty floating USB diffuser (donut) and an anti-gravity ultrasonics humidifier from a US retailer; both show active product pages, though one is currently sold out.
- USB Donut Humidifier – Ultrasonic Floating Aroma Diffuser · Ninjanew (US storefront)$14.99
- Anti-Gravity Mist™ – Ultrasonic Humidifier with Night Light and... · AquaLevity (US store)$69.99
Demand check by web search, week of Oct 12, 2026. Listings change frequently.
Buyers: Homeowners, small offices, nurseries, clinics, installers.
Sourcing
Factories list related products that could be adapted. No close OEM/Factory listings for a floating humidifier assembly on Alibaba, Made-in-China, Global Sources, or DHgate were found in the search. Related items exist (e.g., splash-guard floats for mist-makers and floating covers for tanks) but not a complete floating humidifier assembly as described. If you want, I can broaden to include non-marketplace manufacturers or provide a broader set of related components with pricing from those sources.
Supplier prices are from public listings found by web search, quoted before customization, shipping and duties. Use them to decide whether to request a quotation.
Before manufacturing
No related continuation or divisional patents in force were found. Design patents, trademarks and unrelated patents may still cover the product.
Patent has lapsed; practical risks include cleanliness/bacterial control requirements, child-safety and spill standards, and crowded consumer humidifier market with many similar floating nebulizers.
About 1.5% of lapsed patents are later revived by their owners. This page is a research lead, not legal advice. Obtain a freedom-to-operate opinion before manufacturing.