U.S. patent application number 09/964921 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-27 for fan assembly with desk organizer.
Invention is credited to Chen, Yung, Herndon, Charles H. JR., Moreno, Eleobardo.
Application Number | 20030059307 09/964921 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25509164 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030059307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moreno, Eleobardo ; et
al. |
March 27, 2003 |
Fan assembly with desk organizer
Abstract
An electric fan assembly 10 is disclosed. The assembly 10
comprises a base 16 having an open display area 36 between a front
edge region 32 and a rear edge region 34 with the base having at
least one compartment 38 adapted to hold personal items, such as
office supplies, to thereby provide a fan assembly with a desk
organizer in the base. A support member 14 is also disclosed
extending from the base 16 and being adapted to support and
electric fan blower 12 in an elevated position above said base 16.
The fan assembly also is collapsible between a use position and a
non-use position in which the fan body is directed toward the base
16.
Inventors: |
Moreno, Eleobardo; (St.
John, IN) ; Herndon, Charles H. JR.; (Northbrook,
IL) ; Chen, Yung; (Clarendon Hills, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bradley F. Rademaker, Esq.
Wallenstein & Wagner, Ltd.
53rd Floor
311 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago
IL
60606-6622
US
|
Family ID: |
25509164 |
Appl. No.: |
09/964921 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
416/142 ;
416/146R; 416/246 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 29/646
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
416/142 ;
416/246; 416/146.00R |
International
Class: |
F04D 029/64 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An electric fan assembly comprising: a fan body having a motor
connected to a bladed propeller, a support member connected to the
body and adapted to at least partially support said body in spaced
relation from a base; the base having a display area between a
front edge region and a rear edge region, the display area having
at least one compartment adapted to hold personal items and having
a substantially open face for access to said compartment.
2. The electric fan assembly of claim 1 wherein said base is
adapted to rest on a generally flat desk surface, and said
compartment is dimensioned to hold office supplies and is adapted
to provide access to contents of said compartment.
3. The electric fan assembly of claim 1 wherein the base has a rear
edge region and said support member is connected to said base at a
position adjacent the rear edge region.
4. The electric fan assembly of claim 3 wherein said support member
extends above said base in an angular direction adapted to position
the fan body forward of said rear edge region.
5. The electric fan assembly of claim 1 wherein the fan body is
positioned elevated above a middle region of the base, said middle
region being located between a front edge region and said rear edge
region.
6. The electric fan assembly of claim 1 wherein said spaced
relation of the fan body from the base is adjustable.
7. The electric fan assembly of claim 1 wherein said fan body is
supported at a height above said base, said height being
adjustable.
8. The electric fan assembly of claim 7 wherein the support member
is adapted to provide said adjustable height of the fan body.
9. The electric fan assembly of claim 1 wherein the support member
has a first segment extending from the base and another segment
extending at an angular direction from said first segment.
10. A portable electric fan assembly, comprising: a fan body
portion having an electric motor adapted to propel an attached
blade assembly, said body portion being connected to a base
portion, said base portion having an upper surface comprising at
least one compartment for holding office supplies, and wherein
connection of the fan body to the base portion includes a support
member adapted to position the fan body an extent above said
compartment for permitting access to said compartment.
11. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein; said support member
comprises an elongated body having a lower portion connected to the
base portion, and having an upper portion connected to said fan
body.
12. The fan assembly of claim 11, wherein; said base portion
extends between a front edge and a rear edge, at least a portion of
said fan body being positioned above the base in a central region
between said front and rear edge.
13. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein; the base has a central
region, said fan body being positioned above the central region and
said base being adapted to provide support radially outward of the
fan body.
14. The fan assembly of claim 10 wherein the fan body is adapted to
oscillate generally horizontally.
15. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein; a portion of said base
houses a clock.
16. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein; said base including a
calculator, said calculator being located in a front area of the
base and adapted to provide access by a user.
17. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein; said base includes a
plurality of separate compartments adapted to contain office
supplies.
18. The fan assembly of claim 17 wherein at least one of the
compartments is elongated and adapted for holding writing
utensils.
19. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein; a portion of said base
houses a tape dispenser.
20. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein; a hole-punch mechanism
is integrally formed in the base.
21. The fan assembly of claim 11, wherein; said upper and lower
portions of the support member are separated by a bend, said bend
being adapted to direct the upper portion toward a position above
the central region of the base.
22. The fan assembly of claim 21, wherein; the bend comprises a
curvilinear segment of the elongated body positioned between an
upper and lower end of the support member.
23. A fan and desk-organizer assembly, comprising: an electric fan
assembly having an electric motor and a bladed propeller; a base
adapted and sized to stand on a generally flat surface and having a
compartment for holding office supplies, the base further having a
front edge and a rear edge; an elongated support member having a
first end and a second end, the first end of the support member
being connected adjacent the rear edge, the second end of the
support member being connected to the electric fan assembly and
adapted to allow open access to said compartment.
24. The fan assembly of claim 23 wherein the support member
includes a bend providing an angular portion.
25. The fan assembly of claim 23 wherein the support member
includes a curvilinear portion.
26. The fan assembly of claim 23 wherein the base has a width, said
support member being adapted to support the fan assembly elevated
above said base in a position generally central of said width.
27. The fan assembly of claim 23 wherein the base has a depth
between front and rear of the base, said support member being
adapted to support the fan assembly elevated above said base in a
position generally central of said depth.
28. A fan and desk-organizer assembly, comprising: an electric fan
body assembly having an electric motor and a bladed propeller; a
base supporting said body and having a display area with at least
one compartment adapted to hold office supplies, said base having
an outer peripheral edge defining a dimension of width of the base;
an adjustable support member having a first portion connected to
said base and a second portion connected to the fan body, and a
means for adjusting said assembly between a storage configuration
wherein the fan body is located adjacent the base, and an expanded
configuration wherein said body is positioned further away form the
base.
29. The fan assembly of claim 28, wherein; the means for adjusting
includes a pivot of said fan body toward said base.
30. The fan assembly of claim 28, wherein; the means for adjusting
includes telescoping connection between said first and second
segments of said support member.
Description
DESCRIPTION
[0001] Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates to an electric fan assembly. More
particularly it relates to a portable electric fan assembly having
a base adapted to hold personal items, such as office supplies, and
thereby serve as a desk organizer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Electric fan assemblies are well known in the art. One type
of such a fan assembly is suitable for placement on a floor or
other generally flat surface, such as a table, desk or counter.
Still other types of electric fans include mounting braces that are
suitable for mounting the fan or its base to a horizontal surface
like a wall, and still other assemblies include a clamp for
securing the fan to an edge of a counter or the like. Regardless,
such types of electric fan assemblies typically includes a fan
housing, which includes a motor and a bladed propeller or blower,
and a base for mounting or supporting the fan housing. The base
sometimes includes a combination of a lower base or stand, and a
support member disposed between the stand and the fan housing to
support the fan.
[0004] While it is sometimes desirable to have such a fan used in
association with an office desk or the like, typical fan assemblies
are not well adapted for such use because of limited space
available on the desk. Placing a fan assembly upon such a surface
presents a problem of using space needed for items on the desk, and
creates an appearance that is not compatible with the desk or the
work being performed. For example, in the space taken up by the
base, the user could place a multitude of office related apparatus
and supplies. These would include, inter alia, paper-clip
dispenser, a stapler, tape dispenser, a light, a lamp, a clock, and
containers for office supplies such as papers, self adhesive notes,
or pens and pencils. Additionally, the space taken up by the base
of the fan could be used to hold any variety of items including
files and other documents. Also, traditional fan assemblies do not
provide optimal height and orientation of the fan blower for the
unique requirements for use on a desk. Most fan assemblies are not
sufficiently elevated from the base to avoid disruption to the work
at the desk, and/or lack suitable adjustability of the direction of
the air being forced from the blower.
[0005] The present invention is provided to solve these and other
problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one aspect of the invention an electric fan
assembly is provided. The fan assembly comprises a base having a
display area between a front edge region and a rear edge a region.
The display area has at least one compartment adapted to hold
personal items and a substantially open face adapted to permit
access to the compartment.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the base is
adapted to rest on a desktop and the compartment is adapted to
serve as a desk organizer for holding office supplies.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the support
member is attached to the base adjacent the rear edge region and
the fan has a fan body with a bladed propeller that is positioned
generally above a central region of the base.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the position
of the fan is adjustable. In a preferred form, the adjustability of
the fan is adapted to permit adjustment between a use position and
a storage position wherein the fan body is positioned closer to the
base.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the remainder of this specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The fan assembly of the invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a fan assembly of
the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is front view of a fan assembly of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of a fan assembly of the present
invention with its blower positioned to face forward;
[0015] FIG. 4 is side view of a fan assembly of the present
invention with the fan body positioned to face downwards;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a rear view of a fan assembly of the present
invention with its blower positioned to face forwards; and
[0017] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a fan assembly of the present
invention with its blower positioned to face downwards.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0019] Referring to the figures, there is shown therein an electric
fan assembly 10 including a fan body 12, a support 14 and a base
16.
[0020] The fan body 12 includes a motor housing 18, a fan housing
or grill 20 and a blower mounting 22. The motor housing 18,
encloses an electric motor (not shown) and an oscillating mechanism
(not shown) with an oscillation control 23. The electric motor and
oscillating mechanism are well known in the art and are not
described herein in detail.
[0021] The housing 20 is mounted to the motor housing 18 and
encloses blades 24. The blades 24 are operably connected to the
electric motor and they are adapted to force air in a generally
laminar flow direction, caused by rotation of the bladed propeller
24 driven by the electric motor.
[0022] The motor housing 18 is preferably rotatably connected to
the blower mounting 22. The blower mounting 22 includes a control
mechanism 26. The control mechanism 26 is operably connected to the
electric motor through the blower mounting 22 and motor housing 18
and is used to control the speed of the rotation of the blades
24.
[0023] The motor is provided a means for electrical connection to
an electric power source. This may include a power cord adapted for
connection with a standard electrical outlet. Such a power cord may
pass directly into the assembly at the motor housing 18 of the fan
body 12. Alternatively, the power cord may pass into the base 16 or
the support member 14, with a connecting electrical cord passing
through, or adjacent, the support member 14 to the motor housing
18. The motor may also be provided with an internal or integral
power source, such a s battery power source. Such battery power is
preferably provided in the base, with electrical connection between
the battery and the motor being an electrical cord passing through
the support member 14.
[0024] The support 14 extends between the base 16 and the blower
12. In the embodiment shown in the Figures provided herein, the
support member passes in a generally vertical direction such that
the fan body 12 is supported generally above the base 16. In the
preferred embodiment, the support 14 includes a pair of laterally
spaced elongated members 28. Each elongated member 28 includes a
bend or angle 29 defining a first segment 31 and a second segment
33. A first or lower end of each elongated member 28 is attached to
the base 16. A second or upper end of each elongated member 28 is
rotationally connected to the blower mounting 22. A horizontal
positioner 30 is located at the upper ends of the elongated members
28 and allows the fan blower 12 to rotate vertically and to be
positioned about a horizontal axis through the positioner 30.
[0025] In alterative embodiments, which do not materially depart
from the invention, the support member 14 may provide support of
the fan body 12 in alternative positions, such as being supported
to the side, rear, or below the base 16. Also, alternative
embodiments of the present invention include support member 14
construction with a single elongated member, or other body styles
that provide suitable support for the fan body 12. Such suitable
support preferably includes a structure adapted to provide
positioning of the fan body in the central region of the base,
which is adapted to provide support with a center of gravity of the
fan body 12 that resides directly above at least a portion of the
base 16.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the base 16 has a front edge
region 32 and a rear edge region 34. Generally displaced between
the two and integrally formed in an upper surface of the base 16 is
a display area 36. The display area 36 is additionally bound by
lateral edge regions 35. Such edge regions at least partially
define an outer peripheral edge of the base. This is shown in the
Figures as a plurality of linear edges, but may also comprise a
plurality of curvilinear edges, even that which collectively form a
circle or oval outer perimeter of the base.
[0027] As shown in the Figures, the display area 36 includes a
plurality of compartments 38-43. The compartments 38-43 preferably
are of provided in various shapes and sizes and adapted to hold a
variety of personal items, including different types of office
supplies. Compartment 38 and 39 are vertically elongated and
particularly suitable for holding and storing pens, pencils,
scissors and other generally elongated items. Compartments 40-43
are shallow as compared to compartments 38-29 and are adapted
primarily for holding, among other things, paper clips, small note
pads including those of a self adhering nature, rubber bands, other
commonly used office supplies and personal items such as pocket
change, watches and the like. Compartment 42, is horizontally
elongated and can be used to store the elongated office supplies
mentioned above horizontally, rather than vertically. Also depicted
is a tape dispenser 44 integrally formed into the display area 36.
It is understood that other items, such as a stapler, or hole punch
may be included in addition to or in place of the tape dispenser
44. Also, it is preferable for an additional compartment 45 to be
positioned on the opposite side of the fan body and/or support
member (FIGS. 5 and 6). This additional compartment 45 is
preferably dimensioned to hold business cards in a display
position, and is accessible to persons positioned to the rear of
the assembly proximal to the rear edge 34.
[0028] The base 16 also includes a visible portion 46 adapted to
receive the elongated members 28 of the support 14. The visible
portion 46 includes a front surface 48 having and area generally
designated by the numeral 50 that can be adapted for displaying a
clock. It is understood that other electronic accessories can be
integrally formed in the front surface 48, for example a
calculator. An embodiment including a calculator is preferably
adapted to permit access to the calculator at a front edge region
32 of the base 16. Additionally, a calendar could be located in the
front surface 48, or elsewhere on the base 16. In addition, the
base 16, also serves as a support for a reading or desk lamp (not
shown). A separate support for the lamp, for example, alternatively
attaches to the base near the juncture of the rear edge region 34
and/or one of the lateral edge regions 35.
[0029] Although not shown, as indicated above, the fan body 12 may
be adapted to be connected to an external power source such as a
standard electrical outlet, or adapted to be battery powered. It is
noted that the fan blower 12 may share its power source with any
other electrical accessory included in the base such a clock or
calculator. Alternatively, the body 12 and other accessories may be
separately powered in any combination of power sources.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the lower ends of the elongated
members 28 are centrally located in the rear edge region 34.
Referring to FIGS. 3 & 4, the angle or bend 29 of the elongated
members 28 permit the support 14 to hold the fan body in an
elevated position over a central or middle region of the base,
forward of the rear edge region 34, while permitting the required
access to the display area 36. The lateral spacing 49 of the
elongated members 28 allows the blower mounting 22, and/or control
26, to pass through the support 14 when the fan body 12 is fully
rotated in a counterclockwise direction from the perspective of
FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the fan body 12 is moved to a non-use
position by movement of the body 12 toward the base 16, preferably
into a collapsed arrangement (FIG. 4). In the embodiment shown, the
support member 14 is adapted to at least partially receive a
portion of the body 12, such as a portion of the mounting 22. More
specifically, the support member 14 includes a receiving area 49
that is adapted to at least partially receive a portion of the fan
body assembly 12, and preferably receives an extended body area
(shown as 22). In other alternative embodiments, the fan body 12 is
brought to a non-use position by collapsing the body 12 toward the
base 16 without pivotal rotation of the fan body. One example of
this is by an assembly having a support member 14 with segments
that are adapted to provide slidable engagement, such as
telescoping segments. Another aspect, regardless of the means for
moving the body 12 between use and non-use positions, is a control
mechanism 50 for locking the body in use position. In the
embodiment shown in the Figures, the control or locking mechanism
50 includes a screw-clamp mechanism for locking rotational movement
of the fan body 12. Alternatives include mechanical manipulation of
a locking pin or latch, or mating receiver and projection (not
shown).
[0031] It is understood that a number of alterations of the above
described embodiment come to mind without departing from the
present invention. One alternative embodiment would include a motor
and fan assembly 12 integrated with a base 16 according to the
present invention, the blower being ducted to an exhaust blowing
air from an elevated position above the base. An additional
alternative embodiment would include a flexible or otherwise
adjustable support 14. Its flexibility may thereby eliminate need
for the horizontal positioner 30 of above described embodiment.
Additional variations on the support 14 are possible without
departing from the present invention. Further, the present
invention also is achieved by providing a fan assembly 12 adapted
to removably connect to the base 16 with a display area 36.
[0032] Also, the base 16 as depicted in the figures is generally
rectangular. However, other configurations and geometries are
possible. These other geometries would not depart from the present
invention, provided they are adapted to support the fan body 12,
and have a display area 36 adapted hold a personal item, such as
office supplies, in a manner adapted to provide access to the
items.
[0033] While the specific embodiments and various details thereof
have been illustrated and described, numerous modification come to
mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the
invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the
following claims.
* * * * *