U.S. patent application number 11/733908 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for ceiling fan.
Invention is credited to Donald J. Ladanyi.
Application Number | 20070243819 11/733908 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38605400 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070243819 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ladanyi; Donald J. |
October 18, 2007 |
Ceiling Fan
Abstract
A ceiling-fan apparatus having an impeller; at least one light
source; at least one filter; and an air channeling device having
air channels that are defined at least in part by one or more
slats, wherein at least one of the air channels can create a stream
of air from airflow generated by the impeller.
Inventors: |
Ladanyi; Donald J.;
(Westlake, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROUSE MCDOWELL LPA
388 SOUTH MAIN STREET
SUITE 500
AKRON
OH
44311
US
|
Family ID: |
38605400 |
Appl. No.: |
11/733908 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60791332 |
Apr 12, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/354 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 25/088 20130101;
F24F 7/007 20130101; F24F 13/078 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/354 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/007 20060101
F24F007/007 |
Claims
1. A ceiling-fan apparatus comprising: an impeller; at least one
light source; at least one filter; and an air channeling device
having air channels that are defined at least in part by one or
more slats, wherein at least one of the air channels can create a
stream of air from airflow generated by the impeller.
2. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impeller is
positioned within a housing of the ceiling-fan apparatus.
3. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
light source is positioned within a housing of the ceiling-fan
apparatus.
4. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
filter is at least one of a grease filter, smoke filter, dust
filter, or a combination thereof
5. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one
filter is two or more filters, and each of the two or more filters
is independently selected from at least one of a grease filter,
smoke filter, dust filter, or combination thereof
6. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
filter comprises a grease filter that is made at least in part with
a metallic mesh.
7. The ceiling-fall apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at
least one air-intake aperture that is positioned around the entire
circumference of the ceiling-fan apparatus.
8. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 7, wherein when the
ceiling-fan apparatus is mounted to a surface, the at least one
air-intake aperture creates a gap between the surface and the
ceiling-fan-apparatus housing element that is closest to the
surface.
9. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 2, wherein the housing is an
impeller housing.
10. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stream of air
exits the ceiling-fan apparatus in substantially the same direction
as the direction of the air flow generated by the impeller.
11. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slats are
substantially circular in the substantially longitudinal direction
of the ceiling-fan apparatus.
12. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 11, wherein the slats are
also concave in the substantially outwardly radial direction of the
ceiling-fan apparatus.
13. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the position or
orientation of the slats is adjustable.
14. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a
hinge that connects a mounting plate to an interior-filter housing
element; and a self-aligning male and female electrical jack.
15. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
filter is substantially flat and extends axially outwardly from the
longitudinal axis of the apparatus, and wherein a first exterior
filtering surface of the at least one filter is oriented
substantially parallel to a mounting plate.
16. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 5, wherein a first filter of
the two or more filters is a grease filter, and a second filter of
the two or more filters is a smoke filter.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising air ionizer.
18. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
filter is a circular ring-like structure having walls that wrap
around the entire inner perimeter of a circular air-intake
aperture.
19. A ceiling-fan apparatus comprising: an impeller; an air
ionizer; at least one filter; and an air channeling device having
air charnels that are defined at least in part by slats, wherein at
least one of the air channels can create a stream of air from
airflow generated by the impeller.
20. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 19, wherein the
air-channeling device is adjustable.
21. The ceiling-fan apparatus of claim 19, further comprising at
least one light source.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a Utility Patent Application claiming priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Application Ser. No.
60/791,332 filed Apr. 12, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Ceiling fans are well known, and their utility in
circulating air flow in both commercial and residential buildings
is established. Although conventional paddle-blade ceiling fans are
well known, there still remains a need for a ceiling fan that is
compact, safe, and emits a substantially downward jet of air onto a
person or persons in a directed area, wherein the fan can be used
in relatively tight spaces, such as a kitchen in a small
apartment.
BRIEF SUMNIARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An illustrative embodiment is directed to a ceiling-fan
apparatus comprising: [0004] an impeller; [0005] at least one light
source; [0006] at least one filter; and [0007] an air channeling
device having air channels that are defined at least in part by one
or more slats, wherein at least one of the air channels can create
a stream of air from airflow generated by the impeller.
[0008] Further illustrative embodiments are directed to a
ceiling-fan apparatus comprising: [0009] an impeller; [0010] an air
ionizer; [0011] at least one filter; and [0012] an air channeling
device having air channels that are defined at least in part by
slats, wherein at least one of the air charnels can create a stream
of air from airflow generated by the impeller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of a ceiling-fan apparatus.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of a ceiling-fan apparatus.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of a ceiling-fan apparatus.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a ceiling-fan apparatus.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a ceiling fan apparatus
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] With reference to the drawings, there is shown a ceiling-fan
apparatus 10. In an embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can be
mounted to electric box 12 using at least one mounting bolt 38 in
combination with mounting plate 44. In an embodiment, ceiling-fan
apparatus 10 can be mounted onto electric box 12 using at least two
mounting bolts 38 in combination with mounting plate 44. A hinge 20
is attached to mounting plate 44. In an embodiment, hinge 20 is
attached to mounting plate 44 at the perimeter of mounting plate
44. Hinge 20 may be made up of upper hinge 19 and a lower hinge 21.
Upper hinge 19 links hinge 20 to ceiling plate 44. Lower hinge 21
links hinge 20 to interior-filter housing element 46. In an
embodiment, hinge 20 allows the body of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 to
pivot when the portion of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 that is
substantially opposite of hinge 20 moves in a direction that is
either substantially away from or substantially toward mounting
plate 44. Lower hinge arm 21 is attached to interior-filter housing
element 46 using known methods. As a non-limiting example,
lower-hinge and 21 can be attached to interior-filter housing
element 46 using a weld. In another non-limiting embodiment,
lower-hinge aim 21 can be attached to interior-filter housing
element 46 using screws or rivets. Likewise, upper-hinge arm 19 can
be attached to mounting plate 44 using any known method. As a
non-limiting example, upper-hinge arm 19 can be attached to
mounting plate 44 using a weld, screws, or rivets. The manner by
which hinge 20 is attached to mounting plate 44 and interior-filter
housing element 46 is in no way intended to be limiting. In an
embodiment, mounting plate 44 is substantially adjacent to or
touching ceiling 50 to which ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is
mounted.
[0019] Latch 22 is used to secure ceiling-fan apparatus 10 in
position. Further, once latch 22 is squeezed or pressed, it can
become disengaged from the lip of an interior housing element 52.
Upon disengaging latch 22 from the lip of an interior housing
element 52, ceiling-fall apparatus 10 is free to pivot on hinge 20.
Furthermore, once latch 22 is engaged to the lip of interior
housing element 52, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is secured in
position. At a perimeter portion of mounting plate 44, wherein the
portion is substantially opposite the point of attachment between
upper hinge arm 19 and mounting plate 44, the interior housing lip
structure 54 is attached to mounting plate 44. There is no limit on
the manner by which interior housing element lip structure 54 is
attached to mounting plate 44.
[0020] In an embodiment, at least one mounting bolt 38 secures
ceiling-fan apparatus 10 to electric box 12. Additionally, in an
embodiment, at least one mounting bolt 38 secures Mounting plate 44
to electric box 12. In another embodiment, electric box 12 is not
used to mount ceiling-fan apparatus 10 to ceiling 50. In an
embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is mounted or attached to
ceiling 50 using known methods.
[0021] In an embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is mounted to
ceiling 50 and air-intake aperture 14 is described by the distance
between ceiling 50 and ceiling-fan housing element 40 that is
closest to ceiling 50. In an embodiment, air-intake aperture 14
exists around the entire circumference of ceiling-fan apparatus 10.
In a particular embodiment, air-intake aperture 14 has a height of
about one inch and is described by the circumference of ceiling-fan
apparatus 10.
[0022] The interior of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 provides for light
element 26. In an embodiment, there is at least one light element
26, and in another embodiment, there are at least four light
elements 26 in ceiling fan apparatus 10. In an embodiment, at least
one light element 26 comprises a 110-volt light bulb having about a
60 watt maximum. In another embodiment, at least one light element
26 comprises a 40-watt bulb.
[0023] In an embodiment, one or more light elements 26 are wired
for electricity using conventional methods that are well known in
the art. In an embodiment, the electric wiring includes a plug and
socket approach that would allow a user to disengage the electric
when ceiling-fan apparatus 10 pivots on hinge 20 when opened. In an
embodiment, the plug and socket approach uses a self-aligning male
and female electrical jacks 60 that engage and disengage as
ceiling-fan apparatus 10 pivots on its hinge 20 as a result of
being closed or opened respectively. Light housing lens 28 is used
as both a housing element for light element 26 as well as a
translucent or substantially translucent wall through which light
emitted from light element 26 can escape from the interior of
ceiling-fan apparatus 10. There is no limit oil the substances that
can be used to construct light housing lens 28. In an embodiment,
light housing lens 28 is made tip of at least one piece that is
substantially circular. In an embodiment, light housing lens 28 can
be removed by a user from ceiling-fan apparatus 10 in order to
allow for replacing old or burnt-out light elements 26. In an
embodiment, hinge 20 is a two-piece device that can be hooked and
unhooked to aid with installation and maintenance of ceiling-fan
apparatus 10. In another embodiment, hinge 20 has a safety catch.
In an embodiment, hinge 20 is a two-piece separable assembly that
is 1) safely joinable due to its mating angle and 2) aids with ease
of installation.
[0024] At least one filter 16 or 18 is useful with ceiling-fan
apparatus 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus
10 uses first filter 16 and second filter 18. First filter 16 and
second filter 18 can be used in close proximity to one another. In
an embodiment, each of filters 16 and 18 is substantially flat and
extends axially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of ceiling-fan
apparatus 10. The shape of air filters 16 and 18 is a non-limiting
aspect to ceiling-fan apparatus 10, and, as a non-limiting example,
the shape of filters 16 and 18 may be circular, substantially
circular, square, substantially square, rectangular, and
substantially rectangular. In a further embodiment, the filtering
surface of filters 16 and 18 are substantially parallel to mounting
plate 44. In yet another embodiment, filters 16 and 18 are
positioned such that the filtering elements are substantially
parallel to mounting plate 44 and filters 16 and 18 are positioned
between impeller 34 and mounting plate 44.
[0025] In an alternate embodiment, filters 16 and 18 are circular,
wherein the filtering walls extend longitudinally around the
perimeter of tile air-intake aperture 14. Stated differently, an
embodiment provides for a ring-like donut air filter, wherein the
walls of the ring-shaped filter extend along with longitudinal axis
of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In such an embodiment, the ring-like
filter wall wraps around tie entire perimeter of air-intake
aperture 14.
[0026] As non-limiting examples, useful filters can be at least one
of a grease filter, smoke filter, dust filter, or a combination
thereof. Air filters are well known in the art, and a person of
ordinary skill in the art would be able to select useful filters
without having to exercise undue experimentation. In an embodiment,
at least one filter is made at least in part with a metallic mesh
that can be cleaned manually. In another embodiment, at least one
filter is made at least in part with a fiberglass plastic mesh that
can be cleaned manually. In another embodiment, a mesh filter is
water washable and dishwasher safe. In yet another embodiment, at
least one filter is made at least in part with charcoal or
activated charcoal.
[0027] Either first filter 16, second filter 18 or both are secured
on the interior of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 using non-moveable air
filter lip 56 and filter clamp 48. Filter clamp 48 is moveable and
upon disengaging, via bending or squeezing, filter clamp 48, first
filter 16 or second filter 18 can be either inserted or removed
from ceiling-fall apparatus 10. In an embodiment, before inserting
or removing air filters 16 or 18 from ceiling-fan apparatus 10,
ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is allowed to pivot on hinge 20 wherein a
substantial portion of ceiling-fan apparatus 10 is effectively
hanging from only hinge element 20. When hanging from hinge element
20, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 provides ample space for inserting or
removing not only filters 16 or 18, but an embodiment also provides
for inserting or removing light elements 26 from ceiling-fan
apparatus 10 when ceiling-fan apparatus 10 pivots or hangs on hinge
20. In an alternate embodiment, filters 16 or 18 can be removed
from ceiling-fan apparatus 10 by sliding filters 16 or 18 out of
ceiling-fan apparatus 10 while latch 22 is engaged and ceiling-fan
apparatus 10 is closed.
[0028] Impeller 34 is located within ceiling-fan apparatus 10, and
impeller 34 has a 30 hub and impeller blade 24 attached thereto. In
an embodiment, impeller 34 has at least one impeller blade 24. In
another embodiment, impeller 34 has at least two impeller blades
24. Impeller blades 24 are shaped such that upon rotating impeller
34, air is caused to flow past impeller blades 24. The shape of
impeller blade 24 is not limited to any particular shape, and can
be any known blade shape useful for circulating air. Impeller 34
and impeller blade or blades 24 are located within impeller housing
element 42. Impeller housing element 42 is a wall that allows an
air-flow effect to be created when impeller 34 is rotated. Air flow
through ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can travel through the chamber
that is described by impeller housing element 42. The cylindrical
open-ended chamber described by impeller housing element 42 is
effectively a channel for air flow within ceiling-fan apparatus 10.
In an embodiment, the diameter of the open-ended cylinder described
by impeller housing element 42 may become greater or smaller as a
function of distance in the longitudinal direction with ceiling-fan
apparatus 10. In another embodiment, the diameter of the open-ended
cylinder described by impeller housing element 42 remains constant
throughout the longitudinal length of impeller housing element
42.
[0029] Ceiling-fan apparatus 10 has air-channeling element 30 that
is made up of at least one or more slats 31. In an embodiment,
air-channeling element 30 is substantially circular and has at
least two slats 31. Air-channeling element 30 has air channels that
are at least in part defined by slats 31. The air channels defined
by slats 31 can change the width and direction of air flow
generated by rotating impeller 34. In an embodiment, the
positioning of slats 31 is adjustable. In another embodiment, the
positioning of slats 31 is fixed. In an embodiment, slats 31 are
substantially circular in the substantially longitudinal direction
of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In yet another embodiment, slats 31
are concave in the substantially outwardly radial direction of
ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In an embodiment when ceiling-fan
apparatus 10 is mounted to ceiling 50, air-channeling element 30
allows a user to channel air flow generated by ceiling-fan
apparatus 10 into a substantially downward direction toward a
floor. Furthermore, the positioning of impeller housing element 42
creates a channel of air that travels in a substantially downward
direction toward the floor.
[0030] Ceiling-fall apparatus 10 also has light/fan switch actuator
36 that allows for turning on and off light elements 26 as well as
the impeller motor. In another embodiment, light-fan switch
actuator 36 allows for control over the rpms and direction of
impeller rotation. In an embodiment, light/fan switch actuator 32
provides a user with chains 32 with which to turn on or off light
element 26 or impeller rotation. In another embodiment, a
wall-mounted switch serves as the power/light switch for
ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In an embodiment, impeller motor can
operate at three fixed speeds when impeller motor is on.
[0031] In an embodiment, air flow travels through ceiling-fan
apparatus 10 by entering air-intake aperture 14 and traveling
toward the interior of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. After entering
air-intake aperture 14, the air flow travels through at least one
of first filter 16 or second filter 18 in a direction toward air
channel element 30. After traveling through at least one air filter
16 or 18, the air passes impeller 34 and exits ceiling-fan
apparatus 10 via air-channeling element 30. In an embodiment, the
volume of air that can travel through ceiling-fan apparatus 10
ranges from 100 to 300 ft.sup.3/min. In yet another embodiment, the
maximum amount of air flow that can travel through ceiling-fan
apparatus 10 is at least one of about 160, about 245, or about 290
cubic feet per minute.
[0032] In an embodiment, the impeller motor is located within
impeller 34 or directly above impeller 34. Conventional fan motors
can be used in ceiling-fan apparatus 10, and there is no limitation
on the types of motors that can be used. Fan motors are well known
in the art, and a person of ordinary skill in the art will be able
to discover useful fan motor sizes without having to exercise undue
experimentation. In one embodiment, the impeller motor is a
110-volt motor. In yet another embodiment, the fan motor uses at
least one of about 8, about 20, or about 47 watts.
[0033] In an embodiment, the diameter of ceiling-fan apparatus 10
can range from 12-18 inches in diameter. In another embodiment,
ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can have a height ranging from about 6 to
about 8 inches. In another embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can
have a height ranging from about 6 inches to about 9.5 inches. In
still another embodiment, there is no limitation on either the size
or overall dimensions of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. Useful
dimensions for ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can be determined by one of
ordinary skill in the art without having to exercise undue
experimentation.
[0034] In an embodiment, ceiling-fan apparatus 10 can include an
air ionizer within the housing of ceiling-fan apparatus 10. In an
embodiment, the ionizer could be positioned within ceiling-fall
apparatus 10 such that air flow encountering the ionizer would have
already been subjected to filters 16 or 18. Stated differently, the
ionizer would be positioned within ceiling-fan apparatus 10 Such
that air flow would first encounter filters 16 or 18 and then be
subjected to the ionizer. The ionizer could be positioned at any
point between impeller 34 and filters 16 or 18. In another
embodiment, the ionizer could be positioned between the impeller
and air-channeling element 30. Ionizers are well 1mown in the art,
and a person of ordinary skill in the art can manufacture an
ionizer for use inside ceiling-fan apparatus 10.
[0035] In an embodiment, the housing of ceiling-fan apparatus 10
surrounds or houses the impeller 34 and light assembly.
[0036] While the ceiling fan has been described above in connection
with particular embodiments, as shown in the various figures, it is
to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or
modifications and additions may be made to the described
embodiments for performing the same function or functions. Further,
all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative,
as various embodiments may be combined to provide the desired
characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary
skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited
to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope
in accordance with the recitation of the attached claims.
* * * * *