U.S. patent application number 12/038888 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-04 for system, method, and apparatus for displaying graphic images on air circulation devices.
Invention is credited to Jack Richards.
Application Number | 20080209934 12/038888 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39487240 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080209934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richards; Jack |
September 4, 2008 |
SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING GRAPHIC IMAGES ON AIR
CIRCULATION DEVICES
Abstract
An air circulation unit, such as a portable evaporative cooler,
has one or more graphic image displays. The display may comprise
advertising signage, such as the name or logo for marketing the
goods or services of a sponsor thereof. The display is affixed to
hardware that is adjacent to the intake, the exhaust, or both
surfaces. The display may comprise a printed screen having an image
formed on a substrate that is permeable to air flow. The display
may be mounted to a wire frame or other hardware that is secured
adjacent to the intake or exhaust. The surface area of the display
may be equal to, greater than, or less than the surface areas of
the intake or exhaust, and may be spaced apart therefrom along an
axis extending in a direction of the airflow at a suitable distance
depending on the application.
Inventors: |
Richards; Jack; (Southlake,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRACEWELL & GIULIANI LLP
P.O. BOX 61389
HOUSTON
TX
77208-1389
US
|
Family ID: |
39487240 |
Appl. No.: |
12/038888 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60892281 |
Mar 1, 2007 |
|
|
|
60908836 |
Mar 29, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/314 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 30/54 20130101;
F24F 13/20 20130101; F24F 5/0035 20130101; F24F 11/56 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/314 |
International
Class: |
F28D 5/00 20060101
F28D005/00 |
Claims
1. An air circulation device, comprising: a body having air flow
ports for intake and exhaust that generally define an axis of air
flow therethrough, each of which is permeable to air flow; and a
graphic image display mounted to the body adjacent to and directly
in an air flow path of at least one of the air flow ports, the
graphic image display being permeable to air flow therethrough in
an axial direction.
2. An air circulation device according to claim 1, wherein the
graphic image display is located adjacent to the intake.
3. An air circulation device according to claim 2, wherein the
graphic image display permits at least 90% unobstructed airflow to
the intake at a distance of about one to three inches from the
intake with no appreciable reduction in performance of the air
circulation device.
4. An air circulation device according to claim 1, wherein said at
least one of the air flow ports has an air flow port surface area,
and the graphic image display has a graphic image surface area that
is similar in size to the air flow port surface area.
5. An air circulation device according to claim 4, wherein the
graphic image surface area is greater than the air flow port
surface area.
6. An air circulation device according to claim 1, wherein the
graphic image display comprises a printed screen having an image
formed on a substrate that is permeable to and does not
significantly impede air flow therethrough.
7. An air circulation device according to claim 6, wherein the
printed screen is mounted to hardware that is secured adjacent to
said at least one of the air flow ports, and the printed screen is
spaced apart from said at least one of the air flow ports along an
axis extending in a general direction of the airflow.
8. An air circulation device according to claim 7, wherein the
hardware comprises a support frame for supporting the printed
screen, a plurality of brackets for mounting the support frame to
the body, and fasteners for securing the brackets to the body, and
wherein the support frame comprises a wire mesh having a tubular
frame circumscribing a perimeter thereof, and at least one bar
extending from the tubular frame to at least one of the
brackets.
9. An air circulation device according to claim 7, wherein the
printed screen is secured to the hardware with hook and loop
fasteners.
10. An air circulation device according to claim 7, wherein the
hardware is attached to the air circulation unit without the use of
any tools, and the hardware merely attaches to existing external
features on the air circulation device and does not require any
modification of the air circulation device.
11. An air circulation device according to claim 6, wherein the
substrate is formed from mesh vinyl comprising at least a 50%
printable surface.
12. An air circulation device according to claim 12, wherein the
mesh vinyl comprises an approximately 70% printable surface.
13. An air circulation device according to claim 6, wherein the
image comprises advertising signage for marketing goods or services
of a sponsor thereof.
14. An air circulation device according to claim 1, wherein the
graphic image display provides physical protection for the air
circulation device and acts as an air filter to said at least one
of the air flow ports.
15. An air circulation device according to claim 1, wherein the air
circulation device is a portable evaporative cooling device having
a frame with wheels for portability, the body is an air conduit
housing that defines the air flow ports, and further comprising a
fluid reservoir for containing a volume of fluid, a motor for
operating a fan blade assembly, and a pump and plumbing, and the
portable evaporative cooling device evaporates, moisturizes, and
directionally moves air flow through the air conduit housing to
provide chilled ventilation for users located downstream from the
exhaust.
16. An air circulation device, comprising: a body having air flow
ports for intake and exhaust that generally define an axis of air
flow therethrough, each of which is permeable to air flow; a
graphic image display mounted to the body adjacent to and directly
in an air flow path of at the intake, the graphic image display
being permeable to air flow therethrough in an axial direction, the
graphic image display comprising a printed screen having an image
formed on a substrate that is permeable to air flow therethrough;
and the printed screen is mounted to hardware that is secured to
the body adjacent to the intake, and the printed screen is spaced
apart from the intake along an axis extending in a general
direction of the airflow.
17. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the
graphic image display is spaced apart from the intake at a distance
of about 1 inch along the axis, the intake has an intake surface
area, and the graphic image display has a graphic image surface
area that is greater than the intake surface area.
18. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the
hardware comprises a support frame for supporting the printed
screen, a plurality of brackets for mounting the support frame to
the body, and fasteners for securing the brackets to the body, and
wherein the support frame comprises a wire mesh having a tubular
frame circumscribing a perimeter thereof, and at least one bar
extending from the tubular frame to at least one of the
brackets.
19. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the
printed screen is secured to the hardware with hook and loop
fasteners.
20. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the
hardware is attached to the air circulation unit without the use of
any tools, and the hardware merely attaches to existing external
features on the air circulation device and does not require any
modification of the air circulation device.
21. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the
substrate is formed from mesh vinyl comprising at least a 70%
printable surface.
22. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the
image comprises advertising signage for marketing goods or services
of a sponsor thereof.
23. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the
graphic image display provides physical protection for the air
circulation device and acts as an air filter to the intake.
24. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the
air circulation device is a portable evaporative cooling device
having a frame with wheels for portability, the body is an air
conduit housing that defines the air flow ports, and further
comprising a fluid reservoir for containing a volume of fluid, a
motor for operating a fan blade assembly, and a pump and plumbing,
and the portable evaporative cooling device evaporates,
moisturizes, and directionally moves air flow through the air
conduit housing to provide chilled ventilation for users located
downstream from the exhaust.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/892,281 filed on Mar. 1,
2007, and 60/908,836 filed on Mar. 29, 2007, which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates in general to displaying
graphic images and, in particular, to an improved system, method,
and apparatus for displaying graphic images on air circulation
devices such as portable evaporative cooling devices.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In the prior art, air circulation devices such as fans, air
conditioners and heaters are well known. One type of air
circulation device, a portable evaporative cooler, is well suited
for outdoor use and generates a large volume of chilled air for its
users. Typical applications include providing cooler air flow for
participants in outdoor sporting events, such as the football
players located on the sidelines of football games.
[0006] An example of an evaporative cooler is shown and described
in U.S. Design Pat. D503,222, to Hale. The cooler is large
structure having a front air intake area and a slightly smaller
rear exhaust area for discharging the chilled air. The structure
typically has a reservoir of water, a motor, fan blade, pump and
plumbing for evaporating, moisturizing, and directionally moving
air flow through the structure. The cooler provides chilled
ventilation for users that are located downstream from the
discharge area. These units are highly effective in providing large
volumes of cooled air flow for downstream users. However,
recognizing, upgrading and using the air circulation devices for
other types of advantageous uses to improve their utility would be
desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of a system, method, and apparatus for an air
circulation unit having one or more graphic image displays are
disclosed. The display may comprise advertising signage, such as
the name and/or logo or the like for marketing the goods or
services of a sponsor thereof. The graphic display acts as an
aesthetic enhancer to the air circulation unit. Since artwork such
as advertising is digitally imprinted on the graphic display panel
which covers the entire surface of a filter area of the unit, the
filter area is not seen by spectators, television viewers or
passersby. The unit may be used at athletic events, outdoor and
indoor events, and other venues where large crowds are present and
where the event is televised. The unit may be positioned at these
events or venues where the intake side of the unit is exposed to
the crowds and television cameras, therefore since the graphic
display panel covers this area viewers see advertising or other
forms of artwork rather than the brown filter area.
[0008] The image(s) is displayed at the intake, the exhaust, or
both areas. The image may be located on a display comprising a
printed screen having an image formed on a substrate that is
permeable to air flow therethrough. The display may be mounted to a
wire frame, brackets, and/or other hardware that is secured
adjacent to the intake or exhaust. The brackets may be secured
directly to the air circulation unit, or incorporate additional
hardware for other applications. In addition, the surface area of
the display may be equal to, greater than, or less than the surface
areas of the intake or exhaust, and may be spaced apart therefrom
along an axis extending in a direction of the airflow at a suitable
distance depending on the application.
[0009] The invention is used to display advertising on the graphic
display panel and attached to a portable air movement device. The
invention creates a higher economic value of use for such portable
air movement devices, therefore increasing the competitive edge of
the portable air movement device against other types of equipment
that may be in the marketplace.
[0010] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in
view of the following detailed description of the present
invention, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] So that the manner in which the features and advantages of
the present invention, which will become apparent, are attained and
can be understood in more detail, more particular description of
the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to
the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended
drawings which form a part of this specification. It is to be
noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only some embodiments
of the invention and therefore are not to be considered limiting of
its scope as the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of two different types of
conventional air circulation units;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of the conventional air circulation
units of FIG. 1 showing intake sides of the units;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of air circulation
units shown with a graphic image display constructed in accordance
with the invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of an air
circulation unit shown with a graphic image display constructed in
accordance with the invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of an air
circulation unit shown with a graphic image display constructed in
accordance with the invention;
[0017] FIGS. 6 and 7 are front and rear isometric views of a fourth
embodiment of an air circulation unit shown with a graphic image
display constructed in accordance with the invention;
[0018] FIGS. 8 and 9 are rear isometric and front views of a fifth
embodiment of an air circulation unit shown with a graphic image
display constructed in accordance with the invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is schematic drawing of a sixth embodiment of an air
circulation unit shown with a graphic image display constructed in
accordance with the invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is an exploded front isometric view of one
embodiment of a hardware and screen assembly used for supporting a
graphic image and is constructed in accordance with the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a heating embodiment of an
air circulation unit with a graphic image display constructed in
accordance with the invention;
[0022] FIGS. 13 and 14 are assembly and exploded isometric views of
another embodiment of constructed in accordance with the
invention;
[0023] FIGS. 15 and 16 are assembly and exploded isometric views of
another embodiment constructed in accordance with the invention;
and
[0024] FIGS. 17-20 are isometric views of hardware used by the
embodiments of FIGS. 13-16 constructed in accordance with the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, two different types of
conventional air circulation units 11, 13 are shown. For purposes
of illustration only, units 11, 13 are depicted as portable
evaporative cooling devices. However, as will be evident to those
skilled in the art, the invention is suitable for many different
air circulation units such as other types of cooling units (e.g.,
mist generators), heaters, box fans, and the like. Each unit 11, 13
generally comprises a body 15 having air flow ports for intake 17
and exhaust 19. On the larger unit 11, intake 17 and exhaust 19 may
comprise surface areas of approximately 22 sq.ft and 9 sq.ft,
respectively. On the smaller unit 13, intake 17 and exhaust 19
comprise surface areas of approximately 5.5 sq.ft and less than 2
sq.ft, respectively. Each intake 17 and exhaust 19 may be provided
with an air filter 21 and/or cover, grill, etc., each of which is
highly permeable to air flow (see arrows 23) so as to not obstruct
operation of the devices.
[0026] The bodies 15 typically are molded and mounted on caster
wheels for portability, and may comprise a frame 25 (e.g., internal
and/or external) containing a fluid reservoir 27 (e.g., 22 gallons)
in some versions. The units 11, 13 also comprise and support a
motor, fan blade assembly, pump, plumbing, etc., for evaporating,
moisturizing, and directionally moving air flow through bodies 15
to provide chilled ventilation for users that are located
downstream from exhaust 19. The units may operate at multiple
speeds and be equipped with controls for varying other parameters
during operation as are known in the art. These cooling systems can
reduce air temperatures by about 15 to 25.degree. F. in a cooling
vicinity or area of about 900 to 2600 square feet, depending on the
size of the device and conditions in which it is operating. The
evaporative portable cooling device has various applications in
warm temperature settings. Some of these applications are on
sidelines of various sports venues, patio restaurants, indoor
facilities that lack cooling or need additional cooling, theme
parks, outdoor venues, etc.
[0027] FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of an air circulation unit 31
shown with graphic image displays 35 constructed in accordance with
the invention. For example, display 35 may comprise advertising
signage, such as the digitally imprinted name and/or logo or the
like for marketing the goods or services of a sponsor thereof.
Display 35 may be used adjacent to or substantially adjacent to the
intake 37, the exhaust (not shown), or both areas. The display(s)
35 are affixed to or otherwise displayed adjacent to or on intake
37 and/or the exhaust. In one version, display 35 comprises a
printed screen 41 having an image formed on a substrate that is
highly permeable to and does not significantly impede air flow
therethrough.
[0028] In one embodiment, display 35 is mounted to a bracket 43
that is secured adjacent intake 37. Bracket 43 may be secured
directly existing features on the unit 31, or incorporate
additional hardware (e.g., fasteners) for other applications. In
addition, the surface area of display 35 may be equal to, greater
than, or less than the surface areas of the intake or exhaust, and
may be spaced apart therefrom along an axis extending in a
direction of the airflow (see, e.g., airflow 23 in FIG. 1) at a
suitable distance depending on the application. For example, the
display in front of the intake on the large unit may comprise 25
sq.ft, while the display in front of the intake on the small unit
may comprise 14 sq.ft.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of an air
circulation unit 51 is shown with a graphic image display 53 on its
external reservoir 55. Depending on the construction of reservoir
55, display 53 may be affixed or otherwise displayed on or adjacent
to any or all (e.g., four) sides of the reservoir 55.
Alternatively, display 53 may be affixed to or otherwise displayed
on the frame 57 supporting reservoir 55.
[0030] FIG. 5 represents a third embodiment of an air circulation
unit 61 having one or more (e.g., four shown) graphic image
displays 63 that are mounted adjacent the perimeter of exhaust 69
and/or intake 67. In the version illustrated, displays 63 comprise
signage that is affixed to a rigid substrate, such as a placard,
and may be secured to unit 61 with its existing hardware or
additional hardware. Displays 63 extend away from intake 67 and/or
exhaust 69 such that airflow through unit 61 is substantially
unimpeded. The body of unit 61 also comprises features, such as
molded recesses 65 (compare FIG. 1) in which is located an
additional graphic image display 71 that geometrically conforms to
the shape of recess 65. Such features may be located anywhere on
unit 61 and comprise recesses and/or protrusions of any shape or
form. Display 71 may be affixed as a decal or located on a
substrate that is then secured to unit 61 via fasteners, adhesives,
etc.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a fourth embodiment of the
invention comprises an air circulation unit 81 that is equipped
with a scroll 83 for displaying different graphic images that may
be selectively changed. In one version, scroll 83 comprises a
conveyor for rotating through a sheet of material 85 having two or
more graphic images 87. The scroll 83 incrementally displays each
image 87a, 87b, etc. (which may be sized, fabricated, and supported
as described herein for the other embodiments) adjacent to or on
the intake and/or exhaust for a selected period of time before
cycling or scrolling to the next image. In the embodiment shown,
the scroll 83 comprises a top housing 89 containing an electric
motor 91, a side housing 93, a top pulley 95 coupled to motor 91,
and a bottom pulley 97 for moving the images 87 on the material 85
back and forth between the upper and lower ends of the unit 81.
[0032] In one embodiment, the images 87 are further supported on
upper and lower scroll bars 88 that extend between pulleys 95, 97,
and cycle a single, air-permeable sheet material so as to minimize
air flow impediment relative to unit 81. Thus, the images are
formed on a discontinuous substrate that, in the embodiment shown,
does not form a continuous loop. The scroll 83 moves the images in
one direction (i.e., either up or down) before resetting or
recycling through the images in reverse order. In contrast, prior
art scrolling-type devices incorporate continuous loops of
air-impervious material that constitute two or more barriers in a
direction perpendicular to the images.
[0033] Yet another embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS.
8 and 9 as an air circulation unit 201 having an intake monitor 203
and/or an exhaust monitor 205 for displaying a graphic image.
Monitor(s) 203, 205 may comprise a light emitting diodes (LED),
plasma, DLP or other type of flat screen display that may, in some
embodiments, be configured to permit a large volumetric rate of
airflow therethrough. Alternatively, the monitors may comprise
conventional monitors that are spaced apart from the airflow of
intake and exhaust, respectively, so as to not impede air flow
through unit 201. In FIG. 8, monitor 205 is illustrated as an
embodiment that is not located in the direct path of air flow
through unit 201. Rather, monitor 205 is depicted as a rectangular
monitor located directly above the exhaust of unit 201.
[0034] In one version, monitor(s) 203, 205 are secured to unit 201
via a frame 211 that is custom fit to the exterior contours of unit
201. For example, unit 201 is illustrated as having a generally
rectangular shape, a decreasing taper 213 (FIG. 8) from its larger
intake 217 toward its smaller exhaust 215, and a series of
notch-like recesses 219 located along the taper 213 at its upper
end. To accommodate the shape of unit 201, one embodiment of frame
211 includes a molded plastic body that fits directly into the top
molded recesses 219 in a puzzle interlock manner (see dashed
lines). The portion of frame 211 located above unit 201 encompasses
a body cavity for housing necessary electronics (e.g., motor 91 in
FIG. 7), computer, electrical, hardware elements, etc., to protect
and obscure those elements from view.
[0035] Frame 211 also includes a pair of legs 221 (FIG. 8) that
extend down the rear side (i.e., to the left and right) of the
exhaust 215, and a rectangular subframe 223 that extends around or
adjacent to the perimeter of intake 217. Legs 221 and subframe 223
may be secured to unit 201 with fasteners such as screws. As shown
in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, subframe 223 may comprise
frame extensions 225 to maintain a selected distance from the
intake 217 in the airflow direction and provide additional
stability for monitor 203. Alternatively, the legs may be
eliminated and replaced with a lower bar that is welded to the
frame of the screen. The lower and upper bars attach to the
brackets, which are secured to the cooling unit.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 10, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a system 301 for superimposing a virtual graphic image
display 303 on an air circulation unit 305. Although display 303 is
not physically present on unit 305, it is digitally generated and
virtually affixed thereto via software 307 and controls 309 for
digitally manipulating images. In operation, an image of unit 305
is transmitted via a transmission device 311 and delivered or
otherwise communicated 313 (e.g., broadcasted) to consumers,
subscribers, etc. of the broadcasted information (e.g., via
telecommunications equipment, the Internet, etc.). The broadcast is
displayed by end users (e.g., a target audience) on equipment 315
(e.g., televisions) to which they have access or may otherwise
view, such that the virtual graphic image display 303 appears to be
physically present on the unit 305 when perceived on equipment 315,
even though it is not physically present on unit 305.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 11, one embodiment of a hardware and
screen assembly used for supporting a graphic image display on an
air circulation unit 401 is shown. The hardware and screen assembly
includes a series of top, bottom, and side tubes 403, 407, and 405,
respectively, that may be formed as a single, contiguous tube frame
assembly for mounting a support 409 thereto. In one embodiment, the
tube frame assembly is secured to unit 401 via a set of threaded
rods 411 that extend through existing holes in the upper end of
unit 401 on, for example, the intake side. Knob screws 413 may be
used to tighten adjustable brackets that secure the tube frame
assembly to unit 401. The frame hangs on the brackets rather than
attaching to the unit itself. Thus, in one embodiment, no tools are
required to install the hardware and screen assembly to the unit
401.
[0038] The support 409 is secured (e.g., welded, brazed, etc.) to
the tube frame assembly. The support 409 may comprise a wire frame
assembly as shown, and is used to mount and tautly support a
graphic image screen 415. Screen 415 may be secured to support 409
with, for example, hook and loop fasteners having male and female
portions, respectively, that are joined thereto with an adhesive.
The support 409 restricts movement of the image screen 415 into the
intake of unit 401. The wire mesh of support 409 further provides
physical protection to the evaporative cooling pad area of the unit
itself by shielding the area. In addition, the mesh vinyl screen
415 also acts as an additional air filter to pre-filter the air
that enters the unit.
[0039] In some embodiments, the graphic image screen 415 is formed
from a material comprising 50/50 (i.e., 50% printable surface, 50%
porous) or 70/30 (i.e., 70% printable surface, 30% porous) mesh
vinyl graphic material or substrate, and may be digitally imprinted
in full color graphics. In one embodiment, such types of material
for screen 415 permit at least 90% (e.g., more than 92%) of
unobstructed airflow to the intake at a distance of about one to
three inches from the intake of the unit 401 for no appreciable
reduction in performance of the machine.
[0040] Although not intuitive, this design does not increase the
electrical amperage requirements of the motor, and can have no
significant impact on the volume of air (cfm) displaced at the
exhaust. However, in one embodiment, the addition of the screen to
the unit actually improves the overall efficiency by helping to
regulate the unit in an optimal cfm range. For example, some models
of the air movement device displace air at or above 10,100 cfm on a
`high` setting. However, the optimal volume of air displacement to
reach maximum cooling efficiency on these devices is in a range of
9,000 to 9,500 cfm. A screen constructed in accordance with the
invention may be positioned relative to the device to make the
device perform in the optimum range.
[0041] In addition, screen acts as an additional air filter for the
air entering the unit. Yet another benefit of this design is that
the screen provides shade from the sun to most of the filter area
of the cooling system. The shade provided by the screen reduces
water consumption by the unit to make it more efficient and
environmentally friendly.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 12, one embodiment of a heat
generating unit 501 is disclosed. Unit 501 includes a heat
resistant barrier 505 that is positioned in an interior of the
plastic body 503 to insulate it from the heat generated by ceramic
heating coils 507, propane heating or other sources for generating
heat. The barrier 505 may be formed from various types of material
including calcium, magnesium, and carbon fiber. The unit 501
further comprises a heat switch and thermostat 509, a filter 511
(shown partially removed) located in front of the coils 507 on the
intake side, and a safety grill 513 having louvers 515 for
protecting the unit 501 (e.g., from rain) on the intake side. In
addition, louvers 515 may be equipped to automatically pivot open
and closed with air flow through unit 501. This design permits heat
generated by coils 507 to be retained within the unit so that the
heat does not radiate toward or affect the graphic image display.
Moreover, the other embodiments of the invention described above
for cooling units may be readily adapted for use on heat generating
unit 501.
[0043] Another embodiment of the invention comprises an air
circulation unit having a graphic image display that is projected
via a light projector onto a display screen or portions of the unit
itself. The projector may be located in front of or behind either
the intake or exhaust (or both). The screen may be constructed in
accordance with the embodiments of the invention described herein,
but again does not significantly impede the airflow of the unit. As
one example, the graphic image display may be projected directly
onto the rotating fan blades of the unit (e.g., via strobe
projection), or other elements of the unit itself rather than onto
a separate screen mounted adjacent to the unit.
[0044] Still another embodiment of a static display configuration
of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 13, 14, 17 and 19. This
hardware and screen assembly also supporting a graphic image
display on an air circulation unit 601 is shown. The hardware and
screen assembly includes a wire frame 603 having a rigid upper bar
605 and a rigid lower bar 607 that are welded thereto and protrude
therefrom. The bars 605, 607 are secured to unit 601 via a set
(e.g., pair) of upper brackets 609 and a set of lower brackets 611,
respectively. The bars 605, 607 slide into receiver areas 616, 620
(FIGS. 17 and 19) on the brackets 609, 611, respectively. The
brackets 609, 611 themselves may be attached directly to existing
features on unit 601 without any additional hardware.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 17, each upper bracket 609 may comprise a
pair of opposed and overlapping components 613, 615 that are
adjustable relative to each other to locate and secure the bracket
609 to the features on the unit 601. The components 613, 615 may be
secured and fixed to each other with fasteners such as a bolt and
wing nut. Likewise, each lower bracket 611 (FIG. 19) may comprise a
pair of opposed components 617, 619 that are adjustable relative to
each other to locate and secure the bracket 609 to the features on
the unit 601. Thus, in one embodiment, no tools are required to
install the hardware and screen assembly to the unit 601.
[0046] Referring again to FIGS. 13 and 14, the wire frame 603
supports a graphic image screen 621. The screen 621 may be
constructed and oriented relative to the unit 601 as described
herein for other embodiments. Screen 621 may be readily secured to
and removed from wire frame 603 with, for example, hook and loop
fasteners having male and female portions, respectively, that are
joined thereto with an adhesive. The wire frame 603 restricts
movement of the screen 621 into the intake of unit 601. The wires
that span the wire frame 603 and screen 621 further provide
physical protection to the evaporative cooling pad area of the unit
itself by shielding the area. In addition, these components also
act as an additional air filter to pre-filter the air (e.g., from
insects, debris, etc.) that enters the unit.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 15, 16, 18 and 20, another embodiment
of a static display configuration of the invention is illustrated.
This design is most similar to the previous embodiment, and
includes a hardware and screen assembly for supporting a graphic
image display on an air circulation unit 701 is shown. A wire frame
703 has bars 705, 707 that are secured to unit 701 via upper
brackets 709 and lower brackets 711, respectively, which attach
directly to existing features on unit 701 without additional
hardware. The wire frame 703 supports graphic image screen 721
which may be constructed, oriented and operate relative to the unit
701 as described herein for other embodiments. Each upper bracket
709 comprises opposed components 713, 715 (FIG. 18) that are
adjustable relative to each other to locate and secure bracket 709
to features on unit 701. The components 713, 715 are secured and
fixed to each other with fasteners. Each lower bracket 711 (FIG.
20) comprises opposed components 717, 719 that are adjustable
relative to each other to locate and secure bracket 709 to features
on unit 701.
[0048] As described herein, the hardware of the various embodiments
may be attached to the air circulation units without the use of any
tools. For example, the hardware may be attached with simple hand
fasteners such with thumb screws, wing nuts, etc. Moreover, the
hardware used to attach the display is completely independent in
its attachment mechanics and requirements with respect to the
elements used to assembly the air circulation unit. The display is
not required to use any screws, bolts or other type fastening
devices that pre-exist on or are required to assembly the air
circulation unit itself. Rather, the display is adapted to merely
attach to existing external features (e.g., molded recesses,
protrusions, etc.) on the air circulation device instead of
requiring any modification of the air circulation device.
[0049] In one embodiment, the frame may be formed from lightweight
metal round tubing construction in a square or rectangular shape.
The corners of the frame have a rounded radius at each of the four
corners to reduce the risk of injury to passersby. The frame is
painted or powder coated to make it rust resistant, prolong
longevity and increase aesthetics. The frame may be welded at a
single joint to form the square or rectangular shape. Welded to the
back of the frame are two hanger bars (top and bottom), which are
formed from the same lightweight metal round tubing as the frame
construction. The hanger bars are used so that the frame may be
attached to the brackets which are attached to the portable air
movement device. The interior portion of the frame comprises a mesh
constructed from small solid metal rods that run both horizontally
and vertically on four to six inch spacing creating a grid interior
of the frame. Attached to the outer perimeter of the frame is the
hook and loop fastener system for attachment to the graphic display
panel.
[0050] In one embodiment, the graphic display panel is a porous
vinyl material construction that is perforated to allow air to flow
therethrough. However, the quality is such that the fabric renders
high quality digital imprinted graphics. The tensile strength of
the porous vinyl material is greater than 200 lbs. per square inch,
therefore reducing puncturing or tearing from direct impact. The
material of the graphic display panel is of a quality that is
flexible, resistant to climatic conditions and easily cleaned if
soiled. The hook and loop fasteners are attached to the back of the
fabric near the outer edges which are used to attach to the fabric
to the frame. The graphic display panel renders an exposure (front)
surface for the display of artwork such as advertising.
[0051] In one embodiment, the top bracket comprises two pieces
constructed of a lightweight metal that overlap to allow the
bracket to adjust. A metal PIM welded stud bolt extends
perpendicularly from one piece of the bracket with the other piece
of the bracket overlapping with a slot hole allowing the
overlapping bracket piece to be easily adjusted to the desired
width, a threaded thumb knob screws onto the stud bolt securing the
bracket once adjusted. The top bracket conforms to the dimensions
of the top of the portable air movement device attaching at the
front of the device into the outer indentions of the devices
plastic molding, extending over the top of the device and extending
over the back of the device at a 90 degree angle therefore creating
a clamp on the top of the portable air movement device. A receiver
area fashioned in a rounded metal receptacle protrudes from the
bracket on the intake side of the portable air movement device in
which the top, or upper, hanger bar of the frame is inserted to
attach the frame to the portable air movement device. The brackets
are painted or powder coated to make them rust resistant, prolong
longevity and increase aesthetics.
[0052] In one embodiment, the bottom bracket also comprises two
pieces as described above for the top bracket. The top of the
bottom bracket is inserted between the splash guard and body
molding of the portable air movement device and the bottom of the
bottom bracket attaches around the bottom of the devices molded
plastic body or below the metal frame of the cart in which the
portable air movement device is attached. A receiver area fashioned
in a rounded metal receptacle protrudes from the bracket on toward
the frame in which the bottom, or lower, hanger bar of the frame is
inserted to attach the frame to the portable air movement device.
The brackets are painted or powder coated to make them rust
resistant, prolong longevity and increase aesthetics.
[0053] While the invention has been shown or described in only some
of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art
that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various changes
without departing from the scope of the invention.
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