U.S. patent application number 12/060265 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-27 for rotatable axial fan.
Invention is credited to Trevor Craig.
Application Number | 20090214341 12/060265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40998486 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090214341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Craig; Trevor |
August 27, 2009 |
ROTATABLE AXIAL FAN
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a novel apparatus for the
movement of air. Specifically, the apparatus is an axial fan
assembly which is rotatable about a horizontal axis to orient the
axial fan in a vertical position, a horizontal position, or
positions in between. The axial fan can be adjusted and selectively
fixed in a particular orientation. The height of the axial fan is
also adjustable. The vertical support member comprises a
telescoping mechanism whereby the length of the vertical support
member is adjustable and can be selectively fixed at a particular
length.
Inventors: |
Craig; Trevor; (Vista,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MANUEL F. DE LA CERRA
6885 CATAMARAN DRIVE
CARLSBAD
CA
92011
US
|
Family ID: |
40998486 |
Appl. No.: |
12/060265 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61031104 |
Feb 25, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
416/98 ; 416/182;
416/246; 417/410.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 25/08 20130101;
F04D 29/601 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
416/98 ; 416/182;
416/246; 417/410.1 |
International
Class: |
F04D 17/02 20060101
F04D017/02; F04D 29/22 20060101 F04D029/22 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for the movement of air, comprising: a base; a
vertical support member connected to the base; a horizontal axle
assembly connected to the vertical support member; a fan support
member connected to the horizontal axle assembly; and an axial fan
connected to the fan support member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical support member
comprises a telescoping mechanism.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the telescoping mechanism
comprises a locking mechanism for selectively fixing the length of
the vertical support member.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a detent and a detent receiver.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a first section that is slidably coupled to a second
section, wherein the first section comprises a constricting
collar.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a first section that is slidably coupled to a second
section, wherein the second section comprises an expanding
collar.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a first section that is slidably coupled to a second
section, wherein the first section and second section comprise a
plurality of holes, and the apparatus further comprises a pin that
fixes the first section relative to the second section when the pin
is inserted into two of the plurality of holes.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fan support member is
connected to the ends of the axial fan.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an oscillator
connected to the axial fan, wherein the oscillator varies the
direction of the airflow generated by the axial fan.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle fixed to
the horizontal axle assembly.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle fixed to
vertical support member.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a
ballast.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical support member
has a hollow cross section.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising an electrical
cord contained within the hollow cross section of the vertical
support member.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a control panel for
programming operating commands selected from a group consisting of:
power on, power off, standby, increase fan speed, decrease fan
speed, begin oscillation, stop oscillation, function at low fan
speed, function at medium fan speed, function at high fan speed,
set duration of fan operation, set duration of fan standby,
increase duration of fan operation, decrease duration of fan
operation, increase duration of fan standby, decrease duration of
fan standby, increase oscillation speed, decrease oscillation
speed, and set time of day.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a receiver that
receives operating commands; and a remote control that transmits
operating commands to the receiver.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the operating commands are
selected from a group consisting of: power on, power off, standby,
increase fan speed, decrease fan speed, begin oscillation, stop
oscillation, function at low fan speed, function at medium fan
speed, function at high fan speed, set duration of fan operation,
set duration of fan standby, increase duration of fan operation,
decrease duration of fan operation, increase duration of fan
standby, decrease duration of fan standby, increase oscillation
speed, decrease oscillation speed, and set time of day.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the operating commands are
transmitted via optical signals or radio signals.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the horizontal axle assembly
comprises a locking mechanism to selectively fix the position of
the fan support member.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism
selectively fixes the fan support member at an angle, as measured
from the vertical support member, from 0 and 90 degrees.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism of the
horizontal axle assembly comprises a detent and a detent receiver
to selectively fix the position of the fan support member.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism of the
horizontal axle assembly comprises an axle that is rotationally
coupled to a sleeve, wherein the sleeve comprises a constricting
collar.
23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism of the
horizontal axle assembly comprises an axle that is rotationally
coupled to a sleeve, wherein the axle comprises an expanding
collar.
24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism of the
horizontal axle assembly comprises an axle that is rotationally
coupled to a sleeve, wherein the axle and sleeve comprise a
plurality of holes, and the apparatus further comprises a pin that
fixes the axle relative to the sleeve when the pin is inserted into
two of the plurality of holes.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application claims priority to provisional
patent application no. 61/031,104, entitled "Rotatable Tower Fan",
filed by Trevor Craig on Feb. 25, 2008.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for the
movement of air.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hot nights make sleeping difficult. The movement of air
around a person can make them more comfortable. Various types of
motorized fans are known for their cooling properties and have been
used in bedrooms to make sleeping more comfortable. Motorized fans
can also add comfort in otherwise hot and stuffy environments.
Several types of fans exist, including box fans, circular fans,
tower fans and ceiling fans.
[0004] Box fans can be placed in windows. The fan's cooling effect
is maximized only if a person's bed is situated near the window.
These fans can also be placed on the floor, but the maximum cooling
effect is not achieved unless the bed is very low to the floor. Box
fans can also be placed on a desk or table near the bed, but not
every bedroom has a desk or table near the bed such that the
maximum cooling effect cannot be achieved. Even if a table or desk
is near the bed, it may not be at the same height as the bed and
the airflow may not be focused on a person sleeping in a bed.
Additionally it may be awkward, cumbersome, or even dangerous to
place a relatively large box fan on a small table or desk.
[0005] Circular fans are also available to provide air movement;
however, they have the same difficulties as a box fan in that they
must be located near a bed to achieve the maximum cooling effect
while a person is sleeping. And locating a circular fan near a bed
may not always be possible. Circular fans with a pedestal may
overcome these limitations by allowing easy placement anywhere in a
room and adjustment such that the fan is at the same height as a
bed. A drawback to a circular fan is that it has a direction of
airflow similar to a cone. The area of airflow is narrow near the
fan, and increases as the distance from the fan increases; but
while the airflow area increases with distance, the cooling effect
of the fan is reduced. Placing the fan near a bed can maximize the
cooling effect, but this results in only a portion of the bed
receiving the benefit of the increased airflow while another
portion of the bed is without the benefit of the cooling properties
of the airflow. If the fan is positioned further away so that a
larger portion of the bed encounters the airflow then the cooling
effect is reduced because the airflow dissipates as the distance
from the fan increases.
[0006] Unlike circular fans, tower fans generate a wider pattern of
airflow, but the pattern is elongated in a vertical direction. The
result may be that only a portion of the airflow is traveling over
the bed, while much of the airflow is wasted as it travels under
the bed. The cooling effect of the airflow reaching a person in a
prone position is limited, just as with a circular fan.
[0007] Circular fans and tower fans sometimes employ an oscillator
to vary the direction of airflow. This can reduce some of the
drawbacks discussed above. The narrow airflow is directed in a
cycle through a variety of directions. This does not completely
solve the drawbacks, however because areas within the oscillating
airflow pattern are still left without sufficient airflow during
portions of the oscillation cycle.
[0008] Ceiling fans can generate a wide area of airflow, but the
maximum airflow is directly beneath the ceiling fan. The direction
of airflow for ceiling fans cannot be adjusted, and the maximum
cooling effect while sleeping is achieved only if a bed is directly
beneath the ceiling fan. These fans are also more difficult to
install, sometime requiring professional installation. Ceiling fans
are generally more expensive than other types of fans.
[0009] Air conditioning can also make a person more comfortable
while sleeping, but it is not available in all homes. Air
conditioning is also prohibitively expensive for some. In houses
that have central air conditioning the entire house needs to be
cooled in order for the bedrooms to be cool. While a person is
sleeping in a bedroom the comforting effect of central air
conditioning in the rest of a house is wasted. Operating air
conditioning generally consumes more energy than the operation of a
fan.
[0010] Therefore, there is a need for an energy efficient fan which
will deliver a focused stream of air with an airflow pattern that
maximizes the fan's cooling effect. Moreover, a need exists for the
focused airflow pattern that maximizes the cooling effect to a
person sleeping in a prone position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present disclosure describes a novel apparatus for the
movement of air. The apparatus includes a base, a vertical support
member connected to the base, a horizontal axle assembly connected
to the vertical support member, a fan support member connected to
the horizontal axle assembly, and an axial fan connected to the fan
support member. The fan support member may be connected to the ends
of the axial fan. For added stability, the base may comprise a
ballast. The apparatus may further include an oscillator connected
to the axial fan, where the oscillator varies the direction of the
airflow flow generated by the axial fan.
[0012] The vertical support member may include a telescoping
mechanism that adjusts the height of the axial fan, and that
telescoping mechanism may include a locking mechanism for
selectively fixing the length of the vertical support member. The
locking mechanism may include a detent and a detent receiver, a
constricting collar or an expanding collar. In addition, the
vertical support member may have a hollow cross section that forms
a conduit through which an electrical cord may travel.
[0013] The horizontal axle assembly may further include a locking
mechanism to selectively fix the position of the fan support
member. The locking mechanism may selectively fix the fan support
member at an angle, measured from the vertical support member, from
0 and 90 degrees. The locking mechanism of the horizontal axle
assembly may comprise a detent and a detent receiver to selectively
fix the position of the fan support member. The locking mechanism
of the horizontal axle assembly may alternatively comprise an axle
that is rotationally coupled to a sleeve, wherein the sleeve
comprises a constricting collar or the axle comprises an expanding
collar. Finally, the locking mechanism of the horizontal axle
assembly may comprise an axle that is rotationally coupled to a
sleeve, wherein the axle and sleeve comprise a plurality of holes,
and the apparatus further comprises a pin that fixes the axle
relative to the sleeve when the pin is inserted into two of the
plurality of holes.
[0014] The apparatus may be operated by a control panel mounted on
the axial fan and can also be operated by a remote control. The
remote control may be wired or wireless. If wireless, the remote
control may transmit control commands via radio or optical signals.
The following are operational commands that may be activated and/or
programmed by the control panel: power on, power off, initiate
standby mode, increase fan speed, decrease fan speed, vary fan
speed, initiate oscillation, terminate oscillation, increase
oscillation speed, decrease oscillation speed, and vary oscillation
speed. The control system may also have a timer that allows the
above function to begin at a certain time, or to occur for a
certain duration. Each of these functions may be activated and
programmed by the corded or cordless remote control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a novel apparatus for the movement of
air with the axial fan positioned in a horizontal orientation.
[0016] FIG. 1B illustrates the axial fan attached to a fan support
member and a portion of the horizontal axle assembly.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates the novel apparatus for the movement of
air placed next to a bed, with the axial fan fixed in an
orientation that is horizontal to the floor
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates the base connected to the vertical
support member.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section view of the vertical
support member.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section view of the horizontal
axle assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] A novel apparatus for the movement of air is provided to
direct the movement of air to maximize comfort. As illustrated in
FIG. 1A, the apparatus (1) is adjustable so that the vertical
distance of the axial fan (60) from the base (10) is variable by
means of a telescoping mechanism. Vertical support member (20) is
comprised of a first section (25) and a second section (26). First
section (25) and second section (26) are slidably coupled. The
second section (26) is dimensioned concentrically smaller than
first section (25) so that second section (26) is received by first
section (25). This slidable coupling allows the vertical support
member (20) to telescope, extending the member (20) when the second
section (26) is pulled out the first section (25) and collapsing
the member (20) when the second section (26) is pushed into the
first section (25). The vertical support member (20) may also
comprise a plurality of sections more than the two illustrated in
FIG. 1A.
[0022] The length of the telescoping vertical support member (20)
can be fixed by a locking mechanism. For example, the locking
mechanism may be comprised of a spring mounted detent (21) and a
detent receiver (22). The spring mounted detent (21) may be
connected to second section (26), while a plurality of detent
receivers (22) may be included on the first section (25). When the
spring mounted detent (21) is aligned and engaged with a detent
receiver (22), the length of vertical support member (20) becomes
fixed. It would be apparent to one skilled in the art that a number
of other locking mechanisms may be used to selectively fix the
length of vertical support member (20). One such non-limiting
example includes a constricting collar on the first section (25)
that, when activated, constricts the radius of the first section
(25) such that it holds the second element (26) by friction.
Similarly, the second section (26) may include an expanding collar
that, when activated expands the radius of the second section (26)
such that it is held to the first section (25) by friction. A final
non-limiting example may include a simple pin and pin-hole
configuration, where both the first and second sections (25 and 26)
include a hole, or a plurality of holes. Once a hole of the first
section (25) is aligned with a hole on the second section (26), a
pin may be inserted; thus, fixing the length of the telescoping
vertical support member (20).
[0023] Fan support member (40) is coupled to the vertical support
member (20) by the horizontal axle assembly (shown in FIG. 1B). The
horizontal axle assembly allows the axial fan (60) to be fixed at
an angle (31), measured from the vertical support member (20), from
0 and 90 degrees, where 0 degrees is parallel to the vertical
support member (20) and 90 degrees is perpendicular. FIG. 1A
illustrates the axial fan (60) oriented at an angle (31) 90 degrees
from the vertical support member (20). The fan support member (40)
is coupled to the axial fan (60). The fan support member (40) may
be coupled to the ends (70) of the axial fan (60). The axial fan is
comprised of a motor (50) which spins the fan blades (61) about the
longitudinal axis of the axial fan to generate the movement of air.
Oscillator (55) varies the direction of airflow when the oscillator
(55) is activated. A housing (not shown) may be added to the axial
fan (60) to protect from unwanted objects contacting the moving
parts of the axial fan (60).
[0024] The axial fan (60) is rotatable about a horizontal axis
perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the vertical support
member (20). Rotating handle (30) is coupled to axial fan by the
horizontal axle assembly (illustrated in FIG. 1B) and the fan
support member (40). Rotating handle (30) about a horizontal axis
has the effect of rotating the axial fan (60) about the same
horizontal axis.
[0025] The vertical support member (20) is held in place by the
base (10). The base is sized so that the vertical support member
remains in a vertical position. Ballast (15) may be added to the
base (10) to counterbalance the axial fan. The ballast may be
water, a heavy metal, or a similar substance of sufficient weight
to counterbalance the axial fan.
[0026] FIG. 1B illustrates the novel apparatus from the perspective
of arrow 75 (in FIG. 1A). The novel apparatus comprises a
horizontal axle assembly (80) that may include an axle (86) and an
axle housing (85) (also known as a sleeve). The axle housing (85)
is rotatably coupled to the axle (86) and can maintain the axle
(86) in a horizontal orientation. The axle housing (85) may be
connected to the telescoping vertical support member (20) discussed
with reference to FIG. 1A. A horizontal axis (87) runs through the
axle (86) about which the axle (86) rotates. The axial fan (60) is
coupled to the axle (86) by the fan support member (40). When the
axle (86) is rotated about its horizontal axis (87), the axial fan
also rotates about the same horizontal axis. The handle (30) may be
connected to the axle (86) such that rotating the handle (30) has
the effect of rotating the axial fan (60) about the horizontal axis
(87).
[0027] The axial fan in FIG. 1B is illustrated with a cover (51)
over motor (50). The cover has openings which expose the receiver
(91) and the control panel (92). The following are operational
commands that may be activated and/or programmed by the control
panel: power on, power off, initiate standby mode, increase fan
speed, decrease fan speed, vary fan speed, initiate oscillation,
terminate oscillation, increase oscillation speed, decrease
oscillation speed, and vary oscillation speed. The control system
may also have a timer that allows the above function to begin at a
certain time, or to occur for a certain duration. Each of these
functions may be activated and programmed by a corded or cordless
remote control.
[0028] A remote control (90) is also illustrated in FIG. 1B. The
remote control may be wireless or wired, and allows for partial to
complete control of the axial fan. In the wireless configuration,
the remote control contains operating control transmitter (93) and
buttons (96) which command operation of the axial fan (60). The
transmitter may send instructions to the axial fan (60) via optical
signals (such as infrared) or radio signals.
[0029] In FIG. 2, the novel apparatus (1) for the movement of air
is shown placed next to a bed (110). The axial fan (60) of the
apparatus (1) is in a horizontal position relative to the plane of
the ground. The apparatus is configured to oscillate in the
direction of arrow (115), providing an airflow shown by arrows
(120). Of course, the axial fan can be brought closer to the
surface of the bed (110) by shortening the vertical support member
(20). By adjusting the height of the axial fan (60) and the
oscillation, the apparatus provides efficient cooling to a person
sleeping in a prone position.
[0030] A novel apparatus for the movement of air is shown in FIG. 3
without the axial fan and without the fan support member. Base (10)
may contain ballast (15) and is coupled to the vertical support
member (20). The vertical support member (20) comprises a
telescoping mechanism whereby first section (25) is slidably
coupled to second section (26). The length of the vertical support
member (20) can be fixed when the locking mechanism is engaged. The
length is fixed in the disclosed embodiment when the detent (21) is
engaged with the detent receiver (22). It would be apparent to one
skilled in the art that a number of other locking mechanisms may be
used to selectively fix the length of vertical support member
(20).
[0031] A first handle (32) can be coupled to the second section
(26). The handle is a segment having structural integrity to
facilitate adjustment of the apparatus when the handle is grasped
by the hand of a person adjusting the apparatus. A second handle
(31) may be mounted on the axle housing assembly (80). First handle
(31), second handle (32) and rotating handle (30) (shown in FIG. 1A
and FIG. 1B) may all be used, none may be used, or any combination
of them may be used. The axle assembly (80) may be coupled to the
vertical support member (20). In FIG. 3, the axle housing (85) of
the axle assembly (80) is coupled to second section (26). The axle
housing (85) rotatably couples the axle (86). When the detent
receivers (82) are engaged by the detent (81) the rotatability of
the axle becomes fixed. (See FIG. 1B).
[0032] A cross section along dashed line 100 of the vertical
support member (20) is depicted in FIG. 4. First section (25) and
second section (26) are shown with a tongue-and-grove system to
prevent rotation about a vertical axis. Preventing rotation about a
vertical axis maintains the counter balancing relationship between
the ballast and the axial fan assembly. Additional means may be
used to restrict rotation such as vertical support sections which
have a square cross section or any other shaped cross section which
restricts rotation.
[0033] The first section (25) and second section (26) have a hollow
cross section forming a conduit through which the electrical cord
(29) may pass. Spring (28) exerts force against the detent (21) and
the detent stabilizer (27). Detent stabilizer (27) is fixed to the
inner surface (35) of second section (26). When the distal portion
of detent (21) is medially depressed below the inner surface (36)
of first section (25) the detent (21) becomes free of the detent
receiver (22), and the length of vertical support member (20) can
be varied. Once the detent (21) encounters a detent receiver (22),
the spring (28) forces the detent (21) to travel through the detent
receiver (22), thus fixing the length of the vertical support
member (20). This is just one example of a locking telescoping
vertical support member (20). As described above, it would be
apparent to one skilled in the art that a number of other locking
mechanisms may be used to selectively fix the length of vertical
support member (20).
[0034] A cross section along dashed line 105 of the axle assembly
(80) is illustrated in FIG. 5. The detent/detent receiver
configuration of the axle assembly is similar to that just
described with reference to the vertical support member. The round
cross section of axle (86) and axle housing (85) permits the axle
to rotate about a horizontal axis within the axle housing (85). The
rotation of axle (86) can be locked in a fixed orientation by
engaging detent (81) with detent receiver (82). Spring (88) exerts
a force against the detent (81) and the detent stabilizer (87).
Detent stabilizer (87) is fixed to the inner surface of axle (86).
When the distal portion of detent (81) is medially depressed below
the inner surface (84) of the axle housing (85) the detent (81)
disengages with the detent receiver (82), and axle (86) is no
longer locked in a fixed orientation. Once the detent (81)
encounters a detent receiver (82), the spring (88) forces the
detent (81) to travel through the detent receiver (82), thus fixing
the orientation of the axle (86) relative to the axle housing (85),
which in turn, fixes the orientation of the axial fan. This is just
one example of a locking axle assembly (80).
[0035] As with the locking vertical support member described above,
it would be apparent to one skilled in the art that a number of
other locking mechanisms may be used to selectively fix the
orientation of axle assembly (80). One such non-limiting example
includes a constricting collar on the axle housing (85) that, when
activated, constricts the radius of the axle housing (85) such that
it holds the axle (86) by friction. Similarly, the axle (86) may
include an expanding collar that, when activated expands the radius
of the axle (86) such that it is held to the axle housing (85) by
friction. A final non-limiting example may include a simple pin and
pin-hole configuration, where both the axle and axle housing (86
and 85) include a hole, or a plurality of holes. Once a hole of the
axle housing (85) is aligned with a hole on the axle (86), a pin
may be inserted; thus, fixing the orientation of the axle (86)
relative to the axle housing (85), which in turn, fixes the
orientation of the axial fan. Also, while the embodiment disclosed
in FIGS. 1B, 3 and 5 illustrate the axle (86) as cylinder that is
inserted concentrically into the axle housing (85), the axle
assembly (80) may comprise an arrangement wherein the axle housing
(85) is the smaller of the two cylinders, and the axle (86) is the
larger of the cylinders and rotates on the outside of the axle
assembly (80).
[0036] While the description above refers to particular embodiments
of the present invention, it should be readily apparent to people
of ordinary skill in the art that a number of modifications may be
made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying
claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall
within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The presently
disclosed embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the
invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the
foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning of
and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced
therein. Moreover, the applicants expressly do not intend that the
following claims "and the embodiments in the specification to be
strictly coextensive." Phillips v. AHW Corp., 415 F.3d 1303, 1323
(Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc).
* * * * *