Patent Application
20250215898
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of fans, and more specifically, to an adjustable window fan that allows a user to more fully use a window's locking features, among other features, without sacrificing the ability of the fan to import air from outside of a window.
Problem Stated: There are no window fans that do not require permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a window and allow full use of a window's locking mechanism.
Currently, there are a number of attempts at providing adjustable window fans. Some of these solutions attempt to permanently or semi-permanently fix the window fan within an open window. These solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because such solutions do not allow for the window to fully close, nor does it allow for the window locking mechanism to engage because of the placement of the fixed window fan. As a result of this design, the window is susceptible to security breaches from burglars and other undesirable characters. The only known way to allow the window to still lock would be to drill holes into the window frame and attach a bolt or some other retaining device at a particular point to avoid allowing a burglar to merely remove the screen, remove the window fan and open the window. Furthermore, the installed window fan hinders the airflow of an open window because it is not easily removable from the window and renders the normal function of the opening and closing of the window useless.
The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The goal of this invention is to provide a window fan that can be removably attached to the window or window frame allowing the full use and capabilities of the window including maintaining the ability of the window to be fully closed and locked by having the window fan be easily maneuvered into and out of the window opening. This is accomplished without setting the window fan into the window and using the edge of the sliding portion to jam the window fan up against the opposite side of the window, thereby inhibiting the user's ability to lock the window. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a window fan that can be anchored to the window and be easily positioned in the window opening when the window is open and easily positioned aside the face of the window when the window is closed. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a window fan that can attach to the face of a window allowing for full operation of the window while easy maneuverability allows for proper positioning of the fan housing in the window opening when the window is open.
However, none of the prior art provides a complete and effective solution for the problem as stated above. The current invention provides just such a solution by providing a fan that can be quickly and easily temporarily secured to a window and can be moved into and out of a window opening, thereby allowing the full use of the window. A fan housing which consists of one or more fans and fan controls has a top and bottom, which are adjustably connected to adjustable articulating arms. The articulating arms are composed of one or more segments that are rotatably connected to each other. The opposite ends of the articulating arms are adjustably connected to the rails. Connected to the back side of the rails is at least one suction cup. The suction cups can be used to secure the invention to a windowpane. The articulating arms allow the fan housing to swing in and out of a window opening. This design allows a user to “lock” the window in place for security when the fan is not in use, and yet have the fan bring in air from the outside, or exhaust air from the inside when in use.
To removably attach the invention, a rail is attached with suction cups, suckers or an adhesive to the window. It is also contemplated that in the future window manufacturers could manufacture windows with a pre-set “sleeve” on the outside of the window frame into which protruding bolts from the removable window could be inserted. The assembly includes a fan housing attached to an articulating arm or arms that can be adjusted to reposition the fan housing in which one or more fans are housed. The other end of the articulating arms is attached to a rail. When the window is open, the fan housing can be adjusted and positioned in the window opening. Reverse this action to move the fan housing out of the window opening to close and secure the window. To install the fully assembled invention on a horizontally opening window, simply position the invention in the desired location on the movable windowpane, the glass pane that slides when the window opens or closes. Generally, the rail length will be parallel to the direction the window slides. When in position that will allow the fan housing to be positioned in the window opening when after maneuvering, press the suction cups on to the window.
To use the invention, a user needs only to simply open the window and position the fan housing into the window opening and turn on the fan. If the fan does not have a reverse spin option, the fan housing can be rotated on the connections to the articulating arm 180 degrees to reverse the flow of air. To close the window, position the fan housing back in between the top and bottom rails on the movable windowpane and slide the said windowpane into the closed position. To install the invention on a vertically sliding window, the process is generally the same but, in an orientation, rotated 90 degrees to the horizontal sliding window installation instructions. In this orientation the top rail and top articulating arm becomes the right rail and the right articulating arm. The bottom rail and bottom articulating arm become the left rail and left articulating arm.
After positioning the invention on the windowpane, the user lifts up the window to open the window. Then position the fan housing into the window opening. To close the window, maneuver the fan housing up near the face of the window pane in between the right and left rails. Close the window. The invention can have a thin fan housing and sit against the face of the window with little protrusion allowing the full use of window blinds or other window covering. The rails can consist of a top, right, left, and bottom forming a frame. The frame can hold additional suction cups for more adhesion to the windowpane. When in the collapsed or closed position, the fan housing will sit nested in between the top and bottom articulating arms which are next in between the top and bottom rails. This can allow for less protrusion of the fan housing from the window and allows for window coverings to function as normal or close to normal.
This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. The invention as described herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art.
Disclosed is a window fan which is made up of the following components: (1) a top rail and a bottom rail with the top and bottom rails being substantially parallel to each other; (2) at least one suction cups fixed to the backside of the rail(s); (3) at least one articulating or adjustable arm attached to the rail or rails allowing omni directional arm movement; (4) a fan housing containing one more fans adjustably attached to the opposite end of the articulating or adjustable arm(s) allowing omni directional movement of the fan housing.
The device may have one or more of the following: (1) a rail consisting of a top and/or bottom and/or left side and/or right side; (2) a rail consisting of one piece; (3) a rail consisting of one or more left side, right side, top or bottom; (4) a rail with adjustable left side, right side, top and/or bottom; (5) a rail with one or more suction cups or suckers on the back face; (6) a rail with angled suction cups; (7) suction cup or cups that can be adjusted along the rail; (8) a rail with adhesive on the back face; (9) a rail with that secures to the window or window frame with clamps or other pressure mounted mechanism; (10) a rail which mechanically fastens to the window, window frame, and/or wall; (11) one or more articulating arms; (12) an articulating arm or arms connection(s) that can be adjusted along the rail; (13) articulating arm(s) with one or more joints; (14) articulating arm(s) with one or more segments; (15) articulating arm(s) with lockable joints or pivots; (16) an articulating arm or arms connected to a fan housing; (17) a rail or rails that slides linearly; (18) a rail or rails that telescope; (19) a rail or rails that telescope, slide, and/or articulate; (20) an adjustable arm or arms that slides linearly; (21) an adjustable arm or arms that telescope; (22) an adjustable arm or arms that telescope, slide and/or articulate; (23) adjustable arms that can lock and hold position; (24) a fan housing that contains one or more fan assemblies; (25) a fan housing with adjustable fan assemblies; (26) a fan housing with an adjustable connection point or points to the articulating arm(s); (27) a fan housing that can be adjusted to an open or extended position and a closed or collapsed position; (28) A fan or fan housing with fan controls; (29) A fan or fan housing with a wired power source; (30) a fan or fan housing with power controls in the power cord; (31) A fan or fan housing with a non-wired power source such as battery power; (32) a fan or fan housing with all necessary electrical components; (33) fan(s) that use an impeller or blower; (34) a fan housing that can be easily detached from the articulating arm; (35) a fan housing with an articulating arm mount on the side of the housing; (36) a fan housing with an articulating arm mount on both sides of the fan housing; (37) a fan housing with a one or more articulating arm mount(s) on the fan housing; (38) a fan or fan housing that can rotate 360 degrees around the joint or joints connecting to the articulating arm(s); (39) a fan housing with accordion style or expanding and collapsing wings the fill the remaining void of the window opening when active and can retract into the fan housing when inactive; (40) an articulating arm, fan housing, or fan with a powered motion controlling mechanism that can rotate or oscillate the fan or fan housing to adjust the air flow from the fan.
The disclosed is superior to other known window fans because it provides a window fan: (1) which employs a rail or rails that are attached to the window with suction cups and the rail(s) are connected to an articulating arm or arms that effectively move a fan housing that is connected the opposite end of the articulation arm(s) into an open window; and (2) allows full use of the window and enhances security of the window by allowing the use of the window's own locking mechanism.
The disclosed device is unique because it allows for the full open and closure of the window while being easily adjusted into and out of the window opening, allows for the locking of the window, and allows more light and air to traverse the window opening when the window fan is not in use.
This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. The Window Fan may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art.
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
As can be seen by the previous description of the prior art and the invention itself, It would be desirable to have a window fan that is easily attached and removed from a window, where the window fan allows the window to lock for security purposes, and yet still allows for the exchange of air from the outside, as is the intend goal of a window fan. The fan is easily manipulated to maximize its efficiency without restricting the ability to lock a window.
In its most complete version, the device is made up of the following components: (1) a top rail and a bottom rail with the top and bottom rails being substantially parallel to each other; (2) Two suction cups fixed to the back face of each rail; (3) An articulating and adjustable arm rotatably attached to the top rail allowing movement parallel to the rail orientation. There are multiple connection points along the length of the rail in which the articulation arm can connect. (4) An articulating and adjustable arm rotatably attached to the bottom rail allowing movement parallel to the rail orientation. There are multiple connection points along the length of the rail in which the articulation arm can connect. (5) Articulating and adjustable arms consisting of two primary segments with a pivot or joint connecting the two segments allowing for articulation and adjustment of the two primary segments; (6) A fan housing rotatably connected to the articulating and adjustable arms at the top and bottom of the fan housing respectively in a way that allows the fan housing to sit below the top articulating arm and rail and in a way that allows the fan housing to sit above the bottom articulating arm and rail when in the closed or collapsed position; (7) A fan housing with fan controls; (8) At least one fan fixed within the fan housing; (9) A fan housing with expandable and collapsible wings; (10) A fan or fan housing with a powered motion controller to oscillate the direction of the fan or fan housing face.
Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.
Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the above description does not provide specific details of the manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art can choose suitable manufacturing and design details.
Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
This application claims priority back to U.S. Provisional No. 63/617,043, filed Jan. 2, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. INVENTOR: Graig Harris, citizen of USA and resident of San Diego, CA, USA.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63617043 | Jan 2024 | US |
