Patent Application
20070243816
The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and drawings of illustrative embodiments of the invention in which:
Referring now to the drawings, in one embodiment the present invention is directed to a portable fan 10 having a base 60, a frame 20, a number of blower fans 50, each enclosed by a blower housing 40. Each blower housing 40 is rotatably mounted to an outer gimbal 30 at mount points 80 such that it is rotatable about a first axis. Each outer gimbal 30 is rotatably mounted to the frame 20 at mount points 70 such that it is rotatable about a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis. The frame 20 is coupled to the base 60 which provides support and keeps the fan 10 upright.
The rotational configuration of each blower fan 50 is similar to a gimbal, in which the blower housing 40 is the inner gimbal. While a gimbal is most frequently associated with a set of gimbal rings, it is understood that a circular structure is not required and each structure defining a plane of rotation about an axis can take any shape. While the function of the outer gimbal 30 is not identical to that of an aeronautical or gyroscopic gimbal, because the structure provides a similar function, it is refereed to herein as the outer gimbal 30.
Each blower fan 50 is independently positionable about the first and second axis defined by mount points 80 and 70. Because each fan 50 is rotatable about two non-parallel axes, the direction of the air flow can be positioned with two degrees of freedom. In a preferred embodiment, the first axis defined by mount points 80 is perpendicular to the second axis defined by mount points 70. This configuration provides easy control of the direction of the air flow from each blower fan 50.
While the invention as shown in
The frame 20 can also twist, such that, in the case of the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the frame 20 would look similar to a double-helix. Additionally, Frame 20 does not have to be an enclosed shape, but rather can be an open, for example a “U” structure or two vertical beams.
Similarly, the outer gimbal 30 and blower housing 40, although illustrated in the figures as circular, do not have to be circular. Outer gimbal 30 and blower housing 40 can be any shape that allows them to be rotatably connected at mount points 70. Neither are outer gimbal 30 and blower housing 40 required to be the same, or even similar, shapes.
It should be noted that the shape of the frame 20, outer gimbal 30 and blower housing 40 can be designed to limit the degree and direction of rotation about the first and second axis, and thus affect the directional range of the air flow generated by each blower fan 50. The shape of each part can be designed such that it will be prevented from rotating in one direction about its axis, or the shapes can be designed to only allow a predetermined degree of rotation. Alternatively, the rotating mechanism of mount points 70 and 80 can be designed to limit the degree or direction of rotation.
In another aspect of the invention, if the shapes of the blower housing 40, outer gimbal 30, or frame 20 are such that rotation about either the first or second axis causes interference between either the blower housing 40 and the outer gimbal 30 or the outer gimbal 30 and the frame 20, mount points 70 and 80 can be positioned away from the inner surface of the frame 20 or outer gimbal 30. Positioning the mount points 70 and 80 away from their respective inner surfaces provides a larger clearance distance between the rotating components, and thus prevents interference between the components and allows for a greater degree of rotation. According to this aspect, alternative shapes can be used while not limiting the direction or degree of rotation about the first or second axis.
The embodiment in the figures illustrates a parallel first axis and a parallel second axis for each blower housing 40 and outer gimbal 30. It should be understood that the first and second axis of each blower housing 40 and outer gimbal 30 do not need to be parallel to the first and second axis of each other blower housing 40 and outer gimbal 30. Rather, each blower housing can have its own first and second axes.
In yet another aspect of this invention, each blower fan 50 provides independent control of the blower speed. This may be useful for many situations. If there are two targets which are not equidistant from the fan 10, the closer target may not require the same velocity magnitude of air current, i.e., a person closer to the fan may be cold if the fan were run at the speed necessary to provide a comfortable level of air flow to someone further away. Similarly, the temperature or breeze which people find comfortable can differ greatly from one person to another. Thus, the speed control of each blower fan 50 can be controlled from a control panel 90. Controls 110, 120, and 130 can be individually associated with one of the blower fans 50. Additionally, each control can provide multiple independent speeds. Alternatively, a single control (not shown) could be provided, thus providing control of all the blower fans 50 from a single device.
In another aspect of this invention each blower housing 40 can include a detachable grill 140. Detachable grills 140 allow for ease of cleaning and can prevent dust buildup on the fan.
In a further aspect of the invention, electrical wires 125 that supply power to each fan blower can be guided through the internal cavities of any of the frame 20, the outer gimbals 30, the base 60, and the blower housings 40. Between components, the electrical wires 125 can be guided through the mount points 70 and 80.
To increase the portability of the fan 10, the fan 10 can include a handle 100. The handle 100 can be coupled to any part of the fan 10. Preferably, the handle 100 is coupled to the fan so as to be positioned over the center of gravity of the fan 10. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the handle 100 is positioned at the top and center of the fan. Similarly, another aspect of the present invention provides that the frame 20 can be detached from the base 60, thereby enhancing the portability of the fan 10.
The embodiment of the present invention described herein is directed to a fan. However, it should be understood that the present invention may also be applicable to other appliances or products. For example, such products where it is desired to have multiple independently positional assemblies. Examples of such appliance assemblies include audio speakers, microphone arrays, lights, and heaters.
While the invention has been shown by way of reference to a portable fan having a base, frame, a plurality of outer gimbals, and a plurality of blower housings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be utilized in any portable device, such as a fan, and that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
