This invention relates generally to fans. More specifically, the present invention relates to portable high velocity fans.
High velocity air moving devices have been utilized for many years. One example of a conventional device includes an axial fan blade type impeller and a motor. These types of devices not only produce a high velocity air stream but also produce a large volume of air movement. A disadvantage of this device is that the axial fan blade is large and requires even larger protective grills. Another disadvantage of this device is that the large volumes of air combined with the high velocity of the air stream produce a large thrust. The thrust must be counteracted by utilizing a large base to stabilize the device. The thrust stability problem can be exacerbated if the device is elevated above its support surface. The large components (blades and protective grills) of axial fans along with the increased thrust and corresponding stability problems do not allow these types of devices to be easily transportable (portable) or to have space saving characteristics.
Another disadvantage of these conventional devices is that the high volume of air that is moved by the device may not be desirable. The high volume of air may cause objects, (such as papers for example) to be dislodged from their intended place. Further, the large volume of air increases the possibility that dust, pollen, dander, etc. will be disturbed and induced to become airborne. The airborne dust and debris can be detrimental to, for example, respiratory conditions.
In light of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention is directed to a high velocity air movement device that produces an air steam of sufficient velocity to maximize the evaporation of moisture (sweat) from the skin of the user. This can be achieved in that the velocity of the air stream allows it to efficiently impinge the surface (skin) of the user and rapidly evaporate the moisture. One manner to enhance this effect is to raise the elevation of the high velocity air stream, thus allowing the air stream to impinge on the user's upper body. The upper body is more exposed and therefore will experience the effects of the cooling more quickly.
In another embodiment of the invention, a high velocity air moving device allows a user to have the ability to direct and focus the air stream to a desired location. This helps to alleviate or lessen the disturbance of other objects in the area as mentioned, while allowing the user to experience the cooling advantages of a high velocity air moving device
According to one aspect of the invention, the device is free standing comprising a base engaging a support surface.
,According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises an elongate housing extending substantially upward, and an interior space defined by the elongate housing.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is at least one air inlet in the elongate housing allowing intake air to enter, and an air outlet located in an upper portion of said elongate housing.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, an air blower assembly is disposed within the elongate housing. The air blower assembly includes at least one air impeller disposed within an impeller casing and at least one motor rotating the impeller.
According to another aspect of the invention, an exhaust air stream generated by the air blower assembly exits the interior space at an elevation above the air blower assembly.
According to another aspect of the invention, the air blower assembly is disposed within a lower portion of the interior space of the elongate housing.
According to another aspect of the invention, a maximum velocity of the exhaust air stream measured about 8 feet from the air outlet is between about 750 feet per minute to about 2000 feet per minute.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a maximum thrust in a direction opposite to a direction the flow of the exhaust air stream exiting the air outlet is about 1.0 pound of force or less.
According to another aspect of the invention, a velocity to thrust ratio, defined as a maximum velocity of the exhaust air stream measured about 8 feet from the air outlet divided by a maximum thrust generated by the exhaust air stream in a direction opposite to the direction of the flow of the exhaust air stream is about 500:1 or greater.
According to another aspect of the invention, a longitudinal length of the elongate housing is substantially orthogonal to an axis of rotation of the impeller of the air blower assembly.
According to another aspect of the invention, the elongate housing has an elongated aspect ratio that is about 2 to 1 or greater. The elongated aspect ratio defined as the longitudinal length of the elongate housing being greater than a width of the elongate housing.
According to another aspect of the invention, the base is a unitary part of the elongate housing.
According to another aspect of the invention, the base is rotatably coupled to the elongate housing.
According to another aspect of the invention, the motor is a variable speed motor having one or more rotational speeds that are controlled by a control assembly.
The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:
The following description is of a portable air moving device that generates a focused stream of high velocity air that is easily directed by the user to a desired location. The device also has a vertical aspect ratio relative to a support surface, which allows the generated air stream to affect the user's upper body more readily. The device also has space saving characteristics. In addition, the high velocity air moving device is preferably portable and can be easily moved by the user to a desired location. The air blower assembly of the device uses an air generator having an impeller and motor design that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. In other embodiments, the high velocity air moving device provides various combinations of the above characteristics at a desirable retail cost for the consumer.
In one exemplary embodiment housing 102 is an elongate housing having a vertical aspect ratio. The vertical aspect ratio of housing 102 being defined as the vertical height of housing 102 being greater than a horizontal width of housing 102. In one embodiment the vertical aspect ratio of elongate housing 102 is greater than 2 to 1. In a preferred embodiment elongate housing 102 has a vertical aspect ratio of 3 to 1 or greater.
Portable air moving device 100 includes at least one air inlet 110 and at least one air outlet 112. As shown in
Portable air moving device 100 also includes at least one control assembly 170. Control assembly 170 controls a function of portable air moving device 100. Also shown is power cord 172, utilized to connect portable air moving device 100 to an electrical power source (i.e. wall outlet). The electrical component connections of portable air moving device 100 are integrated within the device, such as for example between control assembly 170 and blower assembly 106. The integration of the electrical component connections within the device eliminates the need for user to make such connections. In the exemplary embodiment shown, for example only the connection of power cord 172 to an electrical power source is required. The integration of the electrical component connections within the device also enhance the portability of portable air moving device 100.
Housing 102 also includes handle 114. Handle 114 is used to increase the convenience of portability of the device. It is contemplated that handle 114 may be an integral part of housing 102 as shown or, for example a separate piece or pieces, (not shown) attached to portable air moving device 100.
Disposed within interior space 104 is air blower assembly 106. Air blower assembly 106 includes motor 116 and at least one air impeller 120 connected to motor shaft 118. Air blower assembly 106 may also include, as in this example, impeller casing 122 and other components, (not shown). The use of air blower assembly 106 allows motor shaft 118 to support impeller 120 without the use of extra external bearings, (not shown). The use of air blower assembly 106 allows for the pre-assembly and pre-testing of air blower assembly 106 thereby allowing the manufacture and assembly of portable air moving device 100 to be less costly when compared to assembling motor 116, air impeller 120 and impeller casing 122 into the device as separate components. In this example the air blower assembly 106 is a dual intake centrifugal type blower.
Air blower assembly 106 also includes at least one intake port 124 and at least one exhaust port 126. Ambient air is drawn into intake port 124 by the rotation of air impeller 120. A high velocity air stream exits air blower assembly 106 through exhaust port 126.
Also disposed within interior space 104 in this example is air directing component 130 and an air segregation walls 132 and 134. Air directing component 130 assures that the high velocity air stream generated by air blower assembly 106 is efficiently directed toward air exit opening 112 of housing 102. The air segregation wall can be formed as one or more air segregation walls, such as air segregation walls 132 and 134 shown in
Preferably, protective grill 136 is located proximate air exit opening 112. Protective grill 136 is designed to minimize impedance of the high velocity air flow as it exits portable air moving device 100 while at the same time protecting portable air moving device 100 from the penetration of foreign objects into interior space 104. Incorporated with protective grill 136 may be air directing devices, such as adjustable louvers 138, for example. Adjustable louvers 138 allow additional directional control capabilities of the high velocity air stream.
Protective grill 136 may be attached to housing 102 through an assembly device, (not shown), such as for example; screws, adhesives or snaps. Protective grill 136 may include at least one ornamental cover 137 to hide the assembly device, (not shown).
Intake grills 111a and 111b are preferably located proximate at least one air inlet 110. Intake grills 111a and 111b are designed to minimize their impedance to the flow of air into portable air moving device 100 while at the same time protecting portable air moving device 100 from the penetration of foreign objects into interior space 104.
In one exemplary embodiment, housing 102 rotates with respect to a support surface. Such rotation may be accomplished either in an oscillatory fashion, a stepwise positioning of housing 102 (either manually or under automated control), or in a constant rotation, either in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. In one example the rotational range of housing 102 is between about 0 degrees and about 360 degrees. In another exemplary embodiment the rotational range is between about 0 degrees and 90 degrees.
Base 160 engages a support surface thus allowing the entire structure of portable air moving device 100 to be positioned in a substantially vertical and upright position. Such a base 160 may be either fixed or rotatably coupled to housing 102. Base 160 may be comprised of one or multiple pieces attached to one another, such as for example base top 162 and base bottom 164. Base 160 may be made of materials such as metals or polymers or a combination of various materials.
Although the exemplary embodiment shown in
In one embodiment, base 160 can be uncoupled from housing 102. Base 160 can then be stored along with housing 102 and all other components of portable air moving device 100 to economize space. The space economization for storing portable air moving device 100 can be used for shipping purposes thus allowing more units in a given transport container (i.e. truck) and thereby reducing the overall cost per unit for transportation.
Control assembly 170 is used to control a function of portable air moving device 100 such as for example, the speed of air blower assembly 106 and/or rotation or oscillation of the device. In one embodiment as shown in
It is contemplated that portable air moving device 100 may be constructed with material such as polymers, sealed motors, sealed switches and other components, such as for example rain sensors that could optimize a weather proof construction. This would facilitate the use of portable air moving device 100 on decks, boats and other areas that might be exposed to varying weather conditions.
As shown in
High velocity exhaust air stream 302 is directed through interior space 104 of housing 102 by at least one air directing component 130. Air segregation walls 132 and 134 impede fluid communication and substantially reduces the recirculation of high velocity exhaust air stream 302 between exhaust port 126 and intake port 124 of air blower assembly 106. Air segregation walls 132 and 134 divide interior space 104 of housing 102 into air inlet passageway (intake portion) 104a and air outlet passageway (exhaust portion) 104b. The division of interior space 104 of housing 102 as described aids the velocity conservation of high velocity exhaust air stream 302 by substantially reducing the possibility of air recirculation within housing 102 of portable air moving device 100.
In the embodiment shown in
The flow of air into, though, and out of portable air moving device 100 as described allow high velocity exhaust air stream 302 to exit portable air moving device 100 from upper portion 102e of housing 102 above air blower assembly 106 and thus be elevated above support surface 320. (Upper portion 102e of housing 102 is defined by the upper half of the overall length “OAL” of portable air moving device 100). In one embodiment blower assembly 106 may be located in upper portion 102e of housing 102. As shown air blower assembly 106 is located in lower portion 102d of housing 102 allowing the mass of air blower assembly 106 to be located closer to support surface 320. The location of the mass of air blower assembly 106 in lower portion 102d as described relative to support surface 320 increases the stability of portable air moving device 100 and minimizes the size of base 160, thus maximizing space saving characteristics of portable air moving device 100 while allowing the elevation of air exit opening 112 of housing 102 above support surface 320.
In one embodiment the center of gravity, (not shown) of portable air moving device 100 is located within lower portion 102d of housing 102.
Another advantage to air flow paths 310, 312 and 314 as illustrated by
As shown in
In other respects the preferred exemplary embodiment of
As shown in
Another advantage to the minimization of thrust is that motor 116 of the air blower assembly 106 does not require the power that would be needed to move a greater volume of air. This allows the needed motor torque to be reduced and decreases the heat generated by the motor. The motor can therefore utilize fewer materials and be less expensive while yet producing the required air stream velocity. This in turn yields cost savings for the manufacturer and the consumer.
In one exemplary embodiment high velocity exhaust air stream 302 has a maximum velocity of about 500 feet per minute or greater when measured at a distance of about 8 feet from air outlet 112 of portable air moving device 100. In a preferred embodiment the maximum velocity of high velocity exhaust air stream 302 is greater than 1000 feet per minute when measured 8 feet from air outlet 112. In another embodiment the maximum velocity of high velocity exhaust air stream 302 is between 750 feet per minute and 2000 feet per minute. The maximum velocity of exhaust air stream 302 is measured by locating an anemometer 8 feet from air outlet 112 of portable air moving device 100. The anemometer is moved vertically up and down and horizontally while maintaining the 8 feet of distance until the maximum velocity within exhaust air stream 302 is located. In another exemplary embodiment the maximum thrust generated in a direction opposite the direction of the flow of air path 314 of high velocity exhaust air stream 302 is about 1.0 lbs or less. In one embodiment the maximum thrust is less than 0.7 lbs. The maximum thrust is measured using a certified thrust table as specified by AMCA (Air Movement and Control Association). In another exemplary embodiment the ratio of the maximum velocity of high velocity exhaust air stream 302 measured at a distance of about 8 feet from air outlet 112 divided by the maximum thrust generated in a direction opposite to the direction of the flow of air path 314 of the high velocity exhaust air stream 302 is about 500:1 or greater.
As described the preferred embodiment of portable air moving device 100 uses air blower assembly 106, (having the proper volume and velocity characteristics) to generate a high velocity low thrust exhaust air stream 302. Low thrust permits exhaust air stream 302 to be elevated above a support surface without compromising the stability of portable air moving device 100. Preferably the location of air blower assembly 106 is in a lower portion of housing 102, thus allowing the mass of air blower assembly 106 to remain closer to the support surface. The location of air blower assembly 106 as described further enhances the stability of portable air moving device 100. Housing 102 in conjunction with air directing component 130 and air segregation walls 132 and 134 conserve the velocity of exhaust air stream 302 as it is elevated above the support surface while passing through interior space 104 of housing 102. As a result the preferred embodiment of portable air moving device 100 supplies exhaust air stream 302 elevated above a support surface, allowing the generated air stream to more readily affect the user's upper body. As described the velocities of exhaust air stream 302 are sufficient to impinge upon the user and further enhance the cooling sensation. The enhanced stability of portable air moving device 100 as described allow the size of base 160 to be minimized to further contribute to space saving characteristics.
Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 10/347,079, filed Jan. 17, 2003, which is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 10/322,169, filed Dec. 18, 2002.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10347079 | Jan 2003 | US |
Child | 10944290 | Sep 2004 | US |
Parent | 10322169 | Dec 2002 | US |
Child | 10347079 | Jan 2003 | US |