FAN

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/691,038, filed on Sep. 5, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a fan, which may be a portable fan, such as a floor standing fan, which has a base and one or more air outlets supported above the base by a support member. An air moving member may be provided in the base, the support member, or a housing forming an air outlet, upstream of the air outlet.

INTRODUCTION

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

Various constructions for fans are known in the art. Known fans have an air moving member to drive air movement. Many fans employ the air moving member to move ambient air. The air moving member may be visible from an exterior of the fan.

For example, many fans have visible blades which are optionally inside a protective cage. Alternatively, the air moving member may not be visible from an exterior of the fan. For example, some fans have an air moving member received in a housing and directing air out through an air outlet (e.g., a so-called ‘bladeless’ fan).

SUMMARY

This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

A fan has an air flow path extending from an air inlet to an air outlet. An air moving member is provided in the air flow path to drive air movement through the air flow path. The air moving member may be powered by an external power supply via a power cord and/or may be powered by an on-board energy storage device. The fan may be a portable fan with a base to support the fan free-standing on a support surface such as a floor or desk. Alternatively, the fan may be a mounted fan secured to the support surface, such as a ceiling fan secured to a ceiling.

In use, the fan produces an air movement in an ambient environment by directing an outlet air flow out through the air outlet. The air outlet may be shaped to produce an outlet air flow which induces ambient air flow to add to the air movement in the ambient environment. Accordingly, ambient air may combine with the air exiting the air outlet to thereby produce a larger volume of air which may be directed in the direction of air exiting the air outlet. The outlet air flow may be in the form of a high-velocity jet. The jet may be of any suitable shape, such as generally blade shaped, generally cylindrical, generally in the shape of an expanding cone. The jet may be produced by an air outlet port of any suitable shape, such as slot-shaped or circular. The air outlet may include a nozzle having converging or diverging sidewalls.

The fan may include a support member secured to the base and extending from the base. If the base is a free-standing floor base, the support member may extend generally upwardly from the base. The support member may extend along a longitudinal support axis, and the longitudinal support axis may be generally vertical, such as within twenty° of vertical. The air outlet may be provided in a body that is supported by the support member at a location that is spaced apart from the base. Accordingly, the air outlet is provided at a location spaced apart from the support surface. If the fan is a fan freestanding on a floor, the air outlet is provided at a raised location above the floor. If the fan is a ceiling mounted fan, the air outlet may be provided at a location spaced from the ceiling. Accordingly, the air outlet may be removed from obstructions in the form of other objects resting on or secured to the support surface on which the fan stands or is affixed to. Also, or alternatively, a location spaced apart from the support surface may direct the outlet air flow along a path that is spaced away from the support surface, which may be more readily experienced by the user.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the air flow path is guided through the support member. The air inlet may be provided in the base or in a portion of the support member that is proximate to the base. The air flow path extends between the air inlet and the air outlet through the support member. The air flow path may extend through one or more redirecting elements to guide the air flow path between the inlet and the outlet, so as to transition the air flow path between vertically and horizontally extending portions of the air flow path. In some embodiments, a redirecting element may include an elbow duct to guide the air flow path between a vertically extending portion and a horizontally extending portion.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a portable fan comprising an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet with an air moving member in the air flow path, the air flow path comprises:

• • (a) an upstream conduit that extends in a first axial direction;
  • (b) a downstream conduit that extends in a second axial direction that is generally transverse to the first axial direction; and,
  • (c) an elbow positioned between a downstream end of the upstream conduit and an upstream end of the downstream conduit wherein, along each portion of the elbow, the elbow has a cross-sectional flow area in a direction transverse to a direction of flow though that portion of the elbow whereby the elbow has a constant cross-sectional flow area from an inlet end of the elbow to an outlet end of the elbow.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the air outlet is formed in one or more arms, which may be supported at an elevation by the vertically extending support member, and the one or more arms may extend outwardly from the support member. Each arm includes a conduit or outlet conduit to convey the air out to the air outlet. The arm may help in providing an outlet flow of air at a desired location (e.g., elevation) and/or in a desired shape (e.g., the air outlet may be a slot extending along the axial length of the arm to provide a rectangular shaped air flow exiting the air outlet). Accordingly, if the arm extends out from the support member, the arm may provide an outlet flow of air along a portion of, or all of, the axial length of the arm such that part or all of the air outlet may be spaced away from a support member and/or spaced away from a main axis of the fan. The arm may be configured to provide an outlet flow of air in a desired shape, such as an elongated shape in embodiments in which an outlet port extends along part of, or all of, the length of the arm, e.g., as a continuous axially extending slot or a plurality of axially extending slots or a plurality of outlet ports at a plurality of spaced-apart locations (e.g., axially spaced apart) or any combination thereof. In embodiments in which an outlet port includes a slot extending along an arm, the arm may form a conduit with the slot in one side of the conduit. A conduit with a slot formed along one side thereof may be referred to as an outlet conduit herein.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the shape of the air flow area in a plane generally parallel to the air flow direction out through the air outlet slot is generally tear-drop shaped. The tear-drop shape may be a shape in a plane that is perpendicular to a direction of air flow in a conduit supplying the air outlet, such as an arm conduit. The tear-drop shaped air outlet air flow area includes a tail portion converging towards the outlet port and a wider side opposed to the outlet port at a rear end of the air outlet. The tear-drop shape may include a curved sidewall surface opposite the air outlet port. The air outlet port may be spaced farther than the curved surface from the focal point of the curvature of the curved wall. The air outlet may include generally planar sidewall surfaces converging towards the air outlet port. The tear-drop shape may help to direct air out of the air outlet in a high-velocity jet to entrain additional air from the ambient external to the fan.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the fan includes flow directors, which may be fixed in position, that are provided in the air outlet, such as in the outlet conduit. The flow directors are spaced apart, such as along part or all of the axial length of the outlet conduit and guide, or assist in guiding, the flow of air within the outlet conduit towards the side of the channel in which the outlet port is provided. The flow directors may be evenly spaced apart along the axial length of the outlet conduit or the spacing between the flow directors may vary, e.g., they may be closer together at the inlet end of the outlet conduit compared to the distal end of the outlet conduit or further apart at the inlet end of the outlet conduit compared to the distal end of the outlet conduit. The flow directors may extend only part way along the transverse width of the outlet conduit. For example, they may extend from a transversely positioned middle portion of the outlet conduit to or towards the outlet port to guide, or assist in guiding, the flow of air as it exits the fan.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a portable fan which, when placed on a floor, has a front side, a rear side, an upper end and a lower end, the portable fan comprising:

• • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on the floor, the base having an air inlet and an air moving member;
  • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
  • (c) first and second arm members extending outwardly from the support member, each arm member comprising an outlet conduit extending from an inlet end, which is provided at the support member, to a spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end and an axially extending outlet slot wherein air exits the outlet slot in a forward direction, each outlet conduit being generally tear drop shaped in a plane transverse to the channel axis whereby each channel has a wider side which is opposed to the outlet slot at a rear end of the channel;
  • (d) an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the outlet slots, the air flow path includes an upflow conduit extending from the base to an upflow conduit outlet end, the outlet end comprising a first conduit that is in air flow communication with the first channel and a second conduit that is in air flow communication with the second channel; and,
  • (e) a plurality of flow directors provided in each channel.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a fan comprising:

• • (a) an arm member comprising an outlet conduit extending from an inlet end to a spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end, an axially extending outlet slot provided at an outlet side of the channel, an opposed side, a first transverse axis that that extends between the outlet slot and the opposed side and a height in a direction transverse to the channel axis and the first transverse axis, wherein the opposed side is wider than the slot,
  • (b) an air flow path extending from an air inlet to the outlet slot with an air moving member provided upstream of the arm member; and,
  • (c) a plurality of flow directors provided in the outlet conduit.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the fan includes one or more control members moveably mounted within an air flow exiting the air outlet. The control members are moveable to allow the user to control the air flow through the outlet. The user may adjust a control member to reshape the outlet air flow. Also, or alternatively, the user may adjust a control member to redirect the outlet air flow. Control members may include bodies sized to selectively obstruct the air outlet or portions of the air outlet. The control member may be generally triangular in shape with a wider rear end in a direction transverse to the air flow through the air outlet in which the control member moves. The control member may move in any suitable way. The control member may rotate about a fixed axis or axes. Rotation about an axis may be used to control a direction in which air exits the air outlet. Also, or alternately, the control members may translate along a path, such as a linear path. Translation along a path may change a shape of the air outlet, such as by moving the control member in a direction of air flow through the air outlet to change an extent to which the control member blocks the air outlet (e.g., moving the control member in and out of an outlet port). Translation along a path may change a direction of air flow, such as by moving the control member in a direction transverse to the air flow direction through the air outlet to change which portion of the air outlet is blocked by the control member (e.g., moving the control member from one side of the air outlet port to an opposed side).

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to a first air outlet, wherein the first air outlet comprises a first outlet port, air exits the first air outlet in a first flow direction and a first control member is moveably mounted within air which, in operation, exits the first air outlet, the first control member has a front end in the first flow direction and a rear end positioned rearward of the front end, and the first control member is moveable from a first position in which the rear end is positioned within the fan and is a first distance from the first outlet port to a second position in which the rear end is positioned a second distance from the first outlet port, the second distance is different to the first distance.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to a first air outlet, wherein the first air outlet comprises a first converging nozzle, air exits the first converging nozzle in a first flow direction, the first converging nozzle has an upstream end and a downstream end located at a first outlet port and a first control member is moveably mounted within air which, in operation, exits the first air outlet, the first control member has a front end in the first flow direction and a rear end positioned rearward of the front end, the first control member is generally triangular in shape and the rear end is wider in a direction transverse to the first flow direction than the front end.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to a first air outlet and a first control member, wherein the first air outlet comprises a first outlet port, air exits the first air outlet in a first flow direction, the first control member has a front end in the first flow direction and a rear end positioned rearward of the front end, the first control member is moveably mounted within air which, in operation, exits the first air outlet, the first control member is moveable in a direction transverse to the first flow direction.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the fan includes a redirectable air outlet. Redirecting the air outlet allows the air movement produced by the fan to be adjusted without moving the entire fan. This avoids the need to move the base of a portable fan or to release and resecure a mounted fan (e.g., a ceiling fan). The air outlet may be redirected by reshaping the air outlet and/or by moving a component in which the air outlet is provided. For example, the air outlet may be redirected by moving an arm or other air outlet head or housing in which the air outlet is formed. The arm or other air outlet head or housing may be moved by rotating the arm or other air outlet head or housing around a suitable axis, such as a longitudinal axis of the outlet conduit of the arm, a longitudinal axis of the support member, and/or an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outlet conduit of the arm and to the longitudinal axis of the support member.

Alternately or in addition, the arm may be telescopic such that the length of the arm, and therefore the air outlet may be increased or decreased.

Alternately or in addition, some or all of the air outlet of one or more arm or other air outlet head or housing may be closeable to force air to exit through one or more alternate air outlets of the arm or another arm or other air outlet head or housing.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a portable fan which, when placed on a floor, has a front side, a rear side, an upper end and a lower end, the portable fan comprising:

• • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on the floor, the base having an air inlet and an air moving member;
  • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
  • (c) first and second arm members extending outwardly from the support member, each arm member comprising an outlet conduit extending from an inlet end, which is provided at the support member, to a spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end and an axially extending outlet slot wherein air exits the outlet slot in a forward direction, each outlet conduit being generally tear drop shaped in a plane transverse to the channel axis whereby each channel has a wider side which is opposed to the outlet slot at a rear end of the channel; and,
  • (d) an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the outlet slots, the air flow path includes an upflow conduit extending from the base to an upflow conduit outlet end, the outlet end comprising a first conduit that is in air flow communication with the first channel and a second conduit that is in air flow communication with the second channel,
  • wherein each arm is rotatable about its channel axis.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a portable fan which, when placed on a floor, has a front side, a rear side, an upper end and a lower end, the portable fan comprising:

• • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on the floor, the base having an air inlet and an air moving member;
  • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
  • (c) first and second arm members extending outwardly from the support member, each arm member comprising an outlet conduit extending from an inlet end, which is provided at the support member, to a spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end and an axially extending outlet slot wherein air exits the outlet slot in a forward direction, each outlet conduit being generally tear drop shaped in a plane transverse to the channel axis whereby each channel has a wider side which is opposed to the outlet slot at a rear end of the channel; and,
  • (d) an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the outlet slots, the air flow path includes an upflow conduit extending from the base to an upflow conduit outlet end, the outlet end comprising a first conduit that is in air flow communication with the first channel and a second conduit that is in air flow communication with the second channel,
  • wherein each arm is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the channel axes and the support axis.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a fan comprising:

• • (a) an air inlet;
  • (b) a first air outlet section comprising at least one first air outlet wherein the fan is operable with the at least one first air outlet in fluid flow communication with the air inlet;
  • (c) a second air outlet section comprising at least one second air outlet, wherein the second air outlet section is rotatable with respect to the first air outlet section and wherein the fan is operable with the at least one second air outlet in fluid flow communication with the air inlet; and,
  • (d) air moving member provided in an air flow path extending downstream from the air inlet.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the fan includes a repositionable air outlet. The air outlet may be repositioned with or without substantially changing direction of air flow from the air outlet. For example, the air outlet may be repositioned to a different elevation or moved laterally by translating the air outlet head along a path, without changing a direction of the air flow from the air outlet. The air outlet may be repositioned by rotating the air outlet head. The rotatable air outlet head may be rotatable about an axis of rotation that extends generally parallel or perpendicular to a direction of air flow out from the air outlet, generally parallel to the horizontal, and/or generally perpendicular to a support axis of the support. The rotatable air outlet head may include an air outlet pattern formed by one or more air outlet ports, the air outlet pattern extending generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. For example, the air outlet pattern may include a slot outlet port at least a portion of which extends along a slot axis that is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Alternatively, or additionally, the air outlet pattern may include a plurality of air outlet ports spaced from one another in a direction that includes at least a component that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the head. The air outlet pattern may have a largest dimension in a plane perpendicular to a direction of air flow through the air outlet(s), and rotating the air outlet head may rotate this largest dimension. The air outlet air flow jet may have a largest dimension in a plane perpendicular to a direction of air flow of the jet, and rotating the air outlet head may rotate this largest dimension. Rotation may shift a largest dimension of an air outlet pattern and/or an air flow jet between vertical and horizontal directions.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a portable fan comprising:

• • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor;
  • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends, the support axis extends vertically ±20°;
  • (c) a longitudinally extending housing provided on an upper end of the support member, the housing having first and second laterally opposed ends wherein a longitudinal axis extends through the housing between the first and second laterally opposed ends, the longitudinal axis extends horizontally ±20° when the base is positioned on the floor and the housing comprises a front end having a plurality of air outlets that are spaced apart in a direction of the longitudinal axis and a rear end, the housing is rotatably mounted to the support member about a rotational axis that extends in a common direction with the longitudinal direction; and,
  • (d) an air flow path from an air inlet to the air outlets with a motor and fan assembly provided in the air flow path.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a portable fan comprising:

• • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor;
  • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends, the support axis extends vertically ±20°;
  • (c) a vertically extending housing provided on an upper end of the support member, the housing having first and second vertically opposed ends wherein a vertical axis extends through the housing between the first and second vertically opposed ends, the vertically axis extends vertically ±20° when the base is positioned on the floor and the housing comprises a front end having a plurality of air outlets that are spaced apart in a direction of the vertically axis and a rear end, the housing is rotatably mounted to the support member about a rotational axis that extends in a common direction with the vertically direction; and,
  • (d) an air flow path from an air inlet to the air outlets with a motor and fan assembly provided in the air flow path.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the fan includes an air moving member positioned at a location spaced apart from the support surface. The air moving member may be provided at a raised elevation by the support member, such as provided in an upper end of the support member or in a housing mounted to an upper end of the support member. The air moving member may be positioned near the air outlet, which may also be spaced from the support surface. This may help the air moving member control air flow characteristics of an outlet air flow. Also, or alternatively, the air moving member may be positioned near the air inlet, which may be spaced from the support surface. This may allow for a shorter and/or more direct air flow path from the air inlet through the air moving member and to the air outlet. In some embodiments, the entire air flow path may be spaced away from the support surface, e.g., at a distal (e.g., upper) end of a support member. Optionally, the base and support member may form a stand from which a housing including the air moving member is removeable. In some embodiments, the air moving member has an axis of rotation that is generally horizontal and the air moving member is supported at a location spaced from the support surface by a support member extending along a support axis that is generally vertical.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a portable fan which, when placed on a floor, has a front side, a rear side, an upper end and a lower end, the portable fan comprising:

• • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on the floor;
  • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
  • (c) a first arm member that extends outwardly from the support member, the first arm having a first air outlet;
  • (d) a first air flow path extending from a first air inlet to the first air outlet; and,
  • (e) a first air moving member that is provided in the first air flow path, the first air moving member is provided in one of the support member and the first arm.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a portable fan comprising:

• • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor;
  • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends, the support axis extends vertically ±20°;
  • (c) a housing provided on an upper end of the support member, the housing having an air flow path from an air inlet provided on a rear side of the housing to an air outlet provided on a front side of the housing;
  • (d) a motor and fan assembly provided in the air flow path, the motor having an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation extends horizontally ±20° when the base is positioned on the floor and the axis of rotation extends through the air inlet and the air outlet.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the fan includes a reshapeable air outlet. The air outlet may be reshapeable between a first configuration and a second configuration, the second configuration having a different shape and/or minimum air flow area in a plane perpendicular to a direction of air flow exiting the air outlet than the first configuration. Reshaping the air outlet may change the shape and/or direction of an outlet air jet. The air outlet may be reshaped in any suitable way. Vanes forming one or more of the sidewalls (e.g., left sidewall, right sidewall, upper wall and lower wall) of the outlet may be repositioned to reshape the outlet. Alternately or in addition, a flexible material forming the outlet may be stretched and/or compressed to reshape the outlet. Alternately or in addition an internal blocking member (optionally a movable control member as described elsewhere herein) may move into the air outlet to block a portion of the air outlet. Alternately or in addition an external blocking member may move over the air outlet to block a portion of the air outlet.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a fan comprising:

• • (a) an arm member comprising an outlet channel extending from an inlet end to a longitudinally spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end, an axially extending outlet slot provided at an outlet side of the channel, an opposed side, a first transverse axis that extends between the outlet slot and the opposed side, a height in a direction transverse to the channel axis and the first transverse axis and a length in a direction of the channel axis; and,
  • (b) an air flow path extending from an air inlet to the outlet slot with an air moving member provided upstream of the arm member; and, wherein at least one of the height of the slot is adjustable and the length of the slot is adjustable.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a portable fan comprising:

• • (a) a housing having an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet which comprises a generally round outlet port;
  • (b) a plurality of vanes that extend outwardly from the outlet port, wherein air exits the air outlet in a flow direction and the vanes are angularly positioned around the outlet port in a plane that is transverse to the flow direction, a downstream end of the vanes has a cross-sectional flow area in a plane transverse to the flow direction and at least some of the vanes are rotatable mounted to the housing between a first position in which the downstream end of the vanes have a first cross-sectional flow area and a second position in which the downstream end of the vanes have a second cross-sectional flow area that is different to the first cross-sectional flow area; and,
  • (c) a drive member drivingly connected to the at least some of the vanes.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a portable fan comprising:

• • (a) an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet which comprises an outlet port wherein, in operation, the outlet port has an upper side, a lower side and opposed lateral sides;
  • (b) a plurality of vanes that extend outwardly from the outlet port, the vanes comprise a first set of vanes that are provided on the opposed lateral sides of the outlet port and a second set of vanes that are provided on the upper and lower sides of the outlet port and one of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes are concurrently moveable towards or away from each other; and, (c) a first drive member drivingly connected to the one of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to an air outlet that comprises an outlet port, air exits the air outlet in a flow direction, and the air outlet comprises a flexible member wherein the flexible member is positionable in a first shape in which the air outlet has a first shape and the flexible member is positionable in a second shape in which the air outlet has a second shape that is different to the first shape.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the fan has a redirectable air flow path. The air flow path may be redirected by selectively connecting an air moving member in air flow communication with one or more air outlets or a portion of an air outlet and/or one or more air inlets or a portion of an air inlet and then selectively connecting the air moving member to be in air flow communication with one or more alternate air outlets or a portion of an alternate air outlet and/or one or more alternate air inlets or a portion of an alternate air inlet. Redirecting the air flow path may include or consist of selectively connecting or disconnecting an air moving member from air flow communication with an air outlet or portion of an air outlet and/or an air inlet or portion of an air inlet. The air flow path can then be redirected by selectively blocking part or all of an air flow port. Blocking a port effectively redirects the path by eliminating air flow through the conduit leading to the blocked port. The air flow path can be redirected by selectively blocking an air flow passage inside the fan. For example, a branch of the air flow path may be selectively blocked to force air flow to another branch. The air flow path can be redirected by reconfiguration of the air flow path. The air flow path may be reconfigured by moving a sidewall of the air flow path. Moving a sidewall directs the air flow path along a different route, optionally to a different outlet position.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a portable fan comprising:

• • (a) an air inlet;
  • (b) a first air outlet wherein, in operation, air exiting the first air outlet has a flow characteristic;
  • (c) a second air outlet wherein, in operation, the flow characteristic of air exiting the second air outlet is different to the flow characteristic when air exits the first air outlet; and,
  • (d) air moving member provided in an air flow path extending downstream from the air inlet wherein the air moving member is selectively connectable in fluid flow communication with the first air outlet and the second air outlet.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a portable fan comprising:

• • (a) an air inlet;
  • (b) a housing having a first end, an axially opposed second end and a fan axis extending centrally through a housing from the first end to the second end;
  • (c) a plurality of axially spaced apart air outlets;
  • (d) a rotatable member which is rotatable about the fan axis to a first position in which one of the air outlets is partially closed; and,
  • (e) air moving member provided in an air flow path extending downstream from the air inlet to the air outlets.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the fan includes adjacent air outlets. Air may exit from each of the adjacent air outlets concurrently. This creates a low-pressure region between the adjacent air outlets to draw in additional air. The air outlets may extend generally parallel to one another. The air outlets may be directed in generally the same direction. The air outlets may be directed at a small angle away from one another to help keep the jets from converging at a location that is too near to the outlets. The angle may be 10° or less. The angle may be at least 1°.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to at least one pair of air outlets comprising a first air outlet and a second air outlet, wherein an axis which is equidistantly spaced between the pair of air outlets extends in an air outlet direction, the first air outlet is on a first side of the axis and directs air at an angle of 1°-10° from the axis and the second air outlet is on a second side of the axis and direct air at an angle of 1°-10° from the axis.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect or aspects, the fan has an air outlet head combining a slot-shaped outlet portion with a wider outlet portion. The wider outlet portion may produce a main air flow. The additional slot shaped portion(s) may help to shape the air flow in front of the fan, particularly at a location that is near to the fan. A slot-shaped outlet portion may produce a blade shaped air jet adjacent the fan. A blade shaped air jet may be perceived by the user as a desirable shape. However, a wider outlet may help to produce a more concentrated jet from the same mass of air. A more concentrated jet may entrain more air. Combining a wider portion with a narrower portion may produce a jet that feels blade-like at a location adjacent to the fan, while still providing substantial air flow far from the fan. The slot-shaped outlet portion and the wider outlet portion may be part of a contiguous air outlet.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a fan comprising an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet with an air moving member in the air flow path, wherein the air outlet comprises an outlet port, air exits the outlet port in a flow direction and the outlet port comprises first and second portions that are spaced apart in a first direction transverse to the flow direction and a middle portion between the first and second portions, each of the first, second and middle portions has a height in a second direction that is transverse to the flow direction and the first direction, and the middle portion has a height in the second direction that is less than the height of each of the first and second portions in the second direction.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a fan comprising an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet with an air moving member in the air flow path, wherein the air outlet comprises an outlet port, air exits the outlet port in a flow direction and the outlet port comprises first and second portions that are spaced apart in a first direction transverse to the flow direction and a middle portion between the first and second portions, each of the first and second portions is generally ovaloid, the first portion has a rounded inner end at the middle portion and a rounded distal end spaced from the inner end in the first direction and the second portion has a rounded inner end at the middle portion and a rounded distal end spaced from the inner end in the first direction, wherein a long dimension of each of the first and second portion is in the first direction.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a fan comprising:

• • (a) a central air outlet;
  • (b) a first longitudinally extending slot outlet provided on one lateral side of the central air outlet, the slot having a first length from an inner end of the first longitudinally extending slot to an opposed distal end of the first longitudinally extending slot, a first longitudinal axis extending between the inner end of the first longitudinally extending slot and the opposed distal end of the first longitudinally extending slot and a first height in a first direction transverse to the first longitudinal axis;
  • (c) a second longitudinally extending slot outlet provided on an opposed lateral side of the central air outlet, the slot having a second length from an inner end of the second longitudinally extending slot to an opposed distal end of the second longitudinally extending slot, a second longitudinal axis extending between the inner end of the second longitudinally extending slot and the opposed distal end of the second longitudinally extending slot and a second height in a second direction transverse to the first longitudinal axis; and,
  • (d) an air flow path extending from an air inlet to the central air outlet, the first longitudinally extending slot and the second longitudinally extending slot, with an air moving member provided upstream of the arm member, wherein the central air outlet has a height in the first direction that is greater than the first and second heights.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to an air outlet, an air moving member provided in the air flow path, the air outlet comprising a longitudinally extending slot outlet having a longitudinal axis extending between first and second longitudinally spaced apart ends of the longitudinally extending slot, a first rounded air outlet provided at the first end of the longitudinally extending slot and a second rounded air outlet provided at the second end of the longitudinally extending slot.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that an apparatus or method disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example fan;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view from below of the fan of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the fan of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the fan of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the fan of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the fan of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the fan of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective vertical cross section view of the fan of FIG. 1 with a first vertical cross section taken along a central vertical plane of the fan wherein the central vertical plane extends in a forward/rearward direction;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the fan of FIG. 1 with the cross section of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective vertical cross section view of the fan of FIG. 1 with a second vertical cross section taken in a plane that is parallel to and laterally spaced from the central vertical plane;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the fan of FIG. 1 with the cross section of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective vertical cross section view of the fan of FIG. 1 with a third vertical cross section taken in a plane that is parallel to and laterally spaced from the second vertical cross section;

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the fan of FIG. 1 with the cross section of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective vertical cross section view of the fan of FIG. 1 with a fourth vertical cross section taken along a central vertical plane of the fan that extends laterally;

FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of the fan of FIG. 1 with the cross section of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front top perspective horizontal cross section view of the fan of FIG. 1 with a first horizontal cross section;

FIG. 17 is a rear top perspective horizontal cross section view of an arm the fan of FIG. 1 with a second horizontal cross section;

FIG. 18 is a rear top perspective horizontal cross section view of the fan of FIG. 1 with a third horizontal cross section;

FIG. 19 is a top plan cross sectional view of an example air outlet;

FIG. 20 is a top plan cross sectional view of another example air outlet;

FIG. 21 is a front view of another example fan with arms in a first configuration;

FIG. 22 is a front view of the fan of FIG. 21 with the arms in a second configuration;

FIG. 23 is a front view of the fan of FIG. 21 with the arms in a third configuration;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the fan of FIG. 21 with the arms in the third configuration;

FIG. 25 is a top view of the fan of FIG. 21 with the arms in a fourth configuration;

FIG. 26 is a front view of another example fan with arms in a first configuration;

FIG. 27 is a front view of the fan of FIG. 26 with the arms in a second configuration;

FIG. 28 is a partially transparent top rear perspective view of another example fan;

FIG. 29 is a bottom front view of the fan of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a side cross sectional view of an upper portion of the fan of FIG. 28 with outlet vanes in a first configuration;

FIG. 31 is a side cross sectional view of the upper portion of the fan of FIG. 28 with the outlet vanes in a second configuration;

FIG. 32 is a side cross sectional view of an upper portion of another example fan with outlet vanes in a first configuration;

FIG. 33 is a front end view of the outlet vanes of the fan of FIG. 32 in the first configuration;

FIG. 34 is a front end view of the outlet vanes of the fan of FIG. 32 in a second configuration;

FIG. 35 is a front end view of the outlet vanes of the fan of FIG. 32 in a third configuration;

FIG. 36 is a front end view of outlet vanes of another example fan, the outlet vanes in a first configuration;

FIG. 37 is a front end view of the outlet vanes of the fan of FIG. 36 in a second configuration;

FIG. 38 is a front end view of the outlet vanes of the fan of FIG. 36 in a third configuration;

FIG. 39 is a front end view of the outlet vanes of the fan of FIG. 36 in a fourth configuration;

FIG. 40 is a top cross sectional view of another example air outlet with a control member in a first position within the air outlet;

FIG. 41 is a top cross sectional view of the air outlet of FIG. 40 with the control member in a second position within the air outlet;

FIG. 42 is a top cross sectional view of the air outlet of FIG. 40 with the control member in a third position within the air outlet;

FIG. 43 is a top cross sectional view of another example air outlet with a control member in a first position within the air outlet;

FIG. 44 is a top cross sectional view of the air outlet of FIG. 43 with the control member in a second position within the air outlet;

FIG. 45 is a top cross sectional view of the air outlet of FIG. 43 with the control member in a third position within the air outlet;

FIG. 46 is a top cross sectional view of the air outlet of FIG. 43 with the control member in a fourth position within the air outlet;

FIG. 47 is a top cross sectional view of the air outlet of FIG. 43 with the control member in a fifth position within the air outlet;

FIG. 48 is a top perspective view of another example fan in a first configuration;

FIG. 49 is a top perspective view of the fan of FIG. 48 is a second configuration;

FIG. 50 is a partially transparent top front perspective view of another example fan with air outlets in a first configuration;

FIG. 51 is a top rear perspective view of the fan of FIG. 50 with the air outlets in the first configuration;

FIG. 52 is a front perspective view of the fan of FIG. 50 with the air outlets in a second configuration;

FIG. 53 is a front view of another example air outlet in a first configuration;

FIG. 54 is a front view of the air outlet of FIG. 53 in a second configuration;

FIG. 55 is a front top perspective view of another example air outlet;

FIG. 56 is a front top perspective view of another example fan with an air outlet in a first configuration;

FIG. 57 is a front top perspective view of the fan of FIG. 56 with the air outlet in a second configuration;

FIG. 58 is a front top perspective view of another example fan with an air outlet in a first configuration;

FIG. 59 is a front top perspective view of the fan of FIG. 58 with the air outlet in a second configuration;

FIG. 60 is a top cross sectional view of another example fan with an air outlet in a first configuration;

FIG. 61 is a top cross sectional view of the fan of FIG. 60 with the air outlet in a second configuration;

FIG. 62 is a top cross sectional view of the fan of FIG. 60 with the air outlet in a third configuration;

FIG. 63 is a front top perspective view of another example fan with an air outlet in a first configuration;

FIG. 64 is a front top perspective view of the fan of FIG. 63 with the air outlet in a second configuration;

FIG. 65 is a front top perspective view of another example fan;

FIG. 66 is a rear top perspective view of the fan of FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 is an enlarged front top perspective view of a portion of the fan of FIG. 65;

FIG. 68 is a top cross sectional view of an air outlet of the fan of FIG. 65;

FIG. 69 is a top view of the fan of FIG. 65;

FIG. 70 is a top cross sectional view in a horizontal plane of the fan of FIG. 65;

FIG. 71 is a first front top perspective cross sectional view in a vertical plane of an upper end of the fan of FIG. 65;

FIG. 72 is a second front top perspective cross sectional view in a vertical plane that is rotated 90° from the vertical plane of FIG. 71 of the upper end of the fan of FIG. 65;

FIG. 73 is a third front top perspective cross sectional view in a horizontal plane of the upper end of the fan of FIG. 65;

FIG. 74 is a top front perspective view of another example air outlet;

FIG. 75 is a rear bottom perspective view of the air outlet of FIG. 74;

FIG. 76 is a first top front perspective cross sectional view in a vertical plane of the air outlet of FIG. 74;

FIG. 77 is a second top front perspective cross sectional view in a vertical plane of the air outlet of FIG. 74;

FIG. 78 is a third top front perspective cross sectional view in a horizontal plane of the air outlet of FIG. 74;

FIG. 79 is a top front perspective view of another example air outlet;

FIG. 80 is a partially transparent top front perspective view of the air outlet of FIG. 79;

FIG. 81 is a partially transparent top front perspective view of another example air outlet;

FIG. 82 is a top front perspective view of another example air outlet;

FIG. 83 is a top front perspective cross sectional view of a portion of the air outlet of FIG. 82;

FIG. 84 is a top front perspective view of another example fan; and,

FIG. 85 is a top front perspective view of another example air outlet.

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Various apparatuses will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses having all of the features of any one apparatus described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising”, and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an”, and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directly fastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. As used herein, two or more parts are said to be “rigidly coupled”, “rigidly connected”, “rigidly attached”, or “rigidly fastened” where the parts are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together.

It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about”, and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree may also be construed as including a deviation of the modified term, such as by 1%, 2%, 5% or 10%, for example, if this deviation does not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

Furthermore, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints herein includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also to be understood that all numbers and fractions thereof are presumed to be modified by the term “about” which means a variation of up to a certain amount of the number to which reference is being made if the end result is not significantly changed, such as 1%, 2%, 5%, or 10%, for example.

Some elements herein may be identified by a part number, which is composed of a base number followed by an alphabetical or subscript-numerical suffix (e.g., 112a, or 112₁). Multiple elements herein may be identified by part numbers that share a base number in common and that differ by their suffixes (e.g., 112₁, 112₂, and 112₃). All elements with a common base number may be referred to collectively or generically using the base number without a suffix (e.g., 112).

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

General Description of a Fan

The following is a general description intended to provide a basis for understanding several of the features that are discussed herein. As discussed in detail subsequently, each of the features may be used alone, or in combination.

Referring to the FIGS. 1-2, an example embodiment of a fan is shown generally as 100. The fan 100 is operable to move air in an ambient environment.

It will be appreciated that any one or more of the features of the fan 100 set out herein may be used in any type of fan, such as a portable fan or a mounted fan, e.g., wall or ceiling mounted fan. It will also be appreciated that a fan may use any configuration of the operating components and the airflow paths disclosed herein.

The example fan 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is a portable fan. As used herein, a portable fan is a fan with a base 102 to stably support the fan 100 free-standing on a support surface 104 such as a floor (FIG. 3) while the fan 100 is in use moving air in an ambient environment. The base 102 may include a foot or a plurality of feet 106 to rest on the support surface. The feet 106 may be provided on, e.g., a bottom surface 108 of a housing of the fan or on legs extending from a housing of the fan. Alternately, the bottom surface 108 may be a flat lower surface which is useable as a surface that is placed on a support surface 104 such as a floor to stably support the fan 100.

Optionally, the centre of gravity of a portable fan may be in the lower half of the fan for greater stability. For example, the heavier component or components, such as the air moving member and/or an on board power source, may be provided in the base 102 and/or a lower portion of a support member 200 supporting the air outlet 134 (e.g., an air outlet head 201 or other housing in which the outlet 134 is formed) at a position spaced away from the support surface.

A portable fan is contrasted with a mounted fan, such as a ceiling fan, which is secured to a support surface (e.g., a ceiling or wall) during use. A mounted fan may include a mounting bracket, e.g., secured to a housing of the fan, that is used to secure or releasably secure the mounted fan to a support surface. For example, the mounting bracket may receive fasteners such as threaded fasteners or nails and/or may have a releasable clamping member.

In some embodiments, a fan may become a mounted fan by being secured to a support surface. For example, a portable fan may be secured to a support surface via one or more fasteners, such as one or more of suction cups, a clamp, threaded fasteners, and magnets. Optionally, the fan is removed from the base before being secured to the support surface. Alternatively, the base 102 may be secured to the support surface. It will be appreciated that a mounted fan may become a portable fan by being released from the support surface and provided with a base 102 or by removing a fan with a base from a support surface to which it is affixed.

The fan 100 has an apparatus front end 112, an apparatus rear end 114, and apparatus distal end 116, and an apparatus proximal end 118. It will be appreciated that the proximal end 118 is the end closest to the support surface and the distal end 116 is opposite the proximal end and farthest from the support surface.

If the fan 100 is mounted to or freestanding on a floor or other upward facing generally horizontal support surface, the distal end 116 is an upper end and the proximal end 118 is a lower end. An apparatus first axis 120 extends between the apparatus front end 112 and the apparatus rear end 114 in a forward/rearward direction. An apparatus second axis 122 extends between the apparatus distal end 116 and the apparatus proximal end 118. As exemplified, the second axis is perpendicular to the apparatus first axis 120. As exemplified, an apparatus third axis 124 is perpendicular to each of the apparatus first axis 122 and the apparatus second axis 120 and extends laterally through right and left lateral sides of fan 100, when viewed from the front of the fan 100.

If the fan 100 is mounted to or freestanding on a floor or other upward facing generally horizontal support surface, the first axis 120 may be referred to a longitudinal axis, the second axis 122 may be referred to as a vertical axis, and the third axis 124 may be referred to as a transverse axis. For example, in an in-use position of a floor standing fan 100 for moving air, the distal end 116 (or upper end) is generally above the proximal end 118 (or lower end) and the longitudinal axis 120 and/or the transverse axis 124 extend generally horizontally. Accordingly, as exemplified in FIG. 1, in use, the first and third axes are oriented horizontally and the second axis is oriented vertically.

Referring still to FIG. 1, the fan 100 includes a main body 126. The main body 126 includes a main body housing 128. The main body housing 128 may be of any suitable shape or size to house one or more operating components therein.

Accordingly, the main body housing 128 may house one or more of an air moving member (e.g., a motor and fan blade assembly or any other apparatus capable of producing a flow of air such as a blower, PL turbine, axial assembly, or centrifugal assembly.), one or more air treatment members, such as a filter, humidifier, or electrostatic purifier, and/or one or more on board energy storage members. The main body housing 128 may be selectively openable to provide access to one or more housed components. As exemplified in FIG. 1, in embodiments in which the fan 100 is a portable fan, the main body housing 128 may comprise the base 102. In some embodiments, the base 102 may comprise or consist of the housing 128. Alternatively, as exemplified in FIGS. 28 and 29, the base 102 may be spaced from a housing 128, such as by the support member 200.

It will be appreciated that the main body housing 128 may be in other configurations, shapes, and/or positions in other embodiments. For example, in embodiments in which the fan 100 is a ceiling fan, the main body housing 128 may not be provided and the support member 200 may be secured directly to the base 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the fan 100 includes an air flow path 130 which extends between an apparatus air inlet 132 and an apparatus air outlet 134. An air moving member 150 is provided in the air flow path 130 to move air through the air flow path 132 towards the air outlet 134. The fan 100 is operable to be used to produce air movement in an ambient environment by directing an outlet flow of air out through the air outlet 134. Optionally, the flow of air directed out through the air outlet 134 may comprise or consist of a high-velocity jet, which may induce ambient air flow to add to the air movement in the ambient environment.

The apparatus air outlet 134 and the apparatus air inlet 132 may each be provided at any suitable location on the fan 100. It will be appreciated that the apparatus air inlet 132 may comprise one or more air inlets and/or the apparatus air outlet 134 may comprise one or more air outlets.

As exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air outlet 134 may be provided at the distal end 116 of the fan 100. Arranging the air outlet 134 at the distal end 116 may help with providing an air flow that is spaced away from the support surface supporting the fan 100 (e.g., the floor, wall or ceiling). The support member 200 may be provided to support the air outlet 134 at a position spaced apart from the support surface. The air outlet 134 may be provided in an air outlet head 201 supported by the support member 200 at a position spaced away from the support surface. The support member 200 may carry a portion of the air flow path 130. For example, the support member 200 may carry a trunk portion of the air flow path 130 upstream of a split in the air flow path 130. In the example of FIGS. 8 and 9, the air flow path 130 splits in the air outlet head 201 into a first sub path 130a and a second sub path 130b, and a trunk portion 125 of the air flow path 130 upstream of the split extends through the support member 200. Alternatively, the air flow path may not extend through the support member 200, such as described elsewhere herein.

As exemplified, the support member 200 may extend generally along the second axis 122 to support the air outlet 134 at a distal position. The support member 200 may extend between a first or lower end 202 and a second or upper end 204. The support member 200 extends along a support member axis 206 (see e.g., FIG. 18).

The axis 206 extends between the first and second ends 202, 204. If the fan 100 is a portable fan, then the support member 200 may extend generally upwardly. A first end 202 may be a lower end and a second end 204 may be an upper end.

The support member axis 206 may be generally vertical and/or generally parallel to the second axis 122. The exemplary support member 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is a riser extending generally upwardly from the base 102. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the axis 206 may be within a few degrees of vertical and/or of the second axis 122. Keeping the axis 206 within a few degrees of vertical and/or of the second axis 122 may provide structural benefits, such as improved stability and/or reduced material usage. As exemplified in FIGS. 28 and 29, the axis 206 may extend at an angle 199 to the second axis 122 (which is exactly vertical in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 and 29). The inventors have found that in some embodiments keeping the angle 199 at or less than 20° maintains the desired structural benefits. It will be appreciated that in other embodiment, the support member (which may be referred to as a “support”) may be curved, kinked or of other configurations and/or have an adjustable configuration which positions the air outlet 134, or enables the air outlet 134 to be positioned at a desired position and/or elevation.

In some embodiments, the support member 200 has an adjustable length (e.g., along the axis 122 and/or the axis 206). This helps allow the user to select how far a supported component, such as the air inlet 132, the air outlet 134, and/or the air moving member 150, is spaced from the support surface. It will be appreciated that the length of the support member 200 may be adjustable in any suitable way. For example, the support member may be straightened from an angled position to a more vertical position to increase the length along the second axis 122, or the user may be able to add sections to the support member 200 to increase its length. As exemplified in FIGS. 28 to 29, the support member 200 may be a telescoping member with a first stage 205 and one or more subsequent stages 207. The one or more subsequent stages 207 may be movable between a first position extending alongside the first stage 205 (e.g., received within the first stage 205, such as within a barrel) and/or another of the subsequent stages 207 and a second position extending from the first stage 205 and/or the other subsequent stage 207 to extend the length of the support member. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 28 and 29, the support member 200 includes a single further stage 207, shown extended in FIGS. 28 and 29. In some embodiments, the first stage 205 and/or the subsequent stages 207 are generally tubular in shape, e.g., a first stage barrel with one or more further stages received within the first stage barrel in a first position. Spacing the air flow away from the support surface may help with avoiding obstructions, e.g., other objects supported by the support surface such as furniture on the floor or lights on the ceiling.

As exemplified, the air outlet 134 may be provided at the apparatus front end 112. The front end 112 is contrasted with the rear end 114. Components which are to be kept away from the outlet 134 (e.g., to prevent them from obstructing air flow) and/or generally out of sight (e.g., due to the rear end 114 facing a wall of a room) may be arranged at the rear end 114. As exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air inlet 132 may be provided rearward of the air outlet 134. As exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air inlet 132 may be provided at a rear end 114 of the fan 100. Arranging the air inlet at the rear end 114 of the fan 100 may help keep it out of sight, such as facing a wall near which the fan 100 is positioned. Also, or alternatively, arranging the air inlet rearward of the air outlet may allow the air flow path or a portion thereof to extend generally forwardly, optionally linearly, between the air inlet and the air outlet.

In some embodiments, the air outlet 134 includes a nozzle 135 to direct and/or shape the air flow. The nozzle 135 may direct the air out as a jet, such as a high velocity blade-shaped stream of air and/or a high velocity cylindrical or expanding cone-shaped stream or air. The nozzle 135 may shape the outlet air flow to help in creating an outlet air flow from the air outlet 134 which draws in ambient air flow to flow concurrently with the air exiting the fan and therefore induces ambient air flow to add to the volume of air movement in the ambient environment. Any suitable nozzle may be used. The nozzle 135 may be a straight nozzle, such as the example of FIG. 17 in which sidewalls 137 of the nozzle extend generally parallel in the direction of flow exiting the fan towards an outlet end to maintain the cross sectional flow area. The flow area in a cross section transverse to the flow direction may remain generally the same along the straight nozzle towards the outlet end. The nozzle 135 may be a diverging nozzle, such as the example of FIG. 19 in which sidewalls 137 of the nozzle diverge towards an outlet end. The flow area in a cross section transverse to the flow direction may increase (e.g., steadily and/or stepwise) in the diverging nozzle towards the outlet end. The nozzle 135 may be a converging nozzle, such as the example of FIG. 20 in which sidewalls 137 of the nozzle converge towards an outlet end. The flow area in a cross section transverse to the flow direction may decrease (e.g., steadily and/or stepwise) in the converging nozzle towards the outlet end.

Referring again to FIGS. 8 and 9, the air outlet 134 may be provided at an outlet end of an outlet conduit 140. The apparatus outlet conduit 140 extends from an apparatus outlet conduit inlet end 142 to an apparatus outlet conduit distal end 144. As exemplified in FIG. 8 the apparatus outlet conduit 140 has an outlet conduit longitudinal axis 146 along a longest dimension of the outlet conduit 140 and extending between the apparatus outlet conduit inlet end 142 and the apparatus outlet conduit distal end 144. While the outlet conduit is exemplified as extending linearly, it will be appreciated that the outlet conduit distal end 144 may be displaced from in one or more of the longitudinal axis 120, the vertical axis 122 and the transverse axis 124 from the outlet conduit inlet end 142, e.g., the outlet conduit 140 may be curved.

As exemplified in FIG. 8, the outlet conduit 140 may be oriented to be a generally vertically extending conduit. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the outlet conduit longitudinal axis 146 extends between the apparatus distal end 116 and the apparatus proximal end 118, and, as exemplified, may be generally vertical when the apparatus distal end 116 is above the apparatus proximal end 118. The outlet conduit longitudinal axis 146 may be generally parallel to the apparatus second axis 122. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the outlet conduit longitudinal axis 146 may extend in a different direction, e.g., horizontally if for example the outlet head is positioned or rotated to be positioned horizontally. As discussed subsequently, the orientation of one or more of the outlet conduit longitudinal axes 146 may be variable concurrently or individually.

Optionally, as exemplified in FIG. 8, the apparatus outlet conduit 140 may shape the outlet air flow to help in creating an outlet air flow from the air outlet 134 which draws in ambient air flow and therefore induces ambient air flow to add to the air movement in the ambient environment.

An air outlet 134 may have any suitable shape. An air outlet 134 may have a generally slot-shaped outlet port, as exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9. As used herein, a slot is an aperture having a long dimension and a short dimension, with the long dimension being substantially longer than the short dimension (i.e., at least 3, 4, 5, 10 or more times as long). The slot may be a discontinuous slot, with a plurality of separate segments 212 or, in some embodiments, the slot may be continuous. The segments may be produced by air impermeable portions of the arm positioned between axially spaced apart slots or the flow directors, as discussed subsequently, which may divide a single slot into a plurality of segments 212. A slot may extend generally linearly, such as exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9. A slot may extend generally angularly about an axis, such as exemplified by the slot shaped air outlets 134 extending angularly about axis 122 in FIGS. 63 and 64. A slot may have a slot longitudinal axis 330 extending along a longest dimension of the slot outlet port and extending between a slot first end 332 and a slot second end 334. As exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9, the slot longitudinal axis 330 may extend generally parallel to the second axis 122 (e.g., vertically in the orientation of FIG. 8). In some embodiments, the slot longitudinal axis 330 extends generally parallel to the third axis 124 (see, e.g., FIGS. 74 to 78). Alternatively, or additionally, to a slot, an air outlet 134 may have a wider outlet port or portion, such as a generally rounded outlet portion 342 as exemplified in FIGS. 74 to 78 or rounded outlet port 134a as exemplified in FIG. 23. In some embodiments, as exemplified in FIG. 84, a fan 100 may include an outlet 134 which includes intersecting slots with longitudinal axes 330 crossing at an angle, optionally an angle of 90°. In some embodiments, as exemplified in FIG. 85, a fan 100 may include a plurality of outlet ports 210 spaced apart from one another and extending along parallel and/or coaxial axes 330. Any suitable air outlet 134 may be used.

The air inlet 132 and the air outlet 134 may each be directed in any suitable direction. In embodiments in which the fan 100 is a portable fan, the air outlet 134 may be directed generally forward (e.g., along the first axis 120). In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the air outlet 134 is directed generally forward. An air outlet 134 may have a fixed orientation. Accordingly, the outlet port may have a fixed orientation, such as a slot with a fixed horizontal orientation. Alternatively, the air outlet may be operable to be reoriented between a first orientation (e.g., vertical) and a second orientation (e.g., horizontal), such as a slot formed in a moveable (e.g., rotatable) arm, such as described elsewhere herein.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus air inlet 132 and/or the apparatus air outlet 134 may each be provided at different locations and/or be of different configurations. For example, the air outlet 134 may be at a lower end 118 of the fan 100 and/or directed generally downward (e.g., along the second axis 122) in some embodiments, such as embodiments in which the fan 100 is a ceiling fan. The air inlet 132 may be at a top end in some embodiments, such as embodiments in which the fan 100 is a ceiling fan or where the housing 128 and/or air moving member are provided at a location spaced apart from the support surface (e.g., by the support member 200).

Referring again to FIG. 8, the fan 100 also includes an air moving member 150. The air moving member 150 is positioned in the air flow path 130. The air moving member 150 is provided to generate air flow through the air flow path 130. As discussed previously, the air moving member 150 may comprise a motor and fan assembly comprising a motor 152 and a fan blade assembly 154.

In some embodiments, a fan 100 may include only a single air moving member 150, such as exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, a fan 100 may include more than one air moving member.

Multiple air moving members may be arranged in parallel, e.g., in parallel air flow paths. Alternatively, or additionally, multiple air moving members may be arranged in series. As exemplified in FIG. 23, a fan 100 may include a first air moving member 150a in a first air flow path 130a to a first air outlet 134a, a second air moving member 150b in a second air flow path 130b to a second air outlet 134b, and/or a third air moving member 150c in a third air flow path 130c to a third air outlet 134c. As exemplified in FIG. 25, the second air flow path 130b and/or the third air flow path 130c may open from the first air flow path 130a, with the second and third air moving members 150b, 150c each in series with the first 150a (e.g., in separate branches, as exemplified). This may help to provide a boost to air flow (e.g., towards downstream outlets such as the second and third outlet 134b, 134c, respectively). Alternatively, it will be appreciated that one or more air moving member may be in parallel with another air moving member in an air flow path (e.g., path 130b and/or 130c) that is independent of the path that the parallel air moving member is in (e.g., each air flow path extending from a separate air inlet 134 into the fan to a separate air outlet 134 out of the fan).

The air moving member 150 may be contained within an air moving member housing 156. The air moving member housing 156 may form part of the outer surface of the main body housing 128, or may be internal thereto. The air moving member housing 156 may be of any suitable construction. As exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fan 100 may enclose the air moving member 150 such that a moving component of the air moving member is generally hidden from outside the fan. In some embodiments, the air moving member 150 includes fan blades (e.g., or a fan and motor assembly), and the blades are generally hidden from view within the fan 100 (e.g., fan 100 may be referred to as a “bladeless” fan), such as within the main body housing 128.

As exemplified, in some embodiments the air moving member 150 rotates about a moving member axis of rotation 158 (e.g., a motor axis of rotation). The moving member axis of rotation 158 may be oriented generally parallel to the second axis 122. In some embodiments, the moving member axis of rotation 158 extends between the apparatus distal end 116 and the apparatus proximal end 118. The moving member axis of rotation 158 may be generally vertical when the apparatus second axis 122 is generally vertical. As exemplified, the moving member axis 158 may be generally parallel to the conduit axis of the outlet conduit 140. In other embodiments, however, the moving member axis of rotation 158 may extend at any angle to the vertical, or it may extend horizontally. Accordingly, the air moving member 150 may be oriented in any direction within the fan 100. It will be appreciated that the moving member axis 158 may be perpendicular to the outlet conduit longitudinal axes 146 (e.g., the moving member axis 158 may extend generally vertically and the outlet conduit longitudinal axes 146 may extend generally horizontally) or parallel thereto ex exemplified in FIG. 28. The orientation of the air moving member 150 relative to the orientation of the air outlet 134, air outlet conduit axis 146, and/or the air outlet head 201 may be adjustable, such as selectively repositionable between two or more positions by repositioning the air moving member 150, the air outlet 134, the air outlet conduit axis 146 and/or the head 201.

A fan 100 may include a single air inlet 132. The fan 100 may include multiple air inlets 132. Multiple air inlets 132 may open to (be upstream of) a common air flow path 130, such as at different locations along the path or via different branches of the path. Multiple air inlets 132 may open to different air flow paths. One or more air inlet 132 may be selectively closed and/or disconnected from any air inlet and/or air moving member. Selectively closing and/or disconnecting may be done in any suitable way, such as by moving a blocking member in and out of the air flow path, opening and closing a valve or by configuring the air flow path between a configuration that extends to the air inlet and a configuration that does not extend to the air inlet. Accordingly, one or more air inlet 132 may be selectively used when the fan 100 is in use (e.g., to allow use of an air inlet 132 associated with desired air flow characteristics).

A fan 100 may include a single air outlet 134. As exemplified in FIGS. 26 and 27, the fan 100 may include multiple air outlets 134. Multiple air outlets 134 may open from (be downstream of) different positions along a common air flow path (i.e., in series). Multiple air outlets 134 may open from different air flow paths (e.g., downstream from different air inlets and/or air moving members 150). Multiple air outlets 134 may open from different branches having a common air inlet 132 and/or air moving member 150. One or more air outlet 134 may be selectively closed and/or disconnected from any air inlet and/or air moving member. Selectively closing and/or disconnecting may be done in any suitable way, such as by moving a blocking member in and out of the air flow path, opening or closing a valve or by configuring the air flow path between a configuration that extends to the air inlet and a configuration that does not extend to the air inlet. Accordingly, one or more air outlet 134 may be selectively used when the fan 100 is in use (e.g., to allow use of an air outlet 134 associated with desired air flow characteristics).

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fan 100 includes a power supply 162. Power may be supplied to the fan 100 (e.g., to components or elements such as the air moving member 150) in any suitable way. Power may be supplied from an external source. For example, the fan 100 may include a power cord 160 that is connectable to household mains. Optionally, the power cord 160 may enter the main body housing 128 at a rear end 114 of the housing. The power cord 160 may be provided generally rearward of the air outlet 134. The power cord 160 may be provided generally on the same end (e.g., the rear end 114) as the air inlet 132. However, it will be appreciated that the power cord may be provided at any location in the fan 100. It will be appreciated that the power source may alternatively, or additionally, include one or more on-board energy storage member(s) (e.g., a battery, a capacitor, optionally a plurality which may be provided in a pack such as a removable pack).

As exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be appreciated that the fan 100 may include a user interface 170. The user interface 170 may be part of a main control system 172 of the fan 100. The main control system 172 controls operation of the air moving member 150. As exemplified, the user interface 170 may consist of or comprise one or more buttons, such as a power on/off button 174 and/or mode setting buttons 176. Alternately, it may consist of or comprise a touch screen interface and/or a display screen. The main control system 172 may include a circuit joining the power on/off button and/or other user interface element to the air moving member 150 to control operation of the air moving member 150. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable control system 172 may be used. For example, a control system may include a more complex user interface with multiple buttons, switches, and/or screens (e.g., one or more soft buttons provided on a touchscreen). The control system 172 may be a simple circuit, such as a simple on and off circuit or a multi-modal circuit. As another example, the control system may include one or more onboard processors communicatively coupled to one or more on board data storage systems storing instructions, such as to respond to a user selection from between two or more operational modes (e.g., a high air flow speed mode and a low air flow speed mode, or turning on or off air treatment components such as a humidifier or electrostatic purifier) or to respond to sensor input from an onboard and/or remote sensor (e.g., responding by changing the speed of rotation of the air moving member 150 or turning on or off an air treatment component). In some embodiments, the control system may be communicatively coupled or couplable to a remote device. For example, the control system may include a wireless communication device (e.g., a transceiver) to communicatively couple the control system to a remote device, such as a mobile phone or tablet as discussed subsequently (e.g., to provide use data, receive user instructions, and/or receive software updates).

As exemplified, the user interface 170 may be provided at the apparatus front end 112. Optionally, the user interface 170 is provided on a forwardly facing surface of the main body housing 128. The user interface may face forwardly (i.e., visible when looking rearward at the fan 100 when the fan is in an in-use position). A user interface at the apparatus front end 112 is more readily accessible to a user than a user interface at the apparatus rear end 114. As exemplified, the user interface may be provided adjacent the air outlet 134. As exemplified, the user interface may be provided on the base 102. However, it will be appreciated that the user interface 170 may be provide at any position on the fan 100.

Alternately, or in addition, the user interface may be on a smart device, such as an app for a mobile phone or tablet. The user interface may be wireless coupled to the fan 100 to provide instructions for operation of the fan 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the fan 100 may include one or more actuators 180. As exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9, an actuator 180 is drivingly connected to an operated device 182 (e.g., a rotatable component, a lock member, an openable portion, etc.) of the fan 100 to operate the operated device 182. Any moveable component of the fan 100 may be an operated device operated by an actuator. An operated device which changes position may be mounted in any suitable way. An operated device may be mounted via a hinge or a pin or a ball and socket for rotational movement. An operated device may be mounted via a linear or non-linear track for movement along a linear or non-linear path. An actuator may be coupled to one operated device or to a plurality of operated devices. An actuator coupled to a plurality of operated devices may operate the operated devices independently or simultaneously.

The actuator 180 may be drivingly connected to the operated device 182 in any suitable way, e.g., mechanically drivingly connected (i.e., via a mechanical linkage or mechanical driving member), pneumatically drivingly connected (e.g., via an air flow path, such as an air flow path within a piston chamber pressurized by movement of a piston), magnetically drivingly connected or electromechanically connected, e.g., a solenoid.

An actuator 180 may be an automatic actuator responsive to a sensed condition (e.g., a pressure of the air flow path 130 or a predetermined programmed condition such as a period of time elapsed since the air moving member was powered on), or the actuator may be a user-controlled actuator responsive to a user action (e.g., a button press, lever movement, or mode selection). The actuator 180 may be a powered actuator receiving power from a power source of the fan 100. The actuator may be a condition-responsive actuator responsive directly to a change in a condition, such as a flexible diaphragm adjacent the air flow path 130 responding directly to pressure changes in the air flow path. The actuator 180 may be a manual actuator, such as moved by a lever or button that is operated by being slid or pushed by a user.

The actuator 180 may be communicatively coupled to the main control system 172 to send and/or receive information. The actuator may receive instructions and/or power from the main control system 172. Alternatively, the actuator may be controlled by a discrete control system separate from the main control system 172, such as a simple circuit. A simple circuit may not include a processor or a data storage device, such as a circuit with a toggle (e.g., a switch, slider, or button) that closes the circuit when activated and breaks the circuit when deactivated. For example, an actuator may itself close a circuit to actuate a solenoid (e.g., a conductive member moved into position closing the circuit and biased out of position).

Accordingly, the fan may be manually adjusted or automatically adjusted based, e.g., on sensor input or a program pre-programed into the fan 100, to change one or more of the direction of air exiting the fan 10, the velocity of the air eviting the fan, the temperature of air exiting the fan (if a heater and/or cooling unit is provided) and the cross-sectional flow area of air exiting the fan 100.

It will be appreciated that the actuator 180 may be part of the user interface 170 and not a separate component.

As exemplified in FIG. 8, the fan 100 may include an air treatment member 119 in the air flow path. Any suitable air treatment member 119 may be used. The air treatment member 119 consist of or comprise an air cleaning member. Any suitable air cleaning member may be used. The air treatment member 119 may consist of or comprise a filter (e.g., a foam or fiber filter body). The air treatment member 119 may consist of or comprise a cyclone. The air treatment member 119 may consist of or comprise a non-cleaning treatment member. The air treatment member 119 may consist of or comprise a humidifier, e.g., a humidifier water tank and atomizer. The air treatment member may consist of or comprise a dehumidifier. The air treatment member may consist of or comprise an electrostatic precipitation unit. The air treatment member may be a cyclonic electrostatic unit. Any suitable location may be used for the air treatment member 119. The air treatment member may be in a base of the fan 100. The air treatment member 119 may be in a support member 200. The air treatment member 119 may be in an air outlet head 201. The air treatment member 119 may be in a detachable fan module, such as described elsewhere herein. The fan 100 may include more than one treatment member 119, optionally including a cleaning member and a non-cleaning member such as a humidifier and/or dehumidifier.

The following is a discussion of a number of aspects, including an air flow path guided through a support member, an air outlet formed in an arm, a tear drop shaped air outlet, an air moving member spaced apart from the support surface, an air inlet spaced apart from the support surface, fixed flow directors, moveable control members, a repositionable air outlet housing, an air outlet formed in a rotatable head, a reshapeable air outlet, redirecting the air flow path, adjacent air outlets, and an outlet pattern comprising wider and narrower portions, which are disclosed herein. Each aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

Air Flow Path Guided Through a Support Member

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may have an air flow path 130 that extends through the support member 200. The air inlet 132 is provided at a proximal end 118 of the fan 100 while the air outlet 134 is provided at a distal end 116 of the fan, and the air flow path 130 extends thought the support member 200 between the inlet and the outlet. The air flow path 130 may extend through one or more redirecting elements to guide the air flow path 130 between the inlet 132 and the outlet 134, such as to transition the air flow path between vertically and horizontally extending portions of the air flow path 130. The redirecting elements may include an elbow duct to guide the air flow path between a vertically extending portion and a horizontally extending portion.

Providing the air inlet 132 at the proximal end 118 helps to keep the air inlet 132 out of view and/or out of the way of a user. For example, the air inlet 132 may be close to a floor where the user is less likely to notice it and less likely to feel any air flow movement associated with the inlet. Also, or alternatively, providing the air inlet 132 at the proximal end 118 may help to keep the center of gravity of the fan 100 closer to the support surface by allowing the air moving member 150 to be provided at the proximal end in the air flow path.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the air flow path 130 extends through the base 102 from an air inlet 132 at the proximal end 118, allowing the air moving member 150 to be provided in the base 102 at the proximal end 118. The air flow path 130 extends upward to reach the air outlet 134, which is provided at the distal end 116. The air flow path 130 extends upwardly through the support member 200. The support member 200 or a portion of the length thereof may include or consist of a conduit 208. The conduit 208 consists of or comprises the air flow path 130 extending downstream from the base 102. As exemplified, the support member 200 may be a generally hollow body with openings at proximal and distal ends of the hollow body to allow the air flow path 130 to extend in and out of the hollow body.

As exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9, the air flow path may include a first portion 131 extending generally parallel to the first axis 120 and/or generally horizontal, and includes a second portion 133 within the support member 200 extending generally parallel to the second axis 122. The air flow path 130 may include more than one first portion 131 and/or more than one second portion 133. As exemplified in Figured 8 and 9, the air flow path may include a first portion 131 downstream of a second portion 133.

Transitioning between a first portion 131 and a second position 133 may be accomplished in any suitable way. As exemplified, the air flow path 130 may extend through an elbow 139 between the first portion 131 and the second portion 133. The elbow 139 joins an upstream end 143 and a downstream end 145. The upstream end 143 extends generally vertically and the downstream end 145 extends generally horizontally. As exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9, the elbow 139 may be provided in the support member 200. The elbow may be provided at an upper end of the support member 200. The elbow 139 may form the uppermost part of the air flow path within the support member 200. The upstream end 143 may extend generally vertically and/or parallel to the axis 122 from the elbow towards the base 102. The downstream end 145 may extend generally horizontally and/or parallel to the axis 120 from the elbow 141 towards the air outlet 134 and/or air outlet head. The elbow 139 may carry the air flow path 130 through a generally 90° turn. In some embodiments, the elbow 139 carries the air flow path 130 through a turn that is within 5° of a 90° turn.

The elbow 139 may have a continuous bend. This may help to reduce back pressure. The air flow path within the elbow 139 may be bounded by smooth walls. The elbow 1398 may have a constant and/or increasing area in a plane transverse to an air flow direction. This may help to reduce back pressure. As exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9, along each portion of the elbow, the elbow has a cross-sectional flow area in a direction transverse to a direction of flow though that portion of the elbow whereby the elbow has a constant cross-sectional flow area from an inlet end 141a of the elbow 139 to an outlet end 141b of the elbow 139.

As exemplified in FIG. 75, an upper end of the support member or the support member may consist of an elbow

Air Outlet Formed in an Arm

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may have one or more arm members, each arm member having an air outlet 134 extending along part or all of the length of the arm member.

The arm is mounted at a desired location (e.g., elevation) at which air is to be exhausted into a volume (e.g., a room). As discussed elsewhere herein the elevation at which the air is exhausted through the outlet 134 may be varied and/or the direction in which the air is exhausted from the outlet 143 may be varied.

The arm may have a first or inner end that is secured (optionally removably secured) to a support, such as the base 102 or a support member 200, which may comprise or consist of a duct member (e.g., a riser). Accordingly, the arm may extend outwardly from such a support member to a distal end. Alternately, the arm may have two axially opposed ends and a portion of the arm between the two axially opposed ends may be mounted to such a support member.

The arm has an air inlet or inlets through which air enters the arm, and a conduit or outlet conduit through which the air travels prior to exiting through the outlet 134. If the arm is secured at its inner end to the support member, then it will be appreciated that the outlet conduit may have an air inlet that is in communication with an air outlet of the support member. Alternately, if a middle portion of the arm is attached to the support member, then the arm may have a first outlet conduit that extends laterally in one direction (e.g., right) and a second outlet conduit that extends laterally in an opposed direction (e.g., left). Each of the first and second outlet conduits may have an air inlet that is in communication with an air outlet of the support member.

Accordingly, the arm may provide an outlet flow of air at a location that is spaced away from a support surface and/or spaced away from the vertical axis 122 of the fan 100. In some embodiments, the arm helps in providing the outlet flow of air in a desired shape, such as from an outlet port extending along the arm (e.g., a linear or non-linear slot) and/or from outlet ports at a plurality of spaced-apart locations (e.g., on different arms extending in different directions). In embodiments in which an outlet port includes a slot extending along part or all of the length of the arm, the arm may include a conduit with the slot in one side of the conduit. A conduit with a slot formed along one side thereof may be referred to as an outlet conduit herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the example fan 100 includes two arms 190. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments a fan 100 may include one arm 190 or more than two arms 190. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, each arm 190 may be individually rotatable about its axis 146. Alternately, it will be appreciated that the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 may use a single arm wherein a middle portion of the arm is attached to the support member.

The arms 190 each extend between a first or inner end 192 and a second or distal end 194. As exemplified, the arms 190 are linear arms, extending along a generally linear axis 196 between the first and second ends 192, 194. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments one or more arms may be non-linear, such as a curved arm or an s-shaped arm.

The arms 190 are each secured to a support. In some embodiments, the support may be the base 102 (i.e., the arms are attached directly to the base). In some embodiments, the support is a central portion 203 of an air outlet head 201, as exemplified in FIGS. 74 to 78. In some embodiments, the support is or includes the support member 200. As exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9, an arm may be secured to the support member 200 at an end thereof (e.g., the first end 192). Securing the end of an arm to the end of the support member may minimize the extension of the arm or support member that is not needed to house the airflow conduit. The arm 200 includes an air flow conduit therein. The arm may consist of or comprise, e.g., the outlet conduit 140. As exemplified, the air flow conduit in the arm may be downstream of an air flow path in the support member 200.

As exemplified, the arm 190 may be secured to the upper end of the support member 200. The arm 190 may extend outwardly from the support member 200 and/or the location at which the arm is secured to the support member.

In embodiments in which multiple arms 190 are included, the air flow path 130 may include one or more branches for each arm 190. As exemplified in FIG. 8, the air flow path 130 may be split into two or more branches 130a, 130b at the location at which the arms 190 meet the support 200. As exemplified, the support conduit 208 may split into a first branch conduit 208a and a second branch conduit 208b (and optionally further branches if there are more than two arms), each branch conduit in air flow communication with the support conduit 208.

It will be appreciated that support member may have two discrete branch conduits, one extending from, e.g., the air moving member to the air outlet conduit in one arm 190 and a second extending from, e.g., the air moving member to the air outlet conduit in another arm 190.

It will also be appreciated that the support member 200 may have provided thereon one or more arms at a first elevation and one or more arms at a second elevation, which is above the first elevation in the orientation of FIG. 1. In such a case, the support member may have two discrete branch conduits, one extending from, e.g., the air moving member to the air outlet conduit(s) in the arm(s) 190 at the first elevation and a second extending from, e.g., the air moving member to the air outlet conduit(s) in the arm(s) 190 at the second elevation. Alternately, the support member may have a single conduit which is upstream from each outlet conduit.

It will also be appreciated that the fan 100 may include one or more outlets 134 that are not provided on an arm, such as an outlet on a support member 200. The fan 100 may include one or more arms forming air outlets and one or more air outlets on the support member 200 (see e.g., FIG. 48). As exemplified in FIGS. 23 and 25, the fan 100 may include an air outlet 134 on a portion 200a of the support member 200 to which the arm or arms are joined. The portion 200a may be an upper portion. The portion 200a may project laterally (i.e., along axis 124) and/or forwardly or rearwardly (i.e., along axis 120) outward beyond a main trunk 200b of the support member 200. The main trunk 200b extends along the second axis 122 to support the head 201 at a position spaced from the support surface. Projecting the portion 200a may help allow a greater range of motion for the head 201 (e.g., arms 190) then if the head 201 was attached to the main trunk 200b. Projecting the portion 200a forwardly may help provide the air outlet 134 in a more forward position.

Referring again to FIGS. 8 and 9, the air outlet 134 is provided on the arm 190. The air outlet 134 includes an outlet port 210 opening through a surface of the arm 190. The arm 190 includes a conduit or outlet conduit through which the air travels to the outlet port 210. As exemplified, the outlet port 210 may be a slot.

The slot may have any suitable shape and/or orientation. The slot may be generally linear. Alternatively, the slot may be non-linear, such as sinusoidal or arcuate. As exemplified, the slot may extend along part or all of the length of the arm, optionally following the axial shape of the arm (e.g., linear if the arm is linear, arcuate if the arm is arcuate) or the arm may include a plurality of slots as discussed herein. Alternatively, the slot may not extend along the arm, such as extending at an angle to the axis of the arm 190 and/or at an angle to an axis of a channel or conduit in the arm.

In embodiments in which an outlet port 210 is a slot, the slot may form an open side of the outlet conduit that is located in the arm 190. As exemplified in FIG. 8, the arm 190 includes an outlet conduit 140 with the outlet port 210 being a slot that extends along a side of the channel 140. As exemplified, the first end 142 may be an inlet end and the second end 144 may be a distal end. The inlet end 142 may be provided at the support member 200. It will be appreciated that as discussed previously herein in some embodiments the outlet conduit 140 may include one or more portions which are not opened along a side thereof so as to provide a discontinuous slot. As exemplified in FIG. 8, the outlet port 210 may be an axially extending slot extending generally parallel to the conduit axis 146. The channel axis 146 may extend generally traverse to the forward-rearward direction. As exemplified, air exits the outlet slot in a forward direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, a width of the channel in a direction 238 traverse to the channel axis 146 and to the forward-rearward direction 236 (which as exemplified in the air flow direction out the slot 210) may decrease towards the slot 210. This may help in generating a high-velocity flow of air. The width in the direction traverse to the air flow direction out of the slot 210 may decrease in any suitable way, and may be discontinuous (e.g., stepwise) or continuous (e.g., curved or tapered). Optionally, the width tapers smoothly to minimize turbulence in the channel 140.

Tear Drop Shaped Air Outlet Air Flow Area

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may include a tear drop shaped air outlet air flow area. The tear drop shape of the air outlet air flow area is a shape in a plane that extends generally parallel to the air flow direction 147 out through the air outlet port of the air outlet.

The tear-drop shaped air outlet air flow area may include a wider side opposed to the outlet port at a rear end of the air outlet. The tear-drop shape may include a curved sidewall surface opposite the air outlet port, with the air outlet port 210 spaced farther than the curved surface from the focal point of the curvature of the curved wall. The tear-drop shape may help to direct air out of the air outlet 134 in a high-velocity jet to entrain additional air.

Optionally, the air outlet may include generally planar sidewall surfaces converging towards the air outlet port.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the air outlet 134 may include the nozzle 135 and an adjacent portion of an outlet conduit 140. The adjacent portion of the air outlet conduit 140 includes a sidewall 140b forming a curved surface opposite the outlet port 210 and sidewalls forming generally planar surfaces 140a converging towards the outlet port 210. The exemplary sidewall 140b forms a surface which curves smoothly at a constant curvature. The exemplary sidewall 140b forms a curved surface centered directly opposite the outlet port 210. The exemplary walls 140a form smooth surfaces converging steadily in the direction of air flow out the outlet port 210. In the illustrated example, the surfaces formed by the sidewalls 140a and the sidewall 140b meet at a smooth interface.

As exemplified in FIGS. 16 and 17, the air outlet air flow area may be formed by a nozzle and an adjacent (upstream) portion of an outlet conduit wherein the air outlet is a slot in a side of the arm. As exemplified, the width of the side of the outlet conduit opposed to the slot 210, in a direction 238 traverse to the channel axis 146 and to the forward-rearward direction 236, is smaller than the width in a middle portion of the channel (i.e., between the slot 210 and the opposed side) and the side of the outlet conduit opposed to the slot 210 is curved. Accordingly, as exemplified, the outlet conduit 140 is generally tear drop shaped in a plane transverse to the channel axis 146. Each channel 140 has a wider side 148 which is opposed to the outlet slot 210 at a rear end of the channel 140.

As such, the outlet conduit and nozzle are tear drop shaped in a plane transverse to a channel axis 146 of a channel in the arm. The plane in which the tear drop shape is formed may be perpendicular to an air flow direction in the conduit.

The nozzle 135 may have any suitable shape. As exemplified in FIGS. 16 and 17, the nozzle 135 may be a parallel wall nozzle. Alternatively, a converging nozzle may be used with a tear drop shaped air outlet. As exemplified in FIG. 20, the sidewalls 137 may converge along the direction 147 of air flow through the nozzle 135. The sidewall 137 of the nozzle may extend at an angle 149 to an adjacent sidewalls 140a of the conduit 140. As exemplified in FIG. 20, the sidewalls 137 may converge more sharply than the adjacent sidewalls of the conduit 140. Alternatively, the sidewalls 137 may extend generally parallel to adjacent sidewalls 140a, 140b of the conduit 140. The nozzle 135 may continue the tear drop shape without interruption to the air outlet port.

Air Moving Member Spaced Apart from the Support Surface

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may have the air moving member 150 spaced apart from the support surface. The air moving member 150 may be supported by the support member 200 at an elevation spaced from a surface on which the fan is provided, e.g., the floor or a ceiling. If the fan 100 is provided on a floor or table, the air moving member 150 may be provided in an upper end of the support member 200 or in a housing mounted to an upper end of the support member 200.

Positioning the air moving member 150 at a location spaced from the support surface may position the air moving member closer to the air outlet 134, which may also be spaced from the support surface. This may help the air moving member direct air flow characteristics of an outlet air flow. This may also, or alternatively, allow for a smaller volume of the fan 100 at the proximal end 118. The proximal end 118 may be free of any air moving member, or may house a smaller air moving member (e.g., in series with the raised air moving member) than would otherwise be needed. Further, this may provide an air flow path through the fan that is shorter and/or have fewer bends, thereby reducing the back pressure through the fan.

In some embodiments, the air moving member 150 may be removably mounted to a stand as part of a fan 100 that is removably mountable to the stand. For example, a user may detach the fan 100 from the stand and carry it to a different location for use away from the stand (e.g., as a table-top fan) and/or use it as a fan while carrying it (e.g., with on-board power supply). This may be referred to as a detachable fan module herein.

As exemplified in FIGS. 21 and 22, an air moving member 150 may be positioned at an elevated or raised position 151b in the support member 200. An air moving member 150 in a raised position 151b in the support member 200 may be in a portion of the support member 200 to which one or more air outlet head 201 is attached. As exemplified in FIGS. 21 and 22, the portion of the support member 200 to which the air outlet heads 201 (e.g., arms 190) are attached is the projecting portion 200a.

As exemplified in FIG. 23, an air moving member 150 may be positioned in a raised position 151c in the air outlet head 201 (e.g., in the arm 190). As exemplified in FIGS. 28 and 29, the air outlet may be provided in the main body 201. The main body 128 may form an air outlet head 201 with an air outlet formed in the main body 128, or an air outlet head may be secured to the main body 128.

The air moving member 150 in the air outlet head 201 may be selected to provide a desired air flow for the head 201 it is provided in. In some embodiments, the fan 100 may be used with different air outlet heads 201 with different air moving members 150 selected for different air flow characteristics. The different air outlet heads 201 may all be mounted concurrently to the base (e.g., the user selecting one or more to use), or the heads 201 may be interchangeable (e.g., the user mounting a desired one to the support member 200 before using the fan).

It will be appreciated that a raised air moving member 150 (e.g., at position 151b or position 151c) may be in place of a lowered air moving member 150 adjacent the proximal end 118. The proximal end 118 may be free of any air moving member. This may help allow for a smaller, simpler, and/or cheaper base section of the fan. Alternatively, the raised air moving member 150 may be in addition to a lowered air moving member, such as an air moving member 150 at a position 151a at the proximal end 118. Position 151a may be in the base 102. Position 151a may be in a proximal end 118 of the support member 200.

Referring again to FIGS. 21 to 24, a raised air moving member 150 may be provided in-line with one or more air outlet heads 201. An intersecting axis extending longitudinally through the head(s) 201 may intersect the raised air moving member. The air outlet heads may be arms, and the raised air moving member 150 may be provided in-line with a longitudinal axis of the arms 190. The intersecting axis may also intersect the support member 200. As exemplified in FIGS. 21 to 24, the outlet conduit longitudinal axis 146 of a first arm 190 illustrates an intersecting axis which intersects an air moving member provided at position 151b and/or position 151c. As exemplified in FIG. 24 by axis 146 and an air moving member provided at position 151b, the intersecting axis may extend longitudinally through each of a plurality of heads 201 (i.e., through each arm 190) and intersect a raised air moving member. The intersected raised air moving member may supply air to each of the two heads 201 (optionally selectively to one or the other or to both). The intersected raised air moving member may be in the support member 200 or in one of the heads 201. The intersecting axis may be generally parallel to and/or coaxial with the axis of rotation of the air moving member 150, e.g., when the air moving member is in the head 201. Alternatively, the axis of rotation of the air moving member may be generally perpendicular to the intersecting axis, e.g., when the air moving member is in the support 200. The axis of rotation 158 of an intersected air moving member may extend generally along the first axis 120, the second axis 122, or at an angle between the first and second axes 120, 122 and generally perpendicular to the intersecting axis.

An intersecting axis may extend longitudinally through each of a plurality of heads 201 (e.g., arms 190) and through a plurality of air moving members 150 provided in the heads 201, as exemplified in FIG. 23 by axis 146 extending through the second and third air flow paths 130b, 130c and second and third air flow members 150b, 150c. The intersecting axis may be generally parallel to and/or coaxial with the axis of rotation of one or more of the plurality of air moving members 150 in the heads 201.

It will be appreciated that the heads 201 may be repositionable, and the intersecting axis may only intersect as described in one configuration of the fan 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the heads 201 may pivot forwardly.

Air Inlet Spaced Apart from the Support Surface

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, wherein the air inlet 132 is spaced apart from the support surface. In an in-use position, the air inlet 132 is may be raised above the support surface. The air inlet may be positioned at a distal end of a support member 200 or a stand.

Arranging the air inlet 132 at the distal end positions the air inlet away from the support surface. The air inlet 132 may be formed in the support member 200, the housing 128 at the distal end of the support member 200, or in an air outlet head 201. This may help to avoid obstructions to the air flow being drawn towards the air inlet or air the air travelling to the air inlet passing over objects (e.g., papers) on the surface on which the fan is positioned. In some embodiments, both the air inlet 132 and the air moving member 150 are raised and may be at about the same elevation. Arranging both the air inlet 132 and the air moving member 150 at the distal end may allow for a shorter and/or straighter air flow path. In embodiments in which the air inlet 134 is spaced apart from the support surface and adjacent and/or in line with the air moving member 150 and air outlet 134, the air flow path may be generally horizontal and/or generally parallel to the first axis 120.

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, illustrated is an example fan 100 with an air moving member 150 mounted to a distal end of a stand 197. As exemplified, the fan 100 with the stand 197 is freestanding, e.g., on a floor. The stand 197 includes a base 102 and a support member 200. The support member 200 extends generally along the second axis 122 from the base 102 for supporting the air outlet 134 at a position separated from the support surface. As exemplified in FIGS. 28 and 29, the air outlet 134 may be formed in the housing 128 mounted to the distal end of the support member 200.

As exemplified, the upper end of the support member 200 may meet the housing 128 near the air moving member 150. This may help to provide a more stable support as the center of gravity may be at or near the support member 200. In some embodiments, the support member axis 201 may extend through the air moving member 150.

The air moving member 150 is received within the housing 128. The air moving member 150 may be arranged with the air moving member axis of rotation 158 extending generally horizontally and/or parallel to the first axis 120, as exemplified in FIGS. 28 and 29. This may help allow for air flow benefits, such as a shorter and/or straighter portion of the air flow path extending between the air moving member 150 and the air outlet 134 and/or an air outlet head in which the air outlet is formed, thereby providing an air flow path with reduced back pressure. The example axis 158 extends parallel to the horizontal. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the axis may be within a few degrees of horizontal. It has been determined that in some embodiments an axis of rotation 158 at or within 20 degrees of horizontal and/or the first axis 120 provides the desired air flow benefits. In the illustrated example, the air outlet 134 is also in the housing 128 containing the air moving member 150. This may provide air flow benefits, such as a shorter and/or straighter air flow path 130. It will be appreciated that the air outlet 134 could alternatively be in an air outlet head (e.g., comprising an arm or other structure). For example, the outlet 134 may be formed in an air outlet head mounted to a forward end of the housing 128.

In the illustrated example, the air inlet 132 is provided in the housing 128. This may help to shorten and/or straighten the portion of the air flow path 130 extending between the air inlet 132 and the air moving member. The support 100 may be a simple pillar or riser, with no internal duct for use as part of the air flow path 130 and/or no air flow communication with the air flow path 130 within the housing 128. For example, the support member 200 may be a closed hollow body extending along the axis 206.

As exemplified in FIGS. 28 to 31, the air inlet 132 and the air outlet 134 are both provided in the housing 128. This helps provide a compact package at the distal end 116. As exemplified, the air inlet 132, the air outlet 134, and the air moving member 150 are generally aligned so as to provide a linear air flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet with, optionally, the axis of rotation 158 of the air moving member 150 extending through the air inlet 132 and the air outlet 134. The air inlet 132 is provided at the rear end 114 of the fan 100 and the air outlet 134 is provided at the front end 112 of the fan 100. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the air inlet and/or air outlet may be repositionable, such as described elsewhere herein. Alternatively, as exemplified in FIGS. 28 and 29, the air inlet and/or air outlet may be in a fixed position in relation to the air moving member 150.

The housing 128 may have any suitable shape. In a plane transverse to a direction of air exiting the fan, the housing 128 may have a generally complementary shape to the shape of the air outlet 134 and/or the shape of the air exiting the air outlet 134. In some embodiments, the housing 128 has a generally cylindrical shape. The air outlet 134 may have a generally circular and/or cylindrical shape plane transverse to a direction of air exiting the fan to produce a generally cylindrical jet of outlet air. As exemplified in FIGS. 28 and 29, the housing 128 may be shaped like a jet engine housing.

The outer surface of the housing 128 may be generally smooth and, optionally, cylindrical. The outer surface may be slightly arcuate in shape along which air can flow freely. The forward end 112 of the housing 128 around the air outlet 134 may converge slightly towards the air outlet 134.

In some embodiments, a gap 141 that extends in a plane transverse to a direction of air exiting the fan may be provided between the outer wall of the air outlet 134 and the housing 128, such as to allow for reshaping of the air outlet 134 as exemplified in FIGS. 30 to 32.

In some embodiments, the fan 100 is removably mounted to the stand 102. For example, the housing 128 with the air moving member 150 and air outlet 134 and air inlet 132 may be removably mounted to the stand 102. In embodiment in which the air inlet 132 is provided on the stand 197, the air inlet 132 on the stand 197 may be disconnected from the housing 128 when the housing 128 is removed whereupon the inlet into the removeable portion becomes the air inlet 132 of the fan 100. It will be appreciated that the housing 128 may be removed with one or more additional components, such as an air outlet head 201 (e.g., comprising one or more arms) and/or an air inlet structure upstream of the housing 128.

Fixed Flow Directors

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may have one or more flow directors in an outlet conduit 140.

The flow directors guide the flow of air within the outlet conduit 140 to or towards the outlet port 210. The flow directors may alternately or in addition, assist in the air being redistributed evenly or more evenly along the length of the exit from the outlet conduit 140. Accordingly, as air travels through the axial length of the outlet conduit 140 from the inlet end 142 to the distal end 144, some of the air may encounter a first flow director that directs or assists in directing that portion of the air to or towards to outlet port 210. As air continues to travel through the outlet conduit 140 towards the distal end 144, an additional portion of the air may encounter a second flow director that directs or assists in directing that portion of the air to or towards to outlet port 210. Additional flow directors may be distributed along part or all of the remainder of the length of the outlet conduit 210 towards the distal end 144. Accordingly, each flow director may be contacted by part of the air flow and divert that part of the air flow to or towards the outlet port 210. In this way, the flow directors may assist in producing a generally uniform amount of air exiting each portion of the outlet port 210

As exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fan 100 includes a plurality of flow directors 240 that are arranges along the axial length of the outlet conduit 140. The spacing between adjacent flow directors may be constant or, as exemplified it may vary (e.g., the spacing between adjacent flow directors may increase as the distance from the inlet end 142 increases).

Any suitable flow directors may be used. As exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9, flow directors 240 are vanes arranged in the air flow path 130 of the outlet conduit 140 to guide the flow of air in the air flow path 130. Flow directors may be fixed in place within the air flow path 130 or moveable.

The flow directors may have any suitable size. Flow directors may extend fully across at least one dimension of an outlet conduit 140 (e.g., across the entire width on the direction 238 traverse to the channel axis 146, see FIG. 17) and/or across the entire width 236 in a forward-rearward direction. It will be appreciated that, if the flow directors 240 extend fully across the entire width 236 in a forward-rearward direction, then an open volume must be provided to enable air to travel past one flow director to the next downstream flow director. This may be achieved by the flow director not extending across both the entire width in the direction 238 and the entire width 236 in a forward-rearward direction and/or one or more windows being provided in the upstream flow director.

The exemplary flow directors 240 of FIG. 17 extend across the entire width of the channel 140 in the direction 238. However, the rear end of the flow directors 140 are spaced from the rear side of the channel 140 that is opposed to the outlet port 210 to allow air flow to pass by the flow directors 140 on the rearward side of the outlet channel 140. Accordingly, air may pass through a channel located between the rear side of outlet conduit 140 and the rear end of the flow directors. As the air travels downstream, portions of the air encounter each flow directors and are guided towards the outlet port 210.

As exemplified in FIG. 17, the flow directors 240 extend from a rearward position 242 which is spaced from the wider (rear) side 148 of the channel 140. In some embodiments, the channel 140 has an outlet-side portion 230, an opposite portion 232, and a middle portion 234 between the outlet-side portion 230 and the opposite portion 232. As exemplified in FIG. 17, the outlet-side portion 230 may be a forward portion and the opposite portion 232 may be a rearward portion. As exemplified in FIG. 17, the middle portion 234 may be wider than the portions 230, 232 in a direction 238 that is traverse to the channel axis and to the direction of air flow through the outlet port 210. As exemplified, the middle portion 234 is wider in a direction 238 traverse to the channel axis 146 and the forward-rearward direction 236. The rearward position 242 is provided in the middle portion 234.

As exemplified in FIG. 9, a first line 146a that is parallel to the channel axis 146 of the channel extends through the channel 140 at a location rearward of the flow directors 240 and a second line 146b that is parallel to the channel axis 146 of the channel 140 and is forward of the first line 146a extends through the channel 140 and intersects the flow directors 240. As exemplified in FIG. 9, a first portion 130c of air flow exiting the conduit outlet port 210 travels through the channel 140 past (e.g., rearward of) the flow directors 240 and a second portion 130d of the air flow exiting the conduit outlet port 210 impacts at least one of the flow directors 240. The second portion 130d may be directed by the flow director 240 out through the port 210.

The flow directors 240 may extend all the way to the outlet slot 210. The exemplary flow directors 240 extend from the rearward position 242 to the outlet slot 210. Optionally, the flow directors 240 separate segments 212 of the slot 210 from one another, as exemplified in FIG. 9. Although it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the flow directors 240 may extend only partway towards the outlet slot 210.

Referring to FIG. 9, the flow directors 240 have a length 244 between upstream and downstream ends of the flow director. As exemplified, the flow directors 240 have a length 244 between the end at the rearward position 242 and the end at the outlet port 210. In some embodiments, the length 244 is constant between adjacent flow directors 240. As exemplified, the length 244 may change between adjacent flow directors 240. The length 244 may increase from the inlet end 142 to the distal end 144 of the channel 140. As the length 244 increases, the flow directors 240 may extend further across a width of the channel 140, e.g., rearwardly as exemplified in FIG. 9. Increasing the length of the flow directors 240 may help to distribute a flow of air more evenly along the length of the outlet port 210.

The flow directors may have any suitable shape. For example, flow directors or a portion thereof may be generally planar or curved. Planar flow director 240 may form planar surfaces extending at an angle to the axis of the outlet conduit 140 to guide air towards the outlet side of the channel 140. Alternatively, as exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9, the flow directors 240 or a portion thereof may be curved. In some embodiments at least a portion of a flow director is curved. In some embodiments an interior end (e.g., the rear end as exemplified in FIG. 9) of one or more, or all, of the flow directors 240 may be curved. Optionally, the flow director is curved along its entire length. Alternately, one or more, or all, of the flow directors 240 may be kinked (i.e., they may comprise two or more segments (each of which is planar or curved) which join at an angle).

Any suitable curvature may be used. As exemplified in FIG. 9, the flow director 240 may be generally arcuate in shape. A smooth arcuate shape may help guide air flow with minimal turbulence. The flow directors 240 may be curved in any suitable direction. The exemplary flow directors 240 are curved in a downstream direction.

It will be appreciated that any suitable number of flow directors 240 may be used. A plurality of flow directors 240 may be arranged in any suitable arrangement in the outlet conduit 140. Flow directors 240 may be spaced apart from one another in a direction of the channel axis 146. Flow directors which are spaced apart along the axis may be spaced apart evenly. Alternatively, as exemplified in FIG. 9, a spacing 246 between adjacent flow directors 240 may increase from the inlet end 142 to the distal end 144. The spacing 246 between adjacent flow directors 240 may increase at a constant rate from the inlet end 142 to the distal end 144 or, as exemplified, the spacing may increase in the downstream direction. Increasing the spacing between the flow directors 240 may help to distribute a flow of air more evenly along the length of the outlet port 210.

Moveable Control Members

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may have one or more control members moveably mounted within an air exiting the air outlet. The control members are moveable by the user or a program, to control the air flow through the outlet. The position and/or orientation of a control member may be adjusted to reshape and/or redirect the outlet air flow and/or to adjust a volume of air or a rate of air flow exiting an outlet of the fan. Accordingly, the direction of air exiting the fan may be changed by adjusting the position of a control member, optionally without adjusting the orientation of an air outlet head 201.

Control members, which may also be referred to as flow adjusters, may include bodies sized to selectively obstruct the air outlet or portions of the air outlet. As exemplified in FIGS. 40 to 47, a control member 260 is moveable between two or more positions including a first position (e.g., FIG. 41) and a second position (e.g., FIG. 42). The control member 260 may be selectively positionable only in two or more positions, or continuously repositionable between the positions.

A control member 260 may be an operated device 182 and may be operated by any suitable actuator 180.

The control member is a body, that may be solid or hollow, that is positioned partially or fully within the airflow path through the fan and is adjustable to vary one or more of the direction, amount and velocity of air exiting the fan. The control member may be planar, e.g., a vane control members 260a as discussed previously with respect to FIGS. 40-42. Alternately, the control member may be a body that has a width, in a plane that is transverse to the direction of air exiting the fan, that varies from an upstream end of the body to a downstream end of the body. For example, as exemplified in FIGS. 43-47, the control member is generally triangular in cross sectional shape in a plane that extends generally parallel to the direction of air flow through the air outlet in which the control member moves.

As exemplified in FIGS. 43 to 47, the body control member may have a converging downstream end. This may help with reducing turbulence in an air flow passing the control member. The downstream end may converge to a point or edge or it may be rounded. The convergence may be constant (e.g., along a line) or changing (e.g., along a curve). The convergence may be smooth. The convergence may be stepwise. As exemplified in FIG. 43, the upstream end of the control member may be the widest in a direction transverse to the air flow direction.

The control member 260 may move in any suitable way, such as rotating about a fixed axis and/or axes or translating along a path. As exemplified in FIGS. 40 to 42, the control member 260 may rotate about a fixed axis 262. The axis 262 of rotation of the control member 260 may extend generally perpendicular to the direction of air flow through the air outlet 134 and/or generally perpendicular to the first axis 120, and may extend generally parallel to the second axis 122. This may allow a free portion 264 of the control members 260 to pivot up and down to direct the air flow upwardly or downwardly, as desired. The axis 262 may extend generally parallel to the third axis 124. This may allow a free portion 264 of the control members 260 to pivot to one lateral side or the other to direct the air flow side to side as desired.

It will be appreciated that the control member 260 may be free to rotate about more than one axis, such as about two or more intersecting axis. The control member 260 may be free to rotate about a fixed point.

Referring now to FIGS. 43 to 37, in addition to, or as an alternative to, rotation, the control member 260 may move along a path 261 between positions. In some embodiments, the path 261 is a linear path. The control member 260 may translate along the path 261 between positions. The control member 260 may translate generally parallel to the first axis 120 (i.e., forwardly-rearwardly), generally parallel to the second axis 122, and/or generally parallel to the third axis 124. It will be appreciated that the control member may travel along an arcuate path and/or it may be able to travel along more than one path, e.g., along the first axis and the second axis.

As exemplified in FIGS. 43 to 45, moving the control member along a path may change the extent to which the control member blocks the air outlet. The control member 260 may move between a first position in which the air outlet 134 and/or port 210 has a first minimum air flow area in a plane transverse to the air flow direction and a second position in which the air outlet 134 and/or port 210 has a second minimum air flow area in a plane transverse to the air flow direction, the second minimum air flow area being smaller than the first minimum air flow area. In some embodiments, the control member advances generally in the direction of air flow from the first position to the second position, and the second position may be referred to as an advanced position.

Changing the extent to which the control member blocks the air outlet may help the control member control the velocity of air through the outlet by changing the minimum air flow area transverse to the direction of air flow. Changing the extent to which the control member blocks the air outlet may also, or alternatively, help to change the shape of an air jet exiting the air outlet. When the control member is in a less obstructing position (e.g., FIG. 44), the air jet may be more concentrated (e.g., narrower) than when the control member is in a more obstructing position (e.g., FIG. 43).

As exemplified in FIGS. 43 to 45, the control member 260 may be generally centered in the air outlet in at least one position. Air flow through the air outlet may extend past a first side 270 of the control member 260 and past a second, opposite side 272 of the control member 260 when the control member is in the second position. In some embodiments, the air flow through the air outlet may extend past the control member all around (e.g., laterally, above, and below) the control member 260 in the second position. In some embodiments, the control member 260 is translatable laterally between positions along an axis that extends through a center of the outlet port 210.

Also, or alternatively, in some embodiments the control member 260 is moveable between a first position directing the outlet air flow jet along a vector in a first direction and a second position directing the outlet air flow jet along a vector in a second direction, the second direction different from the first direction. In this way, the control member may be used to change a direction of air flow without moving the air outlet 134. The second direction may be angled relative to the first direction along the second axis 122 (e.g., laterally) and/or angled relative to the first direction along the third axis 124 (e.g., vertically).

In some embodiments, the minimum air flow area in a surface transverse to the air flow direction through the air outlet does not change between the first and second positions, only the direction changes. Although it will be appreciated that in some embodiments movement of the control member may change both velocity and direction of an outlet air flow jet.

As discussed previously, the control member may be of any suitable shape. In some embodiments, a control member is a moveable vane. A vane may be sized and shaped to guide the air flow without substantially obstructing it. As exemplified in FIGS. 40 to 42, vane control members 260a may be generally thin flat members. As exemplified therein and as discussed previously, a vane control member 260a may rotate in one or more axis. It will be appreciated that alternately or in addition, a vane control members 260 may also translate as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, a control member 260 is a moveable body sized to at least partially obstruct the air outlet 134 in at least one position of the moveable body. The body control member 260b may obstruct a substantial portion of the air outlet in at least one position. The body control member 260b may have, in at least one position, a width 263 that is a substantial fraction of the corresponding width 265 of the air outlet to thereby block at least a substantial portion of the air outlet in that position. In some embodiments, the body control member is moveable to a position blocking at least half of the corresponding air flow area of an air outlet. The width 263 of the body control member 260b may be at least half the corresponding width 265 of the air outlet in at least one position of the control member.

In some embodiments, the control member may be moveable to block substantially all of a portion of the air outlet to close the portion of the air outlet. As exemplified in FIGS. 43 to 45, the body control member can be moved between a first position (FIG. 44) and a second position (FIG. 45), and the width of the air outlet corresponding to the width 263 of the control member 260 is smallest when the body is in the second position, at which point the width 263 of the body is the same as the corresponding width of the air outlet 134.

It will be appreciated that a fan may include multiple types of control members, such as a first control member which changes a direction of an outlet air flow jet by changing positions and a second control member which changes an extent to which the control member blocks the air outlet by changing positions. In some embodiments, a fan may include both a vane control member and a body control member.

Alternatively, a single control member may change air flow direction and change an extent to which the air outlet is obstructed when moved. A single movement of a single control member may change both air flow direction and an extent to which the air outlet is obstructed. For example, as exemplified in FIGS. 46 and 47, the control member may be moveable laterally. In the position of FIG. 46, the control member is on a left side of the outlet and the angled surface of the control body directs air to the left. In the position of FIG. 47, the control member is on a right side of the outlet and the angled surface of the control body directs air to the right.

Repositionable Air Outlet Housing

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may have one or more repositionable air outlet which is repositionable by repositioning an air outlet head or other housing in which the air outlet is formed. Repositioning a repositionable head or other housing adjusts the direction and/or position (e.g., elevation) at which air exits the fan. Accordingly, the direction that the outlet port 210 faces may be moveable. Moving the direction that the outlet port 210 faces allows the air movement produced by the fan 100 to be adjusted without moving the entire fan 100 or using a control member. This avoids the need to move the base 102 of a portable fan or to release and resecure a mounted fan (e.g., a ceiling fan).

A fan 100 may include one or more repositionable body 280 mounted to a base 102. As exemplified in FIGS. 48 and 49, a repositionable body 280 may be directly mounted to the base 102. Alternatively, a repositionable body 280 may be mounted to the base via one or more intervening bodies, such as the support member 200 (e.g., an arm 190 as exemplified in FIGS. 21-25) and/or a housing 128 (e.g., a housing containing the air moving member 150 as exemplified in FIG. 28).

Each repositionable body 280 includes one or more air outlets 134. An air outlet 134 may include multiple air outlet ports 210. Multiple ports 210 and/or outlets 134 of a repositionable body may be spaced apart along an axis, such as the second axis 122. Multiple ports 210 and/or outlets 134 of a repositionable body may be angularly spaced apart about an axis, such as angularly spaced apart about the second axis 122 as exemplified in FIGS. 48 and 49 or linearly as exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Different repositionable bodies 280 of a fan may have different air outlets 134 and/or outlet ports 210. In some embodiments, a repositionable body 280 may include outlet ports comprising divergent nozzles. In some embodiments, a repositionable body 280 may include outlet ports comprising convergent nozzles. A repositionable body 280 may include a plurality of outlet ports 210 of different types. In some embodiments, a repositionable body 280 includes both convergent and divergent nozzles.

As exemplified in FIGS. 48 and 49, the air outlet 134 of one repositionable body 280 may be configured to direct air in a first direction 282 and another repositionable body (optionally adjacent) have an air outlet 134 configured to direct air in a second direction 284 different from the first direction 282. The first and second directions may extend at an angle to one another in a plane. The plane may be transverse to an axis along which the repositionable bodies 280 are spaced. The plane may be transverse to an axis about which the repositionable bodies 280 are rotatable. Rotating repositionable bodies 282 relative to one another may direct output air flow jets in diverging directions (e.g., as exemplified in FIG. 48) or in converging directions (e.g., as exemplified in FIG. 49).

As exemplified in FIGS. 48 and 49, in a fan which has one or more repositionable bodies, one or more of the repositionable bodies may be moveable in dividually or concurrently between a first position (FIG. 48) and a second position (FIG. 49) relative to the base 102. Accordingly, one or more of the repositionable bodies may be repositionable relative to other outlets, which may be in a stationary body of another repositionable body 280 of the fan 100.

The repositionable body may be moved in any suitable way. In some embodiments, the repositionable body may be manually moved. For example, a user may manually reposition a repositionable body. In some embodiments, the repositionable body is an operated device 182 moved by an actuator 180.

A fan may include multiple repositionable bodies 280 independent repositionable. The fan 100 may be operable to selectively connect all or a subset of the multiple repositionable bodies 280 in air flow communication with an air inlet 132, optionally in series. The fan 100 may be operable to selectively connect all or a subset of the multiple repositionable bodies 280 in air flow communication with an air moving member 150, optionally in series. Accordingly, the fan 100 may be used with one, all, or a subset of the repositionable bodies 280.

Any suitable repositionable body may be used. The fan 100 may be a vertical tower fan, such as exemplified in FIGS. 48 and 49. The repositionable bodies 280 may be sections of the fan, such as vertical sections. As exemplified in FIGS. 48 and 49, the repositionable bodies 280 may be arranged in a stacked configuration along the second axis 122. As exemplified in FIGS. 48 and 49, the repositionable bodies 280 may be individually rotatable about the axis 122.

The repositionable body 280 may be an arm 190 or other air outlet head 201 (see for example FIGS. 50-52). As exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9, the air outlet 134 is redirected by moving the arm 190 in which the air outlet 134 is formed. The arm 190 may be moved by being rotated. The arm may be rotated about any suitable axis such as the channel axis 146, the support member axis 206, and/or an axis that is perpendicular to the channel axes and the support axis. In embodiments in which the arm 190 is rotatable about more than one of the channel axis 146, the support member axis 206, and the axis that is perpendicular to the channel axes and the support axis, the arm may be independently rotatable about of the channel axis 146, the support member axis 206, and/or the axis that is perpendicular to the channel axes and the support axis.

The fan 100 may include one or more actuator 180 moving the arm 190 by rotating one or more components about an axis. Referring to FIG. 8, the arm 190 and/or an arm assembly 198 comprising the arms 190 is a first operated device 182a moved by a first actuator 180a. The actuator 180a may include, e.g., an electric motor coupled to an arm assembly 198 to rotate the arm assembly 198 about an axis 250 that is perpendicular to the channel axes 140 and/or the support member axis 206. As exemplified, the axis 250 may be at an end of the arm 190. The electric motor may be coupled to the main control system 172 and/or the power supply 162 via a line (wire) 254 to receive power and/or control instructions therefrom. Optionally, the line 254 extends within the support member conduit 208.

Alternatively, or in addition, the fan 100 may include an actuator coupled to the support member 200 to rotate the support member 200 about the support member axis 206. Alternatively, or in addition, the fan 100 may include an actuator coupled to the arm 190 to rotate the arm 190 about the channel axis 146.

The outlet port 210 may be redirected continuously. For example, the air outlet 134 may be swept back and forth as the arm 190 is rotated back and forth about the conduit axis 140. Alternatively, or in addition, the air outlet 134 may be redirected intermittently. For example, the air outlet 134 may be repositioned from a vertically extending orientation of the port 210 to a horizontally extending orientation of the port 210 by rotating the arm assembly 198 about the axis 250 90° from the position shown in FIG. 8. Optionally, the continuously sweep of the air outlet 134 as the arm 190 is rotated back and forth about the conduit axis 140 continues before, during, and/or after the arm assembly 198 is adjusted between positions.

Air Outlet Formed in a Rotatable Head

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may have a rotatable air outlet head supported at a location away from the support surface by a support. The rotatable air outlet head is rotatable about an axis of rotation that extends generally horizontally and/or generally perpendicular to a support axis of the support. The rotatable air outlet head may have one or more air outlets, which may be any one or more air outlets discussed herein. The rotatable air outlet head may have an air outlet pattern extending generally along an axis, e.g., a slot extending along the axis or a plurality of air outlets arranged along the axis. The air outlet pattern may extend along an axis extending generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

The rotatable air outlet head may be mounted at a desired location (e.g., elevation) at which air is to be exhausted into a volume (e.g., a room). As discussed elsewhere herein the elevation at which the air is exhausted through the outlet 134 may be varied and/or the direction in which the air is exhausted from the outlet 143 may be varied. The rotatable air outlet head may have a first or rear end that is secured (optionally removably secured) to a support, such as the support member 200. Accordingly, the rotatable air outlet head may extend forwardly from such a support member. The rotatable air outlet head has an air inlet or inlets through which air enters the rotatable air outlet head, and an air outlet 134 or outlets 134.

Referring to FIGS. 50 to 52, the rotatable air outlet head 201 may have a longitudinal axis 209 extending along a long dimension between a first end 211 and a second end 213. The rotatable air outlet head 201 is rotatable about an axis of rotation 215. The axis of rotation 215 may extend generally parallel to the support surface and/or generally horizontally. The axis of rotation 215 may extend generally parallel to a direction of air flow through an air outlet 134 of the rotatable air outlet head 201. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the axis 215 may be within a few degrees of horizontal, within a few degrees of parallel to the direction of air flow through an air outlet, and/or within a few degrees of parallel to the support surface. The inventors have found that in some embodiments an axis of rotation 215 at or within 20 degrees of horizontal, at or within 20° of parallel to the direction of air flow through an air outlet, and/or at or within 20° of parallel to the support surface provides the desired air flow benefits.

It will be appreciated that the axis of rotation may be centrally located along axis 209 or it may be off set therefrom.

The air flow outlet(s) 134 may be arranged in a pattern which extends, at least in part, generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation 215. As exemplified, the pattern may extend, at least in part, generally along the length of head 201 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 209. The pattern may be formed by a single air outlet 134, such as a slot outlet port having a long dimension extending generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation 215. As exemplified, the pattern may be formed by a plurality of air outlets 134 spaced apart from one another in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Any suitable pattern may be used. As exampled, the pattern may be generally linear along an axis extending generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. However, in other embodiments, the air outlets 134 may be arranged in a non-linear pattern When the head 201 is rotated about the axis of ration 215, the outlet air flow will change as the pattern is shifted by the rotation.

As exemplified in FIGS. 50 to 52, the rotatable air outlet head 201 may be rotatable between a first position (FIG. 50) in which the longitudinal axis 209 extends generally vertically and a second position (FIG. 52) in which the longitudinal axis 209 extends generally horizontally. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the axis 209 may be within a few degrees of a vertical in the first position and/or within a few degrees of horizontal in the second position. It has been determined that in some embodiments a longitudinal axis 209 at or within 20° of vertical in the first position and/or at or within 20 degrees of horizontal in the second position provides the desired air flow benefits. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 209 is within 20° of a vertical plane throughout a full rotation about the axis of rotation 215.

Reshapeable Air Outlet

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may have an air outlet that can be reshaped. The air outlet may be reshapeable between a first configuration and a second configuration, the second configuration having a different shape and/or size (cross-sectional area) than the first configuration. Reshaping the air outlet may change the shape and/or direction of an outlet air jet.

The air outlet may be reshaped in any suitable way. One or more vanes which form sidewalls of the outlet may be repositioned to reshape the outlet. A flexible material forming the outlet may be stretched and/or compressed to reshape the outlet. An internal blocking member (optionally a movable control member as described elsewhere herein) may move with respect to the outlet port to block a portion of the air outlet.

As exemplified in FIGS. 30 to 39, the air outlet 134 may include one or a plurality of moveable vanes 290 at an outlet end. As exemplified, the vanes 290 may be arranged around all sides of the outlet port 210 (the perimeter in a plane transverse to the direction of air exiting the outlet port 210) or just a portion thereof. The vanes may extend outward (e.g., forwardly as exemplified in FIGS. 30 to 32) from the outlet port 210. The moveable vanes 290 may be repositioned to change the shape of the outlet air flow. The vanes are moveable between a first configuration (e.g., FIG. 30) in which the outlet end of the air outlet 134 (at the forward end of the vanes 290) has a first outlet size and/or shape and a second configuration (e.g., FIG. 31) in which the outlet end of the air outlet 134 (at the forward end of the vanes 290) has a second outlet size and/or shape, the second outlet size and/or shape different from the first outlet size and/or shape.

As exemplified in FIGS. 33 to 35, the outlet may comprise a series of wall segments (which may be vanes 290), These wall segments may be adjustable to partially overlap to thereby change the shape or cross-sectional areas of the outlet.

Regarding changing a size of the air flow outlet, as exemplified in FIGS. 33 and 34, the vanes 290 may be moved between a first configuration (FIG. 33) having a first minimum air flow area transverse to an air flow direction through the air outlet and a second configuration (FIG. 34) having a second minimum air flow area transverse to an air flow direction through the air outlet, the second minimum air flow area transverse to an air flow direction through the air outlet being smaller than the first minimum air flow area transverse to an air flow direction through the air outlet. This may produce a more concentrated and/or faster air flow jet.

Regarding changing a shape of the air flow outlet, as exemplified in FIGS. 33 and 35, the vanes 290 may be moved between a first configuration (FIG. 33) forming the outlet end of the air outlet 134 in a first shape (e.g., a circle as exemplified) and a second configuration (FIG. 35) forming the outlet end of the air outlet 134 in a second shape (e.g., an oval as exemplified), the second shape different from the first shape. Changing the shape may involve narrowing the outlet end of the air outlet 134 in at least one direction transverse to the air flow through the outlet end of the air outlet.

Also, or alternatively, to changing the shape of the outlet air flow, the moveable bodies 290 may be repositioned to change the direction of the outlet air flow.

Any suitable moveable vanes 290 may be used. For example, they may be rigid or flexible (e.g. made of an elastomer). They may be planar or curved in the direction of air exiting the outlet. Vanes may be arranged extending outwardly in the direction of air exiting the outlet from the outlet port 210. Each vane may have an upstream end that is mounted to or adjacent the outlet port and a downstream end (in the direction of air exiting the outlet).

Each vane includes edges 292 extending between the upstream and downstream ends. As exemplified in FIGS. 30 and 31, the vanes 290 may be positioned to meet (abut) along the edges 292 of the vanes in at least one configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 30) In the configuration in which the edges abut as exemplified in FIG. 30, the vanes may define an outlet passage that has a constant cross-sectional area. In such an embodiment, the vanes may be square or rectangular.

The vanes are moveable into a second configuration that differs to the first configuration. In the second configuration, the vanes 290 may be in an expanded configuration in which edges 292 of adjacent vanes are separated (e.g., as shown in FIG. 31) to form a diverging passage. Alternately, the vanes may form a converging passage.

The vanes may be in an arranged in an overlapping configuration in one or more configurations. For example, the vanes may overlap to form a converging passage. Alternately, the vanes may be triangular in shape with the wider end provided at the outlet port. In which a case, the edges 292 may abut in in the second configuration but be spaced apart in the first configuration.

Alternatively, as exemplified in FIGS. 32 to 35, the vanes 290 may be arranged in an overlapping configuration in all configurations. Overlapping vanes may slide over one another when moved between positions. Overlapping vanes may help to form a continuous sidewall wall about the air flow all the way to the outlet end of the air outlet, rather than leaving gaps between vanes. This may help reduce turbulence and provide an outlet air flow jet.

The vanes may be moved in any suitable way. The vanes may be operated devices, moved by an actuator 180.

The air outlet may include one or more moveable vanes and one or more stationary vanes (i.e. fixed or non-moveably mounted), such as a first set of one or more moveable vanes and a second set of one or more stationary vanes. As exemplified in FIGS. 36 to 39, the vanes 290 may include a plurality of sets of vanes, with vanes of each set arranged on opposed sides of an outlet port. The exemplary vanes 290 of FIGS. 36 to 39 comprise a first set of vanes 290a that are provided on the opposed lateral sides of the outlet port and a second set of vanes 290b that are provided on the upper and lower sides of the outlet port. The exemplary sets include only one vane on each of opposed sides, however it will be appreciated that in other embodiments a set may include more than one vane on each of opposed sides of an outlet port. The exemplary sets 290a, 290b may each include an even number of vanes, allowing an equal number on each side of the outlet port. Optionally a set of vanes on opposed sides of an outlet port has an uneven number of vanes.

The vanes of a set may be operated together by a common actuator and/or moved concurrently. For example, vanes may be mechanically keyed together to operate concurrently, optionally each moving the same magnitude. Operating vanes in sets may contribute to a balanced adjustment on each side of the opposed sides of the air outlet port. The vanes of at least one set may be moveable towards and/or away from one another. In some embodiments, all of the vanes of a set are concurrently moveable towards or away from one another. As exemplified in FIGS. 36 and 37 the vanes of the first set 290a are concurrently moveable towards (see FIG. 39) and away from (see FIG. 37) one another and the vanes of the second set 290b are concurrently moveable towards (see FIG. 39) and away from (see FIG. 37) one another. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments one or more vanes of one or more sets may be stationary vanes. The fan may include an actuator (also referred to as a drive unit herein) for each set of vanes with each actuator drivingly coupled to only one set of vanes, or one actuator may drive more than one set of vanes either concurrently or independently.

It will be appreciated that the vanes of a set may be concurrently moveable in the same direction to thereby direct air to the left, right, upwardly or downwardly.

Turning now to FIGS. 53 and 54, the air outlet 134 may comprise or consist of a flexible member 300. The flexible member 300 is positionable in a first shape in which the air outlet has a first shape (e.g., as shown in FIG. 53) and the flexible member 300 is positionable in a second shape in which the air outlet has a second shape (e.g., as shown in FIG. 54) that is different to the first shape. The flexible member 300 may be repositioned in any suitable way. The flexible member may be an operated device moved by an actuator 180. In some embodiments, the fan 100 includes a frame 181 which holds the flexible member in a shape, and the frame 181 is adjustable to hold the flexible member 300 in each of the first and second shapes. As exemplified in FIGS. 53 and 54, the frame 181 may be joined to the flexible member (e.g., via links 183, such as cords) to shape the flexible member 300. The frame 181 may be moved by an actuator 180 to reshape the flexible member 300. The actuator 180 may be drivingly connected to the frame, such as mechanically drivingly connected to the frame 181 (e.g., via linkage 185). As exemplified in FIG. 54, the frame 181 may be moved to draw one part of the flexible member away from another and/or push one part of the flexible member towards another. In some embodiments, multiple independent frames 181 and/or actuators 180 may be used.

The flexible member 300 may be formed of any suitable material. The flexible member 300 may comprise or consist of a resilient material. The flexible member 300 may comprise or consist of an elastomeric material. The flexible member 300 may comprise or consist of silicone.

One of the first and second positions may be a rest position of the flexible member 300 in which the flexible member is not subjected to a compressive or expansive forces. The flexible member 300 may be compressed and/or stretched into one of the first and second positions (e.g., from a rest position in the other position).

In some embodiments, the flexible member 300 and/or the frame 181 or a portion of the flexible member 300 and/or the frame 181 is inflatable. The flexible member 300 and/or the frame 181 may have a first shape when an air pressure within an inflatable bag of the flexible member 300 and/or the frame 181 is at a first pressure and a second, different shape when the air pressure within the inflatable bag is a second, different pressure. As exemplified in FIGS. 53 and 54, the actuator 180 may be fluidically drivingly connected (e.g., via an air conduit 304) to the flexible member 300 and/or the frame 181, such as to an inflatable bag 302 which may form the flexible member 300 and/or the frame 181 or a portion of the flexible member 300 and/or the frame 181 or be secured to all or a portion of the flexible member 300 and/or the frame 181 so as to change the shape of the outlet as the inflatable bag is inflated. As exemplified in FIG. 54, when inflatable bag 302 is inflated, the flexible member 300 expands to the left and right thereby changing the shape of the lateral portions of air outlet 134 from generally circular to generally ovaloid.

It will be appreciated that a flexible member 300 of the air outlet 134 may be reshaped in any suitable way or a combination of ways.

As exemplified in FIGS. 56 and 57, a shape of an air outlet may be changed by moving an internal blocking member 153 into the air outlet. The blocking member 153 may be used to selectively block all or a portion of an air outlet 134. This may allow the minimum air flow area transverse to an air flow direction through the air inlet 132 or air outlet 134 to be adjusted. Also, or alternatively, this may allow a selected portion of a port or passage to be used, such as switching between using an upper half and a lower half of a slot outlet. A blocking member may be used to decrease at least one dimension of an air flow path or port, such as to adjust the length and/or width of a slot.

As exemplified in FIGS. 56 and 57, a blocking member 153 may be moveable between a first position in which a dimension (e.g., length 155 as exemplified) has a first magnitude and a second position in which the dimension has a second magnitude that is different from the first. Alternately or in addition a shutter may be used to block part of an outlet. For example, a shutter may be slid axially to block a portion of the outlet of the fan of FIG. 56.

The blocking member 153 may have any suitable shape and may be of any design discussed previously herein. For example, the blocking member may be a linear extending member or a linearly extendable member (e.g. the blocking member 153 may be a planar sheet or panel). The blocking member 153 may move between first and second positions generally within a flat or curved plane in which the blocking member extends. As exemplified in FIGS. 56 and 57, the blocking member 153 may comprise a wall 157 that acts as a shutter and is slidable over part or all of the outlet 134 to block part or all of the outlet 134. The wall 157 may extend along at least one axis of the fan 100. As exemplified in FIGS. 56 and 57, the wall 157 may be a longitudinally extending wall extending along a long dimension of the fan 100 (e.g., along axis 122 as exemplified) and/or a long dimension of a corresponding air outlet 134 (e.g., generally along direction 155 as exemplified). A longitudinally extending wall 157 may extend generally linearly in the corresponding longitudinal direction along all or a substantial portion of a corresponding length of the wall. A longitudinally extending wall 157 may have a longest dimension extending generally in the corresponding longitudinal direction. It will be appreciated that while the wall 157 may be a single rigid member, it may be flexible like an accordion to move between a first contracted configuration in which the outlet 134 is open and an expanded configuration in which part or all of the outlet 134 is closed. Alternately, a plurality of wall segments, which may be telescopic with respect to each other may be used.

Alternately, the blocking member 153 may be an internal member. Accordingly, the blocking member may be shaped as discussed with respect to FIGS. 43 to 47. An internal member is located within a body of the fan 100. This may contribute to a desired aesthetic from outside the fan and/or protect the moveable blocking member 153. An internal member is located upstream of the outlet port 210. As exemplified in FIGS. 56 to 59, the blocking member 153 may be within the housing 128. And rotatable between the first and second positions. In such an embodiment, the width of the outlet 134 may be adjusted instead of the length the outlet. The blocking member may be in an arm 190 or other body housing of the fan 100. It will be appreciated that the blocking member 153 may alternatively be an external member, as exemplified in FIGS. 60 to 62. An external member may be mounted to and/or mounted overlying an outside surface of the fan 100 (e.g., to an outside surface of the housing 128 or other body housing of the fan 100). In such an embodiment the blocking member 153 may be rotatable to reduce the width of the outlet.

The blocking member may move between positions in any suitable way. The blocking member may move linearly and/or rotationally. As exemplified in FIGS. 56 and 57, a blocking member 153 may move along a path, such as translating along the second axis 120 as exemplified, between first and second positions. As exemplified in FIGS. 58 and 59, a blocking member 153 may rotate about an axis between a first position (FIG. 58) and a second position (FIG. 59). It will be appreciated that a blocking member 153 may be used to close the air outlet entirely, such as to allow one air outlet to be closed to direct air flow to a different air outlet, such as exemplified in FIGS. 60 to 62.

Redirecting the Air Flow Path

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may have a redirectable air flow path. The air flow path may be redirected to selectively connect an air outlet or a portion of an air outlet and/or an air inlet or a portion of an air inlet in air flow communication with an air moving member. Redirecting the air flow path may include or consist of selectively connecting or disconnecting an air outlet and/or an air inlet from air flow communication with an air moving member.

The air flow path can be redirected in any suitable way. The air flow path can be redirected by selectively blocking an air flow port. The air flow path can be redirected by selectively blocking an air flow passage (e.g., selectively blocking a branch of the air flow path). For example, the fan may have two or more air outlet ports and an air flow path leading to one of the outlet ports, or the outlet port itself, may be partially or fully blocked or closed to direct more air to the other outlet port. The air flow path can be redirected by reconfiguration the air flow path, such as by moving a sidewall of the air flow path to direct the air flow along a different route optionally to a different outlet port.

As exemplified in FIGS. 60 to 62, a blocking member 153 may be used. Any blocking member discussed herein may be used and the blocking member may be moved is any way discussed herein. Accordingly, a blocking member 153 may be moveable into the air outlet or in front of (overlying) the air outlet to block the air outlet. This effectively disconnects the air outlet 134 from the air moving member 150 by blocking air flow along the air flow path leading into the air outlet 134. Also, or alternatively, the air flow path 130 upstream of the outlet port 210 and/or upstream of the air outlet 134 may be disconnected from the air moving member. The air flow path 130 may be disconnected by being blocked (e.g., by a blocking member 153) or by being redirected.

As exemplified in FIGS. 63 and 64, the air flow path 130 may be redirected or reconfigured. Reconfiguring the air flow path 130 within the fan 100 may selectively disconnect one or more ports, inlets, or outlets from the air flow path 130, such as selectively connecting or disconnecting an air outlet 134 or an air inlet 132 or a portion of the air outlet 134 or a portion of the air inlet 132. The air flow path 130 may be reconfigured in any suitable way. As exemplified in FIGS. 63 and 64, a body 322 housing a portion of the air flow path 130, which has a sidewall 320, may be moved (e.g., rotated as exemplified in FIGS. 63, 64 or axially translated) between a first position (FIG. 63) and a second position (FIG. 64). As exemplified, the moveable body 322 may be an internal body within the fan 100. An internal body may be located within a housing, such as housing 128 or support member 200 or another body housing of the fan 100. The moveable body 322 may be rotatable, such as about an axis running through a center of the fan 100. As exemplified in FIGS. 63 and 64, the movable body 322 may be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the fan 100 running along a long dimension of the fan (e.g., axis 122 in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 63 and 64).

It will be appreciated that redirecting the air flow path may selectively connect or disconnect a whole port or inlet or outlet, such as to allow the user to switch between using a first inlet and using a second inlet. Alternatively, or additionally, redirecting the air flow path may selectively connect a portion of an air outlet in air flow communication with an air moving member, such as to allow the user to switch between using a first outlet and using a second outlet. As exemplified in FIGS. 63 and 64, an internal body 322 is rotated between a first position (FIG. 63) directing the air flow path to a first portion 134′ of an air outlet 134 (e.g., one or more first outlet ports) and a second position (FIG. 64) directing the air flow path 130 to a second portion 134″ of the same air outlet 134 (e.g., one or more second outlet ports). The second portion 134″ is different from the first portion 134′ (e.g., directing air in a different direction). The second portion 134″ may overlap with the first portion 134′, as exemplified in FIGS. 63 and 64.

As exemplified in FIGS. 63 and 64, the moveable internal body includes air moving member 150 and a passage extending therefrom outwardly to sidewall 320. Sidewall 320 has one or more ports 127 that may be aligned with one or more outlet ports of outlet 134. Accordingly, the moveable internal body 322 may rotate (e.g., about axis 122) to selectively connect port 127 of the moveable internal body 322 with one or more outlet ports of the outlet 134. Port 127 may form an inlet through which the air moving member 150 draws in air that is then directed out through one or more outlet portions 129 of the air flow path 130 to exit through the outlet 134. It will be appreciated that redirecting the air flow path alternatively selectively connect or disconnect all of an air outlet and/or an air inlet in air flow communication with an air moving member, such as if the annular slots illustrated in FIGS. 63 and 64 were instead an annular ring of discrete slots.

It will be appreciated that the internal body 322 may alternately or in addition be axially moveable to connect outlets that are axially spaced apart with the air moving member 150. For example, as exemplified in FIG. 48, a fan has a plurality of repositionable bodies 280, each of which as, e.g., a ring of outlets 134. The internal body may be axially moveable to selectively connect the air flow passage in the internal body 322 with the air outlets 134 of one or more of the repositionable bodies 280.

It will be appreciated the internal moveable member 322 need not house the air moving member 150 but may be in air flow communication therewith.

In some embodiments, a fan 100 includes multiple air outlets wherein some or all of the air outlets may be configured differently from one another. In some embodiments, a fan 100 includes multiple air inlets wherein some or all of the air inlets may be configured differently from one another.

One or more air inlet and/or air outlet or a portion thereof may be selectively connectable in fluid flow communication with an air moving member, to allow the inlet and/or outlet air flow characteristics (e.g., speed, shape, and/or direction) to be adjusted by selecting one or a subset of the multiple air outlets and/or one or a subset of the multiple air inlets.

As exemplified in FIGS. 60 to 62, the fan 100 includes at least a first air outlet 134a and a second air outlet 134b. The fan 100 may include one or more further air outlets 134c. In operation of the first air outlet, air exiting the first air outlet 134a has a first flow characteristic. In operation of the second air outlet 134b, air exiting the second air outlet 134b has a second flow characteristic that is different to the first flow characteristic. In some embodiments, a difference between different air outlets consists of or comprises a difference in size (i.e., minimum air flow area in a surface transverse to a direction of air flow through the air outlet). A difference between flow characteristics may be a difference in speed of an outlet air jet, such as due to a difference in size of air outlet. In some embodiments, a difference between different air outlets consists of or comprises a difference in shape of the air outlet (e.g., a round outlet and a slot outlet, or slot outlets of different length and/or width). In some embodiments, a difference between different air outlets consists of or comprises a difference in direction (e.g., due to structure such as flow directors and/or positioning of the air outlet 134 and port 210 on the fan 100). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 60 to 62, the first air flow outlet 134a and the second air flow outlet 134b differ at least in direction due to the location of the outlets on the fan 100 (i.e., angularly spaced about the structure).

In some embodiments, a difference between different air outlets consists of or comprises a difference in structure included in the air outlet. One outlet may include flow directors while the other does not or includes different flow directors. One outlet may include control members while the other does not or includes different control members. As exemplified in FIGS. 60 to 62, the first air outlet may have flow directors 240 while the second air outlet has no flow directors. Alternatively, one air outlet may have flow directors 240 directing air in a different direction than the flow directors 240 of another air outlet, as exemplified by the second air outlet 134b and the third air outlet 134c in FIGS. 60 to 62.

The air moving member is selectively connectable in fluid flow communication with the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The air moving member may be in air flow communication with the first air outlet and not the second air outlet, in air flow communication with the second air outlet and not the first air outlet, or in air flow communication with both the first and second air outlets.

Adjacent Air Outlets

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may include adjacent air outlets. Air may exit from each of the adjacent air outlets concurrently. This may create a low pressure region between the adjacent air outlets to draw in additional air. The air outlets may extend generally parallel to one another. The air outlets may be directed in generally the same direction. The air outlets may be directed at a small angle away from one another to help keep the jets from converging too near the outlets.

Referring to FIGS. 65 to 73, the fan 100 may include a first air outlet 134a and a second air outlet 134b adjacent to the first air outlet 134a (see FIG. 68). In some embodiments, it has been found that adjacent air outlets may have outlet ports arranged such that a spacing between the ports is less than 10 cm to provide desired air flow characteristics. In some embodiments, the two adjacent air outlets 134a, 134b may be abutting. As exemplified in FIG. 68, walls of the nozzles 135 of the two adjacent air outlets 134a, 134b may abut.

As exemplified in FIGS. 68, the two air outlets 134a, 134b may open from a common air flow path 130. As exemplified in FIGS. 68, the two air outlets 134a, 134b may open from a common outlet conduit 140 or other passage of the fan 100. It will be appreciated that alternatively the two air outlets may open from separate air flow paths and/or separate branches of an air flow path.

Any suitable air outlet shape and/or minimum air flow area transverse to the air flow direction may be used. Any outlet design disclosed herein may be used. In some embodiments, the shape and/or minimum air flow area transverse to the air flow direction of the first air outlet 134a is generally the same as the shape and/or minimum air flow area transverse to the air flow direction of the second air outlet 134b.

The first air outlet 134a and the second air outlet 134b may each extend along generally parallel axis. The first and second air outlets 134a may each have a longest dimension in a plane transverse to air flow direction in the outlet, and these longest dimensions may extend generally parallel to one another. This may help encourage a low pressure region all along the region between the two air outlets. As exemplified in FIGS. 65 to 73, the two air outlets 134a, 134b may include slots. The slots may extend generally parallel to one another. It will be appreciated that alternatively a fan may include a series of air outlets arranged along an axis or other path that runs generally parallel to a longest dimension of a slot or generally parallel to an axis or other path that another series of air outlets are arranged along. For example, one of a pair of adjacent air outlets may include a series of round outlet ports arranged along an axis, and the adjacent outlet may include a slot or a corresponding series of outlet ports arranged along a parallel axis or, e.g., a pair of spaced apart curved lines.

One or more of a pair of adjacent air outlets may include a plurality of slots. As exemplified in FIG. 65, first air outlet 134a includes a first slot 134a′, a second slot 134a″, and a third slot 134a′″. The longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of slots may extend along an axis that is generally parallel and/or coaxial with the others of the plurality of slots. In some embodiments, the slots are generally arranged end-to-end. In some embodiments, each of the slots has a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in a direction that is transverse to both the length and a direction of air flow through the outlet, and the slots are spaced apart by a distance that is less than 10 times, less than 5 times, less than 3 times the first width. The air outlets 134a, 134b may extend generally longitudinal in a longitudinal direction that is generally transverse to an axis 362 which is equidistantly spaced between the pair of air outlets 134a, 134b. It will be appreciated that if air outlet 134a comprises a plurality of slots, then air outlet 134b may also comprise a plurality of slots and the slots of air outlet 134b may have the same shape and configuration as the slots of air outlet 134a. Accordingly, the plurality of slots may extend generally in a common direction or common pattern.

Alternatively, it will be appreciated that one or both of a pair of adjacent air outlets may not have a longest dimension in a direction transverse to air flow through the outlet. For example, the air outlet may include only a single generally round outlet port. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that a longest dimension in a direction transverse to air flow through the outlet for one or both of a pair of adjacent air outlets may not extend generally parallel to a corresponding longest dimension of the adjacent air outlet.

The two air outlets 134a, 134b are both generally directed in the same direction. As exemplified in FIGS. 65 to 68, the two air outlets 134a, 134b may both be generally directed forwardly (e.g., along axis 120). It will be appreciated that the direction of the air produced by the air outlets may be varied in any manner disclosed herein.

It will be appreciated that fan 100 may have a single pair of adjacent air outlets or a plurality of pairs of adjacent air outlets. As exemplified in FIGS. 65 to 68, the fan 100 two pairs of adjacent air outlets, namely first and second air outlets 134a,134b and third and fourth air outlets 134c, 134d. The pairs or air outlets may be adjacent each other or spaced apart as exemplified in FIGS. 67 and 70. Further, it will be appreciated that instead of a pair of adjacent air outlets, three or more adjacent air outlets may be provided.

Providing adjacent but spaced apart air outlets as discussed herein generates two flows or air (air jets) that are spaced apart but which extend generally alongside one another. This produces a low-pressure volume between the two jets which draws in, from the ambient, air that flows in the same direction as the air flow generated by the fan 100, which may help increase the volume of air moved by the fan 100.

Air that is entrained with the air flow from air outlets 134a, 134b may be drawn in from one or more sides of the flow pf air produced by each outlet 134a, 134b. For example, air may be drawn in from ends of the air outlets (e.g., distal ends 118). Also, or alternatively, the fan 100 may include an air flow passage that provides an opening between the two air outlets 134a, 134b to supply air to be entrained. As exemplified in FIGS. 65 to 67, the fan 100 may include a supply path 390 with an outlet end 392 between the air outlets 134b and 134c. It will be appreciated that supply path may extend for part or all of the length of air outlets 134a, 134b. Accordingly, referring to the orientation of the fan 100 of FIG. 67, ambient air may be entrained on the left side of air outlet 134a and on the right side of outlet 134b (which may be drawn through outlet 392). Similarly, ambient air may be entrained on the left side of air outlet 134c (which may be drawn through outlet 392) and from the right side of outlet 134d.

Alternately a supply path 390 may not be provided. Accordingly, the fan 100 may have two pairs of adjacent air outlets (first and second air outlets 134a,134b and third and fourth air outlets 134c, 134d) without an intervening supply path 390 therebetween the second and third air outlets 134b, 134c).

As exemplified in FIGS. 65 to 67, an air outlet 134b that is separated by a supply path 390 from another air outlet 134c may be in a first arm 190a and the other air outlet 134c may be in a second arm 190b separate from the first arm 190a. For example, the second arm 190b may form an outlet conduit 140 discrete from the outlet conduit formed in the first arm. The first and second arms 190a, 190b may extend generally parallel to one another. The first and second arms may have generally the same length. The first and second arms may extend from a common body, such as from a projecting portion 200a of the support member 200. Alternatively, air outlets 134b, 134c that are separated from one another by a supply path 390 may be in a common arm.

As exemplified in FIGS. 65 to 67, the fan has an upper pair of arms 190a, 190b and a lower pair of arms 190a, 190b. The upper pair of arms 190a, 190b extend upwardly from protecting portion 200a. Similarly, the lower pair of arms 190a, 190b extend downward from protecting portion 200a. Accordingly, protecting portion 200a may be a central hub that connects the upper and lower pair of arms in air flow communication the air moving member 150 (see FIG. 72). It will be appreciated that the central hub may itself have air outlets 134 or it may not.

Optionally, adjacent arms 190a, 190b may be connected, e.g., to each other, for stability and/or to control air flow through the supply path 390. As exemplified in FIG. 65, the upper ends of the upper pair of arms 190a, 190b and the lower ends of the lower pair of arms 190a, 190b are connected by a cross member, which may be a planer web or the like as exemplified. Also, the lower ends of the upper pair of arms 190a, 190b may be mounted to protecting portion 200a and the upper ends of the lower pair of arms 190a, 190b may be mounted to protecting portion 200a.

A forward end 394 of a passage between the arms 190a, 190b may be open to form the outlet end 392 of the supply path 390. A rearward end 396 of the supply path 390 between the arms 190a, 190b may be open or, as exemplified in FIGS. 65 to 67, obstructed. The rearward end 396 may be obstructed by a body 361 extending generally all the way across a width 347 of the passage and a height 349 of the passage, directing an inlet air flow through inlets 398 directed generally laterally, upwardly, and/or downwardly (see FIG. 73). This may help make the distribution of air more even.

As exemplified in FIG. 68, adjacent air outlets (e.g., air outlets 134a, 134b) may direct air (e.g., along direction 147) out at an angle to one another. The angle may be small so that the two air jets are still generally directed in the same direction. As exemplified in FIG. 68, each air outlet may direct air out at an angle 360 of between 1° and 10° from an axis 362 which is equidistantly spaced between the pair of air outlets. In some embodiments, an angle 360 is between 2° and 5° or between 2° and 3°. In some embodiments, an air flow out through a nozzle 135 is generally straight outwardly, and the nozzles 135 of adjacent air outlets are angled relative to one another.

The angles 360 of adjacent air outlets may be the same as one another (i.e., the angle 360 for air outlet 134a may be the same as the angle for air outlet 134b). Alternately, the angle 360 of one air outlet (e.g., outlet 134a) to the equidistant axis 362 may be different from the angle 360 of the other (e.g., outlet 134b) to the equidistant axis 362.

If a fan has two or more pairs of adjacent air outlets, then some or all of the air outlets may direct the air in the same direction. Alternately, the direction of air exiting one pair of adjacent air outlets may be different to the direction of air exiting a second pair of adjacent air outlets. For example, as exemplified in FIG. 67, there may be an angle 364 between the directions in which air exits two pairs of adjacent air outlets. As exemplified, the angle 364 may be between 10° and 2°, between 6° and 4° or about 5°.

Outlet Comprising Wider and Narrower Portions

A fan using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and/or the detailed discussion, may have an air outlet head combining a slot-shaped outlet portion with a wider outlet portion. The wider outlet portion may produce a main air flow. The additional slot shaped portions may help to shape the air flow in front of the fan, particularly at a location near the fan.

A slot-shaped outlet portion produces a blade shaped air jet adjacent the side of a fan from which air exits the fan. A blade shaped air jet may be perceived by the user as a desirable shape. However, a wider outlet may help to produce a more concentrated jet from the same mass of air. A more concentrated jet may entrain more air. Combining a wider portion with a narrower portion may produce a jet that feels blade-like at a location adjacent to the fan, while still providing substantial air flow far from the fan.

As exemplified in FIGS. 53 to 55 and 74 to 81, a fan 100 may include one or more slot outlet portion 340 and one or more wider outlet portion 342 provided together in a group 343 of adjacent outlet portions. This helps to produce a cohesive air flow in front of the fan 100. The group 343 may consist of one slot outlet portion 340 and two or more wider outlet portions 342, as exemplified in FIG. 55. The group 343 may consist of one wider outlet portion 342 and two or more slot outlet portions 340, as exemplified in FIG. 74. The group 343 may consist of one wider outlet portion 342 and one slot outlet portions 340. The group 343 may consist of two or more wider outlet portions 342 and two or more slot outlet portions 340. A long axis of a slot outlet portion 340 in the group may extend through each of the wider outlet portions 342 in the group. If a group includes more than one slot outlet portion 340, then the longitudinal axes of the slot outlet portions 340 may be generally parallel and/or coaxial. It will be appreciated that one or more of the slot outlet portions 340 and the wider outlet portions 342 may extend contiguously (see e.g., FIG. 74) or be discrete from each other (see e.g., FIG. 81).

Each outlet portion in the group 343 may direct air out in a direction 147 that is generally the same as a direction in which each other outlet portion in the group directs air outlet. A plane extending generally transverse to a direction 147 of air flow through the outlet portion may extend through each of the outlet portions in the group 343. Similarly, a plane extending generally parallel to the direction 147 of air flow through the outlet portion may extend through each of the outlet portions in the group 343. Each outlet portion in the group 343 may be formed in a common face or surface of the fan 100. Each outlet portion in the group 343 may be formed in a common air outlet head 201.

As exemplified in FIGS. 53 to 55 and 74 to 80, each outlet portion in the group 343 may be joined to each other outlet portion as a single air outlet 134 (i.e., extend contiguously). The wider portion 342 and the slot portion 340 may be downstream of a common conduit 140. The wider portion 342 and the slot portion 340 may be formed in a common housing 372 (e.g., of an air outlet head 201) and downstream of a common conduit 140 as exemplified in in FIGS. 74 to 78.

Alternatively, as exemplified in FIG. 81, the wider portion 342 and the slot portion 340 may be spaced apart from one another by a separation distance 370 so as to be discrete from each other. The separation distance 370 may be less than 10, less than 5 or less than 3 times the length 352 of the wider portion 342. The separation distance 370 may be less than 3 times or less than 2 times the length 344 of the slot portion 340 or less than the length 344. This contributes to a more cohesive air flow from the fan 100 for a user.

One or more outlet portion may be downstream of a branch of an outlet conduit 140. As exemplified in FIG. 81, the air flow path may split at a branching point 143 into multiple outlet channels 376. The outlet channels may each be upstream of one or more outlet portions. The outlet channels may be discrete from one another. Each outlet channel may branch from a common upstream portion 145 extending from an inlet 141 to each of the outlet channels 376. Each of the outlet channels 376 may be individually in fluid flow communication with the upstream portion 145 of the air flow path. Accordingly, one or more outlets of a group 343 may have its own outlet channel 376 and/or one or more outlets of a group 343 may share a common outlet channel 376.

The slot outlet portion 340 has a long dimension 344 along the slot longitudinal axis 330 and a width dimension 346 (also referred to as a height) along a transverse axis 348 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the direction of air flow through the outlet. The wider portion 344 has a width 350 that is greater than the width 346 of the slot outlet portion 340. The slot longitudinal axis 330 may intersect a central portion of the wider outlet portion 342 along the width 350 of the wider outlet portion 342.

The width 350 of the wider outlet portion 342 may be at least two times the width 346 of the slot outlet portion 342 or at least three times the width 346 of the slot outlet portion 342, as exemplified in FIGS. 74 to 81. The width 350 may be at least four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more times the width 346. In any such case, the wider outlet portion 342 may have a generally small length 352. The length 352 of the wider outlet portion 342 may be less than twice the width 350, and may be more than half the width 350. The length 352 of the wider outlet portion 342 may be generally equal to the width 350, as exemplified in FIG. 81.

The wider outlet portion 342 may have any suitable shape. As exemplified in FIG. 81, the wider outlet portion 342 may be generally rounded in a plane transverse to a direction 147 of air exiting the outlet portion. A generally rounded portion 342 may be generally ovaloid or circular in shape in a plane transverse to a direction 147 of air exiting the outlet portion.

As exemplified in FIGS. 79 to 80, a dimension of an outlet portion may have some variation. For example, the width 346 may vary along the length, such as a variation of within 75%, 50% or 25% of an average width of the slot. Comparisons to a dimension that varies may be in reference to an average of that dimension. The variation may be smooth and/or stepwise. As exemplified in FIGS. 79 to 80, the slot outlet portion 340 may include a thinner end 340′ and a wider end 340″. As exemplified, the thinner end 340′ is the end joined to another portion of the outlet 134 (e.g., the thicker portion 342 as exemplified) and the wider end is spaced therefrom. As exemplified, the thinner end is an upstream end and the thicker end is a downstream end. Accordingly, the width may vary in the downstream direction. The wider the slot, the less back pressure for air exiting the slot. Accordingly, by varying the width in the downstream direction, the volume of air exiting each part of a slot may be mor even and the width may be selected to provide a generally constant air flow volume exiting each part of the slot.

As exemplified in FIG. 74 to 83, the wider outlet portion 342 may form a central air outlet with a slot outlet portion 340 on either side. The flanking slot outlet portions 340 may be on generally opposed sides of wider outlet portion 342 and may extend along parallel and/or coaxial longitudinal axes 330. As exemplified in FIGS. 74 to 83, the flanking slot outlet portions 340 may be generally similar to one another in shape and/or minimum air flow area in a plane transverse to a direction of air flow through the portion 340. As exemplified in FIGS. 74 to 78, an inner end of a first longitudinally extending slot 342 may be contiguous with a central air outlet 340 and an inner end of a second longitudinally extending slot 342 may also be contiguous with the central air outlet 340.

As exemplified in FIG. 78, the air inlet 141 of the longitudinally extending channel 140 may be centrally positioned. The inlet 141 may be centrally positioned between the distal end of the first longitudinally extending slot and the distal end of the second longitudinally extending slot. A plane 374 that is transverse to the first longitudinal axis 330 extends through the air inlet 141 of the longitudinally extending channel and the central air outlet 342.

As exemplified in FIG. 78, the longitudinally extending channel 140 may comprise a first outlet channel 140a positioned rearward of the first longitudinally extending slot 342a and a second outlet channel 140b positioned rearward of the second longitudinally extending slot 342b and a divider 382 directing air from the air inlet 141 of the channel 140 laterally into each of the first and second outlet channels 140a, 140b. As exemplified, the divider may have a height generally equal to the height of the slots (or generally equal to an average height or a maximum height where the height varies), to direct air towards the slots while allowing a majority of an air flow mass to pass straight through to the central wider outlet 342.

As exemplified in FIGS. 53 to 55, the slot outlet portion 340 may form a central air outlet with a wider outlet portion 342 on either side, or optionally on only one side. The wider outlet portions 342 may be generally rounded air outlets (e.g., ovaloid or circular). The flanking wider outlet portion 342 may be on generally opposed sides of slot outlet portion 340. The flanking wider outlet portion 342 may be positioned with the longitudinal axis 330 of the central slot shaped air outlet 340 extending through central portions of each of the flanking wider outlet portion 342.

As exemplified in FIGS. 53 to 55, the flanking wider outlet portions 342 may be generally similar to one another in shape and/or minimum air flow area in a surface transverse to a direction of air flow through the portion 340. As exemplified in FIGS. 53 to 55, the first and second rounded air outlets 342 and the longitudinally extending slot outlet 230 may provide a contiguous air outlet 134. The first rounded air outlet may be contiguous with the first end of the longitudinally extending slot outlet 340 and the second rounded air outlet may be contiguous with the second end of the longitudinally extending slot outlet 340. Alternately, one or more may be discrete from the others.

As exemplified in FIGS. 74 to 83, an outlet portion may be formed in an arm 190. It will be appreciated that the arm 190 may be moveable to reposition the outlet portion as discussed previously. For example, the arm may be rotatably mounted to a central portion of the head 201. The arm 190 may be rotatable about any suitable axis. The arm 190 may be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of a conduit in the arm 190, the first fan axis 120, the second fan axis 122, or the third fan axis 124. The arm 190 may be rotatable about an axis extending parallel to one of the longitudinal axis of the conduit in the arm, the first fan axis 120, the second fan axis 122, or the third fan axis 124. The arm 190 may be rotatable about an axis in a plane that is transverse to one of the longitudinal axis of the conduit in the arm, the first fan axis 120, the second fan axis 122, or the third fan axis 124. If a fan 100 includes a plurality of arms, the arms may be individually rotatable. Individually rotatable arms may be rotatable about a common axis or about different axes.

In some embodiments, rotating the arm 190 removes the outlet portion that is formed in the arm from the group 343, such as by directing air exiting the air outlet in a different direction from the other outlet portions in the group or disconnecting the outlet portion from the air flow path.

As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive—or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Clause Set A

• • 1. A portable fan which, when placed on a floor, has a front side, a rear side, an upper end and a lower end, the portable fan comprising:
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on the floor, the base having an air inlet and an air moving member;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
    • (c) first and second arm members extending outwardly from the support member, each arm member comprising an outlet channel extending from an inlet end, which is provided at the support member, to a spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end and an axially extending outlet slot wherein air exits the outlet slot in a forward direction, each outlet channel being generally tear drop shaped in a plane transverse to the channel axis whereby each channel has a wider side which is opposed to the outlet slot at a rear end of the channel;
    • (d) an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the outlet slots, the air flow path includes an upflow conduit extending from the base to an upflow conduit outlet end, the outlet end comprising a first conduit that is in air flow communication with the first channel and a second conduit that is in air flow communication with the second channel; and,
    • (e) a plurality of flow directors provided in each channel.
  • 2. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein each flow director extends from a rearward position, which is spaced from the wider side, towards the outlet slot.
  • 3. The portable fan of clause 2 wherein at least some of the flow directors are curved in the downstream direction.
  • 4. The portable fan of clause 2 wherein at least some of the flow directors extend linearly in the downstream direction.
  • 5. The portable fan of clauses 3 or 4 wherein the flow directors are spaced apart in a direction of the channel axis and a spacing between adjacent flow directors increases from the inlet end to the distal end.
  • 6. The portable fan of clause 5 wherein the spacing between adjacent flow directors increases at a constant rate from the inlet end to the distal end.
  • 7. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein each flow director extends from a rear end, which is spaced from the wider side, towards a front end, each flow director having a length between the front and rear ends of the flow director, the length increasing from the inlet end to the distal end.
  • 8. The portable fan of clause 7 wherein the rear end of at least some of the flow directors are curved.
  • 9. The portable fan of clause 2 wherein each of the conduits has an outlet port, wherein a first line that is parallel to the channel axis of the first channel extends through the first channel at a location rearward of the flow directors and a second line that is parallel to the channel axis of the first channel and is forward of the first line extends through the first channel and intersects the flow directors.
  • 10. The portable fan of clause 2 wherein the first conduit has a first conduit outlet port, wherein a portion of air flow exiting the first conduit outlet port travels through the first channel rearward of the flow directors and a second portion of the air flow exiting the first conduit outlet port impacts at least one of the flow directors.
  • 11. The portable fan of clause 2 wherein each channel has a rear portion, a front portion having the outlet slot and a middle portion located between the front and rear portions and the middle portion is wider than the front and rear portions in a direction transverse to the channel axis and a forward/rearward direction and the rearward position is provided in the middle portion.
  • 12. The portable fan of clause 11 wherein the first conduit has a first conduit outlet port, wherein a portion of air flow exiting the first conduit outlet port travels through the first channel rearward of the flow directors and a second portion of the air flow exiting the first conduit outlet port impacts at least one of the flow directors.
  • 13. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein each arm is rotatable about its channel axis.
  • 14. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein each arm is independently rotatable about its channel axis.
  • 15. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein the support member is rotatable about the support member axis.
  • 16. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein each arm is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the channel axes and the support axis.
  • 17. A fan comprising:
    • (a) an arm member comprising an outlet channel extending from an inlet end to a spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end, an axially extending outlet slot provided at an outlet side of the channel, an opposed side, a first transverse axis that extends between the outlet slot and the opposed side and a height in a direction transverse to the channel axis and the first transverse axis, wherein the opposed side is wider than the slot,
    • (b) an air flow path extending from an air inlet to the outlet slot with an air moving member provided upstream of the arm member; and,
    • (c) a plurality of flow directors provided in the outlet channel.
  • 18. The fan of clause 17 wherein each flow director extends from a position spaced from the opposed side towards the outlet slot.
  • 19. The fan of clause 18 wherein at least some of the flow directors are curved in the downstream direction.
  • 20. The fan of clause 18 wherein at least some of the flow directors extend linearly in the downstream direction.
  • 21. The fan of clause 19 or 20 wherein the flow directors are spaced apart in a direction of the channel axis and a spacing between adjacent flow directors increases from the inlet end to the distal end.
  • 22. The fan of clause 21 wherein the spacing between adjacent flow directors increases at a constant rate from the inlet end to the distal end.
  • 23. The fan of clause 17 wherein each flow director extends from an upstream end, which is spaced from the opposed side, to a downstream end, each flow director having a length between the upstream and the downstream ends of the flow director, the length increasing from the inlet end to the distal end.
  • 24. The fan of clause 23 wherein the rear end of at least some of the flow directors are curved.
  • 25. The fan of clause 17 wherein a first line that is parallel to the channel axis extends through the channel at a location between the opposed side and the upstream end of the flow directors and a second line that is parallel to the channel axis of the first channel and is positioned towards the outlet slot from the first line extends through the channel and intersects the flow directors.
  • 26. The fan of clause 17 wherein a portion of air flow entering the inlet end of the channel travels through the channel between the opposed side and the upstream end of the flow directors and a second portion of the air flow air flow entering the inlet end of the channel impacts at least one of the flow directors.
  • 27. The fan of clause 17 wherein the channel has a middle portion located between the opposed side and the outlet side and the middle portion has a height that is taller than the opposed side and the outlet side.
  • 28. The fan of clause 17 wherein the channel is generally tear drop shaped in a plane transverse to the channel axis.
  • 29.A portable fan which, when placed on a floor, has a front side, a rear side, an upper end and a lower end, the portable fan comprising:
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on the floor, the base having an air inlet and an air moving member;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
    • (c) first and second arm members extending outwardly from the support member, each arm member comprising an outlet channel extending from an inlet end, which is provided at the support member, to a spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end and an axially extending outlet slot wherein air exits the outlet slot in a forward direction, each outlet channel being generally tear drop shaped in a plane transverse to the channel axis whereby each channel has a wider side which is opposed to the outlet slot at a rear end of the channel; and,
    • (d) an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the outlet slots, the air flow path includes an upflow conduit extending from the base to an upflow conduit outlet end, the outlet end comprising a first conduit that is in air flow communication with the first channel and a second conduit that is in air flow communication with the second channel,
    • wherein each arm is rotatable about its channel axis.
  • 30. The fan of clause 29 wherein each arm is independently rotatable about its channel axis.
  • 31. The fan of clause 29 wherein the support member is rotatable about the support member axis.
  • 32. The fan of clause 29 wherein each arm is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the channel axes and the support axis.
  • 33.A portable fan which, when placed on a floor, has a front side, a rear side, an upper end and a lower end, the portable fan comprising:
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on the floor, the base having an air inlet and an air moving member;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
    • (c) first and second arm members extending outwardly from the support member, each arm member comprising an outlet channel extending from an inlet end, which is provided at the support member, to a spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end and an axially extending outlet slot wherein air exits the outlet slot in a forward direction, each outlet channel being generally tear drop shaped in a plane transverse to the channel axis whereby each channel has a wider side which is opposed to the outlet slot at a rear end of the channel; and,
    • (d) an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the outlet slots, the air flow path includes an upflow conduit extending from the base to an upflow conduit outlet end, the outlet end comprising a first conduit that is in air flow communication with the first channel and a second conduit that is in air flow communication with the second channel,
    • wherein each arm is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the channel axes and the support axis.
  • 34. The fan of clause 33 wherein each arm is rotatable about its channel axis
  • 35. The fan of clause 34 wherein each arm is independently rotatable about its channel axis.
  • 36. The fan of clause 33 wherein the support member is rotatable about the support member axis.
  • 37. The fan of clause 33 wherein each arm is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the channel axes and the support axis.

Clause Set B

• • 1. A fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to at least one pair of air outlets comprising a first air outlet and a second air outlet, wherein an axis which is equidistantly spaced between the pair of air outlets extends in an air outlet direction, the first air outlet is on a first side of the axis and directs air at an angle of 1°-10° from the axis and the second air outlet is on a second side of the axis and direct air at an angle of 1°-10° from the axis.
  • 2. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first air outlet axis directs air at an angle of 2°-5° from the axis and the second air outlet directs air at an angle of 2°-5° from the axis.
  • 3. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first air outlet axis directs air at an angle of 2°-3° from the axis and the second air outlet directs air at an angle of 2°-3° from the axis.
  • 4. The fan of clause 1 wherein air exits the first air outlet in a first direction, air exits the second air outlet in a second direction and an included angle between the first and second directions is 5°.
  • 5. The fan of clause 1 wherein each air outlet comprises a port.
  • 6. The fan of clause 1 wherein each ports is generally round in a direction transverse to a direction of exiting the port.
  • 7. The fan of clause 1 wherein each air outlet comprises a slot that extends generally transverse to the axis.
  • 8. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first air outlet comprises a plurality of first slots wherein each of the first slots extends generally longitudinal in a longitudinal direction that is generally transverse to the axis, and the second air outlet comprises a plurality of second slots wherein each of the second slots extends generally longitudinal in the longitudinal direction.
  • 9. The fan of clause 8 wherein the first slots are longitudinally spaced apart from each other and the second slots are longitudinally spaced apart from each other.
  • 10. The fan of clause 8 wherein each of the first slots has a first longitudinal length and a first width in a direction that is transverse to both the first direction and the first longitudinal length, and the first slots are spaced apart by a distance that is less than 10 times, less than 5 times, less than 3 times the first width.
  • 11. The fan of clause 10 wherein each of the second slots has a second longitudinal length and a second width in a direction that is transverse to both the second direction and the second longitudinal length, and the second slots are spaced apart by a distance that is less than 10 times, less than 5 times, less than 3 times the second width.
  • 12. The fan of clause 8 wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of pairs of air outlets.
  • 13. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first air outlet has a first longitudinal length in a longitudinal direction that is generally transverse to the axis and a first width in a direction that is transverse to both the first direction and the first longitudinal length and the first and second air outlets are by a distance that is less than 10 times, less than 5 times, less than 3 times the first width.
  • 14. The fan of clause 1 further comprising a first control member that is moveable mounted within air which exits the first air outlet and a second control member that is moveable mounted within air that exits the second air outlet.
  • 15. The fan of clause 14 wherein the first control member and the second control member are concurrently moveable in a common direction.
  • 16. The fan of clause 14 wherein the first air outlet comprises a first nozzle having an upstream end and a downstream end and the first control member is moveable from a first position with respect to the downstream end to a second position with respect to the downstream end.
  • 17. The fan of clause 16 wherein when the first control member is in the first position, the first control member is positioned within the fan and when the first control member is in the second position the first control member is positioned at least partially exterior to the fan.
  • 18. The fan of clause 16 wherein when the first control member is in the first position, the first control member is positioned within the nozzle and when the first control member is in the second position the first control member is positioned at least partially exterior to the nozzle.
  • 19. The fan of clause 14 wherein the first control member has a long dimension that extends in a direction of flow through the first air outlet and the second control member has along dimension that extends in a direction of flow through the second air outlet.
  • 20. The fan of clause 1 wherein the fan is a portable fan comprising
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor, the base having an air inlet and an air moving member;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
    • (c) first and second arm members extending outwardly from the support member, each arm member comprising an outlet channel extending from an inlet end, which is provided at the support member, to a longitudinally spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending longitudinally between the inlet end and the distal end and the first and second air outlets; and,
    • (d) an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the first and second air outlets.

Clause Set C

• • 1. A fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to a first air outlet, wherein the first air outlet comprises a first outlet port, air exits the first air outlet in a first flow direction and a first control member is moveably mounted within air which, in operation, exits the first air outlet, the first control member has a front end in the first flow direction and a rear end positioned rearward of the front end, and the first control member is moveable from a first position in which the rear end is positioned within the fan and is a first distance from the first outlet port to a second position in which the rear end is positioned a second distance from the first outlet port, the second distance is different to the first distance.
  • 2. The fan of clause 1 wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.
  • 3. The fan of clause 1 wherein when the first control member is in the second position, the rear end is positioned within the fan.
  • 4. The fan of clause 3 wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.
  • 5. The fan of clause 1 wherein when the first control member is in the second position, the rear end is positioned exterior to the fan.
  • 6. The fan of clause 5 wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.
  • 7. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first air outlet comprises a first nozzle having an upstream end and a downstream end located at the first outlet port and the first control member is moveably mounted within the nozzle.
  • 8. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first air outlet comprises a first nozzle having an upstream end and a downstream end located at the first outlet port and the first control member is moveable from a first position with respect to the downstream end to a second position with respect to the downstream end.
  • 9. The fan of clause 1 wherein when the first control member is in the first position, the first control member is positioned within the fan and when the first control member is in the second position the first control member is positioned at least partially exterior to the fan.
  • 10. The fan of clause 7 wherein when the first control member is in the first position, the first control member is positioned within the nozzle and when the first control member is in the second position the first control member is positioned at least partially exterior to the nozzle.
  • 11. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first control member has a long dimension that extends in a direction of flow through the first air outlet.
  • 12. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first control member is elongate in shape.
  • 13. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first control member is generally triangular in shape and the rear end is wider in a direction transverse to the first flow direction than the front end.
  • 14. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first air outlet comprises a first nozzle having an upstream end and a downstream end located at the first outlet port and the first nozzle is a diverging nozzle.
  • 15. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first air outlet comprises a first nozzle having an upstream end and a downstream end located at the first outlet port and the first nozzle is a converging nozzle.
  • 16. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first air outlet comprises a first nozzle having an upstream end and a downstream end located at the first outlet port and a cross-sectional flow area of the first nozzle in a direction transverse to the first flow direction is generally constant.
  • 17. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first control member is also moveable in a direction transverse to the first flow direction.
  • 18. The fan of clause 1 wherein the air flow path also extends to a second air outlet, wherein the second air outlet comprises a second outlet port, air exits the second air outlet in a second flow direction and a second control member is moveably mounted within air which, in operation, exits the second air outlet, the second control member has a front end in the second flow direction and a rear end positioned rearward of the front end, and the second control member is moveable from a first position in which the rear end is positioned within the fan and is a first distance from the second outlet port to a second position in which the rear end is positioned a second distance from the second outlet port, the second distance is different to the first distance.
  • 19. The fan of clause 18 wherein the first control member and the second control member are concurrently moveable in a common direction.
  • 20. The fan of clause 19 wherein an axis which is equidistantly spaced between the first air outlet and the second air outlet extends in an air outlet direction, the first air outlet is on a first side of the axis and directs air at an angle of 1°-10° from the axis and the second air outlet is on a second side of the axis and direct air at an angle of 1°-10° from the axis.
  • 21. The fan of clause 1 wherein the fan is a portable fan comprising
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor, the base having an air inlet and an air moving member;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
    • (c) first and second arm members extending outwardly from the support member, each arm member comprising an outlet channel extending from an inlet end, which is provided at the support member, to a longitudinally spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending longitudinally between the inlet end and the distal end and the first and second air outlets; and,
    • (d) an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the first and second air outlets.

Clause Set D

• • 1. A fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to a first air outlet, wherein the first air outlet comprises a first converging nozzle, air exits the first converging nozzle in a first flow direction, the first converging nozzle has an upstream end and a downstream end located at a first outlet port and a first control member is moveably mounted within air which, in operation, exits the first air outlet, the first control member has a front end in the first flow direction and a rear end positioned rearward of the front end, the first control member is generally triangular in shape and the rear end is wider in a direction transverse to the first flow direction than the front end.
  • 2. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first control member is moveable from a first position in which the rear end is positioned within the fan and is a first distance from the first outlet port to a second position in which the rear end is positioned a second distance from the first outlet port, the second distance is different to the first distance.
  • 3. The fan of clause 2 wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.
  • 4. The fan of clause 2 wherein when the first control member is in the second position, the rear end is positioned within the fan.
  • 5. The fan of clause 4 wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.
  • 6. The fan of clause 2 wherein when the first control member is in the second position, the rear end is positioned exterior to the fan.
  • 7. The fan of clause 6 wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.
  • 8. The fan of clause 1 wherein when the first control member is in the first position, the first control member is positioned within the fan and when the first control member is in the second position the first control member is positioned at least partially exterior to the fan.
  • 9. The fan of clause 1 wherein when the first control member is in the first position, the first control member is positioned within the first converging nozzle and when the first control member is in the second position the first control member is positioned at least partially exterior to the first converging nozzle.
  • 10. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first control member has a long dimension that extends in a direction of flow through the first air outlet.
  • 11. The fan of clause 2 wherein the first control member is also moveable in a direction transverse to the first flow direction.
  • 12. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first control member is moveable in a direction transverse to the first flow direction.
  • 13. The fan of clause 1 wherein the air flow path also extends to a second air outlet, wherein the second air outlet comprises a second converging nozzle, air exits the second converging nozzle in a second flow direction, the second converging nozzle has an upstream end and a downstream end located at a second outlet port and a second control member is moveably mounted within air which, in operation, exits the second air outlet, the second control member has a front end in the first flow direction and a rear end positioned rearward of the front end, the first control member is generally triangular in shape and the rear end is wider in a direction transverse to the second flow direction than the front end.
  • 14. The fan of clause 13 wherein the first control member and the second control member are concurrently moveable in a common direction.
  • 15. The fan of clause 14 wherein an axis which is equidistantly spaced between the first air outlet and the second air outlet extends in an air outlet direction, the first air outlet is on a first side of the axis and directs air at an angle of 1°-10° from the axis and the second air outlet is on a second side of the axis and direct air at an angle of 1°-10° from the axis.
  • 16. The fan of clause 1 wherein the fan is a portable fan comprising
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor, the base having an air inlet and an air moving member;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
    • (c) first and second arm members extending outwardly from the support member, each arm member comprising an outlet channel extending from an inlet end, which is provided at the support member, to a longitudinally spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending longitudinally between the inlet end and the distal end and the first and second air outlets; and,
    • (d) an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the first and second air outlets.

Clause Set E

• • 1. A fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to a first air outlet and a first control member, wherein the first air outlet comprises a first outlet port, air exits the first air outlet in a first flow direction, the first control member has a front end in the first flow direction and a rear end positioned rearward of the front end, the first control member is moveably mounted within air which, in operation, exits the first air outlet, the first control member is moveable in a direction transverse to the first flow direction.
  • 2. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first control member is also moveable in the first flow direction.
  • 3. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first control member has a first width in a direction that is transverse to the first direction, and the first air outlet has a width in the direction that is transverse to the first direction that is less than 10 times, less than
  • 5 times or less than 3 times the first width.
  • 4. The fan of clause 3 wherein the first control member is moveable in the direction transverse to the first flow direction a distance that is less than 5 times, less than
  • 3 times, less than 2 times or less than the first width.
  • 5. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first control member is generally triangular in shape and the rear end is wider in a direction transverse to the first flow direction than the front end.
  • 6. The fan of clause 5 wherein the first control member has a first width in the direction that is transverse to the first direction, and the first air outlet has a width in the direction that is transverse to the first direction that is less than the first width.
  • 7. The fan of clause 6 wherein the first control member is also moveable in the first flow direction.
  • 8. The fan of clause 5 wherein the first air outlet comprises a first converging nozzle having an upstream end and a downstream end and the rear end of the first control member has a first width in the direction that is transverse to the first direction, and the downstream end of the first converging nozzle has a width in the direction that is transverse to the first direction that is less than 5 times, less than 3 times, less than 2 times or less than the first width.
  • 9. The fan of clause 8 wherein the first control member is also moveable in the first flow direction.
  • 10. The fan of clause 5 wherein the first air outlet comprises a first converging nozzle having an upstream end and a downstream end and the rear end of the first control member has a first width in the direction that is transverse to the first direction, and the downstream end of the first converging nozzle has a width in the direction that is transverse to the first direction that is less than the first width
  • 11. The fan of clause 10 wherein the first control member is also moveable in the first flow direction.
  • 12. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first control member is elongate in shape.
  • 13. The fan of clause 12 wherein the first control member has a long dimension that extends in a direction of flow through the first air outlet.
  • 14. The fan of clause 1 wherein the air flow path also extends to a second air outlet, wherein the second air outlet comprises a second outlet port, air exits the second air outlet in a second flow direction, and the fan comprises a second control member that has a front end in the first flow direction and a rear end positioned rearward of the front end, the second control member is moveably mounted within air which, in operation, exits the second air outlet, the first control member is moveable in a direction transverse to the second flow direction.
  • 15. The fan of clause 14 wherein the first control member and the second control member are concurrently moveable in a common direction.
  • 16. The fan of clause 15 wherein an axis which is equidistantly spaced between the first air outlet and the second air outlet extends in an air outlet direction, the first air outlet is on a first side of the axis and directs air at an angle of 1°-10° from the axis and the second air outlet is on a second side of the axis and direct air at an angle of 1°-10° from the axis.
  • 17. The fan of clause 1 wherein the fan is a portable fan comprising
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor, the base having an air inlet and an air moving member;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
    • (c) first and second arm members extending outwardly from the support member, each arm member comprising an outlet channel extending from an inlet end, which is provided at the support member, to a longitudinally spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending longitudinally between the inlet end and the distal end and the first and second air outlets; and,
    • (d) an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the first and second air outlets.

Clause Set F

• • 1. A fan comprising:
    • (a) an arm member comprising an outlet channel extending from an inlet end to a longitudinally spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end, an axially extending outlet slot provided at an outlet side of the channel, an opposed side, a first transverse axis that extends between the outlet slot and the opposed side, a height in a direction transverse to the channel axis and the first transverse axis and a length in a direction of the channel axis; and,
    • (b) an air flow path extending from an air inlet to the outlet slot with an air moving member provided upstream of the arm member; and,
    • wherein at least one of the height of the slot is adjustable and the length of the slot is adjustable.
  • 2. The fan of clause of clause 1 further comprising an internal width adjustment member which is moveable from a first position in which the slot has a first height and a second position in which the slot has a second height, wherein the second height is greater than the first height.
  • 3. The fan of clause of clause 2 wherein the internal width adjustment member is rotatable moveable between the first and second positions.
  • 4. The fan of clause of clause 2 wherein the internal width adjustment member comprises a longitudinally extending wall.
  • 5. The fan of clause of clause 2 wherein the internal width adjustment member comprises a longitudinally extending wall.
  • 6. The fan of clause of clause 5 wherein the longitudinally extending wall is slidably mounted in a direction of the first transverse axis between the first and second positions.
  • 7. The fan of clause of clause 2 further comprising an internal length adjustment member which is moveable from a first position in which the slot has a first length and a second position in which the slot has a second length, wherein the second length is longer than the first length.
  • 8. The fan of clause of clause 7 wherein the internal length adjustment member is slidably moveable between the first and second positions.
  • 9. The fan of clause of clause 8 wherein the internal length adjustment member comprises a telescoping member.
  • 10. The fan of clause of clause 7 wherein a length of the arm in a direction of the channel axis is adjustable.
  • 11. The fan of clause of clause 7 wherein the internal member comprises a blocking wall that is slidably moveable in a direction of the channel axis and is positioned adjacent to the slot whereby, as the blocking wall is slid along a portion of the slot, that portion of the slot is closed.
  • 12. The fan of clause of clause 1 further comprising an internal length adjustment member which is moveable from a first position in which the slot has a first length and a second position in which the slot has a second length, wherein the second length is longer than the first length.
  • 13. The fan of clause of clause 12 wherein the internal length adjustment member is slidably moveable between the first and second positions.
  • 14. The fan of clause of clause 13 wherein the internal length adjustment member comprises a telescoping member.
  • 15. The fan of clause of clause 12 wherein a length of the arm in a direction of the channel axis is adjustable.
  • 16. The fan of clause of clause 12 wherein the internal member comprises a blocking wall that is slidably moveable in a direction of the channel axis and is positioned adjacent to the slot whereby, as the blocking wall is slid along a portion of the slot, that portion of the slot is closed.
  • 17. The fan of clause of clause 1 further comprising a mechanical, electromechanical or thermo-mechanical drive member that is drivingly connected to the internal width adjustment member.
  • 18. The fan of clause of clause 7 further comprising a mechanical, electromechanical or thermo-mechanical drive member that is drivingly connected to the internal length adjustment member.
  • 19. The fan of clause of clause 12 further comprising a mechanical, electromechanical or thermo-mechanical drive member that is drivingly connected to the internal length adjustment member.
  • 20. The fan of clause 1 wherein the fan is a portable fan comprising
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor, the base having an air inlet and an air moving member;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
    • (c) first and second arm members extending outwardly from the support member, each arm member comprising an outlet channel extending from an inlet end, which is provided at the support member, to a longitudinally spaced apart distal end, a channel axis extending longitudinally between the inlet end and the distal end and the first and second air outlets; and,
    • (d) an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the first and second air outlets.

Clause Set G

• • 1. A portable fan comprising:
    • (a) an air inlet;
    • (b) a first air outlet wherein, in operation, air exiting the first air outlet has a flow characteristic;
    • (c) a second air outlet wherein, in operation, the flow characteristic of air exiting the second air outlet is different to the flow characteristic when air exits the first air outlet; and,
    • (d) air moving member provided in an air flow path extending downstream from the air inlet wherein the air moving member is selectively connectable in fluid flow communication with the first air outlet and the second air outlet.
  • 2. The fan of clause 1 wherein the flow characteristic is a velocity of air as it exits the fan.
  • 3. The fan of clause 1 wherein the wherein the flow characteristic is a direction of air as it exits the fan.
  • 4. The fan of clause 1 wherein a fan axis extends centrally through a housing having the first air outlet and the second air outlet and the housing comprises a rotatable member which is rotatable about the fan axis between a first position in which the first air outlet is open and the second air outlet is closed and a second position in which the first air outlet is closed and the second air outlet is open.
  • 5. The fan of clause 1 further comprising a third air outlet wherein, in operation, the flow characteristic of air exiting the third air outlet is different to the flow characteristic when air exits the first air outlet and the second air outlet.
  • 6. The fan of clause 1 wherein a fan axis extends centrally through a housing having the first air outlet and the second air outlet and the first air outlet is angularly spaced around the fan axis from the second air outlet.
  • 7. The fan of clause 3 wherein the first air outlet comprises a divergent nozzle.
  • 8. The fan of clause 3 wherein the first air outlet comprises a convergent nozzle.
  • 9. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first air outlet has a cross section flow area in a direction transverse to a direction that air exits the first air outlet and the cross section flow area of the first air outlet is adjustable.
  • 10. The fan of clause 1 wherein the fan is a portable fan and further comprises a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor.

Clause Set H

• • 1. A portable fan comprising:
    • (a) an air inlet;
    • (b) a housing having a first end, an axially opposed second end and a fan axis extending centrally through a housing from the first end to the second end;
    • (c) a plurality of axially spaced apart air outlets;
    • (d) a rotatable member which is rotatable about the fan axis to a first position in which one of the air outlets is partially closed; and,
    • (e) air moving member provided in an air flow path extending downstream from the air inlet to the air outlets.
  • 2. The fan of clause 1 wherein the rotatable member is rotatable about the fan axis to a second position in which the one of the air outlets is fully open.
  • 3. The fan of clause 2 wherein the rotatable member is rotatable about the fan axis to a third position in which the one of the air outlets is fully closed.
  • 4. The fan of clause 1 wherein, when the rotatable member is in the first position, a plurality of the air outlets are partially closed.
  • 5. The fan of clause 4 wherein the rotatable member is rotatable about the fan axis to a second position in which a plurality of the air outlets are fully open.
  • 6. The fan of clause 5 wherein the rotatable member is rotatable about the fan axis to a third position in which a plurality of the air outlets are fully closed.
  • 7. The fan of clause 1 wherein the one of the air outlets is a slot that extends angularly around the fan axis.
  • 8. The fan of clause 4 wherein each of the plurality of the air outlets is a slot that extends angularly around the fan axis.
  • 9. The fan of clause 1 wherein the fan is a portable fan and further comprises a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor.

Clause Set I

• • 1. A portable fan which, when placed on a floor, has a front side, a rear side, an upper end and a lower end, the portable fan comprising:
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on the floor;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends;
    • (c) a first arm member that extends outwardly from the support member, the first arm having a first air outlet;
    • (d) a first air flow path extending from a first air inlet to the first air outlet; and,
    • (e) a first air moving member that is provided in the first air flow path, the first air moving member is provided in one of the support member and the first arm.
  • 2. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein the first air moving member is provided in the support member.
  • 3. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein the first air moving member is provided in the second arm.
  • 4. The portable fan of clause 1 further comprising a second arm member that extends outwardly from the support member, the second arm having a second air outlet and the first air flow path also extends from the first air inlet to the second air outlet.
  • 5. The portable fan of clause 5 wherein the first air moving member is provided in the support member.
  • 6. The portable fan of clause 6 wherein an axis extends longitudinally through each arm member and the support member and the axis intersects the first air moving member.
  • 7. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein the first arm member comprises an outlet channel extending from an inlet end of the first arm member, which is provided at the support member, to a spaced apart distal end of the first arm member, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end and the first air outlet comprises an axially extending outlet slot.
  • 8. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein the first arm member comprises an outlet channel extending from an inlet end of the first arm member, which is provided at the support member, to a spaced apart distal end of the first arm member, a channel axis extending between the inlet end and the distal end and the first air outlet comprises a plurality of air outlet ports.
  • 9. The portable fan of clause 4 wherein the first arm member comprises a first outlet channel extending from an inlet end of the first arm member, which is provided at the support member, to a spaced apart distal end of the first arm member, the second arm member comprises a second outlet channel extending from an inlet end of the second arm member, which is provided at the support member, to a spaced apart distal end of the second arm member, a channel axis extends through the first and second arm members and the support member and the first air moving member.
  • 10. The portable fan of clause 1 further comprising a second arm member that extends outwardly from the support member, the second arm having a second air outlet and a second air flow path extends from a second air inlet to the second air outlet.
  • 11. The portable fan of clause 10 wherein a second air moving member is provided in the second air flow path.
  • 12. The portable fan of clause 10 wherein the first air moving member is provided in the first arm member and the second air moving member is provided in the second arm member.
  • 13. The portable fan of clause 10 wherein each of the first air moving member and the second air moving member are provided in the support member.
  • 14. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein, in operation, air exiting the first air outlet has a flow characteristic and the flow characteristic is variable.
  • 15. The fan of clause 14 wherein the flow characteristic is a velocity of air as it exits the portable fan.
  • 16. The fan of clause 14 wherein the wherein the flow characteristic is a direction of air as it exits the portable fan.
  • 17. The fan of clause 14 wherein the air outlet has a cross section flow area in a direction transverse to a direction that air exits the first air outlet and the cross section flow area of the first air outlet is adjustable.
  • 18. The fan of clause 17 wherein the flow characteristic is a velocity of air as it exits the portable fan.
  • 19. The fan of clause 17 wherein the wherein the flow characteristic is a direction of air as it exits the portable fan.

Clause Set J

• • 1. A portable fan comprising:
    • (a) a housing having an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet which comprises a generally round outlet port;
    • (b) a plurality of vanes that extend outwardly from the outlet port, wherein air exits the air outlet in a flow direction and the vanes are angularly positioned around the outlet port in a plane that is transverse to the flow direction, a downstream end of the vanes has a cross-sectional flow area in a plane transverse to the flow direction and at least some of the vanes are rotatable mounted to the housing between a first position in which the downstream end of the vanes have a first cross-sectional flow area and a second position in which the downstream end of the vanes have a second cross-sectional flow area that is different to the first cross-sectional flow area; and,
    • (c) a drive member drivingly connected to the at least some of the vanes.
  • 2. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein, in the first position, the vanes provide a converging nozzle.
  • 3. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein, in the first position, the vanes provide a diverging nozzle.
  • 4. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein all of the vanes are rotatably mounted to the housing.
  • 5. The portable fan of clause 4 wherein, in the first position, the vanes provide a converging nozzle.
  • 6. The portable fan of clause 4 wherein, in the first position, the vanes provide a diverging nozzle.
  • 7. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein, in operation, the outlet port has an upper side, a lower side and opposed lateral sides and the vanes comprise a first set of vanes that are provided on the opposed lateral sides of the outlet port and a second set of vanes that are provided on the upper and lower sides of the outlet port and one of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes are concurrently moveable towards or away from each other.
  • 8. The portable fan of clause 7 wherein the other of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes are stationary while the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes move.
  • 9. The portable fan of clause 7 wherein the other of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes move while the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes move.
  • 10. The portable fan of clause 9 wherein when the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes converge, the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes diverge.
  • 11. The portable fan of clause 9 wherein when the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes converge, the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes converge.
  • 12. The portable fan of clause 9 wherein when the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes diverge, the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes diverge.
  • 13. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein the air moving member comprises a motor and fan assembly, the motor having an axis of rotation and the axis of rotation extends through the air inlet and the air outlet.
  • 14.A portable fan comprising:
    • (a) an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet which comprises an outlet port wherein, in operation, the outlet port has an upper side, a lower side and opposed lateral sides;
    • (b) a plurality of vanes that extend outwardly from the outlet port, the vanes comprise a first set of vanes that are provided on the opposed lateral sides of the outlet port and a second set of vanes that are provided on the upper and lower sides of the outlet port and one of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes are concurrently moveable towards or away from each other; and,
    • (c) a first drive member drivingly connected to the one of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes.
  • 15. The portable fan of clause 14 wherein the other of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes are stationary while the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes move.
  • 16. The portable fan of clause 14 wherein the other of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes move while the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes move.
  • 17. The portable fan of clause 16 wherein when the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes converge, the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes diverge.
  • 18. The portable fan of clause 16 wherein when the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes converge, the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes converge.
  • 19. The portable fan of clause 16 wherein when the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes diverge, the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes diverge.
  • 20. The portable fan of clause 16 wherein the first drive member is also drivingly connected to the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes.
  • 21. The portable fan of clause 16 wherein a second drive member is drivingly connected to the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes.

The portable fan of clause 16 wherein the air moving member comprises a motor and fan assembly, the motor having an axis of rotation and the axis of rotation extends through the air inlet and the air outlet.

Clause Set K

• • 1. A portable fan comprising:
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends, the support axis extends vertically ±20°;
    • (c) a housing provided on an upper end of the support member, the housing having an air flow path from an air inlet provided on a rear side of the housing to an air outlet provided on a front side of the housing;
    • (d) a motor and fan assembly provided in the air flow path, the motor having an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation extends horizontally ±20° when the base is positioned on the floor and the axis of rotation extends through the air inlet and the air outlet.
  • 2. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein the housing is generally cylindrical.
  • 3. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein the housing is jet shaped.
  • 4. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein the support member has a height that is telescopically adjustable.
  • 5. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein the support member is generally tubular in shape.
  • 6. The portable fan of clause 5 wherein the support member has a height that is telescopically adjustable.
  • 7. The portable fan of clause 1 wherein the air outlet comprises an outlet port and the portable fan further comprises a plurality of vanes that extend outwardly from the outlet port, the vanes comprise a first set of vanes that are provided on the opposed lateral sides of the outlet port and a second set of vanes that are provided on the upper and lower sides of the outlet port and one of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes are concurrently moveable towards or away from each other.
  • 8. The portable fan of clause 7 wherein a first drive member is drivingly connected to the one of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes.
  • 9. The portable fan of clause 8 wherein the other of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes are stationary while the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes move.
  • 10. The portable fan of clause 8 wherein the other of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes move while the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes move.
  • 11. The portable fan of clause 10 wherein when the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes converge, the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes diverge.
  • 12. The portable fan of clause 10 wherein when the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes converge, the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes converge.
  • 13. The portable fan of clause 10 wherein when the one of first set of vanes and the second set of vanes diverge, the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes diverge.
  • 14. The portable fan of clause 10 wherein the first drive member is also drivingly connected to the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes.
  • 15. The portable fan of clause 10 wherein a second drive member is drivingly connected to the other of the first set of vanes and the second set of vanes.
  • 16.A portable fan comprising:
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends, the support axis extends vertically ±20°;
    • (c) a longitudinally extending housing provided on an upper end of the support member, the housing having first and second laterally opposed ends wherein a longitudinal axis extends through the housing between the first and second laterally opposed ends, the longitudinal axis extends horizontally ±20° when the base is positioned on the floor and the housing comprises a front end having a plurality of air outlets that are spaced apart in a direction of the longitudinal axis and a rear end, the housing is rotatably mounted to the support member about a rotational axis that extends in a common direction with the longitudinal direction; and,
    • (d) an air flow path from an air inlet to the air outlets with a motor and fan assembly provided in the air flow path.
  • 17. The portable fan of clause 16 wherein the air flow path comprises a housing channel provided in the housing, the housing channel extends forwardly to the plurality of air outlets.
  • 18. The portable fan of clause 16 wherein the support member has a height that is telescopically adjustable.
  • 19.A portable fan comprising:
    • (a) a lower end comprising a base that is free standing on a floor;
    • (b) a support member which, when the base is placed on the floor, extends upwardly from the base and has a lower end, an upper end and a support member axis extending between the upper and lower ends, the support axis extends vertically ±20°;
    • (c) a vertically extending housing provided on an upper end of the support member, the housing having first and second vertically opposed ends wherein a vertical axis extends through the housing between the first and second vertically opposed ends, the vertically axis extends vertically ±20° when the base is positioned on the floor and the housing comprises a front end having a plurality of air outlets that are spaced apart in a direction of the vertically axis and a rear end, the housing is rotatably mounted to the support member about a rotational axis that extends in a common direction with the vertically direction; and,
    • (d) an air flow path from an air inlet to the air outlets with a motor and fan assembly provided in the air flow path.
  • 20. The portable fan of clause 19 wherein the air flow path comprises a housing channel provided in the housing, the housing channel extends forwardly to the plurality of air outlets.
  • 21. The portable fan of clause 19 wherein the support member has a height that is telescopically adjustable.

Clause Set L

• • 1. A portable fan comprising an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet with an air moving member in the air flow path, the air flow path comprises:
    • (a) an upstream conduit that extends in a first axial direction;
    • (b) a downstream conduit that extends in a second axial direction that is generally transverse to the first axial direction; and,
    • (c) an elbow positioned between a downstream end of the upstream conduit and an upstream end of the downstream conduit wherein, along each portion of the elbow, the elbow has a cross-sectional flow area in a direction transverse to a direction of flow though that portion of the elbow whereby the elbow has a constant cross-sectional flow area from an inlet end of the elbow to an outlet end of the elbow.

Clause Set M

• • 1. A fan comprising an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet with an air moving member in the air flow path, wherein the air outlet comprises an outlet port, air exits the outlet port in a flow direction and the outlet port comprises first and second portions that are spaced apart in a first direction transverse to the flow direction and a middle portion between the first and second portions, each of the first, second and middle portions has a height in a second direction that is transverse to the flow direction and the first direction, and the middle portion has a height in the second direction that is less than the height of each of the first and second portions in the second direction.
  • 2. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first direction is the long direction and the height of the first and second portions is less than a length of the outlet port in the first direction.
  • 3. The fan of clause 2 wherein each of the first and second portions is generally ovaloid, the first portion has a rounded inner end at the middle portion and a rounded distal end spaced from the inner end in the first direction and the second portion has a rounded inner end at the middle portion and a rounded distal end spaced from the inner end in the first direction, wherein a long dimension of each of the first and second portion is in the first direction.
  • 4. The fan of clause 3 wherein the middle portion comprises a channel extending between the inner end of the first portion and the inner end of the second portion.
  • 5. The fan of clause 4 wherein the channel extends generally linearly in the first direction.
  • 6. The fan of clause 1 wherein the air outlet has a cross section flow area in a plane transverse to the flow direction and the cross section flow area of the air outlet is adjustable.
  • 7. A fan comprising an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet with an air moving member in the air flow path, wherein the air outlet comprises an outlet port, air exits the outlet port in a flow direction and the outlet port comprises first and second portions that are spaced apart in a first direction transverse to the flow direction and a middle portion between the first and second portions, each of the first and second portions is generally ovaloid, the first portion has a rounded inner end at the middle portion and a rounded distal end spaced from the inner end in the first direction and the second portion has a rounded inner end at the middle portion and a rounded distal end spaced from the inner end in the first direction, wherein a long dimension of each of the first and second portion is in the first direction.
  • 8. The fan of clause 7 wherein the middle portion comprises a channel extending between the inner end of the first portion and the inner end of the second portion.
  • 9. The fan of clause 8 wherein the channel extends generally linearly in the first direction.
  • 10. The fan of clause 7 wherein the air outlet has a cross section flow area in a plane transverse to the flow direction and the cross section flow area of the air outlet is adjustable.

Clause Set N

• • 1. A fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to an air outlet that comprises an outlet port, air exits the air outlet in a flow direction, and the air outlet comprises a flexible member wherein the flexible member is positionable in a first shape in which the air outlet has a first shape and the flexible member is positionable in a second shape in which the air outlet has a second shape that is different to the first shape.
  • 2. The fan of clause 1 wherein further comprising a frame which is adjustable to hold the flexible member in each of the first and second shapes.
  • 3. The fan of clause 2 wherein the flexible member comprises an elastomeric material.
  • 4. The fan of clause 2 wherein the flexible member comprises a silicone.
  • 5. The fan of clause 2 further comprising a drive member driving connected to the fame.
  • 6. The fan of clause 5 wherein the drive member is mechanically drivingly connected to the frame.
  • 7. The fan of clause 5 wherein the drive member is electromechanically drivingly connected to the frame.
  • 8. The fan of clause 5 wherein the drive member is fluidically drivingly connected to the frame.
  • 9. The fan of clause 8 wherein the flexible member is inflatable.
  • 10. The fan of clause 1 wherein the flexible member comprises an elastomeric material.
  • 11. The fan of clause 1 wherein the flexible member comprises a silicone.
  • 12. The fan of clause 1 wherein the flexible member is inflatable.

Clause Set O

• • 1. A fan comprising:
    • (a) a central air outlet;
    • (b) a first longitudinally extending slot outlet provided on one lateral side of the central air outlet, the slot having a first length from an inner end of the first longitudinally extending slot to an opposed distal end of the first longitudinally extending slot, a first longitudinal axis extending between the inner end of the first longitudinally extending slot and the opposed distal end of the first longitudinally extending slot and a first height in a first direction transverse to the first longitudinal axis;
    • (c) a second longitudinally extending slot outlet provided on an opposed lateral side of the central air outlet, the slot having a second length from an inner end of the second longitudinally extending slot to an opposed distal end of the second longitudinally extending slot, a second longitudinal axis extending between the inner end of the second longitudinally extending slot and the opposed distal end of the second longitudinally extending slot and a second height in a second direction transverse to the first longitudinal axis; and,
    • (d) an air flow path extending from an air inlet to the central air outlet, the first longitudinally extending slot and the second longitudinally extending slot, with an air moving member provided upstream of the arm member, wherein the central air outlet has a height in the first direction that is greater than the first and second heights.
  • 2. The fan of clause 1 wherein the height of the central air outlet is 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more time the first and second heights.
  • 3. The fan of clause 1 wherein the first height and the second height are the same.
  • 4. The fan of clause 1, 2 or 3 wherein the central air outlet is generally round in a plane transverse to a direction of air exiting the central air outlet.
  • 5. The fan of any of clauses 1-4 further comprising a housing having a longitudinally extending channel, the longitudinally extending channel has an air inlet, the housing having a front side in which the central air outlet, the first longitudinally extending slot and the second longitudinally extending slot are provided, the longitudinally extending channel is positioned upstream of each of the central air outlet, the first longitudinally extending slot and the second longitudinally extending slot.
  • 6. The fan of clause 5 wherein the inner end of the first longitudinally extending slot is contiguous with the central air outlet and the second longitudinally extending slot is contiguous with the central air outlet.
  • 7. The fan of clause 6 wherein the air inlet of the longitudinally extending channel is centrally positioned between the distal end of the first longitudinally extending slot and the distal end of the second longitudinally extending slot.
  • 8. The fan of clause 6 wherein a plane that is transverse to the first longitudinal axis extends through the air inlet of the longitudinally extending channel and the central air outlet.
  • 9. The fan of clause 6, 7 or 8 wherein the longitudinally extending channel comprises a first outlet channel positioned rearward of the first longitudinally extending slot and a second outlet channel positioned rearward of the second longitudinally extending slot and a divider directing air from the air inlet of the channel laterally into each of the first and second outlet channels.
  • 10. The fan of clause 5 wherein the air inlet of the longitudinally extending channel is centrally positioned between the distal end of the first longitudinally extending slot and the distal end of the second longitudinally extending slot.
  • 11. The fan of clause 5 wherein a plane that is transverse to the first longitudinal axis extends through the air inlet of the channel and the central air outlet.
  • 12. The fan of clause 10 or 11 wherein the longitudinally extending channel comprises a first outlet channel positioned rearward of the first longitudinally extending slot and a second outlet channel positioned rearward of the second longitudinally extending slot and a divider directing air from the air inlet of the channel laterally into each of the first and second outlet channels.
  • 13. The fan of any of clauses 1-4 further comprising a housing having a front side in which the central air outlet, the first longitudinally extending slot and the second longitudinally extending slot are provided, a first outlet channel positioned rearward of the first longitudinally extending slot, a second outlet channel positioned rearward of the second longitudinally extending slot and a central outlet channel rearward of the central air outlet, wherein each of the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel are isolated from the central outlet channel.
  • 14. The fan of clause 13 wherein the air flow path comprises an upstream portion that extends from the air inlet to each of the first outlet channel, the second outlet channel and the central outlet channel, and each of the first outlet channel, the second outlet channel and the central outlet channel are individually in fluid flow communication with the upstream portion of the air flow path.
  • 15. The fan of clause 1 wherein a first outlet channel is provided upstream of the first longitudinally extending slot and a second outlet channel is provided upstream of the second longitudinally extending slot and each of the first and second outlet channels have flow straighteners provided therein.
  • 16. The fan of clause 1 further comprising a first arm having the first longitudinally extending slot and a second arm having the second longitudinally extending slot and each of the arm members is rotatable mounted to a housing having the central air outlet.
  • 17. The fan of clause 16 wherein the first arm is rotatable mounted about the first longitudinal axis and the second arm is rotatable mounted about the second longitudinal axis.
  • 18. The fan of clause 17 wherein each of the first arm and the second arm are individually rotatable.
  • 19. The fan of clause 16 wherein the first arm is rotatable mounted about a first rotational axis that extends in a plane that is transverse to the first longitudinal axis and the second arm is rotatable mounted about a second rotational axis that extends in a plane that is transverse to the second longitudinal axis.
  • 20. The fan of clause 19 wherein each of the first arm and the second arm are individually rotatable.

Clause Set P

• • 1. A fan comprising an air flow path extending from an air inlet to an air outlet, an air moving member provided in the air flow path, the air outlet comprising a longitudinally extending slot outlet having a longitudinal axis extending between first and second longitudinally spaced apart ends of the longitudinally extending slot, a first rounded air outlet provided at the first end of the longitudinally extending slot and a second rounded air outlet provided at the second end of the longitudinally extending slot.
  • 2. The fan of clause 1 wherein each of the first and second rounded air outlets are ovaloid in shape.
  • 3. The fan of clause 1 wherein each of the first and second rounded air outlets are generally round in shape.
  • 4. The fan of clause 1 wherein each of the first and second rounded air outlets and the longitudinally extending slot outlet provide a contiguous air outlet.
  • 5. The fan of clause 1, 2 or 3 wherein the first rounded air outlet is contiguous with the first end of the longitudinally extending slot outlet and the second rounded air outlet is contiguous with the second end of the longitudinally extending slot outlet.
  • 6. The fan of clause 1, 2 or 3 wherein the first end of the longitudinally extending slot outlet comprises a channel connecting the first end of the longitudinally extending slot outlet in flow communication with the first rounded air outlet and the second end of the longitudinally extending slot outlet comprises a channel connecting the second end of the longitudinally extending slot outlet in flow communication with the second rounded air outlet.
  • 7. The fan of clause 1 wherein each of the first and second rounded air outlets has a height in a direction transverse to longitudinal axis that is 2, 3, 4, 5 or more times a height of the longitudinally extending slot outlet in the direction transverse to longitudinal axis.