FAN ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A MODULAR FAN

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/694,271, filed Sep. 13, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a fan assembly and, more particularly, to a fan assembly including a modular fan with a universal connector.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides, in one aspect, a fan assembly including a fan having a base with a universal connector and a blower unit supported by the base. The blower unit includes a blower unit housing, a motor positioned within the blower unit housing, and a blade coupled to the motor for rotation by the motor. The fan assembly includes a battery receptacle configured to receive a battery, the battery receptacle electrically coupled to the motor to power the motor with the battery and an attachment removably coupled to the fan by the universal connector. The attachment is configured to support the fan.

The present disclosure provides, in yet another aspect, a modular fan configured to be coupled to a plurality of attachments, the modular fan including a base have a universal connector. The universal connector is configured to alternately couple to a first attachment of the plurality of attachments and a second attachment of the plurality of attachments. The modular fan includes a blower unit supported by the base. The blower unit includes a blower unit housing, a motor positioned within the blower unit housing, and a blade coupled to the motor for rotation by the motor.

The present disclosure provides, in yet another aspect, a fan assembly kit including a fan having a base with a universal connector and a blower unit supported by the base. The blower unit includes a blower unit housing, a motor positioned within the blower unit housing, and a blade coupled to the motor for rotation by the motor. The fan assembly kit includes a first attachment removably coupled to the fan by the universal connector. The first attachment is configured to support the fan. The fan assembly kit includes a second attachment removably and alternately coupled to the fan by the universal connector. The second attachment is configured to support the fan. The second attachment is a different type than the first attachment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fan assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a construction of a universal connector and an attachment connection portion compatible with the fan assembly of FIG. 1 having a projection and slot connection.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a construction of the universal connector and the attachment connection portion compatible with the fan assembly of FIG. 1 having a bayonet-style connection.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a construction of the universal connector and the attachment connection portion compatible with the fan assembly of FIG. 1 having a magnetic connection.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an elevating stand attachment compatible with the fan assembly of FIG. 1 in a collapsed position.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the elevating stand attachment of FIG. 5A in an extended position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an oscillating attachment compatible with the fan assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a misting attachment compatible with the fan assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wedge attachment compatible with the fan assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rolling pedestal attachment compatible with the fan assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a clamp attachment compatible with the fan assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a construction of a universal connector and a first end of the base that is compatible with the fan assembly of FIG. 1.

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a fan assembly 100 including a fan 104, a battery receptacle 108A configured to receive a battery 112, and an attachment 116 removably coupled to the fan 104 and configured to support the fan 104. The fan assembly 100 is a modular design because the attachment 116 is interchangeable with the fan 104. Stated another way, the fan 104 is a modular fan that is alternately and interchangeably connectable to different attachments. The fan 104 includes a base 120 defining a first end 124 and a second end 128. In the illustrated construction, the second end 128 is disposed on an opposite side of the base 120 from the first end 124. The base 120 includes a universal connector 132 configured to interface with the attachment 116. In other words, the universal connector 132 enables plug-and-play of the attachments 116 with the fan 104. In the illustrated construction, the universal connector 132 is disposed on the first end 124. Examples of the universal connector 132 will be described later with respect to FIGS. 2-4. In some embodiments, the universal connector 132 includes a connector terminal 136. In the illustrated construction, there are two connector terminals 136. The fan 104 includes a blower unit 140 that is supported by the base 120. Specifically, the fan 104 includes a pivot attachment 144 that couples the blower unit 140 to the base 120. In the illustrated construction, the pivot attachment 144 includes a U-shaped frame 148 with a column 152 disposed in the middle of the U-shaped frame 148. In the illustrated construction, the column 152 is received by the second end 128 of the base 120 and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis A1.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the blower unit 140 includes a blower unit housing 156 coupled to the pivot attachment 144. Each end of the U-shaped frame 148 include a pivot connection 160 that is coupled to the blower unit housing 156 such that the blower unit housing 156 is pivotable about a pivot axis A2 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1. The blower unit housing 156 defines a first side S1 (e.g., an inlet side) and a second side S2 (e.g., an outlet side). The blower unit housing 156 includes an inlet grate (not shown) on the first side S1 and an outlet grate 164 disposed on the second side S2. The blower unit 140 includes a motor 168 positioned within the blower unit housing 156. The blower unit 140 includes a blade 172 configured to rotate around a rotational axis A3. The motor 168 is coupled to the blade 172 for rotation. The blade 172 defines a blade diameter D1. In some constructions, the blade diameter D1 is between 8 inches and 25 inches. In other constructions, the blade diameter D1 is between 10 inches and 16 inches. The blower unit housing 156 surrounds the blade 172 and defines an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the blade diameter D1. The blower unit 140 includes a handle 176. In the illustrated construction, the handle 176 is integrated with the blower unit housing 156.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the attachment 116 is removably coupled to the fan 104 via the universal connector 132. The attachment 116 in FIG. 1 is illustrated schematically and specific embodiments of the of the attachment 116 will be described later with respect to FIGS. 5A-10. The attachment 116 includes an attachment connection portion 178 configured to couple to the universal connector 132. In the illustrated construction, the attachment connection portion 178 is integrated with the attachment 116. Examples of the attachment connection portion 178 will be described with respect to FIGS. 2-4. In some embodiments, the attachment 116 optionally includes an attachment terminal 180 that is configured to interface with the connector terminal 136. In the illustrated construction, there are two attachment terminals 180.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the fan assembly 100 includes the battery receptacle 108A. The battery receptacle 108A is disposed on the fan 104 and is configured to receive the battery 112. In the illustrated construction, the battery receptacle 108A is disposed on the blower unit housing 156. In other constructions, the battery receptacle 108A is disposed elsewhere on the fan 104, such as the base 120. The battery receptacle 108A is electrically coupled to the motor 168 to power the motor 168. In some embodiments, the fan assembly 100 optionally includes another battery receptacle 108B configured to receive the battery 112. The battery receptacle 108B may be in addition or as an alternative to the battery receptacle 108A. In the illustrated construction, the battery receptacle 108B is disposed on the attachment 116. The battery receptacle 108B is electrically coupled to the motor 168 to power the motor 168 via the terminals 136, 180. In other words, although the battery receptacle 108B is separate from the fan 104, the attachment 116 is capable of providing power to the fan 104. Also, the battery receptacle 108A may be electrically coupled to components of the attachment 116 to provide power to such components of the attachment 116.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the fan 104 includes a user interface 184A. The user interface 184A is disposed on the blower unit housing 156 and is in communication with a controller programmed with an algorithm configured to control operation of the motor 168. For example, the user interface 184A is operable to turn the motor 168 on and off and to control an operating speed of the motor 168. In other embodiments, the user interface 184A may be operable to control other aspects of the fan 104, such as oscillation, pivoting, a timer, and the like. In other constructions, the user interface 184A is disposed elsewhere on the fan 104, such as the base 120. In other constructions, the user interface 184A is in communication with a controller programmed with an algorithm configured to supply power to electronics of the attachment 116. In some constructions, the user interface 184A is a dial that is rotatable to set the speed of the motor 168 and/or electrical distribution to electronics of the attachment 116. In other embodiments, the user interface 184A may include other suitable actuators, such as a slidable switch, a touchscreen, and the like, to set the speed of the motor 168 and/or electrical distribution to electronics of the attachment 116. In some embodiments, the fan 104 includes the controller programmed with an algorithm capable of varying the rotation of the motor 168 by using a variable voltage.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the attachment 116 includes a user interface 184B. The user interface 184B is disposed on the attachment 116 and is in communication with a controller programmed with an algorithm configured to control operation of the motor 168. In other constructions, the user interface 184B is in communication with a controller programmed with an algorithm configured to supply power to electronics of the attachment 116. In some constructions, the user interface 184B is a dial that is rotatable to set the speed of the motor 168 and/or electrical distribution to electronics of the attachment 116. In other embodiments, the user interface 184B may include other suitable actuators, such as a slidable switch, a touchscreen, and the like, to set the speed of the motor 168 and/or electrical distribution to electronics of the attachment 116.

FIG. 2 illustrates a construction of the universal connector 132 and the corresponding attachment connection portion 178. Specifically, the universal connector 132 includes a T-shaped projection 200 extending from the first end 124 of the base 120. The T-shaped projection 200 includes a first section 204 defining a first width W1 that extends directly from the first end 124. The T-shaped projection 200 includes a second section 208 defining a second width W2 that extends from the first section 204. In the illustrated construction, the second section 208 is on a side of the first section 204 that is opposite from the side connected to the base 120. In other words, the first section 204 is disposed between the second section 208 and the base 120. In the illustrated construction, the width W2 is greater than the width W1. The connector terminals 136 are disposed on the T-shaped projection 200. In the illustrated construction, the connector terminals 136 are disposed on a bottom of the second section 208, which is opposite from a side of the second section 208 that extends from the first section 204. The attachment connection portion 178 includes a slot 212 configured to receive the T-shaped projection 200. Additionally, the slot 212 includes the attachment terminals 180 that contact the connector terminals 136 when the attachment 116 and the universal connector 132 are coupled together.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the fan assembly 100 includes a locking unit 216 that is configured to selectively lock the fan 104 to the attachment 116. The locking unit 216 includes a blocking unit 220 configured to move between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the illustrated construction, the blocking unit 220 is moveably connected to the attachment connection portion 178. The locking unit 216 includes a biasing member 224 configured to bias the blocking unit 220 toward the slot 212. The universal connector 132 includes a projection 228 configured to engage the blocking unit 220 as the universal connector 132 and the attachment 116 are coupled together. In the illustrated construction, the projection 228 includes a sloped surface 232 that engages the blocking unit 220 such that the blocking unit 220 is pushed against the bias of the biasing member 224. The projection 228 includes a ledge 236 that is configured to engage the blocking unit 220 such that the fan 104 and the attachment 116 are locked. That is, the blocking unit 220 is in a locking position when the blocking unit 220 engages the ledge 236. To unlock the blocking unit 220, the blocking unit 220 can be pushed against the biasing member 224 such that the blocking unit 220 clears the projection 228, which permits the fan 104 and the attachment 116 to be separated. In other words, the blocking unit 220 is in an unlocking position when the blocking unit 220 clears the projection 228. In other constructions, the blocking unit 220 is moveable connected to the universal connector 132 and the projection 228 is disposed on the attachment connection portion 178.

FIG. 3 illustrates a construction of the universal connector 132 and the corresponding attachment connection portion 178. Specifically, the universal connector 132 includes a cylindrical housing 300 that extends from the first end 124 of the base 120. The cylindrical housing 300 defines a diameter D2. In the illustrated construction, the cylindrical housing 300 is concentric with the longitudinal housing A1. The cylindrical housing 300 includes a tab 304 that extends radially outward relative the cylindrical housing 300. In the illustrated construction, there are three of the tabs 304. The tabs 304 are disposed on a bottom side of the cylindrical housing 300 that is opposite from the side connected with the base 120. The connector terminals 136 are disposed on the bottom side of the cylindrical housing 300. The attachment connection portion 178 defines an aperture 308 defining a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter D2 such that the aperture 308 receives the cylindrical housing 300. Additionally, the attachment connection portion 178 includes a tab 312 that extends radially inward from the aperture 308. In the illustrated construction, there are three of the tabs 312. The fan 104 is coupled to the attachment 116 with a bayonet-style connection (e.g., tabs 304 engage the tabs 312). The aperture 308 includes the attachment terminals 180 that contact the connector terminals 136 when the attachment 116 and the universal connector 132 are coupled together. The locking unit 216 is configured to engage a recess 316 on the cylindrical housing. Specifically, the blocking unit 220 is selectively received by the recess 316. In other constructions, the blocking unit 220 is moveable connected to the universal connector 132 and the projection 228 is disposed on the attachment connection portion 178.

FIG. 4 illustrates a construction of the universal connector 132 and the corresponding attachment connection portion 178. The universal connector 132 includes a cylindrical housing 400 that extends from the first end 124 of the base 120 and a post 404 extending from the cylindrical housing 400. In the illustrated construction, the post 404 extends from the cylindrical housing 400 on a side of the cylindrical housing 400 opposite from the base 120. In other words, the cylindrical housing 400 is disposed between the post 404 and the base 120. The connector terminals 136 are disposed on the post 404. In the illustrated construction, the terminals 136 are axially spaced along the post 404 relative to the longitudinal axis A1. The universal connector 132 includes a magnet 408 disposed on the cylindrical housing 400. The attachment connection portion 178 includes a bore 412 configured to receive the post 404. Additionally, the bore 412 includes the attachment terminals 180 that contact the connector terminals 136 when the attachment 116 and the universal connector 132 are coupled together. The attachment connection portion 178 includes a magnet 416 configured to engage the magnet 408. In the illustrated construction, the magnets 408, 416 are configured to selectively secure the fan 104 to the attachment 116 (e.g., the magnets 408, 416 are a locking unit). In other constructions, the locking unit 216 may be used instead of using the magnets 408, 416. In other constructions, the locking unit 216 may supplement the magnets 408, 416 in locking the fan 104 to the attachment 116.

The universal connectors 132 described above with reference to FIGS. 2-4 are exemplar constructions of universal connectors. Although not explicitly described, features of one universal connector may be usable with another universal connector. In other embodiments, the universal connectors 132 may have other configurations and/or components.

FIGS. 5A-10 illustrate various embodiment of the attachments 116 that are selectively couplable to the fan 104. As discussed above, the attachments 116 are coupled to the fan 104 via the universal connector 132 and the attachment connection portion 178. The attachment connection portions 178 are illustrated schematically in FIGS. 5A-10. For instance, although the attachment connection portion 178 is illustrated as a block in FIG. 5A, the attachment connection portion 178 could be the construction illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, or 4.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an elevating stand attachment 116A compatible with the fan 104. The elevating stand attachment 116A includes a first longitudinal member 500 and a second longitudinal member 504 coupled to the first longitudinal member 500. The first longitudinal member 500 is coupled to the attachment connection portion 178 at an end opposite from the end coupled to the second longitudinal member 504. The elevating stand attachment 116A includes legs 512 moveably coupled to the second longitudinal member 504. In the illustrated construction, the legs 512 form a tripod around an outer surface of the second longitudinal member 504. The elevating stand attachment 116A includes the battery receptacle 108B and the user interface 184B. FIG. 5A illustrates the elevating stand attachment 116A in a collapsed position in which the legs 512 are approximately parallel with the second longitudinal member 504. FIG. 5B illustrates the elevating stand attachment 116A in an extended position in which the legs 512 are disposed at a non-zero angle relative to the second longitudinal member 504 (e.g., offset). In the extended position, the legs 512 slide along the second longitudinal member 504 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 and away from the attachment connection portion 178 such that the attachment connection portion 178 is raised along the longitudinal axis A1 (i.e., the fan 104 is raised up along the longitudinal axis A1).

FIG. 6 illustrates an oscillating attachment 116B compatible with the fan assembly 100. The oscillating attachment 116B includes a housing 600 and a motor 604 disposed in the housing 600. The oscillating attachment 116B includes a motor output shaft 608 coupled to the motor 604 and a gear assembly 612 configured to receive rotation from the motor output shaft 608. The gear assembly 612 is coupled to the attachment connection portion 178 such that the attachment connection portion 178 pivots about the longitudinal axis A1. Due to the pivot motion of the attachment connection portion 178, which is selectively coupled to the universal connector 132, the oscillating attachment 116B is operable to pivot the blower unit 140 about the longitudinal axis A1. The oscillating attachment 116B includes the battery receptacle 108B and the user interface 184B.

FIG. 7 illustrates a misting attachment 116 compatible with the fan 104. The misting attachment 116C includes a tank 700 configured to receive a liquid, a cover 704 that covers the tank 700, and a column 708 extending from the cover 704. A first end of the column 708 is coupled to the cover 704 and a second end opposite the first end is coupled to the attachment connection portion 178. The misting attachment 116C includes the battery receptacle 108B and the user interface 184B. The misting attachment 116C includes a pump 712 disposed in the tank 700 that is electrically connected to the battery receptacle 108B such that the pump 712 is provided power from the battery 112 coupled to the battery receptacle 108B. The pump 712 is configured to pump liquid (e.g., water) to a transfer line 716, which extends through the column 708. The misting attachment 116C includes a pipe 720 that extends from the column 708 and includes a nozzle 724 disposed on an end of the pipe 720. The pipe 720 receives liquid from the tank 700 via the transfer line 716 such that liquid can be expelled from the nozzle 724. The nozzle 724 directs the atomized liquid in front of the fan 104 such that the atomized liquid is spread by the fan 104. In some construction, the misting attachment 116C includes a blower pipe 728 that routes the liquid from the transfer line 716 to a nozzle 732 disposed on the blower unit 140 (see FIG. 1). The nozzle 732 directs the atomized liquid in front of the fan 104 such that the atomized liquid is spread by the fan 104. In some constructions, the fan assembly 100 utilizes both the nozzles 724, 732. In some constructions, the fan assembly 100 uses the nozzle 724 or the nozzle 732. The misting attachment 116C includes wheels 736 disposed under the tank 700.

FIG. 8 illustrates a wedge attachment 116D (e.g., a window wedge) compatible with the fan 104. The wedge attachment 116D includes a central housing 800 coupled to the attachment connection portion 178. In the illustrated construction, the wedge attachment 116D includes the battery receptacle 108B and the user interface 184B. In the illustrated construction, the battery receptacle 108B is solely provided to provide power to the fan 104 since the wedge attachment 116D does not consume any power. The wedge attachment 116D includes a first adjustable arm 804 and a second adjustable arm 808. In the illustrated construction, the arms 804, 808 are configured to extend and retract along a wedge axis A4, that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1. Additionally, first adjustable arm 804 and the second adjustable arm 808 are biased outwardly along the wedge axis A4 from an intersection of the longitudinal axis A1 and the wedge axis A4 such that a wedging force is generated between opposite and parallel walls engaged by the arms 804, 808.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rolling pedestal attachment 116E compatible with the fan 104. The rolling pedestal attachment 116E includes a base 900 and wheels 904 coupled to the base 900. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 900 is conical in shape. The rolling pedestal attachment 116E includes a telescoping arm 908 retractably coupled to a fixed arm 912 that is coupled to the base 900. An end of the telescoping arm 908 is coupled to the attachment connection portion 178. The telescoping arm 908 extends and retracts along the longitudinal axis A1. The rolling pedestal attachment 116E includes a fastener 916 configured to axially fix the telescoping arm 908 along the longitudinal axis A1. As such, the height of the attachment connection portion 178 (and the fan 104) relative to the ground along the longitudinal axis A1 can be adjusted. The rolling pedestal attachment 116E includes the battery receptacle 108B and the user interface 184B.

FIG. 10 illustrates a clamp attachment 116F compatible with the fan 104. The clamp attachment 116F includes a housing 1000, a threaded rod 1002 coupled to the housing 1000, a first arm 1004 fixed to an end of the threaded rod 1002, a second arm 1008 moveably coupled to the threaded rod 1002, and a nut 1012 coupled with the threaded rod 1002. The attachment connection portion 178 is coupled to an opposite end of the threaded rod 1002 than the first arm 1004. The second arm 1008 is axially adjustable along the longitudinal axis A1 to define a clearance X1. The clamp attachment 116 is attachable to a work piece by positioning the arms 1004, 1008 about the workpiece (not shown) such that the clearance X1 matches a dimension of the workpiece.

FIG. 11 illustrates another construction of a universal connector 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the universal connector 1100 is a separate component from the fan 104. As such, the universal connector 1100 may be considered an adapter between the fan 104 and the attachment 116. In such a construction, a first end 1104 of the base 120 of the fan 104 is compatible with the universal connector 1100. The first end 1104 of the base 120 includes a T-shaped projection 1108 and includes a base terminal 1112. In the illustrated construction, there are two of the base terminals 1112 and the base terminals 1112 are disposed on a bottom of the T-shaped projection 1108. The universal connector 1100 includes a housing 1116 that is separate from the base 120. The universal connector 1100 includes a slot 1120 configured to receive the T-shaped projection 1108. Additionally, the slot 1120 includes the connector terminals 1124 that contact the base terminals 1112 when the base 120 and the universal connector 1100 are coupled together. The remainder of the universal connector 1100 is similar to the universal connector 132. As such, many of these features will not be discussed again. Features similar to those discussed above will be labeled with a reference number that is a value of one thousand one hundred higher than the corresponding feature discussed above.

The illustrated universal connector 1100 shows one possible connection between the universal connector 1100 and the fan 104. In other embodiments, the universal connector 1100 may be connectable to the fan 104 in other ways, such as one of the ways shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In addition, the universal connector 1100 may include different types of connections with the fan 104 and with the attachment 116. For example, the universal connector 1100 may connect to the fan 104 using one of the mechanisms shown in FIGS. 2-4, and may connect to the attachment 116 using another of the mechanisms shown in FIGS. 2-4.

Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.