Abstract:
Methods to make various types of automatically opening hand fans. One embodiment is an automatic compact hand fan. A second embodiment is an automatic standard hand fan. A third embodiment is an automatic sliding hand fan. A fourth embodiment is an automatic double folding hand fan. A fifth embodiment is an automatic interlocking hand fan. A sixth embodiment is an automatic double folding circular hand fan. A seventh embodiment is an automatic encased sliding hand fan. An eighth embodiment is an automatic rolled hand fan.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to hand fans, and more specifically to providing methods to make new types of hand fans, and enhancements to, hand fans. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Hand fans have been known throughout the ages around the world. Several types of fans have been used over the years, but the most common hand fans still widely used today are the standard folding hand fan, the non-folding hand fan, and the substantially circular hand fan. These fans are typically made of fabric or paper webbing (i.e., leaves), attached to supports (i.e., ribs) on projecting sticks. The standard folding hand fan typically has two outer guards to partially protect the folded fan, leaves, and sticks. 
   These fans can be quite useful in cooling people in overheated conditions, such as in hot rooms and outdoors. With the advent of global warming, the use of hand fans will likely increase. Recently there has been an incremental increase in the use of standard hand fans in fashion shows and other high-level social situations. The utilitarian benefits of hand fans are returning as the paramount reason for their widespread use, as opposed to their social status statement of previous centuries. 
   Surprisingly, these hand fans have not changed much over the course of recent centuries. In particular, folding hand fans have continued to be made in virtually the same materials and designs over the last 200 years. However, such folding hand fans could be greatly enhanced in terms of ease of use and in available features. What is needed are folding hand fans that are more readily opened and more safely stored using new materials for fashion of the 20th and 21st centuries to increase durability while aligning to future fashion trends. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides methods and implementations for making hand fans capable of automatic operation. Embodiments of the invention can be implemented in numerous ways. Five aspects of the invention are described below. 
   A first aspect of the invention is directed to a method to make an automatic compact hand fan that can be opened to substantially 180 degrees in a switchblade-like manner, and capable of being closed either manually, or by the use of a button activated motor. The method includes attaching a first guard, a second guard, and a third guard, each guard having a first end and a second end, substantially at the first end of the first guard, the second guard, and the third guard, allowing the third guard to substantially rotate around an axis of rotation into a closed position, and an open position, where the second end of the first guard and the second guard are in proximity, and the second end of the third guard is not in proximity; installing a spring mechanism in proximity to the axis of rotation, wherein the spring mechanism can selectively and substantially rotate the third guard into the open position in relation to the first guard and the second guard; and attaching a substantially planar material for the leaves of the fan between a portion of the first guard and a portion of the third guard, wherein the substantially planar material can substantially fit between the first guard and second guard, and the third guard, in either the open position (displaying the leaves of the fan) and the closed position (protecting the leaves of the fan). 
   A second aspect of the invention is directed to a method to make an automatic sliding hand fan. The method includes attaching a first guard and a second guard, substantially at the first end of the first guard and the first end of the second guard, allowing the first guard and the second guard to substantially rotate around an axis of rotation into a closed position, and an open position; installing sticks between the first guard and the second guard, also attached to rotate around the axis of rotation of the first guard and the second guard, wherein the sticks includes a center stick having a spring mechanism which can selectively and substantially rotate the first guard and the second guard into the open position; and attaching a substantially planar material between the center stick and the first guard, and between the center stick and the second guard, wherein the substantially planar material can substantially fit between the center stick and the first guard and the center stick and the second guard, in either the open position and the closed position. 
   A third aspect of the invention is directed to a method to make an automatic double-folding hand fan. The method includes fabricating a first guard having a corresponding first half guard and a second half guard; fabricating a second guard having a corresponding first half guard and a second half guard; attaching each first half guard, having a first end and a second end, and each second half guard, having a first end and a second end, substantially at the second end of each first half guard and the first end of each second half guard, allowing each first half guard and each second half guard to substantially rotate substantially 180 degrees around a first axis of rotation into a closed position, where the first end of each first half guard and the second end of each second half guard are in proximity, and a partially open position; installing, separately for each the first guard and the second guard, a first spring mechanism in proximity to the first axis of rotation, wherein the first spring mechanisms can selectively and substantially rotate the second half guards into the partially open position in relation to the first half guards; attaching the first half guards, having a first end and a second end, and the second half guards, having a first end and a second end, substantially at the second end of the first half guards and the first end of the second half guards, allowing the halves to substantially and jointly rotate around a first axis of rotation substantially 180 degrees into the partially open position; installing a third spring mechanism in proximity to the second axis of rotation, wherein the third spring mechanism can selectively and substantially rotate the second guard into the fully open position in relation to the first guard; and attaching a substantially planar material between a portion of the first guard and a portion of the second guard, wherein the substantially planar material can substantially fit between the first guard and second guard in the closed position, the partially open position, and the fully open position. 
   A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a method to make an automatic double-folding circular hand fan. The method includes fabricating a first guard having a corresponding first half guard and a second half guard; fabricating a second guard having a corresponding first half guard and a second half guard; attaching each first half guard, having a first end and a second end, and each second half guard, having a first end and a second end, substantially at the second end of each first half guard and the first end of each second half guard, allowing each first half guard and each second half guard to substantially rotate around a first axis of rotation into a closed position, where the first end of each first half guard and the second end of each second half guard are in proximity, and a partially open position creating a handle; installing, separately in the first guard and the second guard, a first spring mechanism in proximity to the first axis of rotation, wherein the first spring mechanism can selectively and substantially rotate the second half guards into the partially open position in relation to the first half guards; attaching the first guard, having a first end and a second end, and the second guard, having a first end and a second end, substantially at the first end of the first guard and the first end of the second guard; installing a second spring mechanism in proximity to the first end of the first guard and the second guard, wherein the second spring mechanism can selectively unfold a substantially planar material in a substantially circular shape, wherein the substantially planar material can be folded to substantially fit between the first guard and second guard in the partially open position and the closed position. 
   A fifth aspect of the invention is directed to a method to make an automatic encased sliding hand fan. The method includes fabricating a handle with a first end and a second end, wherein the handle contains a cavity and a cavity opening at the second end of the handle; installing a substantially planar material within the cavity of the handle, wherein the substantially planar material can substantially fit within the cavity of the handle; installing a first spring mechanism in the handle, wherein the spring mechanism can selectively slide out the substantially planar material from the cavity of the handle to unfold the substantially planar material in proximity to the second end of the handle, or return the substantially planar material inside the cavity of the handle. 
   A sixth aspect of the invention is directed to a method to make an automatic rolled hand fan. The method includes attaching a first guard and a second guard, each having a first end and a second end, and a center stick having a first end and a second end, allowing the first guard and the second guard to substantially rotate around a first axis of rotation in proximity to the first ends of the first guard and second guard into a closed position, and an open position; installing an activation device in the first guard; installing two pieces of a substantially planar material attached to and rolled around (i.e., coiled around) a center stick between the first guard and the second guard, wherein the center stick is attached to rotate around a second axis of rotation between the first guard and the second guard, wherein the center stick has a spring mechanism, in proximity to the first end of the center stick, wherein the activation device can activate the center stick to unroll and substantially rotate the first guard and the second guard into the open position; installing a second spring mechanism in proximity to the first end of the center stick wherein the activation device can substantially roll the substantially planar material onto the center stick, bringing the first guard and the second guard into the closed position; and attaching one of the two pieces of substantially planar material to the first guard, attaching one of the two pieces of substantially planar material to the second guard, wherein the two pieces of substantially planar material can substantially fit between the center stick and the first guard and the center stick and the second guard, in the open position, and between the first guard and second guard when rolled onto the center stick in the closed position. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a fully opened automatic compact hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a closed automatic compact hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates an edge view of a closed automatic compact hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a fully opened automatic standard hand fan with an automatic latch, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of a closed automatic standard hand fan with an automatic latch, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a fully opened automatic sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a closed automatic sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates an edge view of a closed automatic sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a fully opened automatic double folding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a partially opened automatic double folding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a closed automatic double folding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a fully opened automatic interlocking hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a closed automatic interlocking hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a side view of a fully opened automatic double folding circular hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a side view of a partially opened automatic double folding circular hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates a side view of a closed automatic double folding circular hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6D  illustrates an edge view of an open automatic double folding circular hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a fully opened automatic encased sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a perspective view of a closed automatic encased sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic compact hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic standard hand fan with an automatic latch, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic double folding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic interlocking hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic double folding circular hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic encased sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 15A  illustrates a fully opened automatic rolled hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 15B  illustrates a closed automatic rolled hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 15C  illustrates an edge view of a closed automatic rolled hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic rolled hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   In all of the embodiments disclosed below, different materials could be used for the guards, the sticks, and the ribs, including but not exclusively: various metals, plastics, plexiglass, resins, papers, plant fibers, bamboo, ivory, horn, or wood. In all the embodiments disclosed below the planar material could optionally include sticks, and could optionally include solid stick and solid leaves. In all of the embodiments disclosed below, additional different materials could be used for the leaves, such as rayon, nylon, silk, Lycra, feathers, paper and other fabrics. The fabric could be made from virtually any commercially available fabric, without a design, message, or image and could optionally have a design, message, or image applied in one or more various methods not limited to batick, dies, bleaches, paint, stains, stencils, and weaves. The springs and the rivets would typically be made from some metal alloy, but could alternatively be made from other resilient materials, such as plastics, jewels, stones, and any manmade materials. 
   With these fans the operator retains the ability to have large designs on the fan leaves much like the old style fans, while bringing the fan into the present day with the automation of it&#39;s opening and closing and it&#39;s new materials. Various embodiments of the fan can be fabricated from bone, metal, plastic, ivory, horn, or wood sticks that are adorned or cockaded, pierced, carved, or painted or any combination of decoration. Real feathers or fake feathers could be attached to the sticks or ribs of the fan. 
   In one embodiment of the invention, fabric is used for the leaves, and they can be folded like the fabric of an umbrella. The fabric could be some resilient fabric, such as Lycra, nylon, or some other material that can be stretched and/or folded repeatedly without substantially losing tensile strength. In one embodiment of the invention, the sticks would fit in one half of a guard, while the leaves and the ribs would fit in the other half of a guard if the fan is double-folded. 
   In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sticks themselves could also be the leaves. Some embodiments have leaves with no gap near the guards, with the ribs physically supporting the leaves. However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, a plurality of sticks with a corresponding plurality of ribs supporting planar leaves made of some foldable material discussed above could also apply. 
     FIG. 1A  illustrates a side view of a fully opened automatic compact hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The fan includes a first guard  100  and a second guard (not shown), a third guard  103 , a rivet  104 , an activation device  106 , such as a button or stud, a spring mechanism  110 , a plurality of sticks  114  with corresponding ribs  117  physically supporting a plurality of leaves  118 . Guard end  98  indicates the end of guard  100 , and guard end  99  indicates the end of guard  103 . The guard ends  98  and  99  overlap each other when the fan is opened. 
     FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of a closed automatic compact hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Here, only the first guard  100 , the rivet  104 , the activation device  106 , and the spring mechanism  110  are visible in this view. 
     FIG. 1C  illustrates an edge view of a closed automatic compact hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Here, the first guard  100 , the second guard  102 , the third guard  103 , the rivet  104 , and the activation device  106  are visible in this view. 
     FIG. 2A  illustrates a fully opened automatic standard hand fan with an automatic latch, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The fan includes a first guard  100  and a second guard  102 , a rivet  104 , an activation device  106 , such as a button or stud, a spring mechanism  110 , a plurality of sticks  114  with corresponding ribs  117  physically supporting a plurality of leaves  118 . Guard end  98  indicates the end of guard  100 , and guard end  99  indicates the end of guard  102 . The guard ends  98  and  99  overlap each other when the fan is opened. The automatic latch, the second activation device, and the second spring are not shown in this view. 
     FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of a closed automatic standard hand fan with an automatic latch, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The fan includes a first guard  100  and a second guard  102 , a rivet  104 , a first activation device  106 , such as a button or stud, a second activation device  108 , such as a button or stud, and an automatic latch  120 . 
   The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  appears much as a standard hand fan in length and breadth, except the guards  100  and  102  are a little thicker due to the mechanization for opening and closing the fan, and for keeping the fan closed with a safety latch  120 . In one embodiment the operator can press an activation device  106  once to open the fan and then once again to close the fan. In another embodiment the operator can press one activation device  106  to open the fan, and press another activation device  108  to turn on a miniature motor to close the fan. 
     FIG. 3A  illustrates a fully opened automatic sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The fan includes a first guard  100  and a second guard  102 , a rivet  104 , one or more spring mechanism(s)  110 , an activation device  106 , such as a bead, button, or stud, sliding in a groove  126 , a plurality of sticks  114  (including a sturdy and stable central stick  115 ) with corresponding ribs  117  physically supporting a plurality of leaves  118 , and one or more connectors (e.g., wires, chains, cords, or equivalents)  122 . Guard end  98  indicates the end of guard  100 , and guard end  99  indicates the end of guard  102 . The guard ends  98  and  99  overlap each other when the fan is opened. 
   The embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A  is a fan that will automatically open via a release of an activation device  106  (e.g., bead, button, stud, or an equivalent) in a groove  126  in first guard  100 , and will close via the sliding of the activation device  106  back into a fixed place on the groove  126 . In alternative embodiments, the fan could be closed with a miniature motor, or by one or more additional springs, within the guards  100  or  102 . 
   The fan appears as a conventional hand fan, except for one or more connectors  122  connecting the fan ribs  117 . Both guards  100  and  102  rotate from the central stick  115 . A spring mechanism (e.g., one or more spring(s)  110 ), coupled to central stick  115 , opens the fan when the activation device  106  is released from a restraint (e.g., a clip or notch) next to groove  126 . 
     FIG. 3B  illustrates a closed automatic sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This view shows the first guard  100 , a rivet  104 , a spring mechanism  110 , and an activation device  106 , sliding in a groove  126 . The connectors  122  are not shown. 
     FIG. 3C  illustrates an edge view of a closed automatic hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This view shows the first guard  100 , the second guard  102 , a rivet  104 , the substantially planar material  118 , and an activation device  106 . The connectors  122  are not shown. 
     FIG. 4A  illustrates a fully opened automatic double folding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The fan includes a first guard  100  and a second guard  102 , a first rivet  105  with a first spring mechanism  112 , and a second rivet  107  with a second spring mechanism  119 , activated by a first activation device  108 , a third rivet  104  with a third spring mechanism  110 , activated by a second activation device  106 , a plurality of sticks  114  with corresponding ribs  117  physically supporting a plurality of leaves  118 . Guard end  98  indicates the end of guard  100 , and guard end  99  indicates the end of guard  102 . The guard ends  98  and  99  overlap each other when the fan is opened. This stage of the opening was achieved by activating activation device  106 . 
     FIG. 4B  illustrates a partially opened automatic double folding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This view of the fan shows only the first guard  100 , a first rivet  105  with a first spring mechanism  112  activated by a first activation device  108 , a third rivet  104  with a third spring mechanism  110 , activated by a second activation device  106 . This stage of the opening was achieved by activating the first activation device  108 , which unfolds the two halves of guard  100  and guard  102  (not shown). 
     FIG. 4C  illustrates a closed automatic double folding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This view of the fan shows only the first half of the first guard  100 , a first rivet  105  with the a first spring mechanism  112  activated by a first activation device  108 , a third rivet  104  with a third spring mechanism  110 , activated by a second activation device  106 . 
     FIG. 5A  illustrates a fully opened automatic interlocking hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The fan includes a first guard  100  and a second guard  102 , a rivet  104 , a spring mechanism  110 , an activation device  106 , such as a bead, button, or stud, which also expands the spacing between a plurality of sticks  114  which also act as the leaves of the fan. Guard end  98  indicates the end of guard  100 , and guard end  99  indicates the end of guard  102 . The guard ends  98  and  99  overlap each other when the fan is opened. The sticks  114  are controlled by engagements  128 , which permit the sticks  114  to be locked in an open position. Alternatively, the activation of the activation device  106  also expands the spacing between the sticks  114  and allows the sticks  114  to slide over each other to close the fan. 
     FIG. 5B  illustrates a closed automatic interlocking hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This view of the fan only shows the first guard  100 , a rivet  104 , a spring mechanism  110 , and the activation device  106 . 
     FIG. 6A  illustrates a side view of a fully opened automatic double folding circular hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This substantially circular fan includes a first guard  100  and a second guard  102 , a plurality of sticks  114  with corresponding ribs  117  physically supporting a plurality of leaves  118 . This stage of the opening was achieved by activating activation device  106  and rivet  104 . In one embodiment of the invention, the sticks  114 , the leaves  118 , and the ribs  117  would fit in half of a guard when the fan is completed folded. The first half guard opens to be the handle, using activation device  108  shown in  FIG. 6B ; when closed the first half guard protects the fan. The second half guard opens the fan leaves  118  using activation device  106 . 
     FIG. 6B  illustrates a side view of a partially opened automatic double folding circular hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The fan includes a first guard  100  and a second guard (not shown), a first rivet  105  with a first spring mechanism  112  activated by a first activation device  108 , and a second rivet  104  with a second spring mechanism  110 , activated by a second activation device  106 . This stage of the opening, with a full-length first guard  100  and second guard (not shown), was achieved by activating activation device  105 . 
     FIG. 6C  illustrates a side view of a closed automatic double folding circular hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This view of the fan shows only the first half of the first guard  100 , a first rivet  105  with a first spring mechanism  112  activated by a first activation device  108 . 
     FIG. 6D  illustrates an edge view of an open automatic double folding circular hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This view of the fan shows an edge view of the substantially planar material  118 , the first half  100 A of the first guard  100 , the first half  102 A of the second guard  102 , a first rivet  105 , the second half  100 B of the first guard  100 , a second rivet  104 , and a third rivet  107  on the second half  102 B of the second guard  102 . 
     FIG. 7A  illustrates a fully opened automatic encased sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This fan includes a handle  150 , an automatic activation device  155  to activate a spring (not shown), and a manual activation device  106 , a plurality of ribs  117  supporting a substantially planar material  118 . This stage of the opening was achieved by activating the automatic activation device  155 , or by manually sliding the activation device  106 , which could manually be moved to slide in groove  130  towards the open end  156  of the handle  150 . 
     FIG. 7B  illustrates a perspective view of a closed automatic encased sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This view of the fan shows the handle  150 , which includes the groove  130 , an automatic activation device  155 , the manual activation device  106  in the closed position on groove  130 , and the open end  156  of the handle  150 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic compact hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The method starts in operation  802 . Operation  804  is next and includes attaching a first guard, a second guard, and a third guard, each guard having a first end and a second end, substantially at the first end of the first guard, the second guard, and the third guard, allowing the first guard, the second guard, and the third guard to substantially rotate around an axis of rotation into a closed position, where the second end of the first guard, the second guard, and the third guard are in proximity, and an open position, where the second end of the first guard and the second guard are in proximity, and the second end of the third guard is not in proximity. Operation  806  is next and includes installing a spring mechanism in proximity to the axis of rotation, wherein the spring mechanism can selectively and substantially rotate the third guard into the open position in relation to the first guard and the second guard. Operation  808  is next and includes attaching a substantially planar material between a portion of the first guard and a portion of the third guard, wherein the substantially planar material can substantially fit between the first guard and second guard, and the third guard, in either the open position and the closed position. The method ends in operation  810 . 
     FIG. 9  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic standard hand fan with an automatic latch, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The method starts in operation  902 . Operation  904  is next and includes attaching a first guard, having a first end and a second end, and a second guard, having a first end and a second end, substantially at the first end of the first guard and the first end of the second guard, allowing the first guard and the second guard to substantially rotate around an axis of rotation into a closed position, where the second end of the first guard and the second end of the second guard are in proximity, and an open position, where the second end of the first guard and the second end of the second guard are maximally separated, and the first guard and the second guard are substantially open. Operation  906  is next and includes installing a spring mechanism in proximity to the axis of rotation, wherein the spring mechanism can selectively and substantially rotate the second guard into the open position in relation to the first guard, wherein the spring mechanism can be selectively activated by an operator to achieve the open position. Operation  908  is next and includes installing a second spring mechanism in proximity to the axis of rotation, wherein the second spring mechanism can selectively and substantially rotate the second guard into the closed position in relation to the first guard, wherein the second spring mechanism can be selectively activated by an operator to achieve the closed position. Operation  910  is next and includes installing a latch to hook the second end of the first guard to the second end of the second guard, wherein the latch is automatically activated when the second guard is rotated into the closed position in relation to the first guard. Operation  912  is next and includes attaching a substantially planar material between a portion of the first guard and a portion of the second guard, wherein the substantially planar material can substantially fit between the first guard and second guard in either the open position and the closed position. The method ends in operation  914 . 
     FIG. 10  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The method starts in operation  1002 . Operation  1004  is next and includes attaching a first guard, having a first end and a second end, and a second guard, having a first end and a second end, substantially at the first end of the first guard and the first end of the second guard, allowing the first guard and the second guard to substantially rotate around an axis of rotation into a closed position, where the second end of the first guard and the second end of the second guard are in proximity, and an open position, where the second end of the first guard and the second end of the second guard are maximally separated, and the first guard and the second guard are substantially open. Operation  1006  is next and includes installing a groove with the first guard for an activation device to slide. Operation  1008  is next and includes installing a plurality of sticks between the first guard and the second guard, also attached to rotate around the axis of rotation of the first guard and the second guard, wherein the plurality of sticks includes a center stick having a spring mechanism which can selectively and substantially rotate the first guard and the second guard into the open position. Operation  1010  is next and includes attaching one more connectors to the activation device and the plurality of sticks, and attaching a spring to the activation device, such that the spring can release the connector(s) and activation device to slide along the groove and open the fan. Operation  1012  is next and includes attaching a substantially planar material on the sticks, between the center stick and the first guard, and between the center stick and the second guard, wherein the substantially planar material can substantially fit between the center stick and the first guard and the center stick and the second guard, in either the open position and the closed position. The method ends in operation  1014 . 
     FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic double-folding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The method starts in operation  1102 . Operation  1104  is next and includes fabricating a first guard having a corresponding first half guard and a second half guard. Operation  1106  is next and includes fabricating a second guard having a corresponding first half guard and a second half guard. Operation  1108  is next and includes attaching each first half guard, having a first end and a second end, and each second half guard, having a first end and a second end, substantially at the second end of each first half guard and the first end of each second half guard, allowing each first half guard and each second half guard to substantially rotate around a first axis of rotation into a closed position, where the second end of each first half guard and the second end of each second half guard are in proximity, and a partially open position, where the first end of each first half guard and the second end of each second half guard are maximally separated, and each first half guard and each second half guard are substantially open. Operation  1110  is next and includes installing, separately for the first guard and the second guard, a first spring mechanism in proximity to the first axis of rotation, wherein the first spring mechanism can selectively and substantially rotate the second half guard into the open position in relation to the first half guard. Operation  1112  is next and includes attaching the first guard, having a first end and a second end, and the second guard, having a first end and a second end, substantially at the first end of the first guard and the first end of the second guard, allowing the first guard and the second guard to substantially rotate around a second axis of rotation into the open position, where the second end of each second half guard are maximally separated. Operation  1114  is next and includes installing a second spring mechanism in proximity to the second axis of rotation, wherein the second spring mechanism can selectively and substantially rotate the second guard into the fully open position in relation to the first guard. Operation  1116  is next and includes attaching a substantially planar material between a portion of the first guard and a portion of the second guard, wherein the substantially planar material can substantially fit between the first guard and second guard in the closed position, the partially open position, and the fully open position. The method ends in operation  1118 . 
     FIG. 12  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic interlocking hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The method starts in operation  1202 . Operation  1204  is next and includes attaching a first guard, having a first end and a second end, and a second guard, having a first end and a second end, substantially at the first end of the first guard and the first end of the second guard, allowing the first guard and the second guard to substantially rotate around an axis of rotation into a closed position, where the second end of the first guard and the second end of the second guard are in proximity, and an open position, where the second end of the first guard and the second end of the second guard are maximally separated, and the first guard and the second guard are substantially open. Operation  1206  is next and includes installing a spring mechanism in proximity to the axis of rotation, wherein the spring mechanism can selectively and substantially rotate the second guard into the open position in relation to the first guard, wherein the spring mechanism can be selectively activated by an operator to achieve the open position. Operation  1208  is next and includes attaching a substantially planar material between a portion of the first guard and a portion of the second guard, wherein the substantially planar material can substantially fit between the first guard and second guard in either the open position and the closed position, and wherein the substantially planar material includes a plurality of interlocking leaves composed of one or more substantially rigid materials, wherein one or more interlocking leaves are capable of sliding over interlocking leaves in proximity. Operation  1210  is next and includes installing an expansion device to separate the interlocking leaves allowing the closure of the fan. The method ends in operation  1212 . 
     FIG. 13  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic double folding circular hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The method starts in operation  1302 . Operation  1304  is next and includes fabricating a first guard having a corresponding first half guard and a second half guard. Operation  1306  is next and includes fabricating a second guard having a corresponding first half guard and a second half guard. Operation  1308  is next and includes attaching each first half guard, having a first end and a second end, and each second half guard, having a first end and a second end, substantially at the first end of each first half guard and the second end of each second half guard, allowing each first half guard and each second half guard to substantially rotate around a first axis of rotation into a closed position, where the second end of each first half guard and the first end of each second half guard are in proximity, and a partially open position, where the second end of each first half guard and the second end of each second half guard are maximally separated. Operation  1310  is next and includes installing, separately in the first guard and the second guard, a first spring mechanism in proximity to the first axis of rotation, wherein the first spring mechanism can selectively and substantially rotate the second half guard into the partially open position in relation to the first half guard. Operation  1312  is next and includes attaching the second half of the first guard, and the second half of the second guard, each half having a first end and a second end, substantially at the first end of the second half of the first guard and the first end the second half of the second guard. Operation  1314  is next and includes installing a second spring mechanism in proximity to the first ends of the second halves of the first guard and the second guard, wherein the second spring mechanism can selectively unfold a substantially planar material in a substantially circular shape, wherein the substantially planar material can be folded to substantially fit between the second halves of the first guard and the second guard in the partially open position, and the second halves of the first and second guards fit substantially between the first halves of the first and second guards in the closed position. The method ends in operation  1318 . 
     FIG. 14  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic encased sliding hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The method begins in operation  1402 . Operation  1404  is next and includes fabricating a handle, which is elongated and encloses a cavity, wherein the handle has a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the handle has an opening to access the cavity. Operation  1406  is next and includes installing a substantially planar material within the handle, wherein the substantially planar material can substantially fit within the cavity of the handle in a closed position. Operation  1408  is next and includes installing a first spring mechanism in the handle, wherein the spring mechanism can selectively slide out the substantially planar material from the second end of the handle to unfold the substantially planar material in proximity to the second end of the handle into an open position. The method ends in operation  1414 . 
     FIG. 15A  illustrates a fully opened automatic rolled hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The fan includes a first guard  100  and a second guard  102 , a rivet  104 , a spring mechanism  110 , an activation device  106 , a sturdy and stable center stick  115  attached to a rotational device  140  (shown in  FIG. 15C , e.g., a spring or coil) situated and activated with activation device  106 . Guard end  98  indicates the end of guard  100 , and guard end  99  indicates the end of guard  102 . The guard ends  98  and  99  overlap each other when the fan is opened. The substantially planar material  118  is attached to the center stick  115  and is uncoiled in the open position, being also attached to the first guard  100  and second guard  102 . 
   The embodiment shown in  FIG. 15A  is a fan that will automatically open via a release of an activation device  106  (e.g., bead, button, stud, or an equivalent), unrolling the coiled substantially planar material  118 ; and will close via the activation device  106  back into a coiled position around the center stick  115  to the closed position to fit between the first guard  100  and the second guard  102 . In alternative embodiments, the fan could be closed with a miniature motor to rotate the center stick  115  within and between the guards  100  or  102 . 
   The fan appears as a standard hand fan, except the substantially planar material rolls off of the center stick  115 , as guards  100  and  102  rotate away from the center stick  115 . A spring mechanism (e.g., one or more spring(s)  110 ), coupled to the center stick  115 , opens the fan when the activation device  106  engages a rotational device  140  (shown in  FIG. 15C ). 
     FIG. 15B  illustrates a closed automatic rolled hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This view shows the first guard  100 , a rivet  104 , a spring mechanism  110 , and an activation device  106 . 
     FIG. 15C  illustrates an edge view of a closed automatic rolled hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This view shows the first guard  100 , the second guard  102 , a rivet  104 , the substantially planar material  118 , an activation device  106 , and rotational device  140 . 
     FIG. 16  illustrates a flowchart to make an automatic rolled hand fan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The method starts in operation  1602 . Operation  1604  is next and includes attaching a first guard and a second guard, each having a first end and a second end, and a center stick having a first end and a second end, allowing the first guard and the second guard to substantially rotate around a first axis of rotation in proximity to the first ends of the first guard and second guard into a closed position, and an open position, where the second end of the first guard and the second end of the second guard are maximally separated. Operation  1606  is next and includes installing an activation device on the first guard. Operation  1608  is next and includes installing two pieces of a substantially planar material attached to and rolled around (i.e., coiled around) a center stick between the first guard and the second guard, wherein the center stick is attached to rotate around a second axis of rotation between the first guard and the second guard, wherein the center stick has a spring mechanism, in proximity to the first end of the center stick, wherein the activation device can activate the center stick to unroll and substantially rotate the first guard and the second guard into the open position. Operation  1610  is next and includes installing a second spring mechanism in proximity to the first end of the center stick wherein the activation device can substantially roll the substantially planar material onto the center stick, bringing the first guard and the second guard into the closed position. Operation  1612  is next and includes attaching one of the two pieces of substantially planar material to the first guard, attaching one of the two pieces of substantially planar material to the second guard, wherein the two pieces of substantially planar material can substantially fit between the center stick and the first guard and the center stick and the second guard, in the open position. The method ends in operation  1614 . 
   Other embodiments of the invention are possible. For example, the activation devices shown on the guard of any embodiment of the invention could be placed in other locations on the guards, such as at either end of the guards, or central to the guards. One activation device could both open and close a fan, or one activation device could be dedicated to opening a fan, and a second activation device could be dedicated to closing a fan. Furthermore, any of the embodiments disclosed above could alternatively include a microchip-controlled motor or additional springs to close the hand fan either completely or partially. 
   The exemplary embodiments described herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments could be practiced without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims set forth below.