Fan Cover

A fan cover is an apparatus designed to prevent the buildup of dust and other particles on an air fan to improve the quality of air circulating through the air fan. To do so, the apparatus comprises a cover body, an elastic band, an insert-retaining pocket, and at least one scent-modifying insert. The cover body is designed to be attached onto the air inlet of the air fan to prevent the buildup of dust and other particles on the air fan. The elastic band facilitates the secure attachment of the cover body to the air fan so that the cover body stays attached to the air fan during operation of the air fan. The insert-retaining pocket is designed to receive the at least one scent-modifying insert without obstructing the airflow through the air fan. The at least one scent-modifying insert allows the diffusion of scents and/or fragrances into the airflow.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fan accessories and covering devices. More specifically, the present invention discloses a fan cover that can filter the airflow and diffuse scents into the airflow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, air fans are widely used to generate an airflow anywhere, specially inside closed spaces. Typically, air fans include a rotating arrangement of blades that act on the air to generate the airflow. However, dust and other particles start to build up on the blades, around the inlet, and on the outlet grille of the air fan. The accumulated debris can disturb the airflow and lower the quality of air being circulated by the air fan. To prevent this, fan covers have been made available to prevent the air fan from accumulating dust or dirt. Most fan covers need to be removed when the air fan needs to be used. There are some fan covers that can be left on the air fan during operation. However, these fan covers are not reusable and fail to effectively filter the airflow generated by the air fan as well as improve air smell.

Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide a fan cover with air filtration and scent diffusion features. The present invention adds an extra level of filtration to fans to improve air quality. Another objective of the present invention is to prevent dirty dust-caked fan blades that affect the airflow and air quality generated by the air fan. Microorganisms can grow in the debris that causes bad smells especially in humid environments. Further, another objective of the present invention is to improve air smell by diffusing scents, such as scents from essential oils, into the air flow. Additional features and benefits of the present invention are further discussed in the sections below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a fan cover that can be attached to the inlet portion of an air fan to prevent the buildup of dust and other particles on the fan blades as well as the front and back of the fan grille. The present invention only covers the back of the air fan where the air is initially sucked in. This allows the filtration of the air flow without reducing the airflow generated by the air fan. The present invention is designed to accommodate the shape and size of the desired air fan. In addition, the present invention is designed to be left attached to the air fan even during the operation of the air fan. Further, the present invention is designed to filter the airflow to improve the quality of air circulating through the air fan. The present invention can also diffuse scents, such as scents from essential oils, into the airflow so that the air circulating is pleasant to smell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a fan cover designed to prevent the buildup of dust and other particles on an air fan to improve the quality of air circulating through the air fan. As can be seen inFIGS.1through13, the present invention comprises a cover body1, an elastic band11, an insert-retaining pocket12, and at least one scent-modifying insert17. The cover body1is designed to be attached onto the air inlet of the air fan to significantly reduce the buildup of dust and other particles on the air fan grilles. The elastic band11facilitates the secure attachment of the cover body1to the air fan so that the cover body1stays attached to the air fan during operation of the air fan. The insert-retaining pocket12is designed to receive the at least one scent-modifying insert17without obstructing the airflow through the air fan. The at least one scent-modifying insert17allows the diffusion of scents and/or fragrances into the airflow.

The general configuration of the aforementioned components allows the air circulating through an air fan to have better quality for a more pleasant environment surrounding the air fan. As can be seen inFIGS.1through13, the cover body1is a flexible structure that can be made from reusable, washable, and/or breathable material. For example, the cover body1and the insert-retaining pocket12are preferably made of a mesh material that allows air flow through the cover body1. This way, when the air fan is operating, the cover body1filters all air flowing through the cover body1. To do so, the cover body1comprises a body center2, an outer body edge3, a proximal face4, and a distal face5. The body center2corresponds to the center of the cover body1, while the outer body edge3corresponds to the edge of the cover body1that forms the perimeter of the cover body1. Further, the proximal face4and the distal face5correspond to the two opposite largest surfaces of the cover body1due to the thin, elongated, and flexible structure of the cover body1.

In addition, the cover body1can have different shapes that accommodate different air fan designs. As can be seen inFIGS.1through3, the cover body1can have an overall rectangular shape that matches the design of a rectangular box fan. As can be seen inFIGS.4through13, the cover body1can also have an overall round shape that matches the design of a table fan or a pedestal fan. Further, the cover body1and the insert-retaining pocket12can be made of a mesh material that can include 92% nylon and 8% spandex. These materials can be exchanged with other materials that are flexible and breathable. Reinforcement material can be utilized to help secure the elastic band11to the cover body1and other fasteners as needed. The reinforcement material can include 82% nylon and 18% spandex. Further, threading can be used to connect all components together, and can include 100% polyester. Furthermore, at least one scent-modifying insert17is preferably a cartridge-like insert that is designed to emanate odors or scents as air flows adjacent to the at least one scent-modifying insert17. For example, the at least one scent-modifying insert17can be a soft pouch of porous material able to retain essential oils or other fragrances that can be diffused into the airflow circulating through the air fan. In other embodiments, different materials can be utilized for the different components of the present invention.

As can be seen inFIGS.1through13, the present invention is preferably arranged as follows: the elastic band11is integrated along the outer body edge3to secure the elastic band11to the cover body1. This way, the elastic band11forces the outer body edge3to close towards the body center2to form a cap-like structure. This way, the cover body1can be securely attached to the inlet portion of the air fan. Further, the insert-retaining pocket12is positioned in between the body center2and the outer body edge3to position the insert-retaining pocket12in the airflow through the air fan. Further, the insert-retaining pocket12is positioned offset from the body center2and the outer body edge3so that the scent from the at least one scent-modifying insert17is diffused into the airflow. In addition, the insert-retaining pocket12is connected onto the distal face5to secure the insert-retaining pocket12to the cover body1. Furthermore, the at least one scent-modifying insert17is positioned within the insert-retaining pocket12so that the at least one scent-modifying insert17is kept in place inside the insert-retaining pocket12while the air fan is in operation.

As previously discussed, the insert-retaining pocket12allows the insertion of the at least one scent-modifying insert17in an easy manner while also keeping the at least one scent-modifying insert17secure inside the insert-retaining pocket12. As can be seen inFIGS.1through13, the insert-retaining pocket12may comprise a pocket opening13and a pocket flap14. The pocket opening13allows the insertion and removal of the at least one scent-modifying insert17to/from the insert-retaining pocket12. The pocket flap14is a piece of mesh material large enough to seal the pocket opening13to keep the at least one scent-modifying insert17inside the insert-retaining pocket12. So, the pocket flap14may comprise a free flap edge15and a fixed flap edge16corresponding to opposite edges of the pocket flap14. The fixed flap edge16is preferably the edge that is connected onto the cover body1, while the free flap edge15is left unconnected to allow the insertion and removal of the at least one scent-modifying insert17.

As can be seen inFIGS.1through13, in the preferred embodiment, the insert-retaining pocket12can be arranged as follows: the pocket opening13is oriented towards the outer body edge3to facilitate the insertion and removal of the at least one scent-modifying insert17. In addition, the pocket flap14is positioned adjacent to the pocket opening13so that the pocket flap14can seal the pocket opening13. Further, the fixed flap edge16is connected onto the distal face5so that the pocket flap14is secured to the cover body1. Furthermore, the free flap edge15is positioned offset to the pocket opening13so that the pocket flap14seals the pocket opening13. In other embodiments, the insert-retaining pocket12can be modified to accommodate several inserts.

As previously discussed, the cover body1can be designed to accommodate the shape of a table fan. Most table fans have a power cord protruding from the back of the table fan, which is where the cover body1would be attached onto the table fan. As can be seen inFIGS.4through9, to accommodate the power cord, additional wiring, or other fan features, the present invention may further comprise a cover slit18. The cover slit18preferably corresponds to a narrow cut that allows the power cord and other wiring to pass through the cover body1. To do so, the cover slit18traverses through the mesh body to form a cut on the cover body1. In addition, the cover slit18is preferably positioned at the body center2to match the position of the power cord on the table fan. In other embodiments, different cuts or openings can be provided on the cover body1to accommodate other external fan features that may obstruct the attachment of the cover body1to the table fan.

Due to airflow generated by the table fan, the edges formed by the cover slit18may flap and cause unwanted noise while the table fan is in use. As can be seen inFIGS.4through9, to prevent this, the present invention may further comprise a plurality of slit-snap caps19and a plurality of slit-snap sockets20that help seal the cover slit18once the cover body1has been attached onto the table fan. The plurality of slit-snap caps19and the plurality of slit-snap sockets20correspond to the interlocking components of several snap fasteners that help seal the cover slit18. The plurality of slit-snap caps19and the plurality of slit-snap sockets20can be made of a plastic phosphorescent material that glows in the dark to help the user locate the table fan and the present invention in the dark. In addition, the present invention may further comprise a first slit-reinforcement strip21and a second slit-reinforcement strip22that allow for the secure connection of the plurality of slit-snap caps19and the plurality of slit-snap sockets20to the cover body1. Further, the cover body1may further comprise a first slit edge6and a second slit edge7corresponding to the two edges formed by the cover slit18.

As can be seen inFIGS.4through9, the plurality of slit-snap caps19and the plurality of slit-snap sockets20can be arranged as follows: the first slit edge6and the second slit edge7are positioned opposite to each other across the cover slit18due to the narrow cut formed on the cover body1by the cover slit18. The first slit-reinforcement strip21is connected along the first slit edge6to strengthen the first slit edge6with reinforcement material. In addition, the first slit-reinforcement strip21is positioned adjacent to the distal face5. Likewise, the second slit-reinforcement strip22is connected along the second slit edge7to strengthen the second slit edge7with reinforcement material. The second slit-reinforcement strip22is also positioned adjacent to the distal face5. Further, the plurality of slit-snap caps19is integrated along the first slit-reinforcement strip21to evenly distribute the plurality of slit-snap caps19along the first slit edge6. Similarly, the plurality of slit-snap sockets20is integrated along the second slit-reinforcement strip22to evenly distribute the plurality of slit-snap sockets20along the second slit edge7. This way, the engagement and the disengagement of the plurality of slit-snap caps19and the plurality of slit-snap sockets20does not damage the mesh material of the cover body1. Furthermore, to seal the cover slit18once the cover body1is attached onto the table fan and the power cord is inserted through the cover slit18, each of the plurality of slit-snap sockets20is selectively engaged to a corresponding socket from the plurality of slit-snap sockets20. In other embodiments, different fastening mechanisms can be utilized to seal the cover slit18.

As can be seen inFIGS.4through9, in some embodiments, to help the user disengage the plurality of slit-snap caps19from the plurality of slit-snap sockets20, the present invention may further comprise a first slit-pull tab23and a second slit-pull tab24. The first slit-pull tab23and the second slit-pull tab24correspond to two short tabs that help the user disengage the plurality of slit-snap caps19from the plurality of slit-snap sockets20, especially when the snap fasteners are too small for the user to easily disengage with the fingers. To do so, the first slit-pull tab23is connected onto the first slit-reinforcement strip21to secure the first slit-pull tab23to a slit-snap cap of the plurality of slit-snap caps19. For example, the first slit-pull tab23can be riveted to a select slit-snap cap. Likewise, the second slit-pull tab24is connected onto the second slit-reinforcement strip22to secure the second slit-pull tab24to a slit-snap socket of the plurality of slit-snap sockets20. The second slit-pull tab24can also be riveted to a select slit-snap socket. Further, the first slit-pull tab23and the second slit-pull tab24can also be made of a phosphorescent plastic material that allows the user to easily locate the first slit-pull tab23and the second slit-pull tab24in the dark. In other embodiments, additional features can be provided to help the user seal or unseal the cover slit18manually in an easy manner.

Similar to a table fan, a pedestal fan has several features that can prevent the easy attachment of the cover body1to the inlet of the pedestal fan. For example, most pedestal fans have a support column positioned on the inlet of the pedestal fan, which prevents the cover body1from being easily attached to the pedestal fan. As can be seen inFIGS.10through13, to prevent this issue, the present invention may further comprise a cover round-cut25and a cover straight-cut26. The cover round-cut25is designed to form a round opening on the cover body1that accommodates the support column of the pedestal fan. The cover straight-cut26allows the cover body1to be wrapped around the inlet of the pedestal fan for easy attachment of the cover body1to the pedestal fan. In addition, the cover body1may further comprise an inner body edge8, a first straight edge9, and a second straight edge10. The inner body edge8is the round edge formed by the cover round-cut25. Like the outer body edge3, elastic band11can also be incorporated along the inner body edge8to seal the cover round-cut25. Further, the first straight edge9and the second straight edge10corresponds to the two opposite straight edges formed by the cover straight-cut26.

As can be seen inFIGS.10through13, the embodiment of the cover body1for a pedestal fan can be arranged as follows: the cover round-cut25traverses through the cover body1to form the round opening that accommodates the support column of the pedestal fan. The cover round-cut25is also positioned at the body center2to match the position of the support column on the pedestal fan. Further, the inner body edge8is delineated by the cover round-cut25. Similarly, the cover straight-cut26traverses through the cover body1to enable the cover body1to be wrapped around the inlet of the pedestal fan. Unlike the cover round-cut25, the cover straight-cut26traverses from the outer body edge3, through the inner body edge8, and into the cover round-cut25, to form the first straight edge9and the second straight edge10. In addition, the first straight edge9and the second straight edge10are positioned opposite to each other across the cover straight-cut26. Thus, the first straight edge9and the second straight edge10can be separated to allow the cover body1to be wrapped around the inlet of the pedestal fan. When the cover body1is laid flat, the cover body1will have a U-shaped structure that can be easily attached onto the pedestal fan. Once attached, the first straight edge9and the second straight edge10can be brought together to form the round structure of the cover body1that matches the round design of the pedestal fan. In other embodiments, different cuts and openings can be provided to accommodate other features of the pedestal fan.

As can be seen inFIGS.10through13, to prevent the cover body1from falling off the pedestal fan once attached, the present invention may further comprise a plurality of cut-snap caps27and a plurality of cut-snap sockets28. The plurality of cut-snap caps27and the plurality of cut-snap sockets28allow the detachable connection of the first straight edge9to the second straight edge10to prevent the cover body1from falling off the pedestal fan. The plurality of cut-snap caps27and the plurality of cut-snap sockets28correspond to the interlocking components of several snap fasteners that help connect the first straight edge9to the second straight edge10. The plurality of cut-snap caps27and the plurality of cut-snap sockets28can also be made of a plastic phosphorescent material that glows in the dark to help the user locate the pedestal fan and the present invention in the dark. In addition, the present invention may further comprise a first cut-reinforcement strip29and a second cut-reinforcement strip30that help strengthen the first straight edge9and the second straight edge10, respectively. The first cut-reinforcement strip29and the second cut-reinforcement strip30prevent the engagement and disengagement of the plurality of cut-snap caps27and the plurality of cut-snap sockets28from damaging the mesh material of the cover body1.

As can be seen inFIGS.10through13, the plurality of cut-snap caps27and the plurality of cut-snap sockets28can be arranged as follows: the first cut-reinforcement strip29is connected along the first straight edge9to strengthen the first straight edge9with reinforcement material. Similarly, the second cut-reinforcement strip30is connected onto the second straight edge10to also strengthen the second straight edge10with reinforcement material. Further, the plurality of cut-snap caps27is integrated along the first cut-reinforcement strip29to evenly distribute the plurality of cut-snap caps27along the first straight edge9. Likewise, the plurality of cut-snap sockets28is integrated along the second cut-reinforcement strip30to evenly distribute the plurality of cut-snap sockets28along the second straight edge10. Thus, when the user wants to securely connect the first straight edge9to the second straight edge10, each of the plurality of cut-snap sockets28is selectively engaged to a corresponding socket from the plurality of cut-snap sockets28. In other embodiments, different fastening materials can be used to selectively connect the first straight edge9to the second straight edge10.

As can be seen inFIGS.10through13, in some embodiments, to help the user disengage the plurality of cut-snap caps27from the plurality of cut-snap sockets28, the present invention may further comprise a first cut-pull tab31and a second cut-pull tab32. The first cut-pull tab31and the second cut-pull tab32correspond to two short tabs that help the user disengage the plurality of cut-snap caps27from the plurality of cut-snap sockets28, especially when the snap fasteners are too small for the user to easily disengage with the fingers. To do so, the first cut-pull tab31is connected onto the first cut-reinforcement strip29to secure the first cut-pull tab31to a cut-snap cap of the plurality of cut-pull caps. For example, the first cut-pull tab31can be riveted to a select cut-snap cap. Likewise, the second cut-pull tab32is connected onto the second cut-reinforcement strip30to secure the second cut-pull tab32to a cut-snap socket of the plurality of cut-snap sockets28. The second cut-pull tab32can also be riveted to a select cut-snap socket. Further, the first cut-pull tab31and the second cut-pull tab32can also be made of a phosphorescent plastic material that allows the user to easily locate the first cut-pull tab31and the second cut-pull tab32in the dark. In other embodiments, additional features can be provided to help the user connect or disconnect the first straight edge9and the second straight edge10manually.

In some embodiments, the present invention can include various features that help the user properly maintain the present invention in order to have proper filtration of the airflow through the air fan and maintain good air quality. For example, the present invention may include a care label that is terminally attached to the cover body1to provide the user with care instructions. The care instructions can include information regarding the materials of the present invention as well as the proper cleaning method of the present invention that does not damage the cover body1or the other components. Further, the present invention may include means to indicate to the user when maintenance is necessary for the present invention. As can be seen inFIGS.1and2, the present invention may further comprise a fabric wash indicator33that visually indicates the user when the user should wash the present invention. The fabric wash indicator33can be a chemically activated patch that changes color once a predetermined amount of dirt and other particles accumulate on the fabric wash indicator33. Further, the fabric wash indicator33is mounted onto the distal face5to secure the fabric wash indicator33to the cover body1. In other embodiments, different indicators can be implemented to help the user monitor the condition of the components of the present invention to ensure the best quality of air in the surroundings of the air fan.