Combined LED light and fan apparatus

A combination axial fan and LED lighting system configured to fit into the footprint of a standard ceiling tile. The system includes a housing container and an axial fan. The fan has a fan cavity including air diversion mechanism to direct air from the fan cavity toward the lighting and fan components. The invention includes an airflow surface to direct air existing the fan cavity along an LED light fixture.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the combination of a fan and LED light system built into the footprint of an office ceiling tile. More particularly, the present invention provides for a troffer shelf to house both the light and fan in a configuration to direct airflow across the LED light fixture and through an outlet. The present invention may utilize the fan blade technology disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/814,161, 15/043,923 and 15/346,913 each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Indoor spaces such as offices, hospitals, retail stores, educational institutions and the like have two main issues: (1) maintaining proper air quality and air movement; and (2) providing adequate lighting. Indoor spaces often have only a single HVAC system that provides air and heat to all of the different sized offices or rooms within a space. Separately, the indoor space utilizes a series of LED lights that are mounted in ceiling tiles having a dimension of 2 ft.×2 ft. or 2 ft.×4 ft. There is a need for a system which can move air within an indoor space which supplements the primary HVAC system while at the same time providing ample lighting within the indoor space while fitting into the dimensions of a ceiling tile. The system also can provide a cooling effect on the LED lights to prolong the life-span of the lights.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), more than 360 million troffers provide general lighting in commercial building interiors. With their standard dimensions of 2-by-4, 1-by-4 and 2-by-2, these luminaires are popular in dropped, acoustical-tile ceilings with a low ceiling height (less than or equal to 9 feet). The installed troffer base is predominantly linear fluorescent. In recent years, the development of LED technology has resulted in a broad selection of products designed to challenge fluorescent, offering up to 70 percent energy savings, longer life and controllability.

There does exist a problem with LED lights. Excessive heat causes damage to LED lights. LED bulbs that produce white light typically generate excessive heat that must be conducted away from the LED light system. Proper thermal management is critical to maintaining the original brightness and extending the lifespan of LED lights. Unfortunately, due to component costs, many manufacturers do not include the materials or structures necessary to provide proper heat transfer, thereby reducing the performance of the product. For example, most LED lighting manufacturers use less expensive and less reliable circuit boards that do not transfer heat well. Heat build-up in LED lights will damage the material, decrease the effectiveness of the light and decrease the lifespan of the lighting unit.

The secret to extending the useful life of an LED fixture is proper thermal management. There are several factors that affect the thermal performance of any fixture including the ambient air temperature, but LEDs specifically suffer from improper thermal design. The displacement of waste heat produced by LED lights is paramount to the longevity of the LED lights and can provide an advantage to a company in the emerging LED lighting industry.

The energy consumed by an incandescent bulb produces around 12% heat, 83% infrared radiation and only 5% visible light. A typical LED light produces 15% visible light and 85% heat. It is important to dissipate heat from LED's through efficient thermal management. The operating temperature of an LED light affects the lifespan of the LED. LED lights do not tend to fail catastrophically, instead the lumen output of the LED decreases over time. Elevated internal temperatures of the LED cause accelerated deterioration of the LED lights.

One of the major complaints levied by people working in an office, school, hospital, or commercial space concerns the temperature in the space. Complaints about temperatures are not just a matter of employees' preferences and tolerances. Temperature has been found to have a direct correlation to productivity. It is believed that productivity is linked to the temperature of the building. In addition to temperature issues within a building, employees may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, irritation, cough, fatigue, asthma and other symptoms due to what has been termed “sick building syndrome.” The primary sources of indoor air quality problems are believed to be inadequate ventilation and contamination from within the building.

Further, in an office or indoor environment, the absence of adequate ventilation causes irritating or harmful contaminants to accumulate, which causes worker discomfort, health problems and reduced performance levels. Air purification is an important part of an HVAC system. A typical indoor HVAC system is not a substitute for source control or ventilation.

Thus, there is a need for combination fan and LED light fixture system that fits into the footprint of a typical ceiling tile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a combination of an LED light system and small flow fan which is adapted to be inserted into a foot-print of a typical ceiling tile. The fan may be any type of fan, including axial flow, cross flow, impeller and bladeless fans.

The present invention further utilizes a small flow fan that operates to propel air along the surface of an LED light system. In one embodiment, the fan is configured to direct cooler air from the lower portion of an office space through the ceiling fixture. Pushing relatively cooler air through the fixture causes convective heat transfer over the LED lights. The reduction in temperature has a significant impact on the life of the drive system of the fan, the lighting ballast and the LED components.

The present invention further includes an air diversion mechanism positioned in proximity to the fan to equally distribute the air propelled by the fan to all sides of the fixture. The air diversion mechanism provides equal distribution of the air throughout the fixture which provides for equal air movement and heat transfers across the LED lighting fixtures. The housing for the air dispersion system may also be used to house the ballast, drivers and wires of the lighting and fan systems.

The present invention combines the benefit of savings in electrical energy with savings in HVAC energy costs in one unit.

The present invention further includes the benefit of adapting the fan and LED lighting fixture to fit into the foot print of a ceiling tile to permit installation of the fixture in standard ceiling tile configurations, thus maintaining the aesthetics of the ceiling.

The present invention also includes the benefit of utilizing an ethernet or Wi-Fi (wireless) connection for remote control of the lighter and fan.

The present invention includes the benefit of moving air in an indoor space to provide more efficient heating of the indoor space.

The present invention may include the stepped fan blade technology of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/814,161, 15/043,923 and 15/346,913 which are all incorporated herein by references in their entirety. The stepped-fan blade technology provides the benefit of moving air through the fixture in a more efficient manner, thereby reducing the amount of energy required to operate the unit. The stepped blade technology also enables the fan to operate at a lower speed thus utilizing less energy and reducing noise. Finally, the stepped-fan blade technology disperses the air in a uniform manner.

The present invention provides the additional benefit of enhancing the life of all of the electrical fixtures (both the lighting and fan fixture) by reducing the amount of deterioration on each fixture caused by heat.

The present invention will also enhance the foot-candles per watt performance of the lighting optics by reducing the temperature of the LED light. The present invention reduces the problem of the LED light degrading over time due to an increase in temperature.

This design of the present invention will also enhance the ability to self-clean the lens on the LED face by utilizing air to push any dust or debris away from the lighting fixture.

This design of the present invention provides for a competitive advantage in that it permits electrical hook up in one complete unit that used to require two separate electrical connections, one for the fan and one for the light.

An added benefit of the present invention provides for a filter to clean the air that comes through the perforations of the intake or the screen of the light fixture—therefore creating a cleaner air environment.

The present invention may include the added benefit of connecting the light fixture to an HVAC system which introduces cooled or heated air into the fan of the light fixture to permit the cooled/heated air into the light fixture.

The present invention may utilize various color schemes to impact various behavior traits of a person. Color is believed to profoundly affect the productivity of a person. Research has shown that blue color is believed to affect a person's mind; yellow is believed to affect a person's emotions; red is believed to affect a person's body; and green is believed to affect a person's balance. Utilizing these colors in the present invention, the colors can affect a person's behavior. The colors scheme may be incorporated into the lens, the troffer shelf or the LED light.

Finally, the present invention presents a benefit of elimination of any strobing effect caused by the fan blades interfering with the light distribution.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, as well as the details of the illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a combination of a fan and LED light fixture.FIGS. 1 and 2show side sectional views of an embodiment of the present invention depicting a troffer shelf12.FIG. 3shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention including a troffer shelf. The combination fan10includes a troffer shelf12which supports at least one LED light fixture20and a fan30. The fan30is supported by a louvered fan support18. As shown inFIG. 3, the louvered fan support18has a lower solid portion19and an upper open portion17that includes several opening and louvers60which direct air from the fan chamber13along the troffer shelf12. It is not material to the present invention where the solid portion19and open portion17is located in the fan support18. What is important is that there is a solid portion19of the fan support18that braces the fan30, and an open portion17that is configured to permit air to flow from the fan chamber13to the troffer chamber16. The direction of the air flow is not necessarily important to the present invention. What is important is that the fan30causes air to flow in the vicinity of an LED light fixture20.

The troffer shelf12may have the same general dimensions as a ceiling tile typically 1 ft.×2 ft., 2 ft.×2 ft. or 2 ft.×4 ft. The LED light fixture20is typically positioned along the troffer chamber16along the troffer shelf12such that light from the fixture20is not interrupted by the fan30. The LED light fixture includes an LED lamp22. The LED light fixture20is preferably in the form of a strip which runs the length of the troffer shelf12. The LED light fixture20is secured to the troffer shelf12in such a manner to permit air to flow along a substantial portion of the surface area of the LED lamp22and light fixture20. The LED light fixture20may include a magnetic attachment mechanism to secure the light fixture20to the troffer shelf12. The magnetic attachment mechanism serves multiple purposes including the ability to detach the LED light fixture20from the troffer shelf12in a relatively easy fashion. The magnetic attachment mechanism further serves to provide a space between the LED light fixture20and troffer shelf12for air to flow through which increases the surface area of the LED light fixture20that contacts the air. The greater the surface area of the LED light fixture20that comes in contact with the air flow, the faster and more efficient the temperature reduction of the LED light fixture. While LED light fixtures are discussed throughout the preferred embodiment, it is understood that other types of lights may be utilized in the invention and benefit from the features of the invention.

The fan30preferably includes at least an axial fan as shown inFIG. 12. Referring back toFIGS. 1, 2 and 3, there may be more than one fan within the fan area13. The blades32of the fan30force air to move parallel to a shaft34about which the blades32rotate. Air flow40moves axially through the intake of the fan36and axially out through the outlet38of the fan30. The flow of air is generally linear trough the intake36and the outlet38. The design of the fan30is a function of the blade configuration32that creates a pressure of differential that produces airflow40across the fan blade32. The fan30may consist of anywhere from 2 to 8 blades. The fan30is connected to a motor51and typically operates at high speeds. The typical speed of the axial fan of the present invention operates between 1800 to 4000 RPM to produce airflow in the range of 85 to 150 cubic feet per minute. While an axial fan is disclosed in the figures of the invention, it is understood that other types of fans such as a bladeless fan, cross-flow fan, or impeller-type fan may be used as the fan30in the embodiments shown in the figures. Any of those types of fans can be utilized without having a detrimental effect on the function and features of the invention. The important feature of the fan30is to move and distributes air within the fan area, regardless of the type of fan that was used.

As shown inFIG. 2, The configuration of the troffer shelf12directs the flow of air from the outlet38of the fan30. Air flows along the troffer shelf12and the troffer baffle14, along the LED light fixture20. Air passing along the LED light fixture20acts to dissipate heat produced by the LED light fixture20which reduces the operating temperature of the LED light fixture20. In essence, the air flow reduces waste heat produced by the LED fixture20by conducting the heat away from the fixture20. It is believed that the airflow in the current invention can reduce the temperature of the LED light fixture from approximately 120° F. to approximately 80° F. in the typical environment found in offices, hospitals, retail stores, educational institutions and the like.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3depict the combination LED light fixture and fan10. The air exiting the outlet38of the fan30is propelled into the fan chamber13. The air in the fan chamber13as shown inFIG. 3, is directed by a diversion mechanism50so that the air flows through openings17in the fan support18. The air flowing through the opening17is directed by louvres60into the light chamber16, along the troffer shelf12, to engage the LED light fixture20. By directing air from the fan20along the troffer shelf12causes the air to circulate around the LED light fixture20to reduce the temperature of the light fixture20. The air flow in the lighting chamber16is directed by the troffer baffle14through an exit vent84formed by the damper81.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there may be a vent and lens bracket80. The bracket80is affixed to the troffer shelf12in such a manner to permit air to flow from the light chamber16through an exit vent84formed by a damper81in the bracket80. The vent84permits the air heated by LED light fixture20to exit the light chamber16. The bracket80also includes a lens bracket82. The lens bracket82corresponds with a fan lens bracket83to secure a lens90in place within the combination LED light and fan10. The lens90provides a solid surface to assist with containing any air from the fan30such that it proceeds along the troffer shelf12and the troffer baffle14to the LED light fixture20and through the vent84. A lens90is not necessary to the invention. However, the lens90typically made of a somewhat flexible translucent plastic material. There is a mounting mechanism100that is used to affix the combination LED light fixture and fan to an adjacent ceiling tile or bracket.

The embodiments of the present invention incorporate the use of color displayed by the lighting system to affect the environment in which the combination LED light and fan fixture10may be implemented. Research has shown that different colors appear to affect behavioral traits in humans. For example, the color yellow is believed to influence a person's self-confidence; the color red is believed to influence a person's physical body, the color blue is believed to influence a person's mind and the color green is believed to influence a person's emotional balance. It is believed that, for example, the combination of a yellow color with a blue color will stimulate a person's emotional balance and mind. The different color combinations may be incorporated into the present invention in numerous ways. In one embodiment of the present invention, the colors blue, red, yellow or green may be applied to the internal surface of the troffer shelf12and/or the troffer baffle14by means of paint, insert or other known technique. Alternatively, the lens90may comprise of the colors blue, red, yellow or green. The colored lens90operates to transmit light of the lens color in an indoor space. Finally, the LED light fixture20itself may be configured to generate light in the blue, red, yellow or green spectrums by means of the LED lamp22.

The air exiting from the fan cavity16is directed along an airflow surface on the troffer shelf12and troffer baffles14air may alternatively be directed through a cooling chamber, which is not shown but functions to cool the fan components, as well as, the LED lighting components. The internal surface of the troffer shelf12and troffer baffles14may be coated with a Miro-Micro Matt wet paint produced by Alanod. The paint helps to maintain airflow along the surface, as well as, maintain a clean dust-free surface. The airflow40has two general components. The air that exits the fan cavity13generally has a laminar flow along the airflow surface of the troffer shelf12. As the flow of air from the fan30extends towards the exterior perimeter of the troffer shelf12and troffer baffles14through the vent84, the flow becomes more turbulent and mixes with the surrounding air. The preferred direction of the air-flow is such that the intake36of the fan30draws air from the lower portion of a space and distributes the air along the upper portion of the space. Air along the lower portion of an area tends to be cooler than air that resides at the upper portion of an area. The cooler air is pulled into the fan30and distributed from the cavity is used to cool and clean the LED light fixture20, and/or the LED light bulb22.

The combination fan of the present invention may utilize the stepped-fan blade design depicted in the pending patent application Ser. No. 14/814,161, 15/043,923 and 15/346,913 incorporated herein by reference in the entirety. The benefits of the stepped-blade design are set-forth in detail in the pending patent applications referenced herein and need not be repeated in this provisional application and are not shown in the drawings. The stepped-fan blade design greatly improves the air flow characteristics of the fan30.

As shown inFIGS. 9, 9(a),10and10(a), the fan intake36may include decorative perforations and/or a grill39. The grills39may be of a circular configuration as shown inFIGS. 9 and 9(a). Alternatively, the grill may extend the length of the fan intake36as shown inFIGS. 10 and 10(a). The air intake36may also include a filter (not shown). Alternatively, the filter may be positioned at the air outlet38or at a grill covering the combination fan39. The filter serves to clean air flowing through the fan of dust and other fine particles. The filters may be removed for cleaning or replacement on a periodic basis. The embodiments shown inFIGS. 10 and 10(a) are more adapted to accommodate a filter.

The preferred embodiment of the combination fan and LED light system further includes an air diversion mechanism50. The air diversion mechanism50is positioned within the cavity of the fan chamber13. The physical configuration of the air diversion mechanism50is such that it directs air exiting the fan outlet38through the louvered openings17or diffuser in the louvered fan holder18. In the preferred embodiment, the air diversion mechanism50is in the shape of a prism as shown inFIGS. 1thru7. Alternatively, the air diversion mechanism50may be in the shape of a pyramid (FIG. 8), cone, pentagon, triangle or other suitable shape to divert air from the fan chamber13, through the openings17and into the troffer chamber16along the LED light fixture20. The air diversion mechanism directs air towards opening17along louvered vents60positioned along the inside fan chamber13. The vents17may include louvres60to assist in directing the air in the desired direction. Positioned within the air diversion mechanism50is a ballast housing51for LED lighting ballast, drivers and wires. The ballast housing51houses the wiring for both the LED lighting system and the fan to allow for a single hook-up to the electrical outlets or connections positioned within the ceiling.

The air exiting from the fan cavity13is directed along an airflow troffer shelf12to the troffer baffle14. Air may alternatively be directed through a cooling chamber, which is not shown, but functions to cool the components located in the ballast housing51, as well as, the LED lighting components.

As shown inFIG. 2, air40enters the fan30and is expelled by the fan blades32into the air chamber13. Air flow in the fan chamber is generally laminar. Air is forced into the air chamber13and is directed by a louvre60through an opening in the fan chamber13into the light chamber16. The air (shown in arrows) has generally a laminar flow along the troffer shelf12and troffer baffle14. As the flow of air from the fan30extends towards the exterior perimeter of the housing in the vent84, the flow becomes more turbulent and mixes with the surrounding air such that the air exiting through the damper81is more turbulent in nature. The preferred direction of the air-flow is such that the intake36of the fan30draws air from the lower portion of a space and distributes the air along the upper portion of the space. Air along the lower portion of an area tends to be cooler than air that resides at the upper portion of an area. The cooler air is pulled into the fan30and distributed from the cavity is used to cool and clean the LED light fixture20, the LED cover24and/or the LED light bulb22. In an alternative embodiment, the direction of the airflow may be reversed.

Turning toFIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7, refer to alternative embodiments to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1, 2 and 3. An alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a combination of a fan and LED light fixture.FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7show views of different embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4depicts an alternative design of the troffer shelf and the troffer baffle14. In the alternative design, air is propelled from the fan30into the fan chamber13. The air from the fan30is deflected by a diversion mechanism50, through the opening17and directed by louvres60into the light chamber16. The louvres60are configured to direct the air from the fan along the troffer shelf12and along the troffer baffles14. By directing air from the fan30along the troffer shelf12causes the air to circulate along LED light fixtures20. The air flow helps to reduce the temperature of the LED light fixture20. The air flow is directed by the troffer baffle14through an exit vent84formed by the damper81, in the lens bracket80.

InFIG. 4, the troffer shelf12has more of a squared-shape. The troffer shelf12and the troffer baffle14intersect at generally right angles to each other. The fan30is positioned in generally the same position as demonstrated inFIG. 3. The fan chamber13includes a diverter50to direct air exiting the fan30through the open portion17of the fan chamber13. Louvers60direct the air passing through the open portion17of the fan chamber30into the light chamber16. Air flows along the troffer shelf12and the troffer baffle14passed the LED light fixture20. Air passing along the light fixture passes along the plurality of LED light fixture20to dissipate the heat in the LED light fixture20. The air follows a path along the air baffle through the vent84out of the light chamber16.

The bracket80includes a damper81and lens bracket82. The embodiment includes a lens90which acts to diffuse the light emitted from the LED lights20. There is a mounting mechanism100used to affix the combination LED light fixture and fan to an adjacent ceiling tile or bracket.

The interior surface of the troffer shelf12and troffer baffle114may be coated with a Miro-Micro Matt wet paint produced by Alanod. The paint helps to maintain airflow along the surface, as well as, maintain a clean dust-free surface. The paint can be applied in any of the colors discussed above to affect the environment.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the combination fan110includes a housing112which supports at least one LED light fixture120and a fan130. The housing is the same dimensions as a ceiling tile typically 2 ft.×2 ft. or 2 ft.×4 ft. The LED light fixture120is preferably positioned along the periphery of the housing112such that light from the fixture120is not interrupted by the fan130. The LED light fixture includes an LED light bulb122.

The alternative embodiments of the combination LED light fixture and fan110utilize an internal baffle114. The internal baffle114serves to direct air within the troffer cavity116and provide support for the LED lighting120. The embodiments depicted inFIGS. 5 and 6include a fan130that directs air through a fan exit138in the fan chamber113. The fan chamber113includes an air diverter150which may take on many different shapes, such as a prism shown inFIG. 5or a trapezoidal shape shown inFIG. 6. Air from the fan chamber113is directed by the diverter150through the open portion117of the fan support118. The air flowing through the open portion117of the fan support118is directed by louvres160. As shown inFIG. 6, the air is directed by the louvres160into the baffle chamber116along the baffle114across the LED light120. The air passing across the LED light120is directed by the baffle114through the exit vent184.

InFIG. 5, the baffle114guides air flowing through the openings117in the fan chamber113(which is directed by the baffles) along the LED light fixture120. The air serves to reduce the temperature of the LED light fixture120and extend the life of the fixture120. The baffle114guides the air flow from the LED light fixture120through the exit vent184.

The fan130preferably includes an axial fan. The blades132of the axial fan force air to move parallel to a shaft134about which the blades132rotate. The flow of air140is axially through the intake of the fan136and axially out through the outlet138of the fan130. The flow of air is linear trough the intake136and the outlet138. The design of the fan130is a function of the blade configuration132that creates a pressure of differential that produces airflow140across the fan blade132. The axial fan130may consist of anywhere from 2 to 8 blades. The axial fan130is connected to an energy source (not shown) and typically operates at high speeds. The typical speed of the axial fan of the present invention operates between 1800 to 4000 RPM to produce airflow in the range of 85 to 150 cubic feet per minute. The combination fan of the present invention may utilize the stepped-fan blade design depicted in the pending patent applications referenced above.

The fan intake136ofFIGS. 5 and 6may include decorative perforations and/or a grill as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. The air intake136may also include a filter (not shown). Alternatively, the filter may be positioned at the air outlet138or at a screen covering the combination fan142. The filter serves to clean air flowing through the fan of dust and other fine particles.

The preferred embodiment of the combination fan and LED light system110further includes an air diversion mechanism150. The air diversion mechanism150is positioned within the fan chamber113of the fan130. Looking atFIG. 14in the preferred embodiment, the air diversion mechanism150is in the shape of a prism as shown inFIGS. 5, 6 and 13. Alternatively, the air diversion mechanism150may be in the shape of a pyramid (FIG. 14), cone, pentagon, triangle or other suitable shape to divert air to the LED components and into the office space. The air diversion mechanism150directs air towards vents117positioned along the fan cavity113. The vents117may include louvres160to assist in directing the air in the desired direction. Additionally, the air diversion mechanism may have vents to permit a portion of the air circulated by the fan to enter the diversion mechanism150to provide a cooling effect on the ballast housing151.

The air exiting from the fan cavity116is directed along an airflow surface on the troffer baffle114air may alternatively be directed through a cooling chamber, which is not shown but functions to cool the fan components, as well as, the LED lighting components. The internal surface of the troffer baffle114is preferably coated with a Miro-Micro Matt wet paint produced by Alanod. The paint helps to maintain airflow along the surface, as well as, maintain a clean dust-free surface. The airflow140has two general components. The air that exits the fan cavity113generally has a laminar flow along the airflow surface of the lower housing portion114. As the flow of air from the fan130extends towards the exterior perimeter of the housing112through the vent184, the flow becomes more turbulent and mixes with the surrounding air. The preferred direction of the air-flow is such that the intake136of the fan130draws air from the lower portion of a space and distributes the air along the upper portion of the space. Air along the lower portion of an area tends to be cooler than air that resides at the upper portion of an area. The cooler air is pulled into the fan130and distributed from the cavity is used to cool and clean the LED light fixture120, and/or the LED light bulb122.

An embodiment of the combination LED light fixture and fan200in which the LED light fixtures220are directed toward the ceiling is depicted inFIGS. 7 and 8. The combination LED light fixture and fan200inFIG. 7includes a fan220. The fan230may include an invented axial fan, or any fan that serves the purpose of distributing air in a relatively quiet fashion. The fan230includes an air inlet236and air exit238. There is a fan chamber216. Air is drawn from the indoor environment, through the air inlet236and propelled by the fan through the fan exit238into the fan chamber213. There is a diverter250positioned within the fan chamber213to direct air from the fan through an open portion117of the fan support218. The open portion217may include louvers260to guide the air from the fan chamber213into a troffer cavity216.

The combination LED light fixture and fan210has a domed shell292. While a domed-shaped shell292is shown in the preferred embodiment, any shaped shell may be utilized and still practice the invention. The shell292serves as a troffer. The shell292is configured to direct air from the troffer cavity216along the LED light fixtures220and through the exit vent284. A lens290is positioned on top of the shell292. The LED light fixtures220may be configured to direct light upward toward the ceiling or downward toward the shell292. The shell292may be made of a solid material or alternatively a translucent material to permit light to penetrate the shell292into the room. The combination LED light fixture and fan220is supported from the ceiling by one or more mounting cables294. The mounting cables294may be configured to accommodate power cables to supply power to the fan230and LED light fixtures220.

The combination LED light fixture and fan as shown in all the embodiments of the present invention may use a hard-wired control mechanism to control both the light20and fan30. The invention may use an ethernet connection and remote control to activate the fan30and LED light fixture20. Alternatively, a wi-fi (wireless) connection may be used in connection with a remote control to control the LED light20and fan30. The remote control feature is configured to adjust the intensity (or color) of the LED light fixture20and the speed of the fan30.

The preferred embodiments of the inventions shown inFIGS. 1 through 7show a fan that is independent from the HVAC system of the building in which the combination LED lighting fixture and fan10may be installed. However, it is contemplated that the combination LED lighting fixture and fan10may be combined with the existing HVAC system in order to distribute the air from the HVAC system through fan chamber13and through the light chamber16. The combination LED lighting fixture and fan10may be the primary source of distribution of the air from the HVAC system or it could be use in a supplemental capacity. If the HVAC system is implemented in connection with the combination LED light fixture and fan20, the HVAC system could be connected to the combination LED light fixture and fan10at several locations. For example, the HVAC system could be configured to delivery air from the HVAC system into the fan chamber13or the light chamber16by connecting a duct from the HVAC system to either the fan chamber13or the troffer cavity. The fan30of combination LED light fixture and fan10provides a supplemental air delivery system to augment the HVAC system.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 11(a), the combination fan may include two or more fans30. In the multiple fan configuration, it is beneficial that adjacent fans rotate in different directions to provide a more even distribution of air along the fan30. It is important to note that the adjacent fans rotate in opposite directions. As shown inFIG. 11(a), the multiple fans may all rotate in the same direction.

FIG. 12depicts the typical fan30and130that is used in the invention.

It should be understood that there are many components to the inventions of the combined fan. While specific combinations of elements are disclosed in specific embodiments, it should be understood that any combination of the different features may be utilized in the combined fan.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrating and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials as well as in the details of illustrated construction may be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.