Kit for decorating ceiling fan blades

A kit for decorating ceiling fan blades is provided. The kit includes a plurality of fan blade covers adapted to readily conform to the shape of a ceiling fan blade. The covers are embellished with interchangeable decorative images or themes selectable by user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to ceiling fans and, more particularly, to a kit for decorating ceiling fan blades.

2. Description of the Related Art

Ceiling fans have become very popular for providing quiet air circulation in both residential and commercial structures. The fans provide an energy efficient means of cooling a room in the summer and mixing heated air during the winter. However, an inherent problem associated with ceiling fans is that the blades thereof collect dust, dirt, grime, and allergens. When stationary, the blades of the fan provide a surface on which dust and other particles and vapors settle. In addition, as heated air rises, such air transports dust, lint, oily vapors, and other particles. Upon actuation of the ceiling fan, the blades travel through the air containing this mixture, thereby causing a layer of the mixture to further accumulate on the surfaces of the fan blades. In addition, as the fan blades rotate, they disperse the accumulated dust, allergens, and other particles about the room, thereby substantially reducing the air quality in the surrounding area, and in turn causing breathing difficulties and eye, nose, and throat irritations.

Another problem associated with ceiling fans is the difficulty in cleaning the blades on a regular basis. In most instances, a ladder or stool is required to reach the upper surfaces of the blades in order to properly clean such surfaces. This is a cumbersome task and can be hazardous given that the person must balance themselves on the ladder or stool and the blades are susceptible to rotate during the cleaning process.

Still another problem associated with ceiling fans is once the blades become worn, blades generally cannot be simply replaced. Thus a new ceiling fan must be purchased which may necessitate additional costs which include but are not limited to installation.

Yet another problem associated with ceiling fans is the lack of color continuity concerning the ceiling fan and a redecorated or painted room. In order to match the new decor, either a new ceiling fan or new blades must be purchased. Alternatively, the blades must be disassembled from the fan and painted separately.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for a commercially available kit which includes a decorative means for shielding ceiling fan blades against dust, lint, allergens, oily vapors, and debris in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient. The development of the kit for decorating ceiling fan blades fulfills this need.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related.

The following patents disclose various ceiling fan blade covers and decorative fan blades:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,947, issued in the name of Gabriel et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,868, issued in the name of Carpenter;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,900, issued in the name of McAuley;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,006, issued in the name of DeMeo et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,005, issued in the name of McCready;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,093, issued in the name of Sedlak et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,572, issued in the name of Prucha et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,686, issued in the name of Keyes;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,261, issued in the name of Barone; and

U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,264, issued in the name of Anetrini.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,854 B2, issued in the name of Krakowski discloses a mobile kit for a ceiling fan.

Consequently, a need has been felt for a commercially available kit which includes a decorative means for shielding ceiling fan blades against dust, lint, allergens, oily vapors, and debris in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a decorative fan blade cover.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a decorative fan blade cover which readily conforms to the shape of a ceiling fan blade.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fan blade cover fabricated of a highly elastic, flexible material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fan blade cover fabricated of a lightweight, flexible disposable material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a washable and/or disposable fan blade cover.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a closure mechanism for tightly closing a mouth portion of the cover upon a suitable portion of the arm of the blade.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a ceiling fan blade cover embellished with ornamentation or a decorative image.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a ceiling fan blade cover adapted to have a desired decorative theme removably applied thereto.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fan blade cover in the form of a slip cover.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a plurality of kits for decorating ceiling fan blades.

Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a decorative fan blade cover is disclosed. The decorative fan blade cover comprises a tubular sleeve fabricated of a flexible, disposable material such as plastic or a plastic polymer. The tubular sleeves may also be fabricated of a highly elastic, flexible, washable fabric material adapted to readily conform to the shape of a ceiling fan blade. The cover is configured to fit various sizes and contours of fan blades. The fitted tubular sleeve has an openable and closable mouth for receiving the fan blade portion, and a closed end. The mouth of the fitted tubular sleeve is provided with a closure mechanism for tightly closing the mouth around an arm of the ceiling fan blade.

The display side of tubular sleeve is embellished with ornamentation or a decorative image. The decorative image is envisioned to include a pattern, design, print, symbol, indicia, and a color or series of colors. The display side is directed downwardly when covering a fan blade.

According to another embodiment, tubular sleeves may also be provided and suitably adapted to have a desired decorative theme removably adhered thereto. In reference to this embodiment, the decorative theme is provided in the form of at least one theme element, or a combination of theme elements comprised of patterns, images, designs, prints, symbols, and/or indicia supplied on a substrate adapted for removable attachment to tubular sleeve.

In order to accommodate a theme exemplified by the interior decoration of a room into which the ceiling fan is located, and to accommodate refashioned themes as decorative interests change or evolve, a kit for decorating ceiling fan blades is disclosed. The kit may also be utilized for decorating ceiling fan blades according to an individual's own particular interest or desires, irrespective of the theme corresponding to the interior decoration of the room into which the ceiling fan is located. The kit comprises a package suitably adapted for housing a plurality of tubular sleeves embellished with a decorative theme, a light source, and an instruction leaflet. Kit may also be manufactured so as to comprise a package suitably adapted for housing plurality of tubular sleeves, at least one theme element or a combination of theme elements each element being supplied on a substrate for releasable attachment to the plurality of tubular sleeves, a light source, and an instruction leaflet.

According to another embodiment, the tubular sleeves may also be provided in the form of slip covers adapted for installation on ceiling fan blades. The slip covers each include a pocket for housing a desired theme element.

According to still another embodiment, an overlay is disclosed. The overlay is adapted for removable attachment to the upward side of fan blade. The overlay is adapted to attract, collect, and accumulate dust, lint, dirt, grime, allergens and other airborne particles in an inconspicuous manner.

The use of the present invention provides a decorative means for shielding ceiling fan blades against dust, lint, allergens, oily vapors, and debris in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

1. Detailed Description of the Figures

Referring now toFIGS. 1-3, a decorative fan blade cover10, is shown, according to the present invention, installed on a conventional ceiling fan12. The decorative fan blade cover10comprises a highly elastic, flexible fitted tubular sleeve20adapted to readily conform to the shape of a ceiling fan blade16. Thus, the cover10is adapted to fit various sizes and contours of fan blades16. The fitted tubular sleeve20has an openable and closable mouth22adapted for receiving the fan blade16portion, and a closed end26associated with an end16aof the fan blade16being spaced distally from the rotary fan shaft14. The mouth22of the fitted tubular sleeve20is provided with a closure mechanism30for tightly closing the mouth22around an arm17of the ceiling fan blade16.

The tubular sleeve20is fabricated of a highly elastic, flexible fabric material40adapted for receiving ornamentation50. The highly elastic, flexible fabric material40is selected from the group which includes but is not limited to a long chain synthetic polymer having at least 85% segmented polyurethane, such as SPANDEX, textile composites which include 80% cotton/20% spandex, 70% wool/30% spandex, 80% cotton/15% nylon/5% spandex, 8% LYCRA®/92% microfiber at 60 denier, and the like. The fabrication material40utilized to construct tubular sleeve20allows for sleeve20to be washable and/or disposable. The tubular sleeves20are available in a color or series of colors.

Referring now toFIG. 4andFIG. 5, the tubular sleeve20is formed into a tubular configuration by folding a flat, generally rectangular sheet of fabrication material40over itself along fold line41in a manner such that segment42engages segment44, and segment46engages segment48. Segments42and44are sewn together to form seam45, and segments46and48are sewn together to form seam49in a manner so as to provide the closed end26portion and the openable and closable mouth22portion. Alternatively, tubular sleeve20may be fabricated in a seamless version commonly referred to as a tubular one-piece construction having an open end22opposing a closed end26. In a relaxed configuration, the overall length of the tubular sleeve20is less than an overall length of the fan blade16, and the width of the tubular sleeve20is significantly less than an overall width of the fan blade16.

Referring now toFIG. 3andFIG. 6, when the tubular sleeve20is slipped over a respective ceiling fan blade16, the mouth22portion is closed upon a suitable portion of the arm17using the closure mechanism30. The closure mechanism30is preferably via an elastic band32suitably disposed in an end seam loop34formed at mouth22portion.

Alternatively, closure mechanism30may be in the form of a releasable fastener36, as shown inFIG. 7. Releasable fastener36is envisioned to be in the form of a tab37attached to the outer surface of the tubular sleeve20adjacent the mouth22, wherein tab37includes a hook portion38aof a hook-and-loop fastener38. A loop portion38bof the hook-and-loop fastener38is attached to the outer surface of tubular sleeve20, proximal to tab37. The hook portion38aand loop portion38bare positioned about the mouth22so as to provide for a range of mouth22portion closure sections, thereby accommodating a broad range of cross-sections of conventional blade arms17.

When stretched longitudinally and transversely, the tubular sleeve20tightly and conformingly grips against the outer surface of the fan blade16in a manner such that during operation, the tubular sleeve20remains fixed in the installed position, and is resistant to centrifugal and air forces encountered during ceiling fan12operation.

Referring now more particularly toFIG. 1, a lower side or display side21of the tubular sleeve20is embellished with ornamentation50in the form of a decorative theme51or image, such as holidays and symbols therefor, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Easter, New Years, Halloween, and the like, geographical locations, formations, and objects, such as plant and tree life53, a lighthouse, a tropical scene, a snowy-winter scene, a rain forest, nautical or aquatic scenes which include aquatic life such as fish, whales, sharks, and dolphins, wild and exotic animals, domestic animals, such as images of one's pet(s), sports, including motor sports, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, and sports symbols therefor, sports equipment, sports venues, and teams, prehistoric reptiles, cartoon characters, fairytale characters, outer space and objects representative thereof, such as celestial images, stars, moon, planets and the like, cultural images and symbols representative of particular cultures, such as Southwestern and tribal cultures, religious images and symbols representative of particular religions, and family photos.

The decorative theme51is disposed along the display side21of tubular sleeve20. The display side21of tubular sleeve20is directed downwardly when covering a fan blade16. User may select a decorative theme51in order to correspond with the decor of the room into which the ceiling fan12is located, or according to user's personal preference. The decorative image51provided inFIG. 1illustrates plant life53, shown herein as a leaf54, complete with venation55. Thus, once installed on a ceiling fan blade16, the cover10, according to this particular example and illustration only, is adapted to resemble or simulate an enlarged leaf54.

Referring now toFIG. 8andFIG. 9, in order to accommodate a theme exemplified by the interior decoration of a room into which the ceiling fan12is located, and to accommodate refashioned themes as decorative interests change or evolve, a kit for decorating ceiling fan blades100is provided. The kit100may also be utilized for decorating ceiling fan blades16according to an individual's own particular interest or desires, irrespective of the theme corresponding to the interior decoration of the room into which the ceiling fan12is located.

The kit100comprises a plurality of tubular sleeves20each adapted to snugly cover a ceiling fan blade16. Tubular sleeves20are preferably fabricated of a flexible disposable material such as plastic or a plastic polymer. The tubular sleeves20may also be fabricated of a highly elastic, flexible fabric material, thus allowing sleeves to be washable. It is envisioned that tubular sleeves20may also be constructed of paper material, although less durable than plastic or textile material.

The tubular sleeves20are each formed into a tubular configuration via pressure sealing or heat sealing methods, or according to other fabrication methods described earlier above concerning tubular sleeves20constructed of fabric or textile material(s).

The tubular sleeves20are available in a color or series of colors, including transparent or clear. The display side21of each of the tubular sleeves20is embellished with a decorative theme51.

Referring now more specifically toFIGS. 9-11, according to another embodiment, tubular sleeves20may also be provided and suitably adapted to have a desired decorative theme51removably applied thereto. According to this embodiment, the decorative theme51is provided in the form of at least one theme element52, or a combination of theme elements52comprised of patterns, images, designs, prints, symbols, and/or indicia supplied on a substrate70. The kit100includes a plurality of substrates70. Each substrate70is enveloped by a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive75along the bottom side73thereof. The top side72or face of substrate70is decorated with the decorative theme51. The pressure-sensitive adhesive75includes an adhesive coating76on its outer side being suitable to releasably adhere to the display side21of tubular sleeve20. The adhesive coating76is defined of a binding composition being suitable to adhere substrate70to tubular sleeve20and to allow substrate70to be readily removed from sleeve20without causing damage thereto. Thus, the plurality of substrates70are adapted to be replaced and substituted with another selectively desired substrate70in order to accommodate user's varied interests and needs. The plurality of substrates70are adapted to allow user to customize user's fan blades16in unique ornamental styles.

A removable release liner80covers the outer side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive75in order to afford protection thereto until desired use, and to prevent adhesive75from binding to any surface prematurely. The removable release liner80is readily peelable from the pressure-sensitive adhesive75and does not remove the adhesive coating76therefrom. Once the release liner80is removed, the pressure-sensitive adhesive75is engaged against the display side21of each of the tubular sleeves20so that a selected theme element52is viewable from the lower side or display side21of the tubular sleeve20.

According to another embodiment, the decorative theme51is provided in the form of at least one theme element52, or a combination of theme elements52comprised of patterns, images, designs, prints, symbols, and/or indicia adapted for attachment via a suitable attachment means to the display side21of each of the tubular sleeves20.

According to still another embodiment, the at least one theme element52comprises an air freshener210envisioned to be available in a variety of forms including but not limited to stick or thin plate, housed fragrance, and the like.

A light source90is provided for releasable adherence to the display side21of tubular sleeve20. The light source90is preferably high-intensity lights or light emitting diodes (LEDs)92. The LEDs92have a transparent or translucent plastic lens body93extending upward from a base95having a flat lower surface96. The lens body93is manufactured so as to be available in a variety of shapes, such as circular, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, trapezoidal, rhomboidal, and elliptical.

Kit100is manufactured so as to be commercially available, the commercially available kit100comprises a plurality of tubular sleeves20embellished with a decorative theme51, a package102suitably adapted for housing the plurality of tubular sleeves20, a light source90, and an instruction leaflet104which provides detailed instructions for installing tubular sleeves20to ceiling fan blades16. Kit100may also be manufactured for commercial availability and comprise a plurality of tubular sleeves20, a package102suitably adapted for housing the plurality of tubular sleeves20, at least one theme element52or a combination of theme elements52each element52being supplied on a substrate70, a light source90, and an instruction leaflet104which provides detailed instructions for removably applying a desired decorative theme51to tubular sleeves20and for installing tubular sleeves20to ceiling fan blades16.

Referring now toFIGS. 12-17, according to another embodiment, the tubular sleeves20may also be provided as slip covers108, each being formed of an elongated, thin, flexible material having a front surface110and a rear surface112. The rear surface112has a pressure-sensitive adhesive114mounted thereon. The pressure-sensitive adhesive114is comprised of an adhesive coating115suitably tacky so as to provide a surface on which dust, lint, dirt, grime, allergens and other airborne particles are attracted, collected, and accumulated. A release liner116is applied over the pressure-sensitive adhesive114. The release liner116is readily peelable from the pressure-sensitive adhesive114and does not remove the adhesive coating115therefrom.

The elongated, thin, flexible material defines a generally rectangular configuration having a length and width measurably larger than the ceiling fan blade16. The periphery120of elongated, thin, flexible material is defined of a first side edge122, a second side edge124, a proximal edge126, and a distal edge128. Thin, flexible material is preferably fabricated of a paper material, but may also be fabricated of other fabrication materials such as plastic. A thin, flexible membrane130is attached atop elongated, thin, flexible material. Thin, flexible membrane130substantially corresponds to a shape of elongated, thin, flexible material so as to cover an entire upper surface thereof. A thin, transparent layer132is laminated atop thin, flexible membrane130along a periphery138thereof in a manner so as to form a blade receiving pocket140. Thin, transparent layer132substantially corresponds to a shape of thin, flexible membrane130and elongated, thin, flexible material. Thin, transparent layer132includes an anterior edge133opposing a posterior edge134. A horizontally extending slit142is provided below the anterior edge133of thin, transparent layer132, slit142providing direct passage into the blade receiving pocket140. Slit142defines a length allowing an end16aof fan blade16to be inserted therethrough, thereby allowing fan blade16to be slidably inserted and housed inside blade receiving pocket140. A lightweight, thin, semi-rigid insert200is inserted through slit142of thin, transparent layer132and positioned between the downward side of fan blade16and the thin, transparent layer132so that insert200is directed downwardly. The insert200defines a generally rectangular configuration being sizably adapted to fit snugly inside blade receiving pocket140. A desired theme element52, such as an artificial leaf54a,is inserted through slit142of thin, transparent layer132, and positioned between the thin, transparent layer132and the insert200. The at least one theme element52or a combination of theme elements52is thus housed within said blade receiving pocket140and directed downwardly. The at least one theme element52or a combination of theme elements52may be slidably inserted into blade receiving pocket140at a desired position therein. Being transparent, the thin, transparent layer132allows for the selected theme element(s)52to be displayed in clear view by user and other observers. The blade receiving pocket140allows for any number of desired decorative themes51to be displayed therein and viewed clearly. The insert200is adapted to prevent a selected theme element52from crimping at the outer end16aof fan blade16as centrifugal forces are generated during ceiling fan12operation.

It is envisioned that a theme element52or a combination of theme elements52can be suitably attached to the insert200prior to insertion of insert200through slit142and into blade receiving pocket140. After attachment of theme element(s)52to insert200, the insert200is inserted inside blade receiving pocket140in a manner such that the theme element(s)52are directed downwardly so as to be visible to an observer. Additionally, an air freshener210, sizably adapted for containment within the blade receiving pocket140, may be suitably attached to insert200prior to insertion of insert200through slit142and into blade receiving pocket140. Alternatively, air freshener210may be inserted through slit142of thin, transparent layer132, and positioned between the thin, transparent layer132and the insert200, so that the air freshener210is directed downwardly, and air freshener210is slidably inserted into blade receiving pocket140at a desired position. Where an air freshener210is utilized as the theme element52, the thin, transparent layer132comprises a plurality of apertures214through which a fragrance of air freshener210is permitted to be emitted and diffused about the room into which the ceiling fan12is located (apertures214illustrated inFIG. 16a).

In order to secure slip cover108to a fan blade16so that it remains fixed in the installed position, and resistant to centrifugal and air forces encountered during ceiling fan12operation, the release liner116is peeled from the pressure-sensitive adhesive114and upper corners114a,114bof pressure-sensitive adhesive114are overlapped atop the upward side of fan blade16below the arm17thereof in a manner such that the adhesive coating115of pressure-sensitive adhesive114binds to the upward side of fan blade16. As shown inFIG. 16, the corners114aand114bare reverse folded so as to reside in a fixed overlapped position atop the upward side of fan blade16and snugly against the lower end of arm17, thereby securing slip cover108to a fan blade16.

Another kit100aembodiment is manufactured so as to be commercially available, the commercially available kit100acomprises a plurality of slip covers108, a package102asuitably adapted for housing the plurality of slip covers108, a lightweight, thin, semi-rigid insert200, at least one theme element or a combination of theme elements52, a light source90, and an instruction leaflet104aproviding instructions for installing theme element(s)52inside the blade receiving pocket140of each of the slip covers108and for installing slip covers108to ceiling fan blades16.

Finally, referring toFIGS. 18-21, according to still another embodiment, an overlay150is provided. The overlay150comprises an elongated, thin flexible material having a generally rectangular configuration having a length and width measurably larger than the ceiling fan blade16. Elongated, thin, flexible material has a front surface152and a rear surface154. The front surface152has a pressure-sensitive adhesive190mounted thereon. The pressure-sensitive adhesive190is comprised of an adhesive coating192suitably tacky so as to provide a surface on which dust, lint, dirt, grime, allergens and other airborne particles are attracted, collected, and accumulated. A release liner194is applied over the pressure-sensitive adhesive190. The release liner194is readily peelable from the pressure-sensitive adhesive190and does not remove the adhesive coating192therefrom.

The rear surface154has a pressure-sensitive adhesive156mounted thereon. The pressure-sensitive adhesive156is comprised of an adhesive coating157suitably tacky so as to releasably secure overlay150to the upward side of fan blade16. A release liner160is applied over the pressure-sensitive adhesive156. The release liner160is readily peelable from the pressure-sensitive adhesive156and does not remove the adhesive coating157therefrom. The periphery170of elongated, thin, flexible material is defined of a first side edge172, a second side edge174, a proximal edge176, and a distal edge178. Elongated, thin, flexible material is preferably fabricated of a paper material, but may also be fabricated of other fabrication materials such as plastic and a plastic polymer.

Release liner194at front surface152of overlay150is perforated at regular intervals, along perforations180. Perforations180extend along an entire first inner edge adjacent the periphery198of liner194and an entire second inner edge aligned internal to first inner edge such that perforations180at first inner edge encircle perforations provided at second inner edge. Additional perforations180may be provided in the manner described above so as to include perforations180at a third inner edge, a fourth inner edge, and the like. Perforations180provide user with a visual guide for cuffing-away a desired margin of the periphery170of overlay150in order to custom fit overlay150to the dimensions of a selected fan blade16. Perforations180may include any combination of short and long slits or scores separated by short and long areas of liner194material. Scores are meant to include indentations in the liner194material that do not extend all the way through the overlay150material.

After trimming a desired margin of the periphery170of overlay150, if so required, the release liner160at rear surface of154of overlay150is removed from the pressure-sensitive adhesive156. Pressure-sensitive adhesive156is engaged against the upward side of fan blade16in an overlaid, matching or shape-correspondent manner, thereby allowing the adhesive coating157of pressure-sensitive adhesive156to releasably bind to the upward side of fan blade16. The release liner194at front surface152of overlay150is then removed. In this particular embodiment, overlay150is adapted to attract, collect, and accumulate dust, lint, dirt, grime, allergens and other airborne particles in an inconspicuous manner.

Thus, according to another embodiment, a kit100bis disclosed comprising a plurality of overlays150, a package102bsuitably adapted for housing the plurality of overlays150, and an instruction leaflet104bproviding instructions for releasably attaching the plurality of overlays150to ceiling fan blades16.

The use of the present invention provides a decorative means for shielding ceiling fan blades16against dust, lint, allergens, oily vapors, and debris in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

To use the present invention, user inserts the outer end16aof fan blade16through the closable mouth22of tubular sleeve20. User then closes the mouth22upon a suitable portion of the fan blade arm17using the closure mechanism30.

The use of the present invention provides a decorative means for shielding ceiling fan blades16against dust, lint, allergens, oily vapors, and debris in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.

Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following Claims.