Abstract:
An airflow fan accessory comprising an accessory having a scented fabric and a fastening mechanism located along the outer edge of the scented fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the accessory may be easily attached to and detached from the fan blade enclosure of any typical airflow fan. Upon air flow through the fan and airflow fan accessory, a pleasant scent may be imparted to the room via release of scent from the scented fabric component.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates in general to a system and method for providing an accessory for an air fan such as a stand-alone box, round, and/or oscillating fan. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Airflow fans allow the flow of heated or cooled air into rooms of homes, offices, other buildings and even outside. Generally, such fans are made of metal and/or plastic with a cage or enclosure like structure surrounding the spinning fan blades. They may have a switch or dial which can regulate the spinning speed of the fan blades which, in turn, regulates the amount of air which flows through the fan. Various stand alone fans appear in the market including box, round, and/or oscillating fans. 
         [0004]    Various devices have been used in the past to scent the air of a given room or area in a building. However, such devices may require electricity or heat in order to volatilize the scent so that it distributes throughout the area of interest. The problem with prior art systems is the inability to conceivably, effectively, and easily access the airflow passing through the airflow fans to scent the air in the room. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention supports an airflow fan accessory comprising an airflow fan accessory comprising an accessory having a scented fabric and a fastening mechanism located along the outer edge of the scented fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the accessory may be easily attached to and detached from the fan blade enclosure of any typical airflow fan. Upon air flow through the fan and airflow fan accessory, a pleasant scent may be imparted to the room via release of scent from the scented fabric component. 
         [0006]    The fastening mechanisms may include elastic bands, straps, hooks, clips, and various other fastening means. The airflow fan accessory is easily removed when the fragrance has diminished and another airflow fan accessory is installed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a front view illustrating an embodiment of an airflow fan accessory in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is an assembly perspective environmental view illustrating an embodiment of an airflow register accessory in accordance with the principles of the present invention installed on a round airflow fan. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a side view illustrating an embodiment of an airflow fan accessory installed on a round airflow fan. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a back view illustrating an embodiment of an airflow fan accessory installed on a round airflow fan. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is an assembly perspective environmental view illustrating an embodiment of an airflow register accessory in accordance with the principles of the present invention installed on a box airflow fan. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a front view illustrating an alternate embodiment of an airflow fan accessory in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    A system providing an airflow fan accessory is herein disclosed. The airflow fan accessory comprises a scented fabric and a fastening mechanism for attaching the scented fabric to a fan. 
         [0014]    The airflow fan accessory  100  comprises a scented material and various fastening mechanisms.  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the airflow fan accessory  100 . A scented fabric  101  is used for the scenting material. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  is intended for a round fan. The scented fabric  101  is preferably a bunch of loosely gathered material with a holding band  105  secured along the outer edge of the scented fabric  101 . 
         [0015]    The holding band  105  is preferably a circular elastic band with enough elasticity to expand big enough to at least fit around the large circumference of a fan blade enclosure. When placing the scented fabric  101  onto the fan blade enclosure, the user stretches the holding band  105  out and places it around the fan blade enclosure. As the holding band  105  is stretched out, the loosely gathered material of the scented fabric becomes more taught. The scented fabric  101  with holding band  105  act cooperatively similar to a common shower cap. 
         [0016]    The scented fabric  101  may also define a hole  110 . An inner band  106  may be secured along the edge of hole  110 . This is beneficial if the motor axle enclosure of the fan extends forward past the front side of the fan blade enclosure. Inner band  106  is preferably a circular elastic band with enough elasticity to expand big enough to at least fit around the extended motor axle enclosure. The inner band  106  may be expanded by the user or by the scented fabric  101  as it becomes taut. 
         [0017]    Alternatively, scented fabric  101  may not define a hole  110  (see  FIG. 6 ). Scented fabric  101  may also define perforation that allows a user to remove the middle area of the scented fabric  101  to create said hole  110 . Inner band  106  may or may not be used with the alternative embodiment. 
         [0018]    The airflow fan accessory  100  may also comprise other fastening mechanisms. Straps  120  may be used to provide the scented fabric  101  with stability and additional securement. In this embodiment, four straps are used, but any number of straps may be used that to help stabilize and secure the scented fabric  101 . One end of each of the four straps is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric  101 . 
         [0019]    The other end of each strap is secured to a clip or connector ( 121   a ,  121   b ,  121   c  and  121   d ). The straps  120  are wrapped around the back side of the fan blade enclosure and attached to another connector. Each connector may be attached to any of the other non-attached connectors. Preferably connector  121   a  is attached to connector  121   c  and connector  121   b  attached to connector  121   d  as this provides the best stability and securement (shown in  FIG. 4  in further detail). 
         [0020]    Additionally, the outer edge of scented fabric  101  may comprise connectors secured thereto to which connectors ( 121   a ,  121   b ,  121   c  and  121   d ) may be attached. Each strap  120  may also comprise an adjuster that allows the user to lengthen or shorten the strap. The adjusters will allow the straps to remain taut despite where the strap is connected similar to a shoulder strap adjuster on a bra. 
         [0021]    The straps may be made of various materials including nylon strands, thin rope, elastic strands, or any other material that can maintain a tension when in use. The connectors can be clips, hooks and loops, snaps, buttons, or any other fasteners common to the fastening art. Double-sided adhesive may also be used to attach the accessory to the fan. 
         [0022]    In addition to or in place of the straps  120 , fastening hooks  131  may be employed. The fastening hooks  131  are secured to one end of the hook straps  130 . The opposite end of the hook straps  130  is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric  101 . Preferably the hook straps  130  are an elastic material to allow easy extension of said hook strap  130  and instant tension once hook  131  is fastened. The hooks  131  are preferably structured to hook around the fan blade enclosure bars (shown in  FIGS. 2-4  in further detail). 
         [0023]    Preferably, the scented fabric comprises a substrate which may be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a mixture of natural fiber and synthetic fibers. Exemplary natural fibers that can be used to form the substrate include wood fibers and non-wood natural fibers such as vegetable fibers, cotton, straw, canes, silk, animal fiber, grasses, hemp, and corn stalks. 
         [0024]    Nonwoven fabrics for use with  FIG. 1  are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are typically flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. Some examples of nonwoven materials are staple nonwovens, spun laid nonwovens, and air-laid paper. Woven fabric is a cloth formed by weaving. Synthetic fibers may include a variety of substrates known in the art. An exemplary fiber is polylactide fiber or PLA. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from lactic acid. 
         [0025]    The fabric material has a weight of approximately 0.2 to 2.0 oz/ft 2 , but can have weights that vary from 0.05 to 4.55 oz/ft 2 . An exemplary combination substrate for the fabric comprises a mixture of 0.1 wt. % to 1.00 wt. % of the polylactide fiber and about 10 wt. % to about 1.00 wt. % of the natural fiber. The fabric preferably is flame retardant, and can be composed of a polyester or natural material (woven or non-woven). The airflow rate should be extremely high on the order a thin mesh that freely allows airflow. The fabric component has a high degree of air permeability on the order of not impeding airflow by more than 5% to 10% by uncovered air flow rates. 
         [0026]    The scented fabric component is preferably thin, but must be sturdy enough to withstand typical ventilation flows of fan systems without being torn or compromised such that it cannot perform the intended function. The ventilation rate is normally expressed by the volumetric flow rate of air flow. The typical units used are cubic feet per minute (CFM) or liters per second (L/s). The ventilation rate can also be expressed on a per person or per unit floor area basis, such as CFM/p or CFM/ft 2 . 
         [0027]    For residential housing, which mostly relies on air infiltration for ventilation, the common ventilation rate measure is the number of times the whole interior volume of air is replaced per hour, and is called air changes per hour (I or ACH; units of 1/h). During the winter, ACH may range from 0.50 to 0.41 in a tightly insulated house to 1.11 to 1.47 in a loosely insulated house. 
         [0028]    The scenting fabric has an air freshening agent loaded thereon. The air freshening agent must be able to adhere to the fabric but at least a portion thereof should be released when air flows through the scented fabric component. In the natural operation of the fan system, air will flow through the scenting material. 
         [0029]    Thus the air freshening agent may be chosen to release when air of any temperature flows through the scenting material at a pre-determined rate. Sufficient air freshening agent should continue to adhere to the scenting fabric so that the air freshening accessory can provide air freshening benefits for a pre-determined period of time. After the pre-determined period of time, it is contemplated that the airflow fan accessory will be replaced. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the accessory  200  further comprises a scenting material.  FIG. 2  illustrates a scented fabric  201  used for the scenting material.  FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of the airflow fan accessory  200 . A scented fabric  201  is used for the scenting material. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  is intended for a round shaped fan enclosure. A common round fan  250  comprises a base, a motor, fan blades, and a fan blade enclosure  260 . The fan blade enclosure  260  has a back side  261  and a front side  262 . The airflow through the fan goes in through the back side  261  and out through the front side  262 . The fan blade enclosure  260  typically comprises bars  270  that run laterally and longitudinally to form the fan blade enclosure structure. The bars  270  of the fan blade enclosure  260  are typically made of any rigid material, most commonly a metal or plastic. 
         [0031]    The scented fabric  201  is preferably a bunch of loosely gathered material with a holding band  205  secured along the outer edge of the scented fabric  201 . The holding band  205  is preferably a circular elastic band with enough elasticity to expand big enough to at least fit around the large circumference of a fan blade enclosure. When placing the scented fabric  201  onto the fan blade enclosure  260 , the user stretches the holding band  205  out and places it around the fan blade enclosure  260  with the scented fabric adjacent the front side  262  of fan blade enclosure  260 . 
         [0032]    As the holding band  205  is stretched out, the loosely gathered material of the scented fabric becomes more taught. Once placed on the enclosure, some of the scented fabric  201  may extend past the front side  262  and lie adjacent the back side  261  of fan blade enclosure  260 . When the holding band  205  is released by user after surrounding the front side  262  with the scented fabric  201 , the elasticity of the holding band  205  tightens itself onto the fan blade enclosure. The scented fabric  201  with holding band  205  act cooperatively similar to a common shower cap. 
         [0033]    The scented fabric  201  may also define a hole  210 . An inner band  206  may be secured along the edge of hole  210 . This is beneficial if the motor axle enclosure of the fan extends forward past the front side  262  of fan blade enclosure  260 . Inner band  206  is preferably a circular elastic band with enough elasticity to expand big enough to at least fit around the extended motor axle enclosure. The inner band  206  may be expanded by the user or by the scented fabric  201  as it becomes taut. 
         [0034]    Alternatively, scented fabric  201  may not define a hole  210  (see  FIG. 6 ). Scented fabric  201  may also define perforation that allows a user to remove the middle area of the scented fabric  201  to create said hole  210 . Inner band  206  may or may not be used with the alternative embodiment. 
         [0035]    The airflow fan accessory  200  may also comprise other fastening mechanisms. Straps  220  may be used to provide the scented fabric  201  with stability and additional securement. In this embodiment, four straps are used, but any number of straps may be used that to help stabilize and secure the scented fabric  201 . One end of each of the four straps is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric  201 . The other end of each strap is secured to a clip or connector ( 221   a ,  221   b ,  221   c  and  221   d ). 
         [0036]    The straps  220  are wrapped around the back side  261  of the fan blade enclosure  260  and attached to another connector. Each connector may be attached to any of the other non-attached connectors. Preferably connector  221   a  is attached to connector  221   c  and connector  221   b  attached to connector  221   d  as this provides the best stability and securement (shown in  FIG. 4  in further detail). Straps  220  help the scented fabric  201  maintain its position on the fan blade enclosure  260  by deterring its removal from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. 
         [0037]    Additionally, the outer edge of scented fabric  201  may comprise connectors secured thereto to which connectors ( 221   a ,  221   b ,  221   c  and  221   d ) may be attached. Each strap  220  may also comprise an adjuster that allows the user to lengthen or shorten the strap. The adjusters will allow the straps to remain taut despite where the strap is connected similar to a shoulder strap adjuster on a bra. 
         [0038]    The straps may be made of various materials including nylon strands, thin rope, elastic strands, or any other material that can maintain a tension when in use. The connectors can be clips, hooks and loops, snaps, buttons, or any other fasteners common to the fastening art. Double-sided adhesive may also be used to attach the accessory to the fan. 
         [0039]    In addition to or in place of the straps  220 , fastening hooks  231  may be employed. The fastening hooks  231  are secured to one end of the hook straps  230 . The opposite end of the hook straps  230  is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric  201 . Preferably the hook straps  230  are an elastic material to allow easy extension of said hook strap  230  and instant tension once hook  231  is fastened. The hooks  231  are preferably structured to hook around the fan blade enclosure bars  270 . 
         [0040]    As most fans have multiple bars  270  extending the perimeter of the enclosure both laterally and longitudinally, the hooks  231  have various fastening points the user may choose from. Similar to the straps  220 , the hooks  231  and hook straps  230  help the scented fabric  201  maintain its position on the fan blade enclosure  260  by deterring its removal from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. Straps  220  and hook straps  230  may be used in conjunction or separate. Different embodiments may employ both methods, one of the methods, or neither. 
         [0041]    Alternatively, the scented fabric  201  substantially surrounds the entire fan blade enclosure  260 . In this alternative embodiment, the holding band  205  preferably has a resting size approximate the perimeter of the motor that is secured to the back side  261  of the fan blade enclosure  260 . That would allow the scented fabric to substantially surround the fan blade enclosure  260  with the elasticity of the holding band  205  helping the scented fabric  201  maintain its position on the fan blade enclosure  260  by deterring its removal from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. 
         [0042]    Preferably, the scented fabric comprises a substrate which may be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a mixture of natural fiber and synthetic fibers. Exemplary natural fibers that can be used to form the substrate include wood fibers and non-wood natural fibers such as vegetable fibers, cotton, straw, canes, silk, animal fiber, grasses, hemp, and corn stalks. 
         [0043]    Nonwoven fabrics for use with  FIG. 2  are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are typically flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. Some examples of nonwoven materials are staple nonwovens, spun laid nonwovens, and air-laid paper. Woven fabric is a cloth formed by weaving. Synthetic fibers may include a variety of substrates known in the art. An exemplary fiber is polylactide fiber or PLA. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from lactic acid. 
         [0044]    The fabric material has a weight of approximately 0.2 to 2.0 oz/ft 2 , but can have weights that vary from 0.05 to 4.55 oz/ft 2 . An exemplary combination substrate for the fabric comprises a mixture of 0.1 wt. % to 1.00 wt. % of the polylactide fiber and about 10 wt. % to about 1.00 wt. % of the natural fiber. The fabric preferably is flame retardant, and can be composed of a polyester or natural material (woven or non-woven). The airflow rate should be extremely high on the order a thin mesh that freely allows airflow. The fabric component has a high degree of air permeability on the order of not impeding airflow by more than 5% to 10% by uncovered air flow rates. 
         [0045]    The scented fabric component is preferably thin, but must be sturdy enough to withstand typical ventilation flows of fan systems without being torn or compromised such that it cannot perform the intended function. The typical units used are cubic feet per minute (CFM) or liters per second (L/s). The ventilation rate can also be expressed on a per person or per unit floor area basis, such as CFM/p or CFM/ft 2 . 
         [0046]    For residential housing, which mostly relies on air infiltration for ventilation, the common ventilation rate measure is the number of times the whole interior volume of air is replaced per hour, and is called air changes per hour (I or ACH; units of 1/h). During the winter, ACH may range from 0.50 to 0.41 in a tightly insulated house to 1.11 to 1.47 in a loosely insulated house. 
         [0047]    The scenting fabric has an air freshening agent loaded thereon. The air freshening agent must be able to adhere to the fabric but at least a portion thereof should be released when air flows through the scented fabric component. In the natural operation of the fan system, air will flow through the scenting material. Thus the air freshening agent may be chosen to release when air of any temperature flows through the scenting material at a pre-determined rate. Sufficient air freshening agent should continue to adhere to the scenting fabric so that the air freshening accessory can provide air freshening benefits for a pre-determined period of time. After the pre-determined period of time, it is contemplated that the airflow fan accessory will be replaced. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the accessory  300  further comprises a scenting material.  FIG. 3  illustrates a scented fabric  301  used for the scenting material.  FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the airflow fan accessory  300 . A scented fabric  301  is used for the scenting material. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  is intended for a round shaped fan enclosure. A common round fan  350  comprises a base, a motor, fan blades, and a fan blade enclosure  360 . 
         [0049]    The fan blade enclosure  360  has a back side  361  and a front side  362 . The airflow through the fan goes in through the back side  361  and out through the front side  362 . The fan blade enclosure  360  typically comprises bars  370  that run laterally and longitudinally to form the fan blade enclosure structure. The bars  370  of the fan blade enclosure  360  are typically made of any rigid material, most commonly a metal or plastic. 
         [0050]    The scented fabric  301  is preferably a bunch of loosely gathered material with a holding band  305  secured along the outer edge of the scented fabric  301 . The holding band  305  is preferably a circular elastic band with enough elasticity to expand big enough to at least fit around the large circumference of a fan blade enclosure. When placing the scented fabric  301  onto the fan blade enclosure  360 , the user stretches the holding band  305  out and places it around the fan blade enclosure  360  with the scented fabric adjacent the front side  362  of fan blade enclosure  360 . 
         [0051]    As the holding band  305  is stretched out, the loosely gathered material of the scented fabric becomes more taught. Once placed on the enclosure, some of the scented fabric  301  may extend past the front side  362  and lie adjacent the back side  361  of fan blade enclosure  360 . When the holding band  305  is released by user after surrounding the front side  362  with the scented fabric  301 , the elasticity of the holding band  305  tightens itself onto the fan blade enclosure. The scented fabric  301  with holding band  305  act cooperatively similar to a common shower cap. 
         [0052]    The scented fabric  301  may also define a hole (not visible). An inner band (not visible) may be secured along the edge of the hole. This is beneficial if the motor axle enclosure of the fan extends forward past the front side  362  of fan blade enclosure  360 . The inner band is preferably a circular elastic band with enough elasticity to expand big enough to at least fit around the extended motor axle enclosure. The inner band may be expanded by the user or by the scented fabric  101  as it becomes taut. 
         [0053]    Alternatively, scented fabric  301  may not define a hole (see  FIG. 6 ). Scented fabric  301  may also define perforation that allows a user to remove the middle area of the scented fabric  301  to create said hole. The inner band may or may not be used with the alternative embodiment. 
         [0054]    The airflow fan accessory  300  may also comprise other fastening mechanisms. Straps  320  may be used to provide the scented fabric  301  with stability and additional securement. In this embodiment, four straps are used, but any number of straps may be used that to help stabilize and secure the scented fabric  301 . One end of each of the four straps is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric  301 . The other end of each strap is secured to a clip or connector. The straps  320  are wrapped around the back side  361  of the fan blade enclosure  360  and attached to another connector. Each connector may be attached to any of the other non-attached connectors. Straps  320  help the scented fabric  301  maintain its position on the fan blade enclosure  360  by deterring its removal from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. 
         [0055]    Additionally, the outer edge of scented fabric  301  may comprise connectors secured thereto to which the strap connectors may be attached. Each strap  320  may also comprise an adjuster that allows the user to lengthen or shorten the strap. The adjusters will allow the straps to remain taut despite where the strap is connected similar to a shoulder strap adjuster on a bra. 
         [0056]    The straps may be made of various materials including nylon strands, thin rope, elastic strands, or any other material that can maintain a tension when in use. The connectors can be clips, hooks and loops, snaps, buttons, or any other fasteners common to the fastening art. Double-sided adhesive may also be used to attach the accessory to the fan. 
         [0057]    In addition to or in place of the straps  320 , fastening hooks  331  may be employed. The fastening hooks  331  are secured to one end of the hook straps  330 . The opposite end of the hook straps  330  is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric  301 . Preferably the hook straps  330  are an elastic material to allow easy extension of said hook strap  330  and instant tension once hook  331  is fastened. The hooks  331  are preferably structured to hook around the fan blade enclosure bars  370 . As most fans have multiple bars  370  extending the perimeter of the enclosure both laterally and longitudinally, the hooks  331  have various fastening points the user may choose from. 
         [0058]    Similar to the straps  320 , the hooks  331  and hook straps  330  help the scented fabric  301  maintain its position on the fan blade enclosure  360  by deterring its removal from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. Straps  320  and hook straps  330  may be used in conjunction or separate. Different embodiments may employ both methods, one of the methods, or neither. 
         [0059]    Alternatively, the scented fabric  301  substantially surrounds the entire fan blade enclosure  360 . In this alternative embodiment, the holding band  305  preferably has a resting size approximate the perimeter of the motor that is secured to the back side  361  of the fan blade enclosure  360 . That would allow the scented fabric to substantially surround the fan blade enclosure  360  with the elasticity of the holding band  305  helping the scented fabric  301  maintain its position on the fan blade enclosure  360  by deterring its removal from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. 
         [0060]    Preferably, the scented fabric comprises a substrate which may be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a mixture of natural fiber and synthetic fibers. Exemplary natural fibers that can be used to form the substrate include wood fibers and non-wood natural fibers such as vegetable fibers, cotton, straw, canes, silk, animal fiber, grasses, hemp, and corn stalks. 
         [0061]    Nonwoven fabrics for use with  FIG. 3  are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are typically flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. Some examples of nonwoven materials are staple nonwovens, spun laid nonwovens, and air-laid paper. Woven fabric is a cloth formed by weaving. Synthetic fibers may include a variety of substrates known in the art. An exemplary fiber is polylactide fiber or PLA. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from lactic acid. 
         [0062]    The fabric material has a weight of approximately 0.2 to 2.0 oz/ft 2 , but can have weights that vary from 0.05 to 4.55 oz/ft 2 . An exemplary combination substrate for the fabric comprises a mixture of 0.1 wt. % to 1.00 wt. % of the polylactide fiber and about 10 wt. % to about 1.00 wt. % of the natural fiber. The fabric preferably is flame retardant, and can be composed of a polyester or natural material (woven or non-woven). The airflow rate should be extremely high on the order a thin mesh that freely allows airflow. The fabric component has a high degree of air permeability on the order of not impeding airflow by more than 5% to 10% by uncovered air flow rates. 
         [0063]    The scented fabric component is preferably thin, but must be sturdy enough to withstand typical ventilation flows of fan systems without being torn or compromised such that it cannot perform the intended function. The typical units used are cubic feet per minute (CFM) or liters per second (L/s). The ventilation rate can also be expressed on a per person or per unit floor area basis, such as CFM/p or CFM/ft 2 . 
         [0064]    For residential housing, which mostly relies on air infiltration for ventilation, the common ventilation rate measure is the number of times the whole interior volume of air is replaced per hour, and is called air changes per hour (I or ACH; units of 1/h). During the winter, ACH may range from 0.50 to 0.41 in a tightly insulated house to 1.11 to 1.47 in a loosely insulated house. 
         [0065]    The scenting fabric has an air freshening agent loaded thereon. The air freshening agent must be able to adhere to the fabric but at least a portion thereof should be released when air flows through the scented fabric component. In the natural operation of the fan system, air will flow through the scenting material. Thus the air freshening agent may be chosen to release when air of any temperature flows through the scenting material at a pre-determined rate. 
         [0066]    Sufficient air freshening agent should continue to adhere to the scenting fabric so that the air freshening accessory can provide air freshening benefits for a pre-determined period of time. After the pre-determined period of time, it is contemplated that the airflow fan accessory will be replaced. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the accessory  400  further comprises a scenting material.  FIG. 4  illustrates a scented fabric  401  used for the scenting material.  FIG. 4  illustrates a back view of an embodiment of the airflow fan accessory  400 . A scented fabric  401  is used for the scenting material. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  is intended for a round shaped fan enclosure. A common round fan  450  comprises a base, a motor, fan blades, and a fan blade enclosure  460 . 
         [0068]    The fan blade enclosure  460  has a back side  461  and a front side. The airflow through the fan goes in through the back side  461  and out through the front side  462 . The fan blade enclosure  460  typically comprises bars  470  that run laterally and longitudinally to form the fan blade enclosure structure. The bars  470  of the fan blade enclosure  460  are typically made of any rigid material, most commonly a metal or plastic. 
         [0069]    The scented fabric  401  may also define a hole (not visible). An inner band (not visible) may be secured along the edge of the hole. This is beneficial if the motor axle enclosure of the fan extends forward past the front side  462  of fan blade enclosure  460 . The inner band is preferably a circular elastic band with enough elasticity to expand big enough to at least fit around the extended motor axle enclosure. The inner band may be expanded by the user or by the scented fabric  401  as it becomes taut. 
         [0070]    Alternatively, scented fabric  401  may not define a hole (see  FIG. 6 ). Scented fabric  401  may also define perforation that allows a user to remove the middle area of the scented fabric  401  to create said hole. The inner band may or may not be used with the alternative embodiment. 
         [0071]    The scented fabric  401  is preferably a bunch of loosely gathered material with a holding band  405  secured along the outer edge of the scented fabric  401 . The holding band  405  is preferably a circular elastic band with enough elasticity to expand big enough to at least fit around the large circumference of a fan blade enclosure. When placing the scented fabric  401  onto the fan blade enclosure  460 , the user stretches the holding band  405  out and places it around the fan blade enclosure  460  with the scented fabric adjacent the front side  462  of fan blade enclosure  460 . 
         [0072]    As the holding band  405  is stretched out, the loosely gathered material of the scented fabric becomes more taught. Once placed on the enclosure, some of the scented fabric  401  may extend past the front side  462  and lie adjacent the back side  461  of fan blade enclosure  460 . When the holding band  405  is released by user after surrounding the front side  462  with the scented fabric  401 , the elasticity of the holding band  405  tightens itself onto the fan blade enclosure. The scented fabric  401  with holding band  405  act cooperatively similar to a common shower cap. 
         [0073]    The airflow fan accessory  400  may also comprise other fastening mechanisms. Straps  420  may be used to provide the scented fabric  401  with stability and additional securement. In this embodiment, four straps are used, but any number of straps may be used that to help stabilize and secure the scented fabric  401 . One end of each of the four straps is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric  401 . The other end of each strap is secured to a clip or connector ( 421   a ,  421   b ,  421   c  and  421   d ). The straps  420  are wrapped around the back side  461  of the fan blade enclosure  460  and attached to another connector. 
         [0074]    Each connector may be attached to any of the other non-attached connectors. Preferably connector  421   a  is attached to connector  421   c  and connector  421   b  attached to connector  421   d  as this provides the best stability and securement (shown in  FIG. 4  in further detail). Straps  420  help the scented fabric  401  maintain its position on the fan blade enclosure  460  by deterring its removal from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. 
         [0075]    Additionally, the outer edge of scented fabric  401  may comprise connectors secured thereto to which connectors ( 421   a ,  421   b ,  421   c  and  421   d ) may be attached. Each strap  420  may also comprise an adjuster that allows the user to lengthen or shorten the strap. The adjusters will allow the straps to remain taut despite where the strap is connected similar to a shoulder strap adjuster on a bra. 
         [0076]    The straps may be made of various materials including nylon strands, thin rope, elastic strands, or any other material that can maintain a tension when in use. The connectors can be clips, hooks and loops, snaps, buttons, or any other fasteners common to the fastening art. Double-sided adhesive may also be used to attach the accessory to the fan. 
         [0077]    In addition to or in place of the straps  420 , fastening hooks  431  may be employed. The fastening hooks  431  are secured to one end of the hook straps  430 . The opposite end of the hook straps  430  is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric  401 . Preferably the hook straps  430  are an elastic material to allow easy extension of said hook strap  430  and instant tension once hook  431  is fastened. The hooks  431  are preferably structured to hook around the fan blade enclosure bars  470 . As most fans have multiple bars  470  extending the perimeter of the enclosure both laterally and longitudinally, the hooks  431  have various fastening points the user may choose from. 
         [0078]    Similar to the straps  420 , the hooks  431  and hook straps  430  help the scented fabric  401  maintain its position on the fan blade enclosure  460  by deterring its removal from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. Straps  420  and hook straps  430  may be used in conjunction or separate. Different embodiments may employ both methods, one of the methods, or neither. 
         [0079]    Alternatively, the scented fabric  401  substantially surrounds the entire fan blade enclosure  460 . In this alternative embodiment, the holding band  405  preferably has a resting size approximate the perimeter of the motor that is secured to the back side  461  of the fan blade enclosure  460 . That would allow the scented fabric to substantially surround the fan blade enclosure  460  with the elasticity of the holding band  405  helping the scented fabric  401  maintain its position on the fan blade enclosure  460  by deterring its removal from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. 
         [0080]    Preferably, the scented fabric comprises a substrate which may be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a mixture of natural fiber and synthetic fibers. Exemplary natural fibers that can be used to form the substrate include wood fibers and non-wood natural fibers such as vegetable fibers, cotton, straw, canes, silk, animal fiber, grasses, hemp, and corn stalks. Nonwoven fabrics for use with  FIG. 4  are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. 
         [0081]    They are typically flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. Some examples of nonwoven materials are staple nonwovens, spun laid nonwovens, and air-laid paper. Woven fabric is a cloth formed by weaving. Synthetic fibers may include a variety of substrates known in the art. An exemplary fiber is polylactide fiber or PLA. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from lactic acid. 
         [0082]    The fabric material has a weight of approximately 0.2 to 2.0 oz/ft 2 , but can have weights that vary from 0.05 to 4.55 oz/ft 2 . An exemplary combination substrate for the fabric comprises a mixture of 0.1 wt. % to 1.00 wt. % of the polylactide fiber and about 10 wt. % to about 1.00 wt. % of the natural fiber. The fabric preferably is flame retardant, and can be composed of a polyester or natural material (woven or non-woven). The airflow rate should be extremely high on the order a thin mesh that freely allows airflow. The fabric component has a high degree of air permeability on the order of not impeding airflow by more than 5% to 10% by uncovered air flow rates. 
         [0083]    The scented fabric component is preferably thin, but must be sturdy enough to withstand typical ventilation flows of fan systems without being torn or compromised such that it cannot perform the intended function. The typical units used are cubic feet per minute (CFM) or liters per second (L/s). The ventilation rate can also be expressed on a per person or per unit floor area basis, such as CFM/p or CFM/ft 2 . 
         [0084]    For residential housing, which mostly relies on air infiltration for ventilation, the common ventilation rate measure is the number of times the whole interior volume of air is replaced per hour, and is called air changes per hour (I or ACH; units of 1/h). During the winter, ACH may range from 0.50 to 0.41 in a tightly insulated house to 1.11 to 1.47 in a loosely insulated house. 
         [0085]    The scenting fabric has an air freshening agent loaded thereon. The air freshening agent must be able to adhere to the fabric but at least a portion thereof should be released when air flows through the scented fabric component. In the natural operation of the fan system, air will flow through the scenting material. Thus the air freshening agent may be chosen to release when air of any temperature flows through the scenting material at a pre-determined rate. Sufficient air freshening agent should continue to adhere to the scenting fabric so that the air freshening accessory can provide air freshening benefits for a pre-determined period of time. After the pre-determined period of time, it is contemplated that the airflow fan accessory will be replaced. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the accessory  500  further comprises a scenting material.  FIG. 5  illustrates a scented fabric  501  used for the scenting material.  FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of the airflow fan accessory  500 . A scented fabric  501  is used for the scenting material. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  is intended for a box shaped fan enclosure. 
         [0087]    A common box fan  550  comprises a base, a motor, fan blades, and a fan blade enclosure  560 . The fan blade enclosure  560  has a back side  561  and a front side  562 . The airflow through the fan goes in through the back side  561  and out through the front side  562 . The fan blade enclosure  560  typically comprises bars  570  that run laterally and/or longitudinally to help form the fan blade enclosure structure. The bars  570  of the fan blade enclosure  560  are typically made of a rigid material, most commonly a metal or plastic. 
         [0088]    The scented fabric  501  is preferably a sheet material. When placing the scented fabric  501  onto the fan blade enclosure  560 , the user places the scented fabric  501  so that scented fabric  501  lies flat adjacent the front side  562  of fan blade enclosure  560 . Once placed on the enclosure, some of the scented fabric  501  may extend past the front side  562  and lie adjacent the back side  561  of fan blade enclosure  560 . 
         [0089]    The airflow fan accessory  500  comprises fastening mechanisms. Fastening hooks  531  are secured to one end of the hook straps  530 . The opposite end of the hook straps  530  is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric  501 . Preferably the hook straps  530  are an elastic material to allow easy extension of said hook strap  530  and instant tension once hook  531  is fastened. The hooks  531  are preferably structured to hook around the fan blade enclosure bars  570 . The straps may be made of various materials including nylon strands, thin rope, elastic strands, or any other material that can maintain a tension when in use. Double-sided adhesive may also be used to attach the accessory to the fan. 
         [0090]    As most fans have multiple bars  570  extending the perimeter of the enclosure both laterally and longitudinally, the hooks  531  have various fastening points the user may choose from. The hooks  531  and hook straps  530  help the scented fabric  501  maintain its position on the fan blade enclosure  560  by deterring its removal from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. 
         [0091]    In addition to or in place of the hook straps  530 , other straps may be employed. Other straps (not shown) may be used to provide the scented fabric with additional stability and securement. One end of each of the four straps is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric. The other end of each strap is secured to a clip or connector. The straps are wrapped around the back side  561  of the fan blade enclosure  560  and attached to another connector. Each connector may be attached to any of the other non-attached connectors. The other straps can also help the scented fabric  501  maintain its position on the fan blade enclosure  560  by deterring its removal from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. 
         [0092]    Additionally, the outer edge of scented fabric  501  may comprise connectors secured thereto to which the connectors on the other straps may be attached. Each strap may also comprise an adjuster that allows the user to lengthen or shorten the strap. The adjusters will allow the straps to remain taut despite where the strap is connected similar to a shoulder strap adjuster on a bra. 
         [0093]    The straps may be made of various materials including nylon strands, thin rope, elastic strands, or any other material that can maintain a tension when in use. The connectors can be clips, hooks and loops, snaps, buttons, or any other fasteners common to the fastening art. Double-sided adhesive may also be used to attach the accessory to the fan. The hook straps  530  and other straps may be used in conjunction or separate. Different embodiments may employ both methods, one of the methods, or neither. 
         [0094]    Alternatively, the scented fabric  501  acts like a sleeve. The scented fabric or scented sleeve would slide substantially around the entire fan blade enclosure  560 . In this alternative embodiment, the scented fabric would lie adjacent the back side  561  and the front side  562  while also lying adjacent the sides. The advantages of this embodiment may be: an embodiment free of fastening mechanisms as the scented fabric would just slide on and around the fan blade enclosure; double scenting the airflow as both the intake and exhaust air would be scented; and longer lasting as the user could shift the sleeve position so that the portion of the scented fabric adjacent the enclosure sides shift to lie adjacent the front or back sides if the path of the airflow. As the scented fabric would be a single piece that surrounds the enclosure, it would not be removed from outside forces such as airflow from the fan. 
         [0095]    Preferably, the scented fabric comprises a substrate which may be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a mixture of natural fiber and synthetic fibers. Exemplary natural fibers that can be used to form the substrate include wood fibers and non-wood natural fibers such as vegetable fibers, cotton, straw, canes, silk, animal fiber, grasses, hemp, and corn stalks. 
         [0096]    Nonwoven fabrics for use with  FIG. 5  are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are typically flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. Some examples of nonwoven materials are staple nonwovens, spun laid nonwovens, and air-laid paper. Woven fabric is a cloth formed by weaving. Synthetic fibers may include a variety of substrates known in the art. An exemplary fiber is polylactide fiber or PLA. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from lactic acid. 
         [0097]    The fabric material has a weight of approximately 0.2 to 2.0 oz/ft 2 , but can have weights that vary from 0.05 to 4.55 oz/ft 2 . An exemplary combination substrate for the fabric comprises a mixture of 0.1 wt. % to 1.00 wt. % of the polylactide fiber and about 10 wt. % to about 1.00 wt. % of the natural fiber. The fabric preferably is flame retardant, and can be composed of a polyester or natural material (woven or non-woven). The airflow rate should be extremely high on the order a thin mesh that freely allows airflow. The fabric component has a high degree of air permeability on the order of not impeding airflow by more than 5% to 10% by uncovered air flow rates. 
         [0098]    The scented fabric component is preferably thin, but must be sturdy enough to withstand typical ventilation flows of fan systems without being torn or compromised such that it cannot perform the intended function. The typical units used are cubic feet per minute (CFM) or liters per second (L/s). The ventilation rate can also be expressed on a per person or per unit floor area basis, such as CFM/p or CFM/ft 2 . 
         [0099]    For residential housing, which mostly relies on air infiltration for ventilation, the common ventilation rate measure is the number of times the whole interior volume of air is replaced per hour, and is called air changes per hour (I or ACH; units of 1/h). During the winter, ACH may range from 0.50 to 0.41 in a tightly insulated house to 1.11 to 1.47 in a loosely insulated house. 
         [0100]    The scenting fabric has an air freshening agent loaded thereon. The air freshening agent must be able to adhere to the fabric but at least a portion thereof should be released when air flows through the scented fabric component. In the natural operation of the fan system, air will flow through the scenting material. Thus the air freshening agent may be chosen to release when air of any temperature flows through the scenting material at a pre-determined rate. Sufficient air freshening agent should continue to adhere to the scenting fabric so that the air freshening accessory can provide air freshening benefits for a pre-determined period of time. After the pre-determined period of time, it is contemplated that the airflow fan accessory will be replaced. 
         [0101]    The airflow fan accessory  600  comprises a scented material and various fastening mechanisms.  FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the airflow fan accessory  600 . A scented fabric  601  is used for the scenting material. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  is intended for a round fan. The scented fabric  601  is preferably a bunch of loosely gathered material with a holding band  605  secured along the outer edge of the scented fabric  601 . 
         [0102]    The holding band  605  is preferably a circular elastic band with enough elasticity to expand big enough to at least fit around the large circumference of a fan blade enclosure. When placing the scented fabric  601  onto the fan blade enclosure, the user stretches the holding band  605  out and places it around the fan blade enclosure. As the holding band  605  is stretched out, the loosely gathered material of the scented fabric becomes more taught. The scented fabric  601  with holding band  605  act cooperatively similar to a common shower cap. Unlike  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 6  does not define a hole or comprise an inner band. 
         [0103]    The airflow fan accessory  600  may also comprise other fastening mechanisms. Straps  620  may be used to provide the scented fabric  601  with stability and additional securement. In this embodiment, four straps are used, but any number of straps may be used that to help stabilize and secure the scented fabric  601 . One end of each of the four straps is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric  601 . The other end of each strap is secured to a clip or connector ( 621   a ,  621   b ,  621   c  and  621   d ). 
         [0104]    The straps  620  are wrapped around the back side of the fan blade enclosure and attached to another connector. Each connector may be attached to any of the other non-attached connectors. Preferably connector  621   a  is attached to connector  621   c  and connector  621   b  attached to connector  621   d  as this provides the best stability and securement (shown in  FIG. 4  in further detail). 
         [0105]    Additionally, the outer edge of scented fabric  601  may comprise connectors secured thereto to which connectors ( 621   a ,  621   b ,  621   c  and  621   d ) may be attached. Each strap  620  may also comprise an adjuster that allows the user to lengthen or shorten the strap. The adjusters will allow the straps to remain taut despite where the strap is connected similar to a shoulder strap adjuster on a bra. 
         [0106]    The straps may be made of various materials including nylon strands, thin rope, elastic strands, or any other material that can maintain a tension when in use. The connectors can be clips, hooks and loops, snaps, buttons, or any other fasteners common to the fastening art. Double-sided adhesive may also be used to attach the accessory to the fan. 
         [0107]    In addition to or in place of the straps  620 , fastening hooks  631  may be employed. The fastening hooks  631  are secured to one end of the hook straps  630 . The opposite end of the hook straps  630  is secured to the outer edge of the scented fabric  601 . Preferably the hook straps  630  are an elastic material to allow easy extension of said hook strap  630  and instant tension once hook  631  is fastened. The hooks  631  are preferably structured to hook around the fan blade enclosure bars (shown in  FIGS. 2-4  in further detail). 
         [0108]    Preferably, the scented fabric comprises a substrate which may be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a mixture of natural fiber and synthetic fibers. Exemplary natural fibers that can be used to form the substrate include wood fibers and non-wood natural fibers such as vegetable fibers, cotton, straw, canes, silk, animal fiber, grasses, hemp, and corn stalks. 
         [0109]    Nonwoven fabrics for use with  FIG. 6  are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are typically flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. Some examples of nonwoven materials are staple nonwovens, spun laid nonwovens, and air-laid paper. Woven fabric is a cloth formed by weaving. Synthetic fibers may include a variety of substrates known in the art. An exemplary fiber is polylactide fiber or PLA. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from lactic acid. 
         [0110]    The fabric material has a weight of approximately 0.2 to 2.0 oz/ft 2 , but can have weights that vary from 0.05 to 4.55 oz/ft 2 . An exemplary combination substrate for the fabric comprises a mixture of 0.1 wt. % to 1.00 wt. % of the polylactide fiber and about 10 wt. % to about 1.00 wt. % of the natural fiber. The fabric preferably is flame retardant, and can be composed of a polyester or natural material (woven or non-woven). The airflow rate should be extremely high on the order a thin mesh that freely allows airflow. The fabric component has a high degree of air permeability on the order of not impeding airflow by more than 5% to 10% by uncovered air flow rates. 
         [0111]    The scented fabric component is preferably thin, but must be sturdy enough to withstand typical ventilation flows of fan systems without being torn or compromised such that it cannot perform the intended function. The typical units used are cubic feet per minute (CFM) or liters per second (L/s). The ventilation rate can also be expressed on a per person or per unit floor area basis, such as CFM/p or CFM/ft 2 . 
         [0112]    For residential housing, which mostly relies on air infiltration for ventilation, the common ventilation rate measure is the number of times the whole interior volume of air is replaced per hour, and is called air changes per hour (I or ACH; units of 1/h). During the winter, ACH may range from 0.50 to 0.41 in a tightly insulated house to 1.11 to 1.47 in a loosely insulated house. 
         [0113]    The scenting fabric has an air freshening agent loaded thereon. The air freshening agent must be able to adhere to the fabric but at least a portion thereof should be released when air flows through the scented fabric component. In the natural operation of the fan system, air will flow through the scenting material. 
         [0114]    Thus the air freshening agent may be chosen to release when air of any temperature flows through the scenting material at a pre-determined rate. Sufficient air freshening agent should continue to adhere to the scenting fabric so that the air freshening accessory can provide air freshening benefits for a pre-determined period of time. After the pre-determined period of time, it is contemplated that the airflow fan accessory will be replaced. 
         [0115]    While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention.