Patent Publication Number: US-2019170094-A1

Title: Flexible Airflow and Bracket System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application from U.S. application Ser. No. 15/009,161, entitled “Dual Axial Fan with Flexible Airflow and Bracket System” and filed on Jan. 28, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/846,427, entitled “Dual Axial Fan” and filed on Sep. 4, 2015. Both of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The invention relates generally to the field of vehicle heating and air conditioning systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Heater and air conditioning systems are common in many automobiles and have been incorporated into other types of vehicles. Vehicle heaters use a fan blowing air across a heater core or heat source and to the passenger. Vehicle air conditioning systems use a fan blowing air across an evaporator and to the passenger. The size of the heating and air conditioning systems is often dictated by the space restrictions within the given vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides an apparatus for improved heating and/or air conditioning a vehicle. The apparatus increases the heating and/or cooling effectiveness while maintaining a compact design that allows for the apparatus to be used within the limited space available in vehicles such as small automobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, snow mobiles, tractors, trailers, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, etc. While the apparatus is discussed in the context of vehicles, the apparatus may also be used in other environments such as stationary equipment and containers. 
     Embodiments of the apparatus use a dual fan configuration to improve the heat transfer within the same limited space available for the thermal exchange component and increase the velocity of air passing through the thermal exchange component. One fan is located on the first side of the thermal exchange component and the other fan is located on the second side of the thermal exchange component. The two fans operate in conjunction to maximize the temperature transfer occurring as the air passes through the thermal exchange component. A first fan operates to pull air from the ambient and push air into the thermal exchange component while the second fan operates to pull the temperature modified air from the thermal exchange component and push the temperature modified air out of a vent. 
     Some embodiments of the apparatus implement axial fans having a central motor which rotates the fan blades around the central axis of the motor. During operation the fans counter rotate to create a push-pull effect through the thermal exchange component. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure include air ducts for the ingress and egress of air on the opposite side of each fan from the thermal exchange component. Some embodiments of the air ducts include ports with a vent or other faceplate. Some embodiments of the air ducts include multiple ports each with a vent or other faceplate. In some embodiments, the vent or faceplate is designed to direct the flow of air through the port. Embodiments of the vent or faceplate may be designed to prevent occlusion of the port. 
     Embodiments of the thermal exchange component may include a heating element (such as a heat exchanger, electric coil, heater core, etc.), a cooling element (such as an air conditioner evaporator) or a combination component comprising a heating element and a cooling element. 
     Some embodiments include a flexible bracket system for an air modification apparatus. Embodiments of the flexible bracket system include a base bracket which attaches to the air modification apparatus and interchangeable accessory bracket components. Embodiments of the accessory bracket components may include a wing bracket, “L” bracket and other bracket components. Some embodiments of the bracket components are designed to allow articulation to provide a range of bracket configurations. 
     Some embodiments include a flexible ventilation system for an air modification apparatus. Embodiments of the flexible ventilation system include a base bracket and interchangeable ventilation components. Embodiments of the ventilation components may include duct connection components, vents and other ventilation components. Duct components may be one or more duct ports which are directed in various directions to connect to a duct system directing the airflow to one or more desired locations. Embodiments of the flexible ventilation system facilitate multiple configurations of the ventilation system components. 
    
    
     
       A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with references to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an embodiment of a dual fan design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a back view of an embodiment of a dual fan design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of a dual fan design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-section side view of an embodiment of a dual fan design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective, exploded view of an embodiment of a dual fan design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective, exploded view of another embodiment of a dual fan design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective, exploded view of an embodiment of a flexible bracket design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective, assembled view of an embodiment of a flexible bracket design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective, assembled view of another embodiment of a flexible bracket design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of embodiments of components for a flexible vent design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective, assembled view of an embodiment of a dual fan design with the flexible bracket and flexible vent design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective, assembled view of another embodiment of a dual fan design with the flexible bracket and flexible vent design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective, assembled view of another embodiment of a dual fan design with the flexible bracket and flexible vent design of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective, assembled view of an embodiment of a dual fan design with the flexible vent design of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective, assembled view of another embodiment of a dual fan design with the flexible bracket and flexible vent design of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. As used herein, the terms “and”, “or” and “and/or” may be used interchangeably. It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. 
       FIGS. 1, 2 and 3  show a front view, a back view and a side view of an assembled embodiment of dual fan apparatus  100  for heating or cooling air. The orientation and view terms used herein are to provide reference for the discussion of the dual fan assembly and do not limit the disclosure. Accordingly, one skilled in the art will recognize that the dual fan apparatus  100  may be installed and/or viewed in any number of orientations and remain within the scope and spirit of the present application. 
     As discussed herein, the dual fan apparatus  100  is designed to facilitate heating and cooling operations and includes heating and cooling system elements. Some embodiments of the dual fan apparatus  100  are designed for only heating or cooling operations. The operation as either a heating system, cooling system or a combination system will depend on the thermal exchange component (shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) used within the dual fan apparatus  100 . 
     The embodiment shown includes an air vent  102  attached to an air duct  104  at the top. Another air vent  106  is attached to an air duct  108  at the bottom of the dual fan apparatus  100  shown. In this embodiment, the air duct  104  is shown as part of the upper fan housing  110  and the air duct  108  is part of the lower fan housing  116 . In some embodiments, the air ducts  104  and  108  may comprise a separate housing attached to the fan housings  110  and  116 . In some embodiments, the air duct  104  and/or the air duct  108  may provide multiple separate air ports. In some embodiments, the air ports may be connectable to additional duct attachments which may be used to direct air to specific locations. For example, air duct  104  may include two air ports connected to flexible ducts that direct air to separate locations around the vehicle, such as one proximate to a driver seat and one proximate to a passenger seat. 
     In this embodiment, the dual fan apparatus  100  also includes an upper thermal exchange housing  112  and a lower thermal exchange housing  114 . The upper thermal exchange housing  112  and lower thermal exchange housing  114  are designed to enclose a thermal exchange component (shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). In some embodiments, the thermal exchange housings  112  and  114  may comprise a single housing structure. In other embodiments, the upper thermal exchange housing  112  and the upper fan housing  110  may comprise a single housing and the lower thermal exchange housing  114  and the lower fan housing  116  may comprise a single housing. One skilled in the art will recognize that the housing structures may vary depending on the design requirements for an embodiment and remain within the scope of the disclosure. 
     In this embodiment, the upper fan housing  110 , the upper thermal exchange housing  112 , the lower thermal exchange housing  114  and the lower fan housing  116  are stacked along a single axis—illustrated as the vertical axis in the figures. The air duct  104  extends generally along the same vertical axis shown. In contrast, the air duct  108  extends at an angle that is nearly perpendicular from the vertical axis illustrated. Embodiments of the dual fan apparatus  100  may include air ducts  104  and  108  extending at any direction appropriate for the implementation. For example, both air ducts  104  and  108  may extend along the same axis as the main housing components. As another example, both air ducts  104  and  108  may extend at angles from the main axis in order to fit within a restricted space available for the dual fan apparatus  100 . 
     The dual fan apparatus  100  also includes connectors  118  that are designed to connect with a heating and/or cooling fluid or gas source. For example, the connectors  118  may connect with a system pumping heated engine coolant through the thermal exchange component (shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) to operate as a heater. The system may be operable to reverse the flow of the coolant to pump cold coolant through the thermal exchange component to operate as an air conditioner. One skilled in the art will recognize that the type of fluid or gas may vary depending on the operational characteristics of the thermal exchange component and the dual fan apparatus  100 . The term thermal agent is used herein to identify the fluid or gas used in the thermal exchange component  142 . 
     The dual fan apparatus  100  also includes a mounting bracket  120  in this embodiment. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  the mounting bracket  120  is provided at the back of the dual fan apparatus  100  and may include features—such as the angular elements illustrated in  FIG. 3 —designed for specific mounting conditions. One skilled in the art will recognize that the placement and features of the mounting bracket  120  may vary to accommodate structural restrictions of the vehicle or other component in which the dual fan apparatus  100  is installed and remain within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket  120  is attached directly to one or more of the housing components  110 ,  112 ,  114  and  116 . In some embodiments, the mounting bracket  120  may be attached directly to one of the internal components of the dual fan apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, the mounting bracket  120  may incorporate adjustable features or attachments to allow one version of the dual fan apparatus  100  to be operable in a variety of enclosed spaces with different mounting characteristics. For example, the angles in the mounting bracket  120  shown in  FIG. 3  may be adjustable to allow variable mounting angles. For another example, the mounting bracket  120  may include spacers to provide installation adjustments. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section view of the dual fan apparatus  100 . As discussed above, the embodiment shown includes the upper fan housing  110 , the upper thermal exchange housing  112 , the lower thermal exchange housing  114  and the lower fan housing  116 . The upper fan housing  110  includes the air duct  104  with the vent  102  attached thereto. The lower fan housing  116  includes the air duct  108  with the vent  106  attached thereto. 
     The dual fan apparatus  100  includes an upper fan  130  and a lower fan  136  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The upper fan  130  includes fan blades  132  and fan motor  134  operable to turn the fan blades  132  in forward and reverse directions. The lower fan  136  includes fan blades  138  and fan motor  140  operable to turn the fan blades  138  in forward and reverse directions. The fan motors  134  and  140  are located in the center of the upper fan  130  and lower fan  136  respectively and each attach to the respective fan blades  132  and  138 . The fan blades  132  and  138  are designed to rotate around the central fan motors  134  and  140 . In some embodiments, the fan blades  132  and  138  are designed to include a central mounting socket attachable to a mounting rod extending from the fan motors  134  and  140 . In some embodiments, the fan motor  134  and/or  140  may be extended along the vertical axis from the fan blades  132  and/or  138 . 
     In this embodiment, the fans  130  and  136  are located in line with the thermal exchange component  142  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). Axial fans using a central motor as illustrated in this embodiment facilitate the in line configuration with other components. The use of axial fans also allows the diameter of the fans  130  and  136  to extend to the edge of the interior edge of the dual fan apparatus  100  and correspond with the size of the thermal exchange component  142 . In turn, the corresponding sizes between the fan and the thermal exchange component  142  maximize the airflow over the thermal exchange component  142 . Accordingly, the in line configuration of the axial fans  130  and  136  and the thermal exchange component  142  allows the dual fan apparatus  100  to maintain a compact design with a high effective airflow across the thermal exchange component  142 . 
     The thermal exchange component  142  may be a heating element (such as a heat exchanger, electric coil, heater core, etc.), a cooling element (such as an air conditioner evaporator) or a combination component comprising a heating element and a cooling element. The thermal exchange component  142  illustrated includes tubes  144  through which the thermal agent (i.e., heating and/or cooling fluid or gas) flows and fins  146  designed to increase the surface area for facilitating the thermal exchange from the thermal agent in tubes  144  to the air passing over the thermal exchange component  142 . The increased surface area provided by the fins  146  increases the efficiency of the thermal transfer into the air. In some embodiments, multiple thermal exchange components  142  may be included in the dual fan apparatus  100 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the dual fan apparatus  100 . This view shows the various components that are assembled in to the dual fan apparatus  100 . As discussed above, the dual fan apparatus  100  includes the vent  102  attached to the air duct  104  of the upper fan housing  110 . One end of the upper fan housing  110  fits over the upper fan  130  when assembled. In some embodiments, the upper fan  130  is mounted to the upper fan housing  110 . The upper fan  130  includes the fan motor  134  with fan blades  132  designed to rotate in either a forward or reverse direction around the fan motor  134 . The upper fan  130  fits over the thermal exchange component  142  when assembled. In some embodiments, the upper fan  130  and/or the lower fan  136  are substantially parallel with the thermal exchange component  142 . The fans  130  and  136  may be substantially parallel to ensure the majority of air is pushed directly onto the thermal exchange component  142  or pulled directly from the thermal exchange component  142 . 
     The thermal exchange component  142  is enclosed within the upper thermal exchange housing  112  and the lower thermal exchange housing  114 . The upper thermal exchange housing  112  includes an opening in the top to correspond with the upper fan  130 . In some embodiments, the upper fan  130  may be mounted to the opening in the upper thermal exchange housing  112 . The lower thermal exchange housing  114  includes an opening in the bottom to correspond with the lower fan  136 . In some embodiments, the lower fan  136  may be mounted to the opening in the lower thermal exchange housing  114 . 
     The thermal exchange component  142  also includes input/output tubes that terminate at connectors  118 . The connectors  118  are designed to operably connect the thermal exchange component  142  to a system for heating and/or cooling a fluid or gas medium used by the thermal exchange component  142 . The input/output tubes pass through an opening in the back of the dual fan apparatus  100  between the upper thermal exchange housing  112  and the lower thermal exchange housing  114 . 
     In this embodiment, the mounting bracket  120  is attached to the back of the dual fan apparatus  100 . The mounting bracket  120  may be attached to the thermal exchange housing components  112  and  114  in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the mounting bracket  120  may be attached to the thermal exchange component  142 . In yet other embodiments, the mounting bracket  120  may be attached to a combination of components of the dual fan apparatus  100 . For example, the mounting bracket  120  may be attached to the upper fan housing  110 , the thermal exchange component  142  and the lower fan housing  116 . One skilled in the art will recognize that the mounting bracket  120  may be attached to any of the components of the dual fan apparatus  100 . In addition, some embodiments may include multiple mounting brackets  120  attached at different locations on the dual fan apparatus  120 . The location, design and structure of the mounting brackets  120  may vary dependent upon the installation requirements. In some embodiment, a product package may include multiple mounting brackets  120  in order for a single product package to be applicable to multiple applications for installation. 
     The lower fan  136  includes the fan motor  140  with fan blades  138  designed to rotate in either a forward or reverse direction around the fan motor  140 . The lower fan  136  fits under the thermal exchange component  142  when assembled. In some embodiments, the lower fan  136  is mounted to the lower fan housing  116  which fits over the lower fan  136  when the dual fan apparatus  100  is assembled. The lower fan housing  116  includes the air duct  108  extending at a near perpendicular angle from the main axis of the dual fan apparatus  100 . The air port at the end of air duct  108  attaches to vent  106 . In this embodiment, the lower fan housing  116  also includes a second air port with a vent  150  provided in the air port. This air port provides a separate air intake or exit from the lower fan housing  116 . 
     Vent  106  is designed to fit with the air port at the end of the air duct  108 . One skilled in the art will recognize that the vents are designed to fit with the respective air ports and may connect to the air port in a variety of manners. For example, the vent  106  may be configured to fit within the air port of duct  108  such that the vent  106  and air port create a friction connection between the components. The components may include alternative connection means to facilitate a fixed connection between the vent and the air port. For example, the components may be connected using adhesives, bolts, screws, clamps, latches and/or other connections. In some embodiments, the vents may be molded into or welded to the air ports. 
     The vents  102 ,  106  and  150  are designed to facilitate the airflow into and out of the dual fan apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, the vents  102 ,  106  and  150  may be adjustable to allow a user to control the direction of the airflow. For example, the vents  102 ,  106  and  150  may include a control to direct the output of air towards the user. In some embodiments, some vents may be adjustable while other vents are not. For example, vent  102  may be adjustable while vents  106  and  150  are not adjustable. Some embodiments of the vents  102 ,  106  and  150  may prevent total occlusion of the associated air port. 
     When assembled, the external housing components  110 ,  112 ,  114  and  116  will be connected to form an apparatus housing that encases the internal components including the upper fan  130 , thermal exchange component  142  and lower fan  136 . The interior structure of the housing components  110 ,  112 ,  114  and  116  will be designed to hold the upper fan  130 , thermal exchange component  142  and lower fan  136  in an operational configuration with the upper fan  130  and lower fan  136  located adjacent to opposite sides of the thermal exchange component  142 . In some embodiments, the internal components may be held in place by pressures applied by the assembled external housing components. In alternative embodiments, the internal components may be attached to the external housing components though a fixed connection. For example, the upper fan  130  may be attached to the upper thermal exchange housing  112  by an adhesive connection and bolts. For another example, the lower fan  136  may be attached to the lower fan housing  116  by a snap connection. 
     In some embodiments, the connections between components and/or the mounting bracket  120  and the vehicle may incorporate gaskets or other paddings to limit vibration caused during operation of the dual fan apparatus  100  and/or the vehicle in which the dual fan apparatus  100  is installed. 
     In advance of operation, the dual fan apparatus  100  is installed in a vehicle or other environment. The dual fan apparatus  100  may be rotated in order to fit in a vehicle or other environment during installation. For example, vent  102  may be placed in a dashboard of a vehicle to operate as an upper air vent and the vent  106  may be designed to operate as a lower air vent for the feet. In another embodiment, the dual fan apparatus may be rotated such that the vent  102  may operate as a lower air vent for the feet and the vent  106  may operate as a defrost vent in the top of a vehicle dashboard. As discussed above, some embodiments may include additional air ports and air ducts to facilitate additional vent locations in a vehicle. 
     Once properly rotated and positioned, the dual fan apparatus  100  may be installed using one or more mounting brackets  120 . In some embodiments, additional connection points between the dual fan apparatus  100  and the vehicle or other environment may be used during installation. For example, during installation in a vehicle, the air ports on air ducts  104  and  108  may abut openings in the vehicle dashboard and/or body, and the vents  102  and  106  may pass through the openings in the dashboard and/or body to engage and connect to air ducts  104  and  108  creating additional connections between the dual fan apparatus  100  and the vehicle. 
     Finally, a thermal modification system (i.e., a heating and/or cooling system) that circulates a thermal agent (i.e. a gas or fluid) is attached to the connections  118  of the thermal exchange component  142 . One of the connections  118  operates as an input while the second connection  118  operates as an output to continue the circulation of the thermal agent through the external thermal modification system and back to the thermal exchange component  142 . For example, a heated engine coolant may be circulated through a heating system whereby the heat from the engine coolant is transferred into the air via the thermal exchange component  142 . 
     During operation of a combination heating and cooling apparatus, the external heating and cooling system will circulate a fluid or gas through the thermal exchange component  142  in a first direction. For example, the external heating and cooling system may pump heated engine coolant into the top connection  118  and through the thermal exchange component  142 . While the heated engine coolant is passing through the tubes  144  of the thermal exchange component  142 , the heat from the engine coolant transfers into cooler air passing through the thermal exchange component  142 . Specifically, the heat transfer occurs from the engine coolant through the conductive material of the tubes  144  and the fins  146  attached to the tubes  144  into the passing air. The surface area of the fins  146  operates to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange. The transfer of heat into the air causes the engine coolant to reduce in temperature within the thermal exchange component  142 . Accordingly, the coolant exits the thermal exchange component  142  and the lower connection  118  at a reduced temperature and continues to circulate through the external heating and cooling system wherein the fluid or gas becomes reheated and returns to the thermal exchange component  142 . In some embodiments, the external heating aspect of the system may operate in different manners that pump heated gas or fluid through the thermal exchange component. 
     While the heated engine coolant is passing through the thermal exchange component  142 , the upper fan  130  and lower fan  136  operate in conjunction to move air through the dual fan apparatus  100  and the thermal exchange component  142  in one direction. For example, the upper fan  130  may rotate blades  132  in a clockwise direction to pull air through the thermal exchange component  142  and push the air out of air duct  104  and vent  102  while the lower fan  136  may rotate blades  138  in a counter-clockwise direction to push air into the thermal exchange component  142  and pull air into the dual fan apparatus  100  through vent  150  and/or vent  106  via the air duct  108 . The fan motors  134  and  140  may be reversed to move air through the dual fan apparatus  100  in the opposite direction. In some embodiment, the angle of the blades  132  or  138  may be reversed such that both fans  130  and  136  rotate in the same direction to move air through the dual fan apparatus  100  in the same direction. 
     The push-pull operation of the two fans  130  and  136  operates to improve the air speed through the dual fan apparatus  100  and the thermal transfer into the air. For example, when the air is moved through the dual fan apparatus  100  in the direction from vent  102  to vents  150  and/or  106 , the fan  130  may push air into the area of the thermal exchange component  142  and the fan  136  may pull air from the area of the thermal exchange component  142 . When operating to push the air, the design of the fan blades  132  may push more of the air to the edges of the fan  130 . In contrast, the design of fan blades  138  may draw more air through the center of fan  136  when operating to pull the air from the thermal exchange component  142 . In such an embodiment, the push-pull effects caused by the fans  130  and  136  cause more air to pass from the outer edges to the center of the thermal exchange component  142  increasing the efficiency of the thermal transfer. In contrast to the airflow created by the dual fan apparatus  100 , a single fan would not operate to provide the uniform airflow across the entirety of a heat exchange. 
     When the dual fan apparatus  100  is used as part of a cooling system, the direction of the fluid or gas passing through the tubes  144  of the thermal exchange component  142  may be reversed. Accordingly, the cooled fluid or gas may be pumped from a compressor into the lower connection  118  into the thermal exchange component  142 . The thermal exchange component  142  may act as an evaporator to cool the air passing through the dual fan apparatus  100 . The fluid or gas may exit the thermal exchange component  142  at an increased temperature and continue to circulate through the external cooling system elements until returning to the thermal exchange component  142 . 
     In some embodiments, the external heating system and external cooling system are integrated such that the direction in which the gas or fluid passes dictates whether the thermal exchange component  142  operates as a heating or cooling exchange. In some embodiments, the external heating system and external cooling system are separate systems tied into tubing connected to the connections  118  at a controlled junction. The junction operates to control whether the heating system or cooling system is actively associated with the dual fan apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, the external heating and/or cooling system may operate utilizing gas-to-fluid and fluid-to-gas transitions to create the thermal differences used in the thermal exchange component  142 . 
     Embodiments of the dual fan apparatus  100  include an operably associated user interface to control the operation of the dual fan apparatus  100 . For example, the user interface allows a user to control the direction of airflow, speed of the airflow and/or temperature of the airflow. The user interface may include electronic and/or mechanical switches. 
     During operation, the vents  102 ,  150  and/or  106  may be controlled by a user to direct airflow into and/or out of the dual fan apparatus  100 . For example, a user may tilt the vent  102  to direct heated air toward a user&#39;s legs during cold weather. A user may later angle the vent  106  to direct cooled air in the center of a vehicle cabin. In some embodiments, the functions of the dual fan apparatus  100  may affect the operation of the vents  102 ,  106  and  150 . For example, the vents  106  and  150  may be open as the air is directed out vent  102  to maintain maximum airflow into the dual fan apparatus  100 . When the airflow is reversed, the vent  150  may automatically close in order to direct the maximum airflow out of vent  106 . In some embodiments, the vents  102 ,  106  and/or  150  may include elements to prevent occlusion of the vent and ensure airflow into the dual fan apparatus  100  is not cut off. In some embodiments, additional air ports may be built into the dual fan apparatus  100  to ensure the availability of air on the intake side of the dual fan apparatus  100 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a dual fan apparatus  200 . This view shows the various components that are assembled in to the dual fan apparatus  200 . Although the housing components and the fans are similar to the design disclosed above, this embodiment illustrates an alternative configuration of the thermal exchange system. As discussed further below, the thermal exchange component  142  described above is replaced with the series of thermal exchange components  260 ,  262  and  264  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Similar to the embodiment discussed above, the dual fan apparatus  200  includes the vent  102  attached to the air duct  104  of the upper fan housing  110 . One end of the upper fan housing  110  fits over the upper fan  130  when assembled. The upper fan  130  is designed to rotate in either a forward or reverse direction. The lower fan  136  is also designed to rotate in either a forward or reverse direction. The lower fan housing  116  which fits over the lower fan  136  when the dual fan apparatus  200  is assembled. The lower fan housing  116  includes the air duct  108  extending at a near perpendicular angle from the main axis of the dual fan apparatus  200 . The air port at the end of air duct  108  attaches to vent  106 . In this embodiment, the lower fan housing  116  also includes a second air port with a vent  150  provided in the air port. This air port provides a separate air intake or exit from the lower fan housing  116 . 
     The vents  102 ,  106  and  150  are designed to facilitate the airflow into and out of the dual fan apparatus  200 . In some embodiments, the vents  102 ,  106  and  150  may be adjustable to allow a user to control the direction of the airflow. For example, the vents  102 ,  106  and  150  may include a control to direct the output of air towards the user. Some embodiments of the vents  102 ,  106  and  150  may prevent total occlusion of the associated air port. 
     The thermal exchange components in this embodiment include upper heater core  260 , evaporator  262  and lower heater core  264 . The upper and lower heater cores  260  and  264  are designed to heat the air passing through the dual fan apparatus  200 . The heater cores  260  and  264  may be an engine coolant heat exchange unit, an electric heat exchange unit or any other type of heating element. In addition, the upper heater core  260  and the lower heater core  264  may be the same type of heating element or may be different types of heating elements. The evaporator  262  in this embodiment operates as a cooling element and cools air passing through the evaporator  262 . In some embodiments, the evaporator  262  may be replaced with an alternative cooling element or device. In some embodiments, the thermal exchange components—i.e. the upper heater core  260 , the evaporator  262  and the lower heater core  264 —are slim frame designs to minimize the necessary space for the components. 
     The thermal exchange components—i.e. the upper heater core  260 , the evaporator  262  and the lower heater core  264 —are enclosed within the upper thermal exchange housing  212  and the lower thermal exchange housing  214 . The upper thermal exchange housing  212  includes an opening in the top to correspond with the upper fan  130 . The lower thermal exchange housing  214  includes an opening in the bottom to correspond with the lower fan  136 . 
     In this embodiment, the evaporator  262  also includes input/output tubes that terminate at connectors  218 . The connectors  218  are designed to operably connect the evaporator  262  to a system for cooling a fluid or gas medium used by the evaporator  262 . The input/output tubes pass through an opening in the back of the dual fan apparatus  200  between the upper thermal exchange housing  212  and the lower thermal exchange housing  214 . 
     In this embodiment, one or more housing components of the dual fan apparatus  200  are designed to facilitate mounting of the dual fan apparatus  200  in a vehicle or another limited space environment. As discussed above, one or more mounting brackets may be attached to the dual fan apparatus  200  to coordinate specific mounting configurations. 
     When assembled, the upper fan  130  fits over the upper heater core  260  and the lower fan  136  fits under the lower heater core  264 . In some embodiments, the upper fan  130  and/or the lower fan  136  are substantially parallel with the upper heater core  260 , the evaporator  262  and/or the lower heater core  264 . The fans  130  and  136  may be substantially parallel to ensure the majority of air is pushed directly onto the thermal exchange components  260 ,  262  and  264  or pulled directly from the thermal exchange components  260 ,  262  and  264 . 
     When assembled, the external housing components  110 ,  212 ,  214  and  116  will be connected to form an apparatus housing that encases the internal components including the upper fan  130 , the upper heater core  260 , the evaporator  262 , the lower heater core  264  and the lower fan  136 . The interior structure of the housing components  110 ,  212 ,  214  and  116  will be designed to hold the upper fan  130 , the upper heater core  260 , the evaporator  262 , the lower heater core  264  and the lower fan  136  in an operational configuration. The upper and lower heater cores  260  and  264  are designed to sandwich the evaporator  262  in line with the upper and lower fans  130  and  136  which are located on opposite sides of the sandwiched thermal exchange components. Accordingly, the configuration of housing components  110 ,  212 ,  214  and  116  will hold the upper fan  130  adjacent to the upper heater core  260  and lower fan  136  adjacent to the lower heater core  264  on opposite sides of the sandwiched thermal exchange components. In some embodiments, the internal components may be held in place by pressures applied by the assembled external housing components  110 ,  212 ,  214  and  116 . In alternative embodiments, the internal components may be attached to the external housing components though a fixed connection. 
     In advance of operation, the dual fan apparatus  200  is installed in a vehicle or other environment. The dual fan apparatus  200  may be rotated in order to fit in a vehicle or other environment during installation. As discussed above, some embodiments may include additional air ports and air ducts to facilitate additional vent locations in a vehicle. Once properly rotated and positioned, the dual fan apparatus  200  may be installed using one or more mounting components. Finally, a cooling system that circulates a thermal agent (i.e. a gas or fluid) is attached to the connections  218  of the evaporator  262 . One of the connections  218  operates as an input while the second connection  218  operates as an output to continue the circulation of the thermal agent through the cooling system and back to the evaporator  262 . 
     During operation of the dual fan apparatus  200  for heating, either one or both of the upper heater core  260  and the lower heater core  264  may be engaged to heat the air passing through the dual fan apparatus. For example, only the upper heater core  260  may be on when air is moving through the dual fan apparatus  200  in an upward direction. Alternatively, only the lower heater core  264  may be on when air is moving through the dual fan apparatus  200  in a downward direction. In some embodiments, both heater cores  260  and  264  may be engaged to increase the air temperature more than either heater core  260  or  264  can heat the air alone. 
     During operation of the dual fan apparatus  200  with the evaporator  262  engaged, the external cooling system will circulate a fluid or gas through the evaporator  262 . Cooled fluid or gas may be pumped from a compressor into the input connection  218  into the evaporator  262  to cool the air passing through the dual fan apparatus  200 . The fluid or gas may exit the evaporator  262  at an increased temperature and continue to circulate through the external cooling system elements until returning to the evaporator  262 . When the evaporator  262  is engaged, the air is conditioned and cooled as it passes through the evaporator  262 . In some embodiments, the evaporator  262  may be engaged when the dual fan apparatus  200  is used for cooling and/or heating air. In some embodiments, the evaporator  262  may be used for cooling and heating the air up to a threshold temperature at which the evaporator  262  is shut off to facilitate increased heating of the air. 
     During operation of the dual fan apparatus  200 , the operation of each of the upper heater core  260 , the evaporator  262  and the lower heater core  264  is coordinated to provide desired air conditioning and thermal modification. For example, when the air is moving from the air duct  104  towards the air duct  108 , the upper heater core  260  may be turned off while the evaporator  262  and the lower heater core  264  are engaged to condition the air and heat the outgoing air. For another example, the evaporator  262  may be shut off while both heater cores  260  and  264  are engaged to facilitate an increased air temperature flowing through the dual fan apparatus  200 . In addition, one or more of the thermal exchange components  260 ,  262  and  264  may include an independent adjustment to modify the thermal output through the component. 
     While the dual fan apparatus  200  is operating, the upper fan  130  and lower fan  136  operate in conjunction to move air through the dual fan apparatus  200  and the thermal exchange components  260 ,  262  and  264  in one direction. For example, the upper fan  130  may rotate blades in a clockwise direction to pull air through the thermal exchange components  260 ,  262  and  264  and push the air out of air duct  104  and vent  102  while the lower fan  136  may rotate blades in a counter-clockwise direction to push air into the thermal exchange components  260 ,  262  and  264  and pull air into the dual fan apparatus  200  through vent  150  and/or vent  106  via the air duct  108 . The fan motors may be reversed to move air through the dual fan apparatus  200  in the opposite direction. 
     The push-pull operation of the two fans  130  and  136  operates to improve the air speed through the dual fan apparatus  200  and the thermal transfer into the air. For example, when the air is moved through the dual fan apparatus  200  in the direction from vent  102  to vents  150  and/or  106 , the fan  130  may push air into the area of the thermal exchange components  260 ,  262  and  264  and the fan  136  may pull air from the area of the thermal exchange components  260 ,  262  and  264 . 
     Embodiments of the dual fan apparatus  200  include an operably associated user interface to control the operation of the dual fan apparatus  200 . For example, the user interface allows a user to control the direction of airflow, speed of the airflow and/or temperature of the airflow. The user interface may include electronic and/or mechanical switches. For example, the user interface may control a water valve to modify the temperature output. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate an embodiment of a flexible bracket system  300  in a first configuration.  FIG. 7  shows the flexible bracket system  300  in an exploded view and  FIG. 8  shows the flexible bracket system  300  in an assembled view. The flexible bracket system  300  may be attached to the dual fan apparatuses discussed herein instead of or in conjunction with the bracket  120  discussed above. In addition, the flexible bracket system  300  may be attached to alternative air modification devices, such as heaters, air conditioning units, fans and/or other devices that change one or more characteristics of the air. The orientation and view terms used herein are to provide reference for the discussion of the components discussed herein and do not limit the disclosure. Accordingly, one skilled in the art will recognize that the components may be installed and/or viewed in any number of orientations and remain within the scope and spirit of the present application. 
     Flexible bracket system  300  includes a center bracket  302 , a first actuating bracket  320 , a second actuating bracket  322 , a first angled bracket  340  and a second angled bracket  342 . These components are shown in a first configuration; however, the components may be rearranged, reoriented and/or replaced to facilitate multiple configurations of the flexible bracket system  300 . 
     The center bracket  302  includes a mounting plate  304  extending between a first wing  306  and a second wing  308 . The mounting plate  304  is dimensioned to fit against a mounting section of an air modification device, such as the dual fan apparatus discussed herein. The first and second wings  306  and  308  are adapted to place the bottom of the wing against or in close proximity to the air modification device body. In addition, the first and second wings  306  and  308  are adapted to extend the width of the center bracket  302  on both sides of the mounting bracket  304 . In some embodiments, the first and second wings  306  and  308  are approximately perpendicular to the mounting bracket  304 . Each side of the first and second wings  306  and  308  include a series of openings, including first opening  310  and second opening  312 . The first and second openings  310  and  312  are oblong in shape to allow adjustment between connected pieces. 
     The first actuating bracket  320  and the second actuating bracket  322  shown in this embodiment are the same structure in different orientations. Both the first and second actuating brackets  320  and  322  include curved sides  324  and  326  connected by a center plate  328 . In this embodiment, each side includes a curved opening  330  and an oblong opening  332 . The design of the openings  330  and  332  allow the actuating brackets  320  and  322  to rotate and adjust positions in some embodiments. For example, the actuating brackets  320  and  322  may rotate throughout the arc provided by the curved openings  330 . Each center plate includes a series of holes  334  to facilitate attachment to other bracket components and/or installation. For example, in some embodiments, one or more holes  334  in the center plate  328  may correspond to installation points within a vehicle housing and facilitate mounting the air modification apparatus in the vehicle. 
     The angled bracket components  340  and  342  shown in this embodiment also illustrate the same structure shown in different orientations. Both angled brackets  340  and  342  include a pattern of holes  344  on one leg of the bracket component and oblong openings  346  on the second leg of the bracket component. In some embodiments, the number and pattern of holes  344  allows for variation in attachment options based upon a selection of the holes  344 . In such embodiments, the holes  344  may not allow significant adjustment or any adjustment depending on the connection. The oblong openings  346  allow adjustment along the length of the oblong holes  346  which may facilitate sliding adjustments, rotational adjustments and/or other adjustments based upon the connections used with the oblong openings  346 . 
     In the assembled configuration, the first and second actuating brackets  320  and  322  are attached to the first and second wings  306  and  308  of the center bracket  302 . Connectors (shown as bolts  350 ) connect the center bracket opening  310  with the actuating bracket oblong opening  332  and the center bracket opening  312  with the actuating bracket curved opening  330 . When loosely connected, the actuating brackets  320  and  322  may be rotated approximately 90 degrees wherein the actuating bracket center plate  328  may rotate from a horizontal position similar to the center bracket mounting plate  304 —see actuating bracket  320 —to a vertical position—see actuating bracket  322 . In some embodiments, the connectors  350  may be tightened to fix the actuating brackets  320  and  322  in any set rotational orientation between the minimum position—approximately horizontal—and the maximum position—approximately vertical. Embodiments may modify the openings to allow alternative rotational options such as 120 degrees of rotation, 60 degrees of rotation, 45 degrees of rotation, etc. In the embodiment shown, the actuating brackets  320  and  322  are operable to rotate from the position of actuating bracket  320  upward to the position of actuating bracket  322 . In some embodiments, one or more of the actuating brackets  320  and  322  may be inverted in relation to the center bracket  302  whereby the actuating bracket may rotate downward increasing the range of potential attachment locations. 
     In the embodiment shown, the actuating brackets  320  and  322  are attached to the angled brackets  342  and  340  respectively by connectors (shown as bolts  352 ). The bolts  352  connect the pattern of holes  344  in the second angled bracket  342  with the holes  328  of the first actuating bracket  320 . In this embodiment, the bolts  352  are dimensioned to fit the holes  344  and  328  and when engaged through the holes  344  and  328  the first angled bracket  342  is not adjustable in relation to the first actuating bracket  320 . 
     In contrast, the oblong openings  346  of the first angled bracket  340  are used to connect with the holes  334  of the second actuating bracket  322 . In this embodiment, the oblong openings  346  allow the first angled bracket  340  to adjust in relation to the holes  334  of the second actuating bracket  322  when the bolts  352  are engaged but sufficiently loose to allow movement between the components. For example, the first angled bracket  340  may slide vertically along the oblong openings  346  to adjust the height. For another example, the first angled bracket  340  may rotate wherein a bolt  352  slides down one of the oblong openings  346  while another bolt  352  slides up the second oblong opening  346 . 
     This embodiment also shows connectors (shown as bolts  354  and  356 ) for attaching the flexible bracket  300  to the installation device. For example, the bolts  354  and  356  may attach to one or more frame components of a vehicle for installing the device in a vehicle. Although connectors have been shown and described as bolts  350 ,  352 ,  354  and  356 , the various connectors may be alternative components to facilitate connections such as screws, pins, friction components and/or other components. In addition, alternative connections may be implemented instead of separate connectors—such as adhesives, welds, rivets and other connections. One skilled in the art will recognize that the connections may be created using removable connection options (i.e. options that facilitate the option to remove, modify or otherwise regularly manipulate the connection option), semi-permanent connection options (i.e. options that are not intended to be disconnected, but allow for disconnection without damaging the integrity of the components) or permanent connection options (i.e. options that are not intended to be disconnected and are likely to damage the integrity of the components if steps are taken to disconnect the components). One skilled in the art will recognize that one or more types of connections may be implemented in the flexible bracket system  300 . 
     In light of the application, one skilled in the art will also recognize that that the configurations of the holes and other openings used for connecting components together and/or to an installation may vary and remain within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In some embodiments of flexible bracket system  300  may include additional options for the bracket components having different connection attributes. For example, an extension component having a generally rectangular shape with holes at each end that facilitates extending the length of a connection. For another example, alternative angled brackets having different angles between the legs, such as 45 degree angles, 60 degree angles, 120 degree angles, etc. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of flexible bracket system  400 . The flexible bracket system  400  includes the center bracket  302  and a series of angled brackets  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366 . Each of the angled brackets  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366  are the same structure as angled brackets  340  and  342  discussed above. Each of the angled brackets  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366  includes a pattern of holes  374  on one leg of the bracket component and oblong openings  370  and  372  on the second leg of the bracket component. 
     The angled brackets  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366  are attached to the center bracket  302  by connectors (shown as bolts  376 ). In this embodiment, the angled brackets  360  and  364  are attached to the second wing  308  and the angled brackets  362  and  366  are attached to the first wing  306 . The holes  374  in the angled brackets  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366  are attached to corresponding oblong openings  310  in the first and second wings  306  and  308  by the bolts  376 . When the connection is sufficiently loose, the angled brackets  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366  are vertically adjustable along the long axis of the oblong openings  310 . 
     In the configuration shown, the second leg of each of the angled brackets  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366  includes a first oblong opening  370  and second oblong opening  372 . The oblong openings  370  and  372  in each of the angled brackets  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366  facilitate connections for installation. For example, an installer may drive screws through the oblong openings  370  and  372  into the frame or housing structure of a vehicle during installation. The oblong openings  370  and  372  allow some adjustment and/or may improve the ease in matching the bracket to preselected locations in a frame, housing or other structure for implementation. In some embodiments, the angled brackets  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366  may facilitate connections to additional bracket components to facilitate additional configurations for installation purposes. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the angled brackets  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366  may be reconfigured and/or replaced to facilitate additional bracket configurations. For example, angled bracket  360  may be turned 90 degrees to extend horizontally from the center bracket  302 , angled bracket  362  may be flipped such that the oblong openings  370  and  372  correspond to the oblong openings  310  in the center bracket  302 , and angled brackets  364  and  366  may be removed and replaced with an actuating bracket  320 . In light of this disclosure, one skilled in the art will recognize that the flexible bracket systems  300  and  400  facilitate multiple configurations and options using the center bracket  302  and one or more additional bracket components including the angled brackets, actuating brackets, and other ancillary bracket components. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a series of components for a flexible ventilation system for an air modification apparatus, such as the dual fan apparatus. The components include a ventilation housing bracket  502  and interchangeable ventilation components, including a horizontal duct component  520 , a vent component  530  and a vertical duct component  540 . 
     In this embodiment, the ventilation housing bracket  502  includes a circular base section  504  and a crossbar  506  including slots  516 . In some embodiments, the ventilation housing bracket  502  may operate as a fan housing component as discussed elsewhere herein. The bottom of the ventilation housing bracket  502  includes a series of attachment ports  512  designed to facilitate connection to the structure of an air modification device. The attachment ports  512  may be configured to fit a specific structure of an air modification device. In some embodiments, the attachment ports  512  are configured as a universal connection to allow the ventilation housing bracket  502  to attach to multiple structural designs. The ventilation housing bracket  502  also includes connection port  514  to facilitate securing the interchangeable components—e.g. the horizontal duct component  520 , the vent component  530  and the vertical duct component  540 —to the ventilation housing bracket  502 . 
     In this embodiment, the circular base section  504  and the crossbar  506  define a first opening  508  and a second opening  510 . The first and second openings  508  and  510  are configured to receive the interchangeable components including the horizontal duct component  520 , the vent component  530 , the vertical duct component  540  and other interchangeable components. 
     The horizontal duct component  520  includes two horizontal ducts  522 , protrusion  524  and slot  526 . In some embodiments, the horizontal duct component  520  may include a single horizontal duct  522  or multiple horizontal ducts  522 . In the embodiment shown, the output opening in the horizontal ducts  522  may connect with additional ducting (not shown) to further direct airflow to desired locations. 
     In this embodiment, the horizontal duct component  520  is adapted to fit in one of the first and/or second openings  508  and  510 . When the horizontal duct component  520  is placed in the first or second opening  508  or  510 , the protrusion  524  engages the slot  516  in the crossbar  506 . In some embodiments, the horizontal duct component  520  includes a plurality of protrusions  524  and the crossbar  506  includes a plurality of corresponding slots  516 . In some embodiments, the protrusions  524  may be located on the crossbar  506  and the slots  516  may be located on the horizontal duct component  520 . One skilled in the art will recognize that alternative connections, such as the connection options discussed elsewhere herein, may be implemented in place of the protrusions  524  and the slots  516  and remain within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. 
     In addition, the slot  526  is located over the connection port  514  when the horizontal duct component  520  is in place. In the embodiment shown, the horizontal duct component  520  may be fixed in place by using a connector such as a screw, bolt, pin or other element to connect the slot  526  to the connection port  514 . In some embodiments, the slot  526  and connection port  514  may be modified to provide another connection option, such as a snap connection, a friction connection, a magnetic connection, an adhesive connection, a welded connection or another connection option. 
     During operation, the horizontal ducts  522  operate to direct air horizontally from the air modification device. Additional ducting (not shown) that directs air to a specific location may be attached to the horizontal ducts  522 . For example, an additional duct may attach to the output of one of the horizontal ducts  522  and pipe conditioned air to a vehicle cabin vent and another additional duct may attach to the output of the second horizontal duct  522  and pipe conditioned air to a defrost vent in a vehicle dash. 
     The vent component  530  includes a vent section  532 , protrusion  534  and slot  536 . In this embodiment, the vent component  530  is adapted to fit in one of the first and/or second openings  508  and  510 . When the vent component  530  is placed in the first or second opening  508  or  510 , the protrusion  534  engages the slot  516  in the crossbar  506 . In some embodiments, the vent component  530  includes a plurality of protrusions  534  and the crossbar  506  includes a plurality of corresponding slots  516 . In some embodiments, the protrusions  534  may be located on the crossbar  506  and the slots  516  may be located on the vent component  530 . One skilled in the art will recognize that alternative connections, such as the connection options discussed elsewhere herein, may be implemented in place of the protrusions  534  and the slots  516  and remain within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. 
     In addition, the slot  536  is located over the connection port  514  when the vent component  530  is in place. In the embodiment shown, the vent component  530  may be fixed in place by using a connector such as a screw, bolt, pin or other element to connect the slot  536  to the connection port  514 . In some embodiments, the slot  536  and connection port  514  may be modified to provide another connection option, such as a snap connection, a friction connection, a magnetic connection, an adhesive connection, a welded connection or another connection option. 
     During operation, the vent section  532  operates to allow airflow to pass to or from the air modification device. For example, the air freely moves out of the vent section  532  when the air modification device is moving air towards the vent section  532  and the air freely moves into the vent section  532  when the air modification device is pulling air towards the vent section  532 . In some installations, the vent section  532  may be located at selected locations to allow the free airflow. 
     The vertical duct component  540  includes two vertical ducts  542 , protrusion  544  and slot  546 . In some embodiments, the vertical duct component  540  may include a single vertical duct  542  or multiple vertical ducts  542 . In the embodiment shown, the output opening in the vertical ducts  542  may connect with additional ducting (not shown) to further direct airflow to desired locations. 
     In this embodiment, the vertical duct component  540  is adapted to fit in one of the first and/or second openings  508  and  510 . When the vertical duct component  540  is placed in the first or second opening  508  or  510 , the protrusion  544  engages the slot  516  in the crossbar  506 . In some embodiments, the vertical duct component  540  includes a plurality of protrusions  544  and the crossbar  506  includes a plurality of corresponding slots  516 . In some embodiments, the protrusions  544  may be located on the crossbar  506  and the slots  516  may be located on the vertical duct component  540 . One skilled in the art will recognize that alternative connections, such as the connection options discussed elsewhere herein, may be implemented in place of the protrusions  544  and the slots  516  and remain within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. 
     In addition, the slot  546  is located over the connection port  514  when the vertical duct component  540  is in place. In the embodiment shown, the vertical duct component  540  may be fixed in place by using a connector such as a screw, bolt, pin or other element to connect the slot  546  to the connection port  514 . In some embodiments, the slot  546  and connection port  514  may be modified to provide another connection option, such as a snap connection, a friction connection, a magnetic connection, an adhesive connection, a welded connection or another connection option. 
     During operation, the vertical ducts  542  operate to direct air vertically from the air modification device. Additional ducting (not shown) that directs air to a specific location may be attached to the vertical ducts  542 . For example, an additional duct may attach to the output of one of the vertical ducts  542  and pipe conditioned air to a vehicle cabin vent and another additional duct may attach to the output of the second vertical duct  542  and pipe conditioned air to a defrost vent in a vehicle dash. 
     In some embodiments, the interchangeable components may include multiple duct and/or vent characteristics. For example, one interchangeable component may include one vertical duct  542  and one horizontal duct  522 . For another example, an interchangeable component may include a vent section  532  and a horizontal duct  522 . 
     Some embodiments of the flexible ventilation system may include ventilation housing bracket  502 , which may include an alternative configuration of openings  508  and  510  with compatible interchangeable components. For example, the ventilation housing bracket  502  may include three openings which receive three compatible interchangeable components. In addition, some embodiments of the interchangeable components may include capping elements to prevent airflow through the capped area and/or increase the airflow through adjacent vents and/or ducts. 
       FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of a flexible air modification system  600  which includes the air modification component with a configuration of the flexible bracket system and a configuration of the flexible ventilation system. For purposes of discussion herein, the air modification component is shown as the dual fan apparatus  602  which operates consistent with the dual fan apparatus designs discussed above. One skilled in the art will recognize that the dual fan apparatus  602  may be replaced with another air modification component—such as a blower, a heater, an air conditioner or another component—and remain within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. 
     In the embodiment shown, the mounting bracket  304  of the center bracket  302  attaches to the dual fan apparatus  602 . The first actuating bracket  320  is in a first position with the center plate  328  of the first actuating bracket  320  similar to the center bracket mounting plate  304 . Attached to the first actuating bracket  320  is the first angled bracket  342 . The second actuating bracket  322  is rotated to a second position with the center plate  328  of the second actuating bracket  322  approximately perpendicular to the mounting plate  304 . The second angled bracket  340  is attached to the second actuating bracket  322 . 
     This embodiment of the flexible air modification system  600  includes a flexible ventilation system on the top and bottom. On the top, the flexible ventilation system includes the ventilation housing bracket  502  and two vertical duct components  540 . Each of the two vertical duct components  540  include two vertical ducts  542 . Each of the vertical ducts  542  may attach to one or more additional duct components (not shown) that may direct airflow to or from a select location. 
     The flexible ventilation system on the bottom portion of the air modification system  600  includes a ventilation housing bracket  502  and vent component  530 . The vent component  530  allows air to flow in or out of the bottom of the flexible air modification system  600 . The second interchangeable component is not shown in this embodiment, but may comprise any compatible interchangeable component. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the interchangeable components may also be part of the vehicle housing or be configured to fit into the vehicle housing. For example, the vent component  530  may also be built into the floorboard vent of a vehicle. For another example, the top of the air modification system  600  may fit into a cutout in the dash of a vehicle. In such embodiments, the interchangeable components may be customized options for different vehicles. 
       FIG. 12  shows flexible air modification system  700  which includes the air modification component with a configuration of the flexible bracket system and a configuration of the flexible ventilation system. The flexible air modification system  700  shows an alternative embodiment of the air modification system  600  discussed above. Similar to the air modification system  600 , the top flexible ventilation system of the air modification system  700  includes two vertical duct components  540  and the bottom flexible ventilation system includes a vent component  530 . 
     In addition, the mounting bracket  304  of the center bracket  302  attaches to the dual fan apparatus  602  and the first actuating bracket  320  is in a first position with the center plate  328  of the first actuating bracket  320  similar to the center bracket mounting plate  304 . Attached to the first actuating bracket  320  is the first angled bracket  342 . 
     In contrast to the flexible air modification system  600 , the second actuating bracket  322  also rotated to a position with the center plate  328  of the second actuating bracket  322  similar to the mounting plate  304 . In addition, the second angled bracket  340  is attached to the second actuating bracket  322  using the holes  344  and presenting the oblong openings  346  for installation. 
       FIG. 13  shows an embodiment of a flexible air modification system  800  which includes the air modification component with a center bracket  302  of the flexible bracket system and a configuration of the flexible ventilation system. In the embodiment shown, the mounting bracket  304  of the center bracket  302  attaches to the dual fan apparatus  602 . In the embodiment shown, the mounting bracket  304  is attached to the dual fan apparatus  602  using bolts  802 . Although connectors have been shown and described as bolts  802 , the components may be connected using alternative components such as screws, pins, friction components and/or other components. In addition, alternative connections may be implemented instead of separate connectors—such as adhesives, welds, rivets and other connections. One skilled in the art will recognize that the connections may be created using removable connection options (i.e. options that facilitate the option to remove, modify or otherwise regularly manipulate the connection option), semi-permanent connection options (i.e. options that are not intended to be disconnected, but allow for disconnection without damaging the integrity of the components) or permanent connection options (i.e. options that are not intended to be disconnected and are likely to damage the integrity of the components if steps are taken to disconnect the components). One skilled in the art will recognize that one or more types of connections may be implemented in the flexible bracket system. 
     This embodiment of the flexible air modification system  800  includes a flexible ventilation system on the top and bottom. On the top, the flexible ventilation system includes the ventilation housing bracket  502 , one vertical duct component  540  and one horizontal duct component  520 . The horizontal duct component  520  includes two horizontal ducts  522  and the vertical duct component  540  includes two vertical ducts  542 . Each of the ducts  522  and  542  may attach to one or more additional duct components (not shown) that may direct airflow to or from a select location. 
     The flexible ventilation system on the bottom portion of the air modification system  800  includes a ventilation housing bracket  502  and vent component  530 . The second interchangeable component is not shown in this embodiment, but may comprise any compatible interchangeable component. 
       FIG. 14  shows an embodiment of a flexible air modification system  900  which includes the air modification component with a configuration of the flexible ventilation system. This embodiment shows a mounting surface  902  of the dual fan apparatus  602  located between connectors to the dual fan apparatus  602 . In the embodiment shown, a mounting bracket  304  (not shown in  FIG. 14 ) may be attached to the dual fan apparatus  602  on the mounting surface  902 . In some embodiments, the dual fan apparatus  602  may include multiple mounting surfaces  902  to allow different options for mounting the flexible bracket system to the dual fan apparatus  602 . In some embodiments, the dual fan apparatus  602  may include alternative mounting surfaces  902  that facilitate attachment of the dual fan apparatus  602  and a flexible bracket system. 
     This embodiment of the flexible air modification system  900  includes a flexible ventilation system on the top and bottom. On the top, the flexible ventilation system includes the ventilation housing bracket  502 , one vertical duct component  540  and one horizontal duct component  520 . The horizontal duct component  520  includes two horizontal ducts  522  and the vertical duct component  540  includes two vertical ducts  542 . Each of the ducts  522  and  542  may attach to one or more additional duct components (not shown) that may direct airflow to or from a select location. 
     In this embodiment, the ventilation housing bracket  502  is rotated 90 degrees around a vertical axis of the dual fan apparatus  602  relative to the orientation shown in  FIG. 13 . One skilled in the art will recognize that the ventilation housing bracket  502  may be designed to attach to the dual fan apparatus  602  at a variety of orientations. In some embodiments, the ventilation housing bracket  502  may be rotatable allowing a person to adjust the orientation of the ventilation housing bracket  502  during installation. Designs allowing the rotation and/or change in orientation of the ventilation housing bracket  502  facilitate additional flexibility in directing the airflow from the dual fan apparatus  602  and/or into the dual fan apparatus  602 . 
     The flexible ventilation system on the bottom portion of the air modification system  900  includes a ventilation housing bracket  502  and vent component  530 . The second interchangeable component is not shown in this embodiment, but may comprise any compatible interchangeable component. In some embodiments, the ventilation housing component  502  may also be rotatable or reoriented on the bottom of the dual fan apparatus  602 . In some embodiments, the top ventilation housing bracket  502  and the bottom ventilation housing bracket  502  may have different orientations. 
       FIG. 15  shows an embodiment of a flexible air modification system  1000  which includes the air modification component with center bracket  302  of the flexible bracket system and a configuration of the flexible ventilation system. In the embodiment shown, the mounting bracket  304  of the center bracket  302  attaches to the dual fan apparatus  602 . 
     This embodiment of the flexible air modification system  1000  includes a flexible ventilation system on the top and bottom. On the top, the flexible ventilation system includes the ventilation housing bracket  502 , one vertical duct component  540  and one horizontal duct component  520 . The horizontal duct component  520  includes two horizontal ducts  522  and the vertical duct component  540  includes two vertical ducts  542 . Each of the ducts  522  and  542  may attach to one or more additional duct components (not shown) that may direct airflow to or from a select location. 
     In this embodiment, the flexible ventilation system bottom also includes the ventilation housing bracket  502 , one vertical duct component  540  and one horizontal duct component  520 . The horizontal duct component  520  includes two horizontal ducts  522  and the vertical duct component  540  includes two vertical ducts  542 . Each of the ducts  522  and  542  may attach to one or more additional duct components (not shown) that may direct airflow to or from a select location. 
     In some embodiments, the flexible ventilation system includes control elements to direct air, stop the airflow or otherwise control the airflow through the air modification system. In some embodiments, the flexible ventilation system may include vents with fins to direct the airflow. In some embodiments, the flexible ventilation system may include independent valves within the ducts which allow the user to open, close or constrict the airflow through the ducts. The independent valves may allow a user to further select the output location of the air. For example, the user may open the duct associated with the defrost outputs and close the other ducts. Such a selection would operate to both direct the air and increase the airflow through the open path. Ventilation system controls may be any type of control operable to manage the airflow characteristics through the ventilation system, such as mechanical controls, electrical controls, electromechanical controls, etc. 
     The flexible airflow systems described herein may be utilized in conjunction or independently. For example, the dual fan apparatus  100  may be used with a set bracket and duct output. For another example, the flexible bracket system may be used to mount a single fan heating unit which incorporates a set ventilation output. For yet another example, the flexible duct design may be implemented on a single fan air conditioning unit with a set mounting bracket. One skilled in the art will recognize the various combinations that may be implemented using the flexible systems described herein. 
     During implementation of a flexible airflow system, a user may select an air modification component compatible with the flexible bracket system and the flexible ventilation system. Some embodiments of a flexible airflow system may include a conversion kit or component to allow multiple air modification components to be compatible with the flexible bracket system and/or the flexible ventilation system. As discussed above, the air modification component may be any heater, air conditioning unit, fan, blower or other device that changes the characteristics of the air. The dual fan apparatus  602  will be referred to for illustration. 
     The user may then attach the center bracket  302  to the dual fan apparatus  602 . The user may also select the bracket components needed to facilitate attachment to the frame, housing or other installation feature of the vehicle or other structure in which the flexible airflow system will be mounted. For example, the user may select one actuating bracket  320  with an angled bracket  340  attached thereto and two angled brackets  340  attached directly to the wings  306  and  308  of the center bracket  302 . As illustrated in the figures and discussed above, the bracket components may be selected, arranged and oriented to facilitate multiple bracket configurations. The user&#39;s selection and configuration of bracket components allows for the user to custom fit installations of the dual fan apparatus  602 . 
     After the center bracket  302  is attached, the user may attach the additional bracket components to the center bracket  302 . The user may leave one or more of the connections sufficiently loose to allow the bracket components to rotate or otherwise allow restricted movement for the installation of the dual fan apparatus  602 . For example, the user may leave the actuating bracket  320  loosely attached to the center bracket  302  to allow the actuating bracket  320  to rotate into an optimal position during installation. 
     The user may then select the orientation for attaching a ventilation housing bracket  502  to the top of the dual fan apparatus  602 . The user may also select the orientation for attaching a ventilation housing bracket  502  to the bottom of the dual fan apparatus  602 . The user may then attach the ventilation housing bracket  502  to the top of the dual fan apparatus  602  and the ventilation housing bracket  502  to the bottom of the dual fan apparatus  602 . The user may also select the ventilation components needed to facilitate the intended airflow features for the vehicle or other structure in which the flexible airflow system will be installed. For the ventilation housing brackets  502  shown, the user will select two interchangeable ventilation components for the top and two interchangeable ventilation components for the bottom of the dual fan apparatus  602 . For example, the user may select a horizontal duct component  520  and a vent component  530  for the top ventilation components and a horizontal duct component  520  and a vertical duct component  540  for the bottom ventilation components. 
     Once the user has assembled the selected configuration of the flexible airflow system, the user may install the flexible airflow system in the desired structure. For discussion herein, a vehicle is the selected structure for implementation. The user may place the flexible airflow system in the desired location within the vehicle and connect one or more bracket components to the vehicle frame, housing and/or other installation points. In some cases, the bracket components may be adjusted to better fit the vehicle installation points during the installation process. In some cases, one or more of the bracket components may be attached to the vehicle prior to attaching the bracket components to the center bracket or an intermediate bracket component. The installation connections may use bolts, screws, welds and/or any other connection as discussed above. Once installed any loose connections may be tightened to further secure the flexible airflow system in a fixed location. 
     Once the flexible airflow system is attached in the vehicle, additional ventilation and/or duct elements may be connected. For example, additional ducts directing air to select locations throughout the vehicle may be attached to the horizontal duct ports, vertical duct ports and/or any other duct ports. For another example, ventilation faceplates may be connected to one or more ports in some embodiments. 
     Any additional operation connection may also be completed during installation. For example, electrical control systems may be installed. For another example, fluid and gas tubing for the thermal exchange elements may be attached. 
     One skilled in the art will recognize that the selection of one or more components and/or orientations for the components may depend upon other selections. Accordingly, the user may select a complete set of components and an intended configuration prior to assembling the components of the flexible airflow system for installation. In addition, the order of selection and/or attachment may vary and remain within the scope and disclosure of the invention. Finally, one or more attachment steps for the bracket components or the interchangeable ventilation components may occur within the installation process. 
     The invention being thus described and further described in the claims, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the apparatus described.