Patent Publication Number: US-2009238685-A1

Title: Disguised air displacement device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/729,752 filed Mar. 29, 2007, which, in turn, claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/798,703 titled ELECTRIC FAN WITH MULTIPLE FACIAL TREATMENTS, filed May 8, 2006, the subject matter of which applications is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of air displacement devices and more specifically to the field of disguised air circulation devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A fan is common sight within homes and offices. However, simply because the sight of fan is common does not mean that it is a welcome sight. Fans are utilitarian objects that are infrequently structured to appeal to the personal tastes of spectators. Common fans generally include a bulky stand that supports a metal or plastic wire cage with fan blades disposed therein. Such objects rarely fit into the decor of a home or office building. 
     Fans that attract minimal attention are portable fans, as can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 2,341,220; 2,725,184; and 2,811,304. Portable fans commonly include a fan unit that is mounted onto a base that allows the fan to be tilted forward and backward, or sometimes allows on oscillating or rotational movement about a vertical axis. The fan usually includes a motor inside a motor housing for driving the fan blades and a motor actuating switch for actuating the motor. 
     Although portable fans are less likely to attract the attention of a spectator than their larger analogs, portable fans are still recognizable as fans—which is often unwanted in many decoration schemes. Therefore, there is a need for a portable fan unit that is unrecognizable as a fan. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a portable air displacement device having one or more aesthetic overlays that disguise its visible air circulation properties. By portable, it is meant that the present invention is capable of relatively simple relocation from one point to another. In a picture frame air displacement device embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a body, a stabilizer, a releasable faceplate, and an air displacement unit. The body includes a body cavity on its surface and a body chamber within. The body chamber is connected to an air outlet and an air inlet. The stabilizer of the picture frame embodiment includes mechanisms and articles commonly used in the frame art to brace a picture frame, such as a stand or a wall mount aperture. The releasable faceplate is a cover for the body cavity that serves to accept an aesthetic overlay disposed within the body cavity. Within the body chamber, the air displacement unit includes any air circulation devices common in the air circulation art, but is dimensioned to fit within the picture frame embodiment&#39;s body, which is comparable to a typical picture frame. 
     A motive air displacement device embodiment of the present invention includes a body, a stabilizer, a structurally prominent faceplate, and an air displacement unit. The body of the motive embodiment includes a substantially solid body surface that masks both a minimally-sized air inlet and peripheral air outlet. Within the body is a body chamber supporting an appropriately-sized air displacement unit connected to the air inlet and air  5  outlet. Upon the body, and near the air outlet, is located a structurally prominent faceplate that supports a transforming aesthetic overlay, i.e. an aesthetic overlay capable of altering its surface detail. Suitable stabilizers for the motive embodiment will vary with the transforming aesthetic overlay, but might include a base, wall mount, rotatable stand, and the like. 
     A buried air displacement device embodiment of the present invention includes a body, a retractable faceplate with an aesthetic overlay, and an air displacement unit. The body defines an interior body chamber connected to an air inlet and an air outlet, both of which are positioned on the surface of the body. Affixed to the body is a retractable faceplate configured to selectively obstruct the air outlet. Upon the retractable faceplate is an aesthetic overlay, whether a separate entity or integrated therein. The stabilizer includes any article capable of supporting the buried air displacement device on a surface. Within the body chamber is an air displacement unit configured to accept air from the air inlet to the air outlet. 
     A model air displacement device embodiment of the present invention includes a 20 body that is an aesthetic overlay. The aesthetic overlay is adapted to mimic a natural object that would naturally include apertures. Within the aesthetic overlay body is a body chamber that connects to the air inlet and the air outlet. The air outlet and air inlet are positioned to correspond to the natural aperture locations. It is preferred that the air inlets and air outlets are masked by either protrusions or recesses of material circumscribing the air inlets and air outlets. Within the body chamber is the air displacement device. 
     Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to present an air circulation device disguised by an object unrelated to air circulation. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a disguised and portable air circulation device. 
     It is a still further aspect of the present invention to provide an air circulation device having a function unrelated to air circulation. 
     It is a final aspect of the present invention to provide a disguised air displacement device that has a body with a back and parallel front with the back of the body defining an air inlet and a peripheral air outlet associated with the front. A body chamber between the back and the front is in fluid communication with the air inlet and the air outlet. A structurally prominent faceplate is on the body proximate to the peripheral air outlet and bears a transforming aesthetic overlay. An air displacement unit is formed of a plurality of blades rotatable in a plane parallel with the back and the front. The air displacement unit is substantially concealed within the body chamber and is configured to accept air from the air inlet and urge the air through the air outlet. 
     These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive. Furthermore, some features may apply to certain embodiments or versions of the invention, but not others. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         FIG. 1  is an exploded, isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded, isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the present invention detailing removable faceplates. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded, isometric view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the present invention 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12   a  is a side, plan view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12   b  is a side, cutaway view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a top, plan view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a profile view of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECT EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a picture frame fan  100  embodiment of the air displacement device is shown. The picture frame fan  100  includes a body  102 , a stabilizer (not shown), a faceplate  106 , and an air displacement unit  110 . The body  102  includes a body cavity  108  within its surface and a body chamber  112  within. The body chamber  112  is an interior void within the body  102  of the device that includes passages that define an air outlet  116  and an air inlet  114 . 
     The body  102  of the present invention acts as the protective housing for the internal components of the device, and also contributes to the disguised nature of the present invention. As can be seen in the picture frame fan  100 , the body  102  is configured to include an internal body chamber  112 , which is simply the space within the body  102 . Upon the surface of the body are apertures allowing fluid connection with the body chamber  102 , the air inlet  114  and the air outlet  116 . The air inlet  114  allows air entrance into the body chamber  112 , and the air outlet  116  allows air egress from the body chamber  112 . The air displacement unit  110  is disposed within the body chamber  112 . 
     The air displacement unit  110  is a mechanism adapted to accept air from a first point and transport it to a second point. The preferred air displacement unit  110  of the present invention is a fan; however, fan alternatives, e.g. pumps, are part of the present invention. In the present invention the air displacement unit  110  is always sized, such that in conjunction with the configuration of the body  102 , the air displacement unit  110  is obscured, sometimes selectively, by the body  102  or some other component adjacent to the body. As  FIG. 2  shows, in the picture frame fan  100  the body  102  includes a surface that obscures the presence of the air displacement unit  110  to the degree that it is generally invisible to a casual viewer. 
     Beyond merely obscuring the air displacement unit  110 , a faceplate  106 , as  FIG. 1  illustrates, releasably attaches within a cavity  108  formed by the body  102  of the picture frame fan  100 . The faceplate  106  braces an aesthetic overlay  118  that distracts attention from the air displacement aspects of the picture frame fan  100 . The body  102  is configured to obscure the air displacement unit  110 ; and the aesthetic overlay  118  serves to distract a casual observer into believing that the present invention is something other than an air circulation machine. 
     The faceplate  106  of the present invention includes an assembly adapted to support and/or protect the aesthetic overlay  118  in its position on the body  102  of the present invention. The faceplate  106  of the present invention may be: completely removable from the body  102 ; removable only at selected points to allow a hinged attachment to the body  102 ; or permanently affixed to the body  102 . At its simplest, the faceplate  106  can consist of a glass cover adapted to cover a single surface of the aesthetic overlay  118  as  FIG. 2  shows; or as  FIG. 3  shows can include a multiple layer configuration that completely encases the aesthetic overlay  118 . The means for accepting the aesthetic overlay  118  will vary depending upon the particular type of aesthetic overlay  118  contemplated for use with the present invention. In the picture frame fan  100  embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the aesthetic overly  118  include a picture, and that the faceplate  106  comprise a removable assembly adapted to both completely encase the picture, and to form a size-generated interference fit with the body cavity (not shown) of the present invention. Other means for accepting the aesthetic overlay are compatible with the present invention, and may include, for example: a faceplate having surfaces that define a sleeve for the insertion of photographs, documents, and the like; a faceplate having magnetically attaching surfaces that using a magnetic field to secure an interior aesthetic overlay; a faceplate having a hinged attachment allows an aesthetic overlay to be placed therein. The body  102  can be adapted to accommodate these faceplates or any faceplate capable of fulfilling one of the aspects of the present invention. 
     As is further illustrated by  FIG. 3 , the preferred version of picture frame fan  100  includes one or more air outlets  116  about the periphery of the body  102 . It is preferred that these air outlets  116  be discrete apertures, each selectively obstructed one or more louvers  122 . The louvers  122  are adjustably affixed to the body  102  in a manner that a surface of the louver contacts the flow of air passing through the air outlet. The louvers  122  can be adjusted by hand, and their adjustment guides the air released through the air outlet  116  to a direction specified by a user in rotating the louvers. In versions of the picture frame fan  100  having louvers  122 , it is further preferred that the periphery of the body surface, on the same face as the louvers, include a grooved design. This grooved design assists in disguising the presence of the louvers. The preferred picture frame fan  100  further includes a releasable frame  120  that snaps on to and circumscribes an outer portion of the body  102 . 
     The air displacement unit  110  of the present invention will vary with the particular embodiment with which it is used. The air displacement unit  110  can include any mechanism capable of displacing and directing air in a given direction. In the preferred picture frame fan  100 , the air displacement unit  110  is a twelve volt, 120 mm fan. Such a fan is preferred as it possesses substantial power and airflow generation with a minimum of sound generation. 
     The air inlet  114  of the present invention includes one or more apertures located on the body  102  in a position suitable to allow air entrance into the body chamber. The air inlets  114  comprise a minimum amount of space on the body  102  to minimize the recognition factor of the present invention&#39;s true nature. As is common in current fans, the amount of open space in the rear generally comprises the entire rear surface, limited merely by grating thereon. With the present invention, the air inlet—be it on the side, rear, or front—does not consume that entire surface; rather it is minimized for purposes of disguising the nature of the present invention. It is preferred that the air inlet  102  include only the space necessary to allow an amount of airflow suitable to allow the air displacement unit  110  to operate effectively. It is preferred that the air inlet  114  and air outlet  116  are offset or spaced to a degree that prevents a viewer from seeing through the body  102  of the present invention. 
     The stabilizer  104  of the present invention is a device or structure adapted to steady the body  102  on a surface. In instances where the surface that will most likely support the present invention is a horizontal surface, the stabilizer preferably includes one of the following: a base, which is material integrated within the body and is dimensioned to support the present invention; or a stand, which includes material shaped to confer a high degree of stabilization with a minimum of material. In instances where the surface that will most likely support the present invention is a vertical surface, the stabilizer preferably includes an aperture dimensioned to accept a nail, screw or other hanging article; or the body includes an integrally formed hanging articles, such as a hook. The stabilizer  104  may include features allowing the present invention to be easily moved or adjusted, such as a rotatable connection controlling pitch, yaw, or a combination of the two. Other stabilizers may be capable of actuating the present invention in a tiltable, rotatable, slidable, or reversible fashion. In the preferred picture frame fan  100  embodiment, the stabilizer  104  includes a wire fashioned to support the picture frame fan  100  on a horizontal surface. Commercial embodiments may include two such wires: one to allow the body a lengthened vertical appearance; the other to allow the body a shortened vertical appearance. 
     As the present invention includes an air displacement unit  110 , the present invention includes a power source  124 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the power source  124  can include an AC adapter, but a DC power source is additionally within the bounds of the present invention as are many other components used in conjunction with air displacement devices, e.g. sensors that adjust fan speed based on temperature. 
     The aesthetic overlay  118  of the present invention includes any aesthetic design of adapted to disguise the present invention as a device other than a fan. The present invention includes at least one aesthetic overlay  118 , and may include multiple aesthetic overlays  118  as  FIG. 4  shows. In the picture fan frame  100  embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the body  102  of the fan  100  includes multiple facets, each capable of supporting an aesthetic overlay  118 . As  FIG. 5  shows, each aesthetic overlay  118  is supported by a faceplate  106  releasable from the body  102 ; wherein each faceplate  106  is dimensioned to fit within a body cavity  108 . In the cube version of the picture fan frame  100  embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the faceplate  106  is preferably made of a single pane of glass and can either be integrated onto the body  102  to allow the aesthetic overlay  118  to slide therein, or releasable from the body  102 . 
     The primary aesthetic overlay includes generally two-dimensional articles such as photographs, visual works of art, postcards, stickers, characters, symbols, images, mirrors, and the like. Articles not capable of serving as aesthetic overlays include visual cues that indicate that the device is a fan, e.g. a trademark of a brand of fan.  FIG. 6  illustrates a transforming aesthetic overlay  218  of the present invention. The transforming aesthetic overlay  218  includes the attributes of the aesthetic overlay, but rather than rely purely on design to distract attention from the true nature of the present invention; the transforming aesthetic overlay relies on functional distractions such as the clock faces of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the clock fan  200  embodiment, the transforming aesthetic overlay  218  includes that of an analog clock face. The transforming nature, i.e. the motion of the aesthetic overlay in changing from one aspect to another, of the aesthetic overlay  218  is that of keeping time. As the transforming aesthetic overlay  218  is that of real clock, a viewer will more likely recognize the present invention as a clock rather than a fan. 
     In the clock fan  200  embodiment, it is preferred that the air outlet  116  spans the periphery of the clock fan  200 , and the stabilizer (not shown) include either an aperture adapted to accept an article adapted to hang the clock fan  200  on a wall or include a hanging aperture upon the rear of the body  102  of the clock fan  200 . As  FIG. 7  illustrates, the present invention could further support a transforming aesthetic overlay  218  of a more complex nature. The transforming aesthetic overlay  218  can include multiple functional devices, such as a digital clock face, a television screen, a light, and other devices unrelated to fans. 
     As embodiments of the present invention utilizing transforming aesthetic overlays include functional aesthetics, the ability to alter the functional aesthetics will not be necessary. Unlike the picture frame fan embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention utilizing a transforming aesthetic overlay need not be amenable to aesthetic overlay substitution. Thus, removable faceplates or faceplates adapted to accept multiple aesthetic overlays may be used with transforming aesthetic overlay embodiments, but are not necessary. 
     As  FIG. 8  shows, the clock fan  200  embodiment, like other transforming aesthetic overlay embodiments, includes the body  102 , air displacement unit  110 , air inlet  114 , and air outlet  116  of the present invention. The body  102  of the clock fan  200  is dimensioned to appear as a clock, rather than a fan. The body  102  is substantially closed for that purpose, as is preferred for all body types of the present invention. By a closed body, it is meant that the body  102  includes more closed surface related to the object for which the present invention is disguised to resemble than open surface like that of a fan. For analog clock fan embodiments, it is preferred that the body  102  include a flattened cylindrical appearance typical of wall clocks. The air outlet  116  comprises multiple apertures about the periphery of the transforming aesthetic overlay  218  and point in the same direction as the face of the transforming aesthetic overlay  218 . The air inlet  114  of the clock fan  200  embodiment includes one or more apertures leading air to the body chamber disposed within the body  102  of the clock fan  200 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a buried fan  300  embodiment of the present invention. The buried fan  300  embodiment includes the body  102 , stabilizer  104 , the faceplate  106  retractably affixed to the body, and the air displacement unit  110 . As  FIG. 9  shows, the faceplate  106  of the buried fan embodiment is positioned onto the body  102  of the buried fan in a manner that selectively blocks the air outlet  118 . By selectively blocking, it is meant that the faceplate  106  can accept multiple positions upon the body  102  where one of the positions substantially blocks the air outlet  118 , and at least one more position where the faceplate  106  exposes the air displacement unit  110  therein to the environment. In the hinged embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the faceplate  106  can occupy a first position where the door swings into a position that completely obscures the air displacement unit  110  from sight. In a second position the faceplate  106  opens to allow the air displacement unit  110  the ability to maximize its air circulation ability. In the buried fan  300  embodiments, it is not required that the faceplate  106  completely block the air outlet  118  in all positions; the faceplate  106  should occupy at least one position that allows very limited access to the body chamber  108  of the buried fan  300 . The aesthetic overlay  118  of the pictured embodiment includes wood paneling, which disguises the fan as an article of furniture. The stabilizer  104  is simply a base portion of the fan  300  adapted to position the fan  300  upright. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may further include ornamental fan blades. As shown in  FIG. 9 , portions of the air displacement unit  110  may include, for example, one or more lights located thereon. When the air displacement unit  110  is a fan, the fan blades could include a transparent body. 
     The embodiment of the buried fan  300  shown in  FIG. 10  includes an aesthetic overlay  118  having a mirror on the body  102  supported by a rotatable version of the stabilizer  104 . The body  102  includes a shape that simulates that of a woman&#39;s vanity mirror. The aesthetic overlay  118 , i.e. the mirror, is integrated within the faceplate  106 , which is hingedly attached to the body  102 .  FIG. 11  shows a model embodiment  400  of the present invention. The model embodiments utilize the aesthetic overlay  118  that mimics a decorative object with an air displacement unit (not shown) disposed within. In the model embodiments, the aesthetic overlay  118  covers substantially the entire present invention and acts as a housing. The aesthetic overlay  119  of the model embodiments includes any non-fan shape that would naturally include multiple apertures. Multiple apertures must exist in the article that the aesthetic overlay mimics because these apertures form the air inlet(s)  114  and air outlet(s)  116  of the model embodiment  400 . The embodiment of  FIG. 11  is that of a doll house using the chimneys and windows of the dollhouse as an air inlet  114  and air outlet  116 , respectively. 
     Both the air inlets  114  and air outlets  116  of the model embodiments are preferably situated proximate to structural recesses and protrusions to further hide the air circulation aspects of the present invention. As the air inlet or air outlet is masked by a protruding or recessed aperture, the line of sight of an observer in peering into the innards of the present invention would be more greatly obstructed. Such masked apertures are preferred, and are present in the device of  FIG. 11 : the air inlet is masked within a protruding chimney; and the air outlet is masked within the recess of a window. The apertures of the model embodiment exist in places where the apertures would exist in an article which the aesthetic overlay mimics  118 . The incoming airflow thus, enters the present invention via seemingly natural apertures; and the outgoing airflow exits the present invention through seemingly natural apertures. 
     As  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  show, the air inlets lead directly to the air displacement unit  110 . The air displacement unit  110  then urges the air through the air outlet  116 . As  FIG. 12   b  shows, the present invention can further be adapted to include an air filter  198  obstructing an air flow path to the clean the air from unwanted contaminants. Preferred filter materials may include dense fiberglass or polyester media, pleated media, HEPA, activated carbon, cotton gauze, vegetable fibers, synthetic fibers, charged plastic film or fiber, or any other air cleaners used in the art of air purifying. In place of, or in conjunction with an air filter  198 , a fragrance injection device may be included in the air flow path. As  FIG. 13  shows, the air inlet  114 —or the air outlet (not shown) for that matter—may include safety features relevant to the present inventions operation such as screens. The aesthetic overlay  118  of the model embodiment  400  can include any overlay that mimics a non-fan shape that could potentially include natural apertures. In the doll model embodiment  400  of  FIG. 14 , an aesthetic overlay  118  adapted to mimic a human head includes the air inlet  114  and air outlet  116  of the present invention  400 . The apertures of the doll are masked within protruding facial features that assist in obscuring the presence of the apertures: the air inlet in the ears; and the air outlet in the mouth. Further preferred aesthetic overlays may include replications of animals. 
       FIG. 14  further illustrates a doll model embodiment equipped with a sensor  196 . The sensors of the present invention can include a motion sensor, body heat sensor, or an ambient temperature sensor. When used with a device of the present invention, the sensor would allow automatic fan actuation. 
     The present invention, from a generic view point, broadly includes a body, a body chamber, a structurally prominent faceplate, and an air displacement unit. First provided in the broadest embodiment is a body having a back and an associated front parallel with the back. The body defines an air inlet associated with the back. The body has a peripheral air outlet associated with the front. 
     Next in this broadest embodiment, a body chamber is provided between the back and the front. The body chamber is in fluid communication with the air inlet and the air outlet. 
     A structurally prominent faceplate is provided in this broadest embodiment. The faceplate is on the body proximate to the peripheral air outlet and bears a transforming aesthetic overlay. 
     Finally, in this broadest embodiment, an air displacement unit is provided. The air displacement unit is formed of a plurality of blades rotatable in a plane parallel with the back and the front. The air displacement unit is substantially concealed within the body chamber. The air displacement unit is configured to accept air from the air inlet and urge the air through the air outlet. 
     Note now the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, the front is circular. The back is circular and is parallel with the front. In this embodiment, the transforming aesthetic overlay comprises a circular clock having an area of 74 percent of the area of the front, plus or minus 10 percent. 
     Note now the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the front is rectangular. The back is rectangular and parallel with the front. In this embodiment, the transforming aesthetic overlay comprises a rectangular picture having an area of 44 percent of the area of the front, plus or minus 10 percent. 
     Reference is again made to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . In this final embodiment, first provided is a body having a rectangular back with an associated air inlet. The body has a rectangular front with an associated air outlet. The body defines a body chamber. The body chamber is in fluid communication with the air inlet and the air outlet. A rectangular faceplate has a rectangular central section in the form of a picture. The central section is imperforate and obstructs the air outlet. The central section bears an aesthetic overlay. The rectangular faceplate has a peripheral section which surrounds the central section and constitutes the air outlet. The central section has an area of between 44 and 77 percent of the area of the peripheral section. 
     Lastly, in this final embodiment of the invention, an air displacement unit is provided. The air displacement unit is within the body chamber. The air displacement unit is located between the air inlet and the air outlet. The air displacement unit is formed of a plurality of rotatable blades configured to accept air from the air inlet and to urge the air through the air outlet. 
     Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.