Cooling fan

Abstract

A fan for providing comfort to a user. The fan comprises a housing and an air generator. The housing has at least one wall portion, an elongate interior portion bounded by the at least one wall portion, at least one inlet opening formed at a lower portion of the at least one wall portion, and at least one outlet opening formed in the at least one wall portion. The air generator has at least one exhaust port in fluid communication with the at least one inlet opening of the housing. The air generator also has at least one intake port receiving a supply of air and generating exhaust air through the exhaust port. The exhaust air enters the housing through the at least one inlet opening and exits the housing through the at least one outlet opening.

Description

[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 10/322,169, filed Dec. 18, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to fans. More specifically, the present invention relates to an elongate fan in which pressurized exhaust air passes through an outlet of the fan.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventional fans for consumer use are well-known and are comprised of a motor and fan blade assembly within a grill structure. An example of such a conventional fan is shown in FIG. 13. Many of these fans may be wall mounted or placed on the table to elevate the fan blade assembly from the floor and thus provide the air path at a higher point. As shown in FIG. 13, in fan 1300 air created by axial fan assembly 1302 (comprising fan head 1303, fan blade 1305, front grill 1310 and rear grill 1312) from intake air 1304 results in exhaust air 1306. Axial fan assembly 1302 is set above the floor by pedestal 1308.

[0004] Other types of fans provide airflow above floor level, typical of such fans is a ceiling fan (not shown). These conventional fans provide a cylindrical air flow into a living space.

[0005] These fans are deficient, however, because they are unable to provide a column of air into a living space. Further, these fans require grill structures (such as 1310, 1312), or must be mounted well above the floor, i.e. on a ceiling, in order to protect the user from contacting rotating fan blade 1305.

[0006] There is a need for a fan in which the blade is concealed and not in line with the user.

[0007] There is also a need for a fan that provides increased comfort levels, and provides exhaust air having a more uniform velocity across the outlet from which the air emanates.

[0008] In addition, there is a need for a fan construction having a blower assembly with unitary construction which is easily mounted in the fan unit and less expensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention is a apparatus and method for providing air circulation, specifically a fan. The fan comprises a housing and an air generator. The housing comprises at least one wall portion, an elongate interior portion bounded by the at least one wall portion, at least one inlet opening formed at a lower portion of the at least one wall portion, and at least one outlet opening formed in the at least one wall portion. The air generator comprises at least one exhaust port in fluid communication with the at least one inlet opening of the housing, and at least one intake port receiving a supply of air and generating exhaust air through the exhaust port. In this construction the exhaust air enters the housing through the at least one inlet opening and exits the housing through the at least one outlet opening.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one outlet opening is formed in a longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one outlet opening is formed at an upper portion of the housing.

[0012] According to still another aspect of the invention, the fan further comprises a deflector positioned adjacent an upper portion of the housing, such that the deflector redirects at least a portion of the exhaust air along a path substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0013] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, the at least one outlet opening is a plurality of outlet openings parallel to one another.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the at least one outlet opening is a plurality of outlet openings adjacent one another and spaced apart from one another by a portion of the at least one wall portion.

[0015] According to still another aspect of the present invention, the fan is portable.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an effective length of the at least one outlet opening is based on a diameter of a fan blade of the air generator.

[0017] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, an effective length of the at least one outlet opening is greater that a length of a fan blade assembly of the air generator.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the supply air has a negative static pressure and the exhaust air has a positive static pressure.

[0019] According to still another aspect of the invention, an upper portion of the at least one outlet opening is spaced apart from the air generator by a predetermined distance at least as great as a diameter of a fan blade of the air generator.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the fan further comprises means for at least one of i) positioning the fan at one of a plurality of rotational positions, ii) oscillating the fan between a first position and a second position, and iii) rotating the fan about a longitudinal axis.

[0021] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the at least one wall portion is at least of one of rigid and self-supporting.

[0022] According to-still a further aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the at least one outlet opening is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the air generator is a blower assembly.

[0024] According to still a further aspect of the invention, the air generator comprises an axial fan.

[0025] According to still another aspect of the invention, the fan further comprises redirecting means for redirecting the exhaust air flowing from the outlet opening.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the housing is substantially linear.

[0027] According to still another aspect of the invention, the fan further comprises a grill coupled to an upper portion of the housing.

[0028] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the housing is formed from a plurality of sections, an inside portion of a first one of the plurality of sections coupled to an outside portion of a second one of the plurality of sections, such that the second section slideably engages the first section.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, further comprising directing means for directing the exhaust air between a first one of the at least one outlet openings and a further outlet opening.

[0030] According to still a further aspect of the invention, the at least one outlet opening is a restricting means for restricting the exhaust air exiting the housing and distributing the exhaust air along a length of the restricting means such that the exiting air has a substantially even velocity along at least a portion of a length of the at least one outlet opening.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, a flow through area of the restricting means between 5% and 250% of an outlet area of the air generator.

[0032] According to a still another aspect of the invention, the elongate interior portion forms a plenum within the housing for at least one of storing and distributing the exhaust air.

[0033] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the exhaust air exiting from the at least one outlet opening travels along a flow path substantially orthogonal to at least a portion of the exhaust air from the air generator.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the fan comprises a housing defining a first interior space; an air generator positioned within the housing and defining the second interior space and in fluid communication with the first interior space, the air generator having at least one intake port receiving intake air and generating exhaust air; and at least one air restrictor positioned one of within or adjacent the first interior space to distribute the exhaust air over at least a portion of a length of the air restrictor; wherein the exhaust air flows through the at least one air restrictor.

[0035] According to still a further aspect of the invention, the air restrictor has an elongate aspect ratio.

[0036] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the at least one air restrictor has a total length of at least 6 inches.

[0037] According to another aspect of the invention, the exhaust air flows through the air restrictor at a substantially uniform velocity along at least a portion of a length of the air restrictor.

[0038] According to still another aspect of the invention, the velocity of the exiting air is greater than 375 fpm at 1 foot from the air restrictor.

[0039] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the air restrictor converts the static pressure associated with the exhaust air into an air velocity which is in turn imparted into the exhaust air flowing from the fan outlet.

[0040] The method comprises the steps of providing a housing having at least a first interior space; receiving intake air; generating exhaust air into the first interior space based on the intake air; pressurizing the exhaust air in the first interior space; and expelling the pressurized exhaust air from the first interior space.

[0041] These and other aspects of the invention are set forth below with reference to the drawings and the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following Figures:

[0043] FIGS. 1A-1J are various cross sectional views of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views of a variation of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1J;

[0045] FIGS. 3A-3B are views of a further variation of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1J;

[0046] FIGS. 4A-4C are various views of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIGS. 5A-5C are various views of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIGS. 5D-5F are illustrations of exemplary restricting means according to the present invention;

[0049] FIGS. 6A-6F are various views of an alternative to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] FIGS. 7A-7C are various views of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] FIGS. 8A-8B are various views of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] FIGS. 9A-9I are various views of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIGS. 10A-10I are various views of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIGS. 11A-11C are various views of an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIGS. 12A-12B are various views of a ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0056] FIG. 13 is a side view of a convention fan.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/322,169, filed Dec. 18, 2002 is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0058] A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, fan 100 has a generally elongate configuration and includes housing 102, having at least one wall 104 defining an elongate interior space 106. The configuration of the walls may be such that the housing has a substantially round cross section, for example. The invention is not so limited, however, in that the wall 104 may be more than one wall coupled to one another and/or having any of a variety of geometric cross sections, such as a square, a rectangle, or other forms. In one exemplary embodiment, wall 104 may be formed from any material that is rigid or self-supporting, such as a polymer for example. In another exemplary embodiment, wall 104 may be formed from a material which requires an external support structure, such as support 150 coupled to upper portion 152 of housing 102, as shown in FIG. FIGS. 1I and 1J, to maintain an elongate configuration.

[0059] Air generator 112 is positioned adjacent housing 102. In one exemplary embodiment, air generator 112 may be a part of housing 102. In another exemplary embodiment, air generator 112 is separate from housing 102 and is coupled thereto by conventional means. Air generator 112 has at least one inlet port 116 for receiving a supply of air 118 and at least one exhaust port 114 for providing exhaust air 120. Exhaust air 120 flows along path 130 that is substantially perpendicular to path along which supply air 118 flows. In addition, while exhaust air 120 has a positive static pressure imparted therein by air generator 112 in combination with interior space 106, supply air 118 has a negative static pressure. Exhaust port 114 has a predetermined width and a predetermined length defining an outlet area 115.

[0060] Inlet port 116 may be a grill having at least one slot or a plurality of holes or other type of orifice, for example. Air generator 112 may be comprised of a blower assembly 117, as shown in FIG. 1A, or may be an axial fan assembly 602, such as shown in FIGS. 6A-6F (discussed in detail below).

[0061] Air generator 112 also includes fan blade 128 having a predetermined length and a predetermined diameter (in the case of a blower) or having a predetermined width (in the case of an axial fan). In one exemplary embodiment, air generator 112 is a non-transverse blower.

[0062] Along a lower portion of wall 104 is at least one inlet opening 108 in fluid communication with exhaust port 114 of air generator 112. Along another surface of wall 104 is an outlet 110 having length 109 and width 111. In one exemplary embodiment outlet 110 has an upper portion 110a located toward the upper end 102a of housing 102, where upper portion 110a is spaced apart from air generator 112 by a predetermined distance based on the diameter of fan blade 128. The length of outlet 110 is at least as great as the diameter or length of fan blade 128. The elongate configuration of fan 100 allows for outlet 110 to have a significant length 109 to width 111 ratio (aspect ratio).

[0063] In one exemplary embodiment, length 109 is at least six (6) inches. Although a single outlet 110 is shown in FIG. 1, the invention is not so limited. It is also contemplated that outlet 110 may also be two or more outlets arranged in any desired configuration, such as end-to-end as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and/or side-by-side as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, for example. In addition, and as shown in FIG. 2B, outlet opening 110 may be a series of generally circular shaped outlets arranged along wall 104, as desired.

[0064] Fan 100 may be moved-from place to place, as desired. It is also contemplated that fan 100 may be mounted to any convenient surface, such as a table top, floor, or wall for example. Referring now to FIGS. 1E-1H such mounting options are shown. In FIGS. 1E-1F, for example, fan 100 is shown mounted to surface 122 using mounting foot 124 and attaching means 126. Attaching means 126 may be of any type well known in the art, such as a screw, rivet, adhesives, etc. As shown in FIGS. 1G-1H, fan 100 is attached to a substantially vertical surface, such as wall 140, with bracket 128.

[0065] Further, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1H illustrates a vertically configured apparatus, the invention is not so limited. It is also contemplated that fan 100 may be configured in a horizontal configuration if desired.

[0066] Referring again to FIG. 1A, blower assembly 117 is shown enclosed within second interior space 121 of air generator 112. The invention is not so limited, however, as it is contemplated that blower assembly 117 may be configured such that it is able to support housing 102 and be coupled to the bottom thereof. FIGS. 1C-1D illustrate such an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1C, exhaust port 114 of blower assembly 117 is coupled to inlet 108 of housing 102. To facilitate stability of fan 100, stabilizers 119 may be coupled to, or made integral with, blower assembly 117.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1A, air generator 112 is adjacent first interior space 106. In this embodiment, the positioning of outlet 110 and air generator 112 with respect to interior space 106 creates a plenum 105 between air generator 112 and outlet 110. As a result, air generator 112 receives supply air 118 entering housing 102 along first flow path 132, which enters interior 115 of fan blade 122 and generates exhaust air 120 along second flow path 130 into plenum 105 which, in turn, stores and distributes exhaust air 120. As shown, second flow path 130 is substantially orthogonal to first flow path 132. Further, and as also shown in FIG. 1A for example, exhaust air 120 exiting from outlet 110 flows along a path substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of housing 102.

[0068] Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1J, in one exemplary embodiment air generator 112 may have at least one fan blade 128, and preferably two or more blades, each having a plurality of blade elements 134 which face in a rotational direction of air generator 112.

[0069] Exhaust air 120 charges plenum 105 with a static pressure which then flows through outlet 110 at a substantially constant velocity. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the air velocity is in excess of 375 feet per minute (FPM) as measured at one (1) foot from outlet 110. An additional benefit of the exemplary embodiment, is that exhaust air 120 flows through substantially all of outlet 110, thus providing more even air circulation in the space in which fan 100 is placed, thereby increasing the comfort level of the user.

[0070] According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, outlet 110 has a restrictor 136 positioned adjacent outlet 110 which acts to further restrict the flow of exhaust air 120 through outlet 110. The use of restrictor 136 converts the static pressure formed within plenum 105 into an air velocity. Restrictor 136 may be formed on one or both of the interior or exterior of housing 102, and may be either a part of or separate from outlet 110. Exemplary restrictors 136 are shown in FIGS. 5D-5F. As shown, restrictor 136 has a flow through (unobstructed) area 138 of between 60% and 140%, and preferably between about 5% and 250% of outlet area 115 of air generator 112.

[0071] According to one exemplary embodiment, the static pressure developed within first interior space 106 is greater than 0.05 inch water column.

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 4A-4C, fan 400 has a generally elongate configuration and includes housing 402 defining a first interior space 406. Housing 402 is formed to direct exhaust air 120 from air generator 112 through outlet 410. As shown, housing 402 has a generally circular cross section with portion 408 extending substantially orthogonal to its longitudinal axis to form outlet 410. In all other respects, this exemplary embodiment is similar to and may comprise the various different configurations of the first exemplary embodiment discussed above.

[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6F a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6F, air generator 112 comprises axial fan assembly 602 positioned within second interior space 121. Axial fan assembly includes fan blade 606 coupled to motor 604, such as those well known to those skilled in the art.

[0074] In FIGS. 6A-6B, axial fan assembly 602 is positioned such that the rotational axis of axial fan assembly 602 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing 102. Air generator 112 draws supply air 118 through inlet port 116 and generates exhaust air 120 into first interior space 106. Exhaust air 120 exits first interior space 106 through outlet 110. To facilitate the unobstructed flow of supply air, air generator 112 may be set above surface 122 with stand 123, such as mounting feet of well-known type. In all other respects, this exemplary embodiment is similar to and may comprise the various different configurations of the exemplary embodiments discussed above.

[0075] In FIGS. 6C-6D, axial fan assembly 602 is positioned such that the rotational axis of axial fan assembly 602 is offset from the longitudinal axis of housing 102 by a predetermined angle. Air generator 112 draws supply air 118 through inlet ports 116 and generates exhaust air 120 into first interior space 106. Exhaust air 120 flows along a path that is substantially perpendicular to the path along which at least a portion of supply air 118 flows. In all other respects, this exemplary embodiment is similar to the exemplary embodiment discussed immediately above and may comprise the various different configurations of these embodiments.

[0076] In FIGS. 6E-6F, axial fan assembly 602 is positioned such that the rotational axis of axial fan assembly 602 is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of housing 102. Air generator 112 draws supply air 118 through inlet ports 116 and generates exhaust air 120 into first interior space 106. Exhaust air 120 flows along a path that is substantially perpendicular to path along which a substantial portion of supply air 118 flows. In all other respects, this exemplary embodiment is similar to the exemplary embodiments discussed immediately above and may comprise the various different configurations of these embodiments.

[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, fan 700 has a generally elongate configuration and includes housing 702, having at least one wall 704 defining an elongate interior space 706. Deflector 705 is coupled to the upper portion of housing 702. Deflector 702 redirects exhaust air 120 from a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing 702 to a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of housing 702.

[0078] Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, air generator 112 is positioned adjacent housing 702. Along a lower portion of wall 704 is at least one inlet opening 708 in fluid communication with exhaust port 114 of air generator 112.

[0079] Coupled to the end of deflector 705 is grill assembly 710 comprising outlets 712 formed from a plurality of louvers 714. In one exemplary embodiment, louvers 714 may be manually repositioned as desired. In another exemplary embodiment, louvers 714 may be automatically repositioned using a motor of well-known type (not shown) coupled to louvers 714. Although louvers 714 are shown in a generally horizontal orientation, the invention is not so limited. It is contemplated that louvers 714 may be oriented in a vertical direction as well as being repositioned as desired either manually or under control of a motor, for example. In all other respects, this exemplary embodiment is similar to the exemplary embodiments discussed immediately above and may comprise the various different configurations of these embodiments.

[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8B a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, fan 800 has a generally elongate configuration and includes housing 802, having at least one wall 804 defining an open elongate space 806. Deflector 805 is coupled to, or formed from, the upper portion of housing 802. Deflector 802 redirects exhaust air 120 from a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing 802 to a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of housing 802. In all other respects this exemplary embodiment is similar to the exemplary embodiments above, but does not include a grill assembly or louvers.

[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9I a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. This exemplary embodiment is similar to the previous exemplary embodiments, but also comprises rotator/oscillator 902 for either rotating or oscillating fan 900 about its longitudinal axis. In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, fan 900 has rotator/oscillator 902 positioned between housing 102 and air generator 112. Rotator/oscillator 902 may be manually adjustable or driven by other means, such as a motor, for example. Operation of rotator/oscillator 902 provides for the redirection of outlet air 120 over a predetermined angle 904, such as 90 degrees. The invention is not so limited, however, in that angle 904 may be set as desired by the user to any of a number of angles using conventional means, such as repositionable stops (not shown), for example.

[0082] In another exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 9D-9F, rotator/oscillator 902 is positioned between air generator 112 and mounting base 906. In yet another exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 9G-9I, rotator/oscillator 902 is positioned between housing 102 and air generator 112, and provides either rotation or oscillation over a 360 degree arc. In all other respects, these exemplary embodiments are similar to the exemplary embodiments discussed immediately above and may comprise the various different configurations of these embodiments.

[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10I an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In one exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, fan 1000 has a generally elongate configuration and includes housing 1002, having at least one wall 1004 defining an elongate interior space 1006. Deflector 1005 is coupled to upper portion 1002a of housing 1002. Deflector 1002 redirects exhaust air 120 exiting from outlet 1010 at the top of housing 1002 from a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing 1002 to a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of housing 1002.

[0084] In a further exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 10C-10E, deflector 1005 is coupled to wall 1004 at an upper portion of housing 1002 with coupler 1007. Exhaust air 120 exits interior portion 1006 of housing 1002 through outlet 1012. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10B, deflector 1002 redirects exhaust air 120 exiting from outlet 1012 at the top of housing 1002 from a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing 1002 to a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of housing 1002.

[0085] In yet a further exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 10F-10G, a second housing 1020 having outlet 1012 along a face thereof is concentrically coupled to housing 102. Outlet 1012 of second housing 1020 is substantially parallel with outlet 110 of housing 102 and, as second housing 1020 is rotated with respect to housing 102 (as indicated by direction arrow 1022), outlet 1012 becomes aligned with outlet 110. As a result of this alignment, exhaust air 120 is directed between outlet 1010 at the top of housing 102 and outlet 110 along the face of housing 102.

[0086] In a first instance, when outlet 1012 is position away from outlet 110, exhaust air 120 is directed mostly toward outlet 1010 and ultimately deflected into the surrounding living space by deflector 1005. It is possible that due to manufacturing tolerances between the inner wall of second housing 1020 and the outer portion of wall 104, that a small portion of exhaust air 120 may find its way through outlet 110 even when outlet 1012 is position away from outlet 110.

[0087] In a second instance, when outlet 1012 is fully aligned with outlet 110, exhaust air 120 is directed mostly through outlet 110. In one embodiment, a portion of exhaust air 120 may also exit through outlet 1010. In an alternative embodiment, however, outlet as outlet 1012 becomes aligned with outlet 110 outlet 1010 may become restricted by a portion 1020a of housing 1020.

[0088] Thus, by adjusting the position of outlet 1012 relative to outlet 110 exhaust air may be mixed between outlet 110 and outlet 1010.

[0089] In one exemplary embodiment, wall 1004 may be formed from any material that is rigid or self-supporting, such as a polymer for example. In another exemplary embodiment, wall 1004 may be formed from a material which requires an external support structure, such as support 1050 coupled to upper portion 1052 of deflector 1005, as shown in FIG. FIGS. 10H and 10I, to maintain an elongate configuration. In all other respects, these exemplary embodiments are similar to the exemplary embodiments discussed above and may comprise the various different configurations of these embodiments.

[0090] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11C a ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, fan 1100 is similar to fan 100 but includes exhaust air director 1102 coupled to housing 102 at pivot points 1103. Air director 1102 may be positioned between a variety of positions either manually or electrically, using a motor (not shown), for example. In another exemplary embodiment, air director 1102 may oscillate between positions to direct exhaust air 120 over a wider area. In all other respects, this exemplary embodiment is similar to the exemplary embodiments discussed above and may comprise various different configurations of these embodiments.

[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12B a tenth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 12A-12B, fan 1200 is comprised of multiple sections 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208 that are slidably coupled to one another in a telescoping arrangement. In one exemplary embodiment, upper section 1202 includes outlet 110. In other exemplary embodiment outlet 110 may be included in other sections as well if desired. Although four sections are illustrated, the invention is not so limited in that any number of telescoping sections may be used as desired.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 12A-12B, the position of outlet 110 relative to surface 122 may be adjusted as desired to provide exhaust air 120 at a desired height. Although not shown in this figure, the position of the various housing sections relative to one another may be maintained using various well known means, such as ball and detent, resilient ribs, etc. In all other respects, this exemplary embodiment is similar to the exemplary embodiments discussed above and may comprise various different configurations of these embodiments.

[0093] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fan comprising:

a housing comprising:

at least one wall portion,

an elongate interior portion bounded by the at least one wall portion,

at least one inlet opening formed at a lower portion of the at least one wall portion, and

at least one outlet opening formed in the at least one wall portion; and

an air generator having at least one exhaust port in fluid communication with the at least one inlet opening of the housing, the air generator having at least one intake port receiving a supply of air and generating exhaust air through the exhaust port,

wherein the exhaust air enters the housing through the at least one inlet opening and exits the housing through the at least one outlet opening.

2. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the at least one outlet opening is formed in a longitudinal direction of the housing.

3. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the at least one outlet opening is formed at an upper portion of the housing.

4. The fan according to claim 3, further comprising a deflector positioned adjacent an upper portion of the housing, wherein the deflector redirects at least a portion of the exhaust air along a path substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

5. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the at least one outlet opening is a plurality of outlet openings parallel to one another.

6. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the at least one outlet opening is a plurality of outlet openings adjacent one another and spaced apart from one another by a portion of the at least one wall portion.

7. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the fan is portable.

8. The fan according to claim 1, further comprising means for coupling the fan to at least one of a floor and a wall.

9. The fan according to claim 1, wherein an effective length of the at least one outlet opening is based on a diameter of a fan blade of the air generator.

10. The fan according to claim 9, wherein the effective length of the at least one outlet opening is greater that the diameter of the fan blade.

11. The fan according to claim 1, wherein an effective length of the at least one outlet opening is greater that a length of a fan blade assembly of the air generator.

12. The fan according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the supply of air flows along a first path and at least a portion of the exhaust air flows along a second path, the second path substantially orthogonal to the first path.

13. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the supply air has a negative static pressure and the exhaust air has a positive static pressure.

14. The fan according to claim 1, wherein an upper portion of the at least one outlet opening is spaced apart from the air generator by a predetermined distance.

15. The fan according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined distance is at least as great as a diameter of a fan blade of the air generator.

16. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the air generator is below the elongate interior portion.

17. The fan according to claim 1, further comprising means for at least one of i) positioning the fan at one of a plurality of rotational positions, ii) oscillating the fan between a first position and a second position, and iii) rotating the fan about a longitudinal axis.

18. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a second interior portion for enclosing the air generator.

19. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wall portion is at least of one of rigid and self-supporting.

20. The fan according to claim 1, further comprising supporting means for supporting the at least one wall portion so as to maintain an elongate aspect of the at least one wall portion.

21. The fan according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the at least one outlet opening is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

22. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the air generator is a blower assembly.

23. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the air generator comprises an axial fan.

24. The fan according to claim 1, further comprising redirecting means for redirecting the exhaust air flowing from the outlet opening.

25. The fan according to claim 1, further comprising at least one louver adjacent the at least one outlet opening for redirecting the exhaust air flowing from the outlet opening.

26. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the housing is substantially linear.

27. The fan according to claim 1, further comprising a grill coupled to an upper portion of the housing.

28. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the housing is formed from a plurality of sections, an inside portion of a first one of the plurality of sections coupled to an outside portion of a second one of the plurality of sections, such that the second section slideably engages the first section.

29. The fan according to claim 28, wherein at least one of the plurality of sections includes the outlet opening.

30. The fan according to claim 28, wherein a length of the housing is adjustable to one of a plurality of lengths.

31. The fan according to claim 1, further comprising directing means for directing the exhaust air between a first one of the at least one outlet openings and a further outlet opening.

32. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the at least one outlet opening is a restricting means for restricting the exhaust air exiting the housing and distributing the exhaust air along a length of the restricting means such that the exiting air has a substantially even velocity along at least a portion of a length of the at least one outlet opening.

33. The fan according to claim 32, wherein a flow through area of the restricting means is less than an outlet area of the air generator.

34. The fan according to claim 32, wherein a flow through area of the restricting means between 60% and 140% of an outlet area of the air generator.

35. The fan according to claim 32, wherein a flow through area of the restricting means between 5% and 250% of an outlet area of the air generator.

36. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the elongate interior portion forms a plenum within the housing for at least one of storing and distributing the exhaust air.

37. The fan according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the exhaust air exiting from the at least one outlet opening travels along a flow path substantially orthogonal to at least a portion of the exhaust air from the air generator.

38. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wall portion is a plurality of wall portions coupled to one another.

39. The fan according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wall portion has a substantially circular cross section.

40. A fan comprising:

a housing comprising:

at least one wall portion,

an elongate portion bounded by the at least one wall portion,

an upper portion having at least a partially arcuate portion, and

at least one inlet opening formed at a lower portion of the at least one wall portion; and

an air generator having at least one exhaust port coupled to the at least one inlet opening of the housing, the air generator having at least one intake port receiving a supply of air and generating exhaust air through the exhaust port,

wherein the exhaust air enters the housing through the at least one inlet opening and exits the housing adjacent the arcuate portion of the housing.

41. A fan comprising:

a housing defining a first interior space;

an air generator positioned within the housing and defining the second interior space and in fluid communication with the first interior space, the air generator having at least one intake port receiving intake air and generating exhaust air; and

at least one air restrictor positioned one of within or adjacent the first interior space to distribute the exhaust air over at least a portion of a length of the air restrictor;

wherein the exhaust air flows through the at least one air restrictor.

42. The fan according to claim 41, wherein at least a portion of the supply of air flows along a first path and at least a portion of the exhaust air flows along a second path, the second path substantially orthogonal to the first path.

43. The fan according to claim 41, wherein exhaust air exiting from the at least one restrictor travels along a flow path substantially orthogonal to at least a portion of the exhaust air from the air generator.

44. The fan according to claim 41, wherein an upper portion of the at least one restrictor is spaced apart from the air generator by a predetermined distance.

45. The fan according to claim 41, wherein the air generator has at least one fan blade having a plurality of blade elements facing in a rotational direction of the air generator.

46. The fan according to claim 41, wherein a static pressure within the first interior space is at least 0.05 inch water column.

47. The fan according to claim 41, wherein the air restrictor has an elongate aspect ratio.

48. The fan according to claim 41, wherein the fan is at least one of i) mountable to at least one of a floor and a wall or ii) portable.

49. The fan according to claim 41, wherein the at least one air restrictor has a total length of at least 6 inches.

50. The fan according to claim 41, wherein air generator is adjacent the first interior space.

51. The fan according to claim 41, wherein the air generator is directly coupled to the first interior space.

52. The fan according to claim 41, wherein air generator is a unitary blower assembly.

53. The fan according to claim 41, wherein air generator is an assembly comprising at least one axial fan.

54. The fan according to claim 41, wherein the first interior space forms a plenum area between the air restrictor and the air generator.

55. The fan according to claim 41, wherein the housing further defines a second interior space below and in fluid communication with the first interior space, the air generator located within the second interior space.

56. The fan according to claim 41, wherein the exhaust air flows through the air restrictor at a substantially uniform velocity along at least a portion of a length of the air restrictor.

57. The fan according to claim 56, wherein the velocity is greater than 375 fpm at 1 foot from the air restrictor.

58. The fan according to claim 41, wherein the air restrictor converts the static pressure associated with the exhaust air into an air velocity which is in turn imparted into the exhaust air and flows out of the fan.

59. The fan according to claim 41, wherein the housing has a substantially vertical configuration or a substantially horizontal configuration.

60. The fan according to claim 41, wherein the air generator is a non-transverse blower.

61. The fan according to claim 41, further comprising means for at least one of i) positioning the fan at one of a plurality of rotational positions, ii) oscillating the fan between a first position and a second position, and iii) rotating the fan about a longitudinal axis.

62. A fan comprising:

housing means for defining a first interior space;

air generation means for defining a second interior space and generating an exhaust airflow within the first interior space; and

restricting means for restricting the exhaust airflow generated by the air generation means and distributing the exhaust air along a length of the restricting means, the restricting means in fluid communication with the first interior space.

63. The fan according to claim 62, wherein the air generation means receives intake air from a first path and generates the exhaust air along a second path, the second path substantially orthogonal to the first path, the exhaust air flowing through the restricting means.

64. The fan according to claim 62, wherein the exhaust air exiting from the restricting means travels along a flow path substantially orthogonal to at least a portion of the exhaust air from the air generator.

65. A method for providing air circulation comprising the steps of:

providing a housing having at least a first interior space;

receiving intake air;

generating exhaust air into the first interior space based on the intake air;

pressurizing the exhaust air in the first interior space; and

expelling the pressurized exhaust air from the first interior space.

66. The method according to claim 65, wherein at least a portion of the intake air flows along a first path and at least a portion of the exhaust air flows along a second path, the second path is substantially orthogonal to the first path.

67. The method according to claim 66, wherein at least a portion of the expelled air flows is directed substantially orthogonal to the exhaust air from the air generator.