Removable Auxiliary Attachment To Work Surface Patents (Class 416/62)
  • Publication number: 20040086386
    Abstract: A ceiling-fan air purifier and freshener has an edge clip (1) which is adapted to be clipped onto leading edges of fan blades (2) of ceiling fans (3) in either direction of rotation has a gluey adhesive (11) on a top surface of the edge clip. The gluey adhesive captures and contains dust and germs that are too small to be retained by air strainers and filters and that can increase instead of stop growth of germs in room air. It is intended to be used for hospitals, residences and businesses. The edge clip is adapted for: (a) reliable attachment, (b) structural compatibility with select classes of ceiling fans, (c) easy removal, (d) low-cost replacement and (d) user-friendliness. It is adaptable for being colored and designed for matching aesthetics of the select classes of ceiling fans and use conditions. The gluey adherent can include predetermined surface corrugation and unevenness for maximizing germ and particle retainment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Donald V. Steinheiser
  • Publication number: 20030228220
    Abstract: A helpful, consumer friendly, industrial covering for eating establishments, human habitation areas, and sanitary areas for daily use, a lightweight thin adaptable plain and/or decorative and/or entertaining and/or advertising and/or combination and/or collaboration sanitizing removable/disposable biodegradable or non-biodegradable tissue, non-flammable or flammable sheet/product/material Simple to construct and manufacture, cost effective, one piece unit made from a safe disposable tissue, designed for all type of ceiling fan paddle/blades hanging/operating/not operating in restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, cafeterias, dance balls, working spaces, casino's, fast foods, all businesses open to the public and not open to the public.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Lisa White
  • Patent number: 6652234
    Abstract: A decoratively designed ceiling fan blade having a front surface, back surface, an outer end, an inner end and two opposing sides. Two C-shaped brackets are attached to the back surface of the blade. Each bracket has a set screw. When in use, one decorative blade is mounted onto each of an existing ceiling fan's blades. Each existing blade is inserted inside the brackets along the back surface of the decorative blade. The set screw is used to secure the decorative blades to the existing blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Marion H. MacCuaig
  • Publication number: 20030202881
    Abstract: A decoratively designed ceiling fan blade having a front surface, back surface, an outer end, an inner end and two opposing sides. Two C-shaped brackets are attached to the back surface of the blade. Each bracket has a set screw. When in use, one decorative blade is mounted onto each of an existing ceiling fan's blades. Each existing blade is inserted inside the brackets along the back surface of the decorative blade. The set screw is used to secure the decorative blades to the existing blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Marion H. MacCuaig
  • Patent number: 6619920
    Abstract: A fan blade cover for overhead fans and the like may be made of a variety of sheet materials, such as cloth, paper, leather, plastic and laminates. The fan blade cover has an engagable and disengagable overlapping joint. The joint may have sufficient compliance to accommodate variations in the size and shape of individual fan blades. The fan blade cover may be plain or printed or otherwise decorated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Lisa A. Cannon
  • Patent number: 6613287
    Abstract: An air freshener for attachment to a ceiling fan blade. The air freshener includes an open mesh pouch position on the ceiling fan blade and adapted to contain an air freshening material so that when the blade is rotated air is passed over and through the air freshening material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Frank G. McElligott
  • Publication number: 20030031563
    Abstract: A simply wonderful brief lightweight percale cloth ceiling fan cover, efficient, suitable, appealing, practical in fit, attractive, safe, simple to construct, one step, machine washable, care easy and tumble dry, simple to construct manufacture, cost effective, all in one piece unit cloth ceiling fan cover, designed for all types of ceiling fan paddles/blades. No complicated instructions! The properties hidden or other wise, found or placed in this utility and design leaves no concerns in any of the following areas; mass production, fit, packaging, storage, adequate fitting, tight form, profit worthy, sells, fin, fantasy, fantasia and long term durance and endurance. This cover is easy to pull on and off the paddles/blades with little to no effort, placing a little more feeling into America's homes, businesses, rooms, and hearts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Lisa White
  • Patent number: 6413047
    Abstract: A fan mountable air freshener device for freshening the air in the surrounding enviroment. The fan mountable air freshener device includes an air freshener device that can be mounted to a blade of a ceiling fan, the air freshener includes a housing, which includes an upper wall and a lower wall. The lower wall is designed to be removably coupled to the blade of the ceiling fan. The housing includes a pair of side walls, a first end and second end, wherein the lower wall, the side walls and the upper wall are positioned such that the pair of side walls, the upper wall and the lower wall define a channel through the housing. The first end includes a first aperture for allowing air to travel into the channel. The second end of the housing includes a second aperture for allowing air to travel out of the channel. The housing is positioned such that the first end faces a leading edge of the blade of the ceiling fan whereby air is urged through the first aperture when the ceiling fan rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Carl E. Green
  • Patent number: 6273676
    Abstract: A method and shield assembly 12 for use in processing a flow directing assembly 10, such as a stator vane or rotor blade, is disclosed. Various details are developed for the construction of the shield assembly and for the method of masking the flow directing assembly. The shield assembly has a shield having two sides 52, 56 and at least one tab 56 which extends from one of the sides and through the other side and is pressed against the other side. In one embodiment, the method includes exerting a force against the shield to block movement of the shield from the installed position. The shield assembly might include a locking member for this purpose which has a projection 106a which is attached to the shield or a locking member 42 which is not attached to the shield and which has a tab 114 which engages the shield and a projection 112 which engages the airfoil. Alternatively, the shield assembly might include a clamp 92 which presses the shield against the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Theodore Brooks, Harvey Richard Toppen
  • Patent number: 6247895
    Abstract: A locking member for engaging a shield 40 which is disposed during processing about an airfoil 24 of a flow directing assembly 10, such as a stator vane or rotor blade, is disclosed. Various details are developed for the construction of the locking member. In one embodiment, the locking member is separate from the shield and has projections 112, 116 that each engage an opening 36a, 36b in the airfoil and tabs 114, 118 which engage an opening 78, 84 in the shield. In another embodiment, the shield has a projection 106a which is attached to the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Theodore Brooks, Harvey Richard Toppen
  • Patent number: 6244820
    Abstract: The present invention improves both the quality and the flow of air delivered by a stationary fan such as a ceiling fan and a portable fan. Ceiling fans provide limited indoor air flow, but do not function as air conditioning and quality improvement apparatus. The present invention provides fans with an ability to increase indoor and outdoor air quality where they operate. One or a combination of a cooling unit and a heating unit and a filtering device and a secondary multidirectional fan provide consumers with air quality improvement options for stationary and portable fans to fulfill their specific needs for a given area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Gürsel George Yilmaz
  • Patent number: 6224340
    Abstract: A fan retention system for a blower/vacuum securely retains the fan and creates an insulating barrier to prevent the operator from touching the functionally insulated armature shaft. A nut having interlocking ramps for interlocking with interconnecting portions on an abutting fan surface is provided. The interconnecting portions of the fan may be either ramps or recesses. Furthermore, the nut has a closed end for insulating the armature shaft from the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Lessig, III
  • Patent number: 6183201
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the risk that dust and other allergenic contaminants will accumulate on the leading edge of the blade of a ceiling fan. The apparatus reduces the risk of harm to an individual struck by the leading edge of a ceiling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Richard K. Maby
  • Patent number: 6109872
    Abstract: A helicopter rotor cover system to prevent ice formation on the rotors. The system is comprised of a main rotor cover and a tail rotor cover providing an enclosed space around the rotors, a tubular member connecting the enclosed spaces of the two covers and a hot air blower to blow hot air into the two covers. The covers and the tubular member are made from a fabric impermeable to water. The covers have adjustable outlet openings to allow flow of heated air to all portions inside the covers. The covers also have grommets for water drainage. For ease of installation and removal, the covers may have separate pieces or openings that are joined with hook-and-loop fabric fasteners. The main rotor blade covers have oval ribs distributed along the rotor blades to reduce the contact area between the blades and the covers and facilitate flow of air. A portable gas tank and a portable battery provide fuel and electricity for the hot air blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Matthew Angus McCausland
  • Patent number: 6109873
    Abstract: A shield 40 for use in processing a flow directing assembly 10, such as a stator vane or rotor blade, is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for the shield. The shield has two sides 52, 56 and at least two tabs 56, 58 which each extend from one of the sides and through the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Theodore Brooks, Harvey Richard Toppen
  • Patent number: 6079947
    Abstract: An ceiling fan applique and method for adorning the blades of a ceiling fan. An applique constructed of a thin, flexible material includes printed matter disposed on a front surface of the applique. Pressure sensitive adhesive is mounted to the rear surface of the applique. The applique has a predetermined shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the ceiling fan blade. A release liner is affixed to the rear surface of the applique to prevent the applique from becoming inadvertently affixed or damaged prior to intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: Francis Gabriel, David Meermans
  • Patent number: 6022192
    Abstract: An automatic cleaning system for a ceiling fan having a plurality of fan blades extending outwardly from a central motor driven hub comprising a plurality of cleaning units, each in a cleaning engagement with a top surface and a bottom surface of a different one of the plurality of fan blades; and a plurality of recoil units, each connected to the different one of the plurality of fan blades adjacent the central motor driven hub and an associated one of the plurality of cleaning units to enable each of the plurality of cleaning units to travel from a point adjacent the central motor driven hub to an outward end of the different one of the plurality of fan blades due to the centrifugal force when the ceiling fan is running and to retract each of the plurality of cleaning units to the point from the outward end of the different one of the plurality of fan blades when the ceiling fan is not running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventors: Herman H. DeLaHoz, Martin Hupfl
  • Patent number: 6019479
    Abstract: A fan blade cover and strobe light for illuminating the same adapted for use with fan blades of ceiling fans and the like. The fan blade cover is a substantially rigid cover panel with dimensions corresponding to at least one major surface of a fan blade, and includes at least one member adapted for securing the cover panel to the fan blade surface in such a way as to cover the fan blade surface. The fan blade cover has at least one surface adapted for having designs, signage and other indicia thereon for illumination by a strobe light or lights. The cover panel can be constructed of materials such as, but not limited to, cardboard, poster board, fiber board, and other paper materials; solid and foamed plastics; and vinyl sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Dale E. Barker
  • Patent number: 6015261
    Abstract: A removable and replaceable cover for a ceiling fan blade is disclosed. The cover includes a first material which covers the bottom surface of the fan blade and wraps around the outer edges of the fan blade and a second elastic material which joins the ends of the first material and is positioned adjacent the top surface of the fan blade. One or more straps are attached to the open end of the cover and wrap around the arm which attaches the blade to the fan motor. A hook-and-loop fastener is provided on the end of the strap and a mating attachment is provided on the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Connie Barone
  • Patent number: 5988978
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for balancing a ceiling fan suspended from the ceiling, with the fan having a plurality of blades rotatable about a centerline axis of the fan. The method comprises the steps of attaching at least one test clip to each one of an adjacent pair of the fan blades with the fan stationary, operating the fan on high speed in a downdraft direction with the test clips attached and observing the fan wobble. These steps are repeated for each adjacent pair of blades to identify the pair of blades producing the minimum wobble. The method also includes the steps of determining the optimum radial position of each of the test clips, with respect to wobble, and replacing each clip with a balance weight secured to the corresponding blade. A test clip according to the present invention may be used, with the clip comprising upper and lower members, each having a generally D-shaped configuration, and a connecting member interconnecting the upper and lower members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Pearce
  • Patent number: 5947686
    Abstract: Fan blade covers which are particularly useful for covering ceiling fan blades. The covers are easily removed and cleaned providing a safe means for cleaning ceiling fan blades. The covers are provided in numerous colors and decorative patterns allowing the selection of covers which match a room decor. The covers also comprise a balancing arrangement for the fan which includes a pocket positioned on the upper surface of the cover and a dispensing arrangement for dispensing and distributing deodorant throughout a room which includes a vented pocket for receiving a deodorant canister while the vented pocket and canister includes a visual deodorant depletion indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Tina M. Keyes
  • Patent number: 5935526
    Abstract: An air freshener for attachment to a ceiling fan includes a storage container, a thick, porous fragrance cake impregnated with a fragrance secured inside the storage container, and "hook and loop" fasteners for attaching the storage container to the cover or a light fixture of the ceiling fan. The storage container preferably includes a bottom, a side wall and a lid. Together, the bottom and the side wall define a cavity in which the fragrance cake is secured. The lid is movable relative to the side wall so that the lid may be moved to expose the fragrance cake. The lid, the side wall or both have a plurality of apertures therethrough to permit ambient air to circulate around the fragrance cake to distribute the fragrance to the surrounding area as the air enters and exits the apertures and is further circulated by the ceiling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph H. Moore
  • Patent number: 5887785
    Abstract: The present invention improves both the quality and the flow of air delivered by a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans provide limited indoor air flow, but do not function as air quality improvement apparatus. The present invention provides all ceiling fans with an ability to increase indoor air quality where they operate. One or a combination of a physical/chemical filter, an electrostatic particulate matter remover, a heating unit, and a secondary multidirectional fan provide consumers with air quality improvement options for ceiling fans to fulfill their specific needs for a given area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: G. George Yilmaz
  • Patent number: 5863182
    Abstract: An attachment for improving the efficiency of a fluid circulation device such as a fan comprises a back connector portion for connecting to a fan blade and a lobe which protrudes from a leading edge of the fan blade. An impeller has a plurality of fan blades extending from a central hub, and the impeller is rotated by an electrical motor. The impeller is housed within a fan guard. As the impeller is rotated, the lobes operate to pick up air passing around the preceding blade and continue accelerating the air to increase efficiency and flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: D. Lee Hill, Jimmy D. Vanfossan, Hamid Massali
  • Patent number: 5795131
    Abstract: A ceiling fan for cleaning air in a room wherein each blade of the ceiling fan has a cavity open to the top and bottom surfaces of each fan blade and a filter unit in each of the cavities but within the confines of the fan blade such that, when the ceiling fan is operated, the airflow created by the ceiling fan will be forced through the filter unit from the bottom surface through to the top surface, wherein the filter units can collect airborne particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: ClairIon Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Crowhurst, David Lekhtman
  • Patent number: 5791874
    Abstract: A marine propeller including a hub rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having a plurality of blades extending outwardly from the hub. Each of the propeller blades includes a fixed propeller blade stem and a removable cup extension. The cup extension defines the trailing edge of each propeller blade and is removably mounted to the propeller blade stem. The cup extensions can selectively be removed from the blade stems and new cup extensions attached in order to modify the amount of cupping included on the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: William P. Lang
  • Patent number: 5775876
    Abstract: A ceiling-fan-blade-mounted air freshener apparatus includes a housing assembly which includes a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion projecting upward from the lower housing portion. The upper housing portion includes a plurality of vent apertures. An air freshener/matrix assembly is housed within the housing assembly. A housing-to-blade connector connects the housing assembly to a ceiling fan blade. In one embodiment, the housing-to-blade connector is comprised of a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive bonded to a bottom side of the lower housing portion. The housing-to-blade connector further includes a peel strip removably adhered to a bottom surface of the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The housing assembly includes a pointed end, and the air freshener/matrix assembly includes a complementary pointed end. The pointed end of the air freshener/matrix assembly is wedged into the pointed end of the housing assembly under an influence of centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Qwan James Walker, Christopher Williams
  • Patent number: 5591005
    Abstract: A fan blade cover for a fan blade of a ceiling fan includes a casing having an outer edge defining a main body. The main body has an outside surface and an inside surface. The outer edge of the main body is folded over toward the inside surface and is attached to the inside surface of said main body, thereby creating a passage. An elastic band is threaded through the passage. The cover further includes hook and loop fasteners which are attached to the casing in a manner so as to selectively fix the fan blade cover to the fan blade. The invention also includes a method of constructing a fan blade cover for a fan blade of a ceiling fan, the method including the steps of cutting a casing, the casing having an outer edge and a main body, the main body having a outside surface and an inside surface; folding over the outer edge of the casing toward the inside surface, thereby creating a passage, attaching the outer edge to the main body, and, threading an elastic band through said passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis McCready
  • Patent number: 5591006
    Abstract: A removable, washable decorative cover for each thin, flat fan blade of a paddle-type ceiling fan. The decorative cover includes a main sleeve of uninterrupted tubular shape, each end of which is open, and formed of highly elastic and expandable decorative fabric, preferably SPANDEX. The main sleeve is of sufficient elastic strength and sized substantially smaller in width than the width of the fan blade whereby, when mounted over a preselected main portion in length of the fan blade, the gripping action of the elastically stretched fabric conformingly against the surface of the main portion of the fan blade is sufficient to prevent movement therebetween when the ceiling fan is in operation. The cover may also include an end sleeve formed of the same elastic fabric and transverse width, one end of which is open, the other end of which is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventors: Paul J. DeMeo, Brian J. Billert
  • Patent number: 5564900
    Abstract: A fan blade cover slip is removably secured to each blade of a ceiling fan with fabric extending over the lower face of each blade to substantially cover the lower face of each blade. Each cover slip includes an elongated fabric sheet having longitudinal edges folded over the upper face of a blade to form longitudinal flaps, and with an outward end folded over the upper surface of the fan blade to form an outward end flap. A cord is journaled through a sleeve formed along the longitudinal edges and the outward end of the fabric sheet, with ends projecting out inward ends of the longitudinal sleeves. The projecting ends of the cord are pulled tight and then fastened together to secure the cover slip to the fan blade. An opening is formed generally midway along each longitudinal sleeve, with the cord crossing over from an inward sleeve on one side to the outward sleeve on the opposing longitudinal edge at the openings, to further secure the cover slip on the fan blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: LCRM Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Becky J. McAuley
  • Patent number: 5562412
    Abstract: A fan apparatus with a filter affixed to one or more of its fan blades such that the rotating fan blades carry the filter or filters through a medium to extract pollutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Carl Antonelli
  • Patent number: 5527193
    Abstract: The invention relates to hand-insertable, rigid plastic cover for use with an individual boat blade of a propeller of an in-board or outboard boat motor wherein each cover of the invention is integrally formed as a single unit using of a conventional plastic material such as polyethylene. Briefly, the plastic cover of the invention comprises a pair of broad side walls of a tear-dropped or elliptically shape placed in a side-by-side relationship and terminating at a U-shaped closed edge or end wall but being open at a concavely formed, transverse open top to permit easily insertion over the leading and trailing edges of each blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Jack R. Doelcher
  • Patent number: 5516264
    Abstract: A ceiling fan blade slip cover composed of a fitted case which is dimensioned to generally conform to the shape of a ceiling fan blade, wherein the mouth of the fitted case is closable about the arm of the ceiling fan blade. The mouth is used to install and remove the ceiling fan blade slip cover with respect to its respective ceiling fan blade. In this regard, it is preferred for the mouth to be provided with an elastic gather, and/or be provided with a releasable fastener, such as for example a VELCRO (trademark of Velcro, U.S.A.) type hook and loop fastener. A preferred material for the fitted case is a fabric having a selected color, pattern or other indicia thereupon which harmoniously matches the decor of the room. Other materials may be used, such as for example a sheet plastic or leather material. In the event a nonventilative material is used for the fitted case, one or more longitudinal slits are provided at the top side and a lateral slit is provided at each outboard corner thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Dolores F. Anetrini
  • Patent number: 5492448
    Abstract: A rotary blade includes a fixed boundary layer control device extending spanwise on a lower surface adjacent the trailing edge to improve the lift/thrust characteristics of the blade especially at positive incidence angles. It was discovered that expected detrimental effects at zero/negative incidence did not materialize and the reasons are identified. Such blades are particularly useful for helicopter sustaining and anti-torque rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Westland Helicopters Limited
    Inventors: Frederick J. Perry, Alan Brocklehurst
  • Patent number: 5470205
    Abstract: A form having a base, a tip, and a major surface, an adhesive layer carried on the major surface and a protective sheet removably covering the adhesive layer, forming a decoratable fan blade removably mountable on a ceiling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Dennis R. Conklin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5383765
    Abstract: An air freshener apparatus having a recess defined by a tray, two sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom with overlapping flanges, and an upstanding end wall slidably received on a blade of a ceiling fan with a foam pad impregnated with a scent material received in the recess. Two hook-like arms extend outwardly from the tray for slidingly holding the air freshener apparatus on an upper surface of the fan blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: New Ideas International
    Inventors: James T. Baxter, Doug M. Vick, George S. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5370721
    Abstract: A ceiling fan filter for filtering the air in a room having a ceiling fan is made from at least one layer of resilient polymeric fiber filter material. Each layer has a length, a width, an upper surface, a lower surface and two side edges which extend along the length of the layer. A narrow compressed strip is formed in the filter material by compressing and heating the layer of filter material so that the filter material is fused together. The compressed strip causes an expanded thickness of the side edges to increase the effective filter surface area of the filter and gives the filter a semicircular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the length of the filter. An adhesive layer is joined to the lower surface of the filter to attach the filter to the fan blade of a ceiling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Giftech Filter Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe B. Carnahan
  • Patent number: 5328330
    Abstract: A fan blade comprising a body having a tip end and an in-board end is configured with first and second fin portions that extend along the trailing edge of the body of the fan blade. The first fin portion extends from the in-board end of the fan blade along the trailing edge toward the tip end, while the second fin portion extends from the tip end of the fan blade along the trailing edge toward the in-board end. Both the first and second fin portions extend outwardly from the trailing edge of the body at an angle to this trailing edge. Generally a slot or gap would exist between these first and second fin portions and both such fin portions would have a tapered width which narrows in the direction of the tip end. Additionally, the width of the first fin portion would be greater than the width of the second fin portion. Furthermore, the two fin portions may or may not be co-planar in order to optimize air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Hudson Products Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Monroe
  • Patent number: 5328329
    Abstract: A width extender is used to modify existing fan blades in order to enable them to rotate at slower speed thereby reducing the noise associated with them while at the same time maintaining a proper work efficiency. The width extender is fixably connected along the trailing edge of an existing fan blade by adhesive bonding, riveting, welding, or otherwise. Width extender can be made of an extruded plastic material, preferably nylon, or it can be constructed of the same material as the fan blade itself. Ideally, the width extender would increase the width of the fan blade by 20% to 25%. Additionally, this width extender would have a uniform length so as to uniformly increase the entire width of the fan blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Hudson Products Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Monroe
  • Patent number: 5288208
    Abstract: A block structure of a generally trapezoidal configuration is interposed between a cavitation plate and propeller of a marine engine's lower unit to effect abutment of the propeller permitting loosening and removal of the associated propeller retaining nut member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventors: Richard L. Cummins, Fred W. Devaney
  • Patent number: 5281093
    Abstract: A fan blade cover for use on fans having a plurality of fan blades, where one size cover fits many sizes and contours of fan blades. The cover includes a sleeve manufactured from a flexible material in a tubular configuration where one end of the sleeve is closed and an opposite end is open for mounting the cover on the fan blade. The open end of the sleeve includes a zipper for closing the open end to securely maintain the cover on the fan blade during fan operation. An alternate embodiment includes a clasp and drawstring to secure the fan blade cover in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventors: Lois M. Sedlak, Doris A. Prucha
  • Patent number: 5273399
    Abstract: A cover for a propeller is disclosed which is intended to be used while a boat on which the propeller is mounted is being transported on a trailer. The cover is either made of a reflective material or is covered with a reflective material and is intended to reflect light from headlights of vehicles following the trailer to provide an added safety factor when a boat is being towed by a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: Christopher M. Ojeda
  • Patent number: 5184488
    Abstract: An anti-theft locking system for marine outboard and out-drive units is provided. This system initially locks the motor propeller to the foot of the out-drive unit, and then allows a chain or cable to be used to lock the device, the boat, and the trailer to an immovable object. The locking system utilizes a locking member with a hook that engages the propeller, and wraps around the foot of the marine drive unit, providing a lockable portion to affix the device to the propeller and foot of the marine out-drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Anthony Cilbilich
    Inventor: William H. Sandlin
  • Patent number: 5110261
    Abstract: A ceiling fan blade is provided having a generally rigid unitary frame, with three areas for secure attachment to a conventional blade iron providing three points of attachment. A flexible, weather-resistant cover is removably secured to the frame by hook-and-loop fastening material. The attachment areas are angularly offset from the plane of the blade to increase the blade's angle of attack as it moves through the air during normal use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Leigh A. Junkin
  • Patent number: 5022819
    Abstract: An apparatus wherein a plurality of generally "U" shaped clips are securable to opposed, elongated lateral edges of a ceiling fan blade, and the brackets are securable together by spaced parallel coil springs to maintain the brackets to the ceiling fan blade, and an air freshener packet including a plurality of tubes are spaced apart a predetermined distance equal to a distance spaced apart by the springs received through respective ones of the tubes to secure the tubes and the packet to the ceiling fan blade. A modification of the instant invention includes the "U" shaped brackets securable together by opposed pairs of flexible straps including hook and loop fasteners mounted at terminal ends thereof, and a modified deodorizing packet includes a plurality of polymeric springs securable to spaced apertures of an underside of the packet to position the packet above an upper fan blade surface during securement by the straps of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventors: Daniel Murcin, Neva Murcin
  • Patent number: 5018944
    Abstract: An improved ceiling fan comprises a holder carrying a multiplicity of thin fibers, the holder cantilevered over the blades and lightly dragging the fibers over the rotating blades so that dust and dirt are brushed from the surface of the blade before they adhere. For existing ceiling fans the holder is attached to the housing of the fan by a collar. The holder fastens to the collar so that it may be turned from a "summer" position to a "winter" position to drag the fibers across the surface of the blades regardless of the direction of rotation. The fibers are preferably of a low conductivity, low hydroscopic material such as NYLON.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventors: John R. Bielecki, Thomas J. France
  • Patent number: 4892460
    Abstract: Aerodynamically designed and improved auxiliary blade attachment that wedge firmly onto the trailing edges of the main blades of conventional ceiling fans. The highly functional shape and super lightweight one-piece construction of these easy-to-use auxiliary blades and their strategic placement on the main fan blades serve to heighten the angle of incidence and thus create an intensified dual air current laterally and downwardly in relation to the fan's central core. The result is a dynamic increase of cubic feet of propeller-cooled air per minute without electrically increasing the velocity of ceiling fan rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Inventor: Steve J. Volk
  • Patent number: 4889543
    Abstract: A device for filtering air in a room equipped with a ceiling fan having rotating blades includes at least one element made of a filtering material which is interconnected between two adjacent blades of the fan by a fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Jerry D. Burt
  • Patent number: 4854374
    Abstract: Apparatus for heating or cooling ambient air in the form of a temperature controlling propeller having a plurality of blades arranged around a rotatable hub, the blades carrying cells containing a heat retaining material. The cells are mounted in openings provided in the blades and retained therein. A thermometer may be mounted on the hub to monitor air temperature. The propeller is heated or chilled prior to mounting on a driven shaft. When the propeller is rotated by the shaft, it simultaneously circulates and heats or cools the surrounding air as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Frank Harrison
  • Patent number: 4850800
    Abstract: An improved device for blocking the rotation of marine propellers on lower units of outboards or out-drives is described. The blocking unit has a fixed part and a movable clamp. The fixed part is held by the movable clamp against the under side of the anti-cavitation plate of the lower unit and has a height sufficient to extend down into the propeller rotation circle. When torque is applied to the propeller retaining nut a propeller blade engages the side or bottom of the fixed part and the propeller is prevented from rotating. The blocking unit has an enriching flange and central and transverse webs to provide a low stress design so that it may be fabricated of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: Larry Zygutis