Air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device

Abstract

An air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device includes an attachment member and a rotatable member. The attachment member has an upper end and a lower end, and a component for attachment proximate a ceiling fan or, alternatively, proximate an air vent. The attachment component is located at the upper end, and has a swivel joint for attachment to a rotatable member. The rotatable member has a frame, a sign connected to the frame and at least one air vane connected to frame for acting like a turbine to cause circulating air to spin the rotatable member with its sign.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display device to provide a rotating message. In general, the device is suspended from a fixed connection with a swivel joint and is driven by air flow from an air circulation system. The air circulation system could be a fan, such as a ceiling fan or other fan, or it could be an air egress vent, such as a ceiling, wall or even floor vent, or an exhaust vent.

2. Information Disclosure Statement

The following patents are representative of circular display, including ceiling fan-based signage:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,827 describes as a rotary member is rotated, light images are produced in a radial direction from the rotary member. The light images are produced in time or position division multiplexed fashion so that, although at any given instant, only a portion of an entire image is actually generated, due to the light persistence of an observer's eye, the observer will observe an entire image about the rotary member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,422 describes an illuminative fan includes a plurality of illuminators selected from light-emitting diodes juxtapositionally interlacedly disposed on each fan blade capable of being flashed or colored so that upon a rotation of the fan, the illuminators will produce diversified optical or colorful figures on the rotating blades due to persistence of human vision either flashingly or continuously for enriching a decorative effect for the illuminative fan.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,398 describes a decorative lighting and rotating display fixture kit comprises a support frame for mounting the fixture to a ceiling fan, a shroud concealing the support frame, and at least one electrical light socket mounted within the shroud. A motor is mounted to extend below the support frame shroud, is concealed by a decorative motor shroud, and supports a decorative display or carousel for rotation about a vertical axis. Electrical wiring connects the light socket and the motor to the ceiling fan wiring. A switch attached to the support frame and connected to the electrical wiring controls electrical energy to the fixture kit. The fixture kit may be mounted directly to the ceiling or other wiring location as a separate fixture, without the ceiling fan.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,965 describes a display comprises a static unit on which is mounted a rotating unit driven by a motor. The rotating unit carries light emitting diodes arranged as vertical columns which sweep around a cylindrical surface. The light emitting diodes are controlled by a control circuit in accordance with data stored in a memory so as to provide a cylindrical display. The control circuit and memory are located in the rotating unit and the memory has a capacity for storing several different images for display.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,384 B1 describes an image/message display device includes a ceiling fan suspended from the ceiling. A controller for the display is mounted on the ceiling fan and includes hall effect sensors for determining the rotational speed of the fan. LED panels are mounted on each of the blades for creating the image/message as the ceiling fan turns. Aerodynamic covers are placed over the LED panels. A dark, non-reflective background may be suspended behind the LED panels to enhance the view of the image/display.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device includes an attachment member and a rotatable member.

The attachment member has an upper end and a lower end, and has attachment means for attachment to a stationary portion of a ceiling fan proximate to a central axis of the ceiling fan or, alternatively, proximate an air vent. The attachment means is located at the upper end, and has a swivel joint for attachment to a rotatable member. The swivel joint is located at the lower end.

The rotatable member is attached to the swivel joint, and has a frame, a sign connected to the frame and at least one air vane connected to frame for acting like a turbine to cause circulating air to spin the rotatable member with its sign.

The air circulation system-driven rotating display device of the present invention may include at least one cross member and the sign is connected to the cross member. In some embodiments, the sign may be a flat sign with a message or signage on one or both sides. In some embodiments, the sign is a continuous loop sign. For example, the continuous loop sign may be formed of at least three equal sized panels, e.g., wherein the equal sized panels are connected to one another to establish a symmetrical polygon from a top view. In some embodiments, the continuous loop sign has at least one arcuate panel, e.g. it may be an oval from a top view, or it may be a circle from a top view.

The air circulation system-driven rotating display device frame may include at least one horizontal, symmetrical panel that functions as both a sign and an air vane. In some embodiments, the at least one panel has at least one orifice located thereon.

In some preferred embodiments, at least one air vane is connected to a top of the frame. In other preferred embodiments, there are two air vanes and they are located opposite one another relative to the swivel joint.

The frame may be formed of at least two symmetrical intersecting vertical panels. These panels may each have one, two or more orifices located therein.

In some preferred embodiments, the frame includes a sign support for inserting and removing interchangeable signs.

The frame and sign may be formed of a lightweight material selected from plastic, paper, paperboard, foam board, cardboard, and combinations thereof. The air circulation system-driven rotating display device frame may be formed as a plurality of radiant bars.

The air circulation system-driven rotating display frame may be a skeletal frame structure with radiant bars and sign support bars.

The air circulation system-driven rotating display swivel joint may include opposing eyelets connected by a bracket to which one of the eyelets is fixedly attached and the other is rotatably attached. The swivel joint is an axle and fixed axle support.

The device may be suspended in the proximity of any vent or fan that generates airflow. In some embodiments, the device may include optional fixtures to permit rotatable attachment to a wall or ceiling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention should be more fully understood when the specification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an oblique top view of one embodiment of a present invention display device attached to a ceiling fan;

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the present invention device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the present invention device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows a front oblique view of an alternative embodiment present invention display device;

FIGS. 5 and 6 show partial cut side view and partial cut bottom view of the present invention device shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a blown up view of the swivel joint shown in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 8 and 9 show partial bottom views of other alternative embodiment present invention display devices frames;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a frame for a present invention device wherein vanes are built into the frame;

FIG. 11 shows a present invention display device operated by a forced air HVAC system;

FIG. 12 illustrates an oblique view of another embodiment of a present invention device wherein the frame has an upper frame (vane frame) and a lower frame (sign frame) suspended from it, connected to a ceiling fan;

FIG. 13 shows the same present invention device as FIG. 12, but connected to a ceiling egress vent;

FIG. 14 shows a present invention device unistructural frame and vanes; and,

FIG. 15 shows an oblique view of a present invention display device with multiple arrangements with lower planetary (compound motion-revolving and rotating) sign units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an oblique top view of one embodiment of a present invention display device 20 attached to a ceiling fan 1. FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the present invention device 20 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a side view of the present invention device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. These three Figures are discussed collectively, with identical components being identically numbered.

Ceiling fan 1 has a cap 3 with wiring to a power source (not shown) and to a switch (not shown). There is a support rod 5 with a stationary motor housing 7 and a stationary hub 11. Fan blades 15, 17 and 19 are driven by the electric motor about a, central axis (extend down from support rod 5), as in any conventional ceiling fan. Extending from hub 11 is a component of the present invention device 20, namely, attachment member 21. This has a bolt, weld, socket or other attachment means at its top. Often, hubs have securing nuts, and a properly orificed angle iron extending upwardly at the top of attachment member 21 would be both a sufficient and an efficient attachment component. It could be designed to fit onto the hub nut rod and the same nut might be used. Other attachment means, as mentioned, could be used alternatively. There is a swivel joint 23 located at the bottom of attachment member 21. This swivel joint 23 could be a universal joint, a ball and socket joint, a floating pin joint, or any other swivel mechanism that would permit a rotatable member to spin while connected to the stationary attachment mechanism.

Below swivel joint 23 is a frame 25 formed of cross-members as shown. Frame 25 has four vanes evenly spaced, all tilted in the same direction. These vanes 31, 33, 35 and 37 may be unistructurally formed with the frame 25 (molded all as a single piece). The frame 25 has vertical supports, such as support 27, and has sign member 29 attached thereto. These are arcuated sign members that may be removable or permanent, and carry messages, artwork, drawings, photos, logos, advertising or pictures, such as text 41.

When fan 1 is turned on and blades 15, 17 and 19 rotate, the air driven downward blows on vanes 31, 33, 35 and 37, causing the frame and its attachment (vanes and sign members) to rotate, creating a continuous scene or message.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment present invention device 80. The Figures are described herein collectively.

Ceiling fan 60 is similar to ceiling fan 1 in the preceding Figures. It has a support rod 65, a motor housing 67, a hub 69 and blades 75, 77 and 79.

Present invention device attachment member 81 is attached to hub 69 at its top and to swivel joint 83 at its bottom. Below swivel joint 83 is a frame with four vertical panels 85, 87, 89 and 91. Each has at least one hole or orifice (as shown in FIG. 5) to reduce drag. There is a single vane 95 that assures direction of rotation, and the vertical panels 85, 87, 89 and 91 function both as frame and vane. Circular sign 99 is permanently or temporarily attached to the frame and has a message 97. When the fan is on, the sign rotates.

FIG. 7 shows a blow up of swivel joint 83. It has a bracket with a fixed eyelet on top and a rotating eyelet on the bottom; otherwise, the components are numbered identically with the preceding description.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom partial view of another present invention display device 100. It has a hexagon configuration with frame vertical boards 101, 103, 105, 107, 109 and 111, and spokes 113, 115, 117, 119, 121 and 123. Different pictures, messages or other presentations could be applied to the outside surfaces of each of the boards 101, 103, 105, 107, 109 and 111.

FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of another present invention display device 130, with a single vertical oval frame 131 with cross-member spokes 133 and 135. One or two messages or other signage could be presented on the outside of oval frame 131.

FIG. 10 shows that a single frame member 160 could be molded of two intersecting rods 161 and 163, with two opposing vanes 165 and 167 (not shown, but both tilted clockwise).

FIG. 11 shows a present invention display device 220 suspended from a wall 250, in the vicinity of an air egress vent 251, with louvers 252. There is a horizontal, support member 263, connected to wall 250 via flange 261. At the opposite end 211 is stationary attachment member 221, with swivel joint 223. Frame 225 has vertical sign supports, such as vertical sign support 227, and has vanes 231, 233, 235 and 237.

Circular sign 229 is connected to the vertical sign supports and has a message 241. When air exits vent 251, it blows on the vanes, rotating the frame, vanes and sign for an attractive continuous presentation. The rate of rotation may be regulated by the rate of air flow, the size of the vanes, the number of vanes, the angle of vanes, the friction at the swivel joint, the resistance of the sign (if any), or any combination of the foregoing.

FIG. 12 illustrates an oblique view of another embodiment of a present invention device wherein the frame has an upper frame (vane frame) and a lower frame (sign frame) suspended from it, connected to a ceiling fan. FIG. 14 shows more detail of the upper frame. The ceiling fan has a cap 359 with wiring to a power source (not shown) and to a switch (not shown). There is support rod 354 with stationary motor housing 351 and a stationary hub underneath it. Fan blades, such as blade 355, are driven by the electric motor about a central axis (extend down from support rod 350) as in any conventional ceiling fan. Extending from the hub is a component of the present invention device 300, namely, attachment 323. This has an attachment means at its top to connect it to the hub. There is a swivel joint 321 located at the bottom of attachment member 323 and is connected to frame connector 319. This swivel joint 321 could be a universal joint, a ball and socket joint, a floating pin joint, or any other swivel mechanism that would permit a rotatable member to spin while connected to the stationary attachment mechanism.

Below swivel joint 321 and connector 319 is an upper frame formed of cross-members 309 and 311, as shown. There are four vanes 313, 333, 353 and 373 evenly spaced and all tilted in the same direction. (These vanes are unistructurally formed with the frame, that is, molded all as a single piece, as shown in FIG. 14.) The frame has flexible support cords 305 and 307, at the bottom of which is lower frame 301. Sign 303 is attached to the lower frame 301. When the fan blades rotate, the air drives the vanes and upper frame and the lower frame is likewise rotated. This embodiment is especially useful for very high ceiling fans wherein the sign itself is rotated, e.g., seven or eight feet from a floor. The sign may be removable or permanent, and may carry messages, artwork, drawings, photos, logos, advertising or pictures (not shown).

FIG. 13 shows the same present invention display device 300 and identical parts are identically numbered, except that here device 300 is suspended from ceiling vent 371.

FIG. 15 shows a present invention display device with multiple display units with a plurality of them being planetary units.

Ceiling fan 459 includes a support 457, a motor housing and hub 451, and blades such as blade 455. Suspended from the ceiling fan hub is main attachment member 423, with swivel joint 421 connecting it to a frame of cross-sections 409 and 411, having vanes, such as vane 413. Support members 405 an 407 hang therefrom to main frame 401. Support members 405 and 407 may be synthetic or natural and may be flexible, semi-flexible or rigid.

Connected to main frame 401 is a circular vertical member 403 that serves both as a sign support and as a connector to evenly spaced separate display units 461, 471, 481 and 491. These units are structurally identical but may carry different messages. Each is characterized by the description of unit 461. Each has an attachment member 469, a swivel joint 467 and a frame 463 with one or more vanes 465. Each unit rotates about an axis of its attachment member, and simultaneously revolves about the track of the circular vertical member, when the fan is on. Hence, these four lower units, like the solar system planets, both rotate and revolve, and are planetary.

The terms “sign” and “message” as used herein should be construed broadly to mean something to be seen or read to communicate. This would include words, numbers, pictures, symbols, logos, religious representations, codes, icons, etc. The most common would be advertising signs, direction signs and holiday representations, e.g., “Eat At Sam's”, “Customer Service Here” and a pictorial Fourth of July Stars and Stripes, respectively.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. An air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device, which comprises:

(a.) an attachment member having an upper end and a lower end, and having attachment means for attachment adjacent to an air circulation system causing positive air flow, said attachment means being located at the upper end, and having a swivel joint for attachment to a rotatable member, the swivel joint being located at the lower end:

(b.) a rotatable member attached to said swivel joint, said rotatable member having a frame, a sign connected to said frame and at least one air vane connected to frame.

2. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said frame is at least one cross member and said sign is connected to said cross member.

3. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said sign is a continuous loop sign.

4. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said continuous loop sign is formed of at least three equal sized panels.

5. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 4 wherein said equal sized panels are connected to one another to establish a symmetrical polygon from a top view.

6. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said continuous loop sign has at least one arcuate panel.

7. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 6 wherein said arcuate panel is an oval from a top view.

8. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 6 wherein said arcuate panel is a circle from a top view.

9. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said frame includes at least one horizontal, symmetrical panel that functions as both a sign and as an air vane.

10. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 9 wherein said at least one panel has at least one orifice located thereon.

11. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said at least one air vane is connected to a top of said frame.

12. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein there are two air vanes and they are located opposite one another relative to said swivel joint.

13. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said frame is formed of at least two symmetrical intersecting vertical panels.

14. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 13 wherein said panels each have at lest two orifices located therein.

15. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said frame includes a sign support for inserting and removing interchangeable signs.

16. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said frame and sign are formed of a lightweight material selected from plastic, paper, paperboard, foam board, cardboard, and combinations thereof.

17. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said frame is a plurality of radiant bars.

18. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said frame is a skeletal frame structure with radiant bars and sign support bars.

19. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said swivel joint includes opposing eyelets connected by a bracket to which one of said eyelets is fixedly attached and the other is rotatably attached.

20. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said swivel joint is an axle and fixed axle support.

21. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said attachment means includes a fixture for connection to a flat surface adjacent a vent.

22. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said attachment means for attachment to a stationary portion of ceiling fan.

23. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 1 wherein said device includes a plurality of suspended frames.

24. The air circulation system-driven, suspended rotating display device of claim 23 wherein there are at least three suspended frames, two of which are planetary suspended frames.