Machine washable and tumble dry percale fabric ceiling fan cover

Abstract

A ceiling fan blade cover includes a lightweight percale cotton cloth cover having an oblong-shaped body having an edge that is sewn to prevent raveling and to create a stronger foundation. An elastic back connected to the edge produces an elastic circumference of the cover. An elastic strap having two ends bar-tacked to the circumference provides removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding blade and provides for the cover to take on the shape of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The paddle/blade, invented and developed for the use of moving and stopping, is constructed out of various types of woods, plastics, metals and a combination thereof. This useful creation over time became the foundation of some of the most popular products we've used across the country and world today. For example, the ceiling fan gives us the ability to redistribute air to cool or heat an environment and to exhaust an environment in order to expel foul odors, poisonous gases, fumes, toxins and the like.

Covers have been developed to protect and customize ceiling fan blades. Ceiling fans require careful handling during cleaning and covering. Thus, blade covers need to be easy to install and remove to avoid damaging the fan. Ceiling fans are also necessarily balanced to reduce wobble, thereby reducing the wear on the bearings and prolonging the life of the fan motor. Therefore, blade covers should be sufficiently lightweight so as to not affect the balance of the fan.

Prior art fan covers, upon experimental reproduction, were determined to be of excessive weight and bulky design.

Thus there remains a need in the art for a fan blade cover that is lightweight such that it does not create a drag notable to the eye nor to the fan motor and does not create an imbalance in the fan. Furthermore there remains a need for a cover that is close or tight-fitting and well-designed such that it is unnoticeable as a cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a ceiling fan blade cover including a lightweight percale cotton cloth ceiling fan blade cover, capable of being installed onto a corresponding ceiling fan blade. The cover has an oblong shaped body having an outside edge with defining boundary lines of the body having an identifiable outside surface and inside surface. The outside surface has a serged edge to prevent raveling and to create a stronger foundation and an elastic band connected thereto and having ends that are bar-tacked and attached to the cover edges to produce an elastic circumference of the cover. The elastic circumference is connected at opposite sides by ends of an elastic strap having two cut and unfinished ends that are bar-tacked, providing removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding blade and providing the cover to take on the shape and appearance of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon.

The present invention is yet further directed toward a method of constructing a ceiling fan blade cover including several steps. One step is to provide an oblong shaped design having an outside edge and a main body, the main body having an outside surface and an inside surface. The design is cut from a lightweight material to form an oblong-shaped main body of the cover, followed by sewing a serged edge on the main body of the cover to prevent raveling, connecting an elastic band to the outside edge thereby crating an elastic circumference, and connecting ends of an elastic strap to opposite sides of the elastic circumference. This produces a lightweight ceiling fan blade cover, capable of being installed onto a corresponding ceiling fan blade, such that the cover has an oblong-shaped body having an outside edge with defining boundary lines of the body having an identifiable outside surface and inside surface, the outside surface edge further including an elastic band connected thereto and having ends that are bar-tacked and attached to the cover edges to produce an elastic circumference of the cover, the elastic circumference being connected at opposite sides by ends of an elastic strap having two cut and unfinished ends that are bar-tacked for providing removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding blade and providing the cover to take on the shape and appearance of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is perspective view of the front side of a completed cloth ceiling fan cover, oblong shaped and smooth in appearance, which is installed by the means of pulling on and removed by the means of pulling off.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the backside of the fan cover of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In comparison and consideration to the prior art in this field, this ceiling fan cover herein disclosed is lighter weight, using the least amount of fabric and the lightest form of fabric/thread on the market, without sacrificing beauty. In a preferred embodiment, percale cotton is used, as it is durable, stylish, and cost-effective. It is also absorbent to flame retardant chemicals, dyes, and “glow in the dark matter”. Other advantages are the fact that it is lightweight, immeasurable in beauty and adaptability, cooperative with other fabric's and demonstrating the least amount of resistant and failures.

The present invention has a remarkable application time and manufacturing time. Two minutes to reproduce and five seconds to apply to the paddle/blade. Other advantages may include:

• 1. Lowering cost to production and public
• 2. Safety to persons and ceiling fans while in motion/operation
• 3. Closures eliminated
• 4. Appeal to a broad/diversified audience concerning manufacturing methods
• 5. Speed when applying and retracting ref. to paddle/blade
• 6. Weight reduction made suitable
• 7. Omitted adjustments application onto paddle/blade
• 8. Heighten concept with wisdom
• 9. Omitted gimmicks to indications/signage
• 10. Simplifying manufacturing
• 11. Reconstructed a design suitable to all fans and their purpose
• 12. Utility with a simple understanding
• 13. Wholesale and Marketing price made practicability
• 14. Shorten lobbyist time
• 15. Reduced logistics
• 16. Shorten scope
• 17. Speeding up manufacturing time
• 18. Creating and made an overall appealing product

With these new improvements, one sees more benefits through out the cover's performance as it is placed, covering, removed and reapplied. The lowering of cost and the subtraction of many unnecessary steps/processes/directions; reference to the use of natural and synthetic of materials to make this cover. This cover is more affordable and easier to apply and remove over and over again, in comparison to the previous covers. Covering the ceiling fan paddles/blades with ease is the pinnacle of any cover devised.

The present invention is designed for mass production. Logic and consideration in packaging was one of the main concerns, this applies to the (liability concerns) weight of each covers, understanding compliances with storage space, purchasing, distribution in bulk fashion, and sales and profit margin.

In reference to the operation and closing methods in the previous patent's, you will not find those methods in this cover, these measures/steps/claims/instruments have all been eliminated thus refining cover to a quicker, less pain staking, no brainier, fun to have around the house/office/businesses item. These are the differences which elevated and separates this invention from the previous inventions, along with establishing itself as a independence functioning article which is strong, easy to handle and longer lasting (having no attached or replacement parts) such as; things/ends to tightening, pulling, snapping, hooking, pass through strings belonging to a sewn in passage, special cut out pieces to button, stretch/scratch/scrap or whole synthetics material design especially developed for odd shape nouns (polyester blends/polyester/spandex) to fit snug any odd shape (note, this material is limited to fashions, colors, styles, toughness, heat drying, extended pulling, dispensing old oil that has gathered debris during it's operation) the cover to fit, Velcro connecting to close or taper for a perfect fit additional or unique sizing cutting before sewing, folding, venting, liners, using a stretch material, open ended flaps, material wastefully used on both side of the paddle/blade to protect both sides, even in places where there is no dust or little dust, oil, grease, grime, aging and anything else to be disguised, hidden, masked, and so called protected. This improved cover is simply made of two types of materials, 1.) a light weight piece of cotton with a creative design or simply a solid shade, cut oblong accordantly (⅝ in. beyond the edge of the paddle/blade) using (preferably percale cotton, a lightweight fabric, excellent because of the low to moderate thread count, durable for washing many times over, machine drying and low temp. ironing or no ironing required) 2.) and a ¼ in. to 1 in. wide elastic for the sides which is ⅔ the length around the cover, which would be considered as the entire circumference. Note, the margin within this space can be used in the form of variations, the scope of the action remains consistent throughout the areas in design and utility. One to five straps of the same width ¼ in. to 1 in. wide elastic 3 in. to 4 in. long on the back spaced evenly. The materials used in this invention can be found easily all over the world, to wit: the under garments you are probably wearing can be used to make one.

Securing the cover to the paddles/blades, without a doubt added more objects/weight in prior designs. This creates a drag, introducing another problem which maybe discovered in the long term; to wit: the early burning out of the fans motor parts. This ⅛ in. thick paddle/blade attached to a small motor cannot with stand the rigors of too much weight, even presented in ounces. I found in experimenting that only a combined total of 2.5 to 5 ounces could attach itself to the paddle/blade without interfering with the fan's operation, paddles/blades deg. and balance. Based upon this finding, I reserve the right to the assert, “weight properties” necessary to not interrupt or interfere and the variable space provided, according to the spec. of the manufactured fan.

This new design is far easier, lighter in weight, and cheaper to make piece by piece or in a bulk fashion. All methods used in the making of this cover are standard, used in creating, recreating or the making of a article using fabric or synthetic material. These standards are not to be disregarded, theses are measures well thought out and are sensible in the design and use of fabric. Sewing classes, fabric stores, sewing circles, sewing books and magazines, are methods where knowledge can be found in reference to the standards of basic sewing. Sewing professional instruct, teach and cover only what is necessary to save time, money, thoughts, mistakes, waste and destruction. Covering a four dimensional item in this fashion which provides only a 3 dimensional view is the most practical, logical, cost effective, and feasible. This cover is so simple, that a foolish person or a child could figure it out and describe it and apply it to a common household ceiling fan. Non-operated fans that are in some cases too expensive to remove and to have replaced, this cover will serve as blanket solution. The cover can capture the beauty in something that is of no more use, but is not worth the added expense of getting rid of. As inexpensive as this cover is to create, it can be used as a tool/means of a solution for a person in no time. The persons who give ways and means to the values of fans and their properties will appreciate this product.

Less hassle in creating devices, such as this cover can mean a great deal, specifically to the one person who is applying it from underneath the fan. Most will attempt to apply it by climbing on top of a item to gain an advantage over the fan until they gain some sense of authority or control or complete understanding. This will happen in no time with this cover. Because of the “easy method” of application ref. to the design and utility, it will be as promised, easy to learn and easy to take care of. As we well know, the most profitable inventions are the “easy to learn and understand.” This method releases energy and joy because it is not confusing.

Referring no to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a oblong shaped design referred to as a cover 10. The cover 10 has a main body, in a preferred embodiment formed from a flexible lightweight percale fabric 12. The maximum volume of fabric used does not surpass 1 ounce after construction into the cover 10. The cover possesses no outer seams in the fabric, no matter the size of the ceiling fan paddle/blade. In the preferred embodiment, percale cotton is the preferred fabric and a thin elastic band circumference which is sewn onto the percale cotton (not shown) which allows its oblong shape to adapt or conform to any shape of paddle/blade, including round, beveled, square, cathedral or wood, plastic, heavy cardboard, metal or any combination thereof; any formation or deviations within or out of the scope of these named shapes, not to exclude damages, normal wear and tear, erosions, fractures, or designs intentional or unintentional.

Referring now to the drawing FIG. 2, the reverse of FIG. 1, shows an oblong cover 10 which is preferably composed of percale cotton, including any designer blends, because of the fabric's versatility in design, color and pattern. The cover is formed by sewing the elastic band 22 over the top of the fabric at the fabric's circumference 24. The thin elastic band 22 is preferably ¼ inch width.

The cover 10 has a seam line 18, which is present at the base of the cover 14, described as the narrow end. This closed seam 18 is a heavy bar tack stitch, which allows the fabric 12 and the elastic band 22 to maintain a sealed position. The completion of the elastic and the finishing of the adjoining between the two materials in their conclusion form a seam 18 needing no other apparatus passing though, to handle or loose article to thread, apply, attach, or assemble. The preferred materials, percale cotton and elastic strap, makes this invention light and simple, in which a cover can be made in 2 minutes, from start to completion.

The selection of these materials for this invention creates a cover 10 that holds fast to the fan blade and weighs less that 1 ounce.

The ¼ circumference 24 and the elastic band 22 permit's the present invention to hold fast to the blade's narrow end 14 and broad end 16 with ease, eliminating any need for addition fabric, passages, hook-and-loop fasteners, glue, air ducts, ventilation holes, special cuts, drawstrings, spandex or stretch materials, etc., or other types of devices which have been used in prior arts such as; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,591,005; 5,564,900; 5,281,093; 5,591,006; 4,832,572; 5,516,264; 4,676,721; 5,470,205; 5,947,686; 6,015,261; etc.

The elastic strap 26 is preferably ¼ inch in width and is made of elastic material identical to the circumference 24. The elastic strap maintains the flat, flush, and smooth appearance of the cover 10 by creating a side-to-side pull that keeps all decorative patterns in position.

The strap indirectly provides a sense of added protection and comfort to the consumer so the product can become a regular seen item and used in the houses, homes and offices. The snug and sturdy fit provided by the strap conveys a notion of safety while the cover moves in a circular fashion at any speed.

In case the cover loses its strap 26 or has it removed for any reason, the cover 10 will not take flight, come apart or slide off the paddle/blade, being held in place by the elastic circumference.

This elastic strap 26 is 3½ inches in a relaxed state, and stretches to 4½ inches when applied to paddle/blade and stress is added. The cut or loose ends of the 3½ inch strap 26 is heavily bar tack underneath the elastic circumference, seen at the seam lines 28 and 30, for beauty, strength, neatness, and flexibility.

The present invention is thus a ceiling fan blade cover including a lightweight percale cotton cloth ceiling fan blade cover, capable of being installed onto a corresponding ceiling fan blade; the cover having an oblong-shaped body having an outside edge with defining boundary lines of the body having an identifiable outside surface and inside surface, the outside surface having a serged edge to prevent raveling and to create a stronger foundation; the outside surface further including an elastic band connected thereto and having ends that are bar-tacked and attached to the cover edges to produce an elastic circumference of the cover, the elastic circumference being connected at opposite sides by ends of an elastic strap having two cut and unfinished ends that are bar-tacked for providing removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding blade and providing the cover to take on the shape and appearance of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon. The elastic strap is preferably thin. The cover is preferably a durable, welcoming, long lasting, adaptable cover. The cover is preferably fabricated from the best and most durable, multitask, and cost-efficient fabric which will conform to all shapes, cut well, not slide, adjoins with other material best, matches well, and easiest to find, transports well, stores well, manufactures and fit after production all types of designed edges. The fabric is one that can preferably be advertised on dye, imitated, duplicated, copies, holds up to heat and dirt well, and suitable for any room or matching expensive to inexpensive linens, silks, satin, rayon, synthetics materials. Preferably, a multiplicity of covers for removable attachment to each of a corresponding multiplicity of ceiling fan blades on a single fan can be provided, the covers forming a set to provide a uniform, matching appearance.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a ceiling fan blade cover, including a lightweight ceiling fan blade cover, capable of being installed onto a corresponding ceiling fan blade; the cover having an oblong-shaped body having an outside edge with defining boundary lines of the body having an identifiable outside surface and inside surface, the outside surface having serged edge to prevent raveling and to create a stronger foundation. The outside surface edge further includes an elastic band connected thereto and having ends that are bar-tacked and attached to the cover edges to produce an elastic circumference of the cover, the elastic circumference being connected at opposite sides by ends of an elastic strap having two cut and unfinished ends that are bar-tacked for providing removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is formed of a cotton cloth. Preferably, the cover total weight is about one ounce.

The present invention also includes a method of construction a ceiling fan blade cover, the steps including: providing a oblong shaped design, the design having an outside edge and a main body, the main body having an outside surface and an inside surface; cutting the design from a lightweight material to form an oblong-shaped main body of the cover; sewing a serged edge on the main body of the cover to prevent raveling; connecting an elastic band to the outside edge thereby creating an elastic circumference; connecting ends of an elastic strap to opposite sides of the elastic circumference; thereby producing a lightweight ceiling fan blade cover, capable of being installed onto a corresponding ceiling fan blade, such that the cover has an oblong-shaped body having an outside edge with defining boundary lines of the body having an identifiable outside surface and inside surface, the outside surface having serged edge to prevent raveling and to create a stronger foundation; the outside surface edge further including an elastic band connected thereto and having ends that are bar-tacked and attached to the cover edges to produce an elastic circumference of the cover, the elastic circumference being connected at opposite sides by ends of an elastic strap having two cut and unfinished ends that are bar-tacked for providing removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding blade and providing the cover to take on the shape and appearance of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon. The method can further include the step of sewing the outside edge of the design to the main body of the cover. Preferably, the elastic strap is centrally located on the body of the cover. Also, the elastic band is sewn to the body of the cover. Another step is preferably placing a triple double bar tack stitch in the most narrow end creating a wall of strength, a avenue of permanent juncture, a governor and a seal; and further including the step of bar tacking an unbroken strap in a most center part of the cover; and even more preferably including the step of bar taking the elastic strap in a center part of the oblong shaped body of the cover.

Claims

1. A ceiling fan blade cover comprising: a lightweight percale cotton cloth having an oblong-shaped body defining an edge that is sewn to prevent raveling and to create a stronger foundation; a first elastic band connected to the edge and having ends that are bar-tacked and attached to the cover edge to produce an elastic circumference of the cover, the elastic circumference being connected at opposite sides by ends of a second elastic strap band providing removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding blade and providing the cover to take on the shape of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the first elastic strap band is thin.

3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover is adaptable.

4. The cover of claim 1, wherein the fabric can be dyed or printed.

5. The cover of claim 1, provided as a multiplicity of covers for removable attachment to each of a corresponding multiplicity of ceiling fan blades on a single fan, the covers forming a set.

6. A ceiling fan blade cover comprising: a lightweight flexible, sheet material; having an oblong-shaped body defining an edge that is sewn to prevent raveling and to create a stronger foundation; a first elastic band connected to the edge and having ends that are bar-tacked and attached to the cover edge to produce an elastic circumference of the cover, the elastic circumference being connected at opposite sides by ends of a second elastic band providing removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding blade and providing the cover to take on the shape and appearance of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon.

7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the cover is formed of a cotton cloth.

8. The cover of claim 6, wherein the cover total weight is about one ounce.

9. The cover of claim 6, wherein the elastic strap is thin.

10. The cover of claim 6, wherein the cover is adaptable.

11. The cover of claim 6, wherein the fabric can be dyed or printed.

12. The cover of claim 6, wherein the second elastic band is bar tacked in a center portion of the cover for the supporting and maintaining the shape, and the look of the ceiling fan blade when the cover is attached.

13. The cover of claim 6, further including a multiplicity of covers for removable attachment to each of a corresponding multiplicity of ceiling fan blades on a single fan, the covers forming a set.

14. A method of constructing a ceiling fan blade cover comprising the steps of: cutting a main body from a lightweight material to form an oblong shape; sewing an edge on the main body to prevent raveling; connecting a first elastic band to the outside edge, thereby creating an elastic circumference; connecting ends of a second elastic band to opposite sides of the elastic circumference; thereby producing a lightweight ceiling fan blade cover capable of being installed onto a corresponding ceiling fan blade, that provides removable adherence of the cover to the corresponding blade and provides the cover to take on the shape of the corresponding ceiling fan blade when installed thereon.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein connecting the second elastic band is done at a central location centrally located on the body of the cover.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first elastic band is sewn to the body of the cover.

17. The method of claim 14, further including the step of placing a heavy bar tack stitch in the most narrow end of the cover, creating a wall of strength.

18. The method of claim 14, further including the step of bar tacking the second elastic band in a center part of the oblong shaped body of the cover.