SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING GRAPHIC IMAGES ON AIR CIRCULATION DEVICES
An air circulation unit, such as a portable evaporative cooler, has one or more graphic image displays. The display may comprise advertising signage, such as the name or logo for marketing the goods or services of a sponsor thereof. The display is affixed to hardware that is adjacent to the intake, the exhaust, or both surfaces. The display may comprise a printed screen having an image formed on a substrate that is permeable to air flow. The display may be mounted to a wire frame or other hardware that is secured adjacent to the intake or exhaust. The surface area of the display may be equal to, greater than, or less than the surface areas of the intake or exhaust, and may be spaced apart therefrom along an axis extending in a direction of the airflow at a suitable distance depending on the application.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/892,281 filed on Mar. 1, 2007, and 60/908,836 filed on Mar. 29, 2007, which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to displaying graphic images and, in particular, to an improved system, method, and apparatus for displaying graphic images on air circulation devices such as portable evaporative cooling devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the prior art, air circulation devices such as fans, air conditioners and heaters are well known. One type of air circulation device, a portable evaporative cooler, is well suited for outdoor use and generates a large volume of chilled air for its users. Typical applications include providing cooler air flow for participants in outdoor sporting events, such as the football players located on the sidelines of football games.
An example of an evaporative cooler is shown and described in U.S. Design Pat. D503,222, to Hale. The cooler is large structure having a front air intake area and a slightly smaller rear exhaust area for discharging the chilled air. The structure typically has a reservoir of water, a motor, fan blade, pump and plumbing for evaporating, moisturizing, and directionally moving air flow through the structure. The cooler provides chilled ventilation for users that are located downstream from the discharge area. These units are highly effective in providing large volumes of cooled air flow for downstream users. However, recognizing, upgrading and using the air circulation devices for other types of advantageous uses to improve their utility would be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONEmbodiments of a system, method, and apparatus for an air circulation unit having one or more graphic image displays are disclosed. The display may comprise advertising signage, such as the name and/or logo or the like for marketing the goods or services of a sponsor thereof. The graphic display acts as an aesthetic enhancer to the air circulation unit. Since artwork such as advertising is digitally imprinted on the graphic display panel which covers the entire surface of a filter area of the unit, the filter area is not seen by spectators, television viewers or passersby. The unit may be used at athletic events, outdoor and indoor events, and other venues where large crowds are present and where the event is televised. The unit may be positioned at these events or venues where the intake side of the unit is exposed to the crowds and television cameras, therefore since the graphic display panel covers this area viewers see advertising or other forms of artwork rather than the brown filter area.
The image(s) is displayed at the intake, the exhaust, or both areas. The image may be located on a display comprising a printed screen having an image formed on a substrate that is permeable to air flow therethrough. The display may be mounted to a wire frame, brackets, and/or other hardware that is secured adjacent to the intake or exhaust. The brackets may be secured directly to the air circulation unit, or incorporate additional hardware for other applications. In addition, the surface area of the display may be equal to, greater than, or less than the surface areas of the intake or exhaust, and may be spaced apart therefrom along an axis extending in a direction of the airflow at a suitable distance depending on the application.
The invention is used to display advertising on the graphic display panel and attached to a portable air movement device. The invention creates a higher economic value of use for such portable air movement devices, therefore increasing the competitive edge of the portable air movement device against other types of equipment that may be in the marketplace.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of the following detailed description of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.
So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the present invention, which will become apparent, are attained and can be understood in more detail, more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings which form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only some embodiments of the invention and therefore are not to be considered limiting of its scope as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
Referring to
The bodies 15 typically are molded and mounted on caster wheels for portability, and may comprise a frame 25 (e.g., internal and/or external) containing a fluid reservoir 27 (e.g., 22 gallons) in some versions. The units 11, 13 also comprise and support a motor, fan blade assembly, pump, plumbing, etc., for evaporating, moisturizing, and directionally moving air flow through bodies 15 to provide chilled ventilation for users that are located downstream from exhaust 19. The units may operate at multiple speeds and be equipped with controls for varying other parameters during operation as are known in the art. These cooling systems can reduce air temperatures by about 15 to 25° F. in a cooling vicinity or area of about 900 to 2600 square feet, depending on the size of the device and conditions in which it is operating. The evaporative portable cooling device has various applications in warm temperature settings. Some of these applications are on sidelines of various sports venues, patio restaurants, indoor facilities that lack cooling or need additional cooling, theme parks, outdoor venues, etc.
In one embodiment, display 35 is mounted to a bracket 43 that is secured adjacent intake 37. Bracket 43 may be secured directly existing features on the unit 31, or incorporate additional hardware (e.g., fasteners) for other applications. In addition, the surface area of display 35 may be equal to, greater than, or less than the surface areas of the intake or exhaust, and may be spaced apart therefrom along an axis extending in a direction of the airflow (see, e.g., airflow 23 in
Referring now to
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the images 87 are further supported on upper and lower scroll bars 88 that extend between pulleys 95, 97, and cycle a single, air-permeable sheet material so as to minimize air flow impediment relative to unit 81. Thus, the images are formed on a discontinuous substrate that, in the embodiment shown, does not form a continuous loop. The scroll 83 moves the images in one direction (i.e., either up or down) before resetting or recycling through the images in reverse order. In contrast, prior art scrolling-type devices incorporate continuous loops of air-impervious material that constitute two or more barriers in a direction perpendicular to the images.
Yet another embodiment of the invention is depicted in
In one version, monitor(s) 203, 205 are secured to unit 201 via a frame 211 that is custom fit to the exterior contours of unit 201. For example, unit 201 is illustrated as having a generally rectangular shape, a decreasing taper 213 (
Frame 211 also includes a pair of legs 221 (
As shown in
Referring now to
The support 409 is secured (e.g., welded, brazed, etc.) to the tube frame assembly. The support 409 may comprise a wire frame assembly as shown, and is used to mount and tautly support a graphic image screen 415. Screen 415 may be secured to support 409 with, for example, hook and loop fasteners having male and female portions, respectively, that are joined thereto with an adhesive. The support 409 restricts movement of the image screen 415 into the intake of unit 401. The wire mesh of support 409 further provides physical protection to the evaporative cooling pad area of the unit itself by shielding the area. In addition, the mesh vinyl screen 415 also acts as an additional air filter to pre-filter the air that enters the unit.
In some embodiments, the graphic image screen 415 is formed from a material comprising 50/50 (i.e., 50% printable surface, 50% porous) or 70/30 (i.e., 70% printable surface, 30% porous) mesh vinyl graphic material or substrate, and may be digitally imprinted in full color graphics. In one embodiment, such types of material for screen 415 permit at least 90% (e.g., more than 92%) of unobstructed airflow to the intake at a distance of about one to three inches from the intake of the unit 401 for no appreciable reduction in performance of the machine.
Although not intuitive, this design does not increase the electrical amperage requirements of the motor, and can have no significant impact on the volume of air (cfm) displaced at the exhaust. However, in one embodiment, the addition of the screen to the unit actually improves the overall efficiency by helping to regulate the unit in an optimal cfm range. For example, some models of the air movement device displace air at or above 10,100 cfm on a ‘high’ setting. However, the optimal volume of air displacement to reach maximum cooling efficiency on these devices is in a range of 9,000 to 9,500 cfm. A screen constructed in accordance with the invention may be positioned relative to the device to make the device perform in the optimum range.
In addition, screen acts as an additional air filter for the air entering the unit. Yet another benefit of this design is that the screen provides shade from the sun to most of the filter area of the cooling system. The shade provided by the screen reduces water consumption by the unit to make it more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Referring now to
Another embodiment of the invention comprises an air circulation unit having a graphic image display that is projected via a light projector onto a display screen or portions of the unit itself. The projector may be located in front of or behind either the intake or exhaust (or both). The screen may be constructed in accordance with the embodiments of the invention described herein, but again does not significantly impede the airflow of the unit. As one example, the graphic image display may be projected directly onto the rotating fan blades of the unit (e.g., via strobe projection), or other elements of the unit itself rather than onto a separate screen mounted adjacent to the unit.
Still another embodiment of a static display configuration of the invention is depicted in
As shown in
Referring again to
Referring now to
As described herein, the hardware of the various embodiments may be attached to the air circulation units without the use of any tools. For example, the hardware may be attached with simple hand fasteners such with thumb screws, wing nuts, etc. Moreover, the hardware used to attach the display is completely independent in its attachment mechanics and requirements with respect to the elements used to assembly the air circulation unit. The display is not required to use any screws, bolts or other type fastening devices that pre-exist on or are required to assembly the air circulation unit itself. Rather, the display is adapted to merely attach to existing external features (e.g., molded recesses, protrusions, etc.) on the air circulation device instead of requiring any modification of the air circulation device.
In one embodiment, the frame may be formed from lightweight metal round tubing construction in a square or rectangular shape. The corners of the frame have a rounded radius at each of the four corners to reduce the risk of injury to passersby. The frame is painted or powder coated to make it rust resistant, prolong longevity and increase aesthetics. The frame may be welded at a single joint to form the square or rectangular shape. Welded to the back of the frame are two hanger bars (top and bottom), which are formed from the same lightweight metal round tubing as the frame construction. The hanger bars are used so that the frame may be attached to the brackets which are attached to the portable air movement device. The interior portion of the frame comprises a mesh constructed from small solid metal rods that run both horizontally and vertically on four to six inch spacing creating a grid interior of the frame. Attached to the outer perimeter of the frame is the hook and loop fastener system for attachment to the graphic display panel.
In one embodiment, the graphic display panel is a porous vinyl material construction that is perforated to allow air to flow therethrough. However, the quality is such that the fabric renders high quality digital imprinted graphics. The tensile strength of the porous vinyl material is greater than 200 lbs. per square inch, therefore reducing puncturing or tearing from direct impact. The material of the graphic display panel is of a quality that is flexible, resistant to climatic conditions and easily cleaned if soiled. The hook and loop fasteners are attached to the back of the fabric near the outer edges which are used to attach to the fabric to the frame. The graphic display panel renders an exposure (front) surface for the display of artwork such as advertising.
In one embodiment, the top bracket comprises two pieces constructed of a lightweight metal that overlap to allow the bracket to adjust. A metal PIM welded stud bolt extends perpendicularly from one piece of the bracket with the other piece of the bracket overlapping with a slot hole allowing the overlapping bracket piece to be easily adjusted to the desired width, a threaded thumb knob screws onto the stud bolt securing the bracket once adjusted. The top bracket conforms to the dimensions of the top of the portable air movement device attaching at the front of the device into the outer indentions of the devices plastic molding, extending over the top of the device and extending over the back of the device at a 90 degree angle therefore creating a clamp on the top of the portable air movement device. A receiver area fashioned in a rounded metal receptacle protrudes from the bracket on the intake side of the portable air movement device in which the top, or upper, hanger bar of the frame is inserted to attach the frame to the portable air movement device. The brackets are painted or powder coated to make them rust resistant, prolong longevity and increase aesthetics.
In one embodiment, the bottom bracket also comprises two pieces as described above for the top bracket. The top of the bottom bracket is inserted between the splash guard and body molding of the portable air movement device and the bottom of the bottom bracket attaches around the bottom of the devices molded plastic body or below the metal frame of the cart in which the portable air movement device is attached. A receiver area fashioned in a rounded metal receptacle protrudes from the bracket on toward the frame in which the bottom, or lower, hanger bar of the frame is inserted to attach the frame to the portable air movement device. The brackets are painted or powder coated to make them rust resistant, prolong longevity and increase aesthetics.
While the invention has been shown or described in only some of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various changes without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. An air circulation device, comprising:
- a body having air flow ports for intake and exhaust that generally define an axis of air flow therethrough, each of which is permeable to air flow; and
- a graphic image display mounted to the body adjacent to and directly in an air flow path of at least one of the air flow ports, the graphic image display being permeable to air flow therethrough in an axial direction.
2. An air circulation device according to claim 1, wherein the graphic image display is located adjacent to the intake.
3. An air circulation device according to claim 2, wherein the graphic image display permits at least 90% unobstructed airflow to the intake at a distance of about one to three inches from the intake with no appreciable reduction in performance of the air circulation device.
4. An air circulation device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one of the air flow ports has an air flow port surface area, and the graphic image display has a graphic image surface area that is similar in size to the air flow port surface area.
5. An air circulation device according to claim 4, wherein the graphic image surface area is greater than the air flow port surface area.
6. An air circulation device according to claim 1, wherein the graphic image display comprises a printed screen having an image formed on a substrate that is permeable to and does not significantly impede air flow therethrough.
7. An air circulation device according to claim 6, wherein the printed screen is mounted to hardware that is secured adjacent to said at least one of the air flow ports, and the printed screen is spaced apart from said at least one of the air flow ports along an axis extending in a general direction of the airflow.
8. An air circulation device according to claim 7, wherein the hardware comprises a support frame for supporting the printed screen, a plurality of brackets for mounting the support frame to the body, and fasteners for securing the brackets to the body, and wherein the support frame comprises a wire mesh having a tubular frame circumscribing a perimeter thereof, and at least one bar extending from the tubular frame to at least one of the brackets.
9. An air circulation device according to claim 7, wherein the printed screen is secured to the hardware with hook and loop fasteners.
10. An air circulation device according to claim 7, wherein the hardware is attached to the air circulation unit without the use of any tools, and the hardware merely attaches to existing external features on the air circulation device and does not require any modification of the air circulation device.
11. An air circulation device according to claim 6, wherein the substrate is formed from mesh vinyl comprising at least a 50% printable surface.
12. An air circulation device according to claim 12, wherein the mesh vinyl comprises an approximately 70% printable surface.
13. An air circulation device according to claim 6, wherein the image comprises advertising signage for marketing goods or services of a sponsor thereof.
14. An air circulation device according to claim 1, wherein the graphic image display provides physical protection for the air circulation device and acts as an air filter to said at least one of the air flow ports.
15. An air circulation device according to claim 1, wherein the air circulation device is a portable evaporative cooling device having a frame with wheels for portability, the body is an air conduit housing that defines the air flow ports, and further comprising a fluid reservoir for containing a volume of fluid, a motor for operating a fan blade assembly, and a pump and plumbing, and the portable evaporative cooling device evaporates, moisturizes, and directionally moves air flow through the air conduit housing to provide chilled ventilation for users located downstream from the exhaust.
16. An air circulation device, comprising:
- a body having air flow ports for intake and exhaust that generally define an axis of air flow therethrough, each of which is permeable to air flow;
- a graphic image display mounted to the body adjacent to and directly in an air flow path of at the intake, the graphic image display being permeable to air flow therethrough in an axial direction, the graphic image display comprising a printed screen having an image formed on a substrate that is permeable to air flow therethrough; and
- the printed screen is mounted to hardware that is secured to the body adjacent to the intake, and the printed screen is spaced apart from the intake along an axis extending in a general direction of the airflow.
17. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the graphic image display is spaced apart from the intake at a distance of about 1 inch along the axis, the intake has an intake surface area, and the graphic image display has a graphic image surface area that is greater than the intake surface area.
18. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the hardware comprises a support frame for supporting the printed screen, a plurality of brackets for mounting the support frame to the body, and fasteners for securing the brackets to the body, and wherein the support frame comprises a wire mesh having a tubular frame circumscribing a perimeter thereof, and at least one bar extending from the tubular frame to at least one of the brackets.
19. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the printed screen is secured to the hardware with hook and loop fasteners.
20. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the hardware is attached to the air circulation unit without the use of any tools, and the hardware merely attaches to existing external features on the air circulation device and does not require any modification of the air circulation device.
21. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the substrate is formed from mesh vinyl comprising at least a 70% printable surface.
22. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the image comprises advertising signage for marketing goods or services of a sponsor thereof.
23. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the graphic image display provides physical protection for the air circulation device and acts as an air filter to the intake.
24. An air circulation device according to claim 16, wherein the air circulation device is a portable evaporative cooling device having a frame with wheels for portability, the body is an air conduit housing that defines the air flow ports, and further comprising a fluid reservoir for containing a volume of fluid, a motor for operating a fan blade assembly, and a pump and plumbing, and the portable evaporative cooling device evaporates, moisturizes, and directionally moves air flow through the air conduit housing to provide chilled ventilation for users located downstream from the exhaust.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 28, 2008
Publication Date: Sep 4, 2008
Inventor: Jack Richards (Southlake, TX)
Application Number: 12/038,888
International Classification: F28D 5/00 (20060101);