Adjustable fan and post mount

Abstract

An electric or battery powered fan has Omni-Directional adjustments which include a Single point keyhole Oscillation system that adapts a male end (key) flexible pipe coupled to a female keyhole detent system which is coupled to a spring push pin mechanism which allows for angle adjustments at a specific coefficient of friction, which are adjusted by torque from detent and stop mechanism. The flexible pipe allows for unlimited directional adjustments that withstand repositioning at any direction. Said flexible pipe rotates 360 degrees inside the clamp in both directions on a rotational axis. The clamp design which is a quick release mechanism based on the radius of clamp jaw and lag bolt which allows for a quick release mounting system. It is therefore possible to direct air-flow in infinite variations.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of ventilation and air handling. In particular, the present invention relates specifically to a fan adjustably mounted on a vertical riser. Known art may be found in U.S. Class 416, subclass 100 as well as in other classes and subclasses.

2. Description of the Known Art.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, fans for providing air movement are known in the ventilation art and have been available for some time More recently, powered personal fans have become increasingly popular. Also, portable fans for providing temporary ventilation of small areas have become increasingly popular as well. Patents disclosing information relevant to the present invention include U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,320,450, 7,011,279, 5,435,696, 5,720,594, 5,370,500, 5,737,847, 4,732,539, 4,850,804, and 4,461,439. The teachings of each of these patents are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,320,450 shows a configurable mounting apparatus. A multiply configurable mounting apparatus having an elongated permanently bendable support leg with a support base coupled to a first end of the support leg, the support base being structured for securing the mounting apparatus relative to an external surface; and a mounting platform coupled to a second end of the support leg opposite from the first end, the mounting platform is structured for mounting an external device to the second end portion of the permanently bendable support leg.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,279 shows a support device with flexible support arm. In a support device with a flexible support arm including a mounting structure for mounting the support device to a base, a support structure for engaging an article and a flexible support arm extending provided, each having its own oscillation motor and each being selectively operable independent of the other. Optionally, the main fan motor may be employed to power one oscillation mechanism. The fan has a base for desk top support, or a base and extensible column for floor support, or a bracket for permanent mounting. All embodiments have controls for controlling the fan motor and the oscillation motor or motors, and a limited tilting feature for maintaining the fan blade at an angle to the base or bracket.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,500 shows a fan support for supporting a fan in an elevated position and oscillating the fan about the support. The device includes an adjustable column supported in a vertical position by a plurality of legs. A fan support channel is pivotally mounted to a top end of the column and is operable to receive and support a fan, such as a box shaped fan, thereon. An oscillation device is provided to effect a repetitive pivoting movement of the support channel in the horizontal plane, and a thermostat for controlling operation of both the fan and the oscillation device is also included.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,847 shows a telescoping stand with pivotable holder for a hand-held hair dryer including a stand having a base and a manually and telescopically adjustable pole extending therefrom and terminated at a free end; and a coupling mechanism secured to the free end of the pole for removably holding a hand-held hair dryer and allowing it to be positioned at different angles for use.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,539 shows an oscillating electric fan having a neck joint which is mounted for tilting movement back and forth on the top of an upwardly projecting portion of a base and a fan unit mounted on top of the neck joint for oscillating movement on the neck joint about a vertical axis includes a flexible clip element which serves to selectively limit the extend of the tilting movement of the neck joint. The clip element, which is attached to the bottom of between the mounting structure and the support structure, the support arm comprises a non-elastic flexible metal rod having a polygonal cross-section with opposite ends on which end sleeves with corresponding polygonal axial openings are mounted so as to be snugly connected to the ends of the polygonal metal rod in a rotationally form-locking manner while the end sleeves are firmly mounted in sockets formed on the mounting and support structures of the support device.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,696 shows a tillable oscillating fan assembly for use in circulating air. In one embodiment, the fan assembly includes a stand, a fan head and a neck joint. The top of the stand terminates in upwardly extending bifurcated portions. The fan head is rotatably supported on the neck joint. The bottom of the neck joint is shaped to include a rounded portion which is pivotally mounted between the bifurcated portions of the stand. One side of the rounded portion is shaped to include a recessed arc which extends over an angular distance of approximately 90 degrees. An angular boss mounted on the inside surface of one of the bifurcated portions limits the angular movement of the rounded portion relative to the bifurcated portions by abutting the neck joint at opposite ends of the recessed arc. When the boss abuts the neck joint at one end of the recessed arc, the fan head is positioned vertically. When the boss abuts the neck joint the opposite end of the arc, the fan head is positioned horizontally. To secure the fan head at the aforementioned horizontal and vertical positions and at a plurality of positions therebetween, the fan assembly also includes a locking screw which is insertable through the mounting post and the boss and which is used to frictionally engage the arc at a desired position.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,594 shows a portable fan providing oscillation in two axes. Oscillation may occur simultaneously in two axes, or in one selected axis. Two oscillation mechanisms are the neck joint has a hooked shaped tip which will strike the front wall of the upwardly projecting portion of the base when the neck joint is tilted down about 20 degrees from the horizontal axis and as a result prevents further downward tilting movement. However, by manually flexing the clip element upward away from the front wall the neck joint can be tilted further downward so as to place the fan in a collapsed or folded position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,804 shows an electric fan has a universally adjustable mounting which includes a vertical stem rotatable in a pedestal, and a pair of support joints extending above the stem and pivotal in mutually perpendicular planes. It is therefore possible to position the fan in lateral displacement from the stem, such that its back thrust creates a torque force tending to rotate the stem. The stem at its lower end has a base plate parallel to the pedestal. A pair of ball-and-spring mechanisms located between the base plate and pedestal permit the stem to be manually rotated to a selected position of adjustment where the balls engage a corresponding pair of holes. Yet the spring strength is sufficient to resist the torque produced by operation of the fan.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,461,439 shows a two-part holder for an appliance, such as a manually operable hairdryer, includes a stationary wall mounted bracket as one part and a relatively movable appliance clamping portion as the other part. The clamping portion may be clamped about an appliance and quickly connected to and quickly removed from the stationary bracket without manipulating any fastening mechanism. An abutment projecting from the bracket retains the electric supply cord of an appliance out of the user's way.

Thus, it may be seen that these prior art patents are very limited in their teaching and utilization, and an improved adjustable Stand and post mount is needed to overcome these limitations. What is needed then is an improved mechanism for mounting an oscillating fan that may be mounted to existing structures and particularly vertically oriented structures such as the post on a music stand or musician's instrument stand or the like. It is also desirable that the fan orientation be easily adjustable by the user during operation and particularly without requiring the user to interrupt other activities to adjust the fan orientation.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to improved personal fan and specifically a personal fan that may be most advantageously employed with a musician's stand or the like. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable fan coupled to an adjustable integral support and clamp for securing to a vertical or horizontal post or the like is provided. The fan orientation may be easily adjusted by the user. Thus it may be seen that these prior art patents are very limited in their teaching and utilization, and an improved omni-directional/flexible pipe mechanism and post mount is needed to overcome these limitations. What is needed then is an improved mechanism that mounting an oscillating fan on a horizontal or vertical post (existing structures) that have the capability of omni-directional adjustments for precise air ventilation (directional and angle adjustments) Utilization includes but not limited to: musicians, by mounting on a music stand or drum stand to keep cool during a performance. Photographers using the vertical pole of a light stand to attach said invention to blow the models hair. Also utilized by the fitness industry, to keep an athlete cool while on a cardiovascular machine.

The assembly uses three different components to create omni-directional adjustments. A flexible pipe shaped support that is designed and engineered with the proper rigidity and obedience to both maintain and withstand repositioning at any direction. A keyhole oscillation system which allows the fan head to oscillate at any angle, a flexible pipe which rotates 360 degrees on a rotational axis, which provides limitless variations for adjustments.

A basic object of the present invention is to provide a fan that may be adjusted during use. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty will appear or become apparent by reviewing the following detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views.

FIG. 1 is a front-right side perspective view of the invention 10 of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention illustrating a portable air blower with an oscillating fan on a flexible gooseneck (pipe) with an adjustable clamp secured to a vertical pole (pre existing).

FIG. 2 is a detail forward perspective view of the invention 10 illustrating the quick release mounting system.

FIG. 3 is a detail rear perspective view of the invention 10 illustrating the quick release mounting system.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention 10 illustrating the rear fan housing and point of entry of the flexible pipe (gooseneck).

FIG. 5 is a detail upper perspective view of the invention 10 illustrating range of motion of the keyhole oscillation system.

FIG. 6 is a detail upper perspective view of the invention 10 illustrating the assembled keyhole oscillation system.

FIG. 7 is a detail lower perspective view of the invention 10 illustrating the point of entry of the flexible pipe (gooseneck)

FIG. 8 is a detail upper perspective view of the invention 10 component female end detents and stops, keyhole oscillation system

FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of the invention 10 component female end detents and stops, keyhole oscillation system.

FIG. 10 is a detail upper perspective view of the invention 10 component 12 object bracket only.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the invention 10.

FIG. 12 is a detail section view of the invention 10 along line 12-12 in FIG. 6 illustrating keyhole oscillation pin-detent mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a lower perspective view of mounting clamp illustrating 360 degree rotational adjustment of gooseneck (flexible pipe).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 13 of the drawings, one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10. The assembly 10 includes an oscillating fan 40 with a pivotal keyhole oscillation system 12 that secures the fan to a gooseneck (flexible pipe) 14 with an attachment clamp 44,46 that secures to a vertical or horizontal post 50 (pre-existing).

Assembly 10 mounts to a photography lighting stand or truss which in turn assembly 10 is used to create perfect wind blown hair for a photographer's special effect. Assembly 10 is also used in the fitness industry which assembly 10 mounts to a cardiovascular machine to keep an athlete cool and avoiding heat fatigue. Assembly 10 is also used for musicians on stage which assembly 10 mounts to drum hardware, music stands and microphone stands. Assembly 10 is Omni-directional with 3 different parameters that will allow the user infinite variations to adjust air-flow on demand.

Component 40 oscillates to accommodate angle adjustments, via a keyhole oscillation system FIG. 12 that provides the correct coefficient of friction to withstand a vigorous workout or performance. The gooseneck (flexible pipe) is designed and engineered with the proper rigidity and obedience to both maintain and withstand repositioning at any direction and also provides infinite directional adjustments which allows the user to direct air-flow in any direction. FIG. 13 illustrates the said gooseneck (flexible pipe) with the ability to rotate 360 degrees on a rotational axis. When coupled with these three parameters the adjustment of air-flow is infinite and is easily controlled by the user without interrupting a performance, photo shoot or workout.

The quick release clamp 44,46 accommodates circumferences, square, trapezoidal shapes from ¼-1¾

From the forgoing, it will be seen that this invention well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. It will also be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

DESCRIPTION LIST

10: is the overall invention.

12: is the object bracket.

14: is the flexible pipe.

16: is the flexible pipe threaded male end.

18: is the female end receptacle—detents and stops.

20: is the detent stop.

22: is the detent.

24: is the internal push pin assembly.

26: is the keyhole.

28: is the nut.

30: is the object body.

32: is the neck assembly.

34: is the push pin.

36: is the spring.

38: is the pin hole.

40: is the fan.

42: is the flexible pipe.

44: is the clamp mount bracket.

46: is the clamp mount jaw.

48: is the clamp screw knob.

50: is the target attachment object. (pre-existing)

52: is the clamp screw.

54: is the screw rotational lock pin.

56: is the foam sleeve

58: is the clamp nut

Claims

1. An Omni-Directional fan for blowing air on a user and adapted to be secured to a post (horizontal or vertical) proximate the user and permitting the user to selectively alter the direction of air blown from the fan during use. The fan comprising:

A quick release clamp adapted to selectively mount to the post.

An integral standoff extending outwardly from the clamp that permits the user to move the fan relative to the clamp.

Couplings secured to the standoff and the fan in conjunction with a flexible pipe which permits selective angle and directional movement of the fan, said couplings comprising a keyhole and push pin mechanism comprising of at least one stop and said flexible pipe that the contact of a detent or stop prevents further pivotal movement. Said other coupling permits 360 degree rotation from base of said quick release clamp in a rotational axis.

2. The fan as recited in claim 1 wherein said housing further comprises a plurality of detents and stops coupled with a keyhole shaped opening which houses the male end of said flexible pipe which provides a rotational axis and detent and stop mechanism. When sufficient force is applied to the fan the keyhole detent and stop mechanism rotates freely inside of a spring/pin system which forms a single point oscillation system.

3. The fan as recited in claim 1 wherein said quick release clamp jaw comprises a radius and floating lag bolt which freely rotates on a rotational axis. Coupled with the circumference of the jaw allows for a quick release mechanism.