FAN ASSEMBLY

A fan assembly includes a fan housing at least partially defining an airflow chamber, a plurality of fan blades positioned within the airflow chamber, a motor operable to rotate the plurality of fan blades, and a base configured to be placed on a support surface. The base includes a stand having a foot. The fan assembly further includes a frame assembly connecting the fan housing and the base. The frame assembly is movable to adjust a height of the fan housing relative to the base, and the foot is automatically deployed in response to movement of the frame assembly.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/357,457, filed Jun. 30, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to cooling systems and, more particularly, to portable fan assemblies configured to be used in a workspace.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the disclosure provides a fan assembly including a fan housing at least partially defining an airflow chamber; a plurality of fan blades positioned within the airflow chamber; a motor operable to rotate the plurality of fan blades; a base configured to be placed on a support surface, the base including a stand having a foot; and a frame assembly connecting the fan housing and the base, the frame assembly being movable to adjust a height of the fan housing relative to the base. The foot is automatically deployed in response to movement of the frame assembly.

Another embodiment of the disclosure provides a fan assembly including a fan housing at least partially defining an airflow chamber; a plurality of fan blades positioned within the airflow chamber; a motor operable to rotate the plurality of fan blades; a base configured to be placed on a support surface; a frame assembly connecting the fan housing and the base, the frame assembly including a first leg coupled to the base and a second leg coupled to the fan housing, the second leg being telescopically coupled to the first leg; a handle coupled to the fan housing, the handle including a trigger; a height lock supported by the frame assembly to selectively inhibit movement of the second leg relative to the first leg; and a line extending between the trigger and the height lock. The trigger is selectively operable to pull the line and actuate the height lock, permitting movement of the second leg relative to the first leg.

Yet another embodiment of the disclosure provides a fan assembly including a fan housing at least partially defining an airflow chamber; a base configured to be placed on a support surface; a plurality of fan blades positioned within the airflow chamber; a motor operable to rotate the plurality of fan blades; a frame assembly connecting the fan housing and the base; a coupler rotatably connecting the fan housing to the frame assembly, the coupler including a stationary mount coupled to the frame assembly, a squeeze plate coupled to the stationary mount, the squeeze plate defining an aperture in communication with an opening of the frame assembly, a head coupled to the fan housing and sandwiched between the stationary mount and the squeeze plate, the head being rotatable relative to the stationary mount to adjust an orientation of the fan housing relative to the frame assembly; and a line extending from the frame assembly, through the aperture of the squeeze plate, and to the fan housing.

Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable fan assembly in an extended deployed condition, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the portable fan assembly in a collapsed condition, illustrating the portable fan assembly being carried by a user.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the portable fan assembly in an intermediate condition, illustrating the portable fan assembly being extended and deployed by a user.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a stand usable with the portable fan assembly, showing a deployment mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the stand with a portion of a stand housing removed to show the deployment mechanism.

FIG. 5A is a side view of the stand, illustrating the deployment mechanism in a collapsed condition.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the stand, illustrating the deployment mechanism in a deployed condition.

FIG. 6 is an exploded isolated view of a height adjustment mechanism usable with the portable fan assembly.

FIG. 7A is a side view of the height adjustment mechanism in an engaged position.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the height adjustment mechanism in a disengaged position.

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded isolated view of a handle usable with the portable fan assembly.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the handle including triggers in an unactuated state.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the handle including the triggers in an actuated state.

FIG. 10A is an exploded isolated view, from a first perspective, of a coupler usable with the portable fan assembly.

FIG. 10B is an exploded isolated view, from a second perspective, of the coupler.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the coupler, illustrating a portion of the coupler in a first orientation.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the coupler, illustrating the portion of the coupler in a second orientation.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a coupler, according to another embodiment, usable with the portable fan assembly.

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-2B illustrate a portable cooling system or fan assembly 10. The fan assembly 10 may be powered by a battery pack 14, also referred to as a removable battery pack. The battery pack 14 may be one or more power tool battery packs generally used to power a power tool, such as an electric drill, a light, a vacuum, a radio, an electric saw, and the like (e.g., an 18 volt rechargeable battery pack, or an M18 REDLITHIUM battery pack sold by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation). The battery pack 14 may include lithium ion (Li-ion) cells. In alternate embodiments, the battery packs may be of a different chemistry (e.g., nickel-cadmium (NiCa or NiCad), nickel-hydride, and the like). The battery pack 14 may be an 18 volt battery pack, a 4 volt battery pack, a 28 volt battery pack, a 40 volt battery pack, or a battery pack of any other voltage such that the capacity of the battery pack may vary. The battery pack 14 may further include an indicator to display the current state of charge of the battery pack and/or other characteristics of the battery pack. The fan assembly 10 further includes a battery receptacle 16 that can receive the battery pack 14.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-2B, the fan assembly 10 is configured to provide airflow to one or more users and/or an area, such as a workspace, a workshop, a jobsite, or the like. The fan assembly 10 may include a shroud or housing 18 supporting a grille 22, a fan (e.g., blades) 26 rotatably supported within the housing 18, and a handle 30. In some embodiments, the handle 30 is configured to accommodate carrying of the fan assembly 10. Additionally or alternatively, another handle may be provided on another part of the fan assembly 10, such that the handle 30 may be primarily or solely used to adjust a position (e.g., an angle, a height, etc.) of the housing 18. The fan 26 is generally configured to generate an airflow through the housing 18 and out the grille 22.

The fan assembly 10 may further include a base 34 that supports one or more stands 38 and an adjustable frame assembly or frame 42 that extends between the base 34 and the housing 18. The frame 42 includes first telescoping members or first legs 44 each generally fixed to the base 34 (e.g., within one of the stands 38) and second telescoping members or second legs 48 each rotatably coupled to the housing 18 via a coupler 52. In some embodiments, portions of the frame 42 (e.g., base 34, first legs 44, second legs 48, etc.) are also configured to accommodate carrying of the fan assembly 10. The first legs 44 and the second legs 48 are slidably received within portions of one another to provide telescopic height adjustment of the housing 18 relative to the base 34. In some embodiments, the first legs 44 and the second legs 48 are connected to one another in a different manner (e.g., rotatable coupled, folded, etc.) to accommodate raising and lowering of the housing 18 relative to the base 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 42 includes two first legs 44 and two second legs 48. In other embodiments, the frame 42 may only include one first leg 44 and one second leg 48, or may include more than two (e.g., three, four, etc.) first legs 44 and more than two (e.g., three, four, etc.) second legs 48.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second legs 48 are slidably received within the first legs 44 and are selectively locked or held in a desired position (e.g., desired height) by a height adjustment mechanism, such as a height lock 50. In other embodiments, the frame 42 may include more than two legs moveably coupled to one another. For example, the frame 42 may include three or more telescoping and/or adjustable leg-like members. The height lock 50 may align with an aperture 54 in one or more of the first legs 44 and the second legs 48 to inhibit relative movement between a respective first leg 44. Additionally or alternatively, the height lock 50 may rely on magnetism, pressure fit, and/or a friction fit to inhibit such relative movement.

In the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the housing 18 and the base 34 supports a user interface 56 in communication with a motor 60 (e.g., electric motor) that can be powered by a DC power source (e.g., a power tool battery back), such as the battery pack 14, or an AC power source (e.g., a wall outlet). The fan 26 is rotated by the motor 60 to generate airflow. The user interface 56 may include a button, a switch, a toggle, or another selector that allows a user to interact and thus control an operation (e.g., fan speed) of the fan assembly 10. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a variable speed user interface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 10, via the battery pack 14, may supply an AC or DC output through a ground fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) 120V outlet 64. In some embodiments, the fan assembly 10 may further include an AC power inlet 68 that can provide charging power to the battery pack 14 that is received in the battery receptacle 16. The AC power inlet 68 is electrically coupled to the motor 60, to the battery receptacle 16, or to both, such that the motor 60 could be operated on power provided from the battery pack 14 and/or from the AC power inlet 68. The electrical components (e.g., battery receptacle 16, user interface 56, motor 60, AC power inlet 68, etc.) may be positioned on any one or more of the housing 18, base 34, and the frame 42.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5B, each stand 38 includes feet 72 that are selectively moveable between an extended or deployed position (FIGS. 1, 2B, and 5B), in which the feet 72 extend out of the base 34, and a collapsed position (FIGS. 2A, 3, and 5A), in which the feet 72 are retained in a slot or pocket 76 of the stand 38. In one embodiment, the base 34 includes two of the stands 38 joined together by a base body 80, and each stand 38 moveably supports two of the feet 72. In some embodiments, the base 34 may include fewer or more stands 38 (e.g., more than two), and/or each stand 38 may only include one foot 72. The base body 80 and/or stands 38 may support a space or recess 78 configured to be pressed by the foot of a user during expansion of the fan assembly 10. In one embodiment, the feet 72 are connected to the second legs 48, such that movement of the second legs 48 relative to the base 34 alters the position of the feet 72.

For example, the second legs 48 may be slid into the first legs 44 to move the feet 72 into the collapsed position to also collapse the fan assembly 10 into a storage and/or carriable condition (e.g., collapsed to be carried by a user). Similarly, the user may press their foot against the recess 78 and lift on the housing 18 to slide the second legs 48 upwardly relative to the first legs 44, which simultaneously extends the feet 72 from the pockets 76 into a deployed position.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5B, each stand 38 supports a foot deployment mechanism 84 and a slotted coupler 100. The foot deployment mechanism 84 includes a channel 88. The slotted coupler 100 is slidably retained in the stand 38 and coupled to the second leg 48 via a plunger assembly 92 extending though the slotted coupler 100. The plunger assembly 92 includes a stem 93 extending through a plate 94 and coupled to nut 95 that may be held in the second leg 48. A dampener or spring 96 may be retained between the plate 94 and the slotted coupler 100. The first leg 44 may be coupled (e.g., rotatably fixed) within the channel 88. In the illustrated embodiment, the first legs 44 each include slotted recesses 104 that accommodate sliding of the slotted coupler 100. In some embodiments, the first leg 44 may include four slotted recesses 104 positioned at ends of the first leg 44 and in a center portion of the first leg 44. In some embodiments, the first leg 44 may include six or more slotted recesses 104 positioned at least at corners of the first leg 44 and in center portions of the first leg 44. In other embodiments, the first leg 44 may include greater or fewer slotted recesses 104.

With specific reference to FIGS. 3-4, the slotted coupler 100 is received within the first leg 44 and includes a body or boss 112, coupling arms 116 extending from the boss 112 and received in the slotted recesses 104, and guiding tabs 120 projecting from the boss 112 and also extending into the slotted recesses 104. The guiding tabs 120 are configured to fit within a groove 121 formed in the stand 38. In some embodiments, the guiding tabs 120 and coupling arms 116 may form a plus (+) shape. In other embodiments, the slotted coupler 100 may have another shape (e.g., x-shape, elongated shape, etc.).

Each coupling arm 116 includes an aperture, such as a radial groove or a cam slot 122, that receives a coupler, such as a first coupling pin 124, mated with one of the feet 72 at a first connection point 128. The first coupling pin 124 may travel within the cam slot 122 as the slotted coupler 100 slides within the first leg 44. The feet 72 further receive another coupler, such as a second coupling pin 132, at a second connection point 136 distanced from the first connection point 128 and positioned within the stand 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connection point 128 moves with the slotted coupler 100 while also providing rotational movement between of the feet 72 via the first coupling pin 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the second connection point 136 provides solely rotational movement of the feet 72 and does not move (e.g., axially, non-rotatably, etc.) relative to the stand 38.

In one embodiment, each of the feet 72 is coupled to the stand 38 through the second coupling pin 132 at the second connection point 136, such that the feet 72 rotate solely about the second connection point 136. Each of the feet 72 are additionally coupled to the slotted coupler 100 through the first coupling pin 124 at the first connection point 128, such that movement of the slotted coupler 100 rotates the feet 72 about the second connection point 136. Because the first coupling pin 124 rides in the cam slot 122 as the slotted coupler 100 moves axially, the feet 72 are driven at the first connection point 128 to rotate about the second connection point 136.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, while in the collapsed position (FIG. 5A), the slotted coupler 100 may sit in a lower most position and, in some embodiments, may be held there by a biasing force exerted by the spring 96 or another spring 138, such as a constant force spring or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, a position of the slotted coupler 100 and feet 72 is tied to a position of the second legs 48, such that the slotted coupler 100 and feet 72 may be held in the collapsed position by the height lock 50, which inhibits movement between the first legs 44 and the second legs 48. In operation, a user may slide the second legs 48 downwardly into the first legs 44 to move the slotted coupler 100. Moving the slotted coupler 100 downwardly causes the feet 72 to rotate upwardly through the engagement of the cam slot 122 and rotation of the feet 72 about the second connection point 136.

While in the deployed position (FIG. 5B), a spring, such as the spring 96 or the spring 138, may urge the slotted coupler 100 toward an upper most or top position, in which the feet 72 are rotated downwardly and deployed. In the illustrated embodiment, the slotted recesses 104 define limits to the movement of the feet 72 due to the position of the first coupling pin 124 and the second coupling pin 132, which therefore provides limits to the movement of the slotted coupler 100. For example, while the slotted coupler 100 is in the top position, the mechanical arrangement (e.g., bar arrangement, advantage, etc.) of the feet 72 and the first coupling pin 124 inhibits the slotted coupler 100 from collapsing downwardly towards the bottom position.

In some embodiments, the slotted coupler 100 is not attached to the second leg 48. In such embodiments, the slotted coupler 100 is biased upwardly, the feet 72 are biased into the deployed position, and the slotted coupler 100 is inhibited from moving further up the first leg 44 by the limited length of the slotted recess 104. The second leg 48 may be extended further away from the slotted coupler 100 but then brought back into contact with the slotted coupler 100 to move the feet 72 and slotted coupler 100 against the bias of the spring 138 (e.g., into the lower most position, collapsed position, etc.). In some embodiments, only downward movement of the second leg 48 will cause the slotted coupler 100 to move, such that manual movement of the feet 72 is inhibited unless the second leg 48 engages the slotted coupler 100 (e.g., to prevent accidental collapse of the fan assembly 10 and/or deployment mechanism 84). In the illustrated embodiment, the stand 38 further includes multiple springs 138 (e.g., constant force springs). The springs 138 are not only coupled to the slotted coupler 100 to bias the slotted coupler 100 upwardly, but also press against the first leg 44 and/or second leg 48 to help center, retain, support, etc. the first leg 44 and the second leg 48.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-7B, the height lock 50 is positionable in either of the first legs 44 and the second legs 48. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one height lock 50 is positioned in each of the second legs 48 (e.g., on both sides of the base 34). The height lock 50 includes a sleeve or housing 140 positioned in a bottom end of the second legs 48, a slider 144 moveably supported in the housing 140, and a locking member, such as a locking post 148, that is selectively moveable into and out of the housing 140 in response to a position of the slider 144. The height lock 50 further supports a biasing member, such as a spring 152, that may be constrained between a portion of the slider 144 and a portion of the housing 140.

Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the spring 152 bears against a head 156 of the slider 144 to urge the locking post 148 into a locked position (FIG. 7A), in which the locking post 148 extends through the housing 140 and through the aperture 54 (FIGS. 1 and 5B) to inhibit relative movement between the first legs 44 and the second legs 48. The slider 144 may similarly be moved to contact the spring 152 and move the locking post 148 into an unlocked position (FIG. 7B), in which the first legs 44 and the second legs 48 are momentarily moveable relative to one another.

With specific reference to FIG. 6, the slider 144 includes a cam slot, such as a angled slot 160, positioned in the head 156. The angled slot 160 receives a pin 164, that extends though the locking post 148, and the locking post 148 is vertically constrained in the housing 140, such that movement (e.g., vertical movement) of the slider 144 causes the pin 164 and the locking post 148 to move horizontally. In some embodiments, the locking post 148 is moveable between locked and unlocked positions though a different mechanism (e.g., rotational coupler, linkages, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the angled slot 160 is angled at angle between approximately 35 degrees and approximately 55 degrees (e.g., approximately 45 degrees). It should be understood that other angles are contemplated.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B, the height lock 50 is coupled to a line, such as a brake cable 168, that may be connected to the handle 30 for allowing a user to control a position of the slider 144 and thus the locking post 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the brake cable 168 may be a tether, wire, cable, rope, cord, and/or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the brake cable 168 is connected to an upper part of the slider 144. The housing 140 is generally inhibited from moving within the first legs 44 and/or the second legs 48, such that the brake cable 168 can be moved (e.g., shortened) to contract the spring 152, pull the slider 144 vertically, and retract the locking post 148 from the aperture 54 (e.g., into/within the housing 140). Similarly, the brake cable 168 can be moved (e.g., lengthened) to allow the spring 152 to expand and extend the locking post 148 into the aperture 54.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-9B, the brake cable 168 may be connected to the handle 30, such that a user may operate portions of the handle 30 to pull the brake cable 168 and retract the locking post 148. The handle 30 includes triggers 172 that may be operated by a user to move (e.g., pull) the brake cable 168. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 30 includes a trigger 172 on each end or side of the handle 30. In other embodiments, the handle 30 may include a fewer (e.g., one) or greater number of triggers. Additionally, the trigger 172 may be located elsewhere on the housing 18, the base 34, and/or the like, such as on sides of the housing 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, the triggers 172 are positioned to be actuated by a thumb of a user, such that the user may grasp the handle 30 from ether side to operate either of the triggers 172. The triggers 172 may be biased away from one another (e.g., outwardly) by the springs 152 (FIG. 6), which bias the brake cable 168 into a “lengthened” position (e.g., a greater amount of brake cable 168 present in handle 30), such that the first legs 44 and the second legs 48 are normally (e.g., default) inhibited from moving relative to one another.

Each of the triggers 172 is rotatably coupled to a rocker 174 that is rotatably supported in the handle 30. In some embodiments, the triggers 172 and the rocker 174 may be mounted within two handle housing halves assembled (e.g., fastened, connected, snapped, molded, etc.) together. The rocker 174 accommodates simultaneous movement of the triggers 172. One of the triggers 172 (e.g., on one side) is coupled to a first end of the rocker 174 and the other one of the triggers 172 (e.g., on an opposite side) is coupled to an opposite second end of the rocker 174. For example, one of the triggers 172 is pressed by a user in a first direction 175 (e.g., inwardly) to rotate the rocker 174, which then pulls the other one of the triggers 172 in an opposite second direction (e.g., also inwardly) to lengthen an amount of the brake cable 168 in the handle 30. In general, the triggers 172 may be selectively operated by a user to control the height lock 50 and adjust the height of the fan assembly 10. The brake cables 168 may be routed though cable channels 170 formed within the handle 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-11B, the brake cable 168—one brake cable on each side of the fan assembly 10—may be routed through the coupler 52 from the handle 30, down through the second legs 48, and to the height lock 50 supported in a bottom portion of the second legs 48. In some embodiments, the brake cable 168 is routed through and/or recessed into the housing 18. In other embodiments, the handle 30 is connected directly to the coupler 52 and/or first legs 44/second legs 48. The coupler 52, handle 30, and/or frame 42 may also accommodate electrical wiring (e.g., internally) to the electrical components (e.g., battery receptacle 15, AC power inlet, user interface 56, etc.) positioned in the base 34. In some embodiments, the fan assembly 10 may only include one brake cable 168.

The coupler 52, which rotatably supports the housing 18 on the frame 42, includes a stationary mount, such as a cone 180, coupled to the frame 42, a head 184 mounted to the housing 18 and rotatably coupled to the cone 180, a tightening member, such as a squeeze plate 188, positioned on one side the head 184, and a fastener 192 extending through the cone 180 and head 184 to connect to the squeeze plate 188. The fastener 192 may be a threaded screw, thumb screw, knob, bolt, and/or the like. The head 184 may also include a cable slot 194 configured to receive the brake cable 168.

As best illustrated in FIG. 10B, the head 184 further includes mounting holes 216 configured to accommodate mounting of the coupler 52 to the housing 18. For example, the head 184 may be fastened to the housing 18 with the squeeze plate 188 situated between the housing 18 and the head 184. Once the head 184 is fastened to the housing 18, the fastener 192 may be tightened to draw the squeeze plate 188 toward the cone 180 and thereby sandwich the head 184 between the squeeze plate 188 and cone 180 in a desired position. In operation, the fastener 192 may be loosened to allow for relative movement between the cone 180 and the squeeze plate 188, which then allows for rotational adjustment between the frame 42 and the housing 18. The coupler 52 may include a retainer 196, such as a pin, bump, groove, or the like, positioned between the cone 180 and/or head 184 to further inhibit relative rotation when the fastener 192 is tightened. In general, tightening the fastener 192 may increase the friction between the head 184 and the cone 180.

The squeeze plate 188 includes an aperture 200 open to the housing 18, and the cone 180 includes a similar aperture 204 open to the frame 42 (e.g., the second legs 48). The aperture 204 of the cone 180 receives the frame 42, which may include an opening 208 also in communication with the aperture 200. In some embodiments, the frame 42 is received in the cone 180 so the fastener 192 can extend through the cone 180, the frame 42, and the squeeze plate 188. In some embodiments, the fastener 192 may have a soft tip or end and/or may be covered by portions of the squeeze plate 188.

The cone 180 may further include a radial slot 212 positioned between the cone 180 and the head 184, and the head 184 may include a protuberance 214 configured to engage the radial slot 212. In other embodiments, the radial slot 212 and protuberance 214 are formed on other/opposite parts of the coupler 52. The radial slot 212 generally wraps around a face of the cone 180 to limit and/or guide the relative rotation between the cone 180 and the head 184. While the fastener 192 is loosened, the head 184 may rotate through limits of the radial slot 212. While the fastener 192 is tightened, friction and/or resistance is increased, such that the head 184 may be inhibited from rotating. In some embodiments, the head 184 and thus housing 18 are rotatable relative to the cone 180 through approximately 300 degrees with the aperture 200 of the squeeze plate 188 remaining generally neutral to accommodate the brake cable 168 and/or electrical connections. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial slot 212 may limit the head 184 to rotate through approximately 270 degrees. In some embodiments, the radial slot 212 permits the head 184 to rotate, from a horizontal orientation, by approximately 85-95 degrees (e.g., 90 degrees) in a first direction and by approximately 170-190 degrees (e.g., 180 degrees) in a second direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the aperture 200 of the squeeze plate 188 has a width and depth that provides space for the brake cable 168 though each angle of rotation of the head 184. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, the squeeze plate 188 and cone 180 are rotationally fixed, such that the head 184 is rotatable relative to the squeeze plate 188 and to the cone 180. In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, the squeeze plate 188 and head 184 are rotationally fixed, such that the head 184, squeeze plate 188, and aperture 200 are rotatable together relative to the cone 180. In general, the aperture 200 of the squeeze plate 188 is large enough to allow passage of the brake cable 168 and/or electrical connections through multiple angles of rotation. In some embodiments, the aperture 200 may also allow passage of a line, tube, conduit and/or the like configured to accommodate fluid (e.g., water, air, hydraulic fluid, etc.) flow.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the aperture 200 of the squeeze plate 188 may additionally or alternatively include a plurality of offset openings on either side of the fastener 192. In such embodiments, the brake cable 168 and/or the electrical connections may pass through either opening. For example, the brake cable 168 may pass through one opening, while the electrical connections may pass through a different opening. In some instances, the openings are allowed to swivel with one another to allow for more rotational freedom of the cone 180 and/or head 184.

Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the disclosure as described.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A fan assembly comprising:

a fan housing at least partially defining an airflow chamber;
a plurality of fan blades positioned within the airflow chamber;
a motor operable to rotate the plurality of fan blades;
a base configured to be placed on a support surface, the base including a stand having a foot; and
a frame assembly connecting the fan housing and the base, the frame assembly being movable to adjust a height of the fan housing relative to the base;
wherein the foot is automatically deployed in response to movement of the frame assembly.

2. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly includes a first leg coupled to the base and a second leg coupled to the fan housing, and wherein the second leg is telescopically coupled to the first leg.

3. The fan assembly of claim 2, wherein when the second leg is retracted into the first leg, the foot is in a collapsed condition against the base, and wherein when the second leg is extended from the first leg, the foot is in a deployed condition relative to the base.

4. The fan assembly of claim 3, wherein the stand also has a coupler connected to the foot, and wherein an end of the second leg engages the coupler to inhibit movement of the foot from the collapsed condition to the deployed condition when the second leg is retracted into the first leg.

5. The fan assembly of claim 4, wherein the end of the second leg disengages the coupler to allow movement of the foot from the collapsed condition to the deployed condition when the second leg is extended from the first leg.

6. The fan assembly of claim 5, wherein the stand further has a spring connected to the coupler, and wherein the spring biases the foot to the deployed condition.

7. The fan assembly of claim 2, wherein the base defines a recess configured to be pressed by a user during telescoping of the second leg apart from the first leg.

8. The fan assembly of claim 2, wherein the first leg is rotatably fixed with respect to the base, and wherein the fan housing is rotatably coupled to the second leg.

9. The fan assembly of claim 2, further comprising a height lock to selectively inhibit movement of the first leg relative to the second leg.

10. The fan assembly of claim 9, further comprising:

a handle positioned on the fan housing and including a trigger;
a coupler rotatably supporting the fan housing on the frame assembly; and
a line connected to the handle and the height lock, the line being routed through the coupler and through the frame assembly.

11. The fan assembly of claim 10, wherein the trigger is selectively operable to pull the line and actuate the height lock, permitting movement of the second leg relative to the first leg.

12. The fan assembly of claim 1, wherein the foot is a first foot located on a first side of the base, and wherein the stand also has a second foot located on a second side of the base opposite the first side.

13. A fan assembly comprising:

a fan housing at least partially defining an airflow chamber;
a plurality of fan blades positioned within the airflow chamber;
a motor operable to rotate the plurality of fan blades;
a base configured to be placed on a support surface;
a frame assembly connecting the fan housing and the base, the frame assembly including a first leg coupled to the base and a second leg coupled to the fan housing, the second leg being telescopically coupled to the first leg;
a handle coupled to the fan housing, the handle including a trigger;
a height lock supported by the frame assembly to selectively inhibit movement of the second leg relative to the first leg; and
a line extending between the trigger and the height lock;
wherein the trigger is selectively operable to pull the line and actuate the height lock, permitting movement of the second leg relative to the first leg.

14. The fan assembly of claim 13, wherein the trigger is a first trigger supported on a first side of the handle, wherein the handle further includes a second trigger supported on a second side of the handle opposite the first side.

15. The fan assembly of claim 14, wherein the frame assembly also includes a third leg coupled to the base and a fourth leg coupled to the fan housing, wherein the fourth leg is telescopically coupled to the third leg, the fan assembly further comprising:

a second height lock supported by the frame assembly to selectively inhibit movement of the fourth leg relative to the third leg; and
a second line extending between the second trigger and the second height lock;
wherein the second trigger is selectively operable to pull the second line and actuate the second height lock, permitting movement of the fourth leg relative to the third leg.

16. The fan assembly of claim 14, wherein the handle includes a rocker coupled to the first trigger and to the second trigger, and wherein operation of the first trigger in a first direction rotates the rocker and simultaneously moves the second trigger in a second direction opposite the first direction.

17. The fan assembly of claim 13, wherein the height lock is positioned within the first leg and the second leg, and wherein the first leg includes a plurality of apertures each associated with a desired height of the fan housing relative to the base.

18. The fan assembly of claim 17, wherein the height lock includes

a slider connected to the line and moveable along a first direction in response to operation of the trigger, the slider defining a slot arranged at an oblique angle relative to the first direction, and
a locking member coupled to the slider via the slot and selectively moveable along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

19. The fan assembly of claim 18, wherein the locking member is selectively received in each of the plurality of apertures.

20. A fan assembly comprising:

a fan housing at least partially defining an airflow chamber;
a base configured to be placed on a support surface;
a plurality of fan blades positioned within the airflow chamber;
a motor operable to rotate the plurality of fan blades;
a frame assembly connecting the fan housing and the base;
a coupler rotatably connecting the fan housing to the frame assembly, the coupler including a stationary mount coupled to the frame assembly, a squeeze plate coupled to the stationary mount, the squeeze plate defining an aperture in communication with an opening of the frame assembly, and a head coupled to the fan housing and sandwiched between the stationary mount and the squeeze plate, the head being rotatable relative to the stationary mount to adjust an orientation of the fan housing relative to the frame assembly; and
a line extending from the frame assembly, through the aperture of the squeeze plate, and to the fan housing.

21. The fan assembly of claim 20, wherein the coupler also includes a threaded fastener, wherein the threaded fastener extends through the stationary mount and engages the squeeze plate, and wherein the threaded fastener pulls the squeeze plate toward the stationary mount to increase friction between the head and the stationary mount.

22. The fan assembly of claim 20, further comprising a battery receptacle positioned on the base, wherein the line includes electrical wiring extending from the battery receptacle to the motor.

23. The fan assembly of claim 20, wherein the frame assembly includes a first leg coupled to the base and a second leg coupled to the fan housing, and wherein the second leg is telescopically coupled to the first leg.

24. The fan assembly of claim 23, further comprising:

a trigger supported by the fan housing; and
a height lock supported by the frame assembly to selectively inhibit movement of the second leg relative to the first leg;
wherein the line extends between the trigger and the height lock.

25. The fan assembly of claim 24, wherein the base includes a stand having a foot, and wherein the foot is automatically deployed in response to movement of the second leg relative to the first leg.

26. The fan assembly of claim 20, wherein the coupler also includes a protuberance received in a radial slot to limit rotation of the head relative the stationary mount.

27. The fan assembly of claim 26, wherein the radial slot is formed in the stationary mount, and wherein the protuberance extends from the head.

28. The fan assembly of claim 26, wherein protuberance and the radial slot limit rotation of the head relative to the stationary mount to approximately 270 degrees.

Patent History
Publication number: 20240003358
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 29, 2023
Publication Date: Jan 4, 2024
Inventors: Adam M. Schroeder (Waterford, WI), Bradford A. Gill (Brookfield, WI), Timothy J. Campbell (Brookfield, WI), Austin F. de Veer (Lake Orion, MI)
Application Number: 18/344,364
Classifications
International Classification: F04D 29/40 (20060101); F04D 25/08 (20060101);