Fan Assembly

Abstract

A fan assembly includes a housing, a motor, a plurality of blades, a securing plate, and a hanger. The housing includes panels and a side defining an outer periphery and an inner cavity. The motor is disposed within the inner cavity. The securing plate extends from each blade. The hanger orients the fan assembly to push air substantially horizontally. The housing is rotatable relative to the hanger and has at least one vent disposed along the outer periphery of the housing. Each vent is configured to allow an air flow within the inner cavity of the housing. Also, the side of the housing includes a plurality of louvers with each louver including a slit orientated at an angle relative to the housing. The securing plate extends into the slit and a fastener engages the securing plate within the slit to attach the blade to a corresponding louver.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/634,176 , filed on Apr. 15, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure generally relates to a fan assembly that can be used in industrial environments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The industry of fans has developed over time to address the demands of consumers for regulating the temperature inside of buildings. Mounts from side-walls, rolling mounts, adjustable mounts, and more, have all been incorporated into fan assemblies to overcome the shortcomings of traditional fans. These traditional fans extend from a ceiling in a horizontal plane to provide downward airflow. Regulating temperature in a large space, such as in industrial environments can be challenging and traditional fans can have difficulty achieving the desired airflow and/or temperature control. The subject invention addresses these challenges with a unique solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The subject invention relates to a fan assembly having a housing including a front panel, a back panel, and a side defining an outer periphery and an inner cavity. A motor is disposed within the inner cavity of the housing. The fan assembly includes a plurality of blades and a securing plate extending from each blade. A hanger includes a front mount and a rear mount with the hanger orienting the fan assembly to push air substantially horizontally. The housing is rotatable relative to the hanger and has at least one vent disposed along the outer periphery of the housing with each vent configured to allow air flow within the inner cavity of the housing.

The subject invention also includes a fan assembly having a housing including a front panel, a back panel, and a side defining an inner cavity. A motor is disposed within the inner cavity of the housing. The fan assembly also includes a plurality of blades and a securing plate extending from each blade along with at least one fastener. The side of the housing includes a plurality of louvers with each louver including a slit and at least one fastening hole wherein the slit penetrates the louver and is orientated at an angle relative to the housing and the fastening hole is open to the slit. The securing plate extends into the slit and the fastener extends through the fastening hole to engage the securing plate within the slit to attach the blade to a corresponding louver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A is a front view of a fan assembly.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the fan assembly.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the fan assembly.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the fan assembly.

FIG. 1E is a rear view of the fan assembly.

FIG. 2A is a fragmented perspective view of a fan housing connected to a plurality of blades with a hanger removed.

FIG. 2B is a fragmented plan view of the fan housing connected to the plurality of blades.

FIG. 3 is a partially-exploded perspective view of a blade, a securing plate, a louver, and a plurality of fasteners.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the blade, the securing plate, the louver, the plurality of fasteners, a plurality of nuts, an insert, and a blade tip.

FIG. 5A is a plan view of one blade connected to the housing.

FIG. 5B is an end view of the one blade and one louver connected to the housing.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the one blade and one louver connected to the housing.

FIG. 6A is a first side view of the louver.

FIG. 6B is a plan view of the louver.

FIG. 6C is a second side view of the louver.

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the louver.

FIG. 6E is an end view of the louver.

FIG. 7A is a top view of the blade.

FIG. 7B is an end view of an inner side of the blade shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is an end view of an outer side of the blade shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the blade through line A-A shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E is a cross-sectional view of the blade through line B-B shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7F is a cross-sectional view of the blade through line C-C shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a top view of the blade having the securing plate, the louver, the plurality of fasteners, the insert, and the blade tip.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the blade of FIG. 8A taken along line D-D.

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the blade of FIG. 8A taken along line E-E.

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of the blade of FIG. 8A taken along line F-F.

FIG. 8E is a sectional view of the blade of FIG. 8B taken along line D1.

FIG. 8F is a sectional view of the blade of FIG. 8C taken along line E1.

FIG. 8G is a sectional view of the blade of FIG. 8D taken along line F1.

FIG. 9A is a bottom view of the blade having the securing plate, the louver, the plurality of fasteners, the insert, and the blade tip.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the blade of FIG. 9A taken along line G-G.

FIG. 9C is an end view of the blade of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a bottom view of the blade having the securing plate, the louver, the plurality of fasteners, the insert, and the blade tip.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the blade of FIG. 10A taken along line H-H.

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the blade of FIG. 10A taken along line I-I.

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view of the blade of FIG. 10A taken along line J-J.

FIG. 11A is a plan view of a rear of the fan assembly having the housing with one panel of the housing and the hanger removed.

FIG. 11B is a side view of the fan assembly of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is a fragmented perspective view of the fan assembly of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a plan view of a front of the fan assembly having the housing with one panel of the housing and the hanger removed.

FIG. 12B is a side view of the fan assembly of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C is a fragmented perspective view of the fan assembly of FIG. 12A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding components throughout the several views, a fan assembly 20 is shown.

A fan assembly 20 includes a housing 50 having a front panel 64, a back panel 62, and a side 63 defining an outer periphery 49 and an inner cavity 52. The fan assembly 20 has a motor 54 disposed within the inner cavity 52 of the housing 50. The fan assembly 20 additionally includes a plurality of blades 23, a securing plate 34 extending from each blade 22, and a hanger 44 having a front mount 48 and a rear mount 46. The hanger 44 orients the fan assembly 20 to push air substantially horizontally. Moreover, the housing 50 is rotatable relative to the hanger 44. The housing 50 has at least one vent 65 disposed along the outer periphery 49 of the housing 50 with each vent 65 configured to allow air flow within the inner cavity 52 of the housing 50. The fan assembly 20 may include at least one fastener 41. In addition, the side 63 of the housing preferably includes a plurality of louvers 28 with each louver 20 including a slit 32 and at least one fastening hole 31. The slit 32 penetrates the louver 20 and is orientated at an angle relative to the housing 50. In the illustrated version, the fastening hole 31 is open to the slit 32 and the securing plate 34 extends into the slit 32. The fastener 41 extends through the fastening hole 31 to engage the securing plate 34 within the slit 32 and to attach the blade 22 to a corresponding louver 28.

FIGS. 1A-1E depict the arrangement of the fan assembly 20. In FIG. 1A, a plan view of a front of the fan assembly 20 is shown. The fan assembly 20 includes the housing 50 and the plurality of blades 23. The housing 50 may be referred to as fan housing 50 herein, and the plurality of blades 23 may be referred to as the plurality of fan blades 23 or the multiple fan blade assemblies 23 herein. Each plurality of fan blades 23 has a blade 22 with each single fan blade 22 collectively defining the plurality of fan blades 23 of the fan assembly 20. The blade 22 may also be referred to as the fan blade 22 or the single fan blade 22 herein. The front of the fan assembly 20 pushes air flow in the direction away from the viewer in FIG. 1A. Also, the fan assembly 20 rotates counterclockwise as seen in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1A. As seen in FIG. 1B, a top view of the fan assembly 20 having multiple fan blade assemblies 23 and the hanger 44 is shown. More specific to the configuration of the hanger 44, at least one of the front mount 48 or the rear mount 46 may include two arrangement portions to define a three-point contact of the hanger 44 for mounting the housing 50 to a ceiling of a building. The fan assembly 20 is supported by the hanger 44, which is connected to the ceiling (not shown), or another flat surface or surfaces located above the fan assembly 20. The hanger 44 includes the front mount 48 and rear mount 46, more preferably including the plurality of front mounts 48. FIG. 1C depicts a side view of the fan assembly 20 having multiple fan blade assemblies 23 and the hanger 44. From the perspective of the viewer in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the fan assembly 20 pushes air from the left, which is the front side of the fan assembly, to the right, which is the back side of the fan assembly. FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the fan assembly 20, showing the hanger 44 and its 3-point contact. FIG. 1E depicts a plan view of a rear of the fan assembly 20. The rear of the fan assembly 20 pushes air flow in the direction toward the viewer, and the fan assembly 20 rotates clockwise as seen in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1E. The straight arrows depicted in FIGS. 1B-1D show the direction the air flow of the fan assembly 20.

The configuration of the fan assembly 20 hanging from the ceiling, or other flat surface or surfaces in the workspace, allows for airflow to push horizontally throughout the workspace. In some workspaces, the housing 50 of the fan assembly 20 (and connected components) would preferably be positioned along a vertical plane relative to the ceiling without any significant angling relative to the ceiling to provide cooling airflow effectively to the space. In other workspaces, the housing 50 of the fan assembly 20 could be pivoted or angled by a chosen angle to either push an airflow into the intake of another fan assembly 20 installed in the workspace or for other reasons, thereby providing cooling airflow effectively to the space. As will be appreciated by the subsequent description, the fan assembly 20 may be further defined as a first fan assembly and further include a second fan assembly. The first fan assembly may be configured to operate in a spaced relationship with the second fan assembly with the first fan assembly configured to operatively direct the air to the second fan assembly. Multiple fan assemblies can operate in conjunction with one another to increase air circulation throughout the workspace and reduce areas of stale air flow. Additionally, the fan assembly 20 can be used to prevent warm air from collecting at the ceiling, or other flat surface or surfaces of the workspace. The arrangement of the fan assembly 20 allows for the air to be dispersed throughout the workspace evenly.

The hanger 44 provides an easier installation of the fan assembly 20 with its few points of contact to the ceiling, or another flat surface or surfaces. The hanger 44 allows the fan assembly 20 to be installed at adjustable positions, so that the fan assembly 20 may be installed where there is enough clearance from the floor provided for the fan assembly 20. The front mount 48 of the hanger 44 may include a front mount length with the rear mount 46 of the hanger 44 including a rear mount length. The rear mount length may be different than the front mount length. The hanger 44 may adjust a position of the housing 50 by adjusting at least one of the front mount length and the rear mount length while the air continues to be pushed substantially horizontally. Furthermore, the hanger 44 is versatile because the rear mount 46 and the front mount 48, or any suitable number of front mounts 48, are configured to support the fan assembly 20 in a stable manner. The quantity of the rear mount 46 and the front mounts 48 may be customized in a workspace.

FIGS. 2A-5C depict the elements of the plurality of blades 23 and the fan housing 50 in more detail. It should be readily recognized that FIGS. 2A-2B are views of the plurality of blades 23 from the rear of the fan assembly 20 as previously described with FIG. 1E. In FIG. 2A, a fragmented perspective view of the fan housing 50 connected to the plurality of fan blade assemblies 23 with the hanger 44 removed is shown. The fan housing 50 contains the elements that power the fan assembly 20, and the fan housing 50 has the front panel 64 and the back panel 62. Each louver 28 is attached to each fan blade 22. The louver 28 may be referred to as a mounting louver 28 herein. Also, each blade 22 of the plurality of fan blades 23 are attached to the securing plate 34, which is engaged to the mounting louver 28 by the fastener 41, or more preferably the plurality of fasteners 41. Fasteners 51 fasten each louver 28, and in turn each blade 22 of the plurality of blades 23, through a mounting hole 30, more preferably a plurality of mounting holes 30. The mounting hole 30, or any suitable number of mounting holes 30, allows the securing of the mounting louver 28 to the fan housing 50. In FIG. 2B, a partial plan view of a rear of the fan housing 50 connected to the plurality of fan blades 22 with the hanger 44 included is shown.

FIG. 3 shows a partially-exploded perspective view of one fan blade 22, the securing plate 34, the mounting louver 28, and a fastener 40, or more preferably a plurality of fasteners 40. Fasteners 41 and 51 are also schematically shown in the Figures and discussed in greater detail below. It should be readily recognized that FIG. 3 is a view of the fan blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, and the plurality of fasteners 40 from the rear of the fan assembly 20 as previously described with FIG. 1E. The securing plate 34 has a securing plate aperture 36, or more preferably a plurality of securing plate apertures 36, which may be used for fastening purposes. As can be seen, the fastener 40, or any suitable number of fasteners 40, fastens through a corresponding securing plate aperture 36, or any suitable number of securing plate apertures 36, to secure the securing plate 34 to the fan blade 22.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of the fan blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, a nut 42, or more preferably a plurality of nuts 42, an insert 38, and a blade tip 24. It should be readily recognized that FIG. 4 is view of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the nuts 42, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24 from the front of the fan assembly 20 as previously described with FIG. 1A. Each of the fan blades 22 are preferably in the configuration of an airfoil, and each of the fan blades 22 are preferably hollow. Due to the fan assembly 20 having the plurality of fan blades 22 that are hollow, the fan assembly 20 is lightweight, thereby providing an easier installation of the fan assembly 20 into industrial workspaces. This lightweight feature also allows the fan assembly 20 to overcome safety regulations that require fan assemblies 20 attached to ceiling supports to be under a specified weight.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the mounting louver 28 includes the slit 32, the mounting holes 30, and the fastening hole 31, or more preferably the plurality of fastening holes 31. Each louver 28 may include at least one mounting hole 30 disposed in the louver 28 and penetrating the entirety of the louver 28. Each mounting hole 30 may be spaced from the slit 32 and from each fastening hole 31. The securing plate 34 is secured to the mounting louver 28 through the slit 32. The fastening hole 31, or any suitable number of fastening holes 31, penetrate through the slit 32 but preferably not through the entire mounting louver 28, allowing fastener 41, or more preferably a plurality of fasteners 41, to secure the securing plate 34 to the mounting louver 28 by passing into fastening holes 31 and engaging the securing plate 34. The fasteners 41 may fasten through the securing plate 34 (holes not shown in the securing plate 34) or may engage the securing plate 34 sufficiently to mount the blade 22 to the housing 50. The fastening hole 31 may be only on one side of the slit 32 or the fastening hole 31 may be at least partially penetrating the louver 28 on both sides of the slit 32. As contemplated by the present disclosure, each louver 28 and corresponding blade 22 can be attached to the fan housing 50 using the fasteners 51 through the mounting holes 30.

The nut 42, or any suitable number of nuts 42, attaches the securing plate 34 to the fan blade 22 in conjunction with the fasteners 40. The fasteners 40 fasten through the securing plate apertures 36, and through a blade aperture 26, or more preferably a plurality of blade apertures 26, thereby attaching the securing plate 34 to the fan blade 22. The nuts 42 are threaded and are preferably wide and flat to distribute the load of force put on the nuts 42. The nuts 42 can have an extension from the flat surface of the nut facing in the direction of the securing plate apertures 36. This shape can also be referred to as “insert nut” to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Any suitable configurations of the nuts can be used, and any suitable number of fasteners 40, nuts 42, securing plate apertures 36, or the blade apertures 26 could be used.

The fan assembly 20 may further include the insert 38 with each blade 22 including a blade cavity. In the illustrated version, the fan assembly 20 may include a corresponding insert 38 disposed within each blade cavity. As depicted in FIG. 4 (as well as FIGS. 8A-10D), the insert 38 is attached to the fan blade 22 by the fastener 40, more preferably the plurality of fasteners 40, in conjunction with the nuts 42. The corresponding insert 38 may be disposed within each blade 22 with the fastener 40 engaging the securing plate 34 and extending into the blade 22 and into the insert 38 within the blade 22. The insert 38 may support the shape of the hollow airfoil fan blade 22. The insert 38 can be made of plastic, metal, foam, or other materials for supporting hollow metal shapes. In the most preferred embodiment, the insert 38 is made of plastic.

Referring back to the fan assembly 20, each blade 22 may include the blade tip 24 with the blade tip 24 removably coupled to the blade 22. The blade tip 24 is attached to the fan blade 22 and can be made of plastic, metal, and other materials. In the most preferred embodiment, the blade tip 24 is made of plastic. The blade tip 24 can match the color of the fan blade 22 or can be customized to a color that could complement the workspace the fan assembly 20 is installed in.

FIG. 5A shows a plan view of one blade 22 connected to the fan housing 50. When the fan assembly 20 is powered, each of the blades 22 rotate around a rotational axis 60 found on the fan housing 50. FIG. 5B depicts an end view of one fan blade 22 connected to the fan housing 50. FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of one blade 22 connected to the fan housing 50. As depicted in FIGS. 5A-5C, the side 63 of the housing 50 may include the at least one louver 28 disposed along the outer periphery 49 with each vent 65 of the housing 50 disposed between each louver 28. Furthermore, each louver 28 may be equally spaced from an adjacent louver 28 in conjunction with each louver 28 cooperating with the side 63 of the housing 50 to define a perimeter of each vent 65. As will be appreciated, the at least one vent 65 may further include a plurality of vents 65. Moreover, each vent 65 of the housing 50 may be equally spaced from an adjacent vent 65. As best depicted in FIG. 5B, each vent 65 may extend from the front panel 64 to the back panel 62.

FIGS. 6A-6E depict the mounting louver 28 and its features in more detail. In FIG. 6A, a side view of the mounting louver 28, the mounting holes 30, and the fastening holes 31 are shown. As can be seen, the mounting holes 30 and the fastening holes 31 penetrate through this side of the mounting louver 28. FIG. 6B depicts a plan view of the mounting louver 28 and the slit 32. The mounting louver slit 32 is angled to provide an angle to each of the blades 22 when the blades 22 are attached to the mounting louver 28. Each louver 28 may include a top 27 at least partially abutting the one of the panels 64, 62 of the housing 50 and a bottom 29 at least partially abutting the other one of the panels 62, 64 of the housing 50. The slit 32 may be disposed off-center of the louver 28 relative to the top 27 and the bottom 29. Additionally, each louver 28 may include a flat outer surface extending between the top 27 and the bottom 29 of each louver 28 such that the housing 50 defines a polygonal shape. The polygonal shape of the housing 50 is depicted throughout, but perhaps best in FIGS. 5A and 5C. It should be appreciated that the slit 32 may be of any suitable angle relative to the louver 28. Referring back to FIG. 6B, the side 63 may define the outer periphery 49 with each louver 28 including a protrusion 33. The protrusion 33 may be configured to extend beyond the outer periphery 49 to direct an air flow along the outer periphery 49. The air flow along the periphery allows air to flow into the inner cavity 52 of the housing 50, thereby cooling the motor 54. FIG. 6C shows another side view of the mounting louver 28 and the mounting holes 30. As can be seen, the mounting holes 30 penetrate through this side of the mounting louver 28, while the fastening holes 31 do not penetrate through this side of the mounting louver 28. FIG. 6D depicts a perspective view of the mounting louver 28, the mounting holes 30, the slit 32, and protrusion 33. FIG. 6E shows an end view of the mounting louver 28.

FIGS. 7A-7F depict the shape of the hollow airfoil fan blade 22. FIG. 7A depicts a top view of the fan blade 22 having the blade aperture 26, or more preferably a plurality of blade apertures 26. FIG. 7B is an end view of an inner side of the fan blade 22 as shown in FIG. 7A, while FIG. 7C is an end view of an outer side of the fan blade 22 as shown in FIG. 7A. FIGS. 7D-7F are cross-sectional views of the fan blade 22 through the lines depicted in FIG. 7A. The fan blade 22 can be assembled in any suitable manner, and preferably has a hollow shape. The shape and positioning of the fan blade 22 allows for the fan assembly 20 to create minimal noise when in operation. The fan blade 22 can be made from metal, plastic, and other materials. In the most preferred embodiment, the fan blade 22 is made of metal.

FIGS. 8A-10D depict cross-sectional and partial views of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24. FIG. 8A shows a top view of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24. It should be readily recognized that FIG. 8A is view of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24 from the rear of the fan assembly 20 as previously described with FIG. 1E. FIGS. 8B-8D are cross-sectional views of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24 through the lines depicted in FIG. 8A, and each of these figures provide different views of the insert 38 located inside of the hollow fan blade 22. In FIGS. 8E-8G, the sectional views taken from FIGS. 8B-8D are depicted. While the angle of the partial views and cross-sectional views may make it seem as if the fastener 40, or more preferably the plurality of fasteners 40, does not penetrate throughout the entire insert 38, it should be understood that the fasteners 40 preferably penetrate through the insert 38 in its entirety.

In FIG. 9A, a front view of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24 is shown. It should be readily recognized that FIG. 9A is view of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24 from the front of the fan assembly 20 as previously described with FIG. 1A. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24 through the line depicted in FIG. 9A. This view shows the interaction between the nut 42, or more preferably a plurality of nuts 42, and the insert 38 within the blade 22. FIG. 9C is an end view of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24, specifically showing the three-dimensional aspects of the blade tip 24.

FIG. 10A shows another front view of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24. It should be readily recognized that FIG. 10A is a view of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24 from the front of the fan assembly 20 as previously described with FIG. 1A. FIGS. 10B-10C show cross-sectional views of the blade 22, the securing plate 34, the louver 28, the fasteners 40, the insert 38, and the blade tip 24 through the lines depicted in FIG. 10A. These figures provide views of the spatial relationship between the fasteners 40 with the insert 38 and the securing plate 34 within the blade 22.

Referring back to FIG. 4 and to FIGS. 10A-10D, the insert 38 disposed within the hollow airfoil fan blade 22 has a base portion 66. The base portion 66 preferably has a profile that matches the profile of the interior of the hollow airfoil fan blade 22. As such, the base portion 66 has a thicker curved leading edge and a narrower trailing edge. The fan assembly 20 may further include the insert 38 with the corresponding insert 38 disposed within each blade 22. The insert 38 may include at least one boss 70, 72 engaging the blade 22 to provide at least one mounting surface for the fastener 40 to attach the securing plate 34 to the blade 22. The insert 38 may include a plurality of bosses 70, 72 to engage the blade 22 to provide a plurality of mounting surfaces for the fasteners 40. The insert 38 may also include an extension 68 extending from the base portion 66. The extension 68 can have any suitable shape or configuration. As shown, the extension 68 is substantially T-shaped. First 70 and second 72 bosses are formed at spaced ends on the extension 68. Each boss 70, 72 is configured to mount within the relative thickness of the hollow airfoil fan blade 22. As shown, the first boss 70 is thicker than the second boss 72 as the first boss 70 is disposed in an area of the hollow airfoil fan blade that is thicker. The bosses 70, 72 and a segment of the base portion 66 are positioned such that the fasteners 40 extend through these portions of the insert 38 in order to provide adequate support for the hollow airfoil fan blade at these mounting points.

FIGS. 11A-12C show the fan assembly 20 with one of the panels 64, 62 of the fan housing 50 being removed such that the inner cavity 52 (inside) of the fan housing 50 is visible. For illustrative purposes, the hanger 44 is also removed. FIG. 11A depicts a plan view of the rear of the fan assembly 20 having the back panel 62 and hanger 44 removed so that the elements placed within the fan housing 50 can be viewed. FIG. 11B is a side view of the fan assembly 20 having the hanger 44 removed. FIG. 11C is a fragmented view of the fan assembly 20 having the hanger 44 and back panel 62 removed, depicting a rotor 56 of the motor 54 within the fan housing 50.

FIG. 12A depicts a plan view of the front of the fan assembly 20 having the hanger 44 removed. The front panel 64 of the fan housing 50 has also been removed so that the elements placed within the fan housing 50 can be viewed. FIG. 12B is a side view of the fan assembly 20 having the hanger 44 removed. FIG. 12C is a partial view of the fan assembly 20 having the hanger 44 and front panel 64 removed, depicting a stator 58 of the motor 54.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. As is now apparent to those skilled in the art, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, wherein reference numerals are merely for convenience and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A fan assembly comprising:

a housing including a front panel, a back panel, and a side defining an outer periphery and an inner cavity;

a motor disposed within the inner cavity of the housing;

a plurality of blades;

a securing plate extending from each blade; and

a hanger including a front mount and a rear mount wherein the hanger orients the fan assembly to push air substantially horizontally; and

wherein said housing is rotatable relative to the hanger and has at least one vent disposed along the outer periphery of the housing with each vent configured to allow air flow within the inner cavity of the housing.

2. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the side of the housing includes at least one louver disposed along the outer periphery; and

wherein each vent of the housing is disposed between each louver.

3. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein each louver is equally spaced from an adjacent louver; and

wherein each louver cooperates with the side of the housing to define a perimeter of each vent.

4. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one vent further includes a plurality of vents.

5. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein each vent of the housing is equally spaced from an adjacent vent.

6. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein each vent extends from the front panel to the back panel.

7. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 1, further including an insert;

wherein each blade includes a blade cavity; and

wherein a corresponding insert is disposed within each blade cavity.

8. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the front mount of the hanger includes a front mount length; and

wherein the rear mount of the hanger includes a rear mount length with the rear mount length being different than the front mount length.

9. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 8, wherein the hanger adjusts a position of the housing by adjusting at least one of the front mount length and the rear mount length while the air continues to be pushed substantially horizontally.

10. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one of the front mount or the rear mount has two arrangement portions to define a three-point contact of the hanger for mounting the housing to a ceiling of a building.

11. A fan system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the fan assembly is further defined as a first fan assembly and further including a second fan assembly;

wherein the first fan assembly is configured to operate in a spaced relationship with the second fan assembly; and

wherein the first fan assembly is configured to operatively direct the air to the second fan assembly.

12. A fan assembly comprising:

a housing including a front panel, a back panel, and a side defining an inner cavity;

a motor disposed within the inner cavity of the housing;

a plurality of blades;

a securing plate extending from each blade; and

at least one fastener;

wherein the side of the housing includes a plurality of louvers with each louver including a slit and at least one fastening hole wherein the slit penetrates the louver and is orientated at an angle relative to the housing and the fastening hole is open to the slit;

wherein the securing plate extends into the slit; and

wherein the fastener extends through the fastening hole to engage the securing plate within the slit to attach the blade to a corresponding louver.

13. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein each louver includes at least one mounting hole disposed in the louver and penetrating the entirety of the louver; and

wherein each mounting hole is spaced from the slit and from each fastening hole.

14. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein the fastening hole is only on one side of the slit.

15. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein the fastening hole at least partially penetrates the louver on both sides of the slit.

16. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein each louver includes a top at least partially abutting the front panel of the housing and a bottom at least partially abutting the back panel of the housing; and

wherein the slit is disposed off-center of the louver relative to the top and bottom.

17. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein the side defines an outer periphery;

wherein each louver includes a protrusion; and

wherein the protrusion is configured to extend beyond the outer periphery to direct an air flow along the outer periphery.

18. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 12, further including an insert;

wherein a corresponding insert is disposed within each blade; and

wherein the fastener engages the securing plate and extends into the blade and into the insert within the blade.

19. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 12, further including an insert; and

wherein a corresponding insert is disposed within each blade and the insert includes at least one boss engaging the blade to provide at least one mounting surface for the fastener to attach the securing plate to the blade.

20. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 19, wherein the insert includes a plurality of bosses to engage the blade to provide a plurality of mounting surfaces for the fasteners.

21. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein the housing is rotatable relative to the hanger and has at least one vent with each vent configured to allow air flow within the inner cavity of the housing.

22. The fan assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein each louver includes a flat outer surface extending between a top and a bottom of each louver such that the housing defines a polygonal shape.