US20030231958A1 - Method and apparatus for portable ventilation system - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for portable ventilation system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030231958A1 US20030231958A1 US10/285,368 US28536802A US2003231958A1 US 20030231958 A1 US20030231958 A1 US 20030231958A1 US 28536802 A US28536802 A US 28536802A US 2003231958 A1 US2003231958 A1 US 2003231958A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- fan
- fan assembly
- ventilation apparatus
- power
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D19/00—Axial-flow pumps
- F04D19/002—Axial flow fans
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a fan device for a personal computer, and more specifically, to a fan device that is portable, flexible, and derives power from a USB port on a laptop computer.
- I/O connectors input/output device connectors or I/O connectors. These connectors allow peripheral devices to be attached to the computer to facilitate communication between the computer and peripheral device or merely to provide the peripheral device with access to the computer's power source.
- Embodiments of the invention provide for a small, lightweight ventilation system that may be used in conjunction with portable electronic equipment.
- a fan assembly includes a ventilation apparatus; a connector for communicating power; and a positionable power cord, coupled to the connector and the ventilation apparatus for communicating power from the connector to the ventilation apparatus.
- a source of power such as for example a laptop computer, a USB hub, a power receptacle on a plane, train or bus.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a portable ventilation system used in conjunction with a portable electronic device
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of a fan assembly used in the portable ventilation system.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a portable ventilation system used in conjunction with an external device 110 .
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of a fan assembly 200 used in portable ventilation system 100 .
- external device 100 is typically a portable electronic device, such as a laptop computer as depicted in FIG. 1. Nonetheless, the present invention is adaptable to any external device that has an external device jack that is electrically connected to a power source, including external device jacks on airplane seats, etc.
- External device 110 includes an external device jack 120 that may provide power to other devices.
- External device jack 120 may be either an input or output (I/O) port with an electrical connection to a power source.
- Fan assembly 200 preferably includes a connector 220 , a positionable power cord 230 , and a ventilation apparatus 240 .
- Connector 220 includes a plug that is able to couple to external device jack 110 . When coupled to external device jack 110 , connector 220 is connected electrically and mechanically to external device 100 and communicates power to fan assembly 200 . In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, connector 220 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector or other type of I/O connector.
- USB Universal Serial Bus
- Positionable power cord 230 couples to connector 220 and ventilation apparatus 240 and communicates electrical power between connector 220 and ventilation apparatus 240 .
- positionable power cord 230 is a “gooseneck” (i.e., a lightweight and flexible insulated cord that may be oriented into a wide array of three-dimensional configurations). After positioning, the cord will maintain and retain relative positional stability in the desired configuration without external support.
- Ventilation apparatus 240 consists of one or more fan blade(s) 260 coupled to a fan blade housing 250 .
- fan blade housing 250 In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, two teardrop-shaped fan blades are coupled to a opposite sides of a rotating cylindrical fan housing.
- the present invention is not limited to this number, shape, or configuration of fan blades.
- the fan blades are not contained with a protective cage, as a result they are made of a flexible material that maintains shape during rotation while also being malleable enough not to harm or injure user appendages that may accidentally contact the blades while rotating at maximum speed.
- This cage-less embodiment reduces the dimensions and weight of the fan assembly and thus, increases portability.
- the fan housing 250 rotates 360-degrees around an axis, likewise causing the externally attached fan blades to rotate in the same manner and produce airflow.
- the fan housing may contain an electric motor and other electrical or mechanical components to allow at least a portion of the housing to rotate. This motor and other components are powered by electricity obtained from the external device.
- the fan housing is depicted as having a primarily cylindrical shape, but may be alternatively configured.
- connector 220 is plugged into a compatible external device jack 120 on a laptop computer, portable electronic device, airplane seat, etc.
- Fan blade rotation may either be initiated by simply plugging the connector into the external jack.
- the user may also have to operate a switch or other mechanism located on the fan assembly to initiate rotation of the fan blades.
- the user may also modify the static configuration of the positionable power cord 230 to reposition the ventilation apparatus and obtain the desired direction of airflow.
- the user may either turn off a switch, if available, or unplug the device from the external device jack.
Abstract
A fan assembly includes a ventilation apparatus; a connector for communicating power; and a positionable power cord, coupled to the connector and the ventilation apparatus for communicating power from the connector to the ventilation apparatus. The fan assembly operates in cooperation with a source of power, such as, for example, a laptop computer, a USB hub, a power receptacle on a plane, train or bus.
Description
- This application is a non-provisional application and claims the benefit of application Ser. No. 60/336,535, filed Nov. 1, 2001, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Portable Ventilation System”, (Attorney Docket No. 14572P-062300US) which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
- NOT APPLICABLE
- NOT APPLICABLE
- The present invention relates to a fan device for a personal computer, and more specifically, to a fan device that is portable, flexible, and derives power from a USB port on a laptop computer.
- Personal computers are customarily equipped with numerous types of input/output device connectors or I/O connectors. These connectors allow peripheral devices to be attached to the computer to facilitate communication between the computer and peripheral device or merely to provide the peripheral device with access to the computer's power source.
- Increasing numbers of peripheral devices have been developed to work in conjunction with personal computers, including portable laptop computers. A premium is placed on devices that are compact, lightweight, or otherwise portable to be transported along with portable computers.
- A series of devices have been developed to improve computer users' comfort while using their computers in stable working environments or in transit. Several lighting or fan devices have been developed to address this problem. In particular, fan devices are desirable because of increased air circulation in environments where air conditioning or ventilation may be inadequate, including airplanes, trains, subway cars, automobiles, etc.
- Some of these add-on devices carry separate, and often bulky, power supplies designed for the specific add-on device. In the interest of portability, other devices plug directly into an I/O connector to utilize the computer's power supply.
- Previously developed computer-compatible electric fans are notable for their bulky design. Although using the computer power supply, such fans are designed with large bases and/or fan blade cages that make them less appealing for portable use.
- The present invention provides a simple, efficient solution to the disadvantages of the prior art. Embodiments of the invention provide for a small, lightweight ventilation system that may be used in conjunction with portable electronic equipment.
- In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fan assembly includes a ventilation apparatus; a connector for communicating power; and a positionable power cord, coupled to the connector and the ventilation apparatus for communicating power from the connector to the ventilation apparatus. This embodiment operates in cooperation with a source of power, such as for example a laptop computer, a USB hub, a power receptacle on a plane, train or bus.
- These and other novel aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the drawings and the remaining portions of the specification.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a portable ventilation system used in conjunction with a portable electronic device; and
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of a fan assembly used in the portable ventilation system.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a portable ventilation system used in conjunction with an
external device 110. FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of afan assembly 200 used inportable ventilation system 100. In the preferred embodiment,external device 100 is typically a portable electronic device, such as a laptop computer as depicted in FIG. 1. Nonetheless, the present invention is adaptable to any external device that has an external device jack that is electrically connected to a power source, including external device jacks on airplane seats, etc. -
External device 110 includes anexternal device jack 120 that may provide power to other devices.External device jack 120 may be either an input or output (I/O) port with an electrical connection to a power source. -
Fan assembly 200 preferably includes aconnector 220, apositionable power cord 230, and aventilation apparatus 240. -
Connector 220 includes a plug that is able to couple toexternal device jack 110. When coupled toexternal device jack 110,connector 220 is connected electrically and mechanically toexternal device 100 and communicates power tofan assembly 200. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1,connector 220 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector or other type of I/O connector. -
Positionable power cord 230 couples toconnector 220 andventilation apparatus 240 and communicates electrical power betweenconnector 220 andventilation apparatus 240. In a preferred embodiment,positionable power cord 230 is a “gooseneck” (i.e., a lightweight and flexible insulated cord that may be oriented into a wide array of three-dimensional configurations). After positioning, the cord will maintain and retain relative positional stability in the desired configuration without external support. -
Ventilation apparatus 240 consists of one or more fan blade(s) 260 coupled to afan blade housing 250. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, two teardrop-shaped fan blades are coupled to a opposite sides of a rotating cylindrical fan housing. However, the present invention is not limited to this number, shape, or configuration of fan blades. - In a preferred embodiment, the fan blades are not contained with a protective cage, as a result they are made of a flexible material that maintains shape during rotation while also being malleable enough not to harm or injure user appendages that may accidentally contact the blades while rotating at maximum speed. This cage-less embodiment reduces the dimensions and weight of the fan assembly and thus, increases portability.
- At least a portion of the
fan blade housing 250 rotates 360-degrees around an axis, likewise causing the externally attached fan blades to rotate in the same manner and produce airflow. Internally, the fan housing may contain an electric motor and other electrical or mechanical components to allow at least a portion of the housing to rotate. This motor and other components are powered by electricity obtained from the external device. As depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the fan housing is depicted as having a primarily cylindrical shape, but may be alternatively configured. - In operation,
connector 220 is plugged into a compatibleexternal device jack 120 on a laptop computer, portable electronic device, airplane seat, etc. Fan blade rotation may either be initiated by simply plugging the connector into the external jack. Alternatively, after plugging the connector into the external jack, the user may also have to operate a switch or other mechanism located on the fan assembly to initiate rotation of the fan blades. The user may also modify the static configuration of thepositionable power cord 230 to reposition the ventilation apparatus and obtain the desired direction of airflow. To turn off the device, the user may either turn off a switch, if available, or unplug the device from the external device jack. - The invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof. However, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the present invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the appended claims.
Claims (13)
1. A fan assembly, comprising:
a ventilation apparatus;
a connector for communicating power;
a positionable power cord, coupled to said connector and said ventilation apparatus for communicating power from said connector to said ventilation apparatus.
2. The fan assembly of claim 1 , said ventilation apparatus further comprising:
one or more fan blades;
a fan blade housing coupled to said fan blades and said positionable power cord;
means for rotating at least a portion of said fan blade housing.
3. The fan assembly of claim 2 , where said fan blades are made of a lightweight, flexible material.
4. The fan assembly of claim 2 , where said means for rotating said fan blade housing is accomplished via an electric motor.
5. The fan assembly of claim 1 , where said connector is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector.
6. The fan assembly of claim 1 , where said positionable power cord is flexible cord that may be oriented in three-dimensions and after positioning maintains relative positional stability in a three-dimensional configuration.
7. The fan assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
an external device with a connection port that couples and provides power to said fan assembly via said connector.
8. The fan assembly of claim 7 , where said external device is a portable electronic device.
9. The fan assembly of claim 7 , where said external device is a portable laptop computer.
10. The fan assembly of claim 7 , where said external device is a seat housing.
11. The fan assembly of claim 7 , where said connection port is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.
12. A fan assembly for a portable electronic device, the assembly comprising:
a ventilation apparatus coupled to an end of said positionable power cord;
a connector for communicating power;
a positionable power cord, coupled to said connector and said ventilation apparatus for communicating power from said connector to said ventilation apparatus.
an external device with a connection port that couples and provides power to said fan assembly via said connector.
13. The fan assembly of claim 8 , said ventilation apparatus further comprising:
one or more fan blades;
a fan blade housing coupled to said fan blades and said positionable power cord;
means for rotating at least a portion of said fan blade housing.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/285,368 US20030231958A1 (en) | 2001-11-01 | 2002-10-30 | Method and apparatus for portable ventilation system |
PCT/US2002/035276 WO2003038279A1 (en) | 2001-11-01 | 2002-10-31 | Method and apparatus for portable ventilation system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US33653501P | 2001-11-01 | 2001-11-01 | |
US10/285,368 US20030231958A1 (en) | 2001-11-01 | 2002-10-30 | Method and apparatus for portable ventilation system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030231958A1 true US20030231958A1 (en) | 2003-12-18 |
Family
ID=26963152
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/285,368 Abandoned US20030231958A1 (en) | 2001-11-01 | 2002-10-30 | Method and apparatus for portable ventilation system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030231958A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003038279A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050128698A1 (en) * | 2003-12-10 | 2005-06-16 | Huang Cheng Y. | Cooling fan |
CN100573415C (en) * | 2005-06-10 | 2009-12-23 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Heat sink device for electronic equipment and method |
US20120031582A1 (en) * | 2010-08-04 | 2012-02-09 | Robert Sullivan | Personal Cooling Device |
US20170198703A1 (en) * | 2016-01-13 | 2017-07-13 | Jeff Leitman | Fan Powered by Mobile Device |
US10398798B2 (en) * | 2016-01-05 | 2019-09-03 | Alfred Esses | Air freshener with fan |
USD881371S1 (en) | 2019-12-12 | 2020-04-14 | E. Mishan & Sons, Inc. | Folding stand fan |
USD884146S1 (en) | 2019-12-12 | 2020-05-12 | E. Mishan & Sons, Inc. | Folding stand fan |
US11378100B2 (en) | 2020-11-30 | 2022-07-05 | E. Mishan & Sons, Inc. | Oscillating portable fan with removable grille |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6072696A (en) * | 1996-11-01 | 2000-06-06 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Electronic apparatus with ventilation structure |
US6104607A (en) * | 1997-03-03 | 2000-08-15 | Inclose Design, Inc. | Cooling fan for PC card slot |
US6560099B1 (en) * | 2002-07-10 | 2003-05-06 | Cheng-Chun Chang | Double interface external box for a computer |
US20030192112A1 (en) * | 2002-03-08 | 2003-10-16 | Derrick Ware | Bowl ventilation apparatus with proximity sensor |
US6665163B2 (en) * | 2000-03-01 | 2003-12-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method for controlling fan in computer system |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5568117A (en) * | 1995-11-07 | 1996-10-22 | Hsu; Kun-Shan | Combined electric pump and illuminating/alarm device |
US6155782A (en) * | 1999-02-01 | 2000-12-05 | Hsu; Chin-Tien | Portable fan |
US6447731B1 (en) * | 2000-06-28 | 2002-09-10 | Shin-Ching Sun | Cleaning device |
-
2002
- 2002-10-30 US US10/285,368 patent/US20030231958A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-10-31 WO PCT/US2002/035276 patent/WO2003038279A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6072696A (en) * | 1996-11-01 | 2000-06-06 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Electronic apparatus with ventilation structure |
US6104607A (en) * | 1997-03-03 | 2000-08-15 | Inclose Design, Inc. | Cooling fan for PC card slot |
US6665163B2 (en) * | 2000-03-01 | 2003-12-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method for controlling fan in computer system |
US20030192112A1 (en) * | 2002-03-08 | 2003-10-16 | Derrick Ware | Bowl ventilation apparatus with proximity sensor |
US6560099B1 (en) * | 2002-07-10 | 2003-05-06 | Cheng-Chun Chang | Double interface external box for a computer |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050128698A1 (en) * | 2003-12-10 | 2005-06-16 | Huang Cheng Y. | Cooling fan |
CN100573415C (en) * | 2005-06-10 | 2009-12-23 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Heat sink device for electronic equipment and method |
US20120031582A1 (en) * | 2010-08-04 | 2012-02-09 | Robert Sullivan | Personal Cooling Device |
US10398798B2 (en) * | 2016-01-05 | 2019-09-03 | Alfred Esses | Air freshener with fan |
US20170198703A1 (en) * | 2016-01-13 | 2017-07-13 | Jeff Leitman | Fan Powered by Mobile Device |
USD881371S1 (en) | 2019-12-12 | 2020-04-14 | E. Mishan & Sons, Inc. | Folding stand fan |
USD884146S1 (en) | 2019-12-12 | 2020-05-12 | E. Mishan & Sons, Inc. | Folding stand fan |
US11378100B2 (en) | 2020-11-30 | 2022-07-05 | E. Mishan & Sons, Inc. | Oscillating portable fan with removable grille |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2003038279A1 (en) | 2003-05-08 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ACCO BRANDS, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MURRAY, WILLIAM R.;MERREM, RALPH;REEL/FRAME:014450/0006;SIGNING DATES FROM 20040225 TO 20040316 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |