Low-profile, ceiling-mounted fan

• US 8,864,447 B1
• Filed: 07/01/2011
• Issued: 10/21/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sharon K. Humphrey
• Original Assignee: Sharon K. Humphrey
• Inventors: Humphrey, Sharon K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Look, Edward
• Assistant Examiner(s): BROCKMAN, ELDON T
• Application Number:
  US13/175,076
• Time in Patent Office: 1,208 Days
• Field of Search: 415/53.1, 415/206, 623/00, 700/276, 392/356
• US Class Current: 415/118
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 17/04 of transverse-flow type
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 25/088 Ceiling fans
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2221/02 combined with lighting fixtures
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2221/14 mounted on the ceiling
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 7/007 with forced flow using ducting systems F24F7/06

Abstract

A low-profile ceiling fan which utilizes a fan assembly in a horizontal configuration is herein disclosed. The fan includes an enclosure that mounts to the ceiling. The fan has a low-profile design for low ceilings as commonly found in basements, attics, patio enclosures, mobile homes, recreational vehicles and similar locations. The fan enclosure includes at least one fluorescent lamp mounted alongside the fan. Accessories such as heaters, security cameras, a remote control, and the like are available. The fan includes a heating element and a blower to distribute heated air.

Claims

1. A low-profile ceiling-mounted fan comprising:

a mounting tray mountable to a mounting surface;

a component tray fastenable to said mounting tray;

a cover having an air inlet and air outlet attached to said component tray defining an interior chamber;

a fan device attached to said component tray within said interior chamber;

at least one lamp connected to said component tray;

a control panel in electrical communication with said fan device and said lamp; and

,

electrical circuitry supplying power to said fan device, said lamp, and said control panel;

whereby said fan device causes air to pass into said interior chamber through said air inlet and to pass out from said interior chamber through said air outlet.

2. The fan of claim 1, wherein said fan device further comprises:

an elongated cylindrical blower having a plurality air directing fins for drawing air in though said air inlet and forcing air out through said air outlet;

a motor for rotating said blower along a longitudinal axis; and

,

an intake element adjacent to said blower having at least one resistance heating element for selectably heating air drawn into said interior chamber prior to entering an intake of said blower.

3. The fan of claim 2, wherein said air inlet further comprises a plurality of intake louvers disposed on said cover in front of said intake element when said cover is attached to said component tray for directing said air drawn into said interior region;

and,

said air outlet further comprises a plurality of outlet louvers disposed on said cover in front of said blower when said cover is attached to said component tray for directing air forced out from said interior region.

4. The fan of claim 3, wherein said control panel further comprises a plurality of control buttons for controlling at least a rotational speed of said blower, a temperature of said at least one heating element, and activation of said lamp.

5. The fan of claim 4, further comprising a remote control in radio communication with a receiver electrically connected to said control panel for controlling at least said rotational speed of said blower, said temperature of said heating element, and said activation of said lamp.

6. The fan of claim 5, wherein said cover further comprises:

a pair of latches disposed on opposing lateral sides for releasably attaching to said component tray; and

,

a plurality of button apertures to provide access to said plurality of control buttons from an exterior of said cover.

7. The fan of claim 6, wherein said mounting tray further comprises a generally rectangular flat back, four outwardly extending side walls, an open front, and a junction box aperture in said flat back;

wherein a cable is electrically connected to a power source and passes through said junction box aperture for electrical connection to sad electrical circuitry.

8. The fan of claim 7, wherein said component tray further comprises a generally rectangular flat front, four inwardly extending side walls, and an open back suitably sized to fit within said mounting tray such that said component tray side walls are in contact with said mounting tray side walls.

9. The fan of claim 8, wherein said component tray further comprises at least one pair of sockets to electrically connect said lamp to said control panel and at least one translucent light panel disposed in front of said lamp when said cover is attached to said component tray.

10. The fan of claim 9, further comprising a video camera in electrical communication with said control panel for recording and transmitting video images to a remote observation location.

11. The fan of claim 1, wherein said fan device further comprises:

a plurality of axial fans each having a plurality air-directing radially disposed blades and a motor for rotating said blades for drawing air in though said air inlet and forcing air out through said air outlet; and

,

an intake element disposed at a lateral end of said component tray having at least one resistance heating element for selectably heating air drawn into said interior chamber prior to entering an intake of said plurality of fans.

12. The fan of claim 11, wherein said an air inlet further comprises a plurality of intake louvers disposed on a lateral side surface of said cover adjacent to said intake element when said cover is attached to said component tray for directing said air drawn into said interior region;

and,

said air outlet further comprises a plurality of outlet louvers disposed on said cover in front of said plurality of fans when said cover is attached to said component tray for directing air forced out from said interior region.

13. The fan of claim 12, wherein said control panel further comprises a plurality of control buttons for controlling at least a rotational speed of said each fan, a temperature of said at least one heating element, and activation of said lamp.

14. The fan of claim 13, further comprising a remote control in radio communication with a receiver electrically connected to said control panel for controlling at least said rotational speed of said each fan, said temperature of said heating element, and said activation of said lamp.

15. The fan of claim 14, wherein said cover further comprises:

a pair of latches disposed on opposing lateral sides for releasably attaching to said component tray; and

,

a plurality of button apertures to provide access to said plurality of control buttons from an exterior of said cover.

16. The fan of claim 15, wherein said mounting tray further comprises a generally rectangular flat back, four outwardly extending side walls, an open front, and a junction box aperture in said flat back;

wherein a cable is electrically connected to a power source and passes through said junction box aperture for electrical connection to sad electrical circuitry.

17. The fan of claim 16, wherein said component tray further comprises a generally rectangular flat front, four inwardly extending side walls, and an open back suitably sized to fit within said mounting tray such that said component tray side walls are in contact with said mounting tray side walls.

18. The fan of claim 17, wherein said component tray further comprises at least one pair of sockets to electrically connect said lamp to said control panel and at least one translucent light panel disposed in front of said lamp when said cover is attached to said component tray.

19. The fan of claim 18, further comprising a video camera in electrical communication with said control panel for recording and transmitting video images to a remote observation location.

20. A low-profile ceiling-mounted fan comprising:

a mounting tray mountable to a mounting surface;

a component tray fastenable to said mounting tray;

a cover having an air inlet and air outlet attached to said component tray defining an interior chamber;

at least one fan attached to said component tray within said interior chamber;

at least one motor for rotating said fan;

at least one resistance heating element;

at least one lamp connected to said component tray;

a control panel for controlling at least a rotational speed of said motor, a temperature of said heating element, and activation of said lamp;

electrical circuitry supplying power to said motor, said lamp, and said control panel; and

,

a remote control in radio communication with a receiver electrically connected to said control panel;

wherein said fan causes air to pass into said interior chamber through said air inlet across said heating element prior to entering an intake of said fan and to pass out from said interior chamber through said air outlet; and

,

wherein said air is selectably heated by said heating element.