APPARATUS FOR BLOWING AIR

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The subject matter in general relates to blowing air using blades, for example, ceiling fan. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to shank less blade for blowing air.
BACKGROUND
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] In ceiling fans, blades are attached to a motor to rotate at relatively high speeds to circulate air into/from a room or a confined space. Referring to FIGs. 1A and 1B, a conventional blade 10 comprises a main blade 1 and a shank 3. One end of the shank 3 is attached to the main blade 1 using rivets 4 and damping washers 2 and the other end of the shank 3 is attached to the motor (not shown) using rivets 4 and damping washers 2. As seen from the FIGs. 1A and 1B, the existing shanks 3 are structurally narrow, causing them to fail frequently due to the load action.
[004] Further, assembly of the conventional blades are cumbersome due to mounting of shank on the blade and then mounting the shank with blade on the motor.
[005] Furthermore, the conventional blades 10 are designed such that, the rivets 4 used to connect the main blade 1 to the shank 3 are exposed. Thus the rivets 4 are prone to rusting, thereby needing replacement from time to time. Aesthetically too, exposed rivets are an eye sore to the user.
[006] Additionally, the use of rivets, damping washers and shank alike, increases the manufacturing cost of the blades. Increase in the number of parts also means increased manufacturing time.
[007] There is need in the art to eliminate the shank from the blade unit without compromising with strength of the blade.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[008] In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the state of the art, some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[009] It is an object of the present disclosure to propose an apparatus for blowing air, for example, ceiling fan.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a blade without shank for improved strength.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a blade with no rivets or no visible screws and the one that is aesthetically appealing.
[0012] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a blade that is rust free.
[0013] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a blade that is cost effective by reducing the number of parts, thereby also reducing the cycle time.
[0014] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a blade that can be directly attached to the motor without the need for a shank.
[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.

SUMMARY
[0016] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a blade of a ceiling fan. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0017] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for blowing air, for example, ceiling fan. The apparatus comprises a central hub configured to house a motor, a plurality of blades comprising a root end and a tip end, and a reinforcement configured to connect the blade to the central hub. The motor is configured to operate the apparatus. The root end of the blade defines a groove along both edges, wherein the groove extends to a predetermined distance along the length of the blade. The reinforcement comprises a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the reinforcement slots into the groove defined by the blade, such that the combination of the blade and the reinforcement has a smooth and uninterrupted outer surface.
[0018] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present subject matter, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural and other elements, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a blade as used in the prior art;
[0021] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the blade as used in the prior art;
[0022] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an apparatus for blowing air, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a blade and reinforcement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a side view of the blade illustrate C-type structured channel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an assembled blade and reinforcement 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0027] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “consisting” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0029] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0031] An apparatus 100 for blowing air is discussed as applied to a ceiling fan, although those skilled in this art will understand that the principles disclosed are in no way limiting the apparatus 100 to the ceiling fan and that the apparatus 100 is equally applicable to machines where there is a need to attach a blade to a motor without using a conventional shank.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, disclosed is an apparatus 100 for blowing air, in accordance with an embodiment. The apparatus 100 is a ceiling fan 100 used for blowing air within a room or a confined space. The apparatus 100 comprises a central hub 102 and a plurality of blades 104 and a reinforcement 106. The reinforcement 106 is provided in between a blade 104 and the central hub 102 to reinforce mounting of the blade 104 with the central hub 102. The reinforcement 106 can be made of a material, such as plastic, composite.
[0033] The central hub 102 is configured to house a motor (not shown), wherein the motor is used to operate the ceiling fan 100.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, disclosed is an exploded view of the blade 104 and the reinforcement 106, in accordance with an embodiment. The blade 104 may define a root end 202 and a tip end 204. The root end 202 of the blade 104 may define a plurality of holes 214 that are in-line with the plurality of holes 214a on the reinforcement 106.
[0035] The root end 202 of the blade 104 may define a channel 206 along edges 208 define along width of the blade 104. The channel 206 may extend to a predetermined distance along the length of the blade 104. Further, the channel 206 is C-type structure formed by bending the edges 208 of the blade 104. The C-type structure of the channel 206 comprises surface of the blade 104, vertical wall 206b and a flange 206a. The vertical wall 206b extends perpendicularly away from the surface of the blade 104 and the flange 206a bents perpendicularly and extends toward center (inward direction) of the blade 104. The channel (206) comprises a distal end 206x and a proximal end 206y. At proximal end 206y, the channel 206 defines a vertical gap ‘H’ between the upper flange 206a and surface of the blade 104 to receive the reinforcement 106. Further, the vertical gap ‘H’ narrow downs toward the distal end 206x. The width of the reinforcement 106 corresponds to the vertical gap ‘H’ of the channel 206.
[0036] In an embodiment, the predetermined distance to which the channel 206 may extend be till the midsection of the blade 104.
[0037] In an embodiment, the channel 206 tapers as it moves away from the root end 202 of the blade 104. Further, width ‘z’ of the flange 206a of the channel 206 narrows down along the length and merges into the edges 208 of the blade 104. Similarly, the vertical gap ‘H’ also narrow downs along the length and merges with surface of the blade 104.
[0038] The reinforcement 106 defines a distal end 210 and a proximal end 212. The distal end 210 of the reinforcement 106 may define a plurality of holes 214a for connecting the reinforcement 106 to the blade 104 and the central hub 102 alike. The distal end 210 defines a width ‘w’ (not shown) and the proximal end 212 defines a width ‘W’ (not shown) where width of the proximal end 212 is more than width of the distal end 210. The proximal end 212 tapers down toward the distal end 210.
[0039] The reinforcement 106 slides into the channel 206 defined by the blade 104. When the reinforcement 106 is slid into the channel 206, the plurality of holes 214a defined by the reinforcement 106 and the plurality of holes 214 defined by the blade 104 aligns. A fastening means (not shown), such as a screw or nut and bolt is used to tighten the reinforcement 106 with the blade to the hub 102. The reinforcement 106 also defines tapered profile that matches with tapered shape of the channel 206. The channel 206 facilitates sliding of the reinforcement 206.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, the reinforcement 106 and blade assembly 104 forms a smooth and uninterrupted outer surface 302. The fastening means connects the blade 104 with the reinforcement 106 to the central hub 102. Further, the central hub 102 is covered by a cover that hides mounting of the central hub 102 with the blade 104 and it is not visible on the outer surface 302 of the blade 104. The reinforcement 106 provides support and strength to the blade 104 when mounted on the central hub. The reinforcement 106 and the blade 104 forms a single structure, eliminating the use of shank 3 (shown in FIG. 1B) in the blade assembly and making it more durable with improved strength.
[0041] Further, since the fastening means is covered by the cover of the central hub 102 and not exposed, the fastening means are resistant to rusting.
[0042] In an embodiment, the reinforcement 106 may be made of polymer, wood or metal.
[0043] In another embodiment, the reinforcement 106 and blade 104 assembly may be made of a combination of polymer, wood or metal.
[0044] In an embodiment, the root end 202 of the blade 104 has a greater width span than the tip end 204 of the blade 104.
[0045] In an embodiment, the blade 104 has a twist running from the root end 202 to the tip end 204. The twist angle of the blade may be in the range of 1-10 degrees.
[0046] In an embodiment, the blade 104 is thicker at the centre and tapers off towards the edges 208 of the blade 104.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[0047] The present disclosure proposes an apparatus for blowing air.
[0048] The present disclosure proposes a blade without shank with improved strength.
[0049] The present disclosure proposes a blade with no rivets or visible screws and is aesthetically appealing. The present disclosure proposes a blade that is rust free.
[0050] The present disclosure proposes a blade that is cost effective by reducing the number of parts, thereby also reducing the cycle time. The present disclosure proposes a blade that can be directly attached to the motor without the need for a shank.
[0051] Furthermore, each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0052] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0053] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0054] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0055] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

We claim:

1. An apparatus (100) for blowing air, the apparatus (100) comprising:
a central hub (102) configured to house a motor, wherein the motor is configured to operate the apparatus (100); and
a plurality of blades (104) comprising a root end (202) and a tip end (204), wherein the root end (202) of the blade (104) defines a channel (206) along both edges (208), wherein the channel (206) extends to a predetermined distance along the length of the blade (104); and
a reinforcement (106) configured to connect the blade (104) to the central hub (102), wherein the reinforcement (106) comprises a distal end (210) and a proximal end (212); and
the distal end (210) of the reinforcement (106) slides into the channel (206) defined by the blade (104), such that the combination of the blade (104) and the reinforcement (106) has a smooth and uninterrupted outer surface (302).

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel (206) defines C-type, conical, triangular, square and rectangular structure.

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel (206) comprises a distal end (206a) and a proximal end (206b), the proximal end (206b) defines a vertical gap (H), where the vertical gap (H) is more than width (W) of the proximal end (212) of the reinforcement (106).

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the root end (202) of the blade (104) has a greater width span than the tip end (204).

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blade (104) has a twist running from the root end (202) to the tip end (204).

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the twist in the blade (104) is in the range of 1-10 degrees.

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proximal end (212) of the reinforcement (106) defines a plurality of holes (214a) and the root end (202) of the blade (104) defines a plurality of holes (214) that are in-line with the plurality of holes (214a) of the reinforcement (106) for connecting the blade (104) with the reinforcement (106) to the central hub (102).

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein a fastening means is configured to pass through the inline the plurality of holes (214a, 214) to connect the reinforcement (106) and the blade (104) to the central hub (102) and a cover is provided to cover mounting of the blade (104) with the reinforcement (106) is covered and not visible on the outer surface (302).

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcement (106) is made of polymer or wood.

10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blade (104) is made of metal or polymer.