GB2467307A

GB2467307A - Device for producing an air current and light

Info

Publication number: GB2467307A
Application number: GB0901311A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Anthony Davison; Lesley Davison
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-01-27
Filing date: 2009-01-27
Publication date: 2010-08-04
Also published as: WO2010086595A2; GB0901311D0; WO2010086595A3

Abstract

A device 30 for generating a current of air and providing illumination comprises a housing 12 having a compartment for a rechargeable battery 39, a fan 32 within the housing electrically connectable to the battery 39 via a user operable switch (35, figure 8) mounted on or in the housing 12, for providing the current of air when so connected, an air inlet 14 and an air outlet 36 in the housing, each in fluid communication with the fan 32, the device being operable such that the current of air flows into the inlet, and out of the outlet via the fan 32. The device further comprises one or more light emitters, eg LEDs 38, which are powerable by the battery and operable by the same switch or a further switch. The device may be attached to hand or power tools, eg for blowing away debris and/or illumination when cutting, or for producing a current of air in a baby's cot or crib. The device may be an insert (120, fig.26) for a child's toy (200) in which the LEDs change colour and intensity while the current of air helps the infant sleep more easily.

Description

A fan and light device This invention relates to a device for producing an air current as well as light, in particular but exclusively for applications including blowing away debris when cutting and/or illuminating the cutting area, or for producing a current of air in a baby's cot or crib and/or illuminating the baby or its surroundings.

A device for blowing away debris while cutting with a hand saw has been disclosed in CA 431595. The device illustrated in this document is mains powered and cumbersome.

Another device is shown in US 5791763, wherein a fan or light can be attached to a separate battery pack. Embodiments of the invention aim to address the shortcomings of the above mentioned devices.

According to the present invention there is provided a device for generating a current of air comprising a housing, a compartment in the housing suitable for an electrical energy store, a fan substantially within the housing electrically connectable to said store via a user operable switch mounted on or in S..

the housing, for providing the current of air when so connected, an air inlet and an air outlet in the housing, each in fluid communication with said fan, the device *..: being operable such that the current of air flows into the inlet, and out of the outlet via the fan, the device further comprising one or more light emitters powerable by said store and operable by said switch or a further switch.

Preferably said switch is operable to electrically connect the fan only to the store, and/or the light emitter(s) only to the store, and/or both the fan and emitter(s) to the store.

In an embodiment the housing is cylindrical, having first and second ends.

Preferably the air outlet is located substantially at the first end of the cylinder.

Preferably the air inlet is located substantially at the second end of the cylinder.

Alternatively the air inlet is located substantially in the cylinder at an area intermediate the first end of the cylinder and the second end of the cylinder.

Preferably the air outlet is in the form of one or more orifices and the or each light emitter are located adjacent the or each orifice.

In an embodiment, the or each light emitter, when electrically connected to the store, is arranged to produce visual effects including any one or more of light pulsing, changing colour, changing amplitude, or a combination of such effects.

Preferably the or each light emitter comprises plurality of light emitters which act in concert, for example by said pulsing, changing colour, changing amplitude or combinations of such effects, in series or together. ***.

Preferably the or each light emitter is an LED.

In an embodiment the device includes a socket for accepting an external electrical supply.

The invention extends to a child's toy for producing an air current, and including one or more light emitters.

Preferably said toy includes a device as mentioned in the paragraphs above, for producing said air current and light.

Preferably the or each light emitter of the device, when used with said toy includes a light diffuser.

Preferably said device when used with said toy includes an air filter.

The invention can be put into effect in numerous ways, examples only being shown in the drawings, wherein: Figures 1, 2 and 7 show respectively three different embodiments of a device for producing light and an air current; Figures 3 to 6 and 8 and 9 show views or sections of the above embodiments; Figures 10 to 15 show mounting devices for use with the embodiments mentioned above; Figures 16, 17 and 22 show respectively three different embodiments of a device each for producing light and a current of air and each being usable with a toy or the like; S. Figures 20,21,23,24 and 25 show views or sections of the embodiments shown in Figures 16, 17 and 22; *SSs S..... Figure 26 shows the device shown in Figure 22 in use; Figures 27 and 28 show different views of a bracket for use with the *..: device shown in Figure 22; and Figure 29 shows a front view of a toy including the device shown in Figure 22.

Figure 1 shows a device 10 for generating a current of air and for producing light. Generally, the device 10 includes a housing 12, an air inlet 14, in this case two arcuate air outlet orifices 16, and an LED 18. Within the housing 12 is an electrical energy store in the form of a re-chargeable battery (not shown) and a fan (not shown) for producing an air current electrically connectable to the energy store. When the energy store is connected to the fan a current of air is drawn into the inlet 14 and expelled from the outlets 16, in this case in a generally conical manner as defined by the boundaries C. The shape of the air current discharged from the outlets 16 is dictated by their shape. In addition, the LED emits light in a generally diverging beam substantially along the same path as the air current within the boundaries C. Figure 2 shows a device 20 similar in construction to the device shown in Figure 1, wherein like parts have like reference numerals. This embodiment differs from the device 10 in that two LEDs 28 are provided to provide substantially more light, and an outlet 26 is provided in the form of a s'it to provide a current of air having boundaries C' which is less divergent than the current of air shown in Figure 1.

*.1 5 Figure 3 shows a view in the direction of arrow A which is common to the devices 10 and 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2 respectively. In Figure 3 a four S...

position switch 15 is illustrated which can be used to connect the electrical store within the housings 12 to the LEDs 18, 28 only, to produce a current of air only *.. to provide light and a current of air, or to isolate the energy store from the LED or fan unit. Thus, the devices 10 and 20 can be used as a conventional torch, to produce a current of air only, or to produce a current of air in combination with illumination Figure 7 shows a third embodiment 30 of the invention which is similar in construction to the devices 10 and 20 illustrated above, wherein like parts have like reference numerals. In this embodiment the cylindrical housing 12 includes a knurled section 33 to aid gripping of the housing, a raised flange 31 on the cylindrical housing 12 to aid mounting of the device 30, and a shroud 37 at the front end of the device 30 to protect LEDs, described in more detail below.

Figure 8 shows a view in the direction of arrow A in Figure 7. A three-position switch 35 is illustrated. An enlarged view of the switch positions is shown in Figure 9, wherein the switch has an OFF position, an ON position, in which light only is emitted from the device, and a third position (BLOW) in which light and an air current is emitted from the device.

Figure 4 shows a section on the plane lV-IV in Figure 7, showing the components of the device 30 within the housing 12. Adjacent the inlet 14 is, in this case, an axial fan unit 32 which includes an axial fan and a motor for producing an air current towards an outlet orifice 36 in the form of a slit and for producing an output air current within the boundaries C" shown. Shown also in this Figure are illuminating LEDs 38. The housing 12 includes a battery compartment housing batteries 39 or powering the fan unit 32 and LEDs 38.

S....' Figure 5 shows a section in the plane B-B shown in Figure 4. A series of six LEDs 38 (only one of which is referenced) is illustrated spaced around outlet 36. The outlet 36 is in the form of a slit for producing a generally lineally shaped air current.

Figure 6 shows a section on the plane A-A in Figure 4. In this embodiment four batteries 39 are used (only one of which is referenced) within the housing 12.

The devices 10, 20 and 30 are intended to be used where there is a need to provide both a current of air and illumination, for example when an user is cutting wood and needs to follow a pre-determined cutting line, or in other instances where debris needs to be cleared and illumination is needed at the same time. Thus there will be a need to mount the devices 10, 20 or 30 during at least some intended uses of the devices.

Figures 10 to 15 show a device mounting kit which can be used to mount the devices to other articles.

Figure 10 shows a universal mounting ring 50 which includes a ring section 52 having an internal diameter 54 which is a snug fit over the housing 12, such that the housing 12 of the device 10, 20 or 30 is held in the ring section 52 when the ring section 52 is assembled over the housing 12. In a modification not shown, a housing 12 may include a reduced diameter portion adjacent the inlet 14 so that the ring section 52 cannot inadvertently block the inlet 14. The mounting ring 50 includes a swivel portion 56 which can rotate about an axis *..1 5 perpendicular to the axis of the ring section 52. The swivel portion 56 includes a wedge-shaped element 58. The wedge-shaped element 58 is attachable to a *S..

number of further mounting parts described below.

Figure 11 shows a section on the plane Xl-Xl shown in Figure 10. In *... Figure lithe wedge-shaped portion 58 is clearly visible.

Figure 13 shows a wedge-receiving element 51 which can be used to receive the wedge element 58. The element 51 is attachable to various parts which in turn can be used to attach the mounting ring 50 to various articles. In Figure 12 the element 51 is attached to a peg 60. The peg 60 includes sprung jaws 62 for mounting the devices 10, 20 and 30 to articles such as hand tools and power tools.

Figure 14 shows the element 51 connected to a clip 70. The clip 70 includes a slot 72 which is fittable over a hand saw blade 74 or the like, so that the device 10, 20 or 30 can be used whilst sawing, to blow away sawdust and the like.

Figure 15 shows the element 51 attached to a suction cup 80. The suction cup 80 can be pressed against a smooth surface 84 so that the device 10, 20 or 30 can be mounted to a smooth surface such as a pane of glass or the like.

The combination of the light and blower device 10, 20, 30 together with a universal mounting kit shown in Figures 10 to 15 provides a versatile tool which can be used in numerous ways. The mountain parts could be supplied separately of course. Flange 31 inhibits the movement of the housing 12 when *:::: mounted to the mounting ring 50. S...

The devices and ancillary parts illustrated in Figures 1 to 15 and described above may be modified. For example, the shape of the housing 12 S...

may be other than cylindrical. Although an inlet 14 is shown on the circular portion of the cylindrical housing, such an inlet may be positioned at one end of the housing. LEDs have been described, although other light producing elements could be used. For example filament bulbs could be employed. The shapes of the outlets 16, 26 and 36 are illustrative only. Other outlet shapes could be employed. In a modification, not shown, an adjustable orifice may be provided as an outlet. In order to provide such an adjustable orifice, an apertured disc may be rotatable relative to the orifice of the outlets, 16, 26 or 36 such that in one position the aperture of a disc and the respective orifices will align, but in another position the aperture and the orifices will be misaligned so that the cross-sectional area of the orifice is adjustably reduced to increase the velocity of air through the orifice but to reduce the area of the air current.

Figure 16 shows an insert 100 for use in a child's toy or the like for producing a current of air and light. The device 100 in this case in the form of an insert is similar in construction to the devices 10, 20 and 30 described above.

The insert 100 includes a cylindrical housing 102, an air intake 104, a pair of arcuate air outlets 106 and, in this case, five LED illuminators 108, only one of which has been referenced.

Figure 17 shows a device in the form of an insert 110 similar in construction to the insert 100 described above, wherein like parts have like reference numerals. The insert 110 differs from the insert 100 in that the insert includes an air outlet orifice 116 in the form of a slit and four LEDs 118, only one of which has been referenced, around the slit 116.

Figure 18 shows a view in the direction of arrow B which view is common * I S...

to both inserts 100 and 110. A further air intake 104 is provided at the end of the insert 100, 110. Additionally a four-position switch 115 is provided which *:*. operates in the same manner as the switch 15 described above.

Figure 22 shows a further device in the form of an insert 120 which is similar in construction to the inserts 100 and 110 described above. The insert includes a cylindrical body 102, a shroud 127 and a raised flange 121.

Referring additionally to Figures 23 and 24, Figure 23 shows a view in the direction of arrow B in Figure 22 illustrating the air current outlet orifice 126, and an array of six LEDs 128, only one of which has been referenced. The outlet 126 and LEDs 128 are protected by a shroud 127. In Figure 24 an air inlet 124 is illustrated. The inlet 124 is located only at one end of the housing 102. A recharging socket 129 is provided at one end of the housing. A three-position switch 125 is illustrated. The switch positions are shown in Figure 25, where the switch has an OFF position, a fan only position or a light and fan position. A four position switch similar in operation to switch 15 could be used instead.

Figure 19 shows a section through the insert 120 on the plane IXX-IXX.

The housing 102 includes a fan unit 122 comprising a motor and fan which sucks air from the inlet 124 and directs it to the outlet orifice 126 in the direction of the arrows shown. The outlet is arranged to produce a line of air having boundaries approximately at the lines C". The housing 102 includes also a lithium ion re-chargeable battery 130 which can be re-charged using the charger socket 129. LEDs 128 are mounted within the shroud 127 to protect them. This view shows an optional air filter 131, which includes a particulate filter and an activated carbon filter to improve air quality. The filter, if used is replaceable. *. .s

Figure 20 shows a view in the direction of arrow B in Figure 19. The arrangement shown in Figure 20 is the same as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 21 shows a view in the direction of arrow A in Figure 19 and the arrangement shown is the same as that shown in Figure 24.

*..: Figure 26 shows a child's toy 200 having an insert 120 located approximately centrally of the toy 200. The insert 120 is operable as described above and may produce a current of air C and/or light L. The insert 120 is held in position by a mounting bracket 150 which includes an arm 156 attached to a peg 160 having jaws 162 for clamping the peg to a child's cot or the like, and thereby mounting the child's toy 200 adjustably.

Figures 26 and 27 show two views of the mounting 150. The mounting includes a mounting ring 152 having an internal diameter 154 which is a snug fit around the outer circumference of the insert 120 to hold the insert 120 when assembled. The arm 156, shown connected to a peg 160 in Figure 26 may be connected to other securing means, for example a suction cup similar to the cup 80 shown in Figure 15 or a further clip or the like. The mounting 150, peg 160 and further components may be sold as a kit for universal and adjustable mounting of the insert and toy to various articles.

Figure 29 shows a view of the toy 200 in the direction of arrow A shown in Figure 26. This view shows the outlet 126 in the form of a slit, although other aperture shapes could be employed and six LEDs 128, only one of which has been referenced. In this embodiment LEDs 128 are able to 1 5 illuminate constantly, or vary their intensity. Additionally, the six LEDs 128 have different colours and it is intended that dual, or multi-coloured LEDs are *::::* employed with an electrical, circuit which causes the LEDs to periodically change colour. These changes or variations of light intensity and colour provide a soothing pattern of light for a baby or an infant to aid sleep. The current of air (shown in Figure 26) emitted from outlet orifice 126 can be directed in the general direction of the baby/infant. This current of air is intended to help the baby/infant breath more easily and may reduce the incidence of so-called cot death" or related breathing problems.

The devices, 100, 110 and 120 may be modified. In particular, the shape of the devices may be changed to suit the toy into which they are inserted.

Moreover, although they have been described as an "insert", it is possible that these inserts are integral with or form part of the toy 200 such that they are not insertable or readily insertable. The devices 100, 110, 120 will in practice be larger than the devices 10, 20 and 30. Devices 100, 110 and 120 will be in the order of 40mm in diameter. Devices 100, 110 and 120 may have the same modifications as those described above with reference to Figures 1 to 15. *I*. * * . ** * ** ** * . S...

S * S *.S. * S S... S. S * .. * *.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for generating a current of air comprising a housing, a compartment in the housing suitable for an electrical energy store, a fan substantially within the housing electrically connectable to said store via a user operable switch mounted on or in the housing, for providing the current of air when so connected, an air inlet and an air outlet in the housing, each in fluid communication with said fan, the device being operable such that the current of air flows into the inlet, and out of the outlet via the fan, the device further comprising one or more light emitters powerable by said store and operable by said switch or a further switch.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switch is operable to electrically connect the fan only to the store, and/or the light emitter(s) only to the store, and/or both the fan and emitter(s) to the store.
3. A device as claimed in claim I or 2, wherein the housing is cylindrical, having first and second ends.

:
4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the air outlet is located * S *S*.substantially at the first end of the cylinder.
5. A device as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the air inlet is located *:. substantially at the second end of the cylinder.
6. A device as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the air inlet is located substantially in the cylinder at an area intermediate the first end of the cylinder and the second end of the cylinder.
7. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the air outlet is in the form of one or more orifices and the or each light emitter are located adjacent the or each orifice.
8. A device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein the or each light emitter, when electrically connected to the store, is arranged to produce visual effects including any one or more of light pulsing, changing colour, changing amplitude, or a combination of such effects.
9. A device as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the or each light emitter comprises plurality of light emitters which act in concert, for example by said pulsing, changing colour, changing amplitude or combinations of such effects, in series or together.
10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each light emitter is an LED.
11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device includes a socket for accepting an external electrical supply. 1 *.
12. A child's toy for producing an air current, and including one or more light S. emitters.
13. A child's toy as claimed in claim 12, further including a device as claimed ***.in any one of the claims ito 11, for producing said air current and for emitting light.
14. A child's toy as claimed in claim 13, wherein said device is in the form of an insert, insertable into said toy.
15. A child's toy as claimed in claim 14, wherein the or each light emitter of the device, when used with said toy includes a light diffuser.
16. A child's toy as claimed in claim 13, wherein said device, when used with said toy, includes an air filter. Preferably said device when used with said toy includes an air filter.
17. A device, child's toy or insert substantially as described herein, with reference to the drawings. **S. * * . ** * S... * S S...SS..... * . **S. * S S... * ..S * ..S * I S S.