CEILING FAN THAT HAS INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS
Caxapo of the Invention The present invention relates to a ceiling fan having interchangeable components that allow altering the appearance of the fan for a particular decorative theme, by changing at least a portion of the balloon and the fan blades. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ceiling fan having a balloon illustrating a first portion of a novel configuration, and vanes that illustrate a second portion of a novel configuration, to create the appearance of an animated figure when they turn the blades around the globe. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electric ceiling fans enjoy widespread popularity as a means to improve the efficiency of heating and air conditioning systems, both in residential and commercial establishments. The fans provide additional air circulation, contribute to the interior decoration of the room, and may include light fixtures that provide additional lighting in the room. Since a ceiling fan becomes part of the interior decoration of a room, typically the fan style is selected to match the interior decoration of the room in which the fan is installed. However, it is not uncommon for consumers to want to change the overall decoration of a room long before the ceiling fan is worn. However, when changing the interior decoration of a room, the inconsistency between the existing fan style and the new decoration must be accepted, or the existing fan must be replaced in its entirety. In addition, consumers often only want a temporary change in the interior decoration of a room. One of the most common examples of a temporary decoration theme is a child's room. As is well known, children especially enjoy subjects that include animated novel characters and in the form of caricature, which nurture their imagination. Although many ceiling fans are currently available that are specifically designed to reflect the special interests of children, the style of these fans quickly becomes obsolete as the child matures. This may also be true for other rooms in a house, such as a game room or a recreation room. Other examples of temporary decoration themes include birthdays, holidays, or other special events that may involve providing the ceiling fan with additional external decorations consistent with the theme of the event. However, these decorations can become dangerous when entangled with the fan. Moreover, none of the currently available ceiling fans provide a means to utilize the movement of the blades of a ceiling fan to create the unique appearance of an animated figure without adding potentially hazardous external decorations to the fan. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide easily removable and replaceable components for a ceiling fan, which allow a temporary alteration in the overall appearance of the fan. It is particularly desirable to provide a ceiling fan having components that are configured to illustrate animated novel characters or in the form of a caricature. It is also desirable to provide replacement components for a ceiling fan in a case format, which can be purchased as an accessory to temporarily alter the overall fan style. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other goals are met by the ceiling fan of the present invention, which includes components or accessory parts for an existing installed ceiling fan., which are easily removed and replaced by a consumer, in order to alter the appearance or overall style of the fan. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ceiling fan of the present invention includes a decorative balloon illustrating a first portion of a novel configuration, and a plurality of fan blades having decorations illustrating a second portion of the novel configuration. The first and second portions of the novel configuration cooperate when the vanes rotate around the globe to create the appearance of a novel animated figure. As used herein, the term "novel figure" is intended to include animals or human beings, caricature characters, or any other imaginary or novel figures that may be illustrated in an animated form. The novel configuration of the ceiling fan of the present invention may also be a novel scene, which may include a combination of inanimate objects and animated people and animals, or other imaginary or caricature characters. The decorative balloon may be a separate balloon having the first portion of the novel configuration applied to the surface of the balloon, or the balloon may include a three-dimensional characterization of the first portion of the novel configuration. Alternatively, the decorative balloon can also be in the form of a cover, which can be mounted on an existing balloon to convert the existing balloon into a balloon having a first portion of the novel configuration. The decorative balloon can be transparent or translucent, and is preferably made of glass, plastic, or any other inexpensive material. The balloon is configured to be easily replaced by a consumer, in such a way that it is feasible for a consumer to acquire multiple interchangeable balloons having a variety of configurations and external appearances, which can be changed together with the decoration of the fan blades, for produce a variety of novel configurations. In a similar manner, the second portion of the novel configuration can be illustrated directly on the surface of the separate fan blades, or the second portion of the novel configuration can be illustrated on separate covers that are secured over the blades of a pre-existing fan. In another embodiment, the first and second portions of the novel configuration may be in the form of decals or applications, which may be affixed to the surfaces of the balloon and the fan blades. The decorative balloon and the fan blades forming the first and second portions of the novel configuration can be provided as original components of a novel ceiling fan in accordance with the pre-invention invention. In an alternative embodiment, the balloon and the blades can be provided as replacement components for an existing traditional ceiling fan. The balloon and replacement blades can be provided in the form of an accessory case to convert the appearance of an existing traditional ceiling fan into a novel ceiling fan that creates the appearance of an animated figure, or to change the fan of a new configuration to another. In addition to the balloon and the decorative blades, the novel ceiling fan of the present invention generally includes at least one motor, a canopy, and a fastener for mounting the fan to a ceiling, a downward rod, a switch mechanism for controlling the operation of the fan, and a fastener or similar mechanism to attach the decorative balloon to the fan. Preferably, the ceiling fan of the present invention also includes a source of ambient light disposed in or in close proximity to the decorative globe. Optionally, the ceiling fan can also include a night light source having a lower intensity than that of the ambient light source. In another modality, the decorative globe has an external globe and an internal globe that is detachably interconnected to the fan motor, and is arranged inside the outer decorative globe. The inner balloon protrudes through an opening in the lowermost edge of the outer globe. In this embodiment of the ceiling fan of the present invention, the first portion of the novel configuration illustrated by the decorative globe is coordinated with the second portion of the novel configuration on the fan blades, such that when the vanes rotate of the fan around the balloon during fan operation, the first and second portions of the novel configuration cooperate to create the appearance of an animated figure. Further, regardless of the manner in which the balloon or balloons of each mode are secured to the corresponding fan motor, at least a portion of the balloon that is decorated, can be easily removed from the ceiling fan to change the appearance of the decorative balloon. when it is seen by an observer placed under the ceiling fan. In a similar manner, the roof fan blades of the present invention can be easily removed and replaced with blades illustrating a portion of a different novel configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with respect to the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view in perspective that incorporates the characteristics of the ceiling fan of the present invention. Figure 2 is a top plan view of the ceiling fan shown in Figure 1. Figure 2A is an alternative embodiment of the ceiling fan shown in Figure 1, illustrating a fan blade cover secured to the top of the ceiling fan. fan blade. Figure 3 is a bottom view of the ceiling fan shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a side elevational view, in partial section, illustrating a balloon of the present invention, removably mounted on a mounting fastener. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the ceiling fan shown in Figure 4, with the decorative balloon removed. Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the ceiling fan shown in Figure 5, with the decorative balloon removed, and the fan blades partially cut apart. Figure 7 is a perspective view incorporating the features of a mounting fastener. Figure 8 is a partial sectional view incorporating the features of an alternative embodiment of the ceiling fan of the present invention, which includes an inner balloon and an outer balloon surrounding the inner balloon. Figure 9 is a partial sectional view incorporating the features of yet another embodiment of the ceiling fan of the present invention, having a balloon removably mounted on a fan motor assembly, with a portion of the balloon removably mounted on the rest of the balloon. Figure 10 is a top plan view of the removable portion of the balloon shown in Figure 9. Figure 11 is a partial sectional view incorporating features of another alternative embodiment of the ceiling fan of the present invention, which has a globe mounted outside to a fan motor assembly. Figure 12 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 11, which has been rotated 90 degrees. Detailed Description of the Invention In the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms thus selected, and it should be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. With reference to the drawings, in which similar numerals indicate similar parts throughout the different views, Figures 1 to 4 generally describe at 10 a representative ceiling fan incorporating the features of a novel configuration in accordance with the present invention. The ceiling fan 10 includes a conventional fan motor 12 which typically has a generally round external side wall surface 14, and generally flat upper and lower surfaces 16 and 18. The fan motor 12 includes an externally threaded stationary upper rod member, 20, which extends above the flat upper surface 16, and an externally threaded stationary lower rod member, 22, which extends below the lower surface flat 18. During operation, the outer side wall surface 14, and the upper and lower flat surfaces 16 and 18 of the fan housing 12, rotate about the upper and lower threaded rod members 20 and 22 of the fan motor 12 The ceiling fan 10 includes components for mounting the fan to a roof structure (not shown). The mounting components may be conventional mechanisms, such as a mounting plate 24, a canopy 26, a thinned down tubular rod 28 having an internally threaded lower end, and a ball member 30, or any other suitable element to ensure a Ceiling fan to a ceiling. Preferably, the mounting plate 24 includes a plurality of radially extending bolts 32 to operatively couple with an equal number of receptacles 34 formed in the upper perimeter of the canopy 26 to removably secure the canopy 26 to the mounting plate. 24. The external threads on the stationary upper rod member 20 of the fan motor 12 can be secured directly to the internal threads of the lower end of the downward tubular rod 28 without the use of additional fastening devices. As shown in Figure 4, the ball member 30 sits inside a basketball 44 formed in the canopy 26, thereby making it possible for the ceiling fan 10 to pivot slightly in relation to the canopy 26, as necessary. A groove 46 is formed on the outer periphery of the ball member 30 to receive a tooth 48 formed in the canopy 26. The tooth 48 prevents relative rotation between the ball member 30 and the canopy 26. The tooth 48 is preferably formed of a small segment of the basketball 44 that is arranged in a generally horizontal orientation. A mounting fastener 50 is removably secured to the stationary lower rod member 22 of the fan motor 12, and includes first and second radially extending flange portions 52, 54, interconnected by a generally U-shaped portion 56. The U-shaped portion 56 has a substantially flat lower surface 58, with a centrally located hole 60 formed therethrough to receive the stationary lower rod member 22. A nut plate 62 is threaded onto the lower rod member 22 , to removably secure the mounting fastener 50 to the motor 12. The flange portions 52, 54 each have generally arcuate outer lips extending upwardly 64 to engage a decorative balloon 66. The decorative balloon 66 substantially encloses at least the lower surfaces 18 and outer side wall 14 of the engine 12 when attached to the mounting bracket 50. The balloon d ecorative 66 is open at an upper end, and includes upper and lower portions 68 and 70. Upper portion 68 has a generally cylindrical side wall 72, which defines an upper opening 74, for receiving mounting bracket 50 therein. The side wall 72 can be detachably connected to the generally arcuate outer lips 64 of the flange portions 52, 54 by means of a screw, a bolt, or any other suitable joining mechanism. The lower portion 70 of the decorative balloon 66 is selectively configured and / or decorated to illustrate a first stationary portion of a novel configuration 78. The particular novel configuration 78 illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 is either the face of a bear with arms and legs, or the face of a bear and a plurality of bees, depending on which side of the fan blades can be seen by an observer placed below the ceiling fan 10. The balloon 66 illustrates a first portion of the bear that remains stationary during the operation of the ceiling fan 10. The features illustrated by the balloon 66 include, but are not limited to, a bear head 80, bear eyes 82, bear ears 84, a bear nose 86, a bear mouth 88, and bear cheeks 90. Moreover, all or previously selected portions of the characteristics of the head or face of the bear can be defined three-dimensionally by the lower portion 70 of balloon 66. The r this of the novel configuration 78 is illustrated by the decorations of the fan blades. The decorations of the blades rotate with the blades during the operation of the ceiling fan 10, to create the appearance of a novel animated configuration 78. Preferably, the decorative balloon 66 is formed of inexpensive materials and easily replaced by a consumer, in such a way that it is feasible for a consumer to use a variety of interchangeable balloons 66 having a different decorative configuration.
A plurality of fan blades 92, having first and second reversible sides 94, 96, are connected by screws, bolts, or any other suitable element, to the rotating upper surface 16 of the housing of the fan motor 12. The blades 92 can be substantially flat sections of wood or other suitable material, which must be placed at a different angle of 90 ° relative to the axis of rotation of the fan motor 12, in order to effect air movement. Each blade 92 preferably includes a second portion of a novel configuration that coordinates and cooperates with the first portion of the novel configuration 78 illustrated by the balloon 66. The decorations on each blade 92 may be provided on one or both of the first side. and the second side 96 of each blade 92. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second portion of a configuration illustrated on the blades 92, cooperates with the first portion of the novel configuration on the balloon 66, when the blades 92 rotate around the globe 66 to create the appearance of a novel animated figure during the normal operation of the ceiling fan 10. For example, in the embodiment of the present ceiling fan, shown in Figures 1 to 4, the novel configuration 78 is a bear. The balloon 66 illustrates the face of the bear, the decorations included on the first side 94 of the blades 92 are an appendix 98 that is an arm portion 100 or a leg portion 101 of the bear. When the sides 94 of the blades 92 can be seen by an observer placed below the ceiling fan 10, the decorations included on the first side 94 of the blades 92, coordinate with the decorations of the balloon 66, to complete the novel configuration 78 of the bear, which seems animated when the blades rotate 92. The second side 96 of each blade 92 may include other decorations that are coordinated with the decoration of the balloon 66, such as bumblebees 102 shown in Figure 1. When the reversible blades are installed 92 in such a way that the bees 102 can be seen from below the fan, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5, the bees 102 complete the novel configuration 78, and appear to swarm around the bear as the blades rotate around the balloon 66. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 2A, a transparent fan blade cover 200 can be secured around each blade 92 with instant fasteners. 2, to secure the overlapping portions placed on the upper side 96 of each blade 92. Due to the increasing width of a typical fan blade moving in a radially outward direction, a fan blade cover fastened around the fan blade it will remain in place against the centrifugal force created during the rotation of the fan blades by the fan motor. The opposite side of the cover 200, that is, the side disposed adjacent the bottom or downward side 94 of the corresponding blade 92, includes a decoration that coordinates with the portion of the novel configuration 78 illustrated in the balloon 66. For example, the decorations included on the visible side of the covers 200 comprise one of the arm 100 or leg portion 101 of the bear, or one or more of the bees 102 when the balloon 66 illustrates the face of the bear. When a change in the theme and / or reason for a special event is desired, the balloon and / or decoration can be changed on the fan blades, to coordinate with one another, and with the surrounding environment. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, selected elements of the ceiling fan 10 can be provided in a case of interchangeable components, to convert a ceiling fan illustrating a novel configuration 78, into a ceiling fan illustrating another novel configuration 78. In an alternative way, the interchangeable parts case can be used to convert a traditional ceiling fan into a ceiling fan illustrating a novel configuration 78. The interchangeable parts can include the decorative globe 66 and the plurality of blades 92. Alternatively, the Blade covers 200 of the fan can be used in combination with an interchangeable balloon 66. The balloon can be changed by removing the two screws or bolts used to secure the balloon to the arched lips 64 of the flanges 52, 54. The existing balloon is removed , and it is replaced with a new balloon, reattaching the screws to the arched lips 64 of the balloon. Existing covers can be removed by instantaneous mismatching, and removing the covers. The new blade covers are folded around the blades 92, and placed as close to the radially inner end of the blades 92 as possible, and secured in place by instant fasteners or any other suitable fasteners. The blade covers 200 are then manually slid in a radially outward direction, until the blade width has increased enough to engage with, and hold the blade covers in place against the radially outward forces encountered during rotation of the fan blades. The optional fan blade covers 200 may also be used in conjunction with any of the alternative embodiments of the decorative balloon, and each of the alternative embodiments of the balloons of the present invention may be used in a case in conjunction with the blades. of decorated fan or fan blade covers 200 of the present invention. The ceiling fan 10 is provided with an electrical switch mechanism 104, which selectively controls the operation of the fan motor 12. The switch mechanism 104 includes a switch housing 106 connected to the flat bottom surface 58 of the U-shaped portion 56 of the mounting fastener 50. The switch housing 106 contains a fan speed switch 108, and has a rotary direction switch of the fan 110, both electrically connected to the fan motor 12 for controlling the in a selective manner the speed and direction, respectively, of the motor 12, and therefore, of the blades of the fan 92. The speed switch 108 of the fan can be operated selectively by a pull string 112, and the direction switch rotation of the fan can be selectively operated by a button (not shown) extending through the Locking switch 106. Switches 108 and 110 are shown primarily by way of example, and can be replaced by any suitable switch mechanism. When attached to the mounting bracket 50, the decorative balloon 66 substantially encloses the housing of the switch 106.
Preferably, the novel ceiling fan 10 also includes an ambient light source 114 and a night light source 116. The ambient light source 114, having a first light intensity, is typically one or more light bulbs 118 operatively connected in the light bulb sockets mounted on the first and second flange portions 52, 54 of the mounting fastener 50, respectively. The nightlight source 116, which is typically a single light bulb 120, can be operatively connected in a light bulb socket mounted on a lower surface 122 of the switch housing 106, to illuminate the portion of the novel configuration 78 illustrated through the balloon 66. Preferably, the night light source 116 has a second light intensity lower than the first light intensity of the ambient light source 114. In order to selectively control the light sources 114, 116, the The switch housing 106 will further contain a three-way light switch 124 electrically connected to both the ambient light source 114 and the night light source 116, and can be selectively operated by the d-throwing chain 126. It may or may not be made provision for the extension of the chains 112 and 126 across the balloon 66. In another alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the ceiling fan 250 includes a a fan motor 252 and a motor housing 254 surrounding the fan motor 252. The fan motor 252 includes a lower rotating cover plate 256 and a lower stationary member 258 comprising an externally threaded down rod, and extends below of the cover plate 256. The motor housing 254 includes a nut plate 255, which has a nut 257, which is used to secure the motor housing 254 to the externally threaded stationary member 258 of the motor 252. A housing of the motor 252 is attached. switch 260 to a lower surface 264 of the motor housing 254, by conventional elements such as screws or bolts, the stationary member 258 of the motor 252 protruding into the space within the switch housing 260. A pull chain assembly 261 of the switch light passes through the switch housing 260, and can be used to control one or more of the following: fan speed, - fan illumination; and to turn the fan on or off. It should be understood that additional switches may be required to control one or more of the above-mentioned functions of the ceiling fan. In this embodiment, a mounting fastener 260 surrounds the housing of the switch 260. The mounting fastener 262 is secured to the lower surface 264 of the housing 254. The mounting fastener 262 is open ended, such that the light socket 266 to receive a light source, such as the light bulb 268, can project downwardly through the opening of the mounting bracket 262. An internal plastic or glass balloon 270 is removably secured to the mounting bracket 262 The balloon 270 includes a more upper portion having an arched lip 272 for engaging, and retaining, a. screw 274, for example, which passes in a radially inward direction through the fastener 262, to engage the arched lip 272 of the balloon 270. In Figure 10, a single screw 274 is shown. However, preferably, in FIG. Three screws 274 are generally provided spaced at 120 ° around the periphery of the fastener 262, to secure the balloon 270 at three locations, and to retain the balloon 270 on the fastener 262. A portion 276 is provided at the lowermost portion of the balloon 270, which may be integral with, or may be separated from, the rest of the balloon 270. When the portion 276 is a separate part, the portion 276 may be removed to access the light bulb 268 for replacement. If the portion 276 of the balloon is integral with the rest of the balloon 270, it is necessary to unscrew the supports for the balloon 282, in order to provide access to the screws 274 that stop the balloon 270 in place. The portion 276, as well as the rest of the balloon 270, may also include a plurality of air ventilation slots 278 to provide cooling to the light bulb 268. An external balloon or lens 282 is detachably interconnected to the blower motor 252 by means of a plurality of interconnections, for the purpose of providing coverage of the radially innermost ends of the fan blades 280 mounted on top of the fan motor 252. The balloon 282 is preferably made of plastic, and includes an illustration or decoration forming a first portion of the novel configuration illustrated on the fan blades 280, so that a novel integral configuration is presented. The balloon 282 includes an opening in its lowermost edge 284 for passing the balloon 270 therethrough. On the uppermost opposite bank 286, a screw 288 passes through an opening in the wall, side of the balloon 282, to secure the uppermost portion of the balloon 282 to a fastener 289 that is secured to the exterior of the balloon. fastener 262. As with balloon 270, three of these fasteners 289 are generally spaced approximately 120 ° apart around fastener 262, to interconnect balloon 282 with fan motor 252. The only novel configuration provided by balloon 282 and the blades of the fan 280, is further improved by the uppermost edge 286 of the balloon 282, which has a larger diameter than the distance between the ends of the blades of the fan 280 that are connected to the fan motor 252. The decorations on the fan blades 280 cooperate with decorations on balloon 282 to create the appearance of a figure or animated configuration during rotation of blades 280. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of the ceiling fan of the present invention, which has many of the same parts shown in Figure 8. However, in this embodiment, a plastic or glass balloon 290 is shown secured med a screw 292 engaging a more arcuately shaped upper lip 194 of the balloon 290. Typically, three screws 292, spaced approximately 120 ° apart from each other, extend through the fastener 262, to engage with, and retain, the balloon 290 in place around a light bulb 296. In this embodiment, a lowermost portion 298 of the balloon 290 may be integral with, or may be separated from, the remainder, or the remaining portion 295, of the balloon 290 The lowermost portion 298 includes decorations illustrating a first portion of a novel configuration. The novel configuration is completed with the decorations included on the blades of the fan 280. For example, the portion 298 can illustrate a face of a novel character, such as the face of the bear described in conjunction with the above embodiments. In Figures 9 and 10, portion 298 is shown as a separate piece from the rest of balloon 290. As best seen in Figure 10, portion 298 includes two radially outwardly projecting tabs 300, extending beyond from the periphery of the remainder of the portion 298. The tabs 300 are placed on top of a radially inwardly projecting flange 304 formed at the lower end of the remaining portion 295 of the balloon 290. To remove the portion 298 and change the appearance of the fan, a tab 300 is raised to provide sufficient tolerance to move the portion 298 to one side, and allow the other tab 300 to release the rim 304, and lower the entire portion 298 outwardly and away from the balloon 290. in an inverse manner, a new replacement portion 298 is inserted into the balloon 290. The alteration of the fan blades as described for the above embodiments, can be performed in a similar manner for the embodiment shown in Figure 9. In Figures 11 and 12, yet another embodiment of the ceiling fan of the present invention is shown. A fan motor 310 includes a lower, generally centered, stationary member 314, having a threaded end 316, which extends below the rotating lower cover plate 312 of the motor 310. A switch housing 318 is secured which is generally a rectangular shape, to the threaded end 316. In this embodiment, a plastic balloon 320 is secured to two fasteners 322 attached to opposite sides of the switch housing 318. In Figure 12, two screws 324 are shown, it being understood that it is generally they provide two screws 324 on each side of the switch housing 318 to secure the balloon 320 in place. Optionally, an inner cover 326, shown only in Figure 14, is provided surrounding the switch housing 318 and the fan motor 310, and is also secured to the fastener 322. In Figure 11, the plastic balloon 320 is configured in a three-dimensional manner to illustrate a first portion of a novel configuration in accordance with the present invention. Alternatively, the lens portion of the balloon 320 located below the switch housing may have a smooth curvature, as shown in dashed lines at 328 in Figures 11 and 12. The foregoing description should be considered only as illustrative of the principles of the invention. Since the experts in this field will think of numerous modifications and changes, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. In accordance with the foregoing, all appropriate modifications and equivalents that fall within the scope of the invention can be resorted to. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments as described, but is limited only as defined by the following claims.