Ceiling fan proximity safety apparatus

Abstract

A apparatus for preventing the incursion of persons (i.e. hands) or objects into the path of rotating ceiling fan blades. The apparatus may be embodied as an aftermarket device or integrated within an aftermarket device or more preferably within the fan electronics themselves. In one embodiment the sensors span at least a large portion of the length of one or more fan blades. The distributed sensor is configured to detect proximity of persons, or persons and objects. By way of example the sensor may comprise an inductive loop, or capacitive sensing circuit. In response to absolute and / or changes in proximity annunciations are generated as audio and / or optical output thus alerting the individual to the incursion danger.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 526,376 filed Dec. 1, 2003; and incorporates by reference is a description of a “ceiling fan with integral filter” within patent application Ser. No. 10 / 612,221 filed on Jul. 1, 2003; and provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 394,160 filed Jul. 1, 2002.STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] 1. Field of the Invention [0005] This invention pertains generally to ceiling fan appliances and more particularly to generating audible alerts to prevent contact with the moving fan. [0006] 2. Description of the Background Art [0007] Ceiling fans provide an efficient means for circulating air within the home and remain extremely popular. Typically these ceiling fans comprise a number of blades of from two to four feet in length which e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The blunt leading edges reduce fan efficiency, but only reduce the severity of injuries arising from ceiling fan blade incursions.

[0012] The present invention is a ceiling fan having a blade incursion alert so that occupants are less likely to allow body parts, or other objects, to cross the path of the fan. The incursion alerting device is preferably integrated with the electronics of the ceiling fan, however, an embodiment is also described in which the incursion alert can be added as an aftermarket device to an existing ceiling fan. Either embodiment of the present invention reduces the probability of a ceiling fan blade incursion event.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback to these fans is the inherent danger presented by the spinning blades.

Furthermore, the efficiency of a fan is significantly reduced when it is placed adjacent to the ceiling.

However, even mounted at a height of seven feet the fans pose a serious injury hazard.

Making matters worse the injured parties are often guests of the homeowner, wherein the injury can lead to additional unpleasant issues.

Being struck by ceiling fan blades moving at moderate to high speed poses a significant risk for bone breakage, lacerations, and extensive soft tissue trauma.

Images