Adjustable mounting assembly for fan

Abstract

An adjustable mounting assembly is disclosed. An example apparatus includes an arm extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the arm including an elongated slot capable of attaching a fan to the arm at selectively different positions along the longitudinal axis; a first joint plate coupled to the first end of the arm; and a second tab plate coupled to the second end of the arm, the first tab plate and the second tab plate configured to be attachable to an external support structure.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 350,280 filed on June 8, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to fans and, more particularly, to adjustable mounting assemblies. Background Art

[0004] Planting facilities typically include racks and shelves to arrange plants for indoor cultivation. These racks may include fans and / or duct systems to provide air to the plants. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figures 1 to 3 A storage structure at a growing facility is shown.

[0006] Figure 4 is an example mounting assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

[0007] Figure 5 is another example mounting assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

[0008] Figure 6 is another example mounting assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

[0009] Figure 7 is yet another example mounting assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

[0010] Figure 8 is yet another example mounting assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

[0011] Generally, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the accompanying written description to refer to the same or similar parts. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, the thickness of a layer or region may be exaggerated in the drawings. Although the drawings show layers and regions with clear lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In practice, boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, mixed, and / or irregular.

[0012] As used herein, connection statements (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members between the elements referred to by the connection statement and / or relative movement between those elements, unless otherwise specified. As such, connection statements do not necessarily refer to two elements being directly connected and / or in fixed relation to each other. As used herein, stating that any component is "in contact with" another component is defined to mean that there are no intermediate components between the two components.

[0013] Unless otherwise specifically stated, descriptors such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are used herein without affecting or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or order, but are used only as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements to facilitate understanding of the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referenced in a claim with a different descriptor (such as "second" or "third"). In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are only used to clearly identify those elements that may, for example, otherwise share the same name. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Growing facilities are often used for indoor growing. These facilities mitigate the risks of extreme weather to plant cultivation while optimizing plant yield, quality, and consistency. Often in industrial settings, growing facilities can be designed to optimally store and grow plants. For example, electronic and / or mechanical systems (e.g., water supply, oxygen supply, temperature control, light sources, etc.) can be implemented into the design of such facilities to meet the requirements of plant growth. In an industrial setting, for example, plants can be arranged on multiple shelves of metal structures. These structures can integrate (e.g., orient, position, arrange, etc.) electronic and / or mechanical systems to allow for plant growth and preservation. Fan assemblies can be included in such designs to distribute air and control temperature throughout all of these structures, such as in conjunction with Figures 1 to 3 As shown and described. The examples disclosed herein are described in the context of a planting facility. However, any of the examples disclosed herein can be included in any other type of application (e.g., manufacturing, production lines, storage facilities, technical laboratories, etc.).

[0015] In particular, Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary growing structure 100 for use in a planting facility. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is another partial perspective view of an exemplary growth structure 100. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the growing structure 100 includes a plurality of example shelves 102 and an example fan assembly 104. Each of the plurality of shelves 102 includes a corresponding example plant bed 106. The fan assembly 104 is positioned along the vertical edge of the structure 100. The fan assembly 104 includes an example base 108, an example vertical duct 110, and an example branch duct 112. Each base 108 includes a fan for pushing (e.g., distributing, blowing, etc.) air through the vertical duct 110. Figure 1 and Figure 2In the embodiment of the present invention, air travels in a direction along the vertical edges of the structure 100 and is distributed to each shelf 102 (and associated flat bed 106) via branch ducts 112.

[0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view of another exemplary growing structure 300 for use in a planting facility. Figure 3 The growth structure 300 is similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2 However, with the fan assembly 104 including the fan assembly 104 that delivers air via the ducts 110, 112 Figure 1 and Figure 2 different, Figure 3 An example fan assembly 302 is shown positioned on a horizontal surface of the structure 300 to force air toward a particular one of the shelves 102 (and associated plant beds 106). More specifically, Figure 3 , fan assembly 302 is connected to an edge of structure 300 and includes a fan 304 that is oriented to push air horizontally across shelf 102 . Figures 1 to 3 The fan assembly 104, 302 in the structure 100, 300 has a relatively rigid structure with a fixed position (e.g., orientation) for the ducts, fans, and / or other components. The fixed placement of the fan assembly can limit (e.g., restrict, block, etc.) the supply of oxygen to the plant bed 106. Proper positioning of the airflow relative to the plant bed 106 can provide a preferred growing environment and can improve (e.g., optimize) the air supply and temperature of the plants. Figures 1 to 3 The fixed fan assemblies 104 , 302 in the embodiment of the present invention limit the adjustability and adaptability in the operation of the growing facility associated with the structures 100 , 300 .

[0017] Figures 4 to 8 Example mounting assemblies 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure on which one or more fans may be supported are shown. Figure 4 , a first example mounting assembly 400 is shown extending between two portions of an example frame (eg, an external support structure, an external frame, etc.) 402 and supporting an example fan 404 positioned therebetween. Figure 4 In some examples, mounting assembly 400 is removably coupled (eg, bolted) to frame 402. In some examples, frame 402 corresponds to Figure 3 The fan 404 may be provided as a shelf in a growing structure 100, 300. However, the mounting assembly 400 may be removably coupled to the structure 100, 300, for example, along a vertical edge. In some examples, the mounting assembly 400 may be removably coupled to any edge of the structure 100, 300 to position the fan 404 in a plurality of positions relative to the structure 100, 300.

[0018] As shown in the illustrative example, the mounting assembly 400 includes an example arm 406 (e.g., an elongated body), an example mounting plate 408, and example connector plates 410, 412 (e.g., mounting plates). In some examples, the connector plates 410, 412 are integral extensions of the arm 406. That is, in some examples, the connector plates or mounting plates 410, 412 are part of the arm or elongated body 406. In other examples, the connector plates 410, 412 are distinct from the arm 406 and are rigidly attached to the arm 406 (e.g., via one or more threaded fasteners, one or more welds, one or more press fittings, and / or one or more adhesives). In some examples, the example fan assembly 413 includes the mounting plate 408 and the fan 404. The example arm 406 extends between the plates 410, 412 and includes one or more example elongated slots 414. The example fan 404 is selectively mounted to the arm 406 via a mounting plate 408, which is connected to the arm 406 (e.g., positioned on the arm, coupled to the arm, etc.) via one or more example threaded fasteners (e.g., bolts) 416 extending through slots 414. Thus, the example mounting plate 408 can be coupled to the fan 404. Figure 4 In the examples, the mounting plate 408 is generally circular. However, the example mounting plate 408 can be any shape to achieve a desired orientation of the fan 404 relative to the arm 406 and / or the mounting assembly 400. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the mounting plate 408 includes an example curved slot 418 through which the fastener 416 extends to enable the mounting plate 408 to be selectively positioned relative to the arm 406 in different orientations when attached to the arm 406. In some examples, the mounting plate 408 is omitted and the fan 404 is mounted. The example fan 404 (or fan assembly 413) can be positioned at any longitudinal position on the arm 406 associated with the elongated length of the slot 414. In this way, the example fan 404 and / or fan assembly 413 can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the arm 406. In some examples, the mounting plate 408 can be rotatable (e.g., adjustable) about an axis, as described below in conjunction with Figures 6 to 8 described in further detail.

[0019] In addition, the example connector plates 410, 412 include example slots (e.g., holes) 420 through which example fasteners 422 extend to enable the arm 406 to be mounted at different positions relative to the frame 402 when attached (e.g., coupled) to the frame 402. For example, the connector plates 410, 412 are configured to be attached to the frame 402. Figure 4In the example of the embodiment, the example connector plate 410 (and the first slot in the slot 420) is positioned near (e.g., proximate) the first end of the arm 406, and the connector plate 412 (and the second slot in the slot 420) is positioned near the second end of the arm 406. In some examples, the example portion of the arm 406 extending between the connector plates 410, 412 can be referred to as the center arm of the arm 406.

[0020] Figure 5 Shows something like Figure 4 Another example mounting assembly 500 of the example mounting assembly 400 is shown. However, the example mounting assembly 500 includes example pivot joints 502, 504 that rotatably connect (e.g., pivotally couple, engage, etc.) the arm 406 to the connector plates 410, 412. Figure 5 In the example of , the joint plates 410, 412 are detachably connected to the frame 402, and the arm 406 can rotate around the example axis 506. The example fan 404 is positioned at a first rotational position around the axis 506. However, the example fan 404 can be positioned at any rotational position around the axis 506, as generally shown by the example arrow 508. In this way, the direction of the air blown by the fan 404 can be angled upward or downward at any desired angle. In this example, the fan 404 is connected to the arm 406 without using a mounting plate. However, in other examples, the fan 404 can be mounted to the arm 406 via the mounting plate 408.

[0021] Figure 6 Another example mounting assembly 600 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 The example installation assembly 600 is similar to Figure 5 The example installation assembly 500, except Figure 6 The arm 406 in includes an additional example slot 602 that is different from and spaced apart from the slot 414. Figure 6 In the example, the slots 414, 602 are parallel to each other and extend along the longitudinal direction (e.g., longitudinal axis) of the arm 406, as generally indicated by the example arrow 604. Additionally or alternatively, the example slots 414, 602 are offset relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the arm 406. Figure 6An example mounting plate 606 is shown that includes an example slot 608 extending along a circular path. In this example, the diameter of the circular path defined by the slot 608 is greater than the distance between the slots 414, 602, so that the slot 608 in the mounting plate 606 can overlap or align with the two slots 414, 602 in the arm 406 to facilitate attachment thereto (e.g., attachment point). The circular arrangement of the slots 608 enables the example mounting plate 606 to rotate around the example axis 610, as generally shown by the example arrow 612. Therefore, the rotatable mounting plate 606 can enable the example fan (attached to the mounting plate 606) to be positioned at selectively different rotational positions around the axis 610. In the example shown, the mounting plate 606 includes three slots 608. However, in other examples, fewer or more slots 608 may be used. Additionally or alternatively, the example arm 406 is rotatably connected to the joint plate 410, 412 via the pivot joints 502, 504. Thus, the arm 406 can rotate about the axis 506 (relative to the adapter plates 410, 412) in the direction generally indicated by the arrow 508. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 5 , axis 506 is substantially parallel (eg, exactly parallel, parallel within 5 degrees, etc.) to a longitudinal direction of arm 406 , as generally indicated by arrow 604 .

[0022] Figure 7 Shows something like Figure 4 An example installation assembly 400 and Figure 6 Another example installation assembly 700 of the example installation assembly 600. However, Figure 7 The example mounting assembly 700 includes additional example adapter plates 702, 704 (e.g., mounting plates) pivotally coupled to the arm 406 via example hinges 706, 708 (e.g., hinge joints). As such, the angular position of both the arm 406 and the adapter plates 410, 412 relative to the additional adapter plates 702, 704 is adjustable in the direction generally indicated by the example arrow 710. Figure 7 In the example, arm 406 is positioned in a first angular position relative to additional connector plates 702, 704. However, arm 406 can be positioned in any angular position (e.g., a second angular position) about example axis 712. For example, in the first example angular position of arm 406, connector plates 702, 704 can be substantially parallel to connector plates 410, 412. In this way, hole 420 can be aligned with example hole 714 in connector plates 702, 704 in the first example angular position. However, in the second example angular position of arm 406, connector plates 702, 704 can be angled relative to connector plates 410, 412. Figure 7, the example axis 712 extends along the longitudinal axis of the arm 406 (e.g., in the direction generally indicated by the arrow 604) and is aligned with the pivot axis of the hinge 706, 708. In some examples, the mounting assembly 700 may include a locking mechanism for fixing (e.g., fastening, coupling, etc.) the desired angular position of the arm 406. More specifically, in some examples, the example flex bracket 716 is attached to (e.g., fixed to) the connector plates 410, 412 and is configured to engage (e.g., engage, connect, etc.) with the additional connector plates 702, 704 in a locking manner. The example flex bracket 716 can fix the arm 406 at different positions (e.g., points) relative to the connector plates 410, 412 extending from the arm 406 and the additional connector plates 702, 704 coupled thereto by the hinge 706, 708. In other words, the example flex bracket 716 can be removably coupled to the additional connector plates 702, 704 so that the arm 406 can be rotated to different positions or rotations (e.g., angular positions) about the axis 712. In the illustrated example, two flex brackets 716 are shown. However, in other examples, fewer (e.g., 1) or more (e.g., 3 or more) flex brackets 716 can be used. In some examples, the flex bracket 716 is omitted. In this example, there is no separate arm extending between the two additional connector plates 702, 704. However, in other examples, a separate arm similar to the arm 406 can extend between the additional connector plates 702, 704. In such an example, in addition to or in place of the hinges 706, 708 that couple the two sets of connector plates 410, 412, 702, 704, one or more hinges can connect the two arms. In some examples, the connector plates 410, 412 can be coupled to an external frame (e.g., Figure 4 Frame 402).

[0023] Figure 8 Shows something like Figure 7 Another example installation assembly 800 of the example installation assembly 700 is shown. However, in Figure 8 In FIG. 8 , the mounting assembly 800 includes a second example arm 802 and an example hinge (eg, hinge joint) 804. In FIG. Figure 8 804, and the second arm 802 extends along the longitudinal direction of the arm 406 (e.g., generally indicated by arrow 604) and is pivotally coupled to the arm 406 via a hinge 804. In particular, the first example edge 806 of the arm 802 is coupled to the second example edge 808 of the arm 406. In this example, the hinge 804 is positioned at the interface between the first edge 806 of the arm 802 and the second edge 808 of the arm 406. As such, the example arm 802 can be positioned at any angular position about the hinge 804 in the direction generally indicated by the example arrow 810. In some examples, the two arms 406, 802 are coupled via more than one hinge 804.

[0024] exist Figure 8 In the example of , the example curved bracket 812 is attached to (e.g., fixed to) the arm 802 and is configured to be connected or engaged with the arm 406 in a locking manner to fix the arm 802 at different positions (e.g., different angles) relative to the arm 406. In this example, the curved bracket 812 connects the third example edge 814 of the arm 802 and the fourth example edge 816 of the arm 406, the third edge 814 is opposite to the first edge 806, and the fourth edge 816 is opposite to the second edge 808. In addition, at least one of the curved brackets 812 is positioned between the connector plates 410, 412. In the example shown, four curved brackets 812 are shown. However, in other examples, fewer (e.g., 1, 2, or 3) or more (e.g., 4 or more) curved brackets 812 may be used. In some examples, the curved bracket 812 is omitted.

[0025] In the example shown, the second arm 802 includes a Figures 4 to 6 An additional example slot 818 is provided for the slots 414, 602 discussed above. Figure 2 As shown, the example mounting plate 606 can be attached to two arms 406, 802 to facilitate attaching multiple fans (fan assemblies) in different orientations. For example, the example mounting assembly 800 can support a first fan at a first rotational position on the arm 406, wherein the arm 406 and / or the first fan is in a first angular position around the hinge 804. In addition, the example mounting assembly 800 may include a second fan at a second rotational position on the arm 802, wherein the arm 802 and / or the second fan is positioned at a second angular position around the hinge 804. In some such examples, the first rotational position of the first fan is different from the second rotational position of the second fan. In addition, in some such examples, the first angular position of the arm 406 is different from the second angular position of the arm 802. In addition, in some examples, the first fan and the second fan can be placed in different longitudinal positions along the length of the mounting assembly 800. In some examples, at least one of the arms 406, 802 can support at least two mounting plates to support at least two fans. In some examples, the adapter plates 410, 412 can be removably coupled to an edge of at least one of the structures 100, 300 to maintain the vertical positioning of the arm 406. However, the arm 406 can also be adjusted at any rotational position about the hinge 804. In some examples, the arms 406, 802 are adjacent to each other based on the relative position of the arms 406 and / or the relative position of the arms 802. In such examples, the elongated slot 818 is aligned with the slots 414, 602.

[0026] "Include" and "comprising" (and all their forms and tenses) are used herein as open-ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any form of "include" or "comprising" (e.g., includes, comprises, having, etc.) as a preamble or in any kind of claim formulation, it should be understood that additional elements, terms, etc. may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or formulation. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional term, such as in the preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the terms "include" and "comprising" are open-ended. When used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and / or C, the term "and / or" refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A and B, (5) A and C, (6) B and C, or (7) A and B and C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to implementations that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to implementations that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the execution or performance of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to implementations that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0027] As used herein, singular references (e.g., "one," "first," "second," etc.) do not exclude a plurality. As used herein, the term "one" object refers to one or more of the object. The terms "one," "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. In addition, although listed separately, multiple devices, elements, or method actions can be implemented by, for example, the same entity or object. In addition, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may be combined, and inclusion in different examples or claims does not mean that the combination of features is not feasible and / or unfavorable.

[0028] Based on the foregoing, it should be appreciated that exemplary systems, methods, devices, and articles of manufacture that implement adjustable mounting assemblies have been disclosed. The disclosed examples enable efficient airflow, temperature control, and oxygen supply to plants in a growing facility. The examples disclosed herein improve the design and adaptability of fan assemblies.

[0029] Example 1 includes an apparatus comprising: an arm extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the arm comprising an elongated slot capable of attaching a fan to the arm at selectively different positions along the longitudinal axis; a first connector plate coupled to the first end of the arm; and a second connector plate coupled to the second end of the arm, the first connector plate and the second connector plate being configured to be attachable to an external support structure.

[0030] Example 2 includes the apparatus of Example 1, wherein the arm is pivotably coupled to the first adapter plate and the second adapter plate about a rotation axis.

[0031] Example 3 includes the apparatus of Example 2, wherein the rotation axis is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the arm.

[0032] Example 4 includes the apparatus of Example 1, further comprising third and fourth connector plates pivotably coupled to the first and second connector plates, the third and fourth connector plates rotating relative to the first and second connector plates between a first position and a second position, the third and fourth connector plates being substantially parallel to the first and second connector plates when in the first position, and the third and fourth connector plates being angled relative to the first and second connector plates when in the second position.

[0033] Example 5 includes the apparatus of Example 4, wherein the first and second connector plates include corresponding first and second holes, and when the third and fourth connector plates are in the first position, the first and second holes are aligned with corresponding third and fourth holes in corresponding ones of the third and fourth connector plates.

[0034] Example 6 includes the apparatus of Example 4, further comprising a bracket secured to one of the first connector plate or the third connector plate, the bracket engaging with at least one of the first connector plate or the third connector plate to secure the arm in a different position relative to the third connector plate.

[0035] Example 7 includes the apparatus of Example 1, wherein the arm is a first arm, the apparatus further comprising a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm, the second arm extending along the longitudinal axis.

[0036] Example 8 includes the apparatus of Example 7, further comprising a bracket secured to one of the first arm or the second arm, the bracket engaging at least one of the first arm or the second arm to secure the second arm at a different position relative to the first arm.

[0037] Example 9 includes the apparatus of Example 1, wherein the elongated slot is a first elongated slot, the arm includes a second elongated slot substantially parallel to the first elongated slot, and the first elongated slot and the second elongated slot are offset relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0038] Example 10 includes the apparatus of Example 1, further comprising a mounting plate to facilitate attachment of the fan to the arm, the mounting plate being rotatably coupled to the arm about the axis of rotation to enable the fan to be positioned at selectively different positions about the axis of rotation.

[0039] Example 11 includes a device comprising: a slender body, the slender body including a first slot near a first end of the slender body, a second slot near a second end of the slender body, and a third slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the slender body between the first slot and the second slot; and a mounting plate capable of being connected to the slender body via the third slot, the mounting plate supporting a fan at different positions along the slender body based on the attachment points of the mounting plate along the length of the third slot.

[0040] Example 12 includes the apparatus of Example 11, wherein the first end and the second end are capable of being coupled to an external frame via a first slot and a second slot.

[0041] Example 13 includes the apparatus of Example 11, wherein the elongated body is a first elongated body, and the apparatus further comprises a second elongated body coupled to an edge of the first elongated body.

[0042] Example 14 includes the apparatus of Example 13, further comprising a hinge joint to pivotably couple the first elongated body to the second elongated body, the hinge joint being located along the edge.

[0043] Example 15 includes the apparatus of Example 11, wherein the mounting plate is a first mounting plate, wherein the elongated body includes a second mounting plate positioned at the first end of the elongated body and a third mounting plate positioned at the second end of the elongated body, the second mounting plate includes a first slot, and the third mounting plate includes a second slot.

[0044] Example 16 includes the apparatus of Example 15, further comprising: a first joint for connecting the second mounting plate to the central arm of the elongated body; and a second joint for connecting the third mounting plate to the central arm of the elongated body, the first joint and the second joint enabling the central arm to rotate along the longitudinal axis relative to the second mounting plate and the third mounting plate.

[0045] Example 17 includes the apparatus of Example 15, further comprising a first hinge joint pivotably connecting the second mounting plate and the fourth mounting plate, and a second hinge joint pivotably connecting the third mounting plate and the fifth mounting plate.

[0046] Example 18 includes the apparatus of Example 17, wherein the fourth mounting plate and the fifth mounting plate are coupleable to the outer frame.

[0047] Example 19 includes the apparatus of Example 17, further comprising a bracket extending from the second mounting plate, the fourth mounting plate being removably connectable to different points along the length of the bracket associated with different angular positions of the fourth mounting plate relative to the second mounting plate.

[0048] Example 20 includes a device comprising: an arm that can be removably connected to a fan assembly, the fan assembly can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the arm; and a connector plate connected to the arm, the connector plate can be removably connected to an external frame.

[0049] Example 21 includes the apparatus of Example 20, wherein the arm is a first arm, and further includes a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm via a hinge, the hinge being positioned at an interface between a first edge of the first arm and a second edge of the second arm.

[0050] Example 22 includes the apparatus of Example 21, wherein the fan assembly is a first fan assembly, the apparatus further comprising a second fan assembly removably coupled to the second arm, the second fan assembly being movable along a longitudinal axis of the second arm.

[0051] Example 23 includes the device of Example 21, wherein the first arm includes a third edge opposite the first edge, and the second arm includes a fourth edge opposite the second edge, and the device further includes a bent bracket to connect the third edge of the first arm and the fourth edge of the second arm.

[0052] Example 24 includes the apparatus of Example 23, wherein the curved bracket is used to connect at least one of the connector plates of the first arm to the connector plate of the second arm.

[0053] Example 25 includes the apparatus of Example 23, wherein the curved bracket is connected to the second edge of the first arm at a location spaced apart from and between the adapter plates.

[0054] The following claims are incorporated by reference into this detailed description. Although certain exemplary systems, methods, devices, and articles have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all systems, methods, devices, and articles that fully fall within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. A device comprising: an arm extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the arm including an elongated slot to enable attachment of a fan to the arm at selectively different locations along the longitudinal axis; a first connector plate coupled to the first end of the arm; as well as A second connector plate is coupled to the second end of the arm, the first connector plate and the second connector plate being configured to be attachable to an external support structure.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The arm is pivotably coupled to the first and second adapter plates about a rotation axis.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The rotation axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a third connector plate and a fourth connector plate pivotally connected to the first connector plate and the second connector plate, wherein the third connector plate and the fourth connector plate rotate relative to the first connector plate and the second connector plate between a first position and a second position, wherein the third connector plate and the fourth connector plate are substantially parallel to the first connector plate and the second connector plate when in the first position, and wherein the third connector plate and the fourth connector plate are angled relative to the first connector plate and the second connector plate when in the second position.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The first connector plate and the second connector plate include corresponding first holes and second holes, and when the third connector plate and the fourth connector plate are in the first position, the first holes and the second holes are aligned with the corresponding third holes and fourth holes in the corresponding connector plates of the third connector plate and the fourth connector plate.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising a bracket secured to one of the first connector plate or the third connector plate, the bracket engaging with at least one of the first connector plate or the third connector plate to secure the arm in a different position relative to the third connector plate.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The arm is a first arm and the device further includes a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm, the second arm extending along the longitudinal axis.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a bracket fixed to one of the first arm or the second arm, the bracket engaging with at least one of the first arm or the second arm to fix the second arm in a different position relative to the first arm.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The elongated slot is a first elongated slot, the arm includes a second elongated slot substantially parallel to the first elongated slot, the first elongated slot and the second elongated slot being offset relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a mounting plate for facilitating attachment of the fan to the arm, the mounting plate being rotatably coupled to the arm about an axis of rotation so as to enable the fan to be positioned at selectively different positions about the axis of rotation.

11. A device comprising: an elongated body comprising a first slot proximate a first end of the elongated body, a second slot proximate a second end of the elongated body, and a third slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the elongated body between the first slot and the second slot; as well as A mounting plate is coupleable to the elongated body via the third slot, the mounting plate supporting a fan at different locations along the elongated body based on the attachment point of the mounting plate along the length of the third slot.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The first end and the second end can be coupled to an outer frame via the first slot and the second slot.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein: The elongated body is a first elongated body, and the apparatus further includes a second elongated body coupled to an edge of the first elongated body.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a hinge joint to pivotably couple the first elongated body to the second elongated body, the hinge joint being located along the edge.

15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The mounting plate is a first mounting plate, wherein the elongated body includes a second mounting plate positioned at the first end of the elongated body and a third mounting plate positioned at the second end of the elongated body, the second mounting plate including the first slot and the third mounting plate including the second slot.

16. The device according to claim 15, further comprising: a first joint for connecting the second mounting plate to the central arm of the elongated body; as well as A second joint connects the third mounting plate to the central arm of the elongated body, the first joint and the second joint enabling the central arm to rotate along the longitudinal axis relative to the second mounting plate and the third mounting plate.

17. The device according to claim 15 further includes a first hinge joint and a second hinge joint, wherein the first hinge joint pivotally connects the fourth mounting plate and the second mounting plate, and the second hinge joint pivotally connects the fifth mounting plate and the third mounting plate.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein: The fourth mounting plate and the fifth mounting plate can be coupled to an outer frame.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a bracket extending from the second mounting plate, associated with different angular positions of the fourth mounting plate relative to the second mounting plate, the fourth mounting plate being removably attachable to different points along the length of the bracket.

20. A device, comprising: an arm removably coupleable to a fan assembly, the fan assembly being movable along a longitudinal axis of the arm; as well as An adapter plate is connected to the arm, the adapter plate being removably coupleable to the outer frame.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, the arm being a first arm, the apparatus further comprising a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm via a hinge located at an interface between a first edge of the first arm and a second edge of the second arm.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein The fan assembly is a first fan assembly, and the apparatus further includes a second fan assembly removably coupled to the second arm, the second fan assembly being movable along a longitudinal axis of the second arm.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein: The first arm includes a third edge opposite the first edge, and the second arm includes a fourth edge opposite the second edge, the device further comprising a curved bracket to connect the third edge of the first arm with the fourth edge of the second arm.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: The curved bracket is used to connect at least one of the connector plates of the first arm to the connector plate of the second arm.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: The curved bracket is connected to the second edge of the first arm at a location spaced apart from and between the adapter plates.

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