Canopy adapter for portable cordless fan

Abstract

An adapter for utilization within a canopy tent or like article for attachment of, and thus permitted exposure to, a remote-controlled fan thereunder is disclosed herein. Such an adapter may be implemented for a canopy tent having a central post, and thus rendered impossible the placement of such a remote-controlled fan at the middle apex thereof, or implemented for any canopy fan thereby permitting, if desired, multiple fans positioned in differing locations therein simultaneously. Such an adapter allows for facilitated placement over canopy arms at opposing, balanced locations on demand at a height above such canopy arms, thereby preventing obstructions or impediments to individuals present therein, as well. The adapter is easily stowed and connected with gauges to indicate proper distances between canopy arm locations, as well. A canopy including a fan utilizing such an adapter or adapters is also encompassed herein.

Description

[0001] CANOPY ADAPTER FOR PORTABLE

[0002] CORDLESS FAN

[0003] Field of the Disclosure

[0004] An adapter for utilization within a canopy tent or like article for attachment of, and thus permitted exposure to, a remote-controlled, cordless fan thereunder is disclosed herein. Such an adapter may be implemented for a canopy tent having a central post, and thus rendered impossible the placement of such a remote-controlled fan at the middle apex thereof, or implemented for any canopy fan thereby permitting, if desired, multiple fans positioned in differing locations therein simultaneously. Such an adapter allows for facilitated placement over canopy arms at opposing, balanced locations on demand at a height above such canopy arms, thereby preventing obstructions or impediments to individuals present therein, as well. The adapter is easily stowed and connected together with gauges to indicate proper distances between canopy arm locations, as well. A canopy including a fan utilizing such an adapter or adapters is also encompassed herein.

[0005] Background of the Disclosure

[0006] Overhead fans, such as ceiling fans, have been utilized for many years as a means to provide air circulation, both in terms of cooling and heating. Such devices have been designed in myriad configurations for such benefits, as well as for aesthetic purposes. Specific styles and designs have been provided consumers, either through custom or large- scale production and are prevalent within many structures, including homes, office buildings, restaurants, and the like. The benefits of these devices stretch beyond that of inside structures, certainly, as the need for air circulation in outdoor locations, particularly in hot weather climates and situations, is noticeable, as well. Such fans have been utilized, for instance, on porches and other like dedicated edifices to such effect, albeit in terms of electrical power sources within such buildings. External utilization, particularly in association with portable and erectable structures at locations on demand (and in any selected place on demand) have been far more difficult to achieve.

[0007] Erectable canopies, and other like outdoor implements, have been utilized for shade and cooling purposes for myriad numbers of events. For instance, such articles have proven effective as temporary cover for outdoor sporting events, such as for watching under on the sidelines of a game, for tailgating (and like activities), even for providing food and drink supplies to thirsty and hungry attendees. Local fairs, craft shows, and the like, also make use of such canopy structures (large-scale tents, as well) for such cover purposes, particularly to separately provide areas for individuals and / or groups to present their wares. Even with such sun protective cover benefits, however, there still exists the potential for stagnant air, coupled with high humidity, to cause great discomfort to those seeking shade thereunder. In fact, in certain conditions, the lack of air circulation may actually create far worse conditions and discomfort than without such a canopy itself. With the need to provide sufficient protection from the sun and ultraviolet radiation, however, and the ability to provide effective cover for a plurality of individuals with such a canopy structure (instead of, for instance, a single umbrella or parasol), such a cover implement is highly desired. Furthermore, these canopy and / or tent structures allow for the ability for selected individuals to congregate, as well as to provide specific boundaries in terms of selected wares, crafts, and the like, for effective separation from other groups in a crowded multi-canopy or -tent setting. Thus, there lies a significant need to ensure increased comfort for those using such canopies and / or tents, particularly in such high temperature / humidity locations or under such conditions.

[0008] The ability to utilize a cordless fan in conjunction with such canopy structures has only recently been introduced, at least in terms of a remote-controlled fan device (such as in U.S. Patent No. 10,676,954, herein entirely incorporated by reference). Such a fan device is positioned at the apex of the canopy skeleton with four uniformly disposed aims provided to facilitate placement over four uniformly angled canopy arms at such a high, center location. Although such a fan device allows for raised placement and thus provision of desired cooling effects under such a canopy (without, again, a cord present as an obstacle), there are other types of canopies that do not permit such a uniformly positioned (centered) at the canopy apex. Such other canopy types include those with load-bearing poles in the central area and apex thereof (particularly with an apex-to-ground pole). Such a configuration presents a specific problem for the cordless fans noted above since introduction thereof at locations outside the apex area (which is the position wherein the canopy arms allow for a uniform disposition of the fan at a substantially parallel orientation in relation to the ground or floor) would impact the parallel disposition of such a fan as well as a lower height thereof which may affect other issues. The connection to canopy arms outside of the center / apex would be unworkable for the above-noted cordless fan as the canopy arms would be rather low to the ground and the fan blades could be an impediment to individuals walking by and / or underneath. As well, the disposition at an angle would potentially impact the cooling effects available as the fan blades would not be parallel to the ground / floor. Thus, there is a need to provide a means to permit the utilization of such a cordless fan with any type of canopy, rather than solely with one with apex access for the four arms thereof to attach. Additionally, there is a need for potentially allowing for more than one cordless fan to be utilized simultaneously under a single canopy, as well. To date, however, there is lacking any such improvements within this specific industry.

[0009] The ability to accord an adapter to permit reliable fan placement as well as sufficient space under the canopy while providing the maximum capability of fan operation and air circulation on demand would thus be attractive in this situation, particularly for center pole canopy structures that do not allow for centered fan placement as for the above-noted cordless fan. Furthermore, then, the ability to easily detach such a fan and adapter from a canopy frame and stow and transport both for utilization in a different location (on demand) would also be highly prized in this industry. Again, to date, this capability, particularly with a battery-powered cordless fan device, has yet to be visited within the pertinent prior art.

[0010] There thus exists a distinct need to provide an effective portable canopy-based ceiling fan device with an adapter to permit utilization under / with any type of canopy frame / skeleton for these reasons. To date, as noted above, there is a lack of cordless fans and certainly adapters that allow for such desirable attributes, particularly as it pertains to the ability to accord the desired circulation effects within any canopy setting without impeding individuals' movements thereunder. The present disclosure, particularly a novel removable, movable, and stowable adapter device for placement and connection of a cordless can underneath any type of canopy (or permitting multiple fan devices of the same type to be utilized under the same canopy simultaneously) makes up for such deficiencies.

[0011] Advantages and Summary of the Disclosure

[0012] An advantage of the disclosure is the facilitation of transport and implementation of the disclosed cordless overhead fan with any type of outdoor canopy / tent article. Another advantage is the ability to provide a stowable adapter structure for on-demand placement over adjacent canopy arms and reliable connection / attachment of such a battery-powered overhead fan in an outdoor setting. Another advantage is the ability to detach, take-down, and stow such a disclosed adapter and thus cordless fan on demand for further utilization at a desired location.

[0013] Accordingly, the disclosure encompasses an overhead canopy adapter for placement of two aligned extendable arms of a portable, battery-powered overhead fan, said adapter comprising a first separate opposing component and a second opposing component, wherein said opposing components are connectable and detachable to one another; wherein said first separate opposing component comprises a first end and a second end with a defined length shaft therebetween, wherein said first end has a swivel joint and two separate movable and adjustable legs each with a first connected end attached to said opposing component at said swivel joint and a second end with a groove for placement over a canopy frame component, wherein said movable and adjustable legs are of different lengths, wherein said legs move and lock into a position with an angle of from 30 to 60 degrees therebetween in relation to said swivel joint when deployed on said canopy frame component, and wherein said legs stow in parallel relation to each other; wherein said first separate opposing component second end comprises an opening for insertion of a telescoping arm within said shaft, said telescoping arm having a first end present within said shaft and a second end external of said shaft, said telescoping arm of a size that fits and moves within said shaft for extension to said second separate opposing component for attachment thereto; wherein said second separate opposing component comprises a first end and a second end with a defined length shaft therebetween, wherein said first end has a swivel joint and two separate movable and adjustable legs each with a first connected end attached to said opposing component at said swivel joint and a second end with a groove for placement over a canopy frame component, wherein said movable and adjustable legs are of different lengths, wherein said legs move and lock into a position with an angle of from 30 to 60 degrees therebetween in relation to said swivel joint when deployed on said canopy frame component, and wherein said legs stow in parallel relation to each other; wherein said second separate opposing component second end comprises an opening within said shaft for reception of said second end of said telescoping arm of said first separate opposing component.

[0014] In practice, then, such an adapter is connected together through the telescoping arm and separate shafts thereof and the legs on each separate opposing component side are maneuvered to align with a straight canopy frame component in order to allow for the grooves on the bottom edges thereof (second ends) of each leg to receive such a canopy frame structure therein for level placement thereover. The second separate opposing component of the adapter may thus be manipulated in the same manner to allow for aligned leg placement over the same straight canopy frame component as the first separate opposing component legs (with the grooves therein the leg ends received, as for the other component, the structure of the canopy frame component. The different leg lengths thereof allow for the adapter to adjust in relation to the sloped canopy frame structure for the adapter to basically provide a level (horizontal) connected shaft between both separate opposing components (as connected at the shaft / telescoping arm) in order to hang the portable overhead (cordless) fan thereover to be substantially parallel with the ground or floor. The height provided above the canopy frame structure itself in this manner permits the overhead fan to hang down a certain distance and not obstruct or potentially contact patrons / person present under the canopy itself.

[0015] The telescoping arm feature allows the user to place the adapter as connected on different length frame structures for selected placement and location, while the legs including different angle dispositions thus allow for further adjustment as to location and positioning for the user on demand, as well. Such an adapter thus allows a user to deploy an overhead fan in such a manner as to have a heightened position for selected positioning to compensate for, as an example, a canopy within a central pole structure for its stable erection and standing. As noted above, typical canopies include a raised skeleton framework that allows for a fan to utilize four evenly spaced and disposed (angled) arms to extend upward from a fan base top to attach at the canopy apex for central disposition thereof during utilization. However, with a tent pole configuration, such a possibility is impossible in that specific arrangement. The disclosed adapter thus permits an alternative manner of utilizing a cordless fan that hangs from the canopy frame and does not obstruct person thereunder from freely walking / milling around. Additionally, however, such n adapter may provide, with a second adapter in use, separately, from a first, the ability to utilize two different cordless fans under one canopy if such is desired or demanded. The disposition of such separate adapters on opposing sides of a target canopy, for instance, may thus be undertaken to permit such a unique cordless fan possibility.

[0016] In this disclosure, such a cordless overhead fan may be referred to as a ceiling fan, although, as noted throughout, this type is portable and provided to impart air circulation under erected canopies and other like structures. Importantly, however, such a cordless overhead fan device is, initially, an all-encompassing machine to provide such air circulation results on demand. Battery power, or other like possibilities, is utilized for operation and activation of such an inventive device. As long as a suitable voltage level is permitted to operate the motor present for such operation purposes, and the batteries (or other power sources) needed are provided suitable cavities for placement and connection to such a motor, such a power source would be considered acceptable. Such batteries may be of any typical size (C, D, 9-volt, etc., with multiple cells provided, or rechargeable types, including without limitation, lithium ion, nickel=cadmium, etc., may be utilized thus supplied with a charging station (or even a suitable cord for connection to a port on the fan itself that may be plugged into a suitable electronic outlet for such a purpose). This battery powered device, then, is not beholden to any external cords or outlets (except for the possible recharging capability), allowing for full portability to locations that are not provided with such electrical sources.

[0017] Such a portable overhead fan thus includes other "standard" ceiling fan components, including a motor (connected to the power source, understood in this situation to be, again, a battery powered source, instead of a typical permanently integrated or cord-provided source) that accords rotation capability to fan blades during operation. A switch allows activation and inactivation by a user that ostensibly allows for electrical charge to transfer from the power source for operation and discontinue such transfer to turn the device off, as well. The rotating base, as it is referred to herein, is a carousel-type component that turns either direction in relation to the operation of the motor. The fan blades within the fan may be removable for stowage purposes, if desired, as well. The resultant shape of the stowable overhead fan would thus be of the upper portion (which is generally, though not necessarily, circular in shape itself) as the widest part thereof, allowing for a storage / transport container.

[0018] Such portability is further enhanced through the inclusion of suitable stowable connectors (arms) on top of the upper portion of the disclosed cordless overhead fan. Such connectors provide reliable temporary attachment to frame structures (such as canopy "skeletons" and the like) to permit enjoyment of the air circulation benefits thereof. In other words, without the inclusion of such stowable connectors (which may include a centrally disposed hook that swivels on the fan top itself, as well) the ability to actually place such an overhead fan onto a canopy frame (or other like structure) would be impossible, particularly in terms of providing an all-encompassing (e.g., battery-powered) device. Typical ceiling fans are actually incorporated into a building structure, attached not only through attachments within a ceiling, but also to electrical lines embedded within such a building structure. Outdoor canopies, which are, again, typically erected and taken down on demand and at any number of different locations, do not provide such potential permanency to the user. Canopy frames are provided, themselves, in stowable fashion, generally of metal or plastic structures that unfold (in, for instance, accordion fashion) to allow for corner posts to take on the full weight of such a structure that rises to an apex elevation in the middle, or, as noted above, with a central pole for a base from which the remaining structural arms radiate to hold the canopy structure in place. Fans cannot be permanently attached to such structures, as would be evident to the ordinarily skilled artisan, particularly if disposed near the apex thereof. Thus, the user would be forced to at least begin construction of the canopy frame, then attach the inventive overhead fan, and continue and finish erection thereof. The canopy cover may, in such a situation, be attached after the frame is finished or prior to completion. The ability to then attach an overhead fan prior to either full construction of the frame alone or full completion of the frame and cover, has not been undertaken in the past. The stowable connectors within the bounds of the invention overhead fan, coupled with the potential for a lighter weight fan (in comparison with typical ceiling fans, for example), at least to a certain extent, allows for facilitation of actual canopy construction with a fan already attached prior to completion. In particular, as is potentially preferred, at least, the utilization of stowable hook implements (of any shape, whether rounded, squared, or the like) as the connectors allows for reliable placement over arms of a canopy frame, particularly near the apex (middle) thereof. In such a situation, basically, when all such connectors are placed over the frame arms (which should be of the same number and disposition, at least in complementary fashion, to the connectors themselves, for instance, with four connectors, the frame would have four arms, both the connectors and arms being disposed 90 degrees from one another) would exhibit even pressure to all frame arms. This arrangement then accords uniform distribution of force to all frame arms, thus preventing the overhead fan from "slipping" or skewing its position on the actual frame, both during construction and utilization. This stowable connector format further allows for stability of the subject fan when attached in such a fashion to such a frame and when activated. Certainly, when operated, the torque applied by such revolving fan blades may cause undesirable movement as situated, causing uncertainty and suspect movement and, for that matter, sounds (squeaking, for instance, due to metal-on-metal scraping). Thus, the stowable connectors, particularly when supplied as hook structures, securely and resiliently attach to such a frame to avoid unwanted movements of this nature. Additionally, the stowable connectors, when provided in such a hook fashion, and particularly in terms of being provided in a manner that allows a user to manipulate such connectors around an axis (such as a button hinge, for example, embedded within the upper portion of the subject fan) can be placed individually over such canopy frame arms or simultaneously, if desired. This axis configuration for the connectors also comports the stowable property thereto as the connectors are ostensibly extended perpendicularly from the upper fan portion during utilization and can be maneuvered to be on and parallel such an upper fan portion surface (with a clip, for instance, to retain such connectors on such a surface during stowage).

[0019] A problem arises, however, and again, with central pole canopy structures as the apex thereof is unavailable for fan attachment. Thus, the disclosed adapter provides, as presented in greater detail below, an alternative for secure, reliable overhead fan attachment and access. Such stowable connectors present on the top of such an overhead fan may thus also be utilized with such an adapter, albeit with only two diagonally opposed connectors needed for such a connection purpose. As such opposite connector arms, when extended, are present in a straight line configuration themselves, upon such extension from a stowed position, the ability of the fan to be placed over a straight line adapter that further adjusts in relation to the sloping canopy frame components for a horizontal disposition overall and through the utilization of such different length grooved leg components over such canopy frameworks components, the same type of fan as for apex arrangements within a canopy, may be utilized easily and effectively under a tent pole (central) canopy as well. Such an adapter is thus unique and of significance to permit greater versatility for such a cordless overhead canopy fan device.

[0020] Additionally, as alluded to above, such subject overhead fans are supplied with at least one other stowable connector that provides a raised loop at the center of the top of the fan itself. Such an extra connector may permit greater stabilization for such an adapter-based placement and disposition of such a fan (with, for instance, ties from other canopy framework arms / components). When utilized, the subject fan may be further stabilized by attaching resilient cords or poles connected to canopy or tent frame members and the top of the subject fan, simultaneously, if desired. Such an "extra" connector loop may further be utilized by a user as a means to lift and / or carry the subject fan as needed, as well.

[0021] Once in place and erected with through the adapter under the subject canopy / tent, the fan may then be operated through activation of a switch, either directly on the fan itself, through an extended pull switch, or even through a remote assembly, if desired. Such switch configurations, etc., are well known in the art, certainly.

[0022] The disclosed overhead fan may include other components that accord certain benefits to the user. As one example, a fluid reservoir and atomizer (or spraying device of some design) may be included and incorporated within the overall structure. The user could then introduce water within the reservoir (or, for that matter, attach a hose from a water source, potentially) that is then dispersed therefrom via the atomizer or sprayer (through the connection with, for instance, the power source and / or motor of the fan) to accord atomized liquids for enhanced comfort to the user and other individuals under the canopy and / or tent. In high temperature and / or humidity environments, such an accessory would be highly practical and desirable. Such a reservoir may be provided to the upper portion of the fan device or even provided peripherally around such a device. The atomizer / sprayer may be configured on the underside of the fan device (such as on or within a plate that covers the rotating base, or even the underside of the upper portion of the fan with apertures provided at intervals around the lower periphery) or in any other fashion. Additionally, the disclosed overhead fan may include a light on the underside thereof, such as integrated within, embedded within, or extending from a plate covering the rotating base on the underside of the lower portion of the fan. Such a light may be integrated, as well, with the power source of the fan, thereby allowing for activation either in concert with the fan or separately through a different switch.

[0023] In terms of materials for the component parts of the disclosed adapter, such parts may be manufactured from metals (steel, stainless steel, brass, alloys, etc.) or hard plastic (ABS, polycarbonate, low density polyethylene, polyacrylic, and the like). The swivel joint present on the separate opposing components of the adapter are provided to allow the legs a degree of movement for maneuvering to proper positioning over canopy framework components (arms); a screw-type lock may be utilized to ensure the legs are provided at desired angles for placement purposes (to ensure the horizontal disposition thereof overall). Other locking mechanisms (clamps, pressure, etc.) may be employed as well or alternatively for such a purpose. The swivel joint may move around the end of the separate opposing component but only with a certain degree of rotation therearound (a node or locus thereof). At least, the legs may swivel to any desired angle as noted above (30 to 60 degrees from one another, with 35- 55 degrees preferred, 40-50 more preferred, and 45 degrees most preferred, potentially). For stowage, the legs may swivel to be parallel between one another, as well.

[0024] The shaft portions of the separate opposing components are configured to accept the hook connecting top ends of the fan connectors. Thus, the shape thereof the shaft must allow for such hook placement. The telescoping arm of the first separate opposing component of the adapter may be scored with distances to allow a user the capability of estimating placement and / or length of the telescoping arm for such an adapter to function as needed

[0025] (horizontal disposition for flat fan placement thereover). The ability to quickly decide the proper length of such an adjustable adapter is possible, in other words, with such a possible scoring provided. Furthermore, such telescoping arm may be outfitting within the first separate opposing component to include a detente or buttress therein to prevent total removal thereof from the subject shaft. Likewise, the open shaft of the second opposing component may be provided with a proper receptacle and clamp or other locking mechanism to ensure the two adapter components are reliably attached to ensure the overhead cordless fan will not suffer any damage from falling or loss of stability (no longer substantially horizontal, in other words). Such an adapter provides reliable results, as described herein.

[0026] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will he described herein and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0027] The advantages of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

[0028] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] This disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one potentially preferred embodiment of an overhead fan in unstowed ready-to-attach configuration to the disclosed adapter. FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an overhead fan of FIG. 1 with canopy adapter attachments in stowed configuration.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a potentially preferred embodiment of a stowed canopy adapter of the disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a side perspective view of the canopy adapter of Fig. 3 in unstowed state prior to placement over and thus connection to a canopy for eventual fan disposition.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a lower isometric view of the placement of the fan of Figs. 1 and 2 to an adapter placed on a canopy having a central post.

[0034] Fig. 6 is an aerial isometric view of the placement of the fan of Figs. 1 and 2 to an adapter placed on a canopy having a central post.

[0035] Detailed Description of the Drawings and Preferred Embodiments

[0036] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, a new portable, stowable overhead fan embodying the principles and concepts of the invention, without any limitation of breadth of the overall disclosure intended.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a view of the upper portion (motor / power source housing 12) of a suitable cordless overhead fan in relation to the disclosure. The battery compartments 36 are shown with the "extra" stowable connector 38, in closer detail. Shown in extended fashion and not placed over frame arms are the stowable connectors 14, each having a button hinge 66, a stowing clip 64, an upper hook edge 42, and a lower hook end 44, allowing for reliable placement over an arm (160, 170 of FIG. 5) and, upon stowing, proper alignment for each such connector hook to fold onto the housing 12 and clipped securely thereto. FIG. 2 provides such a stowed view of the connectors 14, as this is also a top perspective view of the fan. Also noticeable in FIG. 2 are the rotating base extensions 56 that lead to fan blades. FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of one possible embodiment of a disclosed adapter with two separate shafts 110 provided. A first shaft 110 includes a swivel joint 114 at one end and a telescoping arm 124 at a shaft opening 122 present on the opposite end. Such a shaft 110 may be provided in a length of from 12 inches to 3 feet. The telescoping arm 124 may exhibit a length of from 10 inches to 2.5 feet, dependent upon the length of the shaft 110 (in order to house the telescoping arm 124 therein, in other words). Such a telescoping arm 124 may slide within the confines of the shaft 110 and out of the shaft opening 122 but should not be permitted full egress therefrom. A detent or other type buttress (not illustrated), as merely non-limiting examples, may be implemented and utilized to deter telescoping arm 124 movement fully from the shaft 110. The telescoping arm 124 may further be maneuvered in and out of the shaft 110 and shaft opening 122 due to friction associated with the inner surface of the shaft 110 (grease or other like lubricant may be employed to allow for movement therein, for that matter, as well). The first shaft 110 further includes movable arms 1 18, 120 connected to the swivel joint 1 14. Such arms 1 18, 120 are shown having different lengths and may themselves swivel to allow for angled alignment thereof on demand for canopy framework connection purposes. The bottom edges 130, 132 of the arms 118, 120 are provided with grooves that are of a suitable size and alignment to be placed over canopy framework components on demand. Such grooves may thus be presented at depths of anywhere from *4 inch to 1 A inch, preferably about 'A inch to 1 inch, with a width of about 'A inch to % inch (ostensibly to mirror the diameter of a canopy framework component) to permit such an adapter to stand on such a canopy framework component for cordless fan hanging purposes.

[0038] The second shaft 112 thus includes its own swivel joint 116 with different length swiveling arms 126, 128 attached thereto for canopy framework connection purposes (as for the arms 118, 120 of the first shaft 110; the same shaped and configured grooves 134, 136, in terms of depth and width, at least, are provided as for the first shaft 110 arms 118, 120 and grooves 130, 132). The second shaft 112 further includes a shaft opening 138 for reception and introduction of the telescoping arm 124 of the first shaft 110. As shown in Fig. 4, upon such an extension of the telescoping arm 124, the second shaft 112 may allow introduction thereof the telescoping arm 124 (or more precisely, the end thereof that extends from the first shaft 100 and its opening 122) in order to align both shafts 110, 112 in a straight line and as a single adapter structure. The arms 118, 120, 126, 128 of both ends of said a combined adapter may thus be maneuvered to all fit over two substantially perpendicularly disposed canopy framework components (the first shaft 110 arms 118, 120 over a first framework component or arm and the second shaft 112 arms 126, 128 over a second, again, perpendicularly, or at least somewhat perpendicularly disposed, canopy framework arm). A noted above, the differing lengths of the legs 118, 120 and 126, 128 allows for the adapter to suitably configure with the canopy framework to provide a substantially horizontal line through both shafts 1 10, 1 12. In this manner, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the fan may be attached through two opposing connector arms over the straight line, substantially horizontal shafts 110, 112. The arms 118, 120, 126, 128 thus raise the shafts 110, 112 to a height that allows for the fan to hang downward to a height that should not obstruct or potentially endanger patrons / users of the canopy at issue.

[0039] In greater detail, then, as shown in Figs. 5 (a lower perspective view) and 6 (an upper perspective view), a general canopy structure 200 is shown having a center pole 176 that prevents apex-introduction and hanging of a fan 12. Such a canopy structure 200 includes, in this potential embodiment, multiple framework arms including four 160, 170, 178, 180 that radiate evenly from the center pole 176. As shown in this embodiment, such arms 160, 170, 178, 180 extend from the center pole 176 outwardly and perpendicularly from one another at inclines to an outer peripheral frame. The inclines present allow for the differing lengths of the grooved arms 118, 120, 126, 128 to properly align at a selected angle (roughly 30 degrees in this example embodiment) to generate a substantially horizonal adapter disposition for the two shafts 110, 112 connected through the telescoping arm 124 and the second shaft opening 122. The swivel joints 114, 116 allow for the arms 118, 120, 126, 128 to maneuver as needed for such a purpose, as well. The grooved ends of the arms 118, 120, 126, 128 thus place over the subject canopy framework arms 160, 170 at attachment locations 162, 164, 172, 174 for secure and reliable connection / attachment thereto with the arms 160, 170 presented within the grooves 130, 132, 134, 138 of the arms 118, 120, 126, 128. As shown, the fan 12 includes connectors 42 that loop over the shafts 110, 112 of the adapter as disposed and configured for allow for the fan 12 to hang downwardly with the fan blade(s) 16 ostensibly and substantially parallel with the ground or floor (not illustrated) for optimum fan effect. As further shown in Fig. 6, the fan 12 includes a hook component 38 that may be utilized to aid in further securing the fan 12 to the shafts 110, 112 (such as through string, wire, and the like). Noticeably, as well, is that only two connectors 42 of the fan 12 are necessary for such adapter utilization. Thus, without changing anything with regards to the fan 12, a manner of allowing for greater versatility of utilization thereof is provided with such an adapter as disclosed herein.

[0040] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the ail, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

ClaimsWhat I claim is:

1. An overhead canopy adapter for placement of two aligned extendable arms of a portable, battery-powered overhead fan, said adapter comprising a first separate opposing component and a second opposing component, wherein said opposing components are connectable and detachable to one another; wherein said first separate opposing component comprises a first end and a second end with a defined length shaft therebetween, wherein said first end has a swivel joint and two separate movable and adjustable legs each with a first connected end attached to said opposing component at said swivel joint and a second end with a groove for placement over a canopy frame component, wherein said movable and adjustable legs are of different lengths, wherein said legs move and lock into a position with an angle of from 30 to 60 degrees therebetween in relation to said swivel joint when deployed on said canopy frame component, and wherein said legs stow in parallel relation to each other; wherein said first separate opposing component second end comprises an opening for insertion of a telescoping arm within said shaft, said telescoping arm having a first end present within said shaft and a second end external of said shaft, said telescoping arm of a size that fits and moves within said shaft for extension to said second separate opposing component for attachment thereto; wherein said second separate opposing component comprises a first end and a second end with a defined length shaft therebetween, wherein said first end has a swivel joint and two separate movable and adjustable legs each with a first connected end attached to said opposing component at said swivel joint and a second end with a groove for placement over a canopy frame component, wherein said movable and adjustable legs are of different lengths, wherein said legs move and lock into a position with an angle of from 30 to 60 degrees therebetween in relation to said swivel joint when deployed on said canopy frame component, and wherein said legs stow in parallel relation to each other; wherein said second separateopposing component second end comprises an opening within said shaft for reception of said second end of said telescoping arm of said first separate opposing component.

Images