Blade retention system for fan and related methods

Abstract

A fan includes a motor, a rotatable hub coupled to the motor, and a fan blade. The fan blade includes a first end and a second end radially outward of the first end. A connector is provided for interconnecting the rotatable hub to the fan blade, so as to limit relative movement without the use of fasteners. The connector may be adapted to pass through a corresponding opening in the other of the first end of the fan blade or the hub in order to connect the fan blade to the rotatable hub. In addition to engagement formed by the connector, one or more fasteners may be provided for fastening the fan blade to the hub, as well as a removable clip for interfacing with the connector, to form a secure mounting arrangement. A related fan blade and hub for forming a fan are also disclosed, as are related methods.

Description

[0001] BLADE RETENTION SYSTEM FOR FAN AND RELATED METHODS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 651975, filed May 25, 2024, and is related to U.S. Patent Nos. 8770937 and 9347462, U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 20230114509, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 63 / 538050 and 63 / 560167, the disclosures of each of which applications are fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] This document relates generally to the fan arts and, more particularly, to a fan, such as a ceiling-mounted fan, including a fan blade retention system. BACKGROUND

[0005] Fans for circulating air in a space, such as ceiling-mounted fans, are in widespread use. Such fans are often designed with certain features to retain associated fan blades and prevent inadvertent detachment during operation. For example, the fan blades may be attached to a rotatable hub via removable fasteners. In addition to attaching the fan blades to the hub in this manner, enhancements may be used to act as an additional safeguard in the event of failure or fatigue. For example, it is further known to provide systems for the retention of fan blades in the event of a failure of the fan blade or other modes of attachment. Merely exemplary systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,347,462 for “Fan Blade Retention System,” issued May 24, 2016, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,770,937 for “Fan Blade Retention System,” issued July 8, 2014.

[0006] Thus, while fan blade retention systems are known, a need exists for a more efficient version that is simple to implement, yet highly effective in use, especially for a residential fan, which typically includes solid fan blades made of thin material lacking hollow passages or the like for receiving a retainer, as well as a winglet to serve as a connection point at the radially outward end of the blade. Such blades may also bend in plane or have unusual contours to improve airflow generation, which requires a unique solution for a means of connection to accommodate such variably shaped blades in a universal fashion, if desired.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a fan includes a motor, a rotatable hub coupled to the motor, and a fan blade including a first end and a second end radially outward of the first end. A connector is provided for interconnecting the fan blade and the hub. One or more fasteners are provided for fastening the fan blade to the hub.

[0009] In one embodiment, the connector is associated with the rotatable hub and adapted to pass through a corresponding opening in the first end of the fan blade. In another embodiment, the connector is associated with the fan blade and adapted to extend into a corresponding opening in the hub.

[0010] In one embodiment, the retainer comprises a connector associated with the rotatable hub and adapted to pass through a corresponding opening in the fan blade, such as at the first end. In other embodiment, the retainer comprises a connector associated with the fan blade and adapted to pass into or through a corresponding opening in the hub.

[0011] The connector may include an upstanding portion and a transverse portion. In one example, the connector is L-shaped in cross-section. In another example, the connector is T-shaped in crosssection.

[0012] The connector may depend from the hub. Alternatively, the connector may extend upwardly from the hub. The opening may be generally polygonal, such as for example rectangular.

[0013] A holder may be provided for securing the fan blade to the connector. The holder may comprise a clip including a pair of spaced legs forming a channel for receiving the connector. The clip may include a grip adapted for gripping the clip during insertion over the connector.

[0014] A cross-section of the connector and the opening may have the same shape. A support may also be provided for suspending the hub from a ceiling.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a fan includes a motor, a rotatable hub coupled to the motor, and a fan blade. The fan blade includes a first end including an opening and a second end radially outward of the first end. A connector is fixed to the rotatable hub, the connector adapted to pass through the opening in the first end of the fan blade in order to retain the fan blade to the rotatable hub.

[0016] In one embodiment, the connector includes an upstanding portion and a transverse portion. The connector may be L-shaped in cross-section, or may be T-shaped in cross-section. The connector may depend or extend upwardly from the hub

[0017] A holder may be provided for securing the fan blade to the connector. The holder may comprise a clip including a pair of spaced legs forming a channel for receiving the connector. The clip may include a grip adapted for gripping the clip during insertion over the connector.

[0018] The opening in the fan blade may be generally polygonal, such as rectangular. A crosssection of the connector and the opening may have the same shape. One or more fasteners may also be provided for fastening the fan blade to the hub, as may a support for suspending the hub from a ceiling.

[0019] Still a further aspect of the disclosure pertains to a fan blade having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a generally polygonal passage and adapted receive a connector for connecting the fan blade to a rotatable hub such that the second end projects radially outwardly therefrom. The generally polygonal passage may be rectangular.

[0020] Yet another aspect of the disclosure pertains to a rotatable hub for a fan adapted for connecting to a ceiling in a mounted condition, the hub including either: (i) a connector extending toward the ceiling in the mounted condition and adapted for connecting to a fan blade; or (ii) at least one opening adapted for receiving a connector fixed to a fan blade. The connector may have an L- shaped or T-shaped cross-sectional shape, and one or more fasteners may be provided for fastening the fan blade to the hub.

[0021] A further aspect of this disclosure relates to a method of installing a fan blade to a rotatable hub of a fan. The method comprises interconnecting the hub with the fan blade, and fastening the fan blade to the hub using one or more fasteners. The interconnecting step may comprise inserting a connector connected to either the hub or the fan blade through an opening in the other of the hub or the fan blade. The interconnecting step may comprise moving the fan blade upwardly over the connector prior to the fastening step. The interconnecting step may comprises moving the fan blade downwardly over the connector prior to the fastening step.

[0022] The method further includes fastening the fan blade to the hub using one or more fasteners. The inserting step may comprise moving the fan blade upwardly over the connector prior to the fastening step, and / or moving the fan blade downwardly over the connector prior to the fastening step. The method may further include the step of moving the fan blade radially after the inserting step, such as radially outwardly. The step of installing a holder on the connector may also be performed, as may the step of suspending the fan from a ceiling.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fan to which aspects of this disclosure may have applicability.

[0025] Figures 2, 3, and 4 are enlarged partially cutaway perspective views of portions of a fan.

[0026] Figures 5 and 6 are sequential views of a manner of fan assembly.

[0027] Figure 7 is another enlarged partially cutaway perspective views of a portion of a fan.

[0028] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a hub according to a further embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view the hub according to Figure 8 associated with a fan blade.

[0030] Figure 9 is a side view of a fan blade for use with the hub according to the Figure 8 embodiment.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and like numerals represent like details in the various figures. Also, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process or other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents. In accordance with the disclosure, a blade retention system for a fan is provided.

[0033] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which depicts an exemplary fan 10 having a housing 20 containing a motor, a rotatable hub 30 coupled to the motor, and a plurality of fan blades 40 coupled to hub 30. In the present example, fan 10 (including hub 30 and fan blades 40) may have a diameter of approximately 5 feet. In some versions, fan 10 may have a diameter of approximately 7 feet. In other variations, fan 10 may have a diameter between approximately 6 feet, inclusive, and approximately 24 feet, inclusive. Further still, fan 10 may have any other suitable dimensions, such as 3 feet, inclusive, to 30 feet, inclusive.

[0034] Except as otherwise described herein, fan 10 may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of any of the references that are cited herein; and / or in any other suitable fashion. By way of example only, motor may be constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009 / 0208333, entitled "Ceiling Fan System with Brushless Motor," published August 20, 2009, or U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2020 / 0158121, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some versions, motor may be remote from hub 30 and may be coupled via an axle or other component that is operable to transmit rotational movement from motor to hub assembly 30, which may also include an optional downlight 50, which may be concentric with the hub 30. Furthermore, fan 10 may include control electronics that are configured in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010 / 0278637, entitled "Ceiling Fan with Variable Blade Pitch and Variable Speed Control," published November 4, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, motor may have any other suitable components, configurations, functionalities, and operability, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0035] In the present example, fan 10 includes a support 12 adapted to couple the fan 10 to a ceiling or other support structure. By way of example only, support 12 may include features of or be constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009 / 0072108, entitled "Ceiling Fan with Angled Mounting," published March 19, 2009, and issued April 10, 2012 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,152,453, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, the support 12 may have any other suitable components, configurations, functionalities, and operability, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0036] The fan blades 40 of the present embodiment are shown mounted directly to the hub 30. This may be done by way of a primary connection at the radially inward end of the fan blades 40 using fasteners, such as bolts or screws 42 (see FIG. 2) passing into openings associated with the hub 30, which openings may be threaded or include threaded inserts. It should be further understood that alternative mounting arrangements may be employed. For example, fan blades 40 may use fasteners in the form of adhesives, friction fits, and / or by any combination of suitable fasteners, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that an interface component (not shown) may be provided at the interface of each fan blade 40 and hub 30. By way of example only, such an interface component may be configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009 / 0081045, entitled “Aerodynamic Interface Component for Fan Blade,” published Mar. 26, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0037] With continued reference to FIG. 1, as well as FIGS. 2 and 3, the fan blade(s) 40 include a first or proximal end 40a closest to the hub 30, and a second or distal or free end 40b (with the term “end” meaning “end portion” for purposes of this disclosure, and not necessarily the distal or proximal tip of the fan blade). Each fan blade 40 is coupled to the hub 30 (as seen in FIG. 1) at the first end 40a and each fan blade 40 extends radially outwardly from hub 30 to the second end 40b. Fan blades 40 may further be constructed in accordance with some or all of the teachings of any of the patents, patent publications, or patent applications cited herein, and when used in smaller diameter or residential fans, typically include a body formed of a solid piece of material (such as polymer, metal or wood), without any form of internal passage extending between the first end and the second end of the fan blade (but such a passage could be provided, if desired).

[0038] To prevent inadvertent separation of one or more of the fan blades 40 from hub 30, a fan blade attachment may be provided that releasably interconnects the two structures independent of or separate from the primary fastening arrangement noted above. In the illustrated example, this releasable attachment may comprise a connector, such as in the form of a projection 60. This projection 60 may extend (depend) from the hub 30, and may be integrally formed therewith, such as by injection molding to form a unitary, fixed structure.

[0039] To complete the interconnection, the proximal end 40a of the fan blade 40 includes an opening 40c. The opening 40c forms a passage through the material of the blade 40, extending from one face thereof (such as the upper face) to another face (such as the lower face) thereof. This opening 40c is sized to receive the projection 60, thus forming a catch that loosely couples the fan blade 40 to the hub 30. This arrangement serves limit or prevent movement in a radial direction (and in particular, a radially outward direction) as well as a vertical direction to prevent separation of the fan blade 30 from the hub 40 without the need to use fasteners to form the interconnection.

[0040] The opening 40c may have a generally polygonal shape, such as for example a rectangular shape (which is one of many different possible shapes that may be used). The shape of the opening 40c may match the shape of a cross-section of the projection 60 taken in a horizontal plane, which thus may be polygonal as well, such as in the form of a rectangle in the case where the cross-section of the projection is likewise a rectangle. In any case, the opening 40c is oversized relative to the projection 60, so that the latter may freely pass through the former, but the sizing may be such that the arrangement forms a catch so that the interconnected state requires some manipulation to achieve release (so that, for example, were the primary fasteners to become dislodged and / or no longer retain the blade, the secondary retention function established serves as a backup retention measure).

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 60 includes a generally T-shaped cross-sectional shape, having a vertical or upstanding portion 60a and a transverse or horizontal portion 60b. Once the projection 60 passes through the opening 40c in the blade 40, a holder, such as a clip 62, may be used to secure or capture the blade 40 on the projection 60. The clip 62 may include spaced upper legs 62a forming a channel for receiving the upstanding portion 60a of the connector or projection 60, with the transverse portion 60b of the connector 60 abutting against the underside of the legs 62a. This serves to capture the holder or clip 62 in place, and provides a further level of protection against inadvertent separation of the blade 40 from the hub 30, should the fasteners, such as screws 42, loosen or otherwise become detached.

[0042] To facilitate installation of the holder, it may be provided with a grip. In the illustrated version, as can perhaps best be seen in FIG. 4, this grip is formed by a depending portion 62b of the clip 62, which may be directly connected to the legs 62a. The arrangement is such that the grip function allows for easy installation and removal of the holder, yet it does not impede or interfere with the retention function or the performance of the fan 10.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exemplary installation sequence is shown. In this example, the blade 40 may be associated with the hub 30, and the fasteners, such as screws 42, used to secure the two structures to each other. The retainer, such as clip 62, may then be installed, and the assembly completed as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the retainer may first be used to secure the fan blade 40 to the hub 30, and then the fasteners installed. In either case, removal of the blade 40 then involves performing the opposite sequence of events in any order. Of course, the operation may be repeated as necessary or desired for any number of blades present.

[0044] Turning now to FIG. 7, an alternative arrangement for attaching a fan blade 40 to a fan hub 30 is provided. The arrangement in this example again includes a connector or projection 60, which may be integral with the hub 30. The connector 60 again may include an upstanding portion 60a, and a transverse portion 60b, which in this version may be arranged to provide the connector 60 with a generally L-shaped cross-section. The proximal end 40a of the blade 40 may again include an opening 40c sized to receive the connector 60 in order to interconnect the two structures in a releasable manner. In particular, the connector 60 may be inserted into or passed through the opening 40c, and then the blade 40 moved in the radial direction R in order to capture it thereupon, such as by moving the blade 40 in a radially outward direction. In this altered position, an upper surface of the blade 40 engages the underside of the transverse portion 60b of the connector 60, and thus serves to retain the blade 40 to the hub 30, under the effects of gravity alone (whether in the illustrated orientation or if inverted such that the connector 60 depends from the hub 30). Additional fasteners (not shown) may also be passed through the blade 40 to connect it to the hub 30. The resulting attachment serves to guard against inadvertent detachment of the blade 40 from the hub 40.

[0045] While an L-shaped connector 60 is shown, it should be appreciated that the connector 60 in this version could be T-shaped, as per the FIG. 2 version. In this situation, a retainer such as the above-mentioned clip may optionally be used to removably secure the blade 40 to the hub 30. This would provide an additional measure of assurance against detachment, and may avoid the need to use fasteners entirely. This advantageously would allow for the installation and removal of the fan blade 40 without the use of a tool, such as a screwdriver.

[0046] Removal of the blade 40 from the hub 30 involves releasing any fastener present. The blade 40 may then be moved in a radial direction R to align the opening 40c with the full extent of the transverse portion 60b of the connector 60. The blade 40 may then be withdrawn from the connector 60, such as by lifting in the version shown (but as should be appreciated, the arrangement could be reversed, such that the blade 40 is lowered in order to be withdrawn from the connector 60). In the event a holder is used to secure the connection, it may first be removed from the connector 60 to facilitate disconnection of the fan blade 40 from the hub 30.

[0047] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a further embodiment of a fan blade retainer is described. The hub 30 in this embodiment includes an opening 70, and the fan blade 40 includes a connector 80 for connecting with the hub 30 via the opening 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 80 projects outwardly from the fan blade 40, such as at the first end 40a radially inward of the second end 40b. In particular, the connector 80 depends from the fan blade 80 at an angle to form a hooklike structure for insertion into the opening 70 of the hub 30, thus forming an interconnection.

[0048] As can be understood with reference to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A, the insertion may be achieved by lowering the connector 80 into the opening 70, and then moving the blade 40 radially outwardly relative to the support 12 to establish the interconnection, and thus retain the blade against further movement in a radially outward direction R. One or more fasteners (not shown), such as screws or bolts, may then be used to fasten the fan blade 40 to the hub 30.

[0049] Summarizing, this disclosure relates to any or all the following items in any combination:

[0050] 1. A fan, comprising:

[0051] (a) a motor;

[0052] (b) a rotatable hub coupled to the motor;

[0053] (c) a fan blade including a first end and a second end radially outward of the first end;

[0054] (d) a connector for interconnecting the fan blade and the hub; and

[0055] (e) one or more fasteners for fastening the fan blade to the hub.

[0056] 2. The fan of item 1, wherein the connector is associated with the rotatable hub and adapted to pass through a corresponding opening in the first end of the fan blade.

[0057] 3. The fan of item 1, wherein the connector is associated with the fan blade and adapted to extend into a corresponding opening in the hub.

[0058] 4. The fan of item 1 or 2, wherein the connector includes an upstanding portion and a transverse portion.

[0059] 5. The fan of any of items 1-4, wherein the connector is L-shaped in cross-section.

[0060] 6. The fan of any of items 1-4, wherein the connector is T-shaped in cross-section.

[0061] 7. The fan of any of items 1-6, wherein the connector depends from the hub.

[0062] 8. The fan of any of items 1-7, wherein the connector extends upwardly from the hub.

[0063] 9. The fan of any of items 2-8, wherein the opening is generally polygonal.

[0064] 10. The fan of any of items 2-9, wherein the opening is rectangular. 11. The fan of any of items 1-10, further including a holder for securing the fan blade to the connector.

[0065] 12. The fan of item 11, wherein the holder comprises a clip including a pair of spaced legs forming a channel for receiving the connector.

[0066] 13. The fan of item 12, wherein the clip includes a grip adapted for gripping the clip during insertion over the connector.

[0067] 14. The fan of any of items 1-13, wherein a cross-section of the connector and the opening have the same shape.

[0068] 15. The fan of any of items 1-14, further including a support for suspending the hub from a ceiling.

[0069] 16. A fan, comprising:

[0070] (a) a motor;

[0071] (b) a rotatable hub coupled to the motor;

[0072] (c) a fan blade including a first end including an opening and a second end radially outward of the first end; and

[0073] (d) a connector fixed to the rotatable hub, the connector adapted to pass through the opening in the first end of the fan blade in order to retain the fan blade to the rotatable hub.

[0074] 17. The fan of item 16, wherein the connector includes an upstanding portion and a transverse portion.

[0075] 18. The fan of item 16 or item 17, wherein the connector is L-shaped in cross-section.

[0076] 19. The fan of item 16 or item 17, wherein the connector is T-shaped in cross-section. 20. The fan of any of items 16-19, wherein the connector depends from the hub.

[0077] 21. The fan of any of items 16-19, wherein the connector extends upwardly from the hub.

[0078] 22. The fan of any of items 16-21, further including a holder for securing the fan blade to the connector.

[0079] 23. The fan of item 22, wherein the holder comprises a clip including a pair of spaced legs forming a channel for receiving the connector.

[0080] 24. The fan of item 23, wherein the clip includes a grip adapted for gripping the clip during insertion over the connector.

[0081] 25. The fan of any of items 16-24, wherein the opening in the fan blade is generally polygonal.

[0082] 26. The fan of item 25, wherein the opening in the fan blade is rectangular.

[0083] 27. The fan of any of items 16-26, wherein a cross-section of the connector and the opening have the same shape.

[0084] 28. The fan of any of items 16-26, further including one or more fasteners for fastening the fan blade to the hub.

[0085] 29. The fan of any of items 16-28, further including a support for suspending the hub from a ceiling.

[0086] 30. A fan blade having a first end and a second end, the first end including a generally polygonal passage and adapted receive a connector for connecting the fan blade to a rotatable hub such that the second end projects radially outwardly therefrom.

[0087] 31. The fan blade of item 30, wherein the generally polygonal passage is rectangular. 32. A rotatable hub for a fan adapted for connecting to a ceiling in a mounted condition, the hub including either: (i) a connector extending toward the ceiling in the mounted condition and adapted for connecting to a fan blade; or (ii) at least one opening adapted for receiving a connector fixed to a fan blade.

[0088] 33. The hub according to item 32, wherein the connector has an L-shaped cross-section.

[0089] 34. The hub according to item 32, wherein the connector has a T-shaped cross-section.

[0090] 35. The hub according to item 32, further include a fastener adapted for extending into a corresponding opening in the hub for fastening the fan blade thereto.

[0091] 36. A method of installing a fan blade to a rotatable hub of a fan, comprising: interconnecting the hub to the fan blade; and fastening the fan blade to the hub using one or more fasteners.

[0092] 37. The method of item 36, wherein the interconnecting step comprises inserting a connector connected to either the hub or the fan blade through an opening in the other of the hub or the fan blade.

[0093] 38. The method of item 36, wherein the interconnecting step comprises moving the fan blade upwardly over the connector prior to the fastening step.

[0094] 39. The method of item 36, wherein the interconnecting step comprises moving the fan blade downwardly over the connector prior to the fastening step.

[0095] 40. The method of item 39, wherein the moving step comprises moving the fan blade radially outwardly. 41. The method of any of items 36-40, further including the step of installing a holder on the connector.

[0096] 42. The method of any of items 36-41, further including the step of suspending the fan from a ceiling.

[0097] Each of the following terms written in singular grammatical form: “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used herein, means “at least one”, or “one or more”. Use of the phrase “One or more” herein does not alter this intended meaning of “a”, “an”, or “the”. Accordingly, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used herein, may also refer to, and encompass, a plurality of the stated entity or object, unless otherwise specifically defined or stated herein, or the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the phrases: “a unit”, “a device”, “an assembly”, “a mechanism”, “a component, “an element”, and “a step or procedure”, as used herein, may also refer to, and encompass, a plurality of units, a plurality of devices, a plurality of assemblies, a plurality of mechanisms, a plurality of components, a plurality of elements, and, a plurality of steps or procedures, respectively.

[0098] Each of the following terms: “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, “comprises”, and “comprising”, and, their linguistic / grammatical variants, derivatives, and / or conjugates, as used herein, means “including, but not limited to”, and is to be taken as specifying the stated component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), or step(s), and does not preclude addition of one or more additional component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), step(s), or groups thereof. Each of these terms is considered equivalent in meaning to the phrase “consisting essentially of.” Each of the phrases “consisting of’ and “consists of,” as used herein, means “including and limited to”. The phrase “consisting essentially of’ means that the stated entity or item (system, system unit, system sub-unit device, assembly, sub-assembly, mechanism, structure, component element or, peripheral equipment utility, accessory, or material, method or process, step or procedure, sub-step or sub-procedure), which is an entirety or part of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention, and / or which is used for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention, may include at least one additional feature or characteristic being a system unit system sub-unit device, assembly, sub-assembly, mechanism, structure, component or element or, peripheral equipment utility, accessory, or material, step or procedure, sub-step or sub -procedure), but only if each such additional feature or characteristic does not materially alter the basic novel and inventive characteristics or special technical features, of the claimed item. Terms of approximation, such as the terms about, substantially, approximately, generally, etc., as used herein, refer to ± 10 % of the stated numerical value, or as close as possible to a stated condition, save for tolerances and normal variations due to material properties or the results of fabrication. It is to be fully understood that certain aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention, which are, for clarity, illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments, may also be illustratively described and presented in any suitable combination or sub-combination in the context or format of a single embodiment. Conversely, various aspects, characteristics, and features, of the invention which are illustratively described and presented in combination or sub-combination in the context or format of a single embodiment may also be illustratively described and presented in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments.

[0099] Although various inventive aspects have been illustratively described and presented by way of specific exemplary embodiments, and examples thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, or / and variations, thereof, will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that all such alternatives, modifications, or / and variations, fall within the spirit of, and are encompassed by, the broadest scope of the appended claims.

Claims

In the Claims1. A fan, comprising:(a) a motor;(b) a rotatable hub coupled to the motor;(c) a fan blade including a first end and a second end radially outward of the first end;(d) a connector for interconnecting the fan blade and the hub; and(e) one or more fasteners for fastening the fan blade to the hub.

2. The fan of claim 1, wherein the connector is associated with the rotatable hub and adapted to pass through a corresponding opening in the first end of the fan blade.

3. The fan of claim 1, wherein the connector is associated with the fan blade and adapted to extend into a corresponding opening in the hub.

4. The fan of claim 1, wherein the connector includes an upstanding portion and a transverse portion.

5. The fan of claim 1, wherein the connector is L-shaped in cross-section.

6. The fan of claim 1, wherein the connector is T-shaped in cross-section.

7. The fan of claim 1, wherein the connector depends from the hub.

8. The fan of claim 1, wherein the connector extends upwardly from the hub9. The fan of claim 2, wherein the opening is generally polygonal.

10. The fan of claim 2, wherein the opening is rectangular.

11. The fan of claim 1, further including a holder for securing the fan blade to the connector.

12. The fan of claim 11, wherein the holder comprises a clip including a pair of spaced legs forming a channel for receiving the connector.

13. The fan of claim 12, wherein the clip includes a grip adapted for gripping the clip during insertion over the connector.

14. The fan of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the connector and the opening have the same shape.

15. The fan of claim 1, further including a support for suspending the hub from a ceiling.

16. A fan, comprising:(a) a motor;(b) a rotatable hub coupled to the motor;(c) a fan blade including a first end including an opening and a second end radially outward of the first end; and(d) a connector fixed to the rotatable hub, the connector adapted to pass through the opening in the first end of the fan blade in order to retain the fan blade to the rotatable hub.

17. The fan of claim 16, wherein the connector includes an upstanding portion and a transverse portion.

18. The fan of claim 16, wherein the connector is L-shaped in cross-section.

19. The fan of claim 16, wherein the connector is T-shaped in cross-section.

20. The fan of claim 16, wherein the connector depends from the hub.

21. The fan of claim 16, wherein the connector extends upwardly from the hub.

22. The fan of claim 16, further including a holder for securing the fan blade to the connector.

23. The fan of claim 22, wherein the holder comprises a clip including a pair of spaced legs forming a channel for receiving the connector.

24. The fan of claim 23, wherein the clip includes a grip adapted for gripping the clip during insertion over the connector.

25. The fan of claim 16, wherein the opening in the fan blade is generally polygonal.

26. The fan of claim 16, wherein the opening in the fan blade is rectangular.

27. The fan of claim 16, wherein a cross-section of the connector and the opening have the same shape.

28. The fan of claim 16, further including one or more fasteners for fastening the fan blade to the hub.

29. The fan of claim 16, further including a support for suspending the hub from a ceiling.

30. A fan blade having a first end and a second end, the first end including a generally polygonal passage and adapted receive a connector for connecting the fan blade to a rotatable hub such that the second end projects radially outwardly therefrom.

31. The fan blade of claim 30, wherein the generally polygonal passage is rectangular.

32. A rotatable hub for a fan adapted for connecting to a ceiling in a mounted condition, the hub including either: (i) a connector extending toward the ceiling in the mounted condition and adapted for connecting to a fan blade; or (ii) an opening adapted for receiving a connector fixed to a fan blade.

33. The hub according to claim 32, wherein the connector has an L-shaped cross-section.

34. The hub according to claim 32, wherein the connector has a T-shaped cross-section.

35. The hub according to claim 32, further include a fastener adapted for extending into a corresponding opening in the hub for fastening the fan blade thereto.

36. A method of installing a fan blade to a rotatable hub of a fan, comprising: interconnecting the rotatable hub to the fan blade; and fastening the fan blade to the rotatable hub using one or more fasteners.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the interconnecting step comprises inserting a connector connected to either the hub or the fan blade through an opening in the other of the hub or the fan blade.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein the interconnecting step comprises moving the fan blade upwardly over the connector prior to the fastening step.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein the interconnecting step comprises moving the fan blade downwardly over the connector prior to the fastening step.

40. The method of claim 36, further including the step of moving the fan blade radially after the inserting step.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the moving step comprises moving the fan blade radially outwardly.

42. The method of claim 36, further including the step of installing a holder on the connector.

43. The method of claim 36, further including the step of suspending the fan from a ceiling.

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