An assembly for covering blades of a ceiling fan and blade covers

Abstract

An assembly for covering blades of a ceiling fan is disclosed. The assembly includes a blade cover configured to enclose a ceiling fan blade, and a device operable to don and remove the blade cover without requiring direct manual access to the fan blades. The device comprises an elongated shaft, a handle, and a head portion with pivotable arms and clips configured to engage the blade cover during placement. The blade cover may be formed of fabric, synthetic, or composite material adapted to capture dust and airborne pollutants, and may further include electrostatic or adsorptive layers, fragrance-releasing components, or decorative surfaces. The assembly improves user safety, reduces cleaning effort, and may additionally function as an air-treatment and decorative element.

Description

AN ASSEMBLY FOR COVERING BLADES OF A CEILING FAN AND BLADECOVERSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from a U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 63 / 700,952, filed on 09 / 30 / 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an assembly for a ceiling fan, and more particularly to an assembly that includes a device and blade covers. The device is for covering blades of a ceiling fan with the blade covers.BACKGROUND

[0003] Ceiling fans are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces to circulate air and improve indoor comfort. In warmer climates, they provide a cooling effect, while in cooler conditions they redistribute warm air to reduce temperature stratification. By enhancing air circulation, ceiling fans also help manage humidity, disperse odors, and maintain healthier indoor environments.

[0004] A common drawback of ceiling fans, however, is the accumulation of dust and particulate matter on the fan blades. Due to airflow dynamics and static attraction, airborne particles adhere to the blade surfaces over time. When the fan operates, this accumulateddust can be dislodged into the air, potentially worsening indoor air quality and causing respiratory discomfort or allergic reactions.

[0005] While regular cleaning of ceiling fan blades is recommended, it is often inconvenient and laborious. Ceiling fans are typically mounted at elevated heights, requiring ladders or extension tools for access. Cleaning also tends to scatter accumulated dust back into the environment, which undermines the purpose of the cleaning process.

[0006] Therefore, there exists a need for an assembly or kit that reduces or prevents dust accumulation on ceiling fan blades, provides an easier means of maintaining cleanliness, and optionally allows decorative or protective modification of the blades without requiring their removal.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present invention in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor to delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its purpose is to present certain inventive concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved assembly for covering ceiling fan blades, including a blade cover and a device for applying the blade cover to the blade.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an application device that enables a user to install or remove a blade cover without climbing a ladder or otherwise reaching the elevated ceiling fan directly, thereby improving safety and ease of use.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a blade cover that not only prevents dust from accumulating directly on the ceiling fan blade, but may also incorporate air-filtering or air-freshening media to improve indoor air quality during operation of the fan.

[0011] n one aspect, the present invention provides a kit for maintaining the cleanliness of ceiling fan blades. The kit comprises at least one blade cover dimensioned to enclose or partially enclose a ceiling fan blade, and an application device configured to mount the blade cover onto the fan blade.

[0012] The blade cover shields the fan blade from dust accumulation while the fan is in use, and contains accumulated particles when removed, thereby reducing airborne dispersion. The application device permits secure installation and removal of the coverfrom ground level, avoiding the need for ladders or stools.

[0013] In various embodiments, the blade cover may be constructed from lightweight fabric, polymer, or composite materials, and may incorporate replaceable filter elements, deodorizing inserts, or decorative surfaces. Also, it may be preferably that that the material may have elasticity so that to fit over the blade of the ceiling fan. The application device may include extendable poles, guide channels, or attachment mechanisms designed to align the cover with the blade during installation.

[0014] In one aspect, disclosed is an assembly for covering a ceiling fan blade, comprising a blade cover dimensioned to enclose at least a portion of a ceiling fan blade; and an application device configured to install or remove the blade cover on the ceiling fan blade without direct manual access to the blade. The application device comprising an elongated shaft; and a head portion at a distal end of the shaft, the head portion including a plurality of arms terminating in clips configured to engage the blade cover. The elongated shaft comprises a plurality of telescopic extension members, each including a locking mechanism to secure a telescopic extension member to an adjacent telescopic extension member. At least one arm of the head portion is pivotable to disengage the head from the blade cover.

[0015] In one aspect, the blade cover comprises an upper layer and a lower layer joined along longitudinal edges, and an open end configured to receive the ceiling fan blade. The blade cover further comprises an electrostatically charged surface or an adsorptive layer, and a fragrance-releasing material.

[0016] In one aspect, disclosed is a blade cover for a ceiling fan blade, comprising a sleeve configured to enclose at least a portion of the blade, the sleeve comprises an upper layer and a lower layer joined along at least two opposing longitudinal edges, the sleeve has an open end to permit insertion of the blade, wherein the blade cover is adapted to capture dust and airborne particles during fan operation. The blade cover further comprising an electrostatically charged layer or an adsorptive layer, and fragrance-releasing particles.

[0017] In one aspect, disclosed is a method for installing a blade cover on a ceiling fan blade, comprising the steps of providing a blade cover configured to enclose at least a portion of a ceiling fan blade; providing an application device comprising an elongated shaft and a headportion at a distal end of the shaft, the head portion including a plurality of arms terminating in clips; attaching the blade cover to the clips of the head portion; raising the application device so that the blade cover aligns with the ceiling fan blade; and sliding the blade cover onto the ceiling fan blade; wherein the installation is performed without direct manual contact with the ceiling fan blade.

[0018] In one aspect, the method further comprising disengaging the application device from the blade cover after the blade cover is installed on the ceiling fan blade.

[0019] In one aspect, the method further comprising upon slipping the blade cover on the ceiling fan blade, removing the blade cover from the ceiling fan blade to dislodge dust by the blade cover.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures serve to explain the principles of the invention and enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention.

[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates a top planar view of the application device, accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of the application device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the application device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the application device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the application device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of a head portion of the application device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 7 illustrates another view of the head portion of the application device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 8 illustrates yet another view of the head portion of the application device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 9 illustrates still another view of the head portion of the application device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 10 illustrates a blade cover configured for installation on a ceiling fan blade, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration,specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0032] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term "embodiments of the present invention" does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising,", "includes" and / or "including", when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0034] The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to betaken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

[0035] The present invention relates to an assembly for ceiling fans that facilitates cleaning of the fan blades or enables the blades to remain clean over time. The assembly includes a blade cover configured to be placed over a ceiling fan blade, and a device designed to apply and remove the blade cover without requiring direct manual access to the fan blades, thereby enhancing user safety and convenience.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 10, the blade cover 200 is generally sleeve-shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the size and shape of a ceiling fan blade. The blade cover may include an upper layer 210 and a lower layer 220, joined together along at least two opposing longitudinal edges (i.e., the left and right sides) by bonding, stitching, adhesive lamination, or other suitable attachment means. At least one of the shorter ends of the blade cover remains open to permit the cover to be slipped onto or removed from the fan blade; this opening is shown as 230 in FIG. 10. The device and the blade cover may further include complementary interlocking members 240 for temporarily attaching the device to the blade cover. Examples of interlocking members include clips, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap-fit buttons, magnetic tabs, and similar fastening means.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the device 100 includes a shaft 110 and a head portion 120. The head portion 120 may be removably and interchangeably coupled to the distal end of the shaft 110 to permit replacement or substitution with alternative head designs. The shaft 110 may consist of multiple extension members 150 that can be assembled together toincrease or decrease the effective length of the shaft. The shaft length may thereby be adjusted so that the head portion of the device can reach the ceiling fan without requiring the user to climb a ladder or elevated surface. The extension members 150 may include locking mechanisms for securing adjacent members end-to-end. For example, each extension member may include an interlocking pin 160 configured to couple securely with an adjoining member. The head portion 120 can be attached to one of the extension members, and then additional extension members can be added until a desired overall length is achieved.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the head portion 120 includes three arms 130, each terminating in a clip 140. These clips are configured to secure to the peripheral opening 230 of the blade cover 200. Each of the three arms extends outward and then forward relative to the shaft 110. Two of the arms extend opposite each other along a transverse plane, with the distance between their tips being greater than the width of the ceiling fan blade. The clips 140 at the tips of these two arms may be secured to opposite ends of the peripheral opening 230 of the blade cover. The third arm extends downward in a longitudinal plane positioned substantially perpendicular to the transverse plane. The clip at the tip of this third arm may be secured to a central portion of the lower layer 220 of the blade cover. In combination, the three arms, when secured to the blade cover, act to hold the opening 230 open, thereby facilitating placement of the blade cover overthe ceiling fan blade. Once the cover is engaged, the device can be withdrawn, leaving the blade cover donned on the blade.

[0039] The device 100 can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials, including metals, polymers, or composites. Preferably, the device is lightweight to facilitate ease of handling.For example, the head portion 120 may be manufactured from aluminum or durable plastic,while the extension members 150 of the shaft 110 may be formed from tubular sections of metal, plastic, fiberglass, or other lightweight structural material.

[0040] In certain implementations, the three arms 130 of the head portion 120 are pivotable to disengage the head from the blade cover 200 after installation. The arms may be biased inward toward an engaged position, and can be actuated outward to release the clips 140 from the blade cover. Such actuation may be controlled remotely from the handle 110 of the shaft, for example through a cable, rod, or spring mechanism extending through the shaft. In this manner, a user can don the blade cover onto the ceiling fan blade and then disengage the head portion without manual contact. In alternative embodiments, the head portion can also be disengaged simply by pulling the device with moderate force, thereby allowing the clips to release from the blade cover.

[0041] n certain implementations, the blade cover 200 may be fabricated from nonwoven fabric material, synthetic polymer, composite fabric, or a multilayered laminate configured to capture dust and airborne pollutants during fan operation. The surface of the blade cover may be electrostatically charged (for example, by forming it from an electrostatic mesh material) to enhance particulate capture through electrostatic attraction. In other embodiments, an adsorptive coating, such as activated carbon or a treated polymer, may be applied to the cover to capture gaseous pollutants.

[0042] In still other embodiments, the blade cover 200 may be impregnated with scent beads or fragrance-releasing microcapsules. These additives may gradually emit a fragrance into the room during fan operation, thereby functioning as an air freshener. Separate filtration unitsor fragrance-dispensing modules may also be removably coupled to the blade cover to provide replaceable or customizable air-treatment features.

[0043] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An assembly for covering a ceiling fan blade, comprising: a blade cover dimensioned to enclose at least a portion of a ceiling fan blade; and an application device configured to install or remove the blade cover on the ceiling fan blade without direct manual access to the blade, the application device comprising: an elongated shaft; and a head portion at a distal end of the shaft, the head portion including a plurality of arms terminating in clips configured to engage the blade cover.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft comprises a plurality of telescopic extension members, each including a locking mechanism to secure a telescopic extension member to an adjacent telescopic extension member.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one arm of the head portion is pivotable to disengage the head from the blade cover.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the blade cover comprises an upper layer and a lower layer joined along longitudinal edges, and an open end configured to receive the ceiling fan blade.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the blade cover further comprises: an electrostatically charged surface or an adsorptive layer, and a fragrance-releasing material.

6. A blade cover for a ceiling fan blade, comprising:a sleeve configured to enclose at least a portion of the blade, the sleeve comprises an upper layer and a lower layer joined along at least two opposing longitudinal edges, the sleeve has an open end to permit insertion of the blade, wherein the blade cover is adapted to capture dust and airborne particles during fan operation.

7. The blade cover of claim 6, further comprising: an electrostatically charged layer or an adsorptive layer, and fragrance-releasing particles.

8. A method for installing a blade cover on a ceiling fan blade, comprising the steps of: providing a blade cover configured to enclose at least a portion of a ceiling fan blade; providing an application device comprising an elongated shaft and a head portion at a distal end of the shaft, the head portion including a plurality of arms terminating in clips; attaching the blade cover to the clips of the head portion; raising the application device so that the blade cover aligns with the ceiling fan blade; and sliding the blade cover onto the ceiling fan blade; wherein the installation is performed without direct manual contact with the ceiling fan blade.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: disengaging the application device from the blade cover after the blade cover is installed on the ceiling fan blade.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: upon slipping the blade cover on the ceiling fan blade, removing the blade coverfrom the ceiling fan blade to dislodge dust by the blade cover.

Images