WO2008106185A1

WO2008106185A1 - Air circulation device with graphic images display

Info

Publication number: WO2008106185A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/002620
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jack Richards
Original assignee: Jack Richards
Priority date: 2007-03-01
Filing date: 2008-02-28
Publication date: 2008-09-04
Also published as: US20080209934A1

Abstract

An air circulation unit, such as a portable evaporative cooler, has one or more graphic image displays. The display may comprise advertising signage, such as the name or logo for marketing the goods or services of a sponsor thereof. The display is affixed to hardware that is adjacent to the intake, the exhaust, or both surfaces. The display may comprise a printed screen having an image formed on a substrate that is permeable to air flow. The display may be mounted to a wire frame or other hardware that is secured adjacent to the intake or exhaust. The surface area of the display may be equal to, greater than, or less than the surface areas of the intake or exhaust, and may be spaced apart therefrom along an axis extending in a direction of the airflow at a suitable distance depending on the application.

Description

AIR CIRCULATION DEVICE WITH GRAPHIC IMAGES

DISPLAY

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/892,281 filed on March 1, 2007, and 60/908,836 filed on March 29, 2007, which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates in general to displaying graphic images and, in particular, to an improved system, method, and apparatus for displaying graphic images on air circulation devices such as portable evaporative cooling devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] In the prior art, air circulation devices such as fans, air conditioners and heaters are well known. One type of air circulation device, a portable evaporative cooler, is well suited for outdoor use and generates a large volume of chilled air for its users. Typical applications include providing cooler air flow for participants in outdoor sporting events, such as the football players located on the sidelines of football games.

[0004] An example of an evaporative cooler is shown and described in U.S. Design Pat. D503,222, to Hale. The cooler is large structure having a front air intake area and a slightly smaller rear exhaust area for discharging the chilled air. The structure typically has a reservoir of water, a motor, fan blade, pump and plumbing for evaporating, moisturizing, and directionally moving air flow through the structure. The cooler provides chilled ventilation for users that are located downstream from the discharge area. These units are highly effective in providing large volumes of cooled air flow for downstream users. However, recognizing, upgrading and using the air circulation devices for other types of advantageous uses to improve their utility would be desirable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of a system, method, and apparatus for an air circulation unit having one or more graphic image displays are disclosed. The display may comprise advertising signage, such as the name and/or logo or the like for marketing the goods or services of a sponsor thereof. The graphic display acts as an aesthetic enhancer to the air circulation unit. Since artwork such as advertising is digitally imprinted on the graphic display panel which covers the entire surface of a filter area of the unit, the filter area is not seen by spectators, television viewers or passersby. The unit may be used at athletic events, outdoor and indoor events, and other venues where large crowds are present and where the event is televised. The unit may be positioned at these events or venues where the intake side of the unit is exposed to the crowds and television cameras, therefore since the graphic display panel covers this area viewers see advertising or other forms of artwork rather than the brown filter area.

[0006] The image(s) is displayed at the intake, the exhaust, or both areas. The image may be located on a display comprising a printed screen having an image formed on a substrate that is permeable to air flow therethrough. The display may be mounted to a wire frame, brackets, and/or other hardware that is secured adjacent to the intake or exhaust. The brackets may be secured directly to the air circulation unit, or incorporate additional hardware for other applications. In addition, the surface area of the display may be equal to, greater than, or less than the surface areas of the intake or exhaust, and may be spaced apart therefrom along an axis extending in a direction of the airflow at a suitable distance depending on the application.

[0007] The invention is used to display advertising on the graphic display panel and attached to a portable air movement device. The invention creates a higher economic value of use for such portable air movement devices, therefore increasing the competitive edge of the portable air movement device against other types of equipment that may be in the marketplace.

[0008] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of the following detailed description of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the present invention, which will become apparent, are attained and can be understood in more detail, more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings which form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only some embodiments of the invention and therefore are not to be considered limiting of its scope as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1 is an isometric view of two different types of conventional air circulation units;

[0011] Figure 2 is a front view of the conventional air circulation units of Figure 1 showing intake sides of the units;

[0012] Figure 3 is a front view of one embodiment of air circulation units shown with a graphic image display constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0013] Figure 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of an air circulation unit shown with a graphic image display constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0014] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of an air circulation unit shown with a graphic image display constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0015] Figures 6 and 7 are front and rear isometric views of a fourth embodiment of an air circulation unit shown with a graphic image display constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0016] Figures 8 and 9 are rear isometric and front views of a fifth embodiment of an air circulation unit shown with a graphic image display constructed in accordance with the invention; [0017] Figure 10 is schematic drawing of a sixth embodiment of an air circulation unit shown with a graphic image display constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0018] Figure 11 is an exploded front isometric view of one embodiment of a hardware and screen assembly used for supporting a graphic image and is constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0019] Figure 12 is an exploded view of a heating embodiment of an air circulation unit with a graphic image display constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0020] Figures 13 and 14 are assembly and exploded isometric views of another embodiment of constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0021] Figures 15 and 16 are assembly and exploded isometric views of another embodiment constructed in accordance with the invention; and

[0022] Figures 17 - 20 are isometric views of hardware used by the embodiments of Figures 13 - 16 constructed in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, two different types of conventional air circulation units 11, 13 are shown. For purposes of illustration only, units 11, 13 are depicted as portable evaporative cooling devices. However, as will be evident to those skilled in the art, the invention is suitable for many different air circulation units such as other types of cooling units (e.g., mist generators), heaters, box fans, and the like. Each unit 11, 13 generally comprises a body 15 having air flow ports for intake 17 and exhaust 19. On the larger unit 11, intake 17 and exhaust 19 may comprise surface areas of approximately 22 sq.ft and 9 sq.ft, respectively. On the smaller unit 13, intake 17 and exhaust 19 comprise surface areas of approximately 5.5 sq.ft and less than 2 sq.ft, respectively. Each intake 17 and exhaust 19 may be provided with an air filter 21 and/or cover, grill, etc., each of which is highly permeable to air flow (see arrows 23) so as to not obstruct operation of the devices.

[0024] The bodies 15 typically are molded and mounted on caster wheels for portability, and may comprise a frame 25 (e.g., internal and/or external) containing a fluid reservoir 27 (e.g., 22 gallons) in some versions. The units 11, 13 also comprise and support a motor, fan blade assembly, pump, plumbing, etc., for evaporating, moisturizing, and directionally moving air flow through bodies 15 to provide chilled ventilation for users that are located downstream from exhaust 19. The units may operate at multiple speeds and be equipped with controls for varying other parameters during operation as are known in the art. These cooling systems can reduce air temperatures by about 15 to 25°F in a cooling vicinity or area of about 900 to 2600 square feet, depending on the size of the device and conditions in which it is operating. The evaporative portable cooling device has various applications in warm temperature settings. Some of these applications are on sidelines of various sports venues, patio restaurants, indoor facilities that lack cooling or need additional cooling, theme parks, outdoor venues, etc.

[0025] Figure 3 depicts one embodiment of an air circulation unit 31 shown with graphic image displays 35 constructed in accordance with the invention. For example, display 35 may comprise advertising signage, such as the digitally imprinted name and/or logo or the like for marketing the goods or services of a sponsor thereof. Display 35 may be used adjacent to or substantially adjacent to the intake 37, the exhaust (not shown), or both areas. The display(s) 35 are affixed to or otherwise displayed adjacent to or on intake 37 and/or the exhaust. In one version, display 35 comprises a printed screen 41 having an image formed on a substrate that is highly permeable to and does not significantly impede air ^■ flow therethrough.

[0026] In one embodiment, display 35 is mounted to a bracket 43 that is secured adjacent intake 37. Bracket 43 may be secured directly existing features on the unit 31, or incorporate additional hardware (e.g., fasteners) for other applications. In addition, the surface area of display 35 may be equal to, greater than, or less than the surface areas of the intake or exhaust, and may be spaced apart therefrom along an axis extending in a direction of the airflow (see, e.g., airflow 23 in Figure 1) at a suitable distance depending on the application. For example, the display in front of the intake on the large unit may comprise 25 sq.ft, while the display in front of the intake on the small unit may comprise 14 sq.ft.

[0027] Referring now to Figure 4, a second embodiment of an air circulation unit 51 is shown with a graphic image display 53 on its external reservoir 55. Depending on the construction of reservoir 55, display 53 may be affixed or otherwise displayed on or adjacent to any or all (e.g., four) sides of the reservoir 55. Alternatively, display 53 may be affixed to or otherwise displayed on the frame 57 supporting reservoir 55.

[0028] Figure 5 represents a third embodiment of an air circulation unit 61 having one or more (e.g., four shown) graphic image displays 63 that are mounted adjacent the perimeter of exhaust 69 and/or intake 67. In the version illustrated, displays 63 comprise signage that is affixed to a rigid substrate, such as a placard, and may be secured to unit 61 with its existing hardware or additional hardware. Displays 63 extend away from intake 67 and/or exhaust 69 such that airflow through unit 61 is substantially unimpeded. The body of unit 61 also comprises features, such as molded recesses 65 (compare Figure 1) in which is located an additional graphic image display 71 that geometrically conforms to the shape of recess 65. Such features may be located anywhere on unit 61 and comprise recesses and/or protrusions of any shape or form. Display 71 may be affixed as a decal or located on a substrate that is then secured to unit 61 via fasteners, adhesives, etc.

[0029] Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, a fourth embodiment of the invention comprises an air circulation unit 81 that is equipped with a scroll 83 for displaying different graphic images that may be selectively changed. In one version, scroll 83 comprises a conveyor for rotating through a sheet of material 85 having two or more graphic images 87. The scroll 83 incrementally displays each image 87a, 87b, etc. (which may be sized, fabricated, and supported as described herein for the other embodiments) adjacent to or on the intake and/or exhaust for a selected period of time before cycling or scrolling to the next image. In the embodiment shown, the scroll 83 comprises a top housing 89 containing an electric motor 91, a side housing 93, a top pulley 95 coupled to motor 91, and a bottom pulley 97 for moving the images 87 on the material 85 back and forth between the upper and lower ends of the unit 81.

[0030] In one embodiment, the images 87 are further supported on upper and lower scroll bars 88 that extend between pulleys 95, 97, and cycle a single, air-permeable sheet material so as to minimize air flow impediment relative to unit 81. Thus, the images are formed on a discontinuous substrate that, in the embodiment shown, does not form a continuous loop. The scroll 83 moves the images in one direction (i.e., either up or down) before resetting or recycling through the images in reverse order. In contrast, prior art scrolling-type devices incorporate continuous loops of air-impervious material that constitute two or more barriers in a direction perpendicular to the images.

[0031] Yet another embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figures 8 and 9 as an air circulation unit 201 having an intake monitor 203 and/or an exhaust monitor 205 for displaying a graphic image. Monitor(s) 203, 205 may comprise a light emitting diodes (LED), plasma, DLP or other type of flat screen display that may, in some embodiments, be configured to permit a large volumetric rate of airflow therethrough. Alternatively, the monitors may comprise conventional monitors that are spaced apart from the airflow of intake and exhaust, respectively, so as to not impede air flow through unit 201. In Figure 8, monitor 205 is illustrated as an embodiment that is not located in the direct path of air flow through unit 201. Rather, monitor 205 is depicted as a rectangular monitor located directly above the exhaust of unit 201.

[0032] In one version, monitor(s) 203, 205 are secured to unit 201 via a frame 211 that is custom fit to the exterior contours of unit 201. For example, unit 201 is illustrated as having a generally rectangular shape, a decreasing taper 213 (Figure 8) from its larger intake 217 toward its smaller exhaust 215, and a series of notch-like recesses 219 located along the taper 213 at its upper end. To accommodate the shape of unit 201, one embodiment of frame 211 includes a molded plastic body that fits directly into the top molded recesses 219 in a puzzle interlock manner (see dashed lines). The portion of frame 211 located above unit 201 encompasses a body cavity for housing necessary electronics (e.g., motor 91 in Figure 7), computer, electrical, hardware elements, etc., to protect and obscure those elements from view.

[0033] Frame 211 also includes a pair of legs 221 (Figure 8) that extend down the rear side (i.e., to the left and right) of the exhaust 215, and a rectangular subframe 223 that extends around or adjacent to the perimeter of intake 217. Legs 221 and subframe 223 may be secured to unit 201 with fasteners such as screws. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 9, subframe 223 may comprise frame extensions 225 to maintain a selected distance from the intake 217 in the airflow direction and provide additional stability for monitor 203. Alternatively, the legs may be eliminated and replaced with a lower bar that is welded to the frame of the screen. The lower and upper bars attach to the brackets, which are secured to the cooling unit.

[0034] As shown in Figure 10, another embodiment of the invention comprises a system 301 for superimposing a virtual graphic image display 303 on an air circulation unit 305. Although display 303 is not physically present on unit 305, it is digitally generated and virtually affixed thereto via software 307 and controls 309 for digitally manipulating images. In operation, an image of unit 305 is transmitted via a transmission device 311 and delivered or otherwise communicated 313 (e.g., broadcasted) to consumers, subscribers, etc. of the broadcasted information (e.g., via telecommunications equipment, the Internet, etc.). The broadcast is displayed by end users (e.g., a target audience) on equipment 315 (e.g., televisions) to which they have access or may otherwise view, such that the virtual graphic image display 303 appears to be physically present on the unit 305 when perceived on equipment 315, even though it is not physically present on unit 305.

[0035] Referring now to Figure 11, one embodiment of a hardware and screen assembly used for supporting a graphic image display on an air circulation unit 401 is shown. The hardware and screen assembly includes a series of top, bottom, and side tubes 403, 407, and 405, respectively, that may be formed as a single, contiguous tube frame assembly for mounting a support 409 thereto. In one embodiment, the tube frame assembly is secured to unit 401 via a set of threaded rods 411 that extend through existing holes in the upper end of unit 401 on, for example, the intake side. Knob screws 413 may be used to tighten adjustable brackets that secure the tube frame assembly to unit 401. The frame hangs on the brackets rather than attaching to the unit itself. Thus, in one embodiment, no tools are required to install the hardware and screen assembly to the unit 401.

[0036] The support 409 is secured (e.g., welded, brazed, etc.) to the tube frame assembly. The support 409 may comprise a wire frame assembly as shown, and is used to mount and tautly support a graphic image screen 415. Screen 415 may be secured to support 409 with, for example, hook and loop fasteners having male and female portions, respectively, that are joined thereto with an adhesive. The support 409 restricts movement of the image screen 415 into the intake of unit 401. The wire mesh of support 409 further provides physical protection to the evaporative cooling pad area of the unit itself by shielding the area. In addition, the mesh vinyl screen 415 also acts as an additional air filter to pre-filter the air that enters the unit.

[0037] In some embodiments, the graphic image screen 415 is formed from a material comprising 50/50 (i.e., 50% printable surface, 50% porous) or 70/30 (i.e., 70% printable surface, 30% porous) mesh vinyl graphic material or substrate, and may be digitally imprinted in full color graphics. In one embodiment, such types of material for screen 415 permit at least 90% (e.g., more than 92%) of unobstructed airflow to the intake at a distance of about one to three inches from the intake of the unit 401 for no appreciable reduction in performance of the machine.

[0038] Although not intuitive, this design does not increase the electrical amperage requirements of the motor, and can have no significant impact on the volume of air (cfm) displaced at the exhaust. However, in one embodiment, the addition of the screen to the unit actually improves the overall efficiency by helping to regulate the unit in an optimal cfrn range. For example, some models of the air movement device displace air at or above 10,100 cfrn on a 'high' setting. However, the optimal volume of air displacement to reach maximum cooling efficiency on these devices is in a range of 9,000 to 9,500 cfrn. A screen constructed in accordance with the invention may be positioned relative to the device to make the device perform in the optimum range. [0039] In addition, screen acts as an additional air filter for the air entering the unit. Yet another benefit of this design is that the screen provides shade from the sun to most of the filter area of the cooling system. The shade provided by the screen reduces water consumption by the unit to make it more efficient and environmentally friendly.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 12, one embodiment of a heat generating unit 501 is disclosed. Unit 501 includes a heat resistant barrier 505 that is positioned in an interior of the plastic body 503 to insulate it from the heat generated by ceramic heating coils 507, propane heating or other sources for generating heat. The barrier 505 may be formed from various types of material including calcium, magnesium, and carbon fiber. The unit 501 further comprises a heat switch and thermostat 509, a filter 511 (shown partially removed) located in front of the coils 507 on the intake side, and a safety grill 513 having louvers 515 for protecting the unit 501 (e.g., from rain) on the intake side. In addition, louvers 515 may be equipped to automatically pivot open and closed with air flow through unit 501. This design permits heat generated by coils 507 to be retained within the unit so that the heat does not radiate toward or affect the graphic image display. Moreover, the other embodiments of the invention described above for cooling units may be readily adapted for use on heat generating unit 501.

[0041] Another embodiment of the invention comprises an air circulation unit having a graphic image display that is projected via a light projector onto a display screen or portions of the unit itself. The projector may be located in front of or behind either the intake or exhaust (or both). The screen may be constructed in accordance with the embodiments of the invention described herein, but again does not significantly impede the airflow of the unit. As one example, the graphic image display may be projected directly onto the rotating fan blades of the unit (e.g., via strobe projection), or other elements of the unit itself rather than onto a separate screen mounted adjacent to the unit.

[0042] Still another embodiment of a static display configuration of the invention is depicted in Figures 13, 14, 17 and 19. This hardware and screen assembly also supporting a graphic image display on an air circulation unit 601 is shown. The hardware and screen assembly includes a wire frame 603 having a rigid upper bar 605 and a rigid lower bar 607 that are welded thereto and protrude therefrom. The bars 605, 607 are secured to unit 601 via a set (e.g., pair) of upper brackets 609 and a set of lower brackets 61 1, respectively. The bars 605, 607 slide into receiver areas 616, 620 (Figures 17 and 19) on the brackets 609, 611, respectively. The brackets 609, 611 themselves may be attached directly to existing features on unit 601 without any additional hardware.

[0043] As shown in Figure 17, each upper bracket 609 may comprise a pair of opposed and overlapping components 613, 615 that are adjustable relative to each other to locate and secure the bracket 609 to the features on the unit 601. The components 613, 615 may be secured and fixed to each other with fasteners such as a bolt and wing nut. Likewise, each lower bracket 611 (Figure 19) may comprise a pair of opposed components 617, 619 that are adjustable relative to each other to locate and secure the bracket 609 to the features on the unit 601. Thus, in one embodiment, no tools are required to install the hardware and screen assembly to the unit 601.

[0044] Referring again to Figures 13 and 14, the wire frame 603 supports a graphic image screen 621. The screen 621 may be constructed and oriented relative to the unit 601 as described herein for other embodiments. Screen 621 may be readily secured to and removed from wire frame 603 with, for example, hook and loop fasteners having male and female portions, respectively, that are joined thereto with an adhesive. The wire frame 603 restricts movement of the screen 621 into the intake of unit 601. The wires that span the wire frame 603 and screen 621 further provide physical protection to the evaporative cooling pad area of the unit itself by shielding the area. In addition, these components also act as an additional air filter to pre-filter the air (e.g., from insects, debris, etc.) that enters the unit.

[0045] Referring now to Figures 15, 16, 18 and 20, another embodiment of a static display configuration of the invention is illustrated. This design is most similar to the previous embodiment, and includes a hardware and screen assembly for supporting a graphic image display on an air circulation unit 701 is shown. A wire frame 703 has bars 705, 707 that are secured to unit 701 via upper brackets 709 and lower brackets 711, respectively, which attach directly to existing features on unit 701 without additional hardware. The wire frame 703 supports graphic image screen 721 which may be constructed, oriented and operate relative to the unit 701 as described herein for other embodiments. Each upper bracket 709 comprises opposed components 713, 715 (Figure 18) that are adjustable relative to each other to locate and secure bracket 709 to features on unit 701. The components 713, 715 are secured and fixed to each other with fasteners. Each lower bracket 711 (Figure 20) comprises opposed components 717, 719 that are adjustable relative to each other to locate and secure bracket 709 to features on unit 701.

[0046] As described herein, the hardware of the various embodiments may be attached to the air circulation units without the use of any tools. For example, the hardware may be attached with simple hand fasteners such with thumb screws, wing nuts, etc. Moreover, the hardware used to attach the display is completely independent in its attachment mechanics and requirements with respect to the elements used to assembly the air circulation unit. The display is not required to use any screws, bolts or other type fastening devices that pre-exist on or are required to assembly the air circulation unit itself. Rather, the display is adapted to merely attach to existing external features (e.g., molded recesses, protrusions, etc.) on the air circulation device instead of requiring any modification of the air circulation device.

[0047] In one embodiment, the frame may be formed from lightweight metal round tubing construction in a square or rectangular shape. The corners of the frame have a rounded radius at each of the four corners to reduce the risk of injury to passersby. The frame is painted or powder coated to make it rust resistant, prolong longevity and increase aesthetics. The frame may be welded at a single joint to form the square or rectangular shape. Welded to the back of the frame are two hanger bars (top and bottom), which are formed from the same lightweight metal round tubing as the frame construction. The hanger bars are used so that the frame may be attached to the brackets which are attached to the portable air movement device. The interior portion of the frame comprises a mesh constructed from small solid metal rods that run both horizontally and vertically on four to six inch spacing creating a grid interior of the frame. Attached to the outer perimeter of the frame is the hook and loop fastener system for attachment to the graphic display panel.

[0048] In one embodiment, the graphic display panel is a porous vinyl material construction that is perforated to allow air to flow therethrough. However, the quality is such that the fabric renders high quality digital imprinted graphics. The tensile strength of the porous vinyl material is greater than 200 lbs. per square inch, therefore reducing puncturing or tearing from direct impact. The material of the graphic display panel is of a quality that is flexible, resistant to climatic conditions and easily cleaned if soiled. The hook and loop fasteners are attached to the back of the fabric near the outer edges which are used to attach to the fabric to the frame. The graphic display panel renders an exposure (front) surface for the display of artwork such as advertising.

[0049] In one embodiment, the top bracket comprises two pieces constructed of a lightweight metal that overlap to allow the bracket to adjust. A metal PIM welded stud bolt extends perpendicularly from one piece of the bracket with the other piece of the bracket overlapping with a slot hole allowing the overlapping bracket piece to be easily adjusted to the desired width, a threaded thumb knob screws onto the stud bolt securing the bracket once adjusted. The top bracket conforms to the dimensions of the top of the portable air movement device attaching at the front of the device into the outer indentions of the devices plastic molding, extending over the top of the device and extending over the back of the device at a 90 degree angle therefore creating a clamp on the top of the portable air movement device. A receiver area fashioned in a rounded metal receptacle protrudes from the bracket on the intake side of the portable air movement device in which the top, or upper, hanger bar of the frame is inserted to attach the frame to the portable air movement device. The brackets are painted or powder coated to make them rust resistant, prolong longevity and increase aesthetics.

[0050] In one embodiment, the bottom bracket also comprises two pieces as described above for the top bracket. The top of the bottom bracket is inserted between the splash guard and body molding of the portable air movement device and the bottom of the bottom bracket attaches around the bottom of the devices molded plastic body or below the metal frame of the cart in which the portable air movement device is attached. A receiver area fashioned in a rounded metal receptacle protrudes from the bracket on toward the frame in which the bottom, or lower, hanger bar of the frame is inserted to attach the frame to the portable air movement device. The brackets are painted or powder coated to make them rust resistant, prolong longevity and increase aesthetics.

[0051] While the invention has been shown or described in only some of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various changes without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An air circulation device, comprising: a body having air flow ports for intake and exhaust that generally define an axis of air flow therethrough, each of which is permeable to air flow; and a graphic image display mounted to the body adjacent to and directly in an air flow path of at least one of the air flow ports, the graphic image display being permeable to air flow therethrough in an axial direction.

2. An air circulation device according to Claim 1, wherein the graphic image display is located adjacent to the intake.

3. An air circulation device according to Claim 2, wherein the graphic image display permits at least 90% unobstructed airflow to the intake at a distance of about one to three inches from the intake with no appreciable reduction in performance of the air circulation device.

4. An air circulation device according to Claim 1, wherein said at least one of the air flow ports has an air flow port surface area, and the graphic image display has a graphic image surface area that is similar in size to the air flow port surface area.

5. An air circulation device according to Claim 4, wherein the graphic image surface area is greater than the air flow port surface area.

6. An air circulation device according to Claim 1, wherein the graphic image display comprises a printed screen having an image formed on a substrate that is permeable to and does not significantly impede air flow therethrough.

7. An air circulation device according to Claim 6, wherein the printed screen is mounted to hardware that is secured adjacent to said at least one of the air flow ports, and the printed screen is spaced apart from said at least one of the air flow ports along an axis extending in a general direction of the airflow.

8. An air circulation device according to Claim 7, wherein the hardware comprises a support frame for supporting the printed screen, a plurality of brackets for mounting the support frame to the body, and fasteners for securing the brackets to the body, and wherein the support frame comprises a wire mesh having a tubular frame circumscribing a perimeter thereof, and at least one bar extending from the tubular frame to at least one of the brackets.

9. An air circulation device according to Claim 7, wherein the printed screen is secured to the hardware with hook and loop fasteners.

10. An air circulation device according to Claim 7, wherein the hardware is attached to the air circulation unit without the use of any tools, and the hardware merely attaches to existing external features on the air circulation device and does not require any modification of the air circulation device.

11. An air circulation device according to Claim 6, wherein the substrate is formed from mesh vinyl comprising at least a 50% printable surface.

12. An air circulation device according to Claim 12, wherein the mesh vinyl comprises an approximately 70% printable surface.

13. An air circulation device according to Claim 6, wherein the image comprises advertising signage for marketing goods or services of a sponsor thereof.

14. An air circulation device according to Claim 1, wherein the graphic image display provides physical protection for the air circulation device and acts as an air filter to said at least one of the air flow ports.

15. An air circulation device according to Claim 1, wherein the air circulation device is a portable evaporative cooling device having a frame with wheels for portability, the body is an air conduit housing that defines the air flow ports, and further comprising a fluid reservoir for containing a volume of fluid, a motor for operating a fan blade assembly, and a pump and plumbing, and the portable evaporative cooling device evaporates, moisturizes, and directionally moves air flow through the air conduit housing to provide chilled ventilation for users located downstream from the exhaust.