Multi-purpose portable fan

A method for operating a fan device, the fan device comprising:

• a handle configured with a multi-position switch, and a portable fan comprising a plurality of separate distinct blades configured to extend into an open configuration and retract into a closed stacked configuration, wherein distinct blades of the plurality of separate distinct blades are configured to display a fan array of illuminable elements;
• wherein bottom ends of all of the plurality of separate distinct blades are stacked parallel inside of the handle, in the closed stacked configuration;
• and
• the handle comprises a top end and a bottom wall, a front wall that is substantially parallel to a back wall, and opposing side walls connecting the front wall to the back wall, the bottom wall connects the front wall to the back wall, wherein the handle is coupled to bottom ends of each of the plurality of separate distinct blades at the top end of the handle,
• wherein the bottom wall of the handle is spaced away from the plurality of separate distinct blades along a length of the handle, wherein the handle comprises:
• at least one computing device, in communication with the illuminable elements;
• wherein the method comprises:
• transitioning the fan device from the closed stacked configuration to the open configuration by extending the plurality of separate distinct blades;
• when the multi-position switch is placed in a first position, illuminating the fan array of illuminated elements in a first color and transmitting a signal to an auxiliary computing device by the computing device of the fan device;
• when the multi-position switch is placed in a second position, changing the fan array of illuminable elements to a second color to signal for aid, wherein the first color is different than the second color.

A system, comprising:

• a fan device, comprising:
• a handle configured with a multi-position switch;
• and
• a portable fan comprising a plurality of nestable separate and distinct blades, wherein nestable separate and distinct blades of the plurality of nestable separate and distinct blades are configured to display a fan array of illuminable elements, and
• wherein the handle comprises:
• a top end and a bottom wall,
• a front wall that is substantially parallel to a back wall, and opposing side walls connecting the front wall to the back wall, the bottom wall connects the front wall to the back wall, wherein the handle is coupled to bottom ends of each of the plurality of nestable separate and distinct blades at the top end of the handle,
• wherein the bottom wall of the handle is spaced away from the plurality of nestable separate and distinct blades along a length of the handle;
• a computing device, the computing device comprising:
• a wiring interface coupled to the plurality of nestable separate and distinct blades;
• a memory having computer-executable instructions encoded thereon, and a processor functionally coupled to the memory and configured by the computer-executable instructions to:
• transmit a status signal to at least one external computing device, wherein the status signal comprises an indication of an open configuration of the fan device or an indication of a closed configuration of the fan device;
• receive a response signal from the at least one external computing device based on the status signal;
• when the multi-position switch is placed in a first position, emit an external display in at least a first color, via the illuminable elements, based on the response signal received from the at least one external computing device;
• and
• when the multi-position switch is placed in a second position, the fan array of illuminable elements are changed to a second color to signal for aid, wherein the first color is different than the second color.