MEDIA ISLAND

Abstract

This invention presents a media island with a table element mounted around and onto a kiosk body. The table element can have a plurality of ashtrays. The table element can also have a plurality of drink recesses or cup holders. The table element can be comprised of two-piece table element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of a pending application Ser. No. 12/726,775, filed Mar. 18, 2010, and claims priority of a provisional application Ser. No. 61/332,058, filed May 6, 2010.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a media island, and more particularly to a media island with a table element.

2. Description of Related Art

Various technologies have been integrated into kiosks for providing pleasant multimedia effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a media island. The media island has a kiosk body and a table element mounted onto the kiosk body.

In a preferred embodiment, the table element can be displaced around the kiosk body. In a preferred embodiment, the table element can have a plurality of ashtrays. Additionally or alternatively, the table element can have a plurality of drink recesses or cup holders.

In a preferred embodiment, the table element can comprise a first table piece and a second table piece. Preferably, the first table piece and the second table piece have latch portions for engaging with each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body can have an upper body and a lower body, and the table element can be displaced around the upper body and mounted onto the lower body.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body can further have a display unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body further has a storage area adapted for receiving condiment bottles, mints, candy, gum, chips, salsa or napkins.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body can comprise a kiosk housing having inner walls, outer walls, and an air circulation path between the inner walls and outer walls. The inner walls define an interior space. The kiosk body can also have a blower for supplying air into the air circulation path so as to fill the air circulation path with pressurized air.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body can further have a mist nozzle unit having a water injection nozzle and an air hole. The air hole is disposed adjacent the water injection nozzle. The kiosk body can further have a water chamber for storing water therein. The kiosk body can further have a water pump for pumping water from the water chamber to the water injection nozzle.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body can further have a water conduit. The water injection nozzle and the air hole are disposed in the kiosk housing. The water conduit is connected between the water pump and the water injection nozzle. The air hole communicates with the air circulation path such that the pressurized air can exit the air circulation path via the air hole.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body can further have a light device disposed within the interior space. The kiosk housing can be at least partially translucent and the light device illuminates the kiosk housing.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body can further have an audio system having a speaker.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body can have a side panel. The side panel has a bracket for mounting a gum ball machine, a credit card reader, a coupon printer, a scented air distributor, and/or a hand sanitizer. Preferably, the side panel is comprised of a panel insert and a panel frame.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body can have a scented air distributor having a fan. Preferably, the kiosk body further has a speed control for controlling the fan. The kiosk body can further have a sensor for detecting foot traffic. The scented air distributor further has a timer.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body further has a USB port.

In a preferred embodiment, the kiosk body can further have a tube extending vertically to receive electric power lines and water lines. Preferably, the kiosk body further has a universal mount for mounting a misting unit, a heater device and/or a camera. The media island can have a misting unit mounted on top of the kiosk body. Additionally or alternatively, the media island can further have a street sign mounted on top of the kiosk body. Additionally or alternatively, the media island can further have a heater device mounted on top of the kiosk body. Additionally or alternatively, the media island can further have a camera device mounted on top of the kiosk body. Additionally or alternatively, the media island can further have an umbrella mounted on top of the kiosk body.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a media island according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective assembly view of the media island of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan assembly view of the media island of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the kiosk body of the media island of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the kiosk body of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the kiosk body of FIG. 4, wherein the LCD display unit and the rear panel are omitted for the illustration purpose.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the lower body of the kiosk body of FIG. 4, wherein the tank base is further omitted for the illustration purpose.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the kiosk body of FIG. 4 taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a partial, enlarged view of the kiosk body of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a partial view of the media island of FIG. 1 further having a mist unit on top of the kiosk body.

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the media island of FIG. 1 further having a heater device on top of the kiosk body.

FIG. 12 is a partial view of the media island of FIG. 1 further having street signs on top of the kiosk body.

FIG. 13 is an assembly view of the upper side panel of the media island of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 shows a panel insert of the upper side panel of FIG. 13, with a gum ball machine mounted thereon.

FIG. 15 shows a panel insert of the upper side panel of FIG. 13, with a hand sanitizer mounted thereon.

FIG. 16 shows a panel insert of the upper side panel of FIG. 13, with a coupon printer mounted thereon.

FIG. 17 shows a panel insert of the upper side panel of FIG. 13, with a card reader mounted thereon.

FIG. 18 shows a variation of the media island of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 shows a partially cross-sectional side view of the upper body of the media island of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Shown in FIG. 1 is a media island 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The media island 10 has a kiosk body 12 and a table element 14 placed around the kiosk body 12. The kiosk body 12 has an upper body 16 and a lower body 18. The kiosk body 12 will be further explained in connection with FIGS. 4-9.

Shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are assembly views of the media island 10. The table element 14 is comprised of a pair of table pieces 20, 22. Each of the table pieces 20, 22 has a plurality of ashtrays 24 and a plurality of drink recesses or cup holders 26. Preferably, the ashtrays 24 are removable. The table pieces 20, 22 are displaced around the upper body 16 and above the lower body 18. The table pieces 20, 22 are attached onto the top of the lower body 18 by bolts or screws 28. The table pieces 20, 22 also have latch portions 30 that assist in locking of the table pieces 20, 22 together with each other.

FIGS. 4-9 show the kiosk body 12. The upper body 16 of the kiosk body 12 has a kiosk housing 32, two upper side panels 34, an LCD display unit 36 disposed in the front face of the upper body 16 (FIG. 4), and a rear panel 38 disposed in the rear face of the upper body 16 (FIG. 5). The LCD display unit 36 can have a clear panel 40 covering and protecting the LCD display unit 36. The lower body 18 includes a tank base 42 and two lower side panels 44. Four service casters 46 are mounted on to the bottom of the tank base 42 so that the media island 10 can be easily moved.

In FIG. 6 the LCD display unit 36 and the rear panel 38 are omitted so that the interior of the upper body 16 of the kiosk body 12 can be illustrated. As seen, a vertical tube 48 extends vertically through the center of the upper body 16 of the kiosk body 12. The vertical tube 48 can serve as a conduit for receiving, for example, electric power lines and/or water lines. When other electric devices, such as surveillance cameras, are mounted on top of the kiosk housing 32 of the kiosk body 12, the electric power lines can supply electric power to such electric devices. The kiosk housing 32 has inner walls 32a, which define an interior space. Four horizontal mounting rods 50 are shown to be mounted between the inner walls 32a of the kiosk housing 32 across the interior space. The horizontal mounting rods 50 can serve to mount other devices thereon. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, an IP interface module 52 and a light assembly 54 are mounted on to the horizontal mounting rods 50. The light assembly 54 is shown to extend vertically. However, the mounting rods 50 and the light assembly 54 may be arranged in a different orientation. The light assembly 54 can include fluorescent tubes 56. In an alternative embodiment, the light assembly 54 can be mounted directly onto the interior wall 32a, in which case the mounting rods 50 can be eliminated.

The kiosk housing 32 can be designed such that a display panel (not shown) can be removably held inside of the kiosk housing 32 adjacent to the rear panel 38. The display panel can be, for example, an advertisement display panel. The rear panel 38 is preferably transparent so that the display panel, when held inside of the kiosk housing 32, can be observed from outside of the kiosk body 12 through the rear panel 38. The display panel can be made of translucent material so that it can be illuminated by the light assembly 54 or other illuminating devices disposed inside of the kiosk housing 32 for visibility and/or aesthetical purposes. The kiosk housing 32 can also be made of translucent material so as to provide illuminative and aesthetic effect.

FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of the lower body 18 of the kiosk body 12 wherein the tank base 42 is omitted so that the interior of the lower body 18 of the kiosk body 12 can be better illustrated. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the kiosk body 12.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a blower 58 is mounted within the lower body 18. As shown in FIG. 8, the kiosk housing 32 is hollowed between the inner walls 32a and outer walls 32b so as to have an air circulation path 60 therebetween. As shown, when the blower 58 blows air from outside into the air circulation path 60 via an air hole 62, the pressurized air circulates in the air circulation path 60. This way, while the blower 58 is operated, the air circulation path 60 is filled with a pressurized air. In the illustrated embodiment, the light assembly 54 is disposed within the interior space defined by the inner walls 32a of the kiosk housing 32. Additionally or alternatively, the light assembly 54 can be disposed within the air circulation path 60.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the kiosk housing 32 has mist nozzles 64 disposed in its front and rear faces. FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of the misting nozzle 64. The misting nozzle 64 has a water injection nozzle 66 surrounded by adjacent air holes 68. The air holes 68 communicate with the air circulation path 60 of the kiosk housing 32 so that the pressurized air can exit the air circulation path 60 through the air holes 68.

As also shown in FIG. 8, an inner wall 42a of the tank base 42 defines a water chamber 70 for receiving water therein. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a water pump 72 is disposed within the lower body 18 of the kiosk body 12. When operated, the water pump 72 pumps water out of the water chamber 70, feeding the pressurized water to the water injection nozzles 66 of the misting nozzles 64 via a water line 74. The water line 74 is connected to and communicates with the water injection nozzles 66 so that the pressurized water can be injected through the water injection nozzles 66. Accordingly, when the bower 58 and the water pump 72 are both operated, the pressurized air circulates within the air circulation path 60 and exits through the air holes 68 and the pressurized water flows through the water line 74 and is injected through the water injection nozzles 661. The exiting pressurized air and water are mixed together so as to form mist.

The kiosk body 12 can also have a scent medium retainer or mount 76 next to the blower 58. The scent medium retainer 76 can retain scent medium in the form of liquid or solid. Accordingly, when the blower 58 blows air into the air circulation path 60, the scent medium can be vaporized or sublimated and caught by the flowing air so that the pressurized air exiting the kiosk body 12 through the air holes 68 can carry scent. Preferably, the scent medium retainer 76 is located upstream of the blower 58.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a mount plate 78 is disposed within the lower body 18. A panel box 80 is mounted on the mount plate 78. Also shown are two speakers 82, respectively installed in the two lower side panels 44. The panel box 80 controls the speakers 82. The panel box 80 can have a memory medium for storing music or other audio data in the form of, for example, mp3 files or other electronic audio files. Such audio data can comprise audio advertisement or other information.

Also shown is an Internet Protocol (IP) controller 84. The IP controller 84 controls the LCD display unit 36 via the IP interface module 52. The IP controller 84 may transmit any kind of visual information such as visual advertisement, including but not limited to changing graphical display or animation, on the LCD display unit 36. The IP controller 84 can also control the light assembly 54 as well. In some embodiments, the IP controller 84 and the panel box 80 can be incorporated into a single unit.

In FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the upper side panels 34 also carry a visual display text of “FOOT TRAFFIC MEDIA.” The upper side panels 34 can carry any other visual information such as visual advertisement, whether in a text form or not. The upper side panels 34 are preferably made of translucent material so that it can be illuminated by the light assembly 54 or other illuminating devices disposed inside of the kiosk housing 32 for visibility and/or aesthetical purposes. Preferably, the upper side panels 34 are removably mounted onto the kiosk housing 32.

Additionally or alternatively, the upper side panel 34 can be comprised of a panel frame 51 and a panel insert 53 as shown in FIG. 13. The panel insert 53 is inserted into the panel frame 51 to together form the upper side panel 34. A top frame portion 55 of the panel frame 51 can be a locking frame portion that can be removeably attached to the other portions of the panel frame 51 so as to provide for an access of the panel insert 53 into the panel frame 51.

The panel insert 53 has a bracket 57. The bracket 57 can be comprised of metal tabs with metal frame. The bracket 57 allows mounting of various accessories, as shown in FIGS. 13-17, such as a scented air distributor (FIG. 13), a gum ball machine (FIG. 14), a hand sanitizer (FIG. 15), a coupon printer (FIG. 16), and/or a credit card reader (FIG. 17).

In FIG. 13, a scented air distributor 59 is mounted onto the panel insert 53 through the bracket 57 of the panel insert 53. The scented air distributor 59 has a fan 69, a scent disc retainer 71, a scent disc 73 received in the scent disc retainer 71, a speed control 75 for controlling the speed of the fan 69, and an air out 77 for distributing a scented air. The scented air distributor 59 can have a sensor so that the scented air distributor 59 can trigger only when there is foot traffic. The scented air distributor 59 can also have a timer so that the scented air distributor 59 only operates during a set program of hours.

In FIG. 14, a gum ball machine 61 is mounted onto the panel insert 53 through the bracket 57 of the panel insert 53. The gum ball machine 61 has a chamber 79 for storing gum balls 81 therein, a coin slot or a card reader 83, a turn handle 85, and a gum ball dispenser 87.

In FIG. 15, a hand sanitizer 63 is mounted onto the panel insert 53 through the bracket 57 of the panel insert 53.

In FIG. 16, a coupon printer 65 is mounted onto the panel insert 53 through the bracket 57 of the panel insert 53. The coupon printer 65 has a paper reel 89 and a coupon dispensing hole 91.

In FIG. 17, a card reader or a license scanner 67 is mounted onto the panel insert 53 through the bracket 57 of the panel insert 53. The card reader 67 has a card swipe 93.

In FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 9, the kiosk housing 32 has mist nozzles 64 disposed in its front and rear faces. Additionally or alternatively, the kiosk body 12 can have a top misting unit 86 mounted on top of the kiosk housing 32, as shown in FIG. 10. The top misting unit 86 has a fan 88 for blowing air toward outside through a circumferential opening 90. Within and along the opening 90 are circumferentially arranged water injection nozzles 92. The water injection nozzles 92 are connected to and communicate with a water line 94, which is connected and communicates with the water line 74. When operated, the water pump 72 pumps water from the water chamber 70, feeding the pressurized water to the water injection nozzles 92 via the water line 94. When the fan 88 and the water pump 72 are both operated, the pressurized air flows to outside through the opening 90 and the pressurized water flows through the water line 94 and is injected through the water injection nozzles 92. The exiting pressurized air and water are mixed together so as to form mist.

In the illustrated embodiments, the kiosk body 12 has an LCD display unit 36 disposed in the front face and a rear panel 38 disposed in the rear face. However, in other embodiments, the rear panel 38 can be replaced with another LCD display unit 36. Alternatively, the LCD display unit 36 disposed in the front face can also be replaced with a front panel similar to the rear panel 38.

The kiosk body 12 may be provided with a heater device 96 mounted on top of the kiosk housing 32 as shown in FIG. 11. The vertical tube 48 extending vertically through the upper body 16 of the kiosk body 12 can serve as a conduit for receiving electric power lines to provide electrical power to the heater device 96.

Additionally or alternatively, the kiosk body 12 may also have a camera (not shown), such as a security camera, mounted on top of or inside the kiosk housing 32. The camera can be integrated with multiple security systems, such as panic button, an IP phone that is always connected to the security personnel, or an internal alarm to prevent tampering. The camera may be able to pan in and out and move left to right.

Additionally or alternatively, the kiosk body 12 can have street signs 98 mounted on top of the kiosk housing 32 as shown in FIG. 12.

The kiosk body 12 can have a universal mount 97 at the top end of the vertical tube 48 as shown in FIG. 5. The universal mount 97 provides a mount for the top misting unit 86, heater device 96, and/or the street signs 98, and can be in the form of a knuckle. The universal mount 97 allows for a quick connection and disconnection.

Shown in FIG. 18 is a media island 10′ which is a variant of the media island 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3. The media island 10′ has a kiosk body 12′ and a table element 14 placed around the kiosk body 12′. The kiosk body 12′ has an upper body 16′ and a lower body 18. The lower body 18 of media island 10′ shown in FIG. 18 is identical with the lower body 18 of the media island 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the upper body 16′ has a front recess 31 in its front surface for receiving a display unit 36′, such as a computer, LCD TV, LCD touch TV, Apple I-pad, or LED TV. The upper body 16′ can also have a rear recess 33 in its rear surface for receiving a display unit 38′, such as a computer, LCD TV, LCD touch TV, Apple I-pad, or LED TV. The upper body 16′ can also have storage areas 35 in its side surfaces for receiving, for example, condiment bottles, mints, candy, gum, chips and salsa, dips, napkins, and so on. The storage areas 35 may also have display units similar to the display units 36′, 38′.

As shown in FIG. 19, the upper body 16′ can also have a scent medium retainer 37 for retaining scent medium therein. The upper body 16′ can also have a blower 39 for dissipating scent.

The upper body 16′ can also have a USB port 47. The USB port 47 can allow for placing of additional speakers. The USB port 47 can also allow for connecting of microphone. The USB port 47 can also allow for connection of a keyboard and/or a mouse.

The media island 10′ can have an umbrella 99 mounted on top of the top body 16′. In this embodiment, the top body 16′ can have a central through-hole 41 for receiving a pole of the umbrella 99. The top body 16′ can also have a locking sleeve 43 for receiving an end of the pole of the umbrella 99. The locking sleeve 43 can be in the form of two-piece collar with a locking mechanism 45 for locking the end of the pole of the umbrella 99 with the upper body 16′.

As various modifications could be made to the exemplary embodiments, as described above with reference to the corresponding illustrations, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A media island comprising:

a kiosk body; and

a table element mounted onto said kiosk body.

2. The media island of claim 1, wherein said table element is displaced around said kiosk body.

3. The media island of claim 1, wherein said table element has a plurality of ashtrays.

4. The media island of claim 1, wherein said table element has a plurality of drink recesses.

5. The media island of claim 1, wherein said table element comprises a first table piece and a second table piece.

6. The media island of claim 5, wherein said first table piece and said second table piece have latch portions for engaging with each other.

7. The media island of claim 1, wherein said kiosk body comprises an upper body and a lower body, and wherein said table element is displaced around said upper body and mounted onto said lower body.

8. The media island of claim 1, wherein said kiosk body further comprises a display unit.

9. The media island of claim 1, wherein said kiosk body further comprises a storage area adapted for receiving condiment bottles, mints, candy, gum, chips, salsa or napkins.

10. The media island of claim 1, wherein said kiosk body comprises:

a kiosk housing having inner walls, outer walls, and an air circulation path between said inner walls and outer walls, said inner walls defining an interior space; and

a blower for supplying air into said air circulation path so as to fill said air circulation path with pressurized air.

11. The media island of claim 10, wherein said kiosk body further comprises:

a mist nozzle unit having a water injection nozzle and an air hole, said air hole disposed adjacent said water injection nozzle;

a water chamber for storing water therein; and

a water pump for pumping water from said water chamber to said water injection nozzle.

12. The media island of claim 11, wherein said kiosk body further comprises a water conduit, wherein said water injection nozzle and said air hole are disposed in said kiosk housing, wherein said water conduit is connected between said water pump and said water injection nozzle, and wherein said air hole communicates with said air circulation path such that the pressurized air can exit said air circulation path via said air hole.

13. The media island of claim 10, wherein said kiosk body further comprises a light device disposed within said interior space, and wherein said kiosk housing is at least partially translucent and said light device illuminates said kiosk housing.

14. The media island of claim 10, wherein said kiosk body further comprises an audio system having a speaker.

15. The media island of claim 1, wherein said kiosk body further comprises a side panel, said side panel having a bracket for mounting a gum ball machine, a credit card reader, a coupon printer, a scented air distributor, and/or a hand sanitizer.

16. The media island of claim 15, wherein said side panel comprises a panel insert and a panel frame.

17. The media island of claim 1, wherein said kiosk body further comprises a scented air distributor having a fan.

18. The media island of claim 17, wherein said kiosk body further comprises a speed control for controlling the fan.

19. The media island of claim 17, wherein said kiosk body further comprises a sensor for detecting foot traffic.

20. The media island of claim 17, wherein said scented air distributor further has a timer.

21. The media island of claim 1, wherein said kiosk body further comprises a USB port.

22. The media island of claim 1, wherein said kiosk body further comprises a tube extending vertically, said tube being adapted to receive electric power lines and water lines.

23. The media island of claim 1, wherein said kiosk body further comprises a universal mount for mounting a misting unit, a heater device and/or a camera.

24. The media island of claim 1, further comprising a street sign mounted on top of said kiosk body.

25. The media island of claim 1, further comprising a misting unit mounted on top of said kiosk body, said misting unit having a water injection nozzle.

26. The media island of claim 1, further comprising a heater device mounted on top of said kiosk body.

27. The media island of claim 1, further comprising an umbrella mounted on top of said kiosk body.