HEATING AND COOLING TABLE
A temperature controlled table has a hollow support base with a hollow table top portion. A series of air intake openings in the support base allow air to be drawn in from the outside and circulated through the table. A series of controllable vents arraigned on the outside edge of the table top allow users to control and direct the airflow. In one embodiment, a heating element is provided within the support base to heat air as it circulates. An ice tray is provided to cool air flowing through. In this way, the user can control the temperature in close proximity to the table to enhance their comfort.
People enjoy preparing food and eating out of doors and the backyard barbeque is very popular. Of course, in general the weather is a factor in eating outside and when it is too cold or too hot; most people choose to eat inside. People also enjoy just sitting outdoors even when not eating, but again, the weather conditions play a role in this activity.
There are many methods of warming areas outside including area heaters and pole heaters. In hot weather, it is known to provide fans to make it more comfortable.
In order to facilitate people being able to enjoy being outside, picnic tables and patio tables are used to provide seating. In cold weather, heaters can be placed in close proximity to the table or in the case of the pole heater, in the middle of the table and of course the fan can be placed to provide airflow around the table. Additionally, because of the nature of these heating and cooling devices, it is not really possible to individually adjust the conditions for each person seated there.
There is a need to provide a table that integrates both heating and cooling functions without requiring external equipment as well as being able to provide individual adjustments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA temperature controlled table has a hollow support base with a hollow table top portion. A series of air intake openings in the support base allow air to be drawn in from the outside and circulated through the table. A series of controllable vents arraigned on the outside edge of the table top allow users to control and direct the airflow. In one embodiment, a heating element is provided within the support base to heat air as it circulates. An ice tray is provided to cool air flowing through. In this way, the user can control the temperature in close proximity to the table to enhance their comfort.
Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
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Table 100 is made of a thermally resistant plastic, but any suitable material may be used such as glass, fiberglass, composite, aluminum or other metal may be used. Additionally, several materials may be used such as a metal base and a glass surface, etc. as is known in the art.
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Additionally, although cooling table 100 is shown rectangular, any suitable shape such as, but not limited to round, oval, octagonal, etc. may be used and is considered to be within the scope of this application.I
Although the instant invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A temperature controlled table comprises:
- a support base;
- said support base being adapted to allow air flow therein;
- at least one air intake disposed in said support base wherein outside air is drawn in and circulated therein;
- a table top portion disposed above said support base;
- said table top portion being adapted to allow air flow therein; and
- at least one air vent disposed in said table top portion wherein aid is able to flow through said air intake, support base and table top portion.
2. The temperature controlled table according to claim 1 further comprising:
- a fan disposed within said support base wherein air flow is directed therein; and
- an electrical control in electrical communication with said fan whereby said fan is controllable.
3. The temperature controlled table according to claim 1 further comprising:
- a heating element dispose within said support base whereby air is heated when said heating element is energized; and
- an electrical control in electrical communication with said heating element whereby said heating element is controllable.
4. The temperature controlled table according to claim 2 further comprising:
- a heating element dispose within said support base whereby air is heated when said heating element is energized; and
- an electrical control in electrical communication with said heating element whereby said heating element is controllable.
5. The temperature controlled table according to claim 1 further comprising a vent control disposed on said at least one air vent whereby air flow is controllable therein.
6. The temperature controlled table according to claim 2 further comprising an ice cube tray disposed within said support base and above said fan whereby air is cooled as circulating therein.
7. The temperature controlled table according to claim 3 further comprising an ice cube tray disposed within said support base and above said fan whereby air is cooled as circulating therein.
8. The temperature controlled table according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of lights mounted within said table top portion.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 16, 2012
Publication Date: Aug 22, 2013
Inventor: Brad Thomas (Waterloo, IA)
Application Number: 13/397,861
International Classification: F24F 7/007 (20060101); F28D 15/00 (20060101); F24F 7/00 (20060101);