TABLE UMBRELLA APPARATUS

Abstract

A table apparatus has a base, a table affixed to the base, a fan positioned in the base so as to deliver a flow of air outwardly of the base, a motor drivingly connected to the fan, and air plenum formed adjacent to the table, and a plurality of airflow lines extending through the table or along and underside of the table. Each of the plurality of lines has an outlet adjacent a periphery of the table. The outlet of the airflow line is formed at an outer edge surface of the table. A plurality of louvers are adjustably positioned at the outlet so as to direct a flow of air from the outlet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to table umbrellas. More particularly, the present invention relates to table umbrella apparatus that includes systems that for passing a flow of air outwardly of the table for the purpose of heating or cooling persons seated at the table.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98

In many areas of the world, large umbrellas are used in conjunction with tables for the purpose of providing shade to those dining or drinking at the table. These table umbrellas usually include several legs that support the table a desired distance above the earth and in proximity to the chair surrounding the table. A large pole extends from the legs upwardly above the table so as to support an umbrella thereabove. In certain circumstances, the umbrella can be fixed or foldable. The umbrella effectively provides shade to those dining at the table so as to enhance the comfort of such persons at the table.

It is often the common problem in warm areas that the umbrella does not provide a sufficient cooling effect to those persons at the table. Although shade is important in enhancing one's comfort while dining and/or drinking, elevated ambient temperatures can also create a discomfort. Additionally, if there is no breeze, insects can often provide discomfort to persons at the table. Many existing table umbrella apparatus ineffectively provide a full range of services and environmental effects to those at the table.

Various items have been employed in the past with outdoor patio activities. In particular, electric fans have been used as a source of air for those sitting outside. Electric fans commonly use an electric motor with fan blades attached to the shaft of the rotor of the motor such that the electric motor is positioned central to the fan blades. Unfortunately, when the electric fan is used outside, it does not provide a great deal of protection from the sun nor a full range of comfort to those sitting at tables.

In the past, various patents have issued relating to fan assemblies and environmental control apparatus associated with table umbrellas. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0096203, published on Jul. 25, 2002 to Cohen et al., describes a fan assembly for a table umbrella. A motor assembly is connected to the pole that supports the table umbrella. A rather complicated arrangement of drive rings allows the umbrella to rotate relative to the table by the action of the motor.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0121296, published on Sep. 5, 2002 to R. B. Copple, describes an integrated electric fan and patio umbrella. The device uses an electric fan mounted as integral part of a patio umbrella. The umbrella fabric is open at the top so as to expose the fan to direct air from above. The umbrella can be raised and lowered around the fan blades without the need to hinge the blades up or down.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0168091, published on Sep. 11, 2003 also to Cohen et al., describes another type of fan assembly for a table umbrella. The fans are located on the underside of the table umbrella. The fans are driven by a shaft which extends through the table umbrella. As a result, the fans provide an airflow downwardly onto patrons sitting at the table below the umbrella.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0149325, published on Aug. 5, 2004 to G. G. Kuelbs, shows another type of table umbrella apparatus having an integral lighting system so as to provide relatively bright outdoor light for reading and other activities. The umbrella apparatus also includes a cooling system that utilizes electric fans and misting systems. A motorized retraction system is also used so as to retract or open the umbrella.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0221882, published on Nov. 11, 2004 to Watson et al., describes an insect repellant structure for use in association with a table umbrella. The system is utilized so as to circulate air, along with an insect repellant, in an area below the umbrella and above the table.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0105898, published on May 19, 2005 to Bachinski et al., shows an infrared heating systems for patio umbrella. The heating system includes a shroud defining an inner volume and a plurality of electrical infrared heating elements positioned generally downward facing in the inner volume of the shroud.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,727,366, issued on Dec. 20, 1955 to O. A. Hagen, describes sprinkler system attachment for a lawn umbrella. The sprinklers are rotatably mounted at a top of the umbrella so as to deliver a flow of water outwardly therefrom. The water will drain onto the top surface of the umbrella so as to flow downwardly beyond the outer periphery of the umbrella. The downward flow of such water will create a cooling effect for those persons sitting at the table below the canopy of the table umbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,200,820, issued on Aug. 17, 1965 to R. R. Garrett, shows a table umbrella apparatus with a solar energy collector affixed to a top surface thereof. The solar energy collector has a generally convex shape with respect to the table so as to provide for the collection of solar energy therein and also to provide shade and comfort to the persons sitting at the table therebelow.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,811, issued on Apr. 16, 1991 to M. H. Hopkins, shows an electric fan for a patio umbrella. A rotatable fan is mounted on the interior of table umbrella above the table. A gear or belt drive system couples to the fan from a motor supported on the pole of the table umbrella. As a result, the fan blades can rotate so as to deliver a flow of air downwardly to those persons sitting at the table.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,639, issued on Jun. 25, 1991 to T. D. Thomas, shows a patio table cooler in which a central thermally-insulated container is located below the table. The container is cooled by an ice/chemical coolant or refrigeration coils. An electric fan, associated with the cooling element, is positioned below the table and on the base of the table.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,238, issued on May 4, 1993 to Rivera et al., shows an air flow lounge umbrella apparatus which includes a fan system that is located in the base of the table umbrella. The fan system delivers air through the pole associated with the umbrella. Airflow will pass through apertures formed on the pole so as to deliver air outwardly of the pole and to those person sitting at the table.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,152, issued on Feb. 9, 1999 to R. C. Brown, describes a rotating patio umbrella fan. A motor is located in the base so as to drive a shaft extending through the pole of the table umbrella. The canopy of the umbrella is connected to shaft so as to be rotatably connected to the motor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,233, issued on Oct. 12, 1999 to Clark et al., provides a patio umbrella with a radiant heater. The heater is affixed to the pole of the table umbrella generally below the umbrella. As a result, the canopy will reflect heat from the heating element downwardly to those sitting at the table.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,793, issued on Nov. 9, 1999 to R. J. Louis, provides a self-contained misting device. A container has a support for water therein. An ice chamber is associated with the container so as to allow melted ice to be mixed with the water in the container. A pump delivers the cooled water upwardly and outwardly therefrom to a misting nozzle. The misting nozzle will then deliver a mist in a downward orientation.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,188, issued on Jan. 25, 2000 to C. Benton, describes a patio table and fan combination. A fan is mounted to the pole directly below the canopy of the umbrella. A plurality of lights are mounted on the pole so as to deliver lighting toward the table. The fan motor is mounted co-axially with the fan and in close proximity to the underside of the patio umbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,084, issued on Dec. 4, 2001 to R. B. Cohen, provides another type of combined umbrella and fan device. Once again, the fan is mounted directly below the underside of the canopy of the umbrella. A motor is affixed to the pole and drivingly connected to the fan blades.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,450, issued on Jan. 8, 2002 to J. Collet, provides a terrace heating device. This device has a reflector for reflecting rising heat from a heat downwardly toward person therebelow. The reflector is in the shape of an umbrella-like cover that is articulatable between an open position and a closed position.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,647, issued on Nov. 25, 2003 to M. Waters, describes another type of heating apparatus having a slidable shroud. A fuel source is provided in a base of the heating apparatus so as to deliver fuel to a burner assembly positioned generally below a reflector. The reflector is in the form of a shroud which serves to direct heat downwardly therefrom.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,000, issued on Jan. 27, 2004 to P. C. Apple, provides a misting umbrella. The misting umbrella includes a pump that is connected to a supply of water. A tube extends from the pump upwardly along a pole associated an umbrella. Conduits extend from the tube outwardly toward the periphery of the umbrella so as to deliver a misting spray downwardly to an area under the fabric cover of the umbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,907,875, issued on Jun. 21, 2005 to Eastman et al., provides an outdoor heater which has a movable table attachment thereto. A fuel supply is located on the underside of the table. A radiant heater is provided generally below a small canopy so as to direct heat downwardly toward the table.

The present inventor has three patents relating to the present invention. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,582, issued on Jun. 16, 1998 to the present inventor, describes a table umbrella apparatus including a tubular support member, a hub rotatably mounted at an end of the tubular support member, a fan extending radially outwardly of the hub so as to be in the form of a table umbrella, and a motor connected to the hub for rotating the fan about a longitudinal axis of the tubular support member. A shaft is connected to the motor and is connected to the hub. The shaft extends longitudinally along an interior of the tubular support member. The shaft is supported by bearings interior of the tubular support member. A base is connected to the bottom of the tubular support member so as to support the tubular support member in a vertical orientation. A table is supported around the tubular support member in a horizontal plane.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,866, issued on Oct. 9, 2001 to the present inventor, also describes a table umbrella apparatus that has a base, an umbrella with an inner surface extending therealong, a tubular support affixed to and extending from the base and supporting a umbrella a desired distance above the base, and a fan connected to the tubular support. The fan has a fan blade mounted so as to rotate about a vertical axis. The fan directs airflow at least upwardly through the umbrella. A motor is connected to the fan so as to rotate the fan blade in a desired direction. A baffle is affixed to the umbrella so as to direct air from the fan along the inner surface of the umbrella. The umbrella has at least one adjustable slat extending outwardly from the inner surface so as to direct airflow from the fan to a desired location below the umbrella. A table is positioned around the tubular support and over the base.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,015, issued on May 26, 2009 to the present inventor, teaches a table umbrella apparatus that has a base, a table affixed to the base, a canopy supported by the base a distance above the table, and an air treating means positioned in the base for delivering a flow of air outwardly of the base. The air treating system includes a fan, a motor drivingly connected to the fan, a reservoir positioned in the base, and a pump cooperative with the water in the reservoir for passing a flow of water across air urged by the fan. An aspen wood intake filter is positioned in the base so that the air is urged by the fan across this intake filter.

In the previous patents to the present inventor, it was noted that there was a problem associated with the delivery of air from the air plenum toward the person sitting at the table. In certain circumstances, the air would have to travel a great distance before actually cooling a person at the table. In hot weather conditions, the cool air would actually warm before reaching the person. As such, the maximum effectiveness of such cooling or heating system was diminished. As such, need developed so as to position the outlets as close as possible to the occupant of the table.

Additionally, in these prior patents, there was often an awkward and inconvenient arrangement of the table. Various appliances were positioned onto the table or onto the umbrella. Under certain circumstances, the umbrella could not be properly utilized because of these added appliances. In other circumstances, it was difficult to store or to transport the table umbrella apparatus because of the arrangement of components. In particular, it was difficult to stack tables one upon the other. In other circumstances, the appliances required for the delivery of cooling or heating air added unnecessary cost to the table. As such, a need developed so as to allow for the delivery of air in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which provides a breeze to those sitting at the table.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus in which the flow of air can be directed, as desired, by the person sitting at the table.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus in which a cooling flow of air can be delivered outwardly of the table in a location adjacent to the person sitting at the table.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be easily moved and assembled with minimal trouble and difficulty.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be easily transported.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which is easy to assemble, easy-to-use, relatively inexpensive, and easy to manufacture.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus that comprises a base, a table affixed to the base, a fan positioned in the base so as to deliver a flow of air outwardly of the base, a motor drivingly connected to the fan, an air plenum formed adjacent to the table, and a plurality of airflow lines extending through the table or along an underside of the table. Each of the plurality of airflow lines has an outlet adjacent a periphery of the table.

In the present invention, the outlet of the airflow line is formed at an outer edge surface of the table. A plurality of louvers are adjustably positioned at the outlet so as to direct a flow of air from the outlet. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the table can have a circular configuration with the plurality of airflow lines radiating from the air plenum toward the periphery of the table.

Each of the plurality of airflow lines comprises a channel formed or affixed to a bottom surface of the table. The channel has one end opening to the air plenum and an opposite end opening at the outlet. The opposite end of the channel widens in width toward the outlet.

In the present invention, the apparatus can be used in association with a table umbrella. As such, the apparatus will further comprise a canopy supported by the base a distance above the table. The base includes a housing having an interior volume. The table is affixed to a top of the housing. The motor and the fan are positioned in the housing. A reservoir is positioned in the housing. The reservoir is suitable for receiving a supply of water therein. A pump is cooperative with supply of water in the reservoir. The pump passes a flow of the water across the air delivered by the fan. The canopy can include a foldable umbrella with a pole extending from the foldable umbrella to the table. The pole has an opposite end detachably received by the base. A control panel can be affixed to the top surface of the table and extending upwardly therefrom. The control panel is cooperative with the motor so as to control a flow of air through the airflow lines.

This foregoing Section is intended to describe, with particularity, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that modifications to these preferred embodiments can be made within the scope of the present invention. As such, this Section should not to be construed, in any way, as limiting of the broad scope of the present invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art table umbrella apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the prior art table umbrella apparatus with the umbrella in a folded configuration.

FIG. 3 is a cut-away interior view of the base of the prior art table umbrella apparatus.

FIG. 4 is another cut-away view of the base associated with the prior art table umbrella apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away frontal perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an isolated perspective view of the table as used in the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the underside of the table of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a detailed side view showing the arrangement of louvers within the outlet of the airflow lines associated with the apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the prior art table umbrella apparatus 10 related to the present invention. The table umbrella apparatus 10 includes a base 12, a table 14 affixed to the base 12, a canopy 16 that is connected by a pole 18 to the table 14 and the base 12, and an air treating means 20 that is positioned within the base 12. The air treating means 20 is suitable for delivering a flow of air outwardly of the base 12.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the base 12 has a generally cubical configuration. Vents 22 are formed on at least one wall 24 of the base 12. A door 26 is located on another wall of the base 12. The base 12 has legs 28 extending radially outwardly therefrom in a generally horizontal plane. Wheels 30 are rotatably mounted to a bottom of the base 12 generally adjacent to the legs 28. The wheels 30 can be either adjustable upwardly so as to rise above the bottom level of the legs 24 but can be removably connected to the base 12. The table 14 has a generally circular configuration and is mounted to a top surface of the housing 32 of the base 12. The table 14 includes an airflow outlet structure 34 mounted to a top surface 36. There airflow outlet surface 34 includes vents 38 formed on sides of the truncated pyramidal structure of the airflow outlet 34. Vents 38 include suitable louvers thereon so as to allow a person sitting at the table 14 to adjust a flow of air in a desired direction. A control pad 40a can also be mounted on one of the surfaces of the structure 34 so as to allow persons at the table 10 the control the flow of air, control lighting associated with the apparatus 10, or to place orders therefrom.

The canopy 16 is in the nature of a foldable umbrella 40. The foldable umbrella is supported by struts 42 extending upwardly from pole 18. The umbrella 40 can be folded in a conventional manner in the nature of a conventional table umbrella apparatus. A misting ring 41 is affixed to the pole 18 in a position below the umbrella 40.

FIG. 2 illustrates the manner in which the canopy 16 has umbrella 40 extending in a generally folded configuration. The pole 18 extends upwardly from the top 44 of the structure 34.

FIG. 3 shows an interior view of the base 12. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the table 14 is affixed to a top surface of the housing 32 of base 12. The pole 18 is illustrated as being removably received within an interior of the structure 34. The pole 18 can also be permanently secured generally centrally of the structure 34.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that the legs 28 include arms 46 which are connected by locking pins to leg flanges 48. Leg flanges 48 extend outwardly from the bottom of the base 12. The locking pins associated with the leg flanges 48 can be removed so as to allow the leg members 46 to be removed or can be adapted so as to allow for a pivoting of the leg members 46 with respect to the leg flanges 48.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that there is an air plenum 50 that is formed generally centrally of the base 12. Air plenum 50 will extend from the interior of the base 12 upwardly through the table 14 to the interior of the structure 34. Vents 38 communicate with air plenum 50 so as to allow air to flow outwardly through the air plenum 50 and through the louvers associated with vents 38.

A motor 52 is mounted in the base 12 generally centrally in the base and within air plenum 50. Motor 52 is drivingly connected to fan 54. The fan 54 is a squirrel cage fan that is also mounted generally centrally of the base 12. Fan 54, along with motor 52, is arranged so as to draw air inwardly of the base 12 through the vents 22 located on wall 24 of the base 12. A reservoir 56 is received on the interior of the base 12. The reservoir 56 is suitable for receiving a supply of water therein. An aspen wood intake filter 58 is positioned on the interior of the vents 22 so as to allow air passing through inwardly of the base 12, through the vents 22, to pass through the aspen wood intake filter 58. A pump 60 is mounted in the base 12 so as to pass water from the reservoir 56 upwardly and into the top of the aspen wood intake filter 58 so as to allow the water to pass, by osmosis, through the porous wood associated with the aspen wood intake filter 58. As used herein, the preferred embodiment is an aspen wood intake filter. However, various other types of porous, absorbent and distributive intake surfaces can be utilized in place of the aspen wood intake filter 58. It is important that the intake filter 58 be suitably porous and absorbent so as to allow air to pass therethrough while retaining downwardly flowing water therein. Slowly, the water will drop through the structure of the intake filter 58 so as to be collected at a bottom of the reservoir 56. The pump 60 can then redeliver and recirculate the water back to the top of the interior of the intake filter 58.

In normal use, the motor 52 will rotate the fan 54 so as to draw air through the intake vents 22 and across the intake filter 58. This action causes the air to be cooled by the evaporative action. The air then passes from the fan 54 upwardly into the air plenum 50 and outwardly through vents 38 located at the top of table 14 and the vents 62 located below the table 14. As a result, the present invention effectively allows for the delivery of cooled air to those persons sitting at the table 14.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, an evaporative/swamp cooler apparatus is used. The swamp cooler includes a reservoir that holds the water for circulation over saturation intake vents/filters (the aspen wood filters). Air is cooled as it is drawn in by way of strategically mounted squirrel cage fan. As the air passes over the water-saturated filters, moisture or humidity is added to the air so as to cool the air temperature by as much as twenty percent in dry climates. Swamp cooling is preferred method of cooling because it provides some comfort as opposed to the use of more expensive air conditioning equipment. This humidified air is distributed by way of the squirrel cage fan so as to direct the air straight upwardly into the plenum. The plenum pressurizes the air for distribution to the louvered vents so as to allow for control and distribution for under the table and at head height (by way of the control consol). The vents provide total direction control, as well as shut off, so as to allow each individual the ability to control their own personalized climate. The intake air filters are made to be easily removed or replaced for maintenance In order to remove the intake filters for maintenance, it is only necessary to open the external cowl door and simply slide out the filters and replace with new filters. The aspen wood filters allow for easy saturation and distribution of the humidified air. The exterior door allows easy access to the swamp cooler by way of a key latch assembly that keeps unwanted entry from occurring. The swamp cooler provides another air-tight sealed entry door so as to allow water to be filled, ice to be added (for more effective cooling) and for maintenance of the recirculation pump. The recirculation pump continually circulates and recirculates reservoir water over the wood filters by way of drip nozzles that are strategically positioned over the top of the filters. The drip nozzles provide continuous water saturation to the filters by way of the reservoir recirculation pump. This recirculation pump can be a common fountain pump.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that there is an auxiliary reservoir 64 formed on the interior of the base 12. Another pump 66 is connected by pipe 68 to the auxiliary reservoir 64. Pump 66 serves to deliver the water from the reservoir 56 upwardly to misting nozzle located on the structure 34. As a result, when desired by occupants of the table umbrella apparatus 10, proper misting functions can be achieved. The tube 72 can also, or alternatively, extend along the pole 18 so that the mist can be delivered from a location just below umbrella.

FIG. 4 also shows the interior of the base 12. In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the reservoir 56 has a generally cubical shape that is supported by structural elements 74 located above the bottom of the base 12. Pump 60 is mounted at the bottom of the reservoir 56 so as to deliver water upwardly through conduit 76 to the top of the aspen wood intake filters 58. It can be seen that the aspen wood intake filters 58 are located on opposite sides of the base 12. Suitable vents, such as vents 22 as illustrated in FIG. 1, can also be formed on the opposite wall of the base 12.

In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the pump 66 is connected to the auxiliary reservoir 64 so as to deliver a mist through tube 72 to a nozzle located upwardly above the table 14. FIG. 4 also shows the control panel 40a as located in a desired position so that a person sitting at the table 14 can control a flow of air and/or mist from the apparatus 10 of the present invention. Louvers 78 are mounted on the vents 38 so as to allow the user to direct the flow of air delivered thereto. It can also be seen that there are louvers 80 associated with the vents 62 located below the table 14.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown the apparatus 100 of the present invention. The apparatus 100 can be used with or without the table umbrella. The apparatus 100 includes abase 102 with a table 104 affixed to an upper end of the base 102. A fan 106 is positioned in the base 102 so as to deliver a flow of air. A motor 108 is drivingly connected to the fan. An air plenum 110 is formed adjacent to the table 104. The table 104 will have a plurality of airflow lines extending through the table 104 or along an underside of the table 104. Each of the plurality of airflow lines has an outlet 112 adjacent a periphery of the table 104. The outlets 112 are positioned in spaced relationship to each other at the outer edge surface 114 of the table 104.

In FIG. 5, the base 102, the fan 106 and the motor 108 will have a configuration similar to that described in association with FIGS. 1-4 herein. Similarly, the air plenum 104 will be located above the fan 106 and the motor 108. The fan 106 will draw air through vents formed in the sides of the base 102 so as to deliver air across the evaporative cooling elements. As such, the air delivered into the air plenum 110 will be cooler than the ambient temperature. This air can then be delivered through the plurality of airflow channels toward the outlets 112 located at the periphery of the table 104. As a result of this configuration, the air is actually delivered in a location adjacent to a person sitting at the table. As such, the cooling effect of the air is maximized. Additionally, the present invention avoids any structures that could interfere with the smooth flat surface of the top side of the table 104. The air delivery channels are integrated into the structure of the table 104.

A control panel console 116 is affixed to the top surface of the table 104. The control panel console 116 can include a screen 118 along with a control knob 120. The adjustment of the control knob 120 allows a person sitting at the table to adjust the amount of air that is delivered to the person sitting at the table. If a person at one part of the table desires to receive less cooling air, then that person can suitably adjust the knob facing the person on the control panel console 116. As such, the amount of cooling air delivered to individuals seated at the table 114 can be controlled by those persons sitting in the locations adjacent to the outlets 112. The screen 118 can be in the nature of a television screen or any other type of display. The upper end of the control panel console 116 can include a receptacle 122 whereby a table umbrella, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-4 herein, can be affixed so as to extend above the top surface of the table 104.

As can be seen FIG. 5, is an electrical box 105 positioned in the base 102 and below the table 104. The control panel console 116 can be supplied with power from the electrical box 105. The control panel console 116 can be removably affixed to the table 104 through the use of the quick release nuts. The quick release can extend through the table 104 from the control panel console 116 through the plenum 110 to the electrical box 105. FIG. 5 also shows that at least one table support bracket 117 can extend outwardly from the base 102 so as to further support the underside of the table 104. The underside of the table 104 can also incorporate bottom output vents so as to supply air from the plenum 110. As such, cooling air can be supplied to the lower torso and legs of a person sitting at the table 104.

FIG. 6 illustrates, with particularity, the nature of the table 104 without the console 116. It can be seen that the table 104 has a generally circular configuration. The outlets 112 are arranged so as to open at the outer edge surface 114 of the table 104. Suitable louvers 124 are provided on each of the outlets 122. These louvers are illustrated, in greater detail, in association with FIG. 8 herein. The louvers 124 allow the user of the apparatus 100 to particularly control the desired direction of airflow from the outlet 112. The control 116 could be attached to top surface of the table 104.

The table 104 further includes an aperture 126 located centrally of the table. Aperture 126 allows the table 104 to be easily secured to the base 102. The aperture 126 further facilitates the ability to install the control panel 116 onto the top surface of the table 104.

FIG. 6 further illustrates that pop-up vents 125 and 127 can be applied to the top surface of the table 104. Each of the vents 125 and 127 can move between a first position coplanar with the top surface of the table 104 and the second position extending angularly upwardly from the top surface of the table 104. In the second position, the pop-up vents 125 and 127 can deliver cooling air from the air plenum 110 toward persons sitting at the periphery of the table. Since there is no control panel console on the top surface of the table 104, the operations of the cooling equipment can be controlled by remote control.

FIG. 7 illustrates the underside of the table 104. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates that the airflow lines 130 radiate outwardly from the center 132 of the table 104. Each of the airflow lines 130 includes an inlet 134 that will be in communication with the air plenum. When the table 104 is installed upon the base 112, the inlets 134 of the channels 130 will be in fluid communication with the air plenum. As such, the airflow into the air plenum can be directed through the channels 130 toward the outlets 112 located on the outer edge surface 114 of the table 104.

In FIG. 7, the channel 130 has a relatively narrow width extending from the inlet 134 toward the outlet 112. The width of the channel 130 expands so as to widen at the outlet 112. The widening at the outlet 112 creates a venturi effect with respect to the airflow through the channel 130. It will also serve to disperse the air in a wide direction outwardly of the outlet 112. As such, a maximum diffusion of the airflow is achieved in this configuration.

The outer edge surface 114 has a slotted configuration. This slotted configuration provides a decorative effect to the table 104 and also avoids the accumulation of hot air on the underside of the table 114. If the slotted configuration at the outer edge surface 114 was not achieved, then the table 114 could actually heat air that was entrapped within the underside of the table 114. This can be counterproductive to the desire to cool persons sitting around the periphery of the table 104.

FIG. 8 illustrates the outlet 112 of the table 104 of the present invention. In particular, can be seen that there are a plurality of louvers 140 that are adjustably positioned within the outlet 112. As such, the user is able to move the louvers 114 in any desired direction so as to control the flow of air through the outlet 112 and to direct the flow of air from the outlet 112. For example, if a person would desire to have the air directed toward the person's face, then the louvers 140 could be moved so as to direct airflow upwardly. Under other circumstances, if a person would desire to have less airflow, then the louvers could be moved so as to be in a generally closed configuration. The louvers 140 can take on a variety of other directions depending on the desires of the user.

The present invention provides a simplified structure for the delivery of airflow from or through a table. Since the air delivery channels are located on the underside of the table, they are invisible to the persons sitting at the table. Since the outlet of the airflow channels is located at the periphery of the table, the air is delivered in the location where it is needed most. Since the distance of air travel is minimized, there is little warming or cooling of the air before it contacts the person at the side of the table. Since the airflow channels are positioned on the underside of the table and within the area of the outer edge surface, the tables can be easily stacked, one upon another, for the purposes of storage. The airflow channels include louvers so that the user can manually control the delivery of air. Additionally, a control panel can be provided so as to provide the electronic control of airflow.

Within the concept of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the table umbrella can also be incorporated into the system of the present invention. Such table umbrella constructions were shown in FIGS. 1-4 hereinbefore. As such, the table umbrella can be inserted into the receptacle 122 on the control panel 116. If it is not desired to use an umbrella, then only the table can be provided for use.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a base;

a table affixed to said base, said table having a top surface with an outer edge surface extending downwardly from said top surface at a periphery of said table;

a fan positioned in said base so as to deliver a flow of air outwardly of said base;

a motor drivingly connected to said fan;

an air plenum formed adjacent to said table; and

a plurality of airflow lines extending through said table or along an underside of said table, each of said plurality of airflow lines having an outlet on said outer edge surface at said periphery of said tablet, each of said plurality of airflow lines comprising: a channel formed or affixed to a bottom surface of said table, said channel having one end opening to said air plenum and an opposite end opening at said outlet, said opposite end of said channel widening in width toward said outlet.

2. (canceled)

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of louvers positioned at said outlet so as to direct a flow of air from said outlet.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, said table having a circular configuration, said plurality of airflow lines radiating from said air plenum toward the periphery of said table.

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a canopy supported by said base a distance above said table.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, said base comprising a housing having an interior volume, said table affixed to a top surface of said housing, said motor and said fan positioned in said housing.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

a reservoir positioned in said housing, said reservoir suitable for receiving a supply of water therein; and

a pump cooperative with the supply of water in said reservoir, said pump passing a flow of the water across the air delivered by said fan.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one pop-up vent positioned on said top surface of said table, the pop-up vent movable between a first position coplanar with said top surface and a second position extending angularly upwardly from said top surface of said table.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a control panel console removably affixed to said top surface of said table and extending upwardly therefrom, said control panel cooperative with said motor so as to control a flow of air through said plurality of airflow lines.

13. An apparatus comprising:

a base;

a table affixed to said base, said table having a top surface with an outer edge surface extending downwardly from said top surface at the periphery of said table;

a fan positioned in said base so as to deliver a flow of air outwardly of said base;

a motor drivingly connected to said fan;

a plurality of airflow lines each having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being in fluid communication with said fan, said outlet positioned on said outer edge surface of said table, each of said plurality of airflow lines comprising: a channel formed at or affixed to a bottom surface of said table, said channel having one end in communication with said fan and an opposite end opening at said outlet, said opposite end of said channel widening in width toward said outlet; and

a louver positioned at said outlet of the airflow lines so as to direct the flow of air from said outlet.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. The apparatus of claim 13, said table have any circular configuration, said plurality of airflow lines radiating from a center of said table toward the periphery of said table.

19. An apparatus comprising:

a base;

a table affixed to said base;

a fan positioned in said base so as to deliver a flow of air outwardly of said base;

a motor drivingly connected to said fan; and

an air plenum formed adjacent to and in fluid communication with said fan; and

a plurality of channels formed at or affixed to a bottom surface of said table, said plurality of channels having an inlet opening to said air plenum and an outlet opening at an outer edge surface extending downwardly from a top surface of said table, said opposite end of said channel widening in width toward said outlet.

20. (canceled)