US20130216213A1

US20130216213A1 - Heating and cooling table

Info

Publication number: US20130216213A1
Application number: US13/397,861
Authority: US
Inventors: Brad THOMAS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-16
Filing date: 2012-02-16
Publication date: 2013-08-22

Abstract

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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 INVENTION

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.
Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heating and cooling table according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heating and cooling table according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the heating and cooling table shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the heating and cooling table shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the heating and cooling table shown in FIG. 2 with a fan and motor.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of the heating and cooling table shown in FIG. 2 with an inline fan unit.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the heating and cooling table according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the heating and cooling table according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a heating and cooling table 100 is shown having a tabletop 110 and a support base 135. Support base 135 has a plurality of air intake openings 140 that are used to take air in through support base 135 and direct it up towards a plurality of table vents 115. Additionally, a plurality of support vents 120 are provided to direct conditioned air to users (not shown) seated around table 100. In order to allow a user to individually control the flow of air, a vent control 125 controls an associated table vent 115. In addition, an associated directional control 130 is provided to control the direction of airflow. A power switch 155 is provided to control table 100.
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.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 through 6, table 100 is shown having an ice tray 145 disposed within support base 135. A handle 150 is used to pull ice tray 145 out and fill it with ice 165. In this embodiment, air drawn in through air intakes 140 passes over ice 165 to provide cooling. As discussed above, air flow is controllable by the user using vent control 125, directional control 130 and table vent 115.
Referring now to FIG. 5, table 100 is shown having a motor 175 within support base 135. Motor turns a fan 170 which provides air flow throughout. Additionally, in this embodiment, a heating element 160 is used to provide heating when desired. Of course in use, either ice or heating is used, not both together as shown. This will depend on the environmental conditions present during use. A plug 190 provides the electrical energy required. A heater wire 180 supplies energy to heating element 160. A control wire 185 is used to electrically connect control 155 to unit. Control 155 is used to control fan and heating settings. Of course other controls may be used such as wireless, Bluetooth or other control system as is known in the art.
Now referring to FIG. 6, an inline fan 170 is used in place of motor 175 and fan 170 (FIG. 5). This provides an efficient method of moving and circulating air within support base 135 and through vents 115. Fan motor 175 or inline fan 170 should be waterproof since as ice 165 melts, it will generally impinge on fan motor 175 or inline fan 170. A drip pan 188 is used to keep water from running on the floor.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a weighted base 195 is provided to enhance stability and to lower the center of gravity. Weighted base 195 is a metal ring but may be constructed of concrete, sand, a liquid, etc. as is known in the art.
Now referring to FIG. 8, a series of light emitting diodes (LED) 198 are provided to enhance the ambiance of table 100. LED lights consume little energy and can be cycled through different colors to further enhance the esthetic value. Of course other kinds of light may be used such as incandescent, compact fluorescent, neon, etc. as is known in the art.
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

What is claimed is:

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:

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.