Tent – canopy – umbrella – or cane – Umbrella – Combined
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-10
2001-10-09
Canfield, Robert (Department: 3635)
Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane
Umbrella
Combined
C135S098000, C135S910000, C108S050120, C108S050130, C362S102000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298866
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to table umbrellas. More particularly, the present invention relates to fans that can be utilized on patio tables. More particularly, the present invention relates to table umbrellas which include a fan for directing air toward or away from the person sitting around the table.
BACKGROUND ART
In many areas of the world, large umbrellas are used in conjunction with tables for the purpose of providing shade while dining or drinking outdoors. Heat and/or insects often reduce significantly an individual's capacity to enjoy outdoor leisure activities.
Various items have been employed in the past in conjunction 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 fan blades are used outside, they do not provide a great deal of protection from the sun.
In the past, various table umbrellas have employed a variety of fan blade constructions. However, it is desirable to provide such a table umbrella apparatus at a moderate cost. As such, a need has developed for providing a table umbrella apparatus which can be manufactured inexpensively while still providing a downdraft of air to persons sitting below the table umbrella.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a table umbrella apparatus in which the umbrella can be used in conjunction with a fan to provide a breeze and shade to those sitting at the table.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a table umbrella apparatus in which the flow of air can be directed, as desired, to the person sitting below the table umbrella.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a table umbrella apparatus in which the motor can be reversed so as to provide heated air to those sitting at the table.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a table umbrella apparatus which can provide an evaporative cooling effect to those sitting below the table umbrella.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a table umbrella apparatus which can transmit and/or deliver sound for the use and enjoyment of persons sitting below the table umbrella apparatus.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a table umbrella apparatus which can dispense a liquid to those sitting at the table.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a table umbrella apparatus which is easy to assemble, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a table umbrella apparatus which comprises a base, an umbrella having an inner surface extending therealong, a tubular support affixed to and extending from the base so as to support the umbrella a desired distance above the base, and a fan connected to the tubular support. The fan has a fan blade which is mounted so as to rotate about a vertical axis. The fan serves to direct air flow at least upwardly toward the umbrella and along the inner surface of the umbrella.
In the present invention, a motor is connected to the tubular support. The motor is drivingly connected to the fan so as to rotate the fan blade in at least one of two directions. The motor is capable of bi-directionally rotating the fan blade so as to cause the air flow to flow in one direction or another. The fan and the fan blade are mounted in a cage affixed to the tubular support. The umbrella is affixed to the cage opposite the tubular support. 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 from the inner surface. The slat serves to direct air from the fan to a desired location below the umbrella.
In the present invention, a table is positioned around the tubular support and above the base. A plurality of struts are affixed to the underside of the table and extend from the tubular support. The plurality of struts maintain the table in a horizontal plane. Alternatively, the table has a plurality of legs connected to an underside thereof so as to support the table in a horizontal plane a desired distance above an underlying surface.
In the present invention, an evaporative cooling means is affixed to the tubular support and extends along the inner surface of the umbrella. The evaporative cooling means serves to pass a cooling mist below the umbrella. The base has a water reservoir formed therein. A pump is provided to direct water from said base through a conduit extending through the tubular support from the water reservoir. The evaporative cooling means has a nozzle connected to the conduit and is directed downwardly from the unbrella The pump serves to force water through said nozzle. A switch is connected to the tubular support so as to allow users to selectively activate the mist system.
In the present invention, a heating element is affixed to the tubular support and positioned below the fan. The fan directs the air flow downwardly over the heating element. A light is connected to the tubular support and is positioned below the fan. The light has an electrical line extending through the tubular support to a power supply. A speaker is affixed to the cage surrounding the fan. The speaker has an electrical line connected thereto and extending through the tubular support. A power supply is electrically connected to the fan. The power supply is positioned in the base. The power supply has an electrical line extending through the tubular support to the fan. A liquid dispenser line extends outwardly of the tubular support and is connected to a liquid supply (in the form of a reservoir in the base or by a PVC line) so as to selectively supply liquid outwardly therefrom.
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Canfield Robert
Harrison & Egbert
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