Abstract:
A table apparatus for distributing air or cooled air to those seated at or near the table. The apparatus includes a motor, a fan and a means for cooling air that is forced through upper and lower table portions.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to an apparatus in the form of a table for moving air from surrounding atmosphere through the table and exhausting the air in a desired manner and direction. The air may be cooled as it passes through the table. This invention provides comfort to those in proximity of the table. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0004]    Air movement through a table is described U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,015. The table described has an umbrella, a table top, a base, a fan and a motor, and an air cooling means. Both the air entry and exhaust occur within the base. 
       PRESENT INVENTION  
     Objectives and Advantages  
       [0005]    The present invention provides for convenient air flow and air cooling for those seated at or near the table invention, for example in a patio or deck. 
     
    
     
       DRAWING FIGURES  
         [0006]      FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  are plan and side view of the invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2A and 2B  are cross sections that show one configuration of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3A and 3B  show an alternate mounting means for the motor. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4A and 4B  show an alternate configuration of the table and the base. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  shows a switching arrangement 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0011]      FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  show a plan view and front view, respectively, of the present invention  10 . Base  12  has openings  14  on at least one side. The base  12  supports the lower portion  18  of the table  16 . Lower portion  18  is attached to upper portion  20  by any convenient means, such as, but not limited to, screws  22  and dowels  24 . Table  10  is shown essentially as square but can be rectangular, round, or any convenient shape. 
         [0012]      FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  are cross sections of one example of the invention. Motor  26  is attached to base  12  by structures  28 . Fan  30  is driveably attached to motor  26 . Moisture dispensing tube  32  is arranged over, and allows moisture to disperse throughout excelsior (wood wool) pads  34  that are attached to base  12 . The rate of dispersion is controlled by a moisture dispensing device  36 , such as a solenoid valve, a rotating volume dispenser, or the like. The water input for device  36  is the water inlet  38  shown in  FIG. 1B . When electric power causes motor  26  and fan  30  to rotate, air is drawn into base  12  through openings  14 . Air passes through moist pads  34  and becomes humidified. The humid air then passes through fan  30 , and exhausts between table lower portion  18  and table upper portion  20 , thereby creating cool air around the perimeter of table  16 . 
         [0013]      FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  show the same detail as  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  with the exception that motor  26  and fan  30  are supported by structures  40  which are attached to the table lower portion  18 . 
         [0014]      FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  show a preferred embodiment of the invention. Table lower portion  18  is constructed of material (such as sheet metal or plastic) that can be formed into desirable configurations. Base  12  consists of sockets  42  that support legs  44 . Fan  30  and motor  26  are supported by table lower portion  18 , which contains air ports  48 . Moisture pad  46  strategically occupies the space between table portions  18  and  20 . Moisture pad  46  is made of porous material that can absorb moisture and can allow passage of air. Moisture dispensing tube  32  is dispersed throughout the moisture pad  46  and is controlled by moisture dispensing device  36 . When electric power causes motor  26  and fan  30  to rotate, atmospheric air is drawn through air ports  48  and through fan  30  and forced through moisturized pad  46  and exhaust between table lower portion  18  and table upper portion  20 , thereby creating cool air around the perimeter of table  16 . 
         [0015]      FIG. 4  shows a switching arrangement  50  wherein moisture dispensing device  36  can only receive electrical power if motor  26  is receiving electrical power. 
       Conclusion  
       [0016]    Accordingly, this invention offers a unique means of providing comfort and enjoyment to those utilizing a table in an outdoor environment. 
         [0017]    It will be appreciated that while particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications may be made. It is intended in the claims to cover all modifications that come within the true spirit and scope of the invention.