US20230096473A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20230096473A1
Application number: US17/861,762
Authority: US
Inventors: Carla Murphy; Daniel Murphy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-09-24
Filing date: 2022-07-11
Publication date: 2023-03-30

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of cooling devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a table fan device comprised of at least one fan that is further comprised of at least one fan blade, a housing, at least one button, and at least one motor. The device may, in differing embodiments, attach itself to the underside of a table via the use of fasteners and support arms. The device is powered by a motor that rotates the fan blades around a vertical shaft to create airflow. In this manner, the device efficiently expels airflow to create an ideal climate for its users. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/247,847, which was filed on Sep. 24, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND

Many people enjoy sitting outdoors and around a table. However, the ideal climate for this type of activity can be very rare. Oftentimes, the weather is either too hot or too cold. As such, people may be forced to sit indoors and will miss out on enjoying the outdoors. To solve this, many people will be forced to use heavy and clunky fans or heaters to maintain an ideal climate while sitting outside. However, these fans are normally designed for indoor use and thus are not easily transported outdoors. Furthermore, it is difficult to place these devices in a way that evenly distributes their airflow to those who may be sitting around a table. This reduces the number of times in a year a person can comfortably sit outside.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a table fan device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a table fan device that produces adequate airflow to either cool or warm people who are sitting at or around a table. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a table fan device that can be attached to a table so that the airflow may be evenly dispersed around the table. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a table fan device that can reverse the rotation of its blades to move air either from the top or bottom side of the device. Lastly, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a table fan device that can be easily recharged through solar panels.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a table fan device. The table fan device is preferably comprised of at least one fan that is further comprised of at least one fan blade, a housing, at least one button, and at least one motor. In a differing embodiment, the device may be comprised of at least one fan that is further attached to a table designed to hold said fan on the bottom surface of the table. To accomplish this, at least one support arm may be attached to the underside of the table, and the fan, in turn, may be attached to the support arms via fasteners so that the fan is suspended above the ground but underneath the table. To operate the fan, a motor can be turned on or off through the use of a button located on the housing to rotate the fan blades. The motor may be powered by a battery that is rechargeable through a power cord that is attached to the device or via solar panels.

In this manner, the table fan device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides a device that can be used to create an ideal climate for users sitting around an outdoor table. Further, the direction of air flowing through the device can be easily changed to allow air to be moved to a desired area or in a desired flow pattern.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a table fan device. In one primary embodiment, the device may be comprised of at least one fan that is further primarily comprised of at least one fan blade, a housing, at least one button, and at least one motor. In a differing embodiment, the device may be comprised of at least one fan that is further attached to a table designed to hold said fan on the bottom surface of the table. The table may be any type of table manufactured with at least one leg. The table may feature at least one support arm that is attached to the bottom surface of the table. The fan, in turn, may be attached to the support arm through at least one fastener. In this manner, the fan will be secured underneath the table and suspended above the ground. This allows for the airflow produced by the fan to be evenly dispersed from underneath the table.

Preferably, the housing is manufactured from a metal material, such as stainless steel or aluminum. The fan blade is preferably comprised of a plastic material. The fan blade is attached to the device by a vertical shaft and rotates around the vertical shaft when engaged. The fan is powered by a motor, which in turn is powered by a battery. Preferably, the battery is rechargeable via a power cord. In different embodiments, the motor may be powered by solar panels which are attached to either of the top, side, or bottom surfaces of the housing.

Accordingly, the table fan device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a continuous blast of air to those nearby to either cool or warm them when needed. Moreover, because the device features a motor and a rechargeable battery, the table fan device is easily engaged for use and can operate for an extended period of time. Lastly, because the table fan device can be positioned underneath a table, its airflow is effectively dispersed around itself, providing an efficient cooling or warming mechanism. In this manner, the table fan device provides a novel solution for an existing problem.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG.1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a table fan device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG.2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a table fan device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG.3 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a table fan device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a table fan device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a table fan device that produces copious airflow to sufficiently cool or warm people sitting nearby. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a table fan device that can be attached beneath a table so that the airflow can emanate from underneath the table evenly. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a table fan device that can produce airflow from either the top or bottom side of the device. Lastly, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a table fan device that can swiftly be recharged through solar panels.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a table fan device. The table fan device features at least one fan, which is primarily comprised of at least one fan blade, a housing, at least one button, and at least one motor. In differing embodiments, the device may be manufactured with at least one fan attached to a table. The table, in turn, is designed to hold said fan on the bottom surface of the table. The table is manufactured with at least one leg whereby at least one support arm is attached to the bottom surface of the table. The fan may then be attached to the support arm by at least one fastener. The fan is thus secured underneath the table and rests suspended above the ground. The result of this design allows for airflow produced by the fan to be evenly dispersed underneath the table and expelled outwards to those sitting around the table.

In the preferred embodiment, the housing is manufactured in a metal material, such as stainless steel or aluminum. The fan blade is preferably manufactured in a plastic material. To operate, the fan blade rotates around the vertical shaft at vigorous speeds to produce airflow. A motor powers the operation of the fan. A battery, in turn, powers the motor. Preferably, the battery is rechargeable through a power cord that is attached to the device. In different embodiments, the motor may be powered by solar panels that are attached to either the top surface, side surfaces, or bottom surface of the housing.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIG.1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of atable fan device100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In one primary embodiment, thedevice100 may be comprised of at least onefan200 that is further primarily comprised of at least onefan blade210, ahousing220, at least onebutton230, and at least onemotor244. In a differing embodiment, thedevice100 may be comprised of at least onefan200 that is further attached to a table300 designed to hold saidfan200 on thebottom surface320 of the table300. Thetop surface222 and thebottom surface224 of thehousing220 have continuous openings that allow air to flow through thedevice100. The opening on the top surface22 of thehousing220 and the opening on thebottom surface224 of thehousing220 are covered by agrate226. Thegrate226 protects the interior of thefan200 from harmful debris that may adversely affect thefan blades210. Thegrate226 also provides protection to the users, ensuring that a person cannot reach their hands into thedevice100 and make contact with thefan blades210. At least onebutton230 is preferably featured on theside surface224 of thehousing220. Thebutton230 is able to turn thedevice100 on or off and may also have the capability of reversing the direction of thefan blades210. In this manner, thefan blades210 may push air out of the top surface22 or out of thebottom surface224 of thedevice100 to produce different air flow patterns per the desires of the user.

Thehousing220 is preferably manufactured from a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum, but may be made from of any metal known in the art. In different embodiments, thehousing220 may be manufactured in a plastic material, such as, but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, etc. To enhance the appearance of thedevice100, thehousing220 may be comprised of a plurality ofdecorative indicia260, such as, but not limited to: patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. Thedevice100 is comprised of at least onefan blade210. Thefan blades210 are designed to rotate around avertical shaft240. Thevertical shaft240 is generally cylindrical and is positioned in the center of thehousing220. Thefan blades210 are preferably manufactured in a lightweight plastic material or a durable metal material. In differing embodiments, thedevice100 and/orhousing220 may have a water-resistant coating, or the components of thedevice100 and/orhousing220 may themselves, be water-resistant. In this manner, thedevice100 may be kept outside for long periods of time.

Themotor224 of thedevice100 may be anymotor224 known in the art. Themotor224 is preferably electric and receives power from abattery224, which in turn may receive power from apower cord250. Thepower cord250 is preferably amale power cord250 that may be plugged into most standard110-volt or240-volt wall outlet. In another embodiments, thetop surface222,bottom surface224, orside surfaces223 of thehousing220 may be comprised of at least onesolar panel248 that powers thebattery246. Thebattery246 may be adisposable battery246 or arechargeable battery246 in the form of an alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride battery, etc. such as any3V-12

volts DC battery

246 or otherconventional battery246 such as A, AA, AAA, etc. that supply power to the device. Throughout this specification, the terms “battery,” “battery pack,” and “batteries” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells orbatteries246 of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacingbatteries246 may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells,individual batteries246 of cells, or a package ofmultiple battery246 cells as is appropriate for any givenbattery246 technology that may be used. In differing embodiments of thedevice100, thesolar panel248 may be comprised of, but not limited to: monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or a photovoltaic cell film.

FIG.2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of atable fan device100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The table300 is comprised of atop surface310 and at least oneleg360. In one embodiment of thedevice100, thefan200 may be fixedly or removably attached to the table300. Preferably, at least onevertical support arm340 may be fixedly attached to thebottom surface320 of the table300. In turn, thefan200 may be attached to thesupport arms340 through at least onefastener350 such as, but not limited to, a nut, bolt, screw, nail, magnet, tongue and groove, etc. In this manner, thefan200 may produce airflow that flows upwards and deflects off thebottom surface320 of the table300. This causes airflow to be pushed outwards in equal force to the sides of the table300 towards users sitting at the table. Thefan300 may also be reversed to cause a similar effect, but with the air flowing downwards and deflecting off the ground towards the feet and lower legs of users sitting at the table. Preferably, thefan200 is removably attachable to thefasteners350 so that thedevice100 can be removed and recharged through the use of thepower cord250.

FIG.3 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of atable fan device100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In one embodiment, the table300 may havehorizontal support arms340 that may be attached to thelegs360 of the table300. In this manner, thefan200 may rest upon thesupport arms340 and may further be secured through the use offasteners350 of the type mentioned supra. In this manner, thefan200 may produce airflow that flows upwards and deflects off thebottom surface320 of the table300. This causes airflow to be pushed outwards in equal force to the sides of the table300 towards users sitting at the table. Thefan300 may also be reversed to cause a similar effect, but with the air flowing downwards and deflecting off the ground towards the feet and lower legs of users sitting at the table. Differing embodiments of thedevice100 may feature a table300 manufactured from glass or other metal or plastic material that is preferably transparent. In this manner, excess sunlight may shine through thetop surface310 of the table to better recharge thesolar panels248 of thehousing210

Themotor244 may also have a plurality of speeds that allow thefan blade210 to rotate at different rotations per minute. Said speeds can be switched using thebutton230 and may include, but are not limited to: low, medium, and high. In addition, thebutton230 may allow the user to switch the direction of the rotation of the fan blade210 (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise) in order to draw cooler air upwards or force warm air downwards.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, thetable fan device100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of thetable fan device100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of thetable fan device100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of thetable fan device100 are important design parameters for user convenience, thetable fan device100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A table fan device comprising:

a fan further comprised of a fan blade;

a solar panel, wherein the housing is mounted to a table beneath a working surface.

2. The table fan device ofclaim 1, wherein the button allows the direction of an airflow generated from the fan to be changed.

3. The table fan device ofclaim 1, wherein the solar panel powers the battery.

4. The table fan device ofclaim 3, wherein the battery powers the motor.

5. A table fan combination device comprising:

a table having a working surface;

a fan having at least one fan blade;

a housing further comprised of a first grate located on a top surface of the housing and a second grate located on a bottom surface of the housing;

a button;

a motor that powers the at least one fan blade; and

a power source.

6. The table fan combination device ofclaim 5, wherein the button allows the direction of an airflow generated by the fan to be changed such that the airflow may be selectively discharged from the top surface of the housing, the bottom surface of the housing or both the top surface of the housing and the bottom surface of the housing.

7. The table fan combination device ofclaim 5, wherein the button can be used to selectively cause the at least one fan blade to rotate in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.

8. The table fan combination device ofclaim 5, wherein the motor comprises a plurality of speeds.

9. The table fan combination device ofclaim 5, wherein the power source is a battery.

10. The table fan combination device ofclaim 9 further comprising a solar panel for charging the battery.

11. The table fan combination device ofclaim 10, wherein the power source is an electrical cord.

12. A table and fan combination device comprising:

a fan comprised of a plurality of fan blades;

a housing comprised of a first grate located on a top surface of the housing, a second grate located on a bottom surface of the housing and an interior, wherein the fan is positioned in the interior of the housing;

a button;

a motor that powers the fan;

a battery;

a solar panel;

a power cord;

a table comprised of a top surface, a bottom surface, at least one leg and a support arm; and

a fastener.

13. The table and fan combination device ofclaim 12, wherein the fan is attached to the bottom surface of the table via the support arm.

14. The table and fan combination device ofclaim 13, wherein the support arm is in a vertical orientation relative to a ground surface.

15. The table and fan combination device ofclaim 13, wherein the support arm is in a horizontal orientation relative to a ground surface.

16. The table and fan combination device ofclaim 12, wherein the housing is attached to the bottom surface of the table via the support arm using the fastener.

17. The table and fan combination device ofclaim 16, wherein the fastener is at least one of a nut, a bolt, a screw, a nail, a magnet and a tongue and groove fastener.

18. The table and fan combination device ofclaim 12, wherein the top surface of the table is transparent.

19. The table and fan combination device ofclaim 18, wherein the solar panel is located on the top surface of the housing.

20. The table and fan combination device ofclaim 12, wherein the button allows a user to control a direction of an airflow generated by the fan to be changed.