OUTDOOR APPARATUS WITH THERMALLY CONDITIONED AIR

Abstract

An outdoor apparatus, such as a table or tower with integrated air conditioning for providing thermally conditioned air to users. The apparatus disperses conditioned air to people in the vicinity, more specifically directing vents to both the people's head region and torso region. A fan within the pedestal has a fan inlet communicative with the ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into the pedestal for thermal conditioning and also has a fan outlet communicative with the conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users. A heat exchanger is interposed between the ambient air inlet and the fan inlet, and a working fluid supply is fluidly communicative with the heat exchanger for thermally conditioning the ambient air. The tabletop embodiment enhances the cooling by utilizing the table to entrapping the conditioned air about the person's torso.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses and methods for conditioning the temperature of air for the comfort of individuals proximate to the apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a table or tower with an integrated air conditioning system for use in an open air or outdoor setting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Leisure time for many individuals includes enjoyment of open air and outdoors environments. For some, this may include hikes through a forest or landscaping the back yard. For others, a round of golf or a sightseeing trip is the preferred activity. However, for many individuals relaxation is composed of entertaining family or friends on the back yard patio around one or more tables. Other open air and outdoor activities are also popular such as informal business gatherings, receptions, and social hours and are typically conducted at poolside, on a large patio, or other similar gathering area where a number of tables may be found for outdoor dining, games, or conversation. While experiencing the outdoors is a preference of many in their pursuit of leisure, relaxing, and socializing, these activities must usually be accomplished at the mercy of the current whims of the weather. The overwhelming preference for these activities is to conduct them on bright sunshine days. However, in many climes, conducting these activities in direct sunlight also means that the participants are exposed to heat, sunshine, and humidity that, if not within a small comfort band, can become uncomfortable within a short time period.

Umbrellas, tents and gazebos have been utilized in the past to provide shade for gatherings of various sizes. While, such structures provide areas of shade under which people can gather and can accommodate a larger or smaller numbers of people, these structures do not address the underlying ambient temperature and humidity factors which are also important elements of comfort. Further, attempting to enclose a tent or gazebo and provide the structure with conditioned air for the comfort of everyone housed therein can be logistically difficult at best and prohibitively costly at worst. Enclosing these structures also counteracts the aesthetic aspects of the open air or outdoor environment which was originally desired to enhance the gathering in the first place. Such enclosures merely function to force a gathering's population into a single designated space in total without regard to individual preferences or accommodation of sub-groupings of participants.

In particular, while a particular gathering may involve a significant number of people overall, within the total population of the gathering, a number of smaller intimate groups are occurring simultaneously. These smaller groups may typically involve ten or fewer participants engaged in topical discussions. Individuals typically float from one small group to another, or from table to table during the course of the total event. Thus, while the overall population of the event remains relatively constant, the smaller groups are dynamic and typically vary slightly in size within the size range of ten or fewer over the course of the event.

Air conditioning systems can be provided utilising a variety of thermal conditioning processes. A first such means incorporates a commonly known self-contained four-cycle process. A second such means utilizes a thermal working fluid and a heat exchanger. The working fluid can be liquid, compressed gas, and the like. A third utilizes evaporative cooling. Evaporative cooling is a physical phenomenon in which evaporation of a liquid, typically into surrounding air, cools an object or a liquid in contact with it. Latent heat describes the amount of heat that is needed to evaporate the liquid; this heat comes from the liquid itself and the surrounding gas and surfaces. When considering water evaporating into air, the wet-bulb temperature, as compared to the air's dry-bulb temperature, is a measure of the potential for evaporative cooling. The greater the difference between the two temperatures, the greater the evaporative cooling effect. Contrarily, when the temperatures are the same, no net evaporation of water in air occurs, thus there is no cooling effect.

The comfort demands of these smaller groups can also vary. Some groups may desire to sit at a table in the sunshine, while others may desire the comfort of conditioned air and shade. Therefore, there is a need for providing to smaller groups within a larger event population in an outdoor or open air environment, a table capable of delivering conditioned air for the comfort of the individuals within the smaller group without concurrently detracting from the outdoor or open air experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to an outdoor, weather resistant apparatus such as a table with integrated air conditioning for providing thermally conditioned air to users seated at the table and includes a table pedestal defining at least one ambient air inlet. A tabletop is supported by the table pedestal and also defines a first conditioned air outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincide with the torso of a sitting human and a second conditioned air outlet positioned to direct conditioned air above the tabletop. A fan within the table pedestal has a fan inlet communicative with the ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into the pedestal for thermal conditioning and also has a fan outlet communicative with the first and said second conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users. A first heat exchanger is interposed between the ambient air inlet and the conditioned air outlet, and a working fluid supply is fluidly communicative with the first heat exchanger for thermally conditioning the ambient air.

In another aspect, the outdoor air conditioning table includes a pedestal housing defining at least one ambient air inlet, and a tabletop supported by the table pedestal. The tabletop defines a first conditioned air outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincide with the torso of a sitting human and a second conditioned air outlet positioned to direct conditioned air above the tabletop. A fan within the table pedestal has a fan inlet communicative with the ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into the pedestal for thermal conditioning and also has a fan outlet communicative with the first and said second conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users. A first heat exchanger is interposed between the ambient air inlet and the conditioned air outlet, and an underground working fluid supply conduit is fluidly communicative with the first heat exchanger for thermally conditioning the ambient air.

In another aspect, the table comprises an exhaust conduit for expelling waste air as a by-product of the conditioning cycle. The exhaust conduit is routed to discharge the waste air at a location and direction away from the users sitting around the table or standing around the tower.

In still another aspect, the table pedestal defines a second ambient air inlet, and the table further includes a mast extending upwardly from the table pedestal and above the tabletop. The mast further defines an exhaust conduit for expelling waste air as a by-product of the conditioning cycle. A second fan is located within the table pedestal and has a fan inlet communicative with the second ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into the table pedestal and a fan outlet communicative with the exhaust conduit. Also included within the table pedestal is a second heat exchanger interposed between the second ambient air inlet and the second fan inlet. The first and second heat exchangers are fluidly communicative for cycling the working fluid therebetween during the thermal conditioning cycle.

In yet another aspect, the table can utilize compressed air provided from a remote location via an underground conduit. An expansion valve (or series of expansion valves) can be disposed between and inlet from the underground conduit and a conditioned air outlet, wherein the expansion valve reduces the temperature of the provided compressed air as it passes through the expansion valve(s).

In yet another aspect, the table can utilize conditioned air provided from a remote location via an underground conduit. A fan can be disposed between and inlet from the underground conduit and a conditioned air outlet.

In yet another aspect, the mast can include a selectively extendable canopy at an upper end of the mast.

In a still further aspect, the mast includes at least one selectively illuminable light at an upper end of the mast.

A second exemplary embodiment of an outdoor, weather resistant apparatus is a tower for providing thermally conditioned air to users located proximate to the tower includes a tower housing defining at least one ambient air inlet, a first conditioned air outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincide with the torso of a standing human, and a second conditioned air outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincide with the head of a standing human. The tower integrates components as described in the table configuration.

In another aspect, the outdoor air conditioning tower includes a tower housing defining at least one ambient air inlet, a first conditioned air outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincide with the torso of a standing human, and a second conditioned air outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincide with the head of a standing human. A fan within the tower housing has a fan inlet communicative with the ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into the tower for thermal conditioning and also has a fan outlet communicative with the first and said second conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users. A heat exchanger is interposed between the ambient air inlet and the conditioned air outlet, and an underground working fluid supply conduit is fluidly communicative with the heat exchanger for thermally conditioning the ambient air.

In another aspect, the tower comprises an exhaust conduit for expelling waste air as a by-product of the conditioning cycle. The exhaust conduit is routed to discharge the waste air at a location and direction away from the users standing around the tower.

In still another aspect, the tower housing defines a second ambient air inlet, and the tower further includes a mast extending upwardly from the tower housing, and defines an exhaust conduit for expelling waste air as a by-product of the conditioning cycle. A second fan is located within the tower housing and has a fan inlet communicative with the second ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into the tower and a fan outlet communicative with the exhaust conduit. Also included within the tower housing is a condenser or second heat exchanger interposed between the second ambient air inlet and the second fan inlet. The condenser and heat exchanger are fluidly communicative for cycling the working fluid therebetween during the thermal conditioning cycle.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like numerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of an exemplary outdoor table with integrated air conditioning and including an exhaust mast and umbrella;

FIG. 2 presents an elevation view of the outdoor table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an outdoor table with integrated air conditioning according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an outdoor table with integrated air conditioning wherein a thermal working fluid is remotely supplied;

FIG. 5 presents an elevation functional schematic view of another alternate embodiment of an outdoor table with integrated air conditioning wherein the thermal working fluid is compressed air;

FIG. 6 presents an elevation functional schematic view of yet another alternate embodiment of an outdoor table with integrated air conditioning wherein the thermal working fluid is cooled air;

FIG. 7 presents a perspective view of a yet another exemplary outdoor table with integrated air conditioning;

FIG. 8 presents an elevation functional schematic view of yet another alternate embodiment of an outdoor table incorporating evaporative cooling;

FIG. 9 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an exemplary, self-contained, outdoor air conditioning tower according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an outdoor air conditioning tower wherein a thermal working fluid is remotely supplied;

FIG. 11 presents an elevation functional schematic view of a self-contained outdoor air conditioning tower including an umbrella;

FIG. 12 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an outdoor air conditioning tower wherein the thermal working fluid is compressed air;

FIG. 13 presents an elevation functional schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an outdoor air conditioning tower wherein the thermal working fluid is conditioned air;

FIG. 14 presents a perspective view of another exemplary tower for disbursement of air conditioning; and

FIG. 15 presents an elevation functional schematic view of yet another alternate embodiment of the tower incorporating evaporative cooling.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 show an outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 100, which is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and illustrates its various components. A table pedestal 120 rests upon a floor or ground surface 16. Table pedestal 120 defines a first ambient air inlet 122 and a second ambient air inlet 124. The first ambient air inlet 122 and second ambient air inlet 124 can be located at any reasonable location within the table pedestal 120. A horizontally oriented tabletop 180 is supported at a usable height by table pedestal 120 such that users 10 can be seated therearound and comfortable access an upper surface 182 of tabletop 180. Tabletop 180 also defines one or more first conditioned air outlets 126 for directing conditioned air approximately coincident with the height of a human torso 12. First conditioned air outlets 126 can be positioned intermediately below table surface 182 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 or integral with an outer edge 184 as illustrated in FIG. 3, or anywhere below the tabletop 180 such as being integral with the table pedestal 120. Tabletop 180 also defines one or more second conditioned air outlets 128 more central to top surface 182 of tabletop 180 for directing conditioned air to the area above tabletop 180, wherein the airflow is specifically directed to provide comfort to the area of a user's head 14. Those practiced in the art will recognize that the outer form factor of table base 120 and tabletop 180 can assume many shapes such as circular, square, or polygonal as non-limiting examples.

A mast 160 extends upwardly from table pedestal 120 and above tabletop 180. Mast 160 can be decorative, functional, or both. In the present embodiment of the table 100, the mast 160 is functional and defines an exhaust conduit 162 for expelling waste air that is a by-product of the air conditioning cycle, being directed away from the table's occupants. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, mast 160 in either a decorative or functional configuration as a waste air exhaust can include a selectively extendable canopy 170 at an upper end 164 thereof. Further, mast 160 can also support one or more illuminable lights 176 at upper end 164 to enable use of table 100 during periods of minimal light or darkness.

Positioned within table pedestal 120 is a first fan 130 having an inlet 132 fluidly communicative with first ambient air inlet 122 and an outlet 134 fluidly communicative with first and second conditioned air outlets 126, 128 via conditioned air conduits 138. Also positioned within base 121 of housing 120 is a second fan 140 having an inlet 142 fluidly communicative with second ambient air inlet 124 and an outlet 144 fluidly communicative with exhaust conduit 162.

A first heat exchanger 136 is preferably interposed between first ambient air inlet 122 and first fan inlet 132, and a second heat exchanger 146 is interposed between second ambient air inlet 124 and second fan inlet 142. First heat exchanger 136 and second heat exchanger 146 is fluidly interconnected with a working fluid supply cyclically communicative between first heat exchanger 136 and second heat exchanger 146 via one or more working fluid supply conduits 150. It is understood the first heat exchanger 136 can be interposed between the first fan outlet 134 and first and second conditioned air outlets 126, 128. Likewise, the second heat exchanger 146 can be interposed between the second fan outlet 144 and the exhaust conduit 162.

In use, users 10 may sit at an outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 100 to eat, converse, or engage in other activities requiring a tabletop. Assuming the individuals desire to have thermally conditioned air make direct contact with them, table 100 can be activated using control panel 156. Controls 156 may be operated manually or set to automatically cycle depending on the desires of the users. Upon activation, fans 130 and 140 begin to draw external ambient air through ambient air inlets 122, 124 respectively. Ambient air “A” drawn through first ambient air inlet 122 is passed through first heat exchanger 136 whereupon it is thermally conditioned by the flow of working fluid circulating between first heat exchanger 136 and second heat exchanger 146 in an evaporation-condensation cycle known in the art. As the conditioned air “A” exits first heat exchanger 136 and enters first fan 130, the conditioned air is directed through outlet 134 of first fan 130 through conditioned air conduits 138 and subsequently expelled back to the desired climate controlled environment through first and second conditioned air outlets 126, 128 as thermally conditioned air (Arrows “B”) for the comfort of the users 10 seated therearound. Conditioned air “B” exits from first conditioned air outlets 126 positioned to direct the conditioned air at the heads 14 and torsos 12 (including the user's lower body) of the users 10, and conditioned air “B” exits from second conditioned air outlets 128 positioned to direct the air above tabletop 180 for the comfort of the area of the heads 14 of users 10. Although two fans 130, 140 are illustrated. It is understood that the system can utilize a single fan or a plurality of fans to accomplish the conveyance of air.

Concurrent with the thermal conditioning of air as it passes through first heat exchanger 136, second fan 140 draws ambient air “A” through second heat exchanger 146 which conditions the working fluid of the thermodynamic cycle prior to the energy transfer process of heat exchanger 136. This airflow becomes waste air (Arrow “C”) and is expelled from outlet 144 of second fan 140 through exhaust conduit 162 of mast 160.

Airflow is directed towards the user 10, such as via Arrow “B”. The conditioned air becomes entrapped by the user and the bottom surface of the tabletop 182. This increases the efficiency of the air conditioning process as well as the comfort to the user 10.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 200 is illustrated. Like features of table 200 and table 100 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘2’. Outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 200 includes a table pedestal 220 from which an optional decorative mast (not shown) can upwardly extend in manner similar to table 100. Decorative mast 260 may also include an extendable canopy or illuminable lights (not shown) as described above. A horizontally oriented tabletop 280 is supported at a usable height by table pedestal 220 and defines one or more first conditioned air outlets 226 positioned intermediately below table surface 282 or can be integral with an outer edge 284. Pedestal 220 defines a single ambient air inlet 222. A fan 230 having an inlet 232 fluidly communicative with ambient air inlet 222 and an outlet 234 is fluidly communicative with first and second conditioned air outlets 226, 228 via conditioned air conduits 238. A heat exchanger 236 is interposed between ambient air inlet 222 and fan inlet 232. A working fluid supply conduit 250 delivers working fluid to heat exchanger 236 from a central or remote reservoir (not shown) and working fluid return conduit 252 returns working fluid to the remote reservoir after exiting from heat exchanger 236. Conduits 250, 252 are typically concealed such as by being routed underground to prevent clutter to the gathering area or damage from users 10. It is understood, the heat exchanger 236 can be interposed between the fan outlet 234 and first and second conditioned air outlets 226, 228. The conduits 250, 252 can be concealed via any reasonable means, including being buried, positioned below a deck, below a false floor, within a raceway, and the like.

In use, the users desiring to have conditioned air delivered from table 200 utilize controls 256 to initiate operation of table 200. Upon activation, fan 230 begins to draw external ambient air through ambient air inlet 222. Ambient air “A” drawn through ambient air inlet 222 is passed through heat exchanger 236 whereupon it is thermally conditioned by the flow of working fluid circulating from supply conduit 250 (Arrow “C”), through heat exchanger 236 and returned to a remote reservoir through return conduit 252 (Arrow “D”) in an evaporation-condensation cycle known in the art. As the conditioned air “A” exits heat exchanger 236 and enters fan 230, the conditioned air is directed through outlet 234 of fan 230 through conditioned air conduits 238 and subsequently directing the chilled air targeting the user through first and second conditioned air outlets 226, 228 as thermally conditioned air “B” for the comfort of users 10 seated therearound. Conditioned air “B” exits from first conditioned air outlets 226 positioned to direct the conditioned air at the torsos 12 of the users 10, and additional conditioned air “B” exits from second conditioned air outlets 228 positioned to target the conditioned air to the area above tabletop 280 directed towards the heads 14 of the user 10 for their comfort.

Illustrated in FIG. 5, yet another embodiment outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 300 is shown. Like features of table 300 and table 200 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘3’. Outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 300 is substantially the same as table 200, however there is only a working compressed air supply conduit 350, typically concealed by being buried underground, but there is no return conduit. Table 300 utilizes compressed air as the working fluid to be delivered to expansion valve 330 through supply conduit 350 (Arrow “C”). Compressed air delivered through conduit 350 is preconditioned remote from table 300. At expansion valve 330, the compressed air expands reducing the pressure and temperature to obtain the desired thermally conditioned air. The thermally conditioned air is then directed through conduits 338 for delivery through outlets 326, 328 as thermally conditioned air “B” for the comfort of the humans 10 seated therearound.

Illustrated in FIG. 6, yet another embodiment outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 400 is shown. Like features of table 400, table 300, and table 200 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘4’. Outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 400 is substantially the same as table 300 and table 200; however there is only a cold air supply conduit 450, typically concealed by being buried underground. Table 400 utilises the supplied cold air distributed and propelled via a fan 430 drawing the cold air from supply conduit 450 (Arrow “C”). Cold air delivered through conduit 450 is preconditioned remote from table 400. The cold air is driven via the fan 430 through conduits 438 for delivery through outlets 426, 428 as thermally conditioned air “B” for the comfort of the humans 10 seated therearound.

An alternate exemplary form factor, referred to as a table 500, is presented in FIG. 7. The table 500 comprises the functional elements previously presented, having a shaped base 520 allowing users to comfortably sit about the circumference of a tabletop 580. A series of base vents 526 are disposed about an upper portion of the base 520, directing cold air towards the users. The base vents 526 can include user controllable air registers to direct the airflow targeting the user as well as controlling the rate of flow from each base vent 526. The bottom surface 582 of the tabletop 580 maintains the thermally controlled air adjacent the users, thus creating a proximate climate controlled environment for comfort. An upper airflow discharge conduit 520 can project through a top surface of the tabletop 580, the upper airflow discharge conduit 520 comprising a plurality of upper vents 528 disposed about the periphery of the upper airflow discharge conduit 520. This configuration directs airflow at each of the users sitting about the table 500. The upper vents 528 can include user controllable air registers to direct the airflow targeting the user as well as controlling the rate of flow from each upper vent 528. The upper airflow discharge conduit 520 is preferably of a height to avoid cooling of any food place upon the surface of the tabletop 580, while still directing the airflow towards the users. An exhaust discharge conduit 562 can be disposed through a central portion of the upper airflow discharge conduit 520, directing the warmer air away from the users.

The outlet vents can comprise a vent control assembly, wherein said vent control assembly controls the direction and flow rate of the discharged cooled air passing outlet vents. An exemplary vent control assembly would be similar to those used in an automobile or airplane. Alternately, a multi speed control and respective air handing fan can be integrated into the system to control the flow rate of the discharged conditioned air.

In each of the embodiments, the table comprises a pedestal assembly and a tabletop as best illustrated in FIG. 7. The tabletop has a peripheral edge “D” that is greater than the general girth of the pedestal “G”, providing a comfortable seating arrangement for the user. The underside of the overhanging portion “O” of the tabletop creates a barrier to form a micro climate for the end user. The conditioned air is maintained by the table supporting surface (ground), the underside of the overhanging portion of the tabletop, and the users.

Illustrated in FIG. 8, yet another embodiment outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 600 is shown. Like features of table 600 and table 100 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘6’. Outdoor table with integrated air conditioning 600 is substantially the same as table 100, however the heat exchanger 636 utilizes an evaporative cooler 690 for conditioning the ambient air prior to discharging towards the end user. Conditioned air is forced through the table's air registers to provide a high velocity stream of conditioned air. The conditioned air penetrates the environment and is directed towards the occupants, providing thermal comfort thereto. Ambient air is driven into the heat exchanger 636 via an inlet air register 624 by a fan 630. The air passes across a evaporative cooler 690 to condition the air. The fan 630 continues to move the air from the heat exchanger 636 through a conditioned air conduit 838. The conditioned air is distributed in a manner as previously described in FIGS. 1-3.

Continuing with the drawings, FIG. 9 shows an outdoor air conditioning tower 1100, which is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and illustrates its various components. An upright and erect tower housing 1120 stands typically greater than the height of a human user. At a base 1121 thereof, housing 1120 defines a first ambient air inlet 1122 and a second ambient air inlet 1124. Further, at an intermediate height approximately coincident with the height of a human torso 12, one or more first conditioned air outlets 1126 are defined about a perimeter of tower housing 1120, and at a height approximately coincident with the height of a human head 14 one or more second conditioned air outlets 1128 are defined about the perimeter of tower housing 1120. The outdoor air conditioning tower 1100 is designed specifically to direct the conditioned air to impinge upon the humans 10 standing about the outdoor air conditioning tower 1100. It is recognized that the humans 10 may be seated or be in other positions while residing proximate the outdoor air conditioning tower 1100. The conditioned air outlets 1126, 1128 can include a user controllable air register for aiding in flow control and direction of the discharged conditioned air. Those practiced in the art will recognize that the outer form factor of tower housing 1120 can assume many shapes such as cylindrical, multiple stacked cylinders, square, or polygonal as non-limiting examples.

A mast 1160 extends upwardly from an upper portion of tower housing 1120. Mast 1160 can be decorative, functional, or both. In the present embodiment of tower 1100, the mast 1160 is functional and defines an exhaust conduit 1162 for expelling waste air that is a by-product of the air conditioning cycle, being directed away from people standing proximate the outdoor air conditioning tower 1100. As illustrated in FIG. 11, mast 1160 in either a decorative or functional configuration as a waste air exhaust can include a selectively extendable canopy 1170 at an upper end 1164 thereof. Further, mast 1160 can also support one or more illuminable lights 1176 at upper end 1164 to enable use of tower 1100 during periods of darkness.

Positioned within a base 1121 of housing 1120 is a first fan 1130 having an inlet 1132 fluidly communicative with first ambient air inlet 1122 and an outlet 1134 fluidly communicative with first and second conditioned air outlets 1126, 1128 via conditioned air conduits 1138. Also positioned within base 1121 of housing 1120 is a second fan 1140 having an inlet 1142 fluidly communicative with second ambient air inlet 1124 and an outlet 1144 fluidly communicative with exhaust conduit 1162.

A heat exchanger 1136 is preferably interposed between first ambient air inlet 1122 and first fan inlet 1132, and a second heat exchanger 1146 is interposed between second ambient air inlet 1124 and second fan inlet 1142. Heat exchanger 1136 and second heat exchanger 1146 are fluidly interconnected with a working fluid supply cyclically communicative between the exchanger 1136 and second heat exchanger 1146 via one or more working fluid conduits supply conduits 1150.

In use, a group of individual humans 10 may congregate around or in the immediate vicinity of outdoor air conditioning tower 1100. Assuming the individuals desire to have the air in the immediate area thermally conditioned, tower 1100 can be activated using control panel 1156. Controls 1156 may be operated manually or set to automatically cycle depending on the desires of the users. Upon activation, fans 1130 and 1140 begin to draw external ambient air through ambient air inlets 1122, 1124 respectively. Ambient air “A” drawn through first ambient air inlet 1122 is passed through heat exchanger 1136 whereupon it is thermally conditioned by the flow of working fluid circulating between heat exchanger 1136 and second heat exchanger 1146 in an evaporation-condensation cycle well known in the art. As the conditioned air “A” exits heat exchanger 1136 and enters first fan 1130, the conditioned air is directed through outlet 1134 of first fan 1130 through conditioned air conduits 1138 and subsequently expelled back to the ambient environment through first and second conditioned air outlets 1126, 1128 as thermally conditioned air “B” for the comfort of the humans 10 gathered therearound. Conditioned air “B” exits from first conditioned air outlets 1126 vertically positioned to direct the conditioned air at the torsos 12 of the users 10, and conditioned air “B” exits from second conditioned air outlets 1128 vertically positioned to direct the air in the vicinity of the heads 14 of the users 10.

Concurrent with the thermal conditioning of air as it passes through heat exchanger 1136, second fan 1140 draws ambient air “A” through second heat exchanger 1146 to restore the working fluid to its original state prior to the energy transfer process of heat exchanger 1136. This airflow becomes waste air “C” and is expelled from outlet 1144 of second fan 1140 through exhaust conduit 1162 of mast 1160.

Turning now to FIG. 10, an alternate embodiment outdoor air conditioning tower 1200 is illustrated. Like features of tower 1200 and tower 1100 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘12’. Outdoor air conditioning tower 1200 includes a tower housing 1220 from which extending upward is a decorative mast 1260. Decorative mast 1260 may also include an extendable canopy or illuminable lights (not shown) as described above at an upper end 1264. Housing 1220 defines a single ambient air inlet 1222 at a base 1221 thereof, and conditioned air outlets 1226, 1228 positioned similarly as with respect to tower 1100. A fan 1230 having an inlet 1232 fluidly communicative with ambient air inlet 1222 and an outlet 1234 fluidly communicative with first and second conditioned air outlets 1226, 1228 via conditioned air conduits 1238. A working fluid supply conduit 1250 delivers working fluid to heat exchanger 1236 from a central or remote reservoir (not shown) and working fluid return conduit 1252 returns working fluid to the remote reservoir after exiting from heat exchanger 1236. Conduits 1250, 1252 are typically routed underground to prevent clutter to the gathering area or damage from users 10.

In use, the users desiring to have conditioned air delivered from tower 1200 utilize controls 1256 to initiate operation of tower 1200. Upon activation, fan 1230 begins to draw external ambient air through ambient air inlet 1222. Ambient air “A” drawn through ambient air inlet 1222 is passed through heat exchanger 1236 whereupon it is thermally conditioned by the flow of working fluid circulating from supply conduit 1250 (Arrow “C”), through heat exchanger 1236 and returned to a remote reservoir through return conduit 1252 (Arrow “D”) in an evaporation-condensation cycle known in the art. As the conditioned air “A” exits heat exchanger 1236 and enters fan 1230, the conditioned air is directed through outlet 1234 of fan 1230 through conditioned air conduits 1238 and subsequently expelled back to the ambient environment through first and second conditioned air outlets 1226, 1228 as thermally conditioned air “B” for the comfort of the humans 10 gathered therearound. Conditioned air “B” exits from first conditioned air outlets 1226 vertically positioned to direct the conditioned air at the torsos 12 of the users 10, and conditioned air “B” exits from second conditioned air outlets 1228 vertically positioned to direct the air directly towards the heads 14 of the users 10 for their comfort.

Illustrated in FIG. 12 is yet another embodiment outdoor air conditioning tower 1300 is shown. Like features of tower 1300 and tower 1200 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘13’. Outdoor air conditioning tower 1300 is generally similar the same as tower 1200, however there is only a working compressed air conduit 1350, typically buried underground, but no return conduit. Tower 1300 utilizes compressed air as the working fluid to be delivered to an expansion valve 1330 through supply conduit 1350 (Arrow “C”). At expansion valve 1330, the compressed air expands reducing the pressure and temperature to obtain the desired thermally conditioned air. The thermally conditioned air is then directed through conduits 1338 for delivery through outlets 1326, 1328 as thermally conditioned air “B” for the comfort of the humans 10 gathered therearound.

Illustrated in FIG. 13 is yet another embodiment outdoor air conditioning tower 1400 is shown. Like features of tower 1400 and towers 1200, 1300 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘14’. Outdoor air conditioning tower 1400 is generally similar the same as towers 1200, 1300, however there is only a working conditioned air conduit 1450, typically buried underground, but no return conduit. Tower 1400 utilizes conditioned air as the working fluid to be delivered through supply conduit 1450 (Arrow “C”) via a fan 1430. Tower 1400 utilizes the supplied cold air distributed and propelled via a fan 1430 drawing the cold air from supply conduit 1450 (Arrow “C”). Cold air delivered through conduit 1450 is preconditioned remote from tower 1400. The cold air is driven via the fan 1430 through conduits 1438 for delivery through outlets 1426, 1428 as thermally conditioned air “B” for the comfort of the humans 10 positioned therearound.

An alternate exemplary form factor, referred to as a tower 1500, is presented in FIG. 14. The tower 1500 comprises the functional elements previously presented including a base 1521 and an upright and erect tower housing 1520. A series of central vents 1526 and upper vents 1528, 1529 are disposed about a central and an upper portion of the base 1521, respectively, directing cold air towards the users (in a manner similar to that which was previously presented). The upper vents present two optional form factors, the upper vent 1528 being horizontally configured, and the upper vent 1529 being vertically configured. The vents 1526, 1528, 1529 can include user controllable air registers to direct the airflow targeting the user as well as controlling the rate of flow from each vent 1526, 1528. The configuration directs airflow at each of the users standing about the tower 1500. An exhaust discharge conduit 1562 can be disposed through a central portion of the upright and erect tower housing 1520, directing the warmer air away from the users.

The outlet vents can comprise a vent control assembly, wherein said vent control assembly controls the direction and flow rate of the discharged conditioned air passing outlet vents. An exemplary vent control assembly would be similar to those used in an automobile or airplane.

### Turning now to FIG. 15, an alternate embodiment outdoor air conditioning tower 1600 is illustrated. Like features of tower 1600 and tower 1100 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘16’. Outdoor air conditioning tower 1600 includes a tower housing 1620 from which extending upward is a decorative mast 1660. Decorative mast 1660 may also include an extendable canopy or illuminable lights (not shown) as described above at an upper end 1664. Housing 1620 defines a single ambient air inlet 1622 at a base 1621 thereof, and conditioned air outlets 1626, 1628 positioned similarly as with respect to tower 1600. A fan 1630 having an inlet 1632 fluidly communicative with ambient air inlet 1622 and an outlet 1634 fluidly communicative with first and second conditioned air outlets 1626, 1628 via conditioned air conduit 1638.

In use, the users desiring to have conditioned air delivered from tower 1600 utilize controls 1656 to initiate operation of tower 1600. Upon activation, fan 1630 begins to draw external ambient air through ambient air inlet 1622. Ambient air “A” drawn through ambient air inlet 1622 is passed through heat exchanger 1636 whereupon it is thermally conditioned by an evaporative cooler 1690 integrated into heat exchanger 1636. As the conditioned air “A” exits heat exchanger 1636 and enters fan 1630, the conditioned air is directed through outlet 1634 of fan 1630 through conditioned air conduits 1638 and subsequently expelled back to the ambient environment through first and second conditioned air outlets 1626, 1628 as thermally conditioned air “B” for the comfort of the humans 10 gathered therearound. Conditioned air “B” exits from first conditioned air outlets 1626 vertically positioned to direct the conditioned air at the torsos 12 of the users 10, and conditioned air “B” exits from second conditioned air outlets 1628 vertically positioned to direct the air directly towards the heads 14 of the users 10 for their comfort.

Each of the tables 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and towers 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600 is preferably fabricated with considerations for the environment. The various electrical components are provided with weather sensitive considerations, to avoid any intrusion of water, dust, and the like. Additionally, the table can include insulation for reducing thermal deviations. The materials would be selected considering an outdoor application, being UV resistant, incorporating expansion joints, and the like. The table would additionally include water or moisture control features, such as moisture collection and discharge channels. The components are preferably fabricated of corrosion resistant materials, treated for corrosion resistance, protected to avoid exposure for corrosion, and the like.

It is understood that the above disclosure is provided for directing cooled air toward a plurality of users sitting about a table. It is understood that the heat exchanger can be adapted to disperse hot air as well as cool air, while maintaining within the spirit and intent of the present invention.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Claims

1. An outdoor cooling device with integrated cooling for providing conditioned air to users positioned adjacent to the cooling device, said cooling device comprising: a pedestal;a vertically disposed conduit extending upwards from said pedestal;at least one ambient air inlet provided through said pedestal;a first conditioned air outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincide with a torso of an adjacent human and a second conditioned air outlet positioned to direct conditioned air to coincide with a head of said adjacent human;a fan within said pedestal, said fan having a fan inlet communicative with said ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into said pedestal for conditioning and a fan outlet communicative with said first and said second conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users; anda first heat exchanger within said table pedestal and interposed between said ambient air inlet and at least one of said first conditioned air outlet and said second conditioned air outlet;wherein said first heat exchanger utilises evaporative cooling.

2. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 1, the device further comprising: a table top;said vertically disposed conduit positioned through a central location of said table top;said table top being vertically positioned between said first conditioned air outlet and said second conditioned air outlet.

3. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 2, the device further comprising: said first conditioned air outlet being disposed proximate an edge of said tabletop; anda tabletop conduit providing fluid communication between said vertically disposed conduit and said first conditioned air outlet.

4. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 3 wherein said tabletop conduit being disposed within said tabletop member.

5. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 1 further including a fluid supply conduit for delivering a working fluid to said first heat exchanger from a remote working fluid supply reservoir.

6. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 1 further including a user controllable air register at each of said first conditioned air outlet and said second conditioned air outlet.

7. An outdoor cooling device with integrated cooling for providing conditioned air to users positioned adjacent to the cooling device, said cooling device comprising: a pedestal;a vertically disposed conduit extending upwards from said pedestal;at least one ambient air inlet provided through said pedestal;a plurality of first conditioned air outlets spatially positioned about a perimeter of said pedestal at a height to coincide with a torso of an adjacent human and a plurality of second conditioned air outlets spatially positioned about a perimeter of said vertically disposed conduit to direct conditioned air to coincide with a head of said adjacent human;a fan within said pedestal, said fan having a fan inlet communicative with said ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into said pedestal for conditioning and a fan outlet communicative with said first and said second conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users; anda first heat exchanger within said table pedestal and interposed between said ambient air inlet and at least one of said first conditioned air outlet and said second conditioned air outlet;wherein said first heat exchanger utilises evaporative cooling.

8. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 7, the device further comprising: a table top provided proximate an upper portion of said pedestal;said vertically disposed conduit positioned through a central location of said table top;said table top being vertically positioned between said plurality of first conditioned air outlets and said plurality of second conditioned air outlets.

9. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 8, the device further comprising: said plurality of first conditioned air outlets being disposed proximate an edge of said tabletop; anda tabletop conduit providing fluid communication between said vertically disposed conduit and said first conditioned air outlet.

10. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 9 wherein said tabletop conduit being disposed within said tabletop member.

11. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 7 further including a fluid supply conduit for delivering a working fluid to said first heat exchanger from a remote working fluid supply reservoir.

12. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 7 further including a user controllable air register at each of said plurality of first conditioned air outlets and said plurality of second conditioned air outlets.

13. An outdoor cooling device with integrated cooling for providing conditioned air to users positioned adjacent to the cooling device, said cooling device comprising: a pedestal;a vertically disposed conduit extending upwards from said pedestal;at least one ambient air inlet provided through said pedestal;a first conditioned air outlet vertically positioned at a height to coincide with a torso of an adjacent human and a second conditioned air outlet positioned to direct conditioned air to coincide with a head of said adjacent human;a fan within said pedestal, said fan having a fan inlet communicative with said ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into said pedestal for conditioning and a fan outlet communicative with said first and said second conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users;a first heat exchanger within said table pedestal and interposed between said ambient air inlet and at least one of said first conditioned air outlet and said second conditioned air outlet; anda canopy disposed at an upper end of said vertically disposed conduit to entrap conditioned air;wherein said first heat exchanger utilises evaporative cooling.

14. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 13, wherein the canopy is collapsible.

15. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 13, the device further comprising: a light disposed upon said vertically disposed conduit.

16. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 13, the device further comprising: a table top;said vertically disposed conduit positioned through a central location of said table top;said table top being vertically positioned between said first conditioned air outlet and said second conditioned air outlet.

17. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 16, the device further comprising: said first conditioned air outlet being disposed proximate an edge of said tabletop; anda tabletop conduit providing fluid communication between said vertically disposed conduit and said first conditioned air outlet.

18. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 17 wherein said tabletop conduit being disposed within said tabletop member.

19. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 13 further including a fluid supply conduit for delivering a working fluid to said first heat exchanger from a remote working fluid supply reservoir.

20. An outdoor cooling device with integrated air conditioning as recited in claim 13 further including a user controllable air register at each of said first conditioned air outlet and said second conditioned air outlet.