US20120112501A1

US20120112501A1 - Breez BNCH

Info

Publication number: US20120112501A1
Application number: US13/317,896
Authority: US
Inventors: William M. Estes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-29
Filing date: 2011-10-31
Publication date: 2012-05-10

Abstract

The invention provides an indoor or outdoor bench that features heating and cooling capabilities. The heating and cooling features comprise a variety of configurations. One such configuration includes a temperature control thermostat with three heat settings (such as 600 watt radiant, 900 watt fan forced, and 1500 watt radiant and fan forced), oscillating heat coils with an incorporated fan unit, and a dual safety system featuring a tip over switch and manual reset type limit control. In addition, an external temperature control button allows a user to choose heat, heat and fan, or fan only. The heater fan combination operates on any suitable power source, such as a DC rechargeable battery source such as nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride. Another suitable power source is standard household power, such as AC 110 voltage, for example.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/456,047 filed Oct. 29, 2010, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Breez Bnch.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of seating, such as benches and more specifically to the field of improved seating.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for improved seating. Among these are:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,863,342 to Franklin B. Floyd, Jr. describes an air conditioned bench.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,984,246 to Hans Ohlschlager et al describes an antihalation and filter dyes for photographic materials.
None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved bench incorporating cooling or heating means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is front perspective view of the bench of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a close up view of the fan and heat controls of the bench of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The warmth of the summer season makes it the perfect time of year to indulge in all manners of outdoor activities. From playing a spirited game of volleyball on a sand-packed beach or hitting the golf greens with friends to spending the day at the park or tilling the earth in a backyard garden, people seek a myriad of ways to bask in this season's pleasantly balmy days. When it's hot, the less clothing the better, as women don short shorts and bikinis and men go shirtless in efforts to stay as cool as possible. Conversely, as the cool, brisk days of autumn give way to the snowy, freezing months of the winter season, people who reside in colder climates begin to pull their cold weather wear from the backs of closets and from little used drawers. Down jackets and fleece coats, padded gloves and mittens, and earmuffs and snow boots are some of the clothing items employed to keep warm while going about daily activities when winter arrives. Whether winter or summer, and depending on the geographic location, extremes in temperature make it difficult for consumers to find a happy medium comfort zone. While outside in July, it can be quite challenging to cool off when spending an extended period of time out in the hot summer. And in January, even triple layers of clothing can be inefficient in battling the icy winds as they whip around the body.
The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Breez Bnch, offers a unique approach to the aforementioned challenges. The present invention comprises a specially designed indoor or outdoor bench that features heating and cooling capabilities. Created for home use as well as for use in public arenas such as pools, parks, malls, and restaurant patios, just to name a few possibilities, the Breez Bnch resembles standard outdoor benches and can be fashioned from a combination of wood and brass or other suitable materials. The heating and cooling features comprise a variety of configurations. One such configuration includes a temperature control thermostat with three heat settings (such as 600 watt radiant, 900 watt fan forced, and 1500 watt radiant and fan forced), oscillating heat coils with an incorporated fan unit, and a dual safety system featuring a tip over switch and manual reset type limit control. In addition, an external temperature control button allows a user to choose heat, heat and fan, or fan only. The heater fan combination operates on any suitable power source, such as a DC rechargeable battery source such as nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride. Another suitable power source is standard household power, such as AC 110 voltage, for example. As mentioned, the product of this invention can be placed virtually anywhere for the enjoyment of all. By way of example, a day trader in Chicago on his way to work on a blustery February morning can take a break by sitting on the Breez Bnch setting the temperature control to heat, this and can turn on the unit and instantly be enveloped in waves of warmth. On the other side of the spectrum, a construction worker fighting the August sun can go inside and set the unit to fan only, and allow a cascading cooling breeze to blow over the body as he rests. Comfortable and functional, an invention such as the Breez Bnch allows consumers, whether during the heat of summer or the freezing days of winter, to adjust to their own personal comfort level, effectively battling the elements. Affordably priced, this product should be well received by the general consumer populace.
Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bench device having heating and cooling capabilities, comprising a bench having a multiplicity of horizontal linear supports to form the seat and wherein the heating and cooling means are positioned under and behind the horizontal linear supports so that the heated or cooled air exits through vents placed under and behind the horizontal linear supports.

2. The bench device of claim 1 further comprising a temperature control thermostat with three heat settings and oscillating heat coils with an incorporated fan unit, and a dual safety system featuring a tip over switch and manual reset type limit control.

3. The bench device of claim 2 wherein the three heat settings are 600 watt radiant, 900 watt fan forced, and 1500 watt radiant and fan forced.

4. The bench device of claim 2 further comprising an external temperature control button allowing a user to choose heat, heat and fan, or fan only.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein the incorporated fan unit operates on any suitable power source, such as a DC rechargeable battery source such as nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride.

6. The device of claim 2 wherein the power source is standard household power, such as AC 110 voltage.