Integrated electric fan and patio umbrella

Abstract

An electric fan and patio umbrella combination. The device uses an electric fan mounted as a integral part of a patio umbrella. The umbrella fabric is open at the top exposing the fan to direct air from above. This direct exposure to an air source is what gives the device its high volume of air flow. Since the fan support structure is a part of the upper umbrella support structure, the umbrella can be raised or lowered around the fan blades without the need to hinge the blades up or down, therefore allowing the umbrella to fold. This is accomplished by the use of an upper support ring that provides an outer hinge point for the upper umbrella rib supports. The fan blades block most sunlight from entering the fabric opening at the top, however an additional fabric cover is provided that may be pulled over the opening if desired.

What is claimed as my invention is:  
     
         1 . The umbrella structure designed in a manner as to leave the top fabric removed with the fan supported centrally allowing for maximum air flow.  
     
     
         2 . A fan mounted integrally within the umbrella structure such that the umbrella folds around the fan blades without the need to fold the blades up or down or remove the umbrella entirely from the fan.  
     
     
         3 . A circular upper support ring ( 20 ) that secures the upper umbrella support ribbing, in which the ribbing support rotates around during opening and closing.