U.S. patent application number 10/199752 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-22 for decorative palm patio heater.
Invention is credited to Sakai, Edward.
Application Number | 20040011346 10/199752 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30443399 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040011346 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sakai, Edward |
January 22, 2004 |
Decorative palm patio heater
Abstract
A patio heater with a outer shrouding of the functional upright
fuel line formed to resemble the trunk of a palm tree, with an
access means to reach the control but otherwise keep them from
sight, and with a secondary heat distribution shield topped by
decorative metal leaves resembling the leaves of a palm tree
distributed in a balanced fashion around the circular trunk,
embodies a functional aesthetic that will keep it both on display
and in use in more circumstances than traditional, bare-bones
functional patio heaters.
Inventors: |
Sakai, Edward; (San Jose,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
George S. Cole, Esq.
Suite 101
495 Seaport Court
Redwood City
CA
94063
US
|
Family ID: |
30443399 |
Appl. No.: |
10/199752 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/92AC ;
126/92B |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 15/06 20130101;
F24C 1/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/92.0AC ;
126/92.00B |
International
Class: |
F24C 003/04 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An aesthetically pleasing outdoor patio heater with an
appearance of a palm tree, comprising: a functional outdoor patio
heater unit; and, an overall decorative and ornamental design
aesthetic realized in a covering body, deliberately resembling a
palm tree, to encourage extended use said body comprising a
stabilizing base; an ascending circular trunk attached to the
stabilizing base; a control shrouding assemblage attached to the
topmost part of the ascending circular trunk; and, a top fronds
assembly attached to the topmost part of the control shrouding
assemblage.
2. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 1, wherein the stabilizing
base further comprises: a bottom plate of heavy metal, having a
protective coat to prevent it from rusting and from staining a
surface it is placed upon; and, attached to the bottom plate and
spaced around the center, at least three vertical uprights to which
the ascending circular trunk is attached.
3. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 2, wherein the stabilizing
base further comprises: a circular bottom plate of heavy metal,
having a protective coat to prevent it from rusting and from
staining a surface it is placed upon; and, attached to the circular
bottom plate and spaced around the center, at least three vertical
uprights to which the ascending circular trunk is attached, such
that the outdoor patio heater resembles an existing palm growing
straight from the surface on which the circular bottom plate is
placed.
4. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 2, wherein the stabilizing
base alternatively comprises: a bottom plate of heavy metal, having
a protective coat to prevent it from rusting and from staining a
surface it is placed upon; and, a planter box with at least one
side and a top surface, attached to said bottom plate and capable
of enclosing the functional base of a standard outdoor heater; said
planter box further having: a utility door in one side, giving
access to the functional outdoor patio heater unit for maintenance,
recharging, or checking of the fuel or connections; a potting tray
in the top surface that can be filled with sand or vegetation at
the owner's desire; such that the outdoor patio heater resembles a
planter box out of which a palm tree is growing, said planter box's
bottom plate resting on the surface.
5. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 3, wherein the stabilizing
base further comprises: a predrilled off-center hole that allows a
user to pipe natural gas directly to the functional outdoor patio
heater unit.
6. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 4, wherein the stabilizing
base further comprises: a predrilled off-center hole that allows a
user to pipe natural gas directly to the functional outdoor patio
heater unit.
7. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 2, further comprising: a
track on the bottom plate for a utility door to permit access to
the functional outdoor patio heater unit for changing its fuel,
checking its operation, or maintaining it.
8. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 1, wherein the ascending
circular trunk further comprises a series of sized metal elements,
each element being: fabricated from precision cut durable material;
hoop-shaped; wrapped around and enclosing a vertical portion of the
functional outdoor patio heater unit; formed to resemble a section
of palm bark; and, attached to the element of the ascending
circular trunk immediately below, with the lower portion slightly
overlapping the higher element, the bottommost element being
attached to the stabilizing base; such that the entirety of the
ascending circular trunk tapers inwards with a natural-appearing
curve between the stabilizing base and the control shrouding
assemblage, and resembles the trunk of a palm tree.
9. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 3, wherein the ascending
circular trunk further comprises a series of sized metal elements,
each element being: fabricated from precision cut durable material;
hoop-shaped; wrapped around and enclosing a vertical portion of the
functional outdoor patio heater unit; formed to resemble a section
of palm bark; and, attached to the element of the ascending
circular trunk immediately below, with the lower portion slightly
overlapping the higher element, the bottommost element being
attached to the stabilizing base; and, a utility door is provided
at the base of the ascending circular trunk giving access to the
functional outdoor patio heater unit for maintenance, recharging,
or checking of the fuel or connections; such that the entirety of
the ascending circular trunk tapers inwards with a
natural-appearing curve between the stabilizing base and the
control shrouding assemblage, and resembles the trunk of a palm
tree.
10. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 1, wherein the control
shrouding assemblage further comprises: a controls access element
which incorporates both: an opening through which the controls for
the functional outdoor patio heater unit can be accessed; and, a
moveable cover plate which closes and conceals said opening except
when that moveable cover plate is opened to gain access to the
controls; an elevated heat ring that provides additional burn area
and a single central bolt rising above the control shrouding
assemblage; a perforated heat absorbing metal shroud surrounding
the burn area; and, openings which are cut out of the perforated
heat absorbing metal shroud that allow the flame to be viewed
through them.
11. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 10, wherein the perforated
heat absorbing metal shroud surrounding the burn area is comprised
of a high steel content alloy, to enhance thermal conductivity and
glow in the presence of a lower-temperature flame and increased
airflow through the openings.
12. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 1, wherein the top fronds
assembly further comprises: a first heat deflector; a second heat
deflector; and a third heat deflector assemblage; all attaching to
the control shrouding assemblage.
13. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 10, wherein the top fronds
assembly further comprises: a first heat deflector; a second heat
deflector; and a third heat deflector assemblage; all attaching to
the single central bolt rising above the control shrouding
assemblage.
14. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 13, wherein the first heat
deflector is a convex dome shaped piece of durable heat-conductive
metal with a wide central portion having a central axial hole, that
fits over the single central bolt, cut with five tapered leaves
spaced symmetrically about and extending from the center portion,
wherein the center portion is relatively large and the leave shapes
slight, but the whole is only one and a half to five times as wide
as the control shrouding assemblage.
15. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 13, wherein the second heat
deflector is cut from durable heat-conductive metal with a central
portion that also has a central axial hole that fits over the
central bolt, which has the same approximate diameter as the first
heat deflector, but which has its leaves proportionately larger and
central element smaller, wherein the leaves are stamped with
texture and incorporate a specialized center ridge (on the top,
forming a corresponding upward cleft on the bottom) of each leaf
leading to the smaller central portion to provide a path for the
heat to travel through, and each ridge empties into the comfort
zone, wherein the second heat deflector is offset from the first
heat deflector to provide coverage of space which would otherwise
let the heat escape.
16. An outdoor patio heater as in claim 13, wherein the third heat
deflector is a set of individual formed leaves, each of which has a
hole in the stem to fit over the central bolt, with the set
symmetrically placed and offset from both the first and second heat
deflectors.
17. An aesthetically pleasing outdoor patio heater with an
appearance of a palm tree, comprising: a functional outdoor patio
heater unit; and, an overall decorative and ornamental design
aesthetic realized in a covering body, deliberately resembling a
palm tree, to encourage extended use said body comprising a
stabilizing base, comprising: a bottom plate of heavy metal, having
a protective coat to prevent it from rusting and from staining a
surface it is placed upon; and, attached to the bottom plate and
spaced around the center, at least three vertical uprights to which
an ascending circular trunk is attached; said ascending circular
trunk, comprising: a series of sized metal elements, each element
being: fabricated from precision cut durable material; hoop-shaped;
wrapped around and enclosing a vertical portion of the functional
outdoor patio heater unit; formed to resemble a section of palm
bark; and, attached to the element of the ascending circular trunk
immediately below, with the lower portion slightly overlapping the
higher element, the bottommost element being attached to the
stabilizing base; such that the entirety of the ascending circular
trunk tapers inwards with a natural-appearing curve between the
stabilizing base and the control shrouding assemblage, and
resembles the trunk of a palm tree; a control shrouding assemblage
atop the topmost element of the ascending circular trunk,
comprising: a controls access element which incorporates both: an
opening through which the controls for the functional outdoor patio
heater unit can be accessed; and, a moveable cover plate which
closes and conceals said opening except when that moveable cover
plate is opened to gain access to the controls; an elevated heat
ring that provides additional burn area and a single central bolt
rising above the control shrouding assemblage; a perforated heat
absorbing metal shroud surrounding the burn area; and, openings
which are cut out of the perforated heat absorbing metal shroud
that allow the flame to be viewed through them; and, a top fronds
assembly, comprising: a first heat deflector; a second heat
deflector; and a third heat deflector assemblage, comprising a set
of individual formed leaves, each of which has a hole in the stem
to fit over the central bolt, with the set symmetrically placed and
offset from both the first and second heat deflectors.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This utility patent application is being filed
contemporaneously with a design patent application with the same
title.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] Outdoor heaters, used to render a limited area comfortably
warm when the weather is mildly cool, whether electric or gas, have
been available for businesses, homeowners, and guesthouses for some
time. Few, however, would agree with their salesmen's'
representations that an outdoor heater will grace the location
where they are placed. A number of designs have been patented
(Olson et. al., D429,324; Bilotti, D450,816) but they remain
determinedly, almost fixedly utilitarian in their appearance. As a
consequence, many potential purchasers and users decide against
using a heater or exert themselves to bring out the item only as a
last resort and to remove it as rapidly as they can thereafter,
because the heater or heaters are so ugly and unnatural that their
appearance interferes with the enjoyment of the outdoors they are
supposed to render more accessible.
[0005] There are functional needs for any patio heater (it must
produce radiant heat with reasonable safety, be at least somewhat
mobile, provide some overhead coverage, be fuel-efficient or at
least not be too profligate with the energy source, have accessible
controls, etc.), which prior inventions have sought to perfect.
See, e.g. Clark et. al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,964,233; Waters,
6,102,031 and 6,164,273. Nevertheless, even the most wonderfully
engineered patio heaters of the prior art will be patently
inadequate if their aesthetic appearance impels their owners not to
use them.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] People all around the world spend hundreds, even thousands
of dollars toward perfecting their own peaceful, relaxing, and
comfortable oasis in their backyard as a refuge from the stresses
of everyday modern life. Within these tranquil surroundings there
are, unfortunately, objects necessary to extend the comfortable use
through less-than-California-perfect climes or times, that bring
the industrial and technological times back to those seeking
tranquil comfort. Chiefest of these objects is the outdoor patio
heater.
[0008] A patio heater (or more than one, depending on the size of
the patio and the clemency of the location) is undoubtedly a
necessity on many outdoor patios. Patio heaters allow for a longer
period of outdoor enjoyment, by providing a controllable,
placeable, and temporary supply of heat. They have also begun to be
used to provide longer outdoor dining hours for restaurants, or
more effective use of the grounds and landscaping surrounding
hotels, bed and breakfast inns, even convention centers or other
public gathering places. A patio heater allows more hours in an
evening, and more evenings in a season, to be enjoyed outdoors.
[0009] At present, all patio heaters are almost stridently
utilitarian. Many people consider these appliances to be ugly,
unsightly and an intrusive element of the world outside of the
elegant oasis which they want to enjoy. Patio heaters provide a
jarring and intrusive note of functionality lacking any aesthetics,
and stand out like iron sentries in environments where time,
energy, intelligence, and design have striven for naturalness.
[0010] When lack of aesthetics interferes with the functional
utility of an object, then providing an aesthetic form which does
not interfere with the object's functionality is itself a
functional and useful invention. If a patio heater could be
designed that did not jar, but blend in with the natural and
out-of-doors appearance sought, no longer would owners wish to
conceal their heaters (at a greater risk, often, of causing an
overhead fire when the concealing material becomes overly close and
overheats); no longer would they feel impelled to "put away", hide,
or store this appliance during the months it is not used. (And
imagine the value of not having to find or pay for that storage
space!) There is need for an ascetically pleasing patio heater for
those who wish to enjoy, share with others, or simply take pride
in, their estate, guest establishment, or meeting environs, where
nature is gentled yet present.
SUMMARY
[0011] A decorative palm patio heater, that is, an outdoor patio
heater which has a functional unit blended with elements that are
designed to make the entire assemblage resemble a palm tree, that
incorporates a stabilizing base, an ascending circular trunk (that
tapers towards the top) surrounding the majority of the upright
portion of the heater, a control shrouding assemblage, and a top
fronds assembly which includes as its uppermost element a set of
formed metal leaves circumferentially placed and balanced but held
onto the central structural support by a single, axial retaining
element, is taught, wherein the design serves both aesthetic and
aesthetically functional purposes, and enables enhanced and
extended enjoyment and use of outdoor areas by employing the
decorative palm patio heater to offset less than perfectly clement
weather or evening microclimate conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patio heater suggestive of
a palm tree growing out of the surface on which it is placed,
showing the overall design, with the chief fuel element and central
vertical element of the enclosed functional patio heater
indicated.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a view of an alternative embodiment suggestive of
a palm tree growing out of a planter box.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the entire top of a Palm Patio
Heater, from the control shrouding assemblage to the unitary
retaining element.
[0015] The broken lines showing the interior structure are for
illustrative purposes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patio heater suggestive of
a palm tree growing out of the surface on which it is placed,
showing the overall design, the chief fuel reserve (1), central
vertical feed (2) elements of the enclosed functional patio heater,
the stabilizing base (3), ascending circular trunk (4), and
control-shrouding (5) elements, and the top fronds assembly (6)
with unitary retaining element (27).
[0017] FIG. 2 is a view of an alternative embodiment suggestive of
a palm tree growing out of a planter box, showing the box (8) and
the top potting tray (9).
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the entire top of a Palm Patio
Heater. The bottommost piece is the control shrouding element (10),
which surrounds the main burner (12) of the functional outdoor
patio heater. The main burner then has extended separating legs
that attach to the elevated heat ring (14). The inner screen of the
control shrouding element is a perforated metal shroud (16) with
openings (not shown) to increase airflow and visibility of the
flame & reflections thereof. Ascending from the central bolt
(18) and attached to it are the elements of the Top Fronds Assembly
(20-27), namely, the first heat deflector (20), the second head
deflector with heat duct (22), the set of leaves comprising the
third heat deflector (24, only one leaf is shown), and the unitary
top retaining element (27).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The preferred embodiment of the invention is designed to
provide sufficient aesthetic cover to an otherwise bare utilitarian
appliance. The shrouded heater turns rigid iron into an organic
wonder of delight and beauty.
[0020] Outdoor temperatures often range from comfortably warm at
mid-day to chilly in the evenings. Popular demand, and an
attractive locale, give incentive for homeowners to create a
backyard patio, or for restaurant owners to provide facilities for
outdoor (patio) dining. However, the existence of such facilities
is predicated on their efficient use, which is somewhat marginal
unless steps are taken to insure the comfort of the users
throughout a substantial portion of the entire day and seasons,
including the cooler hours and times.
[0021] To this end, outdoor patios are often provided with radiant
heaters. Some burn natural gas or propane gas. Heaters of this type
are available from a number of manufacturers. A typical heater of
this type is approximately 93 inches tall. The combustion chamber
is supported by a hollow column that extends upward from the floor,
and a reflector in the shape of an inverted dish is located above
the combustion chamber for the purpose of reflecting radiant heat
downward that would otherwise travel skyward. Others use electric
radiators, and their shape and height are similar.
[0022] One approach, used by Clark, et. al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,964,233 combined a patio heater and a large beach umbrella. Those
inventors noted that one design need was to ensure that those parts
of the structure which can be reached by people seated or passing
by the unit must be maintained at a safe temperature--that is, a
temperature that will permit the reachable portions to be touched
safely. Their solution was to use a cloth umbrella which prevented
radiant heat from diffusing to the reachable area. Unfortunately,
however, the intrusiveness of the utilitarian patio heater was in
no way ameliorated by the additional artificiality of a beach
umbrella, in their invention.
[0023] The preferred embodiment of the invention is best described
by detailing its 4 different basic elements, which encompass and
incorporate any of a number of existing standard patio heaters.
These 4 basic elements are: (1) the stabilizing base; (2) the
ascending circular trunk; (3) the control shrouding assemblage; and
(4) the top fronds assembly. Each of these is described below.
[0024] 1. The Stabilizing Base. One problem with existing patio
heaters is that their upper metal elements, situated at the end of
a long lever-arm of the central upright, provide potential
instability. Two distinct embodiments of the stabilizing base are,
for the palm patio heater, (a) the Established Palm; and (b) the
Planter Box Palm.
[0025] (a) The Established Palm (FIG. 1) resembles an existing palm
growing straight from the ground. The stabilizing base is solid and
heavy, chiefly from its bottommost part, which is a plate of heavy
metal (3). In the preferred embodiment, it is a circular cut plate
steel. This plate has a protective coat to prevent it from rusting
and patio floors from staining. In one enhancement, the plate has a
predrilled off-center hole that allows a user to pipe natural gas
directly to the Established Palm. From the circular plate emanate
vertical uprights (5 in the preferred embodiment, not shown), to
which the decorative "palm bark" of the ascending circular trunk is
attached. In the preferred embodiment, between one pair of these
verticals is a track for a utility door into the base for changing
propane canisters or checking the fixed gas pipe connection. The
Established Palm has no wheels, is durable, heavy and decorative,
and does not need to be removed during the season or time in which
the Palm Patio Heater is not used.
[0026] (b) The Planter Box Palm (FIG. 2) resembles a wooden planter
box out of which a slightly less tall palm tree is growing. The
overall height of the two versions does not have to and generally
does not vary; only the bottom few feet are different in their form
and, so a slight extent, function. One side of the planter box (8)
incorporates a utility door (not shown) through which empty fuel
canisters may be removed and fully charged ones installed. The
Planter Box Palm also incorporates as its bottommost element a
plate of heavy metal, in the preferred embodiment, cut plate steel.
This plate may be circular (to save on manufacturing costs for the
different embodiments) or otherwise, but does not extend beyond the
outer limit of the planter box. In one enhancement, the bottom
plate has a predrilled off-center hole that allows a user to pipe
natural gas directly to the Planter Box Palm. In its preferred
embodiment the planter box wood is pressure treated lumber and
stained in two durable finishes, redwood and light wood finishes.
The top of the planter box serves as potting tray (9) for small
plants if desired (succulents are suggested); but this potting tray
can also be filled with white sand around the palm, and thus serve
as an ashtray. The Planter Box Palm also has no wheels, is durable,
heavy and decorative, and does not need to be removed during the
season or time in which the Palm Patio Heater is not used.
[0027] In both these embodiments, and others, year-round the
decorative palm aesthetic will continue to function. Furthermore,
the utility door, not being obvious, not only avoids interfering
with the aesthetics of the object but also provides protection of a
vulnerable join for the flammables or energy connection.
[0028] (2) The Ascending Circular Trunk. The trunk is
preferentially constructed of powder coated steel or copper,
depending on the style requested by a purchaser. A series of sized
"palm bark" elements are fabricated from precision cut steel or
copper and wrapped around the 5 vertical uprights, and then the
steel or copper is tack welded or soldered starting at the base and
working upward with overlapping layers to resemble palm bark. In
one variation of the Existing Palm embodiment, the bottom "palm
bark" elements differ in that a utility door is made on one side,
preferably with concealed hinges and latch, through which empty
fuel canisters may be removed and fully charged ones installed.
[0029] The "palm bark" elements provide a durable and easily
cleanable surface which can simply be wiped down. Those units
incorporating the copper style will see the ascending circular
trunk naturally verdigris over time, enhancing the aesthetic
functionality of the unit. Unlike many other outdoor appliances,
the appearance of such units improves with age and use.
[0030] (3) The control shrouding assemblage. Above the ascending
circular trunk and resting on or attached thereto is a control
shrouding assemblage, which contains an access opening through
which access is provided for the patio heater's controls
(typically, an igniter and gas valve for moderating intensity of
heat). This access opening is kept inconspicuous to keep with the
aesthetics of this product, chiefly by providing for the access
opening a separable and movable cover element which is easily
shifted to give immediate and temporary access to the controls. The
separable and removable cover element returns into place, thereby
concealing the controls when they are not being accessed. The
controls are thus protected by the control shrouding element from
ignorant meddling, inadvertent misuse, or even damage (if the Palm
Patio is knocked or otherwise falls over), as the concealment keeps
the controls out of sight and thus out of mind for most who
(unauthorized, or unwisely) might wish to fiddle or play with the
appliance.
[0031] The mechanics of a patio heater seem quite simple.
Gas-fueled heaters use natural gas or propane, which is fed through
a regulator up into a thermocouple to a gas valve, and then through
a mercury (tip over) safety switch into a gas heat ring. An igniter
is used to provide the spark to start the fire. The gas from the
gas ring is lit and heats surrounding perforated steel which turns
red hot and emanates heat. Electrical heaters are simpler, having
radiant elements much like a toaster. The top shroud or cover
deflects the heat down and keep a substantial amount of heat within
the comfort zone. Most patio heaters glow red without showing any
sign of fire or flame; in fact, many are designed to conceal the
bright heating area from view, as neither a blue-yellow gas flame
nor a red-white glowing electrical element appear natural.
[0032] The Patio Palm works in much the same way, but the
gas-fueled and preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1 & 2) incorporates
elements to provide a "Tiki Effect" as part of the functional
aesthetics. It includes an elevated heat ring (14) and "Tiki
Windows" (17) within the perforated metal shroud that surrounds the
heating element. The elevated heat ring (14) allows the gas to
combine with more oxygen, turning the gas from a blue flame into a
dancing orange flame. The "Tiki Windows" are openings which are cut
out of the perforated heat absorbing metal shroud that allow the
observer to partake in the wondrous dancing flame above the
ignition point (which will be blue) in its extended flame area
(which will be red). The combination of elevating the heating ring
and providing openings for additional air flow creates more
variation in the burning, making the flame flicker, dance, and
change color with the vagaries of the immediate air flow, thus
creating the appearance of a natural fire rather than a man-made
and tightly-controlled industrial burner. The perforated metal
shroud has nearly twice the steel content of any existing patio
burner cover, and differs from the metal alloy used elsewhere,
because of its proximity to the flame. It is not the durability of
the metal which provides the function, here, but the fact that
red-hot steel has greater thermal conductivity, especially when
perforated to allow increased air flow, than solid and low-steel
content alloys.
[0033] (d) The Top Fronds Assembly. Atop the patio palm exists a
very utilitarian, although apparently aesthetically-determined
design of primary, secondary, and tertiary heat shields which
resemble palm leaves, but which provide easy disassembly and
assembly for cleaning, care and maintenance. Any and all patio
heaters suffer from the build up of excess carbon that eventually
clogs and dirties this appliance. Most common heaters are difficult
to disassemble and clean. The Palm Patio provides a central mount
for all top mount elements with a unitary retaining element (in the
preferred embodiment, one large wing nut) provided for easy removal
and cleaning. Under the top mounted elements the perforated heat
screen is easily removable with 3 wing nuts.
[0034] Immediately above the control shrouding assemblage, and
specifically above the elevated heat ring (14) is the first heat
deflector (20). This piece is a convex dome shaped piece of
stainless steel or copper with a wide central portion having a
central axial hole, that fits over the central bolt (18). In the
preferred embodiment the first heat deflector is approximately 42"
in diameter and cut with 5 tapered leaves spaced symmetrically
about and extending from the center portion. The center portion is
relatively large and the leave shapes slight, but the whole is only
one and a half to five times as wide as the control shrouding
assemblage.
[0035] Next above is the second heat deflector (22). The second
heat deflector is cut from flat steel in same five leaf fashion. In
the preferred embodiment it, too, is approximately 48" in diameter;
generally, it will have the same diameter as the first heat
deflector. However, its leaves are more visible than the first, are
stamped with texture and incorporate a specialized center ridge (on
the top, forming a corresponding upward cleft on the bottom) of
each leaf leading to the smaller central portion. These central
ridges provide a path or escape for the heat to travel through, and
each ridge empties into the comfort zone. The second heat deflector
also has a central axial hole, that fits over the central bolt
(18). This second heat deflector is offset from the first heat
deflector to provide coverage of space which would otherwise let
the heat escape.
[0036] The next, and next-to-final portion of the top fronds
assemblage, is a set of individual formed leaves (24) which form
the third heat deflector, each of which has a hole in the stem to
fit over the central bolt (18) In the preferred embodiment there
are again five leaves, which are offset from both the first and
second heat deflectors.
[0037] The three layers of heat deflectors work better that the
standard single pressed tin top commonly on the market. Each layer
acts as blanket keeping the majority of heat in the comfort
zone.
Other Embodiments/Enhancements
[0038] The scope of this invention includes any combination of the
elements from the different embodiments disclosed in this
specification, and is not limited to the specifics of the preferred
embodiment or any of the alternative embodiments mentioned above.
The leaves, trunk elements, or other parts may be made of any
ceramic, metal, or complex combination thereof which is durable,
heat-resistant, heat-conductive, and sturdy enough for continuous
outdoor exposure. There may be variations in the number and offset
of leaves, or leaf-shaped elements in each of the heat deflectors,
or indeed in the number of heat deflectors, and there may be a wide
variation in the shapes and forms of the leaves and trunk elements.
One variation would be a unitary ascending central trunk formed out
of metal which is perforated with a `v` shaped pattern of openings
and then stretched to form a palm-like appearing perforated metal
trunk shape.
[0039] Individual user configurations and embodiments of this
invention may contain all, or less than all, of the elements
disclosed in the specification according to the needs and desires
of that user. The claims stated herein should be read as including
those elements which are not necessary to the invention yet are in
the prior art and are necessary to the overall function of that
particular claim, and should be read as including, to the maximum
extent permissible by law, known functional equivalents to the
elements disclosed in the specification, even though those
functional equivalents are not exhaustively detailed herein.
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