U.S. patent application number 12/032652 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-28 for methods and apparatus for a patio heater.
Invention is credited to Justin Eckhardt.
Application Number | 20080202502 12/032652 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39714476 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080202502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eckhardt; Justin |
August 28, 2008 |
Methods and Apparatus for a Patio Heater
Abstract
A patio heater that supports an object placed on the patio
heater by a user and that provides heat to the user. The patio
heater includes a tabletop, a deflector, and a dispersal unit. The
tabletop supports the objects placed on the patio heater by the
user. The deflector is positioned between the tabletop and a source
of heat to regulate a temperature of the tabletop. The dispersal
unit is positioned below the deflector, encircles the source of
heat, and cooperates with the deflector to regulate the temperature
of the tabletop. The tabletop includes an uppermost surface of the
patio heater. The deflector deflects a heat from the source of heat
away from the tabletop and the dispersal unit disperses the heat
away from the deflector and from the source of heat, thereby
regulating a temperature of the tabletop and providing the heat to
the user. The deflector and the dispersal unit maintain the
tabletop at a temperature that does not burn the user.
Inventors: |
Eckhardt; Justin; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LETHAM LAW FIRM, LLC
914 N. TUCANA LANE
GILBERT
AZ
85234
US
|
Family ID: |
39714476 |
Appl. No.: |
12/032652 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60903261 |
Feb 23, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/92AC ;
165/104.31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/92AC ;
165/104.31 |
International
Class: |
F24C 3/04 20060101
F24C003/04; F28D 15/00 20060101 F28D015/00 |
Claims
1. A patio heater for supporting provided objects placed on the
patio heater by a user and for providing heat to the user, the
patio heater comprising: a tabletop for supporting the objects
placed on the patio heater by the user; a deflector positioned
between the tabletop and a source of heat to regulate a temperature
of the tabletop; and a dispersal unit positioned below the
deflector, encircles the source of heat and cooperates with the
deflector to regulate the temperature of the tabletop; and wherein:
the tabletop includes an uppermost surface of the patio heater; the
deflector deflects a heat from the source of heat away from the
tabletop and the dispersal unit disperses the heat away from the
deflector and from the source of heat, thereby regulating a
temperature of the tabletop and providing the heat to the user; and
the deflector and the dispersal unit maintain the tabletop at a
temperature that does not burn the user.
2. The patio heater of claim 1 wherein the dispersal unit comprises
a body having a plurality of bores.
3. The patio heater of claim 2 wherein the bores are tapered from a
smaller size on an interior of the body to a larger size on an
exterior of the body.
4. The patio heater of claim 2 wherein the bores are angled
downward from a horizontal plane from an interior of the body to an
exterior of the body.
5. The patio heater of claim 1 wherein a surface of the dispersal
unit comprises a compound that decreases a transfer of heat to the
dispersal unit thereby maintaining the surface cool to a touch of
the user.
6. The patio heater of claim 1 further comprising: a fan; and a
conduit; and wherein: the tube is positioned through an opening in
a center of the source of heat; and the fan moves air through the
tube.
7. The patio heater of claim 6 wherein the conduit comprises a
metal conduit that conducts at least a portion of the heat provided
by the source of heat.
8. The patio heater of claim 1 wherein the tabletop comprises a
flat surface.
9. The patio heater of claim 1 wherein the tabletop comprises a
convex surface.
10. The patio heater of claim 1 wherein the tabletop is angled from
a horizontal plane.
11. The patio heater of claim 1 wherein the source of heat
comprises a gas burner.
12. The patio heater of claim 2 wherein the heat disperses through
the holes.
13. The patio heater of claim 1 further comprising a fan to
disperse the heat.
14. A patio heater for providing heat to a user from a provided
source of heat, the patio heater comprising: a deflector for
redirecting a heat from the source of heat; and a dispersal unit
for dispersing the heat away from the deflector and the source of
heat, the dispersal unit having an interior, an exterior, and a
plurality of bores; and wherein: the deflector is positioned above
the source of heat; the dispersal unit encircles the source of
heat; each bore of the plurality of bores is tapered from a smaller
diameter on the interior to a larger diameter on the exterior; and
each bore of the plurality of bores is angled downward from a
horizontal plane from the interior to the exterior thereby
directing the heat downward; the heat disperses through the
plurality of bores to the user.
15. The patio heater of claim 14 wherein a surface of the dispersal
unit comprises a compound that decreases a transfer of heat to the
dispersal unit thereby maintaining the surface cool to a touch of
the user.
16. The patio heater of claim 14 wherein a surface of a side of the
deflector proximate to the source of heat comprises a compound that
decreases a transfer of heat to the deflector.
17. A method performed by a patio heater for supporting an object
provided by a user on the patio heater and for providing a heat
from a source of heat that does not burn a human user, the method
comprising: supporting the object an uppermost surface of the patio
heater; generating the heat from the source of heat; deflecting
heat from an underside of the uppermost surface to regulate a
temperature of the uppermost surface; and dispersing heat from the
source of heat and from the underside of the uppermost surface to
regulate the temperature of the uppermost surface and to provide
heat to the user; and wherein: the temperature of the upper surface
does not burn the user; and the temperature of the heat dispersed
to a user does not burn the user.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein deflecting comprises reflecting
the heat from a deflector positioned below the underside of the
uppermost surface.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein dispersing comprises moving the
heat away from the source of heat through a plurality of bores.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein supporting comprises supporting
a weight and maintaining a position of the object.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/903,261 filed Feb. 23, 2007
herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention pertains generally to methods and apparatus
relating to heaters, in particular to outdoor heaters.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Patio heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Common
patio heaters provide either convective or radiant heat using a
fuel such as propane or natural gas. Many heaters position the
heating element near head level and heat unevenly such that the
head is too hot and the feet are too cold. People who are at least
as tall as the height of the heating element may be affected more
than others because they must move away from the heating element to
avoid being burned. Furthermore, many current heaters do not
protect people near the heater from the high temperature of the
burner. People who use heaters could benefit from a heater that
provided the source of heat at a level nearer the feet and provided
less direct exposure to the heat of the heating source.
[0006] A heater that positions the heating element and heat
deflector between six and nine feet above the ground hinder
visibility, interfere with locating a person visually at a social
venue, and block the natural setting and beauty of the venue.
People who use heaters could benefit from the improved visibility
provided by a lower profile heater. Furthermore, only a portion of
the heat from heaters that have the heating element positioned
between six and nine feet above the floor ever reaches the
users.
[0007] Most available heaters use sheet metal to construct the
heater. While sheet metal may be painted, people who use heaters
could benefit from a design that uses materials that are
complementary to outdoor venues and available outdoor furniture. A
heater that more easily blends in with a venue may be more
aesthetically desirable. Furthermore, utilizing a material to form
a heater that may be readily customized as to texture, color,
shape, and size without the expense of retooling sheet metal molds
provides flexible, economical manufacture.
[0008] People who user heaters could also benefit from a heater
that provides additional functions desired at a venue where heaters
may be employed. For example, generally at a venue for a social
event, tables are provided for guests to eat, drink, and be seated
for relaxation. A heater that functions both as a table and a
heater may save space and provide a more open, less cluttered venue
thereby improving the aesthetic beauty and enjoyment of the
venue.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A patio heater that supports an object placed on the patio
heater by a user and that provides heat to the user. The patio
heater includes a tabletop, a deflector, and a dispersal unit. The
tabletop supports the objects placed on the patio heater by the
user. The deflector is positioned between the tabletop and a source
of heat to regulate a temperature of the tabletop. The dispersal
unit is positioned below the deflector, encircles the source of
heat, and cooperates with the deflector to regulate the temperature
of the tabletop. The tabletop includes an uppermost surface of the
patio heater. The deflector deflects a heat from the source of heat
away from the tabletop and the dispersal unit disperses the heat
away from the deflector and from the source of heat, thereby
regulating a temperature of the tabletop and providing the heat to
the user. The deflector and the dispersal unit maintain the
tabletop at a temperature that does not burn the user.
[0010] A patio heater that provides heat from a provided source of
heat. The patio heater includes a deflector and a dispersal unit.
The deflector redirecting a heat from the source of heat. The
dispersal unit disperses the heat away from the deflector and the
source of heat. The dispersal unit has an interior, an exterior,
and a plurality of bores. The deflector is positioned above the
source of heat. The dispersal unit encircles the source of heat.
each bore of the plurality of bores is tapered from a smaller
diameter on the interior to a larger diameter on the exterior. each
bore of the plurality of bores is angled downward from a horizontal
plane from the interior to the exterior thereby directing the heat
downward. The heat disperses through the plurality of bores to the
user.
[0011] A method for supporting an object provided by a user on a
patio heater and for providing a heat from a source of heat that
does not burn a human user. The method is performed by a patio
heater. The method includes in any practical order (1) supporting
the object an uppermost surface of the patio heater; (2) generating
the heat from the source of heat; (3) deflecting heat from an
underside of the uppermost surface to regulate a temperature of the
uppermost surface; (4) dispersing heat from the source of heat and
from the underside of the uppermost surface to regulate the
temperature of the uppermost surface and to provide heat to the
user. The temperature of the upper surface does not burn the user.
The temperature of the heat dispersed to a user does not burn the
user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference
numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures, and:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side plan view a heater according to various
aspects of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective plan view of the heater of FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side plan view of a frame of the heater of FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is perspective plan view of the frame of FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of a top portion of the heater of
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an expanded side plan view of the top portion,
according to various aspects of the present invention, of FIG.
5;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-section plan view of a dispersal unit
according to various aspects of the present invention taken along
the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 where arrows indicate the direction of
airflow through dispersal holes;
[0020] FIGS. 8-10 diagrams are perspective plan views of the top
portion of FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a side plan view of a tank housing with the base
separated for clarity;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective side plan view of the base of FIG.
11;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective plan view of a bottom portion of a
heater; and
[0024] FIG. 14 is an expanded perspective plan view of a bottom
portion of the heater of FIG. 1 showing a tank hatch removed to
provide access to the tank.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS
[0025] A heater provides heat. A heater, according to various
aspects of the present invention, supports objects on a top surface
(e.g., tabletop) without burning a human user. A heater disperses
heat in an area around the heater to provide warmth and heat to
users. For example, heater 10 of FIGS. 1-15 includes an upper
portion 76, a lower portion 78, and a frame assembly 80.
[0026] An upper portion provides heat, disperses heat, and deflects
heat away from a top surface (e.g., tabletop) accessible to human
users. An upper portion permits human users to touch or support a
portion of their body on the upper portion of the heater without
burning the user. An upper portion provides a top surface for
supporting objects (e.g., food, drink, personal effects) for use by
human users.
[0027] In one implementation, heat provided by upper portion 76
warms users and the surroundings providing a comfortable
environment. The support provided by upper portion 76 provides
convenience to the users and permits creation of a social
environment where the objects placed on the surface, for example
food and beverages, attract users around the heater.
[0028] Upper portion 76 provides heat generated by a source of heat
(e.g., burner, resistive element) in the area around heater 10.
Upper portion 76 mixes and/or disperses the heat provided by the
source of heat with air surrounding heater 10 to provide heat in
the environment and on the surfaces of heater 10 at a temperature
that does not burn (e.g., user contact with a surface) or make
users uncomfortable (e.g., user proximity to heater).
[0029] Upper portion 76 provides support for objects by providing a
surface (e.g., tabletop, upper surface of tabletop) for supporting
objects. Upper portion 76 enhances the usability of the surface by
maintaining a suitable temperature of the surface. A suitable
temperature may include a temperature that warms objects without
overheating, a temperature that does not burn food, and a
temperature that does not burn human users.
[0030] Upper portion 76 may maintain a suitable temperature of the
upper surface by defecting heat from the top surface to reduce
surface temperature, deflecting heat from an underside of the upper
surface to reduce heat transferred to the upper surface, forming
the upper surface from a material that reduces the transfer of
heat, or moving heat (e.g., using a fan) away from the top surface
to reduce heat transfer to the top surface.
[0031] A lower portion supports the upper portion, provides a base
for the heater, houses a fuel supply (e.g., canister, battery),
provides fuel (e.g., electricity, flammable gas, flammable liquid)
to a source of heat, provides a control for a temperature of a
source of heat (e.g., regulate flow of fuel), and houses an energy
supply (e.g., battery). For example, lower portion 78 includes
frame assembly 80.
[0032] In one implementation, lower portion 78 provides suitable
support to upper portion 76 and frame assembly 80 and fuel storage.
Lower portion 78 provides support by providing a foundation
suitable to support upper portion 76, frame assembly 80 and the
source of fuel (e.g., fuel supply). Lower portion 78 further
provides support by providing structure that cooperates with frame
assembly 80 to provide stability, ease of assembly,
inter-changeability (e.g., replacement of parts), and
maintainability.
[0033] Lower portion 78 provides suitable fuel storage by providing
a location to place a source of fuel, by covering the source of
fuel with a protective covering, by providing access to operate the
source of fuel, and by providing ventilation. Lower portion 78
further provides an aesthetic appearance to enhance its
desirability with users.
[0034] A fame assembly supports an upper portion, couples to a
lower portion, provides an area for coupling controls of the source
of heat, and provides an area to transport fuel (e.g., electricity,
flammable gas, flammable liquid) from the lower portion to a source
of heat in the upper.
[0035] In one implementation, frame assembly 80 provides suitable
support for upper portion 76, fuel transport from the source of
fuel in lower portion 78 to the burner in upper portion 76, and
control over the heat provided by upper portion 76. Frame assembly
80 provides support for upper portion 76 by supporting the weight
of upper portion 76, positioning upper portion 76 for a particular
use of upper portion 76 (e.g., level, at an angle), separating
upper portion 76 from lower portion 78 to provide access to the
fuel source and the burner controls, and setting the distance of
upper portion 76 from the ground to provide heating and surface
height characteristics.
[0036] Frame assembly 80 provides fuel transport by providing a
channel (e.g., within, on a surface) that permits fuel to travel
from the source of fuel located in lower portion 78 to the source
of heat located in upper portion 76. Frame assembly 80 may provide
control over an amount of heat produced by the source of heat by
controlling transport of fuel (e.g., valve, adjustable resistive
element) to upper portion 76.
[0037] In one implementation, referring to FIGS. 5-6, upper portion
76 includes tabletop 40, deflector 42, top ring 44, and dispersal
unit 46. Tabletop 40 may be formed of any material that provides
suitable support for objects and/or suitable thermal
characteristics for heating the area surrounding heater 10. In one
implementation, tabletop 40 is cast from a lightweight concrete
mixture of one part each of Portland cement, perlite (amorphous
volcanic glass, e.g., a lightweight additive), and peat moss.
[0038] Any combination of materials that provide a relative lighter
weight construction and/or desirable heat transfer characteristics,
when compared to materials such as steel, concrete, clay and
ceramic, while maintaining structural integrity may be used. For
example, materials that may be used in combination include
concrete/cement, mortar, plastic cement, vinyl cement, aerated
concrete, clay, terra cotta, lime, porcelain, aerated porcelain,
ceramic, aerated ceramic, styrofoam, vermicelli (a soil additive
similar to perlite), fiberglass insulation (shredded or fiberglass
material), ceramic fiber (e.g., fibers woven to be similar to
conventional building insulation), silica (e.g., woven to be
similar to conventional building insulation), steel wool, vinyl
strands and plastic strands. In one implementation, Portland cement
provides a structure and strength. Perlite is relatively light and
conducts low amounts of heat, and peat provides resistance to
cracking while also being relatively light weight. In another
implementation, portions of heater 10 are formed of Portland
cement, shredded fiberglass, and perlite.
[0039] In one implementation, steel wire mesh is added before
casting upper portion 76 to increase the strength of the concrete.
An outer edge of tabletop 40 may be shaped to match the shape of
other portions of heater 10, for example the curve of tank housing
60 and base 70. Top ring 44 protects the exposed edge of tabletop
40 and also provides an aesthetic element.
[0040] Deflector 42 deflects heat from tabletop 40. The amount of
heat deflected by deflector 42 regulates, at least in part, the
temperature of tabletop 40. The conductivity of the material for
deflector 42 may provide a temperature of tabletop 40 in the range
of the temperature of the surrounding environment to about 120
degrees Fahrenheit, preferably maintaining the temperature of
tabletop 40 close to the temperature of the surrounding
environment.
[0041] In one implementation, deflector 42 is made from aerated
concrete. In another implementation, materials added having low
heat conductivity either alone or in any combination, such as
fiberglass mesh, aerated porcelain or aerated are added to the
concrete to set the heat transferred to tabletop 40 and accordingly
the temperature of tabletop 40. Deflector 42 couples to tabletop 40
in any suitable manner. In one implementation, deflector 42 fits
into a cavity in tabletop 40.
[0042] A deflector may cooperate with a dispersal unit to regulate
a temperature of the tabletop. A dispersal unit may draw heat away
from a source of heat and the deflector thereby regulating, at
least in part, an amount of heat provided to the tabletop.
Preferably, the deflector and the dispersal unit maintain the
tabletop at or below a temperature that does not burn the user
and/or objects placed on the tabletop by a user (e.g., 130 degrees
Fahrenheit).
[0043] A dispersal unit disperses heat from the source of heat into
an atmosphere proximate to the heater. A dispersal unit provides
heat to a user neat the heater. A dispersal unit further shields
the source of heat from direct user access. Dispersion of heat by a
dispersal unit may be assisted by a movement of air (e.g., a
fan).
[0044] User access to dispersal unit 46 may be additionally
restricted by forming a heat resistant barrier around dispersal
unit 46. The barrier (not shown) may be separated from dispersal
unit 46 to permit heated air to exit bores 48 to the atmosphere.
The barrier may be coupled to heater 10 in any manner. The barrier
may cover any portion of dispersal unit 46. In one implementation,
the barrier couples to tabletop 40 and descends from tabletop 40 to
cover dispersal unit 46. The space between the barrier and
dispersal unit 46 is related to the difference in diameter between
tabletop 40 and dispersal unit 46. The barrier may be formed of any
material suitable for the application, for example, flexible heat
resistant material and rigid heat resistant material. Placing the
barrier to reduce user access to dispersal unit 40 may provide
additional safety for careless or unobservant users.
[0045] A bottom of dispersal unit 46 between the inner edge of
dispersal unit 46 and post 50 may be open to the atmosphere,
completely closed using a material having any heat resistivity, or
partial opened. Material positioned at the bottom of dispersal unit
46 may be coupled to dispersal unit 46, post 50, and/or tank
housing 60.
[0046] In an implementation, a heater may discourage user from
placing objects on an upper surface of the heater, but not from
supporting a user in a standing or seated position. For example,
rounded tabletop 40 may discourage users from placing objects on
tabletop 40, but not from leaning on tabletop 40. A tabletop 40
having a pointed shape with relatively steep sides (e.g., pyramidal
shape) may further discourage placement of objects on an upper
surface of heater 10, while still permitting a user to touch upper
surface of heater 10 to receive warmth.
[0047] In an implementation, dispersal unit 46, referring to FIGS.
1-2 and 5-7, disperses heat from a burner (not shown) and heat
reflected from deflector 42 into the atmosphere surrounding heater
10. In one implementation, dispersal unit 46 couples to deflector
42. Dispersal holes 48 through dispersal unit 46 allow heat from
the burner to pass through dispersal holes 48 into the atmosphere.
In one implementation, referring to FIG. 7, heat dispersal holes 48
are tapered from smaller size to larger size thereby enhancing heat
dispersal. Dispersal holes 48 may also be formed at an angle to
enhance or retard the flow of warm air.
[0048] In an implementation, referring to FIG. 7, dispersal holes
48 are formed at an angle with respect to dispersal unit 46 such
that the opening of the hole on the inside of dispersal unit 46 is
smaller and positioned higher than the opening of the hole on the
outside of dispersal unit 46. A downward flow of heated air
increases heating effectiveness.
[0049] Dispersal holes 46 may have any size or shape. Dispersal
unit 46 may have any number of dispersal holes 48 suitable to
provide heat dispersal for the application.
[0050] Dispersal unit 48 may have any thickness and have holes 48
in any pattern. In an implementation, dispersal unit 48 is formed
of expanded steel coated with a compound (e.g., reflective ceramic
powder, heat reflective paint, heat insulating paint) that reduced
heat transfer to the steel to reduce a temperature of the dispersal
unit 48 to a user's touch.
[0051] In one implementation, a dispersal unit coated with heat
reflect paint maintained the surface of the dispersal unit
accessible to the user cool to the user's touch.
[0052] In an implementation, the inner radius of dispersal unit 46
is larger than the area in a conventional burner housing, thereby
further mixing and/or dispersing warmed air from the burner before
exiting dispersal holes 48. Dispersal unit 46 may couple to frame
assembly 80. In one implementation, referring to FIG. 10, assembly
holes 47 permit dispersal unit 46 to accept vertical posts from
upper assembly 42.
[0053] Dispersal of heat from a source of heat may be assisted by a
movement of air. Deflection of heat from the tabletop may further
be assisted by a movement of air. A movement of air may be provided
by a shape the dispersal unit that promotes a flow of air and/or by
mechanical means (e.g., fan).
[0054] In one implementation, a conduit (e.g., channel, tube, pipe)
is positioned through an opening of a burner (e.g., open center,
plurality of openings throughout burner, between burner elements).
A fan moves air through the conduit. One end of the conduit may be
positioned below an underside of the deflector and/or the tabletop.
The fan may be positioned at either end of the conduit to move air
through the conduit and in turn from the source of heat, through
the dispersal unit into the atmosphere. A conduit may conduct at
least a portion of the heat from the source of heat. A fan may move
the air heated by the heat conducted by the conduit through the
conduit.
[0055] In one implementation, the lower portion 78 includes base 70
and tank housing 60. Base 70 provides suitable support for frame
assembly 80, top portion 76 (e.g., upper portion), and the source
of fuel. Base 70 provides suitable support by supporting the weight
of frame assembly 80, top portion 76, and the source of fuel. Base
70 may hold frame assembly 80 and the source of fuel into a
position and couple to the frame assembly 80.
[0056] In an implementation, referring to FIG. 12, base 70 has
cavity 75. Cavity 75 supports and positions the source of fuel. In
an implementation, the source of fuel is a tank of gas (e.g.,
pressurized). In another implementation, cavity 75 supports and
positions a battery that operates as the source of fuel by
providing energy to produce heat and/or a flow of air for
convection. Cavity 75 may support and position the source of fuel
in any manner. The coupling between the source of fuel and cavity
75 may be such that the source of fuel cannot be removed without
undoing the coupling. Cavity 75 may be shaped to conform to the
shape of the container of the source of fuel.
[0057] Base 70 may be constructed of any material that provides
suitable support. In one embodiment, base 70 is formed from a
lightweight concrete mixture of one part each of Portland cement,
perlite, and peat moss similar to that of tabletop 40. Cavity 75
and groove 74 may be formed during casting or by coupling material
to base 70 after casting. Groove 74 may facilitate a coupling
between base 70 and tank housing 60. In one implementation,
referring to FIG. 11, groove 74 holds tank housing 60 into
position. Tank housing 60 may be secured to base 70 or it may be
held in position by its own weight with the support of groove 74.
Base ring 72 protects the exposed edge of base 70 and also provides
an aesthetic element.
[0058] Tank housing 60 provides a suitable cover for base 70, lower
assembly 54 of frame assembly 80, and the source of fuel. Tank
housing 60 protects the source of fuel from damage, tampering,
and/or unauthorized removal. Tank housing 60 provides access to the
source of fuel for operation and maintenance. In one
implementation, tank housing 60 provides access to the source of
fuel through access hole 68 and hatch 62. Referring to FIG. 2,
access hole 68 provides access to turn on or shut off the source of
fuel, for example to turn a valve on a propane tank. Hatch 62
permits more open access to the source of fuel than the access
provided by access hole 68. Hatch 62 permits removal of the source
of fuel for replacement or refueling.
[0059] Tank housing 60 provides cover, in one implementation, by
surrounding the source of fuel, covering the base and lower
assembly 54 of frame assembly 80. Tank housing 60 may have any size
or shape to provide covering. In one implementation, tank housing
60 is substantially cylindrical with an open end. To facilitate
placing tank housing 60 around the source of fuel and lower
assembly, tank housing 60 has two pieces. Referring to FIG. 2, tank
housing 60 has a left half and a right half. Access hole 68 is
positioned in the right piece. The pieces along with hatch 62 are
held together by housing ring 64. Referring to FIG. 13, the pieces
may be separated and/or hatch 62 removed by raising housing ring 64
above tank housing 60. The pieces may be formed independently or
cut from a single piece. Tank housing 60 may be formed of more than
two pieces.
[0060] Housing ring 64 may included a handle (not shown) coupled to
housing ring 64 to facilitate user removal of housing ring 64
manually. Housing ring 64 may further include protective material
positioned between housing ring 64 and tank housing 60 to reduce
marks left on tank housing 60 by movement of housing ring 64. The
protective material may be of any type, for example felt, Teflon,
rubber, and foam.
[0061] Tank housing 60 may be of any material, size, or shape
suitable to provide cover and in any suitable manner. In one
implementation, tank housing 60 is formed of one part each of
Portland cement, perlite, and peat moss similar to that of tabletop
40 and base 70. In one implementation, tank housing 60 is formed of
a single piece and cut to create two pieces. In one implementation,
the size of tank housing 60 is sufficient to cover a 20 pound
propane tank. Vent holes 66 provide ventilation of the interior of
tank housing 60. Tank housing 60 may be decoratively formed to
provide an aesthetic element to heater 10.
[0062] In one implementation, referring to FIG. 3 and 4, frame
assembly 80 includes utility post 50, upper assembly 52, and lower
assembly 54. Upper assembly 52 provides support to upper portion
76. Upper assembly 52 supports upper portion 76 by coupling to
upper portion 76 and holding upper portion 76 in place. Upper
assembly 52 may couple to upper portion 76 in any manner and may
support upper portion 76 in any position. In one embodiment, as set
forth above, vertical posts from upper assembly 52 enter utility
holes 47 to hold upper portion 76 in place. The horizontal portions
of upper assembly 52 support upper portion 76.
[0063] Utility post 50 provides a conduit from the source of fuel
to the burner in upper assembly 76. The conduit may carry the fuel
or provide a housing for a conduit for the fuel. Utility post
provides a manner to control the flow of fuel and in the case where
the fuel is combustible, a control to start combustion. In one
implementation, a conduit for fuel enters gas knob 58 from a gas
tank and exits gas knob 58 to the burner. Gas knob 58 controls the
flow of fuel from the tank to the burner. Ignition knob 56 permits
ignition of the gas to start combustion and the production of heat.
The flow and ignition of fuel may be control by manual manipulation
of gas knob 58 and ignition knob 56 or by a control device that
incorporates a thermostat. Utility post 50 couples to upper
assembly 52.
[0064] Utility post 50 may provide support to upper assembly 52 or
may be in addition to any element that supports upper assembly 52.
In one implementation, utility post 50 is formed of steel,
accommodates an industry standard ignition knob 56 and gas control
knob 58, houses gas lines from conventional flow valve (e.g.,
regulator) to conventional burner assembly, and is welded to upper
assembly 52. Utility post 50 and/or upper assembly 52 may also
support an additional deflector (not shown) positioned below
deflector 42 and the burner.
[0065] Lower assembly 54 supports and positions upper assembly 76
and tank housing 60. Lower assembly 54 supports upper assembly 76
by coupling to and supporting utility post 50 and/or upper assembly
52. Base 70 supports and positions lower assembly 54 by coupling to
lower assembly 54. In one implementation, lower assembly 54 couples
to groove 74. Lower assembly 54 may be of any shape to cover the
source of fuel and/or tank housing 60. In one embodiment, the shape
of lower assembly 54 is smaller at the top portion than at the
bottom portion to accept a tank of gas within lower assembly 54.
Base 70 may have an opening (e.g., groove, bore), referring to FIG.
12, at its center that accepts the lower portion of a source of
fuel (e.g., propane tank, battery). The opening may closely fit
around the source of fuel to stabilize and support the source of
fuel. The opening further permits the source of fuel to be
positioned closer to the ground thereby providing heater 10 with a
lower center of gravity and increasing stability of heater 10.
Lower assembly 54 may be shape to permit coupling between lower
assembly 54 and tank housing 60. Lower assembly 54 couples to
utility post 50 and/or upper assembly 52 in any suitable manner. In
one implementation, lower assembly is formed of steel and is welded
to utility post 50.
[0066] A heater 10 according to the various aspects of the present
invention may be of any size or shape to server a particular
purpose. Implementation includes a small dining table and a coffee
table. Burner and tank size may be adjusted to provide a suitable
amount of heat and provide a suitable size of lower assembly 78 for
each implementation.
[0067] Other implementations include heater 10 that is placed under
an existing banquet table for example a 72'' round or an 84'' round
table. A heater suitable to place under a table would include
deflector 42 with suitable characteristics to protect people and
the table from injury or harm, dispersal unit 46, dispersal holes
48, upper assembly 52, utility post 50, lower assembly 54, gas knob
58, and base 70.
[0068] The foregoing description discusses preferred embodiments of
the present invention which may be changed or modified without
departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the
claims. While for the sake of clarity of description, several
specific embodiments of the invention have been described; the
scope of the invention is intended to be measured by the claims as
set forth below.
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