U.S. patent application number 13/215450 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-01 for heating apparatus for heating a defined space.
Invention is credited to David Johnson.
Application Number | 20120048263 13/215450 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45695464 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120048263 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; David |
March 1, 2012 |
HEATING APPARATUS FOR HEATING A DEFINED SPACE
Abstract
The present invention pertains to a heating apparatus for
heating a defined space which generally comprises at least one heat
source, and an enclosure for surrounding both the heat source and a
user. The invention provides for a wide variety of heat sources
which are suitable for use herewith. The invention also provides
for a wide variety of materials which can be used to form the
enclosure.
Inventors: |
Johnson; David; (Flint,
MI) |
Family ID: |
45695464 |
Appl. No.: |
13/215450 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61376428 |
Aug 24, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/704 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/54 20130101;
E04H 15/28 20130101; F24V 99/00 20180501; E04H 15/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/704 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/46 20060101
F24J002/46 |
Claims
1. A heating apparatus for heating a defined space which generally
comprises: (a) at least one heat source; and (b) an enclosure for
surrounding both the heat source and a user, the enclosure
enclosing the defined space, and the user being positioned
completely within the defined space.
2. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure comprises
an umbrella-like support structure.
3. The heating apparatus of claim 1 including a second inner
enclosure positioned within the enclosure, the second inner
enclosure provided for enclosing the heat source.
4. The heating apparatus of claim 1 including an exhaust for
exhausting air from the defined space.
5. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat source
includes an electric space heater.
6. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat source
includes a combustible fuel.
7. The heating apparatus of claim 6 wherein the combustible fuel is
selected from the group consisting of an oil lamp and a candle.
8. The heating apparatus of claim 6 wherein the combustible fuel is
selected from the group consisting of coal and charcoal.
9. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat source is
solar.
10. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure
comprises a polymeric material.
11. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure
comprises a plant-based material.
12. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure
comprises an elastomeric material.
13. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure
comprises a welding blanket.
14. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure
comprises a metal material.
15. The heating apparatus of claim 14 wherein the enclosure
comprises aluminum.
16. The heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the enclosure
comprises an animal-based material.
17. The heating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the heat source
includes an electric space heater.
18. The heating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the enclosure
comprises a polymeric material.
19. The heating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the heat source
includes a combustible fuel.
20. The heating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the heat source is
selected from the group consisting of coal and charcoal.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application 61/376,428, which was filed on Aug. 24, 2010, the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention pertains to a heating apparatus. More
particularly, the present invention pertains to a heating apparatus
for personal use. Even more particularly, the present invention
pertains to a heating apparatus for personal use for heating a
defined space.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Devices exist in the prior art for heating individuals in a
defined space. These apparatuses are used in a variety of
applications, like outdoor use, such as for outdoorsmen or sports
spectators. Additionally, during rough economic times, when home
heating costs are high, there is a need to heat oneself at a
minimum cost. This can be accomplished by heating only the area
immediately around oneself rather than heating an entire
building.
[0006] Heating apparatuses for personal use for heating a defined
space are well-known in the art, as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No.
4,241,721 to Holly. The heating apparatus disclosed by Holly
includes a personal heating system having a heat source, an
envelope surrounding the user, and hoops for providing structure to
the envelope. This heating apparatus is intended for use outdoors
such as by an outdoorsman or a sports spectator. The heat source is
fuel-based, and the envelope comprises a flexible material.
[0007] In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,655 to Urso discloses a
heating system which includes one or more users enclosing both
themselves and a fuel-based heater using a light foil-type blanket.
The blanket comprises a reflective aluminum foil for reflecting
heat energy toward the user.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,986,243 to Campf discloses an outdoor
heating system which is a portable, weather-resistant heating pad
for use outdoors, such as for use by spectators at a sporting
event. The heating system includes an enclosure about the heating
elements formed from a disposable plastic material or a reusable
material, such as nylon.
[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0277804 to
Kelly discloses a heater for personal use in a defined space in
which the heat emitted from the heat source is reflected from the
covering back to the user.
[0010] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0077208 to
Vardanega discloses a warming blanket which includes a pair of
sheets sealed along their common edges and an inlet through which
heated air is blown by a heater. The sheets can be coated with a
polyethylene film. The heater is powered by alternating electrical
current.
[0011] The heating apparatuses described above are limited both in
the type of fuel sources which can be used, as well as the types of
enclosure materials. Therefore, the prior art is limited in its
versatility and efficiency.
[0012] Thus, there remains a need for a heating apparatus for
personal use for heating a defined space which can be used with a
variety of fuel sources and types of enclosure materials.
[0013] The present invention, as is detailed hereinbelow, seeks to
improve upon the existing heating apparatuses by providing a
heating apparatus which can be used with a wide variety of fuel
sources, can be used with a number of different configurations and
options, and can be used with a number of different enclosure
materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention provides a heating apparatus for
heating a defined space which generally comprises: [0015] (a) at
least one heat source; and [0016] (b) an enclosure for surrounding
both the at least one heat source and a user, the enclosure forming
a defined space.
[0017] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference characters
refer to like parts throughout the views in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
present invention hereof;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heating apparatus
showing two heat sources; and
[0020] FIG. 3 is a view of the heating apparatus showing a variety
of optional features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] In accordance with the present invention, and as shown
generally in FIG. 1, there is provided a heating apparatus 10 which
generally comprises: (a) at least one heat source 12; and (b) an
enclosure 14 for surrounding both the at least one heat source 12
and a user U, the enclosure 14 defining a defined space 16.
[0022] The enclosure 14 is formed from a material which can trap
heat emitted from the heat source 12 within the defined space 16.
Preferably, the enclosure 14 is also formed from a material which
reflects heat to the user. The enclosure 14 surrounds the body of
the user U, either including or excluding the head of the user U.
Any suitable type of material which is well-known to one of
ordinary skill in the art can be used.
[0023] Examples can include polymeric materials like microwavable
plastic (capable of withstanding heats up to 400.degree. F.),
high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, vinyl,
metalized polyethylene terephthalate (MPET) (which is commonly
referred to as a "space blanket"), or "bubble wrap"; any suitable
plant-based materials (e.g., paper products) capable of
withstanding elevated levels of heat; textiles containing
fiberglass; poly(methyl methacrylate) (or PMMA, commonly sold under
the trademark Plexiglas.RTM.); alkali-aluminosilicate thin sheet
glass (such as the type sold under the trademark Gorilla.RTM.
Glass); an inflatable plastic covering; polystyrene foam (such as
the type sold under the trademark Styrofoam.RTM.); elastomeric
materials like vulcanized rubber; polystyrene foam coated with a
film of magnesium; magnesium film; aluminized plastics; aluminum
film; gold plated plastic; linoleum; wood; a metal material like
aluminum; animal-based products like leather, fish skins, shrimp
skins/exoskeletons; calcium-based materials (e.g., egg shells);
composite materials formed from egg lining or feathers; gelatin
(similar to the gelatin lining used for encapsulating pills); corn
husks; nut shells (e.g., almond shells); plastic bottles; aluminum
cans; brick glass; hollow reeds; bamboo; the outer lining of onions
or garlic; potassium and sodium; and so on.
[0024] The enclosure 14 material can also include insulation, such
as popcorn, puffed grains (e.g., "rice cake" materials), dehydrated
citrus (e.g., lemons, limes, grapefruit), encapsulated cotton
candy, sea shells, spider webs, silk from silkworms, cocoons,
insect exoskeletons, bones (especially hollow bones such as from a
bird), cotton balls, cat tails, or the like. These materials are
preferably preserved using any suitable known preservatives, such
as salt.
[0025] The enclosure 14 can be constructed using any suitable means
which are well-known to those having ordinary skill in the art,
such as high-temperature tapes. The enclosure 14 can also be formed
from separate sections or panels which can be formed together using
suitable means like a tongue-and-groove construction
[0026] Further examples of the enclosure 14 material can also
include a medium duty welding blanket (capable of withstanding
temperatures up to 1000.degree. F.), or a thermal felt welding
blanket (capable of withstanding temperatures up to 3000.degree.
F., and having a working temperature of 1800.degree. F.).
[0027] Preferably the enclosure 14 is formed from a material which
can be easily cleaned by a cleaning agent like distilled
vinegar.
[0028] The heating apparatus 10 further includes the at least one
heat source 12. As shown in FIG. 2, when more than one heat source
12 is provided, the first heat source 12A and the second heat
source 12B can be positioned in a facing arrangement so that the
user U can position him or herself between the first and second
heat sources, 12A and 12B. When three or more heat sources are
provided, the same principle can be applied, and the heat sources
can be arranged to encompass the user U for maximum comfort and
efficiency.
[0029] Any suitable type of heat source which is well-known to one
having ordinary skill in the art can be used. Suitable heat sources
can include candles; electric space heaters (e.g., ranging in power
from 7 Watts to 1000 Watts); fuel-based space heaters; dry
chemicals (such as the type used for hand warmers); lamps (either
electric or fuel (e.g., olive oil lamp)); solar (such as using
solar mirrors); friction; geothermal heat sources; ducting
connected to a heating duct; placing of heated items within the
defined space 16 (e.g., rocks, water, biomass, etc.); a fire fueled
by any suitable combustible or flammable fuel or objects,
including, but not limited to, wood, kerosene, tinder, corn cobs,
grains, nuts, coconuts, mango seeds, charcoal, coal, gel-based
fuels like Sterno.RTM., olives, shea butter, pork rinds, soybeans,
soybean oil, volatile oils extracted from organic goods like fruit,
grains, herbs, etc.; or other suitable fuels; and so forth.
[0030] Also, an incinerator or other similar type of device can be
used to convert waste into heat which can be used as the heat
source 12. Any suitable type of fuel can be used with the
incinerator, including, but not limited to, animal carcasses. The
animal carcasses can be obtained as road kill, beached marine and
aquatic animals, any carcasses resulting from natural disasters or
other acts of God, the purposeful hunting of invasive species
(e.g., feral pigs), and so forth.
[0031] When the heat source 12 is an electric space heater, it can
be supplied with electricity from any suitable source which is
well-known to one having ordinary skill in the art. Possible
sources of electricity can include (or be derived from via a
generator), but are not limited to, direct current, alternating
current, batteries, hydro-electric source, hydrogen power,
electro-mechanical power (such as that comprising a magnet and a
copper coil, and being driven by any suitable type of relative
motion), static electricity, hybrid solar, a straight line
generator powered by lunar energy (e.g., tidal waves), wind power,
seismic activity, floods (such as flood water being used to drive a
water turbine), a hand-crank generator, and harnessing the motion
of pets into electricity via a generator (also known as "pet
power"), and so forth.
[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the enclosure 14 can house an
inner enclosure (not shown). The inner enclosure can be used to
house the heat source 12, which is particularly useful when the
heat source 12 gives off a harmful byproduct, such as exhaust or
fumes. The heat generated by the heat source 12 then migrates or
transfers through the inner enclosure and to the user U. According
to this embodiment, appropriate sensors can be provided to ensure
safety, such as oxygen or carbon monoxide sensors. Appropriate
exhaust vents can also be provided for the enclosure 14 and/or the
inner enclosure.
[0033] Optionally, the enclosure 14 can comprise at least one vent
18 to vent air from the defined space 16. The vent 18 can comprise
any suitable type of vent which is well-known to one of ordinary
skill in the art. The vent 18 can be closable (e.g., such as by a
Velcro.RTM. strap, a zipper, etc.). The vent 18 can also be of the
type such as that found on the side of a mattress. Furthermore, the
vent 18 can comprise a plurality of perforations in the enclosure
14.
[0034] Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can comprise a carbon
monoxide detector 20 positioned within the defined space 16 as a
safety precaution when the heat source 12 is of the type which may
potentially emit dangerous combustion gases.
[0035] Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can comprise at least
one light 22 positioned within the defined space 16 to provide
light to the user U, such as when the enclosure 14 is formed from a
non-transparent material. When provided, the light 22 can comprise
any suitable type of light which is well-known to one having
ordinary skill in the art, for example, incandescent, compact
fluorescent, Xenon, LED, and so forth.
[0036] Optionally, when the enclosure 14 surrounds the head of the
user U, a breathing apparatus 24 can be provided to allow the user
U to either breathe air exterior to the heating apparatus 10, or
breathe air which has been filtered. The breathing apparatus 24 can
comprise a snorkel or other suitable type of apparatus which is
connected to the exterior of the heating apparatus 10. When a
snorkel is provided, it can be heated so as to avoid the collection
of condensation within the snorkel. The breathing apparatus 24 can
also comprise a respirator or other suitable air-filtering device
to ensure that the air is free from combustion products.
[0037] Optionally, when the enclosure 14 comprises a material which
is flexible, flaccid, or unable to stand up on its own, a support
structure 26 can be provided. The support structure 26 can comprise
chicken wire, a frame structure, or the like. Once the temperature
within the defined space 16 is sufficiently raised, it is possible
that the support structure 26 might no longer be needed since the
hot air will expand and rise to expand the enclosure 14. Likewise,
once the heating apparatus 10 is no longer needed, the heat source
12 can be turned off and the enclosure 14 (when not a rigid
material) can collapse and be ready for storage.
[0038] Optionally, the enclosure 14 can also comprise a collapsible
rigid structure which can be formed from a plastic material. The
collapsible rigid structure can collapse in a designed manner, such
as an accordion.
[0039] Optionally, the enclosure 14 can comprise an umbrella-like
support structure 26 which can be quickly and easily expanded or
deployable for use.
[0040] Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can comprise a
thermometer 28 which is positioned within the defined space 16 to
inform the user U of the temperature. Depending upon the heat
source 12, the thermometer 28 can be operably connected to the heat
source 12 to turn the heat source 12 on or off to maintain a
desired pre-set temperature within the defined space 16. For
instance, the pre-set temperature is preferably in the range of
72.degree.-90.degree. F. When provided, the thermometer 28 can be
coupled with an alarm which activates when the temperature within
the defined space 16 goes outside the boundary of the pre-set
temperature range. The alarm can be operably coupled with the heat
source 12 to either turn the heat source 12 on or off to bring the
temperature back within the pre-set range.
[0041] Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can include a
dehumidifier 30 to control the humidity within the defined space
16.
[0042] Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can include a fan 32
for circulating and/or venting the air within the defined space
16.
[0043] Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can include means for
muffling 34 the heat source 12.
[0044] Optionally, the heating apparatus 10 can include an audio
system with earphones or earplugs.
[0045] It is to be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that the heating apparatus can be provided in any suitable size
or dimension, and can also be used by more than one user if
desired.
[0046] It is also to be understood by one having ordinary skill in
the art that the heating apparatus 10 can have suitable use for
other applications, such as providing therapeutic treatments, for
housing and raising tropical plants, for drying clothing, for
cooking food, for aromatherapy, etc.
[0047] It is also to be understood by one having ordinary skill in
the art that the heat source 12 can be replaced with a cooling
source, such as a portable air conditioning unit or ductwork
connected to cooled air. Thus, the heating apparatus 10 is also
capable of providing its benefits during hot weather as well.
[0048] The term "defined space" as used herein describes an
enclosed area under the enclosure, including the air space. The
defined space may be a confined space, semi-confined, partially
confined, or fractionally confined.
[0049] According to the invention described above, a heating
apparatus is provided which can be compact and inexpensive to
operate, yet provides a heated and comfortable environment to the
user.
[0050] As is apparent from the preceding, the present invention
provides a heating apparatus for personal use for heating a defined
space.
* * * * *