U.S. patent application number 14/249073 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for covers for heaters and methods thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is MELODY LAVIGNA, Barbara Miranda. Invention is credited to MELODY LAVIGNA, Barbara Miranda.
Application Number | 20140220293 14/249073 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51259443 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140220293 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LAVIGNA; MELODY ; et
al. |
August 7, 2014 |
COVERS FOR HEATERS AND METHODS THEREOF
Abstract
A cover for a patio heater that may include a skirt for fitting
around a base of the outdoor patio heater, the skirt including a
three box pleat with pleats inset with mesh fabric for providing
ventilation; a welt cord disposed at a top of the skirt; a neck
panel for covering a neck portion of the outdoor patio heater; an
opening extending between a top portion of the neck panel to a
bottom portion of the skirt through the welt cord; and fasteners
disposed on opposing sides of the opening on the neck panel and the
skirt at intervals running from the top portion of the neck panel
to the bottom portion of the skirt.
Inventors: |
LAVIGNA; MELODY; (Tarzana,
CA) ; Miranda; Barbara; (Los Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LAVIGNA; MELODY
Miranda; Barbara |
Tarzana
Los Angeles |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51259443 |
Appl. No.: |
14/249073 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13348362 |
Jan 11, 2012 |
8734928 |
|
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14249073 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/100 ;
29/525.01; 428/99 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49947 20150115;
F24C 15/06 20130101; Y10S 428/921 20130101; Y10T 428/24017
20150115; Y10S 428/92 20130101; F24C 1/12 20130101; Y10T 428/24008
20150115; A41D 31/102 20190201; B65D 65/08 20130101; A41D 2300/24
20130101; B29L 2031/729 20130101; A41D 31/08 20190201; A41D 2300/32
20130101; Y10T 428/24686 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/100 ;
29/525.01; 428/99 |
International
Class: |
F24C 15/06 20060101
F24C015/06 |
Claims
1. A cover for an outdoor patio heater comprising: a skirt for
fitting around a base of the outdoor patio heater, the skirt
comprising a three box pleat with pleats inset with mesh fabric for
providing ventilation; a welt cord disposed at a top of the skirt;
a neck panel for covering a neck portion of the outdoor patio
heater; an opening extending between a top portion of the neck
panel to a bottom portion of the skirt through the welt cord; and
fasteners disposed on opposing sides of the opening on the neck
panel and the skirt at intervals running from the top portion of
the neck panel to the bottom portion of the skirt.
2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the skirt is attached to the neck
panel.
3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the skirt further comprises: a
skirt top portion having a substantially flat annular shape having
an aperture formed therein, the aperture adapted to surround at
least a portion of the neck panel; and a skirt bottom portion
attached to the top portion, the bottom portion disposed
perpendicular to the top portion.
4. The cover of claim 1, wherein fasteners comprise hook and loop
fasteners.
5. The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises flame
resistant material.
6. The cover of claim 5, wherein the flame resistant material
comprises at least one of polyester, burnstop, twaron, coated
nylon, carbon foam, m5 fiber, Kevlar, pyrovatex fr cotton,
technora, modacrylic, polybenzimidazole fiber, or wool.
7. The cover of claim 1, wherein the mesh fabric comprises
polyester.
8. A cover for an outdoor patio heater comprising: a skirt for
fitting around a base of the outdoor patio heater, the skirt
comprising a box pleat with a pleat inset with mesh fabric; a
support member disposed at a top of the skirt; a neck panel for
covering a neck portion of the outdoor patio heater; an opening
extending between a top portion of the neck panel to a bottom
portion of the skirt through the support member; and fasteners
disposed on the neck panel and the skirt at intervals running from
the top portion of the neck panel to the bottom portion of the
skirt.
9. The cover of claim 8, wherein the support member comprises a
fabric piping disposed on an outer edge of a top portion of the
skirt.
10. The cover of claim 9, wherein the fabric piping comprises: a
portion of folded fabric forming a channel disposed adjacent a seam
disposed on the top portion of the skirt; and a welt cord disposed
within the channel.
11. The cover of claim 8, wherein the skirt further comprises: a
skirt top portion having a substantially flat annular shape having
an aperture formed therein, the aperture adapted to surround at
least a portion of the neck panel; and a skirt bottom portion
attached to the top portion, the skirt bottom portion disposed
perpendicular to the skirt top portion.
12. The cover of claim 8, wherein fasteners comprise hook and loop
fasteners.
13. The cover of claim 8, wherein the mesh fabric comprises
polyester.
14. The cover of claim 8, wherein the flame resistant material
comprises at least one of burnstop, twaron, coated nylon, carbon
foam, m5 fiber, Kevlar, pyrovatex fr cotton, technora, modacrylic,
polybenzimidazole fiber, and wool.
15. A method for covering a patio heater comprising: providing a
cover comprising: a skirt for fitting around a base of the outdoor
patio heater, the skirt comprising a box pleat with pleats inset
with mesh fabric for providing ventilation; a welt cord disposed at
a top of the skirt; a neck panel for covering a neck portion of the
outdoor patio heater; an opening extending between a top portion of
the neck panel to a bottom portion of the skirt through the welt
cord; and fasteners disposed on opposing sides of the opening on
the neck panel and the skirt at intervals running from the top
portion of the neck panel to the bottom portion of the skirt;
placing the cover on the heater; and securing the cover around the
heater with the fasteners.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the skirt is attached to the
neck panel.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein fasteners comprise hook and
loop fasteners.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the cover comprises
polyester.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the cover comprises flame
resistant material.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the flame resistant material
comprises at least one of burnstop, twaron, coated nylon, carbon
foam, m5 fiber, Kevlar, pyrovatex fr cotton, technora, modacrylic,
polybenzimidazole fiber, and wool.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/348,362, filed Jan. 11, 2012, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/433,270, filed Jan. 17, 2011 the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties as if fully
set forth herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to
covers for heaters. More specifically, embodiments of the present
disclosure relate to covers for patio heaters and methods of
operating the same.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Heaters are often utilized in environments in which an
increase in ambient temperature is desired. Restaurants, hotels,
catering venues, bars, and other commercial businesses often
require heaters in outdoor settings to provide seating and
commercial space for patrons who wish to remain outside in
temperatures that would otherwise be uncomfortably cold.
"Alfresco," i.e., outdoor, dining has become increasingly popular,
and is especially popular in when temperatures are most
favorable.
[0006] In order to extend the day and the al fresco dining season,
many restaurants and catering venues use patio heaters. A patio
heater (for example, a mushroom heater or umbrella heater) is an
appliance for generating radiant heat in outdoor environments.
Patio heaters are designed to bring warmth, comfort, and enjoyment
to patrons in colder ambient temperatures. Many patio heaters are
portable and are easily moved from one area to another to meet the
needs of patrons and venues. One undesirable result of transporting
the heaters is they are often scratched or otherwise damaged during
the process of transportation or use in general. Because most of
the businesses that employ the use of patio heaters center around
entertaining patrons and providing aesthetically pleasing
environments, the dents, dings, and scratches on many patio heaters
are undesirable because they may detract from the overall aesthetic
appearance of the area in which the heaters are placed. In
addition, even undamaged patio heaters have little decorative
appeal. There currently exists no method of improving the aesthetic
appearance of heaters. Thus, there is a need for a cover for
heaters that will both protect the surface of these heaters and
improve their overall aesthetic appearance, and methods of
operating the same.
SUMMARY
[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to
covers for heaters. More specifically, embodiments of the present
disclosure relate to covers for outdoor patio heaters and methods
of operating the same. In one embodiment of the present disclosure,
a cover for a patio heater may comprise a skirt for fitting around
a base of the outdoor patio heater, the skirt comprising a three
box pleat with pleats inset with mesh fabric for providing
ventilation; a welt cord disposed at a top of the skirt; a neck
panel for covering a neck portion of the outdoor patio heater; an
opening extending between a top portion of the neck panel to a
bottom portion of the skirt through the welt cord; and fasteners
disposed on opposing sides of the opening on the neck panel and the
skirt at intervals running from the top portion of the neck panel
to the bottom portion of the skirt.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover for
a patio heater may comprise a skirt for fitting around a base of
the outdoor patio heater, the skirt comprising a box pleat with a
pleat inset with mesh fabric; a support member disposed at a top of
the skirt; a neck panel for covering a neck portion of the outdoor
patio heater; an opening extending between a top portion of the
neck panel to a bottom portion of the skirt through the support
member; and fasteners disposed on the neck panel and the skirt at
intervals running from the top portion of the neck panel to the
bottom portion of the skirt.
[0009] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method
for covering a patio heater may comprise providing a cover
comprising a skirt for fitting around a base of the outdoor patio
heater, the skirt comprising a three box pleat with pleats inset
with mesh fabric for providing ventilation; a welt cord disposed at
a top of the skirt; a neck panel for covering a neck portion of the
outdoor patio heater; an opening extending between a top portion of
the neck panel to a bottom portion of the skirt through the welt
cord; and fasteners disposed on opposing sides of the opening on
the neck panel and the skirt at intervals running from the top
portion of the neck panel to the bottom portion of the skirt;
placing the cover on the heater; and securing the cover around the
heater with the fasteners.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] So the manner in which the above recited features of the
present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular
description of embodiments of the present disclosure, briefly
summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure,
and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present
disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments,
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a back view of a cover for heaters and a
heater in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a cover for heaters covering
a heater in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
and
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method of using a cover for
heaters in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0014] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes
only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the
description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the
words "may" and "can" are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning
having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e.,
meaning must). Similarly, the words "include", "including", and
"includes" mean including but not limited to. To facilitate
understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where
possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to
covers for heaters. More specifically, some embodiments of the
present disclosure relate to covers for outdoor portable heaters
and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. Embodiments of
the present disclosure may be applied to nearly any type of
existing heating devices. For example, certain embodiments of the
present disclosure may be used with electric or gas outdoor patio
heaters of different shapes and sizes.
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a back view of a cover 100 for heaters in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The cover
100 may be adapted to cover any type of heating device or heater
200. Although a patio heater is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is
contemplated that a cover 100 in accordance with exemplary
embodiments of the present invention may be adapted to cover
alternative types of heaters. For example, a cover 100 may be
adapted to cover a patio heater, a convection heater, a fan-forced
ceramic heater, a panel heater, a space heater, a gas heater,
and/or the like. In accordance with embodiments of the present
invention, the cover 100 may generally comprise a neck panel 102
and a skirt 104 for covering a heater 200. The cover 100 may
generally be tailored to cover at least a portion of a heater 200.
Although the neck panel 102 and the skirt 104 are depicted in FIG.
1 and FIG. 2 as a single attached unit, it is contemplated that the
neck panel 102 and the skirt 104 may be separate pieces or may be
detachably attached.
[0017] The cover 100 may be adapted to provide protection for, and
improve the aesthetic appearance of, a heater 200. The heater 200
may be any heater suitable for embodiments of the present
disclosure. The heater 200 may be, for example, a patio heater for
providing radiant heat to an area. In accordance with exemplary
embodiments, the heater 200 may include a neck 222 and a base 224,
both of which may become damaged during normal use and
transportation. For example, the neck 222 and/or base 224 may
become scratched and/or dented. By placing the cover 100 on the
heater 200, the cover 100 may provide protection to the neck 222,
the base 224, and/or other portions of the heater.
[0018] In addition to providing protection, the cover 100 may also
improve the aesthetic appearance of the heater 200. For example,
the neck 222 and/or base 224 may be made of material that is not
aesthetically pleasing. In exemplary embodiments, the cover 100 may
comprise different colors, patterns and/or designs. In addition,
the cover 100 may have images, text, and/or artwork printed
thereon, glued or otherwise attached thereto, or sewn into the
fabric. The cover 100 may not only hide any blemishes the heater
200 may have, but it may also add to the aesthetic appearance of
the surrounding area by including aesthetically pleasing elements.
As such, by placing the cover 100 on the heater 200, the aesthetic
appearance of the neck 222 and/or base 224 may be improved. The
cover 100 may comprise decorative elements to improve the
appearance of the heater 200.
[0019] In some embodiments, cover may comprise fasteners and/or
attachment members 116, 118 for securing the cover around a heater
200. As used herein the terms "fastener" and "attachment member"
are generally used interchangeably. The fasteners may be disposed
on locations near an opening running from the top portion of the
neck panel 102 to a bottom portion of the skirt 104. Fasteners may
comprise any article for securing the cover 100 to the heater 200.
For example, fasteners may be disposed on opposing sides of the
opening on the neck panel 102 and the skirt 104 at intervals
running from the top portion of the neck panel 102 to the bottom
portion of the skirt 104. Fasteners may comprise an article for
securing one side of an opening in the cover to another side of the
cover, or the like. In some embodiments, fasteners may comprise
articles for attaching the cover 100 directly to the heater 200.
For example, the heater 200 and the cover 100 may comprise
cooperating fasteners, or the like. Fasteners may comprise, for
example, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, magnets,
adhesive, adhesive strips, clips, zippers, pins, ties, string ties,
fabric ties, plastic ties, rubber ties, and/or the like.
[0020] In some embodiments, the neck panel 102 of the cover 100 may
comprise one or more fasteners. For example, the neck panel 102 of
the cover 100 may comprise fasteners comprising one or more of
snaps, hook and loop fasteners, adhesive, magnets, zippers, and/or
the like. In some embodiments, the cover 100 may be adapted to fit
heaters of various sizes. For example, the cover 100 may be adapted
to fit over a SunGlo brand of heater. In some embodiments the neck
panel 102 may comprise a front dart from about 4'' to about 16'' in
length. For example, the front dart may comprise 8'' in length. In
some embodiments, the neck panel 102 may comprise a 3''.times.1'',
or the like, hook and loop fastener disposed at the top hemline in
a horizontal and/or vertical orientation. In some embodiments, the
neck panel 102 may comprise a 3''.times.1'', or the like, hook and
loop fasteners disposed in a vertical and/or horizontal orientation
down on the neck panel 102. In some embodiments, the hook and loop
fasteners may be disposed approximately 7'' apart, or the like.
While hook and loop fasteners are described above, alternative
fastening means, such as snaps, adhesive, magnets, zippers, and/or
the like may be used. In some embodiments, the neck panel 102 may
comprise one more fasteners. For example, the neck panel 102 may
comprise two fasteners, three fasteners, four fasteners, and/or the
like. In some embodiments, the number of fasteners is dependent
upon the design of the heater to be covered and/or the size of the
heater to be covered.
[0021] In some embodiments, the neck panel 102 may comprise a
length of approximately 47'' and a width of approximately 11'', or
the like. In some embodiments, the skirt 104 may comprise a length
of approximately 28'', or the like. In some embodiments, the neck
panel 102 may comprise a length of approximately 45'' and a width
of approximately 11'', or the like. In some embodiments, the skirt
104 may comprise a length of approximately 263/4'', or the like. In
some embodiments, the neck panel 102 may comprise a length of
approximately 47'' and a width of approximately 15'', or the like.
In some embodiments, the neck panel 102 may comprise a portion at
the top of the neck panel 102 that may be expandable. In some
embodiments, only a portion of the neck panel 102 may be open, not
the entire length of the neck panel. For example, a portion less
than the entire length of the neck panel 102 may be open along a
slit and disposed at the top portion of the neck panel for allowing
the top portion of the neck panel 102 to open.
[0022] The neck panel 102 of the cover 100 may be adapted to
substantially cover the neck 222 of the heater 200. The neck panel
102 and/or other components of the cover 100 may comprise a single
textile material, or may comprise several types of material. In
exemplary embodiments, the cover 100 may comprise material may be
substantially fire, heat, and/or flame resistant and adapted to
resist and/or prevent burning or to prevent starting and/or being
consumed by fire while in contact with the heater 200. In
embodiments of the present invention, the cover 100 may remain in
place over the heater 200, even while the heater 200 is activated,
when fire, heat, and/or flame resistant material is used. The fire,
heat, and/or flame resistant material may resist and/or prevent
burning and/or prevent starting and/or being consumed by fire, even
when the heater 200 is activated and on and the cover 100 is
covering and/or attached to the heater 200.
[0023] The cover 100 may retain its shape and fire, heat, and/or
flame resistant attributes after machine washing. For example, if a
restaurant patron spills something on the cover 100, after the
cover 100 is washed, it will retain its shape and/or fire, heat,
and/or flame resistant attributes. The textile material may
comprise, for example, 100% polyester that is inherently flame
resistant ("IFR"), flame resistant, heat resistant, and/or the
like. For example, the cover 100 may comprise one or more of
polyester, burnstop, twaron, coated nylon, carbon foam, m5 fiber,
Kevlar, pyrovatex fr cotton, technora, modacrylic,
polybenzimidazole fiber, wool, and/or the like. The neck panel 102
may comprise self-fabric that blends the fabric of the neck panel
102 with the skirt 104. The neck panel 102 may be formed of a
single piece of textile cut in a shape adapted to substantially
cover the neck 222 of the heater 200. By way of example, the neck
panel 102 may be cut in a rectangular shape. In some embodiments,
portions of the fabric and/or mesh included in the cover 100 may
comprise flame resistant and/or IFR material. In some embodiments,
portions of the fabric and/or mesh included in the cover 100 may
comprise approximately 100% polyester, and/or the like.
[0024] In exemplary embodiments, the neck panel 102 may be cut from
a larger piece of fabric or produced in the exact dimensions
required to fit around the neck 222 of the heater 200. By way of
example, the neck panel 102 may comprise a length in the
approximate range of 4'' to 18'' and a width in the approximate
range of 23.5'' to 94.'' In one embodiment, the neck panel 102 may
comprise a length of 9.5'' and a width of 47''. The cover 100
itself may comprise any height suitable for covering a heater 200.
For example, the cover 100 may comprise a height in the approximate
range of 37'' to 156''. For example, the cover 100 may comprise a
height of 78''. The neck panel 102 may be adapted to fit necks 222
of heaters 200 of various shapes and sizes. For example, the neck
222 of a heater 200 may be tapered, convex, concave, curved,
jagged, and/or the like. The neck may also comprise different
fabric patterns. For example, the neck may comprise one or more
pleats and/ or darts. Although the neck panel 102 is depicted in
the figures as a single element, it is contemplated that the neck
panel 102 may comprise several pieces attached together. The neck
panel 102 may comprise a first edge 140 a second edge 142 and a
neck attachment member 116.
[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the neck attachment member 116 may
be adapted to secure the neck panel 102 to the neck 222 of the
heater 200. The neck attachment member 116 may be adapted to attach
a first edge 140 of the neck panel 102 to a second edge 142 of the
neck panel, such that the neck panel 102 is secured around the
surface of the neck 222 of the heater 200. The neck attachment
member 116 may comprise a single fastener, or it may comprise
several types and/or sets of fasteners. By way of example, the neck
attachment member 116 may comprise one or more of hook and loop
fasteners, buttons, zippers, snaps, magnets, tapes, adhesives,
and/or the like. The neck attachment member 116 may be sewn, glued,
or otherwise attached to the neck panel 102. For example, the neck
attachment member 116 may be sewn to the inside and/or outside
surface of the neck panel 102.
[0026] The neck attachment member 116 may be disposed in one or
more locations adapted to secure the neck panel 102 to the neck 222
of the heater. For example, the neck attachment member 116 may
include a single strip of hook and loop fasteners extending from
the top to the bottom of the neck panel 102. In alternative
embodiments, the neck attachment member 116 may comprise several
hook and loop fasteners. In some embodiments, the neck attachment
member 116 or may comprise a single hook and loop fastener set
disposed in the center of the neck panel 102. The neck attachment
member 116 may comprise dimensions suitable for securing the neck
panel 102 to the neck 222 of the heater. For example, the neck
attachment member 116 may comprise a hook and loop fastener set
with a width in the range of 0.5'' to 6.'' In one exemplary
embodiment, the neck attachment member 116 may comprise a hook and
loop fastener set with a width of 1''. The neck panel 102 may be
attached, separate, or detachably attached to the skirt 104.
[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the skirt 104 may comprise a top
portion 106 a bottom portion 108, piping 110, pleats 112, a base
attachment member 118, and/or a label 130. The skirt 104 may be of
a size suitable for covering a base 224 of a heater. The skirt 104
may have an aperture or channel formed therein that may connect
with an aperture formed in the neck panel 102 between the first
edge 140 and the second edge 142 of the neck panel 102. The skirt
104 may comprise a single textile material, or may comprise several
types of material. For example, the skirt 104 may comprise the same
or similar materials as described above with respect to the neck
panel 102. Although depicted in a single piece, the skirt 104 may
include several pieces that are permanently or detachably
attached.
[0028] In exemplary embodiments, the top portion 106 may be adapted
to fit over a top section 226 of the base 224 of the heater 200.
The top portion 106 of the cover 100 may comprise a substantially
flat annular shape having an aperture adapted to receive a portion
of the neck 222 of the heater 200. The top portion 106 may be
attached to the neck panel 102. The top portion 106 of the cover
100 may comprise dimensions suitable for covering the top section
of the base 224. By way of example, the top portion 106 of the
cover 100 may comprise a width in the approximate range of 2.5'' to
11'' with a diameter in the approximate range of 8'' to 32''.
[0029] In some embodiments, the width may comprise 5.5'' and the
diameter may comprise 16''. The bottom portion 108 may be attached
to the top portion 106 and disposed perpendicular to the top
portion 106. The bottom portion 108 may comprise dimensions
suitable for covering a bottom section 228 of the heater 200. The
bottom portion 108 of the skirt 104 may comprise a width in the
approximate range of 6'' to 26''. In one embodiment, the width of
the skirt may be 13''. The height from the top to the bottom of the
skirt 104 may comprise any height suitable for covering the base
224 of the heater 200. In exemplary embodiments, the height of the
skirt 104 may be in the approximate range of 13'' to 56''. For
example the height of the skirt 104 may be 28''. The bottom portion
108 may comprise one or more pleats 112, which may be box pleats.
The skirt may also comprise fabric piping 110.
[0030] The piping 110 may be disposed on the top portion 106 or any
other aesthetically pleasing location. For example, the piping 110
may be attached to a seam between the top portion 106 and the
bottom portion 108. The piping 110 may comprise a circumference of
1/4'' to 2''. By way of example, the piping 110 may comprise a
circumference of 3/4''. The piping 110 may comprise any piping
suitable for use with embodiments of the present disclosure. For
example, the piping 110 may comprise a portion of folded fabric
forming a channel disposed adjacent the seam between the top
portion 106 and the bottom portion 108. The piping 110 may also
comprise a welt cord disposed within the channel. In some
embodiments, the piping 110 may comprise a support member, or the
like. A support member may comprise an article that provides
support for the structure of the cover and helps maintain the
cover's shape while preventing the cover from hugging the base of
the heater in a drooped or draped position. A support member may
comprise a solid support, such as a piece of plastic, wood, metal,
and/or the like. In some embodiments a support member may comprise
a welt cord, a cord made out of fabric, metal, polyester, plastic,
wood, natural materials, rope, string, synthetic materials, and/or
the like. In some embodiments, a support member may be attached,
embedded, and/or the like to the cover without piping 110, or the
like. The piping 110 may be used for enhancement of the base top of
the skirt. In some embodiments, the piping may be approximately
3/8'' wide, or the like. It is contemplated that piping 110 and/or
welt trim may be used on other locations of the cover 100, such as
on or adjacent the pleats 112 and/or on the neck panel 102.
[0031] In exemplary embodiments, the skirt 104 may also comprise
one or more pleats 112 made of the same or different materials. The
pleats 112 may be shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 depicts
a front view of a cover 100 for heaters covering a heater 200 in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. With
reference to FIG. 2, the skirt 104 may comprise three pleats 112.
The pleats 112 may be made of the same material or may be made of
different materials. For example, two pleats may comprise a mesh
material to allow for ventilation of the tank and one pleat may
comprise a solid fabric. Alternatively, three pleats 112 may
comprise solid fabric, with two pleats inset with fabric mesh. In
exemplary embodiments, the mesh material and/or the solid fabric
may comprise polyester. Although three pleats 112 are depicted in
FIG. 2, any number of pleats suitable for use with the cover 100 is
contemplated by and within embodiments of the present disclosure.
The pleats 112 may comprise any type of pleat suitable for
embodiments of the present disclosure. By way of example, at least
one of the pleats 112 may comprise a box pleat. In alternative
embodiments, one or more pleats 112 may comprise accordion pleats,
cartridge pleats, fluted pleats, fortuny pleats, honeycomb pleats,
knife pleats, organ peats, plisse pleats, rolled pleats, Watteau
pleats, and/or the like. When attached, the neck panel 102 may
cover and surround the neck 222 of the heater 200.
[0032] Referring again to FIG. 1, in exemplary embodiments, the
base attachment member 118 may generally be similar to the neck
attachment member 116 described hereinabove. The base attachment
member 118 may comprise one or more fastening members suitable for
securing the skirt 104 to and/or around the base 224 of the heater.
The base attachment member 118 may comprise the same or different
fastening members as the neck attachment member 116 or any
combination of fastening members suitable for use with embodiments
of the present disclosure. By way of example, the base attachment
member 118 may comprise a series of hook and loop fastening sets,
while the neck attachment member 116 may comprise a single hook and
loop fastener set running the length of the neck panel 102. The
hook and loop fastener sets or other fasteners that make up the
base attachment member 118 may be attached to the cover 100 by
stitching, gluing, or other attachment in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0033] In some embodiments, the base attachment member 118 may be
sewn on the inside and/or outside surface of the skirt 104. The
skirt 104 may also comprise a label 130 or several labels 130. The
label 130 may have text, images, logos, and/or the like printed
thereon or sewn therein. In some embodiments, other remaining
portions of the cover 100 may be adapted to receive and/or display
text, images, logos, and/or the like either printed or displayed
with a digital display. In some embodiments, the cover 100 may
comprise electronic components, such as a digital display or sound
output device. For example, the cover 100 may comprise an LED
display, or the like, and/or speakers for displaying and/ or
broadcasting content. In some embodiments, the LED display may
display targeted advertisement by identifying a user walking past
the cover 100 carrying a unique identifier, such as a radio
frequency identification tag. In some embodiments, the cover 100
may comprise a base layer and an outer cover layer wherein the
outer cover layer is removable and detachable from the base layer.
In some embodiments, the outer cover layer may have logos,
advertisements, and/or aesthetically appealing images and/or colors
printed thereon. In some embodiments, the cover 100 may comprise a
removable panel, pocket, and/or sleeve adapted to receive displays,
such as artwork or advertisements. For example, the cover 100 may
comprise a sleeve or pocket with an outer wall of transparent
material, wherein if a display is placed within the sleeve or
pocket, the display may be viewed through the outer wall of
transparent material.
[0034] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method of using a cover for
heaters in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method
of covering a patio heater 300 begins at step 310 where a cover for
heaters, such as the one disclosed herein with respect to FIG. 1
and FIG. 2, is provided. In embodiments, such a burner assembly may
comprise a neck panel and a skirt. For convenience, the method 300
of FIG. 3 is described with reference to the cover 100 and the
burner 200 described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
The method 300 may be carried out using other embodiments as
well.
[0035] At step 320, the cover 100 may be placed on the heater 200.
In exemplary embodiments, the neck panel 102 may be placed around
the surface of the neck 222 of the heater 200 and skirt 104 may be
placed around the surface of the base 224. The neck panel 102 and
the skirt 104 may be placed in any order. The neck 222 may be
placed between the first edge 140 and the second edge 142 of the
neck panel. The base may be placed in an aperture, channel,
opening, or the like formed in the skirt 104. After the neck panel
102 and/or the skirt 104 are placed, the cover 100 may be secured
to the heater 200. In alternative embodiments, the neck panel 102
and the skirt 104 may be placed separately and provide protection
to the neck 222 or the base 224 of the heater 200 individually.
[0036] At step 340, the cover 100 may be secured to the heater 200.
The neck attachment member 116 and/or the base attachment member
118 may be secured such that the neck panel 102 and/or the skirt
104 may be secured to the neck 222 and/or the base 224 of the
heater. After at least a part of the cover 100 is secured to the
heater 200, the method ends at step 340.
[0037] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. It
is also understood that various embodiments described herein may be
utilized in combination with any other embodiment described,
without departing from the scope contained herein.
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