PORTABLE HEATING DEVICE

Abstract

A portable heating device is provided that generally consists of an upper housing having a plurality of openings that allow heat to escape from a coiled infrared heating tube that generates radiant heat. The portable heating device also includes an upper surface with an opening that produces a visible flame and conductive heat. The upper surface is also associated with a flame burner that feeds a cooking surface.

Claims

1. A portable heating device comprising: a tube heater comprised of a curled heating tube having a first end accommodating a burner system and a second end, the curled heating tube defining an inner extent of the tube heater; a reflector positioned within the inner extent of the tube heater; a flame burner positioned above the tube heater; wherein the burner system comprises a venturi with a gas jet at one end and a mesh burner at the other end, wherein fuel exiting the gas jet is accelerated through the venturi, thereby pulling in air through at least one opening in the burner system that is mixed with the fuel to create a fuel/air mixture that is ignited by the mesh burner; and wherein the mesh burner is comprised of six perforated layers, wherein each layer is rotated 15? from its neighboring layer to create a non-linear path through the mesh burner.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the burner system is devoid of a fan.

3-4. (canceled)

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the gas jet is configured to expel fuel having a pressure of about 5 psi.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the heating tube includes at least one baffle extending from its inner surface.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the second end of the heating tube is angled upwardly.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the second end of the heating tube extends upwardly towards the flame burner and emits a flame that is directed into the flame burner.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the second end of the heating tube extends upwardly and emits a flame to a location adjacent to the flame burner.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein a first fuel delivery line is associated with the burner system and a second fuel delivery line is associated with the flame burner, and further comprising a second burner system associated with the second fuel delivery line.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the tube heater is surrounded by a frame having a plurality of legs, wherein the top surface of the frame accommodates the flame burner.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the frame possesses a plurality of tiedown locations configured to secure a fuel tank and/or secure the frame to a vehicle.

13. The device of claim 11, further comprising a wind guard selectively interconnected to the frame over the flame box.

14. A heating device comprising: a tube heater comprised of a heating tube having a first end accommodating a burner system and a second end; a reflector positioned adjacent to the heating tube and configured to direct heat away from the heating device; a flame burner positioned adjacent to the tube heater; and wherein the heating tube is curled, and wherein the second end of the heating tube is angled upwardly towards the flame burner and is configured to emit a flame in a location adjacent to the flame burner.

15. (canceled)

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the tube heater is surrounded by a frame having a plurality of legs, wherein the top surface of the frame accommodates the flame burner.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein the burner system comprises a venturi with a gas jet at one end and a mesh burner at the other end.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the mesh burner is comprised of at least two perforated layers, wherein each layer is rotated with respect to its neighboring layer to create a non-linear path through the mesh burner.

19. A heating device comprising: a tube heater comprised of a curled heating tube having a first end accommodating a burner system and a second end, the curled heating tube defining an inner extent of the tube heater, wherein the burner system comprises a venturi with a gas jet at one end and a mesh burner at the other end, wherein fuel exiting the gas jet is accelerated through the venturi, thereby pulling in air through at least one opening in the burner system; a heat reflector positioned within the inner extent of the tube heater; a flame burner positioned above the tube heater; and wherein the second end of the heating tube extends upwardly and emits a flame to a location adjacent to the flame burner.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the mesh burner is comprised of six perforated layers, wherein each layer is rotated 15? from its neighboring layer to create a non-linear path through the mesh burner.

21. A portable heating device comprising: a tube heater comprised of a curled heating tube having a first end accommodating a burner system and a second end, the curled heating tube defining an inner extent of the tube heater; a reflector positioned within the inner extent of the tube heater; a flame burner positioned above the tube heater; and wherein the second end of the heating tube extends upwardly towards the flame burner and emits a flame directed into the flame burner or to a location adjacent to the flame burner.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable heating device of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the portable heating device shown in FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a right elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a left elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.

[0041] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.

[0042] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a flame burner of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the base plate of the flame burner shown in FIG. 16.

[0044] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a top plate of the flame burner shown in FIG. 16.

[0045] FIG. 19 shows the portable heating device in the second position of use and configured to receive a propane tank.

[0046] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 19.

[0047] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 21.

[0049] FIG. 23 is another cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 21.

[0050] FIG. 24 shows the portable heating device of FIG. 21 in the second position of use and configured to receive a propane tank.

[0051] FIG. 25 is a gas jet of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a flame burner of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a burner employed by some embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 27.

[0055] The following component list and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided to assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention:

TABLE-US-00001 # Component 2 Portable heating device 6 Top frame 10 Bottom frame 14 Infrared heating tube 18 Opening 20 Air Intake 22 Tie down mount 26 Handle 30 Kickstand 32 Leg 34 Top surface 42 Exhaust box 44 Quick disconnect 46 Bottom surface 50 Grip 58 Burner 62 Gas jet 66 Venturi 68 Air opening 70 First valve 74 First knob 78 Second valve 82 Second knob 90 Outlet 94 Opening 98 Reflector 100 Flame burner 102 Plate 106 Gas inlet 110 Base plate 114 Top plate 120 Burner 124 Gas jet/air choke 128 Orifice 132 Tank 158 Burner 202 Portable heating device 214 Infrared heating tube 216 Baffle 220 Air inlet 222 Tie down 226 Handle 230 Kickstand 234 Top surface 244 Quick disconnect 246 Bottom plate 258 Burner 262 Gas jet 266 Venturi 274 First knob 282 Second knob 290 Outlet 298 Reflector 300 Flame burner 302 Wind guard 306 Gas inlet 310 Base plate 314 Top plate 324 Gas/jet air choke 328 Oriface 350 Ridges 354 Valley 360 Gutter 400 Gas jet 420 Air intake 424 Fuel intake 428 Combustion chamber 432 Longitudinal axis 436 Fuel/air mixing zone 444 Port 448 Outlet 452 Intake baffle 456 Outlet baffle 458 Burner 460 Vane 464 Opening

[0056] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] FIGS. 1-8 show a portable heating device 2 of one embodiment of the present invention generally comprising a top frame 6 and the bottom frame 10 that house at least one infrared heating tube 14. Embodiments of the present invention described and shown herein can employ a single or multiple heating tubes without departing from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the top frame 6 is a single sheet of aluminum cut and bent to form the outer structure of the portable heating device 2. Likewise, the bottom frame 10 may consist of a single sheet of aluminum cut and bent to form a unitary structure interconnected to the top frame 6. In other embodiments, the top frame 6 and/or bottom frame 10 consist of separate metallic or heat-resistant sheets that are interconnected. In the embodiment shown, the top frame 10 includes a plurality of openings 18 that allow radiant heat generated by the infrared heating tube to escape the portable heating device and, thus, warm the surrounding area. The top frame 6 and/or bottom frame 10 may include a plurality of strap tiedown mounts 22, a handle 26, and the kickstand 30, which will be described in further detail below. The outer structure may include or selectively receive radiator wings that redirect heat toward the portable heating device. Further, legs 32 associated with the top frame 6 may be removable.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the portable heating device 2 showing a plurality of openings 18 provided in a top surface 34 thereof. The top surface 34 may be configured to be a cooking surface, wherein heat emanating from a flame burner 100 rises through the plurality of openings 18. This figure also shows the infrared heating tube's exhaust box 42 that expels additional convective heat through at least a portion of the openings.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the portable heating device 2 that accommodates a quick disconnect connector 44 adapted to receive a hose that is also interconnected to a source of gas, e.g., a propane tank. The bottom surface 46 of the bottom frame 10 also may include a plurality of grips 50 configured to engage with a propane tank, which will be described below.

[0060] FIGS. 9-13 are cross-sections of the portable heating device 2 showing the internal components employed by some embodiments of the present invention. An infrared tube heater generally comprises the heating tube 14 with a wire mesh burner 58 at one end. A piezoelectric igniter (not shown), which may be located at or adjacent to the end of the tube 14, is used to initiate combustion, thereby creating a flame. The flame then extends up the tube 14 until it reaches the metal mesh burner 58. The other end of the heating tube 14 is associated with the exhaust box.

[0061] In operation, gas exiting the gas jet 62 is accelerated by the venturi 66 and ignited by the wire mesh burner 58. In one embodiment, a high-pressure gas regulator directs propane through the gas jet 62 into the venturi 66. The gas jet 62 directs gas at high-pressure into the venturi 66 and pulls air only from openings 68, e.g., slots, located behind the gas jet 62. In other embodiments, the gas jet includes openings 68 behind the gas jet and a plurality of air intake 20 openings positioned around the gas jet. Thus, the contemplated burner system uses 100% primary air. Using high-pressure gas to draw needed air for combustion allows the portable heating device to function without performance loss at high and low elevations. More specifically, the pressure gradient associated with the moving high-pressure gas is sufficient to move the same number (with respect to mass) of high-altitude, lower-density air molecules as low-altitude, higher-density air molecules. Accordingly, regardless of altitude, the 100% primary air system achieves stoichiometric combustion in the heating tube that raises the burn temperature to about 1000 degrees F., giving the tube an orange glow that creates infrared heat and light.

[0062] Hot gases are directed along the length of the heating tube 14 to produce radiant heat. Heated gases exiting the exhaust box will also produce a visible flame and convective heat through openings in the top frame. The tube 14 will emit visible and infrared light that warms nearby users. Some embodiments include twisted tape turbulators generally matching the inside radius of the heat tubes that push hot combustion gases and flames against tube sides, causing more heat transfer into the tubes, which increases heat output efficiency and stabilizes the gas pressure in the tubes for consistent operation.

[0063] In one embodiment, the burner receives fuel (e.g., propane) expelled through a gas jet 62 via a venturi 66 that is designed to accelerate the fuel and to draw in ambient air for combustion. The gas jet 62 may include a precise pinhole orifice that emits a jet of pressurized (e.g., 5 psi), high-speed propane gas that is aimed through the center of the venturi. The gas jet also includes at least one air inlet 20 about its perimeter that allows atmospheric air to be drawn into the venturi by the momentum of the fuel jet. The venturi speeds an air/fuel mixture toward the metal mesh burner that may comprise six layers; each layer rotated 15? from its neighboring mesh layer. The layers of metal mesh thoroughly mix air and fuel for more efficient combustion.

[0064] The jet assembly of this embodiment entrains all the atmospheric air needed for combustion from a protected compartment defined by a cavity within the device. Thus, the system is not affected by wind, and even strong winds (e.g., 120 mph winds) do not alter the functionality or heat output of the burner assembly. Further, because of the principles of momentum, mass, and density, the burner assembly works at nearly all densities of the earth's atmosphere, meaning it operates normally at every altitude from sea level to the highest peaks in the continental U.S.

[0065] FIG. 9 shows a first valve that initiates and ceases fuel flow (and, thus, feed air) associated with heating tube operation. The first valve is selectively operated by a first knob 74. A second valve 78 initiates and ceases fuel flow to the flame burner (i.e., a cooking portion of the portable heating device). The second valve 78 is selectively controlled by a second knob 82.

[0066] FIGS. 14 and 15 show how the outlet 90 of the heating tube 14 of one embodiment is angled upwardly to meet the flame burner 100, which allows hot exhaust gases and an open flame to exit an opening 94 (see FIG. 18). Some embodiments, however, provide a separate propane source that feeds the flame burner. These figures also show a reflector 98 positioned within the curled heating tube 14. The reflector 98 facilitates the direction of heat out of openings 18 provided in the sides of the portable heating device. The reflectors 98 also accommodate a plate 102 that supports a gas inlet 106 associated with the second valve described above. The reflector 98, which may comprise electropolished aluminum, acts like a mirror to reflect IR light emitted by the heat tubes toward the user's shins, knees, and thoracic region.

[0067] FIGS. 16-18 show the flame burner 100 of one embodiment of the present invention, generally comprised of a base plate 110 interconnected to a top plate 114 with a gasket therebetween. The gasket may be a two-piece, dovetailed, high temperature carbon gasket designed to prevent fuel leakage. The top plate 114 of one embodiment possesses a plurality of small, closely spaced orifices 128 that emit propane. This design builds a larger, brighter flame than designs with fewer, larger emitters. This top plate design also allows the flame to grow quite large without combusting excess fuel, unlike traditional burners that use large quantities of fuel to create large flames. The bottom plate accommodates a burner 158 that creates a flame that is exhausted through the plurality of orifices 128.

[0068] The base plate 110 accommodates a burner 120 associated with a gas jet with an air choke 124 that receives fuel from the fuel inlet 106. This burner 120 supplies heat to the top plate 114 through a plurality of orifices 128. The top plate 114 also includes the opening 94 mentioned above. The base plate 110 may have a dish-shaped profile that, when two top plate 114s are interconnected, creates a chamber that holds propane admitted through the plurality of orifices in the top plate.

[0069] FIGS. 19 and 20 show a propane tank 132 interconnected to the portable heating device of one embodiment of the present invention for transport. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are designed to receive gas from a propane or a liquid natural gas tank located some distance from the portable heating device, which ensures safe operation. However, to facilitate transport, the portable heating device 2 may rest on the kickstand 30, making the handle 26 easily accessible. In this configuration, the propane tank 132 is engaged against at least one grip 50, and straps (not shown) interconnected to the tiedown mounts 22 are used to secure the propane tank to the portable heating device. The handle and/or tiedowns may be used to attach the combined portable heating device and propane tank to a vehicle, directly or by way of a custom mount. Further, the gas quick disconnect 44 is blocked by the tank 132 in this configuration, thereby preventing the tank from being interconnected to the portable heating device with a hose.

[0070] FIG. 21-24 show the device 202 of another embodiment of the present invention that includes a frame comprised of the top surface 234 having a plurality of legs that support a bottom plate 246 above the ground. The frame also includes a plurality of tiedown mounts 222, a handle 226, and the kickstand 230. Like the embodiment described above, the frame accommodates a curled infrared heating tube 214 that is at least partially surrounded by reflector 298. Finally, the frame supports a flame burner 300 and the control panel, which accommodates gas jets 262 that control the gas that feeds the tube heater 214 and the flame burner 300. In some embodiments, a wind guard 302 is provided. The wind guard 302 includes 12 large circular holes through which flames extend. In operation, open flames are protected and do not extinguish during strong wind gusts, and they return to their normal height after the wind passes.

[0071] FIGS. 22 and 23 are cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 21. Here, it can be observed that the gas jet 262 includes a plurality of air intakes 220 that feed air into a Venturi 266 when pressurized gas is directed into the gas jet. As described above, the air-gas mixture is ignited by a burner 258 and a flame with associated hot gases is directed along the length of the heating tube 214. Some embodiments include twisted tape baffles (e.g., turbulators) 216 provided within the heating tube 214 two reduce laminar flow, thereby maintaining hot gases within the tube for extended periods of time.

[0072] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the gas jet 262 of one embodiment of the present invention that includes a gas inlet 264 interconnected to a housing that also possesses a plurality of air inlets 220.

[0073] FIG. 26 shows a flame burner 300 of one embodiment of the present invention, generally comprised of a base plate 110 interconnected to a top plate 314 with a gasket therebetween. The gasket may be a two-piece, dovetailed, high temperature carbon gasket designed to prevent fuel leakage. The top plate 314 of one embodiment possesses a plurality of small, closely spaced orifices 328 that emit propane. This design builds a larger, brighter flame than designs with fewer, larger emitters. This top plate design also allows the flame to grow quite large without combusting excess fuel, unlike traditional burners that use large quantities of fuel to create large flames. The bottom plate accommodates a burner that creates a primary flame that is exhausted through the plurality of orifices 328. The top plate 314 may be non-planar, with ridges 350 at orifice locations and valleys 354 between adjacent orifices to direct water away from the propane emitters. The plate may also be sloped with a high point in the middle and provide gutters 360 at its perimeter edge to allow for efficient drainage so that the device operates normally after and during heavy rainfall.

[0074] FIGS. 27 and 28 show the gas jet 400 of another embodiment of the present invention comprised of a venturi 466 with at least one air inlet 420 and at least one fuel inlet 424 at one end and a combustion chamber 428 at the other. Here, the fuel inlet 424 comprises an opening generally aligned with a longitudinal axis 432 of the venturi adapted to receive a fuel probe. Fuel is expelled at the beginning of a fuel/air mixing zone 436, and outside air is drawn into an air inlet 420 and is accelerated by the venturi 466. The accelerated air mixes with the fuel injected into the fuel/air mixing zone 436. The fuel/air mix is then directed to the mesh burner 458, which has a plurality of burner ports 444, that ignites the mixture and expels a flame from a burner outlet 448.

[0075] The gas jet 400 of one embodiment has an intake baffle 452 and outlet baffle 356 that maintain the position of the gas jet 400 within the heating tube. The baffles comprise a series of vanes 460 that define openings 464 within each baffle that allow intake air to bypass the burner. The bypass air is heated by the combustion products exiting the burner. This heated air is directed through the heating tube to raise the temperature thereof and, thus, create radiant heat.

[0076] Again, the portable heating devices described herein provide convective heat from a flame exiting the heating tube. In one test conducted at an ambient temperature of about 18? F., radiant heat generated by the tube heater was about 644? F., and convective heat produced by the flame reached about 950? F. In another test conducted at 41.7? F., the radiant tube heat reached about 960? F., and flame-produced heat reached about 1070? F. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the efficiency of the described portable heaters is at least partially dependent on ambient temperature and pressure. For example, some embodiments of the present invention are designed to work more efficiently at a predetermined altitude, e.g., 6000-10,000 feet, wherein performance is diminished at higher altitudes. However, it is contemplated that comfortable heat could still be generated at higher altitudes using the concepts described herein.

[0077] Exemplary characteristics of embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring embodiments of the present invention, the preceding description may omit several known apparatus, methods, systems, structures, and/or devices one of ordinary skill in the art would understand are commonly included with the embodiments of the present invention. Such omissions are not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the claimed invention. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. It should, however, be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.

[0078] Modifications and alterations of the various embodiments of the present invention described herein will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, it is to be understood that the invention(s) described herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the preceding description or illustrated in the drawings. That is, the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. The scope of the various embodiments described herein is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. And all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

[0079] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed inventions require more features than expressly recited. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention. Further, the embodiments of the present invention described herein include components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various sub-combinations and subsets thereof. Accordingly, one of skill in the art will appreciate that would be possible to provide for some features of the embodiments of the present invention without providing others. Stated differently, any one or more of the aspects, features, elements, means, or embodiments as disclosed herein may be combined with any one or more other aspects, features, elements, means, or embodiments as disclosed herein.