Fire pit with infrared heating
An outdoor feature combines a fire feature producing a visual effect with infrared heaters providing heat. The fire feature resides centrally in a framework and at a height providing visual attraction. The infrared heaters are attached to the framework and provide an efficient heat source for comfort of visitors. The infrared heaters may be positioned below the fire pit to direct heat towards the feet of the visitors, and/or may be positioned above the fire pit to provide a more general heat coverage. The framework is constructed of a weather and corrosion resistant material to maintain appearance and to reduce maintenance.
The present invention relates to fire pits and in particular an outdoor fire pit having a visual effect provided by fire and heating provided by infrared heaters.
Outdoor features are often provided at vacation and recreation areas to create a congenial atmosphere for guests, vacationers, and visitors to relax together. A fire pit is a particular attractive outdoor feature at winter vacation areas and resorts because the fire provides a visually inviting ambience and the heat given off by the fire provides welcome warmth in a cold climate. Fire pits are also enjoyed in costal areas where cool breezes are common. Unfortunately with increasing energy costs, it is very expensive to use an open fire as a heat source.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention addresses the above and other needs by providing an outdoor feature which combines a fire feature producing a visual effect with infrared heaters providing heat. The fire feature resides centrally in a framework and at a height providing a visual attraction. The infrared heaters are attached to the framework and provide an efficient heat source for comfort for visitors. The infrared heaters may be positioned below the fire pit to warm the, feet of the visitors, and/or may be positioned above the fire pit to provide a more general coverage. The framework is constructed of a weather and corrosion resistant material to maintain appearance and to reduce maintenance.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided an outdoor feature including vertical supports, a hearth supported by the vertical supports, and a fire feature approximately centered on the hearth. Lower infrared (IR) heaters reside under the hearth and directing heat downward to warm a visitor's feet.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an outdoor feature including vertical supports, a hearth supported by the vertical supports, and a fire feature approximately centered on the hearth. Upper infrared (IR) heaters reside above the hearth and directing heat downward to warm a visitor's feet. A roof may attached to the vertical supports, and the upper IR heaters may be attached to the roof or to the vertical supports.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGThe above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.
A top view of an outdoor feature 10 according to the present invention is shown in
The roof 20 preferably resides on beams 14 attached to the vertical supports 12, and preferably has a central opening 24. The roof 20 and opening 24 may be round, hexagonal, octagonal, or of any shape suitable for covering an outdoor feature. The roof 20 is preferably made from corrosion resistant material which are consistent with local building codes.
The hearth 24 has a skirt 26 for enclosing heating elements and/or fire feature elements. The hearth 24 preferably is made from stone, metal, concrete, a composite, or similar material. The top surface is preferably between two feet and 4 feet above the surface 28, and the lowest point of the skirt is preferably between 12 inches and 36 inches above the surface 28.
A top view of a structure supporting the roof 20 of the outdoor feature 10 is shown in
A side view of radiant heat 34a from the Upper IR heaters 30a (see
A side view of radiant heat 34b from the Upper IR heaters 30b mounted to the vertical supports 12 is shown in
A perspective view of the hearth 24 with a first skirt 18a of the outdoor feature 10 is shown in
A side view of the hearth 24 with a second skirt 18b of the outdoor feature 10 is shown in
The IR heaters 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d are preferably electric IR heaters, or gas IR heaters, and are more preferably natural gas or propane IR heaters. The IR heater 30a (see
While examples IR heaters and fire features have been described above, an outdoor feature with any type of IR heater providing warmth and any visual effect providing a fire feature is intended to come within the scope of the present invention.
While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.
Claims
1. An outdoor feature comprising:
- a framework;
- a fire feature residing in the framework; and
- at least one infrared (IR) heater proximal to the framework and adapted to provide heat to visitors residing proximal to the framework.
2. The outdoor feature of claim 1, wherein the fire feature is created by a fire.
3. The outdoor feature of claim 2, wherein the fire feature is created by a gas fire.
4. The outdoor feature of claim 2, wherein the fire feature is created by burning a solid material.
5. The outdoor feature of claim 1, wherein:
- the framework includes a hearth;
- the fire feature resides approximately centered on the hearth; and
- the IR heaters comprise lower IR heaters residing under the hearth and heat an area under the hearth.
6. The outdoor feature of claim 5, wherein the framework includes vertical supports supporting the hearth.
7. The outdoor feature of claim 5, further including a roof above the hearth, wherein the roof is supported by the vertical supports.
8. The outdoor feature of claim 7, wherein roof includes an open center.
9. The outdoor feature of claim 7, wherein upper IR heaters are attached proximal to the roof and direct heat downward towards visitors.
10. The outdoor feature of claim 7, wherein upper IR heaters are attached to the vertical supports and direct heat downward towards visitors.
11. The outdoor feature of claim 10, wherein upper IR heaters are attached to the vertical supports at locations above the hearth and under the roof.
12. An outdoor feature comprising:
- vertical supports;
- a hearth supported by the vertical supports;
- a fire feature approximately centered on the hearth; and
- lower infrared (IR) heaters residing under the hearth and directing heat downward.
13. The outdoor feature of claim 12, wherein the fire feature comprises at least one selected from a group consisting of a gas fire and a solid fuel fire.
14. The outdoor feature of claim 12, further including a roof supported by the vertical supports.
15. The outdoor feature of claim 14, wherein upper IR heaters are attached proximal to the roof and direct heat downward towards visitors.
16. The outdoor feature of claim 14, wherein upper IR heaters are attached to the vertical supports at locations above the hearth and below the roof and direct heat downward towards visitors.
17. An outdoor feature comprising:
- vertical supports;
- a hearth supported by the vertical supports;
- a fire feature approximately centered on the hearth; and
- upper infrared (IR) heaters residing above the hearth and directing heat downward.
18. The outdoor feature of claim 17, wherein upper IR heaters are attached to the vertical supports at locations above the hearth.
19. The outdoor feature of claim 17, further including a roof supported by the vertical supports.
20. The outdoor feature of claim 19, wherein upper IR heaters are attached proximal to the roof and direct heat downward towards visitors.
Type: Application
Filed: May 24, 2005
Publication Date: Nov 30, 2006
Inventor: James Griffin (Whittier, CA)
Application Number: 11/136,738
International Classification: F24B 1/188 (20060101);