COVERS FOR HEATERS AND METHODS THEREOF

Info

Publication number: 20140220293
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 9, 2014
Publication Date: Aug 7, 2014
Inventors: MELODY LAVIGNA (Tarzana, CA), Barbara Miranda (Los Angeles, CA)
Application Number: 14/249,073

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.

Description

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

1. Field of the Invention

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.

2. Description of the Related Art

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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:

FIG. 1 depicts a back view of a cover for heaters and a heater in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a cover for heaters covering a heater in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method of using a cover for heaters in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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″×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″×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.

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 26¾″, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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″.

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.

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 ¼″ to 2″. By way of example, the piping 110 may comprise a circumference of ¾″. 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 ⅜″ 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.

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, plissé 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.