Fire pit with infrared heating

Abstract

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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 INVENTION

The 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 DRAWING

The 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:

FIG. 1A is a top view of an outdoor feature according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a front view of the outdoor feature according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of structure supporting a roof of the outdoor feature.

FIG. 3 shows upper Infrared (IR) heaters attached to vertical supports supporting the roof.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of radiant heat from the upper IR heaters mounted proximal to the roof.

FIG. 4B shows a top view of the radiant heat from the upper IR heaters mounted proximal to the roof.

FIG. 4C shows a side view of radiant heat from the upper IR heaters mounted to the vertical supports.

FIG. 4D shows a top view of radiant heat from the upper IR heaters mounted to the vertical supports.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first heath of the outdoor feature.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the first hearth of the outdoor feature.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the first hearth taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a second hearth of the outdoor feature.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the second hearth taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. 7.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The 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 FIG. 1A, and a front view of the outdoor feature 10 is shown in FIG. 1B. The outdoor feature 10 includes vertical supports 12, a hearth 24 supported by the vertical supports 12, and a roof 20 supported by the vertical supports 12. The outdoor feature 10 resides on a surface 28. The vertical supports 12 preferably comprise a pair of spaced apart metal plates, and more preferably a pair of corrosive resistant spaced apart metal plates, or may be concrete columns, however, local construction codes and environmental considerations generally dictate size and material used for structures. The vertical supports 12 may be constructed from any material suitable for outdoor use, and may be columns, or any structure with sufficient strength to safely support the hearth 24 and the roof 20. Vertical support fill 22 comprising an architecturally suitable material may be used to fills the gap between the spaced apart vertical supports 12, and/or IR heaters 30b (see FIG. 3) may reside between the spaced apart vertical supports 12.

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 FIG. 2. The structure includes the beams 14, inner trusses 16, and outer trusses 18. Any structure suitable for attaching to the vertical supports 12 (see FIG. 1B) and for supporting the roof 20 may be used. The IR heaters may comprise first upper infrared (IR) heaters 30a which are attached under the roof 20 and direct radiant head downwards towards visitors. The IR heaters 30a may be attached to the beams 14, to the underside of the roof 20, or to the trusses 16 or 18 and the IR heaters 30a are preferably approximately four feet long. The number IR of heaters 30a or the size of the heaters 30a may be increased or decreased as desired to provide more or less heat to visitors, and the number of IR heaters 30a on at a particular time may be varied as needed. The IR heaters may also comprise second upper Infrared (IR) heaters 30b attached to the vertical supports 12 as shown in FIG. 3.

A side view of radiant heat 34a from the Upper IR heaters 30a (see FIG. 2) mounted under the roof 20 is shown in FIG. 4A, and a top view of the radiant heat 34a is shown in FIG. 4B. The radiant heat 34a is directed downward toward visitors.

A side view of radiant heat 34b from the Upper IR heaters 30b mounted to the vertical supports 12 is shown in FIG. 4C, and a top view of the radiant heat 34b is shown in FIG. 4D. Each IR heater 30b directs heat towards visitors on a side of the outdoor feature 10 opposite the vertical support 12 which the IR heater 30a is mounted to.

A perspective view of the hearth 24 with a first skirt 18a of the outdoor feature 10 is shown in FIG. 5, a side view of the hearth 24 of the outdoor feature 10 is shown in FIG. 6, and a cross-sectional view of the hearth 24 taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 6 is shown in FIG. 6A. The skirt 18a is approximately cylindrical and a first lower IR heater 30c resided in the skirt 18a and directs a third radiant heat 34c downward and outward. The radiant heat 34c thus directed provides warmth to the feet of visitors. A fire pit 32 resides centrally in the hearth 24.

A side view of the hearth 24 with a second skirt 18b of the outdoor feature 10 is shown in FIG. 7, and a cross-sectional view of the hearth 24 taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. 7 is shown in FIG. 7A. The skirt 18b includes angled sides 36 covering second lower IR heaters 30d. The IR heaters 30d are tilted to provide a fourth radiant heat 34d angled downward and outward to provide warmth to the feet of visitors.

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 FIG. 2) preferably generates between approximately 60,000 BTU's and approximately 120,000 BTU's of heat each. The IR heater 30b (see FIG. 3) preferably generates between approximately 120,000 BTU's and approximately 240,000 BTU's of heat each. The IR heaters 30c and 30d (see FIGS. 6A and 7A) preferably generate a total of between approximately 100,000 BTU's and approximately 130,000 BTU's of heat. The fire feature preferably generates between approximately 125,000 BTU's and approximately 150,000 BTU's of heat and preferably a solid fuel (e.g., wood) or a gas (e.g., natural gas or propane) fire.

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.