Patent Application
20150139629
The invention relates to a modular panel assembly. More particularly, the invention relates to modular panel assemblies for space heater devices.
Heater modules are often used to increase the temperature in a dwelling or space. Heater modules are often purchased from retail and online storefronts, which receive the heater modules from manufacturers and distributors. Manufacturing fully assembled housings may require large amounts of time, which decreases efficiency and increases labor costs. Additionally, transporting and storing fully assembled units typically mandates large space requirements, substantially restricting the efficiency by which the units may be stored and moved around. The present state of manufacture for heater modules lacks an assembly and method to efficiently produce and transport heater modules.
What is needed is a heater panel assembly and method that can be easily assembled. What is needed is a heater panel assembly that can be easily delivered and stored without consuming excessive space. What is needed is a heater panel assembly that can be manufactured using wood or other materials. What is needed is a heater panel assembly that can be delivered as a kit and assembled to create a heater. What is needed is a method for manufacturing and assembling a heater panel assembly.
The heater panel assembly of the present invention provides a kit that can be easily assembled. By being connectable at a geographic location other than a manufacturing origin, the heater module panel assembly of the present invention may advantageously increase efficiency of transporting and assembling the units while reducing costs related to the same. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the heater panel assembly of the present invention may be assembled at a geographic location approximately the same as a manufacturing origin or another location different than the manufacturing origin. Additionally, the heater panel assembly of the present invention advantageously can be delivered and stored easily without consuming excessive space. In addition, the heater panel assembly of the present invention can be manufactured using wood or other materials. The heater panel assembly of the present invention can be delivered as a kit and assembled to create a heater. Alternatively, the heater panel assembly may be delivered in an at least partially assembled configuration. Furthermore, a method is provided by the present invention for manufacturing and assembling a heater panel assembly.
A modular panel assembly is provided for encasing a space heater device deliverable as a kit, including panels and optionally a space heater device. The kit may be assembled to create a decorative encasing for the space heater device. The panels may include front, top, and side panels. The panels may include brackets attachable to the space heater device and/or connectable with brackets attached to other panels. The panels may be constructed using wood. The kit may be assembled at a geographic location other than a manufacturing origin. By using the modular panel assembly of the present invention, manufacturing and transporting of heater panel assemblies may advantageously be accomplished with significantly higher efficiency than existing techniques and practices. A method is also provided for assembling the kit.
The modular panel assembly of the present invention advantageously allows a manufacturer to implement controlled storage conditions, better quality practices, third party audit consolidations, less financial burdens for the manufacturer, and cost savings. Controlled storage conditions may remedy undesirable conditions including water damage, poor conditions, improper loading and storage, humidity, and/or bugs.
Better quality practices may include preventing the wood case from being slid or dragged on its back, inspecting each unit for blemishes, and assembling the unit on a cushioned surface. Better quality practices may also include attaching wheels with a proper jig, inserting the space heater device carefully with a slip sheet or jig, and using an automated taping machine to assemble cartons in which the modular panel assembly is inserted.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular panel assembly is provided with a space heater device and panels. The space heater device may be at least partially encased by the assembly. The panels may include a front panel, a top panel, a first side panel, and second side panel. The front panel may include a front panel mounting bracket installable thereon for connecting the front panel to a front of the space heater device. The top panel may include a top panel mounting bracket installable thereon for connecting the top panel to a top of the space heater device. The first side panel may include a first side panel mounting bracket installable on the first side panel. The first side panel may also and a first side panel sleeve bracket installable on the first side panel, for locating the first side panel adjacent to a first side of the space heater device. The second side panel may include a second side panel mounting bracket installable on the second side panel. The second side panel may also include a second side panel sleeve bracket installable on the second side panel, for locating the second side panel adjacent to a second side of the space heater device.
In another aspect, the panels are installable to the space heater device at a geographic location different than a manufacturing origin of the panels.
In another aspect, installation of the panels to the space heater device at the different geographic location provides cost savings.
In another aspect, the panels include wood.
In another aspect, the wood includes solid wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, particle board, chipboard, or an at least partial combination thereof.
In another aspect, the panels include slate or granite.
In another aspect, the assembly is deliverable as a kit. The kit may include the space heater device and the panels that are unassembled.
In another aspect, the kit may enable the assembly to be assembled by performing a number of steps. The steps may include installing the front panel to the space heater device; installing the top panel to the space heater device, the top panel being positionable adjacent to at least part of the front panel; and installing the first side panel and the second side panel to the space heater device, the first side panel and the second side panel being positionable adjacent to the front panel and the top panel.
In another aspect, the top panel mounting bracket may be insertable into the first panel sleeve bracket to substantially hold the first side panel in position relative to the top panel. The top panel mounting bracket may also be insertable into the second panel sleeve bracket to substantially hold the second side panel in position relative to the top panel.
In another aspect, the panels may be connectable into a furniture casing to at least partially enclose and substantially conceal the space heater device.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular panel assembly for decoratively encasing a space heater device is provided having panels constructed using wood. The panels may include a front panel, a top panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The front panel may include a front panel mounting bracket installable thereon for connecting the front panel to a front of the space heater device. The top panel may include a top panel mounting bracket installable thereon for connecting the top panel to a top of the space heater device. The first side panel may include a first side panel mounting bracket installable on the first side panel. The first side panel may also include at least two first side panel sleeve brackets installable on the first side panel, for locating the first side panel adjacent to a first side of the space heater device. The second side panel may include a second side panel mounting bracket installable on the second side panel. The second side panel may also include at least two second side panel sleeve brackets installable on the second side panel for locating the second side panel adjacent to a second side of the space heater device.
In another aspect, the panels may be connectable into a wooden furniture casing to enclose and conceal the space heater device.
In another aspect, the panels are installable to the space heater device at a geographic location different than a manufacturing origin of the panels.
In another aspect, the panels are installable to the space heater device at the different geographic location provides cost savings.
In another aspect, the wood may include solid wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, particle board, chipboard, or an at least partial combination thereof.
In another aspect, the panels may include slate or granite.
In another aspect, the assembly is deliverable as a kit. The kit may include the space heater device and the panels that are unassembled.
In another aspect, the kit may enable the assembly to be assembled by performing a number of steps. The steps may include installing the front panel to the space heater device; installing the top panel to the space heater device, the top panel being positionable adjacent to at least part of the front panel; and installing the first side panel and the second side panel to the space heater device, the first side panel and the second side panel being positionable adjacent to at least part of the front panel and the top panel.
In another aspect, the top panel mounting bracket is insertable into the first panel sleeve bracket to substantially hold the first side panel in position relative to the top panel. Additionally, the top panel mounting bracket is insertable into the second panel sleeve bracket to substantially hold the second side panel in position relative to the top panel.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heater panel assembly kit is provided for encasing a space heater device. The heater panel assembly may include panels constructed using wood. The panels may include a front panel, a top panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The front panel may include a front panel mounting bracket installable thereon. The top panel may include a top panel mounting bracket installable thereon. The first side panel may include a first side panel mounting bracket installable on the first side panel. The first side panel may also include a first side panel sleeve bracket configured to receive the top panel mounting bracket installable on the first side panel. The second side panel may include a second side panel mounting bracket installable on the second side panel. The second side panel may also include a second side panel sleeve bracket configured to receive the top panel mounting bracket installable on the second side panel. The panels may be packaged together in the kit, which may be deliverable unassembled. The front panel and top panel may be mountable onto a front and a top of the space heater device respectively. The first side panel and the second side panel may be locatable adjacent to the first side and the second side of the space heater device so as to be assembled into a casing to substantially enclose and conceal the space heater device.
In another aspect, the kit may include the space heater device.
In another aspect, the panels are installable to the space heater device at a geographic location different than a manufacturing origin of the panels.
In another aspect, installation of the panels to the space heater at the different geographic location provides cost savings.
In another aspect, the wood may include solid wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, particle board, chipboard, or an at least partial combination thereof.
In another aspect, assembly of the kit may include a number of steps. The steps may involve installing the front panel to the space heater device; installing the top panel to the space heater device, the top panel being positionable adjacent to at least part of the front panel; and installing the first side panel and the second side panel to the space heater device, the first side panel and the second side panel being positionable adjacent to at least part of the front panel and the top panel.
In another aspect, the top panel mounting bracket may be insertable into the first panel sleeve bracket to substantially hold the first side panel in position relative to the top panel. Additionally, the top panel mounting bracket may be insertable into the second panel sleeve bracket to substantially hold the second side panel in position relative to the top panel.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method aspect is provided for assembling a space heater device and panels from a kit. The method may include installing a front panel to the space heater device, the front panel including a front panel mounting bracket installable thereon for connecting the front panel to a front of the space heater device. The method may also include installing a top panel to the space heater device, the top panel being positionable adjacent to at least part of the front panel, the top panel including a top panel mounting bracket installable thereon for connecting the top panel to a top of the space heater device. The method may further include installing a first side panel to the space heater device, the first side panel being positionable adjacent to the front panel and the top panel, the first side panel including a first side panel mounting bracket and a first side panel sleeve bracket installable on the first side panel for locating the first side panel adjacent to a first side of the space heater device. Additionally, the method may include installing a second side panel to the space heater device, the second side panel being positionable adjacent to the front panel and the top panel, the second side panel including a second side panel mounting bracket and a second side panel sleeve bracket installable on the second side panel for locating the second side panel adjacent to a second side of the space heater device.
In another aspect of the method, the top panel mounting bracket may be insertable into the first panel sleeve bracket and the second panel sleeve bracket to substantially hold the first side panel and the second side panel respectively in position relative to the top panel.
In another aspect of the method, the panels are installable to the space heater device at a geographic location different than a manufacturing origin of the panels.
In another aspect of the method, the panels may include wood.
In another aspect of the method, the wood may include solid wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, particle board, chipboard, or an at least partial combination thereof.
In another aspect of the method, the panels may include slate or granite.
In another aspect, the method may initially include receiving a modular panel assembly as a kit, wherein the kit includes the space heater device and the panels that are unassembled.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular panel assembly is provided including an electric fireplace and panels. The electric fireplace may be at least partially encased by the assembly. The panels may include a top panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A top panel mounting bracket may be installable on the top panel for connecting the top panel to a top of the electric fireplace. A first side panel mounting bracket may be installable on the first side panel. A first side panel sleeve bracket may also be installable on the first side panel. The first side panel mounting bracket and first side panel sleeve bracket may be used for locating the first side panel adjacent to a first side of the electric fireplace. A second side panel mounting bracket may be installable on the second side panel. Additionally, a second side panel sleeve bracket installable on the second side panel. The second side panel mounting bracket and the second side panel sleeve bracket maybe used for locating the second side panel adjacent to a second side of the electric fireplace.
In another aspect, the panels may be installable to the electric fireplace at a geographic location different than a manufacturing origin of the panels.
In another aspect, the panels include wood.
In another aspect, the wood may include solid wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, particle board, chipboard, or an at least partial combination thereof.
In another aspect, the panels may include slate or granite.
In another aspect, the assembly is deliverable as a kit, and wherein the kit includes the electric fireplace and the panels that are unassembled.
In another aspect, the kit may enable the assembly to be assembled by performing steps including installing the top panel to the electric fireplace; and installing the first side panel and the second side panel to the electric fireplace, the first side panel and the second side panel being positionable adjacent to the top panel.
In another aspect, the top panel mounting bracket is insertable into the first panel sleeve bracket to substantially hold the first side panel in position relative to the top panel, and wherein the top panel mounting bracket is insertable into the second panel sleeve bracket to substantially hold the second side panel in position relative to the top panel.
In another aspect, the top panel is attachable to the space heater device.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for an electric fireplace and panels from a kit. The method may include installing a top panel to the electric fireplace, the top panel including a top panel mounting bracket installable thereon for connecting the top panel to a top of the electric fireplace. The method may also include installing a first side panel to the electric fireplace, the first side panel being positionable adjacent to the top panel, the first side panel including a first side panel mounting bracket and a first side panel sleeve bracket installable on the first side panel for locating the first side panel adjacent to a first side of the electric fireplace. The method may further include installing a second side panel to the electric fireplace, the second side panel being positionable adjacent to the top panel, the second side panel including a second side panel mounting bracket and a second side panel sleeve bracket installable on the second side panel for locating the second side panel adjacent to a second side of the electric fireplace.
In another aspect of the method, the top panel mounting bracket is insertable into the first panel sleeve bracket and the second panel sleeve bracket to substantially hold the first side panel and the second side panel respectively in position relative to the top panel.
In another aspect of the method, the panels are installable to the electric fireplace at a geographic location different than a manufacturing origin of the panels.
In another aspect of the method, the panels include wood.
In another aspect of the method, the wood includes solid wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, particle board, chipboard, or an at least partial combination thereof.
In another aspect of the method, the panels include slate or granite.
In another aspect of the method, before step (a), the method may include the step of receiving a modular panel assembly as a kit, wherein the kit includes the electric fireplace and the panels that are unassembled.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions will control.
The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed drawings and description set forth herein. Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the drawings; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, in light of the teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, numerous modifications and variations of the invention may exist that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
The present invention should not be limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” may be a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means.
All conjunctions used herein are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and are not to be limited to a special or customized meaning unless expressly so defined herein.
Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term “including” should be read to mean “including, without limitation,” “including but not limited to,” or the like; the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”; the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to”; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and use of terms like “preferably,” “preferred,” “desired,” “desirable,” or “exemplary” and words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the invention, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the invention.
Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations; however, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
All numbers expressing dimensions, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, the terms “assemble” and “connect” can be used interchangeably throughout this disclosure. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained.
Referring now to
The modular panel assembly may be used to create furniture encasing to substantially enclose a space heater device 20. In one embodiment, the modular panel assembly may be delivered or otherwise provided as a kit. The kit may optionally include the space heater device 20, which will be discussed in greater detail below. The kit may also include panels, which will also be discussed in greater details below. The panels may be included in or with the kit as a sub-assembly, and may be included in an unassembled, partially assembled, or substantially assembled configuration. The panels may be constructed using a variety of materials, such as wood, granite, slate, marble, or composite materials. The wood may include solid wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, particle board, chipboard, or an at least partial combination thereof. The panels and/or the space heater device 20 may be constructed with the assistance of a guide and/or a jig.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The space heater device 20 may include a front side 26, top side 24, first side 26, second side 28, back side, and bottom side 30. Panels may be attached to various sides of the space heater device 20 to protect and provide a decorative appearance to the space heater device 20. The panels may include, without limitation, a front panel 40, a top panel 50, a first side panel 60, and a second side panel 70. Skilled artisans will appreciate that additional panels may be included by the present invention. In an alternate embodiment, one or more of the panels may be replaced by one or more strips. For example, an embodiment of invention may exclude the front panel 40 and may include one or more front strips 48 located adjacent to the front side of the space heater device 20, without limitation. The front panel 20 and the front strip 48 may both be included by and generally referred to as a front member.
The panels may attach to the space heater device 20 via brackets connected to each respective panel. Additionally, the panels may connect to one another using brackets. An example of a connective configuration of the space heater device 20, panels, and brackets is illustrated in
Referring now to
The front panel 40 may also include an interface panel 46. The interface panel 46 may provide controls for operating the space heater device 20. The interface panel 46 may also include a display to provide feedback relating to operation of the space heater device 20, such as, for example, temperature settings. Alternatively, the interface panel 46 may be included by the space heater device 20 and pass through an opening in the front panel 40. In one more illustrative embodiment, the space heater device 20 may omit the interface panel 46.
The front panel 40 may be attached to the space heater device 20 via a front panel mounting bracket 42, which may be installed on the front panel 40. For example, the front panel mounting bracket 42 may be installed on a back side of the front panel 40, near a top end of the front panel 40. The front panel mounting bracket 42 may be configured to have a bend, for example, an orthogonal bend. The front panel mounting bracket 42 may be attached to the front panel 40 using, for example and without limitation, screws, rivets, adhesives, welding, or another attachment technique that would be appreciated by skilled artisans.
After the front panel mounting bracket 42 has been attached to the front panel 40, the bracket 42 may provide flange extending outwardly from the back surface of the front panel 40. This flange may be connected to the space heater device 20 during assembly. For example, the front panel 40 may be positioned adjacent to the front side of the space heater device 20 such that at least part of the front panel mounting bracket 42 is adjacent to the top side 24 of the space heater device 20. The front panel mounting bracket 42 may then be attached to the space heater device 20 by an attachment technique discussed above. Once attached, the front panel 40 may be substantially securely located adjacent and to the front side of the space heater device 20 and approximately orthogonal to the top side 24, first side 26, and second side 28 of the space heater device 20.
Referring now to
The top panel 50 may be attached to the space heater device 20 via one or more top panel mounting brackets 52, which may be installed on the top panel 50. For example, the top panel mounting bracket 52 may be installed on a bottom surface of the top panel 50, near a first side edge or a second side edge of the top panel 50. The top panel mounting brackets 52 may be configured to have one or more bends, for example, to provide opposing orthogonal ends. The top panel mounting brackets 52 may be attached to the top panel 50 using, for example and without limitation, screws, rivets, adhesives, welding, or another attachment technique that would be appreciated by skilled artisans.
After the top panel mounting brackets 52 have been attached to the top panel 50, the brackets 52 may provide flanges extending outwardly from the bottom surface of the top panel 50. These flanges may be connected to one or more other panels during assembly, for example, the first side panel 60 and/or the second side panel 70. The top panel 50 may be located adjacent to the top side 24 of the space heater device 20 such that the top panel mounting brackets 52 extend downwardly adjacent to the first side 26 and second side 28 of the space heater device 20.
The top panel mounting bracket 52 may be configured to attach to one or more mounting brackets located on other panels, such as the first side panel 60 or the second side panel 70, using an attachment technique discussed above. Alternatively, the top panel 50 may be attached directly to the space heater device 20 by an attachment technique discussed above. Once positioned, the top panel 50 may be located adjacent and to the top side 24 of the space heater device 20 and approximately orthogonal to the front side, first side 26, and second side 28 of the space heater device 20.
Referring now to
The first side panel 60 may be attached to the space heater device 20 via a first side panel mounting bracket 62, which may be installed on the first side panel 60. For example, the first side panel mounting bracket 62 may be installed on a back side of the first side panel 60, near a bottom end of the first side panel 60. The first side panel mounting bracket 62 may be configured to have a bend, for example, an orthogonal bend. The first side panel mounting bracket 62 may be attached to the first side panel 60 using, for example and without limitation, screws, rivets, adhesives, welding, or another attachment technique that would be appreciated by skilled artisans.
The first side panel 60 may also be attached to the top panel 50 via one or more first side panel sleeve bracket 64, which may be installed on the first side panel 60. For example, the first side panel sleeve bracket 64 may be installed on a back side of the first side panel 60, near a top end of the first side panel 60. The first side panel sleeve bracket 64 may be configured to have a slot-like sleeve, for example, to receive another bracket. The first side panel sleeve bracket 64 may be attached to the first side panel 60 using the attachment techniques discussed above.
After the first side panel sleeve bracket 64 has been attached to the first side panel 60, the first side panel sleeve bracket 64 may provide a space to receive the top panel mounting bracket 52. For example, the top panel mounting bracket 52 may be inserted into the first side panel sleeve bracket 64. The first side panel sleeve bracket 64 may secure the top panel mounting bracket 52 in a substantially fixed position such that the top panel 50 may be secured adjacent to the top side 24 of the space heater device 20 by the first side panel 60.
After the first side panel mounting bracket 62 has been attached to the first side panel 60, the first side panel mounting bracket 62 may provide a flange extending outwardly from the back surface of the first side panel 60. This flange may be connected to the space heater device 20 during assembly. For example, the first side panel 60 may be located adjacent to the first side 26 of the space heater device 20 such that the first side panel mounting bracket 62 is adjacent to the bottom side 30 of the space heater device 20. The first side panel mounting bracket 62 may then be attached to the space heater device 20 by an attachment technique discussed above. Once attached, the first side panel 60 may be located adjacent and to the first side 26 of the space heater device 20 and approximately orthogonal to the top side 24 and front side of the space heater device 20.
Referring now to
The second side panel 70 may be attached to the space heater device 20 via a second side panel mounting bracket 72, which may be installed on the second side panel 70. For example, the second side panel mounting bracket 72 may be installed on a back side of the second side panel 70, near a bottom end of the second side panel 70. The second side panel mounting bracket 72 may be configured to have a bend, for example, an orthogonal bend. The second side panel mounting bracket 72 may be attached to the second side panel 70 using, for example and without limitation, screws, rivets, adhesives, welding, or another attachment technique that would be appreciated by skilled artisans.
The second side panel 70 may also be attached to the top panel 50 via one or more second side panel sleeve bracket 74, which may be installed on the second side panel 70. For example, the second side panel sleeve bracket 74 may be installed on a back side of the second side panel 70, near a top end of the second side panel 70. The second side panel sleeve bracket 74 may be configured to have a slot-like sleeve, for example, to receive another bracket. The second side panel sleeve bracket 74 may be attached to the second side panel 70 using the attachment techniques discussed above. The second side panel 70 may optionally include a second side panel auxiliary bracket 76 for connecting to the space heater device 20.
After the second side panel sleeve bracket 74 has been attached to the second side panel 70, the second side panel sleeve bracket 74 may provide a space to receive the top panel mounting bracket 52. For example, the top panel mounting bracket 52 may be inserted into the second side panel sleeve bracket 74. The second side panel sleeve bracket 74 may secure the top panel mounting bracket 52 in a substantially fixed position such that the top panel 50 may be secured adjacent to the top side 24 of the space heater device 20 by the second side panel 70.
After the second side panel mounting bracket 72 has been attached to the second side panel 70, the second side panel mounting bracket 72 may provide a flange extending outwardly from the back surface of the second side panel 70. This flange may be connected to the space heater device 20 during assembly. For example, the second side panel 70 may be located adjacent to the second side 28 of the space heater device 20 such that the second side panel mounting bracket 72 is adjacent to the bottom side 30 of the space heater device 20. The second side panel mounting bracket 72 may then be attached to the space heater device 20 by an attachment technique discussed above. Once attached, the second side panel 70 may be located adjacent and to the second side 28 of the space heater device 20 and approximately orthogonal to the top side 24 and front side of the space heater device 20.
In operation, the heater module panel assembly may be assembled to create furniture encasing to substantially enclose a space heater device 20. The heater module panel assembly may be provided as a kit, which may include the space heater device 20 and the panels. An illustrative method of assembling the heater modular panel assembly will be discussed below without limitation. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the following example is being provided in the interest of clarity, and is not intended to limit operation or use of the present invention in any way.
Assembly of the panels and/or the space heater device 20, which may be provided as a kit, may include installing a front panel 40 to the space heater device 20. As discussed above, the front panel 40 may include a front panel mounting bracket 42 installable thereon for connecting the front panel 40 to a front of the space heater device 20. Assembly may also include installing a top panel 50 to the space heater device 20. The top panel 50 may be positioned adjacent to at least part of the front panel 40. The top panel 50 may include one or more top panel mounting bracket 52 installable thereon for connecting the top panel 50 to a top of the space heater device 20. The top panel mounting bracket 52 may be insertable into the first side panel sleeve bracket 64 and/or second side panel sleeve bracket 74.
Assembly may additionally include installing a first side panel 60 to the space heater device 20. The first side panel 60 may be positioned adjacent to the front panel 40 and the top panel 50. The first side panel 60 may include a first side panel mounting bracket 62 and a first side panel sleeve bracket 64 installable on the first side panel 60 for locating the first side panel 60 adjacent to a first side 26 of the space heater device 20. Similarly, assembly may include installing a second side panel 70 to the space heater device 20. The second side panel 70 may be positioned adjacent to the front panel 40 and the top panel 50. The second side panel 70 may include a second side panel mounting bracket 72 and a second side panel sleeve bracket 74 installable on the second side panel 70 for locating the second side panel 70 adjacent to a second side 28 of the space heater device 20.
As discussed above, a top panel mounting bracket 52 may be inserted into the first side panel sleeve bracket 64 and/or the second side panel sleeve bracket 74 to substantially hold the first side panel 60 and the second side panel 70, respectively, in position relative to the top panel 50. The panels may be installed to the space heater device 20 at a geographic location different than a manufacturing origin of the panels. Installation of the panels to the space heater device 20 at the different geographic location may provide cost savings, improved handling of parts, or other benefits that would be apparent to a skilled artisan. The modular panel assembly may be received as a kit. The kit may include the space heater device 20 and the panels in an unassembled state.
As discussed above, and as illustrated in
The panels may be constructed using wood. For example, the wood may include solid wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, particle board, chipboard, or an at least partial combination thereof. The panels may alternatively include slate, granite, marble, or composite materials.
Referring now to
In this embodiment, the heater module panel assembly will now be discussed, in the context of a fireplace module 10′, in greater detail. The assembly may include a fireplace device 20′ and/or a plurality of panels 40′, 50′, 60′, 70′. The panels may be assembled around the fireplace device 20′ to at least partially enclose the fireplace device 20′. The geographic location at which the panels are assembled around the fireplace device 20′ may differ from the manufacturing origin of the panels and/or the fireplace device 20′. For example, the panels and the fireplace device 20′ may be assembled at the manufacturing origin. The panels and the fireplace device 20′ may then be included together as a kit. As discussed above, the panels may be included in or with the kit as a sub-assembly, and may be included in an unassembled, partially assembled, or substantially assembled configuration. The kit may be delivered to a storefront or a customer. The kit may then be assembled by the store, customer, or other body to create a heater with a decorative encasing. By providing a fireplace embodiment of the heater module panel assembly that can be assembled at a location other than manufacture, the present invention advantageously increases efficiency of manufacturing and transporting the assembly.
Like the space heater module, the fireplace device 20′ may include a heating element to convert an energy source into heat. The fireplace device 20′ may include a plug, which may be connected to an electrical outlet to provide power to the fireplace device 20′. The fireplace device 20′ may also include one or more wheels to enhance mobility, which may be attached to a bottom side of the fireplace device 20′.
The fireplace device 20′ may include a front side, top side, first side, second side, back side, and bottom side. Panels may be attached to various sides of the fireplace device 20′ to protect and provide a decorative appearance to the fireplace device 20′. The panels may include, without limitation, a front panel 40′, a top panel 50′, a first side panel 60′, and a second side panel 70′. The front panel 40′ may be at least partially transparent to display a simulated flame of the electric fireplace. Skilled artisans will appreciate that additional panels may be included by the present invention.
The panels may attach to the fireplace device 20′ via brackets connected to each respective panel. Additionally, the panels may connect to one another using brackets. An example of a connective configuration of the fireplace device 20′, panels, and brackets is illustrated in
The front panel 40′ may be attached or located adjacent to the front of the fireplace device 20′. The front panel 40′ may include one or more functional and/or decorative features, such as a grille, window, and/or an interface panel. The front panel 40′ may also include an interface panel.
The front panel 40′ may be attached to the fireplace device 20′ via a front panel mounting bracket 42′, which may be installed on the front panel 40′. For example, the front panel mounting bracket 42′ may be installed on a back side of the front panel 40′, near a top end of the front panel 40′. The front panel mounting bracket 42′ may be configured to have a bend, for example, an orthogonal bend. The front panel mounting bracket 42′ may be attached to the front panel 40′ using, for example and without limitation, screws, rivets, adhesives, welding, or another attachment technique that would be appreciated by skilled artisans.
After the front panel mounting bracket 42′ has been attached to the front panel 40′, the bracket 42′ may provide flange extending outwardly from the back surface of the front panel 40′. This flange may be connected to the fireplace device 20′ during assembly. For example, the front panel 40′ may be positioned adjacent to the front side of the fireplace device 20′ such that at least part of the front panel mounting bracket 42′ is adjacent to the top side of the fireplace device 20′. The front panel mounting bracket 42′ may then be attached to the fireplace device 20′ by an attachment technique discussed above. Once attached, the front panel 40′ may be substantially securely located adjacent and to the front side of the fireplace device 20′ and approximately orthogonal to the top side, first side, and second side of the fireplace device 20′.
The top panel 50′ may be attached and/or located adjacent to the top side of the fireplace device 20′. For example, without limitation, the top panel 50′ may be attached and/or located adjacent to the top side of the fireplace device 20′ via a bracket, such as a tongue bracket.
The top panel 50′ may be attached to the fireplace device 20′ via one or more top panel mounting brackets 52′, which may be installed on the top panel 50′. For example, the top panel mounting bracket 52′ may be installed on a bottom surface of the top panel 50′, near a first side edge or a second side edge of the top panel 50′. The top panel mounting brackets 52′ may be configured to have one or more bends, for example, to provide opposing orthogonal ends. The top panel mounting brackets 52′ may be attached to the top panel 50′ using, for example and without limitation, screws, rivets, adhesives, welding, or another attachment technique that would be appreciated by skilled artisans.
After the top panel mounting brackets 52′ have been attached to the top panel 50′, the brackets 52′ may provide flanges extending outwardly from the bottom surface of the top panel 50′. These flanges may be connected to one or more other panels during assembly, for example, the first side panel 60′ and/or the second side panel 70′. The top panel 50′ may be located adjacent to the top side of the fireplace device 20′ such that the top panel mounting brackets 52′ extend downwardly adjacent to the first side and second side of the fireplace device 20′.
The top panel mounting bracket 52′ may be configured to attach to one or more mounting brackets located on other panels, such as the first side panel 60′ or the second side panel 70′, using an attachment technique discussed above. Alternatively, the top panel 50′ may be attached directly to the fireplace device 20′ by an attachment technique discussed above. Once positioned, the top panel 50′ may be located adjacent and to the top side of the fireplace device 20′ and approximately orthogonal to the front side, first side, and second side of the fireplace device 20′.
The first side panel 60′ may be attached or located adjacent to the first side of the fireplace device 20′. The first side panel 60′ may be attached to the fireplace device 20′ via a first side panel mounting bracket 62′, which may be installed on the first side panel 60′. For example, the first side panel mounting bracket 62′ may be installed on a back side of the first side panel 60′, near a bottom end of the first side panel 60′. The first side panel mounting bracket 62′ may be configured to have a bend, for example, an orthogonal bend. The first side panel mounting bracket 62′ may be attached to the first side panel 60′ using, for example and without limitation, screws, rivets, adhesives, welding, or another attachment technique that would be appreciated by skilled artisans.
The first side panel 60′ may also be attached to the top panel 50′ via one or more first side panel sleeve bracket 64′, which may be installed on the first side panel 60′. For example, the first side panel sleeve bracket 64′ may be installed on a back side of the first side panel 60′, near a top end of the first side panel 60′. The first side panel sleeve bracket 64′ may be configured to have a slot-like sleeve, for example, to receive another bracket. The first side panel sleeve bracket 64′ may be attached to the first side panel 60′ using the attachment techniques discussed above.
After the first side panel sleeve bracket 64′ has been attached to the first side panel 60′, the first side panel sleeve bracket 64′ may provide a space to receive the top panel mounting bracket 52′. For example, the top panel mounting bracket 52′ may be inserted into the first side panel sleeve bracket 64′. The first side panel sleeve bracket 64′ may secure the top panel mounting bracket 52′ in a substantially fixed position such that the top panel 50′ may be secured adjacent to the top side of the fireplace device 20′ by the first side panel 60′.
After the first side panel mounting bracket 62′ has been attached to the first side panel 60, the first side panel mounting bracket 62′ may provide a flange extending outwardly from the back surface of the first side panel 60′. This flange may be connected to the fireplace device 20′ during assembly. For example, the first side panel 60′ may be located adjacent to the first side of the fireplace device 20′ such that the first side panel mounting bracket 62′ is adjacent to the bottom side of the fireplace device 20′. The first side panel mounting bracket 62′ may then be attached to the fireplace device 20′ by an attachment technique discussed above. Once attached, the first side panel 60′ may be located adjacent and to the first side of the fireplace device 20′ and approximately orthogonal to the top side and front side of the fireplace device 20′.
The second side panel 70′ may be attached or located adjacent to the second side of the fireplace device 20′. The second side panel 70′ may be attached to the fireplace device 20′ via a second side panel mounting bracket 72′, which may be installed on the second side panel 70′. For example, the second side panel mounting bracket 72′ may be installed on a back side of the second side panel 70′, near a bottom end of the second side panel 70′. The second side panel mounting bracket 72′ may be configured to have a bend, for example, an orthogonal bend. The second side panel mounting bracket 72′ may be attached to the second side panel 70′ using, for example and without limitation, screws, rivets, adhesives, welding, or another attachment technique that would be appreciated by skilled artisans.
The second side panel 70′ may also be attached to the top panel 50′ via one or more second side panel sleeve bracket 74′, which may be installed on the second side panel 70′. For example, the second side panel sleeve bracket 74′ may be installed on a back side of the second side panel 70′, near a top end of the second side panel 70′. The second side panel sleeve bracket 74′ may be configured to have a slot-like sleeve, for example, to receive another bracket. The second side panel sleeve bracket 74′ may be attached to the second side panel 70′ using the attachment techniques discussed above.
After the second side panel sleeve bracket 74′ has been attached to the second side panel 70′, the second side panel sleeve bracket 74′ may provide a space to receive the top panel mounting bracket 52′. For example, the top panel mounting bracket 52′ may be inserted into the second side panel sleeve bracket 74′. The second side panel sleeve bracket 74′ may secure the top panel mounting bracket 52′ in a substantially fixed position such that the top panel 50′ may be secured adjacent to the top side of the fireplace device 20′ by the second side panel 70′.
After the second side panel mounting bracket 72′ has been attached to the second side panel 70′, the second side panel mounting bracket 72′ may provide a flange extending outwardly from the back surface of the second side panel 70′. This flange may be connected to the fireplace device 20′ during assembly. For example, the second side panel 70′ may be located adjacent to the second side of the fireplace device 20′ such that the second side panel mounting bracket 72′ is adjacent to the bottom side of the fireplace device 20′. The second side panel mounting bracket 72′ may then be attached to the fireplace device 20′ by an attachment technique discussed above. Once attached, the second side panel 70′ may be located adjacent and to the second side of the fireplace device 20′ and approximately orthogonal to the top side and front side of the fireplace device 20′.
It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.
