TERRACE HEATER

Abstract

A terrace heater is disclosed, including a base cabinet intended for storage of a supply of gas, which is connected to a burner at the free end of a support part extending upright from the cabinet. On the upwardly-facing free end of the burner, there is a reflector including an annular first screen which has a lower edge and extends outwards and at an angle downwards over the periphery of the burner for an inclined and downwardly-directed reflection of heat emitted from the burner along the edge of the reflector. Along only a part section of the circumference of the lower edge of the first screen and extending downwards from the edge, there is a second screen part oriented in a substantially vertical manner, the part section constituting between 20° and 340° of the circumference of the first screen.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a terrace heater, and comprising a base cabinet for placing on an under-layer for the storage of a supply of gas which is connected to an ignition and regulator unit in the free end of a substantially tubular support part extending from the cabinet, where said ignition and regulator unit is connected to a burner, on the upstanding free end of which there is a reflector which comprises a circular, downwardly inclined first screen extending out over the periphery of the burner, with a lower edge for angular downwards reflection of the heat emitted from the burner along the edge of the reflector.

BRIEF DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Such terrace heaters are particularly widespread and are used everywhere throughout the world. Common to them ail is that these comprise a horizontally-arranged, circular and downwardly extending reflector screen from which the heat from the burner of the terrace heater is emitted in a radial and downwardly directed flow of hot air, which depending on the weather conditions where the terrace heated is placed will be deflected so that the greatest part of the flow of heat will flow with the wind direction.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,450 B1 there is disclosed a terrace heater comprising an umbrella-like over-cover mounted on the tubular support part for radial, downwardly-directed reflection of the hot air which is emitted from the reflector, and which rises upwards and otherwise will be lost. However, the effect of the umbrella-like over-cover will be merely an accumulation and spreading of the otherwise lost heat over a greater area, where the heat continues to be directed radially and at an angle downwards.

The typical situation will be that the terrace heater is placed on a terrace in the vicinity of a table and chairs for use by people, and without renouncing other ways of using the terrace heater, it is this manner of use which is taken as the starting point for the present invention. The terrace heater is normally placed at the side of a table, since the typical configuration of the terrace heater cabinet is thus that it can only house a cylinder of gas (for example an 11 kg gas cylinder) and a gas-pressure regulator which is mounted directly on the gas cylinder's outlet valve, and from which the gas is led via a pipe or a hose forward to the ignition and regulator unit. The result is that said cabinet is often of a height and extent which makes it too high in relation to the normally-desired table height, and also that the voluminous cabinet occupies space under the table, to the inconvenience of those persons sitting around the table, and therefore the terrace heaters are typically positioned outside the table area. The result of this positioning is, however, that approximately a half-part of the heat emitted from the terrace heater via the normal reflector is lost, in that the radial emission of heat results in a transmission of heat In the 180° extent of the heater's circular reflector which faces away from the table, i.e. unless a further number of tables are set up around the terrace heater, only approx. 50% of the heat produced is utilized effectively.

Moreover, if the terrace heater is placed in a place where there is a slight wind, this results in a reduction of the combustion of the gas supplied from the ignition and regulator unit, i.e. an effective utilization is not achieved of the calorific value of the gas in the form of heat which should increase the comfort of the persons who are in the vicinity of the terrace heater. Experience has shown that if the terrace heater is placed in an area with wind, there can arise reductions right up to 30-35% of the calorific value/heat transmission from the gas supplied to the burner.

Moreover, the manner in which the terrace heater emits a radial, downwardly inclined flow of heat also results in the heated air first hitting the table and the persons sitting at it, but is not directed under the table where there is very often a need for heat around the legs of the people who are sitting close to the terrace heater. From the point of view of comfort, it is also well-known in the heating of a house that floor heating involves the possibility of the room temperature being reduced by up to as much as 5° C., since the consequence of the comfort of having heat around the feet is that people do not register the lower room temperature.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a solution to the above-mentioned problems, such that with the use of a terrace heater there is achieved a reduction in the wastage of heat.

The invention further improves the comfort of the persons who are sitting around a table in the vicinity of a terrace heater.

The invention additionally achieves a more effective utilization of the combustion heat from the gas supplied to the burner.

The invention more particularly provides a terrace heater of the kind disclosed by way of introduction, which is characterized in that along a part section of the circumference of the lower edge of the first screen there is second screen part which extends outwards and downwards and is oriented in a substantially vertical manner.

The part section of the circumference of the first screen's lower edge can with advantage lie within an interval of 20°-340°, typically 90°-270°, and preferably within the interval of 90°-180° of the circumference of the first screen.

It is hereby achieved that the flow of heat emitted radially from the reflector of the terrace heater, at least over the part section where the second screen part extends, typically along that part of the periphery of the reflector which faces away from a table set up near the terrace heater, will be deflected in a vertical, downwards direction and towards that under-layer on which the terrace heater is placed, with the subsequent advantage that a part of this flow of heat will be distributed in under the table, hereby increasing the comfort of the people sitting at the table.

Furthermore, it is achieved that the burner over said part section is protected against the wind, which in cases where a wind arises where a terrace heater provided with a screen part according to the invention is set up, will result in the above-mentioned reduction of the efficiency of the combustion of the gas supplied to the burner being considerably reduced, and perhaps even eliminated entirely. The gas supplied is thus utilized in a more effective manner, and thus energy can be saved. There is also achieved the advantage that, with the setting-up of the terrace heater in an appropriate manner, the flow of heat deflected by the second screen part can be utilized for heating of the area between the under-layer/the terrace and the underside of the table, thus considerably increasing the comfort of the persons sitting at the table. Furthermore, reductions can thus be achieved in the consumption of gas by the terrace heater, since a result of the improvement of the comfort by the heating of the area around the legs of the persons who are in the vicinity of the heater will be that there will be not so much need to turn up the heater's regulator unit, with a subsequent further possibility of reducing the consumption of gas.

The vertical extent of the second screen part can in principle extend from the first screen/reflector to the under-layer on which the terrace heater is placed. However, this will be impractical since the screen will block the view for the persons who are in the vicinity of a terrace heater according to the invention. Experiments with screens of different sizes have shown, however, that an advantageous deflection of the heat from the burner is achieved when the second screen part extends from the underside of the first screen and preferably to a level corresponding to the transition between the ignition and regulator unit and the lower end of the burner. It is hereby avoided that the second screen part blocks the view for the persons near the terrace heater according to the invention, while at the same time achieving the desired deflection of the flow of heat from the burner.

The second screen part can with advantage be an integral part of the first screen. However, this will mean that it will be expedient to provide the terrace heater's cabinet with easily-lowered wheels, so that the heater can be turned in the right position in relation to the wind direction, in order to achieve the most optimal protection of the burner.

In a second embodiment, the second screen part can with advantage consist of an independent unit cooperating with the first screen, and which is mounted so that it extends on or in the immediate vicinity of a part of the edge of the first screen/reflector. The possibility is hereby achieved that the second screen part according to the invention can be dismounted in situations where the use of the second screen part is not considered to be necessary.

In the third embodiment, the second screen part can be mounted on the reflector or the tubular support part in a fixed manner by means of screws, bolts/nuts or by welding. The advantage achieved hereby is that the second screen part does not lend itself to immediate removal.

With the object of ensuring an optimal orientation of the second screen part without having to turn the whole of the terrace heater's cabinet, the second screen part can be pivotally mounted on the tubular support part, or the second screen part can be mounted on the reflector in a pivotal/displaceable manner. In order to achieve an optimal utilization of the gas with regard to consumption and the comfort of the persons sitting around the table, it will hereby be easy to effect a displacement of the second screen part in relation to a given wind direction and in relation to a table placed close to the terrace heater.

It will be obvious that the second screen part shall be configured in a heat-resistant and non-inflammable manner. A preferred material will be a heat-resistant metal, since this is relatively cheap and easy to process.

With the object of protecting persons who use a terrace heater according to the invention against accidentally burning themselves on the second screen part, this can be configured in a material which does not conduct heat, or that part of the second screen part facing towards the burner can be coated with a non-heat-conducting material.

With the object of allowing a smaller part of the flow of hot air deflected by the second screen part to pass through the second screen part, the second screen part can be wholly or partly perforated. This will give rise to a spreading of a smaller part of the deflected, downwards-directed flow of heat in an area behind the second screen part, which in certain cases can be advantageous if there are adjoining tables on the terrace.

In a further embodiment of the terrace heater, where the second screen part consists of an independent screen unit which is mounted in a displaceable manner on the reflector, the first screen part/reflector can comprise an annular groove along the edge for the engagement and control of at least two inverted U-shaped support parts connected to the second screen, the free ends of which are housed in a displaceable manner in the track, and said U-shaped support parts extending up over the side of the second screen facing towards the edge of the reflector.

As disclosed earlier, in order to be able to place and guide the vertically-oriented flow of heat stemming from the second screen part, it can be practical to be able to displace the second screen part along the edge of the reflector's edge on the terrace heater. However, there can also arise a need for a reduction of the spreading by the second screen part, which is possible by dividing the second screen part into a number of parts which can be brought together in a mutually telescopic manner in the transverse direction of the screen part. It hereby becomes possible to regulate how great a part of the heat emitted from the burner shall be led vertically downwards for the heating of the floor area, and how great a part shall be spread via the reflector radially around the terrace heater. By the second screen part also being mounted on the reflector in a displaceable manner, or pivotally mounted on the tubular support part, in combination with the telescopic folding together of the second screen part, it will thus be possible to achieve numerous adjustment possibilities which can accommodate practically speaking all application and setting-up possibilities for the terrace heater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, where

FIG. 1 is a front view in perspective of a terrace heater with a second screen part according to the invention placed on the reflector,

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the second screen part according to the invention in the separated condition,

FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of the second screen part shown in FIG. 2 in the assembled condition, ready for mounting on a reflector on a terrace heater,

FIG. 4 shows the upper end of a terrace heater seen from the heat-receiving side, with the embodiment of the second screen part according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 mounted on the reflector of the terrace heater,

FIG. 5 shows the same as in FIG. 4 but seen from the side, with indications of the flow conditions for hot air which is emitted via the terrace heater's reflector,

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the second screen part for a terrace heater according to the invention, seen from the side and from above respectively,

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the second screen part for a terrace heater according to the invention, where the screen part is mounted on the tubular support part of a terrace heater,

FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the second screen part for a terrace heater according to the invention, where the second screen part is integrated with the terrace heater's reflector,

FIG. 9 shows a filth embodiment of the second screen part for a terrace heater according to the invention, where the second screen part is mounted in a displaceable manner of the edge of the reflector,

FIG. 10 shows a sixth embodiment of the second screen part for a terrace heater according to the invention, where the second screen part is integrated with the terrace heater's reflector by fixing means, and

FIG. 11 shows a seventh embodiment of the second shield part for a terrace heater according to the invention, where the second screen part is perforated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 there is shown a front view in perspective of a terrace heater 2 comprising a base cabinet 4 intended for placing on an under-layer 6. In the embodiment shown, the base cabinet 4 of the terrace heater 2 is intended for the storage of a not-shown gas cylinder. The base cabinet 4 is connected via a tubular support part 8 with an ignition and regulator unit 10, and said ignition and regulator unit is connected to a burner 12, on the upwardly-facing free end 14 of which there is an annular reflector 16 which consists of an annular first screen extending at an angle outwards and downwards over the periphery 15 of the burner, and having a lower edge 18 for angular downwardly-directed reflection of the heat emitted by the burner 12 along the edge of the reflector. The ignition and regulator unit 10, which regulates the amount of gas supplied to the burner 12, is provided with gas from the gas cylinder (not shown) in the base cabinet 4 via a not-shown hose/pipe which leads up inside the tubular support part 8.

As further appears from FIG. 1, along a part section of the edge 18 of the reflector 16 there is a second screen part 20. In the embodiment shown, the second screen part 20 consists of a vertically-oriented screen extending downwards from the edge 18 of the reflector to a level corresponding to the transition between the ignition and regulator unit 10 and the lower end 22 of the burner 12. The shown embodiment of the second screen part 20 is intended for mounting near the edge 18 of the reflector on an existing terrace heater 2, and is shown more clearly in FIG. 2, which is a perspective view of the embodiment of the second screen part according to the invention shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. It shall already be mentioned here that the additional screen part 20 can also be an integral part of the terrace heater's reflector 16, as is indicated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10.

The existence of the second screen part 20 according to the invention on the edge 18 of the reflector 16 will result in a deflection of the hot air emitted from the burner 12, as indicated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 by the arrows D. A part of the hot air which will normally spread radially and equally out from the edge 18 of the reflector, as indicated in FIG. 3 by the arrows C, (though with reservations being made with regard to the wind conditions in the place where the terrace heater is set up), will thus be deflected, as indicated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, so that it flows in a substantially vertical downwards direction towards the under-layer 6 (indicated by the arrows D in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5), along the area where the second screen part 20 exists on the edge 18 of the reflector, and in the area outside the hot air will be spread in the normal manner along the edge 18 of the reflector. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, the burner 12 is shielded against the influence of the wind (indicated by the arrows A and B), so that an optimal combustion of the gas supplied to the burner 12 can be achieved, regardless of whether the terrace heater is set up in a place where wind arises.

When it hits the under-layer, the hot air flowing down towards the under-layer (cf. the arrows D in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) will be deflected and flow along the surface of the under-layer and upwards, which will result in a supply of hot air at foot/leg level with a considerable increase in comfort for the persons who are in the proximity of the terrace heater. The effect of the additional second screen part 20 is such that the hot air which would otherwise be lost (approx. 50% if the terrace heater is set up outside a table), with radial emission of hot air (cf. the arrows C in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) via the terrace heater's reflector 16, will be deflected towards the under-layer 6 and will contribute towards a considerable increase in the comfort for the persons who make use of the terrace heater according to the invention, or a terrace heater comprising the additional second screen part 20 according to the invention. Moreover, under windy conditions, the burner 12 will be protected against influence by the wind, the result being that the burner will burn the supplied gas more effectively than would be the case with a normal terrace heater which does not have the second screen part 20. This will lead to a significant reduction in the consumption of gas by the burner, and the same comfort will be able to be achieved with a lower flow of gas to the burner 12. Moreover, it can be mentioned that in the event of a wind arising, in some cases it can be an advantage when terrace heaters with the second screen part 20 are used, in that the heat flowing downwards towards the under-layer 6 will be deflected in the direction of the wind so that the spreading of the heated air at foot and leg height is increased. The above-mentioned effects are naturally achieved only providing that the terrace heater is set up in an appropriate manner in relation to the surroundings and the direction of possibly arising wind such as, for example, when the terrace heater is set up on the wind side of a table with the second screen part oriented towards the wind direction (cf. FIG. 5), so that the burner 12 is shielded against influence by the wind.

Without denouncing other embodiments of the terrace heater 2 with the second screen part 20 according to the invention, it can be mentioned that the part section of the periphery of the lower edge 18 of the first screen can with advantage be lying within the interval 90°-170° of the circumference of the first screen. The typical area will lie within the interval 90°-180°, as is indicated in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

As will appear from FIG. 2, the embodiment of the second screen part 20 shown in FIG. 1 can consist of four main parts, i.e. two similarly-shaped screen parts 20′ and 20″, and two mounting parts 24 and 24′ which, along the one side edge, comprise an area 26 with spaced V-shaped slots bent inwards to the one side. Between the slots 28 there are formed tongues 30 which with mounting will rest against the upper side 32 of the reflector 16, though in the mounting it will be expedient that at least two or more of the tongues 30 are brought into contact against the underside 35 of the reflector 16. The screen parts 20, 20′ comprise holes 34 for mutual assembly with screws 36, and holes 38 for assembly with the mounting parts 24, 24′, which are mutually assembled with screws 36 which engage in the holes 40 for this purpose, so that in the assembled state the second screen part 20 appears as shown in FIG. 3, where it is ready for mounting on top of reflector 16 on an existing terrace heater 2.

In FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B there is shown a further embodiment of the second screen part 20, where this is fastened to the tubular support part 8, and where the second screen part 20 is lying between the periphery 18 of the reflector 16 and nearest the burner 12. Also here the burner is protected against influence by a side wind, cf. the arrows A and B, and a part of the flow of heat indicated by the arrow C transmitted radially via the reflector 16 is deflected by the second screen part 20 in the direction towards the under-layer 6 (not shown) indicated by the arrow D.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are respectively a side view and a rear view of the upper end of a terrace heater with a further embodiment of the second screen part 20, where this is mounted on the tubular support part 8. The upper edge 21 of the second screen part extends parallel with the periphery 18 of the reflector 16. It is further seen that the second screen part 20 is supported on a number of stays 42 which extend from a ring 43 in the mounting area 44 on the tubular support part 8.

With a further embodiment of the second screen part 20, the ring 43 can be mounted on the tubular support part 8 in a pivotal manner, so that the second screen part 20 hereby becomes displaceable parallel with the periphery 18 of the reflector 16.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a terrace heater 2 according to the invention, where the second screen part 20 is an integral part of the reflector 16. For the sake of convenience, here there is only shown the upper end of the terrace heater 2. The effect of the terrace heater with the second screen part is the same as described earlier in connection with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of a terrace heater 2 according to the invention, where the second screen part 20 is mounted on the periphery 18 of the reflector 16 in a displaceable manner. With this embodiment, along its periphery 18 the reflector 16 has a groove 46 for engagement and control of the ends 48 of two inverted U-shaped support parts 50 connected with the second screen part 20. The inverted U-shaped support parts 50 project up over the side 21 of the second screen part 20 facing towards the edge 18 of the reflector, so that it becomes possible to bring the ends 52 of the inverted U-shaped support parts 50 in the groove 46. Said ends 52 are thus engaged in the groove 26 in a displaceable manner, which means that the second screen part 20 hereby becomes displaceable along the periphery 18 of the reflector, which will make an appropriate positioning of the second screen part 20 easier in relation to arising wind, and possible placing of tables and chairs in the area that is to be heated by a terrace heater according to the invention provided with the second screen part 20.

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of the upper end of a terrace heater according to the invention, where the second screen part 20 is mounted in a fixed manner by means of screws, bolts 54 or by welding to the periphery of the reflector 16. FIG. 11 shows yet a further embodiment of the upper end of a terrace heater according to the invention, comprising the second screen part 20 mounted in the same way on the periphery 18 of the terrace heater's reflector 16, but where the second screen part 20 comprises a perforation in the form of holes 56.

There is thus disclosed a terrace heater which not only provides for an efficient combustion of the gas supplied to the burner 12, but also provides for an effective utilization of the flow of hot air which is emitted radially along that part of the periphery 18 of the terrace heater's reflector 16 which faces away from the area which is desired to be heated by the terrace heater, inasmuch as this flow of hot air is deflected by the second screen part towards the under-layer on which the terrace heater is placed, where the hot air thus deflected will flow primarily in the direction of the wind along with the under-layer and rising slightly upwards, with the result that the comfort for the persons in the relevant area is considerably increased.

In conclusion, it shall be mentioned that the inventor has naturally realized that the terrace heater according to the invention, comprising the second screen part 20, either as an integrated part or as a loose mountable part for assembly on an existing terrace heater, can assume other embodiments than those disclosed in the present description, but this does not change the inventive aspect in achieving a significantly more effective combustion of the gas supplied to the burner of a terrace heater, and a considerable increase in comfort in the area that shall be heated by the terrace heater, by providing its reflector with a second screen part 20 which deflects that part of the heat flowing radially outwards from the terrace heater's reflector 16, which would otherwise be lost, in a vertical downwardly directed flow of hot air which is utilized to heat the terrace heater's heating area on a level with the under-layer 6 on which the terrace heater is set up.

It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular examples described above but may be designed and altered in a multitude of varieties within the scope of the invention as specified in the claims.

Claims

1.-13. (canceled)

14. Terrace heater comprising a base cabinet intended for placing on an under-layer for the storage of a supply of gas which is connected through an ignition and regulator unit to a burner at a free end of a substantially tubular support part extending upright from the cabinet, on an upwardly-facing free end of which burner there is a reflector which comprises an annular first screen which has a lower edge and extends outwards and at an angle downwards over a periphery of the burner for an inclined and downwardly-directed reflection of heat emitted from the burner along the edge of the reflector, wherein along only a part section of a circumference of the lower edge of the first screen and extending downwards from said edge, there is a second screen part oriented in a substantially vertical manner, said part section constituting between 20° and 340° of the circumference of the first screen.

15. Terrace heater according to claim 14, wherein an ignition and regulator unit is placed at the free end of the substantially tubular support part.

16. Terrace heater according to claim 15, wherein the second screen part extends from an underside of the first screen and preferably to a level corresponding to the transition between the ignition and regulator unit and the lower end of the burner.

17. Terrace heater according to claim 14, wherein the second screen part is an integral part of the first screen.

18. Terrace heater according to claim 14, wherein the second screen part is an independent unit cooperating with the first screen, and is mounted so that it extends on or in the immediate proximity of a part of the edge of the first screen/reflector.

19. Terrace heater according to claim 18, wherein the second screen part is mounted on the reflector or the tubular support part in a stationary manner with screws, bolts/nuts or by welding.

20. Terrace heater according to claim 18, wherein the second screen part is mounted on the support part in a pivotal manner.

21. Terrace heater according to claim 18, wherein the second screen part is mounted on the first screen/reflector in a displaceable manner.

22. Terrace heater according to claim 14, wherein the second screen part is made of a heat-resistant and non-inflammable material.

23. Terrace heater according to claim 22, wherein the second screen part is made of a material which does not conduct heat, and/or that a side of the second screen part facing towards the burner is coated with a material which does not conduct heat.

24. Terrace heater according to claim 14, wherein the second screen part is wholly or partly perforated.

25. Terrace heater according to claim 21, wherein the first screen/reflector comprises a groove extending along and around the edge for engagement and control of at least two inverted U-shaped support parts connected to the second screen, free ends of said parts being engaged in a displaceable manner in the groove, and said U-shaped support parts extending up over that side of the second screen which faces the edge of the reflector.

26. Terrace heater according to claim 14, wherein a horizontal extent of the second screen part can be reduced by the screen part being divided into a number of parts which can be mutually telescoped together in a transverse direction of the screen part.