Portable radiant heating device, safety interlock system for portable radiant heating device, and method of use thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a portable radiant heating device, a safety interlock system for the portable radiant heating device, and a method of using the same. The portable radiant heating device includes a base, a radiant heat source mounted in a tiltable reflector, and a safety interlock system located in the base. The safety interlock system uses pressure-sensitive elements to prevent the heater from generating infrared heat when it is not in contact with the mounting surface. The safety interlock system also prevents the heater from generating infrared heat when the reflector is not tilted, thereby preventing excessive infrared heat from being directed to the mounting surface.

Description

[0001] Cross-referenced related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 224,042, filed July 21, 2021, and to U.S. Application No. 17 / 851,591, filed June 28, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the field of portable radiant heating devices, and more particularly to a tiltable portable radiant heating device, and a safety interlock system comprising preventing improper operation of the portable radiant heating device in certain configurations. Background Technology

[0004] Portable heating devices typically use the following methods to provide warmth to individuals, animals, or specific systems. The first method involves heating the air in the space where the individual, animal, device, or system is located. These devices work well but are not energy efficient because they must heat the air throughout the entire space to provide warmth to the person, animal, or other individual.

[0005] The second method uses radiant heat. In this type of heater, infrared heat energy is directed to a target (such as a person, animal, or others) via an infrared source. To improve heating efficiency, radiant heaters typically have reflective elements to direct the infrared heat towards the target. Adding reflective elements usually means that portable radiant heating devices need to be oriented to direct the infrared heat towards the target.

[0006] A common method for directional heating devices is to provide a stable base, which can be placed on the floor or mounted on other flat surfaces. While a base facilitates placement in flat areas of a room, if the intended target is located outside the fixed height that the base can be adjusted to, the portable heating device may not effectively direct heat towards the intended target. In other words, heat may concentrate below or above the main part of the target.

[0007] To address these shortcomings, what is needed is a portable radiant heating device that can be adjusted upwards or downwards to direct heat towards the main part of the intended target, while protecting the mounting surface from overheating when the portable heating device is pointing downwards for extended periods. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Various embodiments of the device of the present invention relate to focusing and directing radiant heat to a target area. More specifically, the portable radiant heating device of the present invention includes a base, an infrared heat source, a reflector, and the base and the reflector are movably connected, allowing the reflector to tilt upwards or downwards. The base also includes a safety interlock system that prevents the infrared heat source from being energized when the base is not in contact with the mounting surface. The safety interlock system also prevents the infrared heat source from being energized when the reflector is heating towards the mounting surface, thus preventing the mounting surface from being heated.

[0009] This invention mainly provides a safety interlock system for a portable radiant heating device. The safety interlock system includes: a disconnect switch, a locking part, a plunger shaft, and a plunger base; wherein the plunger shaft includes a first flange, a second flange, and a notch formed between the first flange and the second flange.

[0010] The disconnect switch is equipped with an actuator. When the portable radiant heating device is in normal use, the actuator of the disconnect switch will be actuated by the second flange to close the disconnect switch.

[0011] The present invention also provides a portable radiant heating device, comprising:

[0012] A heater assembly includes: a reflector, a heat source, a grid, and a locking part;

[0013] A base is movably connected to a heater assembly, allowing the heater assembly to tilt arbitrarily from a storage position to a heating position. The base includes a disconnect switch; a plunger shaft; and a plunger base. The plunger shaft includes a first flange, a second flange, and a notch formed between the first flange and the second flange.

[0014] The disconnect switch is equipped with an actuator. When the portable radiant heating device is in normal use, the actuator of the disconnect switch will be actuated by the second flange to close the disconnect switch.

[0015] A method for preventing the portable radiant heating device from operating in its stored state is also provided, comprising:

[0016] A portable radiant heating device is provided, comprising a heater assembly, the heater assembly further comprising a reflector, a heat source, a grid, and a locking portion; a base movably connected to the heater assembly, allowing the heater assembly to be tilted arbitrarily from a storage position to a heating position, the base comprising: a disconnect switch; a plunger shaft movable between a first positioning and a second positioning; and a plunger base; wherein the plunger shaft comprises a first flange, a second flange, and a notch formed between the first flange and the second flange;

[0017] When the heater assembly is in the retracted position, the plunger shaft contacts the engaging part and is positioned in the second position. When the plunger shaft is in the second position, the disconnect switch is activated to prevent electricity from flowing into the heat source.

[0018] In the method of the present invention, the plunger shaft is movably in contact with the plunger base, and the base further includes a spring that applies a force against the plunger shaft, so that the plunger is supported by the spring force and held in a first position, and when the spring force is canceled, the plunger shaft moves to a second position.

[0019] The above overview is not intended to describe every illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Rather, exemplary embodiments have been selected and described to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed aspects and implementations, enabling those skilled in the art to understand and comprehend the principles and practice of the invention. These exemplary embodiments are illustrated in more detail in the following accompanying drawings and detailed description, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable radiant heating device of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the portable radiant heating device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a right-side view of a preferred embodiment of the portable radiant heating device of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a rear side view of a preferred embodiment of the portable radiant heating device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the portable radiant heating device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the portable radiant heating device of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the safety interlock system of the base of the portable radiant heating device of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8A This is an exploded view of the base and safety interlocking system of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8B This is an enlarged view of the plunger assembly involved in the base safety interlock system of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9This is an exploded view of the plunger assembly in the base safety interlock system of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 To point out Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of the contact between the plunger shaft and the engaging part in the safety interlock system of the base of the portable radiant heating device.

[0031] Figure 11A The diagram illustrates how the plunger assembly of the safety interlock system does not interact with the disconnect switch, thus disconnecting the circuit, when the base is not in contact with any mounting surface.

[0032] Figure 11B The diagram illustrates how the plunger assembly interacts with the disconnect switch when the base contacts the mounting surface, causing the switch to close and the circuit to be energized.

[0033] Figure 11C Point out that the safety interlock system is in Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing that when the engaging part is in contact with the plunger shaft, the plunger shaft disengages from the disconnect switch, causing the disconnect switch to open and the circuit to be disconnected.

[0034] While various embodiments may be subject to a variety of modifications and alternatives, their details have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the claimed invention to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined in the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments of the present invention, further illustrates the technical means employed by the present invention to achieve its intended purpose.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention discloses a portable radiant heating device 100, which includes a heater assembly 102 and a base assembly 104.

[0037] The heater assembly 102 also includes a reflector 106 and a heat source 108.

[0038] like Figure 7 A safety interlocking system 700 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes a plunger receiving groove 702, a plunger shaft 704, a switch housing 706 surrounding a disconnect switch (not shown), and a plunger assembly 708. Figure 7 The diagram also shows a wire 710, a connector box 712, and an indicator light 714. Not all components may be shown in the preferred embodiment exemplified by this invention.

[0039] Figure 8AThe exploded view 800 presents Figure 7 The disassembled state of the safety interlock system 700.

[0040] exist Figure 8A The diagram includes the disconnect switch 802, switch fixing plate 804, and switch cover 806. The plunger assembly 708 and plunger chassis 808 are also shown. Figure 8A According to Figure 8B Enlarged views of the plunger assembly 708 and the plunger chassis 808 have been drawn. (See attached image.) Figure 8B As shown, in this preferred embodiment, the plunger assembly 708 includes a plunger shaft 810, a plunger collar 812, a first spring 814, and a second spring 816. Figure 8B As shown, multiple notches 818 are formed on the edge of the plunger collar 812, and wing plates 820 are formed between the multiple notches 818. Multiple capturing parts 822 are provided on the plunger chassis 808, and the multiple notches 818 and multiple capturing parts 822 are positioned opposite each other and can be fitted together. When the plunger collar 812 aligns the multiple notches 818 with the capturing parts 822 and fits together, each wing plate 820 is held in place by the capturing parts 822, allowing the plunger collar 812 to abut against and adhere to the plunger chassis 808.

[0041] When in this position, the second spring 816 is held between the plunger base 808 and the plunger shaft 810, while the plunger shaft 810 is held against the fully extended second spring 816 relative to the plunger collar 812.

[0042] In a particular preferred embodiment, the size and positional spacing of the notch 818 and the capturing part 822 are designed so that the plunger collar 812 can only be installed in one rotational direction relative to the axis of the plunger chassis 808.

[0043] like Figure 9 As shown, the plunger collar 812 (without a schematic diagram of the notch and flange) includes an opening 902. A first flange 904, second flanges 906, and 908 are disposed on the plunger shaft 810. The opening 902 is aligned with the first flange 904, second flange 906, and 908, and is positioned relative to the plunger base 808. It also includes a notch formed between the first flange 904 and the second flange 908. Through this design, the plunger shaft 810 can maintain a constant rotational orientation relative to the plunger base 808. Figure 9 The position of the lower ring portion 910 of the plunger shaft 810 is also shown. When the second spring 816 is in the fully extended state, the lower ring portion 910 is provided to prevent the plunger shaft 810 from disengaging from the plunger shaft ring 812.

[0044] Reference again Figure 8BThe plunger chassis 808 includes two fixed wings 824, which can be used to fix the plunger receiving groove 702 at its opening. The plunger chassis 808 also includes alignment plates 826 and 828, which can be installed within the alignment groove 805 of the plunger receiving groove 702. When the alignment plates 826 and 828 are fixed in the alignment groove 805, they ensure that the plunger chassis 808 maintains a consistent rotational direction alignment relative to the plunger receiving groove 702.

[0045] The alignment of the plunger chassis 808 and the plunger shaft 810 ensures that the rotation of the plunger shaft 810 relative to the plunger shaft column 704 is aligned, thereby making the disconnect switch 802 consistent with the plunger shaft 810.

[0046] Figure 10 Drawing in Figure 3 Among them, an enlarged view of the heater assembly 102 of the portable radiant heating device 100 in a partially rotated position. Figure 10 The location of the engaging portion 1004 is also shown. The engaging portion 1004 is oriented such that when the heater assembly 102 is lowered to its lowest rotational position, thus approaching a mounting surface such as a floor or tabletop (not shown), the engaging portion 1004 contacts the plunger shaft 810. When the engaging portion 1004 contacts the plunger shaft 810, the force applied by the second spring 816 is overcome, thereby partially pressing down the plunger shaft 810.

[0047] like Figure 11A As shown, when the portable radiant heating device 100 is not in contact with a mounting surface such as a floor or tabletop, the plunger base 808 is held in one position by the first spring 814, wherein the plunger base 808 extends out of the plunger receiving groove 702, such that a portion of the plunger base 808 extends below the bottom of the safety interlock system 700. At this time, the second flange 908 will not make contact with the actuator 1102 of the disconnect switch 802, resulting in... Figure 11A As shown in the schematic diagram of the switch at 1104, the disconnect switch 802 is "open" or does not conduct current.

[0048] When the portable radiant heating device 100 is placed on the mounting surface, the weight of the portable radiant heating device 100 overcomes the spring force applied by the first spring 814, thereby pressing the plunger base 808 into the plunger receiving groove 702.

[0049] When this occurs, the plunger collar 812 moves upward, causing the plunger shaft 810 to move upward relative to the disconnect switch 802, which in Figure 11B As explained below, the second flange 908 causes the actuator 1102 of the disconnect switch 802 to "close," at which point the disconnect switch 802 can conduct current, such as... Figure 11BThe switch diagram is shown in 1106. In a particular embodiment, when the portable radiant heating device 100 is placed on the mounting surface, current is allowed to flow into the infrared heat source (in... Figure 11A-11C (Not shown in the image).

[0050] To prevent damage caused by infrared heat being applied to the mounting surface, the infrared heat source should be disabled when the heater assembly 102 of the portable radiant heating device 100 is in a lowered position (or a retracted position, meaning the heater assembly 102 is hanging downwards towards the floor or table, or the heater assembly 102 is in a retracted state, hanging downwards). That is, when the heater assembly 102 of the portable radiant heating device 100 is hanging down so that the infrared heat is directed towards the mounting surface.

[0051] As we are Figure 10 As described in the discussion, when the heater assembly 102 is in the lowering direction, the engaging portion 1004 contacts the plunger shaft 810, causing the plunger shaft 810 to be partially pressed down. When the plunger shaft 810 is pressed down, the tension of the lower spring is overcome, thereby pressing the plunger shaft 810 into the plunger collar 812.

[0052] like Figure 11C As shown, when this occurs, the second flange 908 moves below the actuator 1102 of the disconnect switch 802, thus "disconnecting" the disconnect switch 802. Figure 11C The switch diagram is shown in 1108. As a result, electrical energy is not conducted, and therefore no electrical energy is applied to the infrared heat source, thus avoiding damage to the mounting surface. In addition to avoiding damage, these disconnect operations also prevent the infrared heat source from causing continuous heating and damage to the mounting surface or causing a fire on the mounting surface if the portable radiant heating device is disturbed or otherwise tipped over.

[0053] Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the various features of the described embodiments can be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, sizes, shapes, configurations, and positions have been described for use in the disclosed embodiments, other materials besides those disclosed may be used without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter herein may include fewer features than those shown in any of the individual embodiments described above. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be an exhaustive representation of the various ways in which their subject matter can be combined. Therefore, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, various embodiments may include combinations of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments. Furthermore, elements described with respect to one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments, even when not described in those embodiments, unless otherwise stated.

[0055] While a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination of one or more other claims, other embodiments may also include combinations of dependent claims with the subject matter of each of the other dependent claims, or combinations of one or more claims having the features of other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are presented herein unless it is stated that a particular combination is not intended to be used.

[0056] Any combination of references to the foregoing documents is limited to those not relating to the subject matter which is expressly disclosed herein. Any inclusion by reference to the foregoing documents is further limited to those claims included in those documents not being incorporated herein by reference. Any inclusion by reference to the foregoing documents is further limited to those definitions provided in the documents not being incorporated herein by reference unless expressly included herein.

[0057] Any implementation or implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any other implementation or implementation, and references to “implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation,” “implementation,” “some implementations,” “certain implementations,” etc., are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an implementation may be included in at least one implementation or implementation. These terms used herein do not necessarily all refer to the same implementation. Any implementation or embodiment may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein, including exclusively or exclusively.

[0058] Where reference numerals follow technical features in the drawings, detailed descriptions, or any claims, these reference numerals are already included to enhance the comprehensibility of the drawings, detailed descriptions, and claims. Therefore, neither the reference numerals nor their omissions limit the scope of any claim element.

[0059] Coupled elements may be directly electrically, magnetically, mechanically, or physically coupled to each other, or coupled to intermediate elements. The scope of the systems and methods described herein is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and variations within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims are included therein.

[0060] A reference to "or" can be interpreted as inclusive, such that any term described using "or" can refer to a single, multiple, or any one of the described terms. A reference to "at least one of 'A' and 'B'" can include only 'A', only 'B', or both 'A' and 'B'. Such references used in conjunction with "include" or other open terms can include additional items.

[0061] Modifications to the described elements and actions, such as changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions, parameter values, mounting arrangements, material usage, color, or orientation of various elements, can occur without substantially departing from the invention. The teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein are also relevant. For example, an element shown as a single piece can be composed of multiple parts or elements.

[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A safety interlock system for a portable radiant heating device, characterized in that, The aforementioned safety interlock system includes: One disconnect switch; One card combined; A plunger shaft, movably movable and contacting a plunger base, the safety interlock system further including a second spring, the spring force of the second spring holding the plunger shaft in a first position, and when the force applied by the second spring is canceled out, the plunger shaft moving to a second position; and Single-piston chassis; The plunger shaft includes a first flange, a second flange, and a notch formed between the first flange and the second flange; The disconnect switch is equipped with an actuator. When the portable radiant heating device is in normal use, the actuator of the disconnect switch will be actuated by the second flange to close the disconnect switch.

2. The safety interlock system for a portable radiant heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a first spring for applying force to extend the plunger chassis out of a base of the portable radiant heating device.

3. The safety interlock system for a portable radiant heating device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the plunger chassis extends below the base of the portable radiant heating device, the actuator of the disconnect switch is deactivated, causing the disconnect switch to open.

4. The safety interlock system for a portable radiant heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the plunger shaft is in the second position, the disconnect switch will be deactivated.

5. The safety interlock system for a portable radiant heating device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the engaging part contacts the plunger shaft, it will cause the plunger shaft to be in the second positioning position.

6. The safety interlock system for a portable radiant heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a plunger collar, which is disposed outside the plunger shaft, such that the plunger shaft is located between the plunger collar and the plunger base.

7. The safety interlock system for a portable radiant heating device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The plunger collar aligns the plunger shaft with the direction of rotation of the plunger chassis and allows the plunger shaft to move from the first positioning to the second positioning.

8. The safety interlock system for a portable radiant heating device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The plunger chassis further includes an alignment plate that aligns the rotational direction of the plunger chassis with the base of the portable radiant heating device. The disconnect switch is housed in the base of the portable radiant heating device, enabling the disconnect switch to align with the second flange of the plunger shaft in the rotational direction.

9. A portable radiant heating device, characterized in that, include: A heater assembly, comprising: A reflector; One heat source; A wire mesh fence; One card combined; A base, movably connected to the heater assembly, allowing the heater assembly to tilt freely from a storage position to a heating position, the base comprising: One disconnect switch; A plunger shaft is movably positioned and can contact a plunger base. It further includes a second spring, the spring force of which holds the plunger shaft in a first position, and when the force applied by the second spring is canceled out, the plunger shaft moves to a second position. Single-piston chassis; The plunger shaft includes a first flange, a second flange, and a notch formed between the first flange and the second flange; The disconnect switch is equipped with an actuator. When the portable radiant heating device is in normal use, the actuator of the disconnect switch will be actuated by the second flange to close the disconnect switch.

10. The portable radiant heating device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, It further includes a first spring, which applies force to extend the plunger chassis out of the base of the portable radiant heating device when the base is not in contact with a mounting surface.

11. The portable radiant heating device as described in claim 10, characterized in that, When the plunger chassis extends below the base of the portable radiant heating device, the actuator of the disconnect switch is deactivated, causing the disconnect switch to open.

12. The portable radiant heating device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, When the plunger shaft is in the second position, the disconnect switch will be deactivated.

13. The portable radiant heating device as described in claim 12, characterized in that, When the heater assembly is in the retracted position, the engaging portion will contact the plunger shaft, causing the plunger shaft to be in the second positioning.

14. The portable radiant heating device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, It further includes a plunger collar, which is disposed outside the plunger shaft, such that the plunger shaft is located between the plunger collar and the plunger base.

15. The portable radiant heating device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The plunger collar aligns the plunger shaft with the direction of rotation of the plunger chassis and is adapted to allow the plunger shaft to move from a first positioning to a second positioning.

16. The portable radiant heating device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The plunger chassis further includes an alignment plate that aligns the plunger chassis with the base of the portable radiant heating device in the rotational direction. The disconnect switch is housed in the base of the portable radiant heating device, enabling the disconnect switch to align with the second flange of the plunger shaft in the rotational direction.

17. A method for preventing a portable radiant heating device from operating in a stowed state, characterized in that, include: A portable radiant heating device is provided, the portable radiant heating device including a heater assembly, the heater assembly further including... One reflector; One heat source; A wire mesh fence; One card combined; A base, movably connected to the heater assembly, allowing the heater assembly to tilt freely from a storage position to a heating position, the base comprising: One disconnect switch; A plunger shaft that can move between a first positioning and a second positioning; A plunger base, wherein the plunger shaft is movably positioned and can contact the plunger base; A first spring is used to apply force to extend the plunger chassis out of the base of the portable radiant heating device when the base is not in contact with a mounting surface. A second spring, the spring force of the second spring keeps the plunger shaft in a first position, and when the force applied by the second spring is canceled out, the plunger shaft moves to a second position; The plunger shaft includes a first flange, a second flange, and a notch formed between the first flange and the second flange; When the heater assembly is in the retracted position, the plunger shaft contacts the engaging part and is positioned in the second position. When the plunger shaft is in the second position, the disconnect switch is activated to prevent electricity from flowing into the heat source.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The plunger shaft is movably in contact with the plunger base. The spring force of the first spring in the base can counteract the plunger shaft, so that the plunger is supported by the spring force and kept in the first position. When the spring force of the second spring is canceled, the plunger shaft will move to the second position.

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