Heat shield for courtyard heater, heat shield assembly and courtyard heater assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a heat shield for a courtyard heater, a heat shield assembly and a courtyard heater assembly. The heat shield includes a central hub including a body member and a connector engagement element disposed on the body member. The heat shield further comprises a reflecting plate and a connector which are adjacently arranged. Each reflective plate includes an inner edge, an outer edge, two spaced apart side edges extending from the inner edge to the outer edge, and a first engagement profile disposed on each side edge. Each connector includes an inner end, an outer end, and a length portion, and defines a second engagement profile extending along the length portion. And the second joint contours are used for being matched and jointed with the respective first joint contours on the two adjacent reflecting plates, so that the two adjacent reflecting plates are connected together. At the same time, the inner end of the connector is engaged with a corresponding connector engagement element on the main body piece.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 402,530, filed on August 31, 2022, and incorporates the entire contents of that provisional patent application in its entirety by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model relates to a patio heater, and more particularly to a heat insulation cover for a patio heater, a heat insulation cover assembly, and a patio heater assembly. Background Art

[0004] Patio heaters are common and useful devices used in outdoor settings. They come in a variety of designs and shapes and use different energy sources. For example, some patio heaters use electricity as a power source, while others use acetone or natural gas. Figure 1 A conventional gas patio heater is shown pre-assembled, the main components of which are well known to those skilled in the art and are Figure 1 was clearly demonstrated.

[0005] More specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, the conventional gas patio heater includes a base 30, a wheel assembly 31 mounted on the base 30, three cylindrical supports 32 mounted on the base 30, a lower support 33 mounted on top of the cylindrical support 32, an upper support 34 mounted on top of the lower support 33, a tank housing 40 supported by the base 30 and used to cover a portable gas tank (not shown) placed on the base 30, a head assembly 41 mounted on top of the upper support 34, a heat shield 42 mounted on top of the head assembly 41, and a gas pipe 43 for transporting gas from the gas tank to the head assembly 41. A regulator 44 is provided at one end of the gas pipe 43 to regulate the flow of gas from the gas tank to the head assembly 41. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the heat shield 42 is typically made of steel or aluminum and functions to reflect heat generated by the head assembly 41, thereby protecting the user of the gas patio heater or nearby users from direct heat radiation. To achieve its heat reflection function, the edge of the heat shield 42 needs to extend far beyond the head assembly 41.

[0006] Traditional gas patio heaters are mostly manufactured with ready-to-assemble (RTA) or knock-down (KD) structures to maximize the number of products that can be loaded into a container. If the heat shield is made as a whole, it will inevitably be larger than the packaging box of the patio heater. The most common solution to this problem is to also make the heat shield into an RTA / KD structure, so that multiple smaller parts can be packed into the same smaller packaging box as the RTA / KD patio heater. Today, RTA / KD heat shields are very common in the market, and the most common method of manufacturing RTA / KD heat shields is almost without exception to assemble them using a combination of a center hub, multiple reflective panels, and multiple screws and nuts.

[0007] While making the heat shield into multiple smaller parts does solve the transportation problem, it does create a new problem for the user: they need to assemble these multiple smaller parts. The assembly method of the RTA / KD heat shield makes the entire assembly process very time-consuming and may cause considerable trouble to the user.

[0008] Figure 2A Shown Figure 1 More specifically, as Figure 2A As shown, the heat shield consists of a central hub and four reflective plates. The outer edge of the central hub has six holes. Each reflective plate has five holes, two of which are located on either side of the reflective plate. Figure 2B As shown, the user needs to overlap the side edge of one reflector with the corresponding side edge of another reflector, align the corresponding holes, place the screws in the outer holes, and loosely tighten the nuts onto the screws. The user needs to repeat these steps until all four reflectors are loosely connected. Then, the user needs to place the center hub on the four loosely connected reflectors, align the six holes on the center hub with the six holes on the reflectors, insert the screws into the holes, and tighten the nuts onto the screws. Finally, the user needs to fully tighten all the screws and nuts. This process requires at least 12 screws and 12 nuts. In addition, this process is very time-consuming and may cause considerable trouble to the user. Utility Model Content

[0009] As described herein, embodiments of the present invention overcome one or more of the above-mentioned or other shortcomings of the known art.

[0010] One aspect of the embodiment relates to a heat shield for a patio heater. The heat shield includes a central hub comprising a main body and a connector engagement element disposed on the main body; adjacent reflective panels, each of the reflective panels comprising an inner edge, an outer edge, two spaced-apart side edges extending from the inner edge to the outer edge, and a first engagement profile disposed on each side edge; and connectors, each of the connectors comprising an inner end, an outer end, and a length portion, and defining a second engagement profile extending along the length portion. The second engagement profile of the connector is configured to mate with and engage with the first engagement profile of each of two adjacent reflective panels, thereby connecting the two adjacent reflective panels together. Simultaneously, the inner ends of the connectors engage with corresponding connector engagement elements on the main body.

[0011] Another aspect of the embodiment relates to a heat shield assembly for a patio heater. The heat shield assembly for the patio heater includes a central hub comprising a main body and a plurality of connector engagement elements disposed on the main body; a plurality of reflective panels, each of the reflective panels comprising an inner edge, an outer edge, two spaced-apart side edges extending from the inner edge to the outer edge, and a first engagement profile disposed on each side edge; and a plurality of connectors, each of the connectors comprising an inner end, an outer end, and a length portion, and defining a second engagement profile extending along the length portion. When two reflective panels from the plurality of reflective panels are placed adjacent to each other, the second engagement profile of the connector is configured to mate with and engage with the first engagement profile of each of the two reflective panels to connect the two reflective panels together, with the inner end of the connector engaging with the corresponding connector engagement element on the main body.

[0012] Various aspects and advantages of the embodiments will become apparent from the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define the scope of the present invention, for which reference should be made to the claims of this application. Furthermore, the drawings are not drawn strictly to scale and, unless otherwise indicated, are intended only to conceptually illustrate the structures and processes described. Furthermore, any suitable size, shape, or type of components or materials may be used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In the attached figure:

[0014] Figure 1 A traditional gas patio heater is shown in its pre-assembled state;

[0015] Figure 2A Shown Figure 1 The pre-assembled state of the traditional heat shield;

[0016] Figure 2B Shown Figure 2AThe connection method of the two reflectors;

[0017] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An embodiment of a heat shield according to the present invention is shown; Figure 3 It is a top-down perspective view. Figure 4 It is a stereogram viewed from above;

[0018] Figure 5 Shown Figure 3 and Figure 4 The main components of the embodiment in a pre-assembled state;

[0019] Figure 6 Shown Figure 3 The enlarged cross-section along line AA in the middle;

[0020] Figure 7 Another embodiment of a connector engagement element is shown; and

[0021] Figure 8 A patio heater assembly according to the present invention is shown, which includes a heat shield assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 3-5 FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a heat shield according to the present invention. Specifically, the heat shield 52 includes a central hub 53 , four reflective plates 70 and four connectors 90 .

[0023] The center hub 53 includes: a circular main body 54, which includes: a top surface 55, a bottom surface 56 opposite to the top surface 55 and an outer edge 60; a side ring 61, which extends downward from the outer edge 60 and optionally extends slightly outward, and a flange 61a is optionally provided on the side ring 61. In addition, the side ring 61 (and when the flange 61a is provided, the flange 61a is included) has four spaced apart openings 62, and the openings 62 are designed to be of a specific size and shape to install the corresponding connector 90; four connector engaging elements 63, which are evenly distributed on the bottom surface 56 of the main body 54 and radially aligned with the corresponding openings 62 on the side ring 61. In an embodiment, each connector coupling element 63 includes a fixing plate 63a, which is connected to the bottom surface 56 of the main body 54 by fasteners 64 (such as two screws and two nuts). The fixing plate 63a can be fixed to the main body 54 by a single fastener or other means (such as adhesive or welding), or it can be part of the main body 54 to form an integrated component.

[0024] like Figure 3As shown, the main member 54 comprises a flat center member 54a and angled side members 54b extending outward and downward from the center member 54a. The side member 54b has three holes 57 for mounting the center hub 53 to the head assembly of the patio heater. Furthermore, the side member 54b has four holes, positioned between and radially aligned with the openings 62 and the connector engagement elements 63, for receiving fasteners such as screws 100. Furthermore, the side member 54b also has reserved holes for the screws required to mount the fixing tabs 63a.

[0025] Each reflective plate 70 includes an inner edge 71, an outer edge 72 and two spaced side edges 73 extending from the inner edge 71 to the outer edge 72, and a first joining profile 74 provided on each side edge 73. Each reflective plate 70 is inclined from its inner edge 71 to its outer edge 72. When the reflective plates 70 are placed adjacent to each other and connected to each other, they form an annular ring. In this embodiment, each reflective plate 70 forms a quarter annular ring of the same size, wherein the two side edges 73 of each reflective plate 70 form a 90-degree angle. In other embodiments, as long as the sum of the angles of the reflective plates 70 is 360 degrees, the angle formed by the two side edges of some of the reflective plates 70 may be greater than 90 degrees or less than 90 degrees. In addition, in some embodiments, the number of the reflective plates may be 2, 3, 5, etc., as long as they can form an annular ring together when placed adjacent to each other and connected to each other. The number of the connector joining elements 63 and the connectors 90 corresponds to the number of the reflective plates 70. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the sides of the reflective panels 70 are connected to each other, the flange 61a of the central hub 53 will be located above and cover the inner edge 71 of the reflective panels 70.

[0026] As shown in FIG5 , each first engagement profile 74 includes a generally L-shaped first engagement member 75. The first engagement member 75 includes a first portion 75a extending upward from the respective side edge 73, a second portion 75b extending outward from the upper edge of the first portion 75a toward the other side edge 73 of the same reflective plate 70, and an arcuate tip portion 75c extending outward and downward from the outer edge of the second portion 75b.

[0027] In addition, each reflector 70 may optionally further include a rim 76 extending along the outer edge 72. The rim 76 maintains a certain distance from each arcuate tip portion 75c of the first coupling member 75 to avoid negatively affecting the operation of the corresponding connector 90. The rim 76 enhances the structural strength and stability of the remaining portion of the reflector 70 while also providing a smooth edge for the user to protect.

[0028] Each connector 90 is elongated and includes an inner end 91, an outer end 92, and a length portion LL. The inner end 91 is used to engage with each connector engagement element 63 on the main body 54 of the central hub 53. In addition, each connector 90 is provided with a second engagement profile 93 extending along the length portion LL, which is used to match and engage with the first engagement profile 74 on two adjacent reflective plates 70. More specifically, as shown in FIG6, the second engagement profile 93 includes a generally T-shaped engagement channel 94, which is defined by a top 95 of the second engagement profile 93 and two side portions 96. The two side portions 96 generally extend downward and then inward. The lower edges 96a of the two side portions 96 are spaced apart from each other to form a slit or opening 97 therebetween. The top end 95 of the reflector 70 has a slot (not shown) near the inner end 91. The slot is aligned with a corresponding hole on the side piece 54b to accommodate a screw 100. The screw 100 and the nut 101 together can securely connect the reflector 70 to the central hub 53. Optionally, the slot is elongated in the length direction LL of the connector 90.

[0029] from Figure 3-5 As can be clearly seen in the figure, the size and design of the slit 97 can accommodate the first portion 75a of the first joining member 75 of each of the two adjacent reflective panels 70, and the size and / or configuration of the generally T-shaped joining channel 94 can accommodate the first joining member 75 of each of the two adjacent reflective panels 70, thereby connecting the two adjacent reflective panels 70 together. In addition, the size and / or configuration of the generally T-shaped joining channel 94 can also receive the fixing piece 63a on the main body 54 of the corresponding central hub 53.

[0030] The outer end 92 of each connector 90 may be selectively provided with a stopper 98 for engaging with the outer edges 72 of two adjacent reflective plates 70 .

[0031] Reference Figure 7 In other embodiments, each connector engagement element 63 includes a receiver 63 b connected to the bottom surface 56 of the main body 54 of the central hub 53 and configured to receive the inner end 91 of each connector 90. The receiver 63 b includes an inner end 103 and an outer end 104, and defines a receiving channel 105. The cross-section of the receiving channel 105 gradually decreases from the outer end 104 toward the inner end 103. Such a receiving channel 105 makes it easier to align and receive the inner end 91 of the corresponding connector 90.

[0032] In one example of assembling the heat shield 52, the user brings the sides of two reflective panels 70 together, connects the first engaging members 75 of each of the two reflective panels 70 with a connector 90, and then slides the connector 90 toward the central hub 53 until its inner end 91 receives the corresponding fixing tab 63a on the main body 54 of the central hub 53 and its stop 98 engages the outer edges 72 of the two reflective panels 70. The user then secures the connector 90 to the central hub 53 using fasteners such as screws and nuts. The user repeats this process until all reflective panels 70 and the central hub 53 are connected to form a heat shield. Assembling the heat shield 52 requires only four screws and four nuts, significantly simplifying the assembly process and saving time compared to existing methods.

[0033] Figure 8 One embodiment of a patio heater assembly 110 is shown that includes a heat shield assembly assembled in accordance with the present invention.

[0034] Thus, while the essential novel features of the present invention have been shown, described, and indicated in the embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to the form and details of the apparatus and its operation without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the coupling member 75 need not be continuous; it may include separate portions along its respective side edges 73. Similarly, the side portions 96 of the connector 90 need not be continuous; they may include separate portions along the length LL of the connector 90. Furthermore, the central hub 53 may be a different shape, such as a square, when viewed from the top, and the reflective panels may form a pyramid-like conical structure.

[0035] Furthermore, this utility model expressly states that all combinations of elements and / or method steps that perform substantially the same functions in substantially the same manner to achieve the same results are deemed to be within the scope of protection of this utility model. Furthermore, it should be understood that the relevant structures, elements, and / or method steps shown and / or described in connection with any form or embodiment disclosed herein may be incorporated into any other disclosed, described, or suggested form or embodiment as a design choice. Therefore, the scope of protection of this utility model is limited only to that set forth in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A heat shield for a patio heater, comprising: A central hub comprising a main body; adjacently placed reflective panels, each of the reflective panels comprising an inner edge, an outer edge, two spaced-apart side edges extending from the inner edge to the outer edge, and a first engagement profile provided on each side edge; and connectors, each of the connectors comprising an inner end, an outer end, and a length portion, and defining a second engagement profile extending along the length portion, the second engagement profile being adapted to mate with and engage with the respective first engagement profiles on two adjacent reflective panels, thereby connecting the two adjacent reflective panels together, characterized in that: The central hub further includes a connector engagement element disposed on the body member; Each of the connectors connects the two adjacent reflective plates together, and at the same time, the inner end of the connector engages with the corresponding connector engagement element on the main body; Each of the connector engagement elements includes a securing tab configured to be received by an inner end of a corresponding connector.

2. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein: The outer end of each connector further includes a stopper, which is used to engage with outer edges of two adjacent reflection plates.

3. The heat shield according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first joining profile includes a first joining component that is roughly L-shaped, and the first joining component includes a first portion extending outward from the side edge; the second joining profile includes a joining channel that is roughly T-shaped, and the joining channel has a slit extending along the length portion at the bottom, and the size of the slit is designed to accommodate the first portion of the first joining component of each of two adjacent reflective plates.

4. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein: The reflective plate forms an annular ring.

5. The heat shield according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the reflective plates forms a quarter annular circle.

6. The heat shield according to claim 4, characterized in that: The main body is circular and includes a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer edge. The connector engagement element is arranged on the bottom surface of the main body. The center hub also includes a side ring, which extends downward from the outer edge of the main body and covers the inner edge of the reflective plate. The side ring is provided with an opening radially aligned with each connector engagement element for accommodating the inner end of each connector.

7. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the connector engagement elements includes a receptacle for receiving an inner end of a corresponding connector.

8. The heat shield according to claim 7, characterized in that: The receiver includes a second inner end, a second outer end, and a receiving channel, and a cross section of the receiving channel gradually decreases along a direction from the second outer end to the second inner end.

9. The heat shield according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the connectors is fixedly connected to the main body of the central hub via a fastener.

10. A heat shield assembly for a patio heater, comprising: A central hub comprising a main body; adjacently placed reflective panels, each of the reflective panels comprising an inner edge, an outer edge, two spaced-apart side edges extending from the inner edge to the outer edge, and a first engagement profile provided on each side edge; and connectors, each of the connectors comprising an inner end, an outer end, and a length portion, and defining a second engagement profile extending along the length portion, the second engagement profile being adapted to mate with and engage with the respective first engagement profiles on two adjacent reflective panels, thereby connecting the two adjacent reflective panels together, characterized in that: The central hub also has a plurality of connector engagement elements disposed on the main body; Each of the connectors connects the two reflective plates together, and at the same time, the inner end of the connector engages with a corresponding connector engagement element on the main body; Each of the connector engagement elements includes a securing tab configured to be received by an inner end of a corresponding connector.

11. The heat shield assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The outer end of each connector further includes a stopper, which is used to engage with the outer edges of the two reflection plates.

12. The heat shield assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The first joining profile includes a first joining component that is roughly L-shaped, and the first joining component includes a first portion extending outward from the side edge; the second joining profile includes a joining channel that is roughly T-shaped, and the joining channel has a slit extending along the length portion at the bottom, and the size of the slit is designed to accommodate the first portion of the first joining component of each of two adjacent reflective plates.

13. The heat shield assembly according to claim 10, wherein: When the reflective plates are placed adjacent to each other and connected to each other via connectors, they form an annular ring.

14. The heat shield assembly according to claim 13, wherein: Each of the reflective plates forms a quarter annular circle.

15. The heat shield assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The main body is circular and includes a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer edge. The connector engagement element is arranged on the bottom surface of the main body. The center hub also includes a side ring, which extends downward from the outer edge of the main body and covers the inner edge of the reflective plate. The side ring is provided with an opening radially aligned with each connector engagement element for accommodating the inner end of each connector.

16. The heat shield assembly according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the connector engagement elements includes a receptacle for receiving an inner end of a corresponding connector.

17. The heat shield assembly according to claim 10, wherein: A plurality of fasteners are also included for fixedly connecting the connector to the main body of the central hub.

18. A patio heater assembly, characterized in that: A heat shield assembly comprising the heat shield assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

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