Environment Localizing Barrier, Heat Retaining Barrier and Method

Abstract

An environment localizing barrier, such as a heat retaining barrier, is provided having a flexible elongate, a magnet, and one of a magnet and a magnetizable component. The flexible elongate panel has a pair of opposed ends and comprising a thermally insulative layer and an exposed radiant layer affixed to an inner surface of the thermally insulative layer. The magnet is provided proximate one end of the panel at an elevational location. The one of a magnet and a magnetizable component is provided proximate another end of the panel at the elevational location and is configured to mate in magnetic attraction with one another to affix opposed ends of one or more adjacent panels together into a thermal barrier. A method is also provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Examples disclosed herein are generally related to shields, walls and barriers, and more particularly related to thermal barriers, heat shields, heat retention devices, environmental barriers, wind breaks, and / or reflectors usable for recreational and work activities such as with heaters or under windy conditions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It was previously known to use radiant barriers when insulating the interior of recreational vehicles. Recent designs incorporate insulating panels having reflective surfaces that are affixed within inner walls of a camper or travel trailer. In addition, heat focusing reflectors are also known on round natural gas and propane patio heaters and fireplaces. In both cases, a dome or round reflector is provided above the heater source. In some cases, a semi-circular drop-down reflector has also been used on patio heaters, typically made from aluminum. Furthermore, metal hinged panel fireplace reflectors are known for outdoor wood fireplaces. However, improvements are needed when localizing an environment to increase portability, change length, improve retention, and increase fuel efficiency of such heat retaining, wind blocking and heat focusing reflectors and environment localizing barriers for use with outdoor and recreational heat sources or under windy conditions.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An environment localizing barrier, such as a thermal barrier, is provided for concentrating and retaining heat. The environment localizing barrier provides a heat or wind, or soil retaining barrier that is flexible, elongate and can be affixed to other barriers to lengthen or shorten size of a barrier using building block elements, such as for a thermal barrier assembly. Retention and stowage mechanisms are also provided, along with decorative exterior features.

[0004] According to one aspect, a heat retaining barrier is provided having a flexible elongate panel, a magnet, and one of a magnet and a magnetizable component. The flexible elongate panel has a pair of opposed ends and comprises a thermally insulative layer and an exposed radiant layer affixed to an inner surface of the thermally insulative layer. The magnet is provided proximate one end of the panel at an elevational location. The one of a magnet and a magnetizable component is provided proximate another end of the panel at the elevational location and is configured to mate in magnetic attraction with one another to affix opposed ends of one or more adjacent panels together into a thermal barrier.

[0005] According to another aspect, an environment localizing barrier is provided having a flexible panel, a magnet, and one of a magnet and a magnetizable component. The flexible panel has a pair of opposed ends and comprises a barrier layer. The magnet is provided proximate one end of the panel at an elevational location. The one of a magnet and a magnetizable component is provided proximate another end of the panel at the elevational location and configured to mate in magnetic attraction with one another to affix opposed ends of one or more adjacent panels together into a barrier.

[0006] A method is also provided for retaining heat. The method includes: providing an environment localizing barrier having an elongate flexible panel with opposed ends, a magnet affixed proximate to a first end of the panel, and one of a magnet and a magnetizable component affixed proximate a second end of the panel; erecting the barrier into a vertical encircling configuration presenting the first end of the panel overlapped with the second end of the panel; and magnetically affixing the magnet with the one of the magnet and the magnetizable component to affix the first end of the panel to the second end of the panel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a portable environment localizing, or heat retaining barrier according to one aspect usable for activities both vocational and avocational including recreational activities.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a vertical side view of two different unique length portable heat retaining barriers capable of being used in the assembly of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a magnet, or magnetic latch member taken from encircled region 3 of FIG. 2.

[0010] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a barrier retainer tab taken from encircled region 4 of FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a barrier retainer clip taken from encircled region 5 of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a partial peeled away perspective view of the portable heat retaining barrier of FIGS. 1-2 illustrating layer construction.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view in breakaway of a magnetic attachment between ends of one or more heat retaining barriers.

[0014] FIG. 8 is perspective view from above of an alternative portable heat retaining barrier having an alternative T-handle loop elastic cord closure.

[0015] FIG. 9 is the alternative portable heat retaining barrier having the T-handle loop elastic cord closure shown in a rolled and stowed configuration.

[0016] FIG. 10 is an alternative magnetic / magnetizable closure for an alternative closure and stowage retention device for a rolled and stowed portable heat retaining barrier.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a portable environment localizing, or heat retaining barrier 12 according to one aspect usable for recreational activities both vocational and avocational including recreational activities. According to one barrier assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1, a pair of 16 foot long portable heat retaining barriers 12 are joined together at opposed ends with a magnetic latch assembly, or retainer 18 comprising a vertically equally spaced-apart array of magnets 28 provided at one end configured to align and magnetically affix to a respective array of magnetizable metal disks 30, so as to join together such barriers 12. Optionally, disks 30 can be magnets. Either magnetic latch assembly 18 can be opened and closed to enable entry / exit with the resulting array of barriers 12. An inner surface of each barrier 12 comprises an aluminum radiant heat reflective barrier layer 30, whereas an outer surface comprises a camouflage print fabric layer 26. Another radiant heat reflective barrier layer can be provided between the fabric layer 26 and the bubble thermal insulation layer.

[0019] More particularly, FIG. 1 illustrates barrier assembly 10 having a stayed rectangular, or square configuration surrounding a heat source, or propane fireplace 16 using a pair of portable heat retaining barriers 12 affixed together magnetically via magnetic latch assemblies 18 at each end. Any other heat source such as wood fires, alcohol fires, stoves, or radiant LP heat sources can be substituted for fireplace 16, including user body heat. Vertical rods or stays 24 are provided at each corner where they are inserted through a nylon base loop on a nylon clip, or support stay retainer 20. Retainers can be formed from any fabric ribbon, cord, rope, or guy material, and can be provided on either a front side or a back side of barrier 12. Further optionally, retainer 20 can omit a clip and just form a fabric or rope tie. Additionally, or optionally a vertically arranged pair of clips 20 are attached to vertical tubular members on individual folding chairs 14 in order to stay certain corners of assembly 10. Although shown in a square, or rectangular configuration, it is understood that barrier assembly 10 can be configured as a trapezoidal, triangular, octagonal, or even approximate round configuration by modifying positions of stays 24 or adding more stays 24. Further geometries are also envisioned using one or more barriers 12.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, barriers 12 each have a configuration of anchor retainers, or tabs 22 spaced-apart at discrete locations horizontally along a bottom edge of each barrier 12. Such tabs 22 can be constructed from fabric, plastic, or other material and can include a central metal grommet or a simple aperture, or hole. Optionally, such tabs 22 can be affixed or sewn at higher elevations along barrier 12, such as along a top edge or a mid-level location, on either a front side or a back side of barrier 12. In operation, a stake or guy rope is affixed to each tab 22 in order to anchor each barrier 12 at a location. A pair of elastic webbing loops 40 are also provided to retain one or more barriers 12 in a rolled, or stowed configuration similar to one shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0021] Optionally, or in addition to barrier 12 used in assembly 10, such barriers 12 can be assembled individually or in series to construct wind, heat retention, and physical barrier assemblies. For example, barriers 12 can be used to form hunting blinds, sporting blinds or heat retention barriers, such as barriers used for beach use, camping, hiking, and fishing. Furthermore, such barriers 12 can be used in military operations, as weather, wind and / or heat barriers for construction sites such as utility crews accessing manholes in roadways, for protection when working around an outdoor electrical box, near recreational vehicles, or in ski hill parking lots or other recreational sites when using a recreational vehicle (RV). Even furthermore, such barriers can be used in an assembly to provide a wind and thermal barrier that is affixed to deck railings or railings on boats, such as pontoon boats, or gazebos. Further uses can be for retaining pets and animals, or farm animals particularly for warming baby chickens. Even further, such barriers can be used on construction sites or as riparian or soil barriers on constructions sites, or at sporting events and tailgating events for participants and spectators to warm them as a personal heat retainer. Yet even further, such erected barriers can be placed around a vehicle or piece of machinery in order to locally warm the vehicle or machinery in an effort to better enable engine startup or battery charging under extremely cold conditions. For example, in use, the assembly 10 of FIG. 1 has been found to save as much as half the fuel use over propane heaters used in the open without such a barrier because the propane heater can be run at a low setting with the barrier retaining and reflecting heat toward a contained user.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a vertical side view of two different unique length portable heat retaining barriers 12 and 112 each capable of being used in the assembly of FIG. 1. More particularly, barrier 12 is sixteen feet long, whereas barrier 112 is eight feet long. Barriers 12 and 112 are each shown with an inner thermally radiant inner surface 30 in plan view and depict locations of clips 20, tabs 22, magnets 28 and magnetizable metal disks 30. Clips 20 and tabs 22 can be provided on a front side, a back side, or both sides of each barrier 12. Magnets 28 and metal disks 30 are affixed with adhesive on an opposed outer surface of each panel 12 and 112. Metal disks can be optionally provided as magnets that have opposed polarity to magnets 28. It is understood that length and height of a given barrier can vary depending on final configuration and intended use.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a magnet, or magnetic latch member 28 taken from encircled region 3 of FIG. 2. According to one construction, magnets 28 each comprise a Pack Strong Neodymium Disc Magnet with Double-Sided Adhesive, 1.26 inch D×0.08 inch H Super Strong Rare Earth Magnets, available on Amazon.com from Mikede Store. Such magnet 28 is adhesively affixed onto an outer surface of barrier 12. Optionally, magnet 28 (and metal disk 30) can be affixed onto an inner surface of barrier 12.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a barrier retainer tab, or anchor device 22 taken from encircled region 4 of FIG. 2. Such tab 22 comprises a flexible fabric elliptical tab having a metal grommet affixed therein sewn along a bottom edge of the barrier 12 (see FIG. 2). Optionally, a semi-circular fabric tab, or a webbing loop can be provided.

[0025] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a barrier retainer clip 20 taken from encircled region 5 of FIG. 2. More particularly, retainer clip 20 comprises a folded loop of nylon or polypropylene webbing and a tent pole C-Clip made from Polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, or some other suitable flexible plastic material that has a webbing slot for receiving the nylon webbing loop. Other clips, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and ties can optionally be used. The webbing loop of retainer clip 20 is sewn onto barrier 12 (see FIG. 2) according to one construction. Clip 20 can be sewn on any vertical location of barrier 12 (see FIG. 2) in single or multiple elevational and elongate locations.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a partial peeled away perspective view of the portable heat retaining barrier 12 of FIGS. 1-2 illustrating a layered construction. More particularly, barrier 12 comprises an adhesively bonded sandwich with a decorative fabric visual camouflage outer skin 26, an outer radiant heat reflective aluminum layer 37, a central plastic bubble thermal insulation layer 38, and an inner radiant heat reflective aluminum layer 37. A fabric camouflage trim piece 32 is folded over and sewn onto outer peripheral edges of barrier 12 using stitches 34. Optionally, trim piece 32 can be eliminated. Insulative layer 38 can be constructed from any of a number of plastic sheet materials, foamed plastics, bubble plastics, or any other thermally insulative materials, or just a sheet of plastic used to carry one or more thermally reflective layers.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view in breakaway of a magnetic attachment 18 between ends of one or more heat retaining barriers 12. As shown, a pair of heat retaining barriers 12 are joined together at respective ends by a plurality of spaced-apart magnets 28 and magnetizable steel buttons 30 which align for magnetizable interlock together in order to form magnetic attachment 18. Optionally, magnetizable steel buttons 30 can be replaced by opposed polarity magnets that affix magnetically with magnets 28.

[0028] FIG. 8 is perspective view from above of an alternative portable heat retaining barrier 212 having an alternative T-handle loop elastic cord closure comprising a pair of T-web handles 140 and a corresponding pair of elastic webbing loop 142 spaced-apart sufficiently to provide an elastically stretched engagement between respective pairs of t-web handles 140 and loops 142 to retain together barrier roll 44, as shown in FIG. 9 below. T-web handles 140 are formed from hard plastic or wood and have a central hole through which a corresponding webbing loop is received. A localized enforcement fabric panel 39 supports webbing handle 36 on barrier 212 proximate t-web handles 140 to facilitate carrying when rolled or stowed.

[0029] FIG. 9 is the alternative portable heat retaining barrier 212 of FIG. 8 having the T-handle loop elastic cord closure comprising a pair of T-web handles 140 and a corresponding pair of elastic loops 142 shown in a rolled and stowed configuration. T-web handles 140 each on a cord sewn to an end of roll 44 and elastic loops 142 are each sewn onto roll 44 at a spaced-apart location to mate with a respective t-web handle 140 such that loops 142 is stretched to retain together roll 44 in a stowed configuration. Handle 36 and panel 39 are positioned so as to facilitate carrying of barrier 21 in such configuration as a roll 44.

[0030] FIG. 10 is an alternative magnetic / magnetizable closure device 240 for an alternative rolled and stowed portable heat retaining barrier 312. Roll 44 includes handle 36 and an array of magnets 28 and magnetizable metal disks 30 provided spaced from magnets 28 sufficiently such that magnetic attraction between magnets 28 and magnetizable disks 30 retains together roll 44 of barrier 312 when stowed.

[0031] The terms “a”, “an”, and “the” as used in the claims herein are used in conformance with long-standing claim drafting practice and not in a limiting way. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” are not limited to one of such elements, but instead mean “at least one”.

[0032] In compliance with the statute, the subject matter disclosed herein has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise example embodiments. The claims are thus to be afforded full scope as literally worded, and to be appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A heat retaining barrier, comprising:a flexible elongate panel having a pair of opposed ends and comprising a thermally insulative layer and an exposed radiant layer affixed to an inner surface of the thermally insulative layer;a magnet provided proximate one end of the panel at an elevational location; andone of a magnet and a magnetizable component provided proximate another end of the panel at the elevational location and configured to mate in magnetic attraction with one another to affix opposed ends of one or more adjacent panels together into a thermal barrier.

2. The heat shield of claim 1, further comprising at least one anchor retainer provided along a bottom portion of the flexible elongate panel.

3. The heat shield of claim 1, wherein at least two magnets are affixed at vertically distinct and spaced-apart elevations proximate the one end of the panel and corresponding one of a magnet and a magnetizable component are provided proximate the another end of the panel each at one of the vertically distinct and spaced-apart elevations.

4. The heat shield of claim 1, wherein the flexible elongate panel further comprises an outer flexible fabric layer affixed to an outer surface of the panel.

5. The heat shield of claim 1, further comprising an outer radiant layer affixed to an outer surface of the thermally insulative layer beneath the fabric layer.

6. The heat shield of claim 1, further comprising at least one stay retainer provided at a discrete location on the panel configured to affix to a structural stay to support the panel in an erected configuration.

7. The heat shield of claim 6, wherein the stay retainer comprises a tubular clip configured to affix to one of a cylindrical post and a vertical cylindrical chair member.

8. The heat shield of claim 6, wherein the structural stay is a webbing loop configured to receive a vertical post.

9. The heat shield of claim 1, further comprising an array of spaced-apart stay retainers provide at discrete locations along the panel configured to affix a plurality of stays to the panel to retain the panel with a desired geometric configuration.

10. An environment localizing barrier, comprising:a flexible panel having a pair of opposed ends and comprising a barrier layer;a magnet provided proximate one end of the panel at an elevational location; andone of a magnet and a magnetizable component provided proximate another end of the panel at the elevational location and configured to mate in magnetic attraction with one another to affix opposed ends of one or more adjacent panels together into a barrier.

11. The environment localizing barrier of claim 10, wherein the barrier layer comprises a thermally insulative layer and an exposed radiant layer affixed to an inner surface of the thermally insulative layer.

12. The environment localizing barrier of claim 11, further comprising an outer radiant layer affixed to an outer surface of the thermally insulative layer.

13. The environment localizing barrier of claim 12, wherein the flexible elongate panel further comprises an outer flexible fabric layer affixed to an outer surface of the panel.

14. The environment localizing barrier of claim 10, further comprising at least one stay retainer provided at a discrete location on the panel configured to affix to a structural stay to support the panel in an erected configuration.

15. The environment localizing barrier of claim 10, wherein the flexible panel comprises a wind barrier.

16. The environment localizing barrier of claim 10, wherein the flexible panel comprises a heat retaining barrier.

17. A method for retaining heat is provided, comprising:providing an environment localizing barrier having an elongate flexible panel with opposed ends, a magnet affixed proximate to a first end of the panel, and one of a magnet and a magnetizable component affixed proximate a second end of the panel;erecting the barrier into a vertical encircling configuration presenting the first end of the panel overlapped with the second end of the panel; andmagnetically affixing the magnet with the one of the magnet and the magnetizable component to affix the first end of the panel to the second end of the panel.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising, providing a heat retaining barrier and retaining heat from a heat source within the erected barrier.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the heat retaining barrier comprises a thermally insulative layer and an exposed radiant inner layer, and reflecting outwardly radiating heat from a heat source inwardly within the erected barrier.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing at least one stay retainer on the heat retaining barrier, and securing the at least one stay retainer onto an external stay to support the erected barrier.

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