Abstrict
A portable pedestal electric heater apparatus for providing a heated
exhaust air stream at an elevation above a support surface comprises
a tower electric heater and a support riser for supporting the tower
electric heater at an elevation above a support surface. The tower
electric heater comprises an elongate housing and at least one interior
space within the elongate housing. At least one inlet opening in
the elongate housing allows inlet air to enter the at least one
interior space. An air blower assembly is disposed within the at
least one interior space for receiving the inlet air. An air outlet
opening in the housing allows the exhaust air stream to exit the
at least one interior space. An electric heating element is disposed
within the at least one interior space between the air blower assembly
and the air outlet opening such that substantially all of the exhaust
air stream passes through the electric heating element and thermal
energy is transferred from the electric heating element to the exhaust
air stream as the exhaust air stream flows through the electric
heating element forming the heated exhaust air stream. An elevation
of the heated exhaust air stream is defined by a distance from where
the support riser contacts the support surface to a vertical midpoint
of the air outlet opening in the housing of the tower electric heater,
and the elevation of the heated exhaust air stream is about 14 inches
or greater.
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A portable pedestal electric heater apparatus for providing
a heated exhaust air stream at an elevation above a support surface,
said apparatus comprising: a tower electric heater comprising: i)
an elongate housing having at least one sidewall, a top end, a bottom
end, and a longitudinal length extending substantially upward from
said bottom end to said top end; ii) at least one interior space
within said elongate housing; iii) at least one inlet opening in
said elongate housing allowing inlet air to enter said at least
one interior space; iv) an air blower assembly disposed within said
at least one interior space for receiving said inlet air, said air
blower assembly comprising: (i) at least one air impeller, and (ii)
at least one motor for rotating said air impeller to generate an
exhaust air stream; v) an air outlet opening in said housing allowing
said exhaust air stream to exit said at least one interior space;
and vi) an electric heating element disposed within said at least
one interior space between said air blower assembly and said air
outlet opening such that substantially all of said exhaust air stream
passes through said electric heating element and thermal energy
is transferred from said electric heating element to said exhaust
air stream as said exhaust air stream flows through said electric
heating element forming said heated exhaust air stream; and a support
riser for supporting said tower electric heater at an elevation
above a support surface, said support riser comprising: i) a base
in contact with said support surface; ii) at least one riser having
a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to
said base and said riser extending substantially upward from said
first end to said second end, said second end being connected to
said bottom end of said elongate housing; iii) a rise height defined
by a distance from where said base contacts said support surface
to said second end of said riser; wherein an elevation of said heated
exhaust air stream is defined by a distance from where said support
riser contacts said support surface to a vertical midpoint of said
air outlet opening in said housing of said tower electric heater,
and said elevation of said heated exhaust air stream is about 14
inches or greater.
2. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said air blower assembly further comprises a centrifugal
blower assembly.
3. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said air blower assembly further comprises a transverse
blower assembly.
4. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said air blower assembly further comprises an axial fan
type blower assembly.
5. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said at least one air impeller further comprises a length
and a diameter, and a ratio of said length to said diameter is greater
than about 2:1.
6. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
further comprising a controller for controlling a function of said
portable pedestal electric heater.
7. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 6,
wherein said controller is mounted to one of said elongate housing
and said support riser.
8. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 6,
wherein said controller comprises a remote device.
9. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 6,
wherein said motor further comprises a variable speed motor having
one or more rotational speeds, and said controller controls said
rotational speeds.
10. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said housing rotates or oscillates relative to said support
surface, and said rotation or oscillation is about an axis of rotation,
said axis of rotation being substantially aligned with a vertical
longitudinal axis of said support riser.
11. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 10,
wherein said axis of rotation of said housing is substantially parallel
to the axis of rotation of said at least one impeller.
12. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 10,
wherein said axis of rotation of said housing is substantially perpendicular
to the axis of rotation of said air impeller.
13. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 10,
further comprising a mechanism for rotating or oscillating said
housing relative to said support surface.
14. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 13,
wherein said mechanism is disposed between one of i) said first
end of said riser and said base, or ii) said second end of said
riser and said housing.
15. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 13,
further comprising a controller for controlling a function of said
mechanism for rotating or oscillating said housing.
16. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
further comprising a grill covering said air outlet opening.
17. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 16,
wherein said grill further comprises air directing vanes that can
be positioned to direct said exhaust air stream exiting said housing
to a desired location.
18. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein an overall length of said portable pedestal electric heater
is defined by the distance between from where said support riser
contacts said support surface and said top end of said housing.
19. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 18,
wherein said elevation of said heated exhaust air stream is greater
than about 65% of said overall length.
20. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 18,
wherein said rise height is greater than about 15% of said overall
length.
21. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 18,
wherein said longitudinal length of said housing is less than about
85% of said overall length.
22. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said elevation of said heated exhaust air stream is greater
than about 70% of said longitudinal length of said housing.
23. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said rise height is greater than about 25% of said elevation
of said heated exhaust air stream.
24. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said rise height is greater than about 16% of said longitudinal
length of said housing.
25. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said rise height is about 3.5 inches or greater.
26. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said support riser is adjustable with respect to said rise
height.
27. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said air outlet opening further comprises an elongate air
outlet opening in said at least one sidewall and oriented substantially
along said longitudinal length of said housing, said elongate air
outlet opening allowing said exhaust air to exit said interior space
as an elongate exhaust air stream.
28. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 27,
wherein said electric heating element further comprises an elongate
electric heating element, said elongate electric heating element
is disposed proximate said elongate air outlet opening and oriented
substantially along said longitudinal length of said housing, and
wherein said elongate electric heating element further comprises
a vertical aspect ratio defined by a length of said elongate electric
heating element being greater than a width of said elongate electric
heating element.
29. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 28,
wherein said vertical aspect ratio of said elongate electric heating
element is greater than about 2:1.
30. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 29,
wherein said elongate electric heating element has a length of about
5 inches or greater.
31. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 29,
wherein said elongate electric heating element preferably has a
length of about 8 inches or greater.
32. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 29,
wherein said elongate electric heating element is a positive temperature
coefficient (PTC) heating element capable of producing about 1500
watts of energy.
33. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 29,
further comprising a column of heated exhaust air stream having
a flow pattern that substantially conforms to said vertical aspect
ratio of said elongate electric heating element.
34. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
further comprising a power cord, wherein said power cord is routed
through a central portion of said support riser and exits at a lower
portion of said support riser.
35. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said support riser comprises an extension of said housing
toward said support surface, and wherein said support riser remains
assembled to said housing for shipment from a place of manufacturing
to a place of sale.
36. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 1,
further comprising an axis of rotation about which said elongate
housing rotates or oscillates and a longitudinal center axis of
said support riser, wherein said axis of rotation and said longitudinal
center axis are substantially aligned.
37. A portable pedestal electric heater apparatus, comprising:
an operating position, in which said portable pedestal electric
heater is assembled and ready for operation; a non-operating position,
in which the portable pedestal electric heater apparatus is disassembled
and packaged for shipment; in said operating position, said portable
pedestal electric heater apparatus comprises: a support riser comprising:
i) a base engaging a support surface; and ii) a riser extending
substantially upward from said base to a second end; a space saving
tower electric heater mounted on top of said support riser, said
space saving tower electric heater comprising: i) an elongate housing
coupled to said second end of said riser, said elongate housing
having a longitudinal length extending substantially upward from
a bottom to a top of said elongate housing; ii) an air inlet in
said housing; iii) an air outlet opening in said housing; iv) an
air blower assembly disposed within said housing, said air blower
assembly having an air impeller and a motor for rotating said air
impeller, wherein rotation of said air blower assembly draws inlet
air into said housing through said air inlet and discharges exhaust
air from said housing through said air outlet opening; and v) an
electric heating element disposed within said housing between said
air blower assembly and said air outlet opening, wherein a substantially
all of said exhaust air being discharged by said air blower assembly
is heated as said air flows through said electric heating element;
wherein said electric heating element and said air outlet opening
are positioned such that a vertical midpoint of heated exhaust air
exiting said air outlet opening is about 14 inches or greater above
said support surface; and in said non-operating position, said space
saving tower electric heater is disconnected and separated from
said support riser.
38. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 37,
wherein said riser further comprising at least two riser members,
and in said non-operating position, each of said at least two riser
members can be disconnected and separated from an adjacent riser
member for compact storage.
39. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 37,
wherein in said non-operating position said base is disconnected
and separated from said riser for compact storage.
40. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 39,
wherein said base further comprises a split base having at least
a first portion and a second portion that can be separated for compact
storage in said non-operating position and can be assembled to become
said base in said operating position to support said housing on
said riser.
41. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 37,
wherein said support riser further comprises a collapsible riser
having at least two riser members, wherein said riser members have
respective diameters and different from one another such that each
successive smaller diameter riser member slides into an adjacent
riser member having a larger diameter, wherein in said non-operating
position said riser members are collapsed, and in said operating
position said riser members are adjustable between i) a minimum
length where said riser members are substantially collapsed and
ii) a maximum length where said riser members are extended apart
from one another.
42. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 37,
wherein said support riser is a unitary component.
43. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 42,
wherein said support riser further comprises more than one component
assembled together.
44. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 42,
wherein said support riser is decoupled from said housing and said
housing is disposed within or beside said support riser in a non-operating
position for shipment from a place of manufacturing to a place of
sale.
45. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 37,
wherein said air outlet opening further comprises an elongate air
outlet opening in said at least one sidewall, said air outlet opening
having a longitudinal length oriented substantially along said longitudinal
length of said housing.
46. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 45,
wherein said electric heating element further comprises an elongate
electric heating element disposed proximate said elongate air outlet
opening, said elongate electric heating element having a longitudinal
length oriented substantially along said longitudinal length of
said housing.
47. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 46,
wherein said elongate electric heating element further comprises
a vertical aspect ratio defined by a longitudinal length of said
elongate electric heating element being greater than a width of
said elongate electric heating element, said vertical aspect ratio
of said elongate electric heating element being greater than about
2:1.
48. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 47,
wherein said elongate electric heating element has a longitudinal
length of about 5 inches or greater.
49. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 47,
wherein said elongate electric heating element preferably has a
longitudinal length of about 8 inches or greater.
50. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus of claim 47,
wherein said elongate electric heating element is a positive temperature
coefficient (PTC) heating element capable of producing about 1500
watts of energy.
51. A portable pedestal electric heater apparatus having a tower
electric heater mounted on top of a support riser, said electric
heater further comprising: a base for engaging a support surface;
a riser extend substantially vertically upward from said base to
a distal end; a rise height of about at least 3.5 inches defined
by a distance from a bottom of said base to said distal end of said
riser; an elongate housing connected to said distal end of said
riser and extending substantially vertically upward from said riser,
said elongate housing having a longitudinal length and a cross-sectional
area, a ratio of said longitudinal length to a maximum width of
said cross-sectional area being greater than about 1.5:1; an air
inlet in said elongate housing; an air outlet opening in said elongate
housing; an air passageway in said housing fluidly coupling said
air inlet to said air outlet opening; an air blower assembly disposed
within said elongate housing and in said air passageway between
said air inlet and said air outlet opening; an electric heating
element disposed within said elongate housing and in said air passageway
between said air blower assembly and said air outlet opening; an
oscillator for rotating or oscillating said elongate housing with
respect to said base; and an axis of rotation about which said elongate
housing rotates, wherein said axis of rotation being substantially
aligned with a center axis of said riser, wherein a central portion
of a heated exhaust air stream exiting said air outlet opening of
said elongate housing is about 14 inches or greater above said support
surface.
52. The portable pedestal electric heater of claim 51, wherein
said riser extends upward from said base and further comprises:
an oscillation envelope centered about said axis of rotation and
defined by said rotation or oscillation of said elongate housing
about said axis of rotation; an oscillation envelope width centered
about said axis of rotation and defined by a maximum width of a
horizontal cross-sectional area taken through said oscillation envelope;
and a base width defined by a maximum width of a horizontal cross-section
taken through said base, wherein said oscillation envelope width
is less than said base width.
53. The portable pedestal electric heater of claim 52, wherein
said base width is less than about 18 inches.
54. The portable pedestal electric heater of claim 53, wherein
said oscillation envelope width is less than 70% of said base width.
55. The portable pedestal electric heater of claim 51, wherein
said air blower assembly further comprises an air impeller that
rotates about an air impeller axis of rotation, said air impeller
axis of rotation being substantially aligned with said axis of rotation
of said elongate housing.
56. The portable pedestal electric heater of claim 55, wherein
said air blower assembly further comprises a motor for rotating
said air impeller, said motor having a motor axis of rotation, said
motor axis of rotation being substantially aligned with said axis
of rotation of said elongate housing.
57. A portable pedestal electric heater comprising: a base contacting
a support surface; a riser extending substantially vertically upward
from said base; an elongate housing mounted to a distal end of said
riser, said housing having a length and a width, said housing length
being greater than said housing width and defining a vertical aspect
ratio of said housing; an air inlet in said housing for receiving
a flow of inlet air; an elongate air outlet opening in said housing
for discharging an exhaust air stream, said air outlet opening having
a length and a width, said air outlet opening length being greater
than said air outlet opening width and defining a vertical aspect
ratio of said air outlet opening, a vertical center of said air
outlet opening being about 14 inches or greater above said support
surface; an air blower assembly disposed within said housing, said
air blower assembly being in fluid communication with said air inlet
and said air outlet opening; and an elongate heating element disposed
within said housing between said air blower assembly and said air
outlet opening, said elongate heating element having a length and
a width, said elongate heating element length being greater than
said elongate heating element width and defining a vertical aspect
ratio of said elongate heating element, wherein substantially all
of said air being discharged from said air blower assembly passes
through said heating element.
58. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 57,
wherein said width of said housing is defined by a maximum width
of a cross-sectional area of said housing taken at an imaginary
horizontal plane through said housing, said portable pedestal electric
heater further comprising: a rotation mechanism for rotating or
oscillating said housing with respect to said support surface; and
an oscillation envelope defined by an area of a horizontal plane
through which said housing moves in response to said rotation mechanism
rotating or oscillating said housing, wherein said oscillation envelope
has a maximum width of about 12 inches or less.
59. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 58,
wherein a maximum width of said base is defined by a diameter of
an imaginary circle around an outer peripheral edge or legs of said
base where said base contacts said support surface, and said oscillation
envelope has a maximum width less than said maximum width of said
base.
60. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 57,
further comprising a column of heated exhaust air that is discharged
from said elongate air outlet opening of said elongate housing,
wherein said column of heated exhaust air has a length and a width,
said length of said column of heated exhaust air being greater than
said width of said column of heated exhaust air thereby defining
a vertical aspect ratio of said column of heated exhaust air.
61. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 60,
wherein said elongate heating element further comprises a limited
length to maintain a design watt-density to effectively heat said
column of heated exhaust air.
62. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 61,
further comprising a length and diameter of an impeller of said
air blower assembly to maintain said exhaust air stream to effectively
allow said design watt-density of said elongate heating element
to heat said exhaust air stream, wherein said length of said riser
can be increased to maintain said vertical center of said air outlet
opening at a height of about 14 inches or greater above said support
surface.
63. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus according to
claim 57, wherein said vertical aspect ratio of said elongate heating
element is greater than about 2:1.
64. The portable pedestal electric heater apparatus according to
claim 57, wherein said vertical center of said air outlet opening
of said an exhaust air stream is greater than about 70% of said
length of said housing.
65. An oscillating, space saving, portable pedestal electric heater
comprising: a base having a center and a maximum width of a horizontal
cross-sectional area of said base; a riser having a longitudinal
length and a center axis, said riser extending vertically upward
from said base; an elongate housing of a tower electric heater having
a longitudinal length, a center axis, and a maximum width of a horizontal
cross-sectional area of said elongate housing, said elongate housing
extending vertically upward from said riser, and said center axis
of said elongate housing being substantially aligned with said center
axis of said riser, and said maximum width of said horizontal cross-sectional
area of said elongate housing is less than said maximum width of
said horizontal cross-sectional area of said base; an air blower
assembly having a motor and an impeller, said impeller having an
axis of rotation; an electric heating element disposed within said
elongate housing, said electric heating element having a length
and a width, said length of said electric heating element being
substantially aligned with said longitudinal length of said elongate
housing; and an oscillator mechanism for one of rotating and oscillating
said elongate housing with respect to a support surface about said
center axis of said elongate housing.
66. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 65,
wherein said axis of rotation of said impeller is substantially
parallel with said center axis of said elongate housing.
67. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 66,
wherein a combination of said rotating and oscillating of said elongate
housing about i) said center axis of said elongate housing and ii)
said axis of rotation of said impeller substantially parallel with
said center axis of said elongate housing reduces the effects of
gyroscopic precession during said oscillation of said elongate housing
and increases stability of said oscillating portable pedestal electric
heater.
68. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 67,
wherein said reduced effects of gyroscopic precession during said
oscillation of said elongate housing and said increased stability
of said oscillation of said portable pedestal electric heater allows
said maximum width of said horizontal cross-sectional area of said
base to be minimized with respect to said maximum width of said
horizontal cross-sectional area of said elongate housing resulting
in further space-savings.
69. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 68,
wherein said maximum width of said horizontal cross-sectional area
of said elongate housing is less than about 70% of said maximum
width of said horizontal cross-sectional area of said base.
70. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 68,
wherein said maximum width of said horizontal cross-sectional area
of said base is about 18 inches or less.
71. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 66,
wherein said motor further comprises an axis of rotation, said axis
of rotation of said motor being substantially aligned with said
axis of rotation of said impeller.
72. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 65,
wherein said air blower assembly is positioned in a lower portion
of said elongate housing and said axis of rotation of said impeller
is substantially orthogonal to said center axis of said elongate
housing.
73. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 72,
wherein positioning said air blower in said lower portion of said
elongate housing lowers a center of gravity of said portable pedestal
electric heater with respect to said support surface and increases
the stability of said portable pedestal electric heater.
74. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 73,
wherein the said lowered center of gravity and said increased stability
allows said maximum width of said horizontal cross-sectional area
of said base to be minimized with respect to said maximum width
of said horizontal cross-sectional area of said elongate housing,
resulting in further space-savings.
75. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 74,
wherein said maximum width of said horizontal cross-sectional area
of said elongate housing is less than about 70% of said maximum
width of said horizontal cross-sectional area of said base.
76. The portable pedestal electric heater according to claim 74,
wherein said maximum width of said horizontal cross-sectional area
of said base is about 18 inches or less.
77. A portable electric heater apparatus for providing a heated
exhaust air stream at an elevation above a support surface, said
apparatus comprising: a space saving tower electric heater comprising:
i) an elongate housing having a longitudinal length extending substantially
upward from a bottom end to a top end, said elongate housing having
a length to width ratio greater than about 1.5:1; ii) at least one
inlet opening in said housing; iii) an air blower assembly disposed
within said housing for generating an exhaust air stream within
said housing; iv) an elongate electric heating element disposed
within said housing downstream of said air blower assembly, said
elongate electric heating element being oriented substantially along
said longitudinal length of said housing and having a vertical aspect
ratio defined by a length of said elongate heating element being
greater than a width of said elongate heating element, said vertical
aspect ratio of said elongate heating element being greater than
about 2:1; and v) an elongate air outlet opening in said housing,
said elongate air outlet opening being oriented substantially along
said longitudinal length of said housing; wherein substantially
all of said exhaust air stream passes through said elongate electric
heating element, said exhaust air stream being heated by said elongate
heating element as said exhaust air stream pass through said elongate
heating element to form a heated exhaust air stream; wherein said
elongate housing, said elongate heating element, and said elongate
air outlet opening form a vertically elongate column of heated exhaust
air stream that is elevated above said bottom end of said space
saving tower electric heater as said heated exhaust air stream exits
said housing; and a pedestal support riser for elevating said space
saving tower electric heater thereby further elevating said column
of heated exhaust air stream exiting said space saving tower electric
heater above a support surface, said support riser further comprising:
a base in contact with said support surface; a riser extending upward
from said base and supporting said elongate housing of said space
saving tower electric heater; a rise height defined by a distance
from a bottom of said base to a point of connection of said elongate
housing to said riser; an overall length defined by the distance
between said bottom of said base of said support riser and said
top end of said elongate housing, wherein said rise height is greater
than about 16% of said overall length; and an elevation of the center
of said vertically elongate column of heated exhaust air stream
defined by a distance between said base of said support riser and
a vertical midpoint of said length of said elongate air outlet opening,
said elevation of the center of said vertically elongate column
of heated exhaust air stream being about 14 inches or greater, wherein
said rise height is greater than about 25% of said elevation of
the center of said elongate column of heated exhaust air stream.
Description [0001] This application claims priority to provisional application
No. 60/523,369, filed Nov. 19, 2003. This application is also a
Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 10/720,374, filed Nov.
24, 2003, which is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No.
10/431,964, filed May 8, 2003, which is a Continuation-in-Part of
application Ser. No. 10/347,079, filed Jan. 17, 2003, which is a
Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 10/322,169, filed Dec.
18, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to heaters. More specifically,
the present invention relates to an elongate electric heater elevated
above a support surface in which thermal energy is imparted to exhaust
air as it passes through a heating element.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Portable heating devices have been utilized to raise the
temperature in a living space for many years. Conventional portable
forced hot air heaters for consumer use are well-known and are comprised
of an electrical heating element and a fan within a housing. Ambient
air is forced to pass through or over the heating element thus raising
the temperature of the air. As sufficient air passes through the
heating element the ambient temperature of the room is raised as
desired.
[0004] One type of conventional portable heater is normally low
in elevation with respect to a support surface, such as the floor.
This low profile increases the distance that the heat must travel
(i.e., the heat path) to reach the upper trunk of the users body.
The added heat path distance does not produce the desired effect
of heating the upper trunk and extremities of the user body efficiently.
[0005] Another type of conventional heater utilizes a transverse
air impeller assembly. This type of heater attempts to raise the
exit height of the hot air exhaust stream with respect to the floor.
One drawback of this type of air circulator is that transverse air
impeller assemblies typically have several sections which must be
coupled together by glue or ultrasonic welding. This assembly must
then be balanced to insure correct operation. Transverse air impeller
assemblies may also necessitate the use of vibration dampers on
the motor. In addition, long transverse air impeller assemblies
tend to become misaligned, thereby requiring a special bearing mounted
in rubber pads to compensate for the misalignment. The above mentioned
problems are exacerbated as the length of the transverse air impeller
assembly is increased, which limits the elevation that the heated
exhaust stream can be raised above the floor with a conventional
tower heater design. These features and associated problems also
add significant expense to the manufacturing process. The result
is translated into a higher retail price and less desirable comfort
levels for the consumer.
[0006] Conventional heaters that utilize a centrifugal blower assembly
encounter similar manufacturing problems when the impeller length
is increased. Shaft length of the motor, impeller balancing and
the need for a more powerful motor to rotate the longer impeller
increase manufacturing costs. These problems all result in higher
retail prices for heaters having long centrifugal blower assemblies.
[0007] The design of conventional tower heaters therefore limits
the vertical height of the heated exhaust air stream. This is caused,
in part, because the cost and complexity of the devices increases
as the length of the heating element and/or the length of the impeller
increases.
[0008] In light of the aforementioned problems there is a need
for a forced air heater having a heated exhaust air stream at a
height sufficient to shorten the heat path to an upper portion of
the user's body. This heating device should have a vertical aspect
ratio while using an air generator with an impeller design having
the desired air flow characteristics that allow ease of manufacturing
and a desirable retail cost for the consumer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art the present
invention is a portable pedestal electric heater apparatus for providing
a heated exhaust air stream at an elevation above a support surface.
[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, the apparatus
comprises a tower electric heater and a support riser for supporting
the tower electric heater at an elevation above a support surface.
The tower electric heater comprises an elongate housing having at
least one sidewall, a top end, a bottom end, and a longitudinal
length extending substantially upward from the bottom end to the
top end; and at least one interior space within the elongate housing.
At least one inlet opening in the elongate housing allows inlet
air to enter the at least one interior space. An air blower assembly
is disposed within the at least one interior space for receiving
the inlet air. An air outlet opening in the housing allows the exhaust
air stream to exit the at least one interior space. An electric
heating element is disposed within the at least one interior space
between the air blower assembly and the air outlet opening such
that substantially all of the exhaust air stream passes through
the electric heating element and thermal energy is transferred from
the electric heating element to the exhaust air stream as the exhaust
air stream flows through the electric heating element forming the
heated exhaust air stream. The support riser comprises a base in
contact with the support surface; and at least one riser having
a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the
base and the riser extending substantially upward from the first
end to the second end, the second end being connected to the bottom
end of the elongate housing. The support riser has a rise height
defined by a distance from where the base contacts the support surface
to the second end of the riser. An elevation of the heated exhaust
air stream is defined by a distance from where the support riser
contacts the support surface to a vertical midpoint of the air outlet
opening in the housing of the tower electric heater, such that the
elevation of the heated exhaust air stream is about 14 inches or
greater.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the air blower
assembly further comprises either a centrifugal blower assembly,
a transverse blower assembly or an axial fan type blower assembly
[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least
one air impeller further comprises a length and a diameter, and
a ratio of the length to the diameter is greater than about 2:1.
[0013] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the
electric heater further comprises a controller for controlling a
function of the portable pedestal electric heater.
[0014] According to still a further aspect of the invention, the
motor further comprises a variable speed motor having one or more
rotational speeds, and the controller controls the rotational speeds.
[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the housing
rotates or oscillates relative to the support surface, and the rotation
or oscillation is about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation
being substantially aligned with a vertical longitudinal axis of
the support riser.
[0016] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the axis
of rotation of the housing is substantially parallel to the axis
of rotation of the at least one impeller.
[0017] According to still another aspect of the invention, the
axis of rotation of the housing is substantially perpendicular to
the axis of rotation of the air impeller.
[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electric
heater further comprising a mechanism for rotating or oscillating
the housing relative to the support surface with the mechanism being
disposed between one of i) the first end of the riser and the base,
and ii) the second end of the riser and the housing.
[0019] According to still a further aspect of the invention, the
heater further comprises a grill covering the air outlet opening
with air directing vanes that can be positioned to direct the exhaust
air stream exiting the housing to a desired location.
[0020] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, an overall
length of the portable pedestal electric heater is defined by the
distance between where the support riser contacts the support surface
and the top end of the housing, with the elevation of the heated
exhaust air stream being greater than about 65% of the overall length.
[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the rise height
is greater than about 15% of the overall length.
[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the rise height
is greater than about 3.5 inches.
[0023] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the longitudinal
length of the housing is less than about 85% of the overall length.
[0024] According to still another aspect of the invention, the
elevation of the heated exhaust air stream is greater than about
70% of the longitudinal length of the housing.
[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, the rise
height is greater than about 25% of the elevation of the heated
exhaust air stream.
[0026] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the
rise height is greater than about 16% of the longitudinal length
of the housing.
[0027] According to still a further aspect of the invention, the
air outlet opening further comprises an elongate air outlet opening
in the at least one sidewall and oriented substantially along the
longitudinal length of the housing, the elongate air outlet opening
allowing the exhaust air to exit the interior space as an elongate
exhaust air stream.
[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the electric
heating element is an elongate electric heating element, the elongate
electric heating element being disposed proximate the elongate air
outlet opening and oriented substantially along the longitudinal
length of the housing, and wherein the elongate electric heating
element further comprises a vertical aspect ratio defined by a length
of the elongate electric heating element being greater than a width
of the elongate electric heating element.
[0029] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the vertical
aspect ratio of the elongate electric heating element is greater
than about 2:1.
[0030] According to still another aspect of the invention, the
elongate electric heating element has a length of about 5 inches
or greater.
[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the elongate
electric heating element is a positive temperature coefficient (PTC)
heating element capable of producing about 1500 watts of energy.
[0032] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the
electric heater further emits a column of heated exhaust air having
a flow pattern that substantially conforms to the vertical aspect
ratio of the elongate electric heating element.
[0033] According to still a further aspect of the invention, the
electric heater further comprising a power cord, where the power
cord is routed through a central portion of the support riser and
exits at a lower portion of the support riser.
[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, the support
riser comprises an extension of the housing toward the support surface,
and wherein the support riser remains assembled to the housing for
shipment from a place of manufacturing to a place of sale.
[0035] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the electric
heater further comprises an axis of rotation about which the elongate
housing rotates or oscillates and a longitudinal center axis of
the support riser, wherein the axis of rotation and the longitudinal
center axis are substantially aligned.
[0036] According to still another aspect of the invention, a portable
pedestal electric heater apparatus comprises an operating position,
in which the portable pedestal electric heater is assembled and
ready for operation, and a non-operating position, in which the
portable pedestal electric heater apparatus is disassembled and
packaged for shipment. In the operating position, the portable pedestal
electric heater apparatus comprises a support riser, and a space
saving tower electric heater mounted on top of the support riser.
In the non-operating position the portable pedestal electric heater
apparatus comprises the space saving tower electric heater being
disconnected from the support riser and stored in a package for
shipment.
[0037] These an other aspects will become apparent in view of the
following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The invention is best understood from the following detailed
description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.
It is emphasized that, according to common practice, various features
of the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions
of various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.
Included in the drawings are the following Figures
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of the portable pedestal electric heater of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of
FIG. 1;
[0041] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the dimensional aspects of exemplary
heating elements;
[0042] FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and top views, respectively, of
an exemplary embodiment of the portable pedestal electric heater
illustrating various dimensional relationships of the cooperating
elements;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
of the portable pedestal electric heater with an adjustable height
feature;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a partial section showing another exemplary embodiment
of the portable pedestal electric heater of the present invention;
[0045] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the elevated heated exhaust air
stream of a portable pedestal electric heater according to the present
invention compared to a conventional heater;
[0046] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are views of exemplary packaging
according the present invention;
[0047] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are views of yet another exemplary embodiment
of the present invention and illustrates exemplary packaging of
that embodiment; and
[0048] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are views of yet another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention and illustrates exemplary packaging
of that embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] The following description is of a pedestal electric heater
100 that is preferably portable (e.g., free standing and easily
movable). Referring now to FIG. 1, portable pedestal electric heater
100 includes a tower electric heater 101 and a support riser 130.
The tower electric heater 101 includes an elongated housing 102
having a vertical aspect ratio, a heating element or elements 116,
and an air blower assembly 110 for providing a heated exhaust air
stream at a height above a support surface. The riser support 130
includes a base 134 and a riser 132 for further positioning the
heated exhaust air stream at a height above a support surface, thereby
allowing the generated heat to more immediately effect a portion
of the user's upper body.
[0050] The combination of a tower type electric heater 101 mounted
on top of a vertical support riser 130 shortens the heat path between
the heating element and an upper portion of the user's body. Since
the heat source is further elevated above a support surface and
is more closely related to an upper portion of the body, the heat
effect to the user is more direct and immediate.
[0051] The use of a tower electric heater 101 in conjunction with
a support riser 130 to further elevate the heated exhaust air stream
allows for flexibility in design of the individual components of
the portable electric heater 100 while also providing for cost efficiency.
For example, the length of the tower electric heater 101 and the
length of the support riser 130 can be manipulated as desired for
any particular application in order to obtain the desired heating
design characteristics while also minimizing manufacturing cost.
By using a support riser, the desired heating characteristics can
be achieved at an elevation above a support surface while still
maintaining cost efficiency in, for example, the air blower assembly
design and the electric heating element design.
[0052] The pedestal electric heater 100 having a tower electric
heater 101 also provides a space saving design over conventional
heater and provides for a lower center of gravity thereby improving
stability and minimizing the size of the base required to maintain
the pedestal electric heater 100 in an upright position and thus
avoid tipping of the apparatus.
[0053] Additional details of the structure of the elongate housing
having a vertical aspect ratio, the elongate heating element, and
the blower assembly impeller design can be found in commonly assigned,
application Ser. No. 10/322,169, filed Dec. 18, 2002, entitled "Electric
Heater", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0054] Additional details of the structure of the support riser
and the blower assembly impeller design can be found in commonly
assigned, application Ser. No. 10/720,374, filed Nov. 24, 2003,
entitled "home comfort device" and application Ser. No.
10/431,964, filed May 8, 2003 entitled "home comfort appliance"
both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0055] Referring again to FIG. 1, housing 102 includes one or more
sidewalls 105 extending between a bottom 107b and a top 107t thereby
defining an interior space 103. Housing 102 includes an elongated
construction, preferably extending vertically upward from the bottom
107b to the top 107t. This elongate construction of housing 102
results in tower electric heater 101 having a space savings design.
Housing 102 also includes one or more air inlet openings 108 and
an air outlet opening 104. Protective grill 106 is preferably disposed
over air outlet 104 for preventing foreign objects from entering
the interior space 103 of housing 102. Disposed within interior
space 103 is air blower assembly 110 and electric heating element
116. Portable pedestal electric heater also includes support riser
130 having a base 134 and a riser 132. Pedestal electric heater
100 also includes power cord 140 and control assembly 126. Control
assembly 126 controls one or more operations of portable pedestal
electric heater 100.
[0056] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of portable pedestal
electric heater 100. As shown in FIG. 2, housing 102 may be constructed
of more than one component, such as, for example, two halves 102a,
102b that are assembled together. Housing 102 has at least one air
inlet opening 108 and an air outlet opening 104. Air outlet opening
104 may be, for example as shown in FIG. 2 elongate and aligned
with the longitudinal length of housing 102 of portable pedestal
electric heater 100.
[0057] Disposed within interior space 103 of housing 102 is at
least one air blower assembly 110. Air blower assembly 110 includes
at least one motor 114 and at least one air impeller 112 connected
to motor 114. Air blower assembly 110 may also include, as in this
example, blower housing 113 and other components (not shown). The
use of air blower assembly 110 preferably allows for the pre-assembly
and pre-testing of air blower assembly 110 thereby allowing the
manufacture and assembly of portable pedestal electric heater 100
to be less costly when compared to assembling motor 114, air impeller
112 and blower housing 113 into portable pedestal electric heater
100 as separate components. In one embodiment, air blower assembly
110 is a centrifugal type blower. It is contemplated that other
types of blowers or fans may be used, such as for example, transverse
type blowers or axial type fan.
[0058] Also disposed within interior space 103, proximate air exit
opening 104 is heating element 116. Preferably, substantially all
of the air being discharged from air blower assembly 110 flows through
heating element 116. It is contemplated that a portion of the air
being discharged from air blower assembly 110 may bypass heating
element 116. Such a bypass may be used to allow safety devices,
such as for example a thermal cut off, (not shown) to function properly.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment heating element 116
includes an elongate electric heating element that is aligned with
the longitudinal length of housing 102. In another embodiment, outlet
opening 104 also includes an elongate construction and the elongate
heating element 116 extends substantially the length of the air
outlet opening 104. Use of an elongate electric heating element
in conjunction with an elongate outlet opening 104 further allows
the heated exhaust air stream to be elevated above a support surface,
further facilitating a shorter convection path between the heating
element and an upper portion of the user's body. In addition, an
elongated construction for heating element 116 and outlet opening
104 also helps the heated exhaust air stream conform to the general
shape of the user's upper body.
[0060] In one embodiment, heating element 116 uses a Positive Temperature
Coefficient (PTC) type heat generation technology. The use of a
PTC heating element assures a self-regulating low surface temperature
of approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit [232 degrees Celsius].
[0061] The rotation of air impeller 112 causes air to be drawn
into housing 102 through air inlet opening(s) 108. The air flow
passes through blower assembly 110, passes through heating element
116, and exits housing 102 through air outlet opening 104. As the
air flow passed through heating element 116, thermal energy (i.e.
heat) is imparted to the air flow.
[0062] Preferably, protective grill 106 is located proximate air
outlet opening 104. Protective grill 106 is preferably designed
to minimize it's impedance of the air flow as it exits portable
pedestal electric heater 100 while at the same time protecting portable
pedestal electric heater 100 from the internal penetration of foreign
objects. Protective grill 106 may include air directing vanes that
can be used to control the direction of the heated exhaust air stream
as it exits housing 102.
[0063] Protective grill 106 may be, for example as shown in FIG.
2 elongate and aligned with the longitudinal length of housing 102
of pedestal electric heater 100. The purpose of the protective grill
may include ornamental and/or functional characteristics as described
above.
[0064] In one exemplary embodiment, an intermediate coupler 128
may be used to couple housing 102 to support column 130. Such a
coupler 128 may be either fixed or rotatable. Alternatively, housing
102 may be coupled directly to support column 130 such that housing
102 is fixed with respect to support column 130.
[0065] In another exemplary embodiment, housing 102 rotates with
respect 20 to support column 130. Such rotation may be accomplished
either in an oscillatory fashion (over any angular range that may
be desired), a stepwise positioning of housing 102 (either manually
or under automated control), or in a constant rotation, either in
a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. As shown, the mechanism
for rotation may be located within or below housing 102 and coupled
between housing 102 and support riser 130. In yet another embodiment
the rotation mechanism may be located between base 134 and riser
132 of support riser 130.
[0066] FIG. 2 shows rotation/oscillation mechanism 118. Rotation/oscillation
mechanism 118 moves housing 102 of portable pedestal electric heater
100 through rotation and/or oscillation movement. Such movement
allows the heated exhaust air stream to be dispersed over a larger
coverage area. As shown in FIG. 2, rotation/oscillation mechanism
118 includes a motor 124, gear 123, oscillation plate 120, and oscillation
section 122. It is contemplated that other rotating mechanisms,
such as a link and pivot design, may be used to achieve rotation/oscillation
movement.
[0067] As shown, support riser 130 extends from housing 102 and
includes riser 132 and base 134. Support riser 130 may be formed
of metal, polymer or other materials. Riser 132 maybe comprised
of more than one riser member thus allowing for height adjustability
(best described with reference to FIG. 5). The upper portion of
riser 132 is connected to coupler 128 or housing 102 and the lower
portion of riser 132 is connected to base 134.
[0068] Base 134 may be comprised of one or multiple pieces attached
to one another. Base 134 may be made of materials such as metals
or polymers or a combination of various materials. Base 134 sits
on a support surface thus allowing the entire structure of portable
pedestal electric heater 100 to be positioned in a substantially
vertical, upright and elongate position.
[0069] Although the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 illustrates
support riser 130 including base 134 and riser 132 as separate pieces,
the invention is not so limited. It is contemplated that the support
of housing 102 may be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as
forming support riser 130 as a unitary member having a variety of
predetermined shapes. Other non-limiting examples of such shapes
are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The vertical space created by support
riser 130 between a support surface and the heated exhaust air stream
as it exits housing 102 may be used for other functions, such as
for example: mounting controls, humidification, air filtration,
etc.
[0070] Portable pedestal electric heater 100 may also include a
controller, such as control assembly 126 mounted, for example, on
(or in the vicinity of) top 107t of housing 102 for controlling
one or more functions of the device, such as for example, the speed
of blower assembly 110, the rotation or oscillation of the device,
power on/off, heat level, etc. Alternatively, control assembly 126
may be mounted in oscillation section 122, a lower portion of housing
102, on riser 132 or on base 134. Alternatively, control of portable
pedestal electric heater 100 may be accomplished by a remote control
unit (not shown) in conjunction with or as a replacement for control
assembly 126.
[0071] The position of the control assembly 126 on top 107t of
housing 102 on the substantially vertical, upright and elongate
structure of portable pedestal electric heater 100 also benefits
the user in that the height of the controller above a support surface
(floor) allows convenient accessibility for visual inspection and
manually adjustment of the controller.
[0072] Referring again to FIG. 1, the exemplary embodiment illustrates
one method of routing power cord 140 from an electrical connection
(not shown) in portable pedestal electric heater 100 through riser
132 and exiting base 134 at a lower portion of portable pedestal
electric heater 100. The routing of power cord 140 through riser
132 prevents power cord 140 from becoming entangled in other components
of portable pedestal electric heater 100 during oscillation. Alternatively,
power cord 140 may exit through an opening in housing 102.
[0073] FIGS. 3A and 3B show exemplary embodiments of elongate heating
element 116a and 116b. The heat generation method can be, for example,
Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heat generation technology.
As shown in FIG. 3A, elongate heating element 116a is shown having
a predetermined length "L", in a vertical orientation,
a predetermined width "W" and a predetermined depth "D".
The ratio of length "L" to width "W" is preferably
greater than about 2:1. In one embodiment, the preferred predetermined
length "L" of elongate heating element 116a is about 8
inches or greater. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined
length "L" of elongate heating element 116a is about 5
inches or greater. The use of a single elongate heating element
minimizes the number of connections and simplifies the design and
assembly of the heating element 116.
[0074] FIG. 3B shows another exemplary embodiment of elongate heating
element 116b. As shown in FIG. 3B, elongate heating element 116b
may be constructed of one or more segments 302a, 302b, 302c. As
shown, segments 302a, 302b and 302c are preferably arranged substantially
contiguous and aligned end to end. The use of multiple segments
302a, 302b, 302c may require additional connections 304a and 304b
between segments.
[0075] The use of a PTC elongate heating element, for example,
requires that the length "L" to width "W" aspect
ratio be designed to achieve the proper watt density and flow through
characteristics. In general, as length "L" increases,
the watt-density decreases, and cost increases for the same width
heating element. For example, the use of a 1500 watt PTC elongate
heating element limits length "L" of elongate heating
element 116a or 116b, in that the watt density within the heating
element will not heat the surfaces of heating element 116a or 116b
efficiently if length "L" is too long. This inefficient
heating will in turn create inefficient heating of the exhaust air
stream. This design limitation on the length of the elongate heating
element limits the elevation height of a conventional tower heater
above a support surface (e.g., floor).
[0076] The use of a support riser 130 in pedestal electric heater
100 of the present invention is utilized to overcome this heating
element design limitation (as well as other design consideration,
as discussed below). Support riser 130 allows length "L"
of elongate heating element 116a or 116b to be of a length so as
to maintain the desired watt density while at the same time achieving
the desired elevation of the heated exhaust air stream above a support
surface. (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). It is preferred to maintain watt-density
as high as possible because as watt-density increases the temperature
of the heated exhaust air stream also increases (assuming a constant
velocity through the heating element). In addition to improving
the watt-density of the heating element, keeping the length "L"
shorter also reduces the complexity and cost of the heating element
116. The use of support riser 130 to further elevate the heating
element, and thus the heated exhaust air stream allows for the use
of a shorter length "L" that might otherwise be possible
to achieve the desired shortened flow path between the heating element
and an upper portion of the user. This results in more cost efficient
heating.
[0077] FIGS. 4A and 4B show various dimensional relationships of
portable pedestal electric heater 100. As shown, dimension HL is
the length or height of housing 102 and dimension RH is the length
or height of support riser 130, which in this example is the combined
length or height of base 134 and riser 132. Dimension OAL is defined
by the length or height of portable pedestal electric heater 100
as measured from the bottom of support riser 130 to top of housing
102. Dimension CE is defined by the distance from the vertical center
of air outlet opening 104 to a surface of support riser 130 which
contacts a support surface.
[0078] The use of elongate housing 102 of tower electric heater
101 in conjunction with support riser 130 provides flexibility in
the design and selection of different components of the device,
such as the characteristics and type of air blower assembly 110
or heating element 116, and also allows the dimensions of elongate
housing 102 and support riser 130 to be manipulated to obtain the
desired height for optimizing the delivery of the heated exhaust
air stream above a support surface. For example, increasing the
length or height RH of the support riser 130 allows housing 102
to have a smaller length or height HL, thereby simplifying the design
and manufacturing of air blower assembly 110 and heating element
116. This can save both materials and manufacturing complexity which
in turn lowers the cost to the end user.
[0079] In one embodiment rise height RH is greater than about 25%
of dimension CE. In addition, in another embodiment rise height
RH is greater than about 15% of overall length OAL of portable pedestal
electric heater 100. In yet another embodiment, rise height RH is
greater than about 16% of length HL of housing 102. In another embodiment,
length HL of housing 102 is less than about 85% of overall length
OAL
[0080] In one embodiment dimension CE is greater than about 65%
of overall length OAL. In yet another embodiment dimension CE is
greater than about 70% of length HL.
[0081] In one exemplary embodiment dimension CE is preferably about
14 inches or greater. In another exemplary embodiment, rise height
RH is at least about 3.5 inches or greater and may be adjustable
as desired. Further, length HL of housing 102 may preferably be
between about 14 inches and about 50 inches, while the overall length
OAL from the floor to the top of portable pedestal electric heater
100 is preferably about 18 inches or greater, and alternatively
between about 18 inches to about 60 inches.
[0082] The above dimensional relationships of portable pedestal
electric heater 100 allow for elevating the heated exhaust air stream,
thus shortening the heat path and promoting the desired effect on
the user. These proportional relationships also provide that the
length of air impeller 112 will be of a dimension allowing cost
effective manufacturing, while yet providing portable pedestal electric
heater 100 with the desired vertical elongate aspect ratio. The
length of air impeller 112 would also require less power to rotate
than a longer air impeller, thus allowing motor 114 to use less
materials and be more cost effective. These proportional relationships
also provide that heating element 116 will have the desired watt
density to efficiently heat the exhaust air stream while yet providing
the desired vertical elongate aspect ratio and space saving characteristics,
best described with respect to FIG. 5.
[0083] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the portable pedestal
electric heater 100 having an adjustable support column 532. As
shown, adjustable support column 532 includes a plurality of cooperating
columns 537, 538. In the embodiment shown, the cooperating columns
include upper column 537 slideably connected to lower column 538
with adjustable coupler 539 there between. In the lower most position,
upper column 537 fits substantially within lower column 538. Adjustable
coupler 539 allows movement of the columns with respect to one another
to adjust the height of support riser 130 and also allows for fixing
the columns with respect to one another to set the height of support
riser 130. In this example the overall height of portable pedestal
electric heater 100 can be adjusted to allow the user more flexibility
regarding the elevation of the heated exhaust air stream above floor
level. Additional columns and couplers (not shown) may be used as
required.
[0084] FIG. 5 also illustrates that the rotational axis of oscillation
of housing 102 is preferably substantially co-linear with central
axis "A" of portable pedestal electric heater 100. The
vertical aspect ratio of housing 102 allows oscillation envelope
510 to be distributed along central axis "A". Oscillation
envelope 510 is defined as the area of movement of housing 102 about
the rotational axis of oscillation. The axis of rotation of air
impeller 112 of air blower assembly 110 within interior space 103
of housing 102 is preferably oriented vertically and substantially
co-linear with central axis "A" of portable pedestal electric
heater 100. This reduces the effects of gyroscopic precession during
the oscillation of housing 102 and increases the stability of portable
pedestal electric heater 100.
[0085] In one exemplary embodiment oscillation envelope 510 is
substantially equal to a maximum width of a horizontal cross-sectional
area of housing 102. In another exemplary embodiment the maximum
width of a horizontal cross-sectional area of housing 102 is about
12 inches or less. In yet another embodiment the ratio of the length
dimension HL of housing 102 to a maximum width of a horizontal cross-sectional
area of housing 102 is less than about 1.5:1.
[0086] In one exemplary embodiment air impeller 112 has a predetermined
diameter and a predetermined length to allow air impeller 112 to
have an elongated aspect ratio. In one embodiment the predetermined
length to the predetermined diameter aspect ratio of impeller 112
is greater than about 2:1. Maintaining the elongated aspect ratio
of air impeller 112 allows it to fit within elongate housing 102
of pedestal electric heater 100.
[0087] In one embodiment air impeller 112 is a limited volume impeller.
For example, the velocity of the heated exhaust air stream is preferably
fixed to effectively reach the user. The desired temperature of
the heated exhaust air stream is also preferably fixed to deliver
an adequate temperature differential between the ambient air temperature
and the temperature of the heated exhaust air stream. Elongate heating
element 116 may be for example a PTC heating element with a fixed
maximum wattage of 1500W. This fixed wattage requirement along with
the fixed temperature and velocity requirements of the heated exhaust
air stream determines a fixed watt density requirement of elongate
heating element 116. The fixed watt density requirement of elongate
heating element 116 is achieved by the proper ratio of length "L"
to width "W" of elongate heating element 116. Thus the
area of elongate heating element 116 is preferably fixed to have
the desired watt density to sufficiently heat the heated exhaust
air stream to the desired temperature. Air flow through the heating
element may be stated:
Q/A=V
[0088] Where: Q is the volume, (cubic feet per minute) of air flowing
through elongate heating element 116, A is the area of elongate
heating element 116 and V is the desired velocity of the heated
exhaust air stream. The volume of air Q is preferably sufficiently
limited for the desired velocity V to be achieved while not exceeding
the 1500 watt output desired for elongate heating element 116.
[0089] An effective way to limit volume Q of impeller 112 is to
reduce its diameter. The limited diameter of impeller 112 also more
easily fits within elongate housing 102 of pedestal electric heater
100, thus maintaining the desired vertical aspect ratio.
[0090] The vertical aspect ratio of housing 102, allows the oscillating
components of portable pedestal electric heater 100 to be substantially
on center with support riser 530 along central axis "A"
thus increasing the stability of portable pedestal electric heater
100.
[0091] The substantially vertical, upright and elongate structure
of portable pedestal electric heater 100, (which includes the vertical
aspect ratio of housing 102 and preferably includes an elongate
heating element 116) helps to minimizes the vertical distance above
a support surface, (floor) to the center of gravity of portable
pedestal electric heater 100. This structure, along with substantially
centering the oscillating components on support riser 530 along
central axis "A", coupled with the reduced effects of
gyroscopic precession during oscillation, increase the stability
of portable pedestal electric heater 100. This increased stability
allows dimension BB of base 134 to be minimized. The minimized dimension
BB of base 134 allows portable pedestal electric heater 100 to have
further space saving characteristics and, to be easily transported
from place to place within a living space or between various living
spaces as desired. The minimized dimension BB of base 134 also allows
an economization of the size of a shipping package for portable
pedestal electric heater 100. The economization of the size of a
shipping package allows more units to be shipped in a container,
(i.e. truck) and thereby reduces the overall cost per unit of transportation,
(see FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C).
[0092] Dimension BB of base 134 is equal to the maximum width of
a horizontal cross-sectional area of base 134. In another exemplary
embodiment dimension BB of base 134 is about 18 inches or less for
a portable pedestal electric heater 100 having housing 102 with
a maximum width of a horizontal cross-sectional area of about 12
inches or less. In yet another exemplary embodiment the maximum
width of a horizontal cross-sectional area of housing 102 is less
than about 70% of dimension BB.
[0093] FIG. 6 shows another exemplary embodiment of the portable
pedestal electric heater. FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross sectional
side view through portable pedestal electric heater 600. Portable
pedestal electric heater 600 is comprised of housing 102 defining
interior space 603. Within interior space 603 is disposed heating
element 116 and blower assembly 610. Blower assembly 610, in this
example, includes motor 614, air impeller 612 and blower housing
613. In this example, air impeller 612 is a centrifugal blower type
impeller.
[0094] Air 644 is drawn into blower assembly 610 through at least
one inlet opening 108 in housing 102. Exhaust air 645 is discharged
from blower assembly 610 into interior space 603 of housing 102.
Exhaust air 645 then passes through elongate heating element 116
and is discharged from portable pedestal electric heater 600 as
heated exhaust air stream 640. Heating element 116 is located proximate
air exit opening 104. Also located proximate air exit opening 104
is protective grill 106.
[0095] The location of blower assembly 610 in the lower portion
of housing 102 lowers the center of gravity of portable pedestal
electric heater 600 in that the weight of motor 614, impeller 612
and blower housing 613 are low with respect to the bottom of support
riser 130. This increases the stability of portable pedestal electric
heater 600 and allows for the desired vertical elongate aspect ratio,
increased height of the heated exhaust air stream, and space saving
characteristics.
[0096] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the advantages of the pedestal
electric heater of the present invention when compared to a standard
portable electric heater design. FIG. 7A shows an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention and FIG. 7B illustrates standard portable
electric heater 700. As shown in FIG. 7B, heated exhaust air stream
742 exits standard portable electric heater 700 at a low elevation.
This low elevation increases the distance that the heat must traverse
to reach an upper portion of user 701.
[0097] In contrast, FIG. 7A illustrates the improved performance
characteristics of portable pedestal electric heater 100 in accordance
with the present invention. Heated exhaust air steam 740 exits portable
pedestal electric heater 100 at an elevation that shortens the distance
that must be traversed by heated exhaust air stream 740 in order
to effect an upper potion of user 701. The upper portion of user
701 is normally more exposed and therefore will experience the effects
of heated exhaust air stream 740 more readily, contributing to the
more immediate relief of user 701.
[0098] The substantially vertical, upright and elongate structure
of portable pedestal electric heater 100 also benefits user 701
in that the shape of heated exhaust air stream 740 may be elongate
and vertical as it exits housing 102. An elongate and vertical shape
of heated exhaust air stream 740 generally conforms to the human
body.
[0099] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D illustrate another advantage realized
with respect to packaging and shipment of the exemplary design of
the portable pedestal electric heater 100 of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, portable pedestal electric heater 100
is packaged in a non-operating configuration, wherein housing 102
is separated from riser 132 and base 134. In this example base 134
is designed to be separate from riser 132 and further disassemble
into one or more portions, such as portions 134a and 134b. Shipping
box 802 is therefore able to economize the space necessary to transport
portable pedestal electric heater 100, thus using less packaging
materials and lowering the cost of the packaging.
[0100] As shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, because of the economized space
for shipping box 802, packaging of the portable pedestal electric
heater 100 of the present invention on pallet 804 and in container
806 is also economized. Furthermore, the number of units capable
of transportation in shipping container 806 as shown in FIG. 8D
is maximized. These shipping advantages yield a lower cost of transportation
and a cost advantage for the manufacturer and the consumer.
[0101] FIG. 9A shows yet another exemplary embodiment of portable
pedestal electric heater 900 with support riser 930. Support riser
930 can be a unitary part or constructed of more than one piece
assembled together. Support riser 930 achieves the designed dimension
CE as defined by the distance from the vertical center of outlet
opening 104 to the bottom of support riser 930 and the stability
that support riser 130, (comprised of riser 132 and base 134) achieved
in previously described embodiments. FIGS. 9B and 9C illustrate
the packaging of portable pedestal electric heater 900 in a non-operating
configuration, wherein housing 102 is separated from support riser
930. In this example housing 102 has the ability to fit within support
riser 930. Shipping box 902 is therefore able to economize the space
necessary to transport portable pedestal electric heater 900, thus
using less packaging materials and lowering the cost of the packaging.
[0102] FIG. 10A shows yet another exemplary embodiment of portable
pedestal electric heater 1000 with support riser 1030. Support riser
1030 in this example is comprised of support column 1032 and base
1034. Support column 1032 may be a unitary part of housing 102 or
a separate part assembled to housing 102. Support riser 1030 achieves
the designed dimension CE as defined by the distance from the vertical
center of outlet opening 104 to the bottom of support riser 1030
and the stability that support riser 130, (comprised of riser 132
and base 134) achieved in previously described embodiments. FIGS.
10B and 10C illustrate the packaging of portable pedestal electric
heater 1000 in a non-operating configuration, wherein base 1034
is separated from support column 1032. In this example housing 102
and support column 1032 are shipped to a customer as a unitary part
or assembled together. Although shipping box 1002 does not economize
space as well as previous examples, it does require less assembly
for the end user.
[0103] Although the invention has been described with reference
to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the
appended claims should be construed to include other variants and
embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled
in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the
present invention.
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