ITFI20120097A1 - "HEATING TABLE" - Google Patents

Description

â € œHEATING TABLEâ €

DESCRIPTION

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing heating devices, preferably but not exclusively for outdoor use. More particularly, the subject of the present invention is a small table capable of heating the surrounding area which can be used by the users of the small table.

State of the art

As is known, for some years now, heating devices have been known and used which, in winter, placed outside public places, allow their customers to be able to stay there without suffering excessively from the cold.

These devices have an electric or flame type heat source produced by a gas cylinder.

The gas cylinder devices generally provide a housing for the cylinder, a central tubular upright in which a pipe is arranged that carries the gas from the cylinder to a burner placed at a higher altitude than the maximum height of the users, for example 2.5 meters. In particular, the burner is placed under a â € œmushroomâ € canopy which conveys the air downwards, that is towards the faces of the users, that is, it prevents it from rising immediately upwards.

These devices have various drawbacks, both functional and structural, and related to safety.

The electrical devices, real â € œhalogen ovensâ €, are particularly expensive in terms of consumption and also require annoying electrical wiring that can limit the optimal positioning, effectively obliging to use these devices raised from the ground, at height and in position where the wiring does not disturb the patrons.

The gas devices of the "mushroom" type are particularly bulky and are also considered to be mostly very dangerous due to the fact that they operate with pressurized fuels without particular safety conditions.

Furthermore, both gas devices and electric devices allow in practice to heat only the upper part of the users' body, that is, the one closest to the heat source.

Purpose and summary of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a heating device, preferably for outdoor use, which allows the lower part of the users' body to be heated in an optimal manner, in complete safety.

Another important object of the invention is that of realizing a heating device, preferably for outdoors, which is structurally simple.

A further important object of the invention is that of realizing a heating device, preferably for outdoors, which is easy and economical to use.

These and other purposes are achieved with a heating table which includes an upper shelf, a ground support structure for the shelf and an autonomous source of activatable heat arranged below the shelf, in which said activatable heat source is of the flame type. and comprises a combustion structure equipped with a fuel tank, both arranged below said shelf.

An activatable heat source is a heat source that must be activated by something to give off heat. For example, a flammable fuel tank is a heat source that can be activated because if the fuel is activated, or ignited, for example by a flame, this in turn produces a flame that produces heat. The term â € œautonomousâ € means a heat source that does not require external connections for its operation. For example, a halogen oven, or an electric resistance oven, which if turned on produces heat, and is therefore a source of heat, is not an autonomous source as it requires wiring to an electrical network for its operation.

In some embodiments, the ground support structure and combustion structure can comprise elements in common, in practice being integrated.

According to some preferred embodiments, the table according to the invention comprises means for reversible fixing of the tank to the combustion structure.

According to some preferred embodiments, such a tank is, or comprises, a fuel cartridge. Preferably, the cartridge can be inserted into the tank structure. Preferably, the fuel cartridge is of the disposable type. In other embodiments, the cartridge may be of the refillable type once it has run out. (According to some preferred embodiments, the combustion structure comprises a support base to which said tank is reversibly fixed; the latter, when coupled to the base, is normally open upwards to leave the flame when the fuel is ignited.

Conveniently, the tank can be associated with reversible closing means of the upper opening to extinguish the flame. The tank is preferably hung on the support base.

According to some preferred embodiments, the means for reversible fixing of the tank to the combustion structure comprise a bayonet coupling system.

Preferably, the tank defines a housing container for said fuel cartridge, open upwards to let out the combustion flame.

According to some embodiments, said housing container for the cartridge is fixed to the combustion structure. According to other embodiments, this cartridge housing container is fixed to said combustion structure by means of the aforementioned reversible fixing means.

Conveniently, in said housing container there may be at least one air inlet towards the outside, preferably defined in the lower part of said housing container, in fluid communication with the opening for the flame to escape from the housing .

Advantageously, according to some embodiments, key safety means are present which are suitable for preventing the separation of the tank from the combustion structure or in any case access to the fuel by unauthorized persons. Preferably, in the case of container housing the cartridge, this is associated for example with a lock or a slot for padlock acting for example between container and structure, designed to prevent the separation or opening of said container by of unauthorized persons. According to particularly preferred embodiments, the fuel is a flammable gel, preferably of, or based on, ethanol, bio-ethanol, methanol or other substances, preferably containing sugar or derivatives. Preferably the fuel contains a repellent component against mosquitoes or other insects, for example lemongrass.

In some embodiments, the combustion structure comprises an internal jacket surrounding the flame zone, which extends towards the lower part of said shelf. Advantageously, this combustion structure comprises a further jacket (which can be made of one or more pieces) externally surrounding the internal jacket, which extends towards the lower part of said shelf; between said inner jacket and outer jacket a chamber is defined which has at least one opening towards the external environment for the escape of hot air. For example, the outer jacket can be made in tubular form in a single piece, or in several pieces, for example annular, arranged one above the other, or with a circular crown sector section placed side by side, to realize a tubular body (for example they can be fixed or inserted between the legs of the table, for example inserted in special guides or vertical channels associated with the legs).

Preferably, the external jacket and / or the internal jacket have an upper end edge at least partially spaced from said shelf to define an opening towards the external environment for said chamber.

Preferably, the inner jacket has holes passing through its thickness

Preferably, the external jacket has holes passing through its thickness, communicating with the external environment. In other embodiments, the inner liner may not have holes.

According to preferred embodiments, the inner jacket and / or the outer jacket are made of substantially transparent or translucent material, ie capable of being crossed by sight.

Preferably, the ground support structure comprises at least two uprights fixed transversely to at least one common annular spacer to which the support base for the tank is fixed and to which said inner jacket is fixed; said inner jacket is arranged inside the annular zone defined by said spacer.

Advantageously, according to some embodiments, a transversal bulkhead is arranged inside (or even above) the inner jacket which closes (or covers) above, with or without gas tightness, this jacket in order to control the ™ height of the flame and uniform heat distribution. Preferably, this bulkhead is fixed to an aforementioned annular spacer (or, for example, directly fixed to the leg, for example by means of screws). The bulkhead can also be a body that acts as a support or guide for the inner liner.

According to some embodiments, there may be a thermal insulation disk superimposed on the plan area occupied by the shirts and in contact with the lower part of the shelf, in order to avoid excessive heating of the latter.

Conveniently, according to some embodiments, there is a chimney capable of conveying at least part of the hot air from the inside of the jacket to an area above said shelf. Preferably, this chimney comprises a pipe passing through said shelf, equipped with a first open mouth on said jacket and one or more second openings formed on the lateral periphery of the pipe. Preferably, this chimney constitutes at one end the fixing for an umbrella or other accessories, such as for example an ashtray. Preferably, this chimney is fixed in a passing way, for a lower portion thereof, to a bulkhead for containing the flame. placed in said shirt (or on top of said shirt).

According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a system and / or a method for heating a small table according to one or more of the embodiments or combinations thereof presented above; such system and / or method comprises the arrangement of a fuel cartridge within a housing container and the reversible attachment of said container to said combustion structure; the ignition of said fuel can take place before said reversible fixing phase or after reversible fixing to said structure.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the description of one of its preferred but not exclusive embodiments, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached drawings, in which

figure 1 represents a 3⁄4 axonometric view from the top of a table according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a 3⁄4 axonometric view from below of the table of Figure 1;

figure 3 represents an axial front sectional view of the table of the preceding figures;

figure 4 is an enlargement of a detail of figure 3; figure 5 is an exploded axonometric view of the container for housing the fuel cartridge of the table of the preceding figures;

figure 6 represents a portion of the container with cartridge sectioned along the line VI-VI of figure 5;

figure 7 is a view along the plane VII-VII of figure, of the fuel cartridge;

figure 8 represents an axial front sectional view of a portion of the table according to the invention, variant with respect to the table of the previous figures;

figure 9 represents an axial front sectional view of a further small table according to the invention, variant with respect to the small tables of the previous figures;

figure 10 is an enlargement of a detail of figure 9; Figure 11 represents an alternative embodiment of the way of fixing the legs-inner liner-bulkhead assembly.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

With reference to the aforementioned figures, a heating table according to the present invention is generally indicated with the number 10 and comprises an upper shelf 11, in this example of circular shape, and a ground support structure 12 for the shelf 11.

Said support structure 12 comprises, in this example, four uprights 13, suitably shaped, which have portions of upper ends 13A folded or horizontally shaped to define the support (with fixing) of the shelf 11, portions of lower ends 13B folded or shaped to define feet resting on the ground, and rectilinear central portions 13C preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis X of the table. A strut or further stiffening upright 13D is preferably arranged between the upper and lower end portions 13A and 13B of a respective upright.

The uprights 13 are fixed to common annular spacers 14, in this example three in number and circular in shape, in practice toroidal bodies. In other embodiments, these spacers can be fewer or greater in number and have a different shape.

These spacers 14 surround the central axis X of the table, being preferably coaxial. In this example these spacers 14 are fixed by means of threaded elements 14A to the straight central parts 13C of the uprights 13.

According to the invention, the small table 10 is equipped with an autonomous source of heat which can be activated arranged below the shelf 11, of the flame type, which comprises a combustion structure 15 equipped with a fuel tank 16. Both the combustion structure 15 and the tank 16 are arranged below the shelf 11.

Preferably, there are reversible fixing means of the tank 16 to the combustion structure 15 (or possibly to another structure), better described hereinafter, which allow in practice to be able to detach and reattach the tank 16 in order to be able to refill it with fuel once this It is out of stock.

According to a preferred embodiment, the tank 16 provides a fuel cartridge 16A which must be changed every time the fuel runs out. Conveniently, according to a preferred example, this cartridge 16A is of the disposable type. In other embodiments, this cartridge can be refilled with fuel and reused.

Preferably, the fuel is ethanol or based on ethanol (or even bio-ethanol, methanol or other fuels), and may contain a repellent component against mosquitoes or other insects, for example lemongrass. Advantageously, the fuel is preferably in gel; this drastically reduces the risk of fuel leaking from the cartridge in the event of accidental impacts of the table. In other embodiments, the fuel may be liquid. In this case, there may be means for preventing the liquid from escaping, or at least for slowing the flow of the liquid, associated with the tank in case of accidental overturning of the table.

In other embodiments, in the case of liquid fuel, a liquid absorbing material may be present, such as for example fibrous material such as synthetic wool, a sponge or other. In some embodiments, in the case of liquid fuel, a burner device can be associated with the tank. Other embodiments deemed less advantageous may precede fuel cartridges in the form of small disposable gas cylinders (in this case a burner is required) or even cartridges based on solid or semi-solid fuel.

In the example described, the tank 16 defines a housing container 16B for the fuel cartridge 16A, open upwards to let out the combustion flame. The container assembly 16B - cartridge 16A is reversibly fixed to the combustion structure, as better explained below. In other embodiments, the tank 16 can be formed by the cartridge alone, reversibly fixed to the combustion structure (or to other structure), without the need for a housing container. In other embodiments, the housing container can be fixed to the combustion structure, and the cartridge can be inserted or reversibly attachable thereto.

Key safety means may be present to prevent the separation of the tank from the combustion structure or in any case access to the fuel by unauthorized persons, not indicated in the figures. For example, in the case of the cartridge housing container, this can be associated, for example, with a lock or a padlock slot acting for example between container and structure, designed to prevent the container from being separated by rotation (or other movement). , or also the opening of a container door in the case of a container fixed to the structure and insertion of the cartridge into the container through a door.

The combustion structure 15 comprises, for example, a support base 17, to which the tank 16 is reversibly fixed, for example hanging from said support base.

In this example, the support base 17 is a plate fixed to an intermediate spacer 14, for example by means of screws. This plate 17 has a central through hole 17A. The tank 16 is hung from this plate, by means of the reversible fixing means. In this example, it is the container 16B for housing the cartridge 16A that is hung from the plate.

The reversible fixing means of the tank to the structure 15 preferably provide a bayonet coupling system 18, i.e. a coupling system between two bodies which provides for the insertion of a part of a first body into a respective cavity or groove of the second body and the rotation or translation of said first body to bring the respective body part into an area defined in the second body in an undercut with respect to the direction of insertion or separation of the two bodies.

In the example described, the container 16B for housing the cartridge 16A is in practice a cup-shaped body into which the cartridge 16A is inserted (see in particular Figures 5, 6 and 7). In this case, the bayonet system provides, for the tank 16, some tongues 18A protruding from the upper edge of the housing container 16B and an abutment flange 18B arranged under these tongues, and for the plate 17, some recesses (not shown in the figures) complementary to the tabs 18A, obtained on the edge of the through hole 17A, so that during the coupling, the tabs 18A are made to pass through these recesses until the flange 18B abuts against the plate 17, followed by a subsequent rotation of the container bringing the tabs to rest on the plate, allowing in fact the hanging of the container 18B.

Going into more detail of the tank of this embodiment, it therefore comprises the housing container 16B in the form of a cup-shaped body provided with an upward opening 19A, and the fuel cartridge 16A housed in the container 16A. In this example, the shape of the cup body is substantially cylindrical; it goes without saying that in other embodiments, other forms are possible. Also the cartridge is, in this example, a cup-shaped body, and contains the fuel C. This cartridge is open upwards, in correspondence with the opening 19A of the container, to allow the flame to escape from the cartridge and then from the tank. The space occupied by the flame and the space immediately above the flame space is also defined as the flame zone and is indicated by the letter F. This flame zone F is in practice, in this example, the zone above the 19A opening of the tank.

In the housing container 16B there is an air intake 19B towards the outside, such as for example a hole preferably defined on the bottom of the container. This air intake 19B is in fluid communication with the opening 19A where the flame comes out of the container, thus allowing fresh air to be brought to the flame area. Fluid communication is for example achieved by means of a gap 19C defined between the cartridge 16A and the internal walls of the housing container 16B. In practice, the cartridge is smaller in width than the internal width of the container 16B and is raised from the bottom of this. Advantageously, at the base of the cartridge 16A there are elevations 16Aâ € ™ which allow the cartridge to be kept raised from the bottom of the container 16B. Conveniently there are preferably also some bosses 16Bâ € ™ for abutment with the cartridge which protrude from the internal walls of the container 16B to hold the cartridge in position without it being able to move. The risers and the lateral bosses guarantee the formation of the cavity and therefore the circulation of the air. Air circulation is mainly necessary for combustion and secondarily it is useful for keeping the temperature of the fuel cartridge casing low.

In other embodiments, one or more air intakes may be present through the plate 17 or in any case in correspondence with the flame zone.

Reversible closing means of the upper opening 19A are associated with the tank 16B, which allow the flame to be extinguished. For example, these means provide for a guillotine door 20A arranged to slide in a slot 20B, parallel to the plane of the opening itself, obtained on the wall of the container 16B, at a higher height than the upper end of the cartridge 16A. In practice, the hatch 20A slides into the slot 20B to close the opening 19A, thus suffocating the flame.

The combustion structure 12 of the table preferably also comprises an internal jacket 21 which surrounds the flame zone F, which extends towards the lower part of the shelf 11. In this example, the internal jacket 21 is for example a tubular body, preferably of cylindrical shape which develops from the proximity of the plate 17, in a substantially vertical way, towards the shelf 11. In this embodiment, this internal jacket is advantageously fixed to the same screws 14A of the spacer 14 to which the plate 17 is fixed.

Conveniently, in this example, the inner jacket 21 has holes 21A passing through its own thickness. In other embodiments such holes may not be present. Preferably, the combustion structure 12 also comprises a further jacket 22 which externally surrounds the internal jacket 21, in practice also formed by a tubular body, preferably cylindrical in shape, thus defining a chamber between the two jackets. ring 23 which preferably has openings 23A and 23B towards the external environment for the escape of hot air. The outer jacket has, for example, an upper end edge spaced from the shelf 11, thus defining an annular opening 23A towards the external environment of the chamber 23. The outer jacket 22 preferably also has small holes 23B passing through its thickness which define openings towards the external environment.

The outer jacket 22 is preferably fixed between two annular spacers 14 and the straight portions 13C of the uprights 13.

The outer jacket can be made in tubular form in a single piece (as in the attached drawings), or in several pieces, for example annular, arranged one above the other, or with a circular crown sector section placed one next to the other. ™ other, to make a tubular body (for example they can be hoisted or inserted between the legs of the table, for example inserted in special guides or vertical channels associated with the legs).

Preferably, the upper end edge of the inner coat 21 is at a lower level than the upper edge of the outer jacket 22, ie the inner jacket is further away from the shelf 11 than the outer jacket.

Conveniently, both the external jacket and the internal jacket are preferably made of materials that allow you to see inside, for example transparent or translucent materials, such as glass, polycarbonate, plexiglass and the like, or even with mesh or grid structures. Obviously, in other embodiments, the outer jacket or the inner jacket or both can be opaque.

One of the functions of the inner jacket 21 is to convey the heat of the flame upwards and to create an effect of both thermal radiation and convection, while one of the functions of the outer jacket is to prevent users from touching the inner jacket, which results at high temperature.

Figure 8 shows a variant of the table described above. The substantial difference with this is the addition of a transversal bulkhead 24 which closes or covers at the top, with or without gas tightness, the internal jacket 21 in order to control the height of the flame and uniform the heat distribution. . Preferably, this bulkhead 24 covers the jacket, since it has for example holes passing through the thickness and / or of the lateral space between the bulkhead and the jacket, not shown in the figures, for the passage of fumes and heat upwards.

In this example this bulkhead is fixed to the ring spacer 14 at the top. In other embodiments, the bulkhead can be fixed directly on the legs, for example above the inner jacket, by means of pins, screws or similar connections. Figure 11 shows a system for connecting the bulkhead 24 directly to the legs 13, with the inner jacket locked in special insertion appendages 24â € ™ protruding downwards from the bulkhead (in this figure the outer jacket is not shown). According to some embodiments, there may be a thermal insulation disk 25 (indicated in figure 8) superimposed on the plan area occupied by the shirts and in contact with the lower part of the shelf 11, in order to avoid excessive heating of this. ™ last.

Figures 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of a small table, in which there is a chimney 25 able to convey at least part of the hot air from the inside of the internal jacket 21 towards an area above the shelf 11.

More specifically, the chimney 25 comprises a pipe or tube 26 arranged passing through a hole present on the shelf 11. This pipe 26 is equipped with a first lower mouth 26A open on the internal jacket 21 and a plurality of second mouths 26B made on the periphery side of the pipe, preferably at an axial height higher than the shelf level (in other embodiments there may be holes in the tube even at a lower level than the shelf).

Preferably, this chimney 25 forms, at the upper end, the fixing for an umbrella 27 (or other accessories, such as for example an ashtray). In practice, the pole 27A of the umbrella is suitably fixed to the upper end 26C of the pipe 26. In this example, the chimney 25 is fixed to the bulkhead 24, in correspondence with a through hole 24A of this, preferably fixed to the upper annular spacer 14. In other embodiments the chimney can be fixed directly on the legs by means of screws, pins or similar connections and can also be present without bulkhead or annular spacer. The examples now described refer to a â € œlowâ € table, that is the type to be used with traditional chairs. However, the invention also applies to â € œtallâ € type tables, that is, usable while standing or sitting on high stools.

The invention also relates to a method or system for heating a small table as described above, which provides for the arrangement of a fuel cartridge 16A within a housing container 16B and the reversible fixing of the container 16B to the combustion structure 12; according to the method, the ignition of the fuel can take place before the reversible fixing of the container 16B to the structure 12 or after such fixing. Ignition can take place, for example, by bringing a flame directly into contact with the fuel. In the case of ignition after fixing the container 16B to the structure 12, the ignition can take place for example by inserting a body with a flame in a suitable passage defined on the container 16B or on the structure 12, not shown in the figures.

It is evident that the invention thus presented achieves the purposes presented above, since it allows heating in a simple, safe and inexpensive way.

It is understood that what has been illustrated represents only possible non-limiting embodiments of the invention, which may vary in forms and arrangements without departing from the scope of the concept underlying the invention. The possible presence of reference numbers in the attached claims has the sole purpose of facilitating the reading in the light of the above description and the attached drawings and does not in any way limit the scope of protection.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS 1) Heating table comprising an upper shelf (11), a ground support structure (12) for said shelf and an autonomous source of activatable heat arranged below said shelf (11), in which said activable heat source is of the flame type and comprises a combustion structure (15) equipped with a fuel tank (16), both arranged below said shelf (11). 2) Small table according to claim 1, comprising means for reversible fixing of said tank (16) to said combustion structure (15). 3) Small table according to claim 2, wherein said tank (16) is, or comprises, a fuel cartridge (16A). 4) Stage according to claim 3, wherein said fuel cartridge (16A) is of the disposable type. 5) Small table according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said combustion structure (15) comprises a support base (17) to which said tank (16) is reversibly fixed, said tank when coupled to said support base (17 ) being normally open upwards with an upper opening (19A) to leave the flame free when the fuel is ignited; preferably said tank (16) hanging from said support base. 6) Small table according to claim 5, wherein means (20A) for reversible closure of the upper opening (19A) for extinguishing the flame are associated with said tank (16). 7) Small table according to one or more of claims 2 to 6, wherein said tank defines a housing container (16B) for said fuel cartridge (16A), open upwards to let out the combustion flame. 8) Small table according to claim 7, wherein in said housing (16B) there is at least one air intake (19B) towards the outside, preferably defined in the lower part of said housing (16B), in fluid communication with the opening (19A) for the escape of the flame from said housing 9) Small table according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which said fuel (C) is a flammable gel, preferably of or based on one of the following, ethanol, bio ethanol, methanol; preferably said fuel comprising a repellent substance for mosquitoes or other insects. 10) Small table according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which said combustion structure (15) comprises an internal jacket (21), made in one or more parts, surrounding the flame zone (F), which develops towards the lower of said shelf (11); preferably said inner jacket having holes passing through its own thickness. 11) Small table according to claim 10, comprising a further jacket (22), made in one or more parts, externally surrounding said internal jacket (21), which extends towards the lower part of said shelf, between said internal jacket and external jacket a chamber (23) being defined having at least one opening (23A) towards the external environment for the escape of hot air; preferably said external jacket having an upper end edge at least partially spaced from said shelf to define an opening towards the external environment for said chamber (23); preferably said inner jacket having an upper end edge at least partially spaced from said shelf (11) to define an opening towards said chamber (23); preferably said further external jacket (22) having holes passing through its thickness, communicating with the external environment. 12) Small table according to claim 10 or 11, in which said inner jacket is made of substantially transparent or translucent material, or capable of being crossed by the view. 13) Small table according to claim 11 or 12, in which said outer jacket is made of substantially transparent or translucent material, or able to be crossed by the view. 14) Small table according to claim 11, 12 or 13, in which inside or above said inner jacket (21) there is a transversal bulkhead (24) which covers or closes at the top, with or without gas tightness , said internal jacket (21) with the purpose of controlling the height of the flame and uniform distribution of heat; preferably, said bulkhead being fixed to said annular spacer; preferably on said bulkhead and / or between said bulkhead and said inner jacket there is space for the passage of fumes upwards. 15) Small table according to at least claims 5 and 10, wherein said ground support structure comprises at least two uprights fixed transversely to at least one common annular spacer to which said support base for said tank is fixed and to which said jacket is connected internal; said inner jacket being arranged inside the annular zone defined by said spacer; preferably said outer jacket being fixed between said annular spacer and said at least two uprights. 16) Small table according to one or more of claims 11 to 15, comprising a chimney (25) able to convey at least part of the hot air from the inside of the internal jacket (21) towards an area preferably above said shelf (11 ); preferably such chimney comprising a pipe (26) passing through said shelf, equipped with a first mouth (26A) open on said inner jacket (21) and one or more second openings (26B) made on the lateral periphery of said pipe (26); preferably said chimney forming at one end, the attachment for an umbrella (27) or an ashtray. 17) System for heating a small table according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising the arrangement of a fuel cartridge within a housing container and the reversible fixing of said container to said combustion structure; the ignition of said fuel taking place before said reversible fixing step or after reversible fixing to said structure.