GB2477926A

GB2477926A - A heating booth for deployment over a piece of furniture

Info

Publication number: GB2477926A
Application number: GB201002682A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gary Ronald Wicks
Original assignee: COMPANION DESIGN Ltd
Current assignee: COMPANION DESIGN Ltd
Priority date: 2010-02-17
Filing date: 2010-02-17
Publication date: 2011-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-17
Also published as: GB2477926B; GB201002682D0

Abstract

A heating booth 1 sized and shaped to at least partially enclose a piece of furniture 2, such as a chair, and a user whilst positioned on the furniture 2 comprising a plurality of upright support members 4 which support a roof 3 and a heater 10 wherein the upright support members 4 and roof 3 define an open front side. There may also be an open bottom between the upright support members 4. When positioned for use the roof 3 may have a greater horizontal depth from its front to its back than the upright support member 4 and the upright support member 4 may have a middle portion 7 with a horizontal depth less than both the roof 3 and a lower portion 6 of the upright support. A web between the roof and supports, releasable fasteners to attach it to furniture items, wheels, a coaster and skids may also be provided. Infra red light and reflective interior surfaces may also be used.

Description

A HEATING BOOTH

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a heating booth, in particular to a heating booth shaped and sized to enclose a furniture item.

Problem to be Solved The closest prior art known to the Applicant are conventional indoor heating systems. This is typically in the form of at least one radiator circuit, routed about the rooms of a residential dwelling and is heated by an electric or gas boiler. Alternatively, another conventional heating system may also be in the form of one or more storage heaters, located in static positions within the rooms of a residential dwelling and connected to an electrical mains supply.

The disadvantage of these indoor heating systems is that they are unable to provide heat a small, localised living space Located about an item of furniture within a room of a residential dwelling, for the purpose of heating a person utilising a furniture item such as a chair or bed etc. The conventional heating system would only be able to localise the heat around the radiator, or fixed storage heater in one area of the room. This area may be located away from the person and furniture item. Therefore, if the person wants to keep warm, they would have to move themselves and the furniture item in to the immediate vicinity of the radiator or fixed storage heater. Or, alternatively, the person may increase the temperature setting within the room, which results in heating all the air space within the room and not just localised heating space about the user and the utilised furniture item. This is an inefficient method of heating the person which heats the unused space within the room. This significantly increases the costs for heating the person and significantly decreases the efficiency of heating the person.

The present invention seeks to provide a remedy/solution to these problems.

Summary of the Invention

In a broad independent aspect the invention provides a heating booth sized and shaped to at least partially enclose a furniture item such as a chair comprising a plurality of upright supporting members extending adjacent to or from the furniture item; and a roof supported by said upright members; wherein the booth has an open front side; the upright supporting members and the roof forming a space which is primarily for at least partially enclosing said furniture item and its user whilst sitting and/or laying on said item of furniture; and a heating source for heating said space.

The advantage of this configuration is that the heating booth provides a low cost heating solution for heating a personal space about a user, whilst they are utilising an item of furniture, such as a chair, sofa or bed etc. The heating booth creates the heated personal space, which is in close proximity about the user and the utilised furniture item that is separate to the room, in which the booth is located. The heating source heats the created personal space within the booth, in which the user and item of furniture are located. The close proximity of the heating booth functions in combination with the heat source, to provide a synergistic effect of heating the user whilst they are in the booth, and not subsequently heating the unused room space about the booth.

Furthermore, the open front of the booth enables the user to carry out normal activities whilst incorporated within the booth, such as watching TV, conversing with other people and use of a telephone etc. These activities will be inhibited if the front of the booth incorporated a closing member.

Preferably, the booth incorporates an open bottom between the upright supporting members. This provides a means in which the booth can be located about the furniture item, without lifting the furniture into the booth.

Preferably, the upright members are side members which extend in depth less than the roof. This provides the means of supporting the roof in which a portion of the roof overhangs the front of the booth, that provides a support for holding the heating source so that the emitted heat is focused into the front of the booth, onto the user.

Preferably, an upright member varies in depth from a relatively high depth value towards the lower portion of the booth via a relatively low depth value at a middle portion of the booth and a relatively high depth value at the upper portion of the booth. This provides a means of stability for the booth to prevent it toppling and enables the peripheral vision of the user, whilst the user is inside the booth.

Preferably, a web is provided between said roof and at least one of said upright supporting members. The web provides a substantial supporting portion, which bears the weight of the upper supporting members and any attached heating means located in or about the upper area of the booth.

Preferably, the booth incorporates releasable fasteners to releasably attach the upright supporting members to said furniture item. This allows the booth to be detached from the furniture item, when not in use, therefore freeing up the room space about the furniture item.

Preferably, said booth incorporates a coaster and/or wheels and/or skids. This allows the booth to be physically moved, to and about one item of furniture, without the requirement of lifting the booth Preferably, said heating source only consists of a light source. This provides an energy efficient heating means, which draws less electrical power than conventional electrical heating means and is able to provide heat that is more efficient to generate than gas or electricity.

Preferably, said heating source is an infra red light source. This provides an efficient heating source that converts nearly all the electrical energy into heat, which is contained within a filament. The heat is then safely transmitted to the user by transmitting the heat by infrared radiation, which is focussed directly, or via a reflector, on the user.

Preferably, interior surfaces of said booth are reflective. The emitted heat is reflected off the interior surfaces of the booth, onto the user, incorporated within the booth along with the furniture item. The reflective surfaces substantially reduce the absorption of the emitted heat, by the interior surfaces.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of the preferred embodiment of the invention, located about an armchair.

Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of the preferred embodiment of the invention, located about an armchair.

Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, which incorporates a cooling fan.

Figure 4 shows in a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the heating lamp is shown to be located within an aperture in the roof.

Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the booth is attached to the chassis of a chair.

Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, whereby the booth is located about the head end of a bed.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a heating booth which is generally indicated by 1. The booth 1 provides a heated personal space about a furniture item, such as a chair 2. The booth 1 is constructed from supporting panels which support a roof member 3. The supporting panels incorporate at least two side panels 4 and 5, (only 4 is shown). The side panels 4 vary in depth from a relatively large depth towards the lower portion 6 of the booth via a relatively smaller depth value at the middle portion 7 of the booth and a relatively large depth value towards the upper portion 8 of the booth 1. The lower portion 6 of the side panels 4 is at approximately the same height as the arm support 9 of the chair 2. The booth 1 incorporates a heating source 10, which is located at one end of the overhang portion 11 of the ceiling 3 that extends outwards from the front of the booth 1. The heating source 10 is preferably a heating lamp, which emits infrared radiation in a direction indicated by arrow 12, towards the booth's user, who will be utilising the chair 2 by sitting on it. The infrared radiation from the heating lamp will be incorporated within the electromagnetic spectrum range of 1000nM to 1mm. The heating source may be disposed within / or about the upper portion and / or the side panels of the booth 1 in relation to the chair 2.

In use, the heating booth 1 will be located about a chair 2 and in close proximity to the chair 2 to provide an efficient heating space, which incorporates no dead space around the chair 2. This increases the heating efficiency of the booth 1 as well as the power taken to drive the heating source 10, which focuses the radiated heat through the front of the booth 1 into the enclosed personal space. The radiation is focussed onto the user, and not on any dead space incorporated within the booth 1. If the booth 1 was not in close proximity, the radiated heat would not be contained on to and about the user within the booth 1. The heating source provides a low cost means of heating the personal space about the chair 2; most of the electrical energy is transformed into heat and is emitted via infrared radiation towards the user. The heat is contained within the enclosed space pocketed within the booth 1, in which the user resides.

Furthermore, the heating booth 1 provides the means of heating the user, typically an old age pensioner or a frail person, whilst supported on an item of furniture, without the need for installing a new heating system or upgrading an existing heating system. The heating solution provided by the invention is formed about an existing furniture item(s), in which the user may still enjoy all their home comforts.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the heating booth 1, as shown in Figure 1. The heating source 10 is shown to be centrally located on the overhanging portion 11 of the roof 3.

The roof 3 is supported between two supporting members 4 and 5, which span over the chair 2, which is incorporated within the booth 1.

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the heating booth 1 5, which incorporates a fan device for circulating the air within the booth, in a downward direction as indicated by arrows 16 and 17 on to the person (not shown) located within the booth 15. This embodiment may also incorporate a cooling unit (not shown) for chilling the air, prior to it being moved in the downward direction towards the user.

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the heating booth 20, which incorporates a heating lamp 21, that is fixed to the roof member 23. The heating lamp is positioned above an aperture 22 within the roof member 23, to enable the heating lamp 21 to direct the emitted heat in a downwards direction onto the user, from directly above.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the heating booth 30, in which the side supporting panels 31 are directly attachable to the furniture chassis, such as a chair 32.

This embodiment is of particular use, when there is a requirement for the booth in a position located where space is a premium or, when a bulky hood cannot be installed. The unit may be undesirable when not in use and is therefore detachable. Also, the attached hood 30 may be incorporated on to the furniture chassis 32 for aesthetic reasons so that the booth and the chair form one complete design of one unit.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the heating booth 35 incorporated about an alternative furniture item such as a bed 36. The heating source 37 is directed towards to the user's piLlow 38, as indicated by arrow 39. It is envisaged that the booth 35 may be incorporated about other furniture items such as sofas, armchairs and beds for two or more people. A second heating booth (not shown) in addition to / or instead of the first heating booth 35, may be added to the to the bed to heat the feet of user who is lying in the bed 36.

Other alternative embodiments may also be incorporated: * The booth may incorporate a swivel tray which pivots in an upward direction towards a "parked" position when not in use and doesn't interfere with a person entering or leaving the booth. Once in the booth and on the furniture item, the swivel tray pivots downward into a position for use by the user.

* The booth may be mounted on coasters to facilitate locating the booth about the furniture item or storing it away when not in use, without the need for lifting the booth or item of furniture.

* The inner surface of the booth incorporates at least one reflective surface, typically a white or light colour for reflecting any stray infrared radiation onto the user and increasing the booth's overall heating efficiency. The booth's efficiency may be further increased by using a metalised film material, such as aluminium foil.

* The outer surface of the booth may be upholstered for increasing the aesthetic look of the booth and maintaining its keeping with the style / deign of the surrounding room and its furnishings.

* The heating source within the booth may be a fan assisted heating device, which incorporates an electrical element.

* The booth may incorporate a foot rest within the lower portion of the booth.

* The heating or additional source(s) may be located in or about the side members of the booth.

* The heating source may be located within the outer edges of the booth.

Claims

Claims 1. A heating booth sized and shaped to at [east partially enclose a furniture item such as a chair comprising a plurality of upright supporting members extending adjacent to or from the furniture item; and a roof supported by said upright members; wherein the booth has an open front side; the upright supporting members and the roof forming a space which is primarily for at least partially enclosing said furniture item and its user whiLst sitting and/or laying on said item of furniture; and a heating source for heating said space.
2. A heating booth according to claim 1, wherein the booth incorporates an open bottom between the upright supporting members.
3. A heating booth according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the upright members are side members which extend in depth less than the roof.
4. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an upright member varies in depth from a relatively high depth value towards the lower portion of the booth via a relatively low depth value at a middle portion of the booth and a relatively high depth value at the upper portion of the booth.
5. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a web is provided between said roof and at least one of said upright supporting members.
6. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the booth incorporates releasable fasteners to releasably attach the upright supporting members to said furniture item.
7. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said booth incorporates a coaster and/or wheels and/or skids.
8. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said heating source only consists of a light source.
9. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said heating source is an infra red light source.
10. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein interior surfaces of said booth are reflective.
11. A heating booth substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures.aMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS Claims 1. A heating booth sized and shaped to at least partially enclose a furniture item and its user comprising a plurality of upright supporting members extending, in use, about said furniture item; and a roof supported by said upright members; wherein said booth has an open front side; said upright supporting members and said roof forming a space which is primarily for at least partially enclosing said furniture item and its user; and a heating source for heating said space; wherein said heating source is an infra red Eight source, that is adapted to be disposed to said roof, which in use, emits infra red radiation on to said user of said furniture item enclosed within said heating booth.2. A heating booth according to cLaim 1, wherein the frequency of said infra red radiation is within is within the electromagnetic spectrum range of substantially 1000 nanometer to substantially 1 millimeter.3. A heating booth according to either of the preceding claims, wherein said heating L.() source is located on the overhanging portion of said roof.4. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said heating 0 source is disposed on one of said side panels of said booth.5. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the booth incorporates an open bottom between the upright supporting members.6. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a web is provided between said roof and at least one of said upright supporting members.7. A heating booth according to any of the preceding c[aims, wherein the booth incorporates releasable fasteners to releasably attach the upright supporting members to said furniture item.8. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said booth incorporates a coaster and/or wheels and/or skids.9. A heating booth according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said heating source is also a light source.10. A heating booth according to any of the preceding cLaims, wherein interior surfaces of said booth are reflective.11. A heating booth substantiaLly as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures. L()