Electrically heated mineral or masonry material seat

Abstract

An electrically heated stone or composite material bench that is suitable for both inside and outdoor use and providing added comfort to the seated user in colder climates or conditions. The stone bench has upright supports ( 29 and 31 ) and a bottom seat ( 23 ) and may or may not contain an upright back support ( 21 ). A length of commercially produced electrical heating cable ( 33 ) is embedded in each of the hollowed out rock slabs that comprise the seat and back. The cable is inlaid in a spiral pattern at a distance of around 1.5 inches apart, with around 35 feet of cable used per rock slab. The amount of cable is dependent on the climate and needs of user. Electrical connections are made in a junction box ( 39 ) attached to the underside of bench and attached to a power cord ( 37 ). Steel pins or bolts securely fasten and stabilize assembled heated stone bench.

1 . (canceled)  
   
   
       2 . (canceled)  
   
   
       3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 . A stone or masonry composite seat and backrest that is placed on upright supports and is heated by means of a heat trace cable that is inlaid in the seat and backrest areas:  
   
   
       6 . An electrically heated stone bench according to  claim 5  wherein a thermostat is installed in the bottom slab to adjust the surface temperature.  
   
   
       7 . An electrically heated stone bench according to  claim 5  wherein insulation such as layers of space blanket material are installed behind the heat cable in the seat and backrest sections.