Fire pit with infrared heating

Abstract

An outdoor feature combines a fire feature producing a visual effect with infrared heaters providing heat. The fire feature resides centrally in a framework and at a height providing visual attraction. The infrared heaters are attached to the framework and provide an efficient heat source for comfort of visitors. The infrared heaters may be positioned below the fire pit to direct heat towards the feet of the visitors, and/or may be positioned above the fire pit to provide a more general heat coverage. The framework is constructed of a weather and corrosion resistant material to maintain appearance and to reduce maintenance.

1 . An outdoor feature comprising: 
 a framework;    a fire feature residing in the framework; and    at least one infrared (IR) heater proximal to the framework and adapted to provide heat to visitors residing proximal to the framework.    
   
   
       2 . The outdoor feature of  claim 1 , wherein the fire feature is created by a fire.  
   
   
       3 . The outdoor feature of  claim 2 , wherein the fire feature is created by a gas fire.  
   
   
       4 . The outdoor feature of  claim 2 , wherein the fire feature is created by burning a solid material.  
   
   
       5 . The outdoor feature of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the framework includes a hearth;    the fire feature resides approximately centered on the hearth; and    the IR heaters comprise lower IR heaters residing under the hearth and heat an area under the hearth.    
   
   
       6 . The outdoor feature of  claim 5 , wherein the framework includes vertical supports supporting the hearth.  
   
   
       7 . The outdoor feature of  claim 5 , further including a roof above the hearth, wherein the roof is supported by the vertical supports.  
   
   
       8 . The outdoor feature of  claim 7 , wherein roof includes an open center.  
   
   
       9 . The outdoor feature of  claim 7 , wherein upper IR heaters are attached proximal to the roof and direct heat downward towards visitors.  
   
   
       10 . The outdoor feature of  claim 7 , wherein upper IR heaters are attached to the vertical supports and direct heat downward towards visitors.  
   
   
       11 . The outdoor feature of  claim 10 , wherein upper IR heaters are attached to the vertical supports at locations above the hearth and under the roof.  
   
   
       12 . An outdoor feature comprising: 
 vertical supports;    a hearth supported by the vertical supports;    a fire feature approximately centered on the hearth; and    lower infrared (IR) heaters residing under the hearth and directing heat downward.    
   
   
       13 . The outdoor feature of  claim 12 , wherein the fire feature comprises at least one selected from a group consisting of a gas fire and a solid fuel fire.  
   
   
       14 . The outdoor feature of  claim 12 , further including a roof supported by the vertical supports.  
   
   
       15 . The outdoor feature of  claim 14 , wherein upper IR heaters are attached proximal to the roof and direct heat downward towards visitors.  
   
   
       16 . The outdoor feature of  claim 14 , wherein upper IR heaters are attached to the vertical supports at locations above the hearth and below the roof and direct heat downward towards visitors.  
   
   
       17 . An outdoor feature comprising: 
 vertical supports;    a hearth supported by the vertical supports;    a fire feature approximately centered on the hearth; and    upper infrared (IR) heaters residing above the hearth and directing heat downward.    
   
   
       18 . The outdoor feature of  claim 17 , wherein upper IR heaters are attached to the vertical supports at locations above the hearth.  
   
   
       19 . The outdoor feature of  claim 17 , further including a roof supported by the vertical supports.  
   
   
       20 . The outdoor feature of  claim 19 , wherein upper IR heaters are attached proximal to the roof and direct heat downward towards visitors.