Collapsible radiative heater assembly and methods for assembly and use

Abstract

A collapsible radiative heater assembly is disclosed that may be configured to save space and protect sensitive mechanisms of the heater. The collapsible heater may include a burner unit, a body and a hollow collapsible neck. The body may further comprise a receiving device that includes a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism for the hollow collapsible neck. The assembly may also include a protective casing that is attached detachably to the body in order to protect components of the assembly during transport or storage.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collapsible radiative heater assembly, comprising:
 a base comprising configured to house a fuel source,   a collapsible neck configured to move about a central vertical axis of the base,   a first locking mechanism configured to provide vertical support to the bottom surface of the collapsible neck, and   a second locking mechanism configured to provide lateral support to an outer surface of the collapsible neck;   wherein the first and second locking mechanisms are configured such that when at least one of the first and second locking mechanisms is engaged the vertical position of the collapsible neck relative the base is maintained and when the first and second locking mechanisms are disengaged the vertical position of the collapsible neck relative the base can be changed, and   wherein the first and second locking mechanisms are configured to be engaged and disengaged independent of the rotational alignment of the collapsible neck relative the base.   
     
     
         2 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a heat disbursing mechanism for generating heat mounted to the collapsible neck; and   a reflector detachably mounted to the heat disbursing mechanism.   
     
     
         3 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 2 , further comprising a cover configured to secure to the base when the collapsible neck is fully inserted into the base. 
     
     
         4 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the base further comprises:
 a fuel source securing mechanism configured to secure the fuel source to the base; and   a fuel source connection mechanism for connecting the fuel source to the collapsible radiative heater assembly.   
     
     
         5 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the collapsible neck comprises a fuel line for connecting the fuel source connection mechanism with the heat disbursing head. 
     
     
         6 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the fuel source is a propane tank and the fuel line is a gas line. 
     
     
         7 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the heat disbursing head comprises an ignition system configured to ignite fuel from the fuel source for generating heat. 
     
     
         8 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises:
 one or more wheels, and   a handle.   
     
     
         9 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second locking mechanisms comprises a spring-loaded locking mechanism. 
     
     
         10 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the collapsible neck comprises an aperture and at least one of the first and second locking mechanisms comprises a fastener configured to be inserted into the aperture of the collapsible neck. 
     
     
         11 . A collapsible radiative heater assembly comprising:
 a base configured to house a fuel source, and   a collapsible neck configured to move about a central vertical axis of the base,   a locking mechanism configured to provide vertical support to the bottom surface of the collapsible neck, and   a table top secured around the collapsible neck and comprising a cover attachment device;   a heat disbursing mechanism mounted to an upper portion of the collapsible neck; and   a reflector detachably mounted to the heat disbursing head;   wherein the locking mechanism is configured such that when the locking mechanisms is engaged the vertical position of the collapsible neck relative the base is maintained and when the locking mechanism is disengaged the vertical position of the collapsible neck relative the base can be changed, and   wherein the locking mechanism is configured to be engaged and disengaged independent of the rotational alignment of the collapsible neck relative the base.   
     
     
         12 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a protective cover configured to secure to the cover attachment device when the collapsible neck is fully inserted into the base.   
     
     
         13 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the base further comprises:
 one or more wheels, and   a handle.   
     
     
         14 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the base further comprises:
 a fuel source securing mechanism configured to secure the fuel source within the base; and   a fuel source connection mechanism for connecting the fuel source to the heat disbursing mechanism.   
     
     
         15 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the collapsible neck comprises a fuel line for connecting the fuel source connection mechanism with the heat disbursing head, and wherein the fuel source is a propane tank and the fuel line is a gas line. 
     
     
         16 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the collapsible neck is configured to connect with the base approximate a central axis of the base. 
     
     
         17 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 11 , wherein locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded locking mechanism. 
     
     
         18 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising a second locking mechanism. 
     
     
         19 . The collapsible radiative heater assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the collapsible neck comprises an aperture and the second locking mechanism comprises a fastener configured to be inserted into the aperture of the collapsible neck. 
     
     
         20 . A collapsible radiative heater assembly comprising:
 a base comprising:
 a body having an upper surface and a cavity configured to receive a fuel source, and 
 a receiving device configured to attach to a portion of the upper surface comprising a receiving cavity and first and second locking mechanisms; 
   a collapsible neck configured to vertically up and down and comprising:
 a first end insertable into the receivable portion of the receiving device, 
 a second end, 
 a table top secured around the hollow collapsible neck between the first and second ends and securable to the base; 
   a heat disbursing head for generating heat mounted to a portion of the second end of the collapsible neck; and   a reflector detachably mounted to the heat disbursing head;   wherein the first and second locking mechanism are configured such that when at least one of the first and second locking mechanisms is engaged a vertical position of the hollow collapsible neck relative the base is maintained and when the first and second locking mechanisms are disengaged the vertical position of the hollow collapsible neck relative the base can be changed, and   
       wherein the first and second locking mechanisms are configured to be engaged and disengaged independent of the rotational alignment of the collapsible neck relative the base.