Modular heated board system

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular heated board system designed for outdoor applications. The system includes a plurality of modular heated boards that can be arranged in various configurations, including integration with conventional decking or to resemble furniture. Each board includes an outer surface layer exposed to external elements, an internal heating layer with electrical leads for power input and output, an insulating layer directing heat upwards, and an enclosing and fastening layer for attachment to structures. The boards can be electrically interconnected, allowing for a single power source to heat multiple boards. A transformer/control box is incorporated to regulate voltage and distribute power across the boards. The design ensures efficient heating, safety, and versatility in both new constructions and retrofit scenarios.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular heated board system, comprising:
 a plurality of modular heated boards configurable in any desired arrangement, each of the modular heated boards comprising:   an outer surface layer that is exposed to external elements and that forms the main structural element of the modular heated board;   a heating layer located within the modular heated board, the heating layer including a heating element and electrical leads, wherein the electrical leads provide for power input and output, and wherein each modular heated board can be electrically connected to an adjacent modular heated board via the electrical leads;   an insulating layer positioned within the modular heated board to direct heat from the heating layer towards the outer surface layer;   and an enclosing and fastening layer configured to enclose the insulating layer and to attach the modular heated board to a supporting structure.   
     
     
         2 . The modular heated board system of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface layer comprises a composite material. 
     
     
         3 . The modular heated board system of  claim 2 , wherein the composite material is a glass fiber reinforced composite material. 
     
     
         4 . The modular heated board system of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface layer comprises aluminum. 
     
     
         5 . The modular heated board system of  claim 4 , wherein the aluminum is capped or veneered with a decorative material. 
     
     
         6 . The modular heated board system of  claim 1 , wherein the insulating layer comprises fiberglass insulation. 
     
     
         7 . The modular heated board system of  claim 1 , wherein the insulating layer comprises rigid foam insulation. 
     
     
         8 . The modular heated board system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of modular heated boards can be integrated with conventional decking or arranged to resemble furniture. 
     
     
         9 . The modular heated board system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the electrical leads of the heating layer comprises a first pair of leads for power input to the modular heated board and a second pair of leads for power output from the modular heated board to enable electrical connection to an adjacent modular heated board. 
     
     
         10 . The modular heated board system of  claim 1 , further comprising a transformer/control box electrically connected to the modular heated boards, wherein the transformer/control box regulates voltage to each heating element and facilitates the distribution of power across the plurality of modular heated boards.