초록 ▼

The present invention relates to an in-floor radiant heating system having a tube that is received into low profile panels. Channels are formed in the top of the panels. The channels can have a neck shaped top section and a circular shaped bottom section. The bottom section has a diameter that is la

The present invention relates to an in-floor radiant heating system having a tube that is received into low profile panels. Channels are formed in the top of the panels. The channels can have a neck shaped top section and a circular shaped bottom section. The bottom section has a diameter that is larger than the width of the top section. The diameter of the tubing is smaller than the diameter of the bottom section to ensure a snug fit. Flares can be located between the ends of the channels and the sides of the panel to allow the tube to bend and fit between adjacent panels that are offset up to a determined amount. A transition piece can be used to interface between a room with the in-floor system and one without. An installer can see the top of the tubing during the installation process.

대표청구항 ▼

I claim: 1. A modular panel for receiving a tube for dissipating heat, said modular panel being comprised of unitary construction and further comprising: a panel top, a panel bottom and four sides, said panel top defining a panel top plane and said panel bottom being continuously planar; at least o

I claim: 1. A modular panel for receiving a tube for dissipating heat, said modular panel being comprised of unitary construction and further comprising: a panel top, a panel bottom and four sides, said panel top defining a panel top plane and said panel bottom being continuously planar; at least one channel cut into said panel top and accessible and viewable via said panel top along the entire length of said at least one channel, said at least one channel having at least one end terminating interior of one of said four sides; and at least one flare between said at least one end of said at least one channel and said respective side of said modular panel, said at least one flare intersecting said panel bottom, wherein a tube is positionable and viewable within said channel via said panel top and retained in said channel, whereby the entire tube is below said panel top plane when installed into said channel and is unrestrained by a selected amount in said flare to allow for bending of the tube during installation of the tube into said channel; and whereby a selected amount of primary flooring can be placed directly on said panel top and the tube is viewable by an installer during placement of the selected amount of primary flooring. 2. The modular panel of claim 1 wherein said at least one flare has a longitudinal axis, and said at least one flare is a diverging flare widening as said flare approaches said one of said four sides. 3. The modular panel of claim 2 wherein said at least one flare is a linearly diverging flare. 4. The modular panel of claim 2 wherein said at least one flare further comprises a drop-off wall that depends from said longitudinal axis. 5. The modular panel of claim 4 wherein said drop-off wall intersects said panel bottom interior of the respective one of said four sides, wherein the profile of said respective one of said four sides is non-uniform. 6. The modular panel of claim 1 wherein: said at least one channel has a first end terminating interior of one of said four sides of said modular panel and a second end terminating interior of one of said four sides of said modular panel; and said modular panel comprises a first flare intermediate said first end and said one of said four sides and a second flare intermediate said second end and said one of said four sides. 7. The modular panel of claim 6 wherein said first flare and said second flare are on different ones of said four sides of said modular panel. 8. The modular panel of claim 1 wherein said at least one channel comprises a top section with parallel walls and a bottom section with a generally round sidewall, the diameter of said generally round sidewall of said bottom section being greater than the width between said parallel walls of said top section, wherein a tube can be forcefully inserted through said top section and releasably retained in said bottom section without an adhesive.