Abstract:
A portable area heating apparatus that utilizes a heat lamp for the heat source and a rear-situated fan to disperse the heated air is herein disclosed. The apparatus is intended for use in spot heating applications such as garages, workshops, and similar locations and is suitable for mounting on a floor or wall by use of a multi-functional bracket assembly. Since the heat lamp also produces a certain amount of light, the apparatus may also be used as a light source. The apparatus could also be mounted within an existing ductwork system to supplement a conventional central heating system in areas where extra heat is needed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/062,255 on Jan. 25, 2008 the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a portable heating means comprising a housing mountable thereto a desired location with an adjustable mounting assembly, a fan assembly, and a heating illumination assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of conventional heating devices are available which create heat through electricity passing through a resistance element or through the combustion of various resources. Some areas, such as garages, work shops and the like are difficult or expensive to heat due to excessive heat loss, faulty insulation, and the frequency of use. Attempts to heat these areas by conventional means typically meet with failure due to cycle time issues, air stagnation, and similar problems. Other solutions such as floor mounted portable heaters are noisy, smelly, and are hazardous. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which living or working spaces can be provided with spot or supplemental heat in a cost effective manner without the disadvantages listed above. The development of the device herein described fulfills this need. 
     The invention is an apparatus comprising a portable spot heat source that utilizes a heat lamp for the heat source and a rear-situated fan to disperse the heated air. The apparatus is intended for use in spot heating applications such as garages, workshops, and similar locations and is suitable for direct mounting by use of a multi-purpose bracket assembly. Since the heat lamp also produces a light, it can also be used as a light source or a work lamp. The apparatus could also be mounted within existing ductwork to supplement other conventional central heating systems for areas that are colder. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to provide a portable heat generating means particularly using bulbs or lamps. U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,407, issued in the name of Choi, describes heat generating apparatus comprising a detachable halogen bulb, a reflective mirror, and a small fan to force air flow over the bulb. However, unlike the present invention, the Choi lamp heat generating apparatus utilizes a halogen bulb as a heat source which has the disadvantages of multiple safety concerns since any surface contamination can lead to failure or explosion, the bulbs are prone to ignite flammable objects which may come in contact with said bulb, and may cause burns to the skin. Additionally the present apparatus, while not generating as high of an operating temperatures, can be a more effective heater due to the increased surface area of the incandescent heat lamp over which the forces air travel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,082, issued in the name of Park, discloses an electric fan with far infrared ray lamp comprising a motor driven fan and a far infrared ray lamp placed in front of said fan. However, unlike the present apparatus, the Park lamp utilizes an infrared lamp as a method of delivering therapeutic electromagnetic radiation to the skin of a user and is of no use as means for spot heating and illumination. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,652, issued in the name of Sher, discloses a portable heater comprising a heat generating bulb, a plurality of heat distribution devices and a fan to distribute the heated air through directional tubes to a desired location. However, unlike the present apparatus, the Sher portable heater for personal use is intended to be used as a small personal body warmer. 
     Other known prior art heat generating and dispersing apparatuses includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,864,547 and 4,835,367. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and appear to disclose various attempts to generate heat and light through the use of an illumination device such as a bulb or lamp; none of the prior art particularly discloses a heat lamp with dispersing fan comprising a portable spot heat source that utilizes a heat lamp for the heat source and a rear-situated fan to disperse cold air over said heat lamp creating a heated air flow. Accordingly, there exists a need for a heat lamp with dispersing fan apparatus that operates without the disadvantages as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing prior art, the present apparatus is contemplated to solve the aforementioned inherent disadvantages and it has been observed that there is need for a heat lamp with dispersing fan which provides a portable means for distributing heated air. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an objective of the present apparatus to provide a heat lamp with dispersing fan comprising a bracket assembly, a lamp/fan assembly, and a thermostatic controller which provides a portable and mountable means of dispersing both light and heated air to a desired location. 
     A further object of the present apparatus is to provide a bracket assembly comprising a bracket base, a stationary jaw, a movable jaw, an adjusting shaft, and a clamping ring which provides a means of securing and of multi-directional positioning the lamp/fan assembly to a desired position upon an object. 
     Yet another object of the present apparatus is to provide a lamp/fan assembly comprising a housing, a fan, an inlet air vent, an outlet air vent, a heat lamp, a lamp socket, and a conical visor which provides a means of directing illumination and heated air upon a desired object. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a clamping ring which provides a means of clamping and securing the housing of the lamp/fan assembly via a pair of fastened pinch plates. The clamping ring is angularly adjustable by attachment to the bracket base via an angle bracket which attaches to another pair of fastened pinch plates. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a low profile fan which is inserted into an open rear end of the housing which provides a means of directing a cold air flow from the inlet air vents over the heat lamp and further directing a now heated air flow through the outlet air vents from the front of said housing. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a heat lamp which connects to and is powered by a lamp socket and electrical wiring which provides a means of heating the cold air flow and illuminating a desired area. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a thermostatic controller switch comprising a set-point dial which provides a means of activation to the lamp/fan assembly based upon a sensed ambient temperature and a selected set point. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide an over temperature limit cutoff switch which is located inline with the electrical wiring from the controller switch to the heat lamp and the fan which provides a means of shutting off the apparatus when operation outside of a designated temperature limit is reached. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a pair of clamping jaws comprising a stationary jaw and a movable jaw which provides a means of clamping the bracket assembly and the attached lamp/fan assembly to a structural member. The movable jaw slidingly engage a pair of guide rods while a threaded shaft drives said movable jaw relative to said stationary jaw. 
     Yet still another objective of the present apparatus is to provide various alternative means of mounting, securing, and setting up the lamp/fan assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present apparatus is to provide a method for utilizing a heat lamp with dispersing fan. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present apparatus will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a heat lamp with dispersing fan  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a bracket assembly portion  20  of the heat lamp with dispersing fan  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view taken along section A-A (see  FIG. 1 ) of the heat lamp with dispersing fan  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the bracket assembly portion  20  of the heat lamp with dispersing fan  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   a  is an environmental view of the heat lamp with dispersing fan  10 , depicting a floor standing arrangement, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   b  is an environmental view of the heat lamp with dispersing fan  10 , depicting an alternate wall mounting arrangement of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   c  is an environmental view of the heat lamp with dispersing fan  10 , depicting an alternate ceiling mounting arrangement of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   d  is an environmental view of the heat lamp with dispersing fan  10 , depicting an alternate in-line ductwork mounting arrangement of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is an electrical block diagram which depicts electrical circuitry as used with the heat lamp with dispersing fan  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 heat lamp with dispersing fan 
               
               
                 20 
                 bracket assembly 
               
               
                 21 
                 bracket base 
               
               
                 22 
                 first pinch plate 
               
               
                 23 
                 angle bracket 
               
               
                 24 
                 adjusting handle 
               
               
                 26 
                 adjusting shaft 
               
               
                 27 
                 retaining ring 
               
               
                 28 
                 stationary jaw 
               
               
                 29 
                 first foot 
               
               
                 30 
                 movable jaw 
               
               
                 31 
                 second foot 
               
               
                 32 
                 guide rod 
               
               
                 33 
                 guide rod aperture 
               
               
                 34 
                 threaded shaft 
               
               
                 35 
                 stationary nut 
               
               
                 36 
                 clamping ring 
               
               
                 38 
                 second pinch plate 
               
               
                 40 
                 pad 
               
               
                 42 
                 grommet 
               
               
                 50 
                 lamp/fan assembly 
               
               
                 52 
                 housing 
               
               
                 54 
                 fan cover 
               
               
                 56 
                 housing flange 
               
               
                 57 
                 inlet air vent 
               
               
                 58 
                 visor 
               
               
                 60 
                 outlet air vent 
               
               
                 62 
                 heat lamp 
               
               
                 63 
                 set-point dial 
               
               
                 65 
                 cord 
               
               
                 66 
                 thermostatic controller 
               
               
                 67 
                 wiring 
               
               
                 68 
                 over-temperature limit cutoff switch 
               
               
                 69 
                 terminal strip 
               
               
                 70 
                 fan 
               
               
                 72 
                 lamp socket 
               
               
                 80 
                 fastener 
               
               
                 100 
                 cool air 
               
               
                 110 
                 warmed air 
               
               
                 120 
                 duct 
               
               
                 130 
                 duct bracket 
               
               
                 140 
                 floor surface 
               
               
                 150 
                 ceiling surface 
               
               
                 160 
                 structural member 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5   a  and  6  and in terms of alternate mounting arrangements, herein depicted in  FIGS. 5   b ,  5   c , and  5   d . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a heat lamp with dispersing fan (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a portable heating means comprising a heat lamp  62  and a fan  70  to disperse heated air  110 . The apparatus  10  is intended for use in spot heating applications providing various mounting arrangements via a multi-functional bracket assembly  20 . The apparatus  10  may be installed in a free-standing location on a floor surface  140 , clamped thereto wall or ceiling members such as a stud, or incorporated therein existing ductwork  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , perspective views of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are depicted. The apparatus  10  comprises a lamp/fan assembly  50  and a bracket assembly  20 . The lamp/fan assembly  50  comprises a heat lamp  62  mounted therewithin a cylindrical housing  52 . However, it is understood that the apparatus  10  may also utilize a common non-heating illuminating lamp if desired, thereby providing an effective light source to an area. The housing  52  comprises an open-ended cylinder approximately six (6) to eight (8) inches in diameter and approximately twelve (12) to sixteen (16) inches long. The housing  52  is envisioned to be constructed of single or multi-layered galvanized sheet steel, capable of withstanding high temperatures yet providing an exterior surface that will not cause burns or accidental combustion should people or combustible items contact it. The distal end of the housing  52  provides an attachment means thereto a fan cover  54  via common fasteners  80 , which houses a muffin-type fan  70  (see  FIG. 3 ). The operation of the fan  70  is such that an incoming flow of cool air  100  is drawn into the housing  52  by the fan  70 ; heated by the heat lamp  62 ; and then exhausted as outgoing warmed air  110 . Such a feature not only provides for increased warm air  110  dispersal when based upon a heat lamp  62  alone, but the incoming cold air  100  also helps to cool the heat lamp  62  resulting in a cooler operating temperature of said heat lamp  62  and thus, an extended lamp life. Such operational cooling is envisioned to be similar to devices such as a slide projector or overhead projector which keeps a projection lamp cool. It is understood that an actual overall dimension of the lamp/fan assembly  50  would vary based upon a particular installation of the apparatus  10  and availability of various sized heat lamps  62  and fans  70 . Electrical power to operate the heat lamp  62  and fan  70  is provided by a power cord  65  affixed thereto using a common rubber grommet  42 . The apparatus  10  further comprises a space sensing ambient thermostatic controller  66  mounted in an in-line manner along the power cord  65  (see  FIGS. 3 and 6 ). 
     The bracket assembly  20  provides an adjustable and multi-functional device capable of positioning the apparatus  10  at various mounting arrangements (see  FIGS. 5   a  through  5   d ). The bracket assembly  20  also provides three (3) axis directional positioning of the lamp/fan assembly  50 . The bracket assembly  20  further comprises a bracket base  21 , a pair of first pinch plates  22 , an angle bracket  23 , an adjusting handle  24 , an adjusting shaft  26 , a retaining ring  27 , a stationary jaw  28 , a movable jaw  30 , a clamping ring  36 , and a pair of second pinch plates  38 . The bracket base  21  comprises a channel or “U”-shaped metal structure providing an attachment means thereto several multi-axis adjustable fixtures to direct and position the lamp/fan assembly  50  based upon surrounding objects, available mounting structures, desired heating objectives, and a user&#39;s preference. The stationary jaw  28  and movable jaw  30  are located at a distal inner space of the “U”-shaped bracket base  21  providing a variable gap therebetween said stationary jaw  28  and movable jaw  30  as defined thereby rotary adjustment of the adjusting handle  24 , the adjusting shaft  26 , and a threaded shaft  36  in a similar manner as a common workbench vise (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     Along a proximal surface of the bracket base  21  are a pair of first pinch plates  22  comprising a pair of parallel rectangular metal plates integral thereto and extending perpendicularly therefrom said bracket base  21 , thereby providing an attachment means thereto the angle bracket  23 . Said first pinch plates  22  further comprise a particular relative gap therebetween so as to slidingly receive and affix an angle bracket  23  using common fasteners  80  such as a nut and bolt combination. The angle bracket  23  comprises a metal shape formed at a right-angle having extended elements approximately two (2) inches long, each having centrally located fastening apertures allowing respective attachment thereto the first pinch plates  22  and the clamping ring  36  using common fasteners  80 . The first pinch plates  22  provide a rotary connection thereto the angle bracket  23  and affixed clamping ring  36 , thereby allowing angular adjustment and securing of the clamping ring  36  and the lamp/fan assembly  50  thereto a desired tilting angle as illustrated here. The clamping ring  36  in-turn provides an adjustable attachment means thereto the aforementioned lamp/fan assembly  50 . The clamping ring  36  comprises a circle-shaped metal strap having a corresponding inner diameter to that of the housing portion  52  of the lamp/fan assembly  50 , thereby allowing linear adjustment and clamping thereof via a pair of second pinch plates  38  and a fastener  80 . Loosening and tightening of said fastener  80  causes a gap therebetween the second pinch plates  38  to reduce and increase respectively, thereby allowing sliding engagement of the lamp/fan assembly  50  therewithin the clamping ring  36  and subsequent secure clamping thereof using said second pinch plates  38 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 3 , a section view taken along section A-A (see  FIG. 1 ) of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. This figure more clearly depicts the internal construction of the lamp/fan assembly portion  50  of the apparatus  10 . The lamp/fan assembly  50  further comprises a grommet  42 , a fan cover  54 , an inlet air vent  57 , a conical-shaped visor  58 , a plurality of outlet air vents  60 , a thermostatic controller  66 , a plurality of internal wiring  67 , an over-temperature limit cutoff switch  68 , a terminal strip  69 , and a lamp socket  72 . The housing  52  comprises an open-ended cylinder providing insertion and attachment of a conical-shaped visor  58  which provides a housing means thereto the aforementioned heat lamp  62 . The visor  58  further comprises a plurality of equally-spaced outlet air vents  60  arranged radially along a minor diameter portion of the visor  58  being adjacent thereto the heat lamp  62 , thereby directing a flow of cool air  100  over said heat lamp  62  and raising a temperature of said cool air  100  as it exits the housing  52 . The heat lamp  62  is connected to a commercially available lamp socket  72  comprising materials and construction designed to accommodate high temperatures encountered during operation of the apparatus  10 . Any insulating parts of the lamp socket  72  are envisioned to be constructed of ceramic materials. The lamp socket  72  is affixed thereto the visor  58  using a plurality of equal-spaced common fasteners  80 . 
     The opposing open end portion of the housing  52  provides an attachment means thereto the fan  70  being snuggly inserted thereinto said open end portion and secured along a perimeter region using common fasteners  80 . The fan  70  comprises a round or rectangular commercially available muffin-type fan unit common in the industry. The fan cover  54  comprises a cylindrical cover form providing a protective covering means thereto the fan  70  as well as a closure means thereto the open end portion of the housing  52 . 
     The fan cover  54  comprises a shallow cylinder-shaped metal enclosure having an inner diameter particularly sized so as to slidingly receive the circular housing  52  therein, being secured thereto using common fasteners  80  such as sheet-metal screws along outer surfaces as shown here. Furthermore, the fan cover  54  comprises a circular inlet air vent  57  approximately four (4) inches in diameter located along an end portion allowing a sufficient cool air flow  100  to move therethrough. 
     Electrical power is supplied thereto the lamp/fan assembly  50  via a common household 110-volt circuit being controlled in an ON/OFF fashion via an in-line thermostatic controller  66 . The thermostatic controller  66  provides activation of the lamp/fan assembly  50  based upon a sensed ambient temperature and a user selected set point using an external set-point dial  63  along a front face thereof. The set-point dial  63  also provides an ON/OFF function thereat an extreme rotary position. Said thermostatic controller  66  comprises a commercially available device providing a protective rectangular plastic housing and a common mechanically-adjustable bi-metallic rotary switch; however, other similarly functioning relay devices may also be provided as well, to maintain a selectable ambient temperature therein a living space. Electrical current is in-turn conducted thereto an over-temperature limit cutoff switch  68  mounted thereto an interior surface of the housing  52 . A terminal strip  69 , also mounted therewithin the housing  52 , provides distribution of said electrical current thereto the fan  70  and the heat lamp  72  via common internal wiring  67 . 
     This figure more clearly displays the incoming cold air  100  entering the inlet air vent portion  57  of the fan cover  54 ; being motioned via the fan  70 ; passing therethrough the outlet air vents  60 ; being warmed by the hot surface of the heat lamp  62 ; exiting the visor  58 ; and entering a living area as outgoing warmed air  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a rear perspective view of a bracket assembly portion  20  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The bracket assembly  20  further comprises a retaining ring  27 , a pair of guide rods  32 , a threaded shaft  34 , a stationary nut  35 , and a pair of pads  40 . As previously described, the bracket assembly  20  comprises a pair of clamping jaws  28 ,  30  providing converging and diverging parallel surfaces allowing clamping of the apparatus  10  thereto structural members such as a stud, a ceiling joist, or a door frame. The stationary jaw  28  is affixed to an upper plate portion of the bracket base  21  therealong a lower surface preferably via welding, soldering, or the like. The movable jaw  30  is retained thereat a parallel relationship thereto said stationary jaw  28  via a pair of guide rods  32 , such that the threaded shaft  34  being engaged therewith said movable jaw  30  in a perpendicular manner. The guide rods  32  slidingly engage the movable jaw  30  via a pair of close-tolerance guide rod apertures  33 , while the threaded shaft  34  acts to drive the movable jaw  30  by utilizing a mechanical advantage therefrom an external thread portion of said threaded shaft  34  and a stationary nut portion  35  being welded thereto an upper surface of the movable jaw  30 . This arrangement forms a conventional screw mechanism to motion said movable jaw  30  in an upward and downward direction relative to the stationary jaw  28 . The adjusting handle  24 , adjusting shaft  26 , retaining ring  27 , and threaded shaft  36  comprise a one-piece linear assembly allowing a user to separate, adjust, and tighten said jaws  28 ,  30  thereupon said structural members in a similar manner as a vise handle. 
     The jaw portions  28 ,  30  may also be utilized to position the apparatus  10  along a normal floor surface  140  in a stable manner via respective first foot  29  and second foot  31  portions. The first foot  29  and second foot  31  portions comprise integral appendages of said jaws  28 ,  30  being formed outwardly at right angles in an opposing arrangement along a common plain. The apparatus  10  may rest in a secure manner during use on a floor surface  140  by maximizing a relative gap therebetween the jaws  28 ,  30 , thereby producing a wide stance thereof. Additional stability during clamping and floor mounting configurations is accomplished via a pair of rubber anti-skid pads  40  affixed thereto inward facing surfaces of said jaws  28 ,  30  using a common adhesive and extending outwardly, also covering a majority portion of the foot areas  29 ,  31 . Each pad  40  comprises a wide layer of a high-friction material such as natural rubber, urethane, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5   a , an environmental view of the heat lamp with dispersing fan  10 , depicting a floor standing arrangement, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Installation of the apparatus  10  thereupon a floor surface  140  enables directional manipulation of the lamp/fan assembly  50  to be varied to suit individual usage requirements. While using the apparatus  10  upon said floor surface  140 , the apparatus  10  provides effective spot heating thereto a specific area therewithin a home, work area, garage, and the like. Additionally, the light provided by the heat lamp  62  or an alternate illuminating lamp, may supplement ambient lighting and provide needed task lighting if required. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5   b ,  5   c , and  5   d , environmental views of the apparatus  10 , depicting alternate mounting arrangements along a wall, ceiling, and in a duct, respectively, of the present invention, is disclosed. Clamping of the apparatus  10  thereto a wide variety of exposed structural members  160  of a wall or ceiling is accomplished by using the previously described adjustment and clamping functions of the stationary  28  and adjustable  30  jaws. In use, a user positions the apparatus  10  along said structural member  160  such as a stud, and rotates the adjusting handle  24  to reduce a gap therebetween said stationary  28  and adjustable  30  jaws to secure the bracket assembly  20  in place. The lamp/fan assembly  50  is then positioned and secured using the directionally adjustable angle bracket  23  and clamping ring portions  36  of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  remains stable during clamping via the rubber anti-skid pads  40 . The bracket assembly  20  would be clamped to a suitable structural member  160  as previously described using the jaws  28 ,  30  to allow support of the apparatus  10 . Additionally, suitable space between the housing  52  and wall and ceiling portions would be provided by the bracket assembly  20  so as to allow an adequate flow of incoming cool air  100 . 
     Configuration of the apparatus  10  therewithin a duct  120 , as depicted in  FIG. 5   d , would be used with existing or new forced air heating system ductwork  120  as a supplemental heat source. Furthermore, configuration of the apparatus  10  therewithin said ductwork  120  would require removal of the bracket assembly  20  therefrom the apparatus  10 . Following installation and positioning of the lamp/fan assembly portion  50  of the apparatus  10  therewithin said duct  120 , an air flow through a section of heating duct  120  would be directed therethrough the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of supporting sheet-metal duct brackets  130  to securely position the lamp/fan assembly  50  therewithin said ductwork  120  such that a flow of air proceeding therewithin said duct  120  enters the apparatus  10 ; is then supplementally heated; and exhausted thererinto a room area. Such an arrangement may be used with HVAC systems that provide output louvers at the top or ceiling surface  150  of a room or space. As such, the apparatus  10  is located adjacent to, or on a ceiling surface  150 . The apparatus  10  along with the heating duct  120  is envisioned to be located in an inaccessible space such as an attic area. This would allow the lamp/fan assembly  50  to warm a living space as well as provide possible access and maintenance thereto the lamp/fan assembly  50 . The features of the apparatus  10  provide warming of air  110  by the heat lamp portion  62  as it exits and continues down the heating duct  135  to the living space  143 . It is envisioned that the apparatus  10  may use the aforementioned thermostatic controller  66  or may be controlled in a joint manner using existing controls incorporated therein a conventional forced air heating system while the forced air system is operated in a normal manner. 
     Utilization of the apparatus  10  in a ceiling mount configuration may allow positioning of the lamp/fan assembly  50  in a downwardly directed manner along a ceiling surface  150 . This configuration is envisioned to allow the apparatus  10  to provided normal or ambient heating for any occupied space without reliance on other heating sources. Additionally, the light provided by the heat lamp  62  may provide a high level lighting means for a space as well. Such a configuration is viewed as appropriate in areas such as warehouse areas, gymnasiums, and other high ceiling areas where normal lighting and normal heating is a challenge. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an electrical block diagram which depicts the electrical circuitry as used with the apparatus  10 , is disclosed. Power for the apparatus  10  is obtained from any available 110-volt AC electric source; however, it is understood that hard-wiring thereto a 220-volt circuit may be utilized in conjunction with appropriate electrical portions of the apparatus  10  with equal benefit based upon operational current limitations and/or availability of said electrical components. Electrical power is then routed thereto the thermostatic controller  66  as shown. It is envisioned that the thermostatic controller  66  may be located in a living space or otherwise remote location therefrom the apparatus  10  so as to not be affected by an immediate output of warmed air  110  therefrom the apparatus  10 . Power is then routed thereto the over-temperature limit cutoff switch  68  and subsequently thereto the terminal strip  69 . The over-temperature limit cutoff switch  68  is designed to shutoff the apparatus  10  in case of erroneous operation outside of designed temperature limits. Such erroneous operation may occur due to failure of the fan  70 , a blocked inlet air vent  57 , over-voltage or under-voltage conditions of the power cord  65 , and other such anomalies. It is envisioned that conventional control of the apparatus  10  would be provided by the thermostatic controller  66  located in an in-line fashion therein the power cord  65 , and the over-temperature limit cutoff switch  68 , both being wired in a series connection. The over-temperature limit cutoff switch  68  comprises a conventional over-temperature component similar to those used on clothes dryers and other heating appliances designed to open at high temperature levels and remain open until an ambient space returns thereto a safe temperature. The terminal strip  69  provides connections to conduct said current thereto the heat lamp  62  and the fan  70  via internal wiring  67  in a parallel arrangement as shown. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be installed and utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. It is envisioned that the apparatus  10  would be provided as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 4  and installed in accordance with  FIGS. 5   a  through  5   d , as desired. 
     The method of installing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: configuring the apparatus  10  for standing thereupon a floor surface  140  by maximizing a relative gap therebetween the jaw portions  22 ,  30  using the adjusting handle  24  and integral threaded shaft  34 ; placing the apparatus  10  securely thereupon said floor surface  140  using the foot portions  29 ,  31  and anti-skid pads  40 ; manipulating a position and direction thereof the lamp/fan assembly  20  using the angle bracket  23 , and the clamping ring  36 , using the respective fasteners  80 . 
     The method of installing the apparatus  10  utilizing an alternate mounting arrangement such as along a wall, ceiling, or in a heat duct, may be achieved by performing the following steps: clamping the apparatus  10  thereto available wall or ceiling members such as studs and joists by positioning and clamping said apparatus  10  thereto said members using the jaws  28 ,  30 ; closing a respective gap therebetween said jaws  28 ,  30  using the adjustment handle  24  and threaded shaft  34 ; manipulating a position and direction thereof the lamp/fan assembly  20  as previously described. 
     Installing the lamp/fan assembly portion  50  of the apparatus  10  therewithin a duct portion  120  of an existing or newly installed heating system by removing the bracket assembly  20 ; attaching the lamp/fan assembly  20  securely thereto said duct  120  along a ceiling surface  150  using a plurality of duct brackets  130  based upon a particular installation conditions using common fasteners  80  such as sheet metal screws; utilizing the thermostatic controller  66  to control the apparatus  10  or integrating the lamp/fan assembly  20  thereinto the existing heating system control equipment. 
     During physical installation of the apparatus  10 , proper attention must be paid to clearance and airflow requirements to ensure proper operation so as to prevent overheating and inadvertent shutdown of the apparatus  10 . 
     Once installed in a desired location, the method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: connecting the power cord  65  thereto a suitable source of electricity; energizing the apparatus  10  and selecting a suitable heating temperature to be maintained using the set-point dial portion  63  of the thermostatic controller  66 ; applying electrical power to the heat lamp  15  and to the fan  25  when a low ambient temperature is detected causing the thermostatic controller  66  to close an internal relay portion; heating up the heat lamp  62  in an expected manner; powering the fan  25 , thereby motioning a flow of cool air  100  therethrough the inlet air vent  57 ; moving the incoming cold air  100  over the lamp/fan assembly  50  via the outlet air vents  60 ; exhausting said outgoing warmed air  110 , thereinto a living space; obtaining a suitable increased temperature therewithin said living space being sensed thereby the thermostatic controller  66 ; opening a relay portion of said thermostatic controller  66  to cease electrical current supplied thereto the heat lamp  62  and fan  70 , thereby completing a heating cycle of the apparatus  10 ; repeating said heating cycle as needed to maintain the living space at an appropriate temperature; and, benefiting from a portable automatic spot heating of various living areas using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.