Patent Publication Number: US-2013239943-A1

Title: Mounting Apparatus For Attaching A Heating Device To A Tabletop

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to outdoor furniture and more particularly to heating devices for patio furniture. 
     2. Related Art 
     Outdoor heaters are generally known in the art and include a heating unit supported by a pole. The pole is typically mounted on a base that rests against a surface such as the ground. Conventional outdoor heating devices are known to operate using either electricity or combustion of liquid or gas fuel to generate heat. Conventional outdoor heaters are commonly used on outdoor patios at homes and commercial business such as restaurants. Restaurants and other businesses often experience reduced demand for outdoor seating during winter months due to uncomfortable weather outside. To overcome this, outdoor heaters are commonly placed at various locations in outdoor environments to provide heat. However, a problem arises when one or more tables are positioned in the same environment as outdoor heaters. An outdoor heater positioned beside a table will typically generate more heat on the side of the table nearest the heater. As a result, the individuals seated nearest the heater will feel warmer than the individuals sitting farthest from the heater. This can cause an uncomfortable environment. Conventional free-standing outdoor heaters are generally not configured to be positioned on a table. Such heaters are often too large to fit on a table without taking up an undesirable amount of space on the table. 
     Others have attempted to solve the problems associated with conventional outdoor heaters by providing smaller heating devices that may sit directly on top of a table. By positioning a heating device on the table, heat may be more evenly distributed to the individuals sitting around the table. However, such conventional tabletop heating devices that operate using a liquid or gas fuel are limited by the amount of fuel that can be contained in the tabletop device. It is generally undesirable for such tabletop heating devices to include a large reservoir of fuel when placed on a tabletop. Thus, conventional tabletop heating devices typically include relatively small fuel containers that may be quickly depleted during use. The short burn times associated with conventional small fuel reservoirs cause users to need to frequently refill or replace the fuel containers in such conventional devices. 
     Additionally, conventional tabletop heating devices often do not produce the amount of heat that can be generated by larger floor-mounted outdoor heaters and may be inadequate for heating larger tables or larger spaces. 
     What is needed, then, are improvements in devices and methods for mounting a heating device on a tabletop. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a heater apparatus for attachment to a conventional tabletop, the tabletop having an opening defined therein. The tabletop may include a tabletop on a conventional patio table, and the hole may include an umbrella hole in some applications. The heater apparatus is configured to be mounted on the tabletop using the existing umbrella hole opening as a mounting hole. As such, the present disclosure also provides devices and methods for retrofitting a conventional table having a hole defined therein, such as an umbrella hole, to include a heater mounted thereon. 
     In additional embodiments, the present disclosure provides a mounting apparatus for securing a heating unit to a table. The mounting apparatus includes a clamping post having a clamp head and a clamp shaft extending downwardly from the clamp head. The clamp shaft includes a threaded portion dimensioned for insertion through the hole in the tabletop. The heating unit is mounted on a support pole in some embodiments. The clamp head is attached to the support pole such that the clamp shaft extends downwardly from the support pole. The support pole may include a hollow support bore, and a power supply line extends from the heating unit downwardly through the hollow support bore. Thus, the energy supply line, which may include an electrical line or a fuel supply hose, may be hidden from view. The energy supply line may be connected to an energy source located underneath the table or located near the table, such as a fuel tank or an electrical outlet, to supply fuel or electricity to the heating unit. 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for mounting a heating unit supported by a support pole to a tabletop, the tabletop having a first surface and a second surface, and the tabletop including a hole extending through the tabletop from the first surface to the second surface. The apparatus includes a clamping post having a clamp head and a clamp shaft, the clamp shaft extending downwardly from the clamp head, the clamping post defining a shoulder between the clamp head and the clamp shaft. A first clamp plate is co-axially disposed on the clamp shaft wherein the shoulder rests against the first clamp plate, the first clamp plate extending radially beyond the outermost dimension of the clamp head. A second clamp plate is co-axially disposed on the clamp shaft below and in spaced relation to the first clamp plate, the second clamp plate extending radially beyond the outermost dimension of the clamp head. The first and second clamp plates are configured to clamp the tabletop therebetween. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a heater apparatus for mounting to a tabletop via a hole in the tabletop, the hole including an inner hole diameter. The apparatus includes a heater unit configured to emit heat to an environment surrounding the heater unit. A support pole extends downwardly from the heater unit. A clamping post is disposed on the support pole. The clamping post includes a clamp head attached to the support pole and a clamp shaft extending downwardly from the clamp head, the clamp shaft dimensioned to fit through the hole in the tabletop. A first clamp plate is disposed on the clamping post below the clamp head, the first clamp plate including a first plate aperture defined therein. The first clamp plate includes an outer diameter greater than the inner hole diameter, and the clamp shaft extends through the first plate aperture. A clamp fastener is disposed on the clamp shaft below the first clamp plate. 
     In additional embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of attaching a heater apparatus to a tabletop, the tabletop including a hole in the tabletop, the hole including an inner hole diameter, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a heater apparatus including a heating unit attached to a support pole extending downwardly therefrom, the support pole including a threaded clamp shaft protruding from the support pole, the clamp shaft including a clamp plate disposed thereon, the clamp plate including an outer plate diameter greater than the inner hole diameter; (b) inserting the clamp shaft through the hole in the tabletop such that a portion of the clamp shaft extends below the tabletop; and (c) securing a clamp fastener to the portion of the clamp shaft extending below the tabletop. 
     A further embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for mounting a heating unit supported by a support pole to a tabletop, the tabletop having a first surface and a second surface, the tabletop including a hole extending through the tabletop from the first surface to the second surface. The apparatus includes a first clamp plate having a larger outer dimension than the inner diameter of the hole and a clamp shaft extending axially from the first clamp plate, the clamp shaft being shaped for clearance insertion through the hole in the tabletop. An axial bore is defined through the clamp shaft, and a second clamp plate configured for attachment to the clamp shaft, the second clamp plate having a larger outer dimension than the inner diameter of the hole. A second clamp plate aperture is defined through the second clamp plate, the second clamp plate aperture shaped for receiving the clamp shaft. The first clamp plate is configured to apply a compressive force against the first surface of the tabletop and the second clamp plate is configured to apply a compressive force against the second surface of the tabletop. 
     Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a heater apparatus that can be mounted in an umbrella hole in a tabletop. 
     A further object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for retrofitting a conventional table having a pre-existing opening defined therein, such as an umbrella hole, to include a heating unit mounted through the opening. 
     Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for evenly heating the environment around a table from above. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a heating apparatus for attachment to a patio table via an umbrella opening. 
     Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a heater apparatus positioned for installation on a tabletop in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a table assembly including a heating apparatus mounted to a tabletop in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a heater apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates partial cross-sectional elevation view of an embodiment of a heating apparatus mounted to a tabletop in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a detail cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a mounting apparatus attached to a tabletop in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamping post in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a first clamp plate in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a second clamp plate in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a heating apparatus mounted to a tabletop in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a side elevation view of an embodiment of a heating device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a heating device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an elevation view of an embodiment of a heating apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a mounting apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a mounting apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a mounting apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16A  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a centering cone in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16B  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a centering cone in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a heater apparatus positioned for installation on a tabletop mounting apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a mounting apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a heater apparatus  10  positioned for installation onto a tabletop  20 . Tabletop  20  generally includes a tabletop having a hole  24  defined therein. Hole  24  may include a conventional umbrella hole in some embodiments. Heater apparatus  10  includes a first clamp plate  26  having a first clamp flange portion extending radially outwardly therefrom. The first clamp plate also includes a clamp shaft  44  extending axially from the first clamp plate  26 . Clamp shaft  44  is shaped for clearance insertion through the hole  24  in tabletop  20 . When the heater apparatus  10  is mounted on tabletop  20 , first clamp plate  26  rests against tabletop  20  and provides support for the heating apparatus  10 , as seen in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a table assembly  100  including a table  18  having a tabletop  20 . A heater apparatus  10  is attached to tabletop  20  such that heater apparatus  10  extends above table  18 . Heater apparatus  10  includes a support pole  12  having a lower end  13  and an upper end  15  extending above the tabletop  20 . Support pole  12  includes a tubular support in some embodiments. A heating unit  14  is attached to the support pole  12 . Heating unit  14  may include a flame-operated heating unit in some embodiments configured to generate heat using combustion of a liquid, solid or gas fuel supplied to heating unit  14 . In other embodiments, heating unit  14  may include an electric heating unit configured to generate heat using electricity. Heating unit  14  may include a deflector  16  shaped to deflect heat generally downwardly toward the tabletop. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , heater apparatus  10  may be stabilized relative to tabletop  20  using a first clamp plate  26  positioned at lower end  13  of support pole  12 . Also seen in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, an energy source  74  such as a fuel tank may be attached to heater apparatus  10  after heater apparatus  10  is mounted on tabletop  20 . In some applications, energy source  74  includes a conventional propane tank. Energy source  74  may be positioned under tabletop  20  within table frame  30  or may be located remotely from table  18 . One or more panels may be attached to table frame  30  in some embodiments to enclose energy source  74  such that energy source  74  is not visible from the exterior of table apparatus  100 . Energy source  74  may be described as an external energy source because it is not included on heater apparatus  10  but rather may be connected to heater apparatus  10  after heater apparatus  10  is mounted on tabletop  20 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , a heater apparatus  10  is illustrated in a partial cross-sectional view mounted on tabletop  20 . In some embodiments, heater apparatus  10  includes a clamp shaft  44  extending axially downwardly from support pole  12  and from first clamp plate  26 . Clamp shaft  44  may include one or more threaded regions in some embodiments. Clamp shaft  44  is generally dimensioned to fit through an opening  24  in a tabletop. For example, in some embodiments, clamp shaft  44  is shaped for clearance insertion through the hole  24  in tabletop  20 . As such, heating apparatus  10  may be mounted on a tabletop by inserting clamp shaft  44  downwardly through an existing umbrella hole in the tabletop in some embodiments. 
     Because support pole  12  may be unstable when clamp shaft  44  is inserted through hole  24  in tabletop  20 , a first clamp plate  26  may be disposed between support pole  12  and tabletop  20 . First clamp plate  26  generally includes a first clamp plate outer dimension greater than the inner diameter of hole  24 . As such, first clamp plate  26  rests against, either directly or indirectly, first surface  22  of tabletop  20 . In some embodiments, first clamp plate  26  includes an annular disk including a first clamp plate aperture  64  defined near the center of the disk, as seen in  FIG. 7 . An axial bore  46  is defined through clamp shaft  44  in some embodiments. 
     First clamp plate  26  may include a tapered thickness profile as seen in  FIG. 5  such that first clamp plate  26  includes a first plate thickness near the first clamp plate aperture  64  and a second plate thickness farther away from the first clamp plate aperture  64 , wherein the first plate thickness is greater than the second plate thickness. 
     First clamp plate  26  may be axially installed onto clamp shaft  44  by sliding clamp shaft  44  through first clamp plate aperture  64 . First clamp plate  26  is installed on clamp shaft  44  prior to inserting clamp shaft  44  through hole  24  in some applications. Alternatively, first clamp plate  26  may be positioned on the first surface  22  of tabletop  20  such that first clamp plate aperture  64  is aligned with hole  24  prior to inserting clamp shaft  44  through both first clamp plate aperture  64  and hole  24 . 
     In further embodiments, such as those seen in  FIGS. 13-15 , first clamp plate  26  may be integrally formed on clamp shaft in a unitary construction. In various embodiments, first clamp plate  26  and clamp shaft  44  may be formed by integral molding, machining, casting, forging, welding or any other suitable process for forming a one-piece unit. 
     To further stabilize heating apparatus  10  when mounted on tabletop  20 , as seen in  FIG. 2 , a second clamp plate  28  may be installed on clamp shaft  44  such that second clamp plate  28  rests against, either directly or indirectly, the second surface  23  of tabletop  20 . Second clamp plate  28  in some embodiments is an inverted duplicate of first clamp plate  26 , as seen in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 . By providing duplicate, or interchangeable, first and second clamp plates  26 ,  28  in some embodiments, manufacturing costs may be reduced. Second clamp plate  28  includes a second clamp plate aperture  66  dimensioned to receive clamp shaft  44 . Second clamp plate  28  is generally installed onto clamp shaft  44  from below tabletop  20 , as seen in  FIG. 3 , after clamp shaft  44  has been inserted through hole  24 . However, in various embodiments, second clamp plate  28  may be positioned above tabletop  20 , and first clamp plate  26  may be positioned below tabletop. 
     Second clamp plate  28  generally includes a clearance fit on clamp shaft  44  in some embodiments. As such, the inner diameter of second clamp plate aperture is slightly larger than the outer diameter of clamp shaft  44  such that second clamp plate  44  may be axially slid onto clamp shaft  44 , as seen in  FIG. 9 . 
     However, in some other embodiments, second clamp plate  28  includes a threaded region adjacent second clamp plate aperture  66  configured to threadedly engage the shaft thread  50  on clamp shaft  44 , allowing second clamp plate  28  to be screwed directly onto clamp shaft  44 . In such embodiments, second clamp plate  28  may be referred to as a mounting nut or a flange nut. As such, second clamp plate  28  may be tightened against the second surface  23  of tabletop  20 , thereby clamping tabletop  20  between first clamp plate  26  and second clamp plate  28 . Second clamp plate  28  is configured for attachment to the clamp shaft  44  below the first clamp plate  26  in various embodiments including embodiments wherein second clamp plate  28  is axially slid onto clamp shaft  44  and embodiments wherein second clamp plate  28  threadedly engages clamp shaft  44 . Second clamp plate  28  defines a second clamp plate aperture  66  defined through the second clamp plate. The second clamp plate aperture  66  is shaped for receiving the clamp shaft  44 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , in additional embodiments, first and second clamp plates  26 ,  28  are both installed on clamp shaft  44  in a clearance fit. In such embodiments, a clamp fastener  52  is attached to clamp shaft  44  below second clamp plate  28  to provide a clamping force on tabletop  20  between first and second clamp plates  26 ,  28 . Clamp fastener  52  may include a threaded nut screwed onto clamp shaft  44  from below tabletop  20  after clamp shaft  44  has been inserted through hole  24 . Clamp fastener  52  includes a fastener thread  54  configured to threadedly engage a corresponding shaft thread  50  on the outer surface of clamp shaft  44 . 
     Clamp fastener  52  may be secured to second clamp plate  28  by in some embodiments such that both second clamp plate  28  and clamp fastener  52  are simultaneously installed onto clamp shaft  44 . In other embodiments, clamp fastener  52  and second clamp plate  28  are separate components, and clamp fastener  52  may be screwed against second clamp plate  28  for applying a clamping force on tabletop  20  between first and second clamp plates  26 ,  28 . In even further embodiments, second clamp plate  28  and clamp fastener  52  are integrally formed in a unitary, on-piece construction, forming a flange nut that includes both a threaded aperture and a radially extending flange for applying an axial clamping, or compressive, force against the tabletop, as seen in  FIG. 14 . When clamp fastener  52  is tightened against second clamp plate  28 , or alternatively tightened together with second clamp plate  28  against the second surface of tabletop  20 , heater apparatus  10  may be attached to tabletop  20  in a stable configuration. Clamp fastener  52  may be described as being tightened against second clamp plate  28  when clamp fastener  52  directly engages second clamp plate  28  or when an intermediate structure such as a washer or gasket is positioned between second clamp plate  28  and clamp fastener  52  such that clamp fastener  52  does not directly engage second clamp plate  28 . 
     Referring further to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a mounting apparatus  200  for securing a heating unit to a tabletop. The mounting apparatus  200  includes a clamping post  40 , a first clamp plate  26 , a second clamp plate  28 , and a clamp fastener  52 . 
     Clamping post  40  includes a clamp head  42  and a clamp shaft  44 . Clamp head  42  includes a head diameter greater than the inner diameter of hole  24  in some embodiments. Clamp head  42  may be shaped to fit inside an opening at the lower end of support pole  12 , as seen in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, clamp head  42  is rigidly attached to support pole. Clamp head  42  may be welded to support pole  12  or attached to clamp head  42  by another suitable mechanical engagement such as by an interference or friction fit, or by a threaded engagement in various embodiments. In additional embodiments, clamp head  42  may be secured to support pole  12  using one or more fasteners installed through support pole  12  into clamp head  42 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 5 , support pole  12  includes an hollow interior space  76 . Support pole  12  includes a hollow tube surrounding interior region  76  in some embodiments. Similarly, clamping post  40  includes an axial bore  46  defined axially through clamping post  40  in some embodiments. Axial bore  46  provides a passage for an energy supply line  36 , seen in  FIG. 9 , such as an electrical conductor, an electrical cord or a fuel hose, for supplying either electrical power or fuel to the heating unit positioned at the top of support pole  12 . By providing a hollow interior region  76  open to axial bore  46 , an energy supply line  36  can be routed from the heating unit at the top of support pole  12  to a location underneath the tabletop. Because the energy supply line  36  may be housed within the support pole  12  and passes through the shaft  44 , the line is not visible from the exterior of the apparatus and can be protected from damage. 
     Referring further to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, a head flange  48  may extend radially from clamp head  42  on clamping post  40 . Head flange  48  provides an axial stop for support pole  12  such that clamping post  40  does not advance too far into the opening in the lower end of support pole  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the outer diameter of clamp head  42  is larger than the outer diameter of clamp shaft  44 , thereby forming a shoulder  68  on clamping post  40  between clamp head  42  and mounting shaft  44 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , a first clamp plate recess  38   a  may be formed on the upper side of first clamp plate  26 . First clamp plate recess  38   a  is shaped to receive shoulder  68  on clamping post  40  in some embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 5 . 
     Similarly, a second clamp plate recess  38   b  may be formed on the lower side of second clamp plate  28 , as seen in  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, second clamp plate recess  38   b  may be shaped to partially receive clamp fastener  52 , as seen in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 11 . 
     In some embodiments, first and second clamp plates  26 ,  28  may include a rigid material such as a metal, ceramic, tile, plastic or other suitable material. First clamp plate  26  and/or second clamp plate  28  could possibly scratch or inadvertently slide against tabletop  20  in some applications. A first pad  32  may be positioned between first clamp plate  26  and the first surface of tabletop  20  in some applications, as seen in  FIG. 9 . Similarly, a second pad  34  may be positioned between second clamp plate  28  and the second surface of tabletop  20  in some embodiments. First and second pads  32 ,  34  may include a neoprene material in some embodiments. In other embodiments, first and second pads  32 ,  34  may include any other materials such as but not limited to rubber, foam, plastic wood, cork, or any other elastomeric material. Each pad generally includes a center hole for passage of clamp shaft  44 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, energy supply line  36  extends through axial bore  46 . In such embodiments, energy supply line  36  may be coupled to an external energy source such as a fuel tank or an electrical outlet. However, in some applications, it may be desirable to terminate energy supply line  36  at the lower end of clamp shaft  44  such that energy supply line  36  does not freely extend from the lower end of clamp shaft  44 . For example, as seen in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4 , a connector  62  may be positioned at the lower end of clamp shaft  44 . Connector  62  may include an electrical plug connector or a gas or liquid fuel connector in various embodiments. Connector  62  is coupled to energy supply line  36  inside axial bore  46 . By providing a connector  62  at the lower end of clamp shaft  44 , the energy supply line  36  extending between heating unit  14  and connector  62  may be completely housed, or enclosed, within support pole  12  and clamp shaft  44 . 
     Connector  62  provides a location for coupling heating apparatus  10  to an external energy source such as a fuel tank or an electrical outlet. Connector  62  in some embodiments includes a bulkhead connector, as seen in  FIG. 11 . The bulkhead connector  62  allows an external line  56  to be coupled to energy supply line  36 . External line  56  may include an external line adapter  58  configured for engagement with connector  62 . Similarly, energy supply line  36  includes an energy supply line adapter  90  configured for attachment to connector  62  inside axial bore  46 . As such, connector  62  provides an electrical or fluid (gas or liquid) transport coupling between external line  56  and energy supply line  36 . 
     In some embodiments where connector  62  includes a bulkhead fitting, it may be necessary to provide a transverse member for mounting the connector such that the connector  62  does not protrude radially beyond the outer diameter of clamp shaft  44 . Connector  62  may be described as an axial connector in some embodiments wherein the connector  62  extends substantially axially from clamp shaft  44 . 
     A shaft cap  82  may be installed on the lower end of clamp shaft  44  after clamp shaft  44  has been inserted through hole  24  and after clamp fastener  52  has be positioned on clamp shaft  44 . Shaft cap  82  includes a transverse cap wall  86  partially blocking the opening in the axial bore  46  at the lower end of clamp shaft  44 . Connector  62  may be installed through a hole in shaft cap wall  86 . A bulkhead nut  82 , seen in  FIG. 3  may be used to secure bulkhead connector  62  on shaft cap  82 . As seen in  FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, an external line  56  includes a gas hose attached to a valve  72  and a tank fitting  88 . Tank fitting  88  is configured for attachment to an energy source  74  in the form of a conventional propane tank, as seen in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, external line  56  includes an electrical line. 
     As discussed above, a heating apparatus includes a deflector  16  shaped to deflect heat downwardly toward tabletop  20 . Conventional deflectors for patio heaters are generally configured to disperse radially outwardly to cover a large area. However, in some applications, it is more desirable to deflect heat downwardly over a smaller area such as a tabletop. As seen in  FIG. 12 , deflector  16  may include a curved profile having an outer edge substantially angled toward the tabletop  20  for deflecting heat axially downwardly toward the tabletop. 
     In some embodiments, a heating apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure may be installed onto a tabletop by inserting clamp shaft  44  through the opening in the tabletop  20 , wherein clamp shaft  44  extends from support pole  12  at the time of insertion. However, in other embodiments, it may be desirable to attach a mounting apparatus to tabletop  20 , and subsequently attaching support pole  12  directly to the mounting apparatus. For example, as seen in  FIG. 17 , a first clamp plate  26  includes a clamp head  42  extending upwardly therefrom. Clamp head  42  forms a generally cylindrical shape in some embodiments. First clamp plate  26  may be secured to tabletop  20  using second clamp plate  28  attached to clamp post  44  on the opposite side of tabletop  20 , as seen in  FIG. 13 . After first clamp plate  26  has been secured to tabletop  20 , support pole  12  may be mounted onto clamp head  42  by sliding tubular support pole  12  onto clamp head from above, as seen in  FIG. 17 . One or more pole fasteners  70 a,  70 b may inserted through predefined holes in support pole  12  into clamp head  42  for securing support pole  12  onto clamp head  42 . As such, heating unit  10  may be installed onto tabletop  20 . 
     In some embodiments, first clamp plate  26  is angled relative to clamp shaft  44 , as seen in  FIG. 13 . In such embodiments, first clamp plate  26  may resiliently flex when first and second clamp plates are tightened against tabletop  20 , thereby providing additional resilient axial clamping force against tabletop  20 . Also seen in  FIG. 13 , in some embodiments, the inner diameter of hole  24  may be close to the same outer diameter as clamp shaft  44 , thereby providing close fit between hole  24  and clamp shaft  44 . In some embodiments, hole  24  may include a standard hole diameter. Patio tables generally include a hole  24  having an inner diameter between about 1.5 inches and about 2.0 inches. The present disclosure provides an apparatus that may be interchangeably used with patio tables having differently sized holes  24  by using a centering cone  92 , seen in  FIGS. 16A and 16B . Centering cone  92  includes an angled axisymmetric cone wall  98 , a top opening  94  and a bottom opening  96 . In some embodiments, the outer diameter of centering cone  92  at top opening  94  is greater than the inner diameter of the largest standard hole  24  size. Similarly, the outer diameter of centering cone  92  at bottom opening  96  is less than the inner diameter of the smallest standard hole  24  size. As such, centering cone  92  may be positioned to rest in hole  24  prior to insertion of clamp shaft  44 , as seen in  FIG. 15 . When hole  24  is larger than clamp shaft  44  centering cone  92  allows clamp shaft  44  to be centered in hole  24  for stabilizing the apparatus. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of clamp shaft  44  is substantially the same or slightly less than the inner diameter of centering cone  92  at bottom opening  96 . 
     Also seen in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , in some embodiments, first and second pads  32 ,  34  may be used with first and second clamp plates  26 ,  28  with or without the use of centering cone  92 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , in some embodiments, clamp shaft  44  extends upwardly from first clamp plate  26  engaging second surface  23  on tabletop  20 . In such embodiments, second clamp plate  28  includes a mounting head  42 a for mounting support pole  12 . In such embodiments, clamp shaft  44  extends upwardly from the bottom of tabletop  20  through opening  24  and threadedly engages a threaded second clamp plate aperture on second clamp plate  28 . The first surface  22  of the tabletop  20  may be on the underside of the tabletop  20 , and the second surface  23  may be described as on the upper surface of the tabletop  20  in some applications. 
     Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Mounting Apparatus for Attaching a Heating Device to a Tabletop, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.