Patent Publication Number: US-2020284472-A1

Title: Towable heater

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/814,755, filed Mar. 6, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to industrial heating devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to portable industrial heaters. Generally speaking, portable industrial heaters are specific to different industries. Many conventional portable industrial heaters require different heating capacities depending on the industry of use. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least one embodiment relates to a portable industrial heater including a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, one or more burners housed within the housing and configured to heat air passing through the housing from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a generator selectively providing power to the one or more burners. The air inlet and the air outlet are positioned on a same side of the housing. 
     Another embodiment relates to a portable industrial heater assembly including a removable heating unit configured to heat air, the removable heating unit comprising a burner and an air outlet. The portable heater assembly further includes a housing portion configured to house one or more fuel tanks and a generator selectively providing power to the removable heating unit, a trailer configured to support the housing portion and the removable heating unit in a stowed position, the trailer comprising one or more trailer wheels, a frame, and a hitch. The removable heating unit is configured to operate remotely from the trailer and the housing portion, the removable heating unit receiving fuel from the one or more fuel tanks and electricity from the generator. 
     Another embodiment relates to a portable industrial heater including a housing comprising a modular compartment, one or more burners configured to heat air passing through the housing. The housing further comprises one or more additional modular compartments, each additional modular compartment configured to selectively receive at least one of the one or more burners. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a towable heater, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 1  from the bottom; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of a trailer for use with the towable heater of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the trailer of  FIG. 7  from the top; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the trailer of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of the trailer of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the trailer of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective schematic view of a connection feature of the towable heater of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a side schematic view of the connection feature of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  is a front perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a front view of a user interface of the towable heater of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a front view of a user interface of the towable heater of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic diagram of a top view of the towable heater of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a front perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a rear perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a rear perspective view of the towable heater of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 31  is a schematic diagram of a top view of the towable heater of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a front perspective view of a towable heater assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 33  is a front perspective view of the towable heater assembly of  FIG. 32  in an example use environment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring generally to the figures, a towable heater assembly is shown. The towable heater assembly provides heating for various applications, including, but not limited to, concrete curing, temporary industrial heating, drying out flooded buildings or areas, construction sites, warming the ground for a jobsite, and so on. In addition, in emergency response situations, the towable heater assembly provides a heat source, drying capabilities, and portable power. Ducting is removably coupled to the towable heater assembly and used to direct a heated air flow from the heater to a particular enclosure, area, building, equipment, etc. The towable heater assembly is mounted on a trailer and is configured for easy portability. The heater may also be dismounted from the trailer and supported and/or transported in other ways. In some embodiments, the towable heater assembly includes one or more removable and individually portable heating units. In this way, a separate, smaller heating unit can be positioned within an area (e.g., open door, enclosure) remote from the rest of the towable heater assembly. 
     The towable heater assembly also includes various compartments and covers configured to house the various components of the heater such that no parts of the heater extend past the overall package (e.g., housing, envelope, frame, etc.) of the heater. For example, no ducting, connection features, outlets, user interfaces, etc., extend past or hang off of the towable heater, or are exposed to elements, such as rain, heat, snow, hail, etc. In this way, the potential for accidentally snagging or damaging a component of the towable heater while moving or operating the heater assembly is reduced. In addition, exposure of the components of the heater assembly to potentially adverse weather conditions is limited. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a towable heater is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater  10  is configured to produce a heated airflow that can be directed to certain areas, enclosures, equipment, buildings, etc. heat the area and/or dry out the area. The towable heater  10  includes one or more burners  42 ,  44  (e.g., a first burner  42 , second burner  44 ) and a generator (e.g., generator  530  shown in  FIGS. 28-29 ) providing power to the one or more burners  42 ,  44 . The burners  42 ,  44  are indirect fired burners. The generator includes an engine and an alternator driven by the engine. The alternator produces electrical power from input mechanical power from the engine. The burners  42 ,  44  are configured to produce approximately 500,000 British thermal units (BTUs) each, or an approximate combined 1,000,000 BTUs (e.g., using both the first burner  42  and second burner  44  together). In some embodiments, a third burner may be used, thereby producing a combined 1,500,000 BTUs of output. In other embodiments, the burners  42 ,  44  may produce more or less heat. 
     The towable heater  10  includes a housing  13  including a front  2 , rear  4 , top  6 , bottom  8 , left side  12 , and right side  14 . In various embodiments, the housing  13  may be made up at least partially of panels, dividers, covers, and doors as will be described further herein (e.g., front storage door  22 , rear storage door  24 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the top  6  is formed from two panels, a first panel  17  and a second panel  19 . The incorporation of separate panels may allow the towable heater  10  to be modular in nature. For example, a manufacturer can shorten the length of the towable heater  10  by removing one or more of the panels in situations where only one burner may be used. In other embodiments, the top  6  may be formed as a single piece. The housing  13  also includes a fluid containment system  26  including various trays, compartments, panels, and/or portions, as described further herein. The housing  13  houses the generator and the burners  42 ,  44 , fuel tanks  52 ,  54 ,  56 , as well as various other stored items (e.g., ducts). 
     The towable heater  10  is mounted on and supported by a trailer  50  with a frame  15 , a hitch  16 , and one or more wheels  20  for portability. In some embodiments, a portion of the trailer  50  or frame  15  forms a portion of the housing  13 . For example, a perimeter siding  25  (e.g., formed out of sheet metal) or a number of perimeter sidings  25  may be coupled (e.g., fastened, attached) around the entire perimeter of the housing  13  near the bottom  8 . The siding  25  may form at least a portion of the left side  12 , right side  14 , front  2 , and rear  4 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the towable heater  10  includes a first opening  62  providing access to a first burner  42  and a second opening  64  providing access to a second burner  44 . The openings  62 ,  64  are formed in the left side  12  of the housing  13 . In other embodiments, the openings are formed in another side of the housing (e.g., right side  14 ). The openings  62 ,  64  are each enclosed by a cover  32  when the burners  42 ,  44  are not being accessed. The covers  32  may provide a water-tight seal when coupled to the housing  13 . 
     The towable heater  10  includes one or more fuel tanks  52 ,  54 ,  56  configured to provide fuel to the generator and the burners  42 ,  44 . For example, a first fuel tank  52  fuels the first burner  42 , a second fuel tank  54  fuels the second burner  44 , and a third fuel tank  56  fuels the engine of the generator. In some embodiments, only one burner may be used for the towable heater  10  and in such a case, only two fuel tanks are included, one fuel tank for the single burner and one fuel tank for the engine. Each of the fuel tanks  52 ,  54 ,  56  include a respective fuel tank cap  92 ,  94 ,  96  (e.g., first fuel tank  52  includes a first fuel tank cap  92 , second fuel tank  54  includes a second fuel tank cap  94 , third fuel tank  56  includes a third fuel tank cap  96 ). Each of the fuel tank caps  92 ,  94 ,  96  are accessible to an operator on the left side  12  of the towable heater  10 . As such, all fuel tanks can be refilled by an operator on the same side of the towable heater  10 . In some embodiments, the fuel tank caps  92 ,  94 ,  96  are accessible to an operator on the other side (e.g., right side  14 ) of the towable heater  10 . A seal may surround the fuel tanks  52 ,  54 ,  56  at the housing  13  such that fluids may not enter the housing  13  near the fuel tank caps  92 ,  94 ,  96 . One or more of the towable heaters described herein may include one or more outlets positioned on the outside of the housing. The outlets may be ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. The outlets provide access to power produced by the generator. The outlets may be covered by a thermoform plastic material. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a top view of the towable heater  10  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this view, a second portion or panel  19  of the top  6  of the housing  13  is removed such that one of the burner compartments (e.g., second compartment  73 ) is shown. The second compartment  73  includes the second burner  44  and second ducting  21  having an inlet  23 , a first outlet  76 , and a second outlet  78 . Air flows into the second compartment  73  through an air inlet  66  shown by arrow  82  and through the second compartment  73  to the second burner  44  at arrow  84 . The air flows past the burner at arrow  86  and through the ducting  21  and exits the towable heater through the first outlet  76  and the second outlet  78 . The air flow in the compartment flows in a two-directional manner. Air flow occurs similarly for the first burner  44 , where the air flows into a first compartment  71  ( FIG. 8 ) through an air inlet  68 , flows past the first burner  42 , and exits the first compartment  71  through a first outlet  72  and a second outlet  74  (e.g., of a first ducting). Accordingly, dual air inlets and dual air intake paths are used, one air inlet and air intake path for each burner. In addition, the air inlets and outlets are positioned on the same side of the towable heater  10  as each other. For example, the air inlets and outlets for each compartment  71 ,  73  are positioned on the right side  14  of the towable heater  10 . In other embodiments, the air inlets and outlets can be otherwise positioned. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-6 , a perspective view of the towable heater  10  with a front storage door  22  open is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The front storage door  22  is configured to open upward and outward from the housing  13 , pivoting at hinge  34  (e.g., proximate the top  6  and first panel  17 ), exposing a front storage compartment  60 . A front wall  28  of the front storage compartment  60  is configured to open outward and downward, pivoting at hinge  36  (e.g., proximate the bottom  8 ). In this way, there is more room to maneuver objects in and out of the compartment  60 . For example, an operator can open the front storage door  22 , then open the front wall  28  of the front storage compartment  60  such that it is not necessary to insert objects at an angle (e.g., diagonally) into the compartment  60 . Instead, the operator can easily place items in and remove items from the compartment  60  without worrying about contacting the front wall  28 . After placing ducts or other items into the compartment  60  and then closing the front wall  28 , the operator can then place more items into the compartment  60  without worrying about the items falling out due to the positioning of the front wall  28 . In addition, the operator can easily reach the bottom of the storage compartment  60  (e.g., to reach items fallen to the bottom of the compartment, clean the compartment, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-11 , a trailer  50  with a frame  15 , a hitch  16 , and one or more wheels  20  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The frame  15  includes one or more divider supports  65  and a crossbar  55 . The divider supports  65  and crossbar  55  help to support the panels (e.g., first panel  17 , second panel  19 ), doors, and covers that make up the housing  13 . One or more compartments are formed as part of the trailer  50 . 
     One or more compartments or containment trays  71 ,  73 ,  75  are included. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the first compartment  71  is formed by the siding  25 , a first wall  81 , a first divider  91 , a second wall  83 , and a second divider  93 . The second compartment  73  is formed by the siding  25 , the second wall  83 , the second divider  93 , a third wall  85 , and a third divider  95 . The third compartment  75  is formed by the siding  25 , the third wall  85 , the third divider  95 , and a fourth wall  87 . Each burner  42 ,  44  is positioned within a separate compartment. For example, the first burner  42  is positioned in the first compartment  71  and the second burner  44  is positioned in the second compartment  73 . In this way, each of the burners  42 ,  44  have recirculating capabilities, where air for a burner (e.g., first burner  42 ) is pulled only from a single compartment (e.g., first compartment  71 ). In addition, the air passing over the burners  42 ,  44  is combined with already-heated air passing through the compartments  71 ,  73 . As such, the towable heater  10  does not have to work as hard to heat up the air flowing therethrough. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , each of the fuel tanks  52 ,  54 ,  56  are positioned in a separate compartment. The first fuel tank  52  is positioned within the first compartment  71 , the second fuel tank  54  is positioned within the second compartment  73 , and the third fuel tank  56  is positioned within the third compartment  75 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , one or more of the first wall  81 , second wall  83 , third wall  85 , and fourth wall  87  include openings  90  such that each of the compartments are in fluid communication with each other. The openings  90  include a fuel line attachment feature inserted through the walls to connect the compartments. The compartments  71 ,  73 ,  75  each include a drain  67  for fluid to drain out of the compartment. The combination of these features allows the towable heater  10  to be parked on sloped or angled surfaces, where fluid can move between the compartments and not spill onto the ground. The compartments  71 ,  73 ,  75  provide 150% fluid containment. 
     The compartments are modular such that an operator can remove or add compartments to accommodate for the number of burners used with the towable heater  10 . For example, if using a single burner (e.g., for a  500 , 000  BTU output), a manufacturer can remove a compartment (e.g., by removing a top panel and a side panel) and reduce the overall package size of the towable heater  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-14 , a towable heater  100  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater  100  includes a housing  113  including a front  102 , rear  104 , top  106 , bottom  108 , left side  112 , and right side  114 . In various embodiments, the housing  113  may be made up at least partially of panels, dividers, covers, and doors as will be described further herein (e.g., storage doors  122 ). The housing  113  also includes a fluid containment system  126  including various trays, compartments, panels, and portions, as described further herein. The housing  113  houses the generator and the burners, as well as various other stored items. The towable heater  100  is mounted on and supported by a trailer  150  with a frame  110 , a hitch  116 , and one or more wheels  120  for portability. In some embodiments, a portion of the trailer  150  or frame  110  forms a portion of the housing  113 . The housing  113  includes at least two lift points  115 ,  117 , which can be used to lift the heater  100  off of the trailer  150 . Using the two lift points  115 ,  117 , the heater  100  can be removed from the trailer  150  in a balanced fashion. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a perspective view of the towable heater  100  with a side storage door  122  partially open is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater  100  includes one or more side storage doors  122  configured to open outward from the left and right sides  112 ,  114 , pivoting at hinge  124  (e.g., proximate the bottom  108 ), providing access to two side storage compartments  160 . For example, arrow  181  illustrates the movement of side storage door  122 . The side storage compartments  160  and doors  122  are positioned proximate the front  102  of the towable heater  100 . The side storage compartment  160  is formed by a bottom wall  121 , a side wall  136 , and a top wall  138 . The top wall  138  pivots at hinge  128  relative to side wall  136  and the side wall  136  pivots at hinge  124  relative to bottom wall  121 . To open the side storage door  122 , an operator can grab onto a handle  111  on the top wall  138  and pull outward away from the center of the towable heater  100  and downward toward the ground. The side storage compartment  160  may store a duct  118 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the side storage door  122  can extend out into a ramp that supports the duct  118 . The inclusion of the ramp limits the possibility of the duct  118  kinking. The duct  118  extends from a first end  130  to a second end  140 . The first end  130  is configured to couple to the towable heater  100  at connection  146  (e.g., formed at bottom wall  121 ) and the duct  118  extends along the ramp to the second end  140 . To position the duct  118  back in the housing  113 , an operator can push the second end  140  of the duct  118  toward the first end  130  (e.g., condensing the duct  118 ) and simultaneously lift up the top wall  138  and side wall  136 , effectively pivoting the side storage door  122  at hinge  128  and back into the housing  113 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-16 , a towable heater  200  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater  200  includes a housing  213  including a front  202 , rear  204 , top  206 , bottom  208 , left side  212 , and right side  214 . The housing  213  houses the generator and the burners, as well as various other stored items. The towable heater  200  is mounted on and supported by a trailer  250  with a frame  210 , a hitch  216 , and one or more wheels  220  for portability. The towable heater  200  includes a storage door  222  configured to open to provide access to a storage compartment. To open the side storage door  222 , an operator can grab onto a handle  211  and pull outward away from the center of the towable heater  100  and upward away from the ground. The storage door  222  is formed as part of the front  202 . The storage door  222  is aerodynamic, rigid, and lightweight. In some embodiments, the storage door  222  is rotomolded. The housing  213  includes at least two lift points  215 ,  217 , which can be used to lift the heater  200  off of the trailer  250 . Using the two lift points  215 ,  217 , the heater  200  can be removed from the trailer  250  in a balanced fashion. 
     The towable heater  200  includes a first outlet  224  and a second outlet  226  configured to expel heated air from the towable heater  200 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the first outlet  224  may be enclosed by a first outlet cover  225  and the second outlet  226  may be enclosed by a second outlet cover  227 . By using separate outlet covers  225 ,  227 , a door or panel is not necessary, thereby reducing the complexity of the housing  213  design. Referring to  FIGS. 16-18 , a duct  218  is removably coupled to the towable heater  200  at either the first outlet  224  or the second outlet  226 . The duct  218  includes an inlet end  230  configured to be coupled to the towable heater  200  via connection feature  246 . The duct  218  is coupled to one of the outlets  224 ,  226  by sliding the inner diameter  232  of the duct  218  over the outer diameter  234  of the outlet  224 ,  226 , shown by arrow  281  in  FIG. 17 . A magnet  238  (e.g., a magnetic ring) on the duct  218  couples either directly to the side  212  of the towable heater  10  (e.g., made of a ferromagnetic material) or to a magnet  236  (e.g., a magnetic ring) on the side  212  of the towable heater  200 . In some embodiments, the duct  218  includes a clamp  242  at the inlet end  230 . Using the connection feature  246  (e.g., magnets  236 ,  238 , side  212 ), an operator can easily connect and disconnect a duct  218  without the use of tools by sliding the duct  218  over one of the outlets  224 ,  226 . As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the duct  218  can be moved towards and coupled to connection feature  246 . In some embodiments, the magnet  238  used on the duct  218  can be part of a magnetic attachment to the duct  218  and not formed as a part of the duct  218 . Accordingly, the magnetic attachment can be purchased separately and used with the duct  218  and the duct  218  does not need to be modified in any way. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19-20 , a towable heater  300  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater  300  includes a housing  313  including a front  302 , rear  304 , top  306 , bottom  308 , left side  312 , and right side  314 . The housing  313  houses the generator and the burners, as well as various other stored items. The housing  313  also includes a fluid containment system  326  including various trays, compartments, panels, and portions, as described further herein. The towable heater  300  is mounted on and supported by a trailer  350  with a frame  310 , a hitch  316 , and one or more wheels  320  for portability. The towable heater  300  includes a storage door  322  configured to open to provide access to a storage compartment. The storage door  322  is formed as part of the left side  312 . To open the side storage door  322 , an operator can grab onto a handle  311  and pull outward away from the center of the towable heater  300 . In some embodiments, the towable heater  300  has a plurality of doors  322 . The housing  313  includes at least two lift points  315 ,  317 , which can be used to lift the heater  300  off of the trailer  350 . Using the two lift points  315 ,  317 , the heater  300  can be removed from the trailer  350  in a balanced fashion. The towable heater  300  also includes one or more lights  332 ,  334 ,  336 . A first light  332  is positioned on the front  302 , a second light  334  is positioned on the side (e.g., left side  312 , right side  314 ), and a third light  336  is positioned on the rear  304 . The lights  332 ,  334 ,  336  may be ambient-light sensors such that as it gets dark outside the lights turn on, or motion-sensors or proximity sensing lights such that as an operator approaches or walks by the towable heater  300 , the lights turn on. The lights provide 360 degree lighting surround the towable heater  300 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 21-22 , a towable heater  400  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater  400  includes a housing  413  including a front  402 , rear  404 , top  406 , bottom  408 , left side  412 , and right side  414 . The housing  413  houses the generator and the burners, as well as various other stored items. The housing  413  also includes a fluid containment system  426  including various trays, compartments, panels, and portions, as described further herein. The towable heater  400  is mounted on and supported by a trailer  450  with a frame  410 , a hitch  416 , and one or more wheels  420  for portability. The towable heater  400  includes a front storage door  422  configured to open to provide access to a front storage compartment. The storage door  422  may be formed as part of the front  402 . The towable heater  400  also includes a user interface  480 . The housing  413  includes at least two lift points  415 ,  417 , which can be used to lift the heater  400  off of the trailer  450 . Using the two lift points  415 ,  417 , the heater  400  can be removed from the trailer  450  in a balanced fashion. The user interface  480  displays information regarding the performance and status of the towable heater  400 . In effect, the user interface  480  provides a single point of control for an operator of the towable heater  400 . An operator can interact with the user interface  480  by touching a screen, using a separate mobile device, etc. The operator can view the operating status of the towable heater  400  such as operating temperatures, burner output, generator output, operating pressures, engine speed, fuel levels, etc. In addition, the operator can input controls into the user interface  480  to control the operation of the generator and burners. Referring to  FIGS. 23-24 , example user interfaces  480  are shown. In some embodiments, the color of the user interfaces  480  can indicate the status of the towable heater  400 . For example, in  FIG. 23 , the user interface  480  is displayed in a first color  481 , for example red, and may indicate there are one or more warnings about the operation of the towable heater  400 . In  FIG. 24 , the user interface  480  is displayed in a second color  482 , for example green, and may indicate that the towable heater  400  is operating in a normal manner. In some embodiments, the first color  481  or the second color  482  may be visible to an operator from a distance, and the color can indicate the status of the towable heater  400 . 
     In some embodiments, the towable heater includes a controller. The controller is configured to control operation of the generator, burners, and other components of the towable heater remotely. For example, the controller can control up to 30 different burners to which it is connected. In some embodiments, the controller can control the provision of power from the generator to the one or more burners. In this way, the controller can optimize the use of the one or more burners based on a user-desired and/or system-determined input. The controller is thus operatively and communicably coupled to the generator, the one or more burners, and the user interface (e.g., user interface  480 ). 
     In some embodiments, the controller communicates with a separate user/operator device via a WiFi connection. As shown, the controller includes a processing circuit, which may include a processor and a memory. The processor may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital signal processor (DSP), a group of processing components that may be distributed over various geographic locations or housed in a single location, or other suitable electronic processing components. The one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, NVRAM, ROM, Flash Memory, hard disk storage) may store data and/or computer code for facilitating the various processes described herein. Moreover, the one or more memory devices may be or include tangible, non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Accordingly, the one or more memory devices may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the user interface  480  is controlled by the controller (e.g., an input/output circuit of the controller) structured to receive and provide communication(s) to an operator of the towable heater  400 . In this regard, the controller is structured to exchange data, communications, instructions, etc. with an input/output component of the user interface  480 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, the controller includes an input/output device such as a display device, a touchscreen, a keyboard, a microphone, etc. In another embodiment, the controller may include communication circuitry for facilitating the exchange of data, values, messages, and the like between an input/output device and the components of the user interface  480 . In yet another embodiment, the controller may include machine-readable media for facilitating the exchange of information between the input/output device and the components of the user interface  480 . In still another embodiment, the controller may include any combination of hardware components (e.g., a touchscreen), communication circuitry, and machine-readable media. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 25-26 , a towable heater  500  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater  500  includes a housing  513  including a front  502 , rear  504 , top  506 , bottom  508 , left side  512 , and right side  514 . The housing  513  houses the generator and the burners, as well as various other stored items. The towable heater  500  is mounted on and supported by a trailer  550  with a frame  510 , a hitch  516 , and one or more wheels  520  for portability. The housing  513  includes at least two lift points  515 ,  517 , which can be used to lift the heater  500  off of the trailer  550 . Using the two lift points  515 ,  517 , the heater  500  can be removed from the trailer  550  in a balanced fashion. 
     Referring to  FIG. 26 , a top schematic view of the towable heater  500  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater  500  includes a first burner  542 , a second burner  544 , and a generator  530 . A first fuel tank  552  provides fuel to the first burner  542 , a second fuel tank  554  provides fuel to the second burner  544 , and a third fuel tank  556  provides fuel to the generator  530 . The fuel tanks  552 ,  554 ,  556  are positioned directly above the wheels  520  (e.g., directly above a wheel axis). In some embodiments, the fuel tanks are otherwise positioned. The generator  530  is positioned rearward of the wheels  520 , while the burners  542 ,  544  are positioned forward of the wheels  520 . In some embodiments, the generator and burners are otherwise positioned. 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , the towable heater  500  includes a front storage door  522  configured to open upward and outward to provide access to a front storage compartment  560  (e.g., to store one or more ducts  532 ,  534 ). The front storage door  522  is formed as part of the front  502  of the housing  513 . To open the front storage door  522 , an operator can grasp the handle  511  and pull outward and upward, pivoting at hinge  562 . As illustrated by arrow  583 , the front storage door  522  may pivot downwards about hinge  562  to close. A front wall  564  formed as part of the front  502  of the housing  513  is also configured to open to allow an operator to easily insert items, such as ducts  532 ,  534 . The front wall  564  opens outward and downward, pivoting at hinge  528 . As illustrated by arrow  584 , the front wall  564  may pivot upwards about hinge  528  to close. In this way, there is more room to maneuver objects in and out of the front storage compartment  560 . For example, an operator can open the front wall  564  such that it is not necessary to insert objects at an angle (e.g., diagonally) into the front storage compartment  560 . Instead, the operator can easily place items into and remove items from the front storage compartment  560  without worrying about contacting the front wall  564 . After placing ducts or other items into the compartment  560  and then closing the front wall  564 , the operator can then place more items into the compartment  560  without worrying about the items falling out due to the positioning of the front wall  564 . In addition, the operator can easily reach the bottom of the storage compartment  560  (e.g., to reach items fallen to the bottom of the compartment, clean the compartment, etc.). The towable heater  500  includes a first outlet  524  and a second outlet  526  configured to expel heated air from the towable heater  500 . The ducts  532 ,  532  can be removably coupled to the towable heater  500  at either the first outlet  524  or the second outlet  526 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 25-29 , the towable heater  500  also includes a rear storage compartment  570 . The generator  530  may be positioned in the rear storage compartment  570 . The rear storage compartment  570  may include a storage rack  546  configured to hold a duct or other component for use with the towable heater  500 . The user interface  580  may be positioned on a rear door  542  within the rear storage compartment  570 . The rear door  542  may include a window or screen  582 , which aligns with the user interface  580  and through which an operator may view and interact with the user interface  580 . The window  582  protects the user interface  580  against environmental conditions, such as rain, snow, heat, sun, etc. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 30-31 , a towable heater  600  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater  600  includes a housing  613  including a front  602 , rear  604 , top  606 , bottom  608 , left side  612 , and right side  614 . The housing  613  houses the generator and the burners, as well as various other stored items. The towable heater  600  is mounted on and supported by a trailer  650  with a frame  610 , a hitch  616 , and one or more wheels  620  for portability. The housing  613  includes at least two lift points  615 ,  617 , which can be used to lift the heater  600  off of the trailer  650 . Using the two lift points  615 ,  617 , the heater  600  can be removed from the trailer  650  in a balanced fashion. The towable heater  600  includes an outlet  624  configured to expel heated air from the towable heater  600 . A duct  634  can be removably coupled to the towable heater  600  at the outlet  524 . The towable heater  600  shown in  FIGS. 30-31  is similar to the towable heater  500  shown in  FIGS. 25-29  except that one less burner is used in the towable heater  600 . The towable heater  500  shown in  FIGS. 25-29  may be modified (e.g., the housing  513  may be modified) to create the towable heater  600  shown in  FIGS. 30-31 . For example, one or more panels from each of the top  506 , bottom  508 , and sides  512 ,  514  may be removed to modify the towable heater to a smaller, more compact size (e.g., shorter in length, etc.) when a single burner is used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 31 , a top schematic view of the towable heater  600  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater  600  includes a burner  642  and a generator  630 . A first fuel tank  654  provides fuel to the burner  642  and a second fuel tank  656  provides fuel to the generator  630 . The fuel tanks  654 ,  656  are positioned directly above the wheels  620  (e.g., directly above a wheel axis). In some embodiments, the fuel tanks are otherwise positioned. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 32-33 , a towable heater assembly  700  is shown. The towable heater assembly  700  includes a front compartment  702  and one or more removable heating units  732 ,  734  supported by a trailer  750  with a frame  710 , a hitch  716 , and one or more wheels  720 . The front compartment  702  may store hoses or conduits  760 ,  770 . The removable heating units  732 ,  734  each include a burner housed therein and a heated air outlet  742 ,  744 . Heated air exits the removable heating units  732 ,  734  through the heated air outlets  742 ,  744 . While positioned remotely, the removable heating units  732 ,  734  are still controlled at the main towable heater portion  705 . Each of the removable heating units  732 ,  734  are connected to and controlled by the generator positioned in rear portion  758  (e.g., via conduits or hoses  760 ,  770  respectively). The conduits  760 ,  770  also provide fuel and electricity to the removable heating units  732 ,  734 . 
     The removable heating units  732 ,  734  each include wheels  740  allowing an operator to easily move the heating units  732 ,  734  around (e.g., roll around) and to and from locations remote from the trailer  750  and the rest of the towable heater assembly  700 . Each of the removable heating units  732 ,  734  include a handle  752 ,  754  configured to be grasped by an operator. For example, to move the second removable heating unit  734 , an operator can first place the one or more ramps  778  in position proximate the side of the towable heater assembly  700 , grasp the handle  754 , and pull to roll the second removable heating unit  734  down the ramp  778  to a remote location. As shown in  FIG. 33 , the removable heating units  732 ,  734  can be used in various locations, such as positioned through an open door  792  or on a second floor of a building  790 . 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     Unless described differently above, the terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the systems and methods as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the components described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.