Patent Abstract:
Heater covers and methods of using the same are disclosed. The covers can be used on stand-type movable or fixed patio heaters or table top heaters. The covers can be removably attached to the heaters. The covers can have body covers separate or attached to head covers. The covers can be resilient or rigid. The rigid covers can have hinges and can clamshell or telescope around the heaters.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/968,019, filed Aug. 24, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to covers for heaters, such as stand-type gas or electric heaters, and methods of using the same. The heater can be, for example, a movable or fixed patio heater or table-top heater. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Typical tower heaters, such as those used for outdoor and patio use, have an appearance that is considered “industrial” and sterile by many. Some newer designs for tower heaters obstruct the typical “industrial” design, for example, providing the tower heater with the configuration of a palm tree, or other design. These alternate designs are permanently fixed to the heater. However, it is often desired to change the design of the heater without having to have separate heaters for each design or without having to incur the expense to purchase a new standup heater to change the design. 
         [0006]    Tower heaters (e.g., patio heaters) are often used in public, residential, and commercial locales. For example, tower heaters are often located in outdoor seating areas at restaurants, in plazas, and outdoor malls; or by event planners or rental companies for functions or parties. These locations make the heaters optimum sites for advertising. However, the towers are often too thin and the heat shields of the heaters are too steep of an angle and its surface too hot to reasonably display advertising. The base is also well below eye level, so posting advertising on the base would be generally out of sight. 
         [0007]    Therefore, replaceable and/or removable outer configuration for tower heaters is desired. Furthermore, a configuration of a heater and accompanying method for reasonably attaching a display to a tower heater is desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A device for camouflaging the mechanical structure of a tower (e.g., patio, outdoor) heater is disclosed. The device can be a cover or shell. The cover can have an assembly of, for example, two to four panels or “skins” or cover sections. The cover sections can be rigid or flexible. The cover sections can be rotatably attached to each other, for example via one or more rotatable hinges. The cover sections can be attached to the underlying mechanical structure of the tower heater in a “clamshell” fashion. 
         [0009]    The cover can be constructed from one or more elements that extend longitudinally along the entire cover, or horizontally with the split occurring somewhere around the base and tower, or the cover can be made from a body cover and/or separate head cover. The body cover can have a tower cover and a separate base cover. The head cover can be a decorative “shade” or shield around the existing parabolic heat deflector (i.e., heat shield or heater head) at the top of the heater structure. 
         [0010]    The head cover can have a cylindrical or a conical, square, polygonal, elliptical, hemispherical configuration or a partial configuration of any of the aforementioned configurations, or a combination of any of the configurations thereof. If the head cover has a conical or partial conical configuration, the angle of the cone with respect to the longitudinal axis of the heater can be from about 0° to about 45°± in either direction, more narrowly from about 0° to about 25° in either direction. 
         [0011]    One or more displays can be attached to the heater head, tower, body, base, head cover, tower cover, base cover, body cover, or combinations thereof. The displays can have a flat or curved surface. The displays can form an angle with the longitudinal axis of the heater from about 0° to about 45°± in either direction, more narrowly from about 0° to about 25° in either direction. 
         [0012]    The cover can be made from one or more rigid or semi rigid materials, for example thermoplastics (e.g., Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP)), polycarbonates, or silicon or vinyl-base materials or EVA copolymers which may, for example, be blow, injection, or rotational molded, fiberglass reinforced polymers (“FRP” or fiberglass), resins, stamped or spun sheet metal, urethane over a formed metal structure, heat resistant fabrics stretched around a metal frame, or combinations thereof in smooth or textured finish. The material can be opaque, translucent or transparent. The cover can be made from materials that can be lightweight, suited for outdoor use, long lasting, and have a durable finish in multiple colors. The cover can be made by being molded, for example roto-molded. 
         [0013]    The cover sections can be attached to and detached from each other with mechanical hardware, such as one or more fasteners including quick release fasteners  70 , one or more piece of hook and loop tape (e.g., Velcro); one or more piece of interlocking stem and head tape (e.g., Dual Lock from 3M Corporation of Minneapolis, Minn.), magnets, latches, clips, ties, hooks, locking pins, the ports and flanges to which they are to attach, and combinations thereof, for example applied on overlapping flanges (e.g., tongue-and-groove, guide-pins, grooves) or into ports of adjacent cover sections. The fasteners  70  can be locked, hooked, pressed, snapped or otherwise joined together into place. 
         [0014]    The cover sections can be hinged together, for example in a clamshell fashion. 
         [0015]    The cover sections can have horizontal seams. The horizontal seams can divide the cover sections into two or more section that can telescope or separate when moved relative to each other in a vertical direction. For example, a lower section can slide upwards, and may temporarily come to rest on the tinder structure of the patio heater column to gain access, for example, to the propane tank area, for example to service the propane tank area or replace the propane tank. The cover sections can be simply and repeatedly assembled, disassembled, and easily transported between locations, or stored by nesting the cover sections together. 
         [0016]    The covers can have fluting or grooves, textures, appliqués, self-adhesive tape, and combinations thereof. For example, these features (e.g., fluting/grooves, textures, decorative rings, etc.) can hide joints between the cover sections while providing aesthetic design alternatives. 
         [0017]    The head cover sections can be punctured, louvered, folded, made of metal mesh, or otherwise treated, for example to dissipate and/or collect and/or direct heat and/or to provide alternate aesthetics. 
         [0018]    The head cover sections can be attached to and detached from the tower, head and base of the heater. The head cover sections can have or be attached to straps or spokes. For example, two to four or three to six straps or spokes can radially extend from the center of the heater. The straps or spokes can attach to the cover section (e.g., the head cover or the body cover). Mechanical quick-release fasteners  70  can attach the cover sections to the heater head or body (e.g., tower or base). The fasteners  70  can thermally insulate the cover sections from the heater head or body. The thermal insulators can be spacers and/or a layer of thermal insulating material. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a variation of a stand-type tower propane heater, not the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates a variation of the heater cover. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a partial see-through view of the heater cover of  FIG. 2  attached to the heater of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIGS. 4   a  through  4   p  illustrate the heater with variations of the heater cover. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4   p ′ illustrates a close-up view of the head of the heater of  FIG. 4   p.    
           [0024]      FIG. 4   q  illustrates the heater with a variation of the heater cover. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4   q ′ illustrates a close-up view of the head of the heater of  FIG. 4   q.    
           [0026]      FIG. 4   r  illustrates the heater with a variation of the heater cover. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4   r ′ illustrates a close-up view of the head of the heater of  FIG. 4   r.    
           [0028]      FIGS. 5   a  through  5   c  and  6  illustrate the heater with variations of the heater cover that can be articulated. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 7 ,  8   a  and  8   b  illustrate variations of the heater with multiple heater heads and variations of the heater cover. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 9   a  through  9   d  illustrate variations of signage on the heater with a variation of the heater cover. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 10   a,    10   b  and  10   c  illustrate front, front three-quarters, and side views, respectively, of the heater with a variation of the heater cover having variations of signage. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 11 through 14  and  15   a  illustrate variations of the heater cover having variations of signage. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 15   b  and  15   c  illustrate variations of the heater cover of  FIG. 15   a  with one or more signs. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  illustrates a variation of an uncovered tower heater, not the invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  illustrates a variation of the heater cover. 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  illustrates the heater cover of  FIG. 17  attached to the heater of  FIG. 16  with the body cover shown as a sectional view for illustrative purposes. 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is a top view of a variation of attaching the body cover to the base and tower. 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  is a top view of a variation of the head cover on the heater head. 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  illustrates a variation of an uncovered tower heater, not the invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  illustrates a variation of the heater cover in an opened configuration. 
           [0041]      FIG. 23  illustrates a variation of a method for attaching the heater cover of  FIG. 22  attached to the heater of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 24  is a top view of a variation of opening the body cover. 
           [0043]      FIG. 25  is a top view of a variation of attaching the body cover to the body. 
           [0044]      FIGS. 26 and 27  illustrate variations of the cover hinge. 
           [0045]      FIG. 28  illustrates a variation of the heater cover. 
           [0046]      FIG. 29  illustrates a variation of cross-section A-A of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 30  illustrates the heater cover in the cross-section A-A of  FIG. 29  in a disassembled configuration. 
           [0048]      FIG. 31  illustrates a close-up of a portion of the cover in the cross-section A-A of  FIG. 30 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 32   a  is a side view of a variation of the heater cover in a closed configuration on the heater. 
           [0050]      FIG. 32   b  is a variation of close-up view B-B of  FIG. 32   a.    
           [0051]      FIG. 32   c  is a see-through schematic view of a variation of the heater cover and heater of  FIG. 32   a.    
           [0052]      FIG. 32   d  is a variation of close-up view C-C of  FIG. 32   c.    
           [0053]      FIG. 33   a  is a side view of a variation of the heater cover in an open configuration on the heater. 
           [0054]      FIG. 33   b  is a see-through schematic view of a variation of the heater cover and heater of  FIG. 33   a.    
           [0055]      FIG. 33   c  is a variation of close-up view D-D of  FIG. 33   a.    
           [0056]      FIG. 34  illustrates a variation of a fastener in an unfastened configuration. 
           [0057]      FIG. 35  illustrates a variation of a method for using the fastener of  FIG. 34 . 
           [0058]      FIGS. 36 and 37  illustrate variations of a fastener. 
           [0059]      FIG. 38  illustrates a variation of a method for using the fastener of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0060]      FIG. 39  illustrates a variation of a fastener. 
           [0061]      FIG. 40  illustrates a variation of a fastener second element. 
           [0062]      FIG. 41  illustrates a variation of a method for using a fastener. 
           [0063]      FIG. 42  illustrates a portion of a variation of the body cover showing a fluted surface that can visually obscure or disguise one or more seams. 
           [0064]      FIG. 43  illustrates a variation of a method for using a fastener. 
           [0065]      FIG. 44  illustrates a variation of a method for using a fastener. 
           [0066]      FIG. 45  illustrates a portion of a variation of the body cover closed using the fasteners of  FIG. 44 . 
           [0067]      FIGS. 46 and 47  illustrate a variation of a method for using a fastener. 
           [0068]      FIG. 48  illustrates a perspective view of a variation of  FIG. 47 . 
           [0069]      FIGS. 49 and 50  are top and side views, respectively, of a variation of a method of using a fastener. 
           [0070]      FIGS. 51 and 52  are top and side views, respectively, of a variation of a method of using a fastener. 
           [0071]      FIGS. 53 and 54  are top and side views, respectively, of a variation of a method of using a fastener. 
           [0072]      FIGS. 55 through 59  each illustrate variations of methods using variations of the fastener. 
           [0073]      FIGS. 60 and 61  are top and side views, respectively, of a variation of a method of using a fastener. 
           [0074]      FIGS. 62 and 63  are top and side views, respectively, of a variation of a method of using a fastener. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0075]      FIG. 1  illustrates that a patio or other outdoor tower heater  2  can have a body  4  and a heater head  6 . The body  4  can have a base  8  and a tower  10 . The base  8  can hold or otherwise be connected to a fuel source, such as a propane tank or a hose and connection to a natural gas outlet, or a generator (e.g., solar, gas) or electrical outlet (e.g., for an electrical heater). The tower  10  can extend from the base  8  vertically along a longitudinal axis  12 . The heater  2  can have a heat emitter  14 , for example at the top of the tower  10 . The heater  2  can have one or more controls  15 , for example, to alter the quantity of heat emitted from the heat emitter  14  and to turn the heat emitter  14  on and off. 
         [0076]    The heater  2  can have a heater head  6 . The heater head  6  can be attached to or integral with the top of the tower  10 . The heater head  6  can have a heat shield  16 . The heat shield  16  can extend radially from the longitudinal axis  12 . The heat shield  16  can slope downward. The heat emitter  14  can be in the heater head  6  or the body  4 , depending on the configuration of the particular heater  2 . The heat shield  16  can partially or completely overlap the heat emitter  14  in the longitudinal direction. 
         [0077]    The base  8  can have a base ground plate  18  on the bottom of the base  8 . The base ground plate  18  can be a stable foundation against the ground. The base  8  can have wheels (not shown), for example to adjust or otherwise alter the location of the heater  2 .  FIG. 1  is not the invention. The base  8  can house and/or be a propane, butane, methane or other fuel tank. The fuel tank can be connected to a conduit connected, for example through the tower  10 , to the heat emitter  14 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 2  illustrates that a heater cover  20  can have a head cover  22  and a body cover  24 . The head cover  22  can be attached or detached from the body cover  24 . The head cover  22  can be directly attached or detached from the heater head  6  and/or heat shield  16  and/or heat emitter  14 . The head cover  22  can partially or completely obscure the head  6  and/or heat shield  16  and/or heat emitter  14  from view of bystanders at various distances and angles to the heater. The head cover  22  can have a completely or partially conical configuration (e.g., a cone with the top cut-off and no base  2 ). The cover can have a cover ground plate  26  on the bottom of the body cover  24 . The cover can have a port in the bottom of the body cover  24  to allow the base  8  and/or base ground plate  18  to exit the body cover  24  and rest on the ground, floor, or other foundation platform. 
         [0079]      FIG. 3  illustrates that the heater cover  20  can substantially cover or otherwise surround the heater  2 . The head cover  22  can partially or completely surround the heat shield  16 . The head cover  22  can be attached to the heater head  6 , the heat shield  16 , the tower  10 , the body cover  24 , or combinations thereof. 
         [0080]    The body cover  24  can partially or completely surround the heater body, for example the tower  10  and/or the base  8 . 
         [0081]    The bottom of the head cover  22  can be lower than the bottom of the heat emitter  14  by a heater cover overhang  28 . The heater cover overhang  28  can be from about 15 (−6 in.) (e.g., when the bottom of the head cover  22 \is higher than the bottom of the heat emitter  14 ) to about 30 cm (12 in.), for example about 5 cm (2 in.), or 10 cm (4 in.), or 15 cm (6 in.). 
         [0082]    A cover gap  30  can be between the bottom of the head cover  22  and the top of the body cover  24 . The cover gap  30  can be from about 30 cm (−12 in.) (e.g., cover overlap) to about 61 cm (24 in.), more narrowly from about 0 cm (0 in.) to about 41 cm (16 in.), for example about 10 cm (4 in.). 
         [0083]    The head cover  22  can have a head cover slope  32  angle with respect to the longitudinal axis  12 . The head cover slope  32  angle can be from −60° to about 75°, for example about 30° or about 0°. In some variations, the head cover slope  32  angle can be from about −60° to about −10°, more narrowly from about 45° to about −15°, for example about 30°. In other variations, the head cover slope  32  can be from about 0° to about 75°, more narrowly from about 15° to about 60°, for example about 45°. 
         [0084]      FIG. 4   a  illustrates that the base cover  34  can be fixedly or removably attached to the tower cover  36  at a joint  38 . The base cover  34  can be longitudinally asymmetrical and bulbous. The tower cover  36  can be elongated. The base cover  34  can be configured to slide upwards at joint  38  telescoping onto tower cover  36 , temporarily made to rest on the under structure of tower  10 , for example in order to provide servicing access, for example, to the propane tank of the base  8 . For shipping and storage, the cover  36  can slide into the cover  34  in order to reduce the combined volume. The joint  38  can be located higher or lower than shown, for example about 24″ to about 37″ from the ground. The covers  34  and  36  can each be made in one, two, or more pieces permanently or semi-permanently joined to form each lower or upper cover. The heater cover  20  can be opaque, translucent, transparent, or combinations thereof. 
         [0085]      FIG. 4   b  illustrates that the base cover  34  can be integral with the tower cover  36 . The base cover  34  can be substantially spherical. 
         [0086]      FIG. 4   c  illustrates that the body cover  24  can be configured with a substantially uniform slope with respect to the longitudinal axis  12  from the base  8  to the top of the body cover  24 . The head cover  22  can be substantially cylindrical. The cover gap  30  can be zero or negative (e.g., overlap). 
         [0087]      FIG. 4   d  illustrates that the head cover  22  can have a cylindrical configuration. The head cover  22  can be partially opaque (e.g., at the “linked square” design, as shown) and partially translucent (e.g., at the remainder). The body cover  24  can have a pinched neck  40  configuration in the tower cover  36 . The pinched neck  40  can serve as a handle to carry or move the heater  2 . The pinched neck  40  can be structurally reinforced. 
         [0088]      FIG. 4   e  illustrates that the head cover  22  can have a solid backing  41  and links  42 . The links  42  can descend below (e.g., hang from) the bottom of the backing  41 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 4   f  illustrates that the base cover  34  and/or the head cover  22  can be made from numerous beams  44  or rods having a substantially longitudinal alignment. The beams  44  of the body cover  24  can be attached or integral to the cover ground plate  26  or one or more circular reinforcements. 
         [0090]      FIGS. 4   f  and  4   g  illustrate the head cover  22  can have a rounded dome or substantially hem-spherical or hemi-ovaloid configuration. The top of the head cover  22  can be opened or closed. 
         [0091]      FIGS. 4   e,    4   g,    4   h  and  4   j  illustrate that the body cover can have a substantially conical configuration. 
         [0092]      FIG. 4   i  illustrates that the heater cover  20  can have a platform or counter  46 , for example, positioned along the tower cover  36 , between the tower cover  36  and the base cover  34 , along the base cover  34 , or on the tower cover  36 . The heater cover  20  can have one or more platforms or counters  46 . The body cover  24  and/or head cover  22  can have a seam  48  extending partially or completely along the length of the respective body cover  24  and/or head cover  22  in the direction of the longitudinal axis  12 . 
         [0093]      4   j  illustrates that the head cover  22  and/or body cover  24  can one or more holes, such as circular, square, rectangular, triangular or oval holes, or combinations thereof. The holes can face substantially radially outward from the longitudinal axis  12 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 4   k  illustrates that the heater cover  20  can have a domed head cover  22 . The body cover  24  can have a bulbous conical configuration. 
         [0095]      FIG. 4   l  illustrates that one or more radial bulbs  50  can extend from the tower cover  36 . The counter  46  can have a rounded top surface and may or may not prove useful to rest loose items on without the loose items rolling off the counter  46 . The counter  46  can be a bulb  50 , as shown. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 4   l,    4   n  and  4   o  illustrate head covers  22  with various translucencies.  FIG. 4   m  illustrates a body cover  24  that can have numerous bulbs  50  and a cylindrical head cover  22 . 
         [0097]      FIGS. 4   p  and  4   p ′ illustrates that the head cover  22  or body cover  24  (not shown) can have a chandelier configuration. The head cover  22  can have one or more head cover supports  52 , such as circular rigid loops. The head cover  22  can have one or more lines  54  of the same or different lengths hanging from the head cover supports  52 . The lines  54  can be thin nylon or metal wires. The lines  54  can each have one or more volumetric elements  58 , such as discs  56  or other items, securely attached thereto. The volumetric elements  58  can be metal (e.g., steel or aluminum, wherein the metal can have a raw finish or be powder coated) or plastic, glass, crystal, or combinations thereof. The volumetric elements  58  can cylindrical, circular, pyramidal, spherical, a diamond cut configuration, or combinations thereof. 
         [0098]    The tower cover  36  and the base cover  34  can be cylindrical with constant radii along the longitudinal axis  12 . The respective radii of the tower cover  36  and the base cover  34  can be equal or different. For example, the tower cover  36  can have a larger or smaller (as shown) radius than the body cover  24 . 
         [0099]      FIGS. 4   q and  4   q ′ illustrate that the head cover  22  or body cover  24  (not shown) can have a curtain configuration. The head cover  22  can have lines  54  hanging from the radial periphery of the head cover  22 . The lines  54  can be of the same or different lengths. The lines  54  can have volumetric elements  58 , such as discs  56 , beads and charms, attached thereto. The lines  54  can be made from the volumetric elements  58  being directly connected to each other (e.g., no wire need be used along the entire length of the line  54 ) or hanging from wires or nylon threads. 
         [0100]      FIGS. 4   r  and  4   r ′ illustrate that the head cover  22  and/or body cover  24  can have a tree configuration. The head cover  22  can have leaves  60  extending radially from the longitudinal axis  12 . The leaves  60  can be square, circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, or combinations thereof. The leaves  60  can extend directly from the heater head  6  of the heater  2 , and/or rigid or resilient branches (obscured in the illustrations by the leaves  60 ) can extend from the heater head  6  and the leaves  60  can attach to or be integral with the branches. 
         [0101]    The top of the base cover  34  can be a counter  46  or platform. The base cover  34 , and/or tower cover  36 , and/or head cover  22  can be covered with or otherwise attached to fabric or plastic (shown only on the base cover in  FIG. 4   r ). For example, the base cover  34  can be fixedly or removably attached to a fabric or plastic tablecloth. The base cover  34  can have slots  61  or grooves and/or the “slots”  61  can be folds in fabric (e.g., the tablecloth) hanging off the side off the counter  46 . 
         [0102]      FIGS. 5   a  through  5   c  illustrate that the tower  10  can be articulatable. The tower  10  can have more than one tower linkage  62 . The tower linkages  62  can be cantilever beams extending from the tower  10 . For example, the heater head  6 , optionally with the head cover  22 , can be placed over the center of a table, chair or other furniture or location with the tower  10  beside the table, chair, other furniture or location. 
         [0103]    Adjacent tower linkages  62  can be attached at fixedly rotatable hinges  64 . Adjacent hinges  64  and/or adjacent tower linkages  62  can be attached by tensile cables  66 . The tensile cables  66  and/or friction in the hinges  64  can fix the tower  10  in a configuration when the tower  10  is not being adjusted by a user. The heater head  6  can have a thermally insulated and/or removably attached head handle  68 . 
         [0104]    A flexible fuel or electrical conduit can be inside of the tower linkages  62 . The flexible fuel conduit can transport fuel or electricity from the base  8  to the heat emitter  14  in the heater head  6 . 
         [0105]      FIGS. 5   b  and  5   c  illustrate that the tower linkages  62  can be swiveled or otherwise rotated, as shown by arrows, with respect to each other and/or the base  8  and/or the heater head  6 , for example to control the position and angle of the heater head  6  and/or radiative direction of the heat. The position of the heater head  6  can be manipulated vertically (i.e., up and down) and/or horizontally (i.e., side to side), and/or the angular orientation of the heater head  6  can be manipulated. 
         [0106]      FIGS. 5   a,    5   b,    5   c  and  6  illustrate that the tower  10  can be attached to or integral with the top of the heater head  6 .  FIG. 6  illustrates that the tower  10  can have a hooked, curved, rounded, arcuate, or “J” configuration. The tower  10  can be rigid or deformable. The tower  10  can be attached to the radial center of the base  8  with respect to the longitudinal axis  12  of the base  8  or to a radial side of the base  8 , such as on the radial perimeter of the base  8 , as shown. 
         [0107]      FIG. 7  illustrates that the heater can have two or more heater heads  6   a  and  6   b.  Each heater heads can have an individual heat emitter  14 . Each heater head  6  can be attached to its own tower linkage  64 , or a tower linkage  64  shared with other heater heads  68 . The heater heads  6  can be moved individually or in combination with each other. 
         [0108]      FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  illustrate that the heater can have three heater heads  6   a,    6   b  and  6   c.  The heater heads  6   a,    6   b  and  6   c  can each have an individual heat emitter  14 . 
         [0109]      FIG. 9   a  illustrates that the body cover  24  can have a cut-off (as shown) or complete pyramid configuration. The head cover  24  can be translucent. The head cover  22  can be corrugated. The head cover  22  can have a square cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis. The head cover  22  can have a uniform transverse cross section with respect to the longitudinal axis  12 . 
         [0110]      FIGS. 9   b,    9   c  and  9   d  illustrate that the heater  2  can have one or more signs  72  fixedly or removably attached to or integral with the body cover  24  and/or head cover  22 . The signs  72  can be fastened to the heater  2  or heater cover  20  using glue, adhesive, any of the other fasteners  70  disclosed herein, or combinations thereof. 
         [0111]    The signs  72  can have a surface with one or more visible graphics comprising text and/or images. The graphics can be black and white or color printed, engraved, embossed, or combinations thereof. The sign  72  can have a static (e.g., fixed print and/or embossing) and/or a dynamic display (e.g., changing or variable print and/or embossing). For example, the dynamic display can have a light emitting monitor (e.g., CRT display, plasma display, LCD display, LED display), a rotating or scrolling fabric or paper strip, attached to one roller on each side of the strip, a series of timed rotating elements (e.g., ActionMaster by Mobile Master Manufacturing, LLC, Nashville, Tenn.), or combinations thereof. 
         [0112]    The sign  72  can be larger than a branding label for the heater  2 , for example, the sign  72  can be taller than 5 cm (2 in.) and wider than 5 cm (2 in.), or taller than 10 cm (4 in.) and wider than 10 cm (4 in.), or taller than 15 cm (6 in.) and wider than 15 cm (6 in.), or taller than 30 cm (12 in.) and wider than 30 cm (12 in.), or taller than 61 cm (24 in.) and wider than 61 cm (24 in.). 
         [0113]      FIG. 9   b  illustrates that the body cover  24  can have a sign  72  attached to each of one to four sides of the body cover  24 . The body cover  24  and/or sign  72  can have a fastener  70  that can removably attach the body cover  24  to the sign  72 , or vice versa, or the body cover  24  and the sign  72  to the fastener  70 . 
         [0114]      FIG. 9   b  illustrates that the sign  72  can be narrower than the body cover  24  at the height at which the sign  72  is attached to the body cover  24 . The sign  72  can be in a frame.  FIG. 7   c  illustrates that the sign  72  can be wider than the body cover  24  at the height at which the sign  72  is attached to the body cover  24 .  FIG. 7   d  illustrates that the sign  72  can be retractably or extendably rolled or folded when not in use. 
         [0115]      FIGS. 10   a,    10   b  and  10   c  illustrate that a sign  72  can be attached to or printed on the head cover  22 . The body cover  24  can be attached to one, two or more signs  72 . The signs  72  can be wider than that body cover  24  and/or wider than the head cover  22 . 
         [0116]    The top of the body cover  24  can have a sloped angle (as shown in  FIG. 8   c ) that can hold the signs  72  at a sign slope angle  74  with respect to the longitudinal axis  12 . The sign slope angle  74  can be from about −60° to about 90° (e.g., the sign  72  can form a counter  46 ). For example, the sign slope angle  74  can be from about −60° to about 0°, more narrowly from about −45° to about −15°, for example about −30°. The sign slope angle  74  can be from about 0° to about 90°, more narrowly from about 5° to about 60°, for example about 15°. 
         [0117]      FIG. 11  illustrates that the sign  72  can be mounted on a frame attached to body cover  24 . The frame can extend away from the body cover  24 , for example holding the sign  72  away from the body cover  24 . 
         [0118]      FIG. 12  illustrates that the sign  72  can be attached to the head cover  22 . The sign  72  can be removably attachable from the head cover  22 . For example, the sign  72  can be made from a flexible magnet. The sign  72  can be attached to the head cover  22  by a fastener described herein. The sign  72  can be integral with the head cover  22 . For example, the sign  72  can be etched into or painted or coated onto the head cover  22 . 
         [0119]      FIG. 13  illustrates that the sign  72  can be attached to the body cover  24 . The sign  72  can be removably attachable from the body cover  24 . For example, the sign  72  can be made from a flexible magnet. The sign  72  can be attached to the body cover  24  by a fastener described herein. The sign  72  can be integral with the body cover  24 . For example, the sign  72  can be etched into or painted or coated onto the body cover  24 . The cover  24  or head cover  22  may also be completely covered or wrapped in vinyl material conforming to the cover  24  shape for the purpose of advertising or decoration (such as wrapping of vehicles for use as mobile billboards). 
         [0120]    The heater  2  can have speakers and/or lighting in, behind, adjacent to the signs  72 , and/or anywhere on the heater  2 , for example in or on the body cover and/or head cover and/or tower cover. Any or all of the covers can be translucent, transparent, opaque, or combinations thereof. The speakers and/or wires can be connected to data sources wired and/or wirelessly. Music and/or spoken word (e.g., commercial information) can be broadcast through the speakers. The data and/or power for the speakers and/or lighting can be internal to the heater  2 , and/or external to the heater  2 . 
         [0121]      FIG. 14  illustrates that any variation of the heater cover  20  can have one or more signs  72 . For example, the heater cover  20  can have a head cover  22  that can have holes. The head cover  22  can be similar to the head cover  22  of the variation of  FIG. 4   j.    
         [0122]      FIG. 15   a  illustrates that the heater cover  20  can have a head cover  22  with a head cover slope  32  less than 0°. The head cover slope  32  can be tilted downward (i.e., having a head cover slope  32  less than 0°), as shown. 
         [0123]      FIG. 15   b  illustrates that the heater cover  20  can have a sign  72  on the body cover  24  (e.g., on the tower cover  36  or the base cover  34 ) and have a head cover  22  with a head cover slope  32  less than 0°. 
         [0124]      FIG. 15   c  illustrates that the heater  2  can have a sign  72  on the body cover  24  (e.g., on the tower cover  36  or the base cover  34 ) and/or have a sign  72  on the head cover  22 . The head cover  22  can have a head cover slope  32  less than 0°. The sign  72  on the head cover  22  can be tilted downward, upward, or perpendicular to the ground. The sign  72  on the body cover  24  can be tilted downward, upward, or perpendicular to the ground. 
         [0125]      FIG. 16  illustrates the heater  2  similar to the heater  2  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 17  illustrates that the body cover  24  can have a seam  48 . The body cover  24  can have one or more fasteners  70 . The fasteners  70  can hold the seam  48  together. 
         [0126]      FIG. 18  illustrates that the body cover  24  can be elastic or otherwise resilient. The fasteners  70  can be unfastened. As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 20 , the body cover  24  can be stretched open at the seam  48 , as shown by arrows  75 , and translated  76 , as shown by arrow in  FIG. 19 , and wrapped around the body  4 . The base cover  34  can be wrapped around the base  8 . The tower cover  36  can be wrapped around the tower  10 . 
         [0127]    As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the heater head  6  can have a rigid, internal head frame  78  and a head connector  80 . The head connector  80  can be configured to attach to the heat shield  16  and/or top of the tower  10  or heat emitter  14 . The head connector  80  can have one or more fasteners  70 . The heat shield  16  and/or top of the tower  10  or heat emitter  14  can have one or more fasteners  70 . The head cover  22  can be lowered onto the heat shield  16  or top of the tower  10 , as shown by arrows  81 . 
         [0128]    Corresponding fasteners  70  on the heater cover  20  and, where applicable, the uncovered heater  2  can be fastened after the heater cover  20  is positioned on and/or around the uncovered heater  2 . 
         [0129]      FIG. 21  illustrates the heater  2  similar to the heater  2  of  FIGS. 1 and 16 .  FIG. 22  illustrates that the heat cover heater cover  20  (heater not shown) and/or body cover  24  can have a cover first section  82  and a cover second section  84 . The cover first section  82  can be rotatably attached to the cover second section  84 , for example at a body cover hinge  86 . The cover sections can be rigid. 
         [0130]      FIG. 24  illustrates that the cover can be opened by first unfastening the fasteners  70 , if applicable. Then the cover first section  82  can be rotated, as shown by arrows  101 , about the hinge  64  away from the cover second section  84 . 
         [0131]      FIGS. 23 and 25  illustrate that the opened body cover  24  can be translated, as shown by arrow  87 , around the base  8  and tower  10 . Once the body cover  24  is in place around the body  4 , the cover first section  82  can be rotated, as shown by arrows  102 , with respect to the hinge  64  toward the cover second section  84 . The fasteners  70  can then be attached to each other. 
         [0132]    The cover first section  82  can be completely separate (e.g., not attached at a hinge  64 ) from the cover second section  84  before use. The cover first section  82  and cover second section  84  can be translated in a position to together surround the body  4 . Fasteners  70  on the cover first section  82  can then be attached to fasteners  70  on the cover second section  84 . 
         [0133]      FIG. 26  illustrates that the cover hinge  86  or the fastener  70  can have a first hinge panel  90  and a second hinge panel  92 . The hinge panels can be secured to the respective cover sections through hinge panel holes  94  (e.g., with screws, nails, rivets, glue). The first hinge panel  90  can be rotatably attached to the second hinge panel  92  by a hinge pin  96 . The hinge pin  96  can telescope. The second hinge pin  96  can slidably translate  76 , as shown by arrows, along the hinge pin  96 . 
         [0134]      FIG. 27  illustrates that the first  90  and/or second hinge panels  92  can have hinge panel slots  98  in a perpendicular direction to the hinge pin  96 . The hinge panel slots  98  can allow the first  90  and/or second hinge panel  92  to have a first translation, as shown by arrows  100 . The first hinge panel  90  can rotate, as shown by arrows  103 , with respect to the second hinge panel  92 . The second hinge panel  92  can move in a second translational direction, as shown by arrows  104 , along the hinge pin  96 . 
         [0135]      FIGS. 28 and 29  illustrate that the heater cover  20  can have a tower cover  36  that can be fixedly or removably attached to the body cover  24  at a seam  48 . The tower cover  36  can snap to the body cover  24 . The tower cover  36  can be attached to the body cover  24  by fasteners, for example as described herein. 
         [0136]    Any or all parts of the heater cover  20  can have horizontal and/or vertical ridges  210 , ribs or grooves. The ridges  210  on the body cover  24  can align to the ridges  210  on the tower cover  36 . 
         [0137]      FIGS. 30 and 31  illustrate that the body cover  24  and the tower cover  36  can be detached from each other. The tower cover  36  can telescope into the body cover  24 . The tower cover  36  can have an interfacing surface  214  and, for example, an abutment  212 . The interfacing surface  214  can be thinned compared to the wall on the other side of the abutment  212  from the interfacing surface  214 . The abutment  212  can lay flat or flush against the body cover when the tower cover  36  is attached to the body cover  24 . 
         [0138]    During assembling and attaching of the tower cover  36  to the body cover  24 , the tower cover  36  can be snap-fitted, glued (or other adhesive, epoxy), attached via one or more pieces of hook and loop tape (e.g., Velcro); one or more pieces of interlocking stem and head tape (e.g., Dual Lock from 3M Corporation of Minneapolis, Minn.), attached via a pressure collar, or used with any fastener listed herein or combinations thereof to or from the body cover  24 . Once assembled, the seam  48  can be substantially horizontal. 
         [0139]    For example, a propane or other liquid or gas fuel tank and/or electrical power supply and controls can be stored inside the body cover  24 . For example, to access (e.g., for service or replacement) the propane tank and/or power supply and controls, the body cover  24  can be detached from the tower cover  36  and the body cover  24  can then be lifted above the propane tank and/or power supply and controls for rapid access. The tower cover  36  can be permanently or semi-permanently attached to the heater column  10  or removed during the accessing, for example, of the propane tank under the cover  24 . 
         [0140]      FIGS. 32   a  through  32   d  illustrate a variation similar to that shown in  FIG. 4   a.  The base cover  34  can be attached to the tower cover  36  by a joint  38 . The joint  38  can have one or more joiners, such as seals, rings, straps, clamps, or combinations thereof. The joiners can removably or fixedly attach the base cover  34  to the tower cover  36 . The joiners  302  can clip, snap, clamp, or combinations thereof to the base cover  34  and/or the tower cover  36 . 
         [0141]    The tower cover  36  can be fixed or separably attached to the tower  10 . For example, the tower cover  36  can be attached to the tower  10  via brackets, clamps, hooks, or combinations thereof internal to the tower cover  36 . The base cover  34  can be separate and unattached from the tower cover  36  and the tower  10 . The base cover  34  can be attached or unattached from the base and/or tower. A joiner, such as a ring, can have serve merely to hide or obscure the seam  48  between the base cover  34  and the tower cover  36  and not to join the tower cover  36  to the base cover  34 . 
         [0142]    For example, the tower cover  36  and the base cover  34  can be made as a single unit, then cut above, below, or through the ring at the joint  38  to separate the tower cover  36  and the base cover  34 . 
         [0143]    The inner diameter of the base cover  34  at the joint  38  can be larger than the outer diameter of the tower cover  36  at the joint  38 . The minimum inner diameter of the base cover  34  can be larger than the maximum outer diameter of the tower cover  36 . 
         [0144]    The tower cover  36  can attach or be separate from the base cover  34 . If the tower cover  36  is separate from the base cover  34 , a cover gap  300  can be between the top of the most adjacent part of the top of the base cover  34  to the most adjacent bottom part of the tower cover  36 . The cover gap  300  can be about equal to or less than 1.25 in. 
         [0145]      FIGS. 33   a  through  33   c  illustrate that the one or more joiners  302  can be detached from the tower cover  36  (as shown) and/or the base cover  34 , for example, separating the base cover  34  from the tower cover  36 . The base cover  34  can instead be separate and unattached from the tower cover  36 . 
         [0146]    The base cover  34  can be raised, as shown by arrows, for example to expose the contents of the base  8 . For example, the base cover  34  can be slid or otherwise lifted at least partially vertically concurrent with the tower cover  36 . The base cover  34  can be radially inside or outside of the tower cover  36 . The base cover  34  can be lifted above the tower cover  36 . The base  8  can include a propane or other fuel tank or controls. The base cover  34  can be moved temporarily to a position around a part or all of the length of the tower cover  36 . 
         [0147]    The contents of the base  8  can be accessed, for example, the fuel tank can be serviced or replaced. The base cover  34  can then be lowered to the position shown in  FIGS. 32   a  through  32   d.  The base cover  34  can be reattached to the tower cover  36 , if desired and possible based on the design. 
         [0148]    The tower cover  36  can be configured to be slidably or otherwise lowered at least partially vertically concurrent with the base cover  34 . The tower cover  36  can be lowered to the ground. 
         [0149]    The base cover  34  can be configured to be not directly attached to the base. For example, the base cover  34  can be resting freely on or anchored to the ground and/or pressed down by or attached to the tower cover  36  when the base cover  34  is in a position encircling the base. The tower cover  36  can be configured to be not directly attached to the remainder of the tower. For example, the tower cover  36  can be resting freely on or attached to the base cover  34 . 
         [0150]    The fasteners  70  can be snaps. The fasteners  70  can be a latch and the associated ports or catches. 
         [0151]      FIGS. 34 through 63  illustrate variations of the fasteners  70  that can secure the body cover  24  to itself, one section of the body cover  24  to another section of the body cover  24 , or the head cover  22  to the uncovered heater  2  (e.g., at the heater head  6 ). For illustrative clarity, the elements fastened by the fasteners  70  are referred to, infra, generically as a first panel  106  and a second panel  108 . 
         [0152]    Variations of fasteners  70  can include one or more quick release fasteners  70 , for example, ¼-turn DZUS fasteners  70  with a retainer and a clip-on receptacle, and/or flat rivet-on receptacle, and/or ultrasonic receptacle (e.g., for thermoplastics), and/or a snap-in receptacle; cam locks (e.g., a “Z” lock), spring-loaded captive plungers and fasteners  70 , locking pins  110  with detents (e.g., DZUS), and nylatch 1 and 2-piece DZUS panel fasteners  70 , one or more latches (e.g., low profile latches), for example, rotary action draw latches, cam latches, spring-loaded self-adjusting latches, adjustable pull draw latches, rotary draw latches, flexible handle latches, soft-draw latches, over-center draw latches, pop-out knob latches, swell action latches, and flush compression latches; magnets, one or more snaps; one or more pieces of hook and loop tape (e.g., Velcro); one or more pieces of interlocking stem and head tape (e.g., Dual Lock from 3M Corporation of Minneapolis, Minn.) (i.e., wherein one piece of hook and loop or stem and head tape comprises at least two opposed sheets that are configured to interlock with one another); one or more taped joints (e.g., for closure and cosmetics); one or more self-locking implanted cotter (“SLIC”) pins; one or more ties, for example, nylatch cable clamps, tie straps, cable ties, and elastic ties; one or more clips, for example, fold clips; and trim retainers labels; one or more laces; one or more magnetic catches; one or more channel moldings; one or more removable hinges  64 ; and combinations thereof. 
         [0153]      FIG. 34  illustrates that the fastener  70  can have a male cam lock  112  and a female cam lock  114 . The male cam lock  112  can have a shaft head  111  and shaft  116 . The male cam lock  112  can have a locking pin  110  traversing and extending substantially perpendicularly from the shaft  116 . The female cam lock  114  can be configured to receive the shaft  116 . The female cam lock  114  can have a bracket  118 . The female cam lock  114  can have a channel  120  configured to receive and removably attach to the locking pin  110 . 
         [0154]      FIG. 35  illustrates that the second panel  108  can be configured to have a raised or lowered lip  122  to fit the first panel  106 . The first panel  106  and the second panel  108 , for example in the lip  122 , can have a fastener port  124 . The fastener port  124  can align to form a single channel. The bracket  118  of the female cam lock  114  can be fixedly or removably attached to the end of the lip  122 . The shaft  116  can be inserted through the fastener port  124 . The shaft  116  can be inserted through a rubber washer  126  between the shaft head  111  and the first panel  106 . The shaft head  111  can be driven by a screwdriver or directly by hand. The shaft  116  can be rotated to slide the locking pin  110  through the locking pin channel  120 . The fastener  70  can releasably attach the first panel  106  to the second panel  108 . 
         [0155]      FIG. 36  illustrates that the fastener  70  can be a one-piece rivet. The rivet can have a shaft head  111 . The rivet can have resilient legs  128  extending longitudinally and radially from the shaft head  111 . The legs  128  can be integral to the other legs  128  and the shaft head  111 . 
         [0156]      FIG. 37  illustrates that the fastener  70  can be a two-piece clinch retainer. The shaft head  111  and shaft  116  can be slidably attached to the legs  128 . The legs  128  can be configured to radially expand when the shaft  116  is translated toward the legs  128 . 
         [0157]      FIG. 38  illustrates that the rivet can be inserted through the fastener port  124 . The legs  128  can radially expand on the opposite side of the panels from the shaft head  111 . The first  106  and/or second panel  108  can have a flange  130  to bracket the other panel. 
         [0158]      FIG. 39  illustrates that the fastener  70  can be a screw. For example, the fastener  70  can be a wood screw or similar to a wood screw. The fastener  70  can have a shaft head  111 , shaft  116  and thread  132 , a spring or resilient hoops, Christmas tree retainers  134 , or combinations thereof extending from the shaft  116 . The thread  132 , spring, or hoops can have a larger radius than the fastener port  124 . The thread  132 , spring or hoops can be forced through the fastener port  124  and interference fit with the fastener port  124  when deployed to attach to the fastener port  124 . The fastener  70  can be made from stainless steel. 
         [0159]    The shaft  116  of the variation of the fastener  70  of  FIG. 39  can be inserted through the first panel  106  and the second panel  108 . The shaft  116  can then be secured by a nut, nut insert, or clip (for example, similar to the fastener  70  shown in  FIG. 40 , with a central channel through the fastener  70  of  FIG. 40  where the central channel is configured to receive the shaft  116  of the fastener  70  of  FIG. 39 ) on the opposite side of the panels  106  and  108  from the head  111 . 
         [0160]    The shaft  116  can be inserted through ports in the first panel  106  and/or the second panel  108 , and/or the shaft  116  can bore through the first panel  106  and/or the second panel  108 . The shaft  116  can be oriented at a perpendicular, near perpendicular or slight perpendicular angle to the seam  48 . 
         [0161]    In one variation, three fasteners  70  can be used on each side of the body cover  24  (i.e., six total fasteners), for example one near the top of the body cover  24 , one near the middle of the body cover  24 , and one near the bottom of the body cover  24 . 
         [0162]      FIG. 40  illustrates that the fastener  70  can have a shaft  116  extending from and integral with a bracket  118 . The bracket  118  can be attached to the second panel  108  and the shaft  116  can attach to the fastener port  124  on the first panel  106  (similar to as shown in  FIG. 35 , but with the shaft  116  integral with the bracket  118 ). The shaft  116  can have a flat end. The shaft  116  can have threads  132  or fins extending longitudinally (as shown) or helically along the shaft  116 . The threads  132  can interference or friction fit into the panel surrounding the fastener port  124  into which the shaft  116  is inserted. 
         [0163]      FIGS. 41 and 42  illustrate that the first  106  and/or second panels  108  can have stepped grooves  136  or fluted. The first panel  106  can have a fastener port  124 . The second panel  108  can have a fastener port  124  or be absent any fastener ports  124 . The fastener  70  can removably attach a supplemental panel, flange  130 , or washer  126  to the first panel  106 . The supplemental panel  138  and the first panel  106  can friction fit (e.g., squeeze fit) around the second panel  108 . The supplemental panel  138  can be on the inside or outside of the cover. The grooves can obscure the joint or seam  48  or between the first panel  106  and the second panel  108 . 
         [0164]      FIG. 43  illustrates that the first  106  and/or second panel  108  can have one or more rounded grooves  142 . The fastener  70  can have a shaft  116  extending from the shaft head  111 . A locking pin  110  can be inserted transversely through the shaft  116  on the opposite side of the panels from the shaft head  111 . 
         [0165]      FIGS. 44 and 45  illustrate that one or more spacers  144  can be placed in the joint or seam  48  between the panels. The spacer  144  can have spacer brackets  146  configured to seat the ends of the panels. One or more rigid or flexible straps or ties  148  can be attached to both panels, for example, to hold the panels in tension. The ties  148  can be attached to the panels with a screw, brad or pin, for example having a shaft  116  extending from the shaft head  111 . A washer  126  can be attached to the end of the shaft  116  on the opposite side of the panel from the shaft head  111 . As shown in  FIG. 45 , the tie  148  can be placed on the outside or the inside of the cover. 
         [0166]      FIG. 46  illustrates that the fastener port  124  can be substantially parallel to the outer or inner surface of the panels. The fastener  70  can have a shaft  116  having a threaded end  132 . Part or all of the length of the fastener port  124  can be threaded  132 . The fastener  70  can be inserted and screwed into the fastener port  124 . 
         [0167]      FIG. 47  illustrates a similar variation to  FIG. 44 , but with a locking pin  110  inserted through the shaft  116 . The locking pin  110  can be inserted through a locking pin port  150  in the second panel  108 . The locking pin  110  can be inserted transversely through a port in the shaft  116 . A washer  126 , nut or lockwasher can be attached to the locking pin  110  on the opposite side of the shaft  116  from the locking pin head  152 . The locking pin head  152  can have a detent  154 . The shaft  116  can align the first panel  106  and the second panel  108 . 
         [0168]      FIG. 48  illustrates one end of a variation of the assembled fastener  70  of  FIG. 47   FIG. 48  illustrates that the shaft  116  can be a flat plate. The shaft  116  can be substantially cylindrical. 
         [0169]      FIG. 49  illustrates that the fastener  70  can be a multi-piece cam fastener  70 . The cam fastener  70  can have a head element rotatably attached to a body element. The cam fastener  70  can be inserted  156  through the fastener port  124 . An internal cam (not shown for illustrative clarity) can cause the body  4  to radially expand, as shown by arrows  158  in  FIG. 49 , when the shaft head  111  is rotated, as shown by arrows  159  in  FIG. 50 , with respect to the to the shaft body  161 . 
         [0170]    A retainer clip  160  can be attached to or integral with the shaft body  161  and/or placed between the first panel  106  and the second panel  108  and the fastener  70  can be inserted through the retainer clip  160 . 
         [0171]      FIGS. 51 and 52  illustrate that a friction strip  162  and/or a retainer ring  164  can be between the first panel  106  and the second panel  108 . The friction strip  162  can minimize slipping between the first panel  106  and the second panel  108 . 
         [0172]    The fastener  70  can have a handle  166  rotatably attached to the shaft head  111 . The handle  166  can be used to rotate and push and pull the fastener  70  directly by hand. The handle  166  can be rotated, as shown by arrows  167  in  FIG. 51 , out for use and in for a low profile. 
         [0173]    The shaft  116  can be attached to or integral with a spring  168 . The spring  168  can slidably rest against the side of the second panel  108 . The shaft  116  can have threads  132 . The shaft  116  can be threadably attached to the first panel  106 , and/or second panel  108 , and/or the retainer ring  164 . The shaft  116  can be rotated, for example, screwing the shaft  116  to increase compression of the spring  168  between the end of the shaft  116  and the second panel  108 .  FIG. 41  shows the handle  166  in a first configuration, and a second, phantom, configuration after rotation. 
         [0174]      FIGS. 52 and 53  illustrate that the fastener  70  can be a rigid or flexible strap  170 , strip or clamp. The strap  170  can be attached to a pin  172  on each panel. The strap  170  can be wrapped around the pins  172 , as shown. 
         [0175]      FIGS. 55 and 56  illustrate that the second panel  108  can be attached to or integral with a supplemental panel or retainer clip  160 . The retainer clip  160  can be metal (e.g., steel or aluminum, wherein the metal can have a raw finish or be powder coated) or resilient plastic. The retainer clip  160  can be biased toward a closed position. ( FIG. 44  illustrates the retainer clip  160  in a partially open position.) The retainer clip  160  can close onto, and friction and/or interference fit against the lip  122  of the first panel  106 . The second panel  108  can have a prod port  174 , for example to insert a prod, shaft  116  or other object, to bend the retainer clip  160  away from the first panel  106  and release the first panel  106  from the second panel  108 . 
         [0176]      FIG. 56  illustrates that second panel  108  can have a flange  130 . The flange  130  can have a tongue  176  extending therefrom. The tongue  176  can be attachably received by a groove  178  on the lip  122  of the first panel  106 . 
         [0177]      FIG. 57  illustrates that the fastener  70  can have a retainer clamp  180 . A base  8  or shaft head  111  with a shaft  116  can extend from the retainer clamp  180 . The base  8  and shaft  116  can be rotatably attached to the second panel  108 , for example through a fastener  70  port. The shaft  116  can have threads  132 . A clamp  180  or vice can be threadably attached to the shaft  116 . The handle  166  can be rotated, as shown by arrows  167 , causing the clamp  180  to press down (or release upward), as shown by arrows  179 , toward (or away from) the base  8  on the first panel  106 . The clamp  180  can be seated in the first panel  106  in a clamp seat  182 .  FIG. 58  illustrates a variation similar to that of  FIG. 57 , but with a friction strip  162 , skin, or molding between the first panel  106  and the second panel  108 . 
         [0178]      FIG. 59  illustrates that the shaft  116  can be inserted through the first panel  106  and the second panel  108 . A first friction strip  184  can be placed between the first panel  106  and the second panel  108 . A second friction strip  186 , lock washer, friction ring, or combinations thereof, can be placed between the base  8  or shaft head  111  and the second panel  108 . A clamp guide  188  can be integral with or attached to the first panel  106 . 
         [0179]      FIGS. 60 and 61  illustrate that the fastener  70  can be a resilient clip  190 . The clip  190 , or any other fastener, can be made from metal (e.g., steel or aluminum, wherein the metal can have a raw finish or be powder coated), polymer (e.g., polyethylene (PE)), or a combination thereof. The fastener port  124  on the first panel  106  can be non-overlapping with the fastener port  124  on the second panel  108 . The clip  190  can have two clip legs  192 . Each clip leg  192  can be inserted through a fastener port  124 . The clip  190  can hold the first panel  106  and the second panel  108  together in tension. The one, two or more holds  194  can extend from the clip  190 . The holds  194  can be used, for example by grabbing with a fingernail, key or screwdriver, to assist in removal of the clip  190 . The clip  190  can have a clip face  196 . Information (e.g., branding, advertising, serialization information for the clip  190 ) can be printed or attached to the clip face  196 . 
         [0180]      FIGS. 62 and 63  illustrate that the fastener  70  can be a draw latch. The fastener  70  can have a pivot pin  198  fixedly attached to the shaft head  111  and handle  166  on one side of the first panel  106 , and to a latch plate  200  on the other side of the second panel  108 . When the handle  166  is rotated, as shown by arrows in  FIG. 52 , the latch plate  200  rotates, as shown by arrows in  FIG. 63 . The latch plate  200  can have a latch slot  202 . The outer edge of the latch slot  202  can have a decreasing radius with respect to the angle around the latch plate  200  as measured from the pivot pin  198 . The second panel  106  can be fixedly attached to a latch pin  204 . The latch pin  204  can be received by the latch slot  202 . With the latch pin  204  in the latch slot  202 , to six the first panel  106  to the second panel  108 , the latch plate  200  can be rotated so the latch pin  204  is frictionally fit to the edge of the latch slot  202 . To detach the latch pin  204  from the latch plate  200 , the direction of rotation of the latch plate  200  is reversed. 
         [0181]    The body cover  24 , head cover  22 , fasteners  70 , or other elements described herein can be made from thermoplastics (e.g., Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), including those used in rotational or blow molding) one or more fiber-reinforced polymers (e.g., FRP, fiberglass), resin, sheet metal (e.g., stamped sheet metal), urethane, heat resistant fabrics (e.g., stretched around a steel frame or other structure), or combinations thereof. Any metal used can be steel or aluminum. The metal can have a raw or brushed finish or be powder coated. The body cover  24 , head cover  22 , fasteners  70 , or combinations thereof can be formed by being rolled or molded, for example roto-molded. 
         [0182]    The cover can have a smooth or textured finish. The cover can be lightweight, suited for indoor or outdoor use, long lasting, and have a durable finish. The outer surface of the cover can be anodized, polished, lacquered, powder coated (e.g., with electrostatic paint), or combinations thereof. The cover can be simply and repeatedly assembled and disassembled, and easily transported from location to location. Covers can be stored by nesting the covers together or telescoping each other. The covers can have fluting, appliqués, wrapped in vinyl, self-adhesive tape and combinations thereof, for example to obscure the appearance of joints  38  or seams  48  or for advertising. 
         [0183]    The cover can be punctured, louvered, folded, or combinations thereof. The cover can have metal mesh. The cover can be treated to dissipate or be insulated from heat. 
         [0184]    The head cover  22  can have, for example, 3 to 6 straps bridging the gap between the head cover  22  periphery and the center of the heater  2 , (e.g., like radial spokes) and attaching to where the heat shield joins the tower  10  or heater head  6 . Attachment of the head cover  22  to the heater head  6  or tower  10  can be accomplished with a mechanical quick-release fastener  70  to new or existing attachment points. The head cover  22  can be attached via a thermal insulator and/or height spacers  144 . 
         [0185]    The heater cover can have one or more lights inside and/or outside of the heater cover. 
         [0186]    PCT Application No. PCT/US2008/074085, filed Aug. 22, 2008 is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
         [0187]    It is apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to this disclosure, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Elements and characteristics shown with any variation are exemplary for the specific variation and can be used in combination with elements or characteristics from other variations within this disclosure.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5