In-floor heating apparatuses and associated methods

Abstract

A heated flooring assembly includes a base layer having a plurality of studs arranged in a grid pattern, the base layer operable to be coupled to a flooring surface. A screed layer is bonded to an upper surface of the base layer. A length of tubing has an outer surface and an inner surface, the length of tubing operable to carry a fluid that creates a temperature differential between the length of tubing and the screed layer. The length of tubing is retained between at least some of the studs. At least the outer surface of the length of tubing has at least one projection extending outwardly therefrom, the projection increasing a rate at which heat is transferred between the length of tubing and the screed layer as the fluid travels through the length of tubing.

1 . A heated flooring assembly, comprising:
 a base layer having a plurality of studs arranged in a grid pattern, the base layer operable to be coupled to a flooring surface;   a screed layer bonded to an upper surface of the base layer; and   a length of tubing having an outer surface and an inner surface, the length of tubing operable to carry a fluid that creates a temperature differential between the length of tubing and the screed layer, the length of tubing being retained between at least some of the studs, at least the outer surface of the length of tubing having at least one projection extending outwardly therefrom, the projection increasing a rate at which heat is transferred between the length of tubing and the screed layer as the fluid travels through the length of tubing.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one projection extends radially outwardly from the outer surface of the length of tubing. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one projection includes a first base side and a second base side, the first base side being displaced longitudinally along the length of tubing from the second base side, with the projection extending radially outwardly between the first and second base sides. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one projection extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the length of tubing. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the length of tubing includes a cross section having a series of peaks and valleys defined therein. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the length of tubing includes a surface contour that substantially matches a surface contour of the outer surface of the length of tubing. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one projection extends along an area of the length of tubing that can be wrapped about one or more of the studs. 
     
     
         8 . A heated flooring assembly, comprising:
 a base layer having a plurality of studs arranged in a grid pattern, the base layer operable to be coupled to a flooring surface;   a screed layer bonded to an upper surface of the base layer; and   a length of tubing having an outer surface and an inner surface, the length of tubing operable to carry a fluid that creates a temperature differential between the length of tubing and the screed layer, the length of tubing being retained between at least some of the studs, at least the inner surface of the tubing having at least one projection extending inwardly therefrom, the projection increasing a rate at which heat is transferred between the tubing and the screed layer as the fluid travels through the length of tubing.   
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one projection extends radially inwardly from the inner surface of the length of tubing. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one projection includes a first base side and a second base side, the first base side being displaced longitudinally along the length of tubing from the second base side, with the projection extending radially inwardly between the first and second base sides. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one projection extends both radially inwardly within the length of tubing, and longitudinally along the length of tubing. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one projection extends along a helical path within the length of tubing. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the length of tubing includes a cross section having a series of peaks and valleys defined therein. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the inner surface of the length of tubing includes a surface contour that substantially matches a surface contour of the outer surface of the length of tubing. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one projection extends along an area of the length of tubing that can be wrapped about one or more of the studs. 
     
     
         16 . A heated flooring assembly, comprising:
 a base layer having a plurality of studs arranged in a grid pattern, the base layer operable to be coupled to a flooring surface;   a screed layer bonded to an upper surface of the base layer;   a length of tubing having an outer surface and an inner surface, the length of tubing operable to carry a fluid that creates a temperature differential between the length of tubing and the screed layer, the length of tubing being retained between at least some of the studs; and   an insert, disposed within the length of tubing, the insert being operable to increase a rate at which heat is transferred between the tubing and the screed layer as the fluid travels through the length of tubing.   
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the insert includes at least a first planar member that twists helically along a length of the planar member, the planar member inducing rotational fluid flow through the length of tubing. 
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 17 , further comprising a second planar member that twists helically along a length of the planar member, the second planar member inducing rotational fluid flow through the length of tubing. 
     
     
         19 . The assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the first planar member and the second planar member induce rotational fluid flow through the length of tubing in the same direction of rotation. 
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the first planar member and the second planar member induce rotational fluid flow through the length of tubing in different directions of rotation.