EP3868450A1 - Device for the heating of metallic balls - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (100, 200, 300, 400) for heating metallic game balls (K), in particular boules, petanque or boccia balls, comprising:
- A frame (101) with a support plate (102), the support plate (102) comprising essentially circular recesses (103, 203) for supporting the game balls (K), and
- a heating device (106) for heating the game balls (K) placed on the recesses (103, 203),
wherein the heating device (106) comprises a fuel line system (107) with at least one burner nozzle (108).

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for heating metallic game balls. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for heating boules, petanque or boccia balls. Specifically, the present invention relates to a device which enables the game balls to be heated so that comfortable and precise play is guaranteed even in cold weather.

State of the art

Boules and petanque are games that are known to be played mainly outdoors. Enthusiastic players play these games not only in summer but all year round. Since the balls used for this are made of metal, they get cold very quickly in winter, which makes comfortable and precise play impossible.

Devices for heating petanque and boule balls are known from the prior art. These devices use tea lights as a heat source. Such devices are not ideal, since on the one hand they rely on air holes for the operation of the candles, which at the same time make the device very susceptible to wind and thus unusable and on the other hand only allow heating for a limited period of time. The installation and deinstallation of such tea light devices is also prone to vibrations, as a result of which the candles go out or the wax runs out. In addition, the use of tea lights often leads to discoloration of the game balls.

Based on the prior art, the present invention is therefore based on the object of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and of providing a gas heater for heating metallic game balls, in particular boules and petanque boccia balls, which is based on the Wind conditions is not susceptible and enables a quick heating of the balls.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention, these objectives are achieved primarily through the elements of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are also evident from the dependent claims and the description.

• ein Gestell mit einer Auflageplatte, wobei die Auflageplatte im Wesentlichen kreisförmige Aussparungen zur Auflagerung der Spielkugeln umfasst, und
• eine Heizeinrichtung für das Erwärmen der auf die Aussparungen aufgelagerten Spielkugeln,

wobei, die Heizeinrichtung ein Brennstoffleitungssystem mit mindestens einer Brennerdüse umfasst. Eine Vorrichtung gemäss der vorliegenden Erfindung ermöglicht ein einfaches und schnelles Erwärmen von metallischen Spielkugeln. Dank der Benutzung einer Brennstoff basierenden Heizeinrichtung, kann die Vorrichtung sehr leicht und daher sehr einfach zu transportieren sein. Darüber hat eine derartige Heizeinrichtung den Vorteil gegenüber den bekannten Vorrichtungen, dass sie nicht auf Wind anfällig ist, was eine Benutzung im Freien und bei kalten und windigen Wetterverhältnissen vereinfacht. Vorteilhafterweise, kann der Brennstoff Brenngas, flüssiges Gas, Flüssig-Benzin, Kerosin, Brennsprit oder Spiritus sein. Diese Brennerdüsen können insbesondere einflammig sein. Sie können mit Vorteil jedoch über eine leichte Streuung der Flamme verfügen, um die Hitze ideal über die Kugeln zu verteilen.In particular, the objects of the present invention are achieved by a device for heating metallic game balls, in particular boules, petanque or boccia balls, comprising:

• a frame with a support plate, the support plate comprising essentially circular recesses for supporting the game balls, and
• a heating device for heating the game balls placed on the recesses,

wherein, the heating device comprises a fuel line system with at least one burner nozzle. A device according to the present invention enables metallic game balls to be heated easily and quickly. Thanks to the use of a fuel-based heating device, the device can be very light and therefore very easy to transport. In addition, such a heating device has the advantage over the known devices that it is not susceptible to wind, which simplifies use in the open air and in cold and windy weather conditions. The fuel can advantageously be fuel gas, liquid gas, liquid petrol, kerosene, fuel or alcohol. These burner nozzles can in particular be single-flame. However, it is advantageous to have a slight scattering of the flame in order to distribute the heat ideally over the balls.

In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one burner nozzle is provided per recess. This means that each game ball can be heated individually.

In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the burner nozzles are arranged coaxially with the recesses. This means that the burner nozzles are optimally positioned for quick heating of the balls.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the edge of the cutouts comprises heat guide holes. Thanks to the heat guide holes, heat that is generated under the support plate can get along the game balls to the other side and thus also heat the balls while the air is escaping. As a result, the balls can be heated more homogeneously and more quickly, which increases the efficiency of the device.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame comprises at least one windbreak wall. The windbreak wall advantageously extends at least as high as a game ball supported in the recesses of the support plate. With a wind protection wall, not only the heating device but also the balls can be protected from the wind. This means that the device can also be used in very poor weather conditions. In addition, thanks to the windbreak wall, the balls are not cooled by the wind. This limits the fuel consumption necessary to maintain and establish the ideal temperature of the spheres.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises at least one ventilation hole in the frame, advantageously in a base plate of the frame or in the support plate. This ensures that there is enough oxygen for the fuel to burn.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating device comprises a manually operable igniter. This means that the fuel can be ignited very easily. If several burner nozzles are used, several igniters, advantageously one igniter per burner nozzle, can be provided.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating device comprises at least one fuel flow regulator. As a result, the heating power of the heating device, and thus the temperature of the balls, can be regulated and adapted to the weather.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating device comprises means for connection to an external fuel store. As a result, the device can be used, for example, together with a conventional gas bottle or gas cartridge.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating device comprises an internal fuel reservoir. As a result, the device can be used independently of an external fuel storage device.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the internal fuel store can be filled from outside the device. This means that the internal fuel storage can be refilled again and again, for example using a conventional gas bottle.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the recesses are crater-shaped in the direction of the metallic game balls. This means that the distance between the support plate and the burner nozzles can be selected to a minimum without changing the distance between the burner nozzles and the game balls. As a result, the entire height of the device can be kept small.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame comprises a lid with which the device is lockable. The lid can reduce heat loss and fuel consumption. Furthermore, thanks to a cover, the device can also be used to transport the game balls. For this purpose, the cover can advantageously comprise a handle.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover comprises means for pressing the game balls placed on the recesses against the support plate. As a result, the game balls are optimally secured in a device closed by the cover and cannot move within the device during transport. The means for pressing are advantageously additionally heat-insulating. In this way, the balls can be kept warm for longer, which further reduces fuel consumption.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device is foldable and / or designed as a kit. This makes it easier to transport the device. The folded or disassembled device can be transported in a small backpack, for example.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a lever mechanism coupled to the heating device, the lever mechanism being configured such that the fuel can only flow out of the burner nozzle when at least one game ball is placed in one of the recesses. Such a lever mechanism helps to save fuel to a great extent.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lever mechanism is configured in such a way that the burner nozzle is directed at the game ball and an igniter is automatically actuated when at least one game ball is placed in one of the recesses.

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The description also reveals the further advantages of the present invention as well as suggestions and suggestions as to how the subject matter of the invention could be modified or further developed within the scope of what is claimed.

Brief description of the drawings

• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device for heating metallic game balls according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 2 shows the device from the same perspective as in Figure 1 , wherein the support plate has been hidden in order to make the heating device visible;
• Figure 3 FIG. 13 shows a side sectional view of the device of FIG Figure 1 ;
• Figure 4 FIG. 13 shows a side sectional view of the device of FIG Figure 1 if it is connected to an external fuel storage system;
• Figure 5 FIG. 13 shows a side sectional view of the device of FIG Figure 1 with an internal fuel storage;
• Figure 6 shows schematically a first possible temperature regulation system;
• Figure 7 shows a second possible temperature regulation system;
• Figure 8 shows a third possible temperature regulation system;
• Figure 9 shows a side sectional view of a device according to the first embodiment, comprising a lid in the open position;
• Figure 10 shows a side sectional view of a device according to the first embodiment, comprising a lid in the closed position;
• Figure 11 shows a side sectional view of a device for heating metallic game balls according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 12 shows a first perspective view of a device for heating metallic game balls according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 13 shows a second perspective view of a device for heating metallic game balls according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 14 shows a first perspective view of a device for heating metallic game balls according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 15 shows a detailed view of the device of FIG Figure 14 ;
• Figure 16 shows a second perspective view of a device for heating metallic game balls according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 17 shows a third perspective view of a device for heating metallic game balls according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in an intermediate position when folding the device;
• Figure 18 shows a fourth perspective view of a folded device for heating metallic game balls according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; and
• Figure 19 shows a particular embodiment of the heat guide holes 204 of a device according to the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

Figure 1 shows a device 100 for heating metallic game balls K, in particular boules, petanque or boccia balls, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is important to note that even if the devices shown in the various figures are designed for heating three game balls K, a different number of game balls K, in particular six, would be readily possible within the scope of the present invention.

The device 100 comprises a frame 101 with a support plate, 102. As can be seen from this figure, essentially circular recesses 103 for supporting the balls K are provided in the support plate 102. These recesses are advantageously slightly rounded in order to avoid unnecessary scratching of the balls or minor skin lesions in the event of unintentional contact. Advantageously, the edge of the recesses 103 has heat guide holes 104, which allow a heat exchange directed along the game balls from the lower side of the support plate 102 to the upper side 102a of the support plate 102, ie the side on which the game balls are supported. Thanks to the heat guide holes 104, the game balls K can be heated more homogeneously, which overall contributes to increasing the efficiency of the device. To protect the balls K and the heating device 106 (see below) from the wind, the device 100, specifically the frame housing 101, comprises at least one windbreak wall 105. The windbreak wall 105 advantageously extends from a base plate 118 of the frame to at least the highest point a game ball placed on a recess. As in Figure 1 As shown, the frame 101 can preferably comprise a plurality of windbreak walls 105 for optimal protection.

Figure 2 shows the device 100, wherein, in order to make the heating device 106 visible, the support plate 102 has been hidden. As shown, the heating device 106 comprises a fuel line system 107 with burner nozzles 108, in particular simple or slightly scattering burner nozzles. One burner nozzle 108 is provided for each recess 103 so that each ball can be optimally heated. Advantageously, the Nozzles 108 with the circular recesses 103 arranged coaxially (see Figure 3 ). As in the Figures 1 and 2 As shown, the device 100 in the frame 101, preferably in the base plate 118 of the frame, has one or more ventilation holes 101a, so that there is enough oxygen for the combustion of the fuel. It is important to note, however, that it is also possible to provide a heating device with laterally guided lines, that is, along the windbreak wall 105 and along the opposite wall, instead of or in addition to the lines guided along the floor. This applies to every embodiment of the present invention. Lateral lines make it possible to provide several nozzles per sphere, which in turn enables faster heating.

As in Figure 3 The device 100 shown has means 109 for connection to an external fuel storage device, such as a conventional gas cylinder (see FIG Figure 4 ).

The device 100 advantageously comprises at least one internal fuel store 110 for storing fuel. With an internal fuel storage device, the device can be used independently of an external storage device. The internal fuel store 110 can be refilled with an external fuel store by means of connection means 109. It goes without saying that the connection means 109 should have a valve in order to prevent fuel from escaping from the fuel reservoir 110.

In order to be able to regulate the temperature of the game balls K, the device 100 advantageously comprises a regulation system 111. The regulation system 111 can for example comprise a fuel flow regulator 112 in order to regulate the amount of the fuel flow arriving at the burner nozzles. In addition, a temperature sensor 113 and a control system 114 for automatic control of the fuel flow regulator 112 can be provided. Regulation of the temperature can be achieved not only by adjusting the fuel flow, but also, as in the Figures 7 and 8th , by removing the fuel nozzles 108 from the game balls K. This can be done, for example, by moving it sideways ( Figure 7 ) or a tilt ( Figure 8 ) of the nozzles 108 can be achieved. In addition, the device 100 can comprise a manually actuatable igniter, for example a piezoelectric igniter. This makes it easy to ignite the fuel. It is also possible that the device, advantageously for each of the three ball recesses, comprises a lever mechanism coupled to the heating device. This lever mechanism is configured in such a way that when a ball is placed in the device according to the invention, the fuel can flow through the fuel lines, the nozzles are directed at the balls and the igniter is automatically actuated. Such a lever mechanism helps to save fuel to a great extent and can be provided in any embodiment of the present invention.

It is important to note that if the fuel is supplied from outside (see Fig. 4 ), it is conceivable that no internal regulation system is necessary, but that regulation could be carried out from an already existing fuel cartridge attachment.

In order to be able to use the device 100 for transporting the game balls K, it advantageously comprises a cover 115. It can be provided, for example, that the cover 115 is connected to the rest of the frame 101 via cover hinges 116. The cover 115 can comprise means 117 for pressing the game balls K supported by the recesses against the support plate 102. Ideally, this means consists of fire-resistant and heat-insulating material and spans the entire inside of the lid. This ensures a longer storage of the heat and at the same time the balls K are safely stored for transport. The means 117 can be, for example, a spring or a piece of elastomer, advantageously made of a material according to the V0 or V1 classification of the ULC 94 standard. The cover advantageously has a handle 119.

Figure 11 shows a device 200 for heating metallic game balls K, in particular boules, petanque or Boccia balls, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the device 100 and the device 200 lies in the design of the recesses 203. In this second embodiment, the recesses 203 are crater-shaped when viewed from the side. This has the advantage that the distance between the support plate 202 and the burner nozzles 108 can be made smaller without the distance between the balls and the burner nozzles changing in relation to the device 100. The entire height of the device 200 can thus be kept smaller, which simplifies the transport of the device. The recesses 203 advantageously also include heat guide holes (not shown here). Similar to the first device 100, the device 200 can comprise wind protection walls, connection means 109, a fuel reservoir 110, a cover 115 and a regulation system 111. In addition, the device 200 can comprise one or more manually actuatable igniters, for example a piezo igniter.

Figures 12 and 13 show a device 300 for heating metallic game balls K, in particular boules, petanque or boccia balls, according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is characterized by recesses 319 in the windbreak walls 305. With these recesses 319, the width B300 of the device 300 can be smaller than that of the devices 100 and 200. The device 300 thus takes up less space and can thus be transported even better. Similar to the first device 100, the device 300 can comprise connection means 109, a fuel reservoir 110, a cover 115 and a regulation system 111. In addition, the recesses 303 provided in the support plate 302, as in FIG Figure 3 illustrated, flat, or as in device 200, crater-shaped. Furthermore, the device 300 can also comprise a manually actuatable igniter, for example a piezoelectric igniter.

Figures 14 to 18 show a device 400 for heating metallic game balls K, in particular boules, petanque or boccia balls, according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The special feature of the device 400 is that it includes hinges 420, thanks to which it is completely foldable (see Figures 17 and 18th ). So that the device 400 is stable in the unfolded state, the fuel line system 407 comprises locking buttons 421 which can be locked in grooves 422 in the windbreak walls 405. In addition, in order to keep the dimensions of the device 400 as small as possible, lateral recesses 419 can be provided in the windbreak walls 405. The recesses 403 provided in the support plate 402 can either be flat or crater-shaped. It is important to note that the devices 100, 200 and 300 can also include hinges so that they can be foldable. As in Figure 16 As shown, the device 400, like all other devices 100, 200, 300, can be open, closed or provided with air holes at the bottom (not shown here.) Similar to the first device 100, the device 400 can connect means 109, a fuel reservoir 110 and a regulation system 111 include. Furthermore, the device 400 can comprise a manually actuatable igniter, for example a piezoelectric igniter.

Instead of hinges 420, plug connections can be provided so that the devices 100, 200, 300 and 400 can be designed as a kit. Foldable devices or devices designed as a kit are of course easier to transport.

Figure 19 shows a particular embodiment of the heat guide holes 204 of a device according to the invention. In this embodiment the holes are in the form of curved strips with the outside diameter D2. Supports 205 with an inner diameter D1 for supporting the ball are formed between two holes or strips 204. How out Figure 19 As can be seen, it is particularly advantageous to provide six supports 205 and six strips 204. Heat guide holes in the form of strips allow an optimal flow of heat. Due to the curvature of the strips, the heat is conducted along the surface of the sphere, which enables the sphere to be heated up quickly. It is important to note that heat guide holes in the form of strips are possible in all of the above-described embodiments of a device according to the invention.

Finally, it should be pointed out once again that the embodiments described here by way of example only represent implementation options for the ideas according to the invention and should in no way be viewed as limiting. Those skilled in the art will understand that still other implementations of the invention and further elements are possible without neglecting the essential features of the invention. In particular, those skilled in the art will recognize that any type of fuel can be used. The fuel is advantageously fuel gas, liquid gas, liquid gasoline, kerosene, fuel or alcohol.

Claims (15)

Device (100, 200, 300, 400) for heating metallic game balls (K), in particular boules, petanque or boccia balls, comprising: - A frame (101) with a support plate (102), the support plate (102) comprising essentially circular recesses (103, 203) for supporting the game balls (K), and - a heating device (106) for heating the game balls (K) placed on the recesses (103, 203), characterized,
that the heating device (106) comprises a fuel line system (107) with at least one burner nozzle (108). Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to Claim 1, at least one burner nozzle (108) being provided per recess (103, 203). Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, the edge of the recesses (103) comprising heat guide holes (104). Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (101) comprises at least one windbreak wall (105). Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one ventilation hole (101a) in the frame (101), advantageously in a base plate (118) of the frame or in the support plate. Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating device (106) comprises a manually operated igniter. Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating device (106) comprises at least one temperature regulating system (111). Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating device (106) comprises means (109) for connection to an external fuel store. Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating device (106) comprises an internal fuel store (110), advantageously an internal fuel store (110) that can be filled from outside the device. Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recesses (203) are crater-shaped in the direction of the metallic play balls (K). Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises a cover (115) with which the device can be closed. Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 13, wherein the cover (115) comprises means (117) for pressing the game balls (K) placed on the recesses against the support plate. Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, the device being foldable and / or designed as a kit. Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a lever mechanism coupled to the heating device (106), the lever mechanism being configured such that the fuel can only flow out of the burner nozzle (108) if at least one game ball (K) is placed in one of the recesses (103, 203). Device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 14, wherein the lever mechanism is configured in such a way that the burner nozzle (108) is directed at the game ball (K) and an igniter is automatically actuated when at least one game ball (K) is in a the recesses (103, 203) is placed.

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