US20250075912A1

US20250075912A1 - Convertible smokeless fire pit

Info

Publication number: US20250075912A1
Application number: US18/825,990
Authority: US
Inventors: Dexter Hamilton
Original assignee: Coulee Outdoor Corp
Current assignee: Coulee Outdoor Corp
Priority date: 2023-09-05
Filing date: 2024-09-05
Publication date: 2025-03-06
Also published as: CA3254097A1

Abstract

A fire pit configured to be convertible between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode, the fire pit including a wall section at least partially defining a combustion chamber, the wall section including an outer wall and an inner wall defining an airflow vent, and one or more intakes and one or more outputs which may be configured to transport ambient air to the combustion chamber. The fire pit includes an end wall defining a closed end portion of the combustion chamber. A fluid fuel conversion kit is configured to convert the fire pit between the solid fuel burning mode and the fluid fuel burning mode, the fluid fuel conversion kit including a burner configured for removable supportive engagement with at least one of the wall section or the end wall and a fuel supply line configured to supply fluid fuel from a fluid fuel source to the burner.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/580,661 filed on Sep. 5, 2023, entitled “CONVERTIBLE SMOKELESS FIRE PIT,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

In some form, fire pits have been a part of social gathering places for humans for the last hundreds of thousands of years. Among other things, fire pits may be a place to gather, a place to socialize, a place to cook and eat, a place to stay warm, or a place to relax. During operation, fire pits may include an ignited source of fuel. Fires generally need fuel, oxygen, and heat to sustain themselves.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit configured to be convertible between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode, the fire pit including: a wall section that at least partially defines a combustion chamber, the wall section including: an outer wall defining an exterior boundary of an airflow vent within the wall section; an inner wall defining an interior boundary of the airflow vent; one or more intakes configured to intake ambient air to the airflow vent; and one or more outputs in the inner wall configured to output the ambient air from the airflow vent to the combustion chamber; an end wall defining a closed end portion of the combustion chamber; and a fluid fuel conversion kit configured to convert the fire pit between the solid fuel burning mode and the fluid fuel burning mode, the fluid fuel conversion kit including: a burner configured for removable supportive engagement with at least one of the wall section or the end wall, the burner configured to discharge a fluid fuel for combustion; and a fuel supply line configured to supply fluid fuel from a fluid fuel source to the burner, wherein, when in the fluid fuel burning mode, the fuel supply line does not pass through the airflow vent.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of converting a smokeless fire pit between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode, the method including: arranging a burner relative to a combustion chamber defined by a wall section and an end wall, the wall section at least partially defining the combustion chamber, the end wall defining a closed end portion of the combustion chamber, the burner being configured for removable supportive engagement with at least one of the wall section or the end wall and configured to discharge a fluid fuel for combustion when in the fluid fuel burning mode, the wall section including: an outer wall defining an exterior boundary of an airflow vent within the wall section; an inner wall defining an interior boundary of the airflow vent; one or more intakes configured to intake ambient air to the airflow vent; and one or more outputs in the inner wall configured to output the ambient air from the airflow vent to the combustion chamber; and routing a fuel supply line between a fluid fuel source and the burner to supply the fluid fuel from the fluid fuel source to the burner in the fluid fuel burning mode, wherein the fuel supply line does not pass through the airflow vent when the fire pit is in the fluid fuel burning mode.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. The concepts are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Other implementations are also described and recited herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example fire pit.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fire pit with a removeable plate.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example fire pit with an end wall aperture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fire pit with an ash catch.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example fire pit with a perforated plate.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example fire pit with a perforated plate with a central aperture cover.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example perforated plate and a central aperture cover.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example fire pit converted to a fluid fuel burning mode.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fire pit where a burner is configured for removable supportive engagement with an upper end portion.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fire pit where a burner is configured for removable supportive engagement with an inner wall, the burner residing within a combustion chamber.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fire pit where a burner is configured for supportive engagement with an end wall of the fire pit.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fire pit where a burner is configured for removable supportive engagement with an upper end portion and is supported at a distance offset from the upper end portion.

FIG. 13 shows example operations for converting a double-wall, smokeless fire pit between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode.

FIG. 14 shows example operations for converting a double-wall, smokeless fire pit from a solid fuel burning mode to a fluid fuel burning mode.

FIG. 15 shows example operations for converting a double-wall, smokeless fire pit from a fluid fuel burning mode to a solid fuel burning mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
Today, fire pit technology has advanced past the cluster of ablaze logs associated with primitive fires. Modern homes may include an elaborate fire pit surrounded by bricks, a metal shell, or other materials. However, fire pits continue to be specifically designed to utilize either solid fuels or fluid fuels. As described in greater detail below, there may be different advantages to using either solid fuel or fluid fuels. However, given the limited fuel source of traditional fire pits, fire pit users have had to choose which type of fire pit fuel to use without the ability to easily and efficiently switch between fuel types. The present disclosure provides examples of a fire pit that may be conveniently converted between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode. As such, the fire pit may be selectively used in either mode to take advantage of the relative benefits of either fuel at the selection of the user.
As noted above, different types of fuels may have different advantages. For instance, one advantage of burning with propane or other fluid fuel may be the ease of use and cleanup. Additionally, fluid fuels may provide the convenience of easy lighting and extinguishing the fire. Further still, some fluid fuel sources may provide for a high heat output to allow for use in keeping a relatively large area warm. In addition, fluid fuels produce relatively little waste compared to many solid fuels. Fluid fuels may also often be used in areas in which regulatory bodies prohibit or limit use of solid fuels (e.g., due to wildfire risk associated with embers generated by solid fuels). Of note, some such regulations may be seasonal or otherwise temporally limited such that the restrictions on sloid fuel may not be continuous. In other examples, restrictions on solid fuels may be provided due to zoning restrictions or the like.
However, solid fuels, such as wood, may provide advantages that may be desirable to fire pit users. For example, firewood may be a relatively cheap and plentiful fuel source. Moreover, solid fuel fires may provide a pleasing appearance, aroma, and/or sound. In this regard, solid fuels and fluid fuels provide different relative advantages such that users may wish to avail themselves of both types of fuel. Unfortunately, many fire pits can accommodate one design or the other, but not both, and purchasing and owning two costs more money, takes up more space, and handling two fire pits may be inconvenient.
The described technology facilitates a fire pit that may be converted (e.g., through use of a fluid fuel conversion kit) between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode. As such, a fire pit user does not have to own multiple fire pits in order to have access to a solid fuel burning fire pit and a fluid fuel burning fire pit. In turn, the relative advantages of either solid fuels or fluid fuels may be easily realized using the example fire pits described herein that allow for simple and convenient conversion between fuel modes. This may allow users to selectively adapt a single fire pit for use with solid fuels or fluid fuels at the discretion of the user, thus expanding the available sources of fuel and providing adaptability to a fire pit.
Specifically, the fire pits described herein may be “smokeless” fire pits when used in the solid fuel burning mode. Traditional solid fuel fire pits may create a large amount of smoke when in use. In many situations, smoke may be undesired due to a range of associated problems. For example, smoke may get into the eyes of those near the fire pit, causing a stinging sensation and making the fire pit unpleasant to be around. Furthermore, smoke may create an unpleasant odor and sight. For these reasons and more, people may prefer their fire pit to be smokeless.
The described technology utilizes a dual-wall design in order to reduce or eliminate smoke from solid fuel burning in the fire pit. In the field of fire pit design, being “smokeless” does not require that no smoke leave the fire pit. Instead, smokeless fire pits may generally refer to those in which a reduced or minimal amount of smoke is produced relative to a traditional fire design. The described technology may utilize an airflow vent that delivers additional oxygen to the combustion chamber via the airflow vent. In turn, the introduction of additional oxygen may allow smoke to reburn before it has a chance to escape the combustion chamber. However, such a design may provide additional considerations when adapting between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode. As such, the examples described herein may facilitate different approaches to such conversion of a smokeless fire pit to achieve the advantages of conversion noted above.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example fire pit 100. The fire pit 100 is configured to be convertible between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode as will be described in greater detail below. In the solid fuel burning mode, the fire pit 100 is configured to burn solid fuels (firewood, wood pellets, charcoal, coal, etc.). In the fluid fuel burning mode, the fire pit 100 is configured to burn fluid fuels (propane, natural gas, kerosine, gasoline, diesel etc.). Fluid fuels may generally refer to any liquid or gaseous fuel source. The fire pit 100 comprises a wall section 102, an end wall 104, and a fluid conversion kit (not shown, see e.g., fluid fuel conversion kit 802).
The wall section 102 at least partially defines a combustion chamber 106. In this regard, the wall section 102 may at least partially surround the combustion chamber 106. The combustion chamber 106 may be configured to be a space for housing a fire to burn solid fuel that may be used with the fire pit 100. In one implementation, the combustion chamber 106 is substantially cylindrical. In other examples, the combustion chamber 106 may be a variety of shapes (cubic, pyramidal, conical, etc.). In one implantation where the combustion chamber 106 is substantially cylindrical, the wall section 102 defines the curved surface area of the cylinder, while the top and bottom of the combustion chamber 106 are not defined by the wall section 102. In one implementation, the wall section 102 is substantially cylindrical. However, in other examples, the wall section 102 can be a variety of shapes (cubic, pyramidal, conical, etc.). The wall section 102 may have a variety of purposes, including but not limited to: defining the combustion chamber 106, containing the fire, preventing unwanted fire spread, channeling oxygen to the top of the fire, and having an appealing aesthetic appearance. The wall section 102 comprises an outer wall 108, an inner wall 110, one or more intakes (e.g., intake hole 114), and one or more outputs (e.g., output hole 112).
The various components of the fire pit 100 may be constructed of a common material or may include a diversity of materials. Materials that may be used to construct one or more components of the fire pit 100 described herein may include stainless steel, carbon steel, mild steel, aluminum, copper, a refractory ceramic material (e.g., brick, stone, concrete, etc.), or copper. Other appropriate materials (e.g., metallic, ceramic, polymeric, or other type of material) may also be used for one or more components of the fire pit 100, accessories, and/or an accessory mounting apparats described herein. Thus, unless otherwise described, any of the components of the fire pit 100 may be constructed from a material as described above.
The outer wall 108 defines an exterior boundary of an airflow vent (not shown in FIG. 1 , see airflow vent 216 of FIG. 2 ) within the wall section 102. In one implementation, the airflow vent delivers oxygen (e.g., as contained in ambient air) from outside the combustion chamber to the combustion chamber 106 in order to facilitate reburning of smoke from the fire. That is, combustion of solid fuels may be incomplete due to oxygen limitations in the combustion chamber, thus leading to production of soot and/or smoke. By providing supplemental oxygen (e.g., from ambient air) to the combustion chamber via the airflow vent, smoke from the solid fuels may be more completely combusted, thus reducing the amount of smoke emitted from the combustion chamber 106. The outer wall 108 may define an exterior boundary of the wall section 102. In one implementation, the outer wall 108 is substantially cylindrical. The inner wall 110 may be a variety of shapes (cubic, pyramidal, conical, etc.). One or more intakes may be provided to intake ambient air into the airflow vent. As shown in FIG. 1 , the one or more intakes may comprise one or more intake holes 114 that extend through the outer wall 108. In one example, the intake holes 114 may be substantially hexagonal. In other examples, the intake holes may be a variety of shapes (circular, square, slit, triangular, etc.). In one implementation, the outer wall 108 is continuous except for the intake holes.
While shown as one or more intake holes 114 extending through the outer wall 108 in FIG. 1 , the one or more intakes may comprise other features without limitation. For example, the outer wall 108 may comprise a vent that is open at the bottom of the outer wall 108 (e.g., adjacent to the end wall 104). Such a vent comprising an intake may intake ambient air from a direction normal to the end wall end wall 104 away from the combustion chamber 106. That is, the intake may be a gap between the inner wall 110 and the outer wall 108 that is open in a direction toward the bottom of the fire pit 100. Any other appropriate configuration of an intake that may draw ambient air from outside the combustion chamber 106 into the airflow vent between the outer wall 108 and inner wall 110 may be provided without limitation. Thus, while intake holes may be shown or described herein, this is for illustrative and not limiting purposes.
The inner wall 110 defines an interior boundary of the airflow vent. In one implementation, the inner wall 110 is substantially cylindrical. The inner wall 110 may be a variety of shapes (cubic, pyramidal, conical, etc.). One or more outputs may be provided that introduce the ambient air from the airflow vent into the combustion chamber 106. In one example, one or more output holes 112 may be provided through the inner wall 110. The output holes 112 are configured to output from the airflow vent to the combustion chamber 106. In one implementation, the output holes are configured to output air. The output holes may be substantially elliptical. The output holes may be a variety of shapes (circular, square, slits, continuous slit, triangular, etc.). In one implementation, the inner wall 110 is continuous except for the output holes. In other non-limiting examples, the one or more outputs may comprise other configurations such as slots, openings, apertures, or other passages that facilitate flow of fluid from the airflow vent to the combustion chamber 106. Such outputs may be disposed at any location along the inner wall 110 to allow for ambient air from the airflow vent to enter the combustion chamber 106. Thus, while output holes may be shown or described herein, this is for illustrative and not limiting purposes.
The wall section 102 may further comprise an upper end portion 116 defining a barrier at an end of the airflow vent which is on a substantially opposite side of the wall section 102 from the end wall 104. In one implementation, the upper end portion 116 prevents air from escaping the air vent before it is released into the combustion chamber 106 via an output. The upper end portion 116 may substantially take the form of a ring-shaped plate.
The fire pit 100 may further comprise an accessory mounting apparatus 118 disposed relative to the combustion chamber 106 when the fire pit 100 is in the solid fuel burning mode. As will be described in greater detail below, the accessory mounting apparatus 118 may also be configured to be positioned relative to a burner in a fluid fuel burning mode. In this regard, accessories mounted to the fire pit 100 using the accessory mounting apparatus 118 may be used for either solid fuel burring mode operation or fluid fuel burning mode operation.
In one implementation, the accessory mounting apparatus 118 substantially takes the form of a rod from which accessories may be mounted. The accessory mounting apparatus 118 may at least partially reside within the airflow vent. The accessory mounting apparatus 118 may also be attached to the upper end portion 116. In one example, the accessory mounting apparatus 118 may be used to mount a grilling platform 120. The grilling platform 120 may be attached to the accessory mounting apparatus 118 via one or more screws (e.g., screw 122) to provide clamping engagement with the accessory mounting apparatus 118. In one example, the grilling platform 120 comprises a hollow cylindrical shaft, which is configured to fit over the rod form of the accessory mounting apparatus 118, where a screw can be installed through a screw hole configured to line up in the grilling platform 120 and the accessory mounting apparatus 118. The grilling platform 120 may be used to cook food using the fire of the fire pit 100. Other accessories may be similarly mounted to the accessory mounting apparatus 118, such as, griddles, woks, spits, or other cooking devices. Further still, non-cooking accessories may also be mounted to the fire pit 100 for use with the fire pit 100 in either solid for fluid fuel burning modes. For example, spark arrestor screens, decorative screens, humidifiers, convection fans, or the like may be similarly mounted to the accessory mounting apparatus 118.
In one implementation, the fire pit 100 additionally comprises one or more legs (e.g., leg 124). The legs 124 may space the combustion chamber 106 away from a substrate on which the fire pit 100 is disposed. The legs 124 may also be configured to lift the fire pit 100 off the ground such that space is provided for a fuel supply line (not shown, see: fuel supply line 910) when the fire pit 100 is in the fluid fuel burning mode. In one implementation, the legs may be attached to the end wall 104.
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fire pit 200 with a removeable plate 202 in an end wall 220 of the fire pit 200. The fire pit 200 is configured to be convertible between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode. The fire pit 200 comprises a wall section 204, an end wall 220, and a fluid conversion kit (not shown, see: fluid fuel conversion kit 802).
The wall section 204 surrounds and at least partially defines a combustion chamber 206. The wall section 204 comprises an outer wall 208, an inner wall 210, one or more intakes (e.g., intake hole 212), and one or more outputs (e.g., output hole 214).
The outer wall 208 defines an exterior boundary of an airflow vent 216 within the wall section 204. In one implementation, the airflow vent 216 delivers oxygen to the combustion chamber 206 (e.g., as ambient air from external to the combustion chamber 206) in order to facilitate reburning of smoke from the fire. The outer wall 208 may define an exterior boundary of the wall section 204. One or more intake holes reside in the outer wall 208. The intake holes are configured to intake ambient air to the airflow vent 216. In one implementation, the outer wall 208 is continuous except for the intake holes. As noted above, in an alternative example, an intake may be provided as a gap between the outer wall 208 and the inner wall 210 that may open away from the combustion chamber 206. For instance, the intake may comprise an opening in the end wall 220 between the outer wall 208 and the inner wall 210.
The inner wall 210 defines an interior boundary of the airflow vent 216. One or more outputs (e.g., output holes 214) reside in the inner wall 210. The output holes 214 are configured to output from the airflow vent 216 to the combustion chamber 206. In one implementation, the output holes 214 are configured to output air. In one implementation, the inner wall 210 is continuous except for the output holes 214. Other outputs may be provided without limitation as noted above.
The wall section 204 may further comprise an upper end portion 218 defining a barrier at an end of the airflow vent 216 which is on a substantially opposite side of the wall section 204 from the end wall 220. In one implementation, the upper end portion 218 prevents air from escaping the airflow vent 216 before it is released into the combustion chamber 206 via an output.
The end wall 220 defines a closed end portion of the combustion chamber 206. In one implementation, the end wall 220 is configured to reside on an opposite side of the fire from the direction the smoke is configured to rise. The end wall 220 may take the form of a plate. The end wall 220 may be configured to contain the fire, elevate the fire off of the ground, or prevent unwanted fire spread.
In one implementation, the end wall 220 further comprises an end wall aperture 222. The fuel supply line (not shown, see fuel supply line 910) may be configured to pass through the end wall aperture 222 when the fire pit 200 is in the fluid fuel burning mode. The end wall aperture 222 may take the form of a hole within the end wall 220. In one implementation, the end wall aperture 222 is substantially centered within the end wall 220. The end wall aperture 222 may be configured to be closeable with a removeable plate 202 when the fire pit 200 is in the solid fuel burning mode. In one implementation, the removeable plate 202 substantially takes the form of a plate. The removeable plate 202 may be configured to close the end wall aperture 222 by sliding into a position such that the end wall aperture 222 is covered by the removeable plate 202. In one implementation, the end wall 220 comprises slides in order to facilitate the sliding in place of the removeable plate 202. As described in greater detail below, the end wall aperture 222 may also be closed with an ash catch or other closure to substantially prevent solid fuel from falling through the end wall aperture 222 in the solid fuel burning mode.
For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example fire pit 300 with an end wall aperture 302 in an end wall 304. The end wall 304 defines a closed end portion of the combustion chamber 306. In one implementation, the end wall 304 is configured to reside on the opposite side of the fire from the direction the smoke is configured to rise. The end wall 304 may take the form of a plate. The end wall 304 may be configured to contain the fire, elevate the fire off of the ground, or prevent unwanted fire spread.
In one implementation, the end wall 304 further comprises an end wall aperture 302. The fuel supply (not shown, see fuel supply line 910) line may be configured to pass through the end wall aperture 302 when the fire pit 300 is in the fluid fuel burning mode. The end wall aperture 302 may take the form of a hole within the end wall 304. In one implementation, the end wall aperture 302 is substantially centered within the end wall 304. As shown above in relation to FIG. 2 , the end wall aperture 302 may be closed via a plate. In other examples, the end wall aperture 302 may be configured to allow waste (e.g., ash) to fall through the end wall aperture 302 into an ash catch or the like. In this regard, an ash catch may be used as the plate to close the combustion chamber 306, which may further be removable to empty the ash catch and/or allow for passage of a fuel line.
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fire pit 400 with an ash catch 402. The ash catch 402 may be configured to reside on an opposite side of end wall 408 from the combustion chamber 406. The ash catch 402 is configured to close the combustion chamber 406 (e.g., to prevent solid fuels from falling through an end wall aperture 404 of the end wall 408) and collect waste from spent solid fuel. In one implementation, the ash catch 402 substantially takes the form of a box, the box being configured to hold the spent solid fuel. The ash catch 402 may be configured to be removeable. In one implementation, the ash catch 402 is configured to slide into position under the end wall aperture 404 using slides.
Also shown in FIG. 4 is a perforated plate 410, which may be positioned in an offset relation to the end wall 408. The perforated plate 410 may support burning solid fuel in the combustion chamber 406 when in the solid fuel burning mode. The perforated plate 410 may also include a central aperture 412 that may have a central plate 416 disposable relative to the central aperture 412. As further discussed in FIG. 5 , the central plate 416 may be removed to open the central aperture 412 (e.g., to allow for passage of a fuel line for conversion to a fluid fuel burning mode). The combustion chamber 406 may also include ramped surfaces 414 extending relative to the end wall 408 to assist in directing solid waste into the ash catch 402.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example fire pit 500 with a perforated plate 502 similar to the ash catch 402 of FIG. 4 . In one implementation, the fire pit 500 further comprises a perforated plate 502 disposed in an offset relation relative to the end wall 506. The perforated plate 502 may be mounted to or otherwise supportively engaged by a wall section 504. The perforated plate 502 is configured to support solid fuel at a distance offset from the end wall 506. The perforated plate 502 comprises one or more perforations (e.g., perforation 508) configured to allow waste from spent solid fuel to pass into the offset between the perforated plate 502 and the end wall 506. The perforations may take the form of holes in the perforated plate 502. In one implementation, the offset is the space between the perforated plate 502 and the end wall 506. In one implementation, the perforated plate 502 substantially takes the form of a grate.
The perforated plate 502 may further comprise a central aperture 510 configured to be in alignment with the end wall aperture 512. In one implementation, the central aperture 510 substantially takes the form of a hole in the perforated plate 502. The central aperture 510 may be substantially larger than the size of the perforations. In one implementation, the fuel supply line (not shown, see: fuel supply line 910) is configured to pass through the central aperture 510 when the fire pit 500 is in the fluid fuel burning mode.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example fire pit 600 with a perforated plate 602 with a central aperture cover 604. In one implementation, the fire pit 600 further comprises a central aperture cover 604. The central aperture cover 604 may be configured to substantially cover the central aperture. In one implementation, the central aperture cover 604 contains perforations. The central aperture cover 604 may be configured to be removeable. In one implementation, the central aperture cover is configured for removable supportive engagement with the perforated plate 602. In other examples, support structures (e.g., cross bars (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5 ), shoulders, shelves, or the like) may supportively engage the central aperture cover 604 into position to close the central aperture. The perforated plate 602 and central aperture cover 604 may be installed in order to configure the fire pit 600 to be in the solid fuel burning mode.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example perforated plate 702 and a central aperture cover 704. The perforated plate 702 comprises one or more perforations (e.g., perforation 706) configured to allow waste from spent solid fuel to pass into the offset between the perforated plate 702 and the end wall (not shown, see: end wall 506). The perforations may take the form of holes in the perforated plate 702.
In one implementation, the central aperture cover 704 substantially takes the form of a plate containing perforations. The central aperture cover 704 may be configured for removable supportive engagement with the perforated plate 702. In one implementation, the central aperture cover 704 contains a handle 708 to facilitate the arrangement of the central aperture cover 704 to the perforated plate 702.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example fire pit 800 converted to a fluid fuel burning mode. The fire pit 800 includes a fluid fuel conversion kit 802 configured to convert the fire pit 800 between the solid fuel burning mode and the fluid fuel burning mode. The fluid fuel conversion kit 802 comprises a burner 804 and a fuel supply line 806. In one implementation, the fire pit is converted from the solid fuel burning mode to the fluid fuel burning mode by installing the burner 804 and the fuel supply line 806. The burner 804 may include any configuration of burner including radial burner sections and/or linear burner sections as depicted. Moreover, the burner 804 may comprise a bowled dish that may receive refractory material such as lava stones, glass, or the like. This may at least partially obscure the burner 804 and provide improved aesthetics.
When converting the fire pit 800 from a solid fuel burning mode to a fluid fuel burning mode, routing the fuel supply line 806 to supply the fluid fuel from a source to the burner 804 may be provided. As the fire pit 800 may be a smokeless fire pit design having an outer wall and an inner wall, routing of the fuel supply line 806 may preferably be away from the outer wall and the inner wall to preserve the airflow therethrough for smokeless operation when in the solid fuel burning mode. Moreover, routing the fuel supply line 806 externally to the combustion chamber may detract from the aesthetics of the fire pit 800. In this regard, the fire pit 800 may include a routing of the fuel supply line 806 in a location away from the wall section to allow for easy and efficient conversion between the solid fuel burning mode and the fluid fuel burning mode while maintaining functionality and aesthetics of the fire pit 800.
The burner 804 is configured to discharge a fluid fuel for combustion. In one implementation, the burner 804 substantially takes the form of piping with discharge holes (e.g., discharge hole 808) to discharge the fluid fuel. The fluid fuel may be a variety of fuels as described above. In one implementation, the fluid fuel is propane. The burner 804 is configured for removable supportive engagement with the wall section 810.
The fuel supply line 806 is configured to supply fluid fuel from a fluid fuel source to the burner 804. The fuel supply line 806 may be a tubular member that could be a flexible hose, a rigid tubing, or another contained conduit for movement of fuel from a fuel source to the burner 804. In one implementation, the fuel supply line 806 substantially takes the form of a hose. When the fire pit 800 is in the fluid fuel burning mode, the fuel supply line 806 does not pass through the airflow vent.
The fire pit 800 may further comprise an accessory mounting apparatus 812 disposed relative to the burner 804 when the fire pit 800 is in the fluid fuel burning mode. As noted above, the accessory mounting apparatus 812 may be used to dispose an accessory (as recited in non-limiting examples above) relative to both a solid fuel combustion chamber and a fluid fuel burner 804. In one implementation, the accessory mounting apparatus 812 substantially takes the form of a rod from which accessories may be mounted. The accessory mounting apparatus 812 may at least partially reside within the airflow vent. The accessory mounting apparatus 812 may also be attached to the upper end portion 814.
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fire pit 900 where a burner 902 is configured for removable supportive engagement with an upper end portion 904. The wall section 920 may further comprise an upper end portion 904 defining a barrier at an end of the airflow vent 912 which is on a substantially opposite side of the wall section 920 from the end wall 918.
In one implementation, the burner 902 is configured for removable supportive engagement with the upper end portion 904. The engagement may take the form of the burner 902 comprising a burner plate 906 that rests on the upper end portion 904, supporting the burner 902. The burner plate 906 may substantially take the form of a plate with an aperture configured to allow fuel to pass through the burner plate 906. In one implementation, the burner 902 is connected to the burner plate 906. In another implementation, the burner 902 rests on the burner plate 906. The burner plate 906 may be configured to cover the combustion chamber 908.
When the fire pit 900 is in the fluid fuel burning mode, the fuel supply line 910 does not pass through the airflow vent 912. Instead, the fuel supply line 910 may be configured to pass through the end wall aperture 914. In one implementation, the fuel supply line 910 is configured to pass through the central aperture 916 when the fire pit 900 is in the fluid fuel burning mode.
FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fire pit 1000 where a burner 1002 is configured for removable supportive engagement with an inner wall 1004, the burner 1002 residing within a combustion chamber 1006. In one implementation, the burner 1002 is configured to reside within the combustion chamber 1006. The burner 1002 may be configured for removable supportive engagement with the inner wall 1004 of the combustion chamber. For example, the inner wall 1004 may include features extending into the combustion chamber 1006 to support the burner 1002 such as hooks, tabs, shoulders, a shelf, etc.).
Further still, with reference to FIG. 11 , a burner 1102 may be adapted to be supported by an end wall 1108 of a fire pit 1100. In this regard, the burner 1102 may be disposed in a combustion chamber 1106 at least partially defined by a wall section 1104. As shown, the burner 1102 may be dimensioned to allow the burner 1102 to pass within the wall section 1104 to reside on the end wall 1108. In this example, a fuel supply line may still pass through an end wall aperture as described above. While FIG. 11 illustrates the burner 1102 supported by the end wall 1108, in another example, a perforated plate may be provided offset from the end wall 1108 on which the burner 1102 may be supported. Further still, the burner 1102 may be offset from the end wall 1108 such that the burner 1102 includes or rests on a structure supported by the end wall 1108. That is, the burner 1102 need not be in direct contact with the end wall 1108 that supports the burner 1102 in the combustion chamber 1106. The structure supporting the burner 1102 may be feet or a pedestal that rests on the end wall 1108 and supports the burner 1102 away from the end wall 1108.
FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fire pit 1200 where a burner 1202 is configured for removable supportive engagement with an upper end portion 1204 and is supported at a distance 1206 offset from the upper end portion 1204. In one implementation, the burner 1202 is configured to reside above the upper end portion 1204, the burner 1202 being supported at a distance 1206 offset from the upper end portion 1204. The burner may be configured for removable supportive engagement with the upper end portion 1204. In one implementation, the burner plate 1208 rests on top of the upper end portion 1204.
FIG. 13 shows example operations 1300 for a method of converting a double-wall, smokeless fire pit between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode. An arranging operation 1302 includes arranging a burner relative to one or more of a wall section or an end wall. The burner is configured to burn fluid fuel supplied by the fuel supply line. In one implementation, arranging the burner includes positioning the burner in the desired position in the fire pit. This may include positioning the burner within the combustion chamber, positioning the burner near the upper end portion, or positioning the burner at a distance offset from the upper end portion. This may further include configuring the burner for removeable supportive engagement. In another implementation, arranging the burner includes removing the burner from the fire pit.
A routing operation 1304 includes routing a fuel supply line. In one implementation, routing the fuel supply line includes bringing the fuel supply line into the fire pit in order to connect it to the burner. In another implementation, routing the fuel supply line includes removing the fuel supply line from the fire pit. The fuel supply line may be routed through an end wall aperture or a central aperture. In one implementation, components situated around the end wall aperture will be rearranged to accommodate the routing of the fuel supply line. For example, an ash catch, a perforated plate, a central aperture cover, or a removeable plate may be rearranged by removing the component from the fire pit.
An adapting operation 1306 includes adapting the burner and the fuel supply line to be in a desired state of connection. In one implementation, adapting the burner and the fuel supply line includes operatively connecting the fuel supply line and the burner. This may include fastening or screwing a threaded connection mechanism such that fluid flows through the point of connection without leaking from the connection. In another implementation, this adapting the burner and the fuel supply line includes disconnecting the fuel supply line and the burner. This may include unfastening or unscrewing a threaded connection mechanism. In one implementation, fluid fuel is not flowing through the fuel supply line when the adapting operation 1306 occurs.
FIG. 14 shows example operations 1400 for a method of converting a double-wall, smokeless fire pit from a solid fuel burning mode to a fluid fuel burning mode. An installing operation 1402 includes installing the burner into a desired position in the fire pit. This may include positioning the burner within the combustion chamber, positioning the burner near the upper end portion, or positioning the burner at a distance offset from the upper end portion. This may further include configuring the burner for removeable supportive engagement.
A routing operation 1404 includes routing the fuel supply line to the burner. Routing the fuel supply line may include bringing the fuel supply line into the fire pit in order to connect it to the burner. The fuel supply line may be routed through an end wall aperture or a central aperture. In one implementation, components situated around the end wall aperture will be rearranged to accommodate the routing of the fuel supply line. For example, an ash catch or a removeable plate may be positioned such that they will not prevent the fuel supply line from being routed into the fire pit.
A joining operation 1406 includes joining the fuel supply line operatively to the burner. Joining the fuel supply line operatively to the burner may include fastening or screwing a threaded connection mechanism such that fluid flows through the point of connection without leaking from the connection. In one implementation, fluid fuel is not flowing through the fuel supply line when the joining operation 1406 occurs.
FIG. 15 shows example operations 1500 for a method of converting a double-wall, smokeless fire pit from a fluid fuel burning mode to a solid fuel burning mode. A separating operation 1502 includes separating the fuel supply line operatively from the burner. Separating the fuel supply line operatively from the burner may include disconnecting the fuel supply line and the burner. This may include unfastening or unscrewing a threaded connection mechanism. In one implementation, fluid fuel is not flowing through the fuel supply line when the separating operation 1502 occurs.
A burner removing operation 1504 includes removing the burner from the fire pit. Removing the burner from the fire pit may include removing the burner from supportive engagement with the fire pit and then removing it to a location out of the way of the fire pit.
A fuel supply line removing operation 1506 includes removing the fuel supply line from the fire pit. Removing the fuel supply line from the fire pit may include withdrawing the fuel supply line out of the fire pit. In one implementation, the fuel supply line is withdrawn out of the central aperture or end wall aperture. The fuel supply line may be removed to a location out of the way of the fire pit.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit configured to be convertible between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode, the fire pit including: a wall section that at least partially defines a combustion chamber, the wall section including: an outer wall defining an exterior boundary of an airflow vent within the wall section; an inner wall defining an interior boundary of the airflow vent; one or more intakes configured to intake ambient air to the airflow vent; and one or more outputs in the inner wall configured to output the ambient air from the airflow vent to the combustion chamber; an end wall defining a closed end portion of the combustion chamber; and a fluid fuel conversion kit configured to convert the fire pit between the solid fuel burning mode and the fluid fuel burning mode, the fluid fuel conversion kit including: a burner configured for removable supportive engagement with at least one of the wall section or the end wall, the burner configured to discharge a fluid fuel for combustion; and a fuel supply line configured to supply fluid fuel from a fluid fuel source to the burner, wherein, when in the fluid fuel burning mode, the fuel supply line does not pass through the airflow vent.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the end wall further includes an end wall aperture and wherein the fuel supply line is configured to pass through the end wall aperture when in the fluid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the fire pit further includes an ash catch configured to reside on an opposite side of the end wall aperture from the combustion chamber, the ash catch configured to collect waste from spent solid fuel when in the solid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the end wall aperture is configured to be closeable with a removeable plate when in the solid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the inner wall is continuous except for the one or more outputs and outer wall is continuous except for the one or more intakes.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the fuel supply line includes a hose.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the fire pit further includes an accessory mounting apparatus for disposing an accessory relative to the combustion chamber when in the solid fuel burning mode and relative to the burner when in the fluid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the fire pit further includes a perforated plate configured for supportive engagement with at least one of the wall section or the end wall, the perforated plate configured to support solid fuel at a distance offset from the end wall, the perforated plate further including one or more perforations configured to allow waste from spent solid fuel to pass into the offset between the perforated plate and the end wall when in the solid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the perforated plate further includes a central aperture configured to be in alignment with the end wall aperture, and wherein the fuel supply line is configured to pass through the central aperture when in the fluid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the wall section further includes an upper end portion defining a closed end of the airflow vent which is on a substantially opposite side of the wall section from the end wall.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the burner is configured for removable supportive engagement with the upper end portion.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the burner is supported at a distance offset from the upper end portion in the fluid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the burner is configured for removable supportive engagement with the end wall such that the burner resides within the combustion chamber in the fluid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a fire pit, wherein the burner is configured for removable supportive engagement with the inner wall such that the burner resides within the combustion chamber in the fluid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of converting a smokeless fire pit between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode, the method including: arranging a burner relative to a combustion chamber defined by a wall section and an end wall, the wall section at least partially defining the combustion chamber, the end wall defining a closed end portion of the combustion chamber, the burner being configured for removable supportive engagement with at least one of the wall section or the end wall and configured to discharge a fluid fuel for combustion when in the fluid fuel burning mode, the wall section including: an outer wall defining an exterior boundary of an airflow vent within the wall section; an inner wall defining an interior boundary of the airflow vent; one or more intakes configured to intake ambient air to the airflow vent; and one or more outputs in the inner wall configured to output the ambient air from the airflow vent to the combustion chamber; and routing a fuel supply line between a fluid fuel source and the burner to supply the fluid fuel from the fluid fuel source to the burner in the fluid fuel burning mode, wherein the fuel supply line does not pass through the airflow vent when the fire pit is in the fluid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the end wall further includes an end wall aperture, and wherein the routing of the fuel supply line includes passing the fuel supply through the end wall aperture.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: removing the burner and the fuel supply line from the fire pit; closing the end wall aperture of the end wall; and combusting solid fuel in the combustion chamber in the solid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the fire pit further includes a perforated plate configured for supportive engagement with the wall section or the end wall, the perforated plate configured to support solid fuel at a distance offset from the end wall when in the solid fuel burning mode, the perforated plate further including one or more perforations configured to allow waste from spent solid fuel to pass into the offset between the perforated plate and the end wall, wherein the perforated plate further includes a central aperture configured to be in alignment with the end wall aperture, and wherein the routing of the fuel supply line includes passing the fuel supply line through the central aperture when in the fluid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: closing the central aperture with a central aperture plate when in the solid fuel burning mode.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: supporting an accessory with an accessory mounting apparatus of the fire pit; wherein the accessory mounting apparatus positions an accessory relative the combustion chamber when in the solid fuel burning mode and the burner when the fluid fuel burning mode.
While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any technologies or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of the particular described technology. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.
Thus, particular implementations of the subject matter have been described. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.
A number of implementations of the described technology have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the recited claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fire pit configured to be convertible between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode, the fire pit comprising:

a wall section that at least partially defines a combustion chamber, the wall section comprising:

an outer wall defining an exterior boundary of an airflow vent within the wall section;

an inner wall defining an interior boundary of the airflow vent;

one or more intakes configured to intake ambient air to the airflow vent; and

one or more outputs in the inner wall configured to output the ambient air from the airflow vent to the combustion chamber;

an end wall defining a closed end portion of the combustion chamber; and

a fluid fuel conversion kit configured to convert the fire pit between the solid fuel burning mode and the fluid fuel burning mode, the fluid fuel conversion kit comprising:

a burner configured for removable supportive engagement with at least one of the wall section or the end wall, the burner configured to discharge a fluid fuel for combustion; and

a fuel supply line configured to supply fluid fuel from a fluid fuel source to the burner, wherein, when in the fluid fuel burning mode, the fuel supply line does not pass through the airflow vent.

2. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the end wall further comprises an end wall aperture and wherein the fuel supply line is configured to pass through the end wall aperture when in the fluid fuel burning mode.

3. The fire pit of claim 2, wherein the fire pit further comprises an ash catch configured to reside on an opposite side of the end wall aperture from the combustion chamber, the ash catch configured to collect waste from spent solid fuel when in the solid fuel burning mode.

4. The fire pit of claim 2, wherein the end wall aperture is configured to be closeable with a removeable plate when in the solid fuel burning mode.

5. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the inner wall is continuous except for the one or more outputs and outer wall is continuous except for the one or more intakes.

6. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the fuel supply line comprises a hose.

7. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the fire pit further comprises an accessory mounting apparatus for disposing an accessory relative to the combustion chamber when in the solid fuel burning mode and relative to the burner when in the fluid fuel burning mode.

8. The fire pit of claim 2, wherein the fire pit further comprises a perforated plate configured for supportive engagement with at least one of the wall section or the end wall, the perforated plate configured to support solid fuel at a distance offset from the end wall, the perforated plate further comprising one or more perforations configured to allow waste from spent solid fuel to pass into the offset between the perforated plate and the end wall when in the solid fuel burning mode.

9. The fire pit of claim 8, wherein the perforated plate further comprises a central aperture configured to be in alignment with the end wall aperture, and wherein the fuel supply line is configured to pass through the central aperture when in the fluid fuel burning mode.

10. The fire pit of claim 2, wherein the wall section further comprises an upper end portion defining a closed end of the airflow vent which is on a substantially opposite side of the wall section from the end wall.

11. The fire pit of claim 10, wherein the burner is configured for removable supportive engagement with the upper end portion.

12. The fire pit of claim 11, wherein the burner is supported at a distance offset from the upper end portion in the fluid fuel burning mode.

13. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the burner is configured for removable supportive engagement with the end wall such that the burner resides within the combustion chamber in the fluid fuel burning mode.

14. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the burner is configured for removable supportive engagement with the inner wall such that the burner resides within the combustion chamber in the fluid fuel burning mode.

15. A method of converting a smokeless fire pit between a solid fuel burning mode and a fluid fuel burning mode, the method comprising:

arranging a burner relative to a combustion chamber defined by a wall section and an end wall, the wall section at least partially defining the combustion chamber, the end wall defining a closed end portion of the combustion chamber, the burner being configured for removable supportive engagement with at least one of the wall section or the end wall and configured to discharge a fluid fuel for combustion when in the fluid fuel burning mode, the wall section comprising:

an inner wall defining an interior boundary of the airflow vent;

one or more intakes configured to intake ambient air to the airflow vent; and

one or more outputs in the inner wall configured to output the ambient air from the airflow vent to the combustion chamber; and

routing a fuel supply line between a fluid fuel source and the burner to supply the fluid fuel from the fluid fuel source to the burner in the fluid fuel burning mode, wherein the fuel supply line does not pass through the airflow vent when the fire pit is in the fluid fuel burning mode.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the end wall further comprises an end wall aperture, and wherein the routing of the fuel supply line includes passing the fuel supply through the end wall aperture.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

removing the burner and the fuel supply line from the fire pit;

closing the end wall aperture of the end wall; and

combusting solid fuel in the combustion chamber in the solid fuel burning mode.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the fire pit further comprises a perforated plate configured for supportive engagement with the wall section or the end wall, the perforated plate configured to support solid fuel at a distance offset from the end wall when in the solid fuel burning mode, the perforated plate further comprising one or more perforations configured to allow waste from spent solid fuel to pass into the offset between the perforated plate and the end wall, wherein the perforated plate further comprises a central aperture configured to be in alignment with the end wall aperture, and wherein the routing of the fuel supply line includes passing the fuel supply line through the central aperture when in the fluid fuel burning mode.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

closing the central aperture with a central aperture plate when in the solid fuel burning mode.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

supporting an accessory with an accessory mounting apparatus of the fire pit;

wherein the accessory mounting apparatus positions an accessory relative the combustion chamber when in the solid fuel burning mode and the burner when the fluid fuel burning mode.