US20250224117A1

US20250224117A1 - Gas Adapter for Wood Fire Pit

Info

Publication number: US20250224117A1
Application number: US19/093,131
Authority: US
Inventors: Guillaume Dutilh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-11-21
Filing date: 2025-03-27
Publication date: 2025-07-10

Abstract

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing a gas burner adapter in a wood fire pit, comprising: a burner; a connector removably connected to a bummer configured to transit through a narrow opening at the bottom of a wood fire pit; and a connection to a gas source.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/384,571, filed Nov. 21, 2022, entitled GAS ADAPTER FOR WOOD FIRE PIT.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/515,045, filed Nov. 20, 2023, entitled GAS ADAPTER FOR WOOD FIRE PIT.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a gas adapter that fits inside a wood fire pit, converting the wood fire pit to a gas burning fire pit.
Gas conversion systems exist which permanently or semi-permanently convert wood burning fire pit to gas burning fire pit. However, these systems lack important components and functionalities related to the gas adapter and method of use described herein. For example, the U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,588 by inventor Eric Hawkinson describes a means of converting a wood burning fireplace to a fireplace which can burn gas. The conversion described in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,588 patent involves a permanent modification to the fireplace during the course of installing a gas fuel line. In addition, the conversion described in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,588 patent does not allow the user to quickly and easily install and uninstall the gas conversion device. Other differences between the U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,588 patent and the present disclosure exist.
Furthermore, the patent publication 20100288261 by inventor Gregory Jones describes a gas fueled fire pit. The fire pit described in the 20100288261 patent publication lacks important components and functionalities related to the gas adapter and method of use described herein. The 20100288261 patent publication lacks a quick-coupling mechanism to enable quick and simple reversibility of the means of conversion. In addition, the 20100288261 patent publication lacks various components, features, and associated functionalities which the present disclosure describes. For example and without limitation, the 20100288261 patent publication and/or the U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,588 patent lack a plate with bent edges to improve installation versatility, they lack a means of non-destructive installation on existing four-wall raised fire pits, and they lack the overall capability of the gas adapter system to be readily uninstalled and reinstalled, as well as other important differentiating aspects.
The existing systems related to converting a wood burning fire apparatus to a gas burning fire apparatus do not provide a convenient means for quickly installing and uninstalling the conversion system. In addition, many existing systems require permanent modification to the wood burning fire apparatus, which may cause safety risks and/or an undue burden on the user to make such modifications or to cause such modifications to be made to their wood burning fire apparatus. Therefore, there exists a need for a safe, simple, and quick to install system and method for converting an existing fire burning apparatus between wood and gas fuels without permanent or semi-permanent modification to the fire burning apparatus itself.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a way to use gas for combustion instead of wood in a wood fire pit, which results in a safer fire that can be enjoyed where there are restrictions on wood burning fires or in any other situation where a gas burning fire is more appealing than a wood burning fire.
According to the present disclosure, the gas adapter system comprises a burner; an upper connector removably coupled to the burner, the upper connector configured to transit through a narrow opening in a wood fire pit; a lower connector removably coupled to the upper connector, the lower connector configured to couple to a gas source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a first embodiment of a gas adapter for wood fire pit;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter;

FIG. 6 is an exploded top perspective view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter and a wood fire pit;

FIG. 7 is an exploded side view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter and a wood fire pit;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter and a wood fire pit;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter and a wood fire pit;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a first embodiment of an upper connector and a fire pit;

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of FIG. 10 showing a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of the upper connector and a fire pit;

FIG. 12 is an exploded side view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the first embodiment of the upper connector;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the first embodiment of the upper connector;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the first embodiment of the upper connector;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the first embodiment of the upper connector;

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the first embodiment of the upper connector;

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of the upper connector;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a burner;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the first embodiment of the burner;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the first embodiment of the burner;

FIG. 22 is a side sectional view of the first embodiment of the burner;

FIG. 23 is a detailed view of FIG. 22 showing a side sectional view of the first embodiment of the burner;

FIG. 24 is a detailed view of FIG. 22 showing a side sectional view of the first embodiment of the burner;

FIG. 25 is a top view of a first embodiment of a plate;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the first embodiment of the plate;

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the plate;

FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the burner with a radiation disk accessory;

FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the burner and a radiation disk accessory;

FIG. 30 is a detailed view of FIG. 29 which is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the burner and an accessory;

FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the burner and a radiation disk accessory;

FIG. 32 is a detailed view of FIG. 31 top perspective view of the first embodiment of the burner and an accessory;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the first embodiment of the burner;

FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of the first embodiment of the burner and an accessory;

FIG. 35 is a detailed view of FIG. 34 which is a side sectional view of the first embodiment of the burner and an accessory;

FIG. 36 is a side view of the first embodiment of the assembled burner, plate, and upper connector, showing the plate in a first orientation;

FIG. 37 is a detailed view of FIG. 36 which is a is a side view of the first embodiment of the assembled burner, plate, and upper connector, showing the plate in a first orientation;

FIG. 38 is a side view of the first embodiment of the assembled burner, plate, and upper connector, showing the plate in a second orientation;

FIG. 39 is a detailed view of FIG. 38 which is a is a side view of the first embodiment of the assembled burner, plate, and upper connector, showing the plate in a second orientation;

FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter shown in a second variation of the fire pit;

FIG. 41 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter shown in a third variation of the fire pit;

FIG. 42 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter shown in a fourth variation of the fire pit;

FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter shown in a fifth variation of the fire pit; and

FIG. 44 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the gas adapter shown in a sixth variation of the fire pit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of the gas adapter comprises a burner, a plate, an upper connector, and a lower connector which may be coupled to a gas source. The burner and upper connector may be assembled and fitted through the plate. This assembly may then be inserted into a wood fire pit. Part of the upper connector assembly transits through a narrow opening in the fire pit before being coupled to a lower connector underneath the wood fire pit. The lower connector may then be coupled to a gas source.

Fire Pit Description

The wood fire pit may have four walls, forming the shape of an inverted four-walled pyramid. The wood fire pit may have three walls, forming the shape of an inverted three-walled pyramid. Embodiments of the gas adapter which are configured to be installed in wood fire pits having more than 4 walls are contemplated.

Lower Connector

The lower connector may be coupled to a supply of combustible gas. The supply of combustible gas may be conveyed to the gas adapter through a hose which may be connected to a gas source. The supply of combustible gas may or may not pass through a regulator or valve before reaching the lower connector.

Air Mixer

In some embodiments, the upper connector has an air mixer to improve gas combustion. The air mixer may comprise at least one main conduit and a plurality of branch conduits configured to convey air into the main conduit. The air mixer functions primarily via Bernoulli's Principal and the Venturi effect. As gas flows through the main conduit or conduits, air is entrained in the flowing gas stream, thereby improving the combustion of the gas air mixture.

Upper Connector

The upper connector may convey gas from the lower connector, through a narrow opening through the wood fire pit, to the burner. The upper connector may be configured with a narrow segment allowing it to pass through the narrow opening in the fire pit. In some embodiments, the narrow segment may have a length of between 2 centimeters to 10 centimeters. In some embodiments, the narrow segment may have an outer diameter of between 0.6 centimeters to 1.5 centimeters.
In preferred embodiments, the upper connector is adapted with a quick-coupling fitting disposed on its second end. The quick-coupling fitting of the upper connector may couple with a quick-coupling fitting on the lower connector. A quick-coupling fitting is a fitting which may be securely coupled with another quick-coupling fitting without the use of tools or special devices.
In some embodiments, one or both of the quick-coupling fittings may be configured with a locking mechanism. If engaged, the locking mechanism may need to be disengaged before the two quick-coupling fittings may be separated. In other embodiments, the quick-coupling fittings do not have locking mechanism.
In some embodiments, the upper connector comprises four sub-components, an extender fitting, an air mixer, a reducer fitting, and a quick-coupling fitting.
In some embodiments the upper connector comprises two sub-components, an air mixer and a quick-coupler. In some embodiments of the connector, the quick-coupler may be pressed into the air mixer which attaches them together. This method of attaching the quick-coupler to the air mixer is a called a press fit herein.

Burner

The burner may comprise a plurality of gas conduits. The burner has one inlet for gas to enter the burner conduits and a plurality of burner holes for gas to exit the burner conduits. In some embodiments, the burner may be square shaped. In other embodiments, the burner may be circularly shaped.
In some embodiments, the burner may form other shapes. For example and without limitation, the burner may be circular, octagonal, rectangular, triangular, among other conceivable shapes.
In some embodiments, the burner comprises a central conduit, a plurality of spoke burner conduits, and an outer burner conduit. The spoke burner conduits span the distance between the central conduit and the outer burner conduit. The conduits have burner holes. Burner holes may be disposed on the top side of the burner conduit.
In some embodiments, the burner may have burner holes which are angled away from vertical. In some embodiments, the angled burner holes may be angled away from the center of the burner, thereby projecting a flame away from the center of the burner. In some embodiments, the angled burner holes may be angled towards the center of the burner, thereby projecting a flame towards the center of the burner.
In some embodiments, these angled burner holes may be angled at any orientation between horizontal and vertical. Vertical is defined as 90-degrees, and horizontal is defined as 0-degrees. In some embodiments, the angled burner holes are oriented between 50-degrees and 70-degrees. In some embodiments, the angled burner holes may be disposed on the outer burner conduit and angled at 60-degrees. Angled burner holes project the flame outward which disperses the heat more effectively, and they allow the burner to project a flame comparable in width to larger more common burners with vertical burner holes.

Burner/Upper Connector Coupling, Flared Seating Surface

The burner inlet may be configured with a threaded fitting to which a threaded first end upper connector is coupled. In some embodiments, the first end of the upper connector may be adapted with a flared seating surface above the first end threads. The flared seating surface on the upper connector may be a tapered ring shape which is narrower in diameter towards the top and a wider in diameter below. In some embodiments the burner may be configured with a flared seating surface configured to seat against the flared seating surface disposed on the upper connector. The flared seating surface within the burner may be a tapered ring shape which is narrower in diameter towards the top and wider in diameter below. When the upper connector is assembled with the burner, the flared seating surface of the upper connector contacts and seats against the flared seating surface of the burner. Embodiments having flared seating surfaces that are wider in diameter towards the top and narrower in diameter below are also contemplated.
By having the flared seating surface of the upper connector contact the flared seating surface of the burner, the vertical length between the top of the burner and the bottom of the quick-coupling fitting may be more consistently achieved across repeated assemblies of the two components. The flared seating surface provides a safe sealed coupling between the upper connector and the burner. In preferred embodiments, the flared seating surface coupling does not require specialized equipment nor thread sealant. The flared seating surface coupling is easy to assemble and disassemble repeatedly.

Accessory Fitting

In some embodiments, the burner may be configured with an accessory fitting. The accessory fitting may be a pocket in the exterior surface of the burner. In some embodiments the accessory fitting may be a cylindrically shaped pocket with a diameter between 0.4 centimeters and 1.2 centimeters and a depth between 0.4 centimeters and 1.2 centimeters. In some embodiments, the diameter is 0.8 centimeters and the depth is 0.8 centimeters. The accessory fitting may be disposed in the center of the top side of the burner. The gas adapter may further comprise an accessory connector having a proximal end and a distal end. In some embodiments, the proximal end may be adapted with an accessory connector configured to be inserted into the accessory fitting such that the accessory is supported above the burner. In some embodiments, the proximal end may be adapted with an accessory connector configured to couple with the burner such that the accessory is supported above the burner. In some embodiments, a radiation disk may be coupled to the distal end of the burner rod. The radiation disk may aid in redirecting heat outward towards the users. The accessory fitting is designed to provide a secured connection that doesn't require tools to assemble and disassemble and can survive extreme temperatures.

Plate

In some embodiments configured for use with the four walled fire pit, the plate may be rectangularly shaped, and the plate may make contact with the walls of the fire pit. In preferred embodiments, the plate may be square shaped. In some embodiments, when the plate and burner are assembled within the fire pit, the plate may rest on the walls of the fire pit, and the burner may rest on top of the plate. In some embodiments, the burner may be assembled within the fire pit without a plate.
In some embodiments, the gas adapter does not have a plate. In some embodiments, the plate has bent edges. The plate may have an opening for the upper connector, the burner, or some combination thereof, to pass through. In some embodiments, the opening may be a hexagonally shaped. The hexagonally shaped opening may be slightly larger than the size of the hexagonal section of the upper connector. In embodiments having a hexagonally shaped plate opening, the plate may serve as a wrench to apply a rotational force to the hexagonal section of the upper connector.
Compatibility with Other Fire Pits
The gas adapter may be configured to be installed on a variety of shapes and sizes of fire pits. In some embodiments, one of the key design features to facilitate the interoperability of the gas adapter is the angle between an imaginary line, called the plate angle line, from the outer edge of the plate to the bottom of the second end of the upper connector and the gas adapter axis. This angle is referred to as the plate angle. Note that in embodiments having a square shaped plate, the plate angle line intersects the outer edge of the plate at the midpoint of the outer edge. This is to say that the plate angle line is perpendicular to the outer edge it passes through. In some embodiments, the plate angle is between 35-degrees to 55-degrees.
In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the top surface of the plate and the bottom of the second end of the upper connector is another key design feature to facilitate interoperability of the gas adapter. This distance is called the adapter depth.
In some embodiments, the adapter depth is between 130 mm and 300 mm.
In some embodiments, the width of the plate is another key design feature to facilitate interoperability of the gas adapter. This distance is called the plate width. In some embodiments, the plate width is between 220 mm and 600 mm.
In some embodiments, the angle and length of the bent edges on the plate, as well as the thickness of the plate are other key design features to facilitate interoperability of the gas adapter. The relationship between the bent edges angle and length and plate thickness effectively change the height between the top surface of the plate and the outer edge of the bent edges. This distance is called the plate height. In these embodiments, the plate may be flipped vertically so that the plate's bent edges are pointed upwards or downwards. When the plate is flipped, the outer edges vertical position changes by twice the plate height minus the plate thickness, resulting in the gas adapter having two distinct plate angles with the use of one single plate. This design feature enables the gas adapter to fit fire pits of different dimensions that would otherwise require the use of a differently sized plate.
In some embodiments, the gas adapter further comprises a gas control system. The gas control system is a means of controlling the flow of gas to the burner. In preferred embodiments, the gas control system comprises a valve and a frame to which the valve is coupled. The frame may have a coupling mechanism such that it may be coupled to the fire pit. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism comprises a hook and magnet. The hook may be fitted over the top edge of the fire pit. The magnet may couple the lower end of the gas control system towards the ferrous wall of the fire pit. By coupling the gas control system to the fire pit the user may adjust the flow rate of gas to the burner in a safer and more ergonomic way.

Lava Rocks

Another embodiment of the present concept includes a set of lava rocks to improve flame dispersion, heat retention, heat radiation and overall campfire appeal.

Advantages

The embodiments disclosed herein provide several advantages to a user. The main advantage is that the gas adapter allows a user to operate their fire pit with gas for combustion instead of wood. A gas fueled fire pit may be safer than a wood fire pit, and allowing it to be utilized where wood fire ban restrictions are in effect or any other situation where gas is more convenient than wood.
A gas fueled fire pit may provide some or all of the following advantages:

- less smoke;
- instantaneous on and off capability, along with fine control of flame size;
- little or no modification required to an existing wood fire pit;
- the ability to maintain the wood fire pits ability of burning wood. Other wood fire pits conversion systems could require a user to modify their wood fire pit in a way that compromises the fire pit's ability to function as a wood fueled fire pit;
- the gas adapter may be disassembled such that it packs relatively flat for storage or transportation;
- the gas adapter may cool quickly;
- the adapter may be adapted to operate with propane and/or natural gases, with or without an air mixer or valve;
- the gas adapter may be used with or without a plate;
- the gas adapter may be used with or without lava rocks;
- the gas adapter may be configured to couple with accessories, such as a heat radiation disk;
- the gas adapter retains the ability to cook food over the fire pit; and
- the gas adapter may include a locking quick-coupling fitting to couple with the quick-coupling fitting on the lower connector.

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.
Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A first embodiment of a gas adapter 1 is depicted in FIG. 1 -FIG. 5 . The upper connector 4 has two ends, a first end 18 and a second end 19. The upper connector first end is configured to couple with a burner 2. In this embodiment, the coupling between the upper connector first end and the burner is a threaded flared connection. Other embodiments could use a different coupling method between the burner 2 and the upper connector, for example and without limitation, a quick-coupling fitting or a tapered thread. In some embodiments, the upper connector is adapted with a narrow segment 9 which may have an outer diameter 9A dimension and a length 9B dimension specified elsewhere in this document.
The upper connector is inserted through an opening 16 in a plate 3. The plate 3 has bent edges 14. When the burner is assembled with the plate, the burner 2 contacts and rests on top of the plate. In other embodiments, the burner and the plate may be combined into a single piece.
The burner 2 in the first illustrated embodiment comprises a central burner conduit 20, spoke burner conduits 24, and an outer burner conduit 22. The spoke burner conduits convey gas from the central burner conduit to the outer burner conduit. The outer burner conduit is circularly shaped making this a circular burner 21. The burner depicted in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5 is a circular burner.
The burner 2 has a plurality of burner holes 13 configured to allow the gas to exit the burner. The burner depicted in FIG. 1 -FIG. 5 has angled burner holes 23 to better disperse the gas out of the burner.
The upper connector 4 comprises an air mixer 10 and a quick-coupler 11. In the first illustrated embodiment the quick-coupler is pressed into the air mixer. This attachment method is called a press fit 28 herein. Other methods of attaching the air mixer with the quick-coupling fitting are contemplated. The quick-coupler is adapted with a quick-coupling fitting 12 disposed on the second end 19 of the upper connector 4. The quick-coupling fitting is configured to couple to the lower connector 5. In the first illustrated embodiment, the coupling between the upper connector quick-coupling fitting and the lower connector quick coupling fitting is hand operated. Other methods of coupling the upper connector with the lower connector are contemplated including but not limited to a threaded coupling.
FIG. 6 -FIG. 11 depict how a first embodiment of a gas adapter 1 may be installed on a fire pit 6. The bent edges 14 of the plate 3 contact the fire pit walls 7. The second end 19 of the upper connector 4 fits through a narrow opening 17 of the wood fire pit as depicted in FIG. 11 . After passing through the narrow opening the upper connector second end is coupled to a lower connector 5 as depicted in FIG. 8 . The lower connector is configured to couple to a gas source by any means necessary. For example and without limitation, the lower connector may have a threaded fitting to couple to a gas source.
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show the gas adapter axis 31. The gas adapter axis is a central longitudinal axis which passes through the lower connector 5, upper connector 4 and burner 2. The gas adapter axis is identified to show that the length of the lower connector and the length of the upper connector are coaxially aligned. In the first illustrated embodiment, the central conduit 20 of the burner is also coaxially aligned with the upper connector and the lower connector.
FIG. 12 depicts an exploded side view of the first illustrated embodiment of the gas adapter 1.
FIG. 13 -FIG. 18 depict a first illustrated embodiment of the upper connector 4. The first end 18 of the upper connector is configured with a flared seating surface 29. FIG. 13 identifies the outer diameter 9A of the narrow segment 9 of the upper connector. FIG. 16 identifies the length 9B of the narrow segment of the upper connector. The first end 18 of the upper connector is adapted with a flared seating surface 29. The second end 19 of the upper connector is adapted with a quick-coupling fitting 12. FIG. 17 identifies the press fit 28 between the air mixer 10 and the quick-coupler 11.
FIG. 19 -FIG. 24 depict a first illustrated embodiment of the burner 2 which is a circular burner 21. The burner is configured to convey gas through the central conduit 20, into the spoke burner conduits 24, into the outer burner conduit 22, and out the burner holes 13. In this embodiment the burner holes are angled burner holes 23 which project the gas at an angle. In other embodiments, the spoke burner conduits may be configured with burner holes.
The first illustrated embodiment has an accessory fitting 25 disposed on the top side of the central conduit 20 of the burner 2. FIG. 23 depicts a detail cross sectional view of the burner wherein the accessory fitting is shown to be cylindrically shaped. Also shown in FIG. 23 is the burner flared seating surface 30. The burner flared seating surface is configured to contact the upper connector 4 flared seating surface 29 when the upper connector is assembled with the burner.
FIG. 24 depicts a detail cross sectional view of the burner wherein the orientation of the angled burner holes 23 are shown. A burner hole angle 33 is the degree to which the orientation of the burner hole departs from a vertical axis 32.
FIG. 25 -FIG. 27 depict a first illustrated embodiment of the plate 3 in various orientations. The plate is a square shaped plate with four bent edges 14. The first illustrated embodiment of the plate has a hexagonal opening 27. The opening of the first illustrated embodiment is in the geometric center of the plate. Other embodiments in which the opening is not in the geometric center of the plate are contemplated.
FIG. 28 -FIG. 30 depicts the first illustrated embodiment of the gas adapter 1 with one version of an accessory called a radiation disk 26. This radiation disk has a proximal end 34 which is adapted with an accessory connector 35. The accessory connector is configured to couple with the accessory fitting 25. This accessory connector is cylindrically shaped. Other accessories configured to couple with the accessory fitting are contemplated.
FIG. 31 -FIG. 35 depicts the first illustrated embodiment of the gas adapter 1 with another version of an accessory connector 35 which has proximal end 34 adapted with an accessory connector which can couple with the burner 2. When installed on the gas adapter 1, this accessory connector fits over the central conduit 20. This accessory connector has two accessory connector arches 36 which fit over the top side 8 of the two spoke burner conduits 24.
FIG. 36 -FIG. 39 depict dimensional measurements of the first illustrated embodiment of the gas adapter 1. FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 show the plate 3 in a first orientation. FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 show the plate in a second orientation.
A plate angle is the angle formed between the gas adapter axis 31 and the plate angle line 37. The plate angle line is an imaginary line between the outer edge 15 of the plate to the bottom of the second end 19 of the upper connector 4. A plate angle 1 103 is the plate angle when the plate is in the first orientation. A plate angle 2 104 is the plate angle when the plate is in the second orientation. The plate width 101 is illustrated as the distance between the two opposing outer edges. The adapter depth 102 is illustrated as the distance between the plate line 38 and the bottom of the second end 19 of the upper connector 4.
FIG. 37 depicts a detailed view of FIG. 36 showing a bent edge 14 of the plate 3. The bent edge angle 108 is illustrated as the angle formed between the plate line 38 and the bent edge 14. The plate line 38 is illustrated as an imaginary line which lies horizontally in the plane of the plate 3.
The bent edge length 107 and the bent edge height 105 are illustrated in FIG. 37 and FIG. 39 . The plate thickness 106 is illustrated in FIG. 39 .
FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 depicts the same embodiment as shown in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 but the with the plate in a second orientation with its bent edges 14 pointing upward. In this configuration, the adapter depth 102, plate width 101, bent edge length 107, and bent edge height 105 remain the same, but the bent edge angle 108 is flipped. The plate angle is different when the gas adapter is assembled with plate in a first orientation versus when the plate is in a second orientation.
In FIG. 36 a plate angle 1 103 is shown as the angle between plate angle line 37 and the gas adapter axis 31 when the plate 3 is in a first orientation with the bent edges 14 angled downward. In FIG. 38 a plate angle 2 104 is shown as the angle between plate angle line and the gas adapter axis when the plate is in a second orientation with the bent edges angled upward. The mathematical relationship between plate angle 1 and plate angle 2 may be described by the following equation:
tan(103)×(102−sin(108)×107)=tan(104)×(102+sin(108)×107−106)
Therefore, 104=arctan(tan(103)×(102−sin(108)×107)/(102+sin(108)×107−106))
FIG. 40-44 depict the first embodiment of the gas adapter 1 installed on a variety of fire pits 6. These figures illustrate the interoperability of the gas adapter with multiple fire pit varieties.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or upper connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.
It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.


Features List

121.	Gas Adapter	(1)
122.	Burner	(2)
123.	Plate	(3)
124.	Upper Connector	(4)
125.	Lower Connector	(5)
126.	Fire Pit	(6)
127.	Fire Pit Wall	(7)
128.	Top Side	(8)
129.	Narrow Segment	(9)
130.	Narrow Segment Outer Diameter	(9A)
131.	Narrow Segment Length	(9B)
132.	Air Mixer	(10)
133.	Quick-Coupler	(11)
134.	Quick-Coupling Fitting	(12)
135.	Burner Holes	(13)
136.	Bent Edges	(14)
137.	Outer Edge	(15)
138.	Opening	(16)
139.	Narrow Opening	(17)
140.	First End	(18)
141.	Second End	(19)
142.	Central Conduit	(20)
143.	Circular Burner	(21)
144.	Outer Burner Conduit	(22)
145.	Angled Burner Holes	(23)
146.	Spoke Burner Conduit	(24)
147.	Accessory Fitting	(25)
148.	Radiation Disk	(26)
149.	Hexagonal Opening	(27)
150.	Press Fit	(28)
151.	Upper Connector Flared Seating Surface	(29)
152.	Burner Flared Seating Surface	(30)
153.	Gas Adapter Axis	(31)
154.	Vertical Axis	(32)
155.	Burner Hole Angle	(33)
156.	Accessory Proximal End	(34)
157.	Accessory Connector	(35)
158.	Accessory Connector Arch	(36)
159.	Plate Angle Line	(37)
160.	Plate Line	(38)
161.	Plate Width	101
162.	Adapter Depth	102
163.	Plate Angle 1	103
164.	Plate Angle 2	104
165.	Bent Edge Height	105
166.	Plate Thickness	106
167.	Bent Edge Length	107
168.	Bent Edge Angle	108

Claims

What is claimed is:

1) A gas adapter system for an existing wood burning fire pit, the fire pit having at least three walls forming a pit structure with an open top configured to hold wood fuels, the gas adapter system comprising:

a. A burner for use with gas configured to fit within the fire pit structure defined by the walls, the burner having a plurality of burner holes for gas to exit and one inlet for gas to enter, the burner replacing the wood fuels;

b. A plate, the plate supporting the burner, the plate adapted with an opening, the opening allowing the passage of an upper connector for supplying gas to the burner;

i. wherein the upper connector has two ends; the first end is configured to be removably coupled to the burner inlet, the second end of the upper connector configured to transit through a narrow opening in the fire pit, the upper connector second end is adapted with a quick-coupling fitting, the narrow opening being an existing gap in the structure of the fire pit, the upper connector being sufficiently long to allow the burner to rest on the plate, the upper connector second end protruding under the fire pit;

c. A lower connector adapted with a quick-coupling fitting configured to couple to the upper connector quick-coupling fitting, the lower connector adapted to couple with a gas source to convert the wood fire pit to burn gas in lieu of wood fuels, the conversion being reversible to allow the wood fire pit to interchange between burning gas or wood fuel.

Narrow segment outer diameter

2) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. The lower connector is adapted with a narrow segment, the outer diameter of the narrow segment being between 0.6 centimeters to 1.5 centimeters.

Narrow segment length

3) The gas adapter system of claim 2, wherein:

a. The lower connector is adapted with a narrow segment, the length of the narrow segment being between 2 centimeters to 10 centimeters.

Upper connector and lower connector are coaxially aligned

4) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. The length of the upper connector and the length of the lower connector are coaxially aligned along a gas adapter axis.

Burner inlet, upper connector, lower connector are coaxially aligned

5) The gas adapter system of claim 4, wherein:

a. The central conduit of the burner, the length of the upper connector, and the length of the lower connector are coaxially aligned along the gas adapter axis which passes through the narrow opening in the fire pit.

Pit with four walls, plate rectangularly shaped

6) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. The fire pit has four walls and the plate is rectangularly shaped, the plate has bent edges, when the gas adapter is installed in the fire pit the plate makes contact with the fire pit walls.

Pit with four walls, plate square shaped

7) The gas adapter system of claim 6, wherein:

a. The fire pit has four walls and the plate is square shaped, the plate has bent edges, when the gas adapter is installed in the fire pit the plate makes contact with the fire pit walls.

Hexagonal plate opening

8) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. The plate opening is hexagonally shaped.

Burner is circularly

9) The gas adapter of claim 1, wherein:

a. The burner is circularly shaped.

Angled burner holes

10) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. A plurality of burner holes are angled burner holes.

Two-piece upper connector

11) The gas adapter system of claim 1 wherein:

a. The upper connector comprises an air mixer attached to a quick-coupler.

Locking quick coupling fitting

12) The gas adapter system of claim 1 wherein:

a. The quick-coupling fitting on the lower connector is a locking quick-coupling fitting.

Natural Gas

13) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. The gas adapter is configured to function with natural gas.

Propane

14) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. The gas adapter is configured to function with propane gas.

Flared seating surface

15) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. The burner inlet is adapted with a flared seating surface, and the upper connector first end is adapted with a flared seating surface, the burner inlet flared seating surface configured to contact and seal against the burner inlet flared seating surface.

Accessory fitting

16) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. The burner is configured with an accessory fitting, the accessory fitting being a pocket in the exterior surface of the burner, the accessory fitting configured to couple with an accessory.

Plate angle

17) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. The assembled gas adapter has a plate angle of between 35-degrees to 55-degrees.

Adapter depth

18) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. The assembled gas adapter has an adapter depth of between 13 centimeters to 30 centimeters.

Adapter width

19) The gas adapter system of claim 1, wherein:

a. The assembled gas adapter has a plate width of between 22 centimeters to 60 centimeters.

Method claim

20) A method of assembling and inserting the system of claim 1 in an existing wood burning fire pit to add the ability for the fire pit to burn gases while preserving the ability of the wood fire pit to revert to wood fuels, wherein the components of the system are a burner, a plate, an upper connector, and a lower connector, the method comprising:

a. Coupling the upper connector to the burner, the burner having a plurality of burner holes for gas to exit and one inlet for gas to enter;

b. Inserting the upper connector through an opening in the plate, the plate horizontally supporting the burner, the plate incorporating an opening, the opening allowing the passage of an upper connector for supplying gas to the burner;

c. Inserting the upper connector through a gap in the fire pit until the plate contacts the walls of the fire pit, the burner contacting the plate, the connector protruding under the fire pit, wherein the upper connector has two ends; the first end is configured to be removably coupled to the burner inlet, the second end of the upper connector is configured to transit through a narrow opening in the fire pit, the upper connector second end is adapted with an upper connector quick-coupling fitting, the narrow opening being an existing gap in the structure of the fire pit, the upper connector being sufficiently long to allow the burner to rest horizontally on the plate, the upper connector second end protruding under the fire pit; and

d. Coupling the upper connector to the lower connector, the lower connector adapted with a quick-coupling fitting configured to couple to the upper connector quick-coupling fitting, the lower connector adapted to couple with a gas source to convert the wood fire pit to burn gas in lieu of wood fuels, the conversion being reversible to allow the wood fire pit to interchange between gas or wood fuel.