US20250369616A1

US20250369616A1 - Fireplace ventilator system and device

Info

Publication number: US20250369616A1
Application number: US19/222,897
Authority: US
Inventors: Ken Richter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-05-30
Filing date: 2025-05-29
Publication date: 2025-12-04

Abstract

A system and device for a fireplace ventilator are provided for drawing air into the device and blowing cold air and smoke into a chimney using a ventilation damper stack, wherein the system includes a fireplace grate with a rib-like structure having a plurality of openings. An elongated support member is coupled to the fireplace grate and includes an elongated support member having at least one air inlet. The system further includes a damper stack coupled to the fireplace grate, and a blower removably coupled to the at least one air inlet. A method for the fireplace ventilator system is also provided.

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure is directed to a fireplace ventilator system and device. A method for operating the fireplace ventilator system is also provided.

Description of the Related Art

A traditional fireplace chimney includes different chimney parts. These parts include, but are not limited to a firebox, a damper, a smoke chamber, and a flue system. The firebox is the section of the chimney that contains or holds the fire being burned. Fireboxes may be designed in a variety of sizes; however, despite differences in size, the basic function remains the same. Above the firebox is the damper, which is a door or hinged apparatus that prevents cold air from coming into the house when the firebox is not being used. Dependent on the type of damper, the ability to open or close the damper helps control the fire and fumes. Above the damper is the smoke chamber, which allows an accumulation of toxic fumes from the burning fire into a compressed area, allowing the fumes to rise upwards into the chimney flue system. The chimney flue system is the vertical shoot from the smoke chamber to a chimney crown, where the fumes exit the chimney.
When burning a fire in the smoke box, the heat from the burning fire forms hot gas or hot air, which is less dense than cold air. Because the hot air is lighter than the cold air, the hot air travels upward through the damper, the smoke chamber, up the chimney flue and out of the desired heating area (e.g., living room, den, outdoor sitting area). While the hot air is moving upwards, cold air (because of its heavier density), moves lower to the heat source, i.e., the fire.
When the cold air travels to the heat source, it creates a draft. This draft draws more hot air from inside of the house or heating area, which results in the desired heating area being colder than before. This draft is the driving force of the air circulation throughout the house and helps pull the smoke up into the chimney and out of the house. The circulation allows the fire to maintain the fuel and oxygen needed to continue to burn effectively. However, small gaps that exist in homes now allow for warm air to escape and for cool air to enter. For example, in some cases, fans placed in certain areas of the house (e.g., living room, dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, etc.) continuously push the hot air out, allowing even more cold air to replace the hot air resulting in the house or heating area being colder than desired by the occupant.
Despite some aspects of inefficiency, traditional fireplaces remain highly demanded in homes and can substantially increase the value of a property. However, home buyers and occupants remain well aware that improvements are needed in order to heat a home adequately and efficiently, while ensuring safety standards are appropriately met. For example, such improvements would include the ability for the fireplace to prevent excess smoke coming into the home and allow for more heat to remain in the home than cold air to enter the home, all while also maintaining the desired esthetic of a traditional fireplace.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A fireplace ventilator system may be summarized as including: a fireplace grate; a rib-like structure of the fireplace grate having a front portion and a rear portion opposite to the front portion, the front portion having a plurality of openings; an elongated support member coupled to the front portion of the fireplace grate, the elongated supporting member having at least one air inlet on a first end of the elongated support member; a damper stack coupled to the rear portion of the fireplace grate; and a blower removably coupled to the at least one air inlet on the first end of the elongated support member.
The fireplace grate may be formed of a hollow cylinder. The elongated support member may include a second air inlet on a second end, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end. The first and second air inlets may be configured to introduce a flow of air into the fireplace grate. The blower may be a variable speed blower. The damper stack may include an arm having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end closer to the fireplace grate than the second end, the arm vertically extended from the rear portion of the fireplace grate in a first direction. The arm of the damper stack may include an opening at the second end. The plurality of holes on the front portion of the fireplace grate may include at least one covering.
A device may be summarized as including: a fireplace grate having a plurality of opening; an arm coupled to the fireplace grate having a first inlet and a second inlet; and a vertical damper stack having an outlet, the vertical damper stack positioned opposite to the arm. The fireplace grate may have a front portion and a rear portion opposite to the front portion. The fireplace grate may be formed as a rib-like structure, and the plurality of openings may be in the front portion of the fireplace grate. The plurality of openings may be configured to blow air in a passive manner. The outlet of the vertical damper stack may have an opening diameter of 0.75 to 1.0 inches. The fireplace grate may be composed of metal. The plurality of openings in the front portion of the fireplace grate may be coupled to a plurality of adjustable coverings. An adjustable damper covering may be coupled to the outlet of the vertical damper stack. The device may further include a blower motor coupled to at least one arm of the fireplace grate. The blower motor may be a variable speed blower motor, the blower motor may be configured to blow air from the first inlet or second inlet, into the at least one arm of the fireplace grate, and out of the vertical damper stack.
A method of operating a fireplace ventilator system may be summarized as including: coupling a variable speed blower motor to an inlet of the fireplace ventilator system; adjusting a plurality of coverings on a front portion of the fireplace ventilator system; and manipulating an adjustable damper cover of a vertical damper stack in order to blow air generated from the variable speed blower motor out through the vertical damper stack. The plurality of coverings on the front portion of the fireplace ventilator system may remain fully covered a plurality of maneuverable coverings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a fireplace ventilator system that includes a blower motor.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the fireplace ventilator system.

FIG. 3 shows a left to right perspective view of the fireplace ventilator system.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the fireplace ventilator system.

FIG. 5 is a fireplace ventilator system according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While burning firewood in a fireplace, excess smoke that accumulates within the home instead of blowing out through the chimney is an indication of a weak draft within the home, resulting in increased energy costs during the cold winter months and prevents the fire from adequately burning in a way that sufficiently warms the house. Excess smoke in the home may cause other hazardous issues or inhalation of harmful vapors, such as carbon monoxide. However, traditional log racks and fireplace grates are traditionally manufactured and placed in the fireplace to simply hold fire logs. A fireplace grate that could introduce air into the fire at an accelerated rate in order to blow the smoke into the smoke chamber, pass the damper, and up the chimney flue would significantly help air ventilation. Increased air ventilation would result in the ability to burn a cleaner fire and keep the unwanted burnt smell from unnecessarily accumulating in the home, as well as increasing the heat from the fire because more air is present.
FIGS. 1-4 show a fireplace ventilator system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the fireplace ventilator system 100 that includes a fireplace ventilator device 101 and an air intake blower 117 coupled to the fireplace ventilator device 101. The fireplace ventilator device 101 is configured to be placed and fitted in a traditional fireplace, whether the fireplace is potentially located inside or outside of a traditional dwelling. For example, the inside of a dwelling would be considered the inside of a house, condo, townhome, etc., while the outside of a dwelling would be considered as an outdoor fireplace, such as a front side only fireplace that may be located against a wall, along a fence, or in the yard (front or back) of a home. However, it should be appreciated that the fireplace ventilator device 101 may be available in a variety of sizes to accommodate a range of depths, dimensions, and sizes of fireplaces.
The fireplace ventilator 101 is composed of a plurality of pipes 121 welded together to form the fireplace ventilator device 101 and firewood grate 103. The pipes 121 are manufactured having a hollow inside diameter ranging from 0.75 inch-1 inch. The pipes 121 are composed of metal, but may be composed of cast-iron, steel, or other suitable materials capable of withstanding the high temperatures of burning firewood. The hollow construction of the pipes 121 allow air to be pushed into the chimney from the air intake blower 117 through the fireplace ventilator device 101.
The fireplace ventilator 101 is configured having a fireplace grate 103 to help retain the functions and aesthetic of a traditional fireplace grate or rack. The fireplace grate 103 comprises a rib-like structure having a plurality ribs 103 a, 103 b, 103 c that can support and securely hold wooden logs for burning in a fireplace, maintaining the typical function of a traditional fireplace grate, as briefly mentioned above. The fireplace grate 103 provides the benefit, among other things, of elevating the fire off the ground by a plurality of legs 119, which increases or improves the fire's position and draft, simultaneously enhancing wood combustion and efficiency. The slight elevation of the fireplace grate 103 can increasingly allow air to flow freely, resulting in a more efficient fire. In some embodiments, the height of legs 119 may vary dependent on certain factors, such as customization based on the preference of the intended user or manufacturer.
The fireplace grate 103 has a front section and a rear section, the rear section being opposite to the front section. The front section comprises a plurality of holes or openings 105 that are built integrally into the fireplace grate 103. When the fire is burning, the openings 105 allow for hot air to blow into the home through the pipes 121 of the fireplace grate 103 and through the openings 105. While the hot air flows through the openings 105, cooler air from the bottom of the chimney and from other areas of the house are blown through the fireplace ventilator device 101 and into the chimney. The air circulating through the fireplace ventilator device 101 may be generated from either the air intake blower 117 in an active state, or from cool air drawn in from around the chimney base in a passive state.
As briefly mentioned above, the air intake blower 117 is removably coupled to the fireplace ventilator device 101 by a hose 123. In other words, the fireplace ventilator device possesses the capability of operating in an active state with the air intake blower or can operate in a passive state without the air intake blower 117. The hose 123 may be metal flex hose or other types of heat safe extendible piping that adequately couples the air intake blower 117 to the fireplace ventilator device 101. The hose 123 is coupled to the fireplace ventilator device 101 by coupling the hose 123 to either a first arm 107A with a first inlet 109A, or a second arm 107B with a second inlet 109B. Both the first and second arms 107A, 107B extend in an opposite direction from each other on the front portion of the fireplace grate 103.
The openings 105 on the front portion of the fireplace grate 103 are partially covered by adjustable coverings 125. The adjustable coverings 125 are arranged on the piping and can slide over to the openings 105 to adjust the flow of the heated air. The front portion of the fireplace grate 103 that encompasses the openings may have grooves that allow the adjustable coverings 125 to slide in an efficient manner. Based upon user preference, the openings 105 can remain fully open or fully closed by manipulating the adjustable coverings 125.
When activated, the air intake blower 117 blows air into through the hose 123 into the pipes 121 of the firewood grate 103 and can blow air through the openings 105 as discussed above and can also be blown to the rear portion of the firewood grate 103 through a vertical damper stack 111. The vertical damper stack 111 is piping coupled to and vertically extending from the firewood grate 103. The fireplace ventilator system 100 uses positive pressure in order to increase airflow into the vertical damper stack 111 to help draft more air from the room and draw the smoke up and out of the house through the house. The fireplace ventilator system 100 is conveniently configured to fit in the fireplace where about the vertical damper stack 111 is located in the rear of the chimney to blow smoke directly towards the damper. The vertical damper stack 111 includes an adjustable damper lid 113 at the end of the vertical
The vertical damper stack 111 has a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end being coupling the vertical damper stack 111 to the fireplace grate 103. The second end of the vertical damper stack 111 includes an adjustable damper cap 113 and a damper outlet 115 (shown in FIG. 2 ). The damper outlet 115 has an opening with a diameter range of ¼ inch to ¾ inch. This diameter range is specifically sized and shaped to create air flow that allows the necessary amount of positive pressure to effectively push the smoke out of the chamber box of the chimney and out of the house, without blowing an excessive amount and permitting more smoke to blow into the house instead of out of the house. This can also be determined by the air intake blower 117. The air intake blower 117 is a variable speed motor that allows for an appropriate amount of air to be blown by the blower. The damper cap 113 may have a hook or other mechanical linkage that allows the user to manipulate and interact with the damper outlet 115 while the fire is burning. This may be accomplished by using a fire pit poker (not shown) or another similar tool that achieves the same objective.
As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4 , the fireplace ventilator device 101 illustratively has four legs 119 that are perpendicular to the plurality of pipes 121 that increase the stabilization of the firewood grate 103. The legs 119 are attached to the plurality of pipes 121 at an angle that is distinct from the first and second arms 107 a, 107 b. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first and seconds arms 107 a, 107 b are arranged at an angle α relative to a first direction 127 of the fireplace ventilator device 101 such that the first and second arms 107 a, 107 b define a width perpendicular to the first direction of the device 101.
In FIG. 2 , for example, the fireplace grate 103 with the rib-like structure defines a first dimension d1 of the fireplace ventilator 101 in a second direction 131. The first and second arms 107 a, 107 b extend in the second direction 131 having a second dimension d2, the second dimension d2 being greater than the first dimension d1.
FIG. 4 shows a front view of the fireplace ventilator system 100. As previously mentioned in relation to FIG. 1 , the first and second arms 107 a, 107 b extend in the first direction 127 towards the front portion of the device 101. The extension of the first and second arms 107 a, 107 b have a third dimension d3 extending towards the front portion of the fireplace ventilator device 101. The fireplace grate 103 further includes piping that extends in the first direction 127 towards from the rib-like structure to the rear portion of the fireplace ventilator device 101, similar to the manner in which the first and second arms 107 a, 107 b extend in the first direction 127 towards the front portion of the device 101. The piping extending from the rib-like structure to the rear portion has a fourth dimension d4, in which the fourth dimension d4 is smaller than the third dimension d3. The legs 119 of the fireplace ventilator device 101 are coupled perpendicular to the plurality of pipes 121 and have a fifth dimension d5, which smaller than the fourth dimension d4.
FIG. 5 is a fireplace ventilator system 200 according to another embodiment. For clarity and brevity, features of the system 200 that are common to FIGS. 1-4 are not described again in detail for FIG. 5 . The air intake blower or air pump 217 has a grate attached to a rectangular portion. The system 200 further includes a power plug 252 connected to a control switch or device 250. The power plug 252 is configured for use and insertion into a standard electrical outlet to provide operational power to the system 200. The switch 250 includes a dial that controls settings or modes of the system 200. The switch 250 is between and connected to the plug 252 and the blower 217. A hose 223 connected to the blower 217 is made of adjustable and expandable piping that can compress or expand to a length desired by the user. The fireplace grate has six legs 219 with each leg 219 spaced from each other. A pair of legs 219 extends from the same rib member portion. The pairs of legs 219 alternates along the rib frame so that a rib member having no legs is between rib members having a pair legs 219. A central rib and outer most ribs each has a pair of legs 219. A damper lid 213 includes an extension or handle. In some embodiments, the handle is used to adjust the lid 213 over a damper outlet 215. In some embodiments, the damper outlet has an opening that is substantially similar to or slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the vertical damper stack. The damper outlet 215 includes a substantially flat disk coupled to an end of the damper stack. The opening extending through the disk. The lid 213 has a substantially flat disk portion. In some embodiments, the disks of the lid 213 and the outlet 215 are substantially the same size, shape, or combination thereof. The lid 213 disk has a bottom surface configured to cover the opening and contact the outlet 215. The lid 213 disk has a front surface opposite the bottom surface. The handle or extension has a first end opposite a second end. A length of the handle is between the first and second ends. The handle extending along a substantially horizontal plane so that the length of the handle extends along a direction that is substantially parallel to the front surface.
In the manufacture of the fireplace ventilator device 101, the plurality of pipes are welded together in the structure of the fireplace grate, which encompasses the rib-like structure with the front and rear portions. The legs are coupled under the rib-like structure to provide support for the fireplace grate. The plurality of openings are formed into the front portion of the grate to allow air to escape out the front and into the intended occupant space. The adjustable coverings are coupled to the front portion to provide optional coverage of the plurality of openings if desired. The arms 107 a, 107 b are coupled to opposite ends of the front portion to provide further stabilization of the fireplace ventilator device. The hose from the air intake blower is inserted into the inlet of either arm in order to couple the air intake blower to the fireplace ventilator device. Opposite to the front portion, the rear portion is coupled to the vertical damper stack and extends in a vertical direction. The vertical damper stack is piping that is perpendicularly coupled to the rear portion of the firewood grate. The damper cap and damper outlet are formed at the end of the vertical damper stack, opposite to the end coupled to the rear portion. The damper outlet is manufactured with an appropriately sized aperture for blowing air into the smoke chimney.
A system may be summarized as including: a fireplace grate including a rib-like structure having a plurality of ribs, a front portion, and a rear portion that is opposite to the front portion, the front portion having a plurality of openings; an elongated support member is coupled to the front portion, the elongated support member having at least one air inlet on a first end; a damper stack coupled to the rear portion; and a blower removably coupled to the at least air inlet on the first end of the elongated support member.
The fireplace grate may be formed of a hollow pipe. The elongated support member may include a second air inlet on a second end, the second end being opposite to the first end. The first and second air inlets may be configured to introduce a flow of air into the fireplace grate. The blower may be a variable speed blower. The damper stack may include an arm having a first end a second opposite to the first end, the first end closer to the fireplace grate than the second end, the arm vertically extended from the rear portion of the firewood grate in a first direction. The arm of the damper stack includes an opening at the second end. The plurality of holes on the front portion of the fireplace grate may include at least one covering.
A device may be summarized as including: a fireplace grate having a plurality of openings; an arm coupled to the fireplace grate having a first inlet and a second inlet; and a vertical damper stack having an outlet, the vertical damper stack positioned opposite to the arm. The fireplace grate may have a front portion and a rear portion opposite to the front portion. The fireplace grate may be formed as a rib-like structure, with the plurality of openings in the front portion of the fireplace grate. The plurality of openings may be configured to blow air in a passive manner. The outlet of the vertical damper stack may have an opening diameter of 0.75 inches to 1.0 inches. The fireplace grate may be metal.
The device may further include a plurality of adjustable coverings, the plurality of openings in the front portion of the fireplace grate may be configured to interact with the plurality of adjustable coverings. An adjustable damper covering may be coupled to the outlet of the vertical damper stack. The device may further include a blower motor coupled to at least one arm of the fireplace grate. The blower motor may be a variable speed blower motor, and the blower motor may be configured to blow air from the first inlet or the second inlet into the at least one arm of the fireplace grate, and out of the vertical damper stack.
A method may be summarized as including: coupling a variable speed blower motor to an inlet of a fireplace ventilator system that includes a rib-like structure with a plurality of openings in the rib-like structure at a front portion and a vertical damper stack; adjusting a plurality of coverings on the front portion of the fireplace ventilator system; and manipulating an adjustable damper cover of the vertical damper stack in order to blow air from the variable speed blower motor through the vertical damper stack. Adjusting the plurality of openings may include covering a first one of the plurality of openings and leaving a second one of the plurality of openings uncovered.
The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.
These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a fireplace grate including:

a rib-like structure having a plurality of ribs, a front portion, and a rear portion opposite to the front portion, the front portion having a plurality of openings;

an elongated support member coupled to the front portion, the elongated support member having at least one air inlet on a first end;

a damper stack coupled to the rear portion; and

a blower removably coupled to the at least one air inlet on the first end of the elongated support member.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fireplace grate is formed of a hollow pipe.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongated support member includes a second air inlet on a second end, the second end opposite to the first end.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first and second air inlets are configured to introduce a flow of air into the fireplace grate.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the blower is a variable speed blower.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the damper stack includes an arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end closer to the fireplace grate than the second end, the arm vertically extended from the rear portion of the firwood grate in a first direction.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the arm of the damper stack comprises an opening at the second end.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes on the front portion of the fireplace grate includes at least one covering.

9. A device, comprising:

a fireplace grate having a plurality of openings;

an arm coupled to the fireplace grate having a first inlet and a second inlet; and

a vertical damper stack having an outlet, the vertical damper stack positioned opposite to the arm.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the fireplace grate has a front portion and a rear portion opposite to the front portion.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the fireplace grate is formed as a rib-like structure, the plurality of openings in the front portion of the fireplace grate.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of openings are configured to blow air in a passive manner.

13. The device of claim 9, wherein the outlet of the vertical damper stack has an opening diameter of 0.75 to 1.0 inches.

14. The device of claim 9, wherein the fireplace grate is metal.

15. The device of claim 9, comprising a plurality of adjustable coverings, the plurality of openings in the front portion of the fireplace grate are configured to interact with the plurality of adjustable coverings.

16. The device of claim 9, wherein an adjustable damper covering is coupled to the outlet of the vertical damper stack.

17. The device of claim 9, further comprising a blower motor coupled to at least one arm of the fireplace grate.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the blower motor is a variable speed blower motor, the blower motor configured to blow air from the first inlet or second inlet, into the at least one arm of the fireplace grate, and out of the vertical damper stack.

19. A method, comprising:

coupling a variable speed blower motor to an inlet of a fireplace ventilator system that includes a rib-like structure with a plurality of openings in the rib-like structure at a front portion, and a vertical damper stack;

adjusting a plurality of coverings on the front portion of the fireplace ventilator system; and

manipulating an adjustable damper cover of the vertical damper stack to blow air from the variable speed blower motor through the vertical damper stack.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein adjusting the plurality of coverings includes covering a first one of the plurality of openings and leaving a second one of the plurality of openings uncovered.