Fire Pit with Heat Exchanger

Abstract

An outdoor fire pit comprised of a concave fire chamber, a heat chamber that is positioned below the fire chamber and is comprised of partially enclosed area surrounding the bottom portion of the fire chamber. The fire pit includes a conduit or multiple conduits with the proximal end connected to the heat chamber and the other end extending distally from the fire pit. A fan connected to the conduit such that the fan is operable to blow or pull air through the conduit to the area surrounding the fire pit.

Description

BACKGROUND

Portable and stationary outdoor fire pits, fire tables, and fireplaces are common, and many different types are available in commerce. Although fire pits are popular, these outdoor systems are inefficient at providing heat to the area surrounding the fire pit. This limitation hinders the usefulness of fire pits during colder weather.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable outdoor fire pit;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable outdoor fire pit;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable outdoor fire;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable outdoor fire pit;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable outdoor fire;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the portable outdoor fire pit of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable outdoor fire having a flexible conduit connectable to a fan disposed within the portable outdoor fire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. The use of “a” or “an” to describe the various elements and components herein is merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Reference will now be made to the embodiments or examples of a fire pit as illustrated in the drawings. It will be understood however that discussion of one or more specific examples are provided to promote an understanding of the invention and should not limit the scope.

Referring the FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, embodiments of a portable fire pit are described herein comprising a fire chamber (1) suitable for containing combustible material. The combustible material described herein may include: wood, coal, pellets (e.g., wood, coal, combustible material, etc.), natural gas, propane gas or the like. The fire chamber (1) described herein may be comprised of a concave structure suitable for containing or holding and burning the combustible materials. The shape and material of the fire chamber are suitable for containing the fire and conducting heat. The fire chamber is connected to and positioned above the heat chamber (2) which surrounds the bottom of the fire chamber and is comprised of materials suitable for containing or retaining the heat in the fire chamber. In one embodiment, the heat chamber is made of a material with insulating properties to retain heat within the heat chamber and reduce heat loss through the heat chamber. The heat chamber may contain a structure or more than one structure which increases the surface area to maximize the conduction, convection and radiation of heat. The heat chamber may set directly on the ground or may be supported by one or more members that support the chamber above the ground (e.g., feet).

The fire pit may include one or more conduits (4) proximally connected to the heat chamber and extending distally from the heat chamber to the area surrounding the fire pit. For example, the fire pit may have one conduit connected thereto. In other embodiments, the fire pit may have two conduits, three conduits, four conduits, five conduits, or six conduits connected thereto. The one or more conduits may include an inlet positioned at the proximal end and an outlet positioned at a distal end of each of the one or more conduits. In some embodiments, each proximal end of the one or more conduits is connected to and in fluid communication with the heat chamber (2) such that the one or more conduits may transport heated air (or fluid) within the one or more conduits from the heat chamber to each of the outlets of the one or more conduits. The heated air exits each of the one or more outlets to the area surrounding the fire pit (e.g., the area where persons sit around the fire pit. It is contemplated that the conduit may be from about 1½ inch to about 6 feet, about ½ inch to about 5 feet, about ½ inch to about 4 feet, about ½ inch to about 3 feet, about ½ inch to about 2 feet, about ½ inch to about 12 inches, about ½ inch to about 10 inches, about ½ inch to about 8 inches, about ½ inch to about 6 inches, about ½ inch to about 4 inches, about ½ inch to about 2 inches, or about ½ inch to about 1 inch.

In one embodiment (FIG. 1), the fire pit comprises a fire chamber (1) suitable for burning combustible materials and a heat chamber (2) that is partially enclosed with an opening in the bottom to provide an inlet (3) for ambient air to enter the heat chamber. Connected to the heat chamber are a series of conduits (4) that extend from the heat chamber. In this embodiment, fans (5) either blow or pull air through the conduits depending on the placement of the fans in relationship to the proximal or distal portion of the conduits to the area surrounding the fire pit where the individuals are sitting or standing.

In one embodiment (FIG. 2), the fire pit comprises a fire chamber (1) suitable for burning combustible materials and a heat chamber (2) that is partially enclosed with an opening in the bottom to provide an inlet (3) for ambient air to enter the heat chamber. Connected to the heat chamber are a series of conduits (4) that extend from the heat chamber. In this embodiment, the conduits (4) are stationary and are comprised of metal, steel or cast iron. A blower (5) blows air through the heat chamber and conduit to the area surrounding the fire pit where the individuals are sitting or standing.

In one embodiment (FIG. 3), the fire pit comprises a fire chamber (1) suitable for burning combustible materials and a heat chamber (2) that is partially enclosed with an opening in the bottom to provide an inlet (3) for ambient air to enter the heat chamber. The heat chamber (2) extends to the area surrounding the fire pit. Within the heat chamber are a series of conduits (4). In this embodiment, a blower (5) blows air through the heat chamber and conduits to the area surrounding the fire pit where the individuals are sitting or standing.

In one embodiment (FIG. 4), the fire pit comprises a fire chamber (1) suitable for burning combustible materials and a heat chamber (2) that is partially enclosed with an opening in the bottom to provide an inlet (3) for ambient air to enter the heat chamber. Connected to the heat chamber are a series of conduits (4) that extend from the heat chamber. In this embodiment, the conduits (4) are flexible and are comprised of fabric, rubber or plastic. Fans blow air through the flexible conduits to the area surrounding the fire pit where the individuals are sitting or standing. The flexible conduits are removable and can be detached when not in use.

In one embodiment (FIG. 5), the fire pit comprises a fire chamber (1) suitable for burning combustible materials and a heat chamber (2) that is partially enclosed with an opening in the bottom to provide an inlet for ambient air to enter the heat chamber. Connected to the heat chamber are a series of fans (3) that blow air to the area surrounding the fire pit where the individuals are sitting or standing.

In one embodiment (FIG. 6), the fire pit comprises a fire chamber (1) suitable for burning combustible materials and a heat chamber (2) that is partially enclosed with an opening (4) in the bottom to provide an inlet for ambient air to enter the heat chamber. Connected to the heat chamber are a series of fans (3) that blow air to the area surrounding the fire pit where the individuals are sitting or standing.

In one embodiment (FIG. 7), FIG. 7 includes a perspective view of a flexible conduit (1) that can be connected to the fan (2) in the heat chamber or detached and removed when not in use.

In one or more embodiments of the fire pit shown and described herein, the fire pit may comprise a multi-component or integral framework or monolithic housing that the fire chamber (1), heat chamber (2), one or more conduits (4), and/or fans may be fixedly or detachably connected thereto. In one or more embodiments of the fire pit shown and described herein, the heat chamber (2) may comprise a housing or shell that forms or defines a chamber therein for holding and transporting fluid (e.g., air) within and/or through to the one or more conduits. The housing or shell of the heat chamber (2) may comprise a material to assist or aid in the efficient exchange of heat from the fire chamber to the fluid (e.g., air) within the heat chamber.

In one or more embodiments of the fire pit shown and described herein, the opening within the heat chamber may comprise multiple openings. In one or more embodiments of the fire pit shown and described herein, the heat chamber may comprise a heat chamber outlet that the one or more conduits are connected to and in fluid communication with in order to transport (e.g., either blow or pull) fluid (e.g., heated air) from the heat chamber to each of the outlets of the one or more conduits. In one or more embodiments of the fire pit shown and described herein, the heat chamber may comprise other fluids to aid in heat exchange from the fire chamber to the air that will be transported and exited out each of the one or more conduits to the area around the fire pit (e.g., and adjacent the persons sitting near and around the fire pit). In one or more embodiments shown and described herein, the fire pit is constructed such that the combustion of material produces heat which is radiated above the fire pit but also heats the material of the fire chamber which transfers heat through radiation, conduction, and convection to the heat chamber. This heated air is blown through the conduits directly to the area surrounding the fire pit. In some embodiments, the heat chamber comprises a heat chamber outlet for each of the one or more conduits such that each heat chamber outlet is connected to and in fluid communication with each respective one of the one or more conduits.

In one or more embodiments shown and described herein, the fire pit and its components may be fabricated from a variety of metals, composite materials, ceramics, plastics, any other conventional materials, and combinations thereof to aid in either the conduction or insulation of heat transfer.

Claims

1. An outdoor fire pit comprising: a concave fire chamber;a heat chamber that is fastened below the fire chamber and is comprised of partially enclosed area surrounding the bottom portion of the fire chamber;a conduit with the proximal end connected to the heat chamber and the distal end extending to the area surrounding the fire pit; anda fan connected to the conduit such that the fan is operable to blow or pull air through the conduit to the area surrounding the fire pit.

2. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the combustion of material transfers heat by conduction, convection, and radiation between the heat conducting material of the fire chamber and the heat chamber.

3. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the heat chamber positioned below the fire chamber, comprises the partially enclosed air space with a bottom wall and an opening in the bottom wall to allow air to flow into the chamber.

4. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the conduit comprises a plurality of stationary conduits extending from the heat chamber.

5. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the conduit comprises a plurality of flexible conduits extending from the heat chamber.

6. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the fan comprises a plurality of fans.

7. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the fan is attached near the proximal end of the conduit and pulls air through the heat chamber and blows air through the conduit.

8. The fire pit of claim 1, wherein the fan is attached near the distal end of the conduit and pulls air through the heat chamber and conduit.

9. An outdoor fire pit comprising: a concave fire chamber;a heat chamber that is fastened below the fire chamber and is comprised of partially enclosed area surrounding the bottom portion of the fire chamber;a conduit with the proximal end connected to the heat chamber and the distal end extending to the area surrounding the fire pit; anda blower fastened to the heat chamber such that the blower is operable to blow air through the conduit to the area surrounding the fire pit.

10. The fire pit of claim 9, wherein the conduit comprises a plurality of conduits extending from the heat chamber.

11. The fire pit of claim 9, wherein the blower comprises a plurality of fans.

12. The fire pit of claim 9 wherein the conduit comprises a flexible conduit with the proximal end connected to the heat chamber and the distal end connected to a chair, tent, or enclosed structure near the fire pit.

13. The fire pit of claim 9 wherein the conduit comprises a plurality of flexible conduits that are attachable connected and removably connected to the heat chamber.

14. An outdoor fire pit comprising: a concave fire chamber;a heat chamber that is fastened below the fire chamber and is comprised of partially enclosed area surrounding the bottom portion of the fire chamber. The bottom portion of the heat chamber extends to the area surrounding the fire pit a conduit with the proximal end connected to the heat chamber and the distal end extending through the heat chamber; anda blower fastened to the heat chamber such that the blower is operable to blow air through the conduit to the area surrounding the fire pit.

15. The fire pit of claim 14, wherein the conduit comprises a plurality of stationary conduits extending from the heat chamber.

16. The fire pit of claim 14, wherein the blower comprises a plurality of fans.