Firepit with Movable Lid

Abstract

A firepit may include an aluminum top that may be mounted to a molded base where the top may be movable relative to the molded base to allow access to the propane tank stored within the base as well as provide access to other components of the firepit. The movable top may rotate or swivel about a pivot point to move the top away from the base to thereby allow access to the propane tank and other components without having to remove the heat conducting medium, the gas ring, the screen or cover, or any other components of the firepit that supply or provide the flames for the firepit.

Description

FIELD

Aspects of this disclosure relate generally to outdoor firepits and more specifically to firepits that use propane tanks as a fuel source

BACKGROUND

A firepit is a compact outdoor fixture that is designed to provide warmth and ambiance to outdoor spaces such as patios, backyards, and campsites. Typically made of metal, it features a fire pan, bowl or tray. For gas firepits, it also features a gas ring or lines contained with the fire pan through which passes propane gas that serves as the fuel source. Once ignited, flames will emerge from the gas ring to provide warmth and ambience. The firepit also includes a heat conducting medium, such as stone or rock, that is positioned above the gas ring, to control the flames from the gas ring. In some known firepits, a mesh cover or screen may be used to control potential sparks.

Many gas firepits use a propane tank as the fuel source. The propane tank may be located in the vicinity of the firepit, and sometimes the propane tank is located underneath the firepit pan and housed within the firepit itself. In the housed location, the propane tank is very difficult to reach and is typically only reachable through a side door on the firepit wall. This results in very limited access to the propane tank, in the event the tank needs to be connected to the gas ring through a fuel line, or if the tank needs to be removed and replaced. With some firepits, the heat conducting medium, gas ring, and screen or cover sometimes needs to be removed before the propane tank can be replaced. The side door creates access problems to the other components used with the firepit and that are housed within the firepit base. The side door is also unattractive, often breaks, does not remain closed, allows dirt and debris to reach within the firepit base, allows moisture to reach the interior of the base, and creates other problems.

It would be desirable to provide a firepit that is an improvement upon known firepits and that overcomes the various problems associated with existing firepits. Particular objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure and detailed description of certain embodiments.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a new firepit is disclosed. The firepit may be movable, portable, stationary or fixed in position. The new firepit may include a powder coated aluminum top that may be mounted to a molded base. In an aspect, the powder coated aluminum top may be movable relative to the molded base. The base is sized and shaped to contain numerous components of the firepit including a propane tank and the connection lines to couple the tank to the firepit. Other components may be contained with the molded base. In one aspect, the movable top is a swivel top that rotates about a pivot point to allow access to the propane tank and other components housed within the molded base. This access is permitted without having to remove the heat conducting medium, the gas ring, the screen or cover, or any other components of the firepit that supply or provide the flames for the firepit.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this area of technology, that the embodiments of a firepit described in this disclosure may provide a significant technological advance over known firepits. These and additional features and advantages will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary firepit.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary firepit of FIG. 1 with the lid rotated.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of an exemplary firepit.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of an exemplary firepit with a cover over the firepit.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary firepit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary firepit with the lid rotated.

FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of an exemplary firepit with the lid rotated.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary firepit.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the base of the exemplary firepit of FIG. 8.

The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to provide a representation of the disclosure, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the firepit depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Firepits as disclosed herein would have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure may be embodied in various forms. An embodiment of a firepit is shown in FIG. 1. For convenience, the terms “upper” and “lower” and “top” and “bottom” are used herein to differentiate between the upper and lower ends of the firepit and particular components of the firepit. It is to be appreciated that “upper” and “lower” and “top” and “bottom” are used only for ease of description and understanding and that they are not intended to limit the possible spatial orientations of the firepit or its components during assembly or use.

The term “substantially”, as used herein, is meant to mean mostly, or almost the same as, within the constraints of sensible commercial engineering objectives, costs, manufacturing tolerances, and capabilities in the field of firepit manufacturing and use. Similarly, the term “approximately” as used herein is meant to mean close to, or about a particular value, within the constraints of sensible commercial engineering objectives, costs, manufacturing tolerances, and capabilities in the field of firepit manufacturing and use.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a firepit 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The firepit 10 may be movable, portable, stationary or fixed in position. The firepit 10 may include a top 12 that is mountable to a thermoplastic molded base 14. The top 12 may be made of aluminum and may also be powder coated to protect the aluminum and to provide an aesthetically pleasing color and style. The term top is understood to include a cover, lid, shroud, hood, cap, and similar items. The top may be circular in shape and may define a downwardly extending annular wall 13. In an aspect, concentrically positioned relative to the annular wall 13 and in the top 12 is an annular pan or tray 15 that may be used to contain heat conducting media 16, such as stone or rocks. The pan 15 may define other shapes, and may provide varying depths to accommodate the heat conducting media. Also positioned within or underneath the pan 15 may be a gas ring or gas lines that provide the flames for the firepit. In one aspect, the heat conducting media may sit on top of the gas ring or lines and serve to control the flames. A cover or screen may be positioned over the pan 15 and heat conducting media 16 to control potential sparks.

Positioned on the annular wall 13 of the top 12 may be a key valve 18. The key valve may be used to turn the propane supply on or off, as understood in the art. The key valve may be operatively connected to the propane supply line. A key used to operate the key valve may be stored in a compartment 26 located in the base 14, as shown in FIG. 2.

The top 12 may be removably mounted to the molded base 14. The molded base 14 may define a top, bottom and annular wall. The base 14 may include a top surface and top edge that is sized and shaped to substantially match the size and shape of the annular wall 13 of the top 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The molded base 14 may be made of any suitable material and may define any color or aesthetic appearance. The molded base 14 may be molded to define any number of shapes and appearances, depending on the desired aesthetic look. In an exemplary aspect, the base may be cylindrical, oval, square, rectangular, oblong, spherical, round or may be any other symmetrical or non-symmetrical shape and design. The base may be formed from plastic, composite, metal including aluminum, concrete, or other known materials.

Referring to FIG. 2, the molded base 14 may define an annular wall having a thickness that will support the base 14 and all components stored within it, as well as the top 12 mounted to the base. The top surface of the base may define a plurality of protrusions 27 that may be used to help hold the top 12 in position relative to the base 14. Other types of protrusions or textured surfaces may be used to help hold the top 12 in position relative to the base 14.

In one aspect, the base 14 may define a storage area 19 that may be sized and shaped to contain a propane tank 20 and the propane supply line 22 used to supply the fuel for the firepit.

As shown in FIG. 2, the propane tank and supply line are readily accessible after the top 12 is rotated away relative to the base 14. This will permit an easy change out of the propane tank without having to move or remove any of the heat conducting media or any of the other components of the firepit.

The storage area 19 may be used to store other items for the firepit or other items that may be needed around the patio or area in which the firepit is being used. A drainage hole 24 may be formed in the bottom of the base 14 to permit water or other liquid to drain out of the storage area to thereby keep the storage area dry. In addition to the key storage compartment 26 that is molded into the interior wall of the storage area, other similar compartments may be molded to the interior wall to store other items. The storage area 19 may be sized and configured to contain any number of items, including a cover for the firepit, containers, beverages, canisters, ice, tools, etc. Moreover, features may be molded to the interior wall, or may be attached to the interior wall, to hold or contain or hang other items to the interior wall, items that may be needed for the firepit. This may include cleaning instruments, brushes or tools.

In an aspect, as shown in FIG. 2, the top 12 may be movable relative to the molded base 14. In one aspect, the movable top is a swivel top that rotates about a pivot point to allow access to the propane tank, other components and items housed within the molded base. In an aspect, a pin or similar structure may be used operatively connect the top to the base and to allow the top to swivel relative to the base. A stop or similar structure may be used to limit the swiveling range of the top. In one aspect, the stop may limit the range of motion of the top to less than 180 degrees, or may limit the range to less than 90 degrees, or may limit the range to less than 60 degrees. The stop may be used to set the range of motion that provides sufficient access to the contents within the storage area of the base.

In an exemplary embodiment, by pivoting or rotating the top relative to the base, as shown in FIG. 2, one can access the propane tank and propane supply lines without having to try to access them through a side door, which is a known problem with existing firepits. Additionally, this access is permitted without having to remove the heat conducting medium, the gas ring, the screen or cover, or any other components of the firepit that supply or provide the flames for the firepit, thereby overcoming the known problems with existing firepits. In one embodiment, the firepit may remain operational as the top is rotated or pivoted relative to the base.

In another aspect, the movable top may be a slidable top that may slide along the top surface of the molded base. In an alternative aspect, the top may slide within a top portion of the base similar to a drawer that slides in and out. A pocket or cut-out may be formed within the top portion of the molded base that may be sized and shaped to accommodate the sliding drawer-style top. With either configuration, tracks, slides, guides, and/or rollers may be used to facilitate the sliding of the top relative to the molded base. And with the sliding configuration embodiments, the top may slide away from the molded base to allow access to the propane tank and other components in the storage area.

In yet another aspect, the movable top may be lifted up from the base. In this configuration, the top may sit on the top edge of the base and may be held in position by the protrusions 27 or by other means, such as mating rings and channels, for holding the top to the base. To access the storage area of the base, one may lift the top up and off the base to create access to the storage area and the propane tank and fuel supply lines.

Referring to FIG. 3, the top 12 may also include a lid or cover 26 that may be used to cover the heating conducting medium and gas ring. The lid may be made of aluminum or other heat dissipating material. The lid may define a finger hole 27 that permits one to pick up the lid with a tool or, if cool, with one's finger. The same finger hole may also permit the placement of the lid 26 back on to the top 12.

Referring to FIG. 4, a cover 30 may be placed over the firepit. The cover may be a fabric cover or may be made of another material suitable to cover a firepit. The cover may be made of a durable outdoor material that is resistant to rain and UV light. The cover may include a handle for assisting in installing and removing the cover from the firepit. The cover may be stored within the storage area 19 of the base 14 when not being used.

In accordance with another aspect, the top 12 may define a custom aluminum firepit pan. In an aspect, all firepit components, including a starter, propane line and gas ring may be pre-assembled with the top and the firepit pan. As a pre-assembled unit, all one needs to do is connect the propane line to the propane tank and the firepit will be operational.

Referring to FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment, a schematic view of the firepit 10 may include the top 12 positioned on the molded base 14. A propane tank 20 may be positioned within the molded base 14 and beneath the top 12. The top 12 may be made of aluminum and may include an aluminum fire pan 15 for containing the gas ring and heat conducting medium. The molded base may be made of a plastic material or any other suitable material. The propane tank 20 may be connected to a propane line that may be coupled to a gas ring contained within the fire pan 15. The gas ring, propane line and fire pan may all be pre-assembled to the top 12.

Referring to FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment, a schematic view of the firepit 10 may include the top 12 that may be rotated or pivoted away from the molded base 14. This rotation may take place along an axis 31 that is off center in relation to the center of the top 12. The rotation may be in the manner indicated by direction arrow 33. This off-center rotation will permit the top to rotate away from the base as shown in FIG. 6. After the top is rotated away from the base 14, the propane tank 20 stored in the storage area of the base will be accessible from the top, as illustrated by FIG., and the tank may be removed from the storage area 19 and replaced.

Referring to FIG. 7, in an exemplary embodiment, a schematic top view of the firepit 10 shows the top 12 rotated away from the molded base 14. This rotation may take place along the axis 31 that is off center in relation to the center of the top 12, as shown in FIG. 7. The rotation may be in the manner indicated by direction arrow 33. This off-center rotation will allow the top to rotate relative to the base, as shown in FIG. 7. After the top is rotated, FIG. 7 illustrates how the propane tank 20 stored in the storage area of the base is accessible and may be removed from the storage area 19 of the base 14.

Referring to FIG. 8, in an exemplary embodiment, the firepit 10 may include a top 12 that is movable in relation to the molded base 14. The top 12 may further include a firepan 42 for containing a gas ring 44 and heat conducting medium. The firepan 42 may define along the annular wall of the pan a plurality of vent holes or slots 46 used to vent the heat from the heat conducting medium. The vent holes or slots 46 may be one vent hole or slot, or may be three or more, or may be five or more, or may be 10 or more, depending on the desired amount of venting. The vent holes or slots may be positioned at various locations along the wall of the firepan or may be located on the base of the firepan 42, as depicted in FIG. 8. The vent holes or slots may define any shape or configuration and may define various sizes. In an exemplary aspect, for additional venting, a gap 52 may be defined between the top 12 and the base 14. In one embodiment, the gap may define a spacing of approximately three-eighths of an inch. The gap may define a spacing greater or less than three-eighths of an inch as desired to control the amount of additional venting between the top 12 and the base 14.

In an exemplary embodiment, also located within the firepan 42 may be a flame monitor 48. The flame monitor 48 may be used to detect whether the flame goes out. If the flame monitor detects the flame has gone out, it will automatically shut off the gas flow to the gas ring 44. The flame monitor may define a dome shaped housing or may define other configurations. Also depicted in FIG. 8, in an exemplary aspect, is a key valve 50 that may be used to control the flow of gas by permitting one to turn the gas on or off, as desired.

Referring to FIG. 9, in an exemplary embodiment, the molded base 14 may define interior molded features used to support and hold items stored or housed within the interior of the base 14. In an aspect, one or more support brackets 54 may be formed with the bottom of the base to support and secure the propane tank 20 housed within the interior of the base. In one embodiment, two support brackets 54 may be formed with the bottom to hold in place the propane tank 20. In this embodiment, the support brackets combined with the annular wall of the base support and hold in place the propane tank. In an exemplary aspect, the bottom of the base may define a recessed portion 55 that is sized and shaped to hold in place an extra propane tank. The recessed portion 55 permits one to seat within the recessed portion 55 the storage tank and the shape of the recessed portion holds the propane tank within the recessed portion. The extra propane tank will be available to use once the connected propane tank runs out of propane. One may swap the locations of the propane tanks or may connect the gas supply line to the extra propane tank.

As depicted in FIG. 9, one or more drain holes 56 may be located at the bottom of the base 14 to allow water to drain out of the interior of the base. The drain holes 56 may define a spin welded thread and opening that is sized and shaped to mate with a plug 58 used to close off and seal the drain hole.

In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a firepit may include a base defining an interior and an open top, a top that is mountable to the base and where the top is configured to fit over the open top of the base. The top may be rotatable relative to the open top to allow access to the interior of the base. A pan may be positioned on the top, the pan configured to hold heat conducting media. The pan may be rotatable with the top and relative to the base. A gas ring may be positioned within the pan, the gas ring including a connection for receiving a gas line that may be connected to a gas source. The gas ring may be rotatable with the top and relative to the base. In one aspect, the top is a cover for the base and may define a downwardly extending annular wall. And it may be made of powder coated aluminum. In a further aspect, the pan may be annular in shape and contains the heat conducting media, which may include stone or rocks. In one embodiment, the heat conducting media may be positioned on top of the gas ring. In an exemplary feature of the embodiment, the top will swivel relative to the base to allow access to the interior of the base. A pin may be used that operatively connects the top to the base to allow the top to rotate or swivel relative to the base. In an exemplary aspect, a stop may be located on the base to limit the rotational movement of the top. In an aspect, the stop may limit the range of rotational movement of the top relative to the base to less than 180 degrees, or to less than 90 degrees, or to less than 60 degrees. Other limitations on the rotational movement may be incorporated in the embodiment. In one aspect, the base interior is capable of containing the gas source, where the gas source may be a portable gas tank that is operatively connected to the gas ring. In one embodiment, the base may be a thermoplastic molded base. In a further aspect, a screen may be positioned over the pan, where the screen may be rotatable with the pan and relative to the base. In an exemplary aspect, after the top is rotated in relation to the base, the gas source may be accessible from the open top of the base without having to remove any of the pan, the heat conducting media, the gas ring, or the gas line from the firepit.

In another exemplary embodiment, a portable firepit may include a molded base defining an interior and an open top, where the interior may be sized to contain a gas source. In a further aspect, a top may be mountable to the base, and where the top may be configured to fit over the open top of the molded base. The top is movable relative to the open top to allow access to the interior of the molded base. In another aspect, a tray may be positioned on the top. The tray may be configured to hold heat conducting media. The tray may be movable with the top and relative to the molded base. In an aspect, a gas ring may be positioned within or underneath the tray and connected to a gas line that may be connected to the gas source. The gas ring may be movable with the top and relative to the molded base. In an alternative aspect, the top may be pivotable in relation to the molded base. In another alternative aspect, the top may be slidable in relation to the molded base. In an exemplary aspect, after the top is moved in relation to the molded base, the gas source may be accessible from the open top of the molded base without having to remove any of the tray, the heat conducting media, the gas ring, or the gas line from the firepit.

Various embodiments of a new firepit have been described herein, which include various components and features. In other embodiments, the firepit may be provided with any combination of such components and features. It is also understood that in other embodiments, the various devices, components, and features of the firepit described herein may be constructed with similar structural and functional elements having different configurations, including different ornamental appearances.

Those having skill in the art, with the knowledge gained from the present disclosure, will recognize that various changes can be made to the disclosed apparatuses and methods in attaining these and other advantages, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that the features described herein are susceptible to modification, alteration, changes, or substitution. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps which perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results are within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. The specific embodiments illustrated and described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not limiting of that which is set forth in the appended claims. Other embodiments will be evident to those of skill in the art. It should be understood that the foregoing description is provided for clarity only and is merely exemplary. The spirit and scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples, but is encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A firepit comprising: a base defining an interior and an open top,a top that is mountable to the base, the top is configured to fit over the open top of the base, the top is rotatable relative to the open top to allow access to the interior of the base,a firepan positioned on the top, the firepan configured to hold heat conducting media, the firepan rotatable with the top and relative to the base, anda gas ring positioned within the firepan, the gas ring including a connection for receiving a gas line that may be connected to a gas source, the gas ring rotatable with the top and relative to the base.

2. The firepit of claim 1, wherein the top is a cover for the base and may define a downwardly extending annular wall.

3. The firepit of claim 2, wherein the top is made of powder coated aluminum.

4. The firepit of claim 1, wherein the firepan is annular in shape and contains the heat conducting media, which may further include stone or rocks.

5. The firepit of claim 4, wherein the heat conducting media is positioned on top of the gas ring.

6. The firepit of claim 1, wherein the top will swivel relative to the base to allow access to the interior of the base.

7. The firepit of claim 1, further comprising a pin that operatively connects the top to the base to allow the top to rotate relative to the base.

8. The firepit of claim 7, further comprising a stop located on the base to limit the rotational movement of the top.

9. The firepit of claim 8, wherein the stop limits the range of rotational movement of the top relative to the base to less than 180 degrees.

10. The firepit of claim 8, wherein the stop limits the range of rotational movement of the top relative to the base to less than 90 degrees.

11. The firepit of claim 5, wherein the firepan includes a plurality of vent holes or slots.

12. The firepit of claim 1, wherein the base interior contains the gas source.

13. The firepit of claim 11, further comprising a flame monitor positioned in the firepan.

14. The firepit of claim 1, wherein the base is a thermoplastic molded base.

15. The firepit of claim 1, further comprising a screen positioned over the firepan, the screen rotatable with the firepan and relative to the base.

16. The firepit of claim 11, wherein after the top is rotated in relation to the base, the gas source is accessible from the open top of the molded base without having to remove the firepan, the heat conducting media, the gas ring, or the gas line from the firepit.

17. A portable firepit comprising: a molded base defining an interior and an open top, the interior sized to contain a gas source,a top that is mountable to the base, the top is configured to fit over the open top of the molded base, the top is movable relative to the open top to allow access to the interior of the molded base,a tray positioned on the top, the tray configured to hold heat conducting media, the tray movable with the top and relative to the molded base, anda gas ring positioned within the tray and connected to a gas line that may be connected to the gas source, the gas ring movable with the top and relative to the molded base.

18. The portable firepit of claim 17, wherein the top is pivotable in relation to the molded base.

19. The portable firepit of claim 17, wherein the top is slidable in relation to the molded base.

20. The portable firepit of claim 16, wherein after the top is moved in relation to the molded base, the gas source is accessible from the open top of the molded base without having to remove the tray, the heat conducting media, the gas ring, or the gas line from the portable firepit.