This invention is related generally to indoor-outdoor fireplace apparatus of the type which utilize gel or liquid fuel and, more specifically, dispensers for gel or liquid fuel used in such fireplace apparatus.
So-called “ventless fireplaces,” i.e., fireplaces which burn gel or liquid fuel, exist in a variety of forms. Such fireplaces typically have several advantages over various more-traditional fireplaces in that ventless fireplaces cleanly burn their fuel, are often portable, and may not require installation. Such fireplaces burn gel or liquid fuel that is dispensed from a fuel container into a fuel reservoir where the burning occurs.
In the ventless fireplace field, there is a need for an improved fuel dispensing cap for gel and liquid fuels for use in a variety of ventless fireplace applications. Fuel dispensing caps of the prior art have a number of shortcomings. One such shortcoming is that such caps do not have features which allow for normal flow of fuel during filling while also preventing dangerous flame ingress into the fuel container because of improper or careless useage in dispensing fuel. Another shortcoming is that caps of the prior art, because of features which restrict flow, typically do not allow a flow rate which is deemed satisfactory by some users. As a result, some customers may dangerously tinker and modify the fuel cap to increase flow rate, and depending on how this is done it can lead to loss of control of flow or possible flame ingress into the fuel container.
Examples of prior art dispensing caps for flammable liquid include caps which dispense a plurality (e.g. three) of tiny streams onto charcoal. Such caps are usually deemed unsatisfactory for dispensing fuel for ventless fireplaces because of insufficient flow. Examples of other prior art dispensing caps for liquid are disclosed in the following United States patents: U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,209 (Dorfman, et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,016 (Cook, Jr., et al.).
Many fuel caps of the prior art are also not permanent or durable enough to last for the life of the fuel container. It is desirable to have a fuel cap which has a satisfactory flow rate, avoids flame ingress, and is durable.
This invention overcomes certain problems and shortcomings in the prior art, including those mentioned above and others, and provides advantages not previously provided for fuel dispensing for indoor-outdoor ventless fireplaces.
This invention is an improvement in indoor-outdoor fireplace apparatus of the type which utilize gel or liquid fuel and, more specifically, dispensers for gel or liquid fuel used in such fireplace apparatus. The invention overcomes the problems of the prior art described above.
In the invention, the container-mounted dispensing structure for dispensing gel or liquid fuel into a fuel-containment reservoir of a ventless fireplace has an upstream member and a downstream member. The upstream member has a plurality of flame-restricting apertures through which fuel passes from the container in sufficient quantity because of the number of small apertures, and the downstream member defines a substantially larger dispensing aperture for dispensing the fuel in a larger well-controlled stream into the fuel reservoir of the ventless fireplace. The downstream member is connected to the upstream member and together they form a fuel-gathering manifold therebetween. The number of flame-restricting apertures in the upstream member is selected for sufficient total flow and the size of such apertures is selected to prevent flame ingress into the container. This configuration allows for single-stream, splash-free flow of fuel from the dispensing aperture in the downstream member into the reservoir.
In a highly preferred embodiment, the upstream member and downstream member have annular sidewalls sized such that the upstream member is friction-engaged with the downstream member. Preferably, the sidewall of the downstream member is sized for friction engagement in the neck of the container. It is preferred that the downstream member include an outward flange positioned for engagement with the lip of the container.
In some preferred embodiments, the inner diameter of the flame-restricting apertures is about 0.05-0.06 inches. It is highly preferred that the inner diameter of the flame-restricting apertures be about 0.058 inches. It is also highly preferred that the upstream member have at least six flame-restricting apertures of such small size. In some preferred embodiments, the inner diameter of the dispensing aperture is about 0.25-0.4 inches. It is highly preferred that the inner diameter of the dispensing aperture be about 0.35 inches.
The drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment including the above-noted characteristics and features of the device. The device will be readily understood from the descriptions and drawings. In the drawings:
As shown in
As illustrated best in
Downstream member 22 includes an outward flange 32 positioned for engagement with the lip 34 of the fuel container 20 as seen in
Container mounting dispensing structure 10 can be utilized with fuel containers 20 of many different shapes and sizes. Container mounting dispensing structure 10 can also be utilized with various types of liquid and gel fuels. While many types of liquid fuel can be used it is preferable to use a fuel such as isopropanol and ethanol in a liquid form.
The container mounting dispensing structure 10 of this invention is preferably fabricated of a plastic such as low density polyethylene but it can also be made of a heat resistant plastic. Container mounting dispensing structure 10 can also be made of metal, however, this is not preferred.
While the principles of this invention have been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood clearly that these descriptions are made only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
45340 | Perkins et al. | Dec 1864 | A |
48585 | Perkins et al. | Jul 1865 | A |
141224 | House | Jul 1873 | A |
855525 | McNutt | Jun 1907 | A |
900763 | McNutt | Oct 1908 | A |
1122624 | McNutt | Dec 1914 | A |
1670147 | Gault, Jr. | May 1928 | A |
2052728 | Stewart | Sep 1936 | A |
3047195 | Richmond | Jul 1962 | A |
4706829 | Li | Nov 1987 | A |
4767016 | Cook, Jr. et al. | Aug 1988 | A |
4892209 | Dorfman et al. | Jan 1990 | A |
5417860 | Kay | May 1995 | A |
20110000870 | Dubach | Jan 2011 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
95485 | Jul 1922 | CH |
588765 | Feb 1996 | EP |
Entry |
---|
Mannan, Sam and Frank P. Lees, Lees' Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 2005, Elsevier Inc, 3rd Edition, vol. 2, p. 17/56. |
Grossel, Stanley S., Deflagration and Detonation Arresters, 2002, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Section 5, pp. 78-86. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20130087581 A1 | Apr 2013 | US |