PORTABLE FIRE PIT

BACKGROUND

Fire pits are operated in outdoor settings for aesthetic appearance and/or localized heat. Fire pits may be, for example, operated on residential patios, public patios and gathering areas, etc. Unlike furnaces, heating burners, cooking burners (e.g., barbeques), etc., the top surface of a fire pit is open so that flames are visible during operation of the fire pit. In other words, the fire pit is uncovered for viewing the flames.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example fire pit.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the fire pit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partially-exploded view of the fire pit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the fire pit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the fire pit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the fire pit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a base assembly of the fire pit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the base assembly prior to assembly.

FIG. 8B is the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A after assembly of the base assembly.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a portion of the base assembly prior to assembly.

FIG. 9B is the perspective view of FIG. 9A after assembly of the base assembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the base assembly.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a portion of the base assembly.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a burner assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the burner assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the burner assembly.

FIG. 15 is a partially-exploded view of another example fire pit.

FIG. 16 is a partially-exploded view of another example fire pit.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another example fire pit.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another example fire pit.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another example fire pit.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a base of the fire pit of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a fire pit 10 is generally shown. Components of the fire pit 10 can be assembled in an assembled position, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-6. In some examples, including the examples shown in the Figures, the fire pit 10 is portable. The components of the fire pit 10 can be disassembled and packed for storage and/or transportation. In the examples shown in the Figures, the components of the fire pit 10 can be packed flat for compact storage and/or transportation, as described further below. As an example, the fire pit 10 can be packed flat for storage and/or transportation, e.g., in a bag. In a disassembled position, the components of the fire pit 10 are designed to be assembled together in the assembled position, as described herein. When assembled, the fire pit 10 can be lifted as a unit and relocated. The components of the fire pit 10 have a size, shape, orientation, and/or other characteristics specifically intended to be assembled together in the assembled position.

The fire pit 10 includes a base 12 and a burner assembly 14. The base 12 may be an assembly, i.e., a base assembly 16, that includes multiple components assembled together. In the example shown in the Figures, the base assembly 16 includes four panels 18 that can be assembled into a four-sided, open-ended polyhedron. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-14, the four panels 18 are each trapezoidal-shaped and are assembled as a truncated-pyramidal tube, i.e., hollow with an outer surface that is frusto-pyramidal with an open top and bottom. In other examples, for example in FIGS. 16 and 17, the four panels 18 may be rectangular and may be assembled as a rectangular tube, i.e., a hollow cuboid with two open ends opposing each other. The four panels 18 in the assembled position define a cavity 42 that is open at two ends of the base assembly 16. In some examples, the base assembly 16 includes retainers 44 that hold the four panels 18 together in the assembled position, as described further below.

In some examples, such as the example shown in FIGS. 1-14, the four panels 18, more specifically, include a first side panel 20, a second side panel 22, a first end panel 24, and a second end panel 26. Any one of the side panels 20, 22 and end panels 24, 26 may be arranged at the front, back, left, or right of the fire pit 10 with the side panels 20, 22 and the end panels 24, 26 in alternating arrangement, i.e., each side panel 20, 22 is between two end panels 24, 26, and each end panel 24, 26 is between two side panels 20, 22. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-14, the first side panel 20 is at the front, the second side panel 22 is at the back, the first end panel 24 is at the left, and the second end panel 26 is at the right.

With reference to FIGS. 12-14, the burner assembly 14 includes a top plate 28 and a gas burner 30 supported by the top plate 28. With reference to FIG. 14, the burner assembly 14 may include a box 32 that houses the gas burner 30 and/or other components of the burner assembly 14, e.g., fuel lines 34, a gas inlet 36, ignition components (not shown), a thermocouple 38, an automatic shut-off valve 40, etc. With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the burner assembly 14 is disposed in the cavity 42 of the base assembly 16 and/or at a top end of the cavity 42. The burner assembly 14 is supported by the base assembly 16 in the assembled position. Specifically, the top plate 28 of the burner assembly 14 may be supported by one or more of the panels 18 of the base assembly 16, as described further below. The burner assembly 14 is assembled to the base assembly 16 as a unit, i.e., the top plate 28, the gas burner 30, the box 32, and the other components of the gas burner 30 in the box 32 move together as a unit as the burner assembly 14 is assembled to and disassembled from the base assembly 16.

As described further below, the four panels 18 are positioned in an assembled position. For example, in some examples, the four panels 18 are assembled and the retainers 44 are engaged to retain the four panels 18 assembled together in the assembled position. The burner assembly 14 is then assembled to the base assembly 16 as a unit.

The gas burner 30 is connected to a fuel source (not shown) before, during, or after assembly of the burner assembly 14 to the base assembly 16. In some examples, a fuel tank, e.g., a 20-pound propane tank, may be spaced from the fire pit 10 and connected to the gas burner 30 with the fuel line 34 such as, for example, a flexible gas line. In other examples, a fuel tank, e.g., a 5-pound propane tank, may fit within the cavity 42 of the base assembly 16 when the four panels 18 are assembled. The gas inlet 36 may include a releasable connection for connection to a hose from the fuel source, including, in some examples, releasable connections that are currently known.

In some examples, including the example shown in FIGS. 1-14, when the four panels 18 are assembled together, the retainers 44 are engaged, and the burner assembly 14 is assembled to the base assembly 16, the components of the fire pit 10 are rigidly retained together for operation of a flame on the burner assembly 14. The rigid retention of the components of the burner assembly 14 allows for lifting and relocation of the fire pit 10, e.g., when a flame is not being operated on burner assembly 14, without disassembling components of the fire pit 10. The four panels 18 of the base assembly 16 may be disassembled from each other and packed flat for storage and/or transportation. The burner assembly 14 may be disassembled from the four panels 18 and packed flat along with the four panels 18. As an example, the burner assembly 14 may be packed flat in a bag.

Several examples of the fire pit 10 and components thereof are shown in the Figures. Common numerals are used to identify common features in the various examples. Various components of the examples shown in the Figures and described below can be interchangeable among the various examples. Merely by way of example, one example of the fire pit 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-14. Other examples of the base assembly 16 are shown in FIGS. 15-20, respectively. The example base assemblies 16 in FIGS. 15-17 may be used with the burner assembly 14 shown in FIGS. 12-14. The burner assembly 14 in the example in FIGS. 18-20 may include features to lock the base assembly 16 in the assembled position, as described further below, and may otherwise be the same as the burner assembly 15 shown in FIGS. 12-14.

The base assembly 16 supports the burner assembly 14. In other words, the weight of the burner assembly 14 is borne by the base assembly 16 in the assembled position, for example as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 17-19.

The base assembly 16 includes panels 18 arranged with a cavity 42 therebetween. The cavity 42 of the base assembly 16 in the assembled position houses at least a portion of the burner assembly 14, e.g., the box 32 and/or the top plate 28, and may house a fuel source, e.g., a propane tank.

As set forth above, in some examples, the base assembly 16 includes four panels 18. In the examples shown in the Figures, the four panels 18 include the first side panel 20, the second side panel 22, the first end panel 24, and the second end panel 26. Any of the four panels 18 may be labeled a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, or a fourth panel, with the numerical adjectives “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth,” used as identifiers for the panels 18 and not indicating order or importance. The panels 18 may be metal. As an example, each of the four panels 18 may be of the same type of metal. As examples, the panels 18 may be steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 22 may be similar or identical to each other. In the example shown in the Figures, the first side panel 20 is identical to the second side panel 22 except that the first side panel 20 includes a void that provides access to the burner assembly 14, as described further below. The first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 may be similar or identical to each other. In the example shown in the Figures, the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 are identical to each other. The first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 are duplicates and interchangeable with each other in the assembled position.

The end panels 24, 26 and the side panels 20, 22 are engageable with each other in the assembled position. In the examples shown in the Figures, in the assembled position, the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 are opposite each other relative to the cavity 42 and the first side panel 20 and second side panel 22 are opposite each other relative to the cavity 42. The first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 are spaced from each other, and the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 22 are spaced from each other. In the assembled position, the first end panel 24 extends from the first side panel 20 to the second side panel 22 and the second end panel 26 extends from the first side panel 20 to the second side panel 22. The base assembly 16 may have retainers 44 and/or locators 46 on the panels 18 for locating the panels 18 relative to each other and for selectively retaining the panels 18 to each other in the assembled position.

In the example shown in the Figures, two of the panels 18, e.g., the end panels 24, 26, each include a first corner 48, a second corner 50, and an intermediate portion 52 extending from the first corner 48 to the second corner 50. Each end panel 24, 26 includes a first bracket 54 at the first corner 48 and a second bracket 56 at the second corner 50. Two of the panels 18, e.g., the side panels 20, 22, each include a first flange 58, a second flange 60, and middle portion 70 extending from the first flange 58 to the second flange 60.

The end panels 24, 26 and the side panels 20, 22 are designed such that, in the assembled position, the side panels 20, 22 each extend from the first corner 48 of one of the end panels 24, 26 to second corner 50 of the other of the end panels 24, 26. In the assembled position, the side panels 20, 22 extend from the first corner 48 of one end panel 24, 26 to the second corner 50 of the other end panel 24, 26.

The end panels 24, 26 and side panels 20, 22 are designed to interlock with each other with a flush appearance. The first corner 48 of each end panel 24, 26 has a first planar outer surface 62 and the second corner 50 of each end panel 24, 26 has a second planar outer surface 64. Each side panel 20, 22 has a planar outer surface 66 that is coplanar the planar outer surfaces 62, 64 of adjacent ones of the corners 48, 50. Specifically, the planar outer surface 66 of the first side panel 20 is coplanar with both first planar outer surface 62 of the first corner 48 of the first end panel 24 and the second planar outer surface 64 of the second corner 50 of the second end panel 26. The planar outer surface 66 of the second side panel 22 is coplanar with both the second planar outer surface 64 of the second corner 50 of the first end panel 24 and the and the first planar outer surface 62 of the first corner 48 of the second end panel 26.

The first flange 58 of the first side panel 20 and the second flange 60 of the first side panel 20 are coplanar with each other and in a plane separate from and parallel to the planar outer surface 66 of the first side panel 20. Similarly, the first flange 58 of the second side panel 22 and the second flange 60 of the second side panel 22 are coplanar with each other and in a plane separate from and parallel to the planar outer surface 66 of the second side panel 22. The first flange 58 is positioned inside the first corner 48 of one of the end panels 24, 26 and the second flange 60 is positioned inside the second corner 50 of the other of the end panels 24, 26. In other words, the first flange 58 and the second flange 60 of the first side panel 20 are recessed relative to the first corner 48 of the first end panel 24 and the second corner 50 of the second end panel 26 in the assembled position. Similarly, the first flange 58 and the second flange 60 of the second side panel 22 are recessed relative to the first corner 48 of the second end panel 26 and the second corner 50 of the first end panel 24 in the assembled position.

The side panels 20, 22 interlock with the end panels 24, 26 at the corners 48, 50. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-17, for each side panel 20, 22, the first flange 58 is designed to, in the assembled position, extend between the first corner 48 and the first bracket 54 of one of the end panels 24, 26. The second flange 60 is designed to, in the assembled position, extend between the second corner 50 and the second bracket 56 of the other of the end panels 24, 26. For each side panel 20, 22, in the assembled position, the first flange 58 of the side panel 20, 22 is positioned between the first corner 48 and the first bracket 54 of one end panel 24, 26, and the second flange 60 of the side panel 20, 22 is positioned between the second corner 50 and the second bracket 56 of the other end panel 24, 26.

The flanges 56, 58 are designed to abut the end panels 24, 26. Specifically, the flanges 56, 58 are designed to engage channels 74 between the corner 48, 50 and the bracket 54, 56 in the assembled position. Specifically, the flanges 56, 58 are sized, shaped, and positioned the extend into the channels 74. As an example, the flanges 56, 58 define a recess 68 designed to receive the respective end panel 24, 26. As identified in FIG. 8A-B and 12, the recess 68 may have a depth D and the corner may have a thickness TC sized so that planar outer surface 62, 64 of the corner 48, 50 is flush with the planar outer surface 66 of the side panel 20, 22. For example, the depth D may be equal to, or slightly larger than, the thickness TC of the corner 48, 50. The depth D of the recess 68 and the thickness TC of the corner 48, 50 are sized so that the flange 58, 60 fits between the corner 48, 50 and the bracket 54, 56 with a clearance fit or a press fit (also referred to as an interference fit).

With continued reference to FIGS. 8A-B and 12, the flange 58, 60 may abut both the corner 48, 50 and the bracket 54, 56 in the assembled position. For example, the thickness TF of the flange 58, 60 and a width CW of the channel 74 may be sized so that the flange 58, 60 fit between the corner 48, 50 and the bracket 54, 56 with a clearance fit or a press fit (also referred to as an interference fit). For example, the channel 74 has a width CW that is equal to, or slightly larger than, the thickness TF of the flange 58, 60.

The side panels 20, 22 each include a middle portion 70 that includes the planar outer surface 66. The middle portion 70 and the flanges 56, 58 are planar and elongated in their respective planes. The flanges 56, 58 may be coplanar, and the plane of the planar outer surface 66 of the middle portion 70 may be parallel to the plane of the flanges 56, 58. The middle portion 70 and the flanges 56, 58 may be unitary, as shown in the examples in the Figures. “Unitary” means a single, uniform piece of material with no seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives holding it together, i.e., formed together simultaneously as a single continuous unit, e.g., by stamping, molding, forging, casting, machining from a unitary blank, etc. In other examples the flanges 56, 58 may be non-unitary with the middle portion 70, i.e., are formed separately and subsequently assembled, e.g., by welding, bonding, adhesive, etc.

For each end panel 20, 22, the intermediate portion 52 extends from the first corner 48 to the second corner 50. The intermediate portion 52 has a planar outer surface 68 extending from the first corner 48 to the second corner 50. The planar outer surface 68 of the intermediate portion 52 may be perpendicular to the first planar outer surface 62 of the first corner 48 and the second planar outer surface 64 of the second corner 50.

The intermediate portion 52 and the corners 48, 50 may be unitary, as shown in the examples in the Figures. In the example shown in the Figures, the corner 48, 50 may be formed by bending the end panel 24, 26. In other examples, the unitary corners may be formed together simultaneously as a single continuous unit by, for example, molding, forging, casting, machining from a unitary blank, etc. In other examples the corners 48, 50 may be non-unitary with the intermediate portion 52, i.e., formed separately and subsequently assembled, e.g., by welding, bonding, adhesive, etc.

Each bracket 54, 56 is fixed to the intermediate portion 52 and/or the corners 48, 50 at the corner 48, 50. In the example shown in the Figures, the brackets 54, 56 are fixed to the intermediate portion 52 at the corner 48, 50. Specifically, the bracket 54, 56 is spaced from the respective corner 48, 50 defining the respective channel 74 therebetween. In the assembled position, the channel 74 is elongated upright. As identified in FIG. 7, the channel 74 has a width CW sized to receive the flange 58, 60. Specifically, the width CW of the channel 74 and the thickness TF of the flange 58, 60 (identified in FIGS. 8A-B and 12) may be sized for a clearance fit, and more specifically, a slide fit. In such an example, the width CW of the channel 74 and the thickness TF of the flange 58, 60 are sized so that the flange 58, 60 can be slid into the channel 74 and sits in the channel 74 without play between the flange 58, 60 and the channel 74. In the example shown in the Figures, the bracket 54, 56 is formed separately from the intermediate portion 52 and subsequently assembled to the intermediate portion 52, e.g., by welding, bonding, adhesive, fastener, etc.

The base assembly 16 includes one or more retainers 44 releasably connecting the end panels 24, 26 and the side panels 20, 22. The retainers 44 retain the panels 18 relative to each other in the assembled position. In some examples, including the examples shown in the Figures, the panels 18 are compressed toward each other by multiple retainers 44. Locators 46 may operate in conjunction with the retainers 44 to retain the four sides to each other, as described further below.

The base 12 may include one or more retainers 44 between the first end panel 24 and second end panel 26 and/or the first side panel 20 and second side panel 22. The example shown in the Figures includes multiple retainers 44 with each retainer 44 releasably connecting one of the end panels 24, 26 and one of the side panels 20, 22. Specifically, the example in FIGS. 1-11 includes eight retainers 44, with two retainers 44 between the first end panel 24 and the first side panel 20, two retainers 44 between the first end panel 24 and the second side panel 22, two retainers 44 between the second end panel 26 and the first side panel 20, and two retainers 44 between the second end panel 26 and the second side panel 22.

As described further below, various examples of retainers 44 are shown in the examples in Figures. One example of the retainer 44 is shown in FIGS. 1-11. Other examples of the retainer 44 are shown in FIGS. 15-18, respectively. Any one or more of these various examples of retainers 44 disclosed herein may be used with each other and/or with any one or more of the various examples of locators 46 disclosed herein. The retainers 44 may be in the cavity 42 below the top plate 28, as shown in the examples in the Figures.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-11, the retainers 44 are draw latch assemblies 76. The draw latch assemblies 76 have components on the first side panel 20, the second side panel 22, the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26, as described below. The draw latch assemblies 76 are moveable from an unlatched position (FIG. 8A) to a latched position (FIG. 8B). The draw latch assemblies 76 draw the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 22 toward the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 when the draw latch assemblies 76 are moved from the unlatched position to the latched position. The draw latch assemblies 76 are selectively moveable from the unlatched position to the latched position to assemble the fire pit 10 and from the latched position to the unlatched position to disassemble the fire pit 10. In other words, the draw latch assemblies 76 are lockable and releasable at the selection of the user.

With reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 10-11, each draw latch assembly 76 includes a latch 78 and a keeper 80. The latch 78 is moveable relative to the keeper 80 to move the draw latch assembly 76 between the unlatched position and the latched position.

The latch 78 includes a base 82 and a handle 84 pivotally connected to the base 82. Specifically, a hinge 86 rotatably connects the handle 84 to the base 82 and the handle 84 is rotatable relative to the base 82 about the hinge 86. The latch 78 includes a clasp 88 fixed to the handle 84 at a position spaced from the hinge 86. The clasp 88 is rotatable relative to the handle 84. Specifically, the clasp 88 is rotatable about a rotational axis spaced from and parallel to the rotational axis of the hinge 86. The keeper 80 includes a finger 90 that is engageable by the clasp 88 in the latched position.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-11, the latches 78 are on the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 22 and the keepers 80 are on the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26. Specifically, the keepers 80 are fixed to the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26, e.g., to the brackets 54, 56, by, for example, unitary formation, welding, fastener, etc. The base 82 of the latches 78 are fixed to the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 22 by, for example, welding, fastener, etc. In other examples, the latches 78 may be on the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 and the keepers 80 may be on the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 22.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-11, to assemble the fire pit 10, the flanges 56, 58 are inserted into the channels 74, in which position the latches 78 are aligned with the keepers 80. The handle 84 and the clasp 88 are positioned so that the clasp 88 engages the keeper 80. The handle 84 is then rotated relative to the base 82 to lock the clasp 88 on the keeper 80, i.e., to the latched position. During this movement, the draw latch assembly 76 draws the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 22 toward the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 and maintain the panels 18 in position until the draw latch assembly 76 is moved to the unlatched position. Specifically, to move the draw latch assembly 76 to the unlatched position, the handle 84 is rotated relative to the base 82 to release the clasp 88 from the keeper 80 and the clasp 88 can then be rotated away from the keeper 80 to release the panels 18 relative to each other.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-11, the fire pit 10 includes eight draw latch assemblies 76, i.e., two at each of the four corners 48, 50 of the fire pit 10. In other examples, the fire pit 10 can have any suitable number of draw latch assemblies 76 and one or more draw latch assembly 76 may be used with other types of retainers 44, including the other example retainers 44 described herein.

As another example, the retainer 44 in FIG. 15 is a bail 92 rotatably connected to one of the first end panel 24 or the second end panel 26 and engageable with the other of the first end panel 24 or the second end panel 26. For example, one of the first end panel 24 or the second end panel 26 includes the bail 92 and the other of the first end panel 24 or the second end panel 26 includes a hook 94 releasably engageable by the bail 92.

The bail 92 is rotatably engaged with the first end panel 24/second end panel 26 to engage the hook 94 when rotated to the engaged position. Specifically, the bail 92 is rotated relative to the first end panel 24/second end panel 26 into engagement with the hook 94 and out of engagement with the respective hook 94. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the bail 92 may be rotatably engaged with the first end panel 24/second end panel 26 with a rotatable hinge. The hinge may be, for example, a hollow barrel and the bail 92 may include two ends that rotatably engage the hollow barrel, as shown in the examples in FIG. 15.

The bail 92 engages the hook 94 in an engaged position and is releasable from the hook 94 to a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the engagement of the bail 92 with the hook 94 retains the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 to each other and retains the first side panel 20/second side panel 22 sandwiched therebetween.

The hook 94 is shaped to be engaged by the bail 92. For example, the hook 94 has a finger extending transversely from the first end panel 24/second end panel 26. The finger may resiliently engage the bail 92 when the bail 92 is engaged with the hook 94. The finger may be resiliently displaced by the bail 92 as the bail 92 engages the hook 94. In other words, the bail 92 may be sized and shaped so that the bail 92 displaces the finger as the bail 92 is engaged with the hook 94 and the finger may be designed to be at a design position absent bias by the bail 92 and to resiliently move when biased by the bail 92. The finger resumes the design position when bias from the bail 92 is removed, i.e., when the bail 92 is disengaged with the finger. The finger may be designed to resiliently bias the bail 92 toward the hook 94 in the engaged position. In other words, in such an example, the hook 94 pulls the bail 92 and maintains the bail 92 in tension to pull together the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26. Specifically, the finger of the hook 94 on the first end panel 24 pulls the bail 92 of the second end panel 26 toward the first end panel 24 in the engaged position and the finger of the hook 94 on the second end panel 26 pulls the bail 92 of the first end panel 24 toward the second end panel 26 in the engaged position. This places the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 22 in compression between the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 with the bails 92 are engaged with the hooks 94 in such an example.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 each include two bails 92 and two hooks 94. The two bails 92 of the first end panel 24 are positioned to engage the two hooks 94 on the second end panel 26 aid and the two bails 92 on the second end panel 26 are positioned to engage the two hooks 94 on the first end panel 24 in the assembled position. As another example, the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 each include one bail 92 and one hook 94, or any suitable number of bails 92 and hooks 94.

The bail 92 may include two branches parallel to each other, as shown in the examples in FIG. 15. For example, the branches may be unitary and may meet at an open end. The two ends of the bail 92 may meet at and engage the hinge. At least one of the two branches may include finger-grips that can be used by an operator to pull the bail 92 between the engaged and disengaged positions.

The bail 92 may rotate about an upright axis or a horizontal axis between the engaged position and the disengaged position. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the bails 92 each rotate about an upright axis. The upright axis is elongated along a line that is between 70 to 110 degrees from horizontal, i.e., when the fire pit 10 is on a horizontal surface. The upright axis may be vertical. In examples in which the bail 92 rotates about an upright axis, the finger of the hook 94 can extend generally horizontally from the first side panel 20/second side panel 22. In the other examples, the bails 92 can rotate about a horizontal axis. In such an example, the finger of the hook 94 can extend upwardly. For example, the hook 94 can include a base 12 extending from the first side panel 20/second side panel 22 and the hook 94 may extend upwardly from the base 12.

Another example of the retainer 44 is shown in FIG. 16. The retainers 44 in FIG. 16 include removeable pins 96 that engage the first side panel 20 to the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 and that engage the second side panel 22 to the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26. When the panels 18 are in the assembled position, the pins 96 are engaged with the panels 18 to retain the panels 18 in the assembled position and may be removed for disassembly of the panels 18, e.g., for storage, packing, etc.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the retainers 44 each include braces 98 on adjacent ones of the panels 18. In the assembled position, each brace 98 abuts one of the braces 98 of an adjacent one of the panels 18 in the assembled position. Each brace 98 defines a hole and, in the assembled position, the holes are coaxial to receive one of the pins 96. In the example shown in FIG. 16, each panel 18 includes a plurality of braces 98 interleaved with a plurality of braces 98 of the adjacent one of the panels 18. For example, the first side panel 20 includes four braces 98 interleaved with four braces 98 of the second end panel 26 and the first side panel 20 includes four braces 98 interleaved with four braces 98 of the first end panel 24. Similarly, the second side panel 22 includes four braces 98 interleaved with four braces 98 of the second end panel 26 and the second side panel 22 includes four braces 98 interleaved with four braces 98 of the first end panel 24.

The braces 98 of each may be grouped into pairs that both receive one of the pins 96. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the first side panel 20 includes four pairs of braces 98, specifically, two pairs of braces 98 interleaved with two pairs of braces 98 of the second end panel 26 and two pairs of braces 98 interleaved with two pairs of braces 98 of the second end panel 26. Four pins 96 engage the four pairs of braces, respectively. Similarly, the second side panel 22 includes four pairs of braces 98, specifically, two pairs of braces 98 interleaved with two pairs of braces 98 of the second end panel 26 and two pairs of braces 98 interleaved with two pairs of braces 98 of the second end panel 26.

The braces 98 and holes may be oriented in the assembled position such that the pin 96 is elongated generally upright in the assembled position. The pin 96 may include a releasable lock to selectively retain the pin 96 in the hole, e.g., a spring-loaded ball. The pin 96 may include a handle, e.g., a ring, to aid in removal of the pin 96.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, the retainer 44 is a magnet 100. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the base assembly 16 includes a plurality of magnets 100. The magnet 100 is on one of the four panels 18 and magnetically attracts an adjacent one of the four panels 18. In such an example, the adjacent one of the four panels 18 is of a ferromagnetic material that is magnetically attracted to the magnet 100. As set forth above, for example, the four panels 18 may be steel, stainless steel, etc. In other examples, the four panels 18 may be of a non-ferromagnetic material and may include pads of a ferromagnetic material positioned on the four panels 18 to be attracted to the magnets 100. The magnet 100 may be of any suitable type, including rare earth magnets 100 such as neodymium.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, the first end panel 24/second end panel 26 may include one or more magnets 100 on the corners 48, 50 and positioned to magnetically attract the first side panel 20/second side panel 22, e.g., the flanges 56, 58. As set forth above, various components of the examples shown in the Figures and described below can be interchangeable among the various examples. For example, the example shown in FIG. 17 may include the brackets 54, 56, channels 74, etc. As another example, the magnets 100 may be combined with any of the other example retainers 44 disclosed herein.

The base assembly 16 may include a locator 46 releasably interlocking each end panel 24, 26 and side panel 20, 22. The first end panel 24/second end panel 26 and the first side panel 20/second side panel 22 include locators 46 that align the first end panel 24/second end panel 26 with the first side panel 20/second side panel 22 during assembly and in the assembled position. The locators 46 may retain the panels 18 in the assembled position in addition to or in the alternative to the retainers 44. For example, the fire pit 10 may include one or more locators 46 in addition to one or more retainers 44 or may include one or more locators 46 in the alternative to the one or more retainers 44. One example of the locators 46 is shown in the example base assembly 16 in FIGS. 1-14 and another example of the locator 46 is shown in the example base assembly 16 in FIG. 16. Any one or more of these various examples of locators 46 disclosed herein may be used with each other and/or with any one or more of the various examples of retainers 44 disclosed herein.

As one example of the locators 46, the first end panel 24/second end panel 26 has one of a slot 102 or a tab 104 and the first side panel 20/second side panel 22 has the other of the slot 102 or the tab 104. In those examples shown in the Figures, the first side panel 20 and second side panel 22 each have the tab 104, and the first end panel 24 and second end panel 26 each have the slot 102. Specifically, the first side panel 20 and second side panel 22 each have multiple tabs 104 vertically spaced from each other in the assembled position, and the first end panel 24 and second end panel 26 have a corresponding number of slots 102 similarly vertically spaced from each other in the assembled position to receive the corresponding tab 104.

For each end panel 24, 26, the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 each include one of a slot 102 or a tab 104, and each side panel 20, 22 includes the other of the slot 102 or the tab 104 on each of the flanges 56, 58. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-14, for each end panel 24, 26, the first bracket 54 and the second bracket 56 each define one instance of the slot 102, and each side panel 20, 22 includes a tab 104 on each of the flanges 56, 58.

The tabs 104 and slots 102 are designed such that the tabs 104 are engaged with the slots 102 in the assembled position. In the assembled position, the tabs 104 are engaged with the slots 102, as shown, for example, in FIG. 10.

In examples including at least one tab 104 and corresponding slot 102, the tab 104 may be elongated horizontally and the corresponding slot 102 may be elongated horizontally. Accordingly, the tab 104 and the slot 102 engage each other in a horizontal plane. In such examples, the engagement of the tab 104 and the corresponding slot 102 may bear at least some of the weight of the fire pit 10 in the event the fire pit 10 is vertically lifted, e.g., by lifting upwardly at a handle 106 for relocation of the fire pit 10. This assists in retention of the assembly of the panels 18 in the assembled position during relocation of the fire pit 10.

Each corresponding slot 102 and tab 104 interlock. The side panels 20, 22 and the end panels 24, 26 interlock at the slot 102 and the tab 104. This interlock provides rigidity to the base assembly 16. This interlock provides portability, as described above. This interlock also distributes downward forces on the base assembly 16 among the panels 18 through the engagement of the slots 102 and tabs 104. The downward forces may include the weight of the burner assembly 14 and may also include the weight of substrate on the burner assembly 14, e.g., lava rocks, river rocks, fire glass, etc.

In examples including at least one tab 104 and corresponding slot 102, the retainers 44 may pull the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 toward each other. Specifically, the engagement of the retainers 44 compress the first side panel 20 between the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 and compress the second side panel 22 between the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-14, the engagement of the latches 78 and hooks 94 pull the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 toward each other to retain the tab 104 in the slot 102. As another example in the example shown in FIG. 15, the bails 92 and the hooks 94 compress the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 22 between the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26, as described above, which compresses the tabs 104 against the respective slots 102.

Another example of the locator 46 is shown in the examples in FIG. 16. Specifically, the locator 46 in FIG. 16 includes a spring-loaded member 108 on one of the panels 18 and a detent on the other of the panels 18 that is engaged by the spring-loaded member 108 in the assembled position. In the examples shown in FIG. 16, the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 22 each include the spring-loaded member 108 and the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 each include corresponding detents. In other examples, the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 may include the spring-loaded member 108 and the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 22 may include corresponding detents.

The spring-loaded member 108 may include, for example, a barrel that retains a spring and a ball biased by the spring. The ball extends proud of an end of the barrel and is resiliently compressible into the barrel against the bias of the spring. For example, the ball is recessed into the barrel during assembly of the panels 18 and extends into the detent 110 when aligned with the detent 110 in the assembled position. To disengage the panels 18 sufficient force is applied to the respective panels 18 to recess the ball into the barrel against the bias of the spring to remove the ball from the recess.

The panels 18 may include legs 112 at a bottom end of the panel 18 in the assembled position, as shown in each of the examples in the Figures. The legs 112 may define a cutout therebetween such that the legs 112 abut ground under the fire pit 10 and the panels 18 are spaced from the ground at the cutout. The legs 112 provide stability to the fire pit 10 in the assembled position, for example, including in examples in which the fire pit 10 is placed on slightly uneven ground.

The example shown in FIGS. 1-14 includes feet 114 at the bottom of the fire pit 10. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-14, the feet 114 are on the front side and the rear side of the fire pit 10. The feet 114 extend inwardly below the cavity 42. The foot 114 includes a metal base 12, e.g., unitary with the side, and may include a polymeric covering. The polymeric covering may be a pad or a coating. The polymeric covering may be, for example, rubber, nylon, etc.

The fire pit 10 includes handles 106. The handles 106 may be used to relocate the fire pit 10 in the assembled position. In the examples shown in the Figures, the first end panel 24 and the second end panel 26 may include handles 106. In other examples any one or more of the panels 18 may include the handles 106. In the example shown in the Figures, the handle 106 is a void in the panel 18. Specifically, the void extends through the panel 18 from the outer surface to an inner surface.

As set forth above, the burner assembly 14 includes the top plate 28 and the gas burner 30 supported by the top plate 28. The gas burner 30 may be of any suitable type. The gas burner 30, for example, may provide a decorative flame. The gas burner 30 may be designed to burn gas such as propane, liquified natural gas, etc. The gas burner 30, in some examples, may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,571,117, which is hereby incorporated by reference, and/or any gas burner 30 currently available from Warming Trends, LLC of Englewood, CO, USA. In other examples, the gas burner 30 may be of any suitable type to generate a decorative flame.

The gas burner 30 is supported by the top plate 28, i.e., the weight of the gas burner 30 is borne by the top plate 28 when assembled to the base assembly 16. The gas burner 30 may be fixed to the top plate 28 in any suitable fashion such as, for example, threaded fasteners, brackets, etc.

The burner assembly 14 may include the box 32 that may house at least part of the gas burner 30, fuel lines 34, a gas inlet 36, an ignition, the thermocouple 38, etc. As set forth above, the box 32 encloses at least a portion of the gas burner 30 between the box 32 and the top plate 28. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-14, the box 32 encloses the portion of the gas burner 30 below the top plate 28. The box 32 may also enclose all or a portion of other components of the burner assembly 14 including, for example, fuel lines 34, the inlet 36, the thermocouple 38, the automatic shut-off valve 40, etc., between the box 32 and the top plate 28. The box 32 may include a burner control interface, e.g., knobs, dials, switches, etc., to control the gas flow. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-14, the burner control interface is accessible through the void in the first side panel 20.

The box 32 may be supported by the top plate 28, i.e., the weight of the box 32 is borne by the top plate 28 in the assembled position. The box 32 is fixed relative to the top plate 28, i.e., moves as a unit with the top plate 28. The box 32 may be fixed to the top plate 28 with fasteners, welding, adhesive, bonding, etc. The top plate 28 and the box 32 may be metal. As an example, each of the top plate 28 and the box 32 may be of the same type of metal. As examples, the top plate 28 and the box 32 may be steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, etc. The top plate 28 may be planar and, in such examples, may be elongated in the horizontal plane in the assembled position. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-15, the top plat 28 has a planar top surface 116.

The burner assembly 14, i.e., the top plate 28, the gas burner 30, the box 32, etc., may be a unit, i.e., is assembled to and disassembled from the base assembly 16 as a unit. In the examples shown in the Figures, the burner assembly 14, as a unit, is assembled to the base assembly 16 by resting the top plate 28 on the base assembly 16. When disassembled from the base assembly 16, the top plate 28 can be grasped by a user to lift the burner assembly 14 as a unit, e.g., to assemble the burner assembly 14 as a unit to the base assembly 16. When assembled to the base assembly 16, the top plate 28 can be grasped to lift the burner assembly 14 as a unit to remove the burner assembly 14 from the base assembly 16. The top plate 28 may include cutouts sized to receive hands or fingers of the user to grasp the top plate 28.

The burner assembly 14 may be disposed in the cavity 42 of the base assembly 16 and/or at an end of the cavity 42. In the examples shown in the Figures, the top plate 28 is adjacent to the top end of the cavity 42 and the box 32 is in the cavity 42 below the top plate 28.

The burner assembly 14 is supported by the base assembly 16 in the assembled position, i.e., the weight of the burner assembly 14 is borne by the base assembly 16. The burner assembly 14 designed to be supported by at least one side panel 20, 22 and/or at least one end panel 24, 26. In the assembled position, the burner assembly 14 is supported by at least one side panel 20, 22 and/or at least one end panel 24, 26. Specifically, the top plate 28 of the burner assembly 14 may be supported by one or more of the panels 18 of the base assembly 16. As shown in the examples in the Figures, the top plate 28 is supported by the brackets 54, 56, i.e., the weight of the top plate 28 is borne by the bracket 54, 56. The top plate 28 and/or the panels 18, e.g., the brackets 54, 56 may releasably engage each other, as shown in the examples in the Figures.

At least one of the panels 18 includes a ledge 118 in the cavity 42 that supports the top plate 28. The ledge 118 is designed to be in the cavity 42 and to support the top plate 28 in the assembled position. At least one side panel 20, 22 and/or at least one end panel 24, 26 may include one or more ledges 118 and the burner assembly 14 is supported on the ledges 118.

The ledge 118 is designed (i.e., sized, shaped, positioned) such that the burner assembly 14 is supported on the ledge 118 in the assembled position. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-17, in the assembled position, the burner assembly 14 abuts the ledge 118 and is maintained on the ledge 118 by gravity. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-14, the top plate 28 is insertable into the cavity 42 to removably engage the ledge 118 in the assembled position. In the assembled position, the top plate 28 is disposed in the cavity 42 of the base assembly 16 and an outer periphery 120 of the top plate 28 is adjacent to each of the panels 18 of the base 12. In such examples, gravity maintains the top plate 28 on the ledge 118 and between the panels 18. Since the outer periphery 120 of the top plate 28 is adjacent to each of the panels 18, in the event forces on the panels 18 urge the panels 18 to move relative to each other, the top plate 28 is pinched between the panels 18 and limits relative movement of the panels 18.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-14, each of the brackets 54, 56 include one ledge 118 that abuts the top plate 28 to support the top plate 28. The ledge 118 may be at a top end of the bracket 54, 56. The bracket 54, 56, e.g., the ledge 118, may be designed, i.e., sized, shaped, positioned, have a material type, etc., to support the burner assembly 14 and medium on top of the top plate 28 such as lava rocks, river stones, fire glass, etc. The top plate 28 supports the rest of the burner assembly 14 on the base assembly 16, e.g., on the brackets 54, 56. In other words, the top plate 28 bears the weight of the rest of the burner assembly 14 on the base assembly 16.

A progression showing the assembly of the fire pit 10 of the example of FIGS. 1-14 starts with insertion of the first side panel 20 into one of the channels 74 of the first end panel 24 and insertion of the second side panel 22 into the other of the channels 74 of the first end panel 24. Similarly, the second side panel 22 is inserted into one of the channels 74 of the second end panel 26 and the second side panel 22 is inserted into the other of the channels 74 of the second end panel 26. Specifically, during insertion into the channels 74, the tabs 104 are also aligned with and inserted into the slots 102. Next, the latches 78 are engaged with the respective hooks 94, e.g., by rotating the clasp about the respective hinges. Next, the burner assembly 14 is inserted into the top end of the cavity 42 and rested on the ledges 118.

The top plate 28 is removably engaged with the base 12, e.g., the base assembly 16. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 1-14, the top plate 28 is engaged with the base assembly 16 by vertically abutting the ledges 118 under the force of gravity and being laterally retained by the panels 18. The top plate 28 is removed from the base assembly 16 by lifting the top plate 28 from the ledges 118 against the force of gravity. When the top plate 28 clears the panels 18 and exits the cavity 42 while being lifted, the top plate 28 is disengaged from the base assembly 16.

The brackets 54, 56 on the end panels 24, 26 provide rigidity to the fire pit 10 in the assembled position. As examples, including the examples shown in FIGS. 1-14, the brackets 54, 56 define the channels 74 that receive the flanges 56, 58 of the side panels 20, 22, which interlock the side panels 20, 22 and the end panels 24, 26. In some examples including retainers 44, including the examples shown in FIGS. 1-14, the retainers 44 are engaged with the brackets 54, 56 in the assembled position to pull the end panels 24, 26 and side panels 20, 22 together, e.g., to pull the flanges 56, 58 into the channels 74, to tightly fit the panels 18 to each other. In some examples including the slots 102 and tabs 104, including the examples shown in FIGS. 1-14, the brackets 54, 56 provide interlocking engagement of the slots 102 and the tabs 104 to align the end panels 24, 26 and the side panels 20, 22 and to transmit forces between the end panels 24, 26 and the side panels 20, 22, including vertical forces when the fire pit 10 is lifted in the assembled position. In some examples including the ledges 118 in the cavity 42, including the examples shown in FIGS. 1-14, the brackets 54, 56 provide the ledges 118 that support the top plate 28 in the cavity 42 and, in such examples, the top plate 28 can add rigidity to the panels 18.

In the examples shown in 1-16, the assembled position, the panels 18 have top edges 122. The top edges 122 of the panels 18 are the uppermost surfaces of the fire pit 10. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-16, the top plate 28 is in the cavity 42 between the panels 18 below the top edges 122 of the panels 18. The planar top surface 116 of the top plate 28 is below the top edges 122 of the panels 18. In such examples, the panels 18 and the top plate 28 define a pocket 124 recessed from the top edges 122 of the panels 18. The pocket 124 defines a combustion area in which flames are generated by the burner. The pocket 124 and combustion area is always visible and open to atmosphere when the fire pit 10 is in the assembled position, i.e., visible and open the air surrounding the fire pit 10 and/or media supported on the top plate 28, e.g., lava rocks, river rocks, fire glass, etc. In other words, the pocket 124 and combustion area remains uncovered by other components of the fire pit 10 so that flames remain visible above the fire pit 10 at all times during operation of the fire pit 10.

The fire pit 10 in the assembled position includes a top surface 126. The top surface 126 is the surface of the panels 18 and the top plate 28 visible from a top view of the fire pit 10, i.e., FIG. 5. The top surface 126 includes the top edges 122 of the panel 18 and the planar top surface 116 of the plate. The top surface 126 is planar across the top plate 28, i.e., at the planar top surface 116 of the top plate 28. The planar top surface 116 of the top plate 28 across the top plate 28 is horizontal.

The gas burner 30 is positioned to generate a flame above the top surface 126, e.g., above the planar top surface 116 of the top plate 28. The gas burner 30 is positioned and designed to generate a flame in the pocket 124 with the flame extending upwardly out of the pocket 124. The top surface 126 of fire pit 10 is open at all times. In other words, no other part of the fire pit 10 covers the top surface. The top surface 126 is exposed to atmosphere at all times, i.e., the air surrounding the fire pit 10 and/or media supported on the top plate 28, e.g., lava rocks, river rocks, fire glass, etc., so that flames remain visible above the fire pit 10 at all times during operation of the fire pit 10. The top surface 126 is exterior to cavity 42 at all times and the cavity 42 is below the top surface 126 at all times. Fuel-combustion outlets 130 of jets 128, as described below, are exposed to atmosphere at all times without being covered by another component of the fire pit 10 in the assembled position.

The gas burner 30 generates a flame that is decorative for the purpose of viewing. In other words, the gas burner 30 is a decorative-flame burner. In use, the flame is visible from above at all times and the gas burner 30 may be exposed or may be concealed, entirely or partly, by a substrate, e.g., lava rocks, river rocks, fire glass, etc.

The gas burner 30 includes a jet 128 having a gas passageway and a fuel-combustion outlet 130 open to the gas passageway of the jet 128. The fuel-combustion outlet 130 is above the top surface of the top plate 28. The gas burner 30 includes a nipple 132 having a gas passageway open to the gas passageway of the jet 128.

In some examples, such as in the example in FIGS. 1-14, the gas burner 30 may be partially recessed relative to the top plate 28. In other words, at least part of the gas burner 30 may be below the top plate 28, e.g., recessed below the top plate 28 in the cavity 42. In some examples, including the examples in FIGS. 1-14, the nipple 132 is below the top plate 28. In such examples, the nipples 132 may be in the box 32. In such examples, the top plate 28 has a hole extending through the top surface and the jet 128 extends from the nipple 132, through the hole, to above the planar top surface 116. The holes in the top plate 28 are designed, i.e., sized, shaped, and positioned, to receive the jets 128.

The nipples 132 and jets 128 each define gas passageways, respectively, in communication with each other to deliver fuel from the inlet line to the jet 128. The jet 128 releases the fuel to the atmosphere where the fuel is combusted as a decorative flame. The gas burner 30, including the nipples 132 and jets 128, may be designed to deliver and burn any suitable type of gaseous fuel, including natural gas and propane.

The gas burner 30 is configured to generate a decorative flame that is at least partly yellow and/or orange. As an example, the gas burner 30 may be configured to generate a flame that has a small blue portion at the jet 128 with the remainder of the flame being yellow and/or orange to the tip of the flame. In such an example, the blue portion may be of a minimal size such that the blue portion is not viewable, e.g., may be covered by substrate. As another example, the gas burner 30 may be configured to generate a flame that is all yellow and/or orange, i.e., from the point of combustion at the jet 128 to a tip of the flame distal to the jet 128. Specifically, the gas burner 30 is configured to discharge the fuel from the jet 128 at an air-to-fuel ratio to generate a flame that is at least partly yellow and/or orange. The gas burner 30 is configured to burn a fuel-rich combustion mixture at an air-to-fuel to generate the yellow and/or orange color. Specifically, the fuel-rich combustion mixture generates the yellow and/or orange flame in contrast with a fuel-lean combustion mixture that generates a blue flame. As an example, a blue flame may be used in applications in which the flame is used solely for heat generation, e.g., for heating, cooking, etc., without concern for decorative appearance. The jet 128 may generate a Venturi effect to mix air with the fuel to feed an air-to-fuel ratio at the point of combustion to generate a flame that is yellow and/or orange. For natural gas and propane, for example, the gas burner 30 may be configured to burn at approximately 1000-1200° C. to generate the yellow and/or orange color of the flame.

The gas burner 30 is configured to generate a tall, dancing flame. This is generated, in part, by the flow rate of fuel to the jet 128 and the Venturi effect generated by the jet 128 to discharge the air-fuel combination at a high velocity. In addition, each jet 128 generates a flame and each flame from each jet 128 dances. In other words, the jets 128 are configured to discharge the air/fuel mixture such that the flame fluctuates in width and height during a stable fuel supply rate at an inlet coupling. The flames from the individual jets 128 intermingle and/or combine. In some examples, the flames combine together by swirling based on the aim of the jets 128 relative to each other. The flames from all of the jets 128, in combination, dance. The burner described herein may operate, for example, at 60,000-450,000 BTU. For example, the burner in FIG. 1 may operate at 140,000 BTU. The jets 128 shown in FIG. 1, for example, may each operate at 10,000 BTU. The nipples 132 and jets 128 may be arranged in any suitable shapes to position the jets 128 and aim the jets 128 to generate the tall, dancing flame. The burner may include any suitable number of nipples 132 and jets 128.

The footprint of the gas burner 30 provides, at least in part, the generation of the tall, dancing flame. Specifically, the relative location of the jets 128, at least in part, generates the tall, dancing flame. As an example, the elongation of the nipples 132 along axes, respectively, that are transverse to each other provides the footprint to locate the jets 128 for generation of the tall, dancing flame.

The gas burner 30 may be brass. Specifically, the nipples 132 and the jets 128 may be brass. The brass is corrosion resistant, sustainable, and rust-proof.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the fire pit 10 in which the burner assembly 14 is above the base 12 and engages top edges of the base 12. As an example, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the fire pit 10 includes panels 18 retained by a retainer 44, which in that example is a key hole 142 on one of the panels 18 and a post on an adjacent side of the other of the panels 18. The post, for example, may include a head that retains the post in the key hole 142. The key hole 142 may, for example, include a wide section that receives the head of the post and a narrow section that retains the head of the post in the key hole 142 when the post is disposed in the narrow section. The post may be slidable between the narrow section and the wide section of the key hole 142 to engage and disengage the post 96 from the key hole 142.

In the example shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, sides 136 of the base 12 may be connected to each other by hinges 138 and at least two of the sides 136 may include two segments each connected by a hinge 138. Specifically, all four of the sides 136 remain engaged with each other at the hinges 138 in the folded position and unfolded position. The two segments can fold against each other as the sides 136 are folded to the folded position.

In the examples, in FIGS. 18 and 19, the burner assembly 14 has lips 140 that extend over and engage top edges of the base 12. The gas burner 30 extends downwardly into the cavity 42 of the base 12 when assembled to the base 12. This engagement of the lips 140 over the tope edges of the base 12 maintains the base 12 in the assembled position.

The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

	Number	Date	Country
	63627906	Feb 2024	US
	63494485	Apr 2023	US

PORTABLE FIRE PIT

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Provisional Applications (2)