Patent Application
20240369227
The present invention relates to a table. More specifically, the present invention relates to a table incorporating a gas fire pit underneath an insulated table top.
Individuals desire indoor or outdoor living spaces to have functional heating and pleasing ambiance. Typically, the individuals prefer to have fire pit tables or table fire pits, which feature a built-in fire pit. Several fire pit tables have been disclosed in the past. One such example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 11,774,110, entitled “Fire pit table top accessory” (“the '110 Patent”). The '110 Patent discloses a table accessory for use with a fire pit. The table accessory may be supported by a fire pit for use as a table, for supporting a storage cover, or, when the fire pit is in use, may be moved below the fire pit for use as a heat shield. A plurality of accessory legs extend from the lower surface of the body. The terminal ends of the accessory legs are configured to be received on a top panel of the fire pit. A fire pit stand has a plurality of fire pit legs for supporting the fire pit. The fire pit legs define a fire pit leg height. The height of the table accessory is less than the fire pit leg height for facilitating locating the table accessory under the fire pit chamber of the fire pit for use of the table accessory as a heat shield.
Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Publication No. 20230151967, entitled “Heat deflector” (“the '967 Publication”). The '967 Publication discloses a heat deflector that includes a first portion having a first outer edge and a center and a first surface extending from the first outer edge to the center of the first portion. The first surface sloping downward from the first outer edge toward the center of the first portion. The heat deflector further includes a second portion having an inner edge and an outer edge. The inner edge of the second portion is adjacent to the first outer edge of the first portion. The heat deflector further includes a third portion having a third outer edge and a third inner edge and a second surface extending from the third outer edge of the third portion to the third inner edge of the third portion. The second surface sloping downward from the third outer edge of the third portion to the third inner edge of the third portion.
Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Publication No. 20230296254, entitled “Fire pit heat deflector” (“the '254 Publication”). The '254 Publication discloses a heat deflector for use with a fire pit has at least one heat deflector panel, and a support structure engaged with the at least one heat deflector panel and supporting the at least one heat deflector panel in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the fire pit.
Although the above discussed fire pit tables are useful, they have few drawbacks. For instance, the fire pit tables pose a risk of heat transfer to the table top surface. This results in the table top becoming hot, posing a safety hazard for users and limits the usability of the table.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a table incorporating a gas fire pit underneath an insulated wood top.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique table fire pit design that integrates an open fire pit beneath an insulated table top.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a table fire pit that provides heat for the people around it and offers a nice ambiance.
In order to achieve one or more objects, the present invention provides a table fire pit that integrates a fire pit beneath an insulated table top. The table gas includes a base frame, upstanding frames extending from the base frame, and a top frame at a top of the upstanding frames. The top frame defines a pan receiving area at the top frame for receiving a pan holding heating elements. The heating elements include a gas-driven flame or coil or any other means. The table fire pit includes arms extending from the top frame. Further, the arms connect to a table top such that the pan positions underneath the table top. The heating elements are ignited in the pan, creating a controlled open flame below the table top that generates warmth and ambiance without transferring heat to the table top.
In one aspect, the arms extend at an angle offset from the top frame to avoid the fire in the pan. Optionally, each arm is provided in a step-like configuration in which the arm includes a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section extends perpendicularly from the top frame. The second section extends outwardly at an angle from the first section. Further, the third section extends from the second section upwardly and parallel to the first section to support the table top. The length of the arms is selected to position the table top at a desired height from the top frame. The height defines an area provided for the flame underneath the table top.
The base frame, the upstanding frames and the top frame form a base of the table fire pit. The base can come in different shapes and sizes. For example, the base can come in a round, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, cylindrical, irregular shape, etc. Further, the table top can come in a variety of shapes, sizes and thickness depending on the need. The table top can come in round, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, hexagonal, octagonal, wave pattern, irregular shape, etc. The shape of the base and the table top can be interchanged for use as an oval coffee table, dining table, smaller end table, hexagonal table, square table, rectangular table, etc. depending on the need.
In another aspect, the base includes a fire protective member or a flame containing structure. The fire protective member indicates a frame/structure raised from the top frame for placing heating elements such that flame/fire is controlled within the fire protective member. The fire protective member is made of a fireproof material such as a fireproof glass or fiberglass or metal or combination thereof. A transparent fire protective member is provided to present an aesthetic appeal when the fire is set underneath the table top. The fire protective member positions underneath the table top and acts as a safety glass preventing the fire from spreading out. Further, the fire protective member acts a wind guard/protective layer between the flame and potential wind, pets, or debris.
In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the bottom surface of the table top is coated with an insulated material. This allows for an open flame below without transferring heat to the table top. The unique design of the table fire pit ensures that the heat from the flame is deflected and distributed around, providing warmth to individuals nearby while maintaining safety and comfort. The flame contributes to both heat and ambiance.
In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the top frame defines the pan receiving area for receiving the pan holding and igniting the heating elements. The flame can be controlled within the pan using a mechanical means of increasing or decreasing the gas supply to the flame. The mechanical means may include a control panel operated by the user to control the gas supply to the flame. After use, the pan can be cleaned and put back in the pan receiving area for subsequent usage.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from review of the following specification and the accompanying drawings.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed table fire pit. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed table fire pit.
In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the subject matter preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present subject matter encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.
Although the present subject matter describes a table fire pit, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the table fire pit. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this subject matter.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter.
Various features and embodiments of a table fire pit are explained in conjunction with the description of
In one embodiment, top frame 24 provides a pan receiving area 28. Pan receiving area 28 indicates an area for placing a pan 25. Pan 25 is made of metal or fire resistive material. Pan 25 comes in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need. Considering base frame 20 and top frame 24 to be square, then pan 25 comes in square shape with suitable depth for holding heating elements 14. The size of pan 25 is adjustable depending on the need or type of heating elements 14 used for lighting/igniting fire 16. In one example, heating elements 14 include gas-driven flame members, electric coil, electric heating members, etc. In another example, heating elements 14 include a gas-driven flame member operated by a propane tank or similar gas source contained for heating up heating element 14 within table fire pit 12. The gas supplied is controlled using a mechanical means such as a control panel (not shown). The control panel is used to increase or decrease the gas supply to the flame.
Further, table fire pit 12 encompasses arms 30. Arms 30 are made of suitable material. Arms 30 are fireproof and insulated, and have suitable strength. Arms 30 comes in cylindrical configuration or square tubing configuration. Arms 30 extend from top frame 24. In one example, table fire pit 12 includes at least two arms 30. In another example, table fire pit 12 includes four two arms 30, as shown in at least
Table fire pit 12 includes a table top 38. Table top 38 comes in a flat configuration and rests over arms 30. Here, the length of arms 30 is selected to position table top 38 at a suitable height from top frame 24. In one example, table top 38 comes in a square configuration. Optionally, table top 38 comes in a rectangular, triangular, oval, hexagon, octagon configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present embodiment is presented to illustrate a square base and a square table top and that the illustration should not be construed in limited sense. Table top 38 has a top surface 40 and a bottom surface 42. Top surface 40 faces an open top and bottom surface 42 faces top frame 24 and/or pan receiving area 28. In one example, table top 38 has flat edges at both sides. In one example, table top 38 has contour edges. In one example, table top 38 has curved edges. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, table top 38 is made of insulated wood. Optionally, table top 38 is made of metal or any other suitable material. In one example, table top 38 is made of ceramic material and provides a tile sitting on top of arms 30. In one embodiment, bottom surface 42 of table top 38 is coated with an insulated material.
In use, heating elements 14 are placed in pan 25 and ignited to generate flame 16, as shown in
Further,
Table fire pit 102 includes a table top 118. Table top 118 comes in a flat configuration and rests over arms 116. Table top 118 has a top surface 120 and a bottom surface 119. In one embodiment, table top 118 is made of insulated material. In another embodiment, bottom surface 42 of table top 38 is coated with an insulated material.
In the present embodiment, top frame 108 includes a fire protective member or a flame containing structure 122. Fire protective member 122 indicates a frame/structure raised from top frame 108 for placing heating elements 114 such that flame/fire 112 is controlled within fire protective member 122. In one example, fire protective member 122 is made of a fireproof glass or fiberglass to present an aesthetic appeal while fire 112 is set (as shown in
Further, table fire pit 200 encompasses arms 212. Arms 212 extend from top frame 206. Here, arms 212 come in square tubing configuration and extend outwardly at an angle from top frame 206, similar to arms 116, as explained above. Further, table fire pit 200 includes a table top 214. Table top 214 comes in a flat rectangular configuration and rests over arms 212. As can be seen, table top 214 has the same or substantially same surface area to that of base frame 202. The extended base frame 202 prevents rectangular table top 214 from tipping over when weight is put on the edges of table top 214. Table top 214 has a top surface 216 and a bottom surface. In one embodiment, the bottom surface of table top 214 is coated with an insulated material. In another embodiment, table top 214 is made of insulated material. The present embodiment is shown to illustrate table top 214 in a rectangular configuration, such that table fire pit 200 usage can be extended as a dining table, for example.
Further, table fire pit 300 encompasses arms 308. Arms 308 extend from top frame 306. Here, arms 308 come in square tubing or cylindrical configuration and extend outwardly at an angle from top frame 306, similar to arms 116, as explained above. Further, table fire pit 300 includes a table top 310. Table top 310 comes in a flat configuration and rests over arms 308. Table top 310 has a top surface 312 and a bottom surface. In one embodiment, the bottom surface of table top 310 is coated with an insulated material. In another embodiment, table top 310 is made of insulated material. The present embodiment is shown to illustrate table top 310 in a circular or round configuration, such that table fire pit 300 can be used as a decorating table, for example. However, table top 310 can be provided in a variety of shapes such as oval, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagon, octagon, or any other shape for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of table fire pit 300, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Table fire pit 400 includes a table top 412. Table top 412 comes in a square, flat configuration and rests over arms 410. At the top, table top 412 has a tile 414. Tile 414 is removably placed over table top 412. Tile 414 is made of fabric, paper, metal, ceramic, wood with an epoxy inlay, or any other suitable material. Tile 414 helps to change the aesthetic appeal of table fire pit 400 for a variety of occasions, depending on the need. Further, table top 412 has a bottom surface 416. In one embodiment, bottom surface 416 of table top 412 is coated with an insulated material. The present embodiment is shown to illustrate table top 412 having a removable tile 414 at the top. Table fire pit 400 operates similar to table fire pit 12, as explained above. Here, tile 414 acts as a top most layer on the table surface. Optionally, table top 412 is made of cement board and can be used as an underlayment for tile 414.
In one example, upstanding frames 704 form an enclosure with a door 716 for providing access to an interior portion of the enclosure. The enclosure can be used to goods such as wine bottles, food, household items, etc. Door 716 encompasses a handle 718 at the front. Handle 718 helps to open or close door 716 for accessing the interior portion.
The presently disclosed table fire pit provides several advantages over the prior art. The table fire pit presents a unique table design that combines a gas fire pit positioned below an insulated table top (made of wooden, metal or any other suitable material) for warmth and ambiance. The unique configuration allows the open flame to radiate heat without transferring excessive temperature to the table top. The insulated table top remains cool and usable for placing drinks, food, or other objects, while offering the benefits of a fire pit and a functional table. The table fire pit can be utilized in various environments, including residential patios, restaurants, or outdoors.
A person skilled in the art appreciates that the table fire pit can come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed table fire pit.
In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present subject matter. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject matter.
In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the subject matter, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and subject matter disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed subject matter.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/847,910, filed Jul. 28, 2022; which is incorporated herein in its entirety and referenced thereto.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 29847910 | Jul 2022 | US |
| Child | 18776787 | US |
