PORTABLE FIRE ENCLOSURE APPARATUS

Info

Publication number: 20190024902
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 21, 2017
Publication Date: Jan 24, 2019
Inventor: Donald C. Johnson (Woodbury, NJ)
Application Number: 15/656,813

Abstract

An apparatus including a frame component into engagement with a front panel segment, a side panel segment, a rear panel segment, and a roof panel segment to form an enclosure. A rear opening is formed with an overhand portion and an exhaust member, wherein a vertical offset of the rear opening with respect to a front opening is configured to create a draw from a proximate front section to a proximate rear section of said frame component, wherein said draw is operable for pulling smoke or flame towards the rear opening.

Description

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF SEQUENCE LISTING PROVIDED AS A TEXT FILE

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FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection by the author thereof. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure for the purposes of referencing as patent prior art, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE RELEVANT PRIOR ART

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to fire receptacles. More particularly, certain embodiments of the invention relates to portable fireplaces.

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. It is believed that many campers enjoy having a fire. When it rains, maintaining a fire may become difficult. In addition, open fires may enable smoke and/or flames to disperse in all directions and interfere with individuals or items in the campsite.

By way of educational background, an aspect of the related technology generally useful to be aware of is that there are several currently available devices to shield a fire from the rain. Such approaches are typically configured as fire pits which are open on all sides. One may expect that the open sides may allow smoke and flame to escape from any side of the device, particularly when directed by a breeze.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate an exemplary portable fireplace, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front perspective view. FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view. FIG. 1C is an exploded front view, and FIG. 1D is an exploded rear view; and

FIGS. 2A through 2D illustrate an exemplary collapsible wood stove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a front perspective view. FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view. FIG. 2C is an exploded front view, and FIG. 2D is an exploded rear view.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All words of approximation as used in the present disclosure and claims should be construed to mean “approximate,” rather than “perfect,” and may accordingly be employed as a meaningful modifier to any other word, specified parameter, quantity, quality, or concept. Words of approximation, include, yet are not limited to terms such as “substantial”, “nearly”, “almost”, “about”, “generally”, “largely”, “essentially”, “closely approximate”, etc.

As will be established in some detail below, it is well settle law, as early as 1939, that words of approximation are not indefinite in the claims even when such limits are not defined or specified in the specification.

For example, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App. 1941) where the court said “The examiner has held that most of the claims are inaccurate because apparently the laminar film will not be entirely eliminated. The claims specify that the film is “substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.”

Note that claims need only “reasonably apprise those skilled in the art” as to their scope to satisfy the definiteness requirement. See Energy Absorption Sys., Inc. v. Roadway Safety Servs., Inc., Civ. App. 96-1264, slip op. at 10 (Fed. Cir. Jul. 3, 1997) (unpublished) Hybridtech v. Monoclonal Antibodies, Inc., 802 F.2d 1367, 1385, 231 USPQ 81, 94 (Fed. Cir. 1986), cert. denied, 480 U.S. 947 (1987). In addition, the use of modifiers in the claim, like “generally” and “substantial,” does not by itself render the claims indefinite. See Seattle Box Co. v. Industrial Crating & Packing, Inc., 731 F.2d 818, 828-29, 221 USPQ 568, 575-76 (Fed. Cir. 1984).

Moreover, the ordinary and customary meaning of terms like “substantially” includes “reasonably close to: nearly, almost, about”, connoting a term of approximation. See In re Frye, Appeal No. 2009-006013, 94 USPQ2d 1072, 1077, 2010 WL 889747 (B.P.A.I. 2010) Depending on its usage, the word “substantially” can denote either language of approximation or language of magnitude. Deering Precision Instruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1323 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (recognizing the “dual ordinary meaning of th[e] term [”substantially“] as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude”). Here, when referring to the “substantially halfway” limitation, the Specification uses the word “approximately” as a substitute for the word “substantially” (Fact 4). (Fact 4). The ordinary meaning of “substantially halfway” is thus reasonably close to or nearly at the midpoint between the forwardmost point of the upper or outsole and the rearwardmost point of the upper or outsole.

Similarly, the term ‘substantially’ is well recognized in case law to have the dual ordinary meaning of connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude. See Dana Corp. v. American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., Civ. App. 04-1116, 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 18265, *13-14 (Fed. Cir. Aug. 27, 2004) (unpublished). The term “substantially” is commonly used by claim drafters to indicate approximation. See Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (“The patents do not set out any numerical standard by which to determine whether the thickness of the wall surface is ‘substantially uniform.’ The term ‘substantially,’ as used in this context, denotes approximation. Thus, the walls must be of largely or approximately uniform thickness.”); see also Deering Precision Instruments, LLC v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1322 (Fed. Cir. 2003); Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022, 1031 (Fed. Cir. 2002). We find that the term “substantially” was used in just such a manner in the claims of the patents-in-suit: “substantially uniform wall thickness” denotes a wall thickness with approximate uniformity.

It should also be noted that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing clearly limits the scope of claims such as saying ‘generally parallel’ such that the adverb ‘generally’ does not broaden the meaning of parallel. Accordingly, it is well settled that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing (e.g., like the phrase ‘generally parallel’) envisions some amount of deviation from perfection (e.g., not exactly parallel), and that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing are descriptive terms commonly used in patent claims to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter. To the extent that the plain language of the claims relying on such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing are clear and uncontradicted by anything in the written description herein or the figures thereof, it is improper to rely upon the present written description, the figures, or the prosecution history to add limitations to any of the claim of the present invention with respect to such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing. That is, under such circumstances, relying on the written description and prosecution history to reject the ordinary and customary meanings of the words themselves is impermissible. See, for example, Liquid Dynamics Corp. v. Vaughan Co., 355 F.3d 1361, 69 USPQ2d 1595, 1600-01 (Fed. Cir. 2004). The plain language of phrase 2 requires a “substantial helical flow.” The term “substantial” is a meaningful modifier implying “approximate,” rather than “perfect.” In Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE, Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2003), the district court imposed a precise numeric constraint on the term “substantially uniform thickness.” We noted that the proper interpretation of this term was “of largely or approximately uniform thickness” unless something in the prosecution history imposed the “clear and unmistakable disclaimer” needed for narrowing beyond this simple-language interpretation. Id. In Anchor Wall Systems v. Rockwood Retaining Walls, Inc., 340 F.3d 1298, 1311 (Fed. Cir. 2003)” Id. at 1311. Similarly, the plain language of Claim 1 requires neither a perfectly helical flow nor a flow that returns precisely to the center after one rotation (a limitation that arises only as a logical consequence of requiring a perfectly helical flow).

The reader should appreciate that case law generally recognizes a dual ordinary meaning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude; e.g., see Deering Precision Instruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distrib. Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 68 USPQ2d 1716, 1721 (Fed. Cir. 2003), cert. denied, 124 S. Ct. 1426 (2004) where the court was asked to construe the meaning of the term “substantially” in a patent claim. Also see Epcon, 279 F.3d at 1031 (“The phrase ‘substantially constant’ denotes language of approximation, while the phrase ‘substantially below’ signifies language of magnitude, i.e., not insubstantial.”). Also, see, e.g., Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (construing the terms “substantially constant” and “substantially below”); Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. v. Hoffinger Indus., Inc., 206 F.3d 1408 (Fed. Cir. 2000) (construing the term “substantially inward”); York Prods., Inc. v. Cent. Tractor Farm & Family Ctr., 99 F.3d 1568 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially the entire height thereof”); Tex. Instruments Inc. v. Cypress Semiconductor Corp., 90 F.3d 1558 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially in the common plane”). In conducting their analysis, the court instructed to begin with the ordinary meaning of the claim terms to one of ordinary skill in the art. Prima Tek, 318 F.3d at 1148. Reference to dictionaries and our cases indicates that the term “substantially” has numerous ordinary meanings. As the district court stated, “substantially” can mean “significantly” or “considerably.” The term “substantially” can also mean “largely” or “essentially.” Webster's New 20th Century Dictionary 1817 (1983).

Words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, may also be used in phrases establishing approximate ranges or limits, where the end points are inclusive and approximate, not perfect; e.g., see AK Steel Corp. v. Sollac, 344 F.3d 1234, 68 USPQ2d 1280, 1285 (Fed. Cir. 2003) where it where the court said [W]e conclude that the ordinary meaning of the phrase “up to about 10%” includes the “about 10%” endpoint. As pointed out by AK Steel, when an object of the preposition “up to” is nonnumeric, the most natural meaning is to exclude the object (e.g., painting the wall up to the door). On the other hand, as pointed out by Sollac, when the object is a numerical limit, the normal meaning is to include that upper numerical limit (e.g., counting up to ten, seating capacity for up to seven passengers). Because we have here a numerical limit—“about 10%”—the ordinary meaning is that that endpoint is included.

In the present specification and claims, a goal of employment of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, is to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the modified specified parameter, as sanctioned by Pall Corp. v. Micron Separations, Inc., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995) where it states “It is well established that when the term “substantially” serves reasonably to describe the subject matter so that its scope would be understood by persons in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, it is not indefinite.” Likewise see Verve LLC v. Crane Cams Inc., 311 F.3d 1116, 65 USPQ2d 1051, 1054 (Fed. Cir. 2002). Expressions such as “substantially” are used in patent documents when warranted by the nature of the invention, in order to accommodate the minor variations that may be appropriate to secure the invention. Such usage may well satisfy the charge to “particularly point out and distinctly claim” the invention, 35 U.S.C. § 112, and indeed may be necessary in order to provide the inventor with the benefit of his invention. In Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) the court explained that usages such as “substantially equal” and “closely approximate” may serve to describe the invention with precision appropriate to the technology and without intruding on the prior art. The court again explained in Ecolab Inc. v. Envirochem, Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 1367, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001) that “like the term ‘about,’ the term ‘substantially’ is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter,” see Ecolab Inc. v. Envirochem Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001) where the court found that the use of the term “substantially” to modify the term “uniform” does not render this phrase so unclear such that there is no means by which to ascertain the claim scope.

Similarly, other courts have noted that like the term “about,” the term “substantially” is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to “avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter.”; e.g., see Pall Corp. v. Micron Seps., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995); see, e.g., Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) (noting that terms such as “approach each other,” “close to,” “substantially equal,” and “closely approximate” are ubiquitously used in patent claims and that such usages, when serving reasonably to describe the claimed subject matter to those of skill in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, have been accepted in patent examination and upheld by the courts). In this case, “substantially” avoids the strict 100% nonuniformity boundary.

Indeed, the foregoing sanctioning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, has been established as early as 1939, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App. 1941) where, for example, the court said “the claims specify that the film is “substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.” Similarly, In re Hutchison, 104 F.2d 829, 42 USPQ 90, 93 (C.C.P.A. 1939) the court said “It is realized that “substantial distance” is a relative and somewhat indefinite term, or phrase, but terms and phrases of this character are not uncommon in patents in cases where, according to the art involved, the meaning can be determined with reasonable clearness.”

Hence, for at least the forgoing reason, Applicants submit that it is improper for any examiner to hold as indefinite any claims of the present patent that employ any words of approximation.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

References to a “device,” an “apparatus,” a “system,” etc., in the preamble of a claim should be construed broadly to mean “any structure meeting the claim terms” exempt for any specific structure(s)/type(s) that has/(have) been explicitly disavowed or excluded or admitted/implied as prior art in the present specification or incapable of enabling an object/aspect/goal of the invention. Furthermore, where the present specification discloses an object, aspect, function, goal, result, or advantage of the invention that a specific prior art structure and/or method step is similarly capable of performing yet in a very different way, the present invention disclosure is intended to and shall also implicitly include and cover additional corresponding alternative embodiments that are otherwise identical to that explicitly disclosed except that they exclude such prior art structure(s)/step(s), and shall accordingly be deemed as providing sufficient disclosure to support a corresponding negative limitation in a claim claiming such alternative embodiment(s), which exclude such very different prior art structure(s)/step(s) way(s).

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “embodiments of the invention,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every possible embodiment of the invention necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” “an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Moreover, any use of phrases like “embodiments” in connection with “the invention” are never meant to characterize that all embodiments of the invention must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and should instead be understood to mean “at least some embodiments of the invention” includes the stated particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

References to “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, may mean a human or non-human user thereof. Moreover, “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, unless expressly stipulated otherwise, is contemplated to mean users at any stage of the usage process, to include, without limitation, direct user(s), intermediate user(s), indirect user(s), and end user(s). The meaning of “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, should not be otherwise inferred or induced by any pattern(s) of description, embodiments, examples, or referenced prior-art that may (or may not) be provided in the present patent.

References to “end user”, or any similar term, as used herein, is generally intended to mean late stage user(s) as opposed to early stage user(s). Hence, it is contemplated that there may be a multiplicity of different types of “end user” near the end stage of the usage process. Where applicable, especially with respect to distribution channels of embodiments of the invention comprising consumed retail products/services thereof (as opposed to sellers/vendors or Original Equipment Manufacturers), examples of an “end user” may include, without limitation, a “consumer”, “buyer”, “customer”, “purchaser”, “shopper”, “enjoyer”, “viewer”, or individual person or non-human thing benefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, or interaction with, some aspect of the present invention.

In some situations, some embodiments of the present invention may provide beneficial usage to more than one stage or type of usage in the foregoing usage process. In such cases where multiple embodiments targeting various stages of the usage process are described, references to “end user”, or any similar term, as used therein, are generally intended to not include the user that is the furthest removed, in the foregoing usage process, from the final user therein of an embodiment of the present invention.

Where applicable, especially with respect to retail distribution channels of embodiments of the invention, intermediate user(s) may include, without limitation, any individual person or non-human thing benefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, or interaction with, some aspect of the present invention with respect to selling, vending, Original Equipment Manufacturing, marketing, merchandising, distributing, service providing, and the like thereof.

References to “person”, “individual”, “human”, “a party”, “animal”, “creature”, or any similar term, as used herein, even if the context or particular embodiment implies living user, maker, or participant, it should be understood that such characterizations are sole by way of example, and not limitation, in that it is contemplated that any such usage, making, or participation by a living entity in connection with making, using, and/or participating, in any way, with embodiments of the present invention may be substituted by such similar performed by a suitably configured non-living entity, to include, without limitation, automated machines, robots, humanoids, computational systems, information processing systems, artificially intelligent systems, and the like. It is further contemplated that those skilled in the art will readily recognize the practical situations where such living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Likewise, when those skilled in the art identify such practical situations where such living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, it will be readily apparent in light of the teachings of the present invention how to adapt the described embodiments to be suitable for such non-living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the invention is thus to also cover all such modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of such adaptations and modifications, at least in part, for such non-living entities.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/or parameter names are for example only and not meant to imply any limitations on the invention. The invention may thus be implemented with different nomenclature/terminology utilized to describe the mechanisms/units/structures/components/devices/parameters herein, without limitation. Each term utilized herein is to be given its broadest interpretation given the context in which that term is utilized.

Terminology. The following paragraphs provide definitions and/or context for terms found in this disclosure (including the appended claims):

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “A memory controller comprising a system cache . . . ” Such a claim does not foreclose the memory controller from including additional components (e.g., a memory channel unit, a switch).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” or “operable for” is used to connote structure by indicating that the mechanisms/units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry and/or mechanisms) that performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the mechanisms/unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to (or be operable) for perform(ing) the task even when the specified mechanisms/unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The mechanisms/units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” or “operable for” language include hardware—for example, mechanisms, structures, electronics, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a mechanism/unit/circuit/component is “configured to” or “operable for” perform(ing) one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. sctn. 112, sixth paragraph, for that mechanism/unit/circuit/component. “Configured to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process to fabricate devices or components that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While B may be a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing conditions, concentrations, dimensions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending at least upon a specific analytical technique.

The term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is a term of art used in claim language which means that the named claim elements are essential, but other claim elements may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim.

As used herein, the phase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase “consists of” (or variations thereof) appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole. As used herein, the phase “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified elements or method steps, plus those that do not materially affect the basis and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter (see Norian Corp. v Stryker Corp., 363 F.3d 1321, 1331-32, 70 USPQ2d 1508, Fed. Cir. 2004). Moreover, for any claim of the present invention which claims an embodiment “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” a certain set of elements of any herein described embodiment it shall be understood as obvious by those skilled in the art that the present invention also covers all possible varying scope variants of any described embodiment(s) that are each exclusively (i.e., “consisting essentially of”) functional subsets or functional combination thereof such that each of these plurality of exclusive varying scope variants each consists essentially of any functional subset(s) and/or functional combination(s) of any set of elements of any described embodiment(s) to the exclusion of any others not set forth therein. That is, it is contemplated that it will be obvious to those skilled how to create a multiplicity of alternate embodiments of the present invention that simply consisting essentially of a certain functional combination of elements of any described embodiment(s) to the exclusion of any others not set forth therein, and the invention thus covers all such exclusive embodiments as if they were each described herein.

With respect to the terms “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “consisting essentially of,” where one of these three terms is used herein, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter may include the use of either of the other two terms. Thus in some embodiments not otherwise explicitly recited, any instance of “comprising” may be replaced by “consisting of” or, alternatively, by “consisting essentially of”, and thus, for the purposes of claim support and construction for “consisting of” format claims, such replacements operate to create yet other alternative embodiments “consisting essentially of” only the elements recited in the original “comprising” embodiment to the exclusion of all other elements.

Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

An embodiment of the present invention may provide a portable fireplace that may be configured to redirect smoke and flame with a draw similar to a standard fireplace. Some such embodiments may be implemented to be collapsible. Furthermore, some embodiments may be used in various outdoor applications such as, but not limited to, camping, tailgating, fishing, or hunting.

FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate an exemplary portable fireplace, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front perspective view. FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view. FIG. 1C is an exploded front view, and FIG. 1D is an exploded rear view. In the present embodiment, the fireplace may comprise an enclosed area formed by a skin of panels, including, without limitation, a front panel 101, side panels 105, a rear panel 110, and roof panels 115, in which a fire may be built. Referring to FIGS. 1C and 1D, these panels may be engaged with a frame 120. The fireplace may comprise a front opening 125 near the bottom portion of the fireplace where a fire may be built and tended and a rear opening 130 near the top portion of the fireplace where smoke and flame may be exhausted. Front opening 125 is typically positioned lower than rear opening 130 thereby using the rising heat of a fire to create a draw from the front to the back of the fireplace. The difference in height of front opening 125 and rear opening 130 may vary depending on various factors such as, but not limited to, the overall size of the fireplace or the intended application. For example, without limitation, in an average sized fireplace, the front opening may be at least 6 inches lower than the rear opening.

In the present embodiment, the fireplace may be finished by roof panels 115, which may comprise an overhang 135 on the rear side. Roof panels 115 may be configured with a pitch which can vary between 30 to 45 degrees. It is contemplated that the roofs of some alternate embodiments may be pitched at steeper or shallower angles. In the present embodiment, overhang 135 may comprise a horizontal exhaust member 140 which matches the bottom width of overhang 135 so that overhang 135 forms a triangular channel extending from the rear side of the fireplace. Overhang 135 may align with rear opening 130 to redirect a substantial portion of the smoke and flame out the back of the fireplace and away from a user, who would typically be located in front of the fireplace. In some alternate embodiments, a flexible exhaust channel or tube may engage with the rear opening which may enable a user to adjust the direction in which the smoke or flames are released. In the present embodiment, the fireplace may be built in such a way that the fireplace may be disassembled or collapsed into a compact assemblage of elements which may be easily transported and easily reassembled at the desired location. Some alternate embodiments may be made as a permanently assembled unit.

Referring to FIGS. 1C and 1D, in the present embodiment, roof panels 115, side panels 105, rear panel 110, and front panel 101 may be made of sheet steel which can be between 8 to 24 gage depending on the overall weight desired. Some alternate embodiments may use various different fire resistant materials for the panels or as liners for panels made of less fire resistant materials including, without limitation, aluminum sheets, ceramic plates, high-temperature insulation wool, or natural stone. Furthermore, the panels may be made with a thinner or thicker gage in some alternate embodiments. In the present embodiment, frame 120 may be made of square steel tubing that can vary between 6 to 20 gage depending on the finished weight desired. Again, different types of materials may be used for the frame in some alternate embodiments such as, but not limited to, round steel tubing, L or I shaped beams, tubing or beams made from different metals, and tubing with a thinner or thicker gage. In the present embodiment, front panel 101, side panels 105, rear panel 110, and roof panels 115 may engage with frame 120 using keyhole slots 145 formed into each of the panels which may be slid onto fasteners 150 engaged with or formed into frame 120. Fasteners 150 may comprise a sleeve slipped over the shaft of each fastener 150 or a shoulder in the shaft of each fastener 150 to maintain a clearance between the underside of the head of each fastener 150 and frame 120. This clearance may enable the panels to slide between frame 120 and the undersides of the heads of fasteners 150, typically allowing for a firm connection between the panels and frame 120. Roof panels 115 may comprise bent tabs 155 at the top and bottom that may be angled so that roof panels 115 align with each other at the top and align with vertical side panels 105 at the bottom. Keyhole slots 145 in roof panels 115 enable roof panels 115 to be attached to fasteners 150 on frame 120. In addition, keyhole slots 160 on the bottom tabs 155 may align with keyhole slots 145 in the top edge of each side panel 105 to typically enable fasteners 150 at the top horizontal members of frame 120 to connect both side panels 105 and roof panels 115 to frame 120. The top tabs 155 may comprise corresponding holes 165 to typically enable the top portions of roof panels 115 to be connected by fasteners 170 where the top tabs 155 overlap. It is contemplated that various different attachment means may be used for fasteners 170 including, without limitation, machine screws with wing nuts or bolts and hex nuts. Horizontal exhaust member 140 may slip over the bottom edges of overhanging 135 by means of a bent tab 175 on either end matching the desired pitch of roof panels 115. The connections used in the present embodiment may facilitate easy assembly and disassembly of the fireplace. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that alternate embodiments may be assembled using a multiplicity of suitable connecting means including without limitation, screws or bolts secured into holes in the panels and the frame, channels formed into the frame into which the panels may be slid, clips, or dowel pins.

In the present embodiment, the horizontal width of side panels 105 and rear panel 110 may vary between 24 to 40 inches with all sides having the same width so that the assembled fireplace has a base which is substantially square in nature. The height of side panels 105 and rear panel 110 may be 125% to 140% the width, which may permit easy access to the interior of the fireplace to maintain the fire. Front panel 101 typically matches the horizontal width of side panels 105 and rear panel 110 and may comprise vertical side edges of 6 to 12 inches in length and a top portion that matches the pitch of roof panels 115. The dimensions of frame 120 may correspond to the dimensions of the panels. Alternate embodiments may comprise a multiplicity of suitable dimensions. For example, without limitation, some embodiments may be scaled up or down to provide larger or smaller fireplaces. In addition, some alternate embodiments may be implemented with bases that are not square in shape such as, but not limited to rectangular bases or triangular bases. In the present embodiment, an optional fire basket 180 with wrought iron legs or legs of various other materials may be provided for the interior of the fireplace. The width and depth of fire basket 180 may be slightly smaller than the dimensions of the fireplace to typically allow fire basket 180 to fit inside the fireplace.

In typical use of the present embodiment, a user may assemble the fireplace under or near a tarp, canopy, lean-to, or other type of shelter that may protect the user from rain or other elements such as, but not limited to, snow or wind. The fireplace may be positioned so that front opening 125 faces the inside of the shelter and rear opening 130 is pointed away from the shelter. When a fire is built inside the fireplace, the vertical offset of rear opening 130 with respect to front opening 125 typically creates a draw from the front to the back of the fireplace to pull smoke and/or flames towards rear opening 130. This typically redirects flames and/or smoke away from the shelter so that a fire can be more safely had under that covering.

FIGS. 2A through 2D illustrate an exemplary collapsible wood stove, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a front perspective view. FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view. FIG. 2C is an exploded front view, and FIG. 2D is an exploded rear view. In the present embodiment, the wood stove comprises a flat roof 201 rather than sloping roof pieces. Roof 201 may comprise flanges 205 extending downward which may slide over and engage with the top portion of the fireplace. Flanges 205 may comprise slots 210 that may slide over protruding fasteners 215 in a frame 220. In some alternate embodiments, the flanges may not reach the fasteners in the frame and may be implemented without slots. In the present embodiment, A vent adapter 225 may extend upward from roof 201 to which an exhaust port may be connected. A glass or metal hinged door 230 may engage with the front portion of frame 220 by connection means such as, but not limited to, knurled fasteners to enclose a front opening of the stove. Additional cross members 235 on the front of frame 220 may help to support door 230. Front panels 240 may engage with cross members 235 to cover the front of the stove above and below door 230. Front panels 240 may engage with frame 220 using keyhole slots and protruding fasteners similar to those described in the foregoing or by various different connection means such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, channels, or clips. Vent holes 245 may be provided in side panels 250 to typically allow for air to flow to the fire when door 230 is closed. Sliding covers 255 may be located over each set of vent holes 245 to adjust the amount of air allowed into the stove. Referring to FIG. 2A, sliding covers 245 may be engaged with side panel 250 so that covers 255 may slide back and forth by slots 260 and protruding fasteners 265. An optional fire basket 270 may be placed inside the stove if a fire ring is not available.

In typical use of the present embodiment, the stove may completely enclose a fire so that the stove may be used inside a wall tent, other types of tents, yurts, or other shelters. An exhaust pipe may be engaged with vent adapter 225 to connect to exhaust smoke from the inside of the shelter. Some stove type embodiments may comprise grates, mesh or other means in the roof that may enable a user to prepare food or drinks on the stove.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC § 112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC § 112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a “mean for” claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of “mean for” claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC § 112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3^rdparties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.

Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC § 112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC § 112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a portable fireplace according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the fireplace may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the fireplaces described in the foregoing were principally directed to temporary outdoor implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to more permanent applications such as, but not limited to, in a garage or barn, on a deck or porch, or in a picnic shelter, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. That is, the Abstract is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify any key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims.

The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a frame component;

a front panel segment into engagement with a proximate front section of said frame component;

a front opening disposed proximately below said front panel segment;

a side panel segment, in which said side panel segment comprises at least two side panels into engagement with side sections of said frame component;

a rear panel segment into engagement with a proximate rear section of said frame component; and

a roof panel segment into engagement with a proximate top section of said frame component;

2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which said frame component comprises at least a generally square or a generally round steel tubing that varies proximately between 6 to 20 gages.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, in which each panel comprises at least a plurality of keyhole slots.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, in which said frame component further comprises at least a plurality of fastener implements.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a sleeve implement slipped over a shaft of each fastener implement, wherein said sleeve implement is configured to maintain a clearance between an underside of a head of each fastener implement and said frame component, and wherein said clearance is configured to enable said panels to slide between said frame component and said underside of said head of each fastener implement, to typically allow for a firm connection between said panels and said frame component.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising;

a fire basket implement having wrought iron legs;

an overhang portion of said roof panel segment disposed on said rear section;

an exhaust member disposed on a proximate bottom of said overhang portion; and

a rear opening formed with said overhand portion and said horizontal exhaust member, wherein said rear opening is configured to exhaust smoke or flame.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

a vent adapter extending upward from said roof panel segment;

a door comprising a glass or metal hinged door disposed in said front opening;

a vent hole disposed in said side panel segment, wherein said vent hole is operable for allowing air to flow to the fire when said door is closed; and

a sliding cover implement disposed over said vent hole.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least a plurality of top tabs with corresponding holes that is configured to typically enable a top portion of said roof panel to be connected by fasteners where said plurality of top tabs overlap.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising of an adapter implement that is configured to connect to a vent that is operable for exhausting smoke.

10. An apparatus comprising:

means for enclosing at least a fire or smoke;

means for engaging said at least fire or smoke enclosing means;

means for accessing a tending or buildup of said at least fire or smoke at a front section of said enclosing means;

means for venting said fire or smoke;

means for creating a heated cooking surface; and

means for allowing a portability of said apparatus to a desired location.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising means for connecting to a vent that will exhaust smoke from an inside of a tent where said apparatus is disposed.

12. An apparatus comprising:

a frame component;

a front panel constituent into engagement with a proximate front section of said frame component;

a front opening disposed proximately below said front panel;

a side panel constituent, in which said side panel constituent comprises at least two side panels into engagement with side sections of said frame component;

a rear panel constituent into engagement with a proximate rear section of said frame component;

a roof panel constituent into engagement with a top section of said frame component;

an overhang portion of said roof panel constituent disposed on said rear section;

an exhaust member disposed on a proximate bottom of said overhang portion;

a rear opening formed with said overhand portion and said horizontal exhaust member, wherein said rear opening is configured to exhaust smoke or flame.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, in which said frame component comprises at least a generally square or a generally round steel tubing that varies proximately between 6 to 20 gages.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising at least a plurality of top tabs with corresponding holes that is configured to typically enable a top portion of said roof panel to be connected by fasteners where said plurality of top tabs overlap.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, in which each panel comprises at least a plurality of keyhole slots.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, in which said frame component further comprises at least a plurality of fastener implements.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a sleeve implement slipped over a shaft of each fastener implement, wherein said sleeve implement is configured to maintain a clearance between an underside of a head of each fastener implement and said frame component, and wherein said clearance is configured to enable said panels to slide between said frame component and said underside of said head of each fastener implement, to typically allow for a firm connection between said panels and said frame component.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a fire basket implement having wrought iron legs.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, in which said apparatus is a portable fireplace.

20. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising of an adapter implement that is configured to connect to a vent that is operable for exhausting smoke.