Heat-Reflective Campfire Shield

Abstract

A campfire shield provides a heat-reflective, windproof, insulated, flexible shield that may be positioned around a campfire by means of stakes. In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for a barrier that reflects and retains a campfire's heat while also blocking the wind around the campfire.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/572,813 filed on Oct. 24, 2017, the disclosure of which, including any materials incorporated by reference therein, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a camping accessory. More particularly, the present invention concerns a campfire shield.

BACKGROUND

Many persons enjoy camping, particularly while sitting around a campfire. However, campfires require open spaces, and as such, often a chill wind can blow on the camper's backs while they are huddled around the fire. Additionally, the heat from the fire is lost to these open areas. As such, while the fire warms their faces and the fronts of their bodies, the heat dissipates too quickly, especially when there is a cold wind blowing on their backs. What is needed therefore is a semi-circular campfire shield that reflects the heat back on the campers while simultaneously blocking the wind.

Attempts have been made, although unsuccessfully, to solve this problem. One illustrative attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,387, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, which generally discloses a circular campfire shield that can roll and unroll for storage. While this disclosure does generally provide for a heat shield, it fails to adequately provide for an easy-to-use modular setup and a workable semicircular arrangement.

Another attempt to meet this need can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,792, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, which generally discloses a large portable barrier complete with gate. While this disclosure does provide for some wind-shielding, its open configuration does little to retain or reflect heat.

Another attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,355, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, which generally discloses another portable barrier system. While this one is conveniently designed to fit into a backpack, it suffers from the same deficiencies in heat reflection and retention.

As can be seen, various attempts have been made to solve the problems which may be found in the related art but have been unsuccessful. A need exists for a new heat-Reflective campfire shield to avoid the challenges and problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that in the present disclosure, all embodiments are provided as illustrative and non-limiting representatives of many possible embodiments. In addition, the terms “is,” “can,” “will,” and the like are herein used as synonyms for and interchangeable with terms such as “may,” “may provide for,” and “it is contemplated that the present invention may” and so forth.

Furthermore, all elements listed by name, such as a panel, reflector, post, etc., are herein meant to include or encompass all equivalents for such elements. For example, in addition to a “panel,” any wind or heat barrier such as a flap or blanket is also contemplated by the present invention. Such equivalents are contemplated for each element named in its particular herein.

For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention are provided herein. It is to be understood that not all such aspects, advantages, or novel features may be provided in any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one aspect, advantage, or novel feature or group of features without achieving all aspects, advantages, or novel features as may be taught or suggested.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known art, the present invention provides a novel solution for retaining and enjoying a campfire's heat. The general purpose of the present invention, which shall be described subsequently in greater detail, is to enable a user to simultaneously shield out wind and shield in heat from a campfire. The features of the invention are believed to be novel and to have been particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawing and detailed description.

The present invention comprises a heat-reflective campfire shield. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a multi-use standalone barrier that may be used around a campfire to reduce radiant heat loss from the fire, protect users from the wind, and provide users with added privacy. The present invention may be set up around a fire and seating areas and may retain the heat, radiate the fire's warmth onto the backs of those seated around the fire, and block out the wind that chills their backs.

In some embodiments, the present invention may comprise a flexible heat and wind shield barrier (collectively “shield” comprised of one or more “barrier segments”) that may be insulated on one or more sides, windproof, heat-reflecting or heat-reflective on one or more sides, and one to three hundred feet long. In some embodiments, the heat-reflective campfire shield may be forty-five feet long, and one to fifty feet tall, or in some embodiments four feet tall. Any length, height, weight, or width of the present invention is contemplated.

In some embodiments, the present invention's barrier segments, and the barrier collectively may resemble a tarp, blanket, or other similar flexible material. In some embodiments, one or more barrier segments may comprise a windproof, heat-reflecting and heat-insulating tarp or barrier. At least one segment may be joined to another segment via any temporary or permanent fastening element, such as a button, zipper, hook and loop, magnetic clasp or pairings, carabiner and loop, latch bolt, or any other element of joining and unjoining known in the art.

In some embodiments, the various barrier segments may not be of uniform size. It is contemplated that one or more segments may be larger, smaller, thicker, thinner, taller, shorter, of a different shape, made of a different material, have different cutout or porthole elements, provide for different numbers of pockets in different configurations, weigh more or less, or connect differently to stakes than another barrier segment.

In some embodiments, the present invention may be configured as a single row of barrier segments, generally arranged in an arc, but in some embodiments one or more branching or connected rows of barrier segments may be provided. In such embodiments, any configuration of barrier segments, such as but not limited to a cross, an “m,” two arcs connected back to back (arc to arc), and so forth are also contemplated. Moreover, although generally contemplated to be configured to connect side to side, one or more barrier segments may be configured to be stackably connected, or to be connected vertically. In some embodiments, the various barrier segments may not be of uniform size.

The present invention may further comprise one or more sleeves or loops (collectively, “stake holders”) fixedly connected to one or more barrier segments. The stake holders may be configured to removably retain one or more stakes or other comparable anchoring element, such as but not limited to poles, nails, hooks, and so forth. The stake holders may be used to keep the shield/barrier element upright when the stakes are driven into the ground. The one or more stakes may have stake head drivers or pointed portions for piercing the ground when the stake is driven, either by hand or via tool, into the ground.

The present invention may also provide for one or more pockets on each end of the shield/barrier element for holding items such as cooking utensils, flashlights, or other accessories, which may be needed when sitting around a campfire, or at any time. Any manner of pocket, pouch, sheath, sleeve, and so forth is contemplated, even such as may be configured to retain or even charge a mobile device. As such, the present invention may provide for one or more solar or batter powered and/or wired elements. The present invention may be set up around a fire and seating areas and may retain the heat, radiate the fire's warmth onto the backs of those seated around the fire, and block out the wind that chills their backs.

It is contemplated that the present invention may be used one or more persons to shield a single campfire. However, in some embodiments, the present invention may be configured to shield many persons and many campfires, such as at a concert or event. Therefore, in all, the present invention may weigh anywhere from one ounce to ten thousand pounds, and in some embodiments, may weigh approximately twenty pounds.

The unique features of this product will provide the following benefits for consumers everywhere: it may provide a portable, lightweight, flexible shield that is easy to set up, durable, waterproof, mold and mildew resistant; it may act as a barrier to the wind, it may reflect the heat from the fire onto the backs of those seated around the fire, keeping their bodies at a more comfortable temperature; and it may provide a privacy barrier for those seated around a fire.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in terms of the components and configurations, it is understood to that the invention is not intended to be limited to those dimensions or configurations but is to be accorded the full breadth and scope of the spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a heat-reflective campfire shield in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of a heat-reflective campfire shield in use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of at least one element of a heat-reflective campfire shield in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an element of a heat-reflective campfire shield in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a new and more effective heat-reflective camping shield.

All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in these Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions and proportions of any embodiment or element of an embodiment disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by its intended use.

It is to be understood that the drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate potential embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. In addition, the first digit of each reference number indicates the figure where the element first appears.

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Well-known features, elements or techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments.

Turning attention to FIG. 1, a top perspective view of a heat-reflective campfire shield in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive heat-reflective campfire shield 100, barrier segment 101, barrier segment first side 102, barrier segment second side 103, stake 104, stake head driver 105, stake holder 106, and pocket 107.

As discussed above and known by those of skill in the art, although shown in an arc in FIG. 1, heat-reflective campfire shield 100 may be configured in any shape or configuration. In addition to the arc of FIG. 1, for example, heat-reflective campfire shield 100 may be configured in a “U”, three sides at right angles to each other, a “v,” and so forth.

In some embodiments, heat-reflective campfire shield 100 may be configured as a single row of barrier segments 101, generally arranged in an arc, but in some embodiments one or more branching or connected rows of barrier segments 101 may be provided. In such embodiments, any configuration of barrier segments 101, such as but not limited to a cross, an “m,” two arcs connected back to back (arc to arc), and so forth are also contemplated and may shape heat-reflective campfire shield 100. Moreover, although generally contemplated to be configured to connect side to side, one or more barrier segments 101 may be configured to be stackably connected, or to be connected vertically. In some embodiments, the various barrier segments 101 may not be of uniform size, thereby potentially making heat-reflective campfire shield 100 configured in an irregular shape.

In some embodiments, barrier segment 101 may be comprised of any material known in the art, such as any plastic, nylon, metal, any bioplastic, any natural fiber, any synthetic fiber, wood, or a combination of materials, such as a layer of plastic intermittently disposed on nylon. Moreover, in some embodiments, barrier segment 101 may be configured to be easily rolled up and stored within at least one carrying bag (not shown). Barrier segment 101 may be configured to be folded, wadded, or otherwise stuffed or inserted into the at least one carrying bag. In some embodiments, barrier segment 101 may resemble a tarp, blanket, or other similar flexible material. In some embodiments, barrier segment 101 may comprise a windproof, heat-reflecting and heat-insulating tarp or barrier unit that may be joined to another barrier segment 101 via any temporary or permanent fastening element, such as a button, zipper, hook and loop, magnetic clasp or pairings, carabiner and loop, latch bolt, or any other element of joining and unjoining known in the art (none shown). In some embodiments, stake holder 106 may serve to connect two or more barrier segments 101.

In some embodiments, at least one barrier segment 101 may differ in properties from at least one barrier segment 101. Consequently, in some embodiments, barrier segment 101 may not be of uniform size. It is contemplated that one or more barrier segments 101 may be larger, smaller, thicker, thinner, taller, shorter, of a different shape, made of a different material, have different cutout or porthole elements, provide for different numbers of pockets in different configurations, weigh more or less, or connect differently to stakes than another barrier segment 101.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of barrier segment 101, or a configuration of barrier segment 101, may provide for one or more cutout sections (not shown) that may provide for one or more clear plastic or glass elements, wherein users may see through barrier segment 101 and perceive their environment while also enjoying a fire. In some embodiments, the cutout sections may be configured to be opened and closed, using any fastening element discussed herein or known in the art, so as to provide the user with the ability to open or close a portion of barrier segment 101 to free-flowing air. Such embodiments may be referred-to herein as “portholes,” closeable openings, or other such terminology. It is contemplated that the one or more portholes may be of any size or shape known in the art, such as but not limited to squares, circles, or rectangles, and may have any number of rotatable attachment elements to the one or more barrier segments 101, such as but not limited to a hinge or hinged connection, a flexible flap connection, a sliding configuration, or other such moveable configurations.

Remaining with FIG. 1, barrier segments 101 may comprise, at least, barrier segment first side 102 and barrier segment second side 103. Either or both of barrier segment first side 102 and barrier segment second side 103 may comprise one or more wind shield layers or wind-shielding elements, one or more heat-reflective layers or heat-reflecting elements, one or more heat-retaining layers or elements, one or more cold-retaining layers or elements, one or more layers of insulation, one or more mylar layers or elements, one or more thermal reflective aluminum layers or elements, one or more ecofoil layers or elements, polyester fibers, down plumules, or foam cell walls, one or more solar cells and related circuitry or wiring elements, one or more illumination elements, and any other element known in the camping arts to be associated with a campfire barrier.

As may be understood by those of skill in the art, either of barrier segment first side 102 and barrier segment second side 103 may comprise the outside or the inside of a barrier segment 101, or collectively, of heat-reflective camping shield 100.

The present invention may further comprise at least one stake 104, stake head driver 105, and stake holder 106. Stake 104 may be of any material known in the art, such as but not limited to plastic, metal or wood. Relatedly, stake head driver 105 may be of any material, such as plastic, metal or wood, and may be of any shape, such as pointed or having a pointed portion for piercing the ground when the stake is driven, either by hand or via tool, into the ground.

Moreover, stake holder 106 may comprise one or more sleeves or loops fixedly connected to one or more sides of one or more barrier segments 101. Stake holder 106 may be configured to removably retain at least one stake 104 or other comparable anchoring element, such as but not limited to poles, nails, hooks, and so forth. Stake holder 106 may be used to keep the one or more barrier segments 101 upright when one or more stakes 104 are driven into the ground. In some embodiments, one or more stakes 104 may have two or more stake head drivers 105.

The present invention may also provide for one or more pockets 107 on any side of one or more one or more barrier segments 101. Pockets 107 may be configured to removably contain items such as cooking utensils, flashlights, or other accessories, which may be needed when sitting around a campfire, or at any time. Pockets 107 may comprise any manner of pocket, pouch, sheath, sleeve, and so forth, even such as may be configured to retain or even charge a mobile device. As such, the present invention may provide for one or more solar or batter powered and/or wired elements (not shown).

With respect to FIG. 2, a top perspective view of a heat-reflective campfire shield in use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive campfire 201 and occupancy area 202, as well as barrier segment 101, barrier segment first side 102, barrier segment second side 103, stake 104, stake head driver 105, stake holder 106, and pocket 107.

It is contemplated that heat-reflective camping shield 100 may be used one or more persons in an occupancy area 202 to shield a single campfire 201. However, in some embodiments, the present invention may be configured to shield many persons, potentially in many occupancy areas 202, around many campfires 201, such as at a concert or event. Therefore, in all, the present invention may weigh anywhere from one ounce to ten thousand pounds, and in some embodiments, may weigh approximately twenty pounds.

As a viewer may generally discern from FIG. 2, in some embodiments heat-reflective camping shield 100 may be set up in an arc of connected barrier segments 101, one or more of which that may be held in place by one or more stakes 104 held within one or more stake holders 106 and driven into the ground, that may retain reflect heat from the campfire 201 back into occupancy area 202 via one or more heat-reflecting layers or elements disposed on barrier segment first side 102 and may deflect the wind via a wind-deflecting layer or element disposed n barrier segment second side 103.

With regards to FIG. 3, a perspective view of at least one element of a heat-reflective campfire shield in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive barrier segment end piece 301, as well as barrier segment 101, barrier segment second side 103, stake 104, stake head driver 105, stake holder 106, and pocket 107.

Barrier segment end piece 301 may provide for any element or feature of barrier segment 101, such as but not limited to any material, configuration, or construction element or feature as described herein. Moreover, barrier segment end piece 301 may also provide for one or more or both of barrier segment first side 102 and barrier segment second side 103, and any of their properties as generally disclosed herein, along all or one or more portions of either side of barrier segment end piece 301.

Notably, in FIG. 3, a viewer may perceive that pocket 107, stake 104, stake head driver 105, and stake holder 106 are shown as all on the same side of barrier segment 101, here denoted as barrier segment second side 103. As may be discerned from this arrangement, any configuration of the present invention is contemplated, including any element, layer, or combination of layers and elements, including but not limited to wind-deflective and heat-reflective elements, on either or both of barrier segment first side 102 and barrier segment second side 103.

Turning attention to FIG. 4, a perspective view of an element of a heat-reflective campfire shield in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive barrier segment 101, barrier segment second side 103, stake 104, stake head driver 105, stake holder 106, pocket 107, and barrier segment end piece 301. FIG. 4 shows a closer view of the present invention for clarity.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Although the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that other versions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be illustrative and not used in a limiting sense. The spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained in this disclosure.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can 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.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112.

While the present invention generally described herein has been disclosed in connection with a number of embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

Claims

1. A heat-reflective campfire shield, comprising:

at least one barrier segment, comprising: a) at least one barrier segment first side having at least one heat-reflective element disposed thereon; b) at least one barrier segment second side having at least one wind-deflective element disposed thereon;

at least one stake holder disposed on the at least one barrier segment second side, wherein the at least one stake holder is configured to removably retain at least one stake;

at least one stake having at least one stake head driver; and

at least one pocket disposed on the at least one barrier segment first side.

2. The heat-reflective campfire shield of claim 1, wherein the at least one barrier segment is at least two barrier segments, and wherein the at least two barrier segments are joined by at least one stakeholder.

3. The heat-reflective campfire shield of claim 2, wherein the at least two barrier segments are a plurality of barrier segments arranged in a semi-circle.

4. The heat-reflective campfire shield of claim 1, further comprising at least one cutout element disposed on the at least one barrier segment.

5. The heat-reflective campfire shield of claim 1, wherein the at least one heat-reflective element is at least one heat-reflective layer.

6. The heat-reflective campfire shield of claim 5, wherein the at least one heat-reflective layer is disposed along the entirety of the at least one barrier segment first side.

7. The heat-reflective campfire shield of claim 1, wherein the at least one wind-deflective element is at least one wind-deflective layer.

8. The heat-reflective campfire shield of claim 7, wherein the at least one wind-deflective layer is disposed along the entirety of the at least one barrier segment second side.