Personal Fireplace

Abstract

A personal fireplace and an associated method of use are described herein. Embodiments of the personal fireplace combine the aesthetically pleasing element of an open flame while removing the necessity of a large and expensive fireplace structure. The fireplace described herein also removes the necessity of residential wood combustion and eliminates the associated health risks. The personal fireplace includes a continuous wall and a base that is integral to and continuous with the wall. The base and wall of the fireplace define a heat-resistant burn chamber that is configured to receive and hold a flammable liquid. The fireplace additionally includes a plurality of supports extending from the base of the fireplace.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein relates to a personal-use fireplace.

BACKGROUND

Fireplaces were originally developed as a dual purpose necessity for early homes and dwellings. Early fireplaces provided both a source of heat during the cooler months of the year and a relatively convenient method for cooking meals year round. As a result of the fireplace's importance in maintaining a livable home, the fireplace became a central place for social interactions and family gatherings. With the evolution of modern methods of central heating and cooking, a fireplace now typically serves only as a secondary heat source and is rarely used for indoor cooking. Although its role as a household necessity has diminished, the fireplace is still a central focal piece in the home for social interactions and often denotes common living spaces. In today's society, a fireplace predominantly functions as a point of visual interest, offering a statement of warmth and providing a cozy ambiance that makes a home more inviting.

Originally, fireplaces almost exclusively relied on wood as a fuel source, and many homes still use wood-burning fireplaces. However, such wood-burning fireplaces produce noxious odors, smoke, and soot, which require the installation of venting systems and the addition of expensive structures such as flumes or chimneys. Even with a sophisticated ventilation system, a wide variety of health risks are associated with residential wood combustion. These risks include carbon monoxide poisoning and an increased incidence of bronchitis, wheezing, coughing, and respiratory infections, with children being the most susceptible. In addition, emissions from wood-burning fireplaces include potential carcinogenic compounds.

Alternative forms of fuel, such as natural gas, allow for the reduction of the noxious combustion byproducts, but require expensive installation of gas lines throughout the home. Gas lines also introduce the potential for a leak if damaged, improperly installed, or unintentionally left on, which can result in the buildup of flammable gas and toxic carbon monoxide within the home. Thus, a more clean-burning fireplace is required.

Fireplaces also typically occupy a large amount of space within a home, effectively reducing the usable square footage of a house or apartment. In light of the rise in real estate prices, installation of a bulky fireplace is often cost prohibitive for many homebuilders and residential complex developers.

As a result of the reduced necessity of fireplaces and their associated expenses, dangers, and potential complications, many houses and apartments now lack this aesthetically pleasing centerpiece. Thus, there is a need for a small, portable, and inexpensive fireplace configured for personal use.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Each patent, patent application, and/or publication mentioned in this specification is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent, patent application, and/or publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a cylindrical personal fireplace, under one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a personal fireplace, under an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of a personal fireplace, under one embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows the personal fireplace of FIG. 3 with one support removed.

FIG. 5 shows a mold for generating a personal fireplace, under one embodiment.

FIG. 6 show a personal fireplace in operation, under one embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a fireplace under an embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a top perspective personal fireplace with a thin burn chamber in operation, under an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of a personal fireplace with a thin burn chamber in operation, under another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate manner.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.”

Wherever any of the phrases “for example,” “such as,” “including” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly “an example,” “exemplary” and the like are understood to be nonlimiting.

The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited. Therefore, for example, the phrase “wherein the lever extends vertically” means “wherein the lever extends substantially vertically” so long as a precise vertical arrangement is not necessary for the lever to perform its function.

The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises”, “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, etc. Thus, for example, “a process involving steps a, b, and c” means that the process includes at least steps a, b and c. Wherever the terms “a” or “an” are used, “one or more” is understood, unless such interpretation is nonsensical in context.

As used herein the term “about” is used to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).

A personal fireplace is described herein. Embodiments of the personal fireplace combine the aesthetically pleasing element of an open flame while removing the necessity of a large and expensive structure. The fireplace described herein further removes the necessity of residential wood combustion and eliminates the associated health risks.

As shown in FIG. 1, the personal fireplace 100 comprises a heat-resistant burn chamber 150 or fire box that is configured to hold a flammable liquid. The fireplace 100 can have at least one continuous wall 130 and a base 170. The base 170 can be integral with the at least one continuous wall 130 such that the fireplace 100 is formed from a single and continuous piece of material. The fireplace 100 can be 3D printed, molded, sculpted, or otherwise fashioned from a single and continuous piece of material. In one embodiment, the fireplace 100 is formed from one solid, continuous piece of molded material. The fireplace 100 can be substantially comprised of heat-resistant stone, refractory ceramic, high temperature refractory metal, refractory concrete, castable refractory material, a combination thereof, or any other material or combination of materials known or later discovered to have heat-resistant properties. In embodiments, heat-resistant stone can comprise granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, slate, quartz, or any stone or combination of stones known or later discovered to have heat-resistant properties. Under an embodiment, the fireplace 100 is comprised of furnace-grade castable material. Under one embodiment, the fireplace 100 is comprised of heat resistant material with a service limit of up to 3,500° F. In another embodiment, the fireplace 100 is comprised of material with a service limit of up to 3,000° F. The service limit of the material can be up to 2,500° F., 2,000° F., or 1,500° F. Under one embodiment, the service limit of the heat-resistant material is 1,800° F. The fireplace 100 can be comprised of refractory material that further comprises alumina. Under certain embodiments, the heat-resistant material comprises Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃). The material may comprise up to 93% Al₂O₃, up to 60% Al₂O₃, up to 50% Al₂O₃, or up to 30% Al₂O₃. In one embodiment, the material comprises 60% Al₂O₃. Under one embodiment, the heat resistant material comprises Plicast Al-Tuff® 3000 KK or Plicast 31000 Special KK (Plibrico Company LLC, Northbrook, Ill.), Kast-O-Lite® products (HarbisonWalker International, Pittsburgh, Pa.) or an alternate refractory product with similar heat-resistant properties.

Under an embodiment, Kast-O-Lite 30 refractory cement may be mixed and poured into a form thus making a one piece casting that may hold isopropyl alcohol in a burn chamber allowing a 20-60 minute burn time.

In alternative embodiments, the wall 130, base 170, burn chamber 150, or a combination thereof can be comprised of material that is distinct from the other parts of the fireplace 100. In an embodiment, the burn chamber 150 is comprised of material that is distinct from the wall 130 and base 170 of the fireplace 100. The burn chamber can be comprised of any heat-resistant material discussed herein or otherwise known or discovered in the art.

FIG. 2 shows a cylindrical embodiment of the fireplace 100 from a side view. A continuous wall 130 extends vertically from the base 170 of the fireplace 100. Three supports 180 are shown extending form the underside of the base 170. In this embodiment, the supports 180 comprise a proximal end 182 and a distal end 184 (as seen in FIG. 4). A disc 187 is shown at the distal end of the support 180, and a threaded rod 185 can be seen extending upward from the disc 187. Under the FIG. 3 embodiment, the supports comprise a scratch-resistant material 189 that is disposed on the underside of the disc 187. The scratch-resistant material 189 is configured to prevent scratching, scuffing, marking, wearing down, or otherwise damaging the surface on which the fireplace 100 rests gravitationally. The scratch-resistant material 189 can comprise synthetic, semi-synthetic, or natural materials including elastomers, leather, fabric, plastic, a combination thereof, or any other scratch resistant material or combination of materials known or later developed. In embodiments, the scratch-resistant material 189 comprises felt, rubber, silicon, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the underside of a cylindrical fireplace 100 in accordance with one embodiment. The substantially circular base 170 of this embodiment is visible with three supports 180 extending therefrom. The wall 130 is also shown extending vertically away from the base 170. In various embodiments, the height of the supports 180 can be adjustable or non-adjustable.

FIG. 4 shows the bottom perspective view of the fireplace 100 of FIG. 3 with one of the three supports removed to reveal the threaded rod 185 of the support 180. The supports 180 of the FIG. 4 embodiment comprise elevator bolts. Also visible is the receiving member 190 for the support 180 embedded within the base 170 of this embodiment. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, the receiving member 190 comprises threads that are complimentary to those of the threaded rod 185. The complimentary threads of the receiving member 190 are configured to releasably receive and engage the threaded rod 185 from the proximal end 182. Thus, in the FIG. 4 embodiment, the height of the supports 180 can be adjusted by turning the support clockwise or counter clockwise, which serves to raise or lower the support 180 within the receiving member 190.

The personal fireplace 100 can comprise a plurality of supports 180. Embodiments of the personal fireplace 100 can comprise any number of supports 180. For example, the personal fireplace 100 can comprise up to 10 supports. The supports 180 can be permanently affixed to the undersurface of the fireplace 100 or can be removable. Under alternate embodiments, no supports are used, and the base 170 of the fireplace 100 is configured to rest gravitationally upon a support surface such as a table, a floor, the ground, or any other surface capable of supporting the personal fireplace 100. In embodiments without supports, the undersurface of the fireplace 100 can be coated or lined with a scratch-resistant material.

In one embodiment, the supports are evenly spaced along the underside of the base 170 of the fireplace 100. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, the supports 180 are substantially evenly dispersed along the circumference of an imaginary circle. Under an embodiment, the circle comprises a radius of about 2 7/16 inches from center of the base 170. As shown in FIG. 3, the supports 180 can be spaced about 120° from one another along the imaginary circle.

The fireplace 100 can be configured to burn a fuel that is less noxious than traditional fireplace fuels such as wood and natural gas. In embodiments, the fireplace 100 is configured to burn fuel that produces little to no odor, no soot, no smoke, no harmful byproducts, no carcinogenic compounds, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the fireplace 100 is configured to burn alcohol or any other flammable liquid currently known or later discovered that produces minimal noxious byproducts when burned. In embodiments, the fireplace 100 is configured to burn fuel that is suitable for open-flame cooking. The fireplace 100 can be configured to burn bioethanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, the fireplace 100 can burn an isopropyl alcohol solution that is from about 50% to about 99% isopropyl alcohol. In certain embodiments, the isopropyl alcohol solution is between about 70% and about 99%, inclusive. The fireplace 100 can also be configured to burn gel fuel such as an alcohol-based gel fuel.

FIG. 5 shows a mold for a personal fireplace in one embodiment. The mold of FIG. 5 indicates a fireplace about 3½ inches in height 501. A lower diameter 502 of the fireplace at its base is about 5 1/16 inches and an upper diameter 503 of the fireplace is about 4⅞ inches. The burn chamber 150 of an embodiment comprises a diameter 504 of about 2.5 inches and a depth 505 of about 2.5 inches. The mold itself can comprise a height of about 4 inches and a diameter of about 6 inches. The volume (V) of material required to create the mold may be computed as further described below:

V=Total volume of mold treated as a cylinder (using dimensions of 6 inch (152.4 mm) diameter and 4 inch (101.6 mm) height) minus total volume of the fireplace treated as a cylinder (using dimensions of 5 inch (127 mm) diameter and 3.5 inch (88.9 mm) height) plus volume of burn chamber treated as a cylinder (using dimensions of 2.5 inch (63.5 mm) diameter and 2.5 inch (63.5 mm) height).

Note that the volume of a cylinder may be computed as πr²h. Accordingly, the volume of material required to create the mold is computed under an embodiment as follows

$\begin{array}{c}V={\pi \left(7.62\mathrm{cm}\right)}^210.16\mathrm{cm}-{\pi \left(6.35\mathrm{cm}\right)}^28.89\mathrm{cm}+{\pi \left(3.175\mathrm{cm}\right)}^23.275\mathrm{cm}\\ =8.27\mathrm{.72}{\mathrm{cm}}^3\left(\mathrm{ml}\right).\end{array}$

Under one embodiment, Vitaflex A™ (urethane rubber) and Vitflex B™ (urethane rubber) may be mixed in equal parts or in varying proportions to provide 827.72 ml (or 27.989 fl oz).

Under one embodiment, the mold produces a fireplace with the following dimensions:

Top diameter: 4⅞ inches

Bottom diameter: 5 1/16 inches

Height: 3½ inches

Burn chamber diameter: 2½ inches

Burn chamber depth: 2½ inches

Accordingly, under the embodiment, the burn chamber comprises a volume of πr²h=π(1.25 in)²2.50 in=12.27 in³.

Note that 12.27 in³=201.07 cm³=6.8 floz. At max fill (assuming 91% isopropyl alcohol), the max burn time is 79 minutes while the nominal burn time is 60-72 minutes. If the burn chamber is filled to ½ inch of brim, the burn time is approximately 63 minutes. If the burn chamber is filled to ¼ inch of brim, the burn time is approximately 63 minutes.

In embodiments, the burn chamber 150 is substantially centered within the fireplace 100. In alternate embodiments, the burn chamber 150 is located off-center, resulting in walls of varying thickness. Certain embodiments comprise more than one burn chamber. Embodiments can comprise up to ten burn chambers.

The fireplace 100 can be substantially spherical, cylindrical, or polyhedral. Embodiments of the fireplace 100 comprise a prism with a base in any polygonal shape. In embodiments, a polygonal base of the prism can substantially be a triangle, square, rectangle, rhombus, parallelogram, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, or decagon. In alternate embodiments, the fireplace 100 is substantially cylindrical with a generally circular or elliptical cross-section or base 170. The fireplace 100 can also comprise any variation of a cylinder including, but not limited to, hemicylinders or semicylinders. Cylindrical variations can further include fireplaces 100 with a base in the substantial shape of a ¾ circle, half circle, quarter circle, ⅛ circle, or any other portion of a circle or ellipse.

FIG. 6 shows a polyhedral embodiment 200 of a personal fireplace. The FIG. 6 embodiment comprises a prism including four walls 230 that are continuous with one another. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the fireplace 200 comprises a prism with a substantially square or rectangular base 270/top 280. The fireplace 200 of FIG. 6 is ignited, and a flame 210 is shown extending from the burn chamber 250.

FIG. 7 provides a schematic representation of a fireplace under a cylindrical embodiment. The dashed lines show the walls of the burn chamber extending into the body of the fireplace.

FIG. 8 shows another polyhedral embodiment 800 of a personal fireplace. The FIG. 8 embodiment comprises a prism with four substantially rectangular walls 830, a substantially rectangular base 870, and a substantially rectangular top 880. The burn chamber 850 is shown in the top face 880 of the fireplace 800 and extending along a length of the fireplace. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, the burn chamber 850 comprises a thin, curved shape. The fireplace 800 of FIG. 8 is ignited, and a flame 810 is shown extending from the burn chamber 850.

FIG. 9 shows yet another polyhedral embodiment 900 of a personal fireplace. The FIG. 9 embodiment shows the top face 980 of a fireplace 900 with a burn chamber 950 extending along a substantial length of the fireplace 900. In the FIG. 9 embodiment, the burn chamber 950 comprises a thin, angular shape. The fireplace 900 of FIG. 9 is ignited, and a flame 910 is shown extending from the burn chamber 950.

The embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9 may comprise dimensions of 30″ (long)×4″ (tall)×6″ (wide). Alternative dimensions of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 may comprise 24″ (long)×4″ (tall)×16″ (wide).

As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, polyhedral embodiments can comprise more than one wall 230. Walls 230 of certain polyhedral embodiments may or may not be continuous with one another or the base 270. Certain embodiments may comprise up to ten walls 230.

The personal fireplace 100 may additionally comprise a removable grate that at least partially covers the burn chamber 150.

A method of using a personal fireplace is also disclosed herein. The method includes receiving a fireplace in accordance with any embodiments described above or any obvious variants thereof. In embodiments, the burn chamber of the fireplace is filled with a flammable substance. In embodiments the burn chamber can be filled to about 1% to about 100% of its full capacity with a flammable substance. The burn chamber can be about 25% to about 90% filled with a flammable substance. Under certain embodiments, the burn chamber is filled to about 50% to about 85% of its full capacity. The fireplace can be filled to about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, or about 90% of the burn chamber's full capacity.

The method further comprises lighting the flammable substance and allowing the flammable substance to burn. The flammable substance can burn until consumed or the fireplace can be snuffed out by removing the oxygen supply to the fire.

Claims

1. A personal fireplace comprising:

a base;

a continuous wall that is integral to and continuous with the base and extends vertically therefrom, wherein the base and wall define a heat resistant burn chamber configured to hold a flammable substance; and

a plurality of supports, wherein the supports extend from the base of the fireplace.

2. The personal fireplace of claim 1, wherein the flammable substance comprises at least 50% isopropyl alcohol.

3. The personal fireplace of claim 1, wherein the plurality of supports comprise an adjustable height.

4. The personal fireplace of claim 4, wherein the plurality of supports comprise:

a threaded rod with a proximal and a distal end;

a disc disposed at the distal end of the threaded rod, wherein the disc is integral with the threaded rod; and

a receiving member comprising a plurality of complimentary threads configured to releasably receive and engage the threaded rod from the proximal end.

5. The personal fireplace of claim 1, wherein the plurality of supports further comprise a scratch-resistant material configured to prevent the supports from damaging a surface on which the personal fireplace rests gravitationally upon.

6. The personal fireplace of claim 1, wherein the heat-resistant burn chamber is comprised of furnace-grade refractory concrete.

7. The personal fireplace of claim 1, wherein the heat-resistant burn chamber is comprised of granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, slate, quartz.

8. The personal fireplace of claim 1, wherein the fireplace is spherical, cylindrical, or polyhedral.

9. A method of using a personal fireplace comprising:

receiving a personal fireplace, wherein the fireplace comprises: a base; a continuous wall that is integral to and continuous with the base and extends vertically therefrom, wherein the base and wall define a heat resistant burn chamber configured to hold a flammable substance; a plurality of supports, wherein the supports extend from the base of the fireplace;

placing the flammable substance within the burn chamber;

igniting the flammable substance; and

allowing the flammable substance to burn.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the flammable substance comprises at least 50% isopropyl alcohol.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of supports comprise an adjustable height.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of supports comprise:

a threaded rod with a proximal and a distal end;

a disc disposed at the distal end of the threaded rod, wherein the disc is integral with the threaded rod; and

a receiving member comprising a plurality of complimentary threads configured to releasably receive and engage the threaded rod from the proximal end.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of supports further comprise a scratch-resistant material configured to prevent the supports from damaging a surface on which the personal fireplace rests gravitationally upon.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the heat-resistant burn chamber is comprised of furnace-grade refractory concrete.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the heat-resistant burn chamber is comprised of granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, slate, quartz.