Grate Structure Patents (Class 126/540)
  • Patent number: 11199324
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stove that includes a dome-shaped fire grate comprising a center, a perimeter surrounding and spaced from the center, the center being higher than the perimeter; a plurality of radial stiffening ribs extending away from the perimeter and toward the center; at least one circumferential stiffening ring extending at least partially about the center; and a plurality of ventilation holes between the center and the perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: SOLO DTC BRANDS, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Jan, Spencer H. Jan
  • Patent number: 10309648
    Abstract: A cooling system for a grate bar of an incinerator of solid materials is provided includes a feed grate having a plurality of grate bars, at least one of the grate bars including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end and a second end, a first aperture in the body and a second aperture in the body, and an internal passageway defined within the body and fluidly connecting the first aperture to the second aperture, the first aperture arranged to receive a gas therethrough into the body, and the second aperture arranged to provide an egress for the gas out of the body. The cooling system further includes a manifold duct fluidly coupled to the second aperture for receiving the gas from the second aperture. The gas is independent of the primary combustion air of the incinerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Gregory Dunnu
  • Patent number: 9453627
    Abstract: A speaker with light flashing in a flickering flame pattern is revealed. In the speaker, light emitted from a light unit is reflected to a display surface and shown in the flickering flame pattern. Once music is played, the speaker is activated to show the light flashing in the flickering flame pattern. When the music tempo changes, the light flashing in the flickering flame pattern with different area and different colors is shown on the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Tsan-Yao Chen
  • Patent number: 8991382
    Abstract: A fire pit includes a circular bottom plate and a circular, centrally-apertured log-supporting plate. A plurality of legs secured about the periphery of the log-supporting plate maintain the bottom and log-supporting plates in vertically spaced, parallel relation to one another. Each leg has a hollow uppermost end. A plurality of arcuate grates is mounted about the periphery of the log-supporting plate and a vertically-oriented post is secured to each of the grates, mid-length thereof. Each of the posts has a lowermost end slideably received within the hollow uppermost end of its associated leg to releasably connect each grate to the log-supporting plate. Arcuate openings positioned radially outwardly of the central opening enhance the flow of oxygen into the areas where combustion occurs. The log-supporting plate is inverted and the grates are stacked atop it when the fire pit is in its storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Paul A. Mau
  • Patent number: 8776779
    Abstract: A fireplace grate that is made from square bar steel and V-bar steel. The V-bars provide improved fire burning characteristics. The position of the V-bar ribs and how the V-bar ribs are made and bent offer these improved characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Landmann USA
    Inventor: Todd Johnston
  • Publication number: 20140102437
    Abstract: An improved fire grate may provide fresh oxygen rich air to a secondary combustion zone, created by the improved fire grate, of a combustion chamber where a combustion gas stream is typically oxygen starved assisting in the burning process of incompletely burned particulates and reducing other harmful emissions. A baffle plate may be introduced in the secondary combustion zone to increase a combustion chamber temperature, encourage mixing of oxygen starved air with oxygen rich air and increase a residence time of the combustion gas within the combustion chamber. These aspects of the baffle plate promote more efficient burning of the biomass/fuel. Additionally, log lighter(s) may be disposed in the secondary combustion zone to increase a temperature of the combustion chamber for the purposes of reducing harmful emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Earth's Flame, Inc.
    Inventor: STEVE MARPLE
  • Publication number: 20140076304
    Abstract: An improved fire grate may provide fresh oxygen rich air to a secondary combustion zone, created by the improved fire grate, of a combustion chamber where a combustion gas stream is typically oxygen starved assisting in the burning process of incompletely burned particulates and reducing other harmful emissions. A baffle plate may be introduced in the secondary combustion zone to increase a combustion chamber temperature, encourage mixing of oxygen starved air with oxygen rich air and increase a residence time of the combustion gas within the combustion chamber. These aspects of the baffle plate promote more efficient burning of the biomass/fuel. Additionally, log lighter(s) may be disposed in the secondary combustion zone to increase a temperature of the combustion chamber for the purposes of reducing harmful emissions. The improved fire grate may be horizontally and vertically adjusted to fit within different sized fireplace combustion chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: EARTH'S FLAME, INC.
    Inventor: STEVE MARPLE
  • Patent number: 8602020
    Abstract: An improved fire grate may provide fresh oxygen rich air to a secondary combustion zone, created by the improved fire grate, of a combustion chamber where a combustion gas stream is typically oxygen starved assisting in the burning process of incompletely burned particulates and reducing other harmful emissions. A baffle plate may be introduced in the secondary combustion zone to increase a combustion chamber temperature, encourage mixing of oxygen starved air with oxygen rich air and increase a residence time of the combustion gas within the combustion chamber. These aspects of the baffle plate promote more efficient burning of the biomass/fuel. Additionally, log lighter(s) may be disposed in the secondary combustion zone to increase a temperature of the combustion chamber for the purposes of reducing harmful emissions. The improved fire grate may be horizontally and vertically adjusted to fit within different sized fireplace combustion chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Earth's Flame, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Marple
  • Patent number: 8528540
    Abstract: An improved fire grate may provide fresh oxygen rich air to a secondary combustion zone, created by the improved fire grate, of a combustion chamber where a combustion gas stream is typically oxygen starved assisting in the burning process of incompletely burned particulates and reducing other harmful emissions. A baffle plate may be introduced in the secondary combustion zone to increase a combustion chamber temperature, encourage mixing of oxygen starved air with oxygen rich air and increase a residence time of the combustion gas within the combustion chamber. These aspects of the baffle plate promote more efficient burning of the biomass/fuel. Additionally, log lighter(s) may be disposed in the secondary combustion zone to increase a temperature of the combustion chamber for the purposes of reducing harmful emissions. The improved fire grate may be horizontally and vertically adjusted to fit within different sized fireplace combustion chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Earth's Flame, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Marple
  • Patent number: 8511295
    Abstract: A modular-hinged grilling grate system may include a modular outer support structure and at least one attachable swivel grill grate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Rolf Buerkle
  • Patent number: 8312874
    Abstract: A campfire support unit for burning firewood. The unit has a metal frame that includes a metal support ring with metal tabs and support legs. The frame is made and arranged to support wood for a wood fire in a near-vertical ring position around a central core which contains wood supported in a near-vertical position. An internal core fire is started, using wood placed inside the metal ring. Then wood is leaned against the outer rim of the metal ring. The tabs support the wood leaned against the outer rim, preventing it from falling before, during, and after the outer wood is ignited by the internal core fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel L. Dupont
  • Publication number: 20120204858
    Abstract: An improved fire grate may provide fresh oxygen rich air to a secondary combustion zone, created by the improved fire grate, of a combustion chamber where a combustion gas stream is typically oxygen starved assisting in the burning process of incompletely burned particulates and reducing other harmful emissions. A baffle plate may be introduced in the secondary combustion zone to increase a combustion chamber temperature, encourage mixing of oxygen starved air with oxygen rich air and increase a residence time of the combustion gas within the combustion chamber. These aspects of the baffle plate promote more efficient burning of the biomass/fuel. Additionally, log lighter(s) may be disposed in the secondary combustion zone to increase a temperature of the combustion chamber for the purposes of reducing harmful emissions. The improved fire grate may be horizontally and vertically adjusted to fit within different sized fireplace combustion chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Steve Marple
  • Publication number: 20120192855
    Abstract: An improved fire grate may provide fresh oxygen rich air to a secondary combustion zone, created by the improved fire grate, of a combustion chamber where a combustion gas stream is typically oxygen starved assisting in the burning process of incompletely burned particulates and reducing other harmful emissions. A baffle plate may be introduced in the secondary combustion zone to increase a combustion chamber temperature, encourage mixing of oxygen starved air with oxygen rich air and increase a residence time of the combustion gas within the combustion chamber. These aspects of the baffle plate promote more efficient burning of the biomass/fuel. Additionally, log lighter(s) may be disposed in the secondary combustion zone to increase a temperature of the combustion chamber for the purposes of reducing harmful emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Steve Marple
  • Patent number: 8181639
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus comprises a cooking surface, at least one grate, and a guard. The cooking surface includes at least one heat source and a control panel. The at least one grate is provided over a portion of the cooking surface. The guard is coupled to the at least one grate. The guard includes a first side and a second side. The first side of the guard is configured to deflect heat radiating from the at least one heat source. The second side of the guard corresponds with a sidewall of the cooking surface to form a channel between the guard and the sidewall. The channel is configured to create a thermal barrier between the at least one heat source and the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Scott, Adam Clark, Ronald G. Brant, David Joseph Haupt, Bruce Gerald Sheaves
  • Patent number: 8061349
    Abstract: An improved gas-fired burner for a fireplace. The gas-fired burner includes a substantially sealed enclosure. This enclosure, or “heat tank,” may be of any desired shape, but is preferably of a rectangular, box-like shape. The enclosure includes an inlet port for the ingestion of relatively cold air into the enclosure, and two exit ports, for the exhaust of relatively warm air. The enclosure has a front and a back end, and both the inlet and exit ports may be secured to the back end of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Eiklor Flames, LLC
    Inventor: Scott F. Eiklor
  • Patent number: 7967008
    Abstract: A fireplace system having a fireplace cavity and a secondary combustion assembly disposed adjacent to a rear wall of the fireplace cavity. The secondary combustion assembly includes a plurality of combustion chambers configured to facilitate secondary combustion. A plurality of inlets are disposed in the rear wall of the fireplace cavity. One or more of the plurality of inlets are configured to provide fluid communication between the fireplace cavity and a respective one of the plurality of combustion chambers. An exhaust gas collection chamber is in fluid communication with at least the secondary combustion assembly. The exhaust gas collection chamber includes a vent configured to release exhaust gas into a chimney. An ambient air bypass aperture is disposed in a top baffle of the fireplace cavity. The ambient air bypass aperture is configured to divert at least a portion of ambient air entering the fireplace cavity into the exhaust gas collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Incendia IP, LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Ferguson, Derik K. Andors
  • Publication number: 20110146658
    Abstract: A fireplace grate that is made from square bar steel and V-bar steel. The V-bars provide improved fire burning characteristics. The position of the V-bar ribs and how the V-bar ribs are made and bent offer these improved characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Todd Johnston
  • Patent number: 7886736
    Abstract: An improved gas-fired burner for a fireplace. The gas-fired burner includes a substantially sealed enclosure. This enclosure, or “heat tank,” may be of any desired shape, but is preferably of a rectangular, box-like shape. The enclosure includes an inlet port for the ingestion of relatively cold air into the enclosure, and two exit ports, for the exhaust of relatively warm air. The enclosure has a front and a back end, and both the inlet and exit ports may be secured to the back end of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Eiklor Flames, LLC
    Inventor: Scott F. Eiklor
  • Publication number: 20110005511
    Abstract: An improved fire grate may provide fresh oxygen rich air to a secondary combustion zone, created by the improved fire grate, of a combustion chamber where a combustion gas stream is typically oxygen starved assisting in the burning process of incompletely burned particulates and reducing other harmful emissions. A baffle plate may be introduced in the secondary combustion zone to increase a combustion chamber temperature, encourage mixing of oxygen starved air with oxygen rich air and increase a residence time of the combustion gas within the combustion chamber. These aspects of the baffle plate promote more efficient burning of the biomass/fuel. Additionally, log lighter(s) may be disposed in the secondary combustion zone to increase a temperature of the combustion chamber for the purposes of reducing harmful emissions. The improved fire grate may be horizontally and vertically adjusted to fit within different sized fireplace combustion chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Steve Marple
  • Publication number: 20100326423
    Abstract: A campfire support unit for burning firewood. The unit has a metal frame that includes a metal support ring with metal tabs and support legs. The frame is made and arranged to support wood for a wood fire in a near-vertical ring position around a central core which contains wood supported in a near-vertical position. An internal core fire is started, using wood placed inside the metal ring. Then wood is leaned against the outer rim of the metal ring. The tabs support the wood leaned against the outer rim, preventing it from falling before, during, and after the outer wood is ignited by the internal core fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel L. Dupont
  • Publication number: 20090320403
    Abstract: A modular outdoor barbeque grill and firepit is constructed of artificial stone-like slab members, which permit a uniform construction method by utilizing only a single block with a universal joint configuration to create an easily assembled, disassembled, re-assembled, and inexpensively manufactured product. Simple variation in the slab members' length, as well as relocation of the joint permits tremendous versatility of product design without increasing complexity of assembly. Slab members are cast of air-entrained concrete in elastomeric molds for reduced density and lighter weight members, which have advantageous thermal properties, exhibit greater longevity in adverse weath conditions, and may be so formed with pigments to resemble stone, brick, or decorative mosaic tile. The ease of construction by the design of this invention also permits quick transition between a backyard fire pit and a barbeque grill with a sophisticated appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Wayne Love
  • Publication number: 20090250050
    Abstract: A firelog tray comprises a rigid plate and a plurality of log supporting members protruding upwardly from the rigid plate for supporting a firelog on the free top ends of the log supporting members spaced above the plate to provide combustion air beneath the firelog. The plate includes a lowermost central portion locating the log supporting members thereon. A forward portion and a rearward portion of the plate extend upward from opposing sides of the central portion to form a generally U-shaped trough with open ends. The rearward portion has a concave and reflective inner surface which is near to a height of the firelog for optimally reflecting heat and light forwardly and outwardly from the firetray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Siren
  • Patent number: 7565904
    Abstract: A firelog burner is provided that includes a base and an artificial firelog support frame pivoted to the base. A pair of non-burning artificial firelogs are removably mounted on the support frame. The base has a fire directing member extending along a back thereof and in an upward direction for directing flame between the artificial fire logs. The non-burning artificial fire logs in the support frame are operably pivoted above the base and toward the flame directing member to raise the support frame and the non-burning artificial firelogs for the insertion of placement of a burning artificial firelog in the base. The firelogs and support frame may then be pivoted in the opposite direction to an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Fire Designs, LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Hoffman, John DeSautels
  • Publication number: 20090050132
    Abstract: A fireplace arrangement is provided with a grate and simulated logs that are arranged on the grate to provide the look and feel of a fireplace with natural wood logs. The simulated logs each have a securing element that is attached to a surface of the simulated log. The securing element is secured to at least one of the rail members of the grate. The securing element maintains the simulated logs in a set position on the grate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: REAL-LOOK LOG SET, LLC
    Inventors: John G. Betz, William K. Rhoads
  • Publication number: 20080295824
    Abstract: Wood kindling arrangement for quickly kindling of solid fuel in wood burning stove, leading to a reduction of the discharge of polluted chimney gas particle. The wood kindling unit is preferably meant for wood burning stove with closed combustion chamber. When the invention is used you gain a standardized and quickly kindling of solid fuel, resulting in a reduction of the discharge of polluting chimney gas particle. The wood kindling unit consists of en horizontal placed bottom plate (1), connected to three vertical plates (2), which have ventilation openings (3). The hindmost vertical plate has at the top a guiding plate (4) and a space holder (5). The two foremost vertical plates are connected with a grate arrangement (6), which serves as cradle for the fuel. The cavity (7) under the grate arrangement is applied for the placement of the fire medium under the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: CONSULTING GROUP APS
    Inventor: Damm Torben
  • Publication number: 20080202497
    Abstract: A fireplace grate that fits a Rumford-style fireplace and is capable of supporting firelogs in an upright position, allowing more air to circulate behind and beneath the logs increasing the temperature of the fire. The fireplace grate includes a top transverse bar, a bottom transverse bar, and a plurality of support beams. In one embodiment, the fireplace grate includes a raised bracket bar and a pair of legs. Firelogs are vertically orientated so that one point is in contact with either the fireplace hearth or the raised bracket bar and another point contacts at least one of the support beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Tedd FERRINGER
  • Patent number: 6871644
    Abstract: A firelog grate for retaining fire starters is disclosed. The grate has a front member and a rear member connected together by a transverse bars to form a cradle for holding firelogs. Pairs of legs extend down from the cradle and firelog retaining projections extend upward from the upper surface of the cradle. The rear member of the grate has a plurality of projections that extend upwardly from the cradle and the bars are disposed at ninety degrees to the projections. The bars have a wider section connected to the rear member and a narrower section connected to the front member. The wider sections of the bars are adapted to receive a firelog thereon. When a paper-wrapped artificial firelog is placed on the grate, the wider sections of the bars push the wrapper into contact with the bottom surface of the firelog and the projections push the paper wrapper into contact with the rear surface of the firelog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Ashok Chandaria
  • Patent number: 6820610
    Abstract: An accessory for a conventional fireplace grate that is positioned on top of the fireplace grate and which supports a synthetic firelog thereon. The accessory provides better support for the synthetic log than the grate alone, and the firelog therefore burns longer than if it were placed on the fireplace grate without the accessory. The present invention provides a handy accessory that adapts fireplace grates that are designed primarily for real wood to adequately support synthetic logs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Stanley G. Wright
  • Patent number: 6814069
    Abstract: A firelog grate for retaining fire starters is disclosed. The grate has a front member and a rear member connected together by a transverse bars to form a cradle for holding firelogs. Pairs of legs extend down from the underside of the cradle and firelog retaining projections extend upward from the upper surface of the cradle. The grate includes at least one shelf that is connected to and lies beneath the underside of the cradle. The shelf includes a strut which has a cross-sectional shape configured to interlock with a groove in the bottom surface of a fire starter. When the fire starter is interlocked with the strut, it is held a spaced distance underneath the firelog to be ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ashok V. Chandaria
  • Publication number: 20040173205
    Abstract: A firelog grate for retaining fire starters is disclosed. The grate has a front member and a rear member connected together by a transverse bars to form a cradle for holding firelogs. Pairs of legs extend down from the underside of the cradle and firelog retaining projections extend upward from the upper surface of the cradle. The grate includes at least one shelf that is connected to and lies beneath the underside of the cradle. The shelf includes a strut which has a cross-sectional shape configured to interlock with a groove in the bottom surface of a fire starter. When the fire starter is interlocked with the strut, it is held a spaced distance underneath the firelog to be ignited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ashok V. Chandaria
  • Publication number: 20040173207
    Abstract: A firelog grate for retaining fire starters is disclosed. The grate has a front member and a rear member connected together by a transverse bars to form a cradle for holding firelogs. Pairs of legs extend down from the cradle and firelog retaining projections extend upward from the upper surface of the cradle. The rear member of the grate has a plurality of projections that extend upwardly from the cradle and the bars are disposed at ninety degrees to the projections. The bars have a wider section connected to the rear member and a narrower section connected to the front member. The wider sections of the bars are adapted to receive a firelog thereon. When a paper-wrapped artificial firelog is placed on the grate, the wider sections of the bars push the wrapper into contact with the bottom surface of the firelog and the projections push the paper wrapper into contact with the rear surface of the firelog.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ashok V. Chandaria
  • Publication number: 20040173206
    Abstract: A fireplace grate has a first platform and a second platform. Each of the first and second platforms are formed by a plurality of grate members and a plurality of cross members. The platforms are raised off the ground and connected via side members, being separated by a predetermined distance. The grate members and cross members include a substantially flat first surface to fully support firelogs placed on each either and/or both of the platforms. The fireplace grate segregates logs placed on each platform by prevents direct contact therebetween. Thus, the fireplace grate provides for enhanced safety and efficiency when creating fire with wood logs on the first platform and firelogs on the second platform while at the same time provide a grate for efficiently burning of firelogs only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: James F. Lee
  • Patent number: 6758210
    Abstract: A fireplace grate for retaining fire starters is disclosed. The grate has a front member and a rear member connected together by a transverse bars to form a cradle for holding firelogs. Pairs of legs extend down from the underside of the cradle and firelog retaining projections extend upward from the upper surface of the cradle. The grate includes at least one shelf that is connected to and lies beneath the underside of the cradle. The shelf includes a strut which has a cross-sectional shape configured to interlock with a groove in the bottom surface of a fire starter. When the fire starter is interlocked with the strut, it is held a spaced distance underneath the firelog to be ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ashok Chandaria
  • Patent number: 6637713
    Abstract: The invention comprises a log supporting apparatus for a fireplace having three supporting legs converging upward at an angle toward one another to form a tripod. The apparatus has an upper and lower bracket fitted within the confines of the legs with the legs at 120 degree intervals about a circle and with the brackets having pins projecting outward into bores in the legs to support the legs and brackets with the legs at their inclined angle. The lower bracket is spaced above the bottom of the legs and acts to support the bottoms of the logs with the upper portions of the logs resting at an inclined angle toward one another against the upper bracket whereby ignitable material may be placed beneath the logs and the logs may be easily burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, Mark Jones
  • Patent number: 6615823
    Abstract: A method for combusting a wood log includes positioning the log within a combustion chamber with the log first end positioned above the log second end so that the log longitudinal axis is generally angled relative to and adjacent the chamber base wall and so that the log and the chamber base wall define a generally triangular air volume therebetween. The log is maintained in the angled configuration during at least part of the combustion process. A log supporting structure facilitates use of the method. The structure includes a supporting rod and a spacing base extending from the latter for resting on the base wall of a combustion chamber. The spacing base has a generally flaring configuration and allows gas to flow between the chamber base wall and the supporting rod in a first flow direction generally parallel to the supporting rod, and in a second flow direction generally perpendicular to and away from the rod from the log first end toward the log second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jacques Forand
  • Patent number: 6484714
    Abstract: An improved grate for burning solid fuel having a support for the fuel, a blower for transporting air through the support, a multiplicity of orifices jets uniformly distributed across the entire area of the grate and directed through the support generally upwardly to transport preheated air toward the lower surface of the solid fuel. A trough located immediately below the support, and in close proximity to the lower surface of the solid fuel, for collecting a layer of glowing coals and providing a combustion zone in troughs between the supports. Internal air transport tubes within the support provide passageways for air to flow from the blower out of the grate. A low thermal mass heat reflector may be used with the grate for absorbing radiant energy from the combustion zone and reradiating thermal energy over the fireplace grate and out of the fireplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Richard D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020153002
    Abstract: The fireplace grate comprises a frame defining a compartment to hold a firelog or starter material and to prevent direct contact between the firelog or starter material and wood or ceramic logs placed on top of the frame. In one embodiment, the fireplace grate includes a hingeable door or member for the insertion of the firelog. In an alternative embodiment, the fireplace grate includes pivot arms for pivoting a ceramic log over the firelog in the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: James F. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020129810
    Abstract: An accessory for a conventional fireplace grate that is positioned on top of the fireplace grate and which supports a synthetic firelog thereon. The accessory provides better support for the synthetic log than the grate alone, and the firelog therefore burns longer than if it were placed on the fireplace grate without the accessory. The present invention provides a handy accessory that adapts fireplace grates that are designed primarily for real wood to adequately support synthetic logs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Stanley G. Wright
  • Patent number: 6405724
    Abstract: A vertical stack—vertical draft fireplace grate which has a forwardly inclined log retaining portion with a lowermost log in close proximity to the floor of the fireplace and which cooperates with the rear wall of the fireplace to hold logs in a V-shaped stack immediately adjacent the wall. Undesired smoke is eliminated, starting facilitated and heat radiation forwardly through the fireplace opening greatly enhanced, while both safety and automatic feeding features are also enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Jesse Richard
  • Patent number: 6371107
    Abstract: A firelog and grate system wherein the firelog is supported by the grate in a generally upright orientation includes a bed and at least a first support member. The firelog contains at least a first support surface. The first support surface of the firelog rests against the first support member of the grate, thereby retaining the firelog from movement in the downward direction, the frontward and rearward directions, and the left and right directions. The grate may contain multiple support members to support multiple firelogs for simultaneous burning. The support members can constitute plates, pins, or support lugs. In the plate configuration, the support member inhibits the burning of the firelog in the rearward direction, i.e., the direction which cannot be observed, thereby producing less unnecessary heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Conros Corporation
    Inventor: Ashok Velji Chandaria
  • Publication number: 20010000870
    Abstract: A firelog and grate system wherein the firelog is supported by the grate in a generally upright orientation includes a bed and at least a first support member. The firelog contains at least a first support surface. The first support surface of the firelog rests against the first support member of the grate, thereby retaining the firelog from movement in the downward direction, the frontward and rearward directions, and the left and right directions. The grate may contain multiple support members to support multiple firelogs for simultaneous burning. The support members can constitute plates, pins, or support lugs. In the plate configuration, the support member inhibits the burning of the firelog in the rearward direction, i.e., the direction which cannot be observed, thereby producing less unnecessary heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventor: Ashok Velji Chandaria
  • Patent number: 6196215
    Abstract: A firelog and grate system wherein the firelog is supported by the grate in a generally upright orientation includes a bed and at least a first support member. The firelog contains at least a first support surface. The first support surface of the firelog rests against the first support member of the grate, thereby retaining the firelog from movement in the downward direction, the frontward and rearward directions, and the left and right directions. The grate may contain multiple support members to support multiple firelogs for simultaneous burning. The support members can constitute plates, pins, or support lugs. In the plate configuration, the support member inhibits the burning of the firelog in the rearward direction, i.e., the direction which cannot be observed, thereby producing less unnecessary heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Conros Corporation
    Inventor: Ashok Velji Chandaria
  • Patent number: 6155249
    Abstract: The present invention entails a gas log set including a generally triangular shaped pan having front and rear portions and a pair of sides that extend generally rearwardly and inwardly from the front portion. Each side of the triangular shaped pan includes a cantilevered log support structure projecting outwardly therefrom for receiving and holding artificial logs. In addition, other artificial logs provided with the set are supported such that they extend into the pan itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Willis H. Gregory
  • Patent number: 6102032
    Abstract: A fire log arrangement for use in conjunction with a combustible fuel source and influences complete combustion of the combustible fuel. The fire log arrangement includes a first log and a second log. The first log and the second log define an interior face. The second log is spaced apart from the first log such that a fuel space is defined therebetween. The fuel space receives the combustible fuel therein and defines a fire chamber at a lower end thereof. The first log interior face and the second log interior face cooperate to induce the combustible fuel to fall inward between the first log and the second log thereby inducing a thorough combustion of the combustible fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: David A. Sebby, Eunice J. Sebby
  • Patent number: 6102028
    Abstract: A smoker attachment for heating and burning smoker particles in a barbecue grill. The smoker attachment includes a housing having a side wall, end wall, and bottom wall fining a cavity therein. The bottom wall of the housing has a plurality of openings and the side walls have a plurality of corresponding cutouts adjacent the bottom wall such that the cutouts in the side walls cooperate with the openings in the bottom wall. The openings provide access to the cavity of the housing such that a conductive member within the barbecue grill is able to contact the housing adjacent the opening to position the housing within the bottom chamber of the barbecue grill. The conductive member further passes through the opening of the housing into the cavity of the housing to define a portion of the perimeter of the cavity for directly contacting and heating the smoker particles within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products Co.
    Inventors: Erich J. Schlosser, Edna Schlosser, Robert T. Stephen
  • Patent number: 6010331
    Abstract: A fireplace candle grate comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely disposed cradle members having a planer candle support surface on the end of one or more cradle members, a hollow sleeve surmounted on the candle support surface, the sleeve slideably receiving an end of said cradle members. Additionally, a lug may depending from the candle support surface, the lug having a mating aperture. A multifaceted mounting surface on an end of the sleeve is slideably received in the mating aperture wherein the incline of the candle support surface may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Craig M. Tingley
  • Patent number: 5988159
    Abstract: A gas-fired artificial logs and coals-burner assembly is provided for fireplace use in cooperation with decorative gas logs, and artificial coals and embers decorative items by placement forward of the gas logs in the fireplace arrangement, a secondary elongated coals- and embers-burner tube apparatus. The assembly provides gas-fired artificial logs, coals- and embers-burner apparatus for fireplaces wherein gas flow through primary burner tube is the source of gas flow to a secondary coals- and embers-burner tube positioned forward and below the primary burner tube with multiple discharge ports in the secondary tube directed away from the front of the fireplace, thus enhancing the natural burn in cooperation of the fireplace draft as well as the aesthetic beauty of the imitation burning logs, coals and embers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Golden Blount
  • Patent number: 5941234
    Abstract: A combustion cage for pellet fuel is an inclined container having at least one wall surrounding a bottom and a support structure. The surrounding wall and bottom of the container have a plurality of holes throughout imparting a hole-to-surface ratio of at least 40% to the wall and bottom. The support structure supports the inclined container in a fixed, inclined position with reference to the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Energex Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Norburn, Darryl R. Rose
  • Patent number: 5904137
    Abstract: A fireplace heat exchanger that includes an air blower unit having an input for drawing air into the air blower unit and an output for expelling air from the air blower unit; a heat exchange unit, in airflow connection with the output of the air blower unit, having at least four heat exchange sections and an airflow passageway running through the at least four heat exchange sections and terminating in a heat exchange output port; at least one log retainer extending outwardly from an upper surface of the heat exchange unit; a heated air discharge manifold having a manifold chamber in airflow communication with the heat exchange output port of the heat exchange unit, an elongated air discharge vent formed through a front manifold surface thereof and two spaced manifold bolts extending from the front manifold surface thereof; a combination vent restricting and directing assembly that includes a pivoting deflecting panel, left and right deflecting panel supports extending from a U-shaped base plate having two par
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Dwight Salley
  • Patent number: 5850830
    Abstract: A low thermal mass heat reflector for use with a fireplace grate which has a combustion zone directly thereabove when fuel is burned thereon in a fireplace. The heat reflector comprises a first portion for absorbing radiant energy from the combustion zone and reradiating thermal energy back into the combustion zone, and a second portion for absorbing radiant energy from the combustion zone and reradiating thermal energy over the fireplace grate and out of the fireplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Richard D. Smith