Wood burning stove

Abstract

A heating stove which is constructed from a generally cylindrical hollow container having a concave or convex rearward end, a baffle plate, a front facing end including a door, an extended ashtray, an air intake mounted on the door, a base and a flue mounted on the top. The entire casing is glass lined and is preferably made from discarded or recycled hot water tanks although other containment shapes may be successfully utilized. The base consists of legs attached to the bottom of the stove, with two legs supporting the front and in the back. From an ecological point of view it would be desirable to recycle used or discarded hot water tanks for a useful purpose such as modifying the tanks into wood burning stoves, thereby reducing the environmental contamination and creating an inexpensive low maintenance heating device.

Description

[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/182,442 filed Oct. 30, 1998, now abandoned which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/064,297 filed Nov. 5, 1997.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to heating stoves the interior surface of the firebox of which is coated with a glass or enamel material. More particularly this invention describes a device which is capable of burning materials contained within a firebox comprising a modified and preferably discarded hot water tank.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] In the field of hot water heating, hot water tanks are well known and can be one of several types, ranging from electric hot water heaters to gas fired hot water heaters and ranging in different sizes. Normally, after these tanks have served their useful purpose, they are discarded and until now, very little, if any, use has been found for discarded hot water tanks. Typically, hot water tanks are of an elongated cylindrical configuration and most are provided with a glass lining. Sometimes, such tanks have a flat end members but more often, it is conventional to have a convex end and an opposed concave end.

[0004] As will be appreciated, discarded hot water tanks occupy a fairly large volume relative to land fill sites; dismantling the tanks with subsequent recovery of components is very expensive and time consuming.

[0005] Heating stoves have, over the years, been constructed in many different forms and arrangements. They have evolved from relatively simple devices to some which are complex and expensive.

[0006] It would be desirable to recycle used or discarded items such as hot water tanks for a useful purpose; according to one aspect of this invention, discarded hot water tanks may be sectioned into one or more open ended cylindrical units, and converted to a useful wood burning stove of the like.

[0007] In this respect, Canadian Patent 1,067,775 Hannebaum, discloses a stove having two distinct chambers, a fire chamber surrounded by glass, with a hinged door and a plurality of air ducts. The plurality of ducts provide the necessary combustion and the separate exhaust chamber in which a plurality of baffle plates are located. In this arrangement, the chambers are separated by a vertical partition and communication between the two chambers is restricted to an opening between the casing and the bottom of the partition. The baffle plates are located in the second section or exhaust chamber.

[0008] Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,483 Todorski, teaches a heating stove having two modes of combustion, from beneath or from above, and having a heat exchanger located in the rear of the device.

[0009] The present invention relates to the recycling art and preferably to making use of discarded glass-lined hot water tanks for stoves in which the stove includes a novel arrangement of baffle plates, an extended ashtray, and heat shields to reduce unwanted emitted heat from the stove affecting the surroundings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is therefore to provide an apparatus to be used as a wood burning stove preferably comprising a hot water tank device having a top convex portion completely coated with an inner layer of glass. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus to be used as a wood burning stove comprising a hot water tank having a bottom concave portion completely coated with an inner layer of ceramic glass. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide metal shields and an extended ashtray to reduce the radiated heat. A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a manual air intake mounted on the door to control combustion. A still further aspect of the invention is to provide heat shielding for the bottom and back of the stove.

[0011] According to the present invention, if desired, used or recycled hot water tanks may be recycled to form useful wood stoves which result in an economical product and one having desirable combustion properties by including certain arrangements of baffle plates. Hot water tanks can be readily converted to stoves of the present invention by cutting the hot water tanks to a desired length, and by modifying the hot water tanks to add the components described herein. Depending on the type of hot water tank, the tank may be cut in two to provide the frame or shell for two stoves, one of which is provided with a convex end and the other which is provided with a concave end. Both halves realize substantially all of the advantages of the present invention.

[0012] In a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided in a wood burning stove formed from a modified hot water tank having a hollow generally circular shape with a top convex portion and a bottom concave portion completely coated with an inner layer of ceramic glass and forming a combustion chamber, said tank being modified to have a rear closed end and a front open end, the improvement comprising support means which in this instance includes a base having front and rear support structures (legs), exhaust means for exhausting combustion gases from the combustion chamber, a baffle plate member mounted inside the interior of the combustion chamber, at least one heat shield mounted on the stove, a front plate member having an aperture which is able to close the open front end, a closable door for the aperture, and an extended ashtray secured to the front of the stove.

[0013] In a most preferred embodiment, the above heat shields include a rear heat shield and a bottom heat shield.

[0014] In a preferred form according to the above, the wood burning stove includes front and rear support structures comprising at least one leg.

[0015] In its simplest form, the wood burning stove of this invention describes an exhaust means which includes a flue and an air intake. The air intake includes a bolt having a roll pin installed within.

[0016] In various wood burning stove versions, the closable door for the aperture includes a handle and a latch assembly.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the method of constructing a modified wood burning stove comprises the steps of providing a hot water tank, sectioning the hot water tank into at least two sections, modifying one of the sections by securing a front plate apertured member to one section, providing a door member for the apertured member, securing an ashtray to the modified section, mounting at least one heat shield to the modified section and mounting at least one baffle member inside the modified section.

[0018] Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the stove of this invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, partially in section, showing a stove of the present invention made from a section of a glass-lined hot water tank;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 1, with the door in an open position;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 1, with the door in a closed position;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of one of the door frames with a latch assembly; and

[0024] FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the casing showing the ceramic glass coating of the inside on the inside surface of the wood stove.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] The apparatus of the present invention may be fabricated from a discarded hot water tank to form a wood burning stove 10. Although a hot water tank will form the basis for the description of applicant's invention, it will be understood that other containments may be used; it being understood that the only stipulation is that the interior surface of the resulting firebox be completely coated with a suitable glass material. In accordance with the present invention, it is understood that used or recycled hot water tanks may be used to construct the device of the present invention. Typically hot water tanks, which in normal use, have a generally cylindrical body comprising a steel based coated with a glass material, a top convex portion and a bottom concave portion all completely coated with an inner layer of glass. The wood-stove of this invention is formed from such a water tank and from one of the separated ends (one having a convex end portion and the other having a concave end portion).

[0026] If it is desired to fabricate the stove of this invention from a used hot water tank, the water tank is preferably cut in half, thus yielding one half having the end concave and the other end convex. Both portions may be used to make the stove of this invention although preferably the half with the convex end is used.

[0027] The stove 10 which in this instance is fabricated from a hot water tank includes an outer cylindrical casing 11 having e.g., 18 gauge steel, with an inside coating of glass 12 (see FIG. 6) completely covering the inner surface of the wood-stove. The stove 10 includes a rear heat shield 52 and a bottom heat shield 50 with a protruding ashtray 26 adapted to collect burnt materials and to reduce radiated heat. A door 20 is mounted on the front of stove 10 at the open end to allow access to the interior combustion chamber 18.

[0028] The rear closure or end portion 17 of the stove 10 has a concave shape in the preferred embodiment. Mounted on the front or open end and which is adapted to close off the open end of the severed hot water tanks, is a front cap or plate member 19 which is secured by, e.g., welding or affixing the plate to the cylindrical portion of the tank containing the aperture. The plate member 19 is adapted to receive a door 20 or the like. Plate member 19 includes a door frame 14 or the like mounted around the interior of the plate member 19. In accordance with the present invention, when door 20 is closed, combustion chamber 18 is defined in the stove 10.

[0029] The door 20 includes a handle 22, a latch assembly 23 including a latch 13, hinge means 21 and a manual air intake control 24 including a e.g. {fraction (1/2)}″ bolt or any other suitable closing means. Surrounding the door is door frame 14 which is affixed to the front plate 19 by any suitable manner, e.g., welded, bolted, etc.

[0030] Mounted on the door 20 is a manual air intake 24 to control the flow of intake air into the combustion chamber 18. Manual air intake 24 (in this instance) includes a threaded bolt 25 of approximately {fraction (1/2)}″ to control or restrict the air intake into the combustion chamber 18. Threaded bolt 25 is provided with a locking device such as a roll pin to prevent the removal of the air intake control device 24.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the stove 10 includes a rearwardly located flue 70 in communication with the combustion chamber 18 having a diameter of, e.g. 6″ which is mounted at the highest elevation of the top surface remote from door 20. A connecting chimney pipe 72 is positioned to conform with the flue and is also approximately 6″ in diameter. The flue 70 and corresponding chimney pipe 72 provide for exhaust gasses to be transmitted to the outside through any suitable means.

[0032] There is provided a baffle plate 40 which extends a predetermined length (in this preferred embodiment approximately {fraction (1/2)} of the length of the severed tank) to control the flow of combustion gasses in combustion chamber 18 to allow proper combustion and improve heat distribution. Baffle plate 40 is secured to the inside walls 11 and the rearward concave end 17 by any suitable manner (dimples etc. in the casing structure 11). Baffle plate 40 is mounted in the rearward upper part of the wood stove, e.g. 3″, below flue 70. The baffle plate 40 is adapted to cause a cleaner bum and to distribute more heat toward the front of the stove.

[0033] An ashtray 26 is secured mounted to the front plate 19 of the device 10, and has a suitable depth, e.g., 4″, and width which in use is adapted to collect any spilled material that may escape from the combustion chamber during ash removal etc. and to reduce radiated heat.

[0034] The stove 10 is mounted upon a supporting structure having a front support having preferably two legs 30 and a rear support having at least one leg 32. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 the support legs 30 and 32 are positioned beneath the device 10 and are adapted to allow for an increased air circulation around the bottom of stove 10 to carry away the emitted heat.

[0035] Mounted to the rear of the stove 10 is a rear heat shield 52. Mounted beneath the cylindrical portion of stove 10 is a bottom heat shield 50 which in use is adapted to reduce heat radiation towards the ground. Heat shields 50 and 52 in a preferred embodiment are approximately 18 gauge steel and are adapted to reduce radiant heat where it could be a danger to the surrounding environment, such as walls, flooring, furniture to the like.

[0036] In accordance with the aforementioned description, the wood-stove of this invention is constructed through the modification of recycled hot water tanks, thus presenting an alternative and novel use of these discarded devices. A method of modifying the discarded tanks includes the steps of providing a discarded hot water tank, sectioning (e.g. cutting or separating) into one or more open ended cylindrical units, and converting the tank to be used as a useful stove.

[0037] All those skilled in the art will realize, these preferred illustrated details can be subjected to substantial variation, without affecting the function of the illustrated embodiments. For example, the hot water tanks as contemplated by the present invention may also be constructed from new or custom made tanks, the shape of which may depart from the customary cylindrical configuration described herein. Other shapes may be employed (which in some instances are aesthetically pleasing) such as cubic or parallelepiped, just so long as the interior surface of the combustion chamber is coated with a suitable glass material.

[0038] It may be difficult to secure plate member 19 in a glass coated configuration. For this reason, it may be necessary to employ a heavier gauge material to ensure longevity of the plate 19 if it is left uncoated.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the top of the wood-stove 10 includes a cooking surface 60. In a further alternative embodiment, the ashtray 26 is mounted to allow for the collection of the ash or residual material. In addition to the above, an ash-pan (not shown) of any conventional type may be removably positioned within the combustion chamber.

[0040] In a further alternative embodiment, the front plate 19 and door 20 may be replaced with a unitary structure (not shown) including a door and hinge means, which would allow access to the whole of the interior combustion chamber.

[0041] Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, it is not limited thereto and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications form part of the present invention insofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of the claimed and describe invention.

Claims

1. A combustion chamber for a wood burning stove comprising a closed vessel formed of a suitable material, said vessel having suitable access means and exhaust means formed therein,

door means supplied for closing said access means, and wherein substantially the entire interior surface of said closed vessel is coated with a layer of a suitable glass material.

2. A combustion chamber as claimed in

claim 1 wherein a major portion of said combustion chamber is formed from a discarded hot water tank.

3. A wood burning stove comprising a suitable material formed into a hollow closed vessel, wherein the interior surface of said hollow closed vessel is exposed to high temperatures of burning material and products of combustion,

said vessel being provided with a front access opening and exhaust means located in said vessel a predetermined distance from said access opening,

door means provided on said stove to close said access opening,

air admittance means formed in said stove to permit a controlled amount of air into said vessel during a burning operation,

the improvement comprising a coating of a suitable glass material coating substantially the entire interior surface of said vessel.

4. A wood burning stove according to

claim 3, wherein said vessel has the general shape of a hollow cylinder having a circular rear closure member remote from said access opening.

5. A wood burning stove according to

claim 3, wherein said door means includes a latch assembly.

6. A wood burning stove according to

claim 3, wherein said stove is provided with a heat shield means.

7. A wood burning stove according to

claim 3, wherein said stove is provided with ashtray means to reduce forwardly radiated heat.

8. A method of constructing a wood burning stove comprising the steps of:

providing a closed hollow metallic vessel having an interior surface coated with a suitable coating of glass compound;

providing said vessel with an access opening therein;

providing a suitable door for said access opening;

providing an exhaust vent for said stove at a predetermined distance from said access opening.

9. A method according to

claim 8, of providing a controllable air inlet in said door.

10. A method of constructing a wood burning stove comprising the steps of:

providing a hollow cylindrical metallic vessel having its interior surface coated with a suitable glass compound,

providing said vessel with an access opening therein;

providing a suitable door for said access opening, providing an exhaust vent for said stove at a predetermined distance from said access opening.

11. A method according to

claim 10 wherein a controllable air inlet is formed in said stove.

12. A method according to

claim 11 wherein said stove is provided with a suitable support structure.