Firewood container

Abstract

A firewood storage device for made of a container having a plurality of panels, wherein at least one said panel having an edge being capable of removably affixing to an edge of at least one other said panel, and at least one said panel having a vent.

Description

This is a non-provisional application of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/501,936 filed Sep. 11, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of firewood storage containers, specifically containers that allow firewood to dry, eliminates insect infestation of buildings, collects any firewood debris, and helps reduce wood mold and subsequent allergic reactions to wood mold when firewood is brought into the house.

2. Description of the Related Art

Storage of wood for use in wood burning fireplace units requires a dry area protected from rain/snow and further infestation of insects and animals. While wood is being dried outdoors it is exposed to the elements causing it to become damp and degrade in overall burning ability. Currently there are several types of plastic/canvas tarps on the market. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,491,958 and 5,699,646 disclose log storage covers made of pervious plastic material, which restricts sunlight, wind and rain and permits adequate ventilation. However, in the inventors experience, these actually tend to help retain moisture, which promotes the growth of wood mold and mildew which when the wood is taken indoors often adds to allergy symptoms in many people. This type of covering also tends to tear and rot away within a short period of time. Additionally, the covers do not substantially envelope the wood contained therein, thereby permitting insects to enter and exit the wood. These covers are therefore not suitable for firewood storage outside a home or structure, inside a garage, a basement or other storage area convenient to the user.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

It is therefore an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container capable of withstanding years of continuous outdoor exposure.

It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that does not freeze, crack, or become unusable in inclement weather, and is easy to use in inclement weather.

It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that is capable of accommodating vertical and/or horizontal supports of a firewood rack.

It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that permits ease of access to the firewood by a user.

It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that prevents debris, ice, and snow from contacting any fastening means of the container/bag.

It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that facilitates air flow in the container.

It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that promotes drying of the firewood.

It is an object of the invention to design a firewood storage container that allows for drainage of any moisture which may enter the container/bag.

It is also an object of the invention to prevent insects, which may be contained in the firewood, to escape from or enter the container.

It is an object of the invention to provide a firewood storage container that permits firewood storage next to a house, or building, without concern of possible infestation of the structure by any insects that may be in the firewood.

It is an object of the invention to provide a firewood storage container that permits firewood storage outside a home or structure, inside a garage, a basement or other storage area convenient to the user.

It is an object of the invention to provide a firewood storage container that collects firewood debris and thereby eliminates the need to sweep or rake up debris.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the detailed description annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a firewood storage cover which is designed to withstand years of continuous outdoor exposure. The firewood cover is a heavy duty firewood storage cover which allows the wood to continue drying over time, eliminates potential insect infestation of buildings, contains any wood debris, and helps reduce allergic reactions to wood mold when firewood is brought into the house.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment in a closed state.

FIG. 2 is an exploded frontal view of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment in an open state.

FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment illustrating use in conjunction with a wood frame 30.

FIG. 5 is a frontal view of an alternative embodiment illustrating the frame 30 encompassed within the container 10.

FIG. 6 is a frontal view of an alternative embodiment of container 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention may be susceptible to embodiments in different forms, there will be described in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that which is described herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a frontal view of the preferred embodiment in a closed state. As shown in FIG. 1, container 10 is a generally rectangular bag that is capable of storing firewood logs therein. Container 10 is preferably made of heavy duty fabric, preferably Sunbrella® fabric, manufactured by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC, Glen Raven, N.C.; however any fabric exhibiting similar qualities may be utilized. Any fabric is preferably an air pervious woven polypropylene or polyethylene fabric. The fabric also preferably permits heat transfer and is mildew resistant. The invention has been tested over an eight year period and has proved to be extremely durable, weather resistant and has proven to facilitate the drying of firewood.

Container 10 is preferably constructed of a single piece of fabric subdivided into panels. Container 10 is exploded in FIG. 2 and illustrates panels 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. In the preferred embodiment, first panel 11 contacts fifth panel 15 at first crease A. Similarly, fifth panel 15 contacts third panel 13 at second crease B, third panel 13 contacts second panel 12 at third crease C, fifth panel 15 contacts second panel 12 at fourth crease D, fourth panel 14 contacts second panel 12 at fifth crease E, sixth panel 16 contacts second panel 12 at fourth crease F, and fifth panel 15 contacts fourth panel 14 at seventh crease G. Creases A, B, C, D, E, F, and G are preferably created by hemming or stitching, and which thereby created a crease by which the respective panels may fold thereupon.

As shown in FIGS. 2, first panel 11 has a first edge 40, third edge 42, and fifth edge 44. Also shown in FIG. 2, sixth panel 16 has second edge 41, tenth edge 49, and eight edge 47. Additionally, third panel 13 has a fourth edge 43 and seventh edge 46, and fourth panel 14 has a sixth edge 45 and ninth edge 48. As shown in FIG. 3, third edge 42 removably attaches to fourth edge 43. Similarly, fifth edge 44 removably attaches to sixth edge 45, seventh edge 46 removably attaches to eight edge 47, ninth edge 48 removably attaches to tenth edge 49, and first edge 40 removably attaches to second edge 42.

The respective edges removably attach to one another by fastening means. In the preferred embodiment, the fastening means are interlocking fastening devices, such as a zipper, however hook and loop fasteners, snaps or other fastening means that removably affix the respective edges may be used.

As shown in FIG. 2, fastening means 33a is placed along third edge 42 and removably attaches to fastening means 33b, which is placed along fourth edge 43. Similarly, fastening means 32a is placed along eight edge 47 and removably attaches to fastening means 32b, which is placed along seventh edge 46. Additionally, fastening means 34a is placed along fifth edge 44 and removably attaches to fastening means 34b, which is placed along sixth edge 45. Finally, fastening means 31a is placed along first edge 40 and removably attaches to fastening means 31b, which is placed along second edge 42.

In order to protect the fastening means from ice and snow buildup, the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, has a first flap 17, a second flap 18, and a third flap 19. In the preferred embodiment, third edge 42 is a crease that divides second flap 18 from first flap 11, and fifth edge 44 is a crease that divides third flap from first panel 11. Additionally, first flap 17 is divided from sixth panel 16 by a crease generally defined by eight edge 47, second edge 41, and tenth edge 49. The creases are formed in a similar manner as described above. This allows the flaps 17, 18 and 19 to fold over the respective fastening means, thereby creating a barrier against ice and snow buildup.

Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, flap 18 is removably affixed to panel 13, flap 19 is removably affixed to panel 14, and flap 17 is removably affixed to panels 11, 13, and 14, as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, flaps 17, 18 and 19 are removably affixed to the panels 11, 13 and 14 by hook and loop fasteners, although any removable affixing means may be utilized.

In FIG. 3, container 10 is shown in an open state revealing firewood 20 contained therein. In the open state, panel 11 is no longer affixed to panels 13, 14 and 16. Additionally, in the open state, flaps 17, 18 and 19 are no longer affixed to panels 11, 13 and 14. The open state allows the firewood 20 to be easily accessed by a user.

As shown in FIG. 1, container 10 is in a closed state containing firewood therein. In the closed state, panel 11 is removably affixed to panels 13 (not shown in FIG. 1), 14 and 16. As well, in the closed state, flaps 17, 18 and 19 (not shown in FIG. 1) are removably affixed to panels 11, 13 (not shown in FIG. 1) and 14.

In the closed state, insects which may be contained in the firewood are prevented from escaping the container 10. Thus, firewood storage is permitted next to a house, or building, without concern of possible infestation of the structure by any insects that may be in the firewood. Additionally, the container 10 collects firewood debris and thereby eliminates the need to sweep or rake up debris.

In the closed state, the container 10 facilitates air flow to promote drying of the firewood. Additionally, the container 10 allows for drainage of any moisture which may enter the container 10. In addition to the type of fabric used to construct container 10, as described above, both of these features are aided and accomplished by the use of panel vents placed therein.

FIG. 1 illustrates first panel vents 21 placed within the first panel 11 and fourth panel vent 24 placed within the fourth panel 14. FIG. 2 better illustrates the placement of panel vents 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 along first panel 11, second panel 12, third panel 13, fourth panel 14, fifth panel 15, respectively. The vents 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 permit increased air flow throughout the container 10, which decreases the drying time of the firewood 20 contained therein. The vents 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are preferably airlette® “Stick on” Vents™ manufactured by Airlette® Manufacturing Corporation, Lantana, Fla.; however any mesh screens, made of either metal or plastic, or other suitable material and which prevents insects from entering or exiting the container 10, and which still permitting increased air flow may be used. The vents 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are preferably placed over preexisting holes within the panels and affixed to the panels by adhesive; however any fastening means such as crimping or stitching may be used so long as a seal is created. Additionally, the vents 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, most notably vents 25, allow any condensation or moisture contained within the container 10 to drain.

One added feature of the container 10 is it may be used in conjunction with a preexisting wood or metallic firewood frame 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the container 10 contains loops 26, 27, 28 and 29 that affix to the frame 30. This permits the container 10 to be affixed in an upright and stationary position while in an open state in order to load firewood 20 into the container 10. Loops 26, 27, 28 and 29 are preferably made of the same material as the container 10; however, any such durable weather resistant fabric may be used.

The container 10 is not intended to be limited in any dimension. However the preferred container 10 is constructed in dimensions to contain generally a face cord of firewood. Therefore the dimensions of the preferred embodiment measure 96 inches×48 inches×14 inches. Accordingly, panels 15 and 16 are preferably 96 inches in length by 14 inches in width, panels 11 and 12 are preferably 96 inches in length by 48 inches in height, and panels 13 and 14 are preferably 48 inches in height and 14 inches in length. However, the preferred embodiment is not intended to be limiting as the preferred embodiment.

The container 10 can be sized to fit various frames 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 30 is placed exterior to the container 10, where the loops 26, 27, 28, and 29 are attached to the frame 30. Alternatively, the container 10 is sized to encompass the frame 30 therein. In yet another alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, container 10 is constructed to encompass the frame 30, but as shown in FIG. 5, panel 15 of alternative container 10 has openings 50, 51, 52, and 53 which permit the legs of frame 30 to pass through the container 10. Thus when the container 10 is in a closed state, the frame 30 as well as wood 20 is contained therein.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the container 10, as shown in FIG. 6 is constructed of the same materials and in the same manner as the preferred embodiment explained above, however panel 15 is removed. This alternative embodiment is suitably used where insect and animal infestation is not problematic. Panel 11 is removably affixed to panels 13 and 14 in a manner as described above. In this alternative embodiment, panel 16 is fixedly attached to panels 11, 12, 13 and 14.

Hence, while the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended that the invention be limited to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, same should be apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly no further discussion relevant to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention shall be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum proportions for the elements of the invention, and variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered illustrative of only the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact method, construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A firewood storage device, comprising:

a. a container, said container having a plurality of panels;

b. at least one said panel having an edge being capable of removably affixing to an edge of at least one other said panel; and

c. at least one said panel having a vent.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one said panel being constructed of an air pervious fabric.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one said panel being constructed of an air non-pervious fabric.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the vent being an airlette® “Stick on” Vents™.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein the air pervious fabric being Sunbrella® fabric.

6. A firewood storage device, comprising:

a. a container, said container having a plurality of panels;

b. a means for removably affixing at least one said panel to another said panel; and

c. at least one said panel having a vent.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein at least one said panel being constructed of an air pervious fabric.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein at least one said panel being constructed of an air non-pervious fabric.

9. The device of claim 6 wherein the vent being an airlette® “Stick on” Vents™.

10. The device of claim 8 wherein the air pervious fabric being Sunbrella® fabric.

11. The device of claim 6 wherein the means for removably affixing at least one panel to another comprises an interlocking fastening device.

12. The device of claim 6 further comprising a means for protecting the means for removably affixing at least one said panel to another said panel from accumulations of ice or snow.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein the means for protecting comprises a flap.

14. A firewood storage device, comprising:

a. a container, said container having a plurality of panels;

b. at least one said panel having an edge being capable of removably affixing to an edge of at least one other said panel;

c. a first removably affixing means disposed along at least one edge for removably affixing to a second removably affixing means disposed along at least one other edge;

e. at least one said panel having a vent.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein the panels being constructed of an air pervious fabric.

16. The device of claim 14 further comprising a means for protecting at least one removably affixing means from accumulations of snow or ice.

17. The device of claim 14 wherein the vent being an airlette® “Stick on” Vents™.

18. The device of claim 15 wherein the air pervious fabric being Sunbrella® fabric.

19. A firewood storage device, comprising:

a. a container, said container having a plurality of panels, the panels being constructed of an air pervious fabric;

b. at least one said panel having an edge being capable of removably affixing to an edge of at least one other said panel;

c. a first removably affixing means disposed along at least one edge for removably affixing to a second removably affixing means disposed along at least one other edge;

d. a means for protecting at least one removably affixing means from accumulations of snow or ice; and

e. at least one said panel having a vent.

21. The device of claim 19 wherein the means for protecting comprises a flap.

22. The device of claim 19 wherein the vent being an airlette® “Stick on” Vents™.

23. The device of claim 19 wherein the air pervious fabric being Sunbrella® fabric.