Firebox for water for camping
A portable heating device includes an enclosed structure for containing and heating water. The firebox is constructed of steel and sits on four removable legs, allowing a campfire to burn on top of and underneath the firebox, maximizing heating elements. The heating of large quantities of water can be achieved by circulating water from a reservoir, through heat resistant hoses to the firebox, and then back into the reservoir once heated. This feature allows a hot tub for camping. A receptacle is placed in the upper firebox allowing a support post to be inserted, which supports a swivel arm or swivel grill for meal preparation. With the attachment of a steam diffuser, the portable heater can be used in combination with a sealable tent to become a sweat lodge. The device is also self-contained and easily transported by its conversion into a carrying case when not in use.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to fireboxes, especially portable ones. More specifically, this invention relates to portable fireboxes capable of heating large quantities of water for use in outdoor environments.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is often desired in outdoor environments to be able to heat a large quantity of water for use in bathing or other activities. Vitkay, U.S. Pat. No. 3,192,916, describes a portable hot water heater that includes a lightweight metal water tank or container, a heating element spaced from the tank, and a pair of hoses connecting the tank to the heating element. The tank includes structural features suited to form a carryall or knapsack for use on hiking or camping trips.
Nelson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,431,565, describes a portable shower that includes a collapsible shower frame with curtain, a reservoir for water, a pump connected to the water reservoir via suction tubing or pipe, and a battery to operate the pump. Adjustment can be made between hot and cold running water.
Evans et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,997, describes a heating unit for hot tubs and/or spa units that is a submerged heating unit fueled by wood and/or coal. The unit is composed of a single shell of highly heat-conductive metal and is entirely submerged in the tank of water except for air and fuel inlets, and an exhaust outlet.
Pritchett, U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,316, describes a portable camp stove that may be placed over a fire in a pit in the earth, or the stove may completely contain a fire within it when its bottom plate and legs are attached. Other accessories of the stove include a stovepipe and oven combination, a water heating system, and a grill and rotisserie.
Thomas et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,201, describes a portable water heating system, in which water is heated by an open campfire flame in an enclosed heat exchanger, and is circulated between the heat exchanger and a portable non-pressurized reservoir by thermosyphon action.
Englehart et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,161, describes a campfire water heating apparatus and method, in which water is drawn from a first kettle through a supply hose to a heat exchanger placed in the campfire. The water boils inside the heat exchanger and discharges upwardly through a delivery tube to a collecting kettle.
Atwood, U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,768, describes a portable multi-purpose outdoor fire container and hot water storage system, in which a water flow system consists of a first input pipe and a second output pipe, each pipe connected between a hot water storage container and a cylindrical open-top container capable of supporting firewood on the bottom surface for heating water.
Seiber, U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,214, describes a device for wilderness plumbing in which a portable water heating system, adjustable in temperature, consists of two dual-use waterproof bags, two water lines, a heater core and a shower head.
Wehrly et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,094, describes an indoor/outdoor heating and cooling system, consisting of a heat exchanging coil that is immersed in water in a heating pod heated over a fire or other heat source. Flexible tubing connected to the coil transmits heated water or other fluid under pressure from a water pump in a reservoir connected to the tubing. Loops of the tubing pass through various items used in outdoor activity including sleeping bags, tents, heaters, bowls, chairs, or a shower.
Hardee, U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,511, describes a portable system for heating water, in which the apparatus is self-contained such that additional sources of fuel or electrical power are not required, and can be used to provide heated water for showers, cleaning, food preparation, and the like.
Bilodeau, U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,547, describes a wood burning swimming pool heater, consisting of an oven for burning logs and branches, and a cylindrical chamber in which water circulates and heat is exchanged. Wood that can be found around an outdoor area is used as the fuel for this water heater.
The present invention is directed toward an improved capacity to heat water for use in outdoor environments, and has the added feature of being functional in cooking food. A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a closed loop circulation system, in which only one water-collection basin is required to serve as both the supply reservoir and the deposit reservoir.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a campfire heating device that is both fire-supporting and self-supporting, which means that the firebox is one unit that supports both its water circulating structure and its campfire structure.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a simple, portable, and self-containing device in which the unit itself becomes the carrying case used in transportation of the device.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable device capable of producing a high volume of hot water in a relatively short period of time.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide optimum heating of the water inside the device by utilizing multiple heating surfaces.
One more objective of the present invention is to provide a heating device that complies with the U.S. Forest Service requirements for proper containment of a campfire, including requirements for wilderness areas.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a portable heating device with the ability to create a large volume of hot water in an outdoor setting. The firebox is preferably constructed of steel and sits on four removable legs, allowing a campfire to burn on top of the firebox, and below under the firebox, thus allowing the firebox to heat the water from top and bottom, greatly increasing the amount of heat that can be transferred to the water. The firebox has a double bottom that forms a closed vessel which serves as a water jacket, and water is circulated through this water jacket from a full tub of water until it reaches the desired temperature. In another embodiment of the invention, multiple hollow tubes, that are open at both ends, are vertically passed through the water jacket, whereby the tubes function as an additional heating element by allowing circulation of heated air from the flames below.
The present invention is self-contained and portable. In one embodiment, the components of the invention are able to be compacted and placed together on the topside of the firebox. The lower campfire piece then becomes a lid to close the top and latch to the upper firebox piece, thus creating a self-contained and easily transported carrying case.
The present invention may be utilized for a plurality of functions. In one arrangement, the present invention may be used with a portable tub, such as an inflatable tub, where the tub then serves as a hot tub for people to sit in while camping out. A 12 volt water pump, two high temperature rubber hoses, and a nearby source of enough water to fill the tub are required to use the present invention as a hot tub. Additionally, the hot tub could be adapted to a showering apparatus in which water is pulled from the hot tub reservoir to the showerhead for bathing. The present invention may also be arranged for use as a camp out sweat lodge. A small tent that can be zipped up with no ventilation, two high temperature rubber hoses, a bucket full of water, and a steam diffuser are required to operate the present invention as a sweat lodge.
A third function of the present invention, that may operate simultaneously with either of the above listed functions, is for use in food preparation. A vertical supporting post can be inserted into the top corner receptacle of the firebox and connected to either a swivel grill or swivel arm for hanging a cooking pot or Dutch oven.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above-described drawing figures describe the present invention, a portable heating device for heating large quantities of water in outdoor environments. The heating device is an enclosed structure, as seen in
Two approximately 25-foot long high temperature hoses are connected to hollow steel posts (20) in the side of the firebox structure (13). A cross-section of the firebox (13) showing the hoses is provided in
One alternate embodiment of the present invention is with several open hollow tubes (30) extending vertically through the water jacket, as seen in
The present invention is both self-supporting and fire-supporting. This means that the invention consists of one unit that acts to support the water heating device as well as the campfire structures that serve to heat the water within the device. A campfire (16′) can be built on the topside of the firebox (13), enclosed by the raised lip (12) that is formed by having a sunken top panel (10). A campfire (16) can also be built underneath the device and on top of the steel panel that serves as the lid (32), seen in
The top side of the firebox (13) includes a receptacle (34) in one corner for receiving a vertical support post (36), best seen in
The present invention can be arranged to function as a water heating device for a portable camp-out hot tub (
The hot tub arrangement may also be connected to a showerhead apparatus for use in bathing or other cleaning. For this feature, the hot tub reservoir (24) is connected to a showering device by a heat-resistant hose, and then supplies firebox-heated water to a showerhead through the use of a pump.
The present invention can also be arranged to function as a water heating device for a portable camp-out sweat lodge, as seen in
The present invention is portable and forms a self-containing storage case (
Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A portable heating device comprising an enclosed volume; wherein the volume has a top, sides, and a bottom; wherein the top surface of the volume is adapted with a raised lip to support a fire; wherein the bottom is supported above the ground by legs; wherein the enclosed volume has at least one inlet conduit and at least one outlet conduit for fluid.
2. The heating device of claim 1 wherein the enclosed volume includes open hollow tubes extending vertically through the volume.
3. The heating device of claim 1 wherein the top of the enclosed volume includes a receptacle for receiving a vertical support post.
4. The heating device of claim 3 wherein the vertical support post is attached to a swivel grill.
5. The heating device of claim 3 wherein the vertical support post is attached to a swivel arm.
6. The heating device of claim 5 wherein the parts of the device fit together on the topside of the volume; and wherein a lid latches to the volume to create a self-contained carrying case.
7. The heating device of claim 6 wherein the lid inverts to support a fire underneath the volume.
8. The heating device of claim 2 wherein the top of the enclosed volume includes a receptacle for receiving a vertical support post.
9. The heating device of claim 8 wherein the vertical support post is attached to a swivel grill.
10. The heating device of claim 8 wherein the vertical support post is attached to a swivel arm.
11. The heating device of claim 10 wherein the parts of the device fit together on the topside of the volume; and wherein a lid latches to the volume to create a self-contained carrying case.
12. The heating device of claim 11 wherein the lid inverts to support a fire underneath the volume.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 21, 2006
Publication Date: Aug 23, 2007
Inventor: Phillip Hughes (Boise, ID)
Application Number: 11/359,355
International Classification: F24B 1/183 (20060101);