Fire Pen

Abstract

An architecture is presented that provides a barrier device for protecting recreational fires from accidental intrusion by small children and animals. The barrier device comprises a plurality of gate panels linearly connected by a plurality of hinge elements. A fastening element is employed to selectively engage the outer two gate panels so that they may be connected together. When in use, the plurality of gate elements rotate about the plurality of hinge elements to form a seven-sided polygon-shaped configuration that is connected together by the fastening element. Typically, a user arranges the fastened barrier device around the fire. The open structure of the gate panels prevents access to the fire by small children or animals while allowing easy viewing and access to the fire by adults.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/410,388 filed Nov. 5, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains generally to a fire safety device, and more particularly to a safety barrier cage for enclosing an outdoor recreational fire.

BACKGROUND

Many people enjoy socializing outdoors with their family and friends around recreational fires. However, even controlled and contained fires still pose significant dangers to small children and pets that may easily wander too close to the flames or embers. These fires put them at risk of serious injury or death from burns caused by radiant heat and flame. Furthermore, traditional safety barriers detract from the ambiance of sitting around and viewing the fire.

Consequently, a safety barrier that will not detract from the recreational experience of sitting around a camp fire is needed. The proposed invention allows individuals to enjoy outdoor recreational fires while maintaining the piece of mind that nearby children and animals will remain shielded from danger. Further, access to the fire for warmth, cooking, and maintenance remains unhindered.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a unique and useful fire pen that protects children and pets from outdoor recreational fires while not detracting from the camp fire experience.

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some novel embodiments described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a barrier device for fire safety. In one embodiment the barrier device comprises a plurality of gate panels connected by a plurality of hinge elements and a fastening element. When the fastening element is employed, the barrier device forms a polygon-shaped structure capable of encircling a recreational fire. Further, when engaged with the ground the barrier device is stabilized to prevent intrusion into the fire.

In another embodiment the barrier device comprises a fire resistant coating which acts as an insulation aid in preventing burns from contact with the barrier device. When not in use, the barrier device is collapsible to aid in portability. The barrier device can be used for all types of outdoor recreational fires, namely, camp fires, fire pits, fire pans, fire rings, and the like.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial side elevational view of a barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2A illustrates a close-up cross-sectional elevational view of a hinge element of the barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2B illustrates a close-up cross-sectional elevational view of a hinge element of the barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3A illustrates an underside view of a top rail of the barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial side elevational view of a fastening element in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top unhooked partially folded view of a barrier device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Safety of children and animals near fire is of paramount importance to people who enjoy outdoor recreational fires. Accordingly, the disclosed device is designed to protect small children and pets from burns that may occur from accidental close proximity or contact with these fires. However, this device allows individuals to enjoy the ambiance of an outdoor fire while still maintaining a protective barrier that does not otherwise significantly detract from the viewing and use of the fire.

Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the novel embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. The invention relates generally to a portable barrier device that protects children and animals from accidental contact with campfires.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a barrier device 100 for use with an outdoor recreational fire 180. The barrier device 100 comprises a plurality of gate panels 102 and a plurality of hinge elements 118. Unless otherwise stated, the components of the barrier device 100 are preferably constructed of wood, glue, iron and poly vinyl chloride, though it is contemplated that other suitable materials, including without limitation steel, aluminum, metal alloys, polymers, wood products, and the like, can be used without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Further, any of the construction materials used may also be coated with a fire resistant high temperature paint or coating.

When in use around a fire, the barrier device 100 is substantially polygonal in shape and preferably comprises a seven-sided heptagon. The preferred size provides an enclosure with an approximate diameter of between 68 and 70 inches, and an approximate circumference of between 200 and 230 inches. These dimensions allow for adequate protection for a fire or fire ring of between 10 and 30 inches in diameter while maintaining a distance of between 15 and 30 inches from any point in the base of the fire. However, this is not meant as a limitation as the barrier device 100 dimensions may be smaller or larger as desired. For example, a larger barrier device 100 may be desirable for bonfires to ensure an adequate protective distance. When not in use, the barrier device 100 easily collapses or folds along the plurality of hinge elements 118 to the approximate dimensions of one of the plurality of gate panels 102, as discussed infra, and to between seven to nine inches in depth. When in the folded or un-deployed position, the plurality of gate panels 102 align in a substantially parallel orientation. As the barrier device 100 preferably weighs between 15 and 35 pounds, and is simple to fold and/or unfold, it is easily portable.

Preferably, the plurality of gate panels 102 are manufactured from wood or a wood product, however, as discussed supra, this is not meant as a limitation as a wide variety of common construction materials may be used with out affecting the overall concept of the invention. Similarly, the wood is preferably coated with a fire resistant paint or coating to protect the wood from degradation and combustion. For example, the wood may be sprayed with a high temperature acrylic based paint such as those used to coat stoves, grills, automotive parts, and the like. In addition to protecting the plurality of gate panels 102 from combustion, the coating acts as an insulator to keep the wood or other construction material from becoming hot enough to cause a burn injury from contact.

Each of the plurality of gate panels 102 further comprises a top rail 104, a bottom rail 106, and a plurality of pickets 116. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 3A, the top and bottom rails 104 and 106 respectively, both comprise an offset portion 108 and an arm portion 114 with a total preferred combined length of 32 inches. The offset portion 108 typically is two inches wide extending perpendicularly about one and a half to two inches before angling approximately 45 degrees back into the arm portion 114. However, any angle between zero and 90 degrees, and any geometric or ornamental design that extends the width of the offset portion 108 is acceptable and still within the scope of the invention. Both the offset portion 108 and a distal end of the arm portion 114 of the top rail 104 further comprise a top through hole 110, and the offset portion 108 and a distal end of the arm portion 114 of the bottom rail 106 further comprise a bottom through hole 112. The top and bottom through holes 110 and 112 are approximately centered in the corresponding offset portion 108 and the distal end of the arm portion 114 and are between ¼^th and ½ inches, but preferably ⅜^th of an inch in diameter.

The plurality of pickets 116 are generally round, however, any ornamental design or geometric shape such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, and the like, will not deviate from the scope of the invention. Typically the plurality of pickets 116 are ½ inches in diameter and 24 inches in length. But as discussed supra, these dimensions are not meant as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Preferably, six of the plurality of pickets 116 are set vertically between the top and bottom rails 104 and 106 of each of the plurality of gate panels 102 so that the plurality of pickets 116 are approximately equidistant at about four inch intervals. The four inch interval is beneficial in that it is close enough so that a child or pet may not fit between the plurality of pickets 116, but still allows for a mostly unobstructed view of the fire. However, any number of pickets may be used and not vary from the scope of the invention.

The plurality of pickets 116 are typically centered in the top and bottom rails, 104 and 106, and set into a plurality of non-through holes 160 approximately ½ inches deep into the underside of top rail 104 and the top side of the bottom rail 106 as seen in FIG. 3A. The plurality of pickets 116 are further attached with glue and brads. However, any known method of attaching wood elements, including adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and joints is considered equivalent.

While the plurality of gate panels 102 typically number seven, the barrier device 100 may comprise a greater or lesser number as desired and still be within the scope of the invention. Each of the plurality of gate panels 102 preferably are approximately 25 inches high, although this is not meant as a limitation on the scope of the invention as the height may range from 18 to 36 inches. However, the 25 inch height permits a substantial barrier for small children and pets while still allowing for easy access to the recreational fire 180.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, the plurality of gate panels 102 are rotatably connected by the plurality of hinge elements 118 so that a first adjacent gate panel 102(a) is connected to a second adjacent gate panel 102(b). A plurality of fixedly attached connecting elements 120 are inserted into the plurality of hinge elements 118 so that the plurality of gate panels 102 may rotate about the plurality of hinge elements 118. The plurality of fixedly attached connecting elements 120 comprise a rod element 122. The rod element 122 is typically a 5/16^th diameter iron or steel bar, however any metal, metal alloy, wood, plastic, and the like of diameters ranging from ¼^th to ½ inches may be used and still be within the scope of the invention. The diameter of the rod element 122 is only limited by the diameter of the through holes 110 and 112. The rod element 122 is inserted through the top and bottom through holes 110 and 112 of the offset portion 108 of the first adjacent panel 102(a) and the top and bottom through holes 110 and 112 of the distal end of the arm portion 114 of the second adjacent gate panel 102(b) thereby connecting them.

The rod element 122 comprises a top cap element 124 of a greater diameter than that of the through holes 110 and 112 that is welded or otherwise fixedly attached and a top washer 126 that freely spins. Both the top cap element 124 and the top washer 126 are positioned above the top rail 104. The rod element 122 further comprises at least one bottom washer 130 that freely spins, a crimped element 132, and a spike portion 134. The at least one bottom washer 126 is positioned below the bottom rail 106 and is held in place on the rod element 122 by the crimped element 132 which is compressibly attached below the at least one bottom washer 126 fixing the rod element 122 in place in the plurality of hinge elements 118. Preferably, there are two bottom washers 130 (according to FIG. 2B). The rod element 122 terminates in the spike portion 134 of between six to ten inches in length which is insertable into the ground up to six inches in depth.

Additionally, the rod element 122 is partially encapsulated by a center sleeve element 128 positioned between the top and bottom rails 104 and 106. The center sleeve element 128 is preferably a length of poly vinyl chloride pipe coated with a fire resistant paint, as discussed supra, however any similar material known to one of skill in the art is considered within the scope of the invention. The center sleeve element 128 serves as an insulator so that the iron or steel rod element 122 does not become hot enough to burn a person or animal. To deploy or collapse the barrier device 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the user may move the plurality of gate panels 102 which are horizontally disposed into a desired polygonal orientation around the fire or into a folded storage position by simply rotating the plurality of gate panels 102 about the plurality of hinge elements 118 in the desired direction.

Referring to FIG. 4, a fastening element 138 is employed to selectively connect an outer two of the plurality of gate panels 102 so that the barrier device 100 forms a polygon-shaped configuration, such as a heptagon, when connected. Furthermore, additional gate panels (not shown) may be added to the barrier device 100 to create a larger polygon. The fastening element 138 comprises a fixed element 140. The fixed element 140 is preferably a metal rod similar to the rod element 122 discussed supra. Like the rod element 122, the fixed element 140 further comprises a spike 142 and a center sleeve 144. However, the fixed element 140 further comprises a top securing element 146 and a bottom securing element 150. The top and bottom securing elements 146 and 150 preferably are L-shaped hooks extending from the body of the fixed element 140 with the bottom securing element preferably longer in height than the top securing element 146. However, other securing connectors known to one of skill in the art such as straps or flexible tubing are acceptable as well.

The barrier device 100 forms a fire enclosure when a first outer gate panel 102(c) is connected to a second outer gate panel 102(d) with the fastening element 138. The first outer gate panel 102(c) employs the fixed element 140 positioned between the top and bottom through holes 110 and 112 to form an outer hinge element 118(a). Next, the second outer gate panel 102(d) is moved adjacent to the first outer gate panel 102(c). From underneath, the bottom securing element 150 is placed through the bottom through hole 112 of the first outer gate panel 102(c) so that the first and second outer gate panels 102(c) and (d) are engaged at the bottom. Simultaneously, the top securing element 146 is positioned so that it may slide up through the top through hole 110 of the first outer gate panel 102(c) so that the first and second outer gate panels 102(c) and (d) are engaged at the top as well. The top securing element 146 is then held in place with a locking element 148 so that the first and second outer gate panels 102(c) and (d) stay connected. The locking element 148 may be a cotter pin for example, or of any other temporary attaching element known to one of skill in the art.

Returning to FIG. 1, the connected barrier device 100 is positioned around the fire 180 so that it is completely surrounded. The barrier device 100 is further stabilized by stepping on the bottom rail 106 of the plurality of gate panels 102, or alternatively by using a hammer to drive the rod elements 122 and the fixed element 138 in to the ground. The spike portion 134 and the spike 142 are driven into the ground so that the bottom rails 106 are positioned between two to six but preferably four inches above the ground to prevent access underneath the barrier device 100. The barrier device 100 is removed by pulling it out of the ground, disengaging the fastening element 138, and folding for storage.

What has been described above includes examples of the disclosed device. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the novel device is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A barrier device for an outdoor recreational fire, the barrier device comprising:

a plurality of gate panels;

a plurality of hinge elements for connecting the plurality of gate panels; and

a fastening element.

2. The barrier device of claim 1, wherein the barrier device comprises at least one of the following materials: iron, steel, aluminum, metal alloys, plastics, polymers, wood, and polyvinyl chloride.

3. The barrier device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the plurality of gate panels is comprised of wood.

4. The barrier device of claim 3, wherein a portion of the plurality of gate panels is coated with a fire resistant paint.

5. The barrier device of claim 1, wherein the a plurality of gate panels further comprises a first outer gate panel and a second outer gate panel and said barrier device is configured in a polygonal-shaped structure when the fastening element is selectively engaged with said first outer gate panel and said second outer gate panel.

6. The barrier device of claim 5, wherein the barrier device is configured as a heptagon.

7. The barrier device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gate panels fold along the plurality of hinge elements so that said plurality of gate panels are substantially parallel to one another when the barrier device is in a nonuse position.

8. A barrier device for surrounding an outdoor recreational fire, the barrier device comprising:

a plurality of gate panels comprising a first adjacent gate panel, a second adjacent gate panel, a first outer gate panel, and a second outer gate panel;

a plurality of hinge elements for connecting the first adjacent gate panel to the second adjacent gate panel;

a plurality of fixedly attached connecting elements inserted in the plurality of hinge elements so that that the plurality of gate panels rotate about the plurality of hinge elements; and

a fastening element for selectively connecting the first outer gate panel and the second outer gate panel such that the barrier device is configured in a polygonal-shaped structure when connected.

9. The barrier device of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of gate panels comprise a top rail, a bottom rail, and a plurality of pickets.

10. The barrier device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of pickets are substantially four inches apart and vertically oriented between the top and bottom rails.

11. The barrier device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of pickets are substantially equidistant from each other.

12. The barrier device of claim 8, wherein the barrier device is portable.

13. The barrier device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of fixedly attached connecting elements further comprise a center sleeve element between the top and bottom rails.

14. The barrier device of claim 13, wherein the center sleeve element is comprised of poly vinyl chloride pipe.

15. A barrier device for surrounding an outdoor recreational fire, the barrier device comprising:

a plurality of gate panels comprising a first adjacent gate panel, a second adjacent gate panel, a first outer gate panel, and a second outer gate panel disposed horizontally between a plurality of hinge elements, wherein the plurality of hinge elements are held in place by a plurality of fixedly attached connecting elements;

wherein the plurality of fixedly attached connecting elements extend through a bottom portion of the plurality of hinge elements so that a bottom spike portion is insertable into a ground surface; and

a fastening element for removably connecting the first outer gate panel and the second outer gate panel such that the barrier device is configured in a polygonal-shape configuration when connected.

16. The barrier device of claim 15, wherein the plurality of gate panels comprise seven gate panels, the plurality of fixedly attached connecting elements comprise six connecting elements, and when connected by the fastening element form a heptagonal-shaped configuration.

17. The barrier device of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of gate panels are between 24 and 26 inches in height, and between 28 and 32 inches in length.

18. The barrier device of claim 15, wherein the bottom spike portion is between four and eight inches in length.

19. The barrier device of claim 15, wherein the fastening element is fixedly attached to an outer hinge element of the first outer gate panel.

20. The barrier device of claim 19, wherein the fastening element selectively engages an outer hinge element of the second outer gate panel, so that when engaged, the first and second outer gate panels are connected.