ULTIMATE FIRE PIT

Abstract

A unique outdoor fire pit that facilitates safe usage on deck surfaces.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of outdoor accessories, and more specifically to the field of domestic fire pits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for domestic fire pits. Among these are:

US Patent 2003/0075166 to Henry Glass describes a free standing fire pit comprising a base support member that holds the fire pit in an upright position. The base support member is fully enclosed about its periphery by a meshed screen to prevent sparks or other combustible debris from inadvertently exiting the fire pit. An access opening is disposed on the screen to provide user access to the fire pit enclosure. A middle grate having a cooking grill is removably mounted to pivot about an axis of rotation adjacent and contiguous to the access opening of the screen. The fire pit is containable within an attractive chimenea providing outside warmth and providing a removable grill for cooking purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,942 to Lewis Almor describes a barbecue pit apparatus. It comprises a metallic drum that has been cut out to provide appropriate apertures for inserting a grill apparatus upon which meat or other food is grilled. The grill apparatus is readily removable for insertion of coals and igniting articles such as lighter fluid, twigs or paper. The apparatus further includes a stack which has an entry within the chamber of the barbecue pit above the rack holding the food. The apparatus also includes a sliding vent apparatus which enters into the aforementioned chamber below the rack holding the food and near the lower or bottom portion of coals inserted therein for cooking purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,876 to Clarence E. Ellis describes a common casing encloses an ash pit and grate for a pit type barbecue cooker and an overhead pan for drippings or for the support of charcoal when the device is utilized as an outdoor charcoal grill. An adjustable grill rack is mounted in the casing above the pan and an adjustable stack with damper in the top of the casing allows smoke from a wood fire to be circulated across food on the grill rack.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique outdoor fire pit that facilitates safe usage on deck surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prototypical diagonal view showing the present invention and its noncombustible platform that reflects heat and provides warmth for user's feet.

FIG. 2 is a prototypical diagonal view showing the easily accessible doors for adding fire burning materials such as wood and paper.

FIG. 3 is a prototypical front view showing a trap door that is located underneath the present invention and permits easy removal of ashes.

FIG. 4 is a prototypical diagonal top down view showing a top handle that easily twists on and off to allow smoke to be released from a chimney that also is removable for cleaning

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Outdoor living remains one of the fastest growing segments of residential construction. As homeowners look to extend living and entertainment spaces without greatly impacting budgets, they are choosing to build formal outdoor spaces. Buyers and homeowners are demanding more sophisticated features that serve their needs year round. This trend is evidenced by the growing popularity of outdoor specific appliances, covered patios and decks, and fire pits. Indeed, the latter has enjoyed a boon in acceptance in recent years, as little enhances camaraderie and conversation more than spending a pleasantly crisp fall evening gathered around a controlled roaring fire. The fire pit craze started about a decade ago with a chimenea, which is a simple clay wood burning fireplace. Fire pit options then exploded with offerings from inexpensive wood burning models to very expensive and artsy high octane pits that use natural gas or propane. The majority of current fire pit options present several drawbacks to creating a completely relaxing ambiance. As the fire burns, uncontained smoke emanating from the flames billows out and tends to envelope revelers. Fire pit configurations are inconducive to easy cleaning, as homeowners must physically scoop out piles of ash residue before each use. Portable fire pits are configured as low lying pits that are usable only on ground or concrete surfaces which precludes deck owners from enjoying the benefits of a soothing fire while entertaining or simply relaxing on their outdoor decks.

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Ultimate Fire Pit, is an improved outdoor fire pit for home use that comprises a chimney for better smoke distribution, an ash catcher and a raised reflective base platform. The Ultimate Fire Pit provides outdoor enthusiasts with an extremely safe and user friendly fire pit that is functionally enjoyable on deck areas. A self-contained portable heater, the present invention is compact and circular in shape.

Constructed of a durable metal material, the present invention measures approximately forty eight inches in height and twenty eight inches in circumference. The top of the Ultimate Fire Pit is comprised of a tapered, removable chimney assembly containing a fluted egress that concentrates smoke distribution up and away from the pit. Below the chimney area, the body of the Ultimate Fire Pit is fabricated of a durable mesh material for keeping the fire contained while still providing the benefits of an open pit. Centrally positioned on both sides of the body component are easy access doors that allows for the addition of combustibles such as wood or paper.

With an ornamental elliptical motif at its base, the Ultimate Fire Pit resides above a four legged platform which is topped with a grate, an ash collection bin and a connecting trap door. The grate measures approximately twenty four inches in diameter. Approximately one quarter of an inch separates each horizontal slot on the grate, allowing ash and small embers to fall into a collection bin directly below the grate. Accessible by a connecting trap door, the collection bin functions effectively in making ash removal endeavors much easier and less time consuming. The underside of the Ultimate Fire Pit's raised base platform is augmented with a noncombustible material that is able to reflect heat from the surfaces of decks without scorching or otherwise damaging deck boards. Attractive as well as practical, the Ultimate Fire Pit is manufactured in a variety of colors and styles to appeal to personal tastes or to match any outdoor decorative motif.

The Ultimate Fire Pit functionally provides outdoor lovers with the optimal convenience of an open fire pit with an incorporated chimney to eliminate constantly breathing in potentially dangerous smoke. The Ultimate Fire Pit's grate and trap door system allows users to remove all collected cooled ash residue in one fell swoop. The raised platform of the Ultimate Fire Pit is configured to be used on deck platforms expressly built for entertaining and relaxing. The reflective base of the present invention improves heat distribution over an entire deck area, ensuring everyone gathered is toasty warm as the fire burns. Compact and portable, the Ultimate Fire Pit allows campers to easily pack and transport a heat source along with standard camping equipment. Made of durable, high quality materials and components, this product will withstand years of continued use.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claim.

Claims

1. A fire pit comprising:

a top with a chimney portion;

supports for supporting the top above a base; and

a heat reflective platform below the base.

2. A fire pit as in claim 1 wherein:

the top is removable.

3. A fire pit as in claim 1 wherein:

the chimney portion has a fluted egress.

4. A fire pit as in claim 1 wherein:

the base has two or more legs.

5. A fire pit as in claim 4 wherein:

the legs are fixed to the heat reflective platform.

6. A fire pit as in claim 1 further comprising:

a mesh between the top and base; and

a door in the mesh.