Airflow Device

Abstract

An airflow device for use with a fireplace fire. The airflow device comprises a blower component having a motor driven fan. A tubular element of an air delivery component connects to an outlet of the blower component for supplying additional air to the fireplace fire. The tubular element also connects to a directional element directing the airflow toward a base of the fireplace fire. The airflow is adjustable and positional as needed to enhance the combustion process of the fire.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/037,125, which was filed on Apr. 15, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to an airflow device, and more specifically to a tool configured to provide an influx of oxygen to a fire in a fireplace adequate to support combustion. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

Starting and maintaining a fireplace fire can be intimidating, difficult, and time consuming. Standard wood burning fireplaces may be unable to kindle the flame enough to maintain a desired temperature to support combustion. When wood is split not small enough or there is not enough kindling, it can be difficult to keep the fire going. Heat may be lacking, and people may be forced to constantly maintain the fire.

Wood burning fireplaces are popular for several reasons. There is an aesthetic ambiance created from a fireplace fire. Homeowners can also use the fires as a source of heat to supplement other heating sources. People often cook over fireplace fires. These fires can also be a source of light and heat in the event of a power outage. However, there are disadvantages in that fireplace fires require a lot of attention to achieve and maintain an efficiently burning fire. Additionally, incomplete combustion leads to excess smoke.

All fires require three elements to maintain the chemical reaction of combustion: heat, fuel, and an oxidizer. Fire is simply the result of applying enough heat to a fuel source when there is sufficient oxygen. As the atoms of the fuel heat up, they vaporize into volatile gasses. The gasses react with the available oxygen in the atmosphere. The chemical reaction eventually produces enough heat to keep driving the reaction. As long as there is enough fuel and oxygen remaining, the reaction then becomes self-sustaining. Heat energy is released in the form of light. For a fireplace fire, wood is the typical fuel and household air provides the oxygen.

One common problem with home fireplace fires is that they can be difficult to start or maintain once started. The fire draws air from the room at a regular rate, but that is not always enough to start or maintain the fire sufficiently. The fireplace bellows is a tool designed to introduce both fresh air and a steady flow of air to the space around a fire. That air current both removes the carbon dioxide that the fire itself produced and introduces more oxygen-rich air to the mix, keeping your flame burning higher and hotter.

Operating a traditional fireplace bellows is relatively simple. Since the fire requires oxygen, the more oxygen supplied, generally the more complete the combustion. Bellows work by focusing a concentrated stream of air through an outlet or nozzle allowing oxygen to be delivered to the base of the fire. This additional oxygen accelerates the chemical reaction of combustion leading to fire growth. However, too much air can extinguish the fire, especially if the chemical reaction is at a vulnerable level.

Bellows can also create problems if not used safely. The tips can easily heat up causing a burn hazard and over squeezing can blow embers out of the firebox creating a fire hazard. One problem with electric bellows is that they typically produce hot air, similar to a hair dryer, causing the unit to heat up to the point it may burn people. Another problem is the lack of adjustable speeds. While one speed may be useful to maintain a full burning fire, it may not be sufficient to start one or maintain one with a low fuel load.

In this manner, the improved airflow device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution to keep a woodburning fire in a fireplace going without the need for constant human intervention. A primary feature of the present invention is a fireplace improvement tool facilitating better and more effective wood burning. The invention increases the heat output of the fire thereby reducing the amount of maintenance required to keep the fire burning effectively. Finally, the improved airflow device of the present invention is capable of improving airflow to a fire in a consistent manner.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. 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 embodiment thereof, comprises an airflow device for improving airflow to a fire. The airflow device comprises a blower component and an air delivery component. The air delivery component is in fluid communication with the blower component. The blower component comprises a housing comprising an outlet and an inlet. The blower component further comprises a fan. The fan may be a variable speed fan. The fan draws air in through the inlet and discharges the air through the outlet. The blower component may be plug-in, battery, or solar powered. Air entering the inlet of the blower component passes through the blower component into the air delivery component where it is directed towards the fire.

The air delivery component comprises a tubular element and a directional element for directing airflow. The tubular element is attachable to or permanently affixed around the outlet of the blower component. The tubular element may be rigid or flexible. The tubular element may be adjustable in length. The tubular element may be stretchable and bendable or may comprise a first portion and a second portion that telescopes from the first portion. The airflow device may further comprise a support component. The support component is used to elevate the tubular element downstream of the blower component.

The directional element is attachable to or permanently affixed to and extends from the tubular element opposite the blower component. The directional element may be rigid or flexible and bendable. The directional element comprises an outlet. The outlet comprises a plurality of orifices. The outlet may further comprise an airflow adjusting element for controlling how much air is expelled through the outlet.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. 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

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an airflow device for improving airflow to a fireplace fire of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an air delivery component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a blower component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of one embodiment of an outlet of a directional element of an air delivery component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of another embodiment of an outlet of a directional element of an air delivery component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6C illustrates a front view of another embodiment of an outlet of a directional element of an air delivery component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6D illustrates a front view of another embodiment of an outlet of a directional element of an air delivery component of the airflow device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the airflow device for improving airflow to a firepit fire of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference 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 innovation 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. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a fan system designed to improve airflow and increase heat output of a wood or charcoal burning fire. The electric billow features adjustable tubing connected to a fan unit. The adjustable length tube is capable of directing and delivering air under the grate to improve heat production and offers a more effective method of tending to a wood-burning fireplace. One end of the tube is attached to the fan while the second end is attached to the fireproof direction tip. Users can activate the fan to constantly blow air under the fireplace grate to keep and increase heat production. The system offers a way to properly maintain a fire without having to constantly manipulate and adjust the wood. The system can be powered with an electrical outlet plug, a battery, and/or solar power.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 5 illustrate an airflow device 100 for improving airflow to a fire. The airflow device 100 is usable to more easily start and maintain a fire in a fireplace, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, or a firepit as illustrated in FIG. 7. The airflow device 100 comprises a blower component 102 and an air delivery component 130. The air delivery component 130 is in fluid communication with the blower component 102. The blower component 102 and the air delivery component 130 are configured such that air entering the blower component 102 passes through the blower component 102 and the air delivery component 130.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the blower component 102 comprises a housing 104 and a fan 114. The housing is typically constructed from metal or plastic and comprises an outlet end 106 and an inlet end 110. An outlet 108 is disposed within the outlet end 106 and an inlet 112 is disposed within the inlet end 110. Both the outlet 108 and the inlet 112 may be covered with screening, mesh or louvers for protection as desired.

The fan 114 is an electric fan and may be a variable speed fan. The fan 114 draws air in through the inlet 112, accelerates the air, and discharges the air through the outlet 106. The fan 114 is driven by an electric motor 116 which is in electrical communication with a power source 118. The power source 118 may be a wall plug 122 for connecting to a home electrical grid as illustrated in FIG. 3, a solar power cell 124 as illustrated in FIG. 7, or a battery 120 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The motor 116 is operable via an on/off switch 126. The blower component 102 may further comprise a variable speed switch 128 in electrical communication with the motor 116 for increasing and decreasing the fan speed to control airflow as desired. Air entering the inlet 112 of the blower component 102 passes through the blower component 102 into the air delivery component 130 where it is directed towards the fire as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the air delivery component 130 comprises a tubular element 132 and a directional element 142 for directing airflow. The tubular element 132 is attachable to or permanently affixed around the outlet 108 of the blower component 102 via a blower connecting portion 134. The tubular element 132 may be rigid or flexible. The tubular element 132 may be adjustable in length. The tubular element 132 and may be manufactured from corrugated or stretchable metal tubing to be stretchable and bendable, or from rigid tubing. Alternatively, the tubular element 132 may comprise a first portion 136 and a second portion 138 that telescopes from the first portion 136 to extend the length of the tubular element 132. The tubular element 132 terminates in a directional element connecting portion 140. The airflow device 100 may further comprise a support component 154. The support component 154 is used to elevate the air delivery component 130 or the tubular element 132 downstream of the blower component 102. The support component 154 is a stand, block, or other support that may be attachable or permanently affixed.

The directional element 142 is attachable to or permanently affixed to and extends from the tubular element 132 opposite the blower component 102 for directing airflow. The directional element 142 may be rigid, flexible or bendable. The directional element 142 comprises a tubular element connecting portion 144, a body 146, and an outlet 148. The connection between the tubular element connecting portion 144 and the directional element connecting portion 140 may be a permanent connection or may be detachable for storage. The body 146 may be manufactured from corrugated or stretchable metal tubing to be stretchable and bendable, or rigid tubing pre-bent in a preferred position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, the outlet 148A-D comprises a plurality of orifices 150. The plurality of orifices 150 may be nozzles or other openings of any configuration. The outlet 148B may further comprise an airflow adjusting element 152, such as a plate that rotates to obstruct some of the orifices 150 thereby controlling how much air is expelled through the outlet 148B. The airflow adjusting element 152 may be used as an alternative airflow control or in addition to the variable speed fan 114. Typically, the outlet 148 is directed at the base of the fire, such as under the grate of a fireplace fire.

It is contemplated that the airflow device 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention will be tailored and adjusted by those of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate various levels of performance demand imparted during actual use. Accordingly, while this invention has been described by reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood that this invention is capable of further modifications. This application is, therefore, intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter 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. An airflow device for improving airflow to a fire, the airflow device comprising:

a blower component; and

an air delivery component in fluid communication with the blower component, the air delivery component comprising a tubular element attachable to the blower component and a directional element extending from the tubular element for directing airflow.

2. The airflow device of claim 1, wherein the blower component comprises a fan.

3. The airflow device of claim 2, wherein the fan is a variable speed fan.

4. The airflow device of claim 1 further comprising a support component for elevating the air delivery component.

5. The airflow device of claim 1, wherein the tubular element is rigid, and the directional element is flexible.

6. The airflow device of claim 1, wherein the directional element comprises an outlet.

7. The airflow device of claim 6, wherein the outlet comprises a plurality of orifices.

8. An airflow device comprising:

a blower component comprising an inlet and an outlet; and

an air delivery component in fluid communication with the blower component, the air delivery component comprising a tubular element attachable to the outlet and a directional element extending from the tubular element; and

wherein the blower component and the air delivery component are configured such that air entering the inlet of the blower component passes through the blower component and the air delivery component.

9. The airflow device of claim 8, wherein the directional element comprises a flexible body and an outlet.

10. The airflow device of claim 9, wherein the outlet comprises a plurality of orifices.

11. The airflow device of claim 10, wherein the outlet comprises an airflow adjusting element.

12. The airflow device of claim 11, wherein the airflow adjusting element is an adjusting plate that rotates to obstruct some of the orifices.

13. The airflow device of claim 8, wherein the tubular element is flexible.

14. The airflow device of claim 8 further comprising a support component for elevating the air delivery component.

15. An airflow device for improving airflow to a fire, the airflow device comprising:

a blower component comprising a variable speed fan, an inlet and an outlet; and

an air delivery component in fluid communication with the blower component, the air delivery component comprising an adjustable tubular element attachable to the outlet and a directional element extending from the tubular element; and

wherein the blower component and the air delivery component are configured such that air entering the inlet of the blower component is accelerated through the blower component and the air delivery component.

16. The airflow device of claim 15, wherein the adjustable tubular element adjusts in length.

17. The airflow device of claim 15, wherein the adjustable tubular element is telescoping.

18. The airflow device of claim 15 further comprising a support component for elevating the air delivery component.

19. The airflow device of claim 15, wherein the airflow device is battery powered.

20. The airflow device of claim 15, wherein the airflow device is solar powered.