Compact Portable Fire Pit
The disclosed technology includes a portable fire pit. In one example, the portable fire pit includes a housing defining a housing cavity and an opening to the housing cavity, and a burner positioned within the housing cavity. The housing includes a front wall that defines a length of the housing, a sidewall that defines a width of the housing, and a base. A distance between the base and the opening defines a height of the housing, and the height is greater than the width. The burner includes a first arm coupled to a second arm in a spaced apart configuration, and a plurality of holes on a top surface of the first and second arms. The first and second arms extend parallel to one another and to the front wall.
The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/085,359, entitled “Self-contained portable campfire,” filed Sep. 30, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/162,770, entitled “Compact Portable Fire Pit,” filed Mar. 18, 2021, the entireties of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe technology described herein relates generally to portable fire pits.
BACKGROUNDFire pits are commonly used in the outdoors for warmth in the cold, social gatherings, cooking, and the like. Fire pits are designed to contain fire and prevent it from spreading, and commonly take the form of a hole in the ground or a ring of stones, bricks, or metal. Typically, such fire pits burn wood directly on the ground.
Current fire pits can result in scorched earth, air particulate emissions, and uncontrolled flames, which can have harmful environmental impact. Such fire pits are under increasing scrutiny, as they can result in out-of-control fires that spread, particularly if left unattended. When local governments issue fire bans, wood-burning fire pits are often not allowed. Fire restrictions and bans became increasingly common in 2020 when over 58,250 wildfires burned 10.3 million acres, the most acreage impacted in a year.
The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.
SUMMARYThe disclosed technology includes a portable fire pit. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a portable fire pit including a housing defining a rectangular shaped cavity, and a burner positioned within the rectangular shaped cavity. The burner may include a first arm coupled to a second arm in a spaced apart configuration, the first and second arms extending parallel to one another and to a wall of the housing, and a plurality of holes on a top surface of the first and second arms.
Other examples or embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of manufacturing a portable fire pit. The method may include removing enamel coating from an ammo can; forming an aperture in a side of the ammo can; forming a series of holes in a first and second pipe; coupling the first and second pipe so that the first and second pipe are parallel; positioning the first and second pipe in a cavity of the ammo can; coupling the first pipe to a coupling received within the aperture; and coupling a port to the coupling, wherein the port is positioned outside the ammo can.
Additional examples or embodiments of the present disclosure may include a portable fire pit including a housing defining a housing cavity and an opening to the housing cavity. The housing may include a front wall that defines a length of the housing, a sidewall that defines a width of the housing, and a base. A distance between the base and the opening may define a height of the housing, and the height may be greater than the width. A burner may be positioned within the housing cavity. The burner may include a first arm coupled to a second arm in a spaced apart configuration, the first and second arms extending parallel to one another and to the front wall, and a plurality of holes on a top surface of the first and second arms.
Other examples or embodiments of the present disclosure may include a waterproof portable fire pit, including a housing defining a cavity. The housing may include a front wall, a rear wall opposing the front wall, a left side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall, a right side wall opposing the left side wall, a base extending between the front wall and rear wall and the left side wall and right side wall, and lid coupling components coupled to the left side wall and configured to couple a lid to the housing to seal the cavity with a waterproof seal. The front wall, rear wall, left side wall, and right side wall may form an opening to the cavity. A burner may be positioned within the cavity. The burner may include a first arm and a second arm parallel to the first arm. The first arm may be spaced apart from the front wall a first distance and the second arm may be spaced apart from the rear wall a second distance, and the first distance and second distance may be the same.
Additional examples or embodiments may include a method of manufacturing a portable fire pit, including removing a coating from an ammo can; forming an aperture in a side of the ammo can; forming a burner with a first arm and a second arm parallel to the first arm; forming a plurality of holes in the first and second arms; positioning the burner in a cavity of the ammo can; coupling the first arm to a coupling received within the aperture; and coupling a port to the coupling, wherein the port is positioned outside the ammo can.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments and implementations and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
This disclosure is related to a portable fire pit having improved durability, portability, simplicity, and safety. The portable fire pit has a compact shape for ease of transportation and storage. In several embodiments, the portable fire pit has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape that improves portability and reduces horizontal storage space. In several embodiments, the portable fire pit is made from a durable, water resistant/waterproof and windproof material to prevent wear and limit damage to internal parts. In several embodiments, the portable fire pit limits or omits mechanical/moving parts, increasing the simplicity of the portable fire pit's design and facilitating manufacture and repair. In several embodiments, the portable fire pit includes a burner that is environmentally safe and configured to prevent scorched earth, air particulate emissions, and uncontrolled flames.
Fires are often restricted or banned when fire danger is increased, e.g., during dry conditions when there is an increased risk of a wildfire. For example, there are two fire restriction stages, Stage I and Stage II, and one closure stage, Stage III, that may be imposed by the government. Stage I imposes relatively minor restrictions aimed at preventing the start of wildfires from high-risk human activities, such as smoking and campfires. For example, building a fire is prohibited unless within a developed recreation site. Stage II intensifies restrictions from Stage I due to increased risk of wildfires. For example, at this stage, building a fire is prohibited. Common exemptions to Stages I and II fire bans include use of a fire fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) fuels.
In several embodiments, a portable fire pit described herein is configured for use during Stage I and/or Stage II fire bans and provides improved fire safety over current fire pits. In several embodiments, the portable fire pit described herein includes a housing and a burner positioned therein. The positioning of the burner inside the housing enhances fire pit safety. For example, the burner is positioned inside the housing to dissipate heat and/or reduce heat transfer to the housing, such as, for example, a base of the housing. By reducing heat transfer to the base, the portable fire pit may prevent scorching/scarring of the earth or a surface beneath the base when the portable fire pit is positioned directly on the ground or surface. The portable fire pit may use a safe fuel, e.g., propane gas, that prevents spark emission.
In several embodiments, the portable fire pit includes a housing that defines a housing cavity. The housing may have a rectangular or trapezoidal shape and may define a rectangular shaped or trapezoidal shaped housing cavity, respectively. In these embodiments, a burner is positioned inside the housing cavity a distance away from the housing walls and base to prevent the housing from overheating, melting, or the like. The distance between the burner and base may be selected to reduce heat transfer to the base and prevent scorching of a surface below the base. The burner may include a plurality of arms, e.g., two arms, that extend parallel to one another and to a wall of the housing, e.g., the longer wall of the housing. The arms may be coupled in a spaced apart configuration by one or more couplings, e.g., elbow joints. The arms may include a plurality of holes that allow gas, and flames when the gas is ignited, to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, a first arm may be longer than a second arm and may include more holes than the second arm. The number, size, spacing, and angle of the holes, and spacing and sizing of the arms may be selected to produce a desired size/height flame, e.g., a flame that is safe and controlled to pass safety standards for Stage I or II fire restrictions.
Turning to the figures, portable fire pit embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed in more detail.
The housing 102 includes a front wall 110, a rear wall 112, a left side wall 114, a right side wall 116, and a base 118. The shapes of the walls 110, 112, 114, 116, and base 118 may be rectangular or trapezoidal. As shown, the front wall 110 and rear wall 112 may have a greater length than the left side wall 114 and right side wall 116. The front wall 110 and rear wall 112 may define a length of the housing 102. The left side wall 114 and right side wall 116 may define a width of the housing 102. The walls 110, 112, 114, 116 and housing 102 may have a height defined by the distance between the base 118 and a housing opening 117 defined by the housing 102. The housing 102 height may be greater than the housing 102 width.
As shown in
The walls 110, 112, 114, 116 extend up from the base 118 and may form a substantially 90 degree angle or slightly obtuse angle (e.g., 91-100 degree angle) with the base 118. The walls 110, 112, 114, 116 form a housing cavity 115 and a housing opening 117. As shown, the housing 102 may have a trapezoidal or a parallelogram shape, such as, for example, a rectangular shape. The housing 102 shape may be substantially rectangular such that the housing walls form angles that are slightly off from or exactly 90 degrees (e.g., 85 degrees to 95 degrees). In the depicted example, the housing 102 forms a trapezoidal shaped cavity 115. A rectangular or trapezoidal shaped housing 102 may provide a more compact design than existing fire pits, which improves portability, simplicity, and storage capabilities. For example, a compact housing 102 shape, such as a rectangular or trapezoidal shape, is advantageous for taking the portable fire pit 100 on a raft or boat or other compact vehicle.
As shown in
The latch retainer 124 extends from an outer surface 113 of the housing 102 forming a groove or slot 128 for receiving a lid latch. The latch retainer 124 is shaped and sized to receive a corresponding lid latch. The latch retainer 124 is positioned on an opposing wall from the hinge components 122a-d. In the depicted example, the latch retainer 124 is positioned on the right side wall 116; however, it is contemplated that the latch retainer 124 may be positioned on the left side wall 114, front wall 110, or rear wall 112. While a latch retainer 124 is depicted, other fastening mechanisms are contemplated to correspond to a fastening mechanism of the lid 108. It is contemplated that the lid 108 may include a plurality of lid latches and the housing 102 may include a plurality of latch retainers to correspond with the plurality of lid latches.
As shown in
The housing 102 may be made of a durable material that is heat resistant. In several embodiments, the housing 102 material is water resistant or waterproof and windproof. For example, the housing 102 may be made of one or more of steel (e.g., black steel, cold rolled steel, stainless steel, weathering steel, 41/30 steel, A242 COR-TEN A steel, etc.), iron, and the like. In several embodiments, the housing 102 is made of material traditionally found in ammo cans, such as steel. The housing 102 material may be a low-density material, enabling the portable fire pit 100 to float. In some embodiments, the housing 102 includes a heat safe coating. For example, the coating may be a high heat coating, e.g., high-heat paint resistant to temperatures up to 1200° F.
In some embodiments, the housing 102 may be a modified ammo can. For example, the housing 102 may be a modified 50 Caliber (Cal.) ammo can (e.g., M21A model) having standard dimensions (e.g., 11″ length×5.5″ width×7″ tall). As another example, the housing 102 may be a modified 30 Cal. ammo can (e.g., M548 model) having standard dimensions (e.g., 10.875″ length×3.75″ width×7″ tall). As yet another example, the housing 102 may be a modified 40 mm ammo can (e.g., M116A2 model) having standard dimensions (e.g., 17.5″ length×6″ width×10″ tall). In these embodiments, the ammo can may have a coating removed. For example, ammo cans may have a coating made of various materials, such as, for example, a powder, enamel, or other coating. In some embodiments, the coating may be replaced with a heat safe or heat resistant coating or material layer. Replacing the coating with a heat resistant material layer may improve the environmental safety of the portable fire pit 100.
The burner 104 is positioned within the housing 102 and may include a body 130, a starter 132, and a plurality of holes 134. The body 130 is hollow to allow gas passage therethrough. The body 130 may include a pipe, tube, or the like. As shown in
As shown in
In several embodiments, the holes 134 are sized to produce a controlled flame when the burner 104 is ignited. As one example, the holes 134 may be sized to produce a flame that is under 5 ft. tall, for example a maximum 4.5 ft. tall flame. The holes 134 may have a diameter that is 1/16″, ⅛″, ¼″, ½″, 9/16″, ⅝″, ¾″, or the like. In several embodiments, the holes 134 have a diameter of ⅝″ or less. Smaller or larger holes 134 may be contemplated depending on desired use of the portable fire pit 100; however, smaller holes 134 may produce more noise, while larger holes 134 may produce larger flames (e.g., 7 ft. tall or higher) that may not be desirable, depending on use of the portable fire pit 100.
In several embodiments, the holes 134 are evenly spaced, i.e., having the same distance between holes 134. As shown in
In several embodiments, the holes 134 are angled, for example to direct heat in a desired direction (e.g., away from the housing 102). The holes 134 may be angled 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, or the like; however, other angles are contemplated depending on the desired direction of heat diversion. In several embodiments, the holes 134 are angled 30° inward (e.g., toward the other arm and away from the housing 102) to direct heat away from the housing 102.
It is contemplated that one of the holes 134 is a starter 132. In the example shown in
The first and second arms 136, 138 are coupled by one or more couplings or fittings 144, 146, 148. In the depicted example, a first, second, and third coupling 144, 146, 148, respectively, couple the first and second arms 136, 138; however, fewer or more couplings are contemplated, such as, for example, a single coupling or two couplings. In this example, the first and second couplings 144, 146 are the same shape, and the third coupling 148 has a different shape. In the depicted example, the first and second couplings 144, 146 are elbow joints having a curved shape with threading 150a-d at openings 152a-d, respectively, on either ends of the first and second couplings 144, 146. For example, the first and second couplings 144, 146 may be ½″90° elbows. As shown, the third coupling 148 is a short piece of pipe, such as, for example, a nipple, with threading 154 on an outer surface 156. For example, the third coupling 148 may be a ½″× close nipple.
The body 130 may include one or more additional couplings 158, 160 to couple the burner 104 to the housing 102 and/or a port 106 to the body 130. As shown, the body 130 may include a fourth and fifth coupling 158, 160, respectively. The fourth coupling 158 may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than a diameter of the first and second arms 136, 138. For example, the fourth coupling 158 may be a short piece of pipe, e.g., a ½″ coupling. The fourth coupling 158 includes openings at either end and may include threading on an inner surface. In the depicted example, the fifth coupling 160 has the same shape as the third coupling 148. In the depicted example, the fifth coupling 160 is a short piece of pipe, such as, for example, a nipple, with threading 164 on an outer surface 166. For example, the fifth coupling 160 may be a ½″× close nipple.
The body 130 may include a cap 162. The cap 162 may be a curved piece of metal with an opening on one end and threading on an inner surface. The cap 162 may be shaped to cover the first opening 145b of the second arm 138. For example, the cap 162 may be a ½″ metal cap.
In the depicted embodiment, the port 106 includes a port body 168 and a male coupling 170. As shown, the port body 168 has a hexagonal shape; however, other shapes are contemplated, such as a cylindrical shape for example. The port body 168 includes an opening 172 with threading 174 on an inner surface of the port body 168. As shown, the male coupling 170 has a reduced diameter from the port body 168 for coupling to a hose, pipe, or the like. The male coupling 170 may include an aperture at an end opposite the port body 168 and threading 176 on its outer surface. Other shapes for the port 106 are contemplated that are configured to couple to a hose, pipe, or the like to couple with a gas source. For example, the port 106 may include a female coupling where the gas source or gas source connector includes a male coupling. As another example, the port 106 may include a quick connect fitting to connect with a gas source or gas source connector quick connect fitting (e.g., a hose quick connect fitting). As one example, the port 106 is a ⅜″×½″ OD Flare×FIP Brass Union.
The port 106 may include a port cap 178. The port cap 178 may be a hexagonal piece of metal with an opening on one end and threading on an inner surface; however, other shapes are contemplated, such as, for example, a cylindrical shape. The port cap 178 may be shaped and sized to cover the male coupling 170 of the port 106. For example, the port cap 178 may be a ⅜″ OD Flare Cap.
One or more washers may be used to couple the various burner 104 and port 106 components. For example, two washers 180, 182 may couple the burner 104 to the port 106. As one example, the washers 180, 182 are a ⅞ grade 8 SAE extra heavy flat washer; however, various washer sizes are contemplated to correspond to the size of the burner 104 and port 106 components.
The one or more additional couplings 158, 160 for coupling the burner 104 to a port 106 may be coupled to the first end 140a of the first arm 136. For example, the first end 140a of the first arm 136 may be received within an opening of the fourth coupling 158. The threading 141a of the first arm 136 may engage with threading on an inner surface of the fourth coupling 158. The fourth coupling 158 may couple to the fifth coupling 160 at its other end (e.g., the end opposite the end receiving the first arm 136). For example, an opening on the other end of the fourth coupling 158 may receive the fifth coupling 160. The threading 164 on the outer surface 166 of the fifth coupling 160 may engage with threading on the inner surface of the fourth coupling 158.
The port 106 may be coupled to the burner 104 via the fifth coupling 160. For example, the washers 180, 182 may go around the outer surface 166 of the fifth coupling 160 and a portion of the fifth coupling 160 may be received within the opening 172 of the port body 168. The threading 164 on the outer surface 166 of the fifth coupling 160 may engage with the threading 174 of the port body 168. In other words, the port 106 may be coupled to the fourth coupling 158 via the fifth coupling 160. As shown in
While the various components of the burner 104 and port 106 are described with threading coupling the components, it is contemplated that threading may be omitted from one or more of the burner 104 and/or port 106 components. Other fastening means are contemplated as an alternative to or in addition to the threading to couple the burner 104 and/or port 106 components. For example, a strong adhesive may be used to couple the burner 104 and/or port 106 components, such as, for example, a high-heat mastic (e.g., high-temperature silicone sealant), glue, resin, or the like. It is contemplated that the burner 104 and/or port 106 components may be joined, welded, fused, brazed, or soldered. It is contemplated that two or more of the burner 104 and/or port 106 components may be a single component. For example, the burner 104 may be stamped out of a single piece of metal (e.g., steel). For example,
As shown in
The burner 104 may be made of a durable material that is heat resistant. For example, the burner 104 may be made of one or more of steel (e.g., black steel, cold rolled steel, stainless steel, weathering steel, etc.), iron, brass, bronze, copper, and the like.
As shown in
The burner 104 is suspended within the housing cavity 115 a height above the base 118, the height corresponding to the height of the aperture 120. In some embodiments, the burner 104 is positioned a distance from the base 118 that is at least half the height of the left side wall 114. For example, the burner 104 may be positioned closer to the opening 117 than the base 118. In the embodiment shown, the burner 104 is positioned 4 inches above the base 118. Positioning the burner 104 approximately 4 inches to 7 inches above the base 118 may be beneficial for reducing heat transfer to the base 118, preventing overheating and scorching of surfaces (e.g., the earth) below the portable fire pit 100. This benefit enables the portable fire pit 100 to be placed directly on surfaces without the need for legs or other lifting mechanisms. Further, by positioning the burner 104 higher up in the housing 102 towards the opening 117, more oxygen may reach the burner 104, producing a yellower, more full flame, which is desirable for fire pits (e.g., to keep warm and have light while camping). In some embodiments, an air mixer may be included to mix air with the gas flowing through the burner 104. For example, an air mixer may be desirable to produce a blue flame. A blue flame may be desirable for cooking since it reduces soot. In some embodiments, an air mixer may be omitted from the burner 104 to produce the yellower, more full flame (e.g., for desirable fire pit aesthetics). It is contemplated that an air mixer may be included that is adjustable or can be turned on or off to change the amount of air passing through the burner 104. For example, the air mixer can be turned on to produce a blue or smaller flame (e.g., for cooking use) and off to produce a yellow or larger flame (e.g., for fire pit use).
In several embodiments, the burner 104 is positioned within the housing cavity 115 such that the holes 134 are at least about 1.5″ to about 2.5″ away from the walls 110, 112, 114, 116. As one example, the holes 134 are at least 2″ from the walls 110, 112, 114, 116. By positioning the holes a distance away from the walls 110, 112, 114, 116, heat transfer to the walls 110, 112, 114, 116 is reduced, preventing wear, e.g., melting.
In the depicted embodiment, the burner 104 is positioned within the housing cavity 115 such that the first and second arms 136, 138 extend parallel to the front and rear walls 110, 112. As shown, the first arm 136 is spaced apart from the front wall 110 a first distance and the second arm 138 is spaced apart from the rear wall 112 a second distance, and the first distance and second distance are the same, such that the burner 104 is centrally positioned within the housing cavity 115. As shown, a portion of the couplings 144, 146, 148 extends substantially parallel to the left and right side walls 114, 116.
As shown in
As shown in
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As shown in
The lid 108 may include a seal 197 to create a watertight closure with the housing 102. As shown, the seal 197 may be positioned around a perimeter of the lid bottom surface 193 and within the walls 186, 188, 190, 192. For example, the seal may be a rubber gasket.
The latch 198 may be rotated relative to the latch arm 200 via the second hinge 204 to release the latch 198 from the latch retainer 124. The lid 108 may be lifted and positioned in an open position via the lid hinge 206 or removed entirely from the housing 102, e.g., by disconnecting the female connectors 194a-d and corresponding hinge components 122a-d. It is contemplated that the lid 108 may be used to prop the portable fire pit 100 off the ground/surface below. For example, as discussed above the bottom surface 119 of the base 118 may include one or more grooves or recesses 121 that align with components on the lid top surface 184 or bottom surface 193 such that the housing 102 can be stacked on top of the lid 108. It is contemplated that a lid 108 may be omitted from the portable fire pit 100. In these embodiments, the lid coupling components 122a-d, 124 may also be omitted from the housing 102. It is contemplated in these embodiments that the housing 102 may have additional features for gripping the portable fire pit 100, e.g., grooves or handles on either side of the housing 102 for carrying the portable fire pit 100.
In several embodiments, the portable fire pit 100 may include a grate 220.
The grate 220 may be positioned above the burner 104. For example, as shown, the grate 220 may sit directly on top of the burner 104; however, it is also contemplated that opposing housing 102 walls, e.g., front wall 110 and rear wall 112 or left side wall 114 and right side wall 116, may include grooves or ledges extending inwardly therefrom for holding the grate 220. The grate 220 may be used for example to hold non-combustible insulators, such as, for example, rocks/stones, glass, ceramic, and the like. The grate 220 may separate the non-combustible insulators from the burner 104 to improve air flow to the burner 104 and/or flame. The non-combustible insulators may retain heat to provide additional warmth.
In some embodiments, the grate 220 may be a grill or griddle for cooking food. In these embodiments, the grate 220 may be positioned further from the burner 104 to reduce heat. As one example, the grate 220 may be positioned on top of two or more of the housing walls 110, 112, 114, 116, at least partially covering the housing opening 117. In these embodiments, the holes 134 of the burner 104 may be sized and spaced to reduce the heat emitted from the burner 104 (e.g., reduce the size of the flame), as discussed in more detail above. In these embodiments, an air mixer may be included to produce a blue or smaller flame for cooking purposes.
The connector 210 may be a hose, pipe, or other hollow device capable of coupling to the gas source and allowing gas to flow therethrough. In the depicted example, the portable fire pit 100 is coupled to a propane gas tank by a hose. The connector 210 couples to the port 106 of the portable fire pit 100. For example, the port cap 178 may be removed from the male coupling 170 and the connector 210 coupled to the male coupling 170. For example, the male coupling 170 may be received within a female port of the connector 210. The gas source 208 or connector 210 may include a regulator 212 for controlling the gas pressure of gas being released from the gas source 208 (e.g., to control the size of the flame). For example, the regulator 212 may be any conventional regulator that varies based on the size and type of gas source (e.g., an LP regulator for a propane tank, a low pressure regulator, a high-pressure regulator, etc.). While the regulator 212 is depicted on the gas source 208, it is contemplated that the portable fire pit 100 may include a gas regulator, e.g., coupled to the burner 104 and/or port 106 for controlling gas pressure of gas flowing therethrough.
In operation, when the gas source 208 is turned on, e.g., via regulator 212, and gas flow is initiated, gas flows from the gas source 208, through the connector 210, through the port 106 and into the burner 104. Gas flows through the burner 104, passing through the first arm 136, through the couplings 144, 146, 148, and through the second arm 138. Gas flows out of the burner 104 through the holes 134 and is prevented from escaping the burner 104 elsewhere by the cap 162. In embodiments where the starter 132 is a hole 134, the gas exiting the first arm 136 through the starter 132 hole may be ignited by an external heat source, such as a lighter. When the gas is ignited, flames pass through the holes 134 and combine to form a large flame that is emitted from the burner 104 and is contained within the housing cavity 115. The flame height may be varied by the regulator 212. The flame height may be higher than the opening 117. The flame may be extinguished by turning off the gas source 208.
While the positioning of the burner depicted in the embodiment of
A portable fire pit described herein may be manufactured by various means. The manufacturing process may be simplified due to the lack of moving parts included with the portable fire pit. In one embodiment, the manufacturing process may include removing a powder or enamel coating from an ammo can, e.g., by applying paint stripping agents to the powder or enamel coating. In some embodiments, the powder or enamel coating is replaced with a heat safe coating. A hole may be formed (e.g., drilled or punched, e.g., with a steel punch) in a side of the ammo can (e.g., a 50 Cal. ammo can) (e.g., aperture 120 of housing 102), such as the shorter side (e.g., the left side wall 114). The hole may be positioned 3.5 inches to 8.5 inches (e.g., 5 inches or 5.5 inches) from the base (e.g., base 118).
The manufacturing process may include cutting two pieces of pipe, the first piece of pipe longer than the second (e.g., first and second arms 136, 138). After the pipe is cut, a series of holes (e.g., holes 134) may be formed (e.g., drilled or punched, e.g., with a steel punch) in the first and second pieces of pipe. The holes may be positioned 1″ apart. For example, 6 holes may be formed in the first piece of pipe and 4 holes may be formed in the second piece of pipe. The holes may be formed at an angle, e.g., a 30 degree angle. The pieces of pipe may be joined by one or more couplings (e.g., first, second, and third couplings 144, 146, 148), such as two elbow joints and a nipple. The pieces of pipe may be joined such that the holes are angled inward (e.g., towards the other pipe). A cap (e.g., cap 162) may be placed at the end of the second piece of pipe to prevent air from escaping therethrough.
A fourth coupling (e.g., fourth coupling 158) may be attached to the other end of the first pipe to attach the pipe to a port (e.g., port 106). A fifth coupling (e.g., fifth coupling 160) may be attached to the fourth coupling and a washer (e.g., washer 180) may be placed around the fifth coupling. The fifth coupling may be placed through the hole in the ammo can and another washer (e.g., washer 182) may be placed around the fifth coupling. The port may be secured to the fifth coupling on the other side of the washer and a port cap (e.g., port cap 178) may be placed over the port. The various components may be joined, welded, fused, brazed, soldered, secured by adhesive, or the like. In some embodiments, a lid (e.g., lid 108) may be placed over top of the ammo can to create a watertight seal.
In several embodiments, the portable fire pit 100 is durable, lightweight, water resistant/waterproof, windproof, easy to manufacture, easy to repair, and compact for storage and portability. In several embodiments, the portable fire pit 100 is easy to manufacture and repair because it has minimal or no moving parts. As one example, the portable fire pit 100 can conveniently fit on a raft and easily be repaired while on the river. The portable fire pit 100 may be easily transported by vehicles, rafts, boats, motorcycles, and the like due to its compact shape and size. While the portable fire pit 100 is lightweight for easy transportation, the portable fire pit 100 has sufficient weight to prevent tipping over (e.g., 8-11 lbs.).
In an alternate embodiment, a portable fire pit described herein may include mounting or support features. For example, a portable fire pit may include legs to raise the portable fire pit completely off a ground/surface. As one example, the legs may be stored when not in use. For example, the legs may be foldable (e.g., hingedly coupled to the portable fire pit). For example, the portable fire pit may include a false bottom (e.g., a compartment in the base) for storing the legs or other items.
In an alternate embodiment, a portable fire pit described herein may include additional holes in the housing, for example, to improve air flow therethrough. For example, additional holes may be included where a grill is included with the portable fire pit for cooking food.
In the depicted embodiment, the burner is in a lowered position within the housing 402 than the position of the burner 104 depicted in
In the depicted embodiment, the portable fire pit 400 includes a plurality of supports or legs 422a-d. As shown, the portable fire pit 400 includes four supports 422a-d extending from the base 420; however, more or less supports 422a-d are contemplated depending on the shape and positioning of the supports. In the depicted embodiment, the supports 422a-d are positioned proximate the four corners of the base 420. The supports 422a-d may lift the portable fire pit 400 a distance off the ground or surface below such that the base 420 is parallel to the ground or surface. The supports 422a-d may be hingedly connected to the base 420. For example, the position of the supports 422a-d may be adjustable to level the portable fire pit 400 on the ground or surface. As another example, the supports 422a-d may be folded to a stored position (e.g., with the supports 422a-d proximate to or flush against the base 420). While the height of the burner 104 of the portable fire pit 100 described with respect to
As shown in the depicted embodiment, the portable fire pit 400 includes a plurality of apertures 424 defined within a wall of the housing 402. As shown, the plurality of apertures 424 are defined within the rear wall 404. In the present embodiment, the front wall is a mirror image of the rear wall 404 and includes the plurality of apertures 424, such that air can flow from outside the housing 402 through the plurality of apertures 424 defined within the front or rear walls, through the housing cavity and out the plurality of apertures 424 defined within the opposing wall. As discussed above, air flow through the housing 402 may be desirable for various purposes, including, for example cooking, fire aesthetics (e.g., increasing flame height, increasing view of the fire, etc.), and the like. However, in embodiments where it is desirable to have a waterproof housing, for example as discussed above with respect to the portable fire pit 100 of
In the depicted embodiment, the plurality of apertures 424 are arranged in rows and columns across the rear wall 404; however, the number, size, shape, spacing, and positioning of the plurality of apertures 424 may be varied. For example, the plurality of apertures 424 may be positioned on a portion of the rear wall 404 or in a pattern, e.g., for improved aesthetics. As another example, the plurality of apertures 424 may be positioned on the left side wall 406 and/or opposing right side wall. It is contemplated that the plurality of apertures 424 may be part of a mesh or grate that makes up a portion of or the entirety of the housing wall. For example, the housing wall (e.g., the rear wall 404 in the depicted embodiment) may include a cut out or large hole that is covered by a mesh or grate.
As shown in
In the depicted embodiment, the left and right mounting walls 456a,b are substantially planar with the base 480. As shown, the burner body 481 is positioned on the top wall 460. For example, the burner support 454 may support the burner 452, e.g., to provide more rigidity and stability to the burner 452. The burner support 454 may level the burner 452. The left and right mounting walls 456a,b may be coupled to the base 480. For example, a fastener (e.g., a screw) may be received within the mounting apertures 462a,b to couple the burner support 454 to the base 480. The burner 452 may be coupled to the top wall 460 of the burner support 454. For example, a fastener may be received within the mounting aperture 462c defined within the top wall 460 to couple the burner 452 to the burner support 454. In some embodiments, the burner 452 may sit on the top wall 460 without any fasteners. In these embodiments, the mounting aperture 462c on the top wall 460 of the burner support 454 may be omitted. It is contemplated that the burner support 454 may be coupled to the base 480 and/or burner 452 by other means, such as by adhesive, welding, joining, fusing, brazing, soldering, and the like. While the burner support 454 in the depicted embodiment is coupled to the base 480, it is contemplated that the burner support 454 may be coupled to a different housing wall. Further, while the burner support 454 is depicted as a separate component, it is contemplated that the burner support 454 may be a protrusion of the base 480 or other housing wall.
The first and second arms 508, 510 of the depicted embodiment have similar respective lengths as the lengths described with respect to the first and second arms 136, 138 of the burner 104 of
In the depicted embodiment, the lid 550 includes a plurality of supports or legs 568a,b,c,d. The supports 568a,b,c,d may be hingedly coupled to the lid bottom surface 562. As shown in
The lid 550 may be positioned under a portable fire pit housing (e.g., housing 102, 302, 470 of
All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the structures disclosed herein, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of such structures. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.
The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims
1. A portable fire pit, comprising:
- a housing defining a housing cavity and an opening to the housing cavity, the housing comprising: a front wall that defines a length of the housing, a sidewall that defines a width of the housing, and a base, wherein a distance between the base and the opening defines a height of the housing, wherein the height is greater than the width; and
- a burner positioned within the housing cavity, wherein the burner comprises: a first arm coupled to a second arm in a spaced apart configuration, the first and second arms extending parallel to one another and to the front wall; and a plurality of holes on a top surface of the first and second arms.
2. The portable fire pit of claim 1, wherein the first arm is coupled to the sidewall of the housing and the second arm is spaced apart from the sidewall.
3. The portable fire pit of claim 1, wherein the second arm has a second arm length that is ½ to ⅞ a first arm length of the first arm.
4. The portable fire pit of claim 1, wherein the first arm comprises more holes of the plurality of holes than the second arm.
5. The portable fire pit of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm are coupled by two elbow joints.
6. The portable fire pit of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an ammo can having a heat resistant material layer.
7. The portable fire pit of claim 1, wherein the burner is positioned within the housing cavity such that the plurality of holes are at least 2″ from the housing.
8. The portable fire pit of claim 1, wherein the burner is positioned within the housing cavity such that the burner is closer to the opening than the base.
9. The portable fire pit of claim 1, wherein the burner is positioned within the housing cavity such that the burner is at least 3.75 inches above the base.
10. The portable fire pit of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of supports extending from the base.
11. The portable fire pit of claim 1, wherein the front wall of the housing comprises a plurality of apertures.
12. A waterproof portable fire pit, comprising:
- a housing defining a cavity, the housing comprising: a front wall, a rear wall opposing the front wall, a left side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall, a right side wall opposing the left side wall, a base extending between the front wall and rear wall and the left side wall and right side wall, and lid coupling components coupled to the left side wall and configured to couple a lid to the housing to seal the cavity with a waterproof seal, wherein the front wall, rear wall, left side wall, and right side wall form an opening to the cavity; and
- a burner positioned within the cavity, wherein the burner comprises a first arm and a second arm parallel to the first arm, wherein the first arm is spaced apart from the front wall a first distance and the second arm is spaced apart from the rear wall a second distance, wherein the first distance and second distance are the same.
13. The waterproof portable fire pit of claim 12, wherein the burner is positioned a distance from the base that is at least half a height of the left side wall.
14. A method of manufacturing a portable fire pit, comprising:
- removing a coating from an ammo can;
- forming an aperture in a side of the ammo can;
- forming a burner with a first arm and a second arm parallel to the first arm;
- forming a plurality of holes in the first and second arms;
- positioning the burner in a cavity of the ammo can;
- coupling the first arm to a coupling received within the aperture; and
- coupling a port to the coupling, wherein the port is positioned outside the ammo can.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising adding a heat resistant material layer to the ammo can.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and second arms comprise a first pipe and a second pipe, and forming the burner comprises coupling the first and second pipe so that the first and second pipe are parallel.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein forming the plurality of holes comprises spacing the plurality of holes at least 1″ apart.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein forming the plurality of holes comprises forming the plurality of holes at an angle.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein positioning the burner in the cavity comprises positioning the plurality of holes at least 2″ away from an outer edge of the ammo can.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein forming the aperture in the side of the ammo can comprises forming the aperture at least 3.75 inches above a base of the ammo can.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 1, 2021
Publication Date: Mar 31, 2022
Inventor: Joshua Thurmond (Denver, CO)
Application Number: 17/464,503