FIRE TABLE MODULAR PATIO HEATER

Abstract

A base supports a fire platform with a burner. A tabletop defines an opening with a contour matching a contour of a top rim of the fire platform and is selectively fitted to the base to create a table surface around the fire platform. A fire column selectively fits to the fire platform such that flame from the burner travels into the fire column.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/355,805, filed on Jun. 27, 2022, and incorporates such provisional application by reference into this disclosure as if fully set out at this point.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to outdoor appliances in general and, more specifically, to a modular fire table and patio heater.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a need in the consumer and commercial markets to enhance the utility of outdoor spaces such as patios, pool side areas, and outdoor dining locations. Depending on the specific situation, outdoor appliances such as heaters, cooking devices, tables, and decorative flame devices may be variously employed. However, many devices fulfill only one, or a limited subset, of these needs. Use of multiple devices can crowd outdoor spaces and/or lead to separate issues with storage of multiple devices. Additionally, if a single device is to be used to fulfill multiple roles, issues with converting devices from one use case to another, as well as storage of unused accessories or components needs to be addressed.

What is needed, is a device, system, and method for addressing the above and related issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect thereof, comprises a device having a base supporting a fire platform with a burner, a coupling on the fire platform surrounding the burner, a top rim on the base circumscribing the burner and the coupling, a tabletop defining an opening with a contour matching a contour of the top rim, and being selectively fitted to the base to create a table surface around the fire platform, and a fire column selectively fitted to the coupling such that flame from the burner travels into the fire column.

The fire column may comprise an inner glass tube containing combustion products from the burner surrounded by a spaced apart and concentrically arranged guard. The guard may comprise a wire guard. The fire column may further include a reflector at a top thereof. It may include an exhaust diffuser interposing the inner glass tube and the reflector.

In some embodiments, the fire column is selectively fitted to the fire platform via a key slot arrangement. The fire column may include a fire column base affixed to a transparent tube and defining an opening into the tube for flame from the burner. The fire column base may define a plurality of key slots selectively fitted to a plurality of keys on the fire platform to join the fire column to the fire platform.

The base may contain a fuel supply and provide a set of controls for controlling flame from the burner. The base may provide storage accessible by a door on the base. In some embodiments the base comprises a plurality of adjustable legs and/or a set of wheels.

In some embodiments, the burner comprises a cup shaped burner and/or is covered by a grate.

The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof, comprise a device including a fire platform base having an internal compartment for storing at least a fuel supply, a fire platform supported by the fire platform base, a burner on the fire platform fueled from the fuel supply, a coupling on the fire platform for selectively joining a fire column in a position over the burner such that flame from the burner enters the fire column, and a circular rim circumscribing the fire platform and selectively supporting a tabletop to surround the circular rim.

Some embodiments include the fire column. In such case the fire column may comprises a fire column base that selectively joins to the fire platform and defines an opening over the burner when joined to the fire platform, an inner transparent tube affixed to the fire column base over the opening in the fire column to receive flame from the burner, a guard affixed to the fire column base and concentrically surrounding the inner transparent tube, an upper fire column cap affixed to the inner transparent tube and the guard and defining an opening to allow escape of combustion products from the inner transparent tube, a perforated exhaust diffuser above the upper fire column cap, and a top heat reflector above the perforated exhaust diffuser.

Some embodiments include the tabletop to surround the circular rim, the tabletop defining a central opening having a profile conforming to the circular rim. Some embodiments include a set of wheels and at least one adjustable leg on fire platform base.

The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof, comprises a kit including a fire platform base. The fire platform base comprises an internal compartment for storing at least a fuel supply, a fire platform supported by the fire platform base, a burner on the fire platform fueled from the fuel supply, a coupling on the fire platform for selectively joining a fire column in a position over the burner such that flame from the burner enters the fire column, and a circular rim circumscribing the fire platform and selectively supporting a tabletop to surround the circular rim. The kit includes the fire column, which further comprises a fire column base that selectively joins to the fire platform and defines an opening over the burner when joined to the fire platform, an inner transparent tube affixed to the fire column base over the opening in the fire column to receive flame from the burner, and a guard affixed to the fire column base and concentrically surrounding the inner transparent tube. The kit also includes the tabletop to surround the circular rim, the tabletop defining a central opening having a profile conforming to the circular rim.

Some embodiments of the kit also include a cover that selectively covers the fire platform to create a continuous table surface in conjunction with the tabletop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of a first configuration of a first embodiment of modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the first configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a top portion of the first configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure provided with decorative rock.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a second configuration of the first embodiment of a modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the second configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an assembly process of the second configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a third configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the third configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a first disassembly view of the third configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a second disassembly view of the third configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is a third disassembly view of the third configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D is a fourth disassembly view of the third configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4E is a fifth disassembly view of the third configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4F is a sixth disassembly view of the third configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth configuration of the first embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a first configuration of a second embodiment of a modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is an inferior perspective view of the first configuration of the second embodiment of a modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the first configuration of the second embodiment of a modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure with door removed to show certain internal components.

FIG. 6D is another perspective view of the first configuration of the second embodiment of a modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure with door removed to show other internal components.

FIG. 6E is a close-up perspective view of the first configuration of the second embodiment of a modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6F is another close-up perspective view of the first configuration of the second embodiment of a modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure with decorative stones installed.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a second configuration of the second embodiment of a modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure of a modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the second configuration of the second embodiment of a modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure with a cover installed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third configuration of the second embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of a heater column for use with the second embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a graph of rest results of heating effectiveness of the third configuration of the second embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1A a side view of a first configuration 100 of a modular fire table and patio heater 101 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the first configuration 100. The modular fire table and patio heater 101 of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be arranged into a number of configurations. The first configuration 100 allows operation of the modular fire table and patio heater 101 primarily as a fire table, a decorative torch, or fireplace. The configuration 100 may be useful for producing light and heat on demand.

A base 102 may have a variety of shapes, such as conic, frustoconical, trapezoidal, cubic, or other. A fire platform 104 is supported by the base 102. The base 102 may have a door 110 allowing access to internal storage and/or a fuel supply such as a propane tank. A burner 106 may be present on the fire platform 104. The burner 106 may be ring style burner to provide a flame around all or most of the fire platform 104. A secondary burner 114 with a surrounding coupling 112 may be provided on the platform 104 as well. The secondary burner 114 may be centrally located, possibly within a perimeter of the burner 106. A control panel 108 may provide for lighting operations as well as control over the burners 106, 114.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a top portion of the first configuration 100 showing the device 101 in use as an outdoor fireplace. In some embodiments, lava rock 116 or other decorative rock or artificial coals may be placed near or on the burners 106, 114. Flames 118 may be visible and appear to emanate from the rocks 116 when the device 100 is in operation.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a second configuration 200 of the modular fire table and patio heater 101 according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the second configuration 200. The function of the device 101 in the second configuration 200 may be substantially similar to the configuration 100 but with the addition of a tabletop 202. The tabletop 202 may mount to the base 102 and may surround the platform 104. The tabletop 202 may be annular so as not to interfere with flame or function. The tabletop 202 may provide a dining surface, a location for placing drinks, or similar.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an assembly process of the second configuration 200. Here it can be seen that a user may easily place or remove the tabletop surface 202 onto, or remove it from, the base 102. In some embodiments the base 102 has a top ring 204 that is received at least partially into an opening 206 defined in the tabletop 202. The top ring 204 and the opening 206 may have outer contours that conform together or substantially fit or mate together such that there is a secure fit between the tabletop 202 and the base 102. The top ring 204 and the tabletop opening 206 may have frustoconical shapes or be formed of conforming curved surfaces. The tabletop 202 may attach/detach with or without tools and/or fasteners.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a third configuration 300 of the modular fire table and patio heater 101 according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the third configuration 300. The configuration 300 adds a heater 302 to the top of the base 102 and tabletop 202. In another embodiment, the configuration 300 may not have the tabletop 202.

The heater 302 may have a column 303 through which heated air and/or flame passes. The column 303 may comprise heat resistance glass and/or a screen material. The column 303 may comprise one or more separable segments 304, 306. The column 303 may provide a top reflector cap 308. Thus, the configuration 300 provides for greater space heating effects while retaining fire table features such as visible flame from the burner 106.

FIG. 4A is a first disassembly view of the third configuration 300 and illustrates how the lower segment 304 of the column 303 may fit to the fire platform 104 via coupling 112. Various mechanisms can be used to attach and detach the column 303 to the coupling 112. As shown, a number of tabs 402 are arranged to fit into slots 404 on the coupling 112 in a key/slot arrangement.

Refence also to FIGS. 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F illustrate further that the column 303 may also be disassembled separating segments 304, 306 and the reflector 308. The components may twist apart and may be configured to join with a key and slot mechanism, a threaded connection, with fasteners, or other mechanism as known in the art.

The segments 304, 306 of column 303 may be stored in the base 102 as shown in FIG. 4D. In some embodiment the reflector 308 may fit to the coupling 112 when the column 303 is removed as shown in FIG. 4E. A cover 410 may be arranged to fit over the base 102 with the segments 304, 306 and reflector 308 stowed as shown in FIG. 4F.

Referring now to FIG. 5 a perspective view of a fourth configuration 500 of a modular fire table and patio heater according to aspects of the present disclosure can be seen. Here segment 306 is removed from column 303 and reflector 308 attaches directly the base 102 (e.g., via coupling 112). Function of the configuration 500 may be similar to configuration 300 but with a lower and more concentrated delivery of heat from the column 303.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, a perspective view of a first configuration 600 of second embodiment of a modular fire table and patio heater 601 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The first configuration allows operation of the modular fire table and patio heater 601 as a fire table, decorative torch, or fireplace. A base 602 may have a variety of shapes, such as conic, frustoconical, trapezoidal, cubic, or other. The base 602 may have a door 610 allowing access to internal storage and/or a fuel supply such as a propane tank. One or more adjustable feet 620 may also be provided on the base. The base 602 may have a door 610 allowing access to internal storage and/or a fuel supply such as a propane tank.

A fire platform 604 is supported by the base 602. A burner 614 may be present on the fire platform 604. The burner 614 may be a cup type burner producing a larger or more natural looking flame as compared to other types of burners. A coupling 612 may surround the burner 614 for attachment of fire columns or other accessories. A top ring 618 may circumscribe the fire platform 604 and provide a location to mount a tabletop 702 (FIG. 7A) as discussed below. The top ring 618 and the fire platform 604 may be said to form a basin or receptacle. A control panel 608 on the base 602 may provide for ignition and adjustment of flame from the burner 614.

FIG. 6B is an inferior perspective view of the first configuration of FIG. 6A. Here adjustable feet 620 can be more clearly seen. These allow for leveling or adjustment of the base 602. Wheels 622 also allow the base device 601 to be easily moved (e.g., by lifting the side of the base with adjustable feet 620). A sliding fuel storage drawer 624 can also be seen from the inferior view of FIG. 6B. The base 602 may otherwise generally have an open bottom.

FIG. 6C is another perspective view of the first configuration 600 of FIG. 6A with the door 610 removed to show certain internal components. Here the feet 620 can be seen to be located below and to the sides of the door 610. The drawer 624 is shown partially extended providing access to a fuel tank 628. The fuel tank 628 may be a standard propane tank known to the art. The control panel 608 may provide for ignition and fuel control between the fuel tank 610 and burner 614 as known to the art. Hoses and couplings between the fuel tank may be those known to the art and/or meeting applicable standards.

Referring now to FIG. 6D, another perspective view of the first configuration 600 of the module fire table and patio heater 601 of FIG. 6A with door 610 and fuel tank 628 removed to show other internal components. A bracket or rack 630 may be provided inside the base 602. The rack 630 may be attached to the drawer 624 or secured to another location inside the base 602. The rack 630 may be used to store a cover 632 used in other configurations discussed below.

Referring now to FIG. 6E, a close-up perspective view of the first configuration 600 of the modular fire table and patio heater 601 of FIG. 6A is shown. Here the burner 614 can be seen substantially centrally located in the fire platform 604, which is circular in the present embodiment. A wire cover 634 may prevent debris, decorative rock, or other components from falling into the burner 614. Surrounding the burner 614, the coupling 612 may comprise a radially arranged plurality of keys for attachment of accessories via a key slot mechanism.

Referring now to FIG. 6F, another close-up perspective view of the first configuration 600 of the modular fire table and patio heater 601 of FIG. 6A with decorative stones 116 installed. The view of FIG. 6F might be considered another configuration but operation of the device 600 remains similar as discussed with respect to FIGS. 6A-6E. As shown in FIG. 6F, the modular fire table and patio heater 601 serves primarily as a heating device or decorative device with flames appearing to emanate from the stones 116 rather than the now-covered burner 614.

Referring now to FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a second configuration 700 of the second embodiment of a modular fire table and patio heater 601 according to aspects of the present disclosure. A tabletop surface 702 is placed atop the base 602 such that the fire platform 604 is visible through an opening 704 in the tabletop 702. The opening 704 may have an internal contour cooperating with the top ring 618 of the fire platform 604 to provide a stable support for the tabletop 702. In various embodiment, the tabletop 702 may be removed without tools and with or without fasteners. The height of the tabletop 702 (corresponding to the height of the base 602) may be relatively short such that the tabletop 702 is used as a decorative table. However, the base 602 can be made taller such that is useful as a dining table or a bar table. In some embodiments, a separate platform or legs (not shown) can be used to adjust or boost the height of the base 602 and/or tabletop 702.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, is a perspective view of the second configuration 700 of FIG. 7A with the cover 632 installed over the fire platform 604 in the opening 704. This creates a continuous tabletop surface with no opening and may be considered another configuration in that the modular fire table and patio heater 601 operates primarily as a table and does not operate the burner. Yet another configuration can be implemented by use of a cooking grate or other cooking implement (e.g., a wok) rather than the cover 632.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective view of a third configuration 800 of the second embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater 601 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Here a fire column 801 is placed into the fire platform 704 over the burner 614. This configuration 800 allows fire and hot gases from the burner 614 to travel upward through the column 801 for enhanced visual effects and heating. With the column 801 in place, the burner 614 may be turned up such that flame fills all or a portion of the column 801.

Flame is visible through the column 801 and radiant heat escapes. The column 801 has an inner transparent tube 802 that contains the flame but radiates heat. The tube 802 may comprise glass or another suitably heat resilient material. In some embodiment, the tube 802 is translucent. The tube 802 may comprise a hollow cylinder.

The tube 802 may be surrounded by a spaced apart guard 804. In some embodiments, the guard 804 is cylindrical and is concentric with the glass tube 802. The guard 804 may comprises a wire structure. A top reflector cap 806 may provide for additional downward radiated heating.

With reference now also to FIG. 9, a lower perspective view of the fire column 801 is shown. The glass tube 802 and the guard 804 join concentrically to a base 904 having key slots 906 for engaging with coupling 912 when the column 801 is attached to the base 102. The base 904 defines an opening 908 to the glass tube 802 that allows flame to flow into the tube 802.

Opposite the base 904 the glass tube 802 and/or the guard 804 join to an upper cap 910. The upper cap 910 may define an opening 912 allowing combustion products to escape from the glass tube 802. Interposing the upper cap 910 and the reflector 806 may be a diffuser 902 allowing combustion products and gases to finally escape completely below and around the reflector 806. The diffuser 902 may be a cylindrical device defining perforations therethrough. the top reflector 806 may be domed to reflect heat downward at various angles.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that various combinations of aspects of the embodiments specifically described herein can be implemented within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The specific embodiments described are illustrative rather than limiting.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a graph of test results of heating effectiveness of the third configuration 800 of the second embodiment of the modular fire table and patio heater 601 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The test was run in an indoor burn lab testing facility. Ambient temperature was measured in a far corner of the lab while test temperatures were obtained at 3 feet from at heights of 36 inches and 57 inches. Both absolute temperatures and temperature rise over ambient (ROA) are shown. A linear fit of the ROA is also shown.

* * * *

It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.

If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.

It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.

The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%.

When, in this document, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted to mean a range whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 100. Additionally, it should be noted that where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within that range is also specifically intended unless the context indicates to the contrary. For example, if the specification indicates a range of 25 to 100 such range is also intended to include subranges such as 26 -100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., as well as any other possible combination of lower and upper values within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph for purposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values (e.g., 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible subrange endpoints unless specifically excluded.

It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where context excludes that possibility), and the method can also include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility).

Further, it should be noted that terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) are to be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise herein. Absent a specific definition within this disclosure, and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be plus or minus 10% of the base value.

The term “selective” or “selectively,” unless otherwise indicated, is taken to mean that the operation or function is capable of being performed by the structure or device in reference, but the operation or function may not occur continuously or without interruption. Furthermore, a selective or selectively performed operation may be one that the user or operator of a device or method may choose whether or when to perform, but the function or operation is nevertheless fully operative on or within the relevant device, machine, or method and the same includes the necessary structure or components to perform such operation.

* * * * *

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While the inventive device has been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to the drawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made therein by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A device including:

a base supporting a fire platform with a burner;

a coupling on the fire platform surrounding the burner

a top rim on the base circumscribing the burner and the coupling;

a tabletop defining an opening with a contour matching a contour of the top rim, and being selectively fitted to the base to create a table surface around the fire platform; and

a fire column selectively fitted to the coupling such that flame from the burner travels into the fire column.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the fire column comprises an inner glass tube containing combustion products from the burner surrounded by a spaced apart and concentrically arranged guard.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the wire comprises a wire guard.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the fire column further comprises a reflector at a top thereof.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the fire column further comprises an exhaust diffuser interposing the inner glass tube and the reflector.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the fire column is selectively fitted to the fire platform via a key slot arrangement.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the fire column further comprises a fire column base affixed to a transparent tube and defining an opening into the tube for flame from the burner.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the fire column base defines a plurality of key slots selectively fitted to a plurality of keys on the fire platform to join the fire column to the fire platform.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the base contains a fuel supply and provides a set of controls for controlling flame from the burner.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the base provides storage accessible by a door on the base.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the base comprises a plurality of adjustable legs.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the base further comprises a set of wheels.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the burner comprises a cup shaped burner.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the burner is covered by a grate.

15. A device comprising:

a fire platform base having an internal compartment for storing at least a fuel supply;

a fire platform supported by the fire platform base;

a burner on the fire platform fueled from the fuel supply;

a coupling on the fire platform for selectively joining a fire column in a position over the burner such that flame from the burner enters the fire column; and

a circular rim circumscribing the fire platform and selectively supporting a tabletop to surround the circular rim.

16. The device of claim 15, further comprising the fire column, wherein the fire column comprises:

a fire column base that selectively joins to the fire platform and defines an opening over the burner when joined to the fire platform;

an inner transparent tube affixed to the fire column base over the opening in the fire column to receive flame from the burner;

a guard affixed to the fire column base and concentrically surrounding the inner transparent tube;

an upper fire column cap affixed to the inner transparent tube and the guard and defining an opening to allow escape of combustion products from the inner transparent tube;

a perforated exhaust diffuser above the upper fire column cap; and

a top heat reflector above the perforated exhaust diffuser.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising the tabletop to surround the circular rim, the tabletop defining a central opening having a profile conforming to the circular rim.

18. The device of claim 17, further comprising a set of wheel and at least one adjustable leg affixed to the fire column base.

19. A kit including:

a fire platform base comprising: an internal compartment for storing at least a fuel supply; a fire platform supported by the fire platform base; a burner on the fire platform fueled from the fuel supply; a coupling on the fire platform for selectively joining a fire column in a position over the burner such that flame from the burner enters the fire column; and a circular rim circumscribing the fire platform and selectively supporting a tabletop to surround the circular rim;

the fire column, further comprising: a fire column base that selectively joins to the fire platform and defines an opening over the burner when joined to the fire platform; an inner transparent tube affixed to the fire column base over the opening in the fire column to receive flame from the burner; and a guard affixed to the fire column base and concentrically surrounding the inner transparent tube; and

the tabletop to surround the circular rim, the tabletop defining a central opening having a profile conforming to the circular rim.

20. The kit of claim 19, further comprising a cover that selectively covers the fire platform to create a continuous table surface in conjunction with the tabletop.