FUEL CONTAINER FOR A TABLETOP FIRE PIT

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel container for a table fire, which comprises a sponge at the upper end, the fuel container being configured such that liquid fuel located in the fuel container is transported into the sponge. Such a fuel container allows the flame of a table fire to burn particularly evenly at the desired height. The invention also relates to a table fire.

Description

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a fuel container for a table fire. The invention also relates to a table fire with the fuel container.

A fuel container in the sense of the present invention refers to a container for the safe storage and safe withdrawal of fuel, in particular also during the combustion process. A fuel container can be designed in particular as a canister, cartridge, bottle, or cylinder made of materials such as glass, ceramic, sheet metal, other metals, or suitable plastics. The fuel container can be designed as a largely closed container without a refill option. The fuel container can be at least partially open on its upper side. The fuel container may comprise a resealable refill opening. The fuel container preferably consists of stainless metal. The fuel container is then reliably fireproof and can be manufactured in a technically simple manner.

Fuel refers to a chemical substance whose stored energy is released through combustion. In particular, (bio)ethanol, alcohol, gasoline, oil, or wax are fuels. A fuel can be present at room temperature, in particular in liquid form, in solid form, as a gel or as a paste.

In a table fire, usually with a glass cylinder as the outer shell, the flame can be set in rotation with swirling air, creating a particular attraction for the viewers due to a “tornado-like” appearance. When bioethanol and similar fuels are used, fire columns are also suitable for indoor use and are mainly used for decoration, but also for the recreation of residents, as is often attributed to open fireplaces (or replica fireplace fires on monitors). In addition, table fires are used in outdoor areas, for example on terraces, where they can also serve as a source of light and heat on colder evenings.

A table fire is known from publication WO 2020/069770 A1 , which comprises a fuel container for bioethanol and similar fuels. The fuel container is open at the upper end. The fuel included in the fuel container can burn while producing a large, high, and spiral-shaped flame. This is visually appealing and ensures particularly clean combustion.

During operation of the table fire known from publication WO 2020/069770A1 , the height and visibility of the flame produced changes. Immediately after ignition, the flame is usually very small and barely visible. Only after a certain time, often after 1 to 2 minutes, does the flame reach the desired height and visibility. If the fuel in the fuel container is largely used up, this also results in a lower flame height.

If a gel is used as fuel, residues may remain in the fuel container, which is disadvantageous. Liquid fuel such as liquid bioethanol can easily escape from a fuel container that is open at the top. In addition, too much soot can then be produced.

Against this background, the invention is based on the task of ensuring a more suitable combustion process for table fires.

The task is solved by a fuel container that can comprise a sponge at the upper end. The fuel container is configured such that liquid fuel located in the fuel container is transported into the sponge. The fuel container is configured such that the fuel included in the sponge can be ignited to produce a flame. The sponge can thus be a combustion zone. It can be achieved that a uniformly high flame can be produced, largely independently of the fuel level in the fuel container. Liquid fuel such as bioethanol can be used without any problems thanks to the sponge, as the sponge prevents fuel from spilling over. Liquid can pass through a sponge. However, the sponge can prevent spillage. The sponge allows the amount of fuel to be regulated, thus preventing excessive soot formation. A fuel container with a sponge can be produced particularly reproducibly without any great technical effort.

The fuel container is liquid-tight. Liquid fuel can therefore be stored in the fuel container permanently. The fuel container comprises a bottom and a surrounding side wall. The bottom and/or the surrounding side wall may consist of metal. For safety reasons, the bottom and side wall in principle do not have any closable openings. The bottom and side wall are liquid-tight and connected to each other in a liquid-tight manner to form the liquid-tight container.

Sponge refers to a porous structure that is capable of absorbing and retaining a liquid. When a sponge is placed on a surface, it generally retains its shape at least substantially. A sponge therefore hardly deforms under its own weight. In principle, the sponge can then be elastically deformed by pressure.

The sponge can be made of a hardly combustible material such as cotton. However, the sponge is preferably made of a non-combustible material in order to ensure a permanently uniform appearance in a particularly reliable manner. The sponge can be made of aramid, glass, for example glass fibers, or fibers consisting of metal. The sponge can be pliable, i.e., it can be deformed, preferably elastically. The height of the sponge can be smaller than its depth and width and/or its diameter. If the sponge is made of fibers, the fibers may extend in all directions. It may then be the case, for example, that there are fibers that run essentially horizontally, and/or fibers that run essentially vertically, and/or fibers that run essentially oblique thereto. Fibers in a sponge may therefore run in different directions. The sponge can be like cotton wool. However, it is also possible that the fibers run at least essentially in one direction, for example, at least predominantly substantially horizontally.

One or more wicks can adjoin the underside of the sponge. The one or more wicks are arranged so that they can transport liquid fuel from the fuel container into the sponge. The one or more wicks may be attached at the upper side of the fuel container and extend into the fuel container. The one or more wicks may be attached to a cover that at least partially covers the upper side of the fuel container. The one or more wicks may be attached below the sponge.

The one or more wicks may extend towards the base of the fuel container. The wicks may extend to the base of the fuel container or at least almost to the base of the fuel container in order to be able to transport fuel also from the base towards the sponge.

The one or more wicks may consist of the same material as the sponge. The one or more wicks may consist of a different material than the sponge. Since the wick is separated from the flame by the sponge, the material of the wick may consist solely of a hardly combustible material, without this entailing any disadvantages.

A wick is an object that is suitable for supplying liquid fuel to the combustion zone against gravity by means of capillary forces. A wick is generally elongated. The length of a wick is therefore generally greater than its diameter and/or width and depth. In particular, a wick may be wholly or partly spun, braided or woven. The fibers of a wick may run along the longitudinal extension of the wick, i.e., not across the longitudinal extension of the wick. Fibers of a wick can be woven around and/or partially glued to hold inner fibers in place.

A wick is generally not suitable for being placed on an end face. A wick would then usually fall over or even collapse, similar to what would happen with a string.

A wick may consist of plant, animal, chemical, or other fibers. A wick can be made of hemp, coconut, sisal, cotton, glass, metal, and/or aramid, for example.

In principle, the wick is better at transporting a liquid upwards than the sponge. This is basically because the fibers of the wick run from bottom to top when assembled.

The diameter and/or width and depth of a wick are smaller than the diameter or width and depth of the sponge. Therefore, a plurality of wicks can adjoin the underside of the sponge. Theoretically, therefore, at least five or at least ten or at least 15 wicks can adjoin the underside of the sponge. In practice, at least two or three wicks and/or no more than six wicks adjoin the underside of the sponge in order to supply the sponge with a suitable amount of fuel.

The wicks are preferably spaced at equal intervals from each other in order to supply the sponge with fuel as evenly as possible. Several wicks are provided in particular if the fuel container is relatively high and has a height of at least 70 mm, for example. One or two wicks may also be sufficient for a fuel container with a low height.

In a preferred embodiment, the fibers of the wick consist of fire-resistant, i.e., non-combustible materials.

Fireproof materials are materials that can resist the flame of the table fire, especially ones that do not burn or melt, such as glass, minerals, metal, or aramid, for example. In particular, materials with a working temperature above 300° C. or above 400° C., are fireproof.

Several wicks are preferable in order to achieve in an improved manner that sufficient fuel can be transported to the sponge regardless of the fill level. Therefore, at least two or at least four wicks are preferable. The more wicks there are, the deeper the fuel container can be without this having a negative effect on the flame pattern.

The upper end of a wick can extend into the sponge and thereby locally press in the sponge, i.e., locally deform it. This achieves a particularly intimate connection between the sponge and the wick. The supply of fuel into the sponge is thus ensured in a particularly reliable manner. The one or more wicks can protrude upward relative to the adjacent area of the cover. This can help to ensure that the protruding ends are pressed into the sponge when assembled.

The upper end of a wick can be firmly connected to the sponge so that the wick can transport fuel into the sponge.

A weight can be attached to the lower end of a wick so that the wick reliably extends as far as possible toward the base of the fuel container. The weight may consist of metal or ceramic. The weight may be a sleeve surrounding the wick. The sleeve may be firmly connected to the wick, for example by a press fit. A sleeve may also improve the stability of the wick. However, a band or wire ring wrapped around an area of the wick may also be sufficient to improve stability.

The upper side of the fuel container may be largely closed by a cover. The cover may consist of metal. The cover may be connected to the side wall of the fuel container in a liquid-tight manner. The cover may be integrally connected to the side wall. The cover may be bonded, soldered or welded to the side wall.

The cover may comprise a tub-shaped receptacle for the sponge. The sponge may be inserted into the receptacle and thus held in place. The shape and dimensions of the receptacle may be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the sponge. The sponge then abuts the side wall of the tub-shaped receptacle. By providing a tub-shaped receptacle for the sponge, production can be particularly reproducible.

The length and width of the tub-shaped receptacle and the length and width of the sponge can be essentially the same. The height of the sponge can be smaller than the height of the tub-shaped receptacle so that the sponge and the fuel included therein can be held particularly reliably within the tub-shaped receptacle. Also this can facilitate refilling of the fuel container with liquid fuel.

The tub-shaped receptacle and/or the sponge can be circular when viewed from above. The inner diameter of the tub-shaped receptacle and the outer diameter of the sponge can be essentially the same size. This specification refers to the dry state of the sponge. When the sponge becomes saturated, this may lead to an increase in volume. The sponge can then compensate for tolerances and conform to the shape of the tub-shaped receptacle. The sponge can therefore be such that its volume depends on whether the sponge is dry or has become soaked with liquid.

The cover can be stepped from the outside to the inside to provide a tub-shaped receptacle. For safety reasons, the combustion zone preferably does not extend over the entire upper side of the fuel container.

A flat, liquid-permeable component can be placed above the sponge to hold the sponge within the tub-shaped receptacle. This liquid-permeable component can be a grid, a sieve such as a perforated plate, a mesh or a braided material. The sponge can then be held within the tub-shaped receptacle by the grid, the sieve, the mesh or the braided material.

The grid or the sieve may consist, for example, of a ceramic or of metal. The mesh or the braided material may consist, for example, of metal or of glass fibers.

The grid is a geometric structure made of intersecting lines or rods that may form a regular pattern of evenly spaced, usually square or rectangular cells.

A sieve is a flat component with holes that can be used to separate solids from liquids or other solids. It may comprise a flat frame covered with, for example, a fine mesh, perforated sheet metal, or a mesh fabric.

A perforated sheet is a sheet consisting of metal with holes drilled through it. The holes can be arranged regularly. The holes can be circular, square, rectangular, or other shapes and have different diameters or spacings. The holes can also be punched in various patterns and arrangements to achieve a variety of effects.

A mesh is formed from interwoven threads, cords, ribbons, or other flexible materials.

A braided material (braid) is a fabric or net made of intertwined threads, cords, ribbons, or other flexible materials. The braid is produced by crossing horizontal and vertical threads, wherein the threads usually run alternately above and below each other to create a stable, flexible, and resilient material. The braid can be made of metal or glass fibers.

The fluid-permeable component can be attached to the cover above the sponge to be able to hold the sponge particularly reliably. The fluid-permeable component can be connected to the cover by a material bond, a form-fitting connection, or a force-fitting connection. A latching connection by which the fluid-permeable component is attached to the cover is preferred. A latching connection is a form-fitting connection between the liquid-permeable component and the cover, which is produced by snapping or inserting. The connection can be released again, for example, by turning or pressure. For safety reasons, however, a latching connection that can only be released by destruction or by means of a tool is preferred.

The fluid-permeable component may comprise one or more elastically deformable tabs which may form part of the latching connection. The one or more tabs may be arranged along an edge of the fluid-permeable component. The one or more tabs may protrude obliquely outwards from the edge. The cover may comprise an opening with a diameter and/or dimensions that are slightly smaller than the diameter or dimensions of the edge of the fluid-permeable component, respectively. The fluid-permeable component can then be placed (inserted) in the opening so that the one or more tabs are initially bent inward to finally engage behind the edge of the opening. The fluid-permeable component can then only be removed by destruction or by means of the tool.

The fluid-permeable component may be inserted into the tub-shaped receptacle. The tub-shaped receptacle may comprise an opening with an edge behind which the one or more tabs can snap into place (engage).

The tub-shaped receptacle may be made from exactly two parts in order to produce an opening with the aforementioned edge with little technical effort. The two parts may be connected to each other in a material-bond connection, for example by soldering or welding. The two parts may be connected to each other by a screw or rivet connection.

However, the tub-shaped receptacle may also be made from a single piece, i.e., in a single step. The tub-shaped receptacle may be made from more than two parts.

The cover may have an opening for each wick through which the wick can pass. An opening may be located in the base of the tub-shaped receptacle. The diameter and/or cross-section of the opening can be adapted to the diameter or cross-section of the wick, respectively.

A wick can be provided with a holder on its upper side, by means of which a wick can be held on the cover. The holder can be a sleeve with an annular widening. The annular widening can rest on the upper side of the cover in order to hold the wick. The annular widening can, for example, rest on the base of the tub-shaped receptacle.

A weight can be attached to the lower end of a wick so that the wick reliably extends as far as possible toward the base of the fuel container. The weight may consist of metal or ceramic. The weight can be a sleeve surrounding the wick. The sleeve may be firmly connected to the wick and/or held in place by clamping, for example due to a press fit.

The wick and the sponge can alternatively or additionally be designed such that a wick is pressed toward the base by the sponge.

A sleeve may widen at one end in a funnel shape to be able to press a wick reliably and easily into the sleeve and finally pull it through far enough. The inner diameter and/or cross-section of the sleeve can be slightly smaller than the outer diameter or cross-section of the wick, respectively so that the sleeve can be connected to the wick by a clamping effect.

The tub-shaped receptacle comprises a base and a circumferential side wall. One or more refill openings may be provided in the base and/or in the side wall for refilling the fuel container with liquid fuel. The one or more refill openings may be elongated holes. The one or more refill openings may be circular. It is preferable that refill openings for refilling are provided both in the side wall and in the base in order to ensure particularly safe refilling. The holes for refilling are not closed by wicks or other elements. The one or more refill openings are preferably covered by the sponge for safety reasons. For safety reasons, it is advantageous to dispense with a lid for closing a refill opening.

The distance between the surface of the sponge and a refill opening where the liquid flows into the container can be as short as possible so that the flow resistance is minimal. The distance can be less than 5 mm or less than 3 mm, for example. The distance can be greater than 1 mm, for example.

The fuel container may have supports for an outer shell on the outer edge. There are generally three supports, which can be spaced apart equally. The outer shell can be placed on the supports, and can then surround a flame. The outer shell can be a cylinder, for example, if the cross-section of the fuel container is circular. However, the cross-section of the outer shell may also be square, for example, if the cross-section of the fuel container is square. The outer shell may consist of glass so that the flame is visible. However, the outer shell may also consist of a grid or perforated sheet so that the flame is at least partially visible. The outer shell can then consist of another non-combustible material such as metal or ceramic. In this way, a table fire can be created with particularly little technical effort, i.e., a small fireplace that can be placed on a table to create a cozy atmosphere or to heat a room. Such a table fire can be used both indoors and outdoors.

However, the fuel container can also be provided for a table fire, through which, for example, a swirling flame can be produced, as is known, for example, from publication DE 20 2019 005 839 U1 . The table fire is referred to as a fire column in this publication.

A swirling flame is a flame that is set in rotation by air and is therefore spiral-shaped. Such a table fire may comprise air guide elements which may be surrounded by an outer shell. The air guide elements may be arranged between an outer shell and a pedestal. The air guide elements may run helically such that air flowing in from below can be set into rotation in order to generate a swirling flame.

The outer shell refers to the outer casing of the table fire. This outer casing is open at the upper and lower ends but forms an at least predominantly closed barrier against horizontal exchange with the air outside the casing, particularly across the entire area of the flame. The outer casing may not have any openings across the area of the flame through which air can flow. The outer shell then forms a completely closed horizontal barrier. In particular, the shell may be transparent or translucent or comprise transparent or translucent sections. In principle, the outer shell consists of one piece and is manufactured in a single step in order to keep the number of parts to a minimum.

The outer shell may consist of several parts. The outer shell may then be made of different materials. At the level of the flame, the outer shell may, for example, be made of glass so that the flame is visible. Below this, the outer shell may consist of metal, for example.

An outer shell can, for example, be designed as a round glass cylinder or as a metal cylinder with glazed openings. In addition, almost any other shape is possible, whether angular, bulbous, conical, concave, elongated, compressed, symmetrical, asymmetrical, or irregular. However, a circular diameter is preferable if a particularly uniform flame pattern is to be produced. The outer shell may consist of any non-combustible material or mixture of materials, including transparent, ground, tinted or colored glass, smoked glass, metal or ceramic.

The pedestal refers to a block located in the lower part of the table fire, which is typically used for setting up the table fire, receiving the fuel container and/or as a holder for the outer shell. In particular, the pedestal may be designed as a stand or comprise a stand, a ground spike or other fastening means. The pedestal may be connectable or connected to a stand or a ground spike. The pedestal may consist of one piece and is then manufactured in a single step to keep the number of parts to a minimum. However, the pedestal may also be formed from several parts that have been joined together to form the pedestal.

The pedestal may be suitable for completely or partially receiving or directly or indirectly connecting the fuel container.

The majority of the outer shell may be positioned above the pedestal. A lower end of the outer shell may partially or completely enclose the pedestal laterally.

An air guide element is a structural element for deflecting an air flow thermally generated from the flame, causing the flame to rotate. This creates a swirling flame. The swirling flame resembles the shape of a spiral. In particular, an air guide element can be designed as a straight or curved, closed or semi-open channel. An air guide element may comprise a flat or curved surface. An air guide element may be made of sheet metal. The air guide element may interact with other elements of the table fire to direct air in such a way that a swirling flame can form. The other element may be the outer shell and/or the pedestal. In particular, an air guide element may be integrated into the pedestal or the outer shell or attached to them. In the set-up state, the air guide element preferably forms an acute angle with the horizontal. It is therefore only slightly tilted relative to the horizontal.

The fuel container may have a maximum diameter of 400 mm or 300 mm or 200 mm or 100 mm. The fuel container may have a minimum diameter of 30 mm or 40 mm or 50 mm. This may apply accordingly to the width and depth if the fuel container is not circular when viewed from above. The fuel container may have a minimum height of 40 mm or 50 mm. The fuel container may have a maximum height of 200 mm or 100 mm.

The sponge may have a maximum height of 50 mm or of 40 mm or of 30 mm or of 20 mm. The sponge may have a minimum height of at least 5 mm or at least 10 mm. The diameter and/or depth and width of the sponge may be at least 20 mm or at least 40 mm or at least 50 mm. The diameter and/or depth and width of the sponge may not exceed 150 mm or 100 mm or 70 mm.

The one or more wicks may have a length of at least 4 cm or at least 6 cm. The one or more wicks may have a maximum length of 20 cm or 15 cm. The diameter and/or depth and width of the one or more wicks may be at least 3 mm or 5 mm. The diameter and/or depth and width of the one or more wicks may not exceed 20 mm or 15 mm or 10 mm.

A table fire with a fuel container may have a maximum height of 150 cm or 100 cm or 80 cm.

A table fire with a fuel container may have a minimum height of 20 cm or 30 cm or 50 cm.

An alcohol such as ethanol or bioethanol can be used as fuel.

For safety reasons, the flash point of the fuel should be at least 50° C. or at least 80° C. or at least 100° C. For practical reasons, the flash point of the fuel should preferably be no higher than 150° C. or no higher than 120° C. Ethylene glycol or propylene glycol or a mixture of ethanol and propylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol can therefore be used as fuel. The flash point is then approx. 105° C.

According to DIN V 14011, the flash point of a substance is the lowest temperature at which an ignitable vapor-air mixture can form above a substance.

A fuel container may comprise one or more annular discs which can be placed loosely on the upper side of the fuel container, for example. The one or more annular discs have an opening, which may be of different sizes in case of several annular discs. In particular, an annular disc can be placed above a flat, liquid-permeable component. There is then a gap between the annular disc and the flat, liquid-permeable component. This ensures that the annular disc remains relatively cool and does not contribute to the evaporation of the fuel, or only to a very limited extent. The height of a flame can be changed by placing an annular disc. If several annular discs are present, flames of different heights can be set. If an annular disc is arranged in such a way that it remains relatively cool, the height of the flame can be permanently reduced. The burning time can be extended accordingly.

Each annular disc may comprise a protruding collar by means of which the position of a disc can be fixed, for example. The collar can be located at the inner side of an annular disc.

If the annular disc has an inner collar protruding downwards when in place, the collar can contribute to limiting the height of a flame in a further improved manner. The collar can then be arranged in such a way that it does not support fixation.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a table fire.

FIG. 2 shows a section through a fuel container.

FIG. 3 shows a section through the fuel container from FIG. 2 in a view rotated by 90°.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the fuel container from FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the individual parts of the fuel container from FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the fuel container from FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 shows another configuration of a fuel container.

FIG. 8 shows a table fire with the fuel container from FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows the table fire from FIG. 8 in section.

FIG. 10 shows a further configuration of a fuel container in section.

FIG. 11 shows a further configuration of a table fire.

FIG. 12 shows parts of a further configuration of a fuel container.

FIG. 13 shows a further configuration of a fuel container with the parts from FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows a further configuration of a fuel container in section.

FIG. 15 shows the further configuration of FIG. 14 in a perspective view.

FIG. 16 shows a table fire with the fuel container from FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 17 shows parts of a fuel container with a wick bundle.

FIG. 18 shows a fuel container comprising the parts from FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows a fuel container with wires.

FIG. 20 shows an annular disc.

FIG. 21 shows the annular disc from FIG. 20 in a side view.

FIG. 22 shows the annular disc in the placed state.

FIG. 23 shows a further configuration of a fuel container.

FIG. 24 shows a further configuration of a fuel container.

FIG. 25 shows a sectional view of the fuel container of FIG. 24.

FIG. 1 shows a table fire 1, which may comprise an outer shell 2 and a pedestal 3. The outer shell 2 and/or the pedestal 3 may have been manufactured in one piece. The outer shell 2 and/or the pedestal 3 may have been made from two or more parts that were then joined together. The pedestal 3 can be such that a fuel container can be placed or inserted in the pedestal 3. Alternatively, the pedestal 3 can be the fuel container. Air guide elements 4 can be attached to the outer side of the pedestal 3. The air guide elements 4 can run helically around the outer side of the pedestal 3 in order to be able to generate a swirling flame. The air guide elements 4 may form an angle with the horizontal that is less than 60° or less than 45°. The air guide elements 4 may form an angle with the horizontal that is greater than 5° or greater than 10°. Exactly three or exactly four air guide elements 4 may be provided. The air guide elements can be ribbon-shaped. The air guide elements 4 may have been produced by cutting, for example by cutting sheet metal. The air guide elements 4 can be attached to the outer side of the pedestal 3 and/or to the inner side of the outer shell 2, for example by material bond using soldering, welding or gluing. The air guide elements 4 may have been produced in one piece with the pedestal 3 and/or the outer shell 2. Pedestal and air guide elements can be one cast part, for example. The outer shell 2 and the air guide elements 4 may have been produced in one step, for example from glass. The outer shell 2 may consist of two parts. A lower part of the outer shell 2 may have been produced in one piece with air guide elements 4. Below the air guide elements 4, projections 5 can be attached to the pedestal 3, for example in the form of pins 5, which can serve as a support for the outer shell. The outer shell 2 can therefore rest and/or lie on the projections 5. The projections 5 ensure that air can flow into the outer shell 2 from below. The outer shell 2 can be detachably placed on the projections 5 or attached to the projections 5. A three-point support is preferable for the outer shell 2. There are then exactly three projections 5 and/or exactly three supports. The projections 5 may be connected to the pedestal 3 in one piece, i.e., manufactured in a single work step. The projections 5 may have been produced separately from the pedestal 3 and then connected to the pedestal 3. The projections 5 may have been connected to the pedestal 3, for example by gluing, welding, soldering, riveting or screwing. The pedestal 3 can be connected to a plate 6 on the underside, which serves as a stand. The pedestal 3 and/or the plate 6 and/or the projections 5 may consist, for example, of metal and/or stone and/or plastic and/or ceramic and/or cement and/or concrete and/or glass. The plate 6 can be screwed, glued, riveted, soldered or welded to the pedestal 3. The plate 6 can be connected to the pedestal 3 in one piece, i.e., manufactured in one piece. If there are no projections 5, the outer shell 2 may have holes or recesses at the underside through which air can flow into the outer shell 2. In particular, the holes or recesses are then arranged below the air guide elements 4. The outer shell 2 may be detachably placed on the surface or on the plate 6. The outer shell 2 may be connected to the plate 6.

FIG. 2 shows a fuel container 7 comprising a bottom 8 and a circumferential side wall 9. The bottom 8 forms the base of the fuel container 7. The bottom 8 and the surrounding side wall 9 form a liquid-tight container. The bottom 6 and/or the side wall 9 may consist of, for example, metal, glass, stone, cement, concrete or plastic. The bottom 6 and/or the side wall 9 may have been made from one piece in order to avoid leakage problems. The bottom 6 and/or the side wall 9 may have been made from several pieces which have then been joined together.

A sponge 15 may be present at the upper end of the fuel container 7. One or more wicks 10 may adjoin the underside of the sponge 15. The one or more wicks 10 may extend in the direction of the base of the fuel container 7, i.e., in the direction of the bottom 8. The wicks 10 may touch the bottom 8 of the fuel container 7 in order to be able to transport fuel from the base towards the sponge 15.

The upper end 11 of each wick 10 may reach into the sponge 15 and thus indent the sponge 15 locally. A weight can be attached at the lower end of each wick 10. The weight may be a sleeve 12 that surrounds the wick 10.

The upper side of the fuel container 7 may be predominantly closed by a cover 13. The cover 13 may be connected to the side wall 9 of the fuel container 7 in a liquid-tight manner. The cover 13 may be offset inwards to prevent undesired spillage of liquid fuel, for example during refilling. The cover 13 then has a distance to the upper edge of the side wall 9. This distance may be at least 1 mm or at least 2 mm. This distance may be no more than 10 mm or no more than 5 mm. The cover may be circumferentially bent upwards at the edge. The circumferential bend 14 may be joined to the inner wall of the side wall 9, for example by soldering, welding or gluing.

The cover 13 may comprise a tub-shaped receptacle 16 for the sponge 15. The sponge 15 can be placed in the receptacle 16 and held in this way. The shape and dimensions of the receptacle 16 can be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the sponge 15. The sponge 15 is then laterally adjacent to the side wall of the tub-shaped receptacle 16. The sponge 15 may rest on the base of the tub-shaped receptacle 16.

The height of the sponge 15 may be smaller than the height of the tub-shaped receptacle 16 so that the sponge 15 and the fuel included therein can be held particularly reliably within the tub-shaped receptacle 16. This can also facilitate refilling the fuel container with liquid fuel.

The cover 13 may run in steps from the outside to the inside to provide a tub-shaped receptacle 16. The tub-shaped receptacle 16 is then at a distance from the side wall 9.

A flat, liquid-permeable component can be placed above the sponge 16 to hold the sponge 15 within the tub-shaped receptacle 16. This liquid-permeable component may comprise a sieve 17. The sponge 16 can then be held within the tub-shaped receptacle 16 by the sieve 17.

One or more elastically deformable tabs 18 may be attached to the edge of the sieve 17. The one or more tabs 18 may protrude outwardly obliquely from the edge of the sieve 17.

The cover 13 may comprise an opening 19 having a diameter and/or dimensions that are slightly smaller than the diameter and/or dimensions of the edge of the sieve 17. The sieve 17 may then be placed in the opening 19. The one or more tabs 18 will then initially be elastically bent inwards to finally engage behind the edge of the opening 19. Subsequently, the sieve 17 can only be removed from the tub-shaped receptacle 16 by destroying it or by means of the tool. The sieve 17 may therefore have been placed in the tub-shaped receptacle and thus locked in place. The one or more tabs 18 can then be engaged behind the edge of the opening 19.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tub-shaped receptacle 16 can be made of exactly two parts in order to be able to produce an opening 19 with the aforementioned edge with little technical effort.

The cover 13 may have an opening 24 for each wick 10. A wick 10 can pass through each opening 24. Each opening 24 can be located in the base of the tub-shaped receptacle 16. The diameter and/or cross-section of the opening 24 may be adapted to the diameter or cross-section of the associated wick 10, respectively. A wick 10 may have a diameter of more than 1 mm or more than 2 mm or more than 3 mm. A wick 10 may have a maximum diameter of 20 mm or 15 mm or 10 mm. The openings 24 then have a diameter similar to the diameter of the wicks 10. Exactly three wicks 10 or exactly four wicks 10 may be provided. The wicks 10 may have the same spacing between each other.

A wick 10 can be provided with a holder at its upper side, by means of which a wick 10 can be held on the cover. The holder can be a sleeve 20 with an annular widening 21. The annular widening 21 can rest on the upper side of the base of the tub-shaped receptacle 16 in order to hold the wick 10.

Each sleeve 12, 20 can widen at one end in the shape of a funnel, i.e., open into a funnel 22, in order to be able to press a wick 10 reliably and easily into the sleeve 12, 20 and finally pull it a suitable distance through.

The tub-shaped receptacle 16 comprises a base and a circumferential side wall. One or more refill openings 23 for refilling the fuel container 7 with liquid fuel may be provided in the base and/or in the side wall. FIG. 2 shows refill openings 23 which are located in the side wall of the tub-shaped receptacle 16. The one or more refill openings 23 may be slotted holes. For safety reasons, the one or more refill openings are preferably only covered by the sponge 15. Furthermore, the refill openings 23 are then not closed or covered by wicks 10 or other elements.

Refill openings 23 in the side wall make it possible to refill particularly quickly. Refill openings 23 in the base, i.e., in the bottom of the tub-shaped receptacle 16, ensure that fuel that seeps through the sponge 15 can continue to enter the fuel container 7.

FIG. 3 shows a section of the fuel container 7 from FIG. 2, in a view rotated by 90°. This shows that one or more refill openings 23 can also be present in the base of the tub-shaped receptacle 16, i.e., in the bottom.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the fuel container from FIG. 2. The sieve 17 may comprise a “MAX” marking, which may signal the maximum filling level for fuel. The cover 13 may have vent bores 25 that are very small in order to prevent liquid fuel from escaping. The vent bores 25 may have a diameter of less than 3 mm or less than 2 mm. The vent bores 25 may have a diameter of at least 0.5 mm or at least 1 mm. In order to prevent a flashback into the can (ignitable ethanol/air mixture), the diameter was defined as less than 1 mm.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the individual parts that can be assembled to form the fuel container 7 shown in FIG. 2 by form-fit connection. It can be seen from FIG. 5 that refill openings 23, which are present in the side wall of the tub-shaped receptacle 16, may be limited to the lower half of the side wall for safety reasons. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the fuel container in which the individual parts from FIG. 5 have been assembled.

FIG. 7 shows a further configuration of a fuel container 7. A lower part of the side wall 9 is separated from an upper part of the side wall, for example by a step 26. The fuel container therefore has a lower diameter, which can be much wider than an upper diameter, so that the fuel container has a low center of gravity. This allows the fuel container 7 to be set up very stably and can hold a large volume of liquid. Air guide elements 4 with an integrated support 5 for an outer shell are attached to the upper part of the side wall. The support 5 may be provided by, for example, a stepped widening 5. A closable filler opening 27 for fuel may be provided on step 26, for example. This ensures that liquid fuel can only be filled into the fuel container 7 up to the level of the filler opening 27. This ensures a particularly low center of gravity. Otherwise, the fuel container 7 can be constructed in the same way as the fuel container in FIGS. 2 to 6.

In FIG. 8, the fuel container 7 is shown with the outer shell 2 attached. This provides a table fire that can generate a swirling flame. The outer shell 2 sits on the supports 5. A gap remains between the underside of the outer shell 2 and the step 26, through which air can flow to the air guide elements 4.

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of the table fire from FIG. 8. An extinguishing lid 28 is also shown, which can be placed on the fuel container 7 by means of a cord 29 attached to the extinguishing lid in such a way that a flame can be smothered. Further emission through vaporization of the fuel is prevented. “The can does not dry out”

FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of another configuration of a fuel container 7. The height of the fuel container 7 is smaller than its diameter in order to maintain a low center of gravity. The fuel container 7 can therefore be set up in a particularly stable manner. It may have support points 30, for example three or four support points 30, on its underside in order to be able to place the fuel container 7 in a stable position even on an uneven surface. Adjacent support points 30 may have equal distances. The support points 30 may be arranged close to the outer circumference in order to ensure a stable stand. Since the height of such a fuel container 7 can be relatively low, one or two wicks 10 may be sufficient to sufficiently supply the sponge 15 with fuel. In such a fuel container 7, the diameter of the cover 13 and/or the depth and width of the cover 13 can be at least 50% or at least 80% larger than the diameter of the sponge 15 and/or the depth and width of the sponge 15. Vent bores may be provided within the tub-shaped receptacle 16 above refill openings. The one or two wicks mentioned may then have a diameter of 5 to 15 mm, for example a diameter of 10 mm.

FIG. 11 shows another configuration of a table fire 1. The fuel container 7 corresponds to the fuel container 7 from FIG. 10, the difference consisting of pins 5 protruding from the side wall 9. An outer shell 2 is placed on the pins 5, namely in notches 32, which are present on the upper side of the pins. The outer shell is held securely by the notches 32.

An extinguishing lid 28 has a raised edge 31 which can be placed on the edge of the opening 19. The adjacent inner part of the extinguishing lid 28 then extends into the opening 19. This allows a flame to be extinguished particularly quickly and reliably.

Instead of pins 5, differently shaped supports can also be provided, for example plate-shaped supports.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the individual parts of another fuel container. In a fuel container comprising the parts shown in FIG. 12, the sponge has a passage 33 through which an upper end of a wick 10a can be passed. There is then preferably a clearance fit between the passage 33 and the wick 10a. However, there may also be a small amount of play or a press fit. The wick 10a can be longer than the other wicks 10. The wick 10a can be so long that it extends to the base of the fuel container on the one hand and through the sponge 15 into an elevation 34 of the sieve 17 adapted thereto on the other. This embodiment of the fuel container is particularly suitable for operating a fuel with a high flash point of more than 90° C. or more than 100° C., for example, because the elevation 34 is easily accessible to a lighter flame and can therefore be easily heated to higher temperatures. The elevation 34 can be cylindrical. This shape is particularly suitable for a wick. Instead of the wick, however, the sponge 15 can also reach into such an elevation 34. In particular in this case, the elevation 34 can also be shaped differently, for example like a hill.

However, it is preferable for a wick 10a to reach into the elevation 34, as a wick can generally transport fuel from bottom to top through the wick better than the sponge 15.

A plurality of elevations 34 may also be present on the surface of the sieve 17 or another flat, liquid-permeable component in order to facilitate ignition. In particular in this case, relatively difficult to ignite fuels such as propylene glycol or ethylene glycol can be placed as fuel.

A fuel container comprising the parts shown in FIG. 12 is optimized for fuels that are relatively difficult to ignite. The lateral refill openings 23 can then easily be larger than the lateral refill openings 23 shown in FIG. 5. In the case of FIG. 5, the height of the lateral refill openings is only half of the height of the side wall of the tub-shaped receptacle 16 for safety reasons and the lateral refill openings are adjacent to the base of the tub-shaped receptacle. For safety reasons, the lateral refill openings 23 can therefore be arranged in the lower half of a side wall of the tub-shaped receptacle 16. The refill openings for refilling, which are located in the side wall of the tub-shaped receptacle 16, can therefore be limited to the lower half of the side wall, as shown in FIG. 5.

If increased safety requirements can be dispensed with due to the use of a liquid fuel that is relatively difficult to ignite, then the lateral refill openings 23 can extend at least essentially over the entire height of the side wall of the tub-shaped receptacle 16, as shown in FIG. 12. A distance between two lateral refill openings 23 can also be unproblematically very small compared to the case shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the bores 25 can also be omitted.

FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of the fuel container 7, which is composed of the parts shown in FIG. 12.

The fuel container shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is particularly advantageous even if it does not comprise a sponge but is operated with a fuel that has a high flash point of more than 90° C. or more than 100° C., for example, and is therefore relatively difficult to ignite. A plurality of wicks 10a may then be present, which extend into elevations 34 consisting of metal. The elevations 34 support the ignition of the fuel, which is relatively difficult to ignite.

FIG. 14 shows another configuration of a fuel container 7 in section. FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of this fuel container 7. The fuel container 7 has a circumferential recess 35 into which an outer shell 2 can and should be placed. In this configuration, the sieve 17 can be at the same height as the maximum filling level of the fuel in the fuel container or slightly above it. Nevertheless, a very stable container with a low center of gravity can be created. An outer shell 2 can be held very securely. To enable filling, vent holes can again be provided as in FIG. 4.

Air guide elements 4 may be attached to the inner side of the recess 35. The inner side of the recess 35 may protrude upwards on the side shown in FIG. 14 with respect to the outer wall 9 and the adjoining surface 37. The air guide elements may extend helically over the entire height of the inner side of the recess 35 in order to generate a sufficient air vortex and to be able to hold an inserted outer shell with sufficient stability. The outer shell can rest on projections 5 of the air guide elements 4.

The fuel container 7 may comprise an inner container 36, which in the manner shown can have a distance from the side wall 9 and the bottom 8 for reasons of thermal insulation. The inner container 36 may rest on the bottom 8 with feet 38. The inner container 36 can hold the fuel. Such a fuel container 7 provides an improved protection against fuel leakage due to the inner container 36.

The inner container 36 may have been manufactured in one piece from a sheet metal. The circumferential recess including the surface 37 may have been made in one piece from a sheet metal. These two parts may have been joined at the edges with a material bond and also with the side wall 9.

FIG. 16 shows a table fire with the fuel container 7 From FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 17 shows parts of a fuel container which comprises a bundle formed from a plurality of wicks 10 instead of a sponge. The wicks 10 may contact each other. The cross-section of the bundle can be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the opening 19. The cross-section of the bundle may be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the opening 19 such that the bundle is frictionally retained by the opening 19 when the bundle is placed. The bundle can reach up to a grid 17. The grid 17 may consist of metal. In the assembled state, the grid can delimit the wicks 10 towards the top. In the assembled state, the grid 17 can be attached in a form-fit, force-fit and/or material-fit manner. A fuel container composed of these parts is particularly suitable for operation with fuel that has a flash point of more than 90° C. or more than 100° C. A fuel with a high flash point is preferable for safety reasons. The grid consisting of metal can support the ignition of the fuel if the wicks 10 reach the grid 17.

Only one wick can be present instead of the bundle. The one wick can have a particularly large diameter.

Instead of the grid, there may also be differently shaped elements consisting of metal, to which one or more wicks adjoin to support ignition. These may be one or more wires, for example. Wires may cross each other. Such elements not only support the ignition, but also the subsequent vaporization to support combustion.

FIG. 18 shows the fuel container 7, which is composed of the parts shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 shows a fuel container 7 that does not comprise a sponge but only wicks 10. The wicks 10 contact wires 39, which consist of metal. The wires 39 can support the ignition and vaporization of fuel. This makes the fuel container 7 suitable for operation with a fuel with a high flash point.

The fuel container can be largely open at the top. This applies in particular if a fuel with a high flash point of at least 90° C. or at least 100° C., for example, is used.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show an annular disk 40 that can be placed loosely on the upper side of a fuel container. The annular disk 40 may rest on a cover 13. The annular disk 40 may rest on an uppermost step of a cover 13 if the cover 13 is step-shaped in order to be able to remain relatively cool. The annular disk 40 has an opening 41 which may be smaller than an opening 19 in a fuel container 7. The diameter of the annular disk 40 may be larger than the opening 19 in order to be able to rest on the edge of the opening 19. The annular disk 40 can be placed above a flat, liquid-permeable component. There is then a distance between the annular disk 40 and the flat, liquid-permeable component of the fuel container. This ensures that the annular disk 40 remains relatively cool and does not or only barely contributes to the evaporation of the fuel. The annular disk 40 can be circular or square, for example. The opening 41 may be arranged centrally.

The annular disk 40 may comprise a protruding collar 42. If the collar 42 protrudes downwards in the placed (mounted) state, the collar 42 can support the limitation of the height of a flame in a further improved manner.

The position of an annular disk 40 can be secured against lateral slipping by the side wall 9 of the fuel container or by a circumferential bend 14, for example, and thus fixed. The collar 42 therefore does not have to contribute to a fixation but can be provided solely in order to limit the flame height in an adjustable manner.

FIG. 22 shows a sectional view of the annular disk 40 in the mounted state. There is a clear gap between the collar 42 and the side wall of the tub-shaped receptacle 16. The collar 42 can therefore not protect against lateral slippage. Instead, this is achieved by the circumferential bend 14. As the collar 42 extends downwards, the collar 42 helps to limit the height of the flame. The annular disk 40 including the collar 42 has a clear distance to the sieve 17.

FIG. 23 shows a configuration of a fuel container 7 without a sponge. The wicks 10 protrude upwards into a tub-shaped receptacle and are adjacent to crossed wires 39. This configuration is particularly suitable for fuels with a high flash point of more than 90° C. or more than 100° C., for example.

FIG. 24 shows a configuration of a fuel container 7 that can be operated without a sponge. The upper side is formed by a flat sieve or net 40, from which elevations 34 protrude upwards. Wicks 10 can extend into the elevations. Such a fuel container is well suited for operation with a fuel with a high flash point.

In FIG. 25, the fuel container 7 of FIG. 24 is shown in section.

Claims

1. A fuel container, which comprises a sponge at the upper end, the fuel container being configured such that liquid fuel contained in the fuel container is transported into the sponge.

2. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more wicks are present which adjoin the underside of the sponge.

3. The fuel container according to claim 2, characterized in that the one or more wicks are attached to a cover of the fuel container.

4. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that the one or more wicks are pressed into the sponge.

5. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one or at least three wicks adjoin the underside of the sponge.

6. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that the sponge is in a tub-shaped receptacle.

7. The fuel container according to claim 6, characterized in that a flat, liquid-permeable component is applied to the sponge.

8. The fuel container according to claim 7, characterized in that the flat, liquid-permeable component is fastened by a latching connection.

9. The fuel container according to claim 7, characterized in that the flat, liquid-permeable component is a sieve.

10. The fuel container according to claim 7, characterized in that the flat, liquid-permeable component has one or more elevations into which a wick or the sponge extends.

11. The fuel container according to claim 6, characterized in that the tub-shaped receptacle comprises refill openings in its side wall and/or in its base for refilling the fuel container with fuel.

12. The fuel container according to claim 11, characterized in that refill openings for refilling, which are located in the side wall of the tub-shaped receptacle, are restricted to the lower half of the side wall.

13. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that the sponge is formed from fibers consisting of glass or metal.

14. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuel container comprises supports on the outside for an outer shell.

15. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuel container comprises helical air guide elements on the outside.

16. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuel container contains alcohol as liquid fuel.

17. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuel container contains bioethanol or ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

18. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that a circumferential recess is provided for inserting an outer shell.

19. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that an inner container is provided.

20. The fuel container according to claim 1, characterized in that an annular disc is provided, which can be placed on the upper side of the fuel container.

21. (canceled)