U.S. patent application number 11/265968 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for foldable campfire extinguisher.
Invention is credited to Jerry Smolinsky.
Application Number | 20060102169 11/265968 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36740927 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060102169 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smolinsky; Jerry |
May 18, 2006 |
Foldable campfire extinguisher
Abstract
A novel method for camping with the extinguishment of a campfire
comprised of the steps of providing a collapsible campfire
extinguisher in compact configuration; traveling to a camp site;
utilizing a campfire; deploying the camp fire extinguisher in
operable position and placing it over the campfire. A collapsible
camp fire extinguisher device comprised of a plurality of panels
having registerable holes and a locking means whereby the device
transforms from a compact storage position to fanned-out dome
position and is operative to extinguish a campfire by starvation of
oxygen.
Inventors: |
Smolinsky; Jerry; (Van Nuys,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWARD LESLIE HOFFENBERG;LAW OFFICES OF HOWARD LESLIE HOFFENBERG
8936 SOUTH SEPULVEDA
SUITE 105
LOS ANGELES
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
36740927 |
Appl. No.: |
11/265968 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60627323 |
Nov 12, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/500 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23Q 25/00 20130101;
A47J 33/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/500 |
International
Class: |
F24B 1/18 20060101
F24B001/18 |
Claims
1. A collapsible dome that transforms from a compact storage
position to a fanned-out dome position comprised of: a. a first
panel having triangular-like shape, an apex region, first and
second edge marginal regions, dome-like curvature, a registerable
hole in each of the edge marginal regions and a threaded shank at
the apex region that extends approximately perpendicular to the
apex region; b. a plurality of panels each having triangular-like
shape, an apex region, first and second edge marginal regions,
dome-like curvature, a hole in the apex region, a registerable hole
in each of the edge marginal regions which are each rotatably
inserted onto the threaded shank via the hole in the apex region;
c. a plurality of washers disposed on the threaded shank with there
being a washer between each of the panels and d. a knob having a
threaded internal bore that is rotatably mounted on the threaded
shank such that the knob rotates between a loosened position which
allows circumferential rotation of the panels about the threaded
shank and a tightened position which restrains circumferential
rotation, whereby in the compact storage position, there is a
series of stacked panels with the registerable holes in the first
edge marginal of all of the panels in the stack being registered
alignment and the registerable holes in the second edge marginal
region of all of the panels in stack being in registered alignment
and whereby in the fanned-out dome position, there is a series of
adjacent panels with the registerable hole in the first edge
marginal region of a panel is in register alignment with the
registerable hole in the second edge marginal region of an adjacent
panel and said edge marginal regions of the adjacent panels have
sufficient overlap for the collapsible dome to function as a
campfire extinguisher.
2. A foldable campfire extinguisher kit comprised of: a. The
collapsible dome of claim 1 and b. a plurality of retainer
pins.
3. A foldable campfire extinguisher comprised of: a. The
collapsible dome of claim 1 in fanned-out dome position where the
registerable holes of the edge marginal regions are in registered
alignment and b. a plurality of retainer pins which are inserted
into the aligned registerable holes.
4. A method for safe and convenient camping utilizing a campfire
comprised of the steps of: a. providing a collapsible dome in a
compact storage position; b. traveling to a campsite; c. utilizing
a campfire in a firebed; d. deploying the collapsible dome into
fanned-out position; e. Placing the deployed collapsible dome over
the firebed, whereby, the combustible material in the firebed is
starved of oxygen and extinguished.
5. The method of claim 5 for safe and convenient camping wherein
the collapsible dome is the collapsible dome of claim 1.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] We hereby claim the benefit of my earlier filed provisional
application (application No. 60/627,323) filed Nov. 12, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of fire
extinguishing devices, and more particularly to a novel firebed
extinguisher device deployable from a compact storage position into
a dome-shaped shell that may be placed as a unitary device over a
firebed in order to rob the firebed of oxygen so that any flame,
coals, or combustible materials will be extinguished.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
[0005] In the past, it has been the conventional practice to build
a fire for cooking purposes using a firebed composed of combustible
materials and, particularly while camping, a ring of rocks are
placed around the firebed. In other instances, holes are dug and
lined with rocks so as to provide a firebed, while in other
instances, a steel bowl, such as a barbeque unit may serve as a
firebed. Wood, coals, or other combustible materials are placed in
the firebed and materials are ignited by the use of a flame device,
matches or the like.
[0006] Problems and difficulties have been encountered when
extinguishing the fire in a firebed which stem largely from the
fact that the combustible material is not starved of oxygen so that
even if flames have been extinguished, embers, coals and other
ignited materials may still flame after a time delay.
[0007] Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a
firebed extinguisher or extinguishing device which will starve any
combustible materials of oxygen so that there is no chance of fire
rekindling or reflaming. Such a firebed snuffing device should be
portable in a storage condition and deployable on site into an
operative condition for use for its intended purpose.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are avoided
by the present invention which provides a plurality of pie-shaped
or triangular plates or panels composed of non-combustible material
wherein the plates are arranged in a storage position in a nested
stack ready for deployment into an operative position where the
plurality of plates are fanned outwardly so as to provide a series
of adjacent and end-to-end plates in a dome shape. Once deployed,
the plates or panels are held together in the operative position by
a conventional tightening device, loops, pins, or the like.
[0009] Each of the respective pie-shaped plates includes an apex
through which a locking device is placed not only operating as a
pivot for deployment of the respective plates but also, when
tightened, provides a means for holding the fully deployed plates
in their operable position. Preferably, the locking device is of a
bolt and screw type that may be readily hand-operated for
convenience and ease of deployment of the plates. Also, each of the
respective pie-shaped plates may include apertures which when
registered with apertures of adjacent plates provide a passageway
for insertion of a pin that may be employed for maintaining the
plurality of plates in either of their deployed positions. In
essence, the firebed extinguisher is in a dome configuration in its
fully deployed position, and the diameter of the dome at its
terminating edges is large enough to surround the firebed so that
the dome-shaped firebed extinguisher acts as a barrier to prevent
oxygen from reaching the combustible materials or coals of the
firebed.
[0010] Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present
invention to provide a novel firebed extinguisher that may have two
positions with one position being fully deployed to a dome-shaped
device that may be placed over a firebed and a second position
where a compact arrangement of the device is provided for transport
and easy carrying and storage.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
novel firebed extinguisher having a plurality of pie-shaped or
triangular-shaped plates that are ganged together at the apex of
each of the plates by means of a locking device so that the plates
may be deployable into a dome shape and held in this shape by
tightening of the lock means.
[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a firebed
extinguisher which completely surrounds and covers the firebed so
as to prevent oxygen from reaching combustible materials within the
extinguisher.
[0013] A further object resides in providing a device that may be
manually placed over a firebed to prevent oxygen from reaching
coals in the firebed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The features of the present invention which are believed to
be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.
The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of
operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof,
may best be understood with reference to the following description,
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating the novel
firebed extinguisher preparatory for deployment over an existing
firebed to extinguish flames and prevent oxygen from reaching
coals;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the fully deployed firebed
extinguisher shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top view illustrating a pair of
pie-shaped plates used in the device shown in FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating a
plurality of pie-shaped plates arranged in a storage position, as
taken in the direction of arrows 4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a
plurality of pie-shaped plates temporarily held together by a
retaining pin while in the storage position as taken in the
direction of arrows 5-5 of FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a
retaining pin deployed through indexed holes in adjacent edge
marginal regions of a pair of plates as taken in the direction of
arrows 6-6 of FIG. 2; and
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a typical pie-shaped or
triangular-shaped plate employed with other similar plates to
provide the firebed extinguisher shown in FIGS. 1-6 inclusive.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the firebed extinguisher incorporating
the present invention is illustrated in the general direction of
arrow 10 which illustrates a firebed at a camp site having flames
11 generated from a source of combustible material, such as wood
12. The firebed is surrounded by a plurality of rocks 13 which
serve to maintain heat in the center of the firebed.
[0023] In order to extinguish the flames 11 and to remove oxygen
from any coals remaining in the firebed, the firebed extinguisher
10 is lowered over the complete firebed area including the
combustible material 12, the heated rocks 13 and the flames 11.
[0024] It can be seen that the firebed extinguisher includes a
plurality of pie-slice-like or triangular-like shaped plates or
panels, such as panel 14. Preferably, the panels are made of metal.
The panels which are held together by a screw-type fastening means
15. The extinguisher 10 is illustrated in its fully deployed
condition so that the edge marginal regions of adjacent panels are
overlapping so as to provide a construction in the form of a dome.
The lower edge of each panel is continuous to provide a
circumference which is of sufficient dimension to cover the entire
firebed.
[0025] It is to be especially noted that when the plurality of
panels 14 are deployed, the edge marginal regions of adjacent
panels are sufficiently overlapped that the collapsible dome
functions as a campfire extinguisher. The edge marginal regions
overlap so as to cover and/or restrict any voids, spaces, or the
like that may permit oxygen to enter the firebed area. In
contravention to conventional wisdom, there are no gaskets,
strippings, ledges or other devices or mechanism for making an
air-tight or hermetic seal between panels. When the foldable
campfire extinguisher is placed over combusting materials, the air
surrounding those materials (and underneath the extinguisher) is
warm and at higher pressure relative to the air surrounding the
exterior of the foldable campfire extinguisher. This higher
pressure air blocks and/or impedes an influx of oxygen (fresh air)
through the overlapping edge marginal regions. It is not until the
combustible material is extinguished by starvation from oxygen that
the temperature of the air under the foldable campfire extinguisher
lowers to reduce internal pressure such that oxygen may influx
through the overlapping edge marginal regions.
[0026] Small holes, such as hole 16, are provided in the edge
marginal regions of each panel which may be used to hold the panels
together when a retainer pin or the like is inserted therethrough.
Once fully deployed, the plurality of panels are maintained in
position by tightening the screw fastener 15 to lock all of the
panels in their fully deployed position. If needed, the pin or the
like may be inserted through the registered or mated holes 16 to
insure retention of the panels in the fully deployed position.
[0027] Referring now in detail to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the
plurality of panels are fully deployed so that the edge marginal
regions of each panel overlaps the edge marginal region of an
adjacent panel, such as panel 18. The tightening of the lock
fastener 15 is sufficient to maintain the panels in their
respective deployed position with or without use of retention pins
or the like. Arrow 17 indicates that the panels may be moved about
the fastener 15 to deploy or to move the panels into a stored
position. The fastener 15 serves as a pivot point about which the
panels are pivoted or moved.
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates that each of the respective panels, such
as panel 14, are curved and include the hole 25 through which the
fastener 15 is deployed. Also, the panels may include the hole,
such as hole 16, for receiving the retaining pin 30.
[0029] In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the firebed
extinguisher of the present invention may be readily deployed from
a storage position to a fully operative position, as shown in FIGS.
1 and 2, whereby the extinguisher can be placed over an existing
firebed to extinguish fire and to prevent oxygen from maintaining
coals, rocks or embers from restarting into a flammable condition.
Once the lock fastener 15 has loosened the respective panels, the
respective panels can be rotated or deployed about the fastener 15
to the fully opened position followed by reversing the closure of
the lock fastener 15 to tighten. Once tightened, the panels are
maintained in their fully deployed condition. After use, the lock
fastener is turned in an opposite direction to release the panels
so that they may be individually moved together into a stack for
storage purposes. At this time, the fastener lock is then rotated
to tighten so that all of the panels are maintained in the storage
condition.
[0030] The coals, fuel or combustible material on the firebed is
now thoroughly extinguished and there is no residue of flammable
members or combustion material. Oxygen has been completely removed
so that the chances of reigniting are greatly reduced or completely
eliminated.
[0031] The present invention has many advantages. It provides a
novel method to extinguish a campfire without need for water or
other fire retardants; contains sparks and other combustible
material that fly from a campfire being extinguished so as not to
ignite grass, brush or other flammable material in the vicinity of
the campfire; reduces vented smoke, toxics and noxious emissions
from a campfire that is being extinguished; is easily transportable
in it is compact and collapsed position and readily deployable in
little and minimal effort into operative fanned-out position.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, movement of the panel 14 in
response to positioning in the direction of arrow 21 illustrates
that the panel may be pivoted over the top of adjacent panel 18.
Movement of the panel would be for movement into a compact storage
position, as shown in FIG. 5, or may be deployed into the fully
operational position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 4, the plurality of panels, such as panels
14 and 18, are curved in side elevational cross-sectional view so
that they may be readily nested together having a common pivot or
attachment point, represented by the fastener 15. Fastener 15
includes a bolt 23 having a threaded shank 24 which is insertably
received through each one of the holes in the apex of the
respective panels and such a hole is indicated by numeral 25 as
seen in FIG. 7 relating to panel 14. Each of the respective panels
is separated from an adjacent panel in the nested stack by means of
a washer, such as washer 26. A washer 27 is disposed between the
lower end of the knob for fastener 15. Therefore, it can be seen
that as the knob of fastener 15 is rotated about the threaded shank
24 by means of the threaded internal bore 28, the stack of panels
can be loosened or tightened with respect to each other so that
they may be readily deployed or gathered together depending on the
user's desired condition.
[0034] Referring now in detail to FIG. 6, it can be seen that a pin
30 may be insertably received through indexed or registered holes
along the edge marginal regions of panels, such as panels 14 and
18. Although the retainer pin 30 is not necessary when the fastener
25 is used to lock or unlock the panels together, the pin 30 may be
used to insure that the plates are registered together for full
deployment and may also be used in lieu of the lock fastener 15.
With respect to FIG. 5, the same fastener 30 may be used for
insertion through indexed or registered holes in all the panels
when the panels are arranged for storage. When in this arrangement,
the panels are in a compact arrangement that may readily be slid
into a case or cover for transport in a backpack, carrying case, or
for storage in the trunk of a car.
[0035] An expected result would be that heat from the campfire puts
pressure on the panels to distort the metal; however, there is an
unexpected result of insignificant distortion to no distortion at
all.
[0036] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in
the art that changes and modifications may be made without
departing from this invention in its broader aspects and,
therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such
changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope
of this invention.
* * * * *