U.S. patent application number 11/388980 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for outdoors gas fireplace.
Invention is credited to James A. Roberts, David J. Stainrod.
Application Number | 20070224560 11/388980 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38533895 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070224560 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stainrod; David J. ; et
al. |
September 27, 2007 |
Outdoors gas fireplace
Abstract
A gas-fired fireplace is provided with a structure for
supporting an artificial log which encourages users to place
artificial logs in positions over the gas burner which provide a
wind shadow over the burner and which reduces the prospects that
the flame of the burner will be extinguished by wind. The burner of
the fireplace is also provided with an igniter positioned adjacent
gas openings in the burner and shielded by a hood and by side
flanges from the wind to also reduce the prospects that the flame
of the burner will be extinguished by wind.
Inventors: |
Stainrod; David J.;
(Bowmanville, CA) ; Roberts; James A.; (Oshawa,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David J. French;c/o Milton, Geller LLP
Suite 700
225 Metcalfe St,
Ottawa
ON
K2P 1P9
CA
|
Family ID: |
38533895 |
Appl. No.: |
11/388980 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/125 ;
126/512; 126/519; 431/263 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 3/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/125 ;
431/263; 126/512; 126/519 |
International
Class: |
F23Q 2/32 20060101
F23Q002/32; F23Q 7/06 20060101 F23Q007/06; F24C 3/00 20060101
F24C003/00; F24C 5/00 20060101 F24C005/00 |
Claims
1. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace having a burner with a gas inlet
for supplying flammable gas to the burner for release of such gas
through gas openings formed in the burner in combination with an
igniter, the igniter being positioned adjacent the gas inlet and
provided with a hood that overlies the gas openings to shield
ignited gas from being extinguished by a wind.
2. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 1 wherein the gas
openings are mounted in a circular conduit and the hood extends to
overlie the circular conduit.
3. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 1 wherein the igniter
comprises an electrode spark tip and at least one inwardly bent
metal flange positioned adjacent to the tip to serve as a
counter-electrode and form a spark gap which, when electrically
actuated, provides an igniting spark in the vicinity of the gas
openings.
4. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 3 in combination with
an electrical source that provides electrical actuation of the
spark gap on a continuous basis.
5. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 1 wherein said burner
comprises a central support plate carrying a support post for the
mounting of at least one artificial log in position over the gas
burner.
6. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 5 wherein the support
post comprises a support bracket with side flanges for orienting an
artificial log in a position which causes the artificial log, when
placed over the burner on the support bracket to reduce the extent
to which wind will have access to the gas inlet of the burner
thereby reducing the risk of flame provided by the burner from
being extinguished.
7. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 6 wherein the
artificial log is a first artificial log which has two ends and
wherein the support bracket is oriented for supporting said first
artificial log to extend transversely across the burner, the first
artificial log being oriented for facing the igniter located at a
position on the burner so that the igniter is located equidistant
from the ends of the first artificial log.
8. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 7 comprising
additional artificial logs placed over the first artificial log
without forming a wind-tunnel that focuses and increases the
velocity of ambient wind over the inlet portion of the burner.
9. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace having: a) a burner with a gas
inlet for supplying flammable gas to the burner for release through
gas openings formed in the burner; b) an igniter positioned
adjacent the gas inlet, and c) a central support plate carrying a
support post for the mounting of at least one artificial log in
position over the gas burner wherein the support post comprises a
support bracket with side flanges for orienting an artificial log
in a position which guides the artificial log for being oriented,
when placed over the burner on the support bracket, to reduce the
extent to which wind will have access to the gas inlet of the
burner thereby reducing the risk of flame provided by the burner
from being extinguished.
10. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 9 wherein the support
bracket is aligned for supporting a first artificial log in an
orientation extending transversely across the burner, the first
artificial log being oriented for facing the igniter whereby the
ends of the first artificial log are equidistant igniter.
11. A gas-fired or outdoor fireplace as in claim 10 comprising
additional artificial logs placed over the first artificial log
without forming a wind-tunnel that focuses and increases the
velocity of ambient wind over the inlet portion of the burner.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a gas-fired fireplace which is to
be operated out of doors in locations where it may be exposed to
wind and rain.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] People have always enjoyed sitting around a fire. In modem
society, it is increasingly difficult to arrange to have an outdoor
fire for several reasons. Municipal zoning bylaws may not permit
open fires in a household backyard. Fires require fuel and there
may not be a ready supply of appropriate fuel, e.g. wood, that will
burn readily without producing undue smoke. In these circumstances,
there may be a market for a gas-fired fireplace which can be
operated out of doors.
[0003] One of the problems faced in providing such a device is that
it may be exposed on occasion to wind and rain. When this occurs,
there is a risk that the wind or rain will extinguish the gas
flame. If this occurs, unignited gas may continue to flow into the
environment, creating a hazard. It would be desirable to provide a
gas-fired fireplace which has a reduced susceptibility to a loss of
flame under windy or damp conditions.
[0004] Accredited Standard Associations test to a standard that
requires an outdoor fireplace to tolerate a 50 kph wind and rain
tests without the main burner flame being extinguished.
Furthermore, such fireplaces must be able to pass the stipulated
ignition of the main burner test no matter what its orientation is
with respect to the wind and rain. Accordingly, in providing a
gas-fired outdoor fireplace, reliable, safe ignition of the main
burner in all orientations with respect to the wind is
required.
[0005] In providing a gas-fired outdoor fireplace it would also be
attractive to include imitation or artificial ceramic logs to
complete the appearance of a traditional outdoor fire. However, in
the course of development of the present invention, it has been
recognized that such logs can enhance the risk that the flame
provided by a gas burner may be extinguished by a high-level wind
or rain. In particular, if ceramic logs are assembled in a certain
orientation, they may provide a tunnel which will focus the flow of
air, enhancing the undesirable effect of a local wind. If such a
tunnel is particularly oriented to focus and increase wind over the
main burner gas ports, there is an increased risk that the flame
will not ignite properly or become extinguished once the main
burner is ignited.
[0006] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a gas-fired
outdoor fireplace wherein artificial logs may be assembled in such
a way as to allow the burner to be ignited safely and reduce the
risk that the gas flame will be extinguished by wind or rain. The
present invention addresses both this and the earlier objective
referenced above.
[0007] The invention in its general form will first be described,
and then its implementation in terms of specific embodiments will
be detailed with reference to the drawings following hereafter.
These embodiments are intended to demonstrate the principle of the
invention, and the manner of its implementation. The invention in
its broadest and more specific forms will then be further
described, and defined, in each of the individual claims which
conclude this Specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to the present invention in one aspect a gas-fired
outdoor fireplace having a burner with a gas inlet for supplying
gas to the burner has an igniter with a hood that protects the
flame from being extinguished by wind and rain. Preferably, the
igniter it is positioned on the burner proximate to the gas supply
inlet providing gas to the burner. The igniter is preferably both
sheltered by an overlying hood and protected by wind deflecting
shields on the lateral sides to the igniter.
[0009] As an optional alternate or additional feature, such a
fireplace may have provision for the mounting of a number of
artificial logs in position over the gas burner. The gas burner in
such cases is also preferably provided with a support means for a
first artificial log which guides a user in placing such artificial
log over the burner. The artificial log is oriented on the burner
so as to provide a partial wind-shadow in the region of the gas
burner in the vicinity of the gas source inlet where the igniter is
also preferably located. Correct log placement enhances the
ignition of the main burner and protects the main burner from being
extinguished in wind and rain conditions.
[0010] Thus, according to this latter feature of the present
invention in one aspect, a gas-fired outdoor fireplace having a
burner with a gas inlet for supplying gas to the burner has a
bracket used to support and orient a first artificial log.
[0011] Once this initial log has been placed in the correct
position to create the desired wind shadow, further logs may also
be placed above the burner. According to a further aspect of the
invention, the orientation of the initial log preferably
disinclines users from stacking additional logs in positions that
will tend to form a wind-tunnel that focuses and increases the
velocity of ambient wind over the inlet portion of the burner.
[0012] The invention is based in both aspects on the observation
that it is highly desirable to both illuminate the flame of a
burner and maintain the presence of a flame at a location proximate
to the inlet for gas feeding the burner. While it may be
permissible for wind to extinguish a portion of the flame being
emitted from a burner remote from the gas inlet on the burner
without entirely losing flame, if the flame at the location of the
gas inlet itself is momentarily extinguished, there is a
substantial prospect that the entire flame being provided by the
burner will also be extinguished. Accordingly, the benefits of the
invention are achieved both by the presence of the igniter hood and
by the presence of the log support means which guides positioning
of the first artificial log in an orientation that will reduce the
prospects that wind will extinguish the flames present in the
region adjacent to the gas inlet.
[0013] The foregoing summarizes the principal features of the
invention and some of its optional aspects. The invention may be
further understood by the description of the preferred embodiments,
in conjunction with the drawings, which now follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of artificial ceramic logs and
lava rocks located in place over the top surface of the gas burner
of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is top quarter pictorial view of the burner of the
invention showing the igniter with metal hood serving as a
windshield over gas outlet openings or ports in the burner, and the
central support post for aligning the principal ceramic log.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the metal hood of
FIG. 2 in position over the gas outlet openings of the burner so as
to protect the igniter and adjacent gas port openings from wind and
rain.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the burner of FIGS. 2, with a
cutaway to show the igniter tip.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional detail of the mounting of the
igniter opposite the gas outlet ports in the burner.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top, cut away, cross-sectional view looking down
on the igniter with the top hood removed to show the side
flanges.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] In FIG. 1 a ceramic pot 1 carries a burner 2, lava rocks 3
distributed over the burner 2 and ceramic logs 4 which serve as
artificial logs 4 positioned over the lava rocks 3. The burner 2 is
fed gas such as natural gas or propane through conduits not shown
in FIG. 1.
[0021] The burner 2 has an under-side supporting plate 5, shown in
FIG. 4, and a burner ring 6 positioned above the supporting plate
5. Threaded posts 14 extend downwardly from the supporting plate 5
to engage complementary fittings (not shown) within the pot 1 to
fix the burner assembly in place. Threaded posts 15 extend upwardly
from the supporting plate 5 to engage with and support the burner 2
through its support dish 7.
[0022] The burner ring 6 comprises a sealed conduit perforated by
openings 10 to serve as ports and allow gas to be released and
provide a flame. Gas is supplied to the burner ring 6 through a
supply conduit 8, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A support dish 7 is
positioned within the burner ring 6, best shown in FIG. 2, in the
preferred configuration of being formed with an "S" profile to
support the burner ring 6. Lava rocks 3 are distributed over the
support dish 7.
[0023] At one side of the burner ring 6, preferably at or near the
entry point of supply conduit 8, an electric igniter 9 is fastened
to the support dish 7. Such igniter 9, shown schematically in the
upright orientation in FIG. 4 but in an inclined orientation in
FIGS. 3 and 5, provides a spark gap 11. The igniter 9 is connected
by electrical wiring 21 from a terminal 13 to an electrical source
(not shown) whereby an electrical spark may serve to ignite the gas
released from the openings 10 in the burner ring 6. The igniter 9
is preferably mounted on a threaded post 17 passing through a hole
in the support dish 7 whereby, by adjusting the location of nuts
along such post 17, the height of the spark gap 11 above the
openings 10 may be adjusted.
[0024] To shield the igniter 9 from wind, a hood 12 preferably in
the form of a metal plate, extends from over the spark gap 11 to at
least cover the gas outlet openings 10 and more preferably to cover
the top of the burner ring 6. This metal hood 12 is positioned over
the gas outlet openings 10 of the burner 2 so as to protect the
igniter 9 and adjacent openings 10 from wind and rain which might
otherwise extinguish a flame.
[0025] As shown in detail in FIG. 5, a 10-inch wide burner ring 2
may be provided with an igniter 9 having a hood 12 in the form of a
plate, the overhanging portion of which is approximately 1-inch
square. In this figure, the igniter 9 is shown as being inclined.
Further, the hood is preferably positioned 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch
above the openings 10. The spark gap 11 present between the igniter
tip 9A and at least one of the two inwardly bent, electrically
grounded flanges 20 is preferably positioned 5/8 to 3/4 inch from
the openings 10.
[0026] The flanges 20, as shown in FIG. 6, are of metal to serve as
a counter-electrode and are bent inwardly to lie adjacent to the
igniter electrode tip 9A. This provides the spark gap 11. The
flanges 20 also provide further shelter against the wind,
minimizing the risk that the flame forming from the openings 10 is
extinguished. While two flanges 20 are preferred to provide shelter
from the wind, only one flange 20 is needed to provide the spark
gap 11.
[0027] An electrical source (not shown), connected to the igniter 9
by a wire 21, may be provided that either periodically or
continuously provides voltage through an electrical terminal 13 on
the igniter 9 to ensure that a flame is maintained. Alternately,
the electrical source may actuate the igniter only at the time of
initial ignition.
[0028] In the center of the support plate 7 a post 15 carries a
bracket 16 which preferably has upturned edges 17 to support and
align a ceramic log 4 amidst a layer of lava rocks 3. The post 15
preferably supports the bracket 16 at a height of 3/4 to 1 inch
above the support plate 7. The post is threaded allowing the
positioning of nuts to be used to adjust this height. Lava rocks 3
are normally piled to the height of the bracket 16 which serves as
a guide. A ceramic log 4 is then laid across the bracket 16.
[0029] This ceramic log 4 will be the first artificial log 4 of
several to be placed over the burner 2. It is guided by the bracket
16 to be positioned in an orientation extending transversely across
the burner 2. By reason of the orientation of the bracket 16, this
first artificial log 4 is thereby oriented so as to face the
igniter 9 transversely. That is, the log 4 is located at a position
on the burner 2 so that the ends of the log 4 are generally
equidistant to the igniter 9. This provides an orientation for the
first artificial log which disinclines users from stacking
additional logs in positions that will tend to form a wind-tunnel
that focuses and increases the velocity of ambient wind over the
igniter 9 and gas inlet portion of the burner 2.
[0030] The first ceramic log 4 positioned on this bracket 16 serves
not only the aesthetic function of providing the appearance of a
wood log fire, but also guides the user to orient subsequent
ceramic logs 4 in a way which further reduces the prospects that a
gust of wind may extinguish the flame of the burner 2. An arrow 18
shown in FIG. 2 indicates the preferred orientation of the first
ceramic log 4 placed upon the bracket 16. Further ceramic logs are
then placed above the initial ceramic log 4 in the manner depicted
in FIG. 1.
[0031] Each of the two distinct features of the invention, the hood
12 provided in association with the igniter 9 and the presence of
the bracket 16 designed to assist in guiding the orientation of the
first ceramic log 4, contribute to maintaining the reliable
presence of a flame within the burner 2. Together, they provide
even further security to promote the continued presence of a flame,
and the avoidance of the release of un-ignited gas by an
extinguishing gust of wind.
CONCLUSION
[0032] The foregoing has constituted a description of specific
embodiments showing how the invention may be applied and put into
use. These embodiments are only exemplary. The invention in its
broadest, and more specific aspects is further described and
defined in the claims which now follow.
[0033] These claims, and the language used therein, are to be
understood in terms of the variants of the invention which have
been described. They are not to be restricted to such variants, but
are to be read as covering the full scope of the invention as is
implicit within the invention and the disclosure that has been
provided herein.
* * * * *