Campfire Companion

Abstract

A campfire companion of the present invention is a self contained, aesthetically pleasing, potentially solar charged battery driven electric fan blower system that feeds air into the campfire. This campfire companion would essentially be a fan system, which includes an electric fan (electric motor connected to fan blades) with appropriate power source and controls), hidden in a naturally aesthetic enclosure, such as a composite material shaped to look like a natural rock, stack of wooden log(s), etc. This campfire companion would sit on the edge of the fire pit and expel air towards the fire to help ignite the fire and allow the fire to burn at a higher rate offering a more pleasing campfire and the ability to burn wood/charcoal in a sufficient manner for a pleasant campfire or cooking experience.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for fanning a campfire, and more particularly to a fan system including an electric fan with appropriate power source and controls, hidden in a naturally aesthetic enclosure which can be mounted on the edge of the fire pit and producing an air flow to enhance ignition of fire.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] When conducting outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, or just relaxing, people enjoy campfires for the ambiance, for warming up, or for barbeque. However, campfires require high quality dry tinder and wood and usually take a substantial amount of time to burn sufficiently to allow cooking to commence, or do not burn with good intensity because the fire itself is limited by the oxygen supply. To overcome these obstacles, a campfire needs to be fanned because fanning can blow airflow (oxygen) into fire which is necessary for ignition/combustion of the fuel, wood or charcoal, etc, thus causing the fuel/wood/charcoal to burn much more rapidly, intensely, and completely.

[0005] Electric air blowers/fans are known in prior art to produce a flow of air to enhance combustion of fire. More specifically, by way of example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,516,561, 4,810,173, 4,621,984 and 3,647,323 are illustrative of such prior art.

[0006] However, the air blowers/fans are not naturally aesthetic; their appearances are not compatible with the outdoors or wilderness setting. Most of the air blowers/fans have no protection from rain water. Since fans for campfire are most used outdoors, in case the air blowers/fans are left outdoors, they may be damaged. Most of air blowers/fans if equipped with rechargeable batteries need to be charged by A/C electrical outlet which may not exist in the outdoors or wilderness settings. Some of them are freestanding, thus, a need exists for a fanning apparatus that is a self contained, freestanding, aesthetic natural looking, protected from rain water and heat, potentially solar charged battery driven electric fan blower system that feeds air into the campfire.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a fan system that produces air flow towards campfire to enhance combustion of fire.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fan system that is hidden in a naturally aesthetic enclosure which can be mounted on the edge of the fire pit and produce an air flow to enhance the combustion of fire.

[0009] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight portable apparatus for fanning a campfire.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a fan system that includes an adjustable angled duct or vents so as to channel airflow directly into the source of the fire.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a fan system that has an enclosure which can protect rain water from entering into the fan system and is resistant to the heat.

[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fan system that includes at least one rechargeable battery which may be charged by a standard A/C outlet or solar panel.

[0013] Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds.

[0014] The device ("campfire companion" hereinafter) according to the principle of the present invention is a self contained, aesthetically pleasing, heat resistant, potentially solar charged battery driven electric fan blower system that feeds air into the campfire. This campfire companion would essentially be a fan system, which includes an electric fan (electric motor connected to fan blades) with appropriate power source and controls, hidden in a naturally aesthetic enclosure, such as a light weight composite heat resistant material shaped to look like a natural rock, stack of wooden log(s), etc. This campfire companion would sit on the edge of the fire pit and expel air towards the fire to help ignite the fire and allow the fire to burn at a higher rate offering a more pleasing campfire and the ability to burn wood/charcoal in a sufficient manner for a pleasant campfire experience or for cooking purposes. The enclosure of the campfire companion has openings in the rear allowing air entry into the fan (air inlet) and in the front for air flow to exit (air outlet) from the fan system into the campfire. The fire system further comprises an angled duct to channel the airflow directly to the campfire. Optionally, vents or slats on the front opening (air inlet) serve the same purpose. The duct and vents/slats may be adjustable to allow tuning of the airflow in the desired direction. Since the system is intended to be used outdoors, the campfire companion may further be comprised of lips on the enclosure above the openings to prevent rain water entering into the enclosure from damaging the fan and controls system. Additionally, the campfire companion further comprise a base and standoff legs to lift the fan system off ground so that if rain water enters into the enclosure it can fall off the base to the drain hole onto the ground floor. The standoff legs may be adjusted so as to allow the fire system to properly align with the campfire to efficiently deliver airflow to the fire. The campfire companion further comprises rechargeable battery(ies) potentially charged by solar panel and/or an A/C powered battery charger.

[0015] The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

[0016] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0017] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0018] The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claim, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front view of a campfire companion according to an embodiment of the present invention showing solar panel, faux rock exterior, rain water lip, air flow duct, and duct cover off to the side.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a campfire companion according to an embodiment of the present invention showing rain water lip, fan, fan cover, and protected access to on/off switch and fan speed control.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of a campfire companion according to an embodiment of the present invention located on the perimeter of the fire ring.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the fan system consisting of a fan, angled duct, battery(ies)--two batteries in this realization, base to mount components, four adjustable stand-off legs, and wiring.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of the fan system showing the fan at the back end of the duct held on the base with adjustable standoff legs and the duct cover off to the left side when not in use.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a front view of the fan system showing the duct cover in place to protect against water, animal, and insect intrusion when not in use.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing the mounting for two switches--on/off switch and the rotating Variable Resistor used for fan speed control.

[0027] FIG. 8 is an inside view looking through the bottom showing the bottom of the solar panel and its wiring, and the front duct and rear fan openings, and the notch access hole for access to the fan on/off and speed controls.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a front view of the fan system showing a series of hinged slats that may be used to protect the system from water, animal, and insect intrusion when not in use. These slats would be similar to those used in home attic fans. When the fan system is on, the air flow pressure blows on the hinged slats, which pushed the slats open horizontally, allowing air flow to exist the system. When the system is not operating, the slats close by gravity force to protect the system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there is disclosed a campfire companion 100 which is a self contained, aesthetically pleasing, heat resistant, potentially solar charged battery driven electric fan blower system that feeds air into the campfire. This campfire companion 100 would essentially be a fan system 1, which includes an electric fan 2 (electric motor connected to fan blades) with appropriate power source and controls), hidden in a naturally aesthetic heat resistant enclosure 4, such as a light weight composite material shaped to look like a natural rock, stack of wooden log(s), etc. This campfire companion 100 would sit on the edge of the fire pit and expel air towards the fire to help ignite the fire and allow the fire to burn at a higher rate offering a more pleasing campfire and the ability to burn wood/charcoal in a sufficient manner for a pleasant campfire experience, or for cooking.

[0030] This campfire companion 100 would be similar to other outdoor systems hidden in naturally looking materials, such as, a commercially available outdoor sound speaker. In this case, a fan system 1 with certain features would be hidden in a natural looking enclosure 4 so as to be aesthetically pleasing, unobtrusive, and heat resistant.

[0031] The campfire companion 100 would have an enclosure 4 made of materials, such as, heat resistant plastic, plaster of Paris, concrete cement type materials, clay, ceramic, clay, etc. that insulates, and to a degree reflects heat to enable a moderately priced fan to be housed in its interior and not overheat.

[0032] This enclosure 4 would have air entry openings (air inlet port) 6 to allow air flow to enter the fan system 1 and front opening (air outlet) 8 for airflow to exit the fan system 1 under pressure and to be directed towards the campfire using the slats/vents (FIG. 9) or a separate duct 10 that channels the air flow. The vents 9 or a separate duct 10 is used to output air flow towards the fire and may be adjustable to allow tuning of the airflow in the desired direction (lower towards the base of fire or higher up as an example). When the fan system 1 is not in use, a fan air inlet port cover 3 is placed over the fan 2 to protect against foreign intrusion of water, animals, or insects. The campfire companion 100 also comprises a duct cover 11 that is placed over the duct 10 and air outlet 8 to protect against water, animal, and insect intrusion when the fan system 2 is not in use. Alternately, slats/vents 9 (FIG. 9) may be used to protect against water, animal, and insect intrusion when the fan system 2 is not in use in lieu of duct cover 11 and 3.

[0033] Since most of the heat from a campfire is radiant in nature, the air inlet port 6 used to allow air to enter the electric fan 2 would be on a side of the natural enclosure that will be much cooler, such as the top, bottom, or back. The air inlet port 6 is located on the back of the enclosure 4 and the electric fan 2 is observable from the rear of the campfire companion system 100 in FIG. 2. This cool air enters the enclosure 4 and helps to keep the fan 2 and the interior of the enclosure 4 cool. The fan 2 expels air out of air outlet 8 through the vents or the duct 10 pointing towards the fire. These airflow outlet vents or duct 10 in the front (FIG. 1) may be adjustable to a degree to allow the air to be directed somewhat downwards or upwards to overcome unleveled surfaces the fan system 2 may be resting on and variations in fires and fire pit configurations.

[0034] The campfire system 100 would have a switch 12 (FIG. 7) used to turn the fan 2 on and off. Optionally, the campfire companion 100 would have a speed control device 14 that allows for adjustment of fan speed. These controls 12, 14 would be hidden to maintain the aesthetics of the natural looking system. These could be hidden in a small recess or a notch access hole 13 at the back of the enclosure 4 (FIG. 2).

[0035] Since the campfire companion 100 would mostly be used outdoors it would have a method to prevent rain water from entering the enclosure 4 through the openings from the air inlet 6, front air outlet 8 and output channel duct 10 by having these openings angled downwards and/or by having lips 18 that acts like a water gutter to channel the rain water away from the air inlet/outlet 6, 8 or duct 10 thus keeping rain water from entering the enclosure 4.

[0036] The campfire companion 100 may have metal screens and/or covers (such as fan cover 3 or duct cover 11 or a series of hinged slats 9) placed over the air inlet 6 or air outlet 8 or duct 10 to protect the system 100 against intrusion of animals or insects when the system 100 is not in use. The fan cover 3 and duct cover 11 or slats 9 can further prevent rain water from entering the enclosure 4. The system controls (on/off switch 12 and/or variable speed selector 14) would also be positioned in a way to avoid contact with water, perhaps by being mounted in a recess or a notch access hole 13 at the bottom on the rear of the enclosure 4 as shown in FIG. 2. The design provides protection against water intrusion and lifts the mounting base 16 (FIG. 5) off the ground.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the campfire companion 100 at work which is located on the perimeter of the fire ring 200 and is made to shape like a rock 4 so as to aesthetically blend in with other rocks that make up the fire ring 200. The airflow outlet duct 10 is directed downward to deliver the air to the campfire.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, there is disclosed the fan system 1 comprising an electric fan 2, angled duct 10 that channels air flow from the fan 2 to the fire, battery(ies) 20, and wiring 23 allowing for either or both batteries 20 to be connected to the fan 2 and/or the solar charging system 24 (FIG. 1). FIG. 6 shows the duct cover 11 is placed over the duct 10. Wiring 23 also supports an on/off switch 12 (FIG. 7) to turn the fan 2 on or off, and a Variable Resistor 14 (FIG. 7) to allow variable fan speed control. The wiring 23 could be configured to allow the fan 2 to be powered by a standard AC electrical outlet instead of battery powered.

[0039] The system would also have a method to allow any rain water that enters the interior to drain. This could be facilitated with a sloped interior bottom leading to a drain hole, or a base 16 that is designed as a false bottom to hold the fan system 1 and components with standoff legs 22 that are height configurable (as shown in FIGS. 4-6). This allows any rain that enters the enclosure 4 to simply fall off the false bottom onto the ground underneath the fan system 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, the four standoff legs 22, one on each corner, lift the system 100 off the ground protecting the system 100 from ground water and moisture. Each leg 22 may further have an adjustable clamping or ratcheting system that allows the base 16 to be adjusted in height so the fan system 1 can be raised off the ground to allow the airflow to be directed towards the fire for taller fires, or to reach fires that are constructed in fire pits that have fire rings 200 rising above the ground surface. This method could simply be an extension to its already natural appearance, such as a rock like material that acts as an extension base that fits naturally under the fan system 100 to lift the system 100 higher if the system 100 is designed to look like a rock. If it looked like a stack of wood, the height extension could look like more wood that lifts the fan system 100 higher off the ground or base that it is sitting on.

[0041] The electric fan 2 in this system 100 could be powered by a standard AC electrical outlet and/or the system 100 would contain at least one rechargeable battery 20 that is electrically connected to a battery charger and is charged by either a standard electrical outlet and/or an integrated or discrete solar panel 24. If the solar panel 24 is integrated into the campfire companion 100, the panel 24 may be located on the top of the system 100 angled somewhat towards the horizon to maximize sunlight exposure as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The system 100 could be designed to allow this solar panel 24 to be easily adjusted to allow good exposure to the sun and to allow various system placement options around the campfire yet still have good exposure to sunlight. The battery charging system could be installed within the campfire companion's enclosure 4 as shown in FIG. 4 or external from the enclosure 4. The battery 20 could be designed to be easily removed to charge the battery 20 elsewhere from point-of-use and reinstalled for use at the campfire (refer back to FIG. 4).

[0042] A solar charging system 24 would generally be very desirable since campfires are often far away from standard electrical services and a solar charging system enables the unit to be self contained. A solar system 24 would avoid the hassle of handling an electrical cord and avoid the unaesthetic qualities and safety concerns of an electrical cord at the fire pit. Also, a solar system 24 is well suited for this usage since campfires usually occur in good weather after a period of sunlight, sufficient to charge the battery(ies) 20, and typically campfires occur for only a few hours at a time so as to not fully discharge the battery(ies).

[0043] FIG. 8 is an inside view looking through the bottom showing the bottom of the solar panel 24 and its wiring 23, and the front air outlet 8 and rear fan air inlet 6, and the notch access opening 13 for access to the fan on/off and speed controls. Also the faux rock construction of enclosure 4 is visible.

[0044] FIG. 9 is an outside view showing the solar panel 24 and the front air outlet 8 covered by a series of hinged slats/vents that are forced open when the system is operating by the internal air pressure and close by gravity when the system is not operating.

[0045] While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are entitled.

Claims

1. A campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire comprising a fan system hidden in a naturally aesthetic enclosure.

2. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 1, wherein said fan system comprising an electric fan, power source, and controls.

3. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 2, wherein said naturally aesthetic enclosure being a composite material shaped to look like a natural rock or stack of wooden log(s).

4. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 3, wherein said naturally aesthetic enclosure having at least one air inlet to allow air flow to enter said fan system and at least one air outlet for airflow to exit said fan system and to be directed towards the campfire.

5. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 4 further comprising a duct which is used to channel airflow to exit the fan and to be directed towards the campfire, said duct is adjustable to allow tuning of the airflow in the desired direction.

6. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 1 further comprising vents in said air outlet to channel airflow to exit said fan and to be directed towards the campfire, said vents may be adjustable to allow tuning of the air flow in the desired direction.

7. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 5 further comprising covers of various shape and sizes to place over said air inlet, air outlet, duct, and fan to prevent against foreign intrusion of water, animals, or insects.

8. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 2 wherein said power source may be a standard A/C outlet or at least one rechargeable battery.

9. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 8 further comprising an integrated or discrete solar panel or a standard A/C outlet to charge said at least one rechargeable battery.

10. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 9, wherein said integrated solar panel can be adjusted to allow good exposure to the sunlight.

11. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 3, wherein said enclosure further comprising at least one lip that acts like a water gutter to channel rain water away from said air inlet/outlet or duct, thus keeping rain water from entering said enclosure.

12. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 1 further comprising a base and at least one standoff leg to support and lift said fan system off the ground to protect said fan system from ground water and moisture, said at least one standoff leg being height adjustable allows said fan system to properly align the air flow to the campfire.

13. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 3, wherein said enclosure being made from heat resistant materials selected from the group consisting of plastic, plaster of Paris, concrete cement type materials, clay, ceramic, clay materials.

14. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 2 wherein said control being a switch used to turn the fan on and off.

15. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 14 wherein said control further comprising a speed control device that allows for adjustment of fan speed, both on and off switch and speed control are hidden in a small recess or an opening to maintain the aesthetic natural look.

16. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 12 has a sloped interior bottom leading to a drain hole to prevent said system from water.

17. A campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire comprising: a fan system including an electric fan, at least one battery, and a switch used to turn the fan on and off; a naturally aesthetic enclosure being a composite material shaped to look like a natural rock or stack of wooden log(s) having at least one air inlet to allow airflow to enter said fan system, at least one air outlet for airflow to exit said fan system and to be directed towards the campfire, at least one lip that acts like a water gutter to channel rain water away from said air inlet/outlet or duct, thus keeping rain water from entering said enclosure, said fan system being hidden in said naturally aesthetic enclosure; a duct or series of slats/vents which is used to channel airflow to exit said fan and to be directed towards the campfire, said duct is adjustable to allow tuning of the airflow in the desired direction, at least one cover or series of slats/vents of various shape and sizes to place over the air inlet, air outlet, duct, and fan; a base and at least one standoff leg to support and lift said fan system off the ground to protect said fan system from ground water and moisture, said at least one standoff leg being height adjustable allows said fan system to properly align the air flow to the campfire; and a battery charger used to charge said at least one battery.

18. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 17 further comprises an integrated or discrete solar panel to charge the rechargeable battery or batteries, said integrated solar panel can be adjusted to allow good exposure to the sunlight.

19. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 17 further comprises a speed control device that allows for adjustment of fan speed, both said on and off switch and speed control are hidden in a small recess or an opening to maintain the aesthetic natural look.

20. The campfire companion that feeds air into a campfire according to claim 17, wherein the enclosure is made from heat resistant materials selected from the group consisting of plastic, plaster of Paris, concrete cement type materials, clay, ceramic, clay materials.